There is a war for the heart of America that does not involve weapons. It’s President Trump’s war to pull America back from the precipice of socialism and to reclaim the American Dream of earned success. Tired of every expanding government spending and unchecked entitlement abuse, the President is once again demanding personal responsibility and self-sufficiency from its citizens. While some politicians still call for a guaranteed income for all and expanded benefits, President Trump is allowing Americans to fail, to succeed, and to experience the natural consequences of both. When you fail, work with family, friends, and local charities to bounce back. When you succeed, keep more of the reward when you do.
President Donald Trump is throwing down the gauntlet and planting the flag for freedom, smaller government, and an end to endless expensive entitlements. Workfare is back for many Americans who haven’t had to work for years. If you want benefits, you’d better have proof that you are a citizen and be willing to work if you are able. But even with his early successes, the question remains—“When Trump’s term has run its course, will “Free” or “Freedom” win the day?”
Democrats endlessly complain that the rich do not pay enough in taxes. If you tell a lie long enough, people believe it without even looking at the inconvenient facts. Most of the federal government’s federal income tax revenue comes from the nation’s top income earners. In data from 2022, the top 5% of earners collectively paid over 61% of the national total. The top 50% of earners paid 97% of federal income tax revenue. In short, the bottom 50% pay only three percent of the income tax bill. The rich obviously pay their fair share. In fact, they pay the lion’s share!
When it comes to receiving benefits, the numbers are reversed. More than half of Americans receive more in welfare benefits than they pay in taxes, particularly in programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. This indicates a significant financial imbalance where many Americans benefit from government assistance while contributing less in taxes.
While Trump is consistently challenging Republicans to cut spending and entitlements, Democrats seem committed to getting more and more Americans addicted to FREE—plentiful free benefits from government at the expense of our hardworking taxpayers! Some even want to supply such largesse to the illegal aliens who have invaded our country.
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In the highly publicized race for the mayor of New York City, avowed Democratic socialist Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has catapulted himself into leading the polls in this year’s New York City mayoral race. He’s openly promised free buses, no-cost childcare, rent control, and city-run grocery stores.
Former Governor David Paterson confessed in an interview, “He articulates his points very well, and they make sense. You understand exactly what he’s saying. The problem is: Nobody told him there’s no such thing as Santa Claus.” Mamdani would need state approval for the tax revenue he would need, and even New York Democrats are cold to the idea of the billions it would take to fund his promises. Mamdani won’t be able to deliver on his promises, but voters used to more government benefits often vote on emotion. FREE is losing under President Trump, and Mamdani’s promises are what the freeloaders long to see return.
President Trump is bringing the same approach to his global economic dealings. President Trump knows that the world has put high tariffs on our products and services and taken advantage of our free market for years. Trump is saying, “Enough!” If countries want to sell their products to the biggest market in the world, it’s time they pay for that right. He is standing firm for reciprocal tariffs. Federal revenue is already coming in and helping to handle the federal debt that has been out of control for decades.
Americans have always been promised the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It’s time to stop guaranteeing happiness or success and to let Americans once again have the liberty to pursue their dreams and enjoy the fruits of their labor. President Trump and his supporters are fighting the battle. It’s time Americans give them the support to do just that…and to give them the mid-term victories that will allow that war to continue!
Terry Paulson is a PhD psychologist, professional speaker, and author of The Optimism Advantage and his new political novel, The Summit. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.
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