No, I didnt suddenly become a pitchfork wielding right-wing lunatic. I dont own a handgun or an assault rifle. And I have no doubts that President Obama was born in Hawaii. But I do believe our nation is in jeopardy.
However, we dont need violence to address the issues. All we need is legislation. And its not even new legislation. Just return the U.S. to the tax structure and regulations that existed in the U.S. prior to Ronald Reagan.
Want to prevent another financial crash like the one that happened in 2008? Simply eliminate the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1994. That legislation, sponsored by a Republican-controlled Congress and signed into law by President Clinton, permitted bank holding companies to co-mingle financial institutions of deposit, investment and insurance which contributed to the collapse of our financial system last year. You might also fire those in the Federal Reserve who failed to exercise the oversight thats already within its power.
Want to eliminate the predatory tactics of the banks which issue credit cards? Simply nationalize usury laws which limit interest rates in many states. These laws were allowed to be circumvented in the 1980s by large bank holding companies.
Want to reduce our national debt? Simply return the highest marginal income tax to pre-Bush rates.
Want to rebuild the nations failing infrastructure? Return the highest marginal income tax to Eisenhower administration rates of the 1950s. After all, that was the last era when our nation made significant investments in infrastructure.
Want to bring back manufacturing jobs and diminish unemployment? Undo the relaxation of tariff laws that enabled globalization by our large corporations. In reality, globalization is just another term for exporting jobs, undermining worker benefits and wages, increasing profits and avoiding corporate taxes. (How many U.S. corporations have created a mailing address in the Bahamas or the Caymans to avoid U.S. taxes?)
Want to calm the angry rhetoric on radio and TV? Reinstate the Fairness Doctrine which existed prior to 1987. That doctrine, enforced by the FCC, required the holders of broadcast licenses to present controversial issues of public importance, and to do so in a manner that was honest, equitable and balanced. (Wouldnt you like to see Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Fox News Network and Focus on the Family try to justify their existence under those rules?)The point is most of the problems in this country arent new. Weve addressed them all before. We can do it again.