I would like to acknowledge all American voters in their various efforts to elect a new government! Your actions have provided us with a new opportunity to see how our government can indeed improve the lives of all citizens in this country. I would remind everyone to remain clear in their intent as we proceed. Big, structural changes in our government and institutions will require patience on our part. In order for change to be broad and inclusive, it must happen gradually. As much as many of us would like to have everything happen today, this would be unwise. Change is difficult and stressful for all of us, and we must allow enough time to bring along as many people as possible. Although electing a new, democratic president last year was a great decision, it was unclear how much change would be possible if the Senate was still republican led. Let’s acknowledge the people of Georgia for electing two new democratic senators – welcome aboard! This development has created a lot more potential to bring in the necessary changes we have been looking for. The people of this country have shown that they are ready to move forward and allow change to happen. In previous discussions, I have alluded to some of the things that might be coming our way with a different government in place, so I thought it would be important to highlight some of them again. Let’s take a look at the following:
Economic Equality
This may be the most important area of change in consideration. The hoarding of money and resources by those at the top has gotten way out of control. The greed of a few has made it difficult, if not impossible, for most people in this country to survive. It is these people who want the rest of us to believe there is an unlimited amount of money resources and that it is available to everyone. This idea is not based on reality. The wealthy have always been given an opportunity to give back to their fellow brothers and sisters but have unfortunately refused to do so. We will now have to rely on the government to distribute the resources of this country in a fair and equitable manner.
If companies want to do business in the United States, they will have to contribute to American society by paying appropriate taxes
If corporations want to be located in this country, they will not be able to place their monies or assets in offshore banks to avoid taxation.
If companies want to do business in the U.S., they must pay their employees a living wage.
If companies want to do business here, they must provide health care coverage until some type of universal health care is available.
If corporations want to be located in the U.S., a high percentage of their work force must also be located in the U.S.
Creation of New Jobs
The opportunity for the creation of new jobs in this country has never been greater. This may be especially true in the area of manufacturing. This could be an important way for the U.S. to become a leader once again in the development of new technologies:
Infrastructure – everyone uses roads, bridges and airports, so let’s get busy fixing them. The development of reliable, high-speed transit systems would greatly improve our lives.
High quality, reliable, low-cost Wi-Fi needs to be provided to all corners of this country. Internet, cable and cell phone providers can afford to help pay for this with the huge profits they have already enjoyed. If everyone has access to these services, the advertising exposure alone would clearly cover their investment.
A vast overhaul of our existing energy structure with a clean, low cost and climate friendly approach. Putting global warming aside, everyone would benefit from clean air, clean water and high-quality food.
The Legal System and the Courts
A complete restructuring of our legal system is long overdue. The law must be executed fairly and justly in a cost-efficient manner. Every American citizen must have equal access to legal services.
The law must be applied equally, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity.
The law must be equally applied to wealthy individuals and corporations, not just to the poor and unfortunate.
The courts must be constituted of an equal representation of liberal and conservative viewpoint. This is especially true in the Supreme Court, where political intrusion cannot be allowed.
Education
I am of the mindset that formal education in order to provide for oneself and one’s family should not be a requirement. It is obvious that some fields and professions need extensive training and education such as medicine, law, and technology, but many would benefit from direct, on-the-job training – much more efficient. Nevertheless, if an individual seeks higher education, it must be accessible and affordable, or even free. If higher education is provided free of charge, and an individual is fortunate enough to acquire a high income because of it, they must understand the need to invest this back into society through a willingness to pay their fair share of taxes and/or support the many charitable institutions that are available. The idea of exposure to diversity within humanity is a benefit of higher education as well and cannot be denied. The opportunity to expand upon one’s social skills and understand the importance of diversity should be afforded to everyone.
Health Care
The need for high-quality, affordable health care has been known for decades. If America wants to stand out in the world, we have certainly done so by having the costliest and least efficient health care system in the world. The power and greed that the insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies currently enjoy must come to an end. I do believe we are headed in the direction of a universal system that will take care of one of the biggest problems this country has. These services must be available to all, regardless of income. There isn’t one person on the planet who understands the value of every life that exists. Let’s do the right thing.
Big Tech Companies
As we view the recent horrific events in our nation’s capital, I couldn’t avoid addressing the major problem of the big tech and social media companies.
Although the social media companies are not entirely responsible for the current tragedy at the capitol, they must be held accountable. There has to be limits on what is made available across these platforms. It needs to be understood that free speech doesn’t necessarily apply to privately held companies. It is clear that these companies support and encourage propaganda and disinformation because of the huge profits they generate.
Monopoly laws still exist and need to be applied to these companies as well. They have become monsters by their sheer size. The bigger and more profitable they become, the more difficult they are to control. Here we have again the reality that if you are all powerful and have plenty of money and resources to back you up, you have placed yourself above the law.
It is also more possible for companies to be their very best if they remain smaller. By allowing competition, companies are more likely to abide by the law and hold themselves accountable if they wish to be in business at all.
Race
It has finally come time for us to address the issue of race in this country. Race is a very complicated problem as there are so many factors involved. It most certainly warrants a detailed discussion we’ll be having at another time.
Thanks, everyone. This new administration holds great promise for all of us. Let’s be respectful and patient and give them time to implement their policies. We all need to thank ourselves by becoming more actively involved in governmental processes with our vote.
All my love and support, stay safe and be well