If I were President of the United States (POTUS), I would make the economy my top priority. I know there are many challenges besetting our great country — the budget deficit, deteriorating infrastructure, struggling schools, immigration, climate change, medical care costs, and a growing income gap just to name a few — but they are interconnected with the economy. If we can only contrive to sustain a growing economy, there will be resources and opportunities enough to get us through, and pass on our legacy of freedom to future generations.
My economic program would begin with some tough battles to break the backs of the wealthy cartels in our society that control health care, finance, military spending, education and entitlement programs. Those five areas are bleeding us white and undermining productivity but they are defended by entrenched special interests resistant to change. Taking them all on would be a lonely job, but it must be done sooner or later. If I were the POTUS, I would throw down the gauntlet and let the chips fall where they may.
At the same time, I would use the bully pulpit of the White House to make the American people understand we are still the greatest manufacturing power in the world and that our leadership in manufacturing is key to economic growth. Manufacturing is the seedbed of innovation in an age when innovation is racing ahead at breakneck speed. Manufacturing is real world alchemy — the transmutation of base metals into wonderful things more precious than gold. It is, more than any other sector, where real wealth is created and that magical process is growing more fascinating and promising by the hour. |