Can we agree on the problems?

Question

Obviously we can't agree on the solutions to our problems yet. But, can we even agree on what the problems actually are?

In your opinion, what are the problems we face, and how did you arrive at those opinions?

Answer 1

The biggest problems we face are Ignorance and Apathy. Every problem we have can be traced to this today. We have one challenge after another and far too many don't/won't take the time to understand why. The problems we have as a counrty are un-important to far too many people so to agree on a problem is not possible either.

I have come to this conclusion not just by being educated and informed, but by watching the society as a whole. Far too many Americans have just laid down or put their head in the sand. They complain, but then re-elect the same sorry *** leader in every cycle. They complain for change, but don't follow through. They want something new, but don't have the fortitude to make it happen.

So in the end we can't agree!! Too many don't know or understand the question.

Answer 2

The two principal problems I see on the horizon are:

1 - Unfunded programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security are beginning to suck up all available funds. Once the Baby Boomers are retiring in large numbers this is going to be a HUGE financial, political, and social problem for which the current crop of politicians would dearly love to be out of office when it occurs.

2 - Our nation's infrastructure is 50-to-100 years old and will need to be replaced or substantially upgraded within the next generation - that is, at the same time the social welfare schemes' bills come due.

I've focused on financial problems because without the cash to fund one program or another it doesn't matter what politicians say or do. They have NO POWER without money (or the appearance of having money) to back it up.

I believe that once these financial problems are seen to be real and in play there is going to be a political war the likes of which we haven't seen in this country since the '30s. After that settles down we'll do what we always do - face up to the situation and agree on a way forward. In other words, compromise regarding what's most important and how to achieve that.

P.S. I arrived at my opinions (I call 'em facts but, no matter) from 40 years of paying close attention to what my local, state, and federal politicians and bureaucracies are doing - as opposed to what they're saying. Here is an opinion: we'd be much better off as a country if more folks would simply PAY ATTENTION and then think through the actions of our politicians and bureaucracies; it's my contention that no more than 5% of our citizens are truly informed at a meaningful level.

Answer 3

Well that would be a great starting point.
My top three:
Because of the lives at stake, our first priority should be our troops. Figure out a means to an end, if you will, for the mess currently taking their lives.
Secondly, make eradicating terrorism a world-wide mission, not just our burden to bear. Repair our foreign relations.
Thirdly, health-care - $23.50 for a Tylenol in the hospital !? need I say more.

Answer 4

Maybe the big ones like terrorism but other than that i'm not sure that we can agree on the problems. I don't think gay marrige is a big deal...right wingers don't think global warming is a big deal...and on it goes...twas ever thus

Answer 5

the list is immense. the war on terror, the occupation of iraq, education, health care expenses, deficits, economic decay (trade gaps, foreclosures, etc.), government intrusions, oil issues, social security, government waste, and so on and so on.


the question isn't whether or not we can agree on the problems but rather can we get our politicians to talk about the real problems instead of imaginary ones like gay marriage and fence building.

Answer 6

Immigration--because if we don't stop it, this will be the undoing of our nation.
War on Terror--we HAVE to win it! And we have to fight it HARD to win!

How about we compromise on "global warming"...
We ALL take better care of the environment because EVERYONE likes clean air and water.
And we all try reducing fuel consumption because we hate funding OPEC...
But we stop hyperventilating about the natural heating and cooling cycles of the earth.
Deal?

Answer 7

I would say terrorism and illegal immigration are the big ones, but I think the whole government needs a overhaul.

Answer 8

The biggest problems we face are terrorism and illegal immigration.