Conservatives Lie to their Working-Class and Rural Constituents

Introduction

For decades, conservatives at all levels of government have promised to champion the interests of working-class and rural Americans. They have positioned themselves as the defenders of traditional values and economic opportunity, particularly for those living in rural areas. I call bullshit.

Despite these promises, conservative policies have often fallen short in delivering tangible benefits to these communities. In many cases, these policies have exacerbated the very challenges they were meant to address. Understanding this long history of failure is crucial for those seeking to advocate for meaningful change in rural and working-class communities.

A History of Unmet Promises

Economic Policies That Benefit the Wealthy
One of the most glaring failures of conservative governance is the consistent prioritization of policies that benefit the wealthy and corporations over working-class and rural Americans. Tax cuts, deregulation, and trade policies have often been designed to favor large businesses and high-income individuals, with the promise that benefits would eventually “trickle down” to everyone else. However, decades of evidence show that this approach has not worked. Instead of creating widespread prosperity, these policies have contributed to growing income inequality and economic insecurity for many in rural and working-class communities.

Example: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a signature achievement of conservative lawmakers, significantly reduced taxes for corporations and the wealthy. While proponents argued that the benefits would lead to job creation and higher wages, the reality for many rural and working-class Americans has been stagnant wages and a widening wealth gap. The promised economic boom never materialized for those outside of the top income brackets.

Neglect of Infrastructure and Public Services
Conservative leaders have often touted the importance of fiscal responsibility and limited government, but this approach has frequently led to the neglect of critical infrastructure and public services in rural areas. Roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities in many rural communities have deteriorated due to a lack of investment, making it harder for these areas to attract new businesses or improve the quality of life for residents.

Example: In Appalachia, a region with a strong conservative voting base, infrastructure has been in decline for decades. Despite promises from conservative politicians to revitalize the region, many communities still struggle with crumbling roads, inadequate healthcare facilities, and underfunded schools. The lack of investment has hindered economic development and perpetuated cycles of poverty.

Social Policies That Fail to Address the Needs of the Rural Poor

Healthcare Access
One of the most pressing issues for rural Americans is access to healthcare. Despite this, conservative efforts to repeal or undermine the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have threatened the healthcare coverage of millions of rural residents. Many conservative lawmakers have also opposed Medicaid expansion, which would provide critical healthcare access to low-income individuals in rural areas. As a result, many rural Americans continue to face barriers to accessing affordable healthcare, leading to worse health outcomes and financial insecurity.

Example: In states that have refused to expand Medicaid under the ACA, many rural hospitals have been forced to close due to financial strain. This has left residents in these areas with few options for emergency care and has contributed to higher mortality rates. The refusal to expand Medicaid has disproportionately harmed working-class and rural communities that rely on these services.

Education and Workforce Development
Education is a key factor in economic mobility, yet conservative policies have often undermined public education and workforce development programs that are essential for rural and working-class Americans. By cutting funding for public schools, opposing efforts to make college more affordable, and reducing support for job training programs, conservative lawmakers have limited opportunities for economic advancement in rural areas.

Example: In many conservative-led states, public education funding has been slashed, leading to overcrowded classrooms, outdated materials, and underpaid teachers. Rural schools, in particular, have struggled to provide quality education with limited resources. This lack of investment in education has long-term consequences for rural students, who may be less prepared for higher education or the workforce.

Cultural and Social Failures

The Politics of Division
Rather than addressing the economic and social challenges facing rural and working-class Americans, some conservative leaders have chosen to exploit cultural and social issues to divide and distract their constituents. By focusing on issues like immigration, gun rights, and so-called “culture wars,” these leaders have often shifted attention away from the economic policies that are failing their constituents. This strategy has deepened social divisions and prevented meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to rural and working-class Americans.

Example: In many rural areas, conservative politicians have used divisive rhetoric on issues like immigration and LGBTQ+ rights to rally their base. While these issues may resonate with some voters, they do little to address the underlying economic challenges in these communities, such as job losses, declining industries, and lack of access to essential services. This focus on cultural issues has often come at the expense of policies that could genuinely improve the lives of rural and working-class Americans.

Environmental Neglect
Conservative policies have also frequently ignored the environmental challenges facing rural communities. By prioritizing deregulation and opposing efforts to address climate change, conservative leaders have contributed to environmental degradation that disproportionately affects rural areas. This includes issues like water pollution, soil erosion, and the impacts of extreme weather events, all of which threaten the livelihoods and health of rural residents.

Example: In rural farming communities across the Midwest, deregulation of environmental protections has led to increased pollution of rivers and streams, harming both the environment and public health. The lack of action on climate change also threatens these communities, as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, devastating crops and infrastructure.

The Need for New Leadership and Policies

Investing in Rural America
To truly serve the needs of working-class and rural Americans, it is essential to invest in policies that address their economic, healthcare, and educational needs. This includes increasing funding for infrastructure projects, expanding access to healthcare, and supporting public education and job training programs. It also means moving away from divisive rhetoric and focusing on policies that promote economic opportunity and social cohesion.

Demanding Accountability
Rural and working-class Americans deserve leaders who will prioritize their needs and hold themselves accountable for the outcomes of their policies. Voters in these communities should demand transparency and results from their elected officials, ensuring that promises made during campaigns translate into meaningful action that improves their lives.

Building a More Inclusive Future
Ultimately, the failures of conservative leadership in serving rural and working-class Americans highlight the need for a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach to governance. By addressing the root causes of economic and social challenges in these communities, we can build a future where all Americans, regardless of where they live or their economic status, have the opportunity to thrive.

Conclusion

For decades, conservative leaders have failed to deliver on their promises to rural and working-class Americans. From economic policies that favor the wealthy to social policies that neglect the needs of the poor, these failures have left many communities struggling with poverty, inadequate services, and a lack of opportunity. They lied.

It is time for new leadership and policies that truly address the challenges facing rural America and provide a path to a more prosperous and equitable future.

Call to Action

Engage in your local community and advocate for policies that support working-class and rural Americans. Demand accountability from your elected officials and support leaders who prioritize the needs of all citizens. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Have something to say? Sat it in the Comments Section!!

Have conservative policies affected your rural or working-class community? What changes do you think are needed to better serve these areas? Share your thoughts and engage with others in the discussion below!