Economic Conditions

Current economic conditions are a cause for concern in American and also for the world in general. The gap between wealthy individuals and poor individuals is growing as the middle class disappears. The cost of basic living necessities is increasing at a drastic pace and creating severe strain on the average citizen. The oil industry continues to enjoy outrageous profits with the consumer paying the outrageous price and this high cost creates a rollover effect into all items associated with that fuel cost. The value of the U.S. dollar continues to decline adding to the problem. The housing and credit crisis continues and will do so for an undetermined period of time. The healthcare system is long overdue for change in order to be cost effective. Crime appears to be out of control in many locations. There are many areas/problems that need to be addressed in an effort to create a more desirable society.
I recently viewed a PBS program concerning Sweden and conditions in that country. They appear to have an excellent healthcare system, excellent system to assist the unemployed, protection for the lower class, and a smaller gap between the wealthy and poor. The taxes are higher in order to cover certain aspects of their society. Maybe the American political establishment should study and utilize aspects of their programs. Taxes do not necessarily need to be higher in order to address these issues. The American citizen is burdened with too many taxes now and a majority of the spending waste could be eliminated. Government is too large with too many overpaid and under-utilized employees. This goes for federal, state, and local government. The salaries have increased to levels that are ridiculous and out of line. This has lead to pensions that are way out of line when compared to the average American taxpayer’s retirement, especially the ones depending only on social security. Government employees spend taxpayers’ dollars with no concern for the consequences and apparently no oversight. Take the time to read reports by Citizens Against Government Waste. The time has arrived to operate government in a responsible manner and for the benefit of the public it is meant to serve and not special interest and government employees.