The United States faces tremendous challenges, both domestic and international. Name-calling and fear-mongering serve only to waste time and energy that is needed to address serious matters facing the nation and the world. It is essential to address these issues promptly, wisely, and powerfully.
Getting Back on Course with Finance
The financial crises affecting world markets in 2008 did not develop overnight, and it will not be resolved overnight. Unbridled greed had a field day in an era of minimal regulation and oversight. Financial institutions were willing to take tremendous risks that resulted in equally tremendous losses, because, for a time, they were able to operate in an environment that profited a few while placing the risk on many. Although one might argue that such financiers have learned their lesson, pumping more cash into the same flawed system does not seem reasonable. Although the US has always been a place where “rags to riches” can be reality, get-rich-quick schemes that do not rely on wise economic choices cannot be the basis of a sound economy. A sound economy will be rebuilt by investing in the ingenuity and effort of a work force that gives a day’s work for a day’s wage and is treated with dignity and appreciation in return.
Addressing Global Issues
Waving flags and chanting slogans do little to guide the citizens of the US to a reasonable understanding of international affairs. In a representative democracy, it is essential that the voting populace is well-informed and capable of forming well-reasoned conclusions regarding issues that affect votes. The citizens of the US enjoy universal public education, along with unprecedented access to information through print media, television, and the internet. The American people have demonstrated over and over their intelligence and good sense. By shifting focus from the words of a few angry, irrational people to the reasoned advice of the country’s finest scholars and best leaders, the American people are absolutely capable of understanding a carefully chosen plan of action and supporting it to completion.
The Problem of Medical Care
It is common for a family to be bankrupted by expenses arising from illness. Elderly people on fixed incomes watch as their income is gobbled up by the ever-increasing expense of costly medicines. People forgo medical insurance because they can’t afford it, instead relying on hospital emergency rooms when they absolutely must seek medical help. If the goal is to provide a reasonable level of health care to all Americans, then the current system is not working. Again, the United States has produced brilliant innovation in the past, and can do so again. It is time to quit clinging to old, worn-out plans that are no longer effective with the realities of 21st century medical innovation and to develop and employ changes that permit access to care while maximizing value and efficiency.
Unity Will Strengthen the USA
As Senator Barack Obama has said, there is one United States of America. We must stop the shouting matches about our differences and start discussions about our common good. This is not the time for bickering, or for tearing one another down. This is the time for cooperation,mutual respect, and support. This is the time for building up a nation of strong people, who share a vision of the future, when the citizens of the United States of America unite and become a nation that leads by example once again.
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