I want to deal with another issue as to why I am so diametrically opposed to the ISTE leadership position on being a Global citizen first and Rischard's proposal to create Global Issue Networks to dictate solutions to the issues that threaten the world. Rischard lists economic collapse as one of his top 20 crises. Now I agree that the economies of the world are linked together. However, we are not all equal in the impact that we have on the world economy. We in the United States have no business telling Greece how to solve their economic crisis. We do need to solve our own problems which would greatly help the world economy. How do we do that? The answers are not difficult to find. The problem is the will to do something about it. For example, deep down everyone knows that the one key step we have to take to solve our economic crisis is to stop spending more than we take in. That seems simple. I have to do that everyday in my family budget. What makes it so difficult on a national scale? The national scale is complicated by the power that is generated by money. How else can you explain the millions/billions of dollars spent on such projects as researching pig odor in Iowa, tattoo removal for gang members in Los Angeles; Polynesian canoe rides in Hawaii; termite research in New Orleans; and the study of grape genetics in New York. Now all these problems may be major issues for the people in these states, but why do I, a Texan, have to pay for it? If they are really critical issues, then let those states take care of it. It is certainly not a federal issue. However, these politicians can garner votes by passing bills that spend this kind of money. So there you go. The solution to the problem is obvious, but we don't have the political will or the character to make the right decisions.
The present administration continues to make excuses about what a bad situation they inherited when they entered office. Certainly, there were problems, but these problems then and now are no where near as severe as during the Carter administration. It seems that people have forgotten that time. I remember waiting in long lines at the gas station and wondering if I would have enough gas to get to work. Inflation was at 13.5%. I was afraid to look at what prices had shot up to each time I went to the grocery store. Unemployment was over 7% and interest rates were at 21%. Try to sell a house under those conditions. I was stuck with two house payments for several years.
When Reagan came into office, he cut taxes and unleashed the power of free enterprise. Surprisingly to some, federal revenue increased dramatically, and all these economic indicators began to decline. In contrast the present administration has decided to pour trillions of dollars into the economy (Keynesian economics) raising the national debt to levels never imagined before. I can't even remember hearing the word "trillions" being used to describe government spending until just recently. Now it seems common place. Even though we have burned through over a trillion dollars without effect, the only solution offered by the so called economic "experts" that the current administration is relying on is to spend more money. Will the madness ever stop?
Solutions reached by the so called "experts" will not fit every nation and would probably be counter productive to economic growth in our country. Each country needs to face up to its own responsibilities and resolve its unique problems.
In conclusion, global cooperation is desirable. Global interference and enforcement is not. The United States can set the example by balancing the federal budget, reducing deficits, and creating a sound fiscal policy. The solution is easy, but I don't see Democratic or Republican politicians who are willing to take a stand and do what is necessary to correct the problem. Every now and then you will find a politician like Chris Christie in New Jersey who will have the courage to say and do what is necessary. (Keep your eye on what happens in that state.) However, such politicians are few and far between.
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