The Time is Now to Solve Problems

In the last half a century or more that I’ve been interested in the political process, I have never witnessed a nation that is more fractured in its approach to solving the nation’s problems on both sides of the aisle. Some are more interested in burning the house down than dealing with the fire raging in the hallways.

This problem exists not only on the national level but also on the state and local levels. We seem more interested in posturing for the two-minute sound bites for the evening news than addressing the root causes of our nation, state, and local problems.

On the national side, we have a nation drowning in debt. By the end of 2023, the total debt will stand at a staggering $32.69 trillion. For fiscal 2023 alone, it is estimated that the Federal Government will outspend revenues by $1.5 trillion for the fiscal year, which demonstrates an insatiable appetite for spending. 

We have now reached a point wherein we’ve maxed the nations’ limit on how much the government may borrow. That thirst for borrowing has resulted in the Fed’s desire to tame inflation by raising interest rates to slow inflationary pressures on the nation’s economy, causing consumers to be hurt at every turn of the economy, from the grocery stores, building materials, buying clothing for their children and every other item or services they may desire.

Neither side seems ready to come to the table with sound plans for dealing with the issues concerning the reining of spending to deal with the debt ceiling issues in an effort to come up with a long-term solution to the problem, which is long overdue.

Couple these issues with the surging border crisis, international issues which threaten our nation’s long-term security, the need to address a struggling infrastructure system that needs a major overhaul from roadways and bridges to our railway systems, and the ability to reach energy independence once again.

It also appears that our Department of Justice must come under a serious review to deal with the possible politicization of what should be a department that is totally above politics at all levels to ensure it can operate without undue influence from politicians at all levels of government.

On the state level, we must deal with issues that may cripple our ability to maintain our stellar economic performance over the last several years under the guidance of former Governor Rick Scott and initially continued by present-day Governor Ron DeSantis. Governor DeSantis must determine whether he wants to govern this great state or run for President. 

Don’t get me wrong - I support the Governor - but I want the man I just elected six months ago to do the job we elected him to do, for his leadership capabilities are sorely needed here.

The State faces a number of serious challenges which should deserve the Governor’s unwavering commitment. One of the most important deals with the looming flood insurance debacle that is being brought on from the Federal level. The governor must have a hands-on approach to bringing all parties together before many in this state face a disastrous outcome.

The Governor must also deal with the crisis of state interference with the “home-rule” issue or face the possible loss of faith by those who have found his leadership to be of a positive nature. Communities are finding the legislative branch of government in Tallahassee to have too much influence being wielded by special interests. This interference and the usurping of local rule is being all too often demonstrated by Tallahassee, and it must end.

Here on the local level, our streets and sidewalks have seen an explosion of electric-operated bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and other low-speed vehicles during this last year on the island. Two serious accidents have occurred, one just off the island, which involved a fatality.

Some states, such as South Carolina, have allowed local municipalities to enact their own limitations on what vehicle can be operated on their streets and sidewalks, should they deem it appropriate as part of regulating low-speed vehicles. It would be interesting to see if that might be enacted here in Florida if problems continue to escalate.

It is only a matter of time before more serious injuries or deaths will result in the abuse of these vehicles or devices, and it would be a proactive approach to see what additional enforcement measures could be put in place before the season is once again upon us.