Posted by: David Lantz
in MyBlog on Jul 21, 2011
Modern America is consumed by a 24/7 news cycle, where the talking heads focus on one-sentence sound bites. Questions which end in the request to “please answer yes or no” pass for sophisticated journalistic inquiry. In such a system, we cannot hope to identify, let alone solve, problems. One side appeals to “Reaganomics”, the other to “Obamanomics,” yet neither side seeks to educate the public about Economics. Thus, in the current environment, elements of our society can use class warfare arguments to deflect scrutiny away from the serious, systematic issues that face our nation’s economy. Those who seek to solve the problem are called cruel and heartless, and the “Point/Counterpoint” media fosters a gladiator style theater to cheer on their respective combatants.
In this environment, the Republican candidate for President of the United States must break through the cacophony of voices on the looming debt crisis. He or she must capture the attention of the American public, and then educate America as to the issues facing us in a way not seen since Ross Perot used charts to talk to the nation. Too many times, political consultants posing as credible media experts refer to economic “facts” which no one checks to hold these talking heads accountable.
To move forward to resolve the debt crisis, the Republican presidential candidate needs to educate the American People on the importance of private enterprise. We need a President who understands the truth of this principle. In 2012, those seeking the Presidency of the United States should heed the words of President John F. Kennedy – a Democrat - who said in his April, 1962 speech to the US Chamber of Commerce:
If American business does not earn sufficient revenues to earn a fair profit, this Government cannot earn sufficient revenues to cover its outlays. If American business does not prosper and expand, this Government cannot make good its pledges of economic growth. Our foreign policies call for an increase in the sale of American goods abroad, but it is business, not Government, who must actually produce and sell these goods. (Emphasis added).
