Introduction
Matt Heppe is an independent candidate for President of the United States. Our nation faces several unprecedented challenges both now, and in the near future. Our current representatives are leading us down the wrong path. Matt Heppe wants to guide us on a new course, one leading towards a positive future for both the United States of America and the world.
Economic Conservatism
Only in the United States would a free trade, anti-corporate welfare, small government, capitalist be considered conservative. Matt Heppe prefers the term Classical Liberal. Over two hundred years ago forward thinkers who saw the benefits of open markets, specialization, and comparative advantage founded our nation. Trade is not a win-lose proposition. We all gain when trade is free and fair.
Social Liberalism
Our nation’s founders were people who fought tyranny in order to live in a land of liberty. Social liberalism means living your life the way you want to so long as you do no harm to others. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness means the freedom of not having to live your life the way someone else tells you to.
The Constitution
The Constitution of the United States of America is a liberal document. It advocates a small federal government, strong states, and widespread protections for individual liberty. We have lost our way. It is time to return to the type of government envisioned by the Founding Fathers.
Externalities
When a relationship between two parties (business or otherwise) has an effect upon an unwilling third party, we call this an externality. Often the third party is harmed without compensation- a negative externality One example is pollution. Matt Heppe believes that an important role of government is to ensure that society is compensated for these negative externalities, and that those who caused the externalities pay the full price for their actions.