How About an Up Wing America?
"The cultural, economic, and political divide that matters most for America's future is not Left Wing versus Right Wing...it is Up Wing versus Down Wing."
What It’s About
Pethokoukis introduces the concept of an "Up Wing" America, a disposition that embraces technological progress and economic dynamism. He argues that the most fundamental political divisions exist between those who embrace innovation and acceleration ("Up Wingers") and those who resist change through either nostalgic conservatism or cautionary progressivism ("Down Wingers").
Upshot
Pethokoukis’s Up Wing philosophy:
- Rejects Scarcity Mindset: Prioritizes expanding prosperity rather than redistributing existing resources (expanding the pie vs fighting over shares of the pie)
- Embraces Transformative Change: Views emerging technologies as powerful tools for addressing healthcare costs, climate challenges, and economic stagnation
- Tolerates Risk: Accepts short-term disruption as necessary for achieving long-term breakthroughs and widespread prosperity
Why It Matters
Since the country’s founding an Up Wing mentality has been behind the best of American innovation. Today, as competition with China heats up and the U.S. faces a crisis of faith in its abilities, Up Wing leadership is sorely needed.
Who Wrote It
James Pethokoukis is a senior fellow and the DeWitt Wallace Chair in Political Economy at the American Enterprise Institute.
