A COLUMN DIVIDED: The topics candidates didn’t focus on
From the right: Casey Saxton
The 2012 presidential election has focused on issues such as the economy, jobs and national debt. It’s even touched on areas like health care and, to an extent, education. We’ve heard a little about foreign policy and the military.
I would have liked to have heard more about energy and illegal immigration during the campaign. Obviously, energy has been talked about a little by Mitt Romney but hasn’t really been touched by President Obama, aside from his line when he says he’s got an “all-of-the-above” strategy. Illegal immigration is probably a topic Mitt Romney wanted to avoid, given he didn’t want to scare off what few Hispanics might support him. Here’s my take on those two issues.
To fill up my 2007 Chevy Cobalt costs more than $40 at the pump. I think it’s ridiculous, especially given the fact that gasoline was only about $2 a gallon when President Obama took office. I don’t necessarily blame the President for the high gas prices, but I certainly don’t think he’s done anything to increase production here at home.
On the energy front in general, the President did invest stimulus money in a lot of green energy companies like Solyndra, Bright Source, Abound Solar and more. The problem with his initiatives in those areas is that those companies listed and many more failed due to the high price and lack of demand in the market.
I think nearly everyone agrees we need to find an alternative source of energy, given there is a finite amount of fossil fuels on the planet. However, until there is a cost-effective, feasible alternative to natural gas, oil or coal then we won’t begin moving away from those energy sources.
Illegal immigration has been a problem in our nation for a long time and will most likely continue to be a problem for years to come. I do agree with many politicians when they say we need to secure our border before we undertake massive immigration reform. I also agree with Romney full-heartedly about the need for an e-verify system for employers. If illegal immigrants can’t find work, there will be much less of an incentive for them to come in to the United States. For some reason, liberals seem to think putting an e-verify system in place is a form of racism. All I can say to that is – what a joke. Let’s secure our border and put in place the e-verify system, and then we can discuss what needs to be done with the illegal immigrants already in our country.
Although energy and illegal immigration weren’t talked about as thoroughly as I would have liked during the election, I feel like the overall theme about the economy, jobs and the deficit was entirely appropriate given the situation in which our country currently finds itself.
– Casey Saxton, a sophomore majoring in business administration, is the president of the USU College Republicans. He can be reached at caseysaxton@hotmail.com.
From the left: Mike McPhie
Election Day is upon us. After months of a long, bitter, hard-fought campaign, we’ve nearly reached the end. I urge everyone who hasn’t voted yet to take the opportunity to be a part of the democratic process. In the course of presidential campaigns, countless issues are discussed, and even with a strong mastery of these policies, no president is able to meet all the challenges a nation faces, particularly in a four-year term. However, with all the discussion and debate there are still three issues which I believe need to be addressed in the next four years.
First, of all the issues facing the country, tax reform is one of the most crucial that will need to be addressed regardless of who occupies the White House. Surprisingly, it is an issue both Democrats and Republicans view as an imminent need. With an economy recovering from recession and an extremely high national debt, the problem of taxes remains one with opportunities for major improvement. We
currently have a disjointed system with a complex maze of loopholes and exceptions, resulting in billions of dollars in fraud and abuse. A number of multi-billion dollar corporations pay no taxes due to exemptions and write-offs. Warren Buffet’s secretary pays a higher tax rate than her billionaire employer. Eliminating loopholes and simplifying the tax code would create revenue the country desperately needs. The Bush tax cuts for the wealthy must be allowed to expire, as they have cost the country more than $2 trillion while only helping a small group of people who already have substantial income.
Second, we need to ensure that we continue to invest in the programs and policies necessary for future growth. Primarily, this includes support for education and job training. While arbitrary cuts save relatively small amounts of money in the federal budget, they cripple individuals no longer able to receive support for their education. Expansion of Pell Grants, financial aid, block grants to the states and low interest rates on student loans are critical if the United States hopes to continue to lead the world in innovation and an educated workforce. Making sure college is affordable is one of the most pressing issues for the rising generation.
Finally, we need to address the resources that will guarantee stability in the years to come. This chiefly involves a strong energy policy that relies on the development of clean and efficient sources of power and fuel rather than continuing our dependence on foreign oil. The nation needs to invest in new technology to create jobs and a burgeoning market that will make wind, solar, and biofuels more cost-effective and available to the American public.
As we move past the hotly contested 2012 election, the United States needs to be focused on an open discussion of the issues and policies that will impact our country for more than just the next four years. Now go out and vote.
– Mike McPhie is a senior from Toole, Utah, majoring in law and constitutional studies. During the spring semester, he interned in Washington, D.C. Send him comments at mike.mcphie@aggiemail.usu.edu.