Issues That Matter

Us old folks frequently hear from an organzation that goes by the name AARP. For those not acronimically astute, that means the American Association for Retired Persons. While I joined the organization when I turned 50 (don't worry, you will get a chance to do the same) since last July, I am a full-fledged member. My original reason to join was of course the discount card that comes with membership. Since then I have enjoyed the publications that show up in the mailbox on a regular basis.

The most recent mailing included an article on the issues voters will be considering as they go to the polls during the primary and general election cycles. AARP included the 16 top issues that voters have identified as important to them.

I was not at all surprised to find certain issues on the list. For instance, the current home mortgage crisis was cited by 48 percent of would-be voters. I can't help but feel sympathy for those seeking a mortgage in today's market. On the other hand, the crisis has had to have had a major impact on the declining price of houses.

Other issues that made the list were economically motivated. These included national deficit (69%); increasing energy costs (69%); job growth (66%); and inflation (64%). There seems no doubt that in the words of Bill Clinton first presidential campaign, "Its the economy, stupid."

Analyzing those categories, it seems like taking a turn for the worse has been a trend. During the Clinton year's in office we were operating at a surplus, thus paying off the national debt. However, with each day/month/year in Iraq the national debt has risen monsterously. That, coupled with the profits Iraq has made on its oil in recent months has soured many people since that war-torn nation doesn't seem to be footing its share of the financial burden. And, the rising/soaring cost of gasoline has sickened many of us and has had a direct impact on inflation.

Education almost always appears on these types of surveys and again, with a 76% identification rate, it ranks high on the list. It is joined by another long-time issue--health care. Rising health care cost checked in with 79% or the respondents identifying it as an issue, while 73% cited the lack of health care coverage and 70% pinpointed high prescription costs.

The war in Iraq checked in with 79%, terrorism at 74% and immigration was on the list of 63% of the respondents. These issues may never go away. We have one presidential candidate that claims we will stay in Iraq for 100 years if necessary and we have two potential candidates who want to get out, but still recognize the need to secure the area to some degree. Personally, I am not sure how long we need to be there, but I still believe that no matter when we leave the problems of that country will multiply. Terrorism is now a way of life and one that must be considered at all times. And immigration isn't going to go away as long as we have an unsecured border.

Naturally, Social Security and expanding access to Medicare were on the list. Social Security (80%) isn't going to go away soon, and that applies to Medicare (56%) as well. We live in a nation that is aging--and aging rapidly. More and more baby boomers will be knocking of the doors of Social Security and want what they see as rightfully belonging to them. Those of us edging closer and closer to the magic age do not want to be the generation that suffers the loss of Social Security after footing the bill for those that came before us for so many years. And, its understandable that younger voters are concerned whether they will ever see and form of Social Security as they approach retirement age down the road.

The final two items on the list are somewhat related. One is political ethics and scandals (49%). We have all watched politicians destroy their careers and their personal lives by operating in a corrupt fashion. The most recent, Elliot Spitzer of New York, took one of the most promising careers and will probably never, ever serve the public again. Heaven only knows what will happen to his family relationship.s

The other, checking in at 82% and on the top of the list is government competence. Unfortunately, we have reached a point in our history where we have become distrustful of government. I guess its partially an outgrowth of political distrust of the lawmakers and leaders who share office. Instead of working together, they work to destroy the other. As a result we now have a somewhat disfunctional government. Yes, is operated with majority control, but frequently it shows little respect for minority rights.

The hatred between the two political parties must end, or this country will suffer immeasurably down the road.