One person’s opinion
There are many Americans across the political spectrum who believe that America has reached a crossroad. Liberals and conservatives cannot agree on policy direction. Should we focus on humanitarian issues, or should we focus on building our economic strength and hope for the trickle-down effect that Reaganomics promised? Unfortunately, too many Americans fall into this dichotomy, failing to recognize all the room that exists between these two extremes. The most unfortunate result of the focus on this dichotomy is that the real issues that Americans face are not debated.
In 2025, with the success of the MAGA movement in gaining political control, the promises of greater opportunity, prosperity, and a return to “true” American values appear to be on the horizon for those who believe in the MAGA movement. Yet, after only one hundred days in office, the prospect of a better America seems dim. Official statistics are not totally doom and gloom. Still, many middle- and lower-class Americans have a perception of food and everyday living costs soaring. The Trump administration appears to be at odds with itself. The Secretary of Treasury and the head of DOGE are reportedly less than civil with each other. Top Pentagon officials have resigned over the way that the Secretary of Defense has handled a variety of issues. The courts are being attacked for their stand on issues that many Americans see as Constitutional guarantees. The Senate, which was established to represent the states, seems to turn a blind eye to the increasing interference of the federal government with state’s rights. It also appears that the federal government is attempting to impose the administration’s values on all Americans. Attacks on private schools, using monetary blackmail, is not in America’s interest. Cutting federal services with a “chainsaw” has not brought about savings. Rather, various agencies seem to be falling into an ineffective mire due to lack of staff. Even the polls are turning against President Trump’s handling of almost all issues except for border control. This weekend’s polls (Ipsos, ABC, Washington Post, etc.) report that 55 percent of voters do not support President Trump’s leadership.
If it were up to me, how would I go about fixing our now very dysfunctional government? I would advocate for Impeachment of President Trump. While not likely to happen given the lack of courage by Republicans in our House of Representatives, I believe the organization’s success or failure starts with the person at the top of the chain of command. In the case of President Trump, I believe he has failed to show good leadership. His picks for cabinet members showed little thought for professional competence, instead focusing on personal loyalty. His attack on the economy has been a disaster. His establishment of DOGE is a total waste of effort, which has caused serious damage to a functional government 9which arguably does need serious reform).
Since Impeachment is unlikely, and other Constitutional remedies are also out of the picture, I would suggest that the Senate start to focus on doing its job. It was created as the voice of the states, just as the House was created to be the voice of the American people. The Senate has, in my opinion, lost sight of this responsibility! Too often state governors are left with the responsibility of maintaining the state’s rights. Perhaps it is time to undo the 1913 legislation (17th Amendment) that moved the selection of state senators from the hands of the state legislature to a popular vote, in essence creating another tier of legislators who are now concerned about popular votes rather than the welfare of the states they represent.
The people’s chamber is also failing. Members of the House seem to be more focused on their parties rather than on the concerns of their voters. There was a time when representatives were picked by their neighbors and served the community. Many gave up lucrative jobs to serve. Today many representatives view the position as a job, not a service to their voters. As such, they are often focused on getting reelected to a position that guarantees a good pension after five years and access to federal medical benefits. Campaigning has become a full-time business. I would suggest that representatives serve at least three years. Salaries should be commensurate with other local business leaders. (The Current salary is $147,000.) The guarantees should be stripped away. Perhaps then representatives would serve their constituent, not monied interests and their political party.
While I have criticized our president and congress, perhaps the greatest failure has been the apathy of most Americans. Until the current situation, most Americans have not participated in governing the country that was created as a nation of “We the People.” When only 2/3 of eligible voters bother the vote in presidential elections, there is a problem. Worse yet, only 20 – 30% of eligible voters turn out for state and local elections. To aggravate this problem, most Americans are not casting an “informed” ballot. Of those that vote, many cast party ballots without careful consideration of the candidates. It takes effort to know what the issues are and where candidates stand. Complicating the issue is the problem of knowing which information is accurate! I believe American education needs to instill a sense of government responsibility in our youth. In addition, we all need to learn how to recognize “fake news” in comparison to what is factual. We need to understand what opinion is and what is news.
While that would take years before the effects are realized, we might save this democracy if enough Americans are hurt by the policies of the current administration. Americans need to take the time to learn about current government policies, the Constitution, and our history. This great nation deserves more than most have given it. All Americans need to get involved by putting pressure on their senators and representatives. Americans need to become the government of “We the People!”
Thoughts from the Middle by Robert J. Fischer 