Changing Of The Guard

Most fair-minded Americans would now agree that the policies of the Obama Administration and, to a lesser extent, those of the second half of the Bush Administration, have been detrimental to the U.S. economy. The Keynesian theory that vast amounts of public spending can cure a faltering economy has been proven false and must be abandoned in order to resuscitate an asphyxiated U.S. dollar. A weak national currency, coupled with antipathy toward free-trade and an apparent malice toward the American private sector, has emerged as the cornerstone of American fiscal policy. The effects of these polices thus far: A 10% rate of unemployment, economic growth that is feeble at best, an unprecedented national debt and a general lack of public confidence in the competence of big government. With each passing day, the negative effects of these policies serve to further entrench the U.S. economy into a state of mediocrity. Recent statements made by President Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner indicate a willingness to accept this mediocrity and to abandon the 235 year tradition of American exceptionalism. I, for one, refuse to accept this abandonment and I fervently pray that the upcoming Congress of 2011 will fill the void of American leadership that we are presently experiencing.

Three things must happen to reignite the American economy. It will take courage, conviction and strong leadership from both political parties to achieve this, but it is certainly within our grasp. The strength of the U.S. dollar must be reasserted, free and open trade must be initiated and the federal government must ease its grip on the American private sector. Though the methods of implementing these goals are open to debate, surely some common ground can be found. As we seek to develop new plans of reform that will permanently strengthen our nation, these three initiatives should be our legislature’s paramount goal in the aftermath of this year’s midterm elections.

1. Cut Spending: A 10% cut on all government spending, with the exception of defense and national emergencies, would instantly increase the strength of the U.S. dollar. Fiscal discipline, though a tough pill to swallow, is one that the American people are now willing to accept. In addition to adding value to the dollar, these spending cuts would help diminish our massive national debt and curb the increasing scope and power of our federal government.

2. Secure Free And Open Trade: American allies such as Colombia and South Korea have been trying for years to procure lasting trade agreements with the United States. Opening American markets to these emerging economic nations is a win/win situation for our country. Not only would this greatly benefit the American economy with an influx of new commercial opportunities, but it would also serve to further strengthen our military ties with these strategically significant nations.

3. Private Sector Growth: It is imperative that Congress pass new laws to release the American private sector from the chains of big government. Permanent corporate, investment and individual tax-cuts are surely the best incentives for American businesses to reestablish their ties to the U.S. market. Although a government run economy may serve to temporarily reduce the pressure on a small contingent of the population, it cannot create new wealth. Wealth and job creation are precisely what America presently needs. This can only be achieved, in a lasting and meaningful way, by the efforts of the private sector.

Just as it took two administrations and two political parties to place the American economy on its current path toward destruction, so now will it take new and virtuous leadership from both sides of the political aisle to reverse it. The greatest strength of America’s national character is in its ability to abruptly change course when necessary. We are a resilient people who recognize bad policies when we see them. Rival party factions and personal loyalties may sometimes cloud our judgment but, in the end, we all seek the same goal for our nation. Each generation of Americans feels an obligation to secure prosperity for its successors. This is a continuous cycle, uniquely American in character, and a testament to our exceptionalism. Though there are some in high office who disagree with this concept of inherent national exceptionalism, their views do not represent the majority of Americans. Most of us know that it is not too late for our country; that our best days are still ahead of us; that we remain the greatest and most benevolent nation ever to inhabit the Earth. To continue this greatness and to further improve the condition of humankind, a change in our present course will be required.

This November, a changing of the guard is necessary to implement the economic policies that will put us back on the track toward prosperity. New leaders must be elected who will place the needs of our nation above party loyalties and political high jinks. America needs to change the current course that is leading us toward a permanent state of mediocrity. The implementation of free-trade, deficit reduction and economic growth is the perfect place to start.


Jeremy Pitcoff
Smithtown Republican Committeeman