"We must guard against the overreaching hand of big government trying to take away our freedom. And we must always protect the environment in a manner consistent with our values"

Steve Forbes articulates a perspective centered on vigilance regarding government power while emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship guided by shared values. He warns against the expansion of government authority, suggesting that excessive intervention risks undermining personal freedoms. This viewpoint reflects the classical liberal ideal that individual liberty is foundational and must be safeguarded from encroachment by state mechanisms. The imagery of the “overreaching hand” evokes concern about regulations or policies that, though perhaps well-intentioned, might restrict freedoms such as economic choice, speech, or private property.

Alongside the caution about government overreach, Forbes expresses a commitment to environmental protection. He acknowledges that safeguarding the natural world is necessary but insists this be achieved “in a manner consistent with our values.” Implicit here is the belief that policy approaches to the environment should respect personal responsibility, free enterprise, and the balance between progress and preservation. The phrase “consistent with our values” suggests that environmental measures should not come at the cost of the liberties and principles that define a society. Regulation, therefore, ought to be pragmatic and not ideological, supportive of innovation and practical solutions rather than heavy-handed government mandates.

By coupling these two ideas, distrust of unchecked governmental authority and dedication to environmental care, Forbes situates himself within a tradition that seeks middle ground. The emphasis is on skepticism of centralized solutions and faith in the capacity of individuals, communities, or markets to address complex challenges effectively. Environmental protection, in this context, becomes a matter not just of policy, but of ethical commitment woven into the societal fabric rather than imposed from above. Ultimately, Forbes’ statement calls for a nuanced approach: protect freedom as the bedrock of society and pursue environmental goals in ways that reinforce, rather than erode, fundamental values.