Upholding Its Values

The US was founded on principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness with a strong emphasis on justice and equality.  While we have made great strides in our own country to make our society a better place for all, it's time the United States practiced what it preaches in foreign countries which it wields a strong influence in.

The United States is well known throughout the world for having a singular form of government and being founded on principles of justice.  But as the US is invading other countries with seemingly no thought to the consequences, locals can get irritated.  Some, more irritated than others.

The US has often acted in the name of "justice", but some of the irritation in the world, often in the Middle East, is justified.  We must be better with the way we form relations with other peoples, not merely blasting aside people who don't agree with us.  Being trigger happy on top of a flaming gunpowder casket is not a wise idea.  If we hold true to our values all around the world, truly preaching and practicing peace, justice, and equality, our credibility would go up, and we would not be hated as much.

Even if we take these actions, some will still hate us.  This may only be natural.  At least though, we can make the effort to improve our image around the globe.  We can really bring peace to other people's lives.  We can moderate conflicts instead of creating new ones.  We can take the lead in making the world a better, safer place for humankind.

Entitlement Reform is Needed

Paul Ryan has recenlty proposed an overhaul of Medicare that would significantly change the program.  While his version of the solution is not ideal, it certainly is bold and brings up the issue of entitlement reform.

Medicare and other programs will soon get too expensive for the government to keep paying for.  As a result, the debt will continue to go up if spending is not slashed.  We must now open a debate on the programs that we hold dear.  It feels so good to have so many programs, but at the same time, government cannot always sustain it.  We must look to ways we can streamline cost for entitlements, cutting out waste, then discussing alternative cutting measures.

Paul Ryan's budget is only the first step towards the process.  His solution is not the best, nor should it be adopted, but a discussion must ensue on what we really want from our healthcare and what we really want from or entitlement programs.

Reform Needed to Spur Economy

The middle class is reeling after a long recession, which is still not over.  In order to facilitate recovery, we must have a middle class tax break in order to help families cope with the economic downturn.  Seeing as the middle class is often hurt he most in a recession like this, they should get the tax break, not the wealthiest Americans, who can afford it.  Cutting taxes for the rich in a time where we have extreme debt is not prudent or logical.

In addition, we need to make it easier for people to start small businesses.  Encourage lending and venture capital, as well as tax breaks for America's smallest companies, which help drive struggling local economies forward as large corporations are sending jobs overseas.  renewed economic reform is critical as we aim to rid ourselves of the bonds of this recession.