That question should be answered in his State of The Union address later this month. There is already much speculation as to what the President might say. The negative part of the speculation is that 2014 will not be a year of progress because of the congressional elections in November. That is one thing the President can't have happen and needs to put pressure on congress to make sure it does not.
This writer believes the priorities are clear. A continuation of job creation that puts the country at full employment before the end of the year. An increase in the minimum wage, the reasons are so obvious, they need not be listed. A steady increase in the average workers pay that will be sustained over a long period of time and should become a standard. There is no good reason for corporate America and executives enjoying record profits and salaries and have the average workers pay remain stagnant like it has for more than a decade.
Continue the expansion of the economy which took a healthy jump in the third quarter of last year. An expanding economy for all Americans is the best way to raise the living standards for all. That would actually reduce federal spending on food stamps and other government programs that suffer in a down economy. We know a healthy economy that works for all will accomplish those goals because it did so during the Clinton years. Change the tax code that gives tax exemtions, loopholes and other special favors to corporate America andhave everyone pay a fair share of the tax burden. The oil and gas industry and others do not need or require the billions of dollars in exemption they receive every year. Just ask Warren Buffett.
Continue to decrease the deficit spending that has started to take hold now and have the federal government balance its budgets like the Clinton administration did. The President needs to keep the country from going to any unnecessary wars, especially in the middle east and end the war in Afghanistan this year like he said he would do. The President should use what ever executive powers he has to do what has to be done for the good of the country if republicans in congress continue to pursue their position of wanting to see the President, the country and the people fail. Reform the immigration system.
Keep our military prepared and strong. The U.S. still is the most powerful country in the world and we are able to protect our national interest any time or place where it is being challenged without occupying other countries. Continue to monitor the ACA and change what is and what is not working because it is a necessary piece of legislation for the country. Strengthen Social Security and Medicare if necessary. Those two programs have proved to be worthwhile for many good reasons. Social Security pays for itself and does not contribute one penny to the deficit. The cost of Medicare has been coming down for several years and its administrative cost is less than the administrative cost of private insurance companies.
The above priorities can be accomplished with leadership, courage and character and a willingness to move the country forward for the benefit of the people.
This commentary written by John Lucia
