We are eight days from this election being over and as usual most Americans are tired of the ads, attacks, and 24/7 news coverage. Given the challenges the new President faces, one must ask why anyone would want the job. An 11 Trillion Dollar Debt, two wars, a severe economic recession, a very divided nation. So what can we realistically expect? Well that depends on US and NOT THEM we are all stake holders.
WE'RE BROKE-Our nation has an 11 trillion dollar debt with an almost 500 billion dollar deficit projected for FY2009. We have already allocated part of the 750 billion dollar bailout to the banks and there seems to be some hope with intra bank lending rates decreasing slightly in the last week. However, many experts agree more will be needed to get us out of this credit crunch. Most Americans are also broke and live paycheck to paycheck, and use their credit cards to subsidize a standard of living they cannot afford. The country is broke and many of us are broke too.
TWO WARS-Right now we are in talks with the Iraqi government on when US forces will leave Iraq and this will probably be finalized before Bush leaves office or shortly after the next President is sworn in. I would bet whoever is sworn in the US will abide by the agreement and if one has not been completed that will become a priority for the new administration. The War in Afghanistan is one that needs long overdue attention. The new President must not "go it alone" as the 43rd did and must did as George H.W. Bush and build a coalition. This will be hard because of the "you are with us or against us approach used by Bush."
SOUND FISCAL POLICY vs. SOCIAL SPENDING-Americans face challenges getting affordable health care in the best of health and if they have problems it is almost impossible. Health Care costs are soaring, and this alone drives up the cost of Medicare, then throw in the Prescription Drug Program giveaway and you have just created the largest entitlement program ever. This is just one area that needs the attention of money THAT WE DO NOT HAVE. No Child Left Behind a/k/a Every School Budget Unfunded is another issue ONCE AGAIN WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO DO ANYTHING. We also face a huge national debt of 11 trillion bucks with 500 billion owed to the Chinese that needs to be addressed.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION-Congress passed the ball on that one to the next Congress and President. With the lousy economy many immigrants are leaving for home because they can't find what they want the most a job here so they can send money back home. However, the problem persists and when the economy comes back they will be returning. Democrats and Republicans have their own interests in keeping the system the way it is because Democrats will see if they win states like CO and NM the Latinos are reliable voting blocks that favor them and the GOP´s corporate interest like the fact illegals work cheap and usually don't do nasty things like forming unions. However, all of us pay for programs that mandate that their children be educated and receive ESOL, Emergency Room Visits, and their use of the justice system. In California they say 25% of the inmate population is here illegally.
YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT COULD BE BROKE TOO-Even governments like Arlington County, VA just outside of Washington DC are seeing their revenues shrink and are bringing in hiring freezes. California needs 7 billion or it could go bust and more problems loom for most local governments.
So what is the solution? Nobody has one. Both candidates McCain and Obama have unrealistic budget plans that will add more to the national credit card. But I urge, all of you to think back to the Immigration Debate that bill was headed for fast passage however WE THE PEOPLE SPOKE OUT and stopped it cold in its tracks. WE THE PEOPLE MUST KEEP WATCH ON OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND WATCH THEM AS CLOSELY AS WE WATCH OUR KIDS AND DEMAND REAL SOLUTIONS TO REAL PROBLEMS NOT QUICK FIXES.
To get lasting fixes we must also need to sacrifice our own selfish interests to the national interests and we must insist the "drive by attacks" end and the real work begin. THIS ELECTION IS EIGHT DAYS AWAY!!! ON NOVEMBER 5TH EVERYBODY NEEDS TO STOP CAMPAIGNING AND START WORKING TO SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS.