Most people as they approach the New Year are usually hopeful of having new and improved opportunities as the year dawns. I agree this is desirable, but I cannot help but have some serious doubts and questions as it approaches us. This basically contradicts my usual outlook which is generally a positive one.
I shall list potential problems and concerns of mine in no particular order of importance and I ask that you look the list over and determine what concerns each of you the most. If possible, take a few minutes and select the top three or four that you feel are the most important.
Here is the list:
• Isis – how do you think we should confront to be most effective in both Iraq and Syria? Will we?
• If Putin become more aggressive in Ukraine or other areas, what will we do? What do you think we should do?
• What measures do you think can Congress and Obama agree on that will be most effective in helping the middle class to improve their financial circumstances?
• Will our country become independent with oil and natural gas in 2015? What needs to be accomplished to achieve both safe exploration and utilization?
• Do you think our government will prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power? What do you think the consequences will be if Iran becomes nuclear?
• Education is a very significant factor in the stability of our nation. How do you feel about Common Core? What is your opinion in regards to charter schools? Do you believe we should expand the number and quality of tech schools?
• How important do you think it is for Congress and the President to revise the income tax code?
• How do you think our government should respond to cyber terrorism by other governments? Will we?
• Are you concerned about restrictive new regulations by the EPA in regards to our utilization of clean coal and other fossil fuels? If allowed to stay in effect, how much do you think our utility bills will increase?
• What do think it will take to develop significantly improved racial relations? Do you believe racial discord has been fanned by the President, the Attorney General, or by the President’s representative, Al Sharpton?
• How do you think that the United States will be affected, if China and Russia in collaborative effort are successful in replacing the dollar as the reserve currency of the world?
• Do you favor the revision of the Affordable Care Act or do you favor its repeal? Are you in favor of this legislation and if so, why? Do you think it is cost effective?
• Do you favor or disapprove of establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba without gaining any conditions of change within the government of Cuba or in its policies? Do you favor establishing an embassy in Cuba?
• As you are aware our national debt is approximately 18 trillion dollars which is an enormous figure. However, I ask you to consider that our unfunded of Social Security and Medicare are approximately 127 trillion dollars. If we do not face up to this unsustainable situation our economy will fail. In your opinion what should we do and when should this action begin?
• What leadership qualities do you feel are the most important for 2016 presidential candidates to have? What candidates do you favor and why?
I trust that most will have choices that they feel are important to you. I ask that you state your comments after this article or in a letter to the editor.
Dolcater of Rockport is a member of a group of concerned Midcoast citizens who meet to discuss issues of public interest. Their weekly column has been awarded by the Maine Press Association.
