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We have serious problems to solve.  At this moment deciding who is to blame for them is less important than deciding how to solve them.  Campaigns are built on ideals and theories.  Only when candidates confront the complexity of the real issues do we see how well the theories will hold up.  No battle plan survives contact with the enemy.  In order to proceed forward we will have to step in to the mine fields. 

Whether you are a Republican or Democrat or Other… these are only labels.  The steps we take will be as a nation—a nation that is a member of the world.  While we may have great influence on the world we do not speak for the world.  On both the domestic and the international stage we must go forward humbly.  We must be prepared to question common convention.  We must be ready to consider that an opposing view may yet lead us to the same goals.  We must not fall back on tired excuses.  We must not get hung up on differing labels.  Solutions that work while not compromising our values are correct regardless of what we call them.

The ideals of our country have not changed although I would say we have not considered them often in the last 8 years.  I refuse to believe that our nation was founded to cater to elite rich and international corporate interest while at the same time ignoring the welfare of every human being below a certain balance sheet value.  The notion that if you let the super-rich get richer, then this will make middle and lower income household better is not proving to be true.  The accusation that “lazy Americans” are to blame is only partially true.  Americans are responsible for America, but I don’t know any lazy ones.  The vast majority of Americans I know work really hard with both spouses trying to put in 40+ hour weeks. They work hard trying to afford homes, health care, day care, insurance, taxes, and retirement.  While at the same time the corporations they work for, pay less salary, reduce health care, penalize (mostly women) for child care demands, steal retirement funds, and avoid taxes at every opportunity.  The Executives that run these corporations are often paid 300% more than average employees, receive perks valued at millions of dollars, never want for health care or child care, and are often paid huge bonuses even when their employees face lay offs.  If we implement a few policies to curb unchecked greed and allow working families to establish homes, receive health care, provide for their children, and save for their own retirement, then I think we will have made some vast improvements. 

People desire to live well and do well for their children, but I think most folks would also see the same opportunities given to all people.  I think America can deliver that.  I think by doing this well we will see prosperity grow and expand naturally.  International influence will spread by example rather than by force of policy.  But know that your neighbors and fellow citizens would see you do well.