We've heard the promises being offered by the incoming administration. They run the gamut from grids and infrastructure, jobs and Gitmo. Granted, these are important issues.
But so far, none of what are commonly referred to as third rail issues are being openly discussed other than possibly health care. I doubt some of the issues below would ever be given the light of day in any committee.
But it's fun to list them out, these wishes for a New Year.
• Time once and for all to put an end to the massive military industrial complex. We need only what's neccessary for home defense and a well equipped Coast Guard.
• Remove the cap on Social Security and self employment contributions, currently at 90K. This ends any discussions concerning insolvency now or in the future.
• Enact single payer health insurance through Medicare expansion.
. Correct the 14th Amendment to abolish corporate personhood and enact legislation to return strict oversight to the people as originally envisioned by the Founding Fathers.
• End the War on Drugs.
• Revisit free trade treaties and revise same. Require a value added tax to offset low foreign wages and require all imported items and materials be manufactured in a safe, humane and environmentally responsible manner, as originally proposed but never enforced in the agreements.
• Remove bailout money from institutions that are hoarding instead of lending. No further cash infusions to the FIRE sector. It is better to invest carefully at the street level to help local institutions and economies.
• Eliminate tax exempt status from religious institutions.
• Gradually implement gasoline rationing to discourage acquisition and use of low MPG vehicles.
• We need fundamental changes in laws that enhance the public’s ability to swiftly recall elected representatives from local commissioners to presidents. Also, elections need be publicly financed with no private contributions from any source. No elections need start prior to 90 days before voting, said voting moved from Tuesday to Saturday/ Sunday.
• Increase accuracy of E-Verify and require it’s usage in all employment scenarios.