Who Wins Matters

There is both excitement and fear as we approach Election Day 2010. This column started as a pitch for gridlock, but unfortunately if we do not get the Congress to agree on a few fundamental issues our country will be at great risk in the coming decade. We must repair the housing market, stabilize tax policy and establish a security and energy policy that is good for the nation. Each of these is a monumental task in and of itself. It took several years of mismanagement to create the collapse of the housing market. Bad policy and greed in both public and private institutions lead to a collapse, which may persist for years if policy corrections and reform do not take place. It doesn't matter whether you call the required tax cuts the Bush cuts or the Obama cuts. You must stabilize tax policy so people, both individuals and businesses know what to expect. It is clear that the security and energy policies currently being tried will not lead to a more secure military situation or energy independence. These policy decisions are the most crucial for the country in the short term, although the problems will take some time to resolve. The voters will have to decide the direction they favor because each of the parties offers a different path. Over the next week or so The New Narrative will explore each of these issues. There are plenty of professional opinion makers to help the voters. What is needed is a referee. Keep watching for the discussions. It can help you figure out how to vote to satisfy your own vision and help the country at the same time.