What is the biggest challenge America faces?
Our country is faced with challenges as we enter into the 21st century. I am prepared to effectively deal with these challenges and lead our country as President on Day 1. Please let me know what you view as the biggest challenge America faces and how you would like your President to address this challenge.
More Answers (2,816)
Balancing free trade with protecting our work force and technology. I'm for the idea of NAFTA but not in its current implementation. We desperately need to take a step back and reevaluate the way we move forward. For example both sides could implement a sure charge based on carbon emissions due to transport. This would batter reflect the true costs of imported goods….just one idea
Honorable Senator McCain,
The biggest challenge America faces today is that many of the elected leaders at all levels of government demonstrate lack of accountability, lack of fiscal responsibility and lack of integrity.
My dream is that the next elected President will hold each elected leader at all government levels accountable for his/her actions. This entails having the elected leaders step down, forfeit guaranteed pensions, serve time in prison and require the elected leader to be financially responsible for the wrong doing.
The current system is not working and the next elected President of the United States of America must do it differently!!!
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/5/b54/b5
Hello Senator McCain,
I would like you to lead a peaceful mission with the rest of the world not war!.
Thank you
We need to become more financially and socially responsible. We are helping those who took advantage of the low interest rates; borrowed against their equity; purchased luxury products; and who are now facing foreclosure while they drive their 2 year old BMW's and watch the campaign speeches on their 50 inch plasma TV's. I can't feel responsible for stupidity. Why should I be responsible for those who can't look after themselves?
Our greatest challenge is the basic need to look after our countries future before we bail out another country.
Jim H
CEO at mavSolve inc., Results focused management consultant
Best Answers in: Change Management (2), Mergers and Acquisitions (1), Manufacturing (1)
NO MORE COMPROMISE !!!!
The country was founded as a constitutional republic. The founding fathers laid a framework for a government of laws; not men. They were building A nation of individuals, not a platform for collectivism. We must return to a nation which values liberty over safety. We have all but destroyed that foundation and the principles upon which it was constructed. We need to return to a nation of laws, and not one of organized mob rule (i.e. Democracy).
Right now, all we are doing is piling more on the cart because the mule is blind. WE can not consume more than we produce indefinitely, and eventually that mules back will break.
Terrorism. We need to do more, not less, in the years to come.
Heathcare. Universal health care isn't. The current system works, and looking at it from a practical standpoint, every proposed universal healthcare system to date would have killed me several years ago. In a word - DON'T.
Illegal immigration. We have laws on the books. Enforce them. Deport the illegals. No amnesty, period.
The economy. Balance the budget. Not by raising taxes. We already pay too much. Cut the garbage giveaways and bring back personal responsiblity.
Social Security and Medicare. I already expect it to be bankrupt by the time I get there. Let me put my own money aside, instead of paying for everyone else that hasn't planned.
Although John McCain may be the wrong candidate to provide this answer, it is an important point.
The biggest challenge facing America is energy resource depletion, specifically, oil and natural gas (NG). These two fuels are the basis of the current economy and provides nearly 100% of the energy for transportation in the U.S. Within the next few years these resources, if not already, will enter a period of declining production and prices for these commodities will soar, as oil has already done.
Energy is the foundation of technological civilization, and no amount of nuclear, geothermal or even coal can replace the energy-density of the hydrocarbons in oil and NG. We're in trouble, and our children are in deeper trouble.
Issues such as gun control, civil liberty, social security, health care reforms, campaign finance, and others on the tip of the tongues of the electorate are noise and inconsequential in comparison to this issue.
This is not a political issue, this is a human issue. Just as climate change is affecting the physical world, no less dramatically will energy depletion affect the fate of the society as we know it.
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The biggest challenge for America is to regain the respect of the world community. Respect is never achieved through pre-emptive war which is why the world's opion of us is so low at this point. We need to remove our occupation forces from Iraq and consider what sort of reparations America owes to the people of that region for the hundreds-of-thousands of innocent lives we have taken in a war that predicated on a lie.
We also need to stabilize our economy which cannot be done with an unfounded war draining $5k per second from our tax dollars.
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Stabilizing economy and war which has a direct impact on "American Civilians". One one hand we cannot let the rogue elements [jihadist thick heads] survive on the other hand we cannot drown our families in poverty. A balance is required exactly like fire the bullet without feeling the recoil. It is very difficult to identify these sick jihadi patients. There is no root of their ill thinking and that is the biggest problem. They have no policies at least not any more.
Most recent are the Chinese jihadists evolution who wanted to blow up venues of Olympics. They cannot be stopped as they are like worms. President Bush did the right things initially with Afganistan but there was no need for Iraq war in this manner. It is true there were tremendous human rights violations going on but that is true for even India!! I am an Indian and I know it is no better than Iraq. There is a layer of cream which the world sees underneath there are those deprived ones who thinks may be President Bush will use his tax payers money to save us.
Tax payers money should be used for the benefit of US Citizens and that was not done in Iraq War.
The possibility of you being elected president.
Jason S
Operations SCADA/Data Communications Engineering Manager at BP Alternative Energy (Wind)
Senator McCain,
I think the biggest challenge we face today is collectively deciding what issue to fix first... We are suffering from a severe case of analysis paralysis! Do we fix... The War? The Economy? The Deficit? Education? Health Care? Immigration? Global Warming? Oil Dependency? Which one? What's worse, this is just the short list!
Despite what our politicians or people might think or say... there are NO easy fixes! Personally I'm tired of hearing how “easy” it would be to fix these problems if the “other” party weren't in office! I'm sorry, but the last time I checked.... we all live in the same country! We are ALL facing these issues together not as members of one party or another but as Americans! I ask... can we stop the political infighting long enough to actually get something done for once? I think, as a nation, we are completely unprepared to deal with ANY issues as long as our political leaders keep drawing lines in the sand, posturing, and making promises they have no idea how to keep... We can't continue to spend time debating the best way to “fix” the issues. We need a plan! Not one that fits someone's political career aspirations... and most important... we need to act! We need to actually get off the porch and do something before these issues spiral out of control and are essentially beyond fixing!
In my opinion we need to address our issues one at a time from the inside moving outward with priorities on security, infrastructure and people not profit... I'm not suggesting we "isolate" ourselves from the world but I do think that the real healing this country needs will come from within its boarders if it is to be true healing. Suspend any programs not focused on the healing... redirect the funds. We have wasted billions of dollars on dead or defunked programs that, in this time of crisis, should have been used to fund the resolution of the bigger issues! I would rather see $100M put to work on a “think tank” of qualified individuals focused on resolving our problems than to see another museum or highway overpass... I don't mind waiting to see that latest in archaeological treasures or taking the extra 30 min to get to work if I know my neighbors and my family are safe, healthy and free... We did it during WWII... Why not now? Are we so divided on "how" to fix the issues that we will never actually get a chance to even start the efforts of recovery? I truly hope not...
Respectfully,
Jason William Swartz
Jack B
Founder: Redhot Technologies, Inc. Telecomms, Optical Networks, Wireless, Software, Semi ICs. Email: JackBasi@gmail.com
Confidence, Confidence and Confidence!
Execute International "Security" Policy.
Execute Domestic Policy for steady "Econmic" growth.
Execute Domestic "N" Energy Policy.
Guide Acceptable "Health Care" Policy.
Execute Acceptable "INS" Policy.
Apathy is the number one concern. The American public feels that they have no choice in the government and that the special interests are really dictating policy. Leaders are not honest about where they stand, and are easy to sway and crumble under pressure. Immanuel Kant tried to separate church and state by Non-Overlapping Magisteria like today’s policy makers are trying to separate the man from the office. It just does not work, and in the long run it just creates more problems than it solves.
Most Americans wish they could vote no in the election and have new candidates to choose from... I will vote for McCain, but I do not feel he has a leadership model that puts him in touch with the party. Republicans want a republican that stands for less government, which is what the party was founded on. Our government is to lathargic.
We live in a police state like Rome where we don't teach people to think, but teach people to be controlled. We might consider the effects of UFC, Gaming, XXX, etc. on long term moral health of the state. Corruption breeds dissent and unrule; in the short term it gives them what they want but it destroys absolutely over time. We are making it easy for these institutions to control the public’s time. And what a public does with time drives an economy (our grandfathers produced leisure); if the time is spent on things that weaken the individual the organization will fall into the same fate.
We need to take a hold of credit card slavery or NEO- Slavery. Our public is not aware of the effect that it is having on our society. It is destroying the middle class more than any other single thing, and it is affecting Domar's Paradox and Under-consumption models that lead to stagnation or stasis more than any other single effect.
We need to stop exporting manufacturing plants, advanced degrees, and American Dollars. The British Empire lost control because it exported manufacturing prior to WWII, exported pounds during the war, and exported advance degrees because of it. The effect was Bretton Woods, which had to be established the regain control and that is why America became a World power. Sound familiar; you can just call us the CROWN PRINCE.
Where are democrats (or other since John is just as much a democrat as republican) that fights for a living wage; that's what the Democratic Party stood for at its prime, that and God. How funny is that knowing it is lead by leaders like Eisner and Jobs...
I want to see a government that has the ability to stand against global corporations, as today there is more power in at least five separate companies than within the entire US government; they dictate more about policy than Capitol Hill.
I think the right to bear power (electric, etc.) is like the right to bear arms was 50 years ago. The power needs to come and be owed by the people. Power controlled by the government is un-American, and, in my opinion could be a downfall of the institution.
As for the answers, I do not presume to have them. That is why a cabinet gets paid so much.
The biggest challenge is taxes and government waste. There is no need for raising taxes, as a matter of fact taxes should be decreased. Eliminate government waste just as any corporation would do. The federal government is too big. Eliminate and combine agencies. Eliminate the IRS and use a flat tax. I would love to see pork barrel eliminated. Federal government really should only manage our safety (military), highway infrastructure and the court systems. I don't think the Federal government should be sticking it's nose into how people live their life (health care, etc.). I'd also like to see social security eliminated and replace with retirement accounts.
National Debt and more importantly, an unbalanced budget tied to this debt. Unbridled government spending with no accountability to the American Public proves that the american people are not being serviced by our appointees. America has been and hopefully always will be a shining light leading other countries in the world. We need to make sure we take control of our budget and show the rest of the world that the dollar will always be the standard for the world economy, with a strong country backing backing every dollar. Thanks.
Sean S
Director of User Experience at BLITZ
Best Answers in: Internet Marketing (1), Business Development (1)
a) Economy Security : Slowdown in the economy coupled with a mortgage and credit crisis threaten our ability to not only survive but be able to compete against other global economic superpowers
b) National Debt : Lost count when we passed 2.5 trillion in national debt. No clear leadership from Washington as to how this will be reduced in spite of potential future spikes.
c) Energy Policy : no clear direction and leadership from washington DC to find new sustainable energy sources and reduce our dependence on not just fossil fuel middle eastern sources but fossil fuel as a energy category entirely.
I’m sick and tired of all these immigrants coming to America and getting full benefits at my expense. The US offers freedom, NOT HANDOUTS. Come here, obey our laws, GET A JOB and WORK like anyone else. If welfare can be cut on Mothers working the system, then I’m sure kicking all these ill eagles out of the US and stop handing out free aid to them should be easy. What about the folks sleeping in the parks homeless THAT ARE US CITIZENS? Take care of our own at home FIRST. Why in the heck should we be feeding the world if we can’t even feed our own? I’m all for the fence along Mexico. Keep them out, and send them back. What part of Illegal is no clear? Also, HOLD THE MEXICAN GAVERNMENT RESPONSIBLE for allowing these people to flea to the US. Why again, should we do all the work? You don’t have that problem in Canada? What makes Mexico so different? And I’m not just talking about those 2 countries. The entire world. If you come here, be prepared to work, and NOT get a free handout. Bring money with you and DON’T expect this great nation to support you. Welfare, Social Security, Drivers License, democracy and Freedom are for THIS country. You came here, we didn’t go out and bring you here, and you paid your way and took your chances, now PAY YOUR WAY OR GET OUT!!!!
Steve G
Business Intelligence Delivery Manager at Information Control Corporation
Having politicians aligned with the values of the working people of this country. Those values are belief in a God, The Constitution, the free enterprise system / capitalism and ensuring the security of our country. Able bodied citizens should be given a hand-up and never a hand-out. Government’s role in business should be about keeping the playing field level and the rules simple. Huge profits in Industries that are the result of natural resource shortages (and/or get tax breaks) should be directed at solutions to solve the shortages (Oil).
Varuyan A
Sr. Consultant - Amadeus ALTEA
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I believe that America's biggest challenge is its socio-economic stratification. Social issues such as race, religion, nationalities, immigrants and non immigrants are keeping America from remaining "united" as our founding fathers envisioned. I heard from many citizen from countries in Europe and South America that America's power is the result of its unity. Nevertheless, this advantage has already faded to the point that it is hurting its ability to prosper. I would like to see this trend reversed.
On the economic front, I would like to see each citizen to take more responsibilities for their actions. For example, we do not have basic universal health care because we opt out in the past. We have made numerous decisions of this kind. It is time to evaluate their impact in the economy. At the end of the day, one can pay now, or pay later, but we will always pay.
Best Wishes in your presidential campaign!
Ian Ackermanian
Jon B
Owner, Circulation Service America, Inc. (and others) Brochure, Newspaper, and Magazine Distribution.
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Remove the barriers that stop Americans from becoming wealthy.
I used to have a job making $40,000 a year. I took the leap, incurred the risks, and started a small company of my own. Within two years I was paying more in taxes than I used to make as a salary.
Being overtaxed is a pit in my stomach that never goes away.
I have no problem with "paying my fair share", but knowing that 10% of the people pay 90% of the taxes, and 53% of working Americans paid NO TAX AT ALL makes me ill. This is REAL redistribution of wealth, and discourages people like me from growing our businesses.
Why work harder? Why make more? The tax system will just take a larger percentage and it's a zero-sum game in the long run.
I employ five full-time people locally, and provide part-time work for thousands more across the country. Entrepreneurs should be rewarded for this and not punished. We're trying to improve our lives and give others a leg up as well - we shouldn't have to bear the tax burden to pay for those who can't be bothered to work hard.
Apply a FLAT TAX. Stop punishing those of us who take a risk and work hard, and stop giving those less inclined an incentive toward laziness.
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We need to have mandatory tracking in our school systems - our kids are among the worst educated in the world - mostly because of the teacher's unions (look at India and China). This will lead/has lead to the overall decline of US capabilities in a global economy.
Preserving liberty at home while fighting external threats. In foreign policy, the most pressing immediate threat continues to be Islamic terrorism, while at home, a nanny state continues to grow that stifles individual initiative and investment and intrudes more and more into the daily life of our citizens. The most pressing, most immediate challenge is to strengthen the flagging dollar.
Immigration. Why is it that we have dozens of illegals standing in front of our nations Home Depot's and Menard's that EVERYONE knows about, but yet our INS does nothing? Also, punish the Swift and Tyson foods types of business that support hiring illegals for their workforce.
When we do catch an illegal, give them a one way ticket in a bus home, no stops for meals, warm place to sleep, etc. For their second offense, ship them to Iraq.
Secondly, let the recession happen... it will run its course and we can get on with our lives. Stop large corporate bail-outs, stop with stimulus packages where Uncle Sam spends $42 Million on notices for them. Let things run their course instead of prolonging the inevitable.
Third, Control the media. Our first amendment states "...It also extends to news gathering, and processes involved in obtaining information for public distribution..." Read that again. "news gathering" actually means what it says, not 'lets make 300 assumptions before we find out the truth.' Let them talk about any story they wish, but make sure they have all of the facts before publishing anything.
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Robert (Bob) T
Recruiting Consultant at RecruitANurse.com, Division of Recruitment & Retention Resources, Inc.
Overcoming the public relations disaster of the last eight years - within the country and beyond. No one trusts our government ,because they have lied and disgraced the constitution and abused power beyond belief.
Maintain the value of $ more and higer. Development of strong economy and having great partner at International stage.
Accountability. This applies to all sectors, private, public and especially government. I am appalled that the GAO report for the Federal Government is so bad that our government couldn't even begin to be considered a publicly trade corporation. When looking at the budget I constantly hear people from the other side of the fence complain about the cost of war (which is excessive and I do believe in non-interventionalism but providing support to international countries) but they fail to realize the seeping poison that entitlement programs are having on our budget. This must be rectified immediately. When the government is accountable for it's spending how can it enforce accountability to its citizens? I believe rectifying this problem will strengthen our economy, or social fabric and can lead a new direction in economic growth that has been previously been unachievable in America.
Balancing global economic growth with global environmental responsibility. Remove the power of lobbyist and return the government back to the voters. We have to take each issue and think about how solutions will impact other issues. To just crank up the old oil dependent economic engine will not solve our long term environmental issues. Exporting clean energy technology will go a long way to solving the problems in the Middle East. Obviously not all, but changing our war lord mentality when dealing with people from other countries will change our world perception. Thus making for better relationships and fostering a common goal of trust and respect.
The biggest challenge is to get the control of the government out of the hands of the republican party... they have done so much damage to this nation and the world.... I'm no Polly Anna..I understand their are bad people out there...but the RP has so screwed it up... I can only hope.
John S. W
National Account Manager at InterCall
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Hi Senator McCain,
The biggest challenge - the fact that our Government, both Federal and State, are letting the Biblical Principles on which this country was built, be removed from our schools and society in general. Is it really any surprise that our nation is deteriorating, and a coincidence it is not.
I would like to see a President who has the courage to make decisions based on the principles in which this country was founded and the dedication to God that is written in our founding documents. There is clear difference between right and wrong but we, as a nation, have lost sight of that.
Thanks,
John
Senator McCain,
The biggest challenge right now is the cost of gasoline in this country.
China now, India later.
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