Tax Returns, Birth Certificates, Race and Religion

There has been a lot of talk of tax returns, birth certificates, race and religion in this campaign.  These topics have fueled the fire for both sides and have kept the candidates in the news and the negativity at an all time high.  But, honestly, does it truly matter?  I don't think so and here is why.  Our country is on the verge of a major change.  We are transitioning to being the world's super power to being in the mix somewhere.  This change is inevitable; great societies rise and fall.  We can manage the transition so that we can remain strong yet different from where we are now or we can allow ourselves to go into free fall.  Tax returns, birth certificates, race and religion are not going to help us manage the transition.  What we need are people who are  willing to work with everyone else to ensure that the majority of our citizens can continue to prosper, those who will have difficulty will be taken care of and we are well-positioned for the next 100 years to rely first on the United States then the rest of the world.

What we get when we focus on the petty, i.e. tax returns, birth certificates, etc., is an immature shouting match whose winner is the person who can say the most negative things.  It also proves that no one is willing to work with anyone else or help anyone but themselves.  Once people start helping only themselves and a few select supporters, then the idea of ensuring the majority of citizens will continue to prosper goes out the window.  A few wealthy donors to a campaign fund or a super PAC does not count as the majority of citizens.  Ensuring that those who need a helping hand receive it also goes out the window.  If a person is not willing to help the majority of people and is focused on themselves and their select friends, what hope does the single mom struggling to work two jobs and put her kids through college have?

The most important part of the conversation though, in my mind, is how to position ourselves for the next 100 years.  We know some of the challenges we will face: climate change, the cost of entitlements, conservation of our resources.  There are challenges around the corner we do not know about yet.  But if we  carefully consider what we know is coming, what the best options for handling these challenges without showing preference and start implementing them now, we will be in a better position for the unexpected storms.  To do this is going to require bold stands, the courage of conviction, a broad focus on a bigger picture and the maturity to put others first.

Nowhere did I mention tax returns, birth certificates, race or religion.