America can be fixed

I thought I'd add another take to a collection of opinions posted at Life's Journey -- one of which deals directly with asking the question of whether America has outlived its usefulness.

I won't go as far as to say that America has outlived its usefulness but I will say that, as a country, we are far less significant in the global economy than we were just thirty years ago.

Beginning in the 1970s we lost our technological might to Japan and South Korea. By the time that decade came to a close it was painfully obvious (after the oil shortages especially) that we were dependant on other far more volatile regions for the bulk of our energy supply (crude oil). In the 1980s the technology exportation continued as Japan and other nations flexed their muscle and proved that foreign nations could produce technological goods far more efficiently and affordably than in the good ole' U.S.A.. The 80s also proved that not even institutions such as the American automobile were safe as relative newcomes such as Honda and Toyota began to land in the marketplace.

While the tide may have turned briefly in the 1990s as America seemed to lead the dot-com boom, we also shot ourselves squarely in the foot by having no means of profit to sustain it. Although it did do one thing, the tech boom within our borders provided the knowhow and infrastructure to work from virtually anywhere. That mis-step led to the mass outsourcing of technology jobs which were seem as the great white hope to replace the millions of lost manufacturing jobs now moving to China and India.

By the time the 21st century began, it was clear that almost any other country, especially those in Asia, could work harder, smarter and cheaper than Americans could. Asian-owned automakers such as Honda, Toyota and smaller imports had set up manufacturing plants in our states replacing a handful of the jobs being cut by the big three automakers of Detroit fame. The technology exodus continues as you can't call a technical support phone number without it being routed through India. It seems as no jobs are safe and the solution put forth by American lawmakers is to offer some tax incentives to businesses.

I wouldn't expect many takers if America can't keep ahead of the pack in the field of education. SO maybe we have hit a valley in the course of global dominance. It's not too late to change. I am interested in getting soem additional education if it provides me with job security in what could be a growing economy if we work together but the partisan bickering is doing nothing to help.

With decisive issues such as a beleagured war in Iraq and the threat of terror with every Lite Brite on a Boston sidewalk, our nation cannot be as strong as it needs to be and I am not speaking in terms of military might. We need to focus on affordable education, affordable healthcare and job retention and creation. Property tax relief for the shrinking middle class needs attention too. Tax those with the most money. While that is a small percentage, they hold a large percentage of the wealth. It sounds harsh but they are the ones who have the most to lose, not the rest of us with far less.