Newly elected Republicans came marching into Washington last week to be sworn in. With their oaths and seats taken, they are finally ready to get down to the business of running that most beautiful democratic institution, the United States Congress. Thats good news, because there is much to do this session and American citizens are expecting action - or else.
Republicans would do well to simply make a carbon copy of everything Minister Jason Kenney has done in both immigration and labour: deporting unhelpful and unlawful people while streamlining the processes for talented and hardworking entrants to Canada, while simultaneously pushing more federal money towards skills-based training and upgrading. It may be hard to believe, but our neighbour to the south, which is founded on boot-strap economics, has a very hard time getting doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc. through customs, but somehow cant properly number and deal with illegal immigrants. Regardless of where you stand on US immigration issues, Americas immigration system is first and foremost a mess.
Americas tax code is another thing that needs fixing, as exemption after exemption for certain favoured industries over the years has lead to rules that constantly screw the little guy. Republicans ought to simply burn the outdated tax code to the ground, and set new, flatter taxes that are simple enough for even fourth graders to understand. The current tax regime hurts competition and young entrepreneurs, who cannot afford the lawyers and accountants needed to navigate even the surface of the revenue system. The Republicans would also be wise to stop the partisan attacks the IRS has been up to these last few years, and instead set up an independent body to audit these autocratic auditors, Dr. Ron Paul leading the charge.
But after taking care of financial redundancies and human resources issues, all eyes will turn to foreign policy, both hard and soft. I am one of the precious few sane people in Canada who understand that a withdrawal by the United States from global affairs would be a terrible mistake, putting civilization itself in jeopardy. However, the United States is obliged to ask its partners in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to finally do their part when it comes to defence expenditures and personnel training, as almost none of us have met the bare minimum for decades; the US would also be wise to gift equipment to its allies to help that process.
Finally, we come to the issue of democratic reform. There is a great deal of political capital to be won with the American people for whichever party addresses the dual problems of under representation in the House and the gerrymandered ridings found throughout the country. If the Republicans discipline themselves, and go at this issue slowly, they may even be able to change their ridings and keep their donors too; the key is to set up a bipartisan independent body that slowly redresses the worst partisan map drawing. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives needs to seriously debate the lack of people in the room, with 434 members for a population of 316 million while Canada has 308 members for 35 million. There will never be absolutely perfect representation here or in the USA, but the more people in a room the more perspectives can be brought forward, and America desperately needs some new ideas.
America has suffered humiliating losses over the years, both at home and abroad, some of which have tarnished her moral reputation. But she can live up to her credo again, so long as her politicians follow in the steps of their forefathers, and bravely face the many challenges that plague her people and government. The Republicans have an opportunity to make serious headway on several key issues - all they need to do is seize the moment.
