From the chattering media class to the proverbial “man on the street” – so many folks have fallen into a soft fatalism, an unconscious resignation that nothing can really change when we look at the serious problems we face. Immigration and Israel, fatherless homes and federal deficits, ecological and economic challenges – all seem intractable.
The problems we face have solutions. Courage and creativity, innovation and integrity will be required. The heart of any effective answer is simple, even if there are complexities in application. Here are some starting points for solving several issues confronting us right now, July 20, 2014:
Peace in the Middle East: Support Israel and call on Arab leadership to recognize her right to exist as a Jewish and sovereign state. Demand an end to all denial of the Holocaust and Israel’s right to her ancestral home as well as an end to elimination ideology and terrorism. The haters only respond to strength. Camp David can happen again.
The (artificial) Immigration Crisis: Secure the border. Care for the human needs in the USA and Mexico. Screen every person and enforce current laws. Stop using children as political and social pawns to destroy the American experiment and flood Texas with Democratic voters. Deport all illegal alien felons currently in US prisons.
The Federal Deficit: Begin with a 10% pay cut for all federal government officials; 20% for all making more than $200,000. This will test how many are “serving” the public interest. Cut 10% more out of the administrative program budgets of every federal agency. New furniture and another junket can wait. Have business leaders assess efficiencies, make recommendations and implement them.
Economic Inequality: Equality of access and opportunity is not a guarantee of equal outcomes. Remove unneeded regulations and stimulate business development with streamlined processes and tax breaks. Compel able-bodied folks receiving federal and state assistance to volunteer on infrastructure and service projects. Remind everyone of the dignity of a full day’s work.
Family Anarchy: Enforce and tighten accountability for parents that conceive a child through consensual intimacy. Make it socially shameful for spouses that fail to care and support children they are responsible for. The best gifts parents give their children are fidelity to each other, hard work and unconditional love.
Islamic Radicalism and Terrorism: Call on peaceful Muslims to renounce all terrorism, affirm full equality for people of all faiths or none and agree to end all threats to their adherents that choose another (or no) religion. Keep Rapid Response forces ready to destroy terrorist dens when found and end all occupying responsibilities apart from strategic bases.
Activists, entrenched unions, economic and political cronies will all oppose these measures. Their opposition is proof that these solutions may work. After all, if most folks choose fidelity, offer and full day’s work, demand accountability from their government and stop allowing envy poison their souls, then some of these “advocates” may have to find real jobs.