Where has America gone? Our founders’ design had two opposing factions striving to find middle ground for the benefit of all, but today it seems near impossible. We have become a nation of extremes. Once news media used to clearly delineate between reporting and commenting on the news; now it is blurred. Once we understood that donations to campaigns were limited to those who actually could vote in those elections; now other individuals and entities can contribute, yet cannot vote. Once public service meant you worked for the betterment of your constituents; and now it appears the elected focus more on their party and not the public.
Have we not learned anything from history? That corruption, self-service and greed eventually crumbles countries, especially in one-party, autocratic nations.
Want to change this chaotic course of our country? Consider imposing term limits for our legislative bodies as we already have for our executive positions. Restrict campaign donations to only those who can vote in that election. Consider eliminating the IRS along with its complex tax code, and adopt a universal flat tax for every American individual and corporation, endowing every citizen with the knowledge that we are all pitching in. Focus on domestic issues that aid our aging infrastructure, like improving our roads and bridges, or Americans in crisis, such as our homeless and military veterans. Stop sending money to nations through foreign aid in hope we gain their loyalty. In fact, if we want to help developing countries, send skilled teams to teach them the skills to become self-sufficient, rather than the money that seldom reaches those who actually need it. These are just to name a few of our current problematic issues, none of which were likely what our forefathers intended this country to be.
Wake up, America; we became strong not because were were conservatives or liberals, white or non-white, male or female, religious or atheist. We became strong because we are all of the above, and believe in the ideal that each of us has the opportunity to become better than what we were before, both as individuals and as a nation.
— Walt Monegan
Anchorage
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