1. The Republicans need to recognize the cost of healthcare is putting local governments and state governments in fiscal jeoprardy as well as whole industries. Healthcare reform was critically needed and they must do something. They say they were cut out of the debate; fine, they now have an opportunity to offer a solution or at least mitigate a serious problem.
2. Energy is another serious issue, as is climate change. The Republicans now have the responsibility to confront these issues openly and develop policies to protect our air, our water and make sure we have sufficeient energy for industry and general use.
3. Employment. The Republicans claim the Democrats created and perpetuated unemployment during the one year and 10 months they held power (the White House and both houses of Congress). During their ascendency, beginning January 2011 with control of the House, they will control spending. Their policies will determine if 'the market' left pretty much alone is the solution.
4. Foreign Affairs. The Republicans supported George W. Bush and his middle east policy of 'cowboy' diplomacy; they have been critical of Obama for reaching out to allies and enemies alike. Holding the purse strings what policy will the House under R control pursue? Will they increase defense spending seeking a zero sum victory, or allow the president to continue his efforts to forge a lasting peace (a laudable goal but one not achieved by the nine presidents who came before).
5. Taxes. Today we have an enormous debt - both the federal government and our citizens. The popular belief is, if the government gets out of the way 'the markets' will fix our economy. What policy is best, low taxes and paying high interest on bonds (which must be paid off by tax revenue); or having everyone, business, industry and wage earners help retire the debt?
6. Regulations. One more bone of contention. Again, the popular belief is the government needs to get out of the way. The market will fix all evils. History suggests to me otherwise. Will the congress relax regulations in the name of job creation? Of course dumping waste into rivers is cheaper, and industry might use the extra income to expand creating jobs, but at what cost?
7. Campaign Finance Reform. Maybe the most critical issue if our form of government is to survive. Does freedom of speech include the freedom to engage in slander, libel and lies? The advertising during campaign 2010 was rarely informative and rarely issue focused.
8. I have little optimism our nation will be stronger or better off two years from now. The presidential election campaign began yesterday (or the day before) when Mitch McConnel said his focus will be not on fixing any of our myraid problems, but on beating the president in 2012.
