Letter to the Editor: Country B4 Party

GREG POWERS, San Clemente

While driving on Interstate 5 in San Clemente, I saw this banner hanging: “Country B4 Party.” The sign underscored our shortsighted political process.

Rising above Party, I envision a new five-point path forward to distribute tax dollars in a more purposeful way to lead our nation for generations.

• 1. Bring our troops home: The U.S. has 50,000 troops deployed in the Middle East and other countries. Technology has advanced to allow the U.S. to protect its borders by building a defensive military bubble around our country.
• 2.  Be the world’s best trading partner: Every country wants a growing economy. Global commerce can be the best antidote to war. Empower our allies with economic incentives, training and access to capital.
• 3.  Become energy-independent: Eventually, we will run out of oil. Alternative power such as solar and wind are inevitable. JFK declared we will put a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s, so we must set a target to transition to renewable sources. I propose 2050.
• 4. Solve our social challenges: Our population is large, and we have a responsibility to provide a safety net. Conscious capitalism is more the norm today: fiscally conservative and socially responsible. With the money we save bringing our troops home, repurpose the dollars into solving domestic ills, such as homelessness and drug trafficking.
• 5. Give 10 cities a mission: Reagan promoted the Shining City on a Hill. We have underutilized capabilities in our smaller cities that struggle, as people and jobs move out. I propose repurposing our federal and state budgets to invest in 10 cities and giving them a 20-year mission. Detroit could be the capital of autonomous driving, Tulsa the hub for wind energy, Sacramento the base for A.I., San Antonio for infrastructure, and Minneapolis for cancer treatment. Instead of welfare, those in need can be given training and jobs in “new sanctuary cities.”

This overarching plan belongs to no political party, but rather repurposes spending to be intentional for the betterment of our country with a 50-year view.