In late 2017, effective January 1, 2018, the Trump administration won its largest legislative victory to date with the passing of the GOP Tax Bill. The effective corporate tax rate was cut from 35% to 21% to increase global competitiveness. And the federal income tax rate was reduced for millions of Americans. On an individual micro level, most Americans have just seen their net income slightly rise for the foreseeable future. As the paychecks roll in, I have seen a large shift in the support for President Trump and his political agenda. In several conversations I have had this week issues such as social justice, immigration, and healthcare have been set aside in a dismissive manner. Now that individuals are seeing that extra 100 bucks a month they have become subdued, passive, tamed, and calm. Is it that easy to buy our consciousness?
To progress as a nation, and as a people, we must look past the dollars and cents. Our nation is not a business, the federal government is not benchmarked by EBITDA or net profit margin. The government is for the people and by the people. Our benchmarks should be related to measures such as: Equal opportunity for all, education for all, poverty alleviation, cultural diversity, and cultural solidarity.
Economic policy is important, our solidarity measures rely on being globally competitive and building a better infrastructure. They are necessary actions, but do not let those policies overshadow the social issues of the day. We have collectively taken several steps back in race relations, immigration attitudes and foreign policy.
Do not forget what the globe has seen, actions do not lie. There were good people on both sides of a white supremacist march in Charlottesville. Immigrants seeking a better life in our country should stay in their S***hole countries. Our free press has become fake news. Mexican immigrants have been generalized as criminals and rapists. Our President has retweeted videos of a British white nationalist group. The list goes on.
Action Request:
We must work tirelessly to stay together and move forward, collectively and inclusively, it is not going to be convenient and it will take courage from the masses.