Democrats should have been showing the American people, by presenting a solution to this festering problem, that they deserved to be returned to power. Americans were waiting to finally see some creativity and innovation come out of this Congress; they didn't, the Democrats didn't provide it. However, there is still time.
Next do the same relative to the issue of infrastructure repair and its many areas of need, from roads, highways and the interstates, to bridges, waterways, and the electrical grid. Discuss the various ways to come up with the $1 trillion that would be needed to just bring it up to normal standards. People want this infrastructure repair and rebuilding to get underway but certainly don't want this Congress to cripple important social programs to fund it.
Democrats must not just talk about job creation but show how to make it happen. Of course, an infrastructure program, when implemented, would create millions of new jobs. But more must be done in other areas. Democrats should look into what is called the "job skills gap" which relates to the 6 million good paying, unfilled jobs in this country; jobs that involve computing cybersecurity and high-tech manufacturing, data analysis among other jobs of a high tech nature.
Why do these jobs remain unfilled? Because companies can't find the skilled workers they need. One reason is that this country has seen a dramatic reduction in the number of vocational schools that once were available to high school graduates. And, because of the large emphasis on sending our kids to college, states and the federal government have drastically reduced funding for vocational education. This situation must be reversed.
Tax reform is a really complex issue. The system that has been in place for decades is now obsolete and badly needs reform, in fact, an overhaul. And it's not just the corporate tax rate that needs changes but every element of taxation in this country, with emphasis on the tax structure for individuals; especially regarding the applicable tax rate for various levels of income.
The Republicans would like to continue to ease tax burdens on corporations and the richest Americans while minimizing relief for the vast majority of Americans whose wages have been stagnant for many years. We need to see the creation of a very equitable system for all Americans.
When Democrats put forward their ideas and directions on how to move forward on these important issues they will be planting the seeds for a rich harvest in the next elections in 2018 and 2020. The people want to see specifics about what Democrats will do differently than has been the case in recent times. They don't want to see Democrats simply waiting and hoping for Republicans to destroy themselves.
One thing to make crystal clear is that removing Republicans from control of the presidency and the Congress is not going to magically solve all of America's long list of problems, certainly not. But it will be a step in the right direction and exactly what this country needs so desperately; it will be a start down a new road into the future.
Michael Payne
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