We need Civility in our Government (Hope for America)

We are in this together. Just like any relationship, it requires effort and a common goal that we are working towards. The promise of America is the opportunity for each Americans to pursue success and happiness as they see fit without infringing on the rights of others.

Currently government has evolved to name calling and blaming each other. There is a better way. Our government must work together effectively in order to solve problems. The attitude of our elective officials has to change in order for this to be accomplished. 

It is time for this to change.  

The Next Movement solution: There are five things we can do to change the rhetoric and to better solve problems in this country. The suggestions included here do not solve the issue but will help facilitate a more civil dialog and better solutions for the American people.

1) Term limits for congress (Constitutional Amendment limiting how long each person can serve as a member of the house and as a senator).

2) Return the appointment of federal judges including supreme court judges to a super majority (Senate rule requiring 60 votes to approve a judge).

3) Adopt a clear way of debating problems that (a) Define the problem, (b) Debate clear alternatives to resolve the problem, (c) Vote on that problem /solution without adding "extras" just to secure the vote (note federal budgets are more complex but can be improved by adopting suggestions in another "Hope for America" post on taxes).

4) Transparency to the American public - direct answers that clearly state positions and do not attempt to distort the opposing position (the "media" can and should help this occur). 

5) Encourage public debate - encourage and allow opinions that are contrary to yours in the public space (free flow of information on the internet and other sources). When we label something as "mis-information" or "dis-information" it means that someone has been named the "declarer of truth". It is better to allow the information and then discuss the merits. I have faith that the American people are smart enough to make wise decisions and discern the truth.

Results of a more civil dialogue:

• New ideas resulting from more diverse people flowing into office.
• More centric judges reducing likelihood of judges with extreme political leanings because a broader number of senators must agree.
• Focus on agreeing what the problem is and then debating solutions to that problem. 
•  Clear understanding of positions and proposed policies with the ability to discuss in a public forum (and permission to be wrong sometimes in order to get to the best answer) 

To join the next movement communication list send an email to HopeForOurAmerica@gmail.com.

VP Debate and Governing with Civility (Candidate Positions)

It was a rare treat to watch the VP debate (10/1/2024) and have both Tim Waltz (D) and JD Vance (R) treat each other with respect and dignity. There were disagreements and moments when each candidate expressed agreement with the other on a particular topic. I especially appreciate that on many issues both candidates agreed on the problem even if they disagreed on why we have it and how to solve it. 

These are the VP candidates!

It is difficult to provide candidate positions on how they would govern with dignity and civility. Both of publicly expressed that they would bring civility and bipartisanship in their governance. However, neither of their positions and actions indicate we will see this. I am hoping that we would see something different in the actual governance than we have seen or heard over the last eight years.  

Statements regarding civility and governance are below.

VP Kamala Harris:

• Donald Trump is a threat to our fundamental rights and freedoms. (In Harris platform from her website) 
• "(Trumps) explicit intent to deploy our active-duty military against our own citizens. Consider the power he will have... Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails. How he would use the immense powers of the presidency of the United States." (Harris Democratic convention speech Aug 2024) 

Former President Donald Trump:

• Hold accountable those who weaponized government against political opponents (Trump platform on his website)
• Support free speech online and fight against censorship  (Trump platform on his website)
• "Joe Biden became mentally impaired. Kamala was born that way." (PA rally Sept 2024)

Some actions from both parties/candidates that erode civility and trust in our democracy.

• Trump January 6 response was slow. He did say to "march peacefully" to capital but did not respond as fervently as he could.to curtail the issues that came.
• Harris support of protesters/rioters in 2020. Great supporting the cause you believe in but supporting those arrested for criminal behaviors sends a poor message.
• Trump claiming fraud caused him to lose the election in 2020 and continuing to hold to that statement.
• Democrats (including Harris) claiming 2016 was stolen because of Russian interference.
• Trump threat of use of judicial system against Clinton in 2016 and current opponents that weaponize the government against them.
• Harris/Biden actual use, support, and praise of judicial system against Trump in current election cycle.
• Suppression of Hunter Biden laptop story in 2020 election 
• Suspension of social media content that offers a different viewpoint to "prevailing thinking" (Trump accounts, Covid information, etc.)
• Discussion of adding supreme court justices because of disagreement with rulings and current make-up of court.
• Appointing federal judges with a simple majority  (Senate rule changed by Harry Reid) as opposed to requiring a larger majority that might encourage moderate judges appointed top courts.

Again, the VP debate gives hope on the rhetoric we can have if we choose to in our political environment but the current environment overall is not good.

There is a better way. Look for an upcoming post that will provide alternate ideas on how to reintroduce civility and respect into our political process. This, of course, will mean more robust solutions for the American people. The purpose of the "Candidate Positions" posts are to provide facts and let you interpret and decide which policies you like best for Our America.

Related references: (a) Kamala Harris Issue Statements; (b)  Donald Trump Platform

To join the next movement communication list send an email to HopeForOurAmerica@gmail.com.

Taxes and Spending - we've been asking the wrong question (Hope for America)

The key question that should be asked and answered is "How much money should be taken from the private sector and moved to the federal government annually?"  

Should we tax the rich more or add higher tariffs? Should we tax the middle class less? We spend a lot of time arguing how much each group should be taxed but avoid asking how much should taxes be overall. Currently there is no control on how much the government can tax. The Boston Tea Party was a protest on taxation and one of the key events of the revolution. Uncertainty in tax policy stifles the economy. How much to tax needs to be coupled with a limit on spending (how much debt is acceptable). Spending more than we take in is a tax on our children. We get benefit and send the bill to the next generation.  

It is time for this to change.  

The Next Movement solution: Pass a constitutional amendment that limits the amount of money the federal government can take in as a percentage of GDP and limit the national debt. 

There is and should be conversation on what the percentage should be and the limit on national debt. The average revenue from 2003-2022 according to the CBO is 16.6% with about 6% being Social Security and Medicare. I would start the conversation with proposing a 12% limit on federal revenue (excluding SS/Medicare which I will discuss in a separate post later).  I would recommend building in a federal emergency fund to cover unforeseen emergencies (natural disasters, viruses, etc.) with the ability to go into debt temporarily for extreme emergencies. There would need to be a grace period to get us out of our current debt.

Congress owns the purse strings and needs to be fiscally responsible with our money and or children's money. 

Once this is in place, the American people can elect the candidates that best represent how they want to spend that money and who they want to collect the money from. 

Results of tax revenue and national debt limits:

1) Predictability enabling economic stability because a shift in political power does not fundamentality change the overall tax situation.

2) Incentive of the federal government to grow overall economy because that is how they get to spend more.

3) Focus spending on the highest priorities of the American people.

4) Protect the next generation so that they can decide how to spend their money.

5) Pandering to one constituency based on tax policy requires a trade-off so on balance the tax code is incented to be more fair for the greatest number of citizens. 

6) Less reliance on foreign investment which provides an incentive to keep the American people at the center (and not a foreign entity).

Related references: (a) Congressional Budget Office: https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59730

To join the next movement communication list send an email to HopeForOurAmerica@gmail.com.

On Taxes and Spending (Candidate Positions)

You are impacted every paycheck and every day by taxes (federal income, business taxes, gas tax, etc.). There are taxes withheld from your paycheck and then in April you file annual taxes. The current tax code was put in place under President Donald Trump in 2017 called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) with some modifications during the Biden-Harris presidency. Most of the provisions of the TCJA are set to expire at the end of 2025. Donald Trump's position is to extend this tax code and make some adjustments, Kamala Harris has not indicated if she will extend the tax code (which implies reverting to previous tax laws) and has made some items she would include in her tax plan.

This captures each candidates positions based on what they have said and what is included in their position statements on each of their respective sites. No attempt is made to represent what others have said about their plans or what they say about each others plans. 

Generally, Donald Trump favors reducing taxes overall and Kamala Harris favors raising taxes with some targeted areas of tax reductions in her plan.

Neither candidate has expressed a plan to reduce spending or the national debt. To be fair, Trump has stated that the national debt is a concern and he will reduce regulations. 

It is important to note that the president often proposes the budget and tax provisions but congress actually has the responsibility to approve spending and write the laws.

Summary of Proposed Income Tax Changes:

Summary of Proposed Business Tax Changes:

This is presented to reflect the candidates positions and proposed policies and not render a personal opinion on any of their policies. You, the American people, can look at the facts and think for yourself.

Look for an upcoming post that will provide an alternate way to look at taxes and spending (which also will not endorse or condemn either candidate). However, the purpose of the "Candidate Positions" posts are to provide facts and let you interpret and decide which policies you like best for Our America.

Related references: (a) Kamala Harris Issue Statements; (b)  Donald Trump Platform; (c) Tax rates pre/post TCJA (d) Tax Foundation Candidates Info

To join the next movement communication list send an email to HopeForOurAmerica@gmail.com.

Nothing more than an election

It is time for a fundamental change in how our governing works for the people and how we interact in the political sphere in the United States of America. The time is now. 

This election is important, but the republic that is the foundation of our country will survive either of the major candidates. Our obligation is to choose the candidate we think will best help the United States of America thrive now and well into the future - or at least which candidate will do the least damage in preventing the prosperity of this country.

I invite each of you to familiarize yourself with what the candidates promise. You may find their positions on their respective website (Kamala Harris Issues and Donald Trump Platform). Evaluate their total positions and look at their records and historic positions. I plan to provide some analysis of issues over the next couple of months.  

My simple requests of the candidates are the following:

1) Make clear to the American people what you will do as President of the United States. 

2) Answer the questions I will pose on this forum.

3) Agree to a 90 minute debate in Greensboro, NC that is hosted by me (not the media but just an ordinary everyday citizen) and broadcast by the media. No arguing terms or format. Once you both agree I will clearly layout the structure.  

I am realistic - my ability to reach a large audience is limited. The likelihood of getting any of the three of my requests is small. However, this is a movement which will build momentum over time and not a political stand.

Finally, I understand that this election is important. However, the questions I will be asking will be answered with a new movement over the next several election cycles. This movement transcends the Democrat or Republican party and is about moving America forward. This is an invitation to both of those entities to participate in this movement.  

This is only the beginning of the next revolution.  

 To join the next movement communication list send an email to HopeForOurAmerica@gmail.com.