Most Popular Choices
Share on Facebook 8 Printer Friendly Page More Sharing
OpEdNews Op Eds   

Don't Fear The Future

By       (Page 1 of 1 pages)   1 comment
Message David Ross

 Before I begin my analysis of the changes taking place in our country let me explain where I am coming from.  I wish our new President all the best and will support him as I have all of our Presidents.  I am a Christian, a Libertarian, family man, 49 years old, a Southerner and Caucasian.  

While I did not vote for Obama or McCain, I am not worried about President Obama being elected and I am not afraid of the changes that will come. This is an election of change in many more ways than most people realize.  Our new President is not only the first African-American President but also the first leader of a new generation.  We are also looking at the realization that recent events are going to force us to make fundamental changes in how we do things in the United States.  The way we do things cannot continue, and it is likely that in 4-8 years we will see massive changes in our country--and the world for that matter.

When I was a child I began my education going to a segregated school in West Memphis Arkansas.  Our school was integrated and I remember the tears of a new black student insulted by white children.  I remember feeling at an early age, that as a Christian it was wrong to do that, and telling that to my classmates in class.  For many people around me, desegregation meant the end of the United States.  But it wasn't then and it will not be now.  To have a Barak Obama elected president, shows me just how much things have changed in my lifetime so far.

During the Second World War, all citizens were galvanized in the pursuit of Victory, and were united for the cause.  For that generation dissenters were vilified and to conform was a considered a virtue.  The baby boomers rebelled from the notion of conformity and embraced dissention as the new virtue.  While both generations were wrong to a degree, both were also right to do what the times needed them to do.  My impression of Obama so far, is that he will be pragmatic and find the path correct to our particular situation. Our economic situation will require changes be made that will bring balance to our economy.  We can no longer send good paying jobs overseas for a quick profit to prop up the bottom line.  If people do not have money to spend, then they can't buy products and services that drive our economy.  We have to get used to a lower rate of return on investments in exchange for national economic stability. 

We must attach a stigma to those who take home huge salaries and bonuses paid for by laid off workers.  This is not the sign of good management, it is flat out wrong from virtually any moral perspective. The new President must rein in those who use the Federal Reserve to manipulate the economy for profit.  The United States has not had a free market economy in a long time, and now we have to pay the price for it.  Why do we continue to trust the advice from Wall Street veterans and believe that they will not continue to tilt the system to their own advantage?  They along with their fellow "Money Changers" are the very ones who profited from ruining our econom--and yet we still listen to them.

We have an urgent need for change to our government that will be among the most difficult tasks facing our new President.  Bring down the size and scope of our government to a level that makes it manageable.  Reform the tax code by removing the loopholes and shelters and make the system fair for everyone.  Create a transparent government that can account for all spending at all levels.  Either Mr. Obama will do these things or the cancer of corruption will keep getting worse.  His greatest opposition to reform, I feel, will be his own party, because letting go of power is the most difficult thing for a politician to do.

The last thing I will mention is that we need to draw down our worldwide military presence.  While generals hate to give up the ability to project power world wide in response to threats, we have created a world addicted to our protection and money.  This is not a healthy situation for us or our allies.  We have bred resentment to our perceived interference, even if it is for what we consider what's best for them.  We cannot be a shining light on a hill if we let the light burn out at home.  Let our European and Asian allies defend themselves, which they are very capable of doing.  Besides we will soon have our hands full when Mexico, Central America and South America, going through their changes due to the world wide financial changes.

In conclusion I have faith in not only God, but you, my fellow citizens, that we can put the interest of the country first.  We have a moral obligation to the next generation to leave the country in a better condition than it is now.  If we do not, then we will go down in history as a selfish and foolish people.  My belief is that, whatever our varied races, creeds, religions and philosophical differences are, we will unite in our own unique American way.  My heartfelt belief is that better days will come--maybe not for us but for the next generation. 

Rate It | View Ratings

David Ross Social Media Pages: Facebook page url on login Profile not filled in       Twitter page url on login Profile not filled in       Linkedin page url on login Profile not filled in       Instagram page url on login Profile not filled in

I am a Libertarian, married, two children, Christian, 48 years old. My passions are Alternative Energy, Music, Film/Video production, Politics and Truth. I want to leave the world better for having been here. While I don't have a hunger for money (more...)
 
Go To Commenting
The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
Writers Guidelines

 
Contact AuthorContact Author Contact EditorContact Editor Author PageView Authors' Articles
Support OpEdNews

OpEdNews depends upon can't survive without your help.

If you value this article and the work of OpEdNews, please either Donate or Purchase a premium membership.

STAY IN THE KNOW
If you've enjoyed this, sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter to get lots of great progressive content.
Daily Weekly     OpEd News Newsletter
Name
Email
   (Opens new browser window)
 

Most Popular Articles by this Author:     (View All Most Popular Articles by this Author)

What Is Wrong with the US Automobile Industry?

A Clue to the Clueless

MASSive Shift in the Political Landscape

An Open Letter to the Republican Party

Don't Fear The Future

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS

To View Comments or Join the Conversation:

Tell A Friend