Leadership, Sacrifice and the Path to Prosperity
I watched the key speeches at the recent Democratic Convention. They were delivered by well-organized, animated speakers and everyone stayed on-message. But something was missing: one or more “asks” of the American people.
Our nation is in trouble. Now, more than ever, we need American citizens to get involved. In some cases, this participation will require us to make sacrifices for the greater good.
I can assure you of this: no major business or large organization has made major progress without asking constituents to step up. Not one!
So I have formulated a list of five asks that either the Harris campaign or the Trump campaign–or both–could adopt and promote. Each of these positions would require strong leadership and shared sacrifice by American citizens–particularly those who have thrived in our system. But most important, each of these asks–if embraced–would significantly move our country forward.
1. Eliminate Government Unions.
We will never have a great government if we can’t replace poor-performing players. This is nearly impossible now, and it’s a key reason our government rates only a 2 out of 5. Let’s pay government workers well, give them great benefits, and implement the Great Place to Work Program survey to make sure that all employees have a voice. But, in the end, if federal workers and managers are not interested in being the best, their managers should have the ability to change the team.
Who needs to sacrifice here? Primarily the Democratic Party, which traditionally gets votes and money from the union organizations that will view this as a threat.
2. Implement a Carbon Tax.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations said, “We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator.” Earth is the only planet we have but we are not yet serious about saving it. One solution? Implement the bi-partisan Baker-Shultz Carbon Dividend Plan. People who use a lot of carbon would pay higher prices and we would put less carbon into the air.
Who needs to sacrifice here? The Republican Party, who chant the mantra “Drill Baby Drill,” and benefit from the full backing of the powerful oil and gas lobby.
3. Put America on a Diet.
We have the most expensive health-care system in the world. Despite all the money we spend on health, we are ranked 55th out of 57 countries for overall health. Forty-two percent of our population is obese, and experts project that 50% of our population will be obese by 2030. We are eating ourselves to death and 77% of Americans do not exercise.
While this health crisis continues to grow, our government leaders do nothing. The time has come for the President to direct the Surgeon General to develop a national program to significantly improve the health of American citizens. When our physical health improves, not only will costs plummet, but our mental health will improve, fertility rates will increase, and the benefits will go on and on.
Who needs to sacrifice here? Primarily politicians who are more interested in winning elections and not offending people than providing the long-term leadership that our country needs.
4. Scrap the Cap on Social Security.
Social Security is one of the best programs our government has ever created. It takes care of 67 million Americans, including 13 million children in poverty. By 2035 Social Security will be unable to pay out 100% of benefits. Currently all income below $147,000 is taxed at 6.2%. Above the $147,000 cap, the tax is zero. If we scrap the cap and tax ALL income at 6.2%, we will provide a solid financial foundation for Social Security for the next 50 years.
Who needs to sacrifice here? Republican lawmakers who oppose nearly all tax increases, and Democrats who are often unwilling to cut government spending. We are $35 trillion in debt and the only way we can solve our financial crisis is through tax increases and expense reductions.
5. Change the Gun Laws.
83% of Americans support changing gun laws. By not doing so, we ensure that 45,000 more Americans will lose their lives each year. When you also take into consideration the 85,000 people who are shot but survive, the cost is $557 billion annually. As well, without addressing gun violence we cannot improve the quality of life for every American who sends their kids to school without knowing if they will return safely.
Who needs to sacrifice here? The NRA and Republican lawmakers who are using their power to allow Americans to buy semi-automatic weapons and who block any other sort of meaningful gun reform.
We have serious problems in this country. I believe that America is waiting for one of the presidential candidates to stand up and challenge the American people to be part of the change that we need. Being a citizen of the United States is a privilege that comes with responsibilities and sacrifices that are well worth it.