A Few Leaks and How to Fix Them

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know our nation is facing an economic crisis which affects not only every American, but markets all over the world. There is a sense of urgency in the air, and people are crying out for help. Sadly, there are too many people in our great nation who believe it is the government’s responsibility to fix every malady and problem we face. That is known as socialism or big government.

One of the presidential candidates wants more governmental intervention than we have now, and that leads toward socialism. In my opinion, there’s too much government in the lives of ordinary citizens now and we should begin a move to downsize immediately. I am not advocating doing away with government, just having less of it.

There are several measures we could enact right away that would take quite a financial strain off the American taxpayer. This is not an all-inclusive list, it’s just something my wife and I have been discussing for a long time. Perhaps you could add items to the list, too.

First, pay members of congress and senate what they are worth. I am not trying to be flippant here, just making an observation. I have always contended salaries of those who serve (themselves, mostly) in the congress and senate are greatly overpaid. My view comes from the years I spent in the military. It is difficult to imagine the soldier who defends this great nation, sometimes with the ultimate sacrifice, being paid far less than what is deserved, while members of the house and senate receive their inflated salaries and benefits.

According to the Sioux City Journal, a rank and file member of congress has an annual salary of $169,300, the speaker of the house gets paid $217,400. The house majority and minority leaders have a salary of $188,100. The article suggested life as members of congress wasn’t that great in comparison to some small business operations. Let me just lay this out for anyone to read: members of congress are way overpaid for what they do. Add the many perks to their salary, and you get an idea why so many choose public service.

Secondly, fix the “anchor baby” problem. America is the greatest nation on earth, and one of the reasons is because we extend a helping hand to those in need all over the world. Here’s a video that explains the problem, but so far, a solution to this growing problem has yet to be enacted.

I am not trying to be mean or un-Christ like, but I do advocate becoming a citizen of this great nation in the correct manner. Apply for citizenship and wait your turn. The 14th Amendment wasn’t enacted in order to fill this nation with so many babies until it puts untold strain on an already ailing economy. An article from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) suggests a problem that continues to add an increased tax burden on American citizens.

Perhaps we could enact policies which could alleviate some of the excessive burden on nation’s economy. Allow a baby to become a citizen if the parents have already applied for citizenship and are well on their way to realizing that dream. I have no problem with decent people wanting to become citizens of this great nation; my family came from elsewhere a long time ago. However, scores of people skirt our laws, and we are left holding the bill.

One more big leak is the area of energy. We are far too dependent on foreign oil. Congress recently passed legislation which is supposed to give oil companies the ability to drill for more oil. Well, the bill was just for show, and doesn’t allow drilling in the areas that hold the most potential for obtaining great amounts of oil. There are more details here. We need alternative energy, and need it NOW. Many in congress and the senate have fought against measures that would ensure energy independence for many years. Why?

It will take more to fix our economic woes that what has been written here, but if we find ways to enact some of the ideas suggested here, I’m certain it will help ease some of the burden on average taxpayers. For another perspective, look at my article Economic Crisis: We Need God. What are your thoughts?