Pursuit Of Happiness
Bottom Line Up Front: Ultimately, a society cannot guarantee happiness, but a free society allows each to pursue it. We draw inspiration from President Reagan’s vision of America as a place where “anyone, from any corner of the Earth, can come...and become whatever they want.” Colorado can embody that dream. We will gauge our success by stories of people achieving their goals: the small-business owner expanding, the first-generation college student graduating, the farmer improving yield, the single mom buying her first home, the retiree enjoying secure golden years. Those successes, large and small, mean the pursuit of happiness is alive and well. Our policies, therefore, aim to create fertile ground for personal achievement and joy – for all, not just a privileged few. No matter one’s background or zip code, the American promise should hold: you can pursue your happiness here in Colorado.
a. Core American Vision: The Pursuit of Happiness is famously listed in the Declaration of Independence as an unalienable right. It encapsulates the freedom to pursue one’s dreams, to find meaning, to use one’s talents – essentially, to live in a way that brings personal fulfillment so long as it doesn’t infringe on others’ rights. Government cannot guarantee happiness (that’s up to each individual’s choices and Providence), but it must guarantee the freedom to pursue it. The phrase has deep roots: Locke spoke of “lives, liberties and estates” and sometimes “the pursuit of happiness.” It means government should create conditions for opportunity – such as security, rule of law, protection of property – and then get out of the way so individuals can flourish. Biblically, one might relate it to Ecclesiastes 3:13, “every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor – it is the gift of God.” We believe Colorado should be a place where anyone can strive and thrive, whether that means starting a business, raising a family, creating art, exploring the great outdoors, or whatever lawful endeavor brings joy and fulfillment.
b. Policy Implications: The pursuit of happiness is broad, touching many areas: education (opening pathways for each child to discover their interests), economy (a dynamic job market and low barriers to entrepreneurship so people can choose careers they love), environment (preserving natural beauty so people can enjoy recreation and health), and culture (protecting freedom of lifestyle and association). We see our role as enablers of opportunity. That means:
1. Economic Opportunity: We will cultivate a pro-business climate (low taxes, reasonable regulations, good infrastructure) so that people can find meaningful work and start enterprises. When people have jobs that match their passions, they find purpose and happiness. We’ll support vocational and skills training options for those who prefer trades, as well as robust higher education and apprenticeships, so everyone can pursue the calling that suits them.
2. Education Reform: The pursuit of happiness often starts with discovering one’s talents early. A one-size fits-all education stifles that. By expanding school choice, diversifying curriculum options, and supporting extracurricular programs (arts, music, sports, STEM clubs), we give young Coloradans the chance to find what excites them. We also want to reduce the overemphasis on standardized tests that can make schooling a joyless grind. Education should ignite passion and curiosity – that’s foundational to lifelong happiness.
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3. Public Lands and Quality of Life: Coloradans find happiness in our majestic outdoors. We pledge to maintain public access to public lands, invest in state parks, and balance development with conservation so that hiking, fishing, skiing, and other outdoor pursuits remain available. Government shouldn’t lock people out of enjoying nature (we oppose exorbitant fees or unnecessary road closures to public areas). A healthy environment where air and water are clean contributes to public happiness; we will enforce sensible environmental protections.
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c. Colorado Challenges and Our Solutions:
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1. High Cost of Living: It’s hard to pursue happiness if you’re struggling just to make ends meet. Colorado’s housing costs and other living expenses have skyrocketed. We see tackling housing affordability as key. We’ll encourage increasing housing supply (simplify zoning for higher-density in appropriate areas, fast-track permitting, encourage innovation in housing like tiny homes or accessory dwelling units). By making it easier to build starter homes and apartments, we aim to lower costs so young families can afford to stay and not be stressed by housing. We’ll also fight inflation by curbing excessive state fees and pushing back on federal spending that drives inflation. Keeping life affordable means people have more freedom (financial freedom) to pursue what they love instead of working two jobs just to survive.
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2. Mental Health and Addiction: The pursuit of happiness is hindered for many by mental health struggles or substance abuse. We view addressing these issues as part of enabling pursuit of happiness. We’d rather offer treatment and hope than let people languish. That includes compassionate approaches to addiction like diversion to treatment programs instead of jail for nonviolent drug offenses, combined with robust drug rehabilitation resources. A person freed from addiction or receiving help for depression can then rebuild their life’s happiness.
3. Red Tape on Personal Projects: Sometimes it’s the little things – like a bureaucratic process to start a community event or burdensome permits for hobbies – that impede pursuit of happiness. We will direct state agencies to eliminate where possible or simplify and expedite permitting processes for community activities (farmers markets, festivals, charity events) and personal projects (like home renovations or home-based businesses). Government should be a facilitator, not a roadblock, for citizens engaging in positive pursuits. If someone wants to open a food truck or a bed-and-breakfast, we should help navigate rules quickly rather than drown them in months of paperwork.
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In spirit, we align with the Colorado state motto, “Nil sine numine” (Nothing without Providence). We see the Creator’s hand in giving each person unique gifts and the yearning for happiness. Our duty in government is to allow the maximum space for those gifts to flourish. That includes defending cultural pursuits: freedom of religion (people find happiness in faith), freedom of assembly (happiness in community and clubs), and creative freedoms (for artists, writers, innovators – we’ll support Colorado’s creative industries by removing censorship and undue regulations, and by promoting arts education).