Introduction

> Eliminating the "nanny state" in America is crucial for restoring true self-governance. “We should have our elected representatives making the laws, not unelected bureaucrats,” and that means taking drastic actions like a "75% headcount reduction across the board in the federal bureaucracy."

> The notion of merit is compromised by group quotas; “merit and equity are incompatible.” It’s time to prioritize true meritocracy, rejecting the entitlement and regulatory states that stifle individual initiative and responsibility.

Conservatism

> Conservatism lacks a clear vision for the future, focusing too much on what they are against rather than what they stand for. Articulating our core values is crucial, such as meritocracy, free speech, self-governance, and the rule of law.

> Being a conservative means upholding the core values of truth, family, nation, and God, prioritizing these over issues like race, gender, sexuality, and climate. It's essential to courageously stand for our own vision and fill the vacuum that exists in the conservative movement today.

Progressivism

> The case for progressivism in America centers on the idea that our nation has fallen short in living up to its founding ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, particularly for marginalized groups. This perspective argues for government intervention to correct historical and present-day inequalities, which I can appreciate for its motivations.

> However, I strongly believe that this approach often perpetuates the very divisions it seeks to heal. The obsession with racial equity, for instance, has led to a resurgence of anti-minority resentment, as taking opportunities away based on skin color fosters animosity rather than equality. Moreover, meritocracy and group equity cannot coexist; genuine meritocracy thrives on individual talents and differences, while enforced quotas undermine it, resulting in outcomes contrary to those progressive ideals.

DEI

> One key reflection I shared was about the dangers of DEI agendas sacrificing true diversity of thought in the name of diversity. I highlighted a real-world example where a woman faced backlash for celebrating veterans, showing how focus on certain forms of diversity can lead to exclusion of diverse viewpoints. I emphasized that DEI agendas, while claiming to promote diversity, can actually be hostile to diversity of thought, limiting the free exchange of ideas and making institutions weaker.

> Another important point I made was in response to the argument that diversity allows finding special talent. I acknowledged the value of seeking talent in new places but questioned the need for DEI incentives, pointing out that in a truly free market, companies naturally strive to hire the best. I criticized the idea of government-enforced racial and gender representation targets for government contractors, arguing that such top-down standards hinder the free market dynamics needed for companies to compete and thrive.

Bureaucracy

> Bureaucracy has become a powerful force that undermines American values, using the guise of virtue to avoid accountability. This phenomenon, which transcends political ideologies, turns attention away from substantive failures, as we see when the military envelops itself in discussions of "white rage" instead of addressing the realities of its own operational mistakes.

> The rise of this "managerial class," wielding authority in all spheres—from government to corporations—represents an anti-American trend where inventiveness and self-governance are stifled. Our founding fathers, like Franklin and Jefferson, were innovators, not bureaucrats, and it's crucial to remember that America thrived on the spirit of individuals who dared to lead, create, and self-govern without the constraints of a committee class.

Government efficiency

> - The first step isn't gradual reform but cutting drastically: "I believe in the moment we live in right now, the second risk is the risk we have to be willing to take."

> - Reducing government bureaucracy by 75% is crucial for self-governance and the economy: "Shut down agencies that shouldn't exist... the single greatest form of economic stimulus."

> - Attracting top talent to government could lead to impactful change: "Clear the decks of 75%... real innovators can then show up... attracted to actually wanna work in government."

Education

> The original purpose of the Department of Education—to prevent the siphoning of funds from predominantly black schools to white ones—has diminished in relevance, as today’s funding inequities are more about bureaucratic failures than systemic racism. Yet, the department has instead shifted its focus to implementing ideologies around racial and gender equity, ultimately creating more harm than good.

> A proper government should prioritize national security and the protection of private property rights, as those functions cannot be effectively managed by the private sector. A nation without borders is not a nation, and government has a critical role in ensuring that citizens' rights are upheld against externalities from private entities.

> There’s an urgent need to radically reduce the size of the federal government—up to 75%—and make this a top priority. The success of such a mission requires taking risks and accepting short-term inconveniences in pursuit of long-term benefits, ultimately dismantling the "nanny state" that has proliferated in various forms, from entitlements to foreign aid.

Military Industrial Complex

> The importance of allies paying for their own defense to ensure shared responsibility and avoid skewed incentives in conflicts, such as NATO countries not meeting their defense spending commitments.

> The urgent need to shift focus in U.S. defense policy towards protecting the homeland, addressing vulnerabilities to threats like hypersonic missiles, EMP attacks, and cyber security, highlighting the inadequacy of current national defense spending priorities.

> Emphasizing the critical importance of dismantling the bureaucratic "nanny state" in all its forms – entitlement, regulatory, and foreign policy – for long-term national progress, with a focus on shutting down excessive bureaucracy to save the country.

Illegal immigration

> The federal government's core responsibilities should be protecting national borders and upholding private property rights; anything outside of that is a deviation from its purpose. This leads me to advocate for “a tale of two mass deportations” – removing illegal immigrants and unelected bureaucrats, as both hinder the enforcement of the rule of law that our nation was built upon.

> We shouldn’t shy away from recognizing the difficult trade-offs that come with enforcing our immigration laws, just like we do in other legal contexts. As I pointed out, "we're a nation founded on the rule of law," and while I empathize with those affected by enforcement measures, we must stand firm on the principle that breaking the law has consequences, as difficult as those may be.

> Our immigration system is fundamentally flawed; it currently selects for dishonesty rather than civic allegiance or genuine desire to contribute to our nation. We need a system that's honest and prioritizes individuals who are eager to assimilate and uphold the ideals that define American identity, which is based on shared values, not merely “blood and soil.”

Donald Trump

> One of the key factors in achieving success in life is taking responsibility for your own actions. We can't save our country by being victims; we need to focus on being victorious. It's about personal accountability and determination.

> When presenting arguments, it's crucial to give the best possible case for the other side before sharing your own view. This approach helps in understanding differing perspectives and strengthens your own arguments.

> To address concerns about election integrity, implementing measures like single-day voting on a national holiday with paper ballots and government-issued IDs could help unify the country and ensure fair elections. Taking steps towards election security is vital for the future of our democracy.

War in Ukraine

> Bringing peace to Ukraine requires us to confront uncomfortable truths and cultivate a realistic negotiation landscape. "Let’s just get the self-interest of each party on the table,"—that means acknowledging NATO's expansion and Russia's aggression, then crafting a deal that addresses these grievances while ultimately dismantling the growing Russia-China alliance, which I see as our greatest threat.

> The road to peace is complex, but a thoughtful approach can yield benefits for all sides involved. A negotiation that "is not a zero-sum game" could lead to Ukraine gaining stability and rebuilding support, while also recognizing Russia's need for economic ties with the West—ensuring a future that allows Ukraine to flourish without more bloodshed.

China

> We need to reduce U.S. dependence on China for essential supplies to avoid the risk of a major conflict. This includes not relying on China for pharmaceuticals, military supplies, and other critical components that impact our modern way of life.

> Clear red lines are essential in avoiding major conflicts with China. Both sides must have well-defined boundaries to prevent accidental escalations that could lead to a world war. Strategic clarity is key in preventing misunderstandings that could trigger large-scale conflicts.

> National pride and identity play a crucial role in shaping a nation's approach to foreign policy. Leaders like Modi in India and Maloney in Italy have shown the importance of embracing national identity without apologizing for it. Reviving a sense of pride and identity is crucial for the future of the United States and fostering strong relationships with allies.

Will Vivek run in 2028?

> The journey of running for president taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and national identity. I see a deep need for a president who not only addresses the crucial policies like "seal the border, grow the economy," but also revives our national character, pride, and shared identity as Americans. This pursuit extends beyond winning elections; it’s about fostering purpose and meaning in our society.

> I yearn for a political landscape filled with candidates who can engage in earnest debates over competing visions for America. I believe in challenging the orthodoxies of both parties and advocating for policies that might not traditionally align with Republican ideals, like opposing a nanny state and crony capitalism. Honest discussions, especially against thoughtful opponents, are essential for cultivating true leadership.

> Writing is central to my thought process, creating a space for reflection amidst the whirlwind of politics. It allows me to center myself, learn from experiences, and gather insights that shape my understanding of policy and purpose. The importance of self-reflection, especially in the midst of fast-paced campaigns, is something I’m learning to prioritize more effectively moving forward.

Approach to debates

> Debate fuels my curiosity. I approach disagreement by asking, 'Are they right?' It's how I pursue truth and strengthen my convictions, even if I end up changing my mind. Embracing open debate and inquiry has always been part of who I am.

> Curiosity is key in tackling disagreements. By staying genuinely curious about others' perspectives, we can revive civil discourse and maintain relationships despite differing views. It's this sense of curiosity that I believe can help us save our country.