For those who used to complain and believe that their vote did not matter (it made no difference), the 2016 elections certainly should have shown, for them, that elections often have consequences. In recent years, since then, we have observed a degree of polarization and division, such as this nation, probably, has not seen since the Civil War! Sustainable issues, such as environmental protection, climate change, etc., have been ignored, denied or steps taken to try, at least partially, to destroy! It seems to many that all the gains, in terms of protecting civil rights, have been reduced and / or reversed! The nature and composure of the Federal Courts, especially the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court, have changed significantly. Even the concept of the tax system has been altered in a way that significantly favored the wealthiest people and corporations, and had little or no positive impact on much of the middle class. President Trump’s handling of this horrible pandemic, which began with dismantling much of the pandemic panel, before it, ignoring its onset, denying its effects, refusing to personally wear a mask or encourage others to do so, and maintaining social distancing, etc., may be the most disturbing, partially avoidable event of that period! With that in mind, this article will attempt to consider, examine, review, and discuss what this nation needs to do, next, to secure a better future for America.
1. Ethics / integrity in government: For someone who campaigned, claiming that we needed to drain the swamp, instead we have witnessed a level of swamp-like action, the like of which we have never seen before! If we have learned something and are hopeful for a brighter future, we must take steps to ensure that future leaders and administrations adhere to higher ethical standards and maintain integrity in terms of their behavior and activities.
2. Conflicts of interest: Every president of the United States, after Richard Nixon, released their tax information, until Donald Trump refused to do so! With all that is at stake, the disclosure of this information must be encoded, so we are sure that no one is above the law. Without that, we can never protect American politics, to make sure it prioritizes needs, goals, etc. of our people, rather than the personal / political agenda of any elected official and / or self-interest.
3. Change the political campaign: Almost every other nation restricts campaign periods to roughly 90 days or so, but, at home, it seems to go on for years! If a corporation’s advertising were to distort and / or lie, as much as politicians do, you would likely face criminal charges. Don’t we need these things to be held at higher levels, etc.?
Four. Constitutional guarantees: In recent memory, this nation is closer to being in a Constitutional Crisis than ever. We must ensure that all constitutional guarantees and all rights, freedoms and justice that we are supposed to defend and represent are real and guaranteed, or the nature of the United States risks changing forever!
5. Environmental protection and climate change: America must get in the Paris Accords, because if we don’t, sooner rather than later, it could be too late, to take viable measures, to address the inherent risks, for future generations. Furthermore, we must reverse apparent efforts by the Trump administration to alter measures, taken over decades, to protect our environment and secure air, water, etc.
6. Balance of powers: The Founding Fathers felt that it was essential to ensure that this nation has a Balance of Power, between the co-equal powers, Executive, Legislative and Judicial, to ensure that we avoid becoming a monarchy, or worse! Many of us felt we had that, but we find that if someone does not comply, unless the guidelines are met, and executable, it is quite possible for an individual to exceed the optimal potency of a branch. We must address this, soon!
7. Separation of church and state: Although, individually, both religious freedom and a free nation are wonderful concepts, the so-called Freedom of Religion meant that anyone could celebrate whatever religion they wanted (or none, if they preferred), and there would be, no, State religion! We must make sure of this!
Wake up America and learn from the experiences of the past (especially these last 4 years) and take steps to protect the identity and meaning of this nation in the future! Are you ready, willing and able to advocate for these essential rights and needs?