- A list for improving America.
The "Ten Most Wanted" list was a brainchild of former FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover, as a means to solicit the public's assistance in capturing the hardened criminals of the day. Over the years, it has proven to be an effective means for assisting in the apprehension of such desperatos. I still check the list from time to time to see who is on it. I have also noticed many magazine articles today are developing a list of top tips, tricks, or celebrities doing this or that.
Recently, I started to consider another type of "10 Most Wanted" list, something also requiring the public's assistance, but a list of those items to make this country great again. Some items are aimed at our government, others at our culture. Here then is my...
"10 Most Wanted List for improving America"
10. Balance the Budget - the notion our country cannot operate within its own means is mind-boggling. A balanced budget would greatly facilitate cutting the deficit through spending reductions and make us less dependent on outsiders. Some believe our government is too big and complex to implement such a budget. If so, perhaps it is time to reduce our size and complexity.
9. Create a responsible press - it has been a long time since we have referred to the mainstream media as "fair and balanced." Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the purpose of the "fourth estate" was to track government, regardless of party, and protect the interests of the people, not those in charge.
8. Immigration - What we are currently witnessing is nothing less than an invasion by outsiders. The floodgates need to be closed at our borders, even if this means using the National Guard. It is simple math, regardless of our compassion, we cannot afford to take care of everyone. Heck, we have trouble taking care of our own people.
7. Energy Independence - foreign energy has cost America greatly, both in terms of lives and expenses. We have the resources and technology to become independent, but not the will. This item alone would put the country back to work and return us to a leadership role in the world.
6. Taxes - a fair and equitable form of income tax is long overdue. A reduction of our business taxes would also stimulate business and make us more competitive, not to mention returning jobs back home.
5. Improved economy - a smaller and less intrusive government would greatly improve our GDP, and reduce the welfare state by putting more people back to work.
4. The truth - some call it "transparency," I call it the truth. Yes, I would like to know what honestly happened at the IRS, the VA, at Benghazi, Fast & Furious, the Associated Press, etc. I would like to see this investigated quickly and properly, take corrective action, and move along. I am not one for wallowing in messes. Let's clean it up and restore the credibility and trust in our government.
3. Society - I would like to see a society where the individual is encouraged to develop an entrepreneurial attitude, take risks, and be amply rewarded for taking them. I would like to see less government barriers, and more breaks to help in this regards.
2. Peace - although my generation missed WW2, I have only known us to be at peace for a handful of years. It would be nice to know a world at peace, but there are too many forces at work who will not allow us to have it. If we are to remain the policeman of the world, I would like to see the world community pay their fair share.
1. Morality - some simple morality could go a long way to improving our quality of life, such as honesty, integrity, accountability, responsibility, courtesy, respect, citizenship and a little patriotism. A little pride in ourselves and our profession (e.g., craftsmanship), would certainly be a welcome change.
Obviously there are many other things I would like to see implemented, but these represent my "Top 10." Some people would say I am being naive about these items, that none of them are possible. Maybe so, but I would like to see us try. Even the FBI doesn't catch their Top 10 all of the time, but they never give up. Neither should we.
Keep the Faith!
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Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
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Copyright © 2014 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
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