In examining what America needs, one must take a glaring look at the biggest problems facing America today. America, as an institution, is not only a formidable economic and military power, but also boasts the most desirable society.
In years past, America has enjoyed limited government, which has allowed individuals to pursue their own selfish interests. This inspired new thinking and innovation. As America's society progressed and became more "modern", we have found it necessary to limit what people can do and the manner in which they can do it.
Through activism of various minorities and support from the major media sources, Americans must gauge their every action by determining how offensive those actions will be to a never-ending spectrum of people. Legislation has been run through Congress that limits what a person can say, what they can do, who they do it with, etc.
While the working public was busy trying to make a successful life for themselves and their families, Congress was busy circumventing their efforts in order to appeal to the group that yelled the loudest.
No one stopped to consider the merit of theses small groups. Our politicians were too concerned with their votes to let their conscious guide them. Regardless of how ridiculous the proposed bill was, if it guaranteed votes it was passed. The common sense of the greater public was not considered.
In short, we trusted our legislators to do what was in our best interest. It is akin to trusting your investment broker with decisions about your money. A person goes to them because they are professionals in their field, and their commissions guarantee that they have your best interest at heart.
The government needs to stop taxing the successful at a crippling rate. There is no incentive to succeed in America, because the more you make, the more they take.
America needs to change the job of being a Congressman. It is far too desirable to be part of the legislature. A member of Congress gets a nice salary for working less than half the time of the people they represent. They enjoy a wonderful health care plan, the likes of which no private citizen can get. Then there are the backroom deals, political P.A.C. money, and payoffs that make being a Congressman one of the most lucrative positions available.
What's funny is that while Congress was busy passing laws limiting business and industry, limiting the growth and development of individuals, and destroying capitalism, they were engaged in those very practices.
Congressmen, as a whole, spend their time playing favorites to those who will line their pockets and keep them in office. They are busy securing their own futures by amassing money and power, all the while restricting the public from trying to do the same.
America needs to make the job of Congressman something that someone wants to do out of a sense of civic pride. America needs to make being a Congressman less comfortable, less profitable and more burdensome. Then only those people who have a deep love for America would consider the position. That is how it was a couple of hundred years ago. Real patriots were Congressmen. They were hands-on. They didn't have their hands out.
The American public is further duped by being made to believe that a two party system is the best form of government. This stands in stark opposition to all that we know true. How many times have you been faced with a decision where there are only two choices, and no other idea can be considered? Where the situation is only black or white, with no shade of grey? Yet that is the essence of America's political landscape.
The vast majority of the voting public is told that they must be either Republican or Democrat. Any third party is marginalized. The media encourages this by relegating any independent voice to softball talk shows, think Larry King. A third party voice is no voice at all, but rather a faint whisper.
Our leadership needs to stop spending our future away in the form of a deficit. It is truly staggering to think about the projected deficit being 10 trillion dollars by the year 2012. What our grandparents told us was true. When times are good, save for when they become bad. Furthermore, there is no justification for the spending.
The homeless are still homeless, and their numbers are growing. Medicade and Medicare are on the verge of collapse. Social security, we are told, will be bankrupt in as little as 10 years. Where is the money?
Besides the gross misuse of our money, these social programs alleviate the need for independence, and create dependence. Under this government hand-out environment, people are made to look to the government for their livelihood. What has made this country great is individuals working and providing for themselves.
Essentially what America needs is for the government to take a back seat to the people it represents. Our government was created to be a government "of the people, by the people" remember? America also needs a viable third political party. The country would also benefit from a reversal of freedom imposing laws that serve a few, but handicap many. A simple look back to Americas past will reveal a clear path for its future.