Although, at the time of this writing, the certified pragmatic88 of yesterday’s Senatorial elections, in Georgia, aren’t final, one of the contests, was called, for the Democratic candidate (over the Republican incumbent), and, in the other, with, approximately, 98% of the vote, counted, the Democrat holds a narrow lead, and, if, in – fact, this becomes the final result, it may become one of the most significant election days, in recent memory. At stake, is the control of the United States Senate, because, if these results, hold, the balance on that body, becomes, evenly split (at 50 – 50), which would mean, the incoming, Vice President would cast any deciding vote, and, the existing, Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, would become Minority Leader, and the Democrats would select/ elect, their person, to serve, in that position. This was a very emotional campaign, and, everyone, from President Trump, and Vice President Pence, to President – Elect Biden, and Vice President Harris, campaigned, in the state. If, the new President, and both houses of Congress, are held (even, narrowly) by the same party, the potential to make significant changes, becomes considerably enhanced. However, especially, when the margin, is so narrow, the smartest approach is probably, to proceed, with pragmatism, and wisely, focusing on bread – and – butter/ bread – basket programs, such as jobs, employment, health care, public health, well – being, and safety, etc, rather than divisive, polarizing ones. With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly consider, examine, review, and discuss, 5 pragmatic ways, to change America, for the better.
1. Seek to unify: Many believe, we have just, experienced, the most divisive, polarizing period, in recent memory. We need sane leadership, which seeks to unify, serve everyone (not only their supporters), exhibit clarity, and integrity, and attempt to bring about, a meeting – of – the – minds, for the greater good! Therefore, wouldn’t it make sense, to prioritize, unifying, not merely by rhetoric, but by focusing on those programs, which matter most, such as economic, health, public health, clean air and water, climate, and the perception of a greater degree of fairness, for all?
2. Emphasize bread – basket issues: The smart, pragmatic way, to begin, is to begin, initially, to prioritize so – called, bread – basket issues. These include: jobs; education; housing; cost of living; health care (for all), etc.
3. Affordable quality health care: Should affordable, quality, health care, be a right, or perceived, and conceived, as a privilege? Especially, after this horrific pandemic, when polls and surveys, demonstrate, the majority, believes we need a better, more responsive system, isn’t this the perfect opportunity to make some meaningful changes, for the better?
4. Make tax system fairer: We have witnessed, a period, in the last decade, or so, when the income – gap, between the wealthiest, and the rest of society, has signficantly widened, and there is the largest gap, in recent times, at this period of time. The so – called, tax reform legislation, enacted, at the end of 2017, favored the wealthiest, over others. It also, harmed, those living in states, where there are higher, state and local taxes. Shouldn’t creating a system, perceived as being fairer, be a priority?
5. Common sense/ common good/ greater good, instead of partisan: During the last decade, and especially, during these past four years, we have seen, a level of partisan politics, which we haven’t witnessed, before, in recent times! Rather, than, trying, to deepen – the – divide, President Biden should be pragmatic, and unifying, and represent, and serve the best interests, of all Americans, and not, merely, his supporters. Now, more than ever, we need more common sense, and seek a meeting – of – the – minds, for the greater good!