During the period, 1685-1815, Britain, European countries and, to a lesser degree, American colonies, went through what is referred to as the Age of Enlightenment, aka, the Age of Reason, that produced a radical reorientation in science, politics, religion, philosophy, journalism, and means of communications.
It was also called the Age of reason because it opened up the power of the mind, to think more deeply, and make judgments based on a process of logic. .It generated a plethora of great books and essays by the best thinkers of that time. It was a time of creativity and innovativeness that transformed governments and societies.
Could such an Enlightenment take place in America? Well, let's take a look into the future and see. It's now the year 2050 in our country and things could not be better for it and the American people.
Looking back to the decades after its entry into the 21st Century, it could be said that America was in the midst of an Age of uncertainty, confusion, and divisiveness, in which it had seemingly lost its sense of direction. It had a government, in particular, the Congress that was so divided ti was totally dysfunctional, nothing was being done and the country was suffering greatly as a result.
There were deep, irreconcilable, divisions between Democrats and Republicans in both the Senate and the House. In the society, it's seemed as if we had two separate societies, kind of like a modern-day version of "haves and the have-nots", with a stark contrast between the wealthiest Americans and those who were struggling to make ends meet.
Well, in subsequent decades, America went through a huge transformation and, entered an era of Enlightenment, thereby becoming truly great. How this miracle took place is difficult to explain since it appeared to "come out of the blue." New, rational-minded, deep thinking leaders in government and the society emerged and initiated this Age of reason in which logic prevailed, making positive and constructive things happen.
In this new America, a badly needed presidential vetting process came into being. The days of any candidate with any kind of qualifications and experience being able to occupy the office of the presidency were over. In the past it was quite easy for a candidate that was ill-suited to occupy the highest, most important job in America, such as G.W. Bush and Donald J. Trump, to run and get elected.
The only requirements for holding the office of U.S. president were: had to be a natural born U.S.citizen for the past 14 years and at least 35 years of age. Nothing else was required relative to the knowledge and experience. A candidate did not even have to be a high school graduate. Simply incomprehensible!
Here are the general requirements that it was decided that a candidate should have:
He or she should have a good, basic knowledge and understanding of the U.S. Constitution. Nothing could be more important, as it lays down the guidelines for how this government should function.
The same holds true for economics as a U.S. president's knowledge of economics has a major impact on his ability to manage a strong and growing economy.
A candidate seeking this highest office in the land should also have a good knowledge of governmental affairs, an understanding of how the Congress and various governmental agencies carry out their main functions.
Leadership and vision: does the candidate display critically important characteristics of being able to lead others in governing this country, have a vision for the future, and the ability to inspire others?
Does the candidate's history reflect a state of stable mentality? This is of great importance because this country must be led by a president who remains calm in difficult situations, has an even temperament, unites people rather than divides them, and knows the difference between right and wrong.
Does the candidate have the necessary experience to manage government functions, to be able to set goals and objectives and work with others to achieve success?
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