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When Donald Trump was elected President in November of last year, I wrote a newsletter entitled “America’s Second Original Sin” (see here). I believed then and still do that his electoral victory was due to the failure of both political parties to address the real problems of those left behind by the global forces of economic, climate, and technology transformations of the current era. We have not adequately helped the displaced coal miners and other occupations, or the towns decimated by closures of small manufacturing plants and small farming. Since 1970, the real wages of perhaps 80% of Americans have stagnated or declined while the wages of the 20%, America’s professional class, have risen, often dramatically. To many, this is clear evidence that the 20% do not care about the welfare of the 80% who are left behind. Along came an autocrat, a master of promotion and of manipulating the grievances of the 80%. He convinced enough of the discouraged (and angry!) Americans that he would make it right, that he would “Make America Great Again.” He blamed everyone he could for the anxieties and fears of the 80%—the Democrats, the elites, the media, the universities, the judges, woke corporations, and eventually anyone who opposed him personally. In truth, he cared for no one but himself, only for his own wealth and image. He favored the top 1% of the 20% and certainly not the 80%. Instead of reversing the policies that left the 80% behind for the past 75 years, he used his power to enrich himself and the 20% even further. He covered up that reality with a brilliant manipulation of the facts to convince many he was on their side. I observed in that same newsletter one year ago that there would come a time—perhaps early in his administration, perhaps late—where enough of the 80% would realize he really did not care about them. At that moment, I argued, we needed to be ready to advance a Vision for the future of America that articulated core values that could appeal to all Americans, to the 100%. Well, that time has come. We need that Vision now. There is accumulating public evidence that Trump does not care for the 80%, that he cares only for himself and the 1% who can enrich him and keep him in power. It is not only his economic policies, but also his attempt to subvert the checks and balances of government that have protected all Americans that are at stake. If there is some truth in the contention that the elites have dominated government and the economy for the past generation, there is even more evidence today that Trump and a small slice of the wealthiest are making their vision a reality—a vision of an autocratic government run for the benefit of the wealthy, the white, and the male citizens. Trump’s vision is strongly challenged in many parts of the U.S. today and in many demographic groups. A growing number of moderate Republicans are motivated to defend our country from the autocrats and “the billionaires” who are in turn trying to drive them from the party. Democrats are universally vilified—and divided—and are as yet unable to settle on an alternative vision for America’s future. It falls to all of us to accelerate the creation of that Vision. There are isolated Republicans, Democrats and Independents engaged in this work, but they need our support and creativity. With this newsletter, I propose we discuss elements of a vision that will appeal to and serve the vast majority of Americans. We will never win over the diehard autocrats, of course, nor those who believe minorities, immigrants, or women are not entitled to a say in America’s future. There will always be a small group who will only be satisfied with a white, male, Christian society that gives political power and influence only to the wealthy and landowners. But the majority of Americans are thirsty for a robust Vision that embodies true American values. Here are five elements of what I think can constitute that Vision for America’s future. Embedded are ethical values and principles that can actually make America great. I invite you to elaborate, edit, or discard pieces of this vision to articulate your own. But we have to reach enough of a consensus soon if we are to reverse the tide toward autocracy and threats to our democracy. Element One: America First – But a Generous America Engaged with the World The Principle: There is no ethical fault in advocating for one’s own interest—if it is combined with a degree of concern and compassion for everyone in the world. That is the responsibility of every nation that seeks to be a member of the community of nations. How Much Generosity: Our concern for Americans must be balanced with a generosity that commits some percentage of our national wealth for others in need around the world. U.S. foreign aid before the Trump era was usually in the range of .5% to 1% of GDP. That modest sum alleviated much poverty and won America friends and supporters globally. This foreign aid should be restored and its delivery made more effective and efficient. Controlled Borders: Compassionate policies toward refugees and other immigrants are historical commitments and American values. We still need controlled borders and global policies that ensure that the burden of refugee aid does not fall on one or two countries. Compassion also requires a way of regularizing past immigrants without documents in ways that do not rip apart families and expose refugee applicants to violence in their home countries. (I consider Trump’s order to Republicans to sink the well-crafted bipartisan immigration bill in 2024 to be one of his gravest sins.)
Element Two: Respect for the Rights of All Americans Right to Participation in Policy Formation: It is critical that every American feels they can, and are encouraged to, participate in the formulation of public laws and policies. Transparency in government is the handmaiden of participation. Both dispel the feeling of exclusion and victimization. Participation is messy but must be welcomed at all levels of government, from library boards to Presidential decisions. Voting Rights: The spectacle of voter suppression, particularly in partisan gerrymandering and state election policies that limit voting by targeted groups, is abhorrent to American values. These must be prohibited. Human Rights for All Americans: After a generation of progress in providing opportunity for racial minorities and women in the American economy and society, our national commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has been attacked and weakened. This must be reversed.
Element Three: Economic Opportunity for All Americans Rural Economic Development: Of all divides exploited by President Trump, the belief that the elites only care about the big cities and disdain “fly over country” is the most pernicious. The concerns of coal miners, small farmers and manufacturers, and hollowed-out towns must be a national priority. Fair Taxation: Recent tax policies and procedures have favored the 1% more than ever in American history. A balance must be restored, restoring higher tax rates for the wealthy. Tax enforcement must be restored; lax enforcement has let vast numbers of the wealthy cheat the system because no one is watching. Direct Aid: It is a reality that not everyone can make enough money to feed their families. Direct aid in the form of SNAP benefits, income assistance, and free education are essential to equal opportunity for all Americans. Emergency and Disaster Aid: Americans have always rallied to help those who suffer disasters. Robust federal disaster aid that doesn’t rely on the fiscal strength of one’s state government should be available to all. A Climate Awareness: A sustainable economy will rely on acknowledging climate change and preparing for it, even heading off some of its impacts if possible. The federal government must take the lead in this economic concern.
Element Four: National Commitment to Medical Care and Retirement Support for All Basic Medical Care should be available to all Americans: Government programs of medical insurance and medical aid for the poor are needed to accomplish this. They must be supported. Retirement Security should be available to all Americans: A strong and solvent Social Security System is essential to this goal, as are welfare programs for indigent elderly.
Element Five: Commitment to National Security and Domestic Crime Control Robust National Security Capability: A strong military and enlightened national security policies should protect all Americans. Strong and Effective Domestic Policing: Well-trained and well-equipped local police are essential to domestic safety and security. Adequate funding and policies informed by the latest research are essential.
The list above is but a start on articulating a Vision for America’s future. Creating such a vision requires us to show how our values need to inform every aspect of our lives as Americans, as well as defining a political platform to move us beyond the Trump era. I don’t know what the tagline for this new Vision. The New Deal and the Fair Deal have already been used in American history. But the invocation must be as powerful as Make America Great Again. Perhaps you have an idea. I invite you to suggest a tagline and other values and elements not mentioned above. I will share your ideas with my readership if you will respond to this email. And I hope you will advocate for the robust Vision that must emerge in the year or so ahead.
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