Joe Biden's inauguration will usher in a new era of leadership. There will be debate, struggles, and the need for compromise, but I hope that we will all go forward with a new level of respect now that we've experienced the harm that an incomptent, evil, and ignorant Presidential team can create.
What can we do?
A Country of Laws
We must follow the laws, and if we don't like those laws we must work to change those laws using the legal processes available. Laws that I am most interested in include laws about the spread of dangerous propaganda/lies, laws related to the abuse of power by political leaders, and laws related to safety, particularly gun safety.
Finances
I believe we have to work for financial changes that make sure everyone has enough money to live a happy, simple life. What does that mean? First, it means fair pay for all--the minimum wage has to increase in ways that support people's ability to attain their basic means, support a family, and have some good times too. When people have to over-work with not-enough-pay, they become discouraged and cannot afford what they need to have a good life. We also have to look for other ways that we can support the financial health and security of all Americans. While it pains me to think that some irresponsibly ignored their debt and let it pile up, I have investigated what eliminating college loans will do for our nation's economy--it will mean a big boost to all. That surprised me when I ran the numbers. To rid people of this debilitating debt, we may need to do it in a way that also creates greater respect and understanding about financial security as well as protections so that elites don't take advantage of people. For example many for-profit colleges inspired students to take on devastating debt, while those colleges profited. That was abusive to students and to our country--we have to make sure there isn't the opportunity for that abuse. There are countless ways that we can work for greater financial security for our country and for the people in the country, and we must work for that.
The environment
We have to work for clean energy everywhere. We have to protect and manage our amazing natural resources. We have to be well educated about climate change, and do what we can to mitigate the struggle that will bring. We rely on our natural resources and great environment--we must protect our lands, air, and waterways as well as use our resources wisely.
Modernization
We have to continually work to modernize the environment in ways that support better living for all. Better transportations systems, good roads, lots of sidewalks, bike paths, WIFI available everywhere, adn more. We have to think about what modernization efforts we'll support adn work for those changes.
Strong, healthy communities
We can support strong, healthy communities by supporting healthy recreation, infrastructure updates, the ability to access basic needs, quality education opportunities, and good healthcare. Efforts to uplift communites cannot be one-sized-fits-all, but instead these efforts have to take into account the context of those communities--what makes one community strong and healthy may not be good for another community.
Taxation
We must work for fair, simple tax policies. I do believe that everyone should pay their fair share, and I do believe that those making millions and billions can pay more to help our country out. In most cases, very wealthy individuals and businesses are also using more land and resources too--they can pay their share. When everyone pays their share, and most decisions about our collective needs and supports rely on the votes of all, we build a more-fair and peaceful country.
For myself, I am interested in the area of education with regard to helping people get the knowledge, skill and information they need to be healthy, active, participatory citizens. Yesterday as I watched the videos of The Capitol terrorists, I was struck by how much some did not know about our laws and government--their words were filled with propaganda rather than truth about how our government works and the opportunities for people to get involved and make a difference for themselves and their community. Some of the people interviewed felt that the only way they had power was to storm The Capitol--they didn't understand the lawlessness of such an act, and the power they have if they use our country's systems to gain power, support, and positive change. I want to be part of efforts to better educate people so that they know how to peacefully access what they need to live good lives, participate in our country's government, and contribute too.