John F. Kennedy said “Ask now what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”
Those words seem lost to history during this election. A primary focus has become who will get the most tax breaks from which candidate.
The question I hope voters will ask is, “Who will be best for the country?” Sadly, the emphasis seems to be “Who will be best for me.”
Ultimately what is best for the country will be best for me and you; focusing on individual gains at the expense of others is a shortsighted strategy in politics just as it is in business.
Despite the changes in our economy, some fundamentals still apply: there is no free lunch–somebody pays for it. Taxes are revenues used by the government to provide collective services we can’t provide individually. Rich, poor or middle-class, everyone benefits from policies that reward effort. And yes, those who take more risks and are willing to exert more effort generally benefit more. Why wouldn’t they? And our nation should do everything we can to create opportunities for all where employment is available and pay and benefits are fair.
What disappoints me most about the current state of our culture is the undercurrent of class warfare: us against them, whoever “us” and “them” are.
How about all of “US” (Americans) for each other? Do you think that’s what JFK had in mind?
Vote, but please be informed. Vote for ability, chararcter and the future of America, not soundbytes and empty promises.
And whoever is elected, whether you voted for them or not, let’s respect the outcome of the election process and support our new leaders. This is no time for whiners or sore-losers.
And please make your voice heard after election as well: communicate your views and beliefs in a way to creates dialogue with your fellow Americans and those in a position to create change. Our responsibility isn’t over after we cast our votes. We need to hold those we elect accountable.
May God bless America again.
Mark, Excellent post! We need to look at the big picture and be informed.
Congratulations on the write-up in the Monday (Nov3) Investor’s Business Daily. I was reading it tonight (I get the eIBD that’s released in the evening) and was pleasantly surprised to see “The Encore Effect” featured in IBD’s 10 Secrets to Success on the Leaders and Success page. Keep the great information coming! -Michael
Hi Mark, I agree with Michael that this is an excellent post. I voted early this election for the candidate who I thought had the strongest commitment to the rule of law and governmental transparency and who would position America as a “first among equals” and not as a “Our way or the Highway” sort of nation. I also voted for the candidate I judged likeliest to set us firmly on the way to the post-petroleum era.
I did not vote on the basis of the economy because I believe the economy is bigger than any President’s ability to effect it. I didn’t vote for tax breaks, but I did vote taxation in the sense that I think cutting taxes while proposing to spend more isn’t a good idea. It’s like quitting your job then taking out a car loan.
Finally, I want to say that I’m in total agreement with you when you say:
“And whoever is elected, whether you voted for them or not, let’s respect the outcome of the election process and support our new leaders. This is no time for whiners or sore-losers.
And please make your voice heard after election as well: communicate your views and beliefs in a way to creates dialogue with your fellow Americans and those in a position to create change. Our responsibility isn’t over after we cast our votes. We need to hold those we elect accountable.”
Take care and God Bless.
Excellent and right on! Oh if they vast majority of American’s would read this and think!
Thanks Mark
I’ve been active in taxes for lengthier then I care to acknowledge, both on the individualized side (all my working life-time!!) and from a legal viewpoint since passing the bar and pursuing tax law. I’ve provided a lot of advice and righted a lot of wrongs, and I must say that what you’ve put up makes complete sense. Please continue the good work – the more individuals know the better they’ll be equipped to comprehend with the tax man, and that’s what it’s all about.