A Return to Prominence
Make America Great Again was a slick slogan and not altogether unwarranted. To make things better it is important to understand the areas where we once led the world, but have lost that position.
Shortly after WW II we were the only viable Super Power politically, economically and militarily. Our standard of living was unsurpassed. The rest of the world looked to us for both leadership and as an example of what is possible.
Today we rank 15th in terms of standard of living behind all of the Scandinavian countries, most of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. While our economy, in terms of GDP, has risen by 100% in the last 20 years, the average middle class family incomes have only risen by less than 10%. Over the past 20 years the cost of both healthcare and advanced education has risen at 2 ½ times the rate of overall inflation. Our per capita healthcare cost is by far the highest in the world and averages 2 ½ times the average for the EU countries. Our per capita healthcare costs exceed $11,000 per year. At the same time our quality of healthcare is ranked only 37th by the WHO. The healthcare is the single largest industry in our economy currently standing in excess of $ 3.5 trillion. Our infrastructure, especially as it relates to transportation, has substantially deteriorated. Our debt to GDP ratio stood at 35% in 1970 and it currently stands at 136%. Our spending is out of control. While this is only a sample of areas where we have lost prominence, but they are important issues that deserve attention and affirmative action to repair.
What needs doing, you ask? I can tell you what doesn’t work. Finger pointing and blaming the “other” side. My observation that the extremes on both sides of the political divide are in control of the narrative. Unfortunately, they seem to be attracting more folks that in the past confedered themselves to be open minded and more moderate. Polarization is increasing and it does not serve our country well. Many persons tend to blame both the media and our elected officials for what is wrong and they are definitely co-dependent. However, I ask what are we, as individuals, doing to make a difference. I witness republicans pointing fingers at the democrats saying that their liberal, socialist agenda is ruining the country. I witness democrats saying that our problems are a result of short-term profit-oriented agenda espoused by republicans. I ask, how is this working for us?
What I am suggesting is that the solution can start with each of us. It’s a simple behavioral change that is most difficult to implement. It begins by not playing the “blame game”. If we can achieve that then the next step will be to look for common ground. We will always have issues that are beyond compromise and on those we simply agree to disagree. I am certain that there are items on education, healthcare, middle class incomes, budgeting and infrastructure where common ground is possible. It only takes a few to be examples for others. Become an example and spread the word.
Our career politicians will not make the needed changes as it would threaten their political longevity. The only other way to make the changes that the majority of voters want is through the Constitutional Amendment process. Our founders saw this as a way for the will of the people make changes as times warranted it. After the initial 10 (AKA the bill of rights) we have made 17 additional changes. Now is the time for one that makes comprehensive improvements. The first item would be term limits (you can understand why your elected representative will not favor this change). The most recent polls indicate that over 2/3rds of voters’ favor term limits for members of congress. A recent poll in Idaho came in at 84%. Once this occurs it will be making future elected politicians more accountable to the will of the people.
Including too many provisions in a potential Amendment would make it more difficult to survive the approval process, but I would include the following provisions: Elected representatives to have the same healthcare coverage as the general population and add on amendments to proposed legislation (that have nothing to do with the intent of the bill) are no longer allowed. All of these have tremendous support of the voters and none would ever pass Congress.
