I was running errands earlier this week, listening to my favorite radio station. They have a new morning announcer I haven’t particularly liked, but he said something that blew me away. Basically, he said that if he didn’t like how something was being done, rather than complain he would take responsibility for doing it right.
We ALL complain about how things are run, done, accomplished or not accomplished, but how often do we step up to the plate and say, “I’ll do it!”?? There are times when I have complained, but I couldn’t see my way to a better solution. I think it’s okay to say we don’t like something, but wouldn’t it be refreshing if, when we complain or criticize, we also offer to step up to the plate and take over the problem?
I tend to listen to talk radio, and have heard some incredibly simple, fair solutions to problems that we are experiencing in government now. Why is it that these well thought out ideas are not getting heard by those who could implement them? We are so overburdened by government that our democracy is going to sink, yet we continue to implement laws and systems that require more man-hours to oversee than we can afford. Does this make sense to you?
Here are some suggestions that we could consider.
A federal tax of 15% for everyone. No loopholes. A similar tax, at a lower rate, for states. Our taxes would become instantly easier to prepare and we wouldn’t need so many IRS agents to audit tax returns.
A consistent form of taxation for everyone, to support education. Ending the use of property tax to fund education. Funding to be based on both the number of students in a school district, and base rates for each school. Towns/cities could levy taxes for additional support, if they wished.
A limit of two to four years on welfare, unless you are disabled. Assistance to train or retrain for a job during that time, to prepare you to support yourself.
Requiring our federal Senators and Congressmen to use the same Social Security and health care system that they have created for us.
Limiting Congressional Pensions
Requiring the budget to be balanced. Cutting back across the board in every department.
And while we are at it, let’s limit campaigning for office to six months, and limit the amount which can be spent on a campaign.
I bet you have more suggestions. I’d be happy to hear them. I think it’s time for the people of the United States to become responsible for their own government.