Trimming the Weeds

## Toward a More Efficient Government

The recent efforts to streamline Iowa's government drew much attention during the podcast. The Governor's reorganization initiative is part of a broader attempt to refashion government into a lean, efficient machinery. A significant part of this initiative is aimed at reducing the number of boards and commissions. Some of them may seem relatively obscure, from the Capital Planning Commission to the Elevator Safety Board. Nonetheless, their existence indicates the historical growth of the administrative state in Iowa.

However, this move toward efficiency does not imply a disregard for essential functions. Rather, the goal is to avoid duplication and ensure that resources are utilized effectively. It doesn't mean, for instance, that the state doesn't care about elevator safety when it proposes the elimination of the Elevator Safety Board. The responsibilities are likely to be transferred to a more comprehensive body to avoid unnecessary redundancies.

A foundational belief amongst conservatives is the importance of small government. By cutting back on boards and commissions that could arguably be categorized as "weeds," Iowa's government can focus its resources more directly on essential elements of governance and regulation. The "pruning" of government entities, which might have enjoyed unchecked growth over the years, symbolizes a return to the principles of limited government. It seems only fitting, given the longstanding conservative tradition, that efficiency and streamlined bureaucracy become paramount in imagining a modern government.

## The Role of Populism in Today's Conservative Discourse

Another critical topic that the podcast broached was the concept of populism, particularly as it pertains to current conservative discourse. An op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal by former Vice President Mike Pence, warning Republicans against the allure of populism, served as the springboard for the discussion.

Populism, as a political ethos, is centered around catering to the interests and concerns of the common person. While tensions may exist within conservative circles about the role of populism, the bottom line is that people want to feel that their leaders are fighting for them. It's this sense of being on the side of the people that endears political figures like Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis to large swaths of the populace.

Inherent in this debate is a critique of elitism and a call for a return to what some might term "old right" conservative principles. Pence's call against populism seems to represent an attempt to steer the Republican party towards a more centrist position, a move that some might argue neglects the beliefs of a significant proportion of Americans. Indeed, many conservatives argue that "populism" or "America first" policies actually align more closely with the principles of the founding fathers than the globalist and interventionist tendencies of neoconservatism.

The conclusions drawn from these complex discussions should inspire ongoing debate within conservative circles. Effective governance and responsible representation remain the bedrock of any successful political movement. The popularity of "America first" ideologies suggests an appetite among Americans for leaders who prioritize their interests and liberties. The conservative movement and, indeed, the Republican party will need to grapple seriously with these sentiments as we move into an increasingly uncertain future.