It's About the Economy

 

 

Many have recited, in some form or another, James Carville's catchphrase used by the Clinton campaign - the economy, stupid.

 

Yet, even though many have echoed the phase, very few Americans know much about how the American economic system operates.  Probably no more than one in 500 Americans possess the basic level of understanding needed to vote knowledgeably and responsibly on issues of economics.  Examples of political issues that fall under the umbrella of economics include funding for education, healthcare, defense, law enforcement, unemployment insurance, Social Security, and the structure of the tax system.  Without adequate funding, any of these programs will underperform or possibly fail.

 

The group of individuals who do not understand how the American economy works, unfortunately, includes almost all of our politicians; both those at the federal and state levels of government (this includes members of the US Congress, past and present, and Presidents, past and possibly present).

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Too often many voters and politicians confuse myth with substantive knowledge.  If Americans want an economic system that works well for all citizens - then voters must elect politicians that understand the difference between myth and knowledge.  Otherwise, those elected will be part of the problem not part of the solution.