November 12-2005:
Foreword:
The traditional mindset of Americans for the continuation and preference for two major political parties, has been a major contribution, that influences the types of choices voters make in every election. And these choices have not been able, to truly reflect rational decisions at election time.
What we have in American politics currently, is the inability to rationalize policies, ideas, and issues, that truly reflect what most Americans, of both political persuasions truly believe and want. Because of strong traditional ties to both parties, voters are somewhat pressured to do the wrong things sometimes, in order not to appear as betrayers of their family's political ties and affiliations. And this primarily has been the reason, why the wrong candidates get nominated or elected to office generally.
The Republican Party is divided into several niches, but they seem to be able to portray to the American people, as a united camp, whenever the hard core Republican Values are challenged or promoted!
The Democrats on the other hand, are also divided into several camps, but seems not to be able to portray unity of ideas, policies, or hard core values currently. And this has caused them dearly in votes at election time. The recent Presidential, and several State Governor's elections validate these claims.
SOLUTIONS:
* The Democrats have got to come up with New Ideas, Fresh Young Candidates, with ideas that will appeal to the new and younger electorate emerging.
* Traditional voters are dis-illusioned with current politics, and have not been voting in the numbers hitherto deemed necessary for victory.
* Democrats currently must realize that the demographics in New York State & other Big Cities, have changed dramatically, and a new electorate is emerging. These are the young potential voters. Devoid of any voting history, and is ripe for political molding, and persuasion.
* How this is done is dependent upon the approach, the vision, the ideas, and the sincerity of the promoters.
Medical Care Issues:
* For decades politicians have been toying with this issue, whenever it is convenient to do so. And this is usually prior to elections. Not anymore!
* This issue must be dealt with realistically, positively, and must appear fair and just, in it's benefits to all Americans.
* Medicaid:
* Medicaid is the only insurance that reaches most of the poor and low income communities across the board. This Federal Provision must be preserved, and funds increased to match the volume of recipient's needs.
* Too many lower income and poor people are un-insured medically, and this is one of the reasons why most will not vote, because they cannot see how it will alleviate their pain.
Employment Opportunities:
* Un-employment generally is a social malady that must be addressed Federally, and Locally. Private enterprise must be held accountable for making use of the vast labor reservoir, that is so readily available. The skills, qualifications, intellect, and abilities within our borders MUST be exploited.
* Can regulations be made statutorily, to ensure that employers use local resources, before seeking them abroad? I hope so!
No excuse should be allowed to overlook these facts!
Affordable Housing:
* Affordable housing has been one of the principal demands of the working poor, the lower middle classes, and the rising homeless. This chronic plague has not been fully addressed in most states that have this phenomenon. New York City is a case in point.
* Until people are adequately, securely, and affordably housed. They will not be inclined to seek employment, take care of their health, vote at elections, access medical care when needed, or concern themselves with social issues such as Crime, Imprisonment, or National Security.
I Report-You Decide!
Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator & Advocate.
Manhattan.
New York City.
E-mail: derryck1950@verizon.net
and derryck@MyWay.com
