Many believe our public officials today often focus more on addressing their personal/ political agenda and/ or self-interest than serving the best interests of their constituents and nation! The constant, apparent dysfunction and failure to address true priorities, national needs, etc., contribute significantly to the low-esteem politicians often appear to be held - to! Common sense indicates, certain issues should transcend politics and partisan behaviors, but, unfortunately, there is very - little of that, apparently, in our elected officials! Therefore, this article will attempt to consider briefly, examine, review, and discuss 6 specific things/ areas, which should be our national priorities, and addressed sooner rather than later!
1. Health care: Shouldn't access to affordable health care, regardless of one's personal finances, be a right rather than merely a privilege? How can we be proud of our nation when/ if we are one of the only nations in the world where ability - to - pay, determine the quality of their care, etc.? What does our present approach say about us, especially in terms of fairness, compassion, and genuine humanity?
2. A fair tax system: Supposedly, this nation claims we have a progressive tax system, where the wealthiest are supposed to pay more, in taxes, than those who may be worse - off, economically/ financially! While this has not been the case in decades, the so-called tax reform, passed, and enacted, in 2017, clearly, benefited the wealthiest than others! How can we permit some of the wealthiest individuals in this nation, as well as the largest corporations, to pay less tax than ordinary, working people, etc.?
3. Human rights: Many of us believe our Founding Fathers envisioned a nation, which emphasized human rights and other essential freedoms! Although they were imperfect, flawed humans, like everyone else, the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights, were, basically, based on providing guaranteed freedoms and rights!
4. Protect all rights (not selective): We can't pick - and - choose, which rights, to protect, and which, to pay less attention to! When we hear some demand their interpretations of the 2nd Amendment, but ignore the 1st Amendment, etc., this selective approach harms our nation, etc.! Denying systemic racism exists does not make it go - away!
5. Climate and Environment: Those who deny the potentially dangerous and worsening conditions due to Climate Change, harm, the quality of life, etc., for future generations! Shouldn't it be every generation's duty and responsibility to turn - over a sustainable planet, etc.? Don't we need to demand environmental protection too, at least, protect our air quality and water supplies (clean air and water)?
6. Affordable, quality education: The cost of acquiring a quality college education continues, rising, and thus, the opportunity to provide affordable, quality education to all is harmed!
Wake up, America, and demand more from your elected officials, and, hold - them, to these standards! Will you become a more responsible voter?
Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands of leaders, conducted personal development seminars, and worked on political campaigns for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles.
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