There is not one presidential candidate that I believe understands what it requires to be a successful president of this great nation. I am tired about hearing all of the I-I-I’s. When I become president I will build a wall. When I become president I will provide free college tuition. When I become president I will be a champion for all Americans. Others claim they have balanced state budgets or they have brought thousands of jobs into their states. They all go on and on about I will do this, be this and more. It is all noise with little substance or based on past performance. Don’t tell me what you did; show me what you are going to do.
Each one of them displays narcissistic personalities. They are egotists to the nth degree. They never discuss the United States as being a democracy. They are too self-centered about themselves and want us to believe them, as individuals, will resolve all of our nation’s problems.
The US is inundated with numerous problems and issues, so it is disheartening to see the posturing and listen to the bluster they present to the public. They spend too much time criticizing each other, often sarcastically. They do not spend any time showing us how they will resolve the numerous problems and challenges this nation faces.
Keeping in mind that the US is a democracy and has been for years, I would like the presidential candidates to tell the American public how they are going to work with the senate, the congress and the numerous committees. Our current president has failed to do this.
How is the next president going to work with the many government agencies that currently exist?
What is the plan for reducing our debt? What about the immigration issues, health care, and environmental concerns?
Is the new president going to be a proponent of smaller government? Will this president propose setting term limits for senators and congressmen, and will he or she take steps to put these elected officials on the same playing field as American citizens? This means contributing their fair share to social security, following the same rules that citizens do for health care programs, and investing in their own 401k plans. What makes them more deserving than the American citizen? I can think of other discussions to address similar issues.
How is the next president going to handle the conflicts in the Middle East and address the disrespect these nations show us? How is the new president going to develop a coalition with our allies in this locale and have them foot their fair share of the costs of these conflicts? What about having them provide personnel and weapons to support these conflicts? What about the international issues with China, North Korea, and Russia?
How about simplifying the IRS tax code? There has been talk about bringing 77,000 pages to three pages. Show us.
I don’t envy our next president, but I’m afraid that she or he does not have a clue on how to resolve these issues. It scares me.
Once the primaries are over, we should place the onus on the candidates to prove to us that they have a plan that is good for the American public and keep us safe as a nation. Whoever does that will get my vote whether or not that person is a democrat or a republican.
Ron Penczak 