As another celebration of the founding of the Republic nears, perhaps it is an appropriate time to observe and reflect.
This nation has been allowed, and some believe even encouraged, to drift from our core beliefs and institutional roots. The pace and direction of this significant change has been accelerated at what seems like warp speed in the last few years.
Indeed, all nations change. This fact has been evident throughout recorded history. Demographics, beliefs, policies and politics change. However, many believe there is a tipping point when nations, such as the United States, have moved too far away from their core values and beliefs. There cannot be much argument that the principles and common beliefs of the American people have been the glue holding the union together, making it the strongest military power in the world, with one of the strongest economies on the globe.
Not to wax nostalgic, but the “greatest” generation, which is also the nation’s primary population in the post WWII United States, is rapidly fading from the scene. This generation, which many of us remember, built the nation’s economy, created a productive middle class, and made obtaining a quality education a priority. These halcyon days are past and conjure up many memories for a still wistful segment of our population. It is interesting to note that the 100th anniversary of the start of WWI has just passed as has all the participants in the world wide conflagration which was a ‘war to end all wars”.
Today, the position of the United States in the world is uncertain and challenged daily. Nationally, our GDP, general economy, balance of trade and other economic indicators are exhibiting abysmal records. Our workforce is changing and our education system is no longer the envy of the world. Our health system reels under change and chaos. Our venerated veterans’ health services are in a shambles and the government agency known as the “tax collector” is fraught with scandal. Our borders and our immigration policies are languishing, with the borders becoming dangerous. The flow of illegal aliens is challenging our national resources and ability to absorb so many children. It’s not an especially bright future for those who seek better education, safety and democracy.
The administration in Washington seems aloof and disengaged at a time when our nation’s security and economy struggle as the internal challenges appear numerous and serious. Politically in our own state, a weak primary turnout and lethargy allowed the Democratic “establishment” to nominate a candidate for governor, who will carry on the same old liberal tax and spending policies advocated by the outgoing governor and the most recent state legislature. The Republican candidate will have to recommend workable and practical new policies, and be extremely well funded to have any opportunity to oust the very entrenched leadership in Annapolis.
Perhaps this is not the most optimistic outlook upon which to reflect as we approach the 4th of July 2014. These issues and challenges beg the question: Can the United State regain her footing internationally, improve its economy nationally, and retrieve our reputation as the leader of the free world?
Yes, we need change. Constructive change. A change in our political environment and a change in the direction of our state nation which can and should be the envy of the world and the beacon of democracy envisioned and implemented by our forefathers.
Have a great 4th of July and make sure to wave your flag, large or small, to honor our nation.
Carol Voyles says
Since we seem to have drifted from our core beliefs and institutional roots, we can no longer afford to let ideological extremes stand in our way. It’s time to get to the bottom line and solve our problems.
Regarding taxing and spending, Republicans have accomplished many of their goals. Federal tax rates are are lower now than in 1980, and state rates have not only changed very little, our total tax burdens are generally lower than in 1977 (even in Maryland).
The Tax Fondation has calculated states’ total tax burdens, dividing state incomes by the amounts paid in taxes (and fees) by taxpayers. Maryland’s total tax burden has fluctuated less than 1 percent during the past 3 decades. It was 9.6 percent in 1980 and 9.8 percent in 2011. Coincidentally, Texas’ total tax burden was also 9.6 percent in 1980 and 9.8 percent in 2011, since both tax rates and incomes are lower there.
We have experienced far more significant changes. According to the Congressional Budget Office, our wealthiest citizens have become very much wealthier. Incomes are up 275 percent for the top one percent since 1979, and they are transferring less of their incomes to the less wealthy. The incomes of the top fifth of us have also gone up 10 percent, while the rest of us have lost 2-3 percent.
These statistically significant changes must be included in our dialogue going forward. For starters, let’s recognize that we had livable minimum wages and far less income disparity during our nation’s most prosperous decades.