One of Americas statesmen stated “government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” His presidency ushered in an era of disdain for government and a widespread cynicism that government could be effective in addressing our challenges.
Today, as we confront a crisis that has shaken confidence in our financial system and economy, we have an opportunity to restore public trust and confidence in the legitimate role of government. Indeed, to effectively tackle our economic challenges and to implement the reforms we need in our healthcare, education, energy, and environmental policies, our government will need to garner strong public support.
However, rebuilding public trust will not happen in the face of a pervasive perception that government is not transparent and accountable, cronyism is rampant, and public officials are more interested in helping themselves than in serving the public good.
Taking strong, swift, and decisive action to address abuses and begin to rebuild public trust should be the first priority for our city, state and federal government in the new legislative session.
Create a Task Force on Public Integrity with a mission to develop a comprehensive proposal for ethics and lobbying reform in our city and state. Which addresses reforms in three areas: (1) strengthening enforcement of ethics, campaign finance, and lobbying laws; (2) strengthening civil and criminal penalties for abuses; and (3) improving awareness and education for public officials.
Reinforce honesty, integrity and transparency by government officials as the core requirement to be and stay in office, any violations of these core tenets will cause the removal of the public official and the loss of “all benefits” retroactive.
While the many of our elected officials and government employees are honest, dedicated public servants, the actions of a few create a dark cloud over all.
Taking strong, swift, and decisive action to address these abuses and begin to rebuild public trust should be the first priority for our city, state and federal government in the new legislative session.

Compiled by: YJ Draiman

You are looking to cut the WRONG tax.

The tax that has to be cut (best if repealed) is the FICA tax. Yes, the Social Security and Medicare tax.

NO, I am not advocating a reduction in benefits.

If you are serious and want a REAL explanation of what I am suggesting, you have my email. Write to me and I would be happy to take the time to explain what I am talking about.

1)The Republicans are spouting liberty rhetoric like no tomorrow, but how much accountability do you take for our current fiscal crisis?

2) Does your belief in the sanctity of the individual extend to butting out of people’s moral choices? Does the federal government really have a role in legislating abortion and gay marriage? Shouldn’t those issues be left up to the state?

3) The Republicans typically support big government when it comes to the costly and ineffective War on Drugs and nation building overseas. Does part of your plan to hopefully end deficit spending extend to curbing excesses in these areas?

I would like to see the education system get a bit more attention, the dumbing down of our nation’s children should be adressed. We need standards and benchmarks of learning other countries are surpassing us and there are no standards. The suffering of the education means that many are going unchallenged, high school dropouts, high school students graduating and not knowing how to read.

So goes the children, so goes the nation.