Simple solutions to difficult problems

 

 

"How is that 'hope and change' working out for everyone?"

Almost six years ago to the date, this nation elected someone based on a slogan. Not a plan, not a solution, but a slogan. In fact the slogan "Hope and Change" had also morphed into "Yes we can!" Another catchy slogan. It was a wonderful time, as many of our youth looked to this political newcomer as somewhat of a messiah.

As we know from the past six years, simple solutions to difficult problems do not work out very well. In fact, many of us knew that four years ago. We re-elected the President anyhow. Many are seduced by his charm, by his rhetoric. He is historic after all - we never have had a mixed race President before. That being said, here is the rub. No matter how well he gives a stump speech, no matter how good he looks in a suit, no matter the color his skin, the difficult and complex problems our nation is facing need well thought out and finely crafted solutions.

I would like to compare our President's approach to solving problems to that of Jeff Johnson, who is running for Governor of Minnesota. Some people find Jeff to be a bit on the "non-flashy" side. He gets too much into the details. He tends to read the fine print before signing his name. If our President had taken Jeff's kind of approach, we probably would not have the mess in the Middle East we have right now. We would not have the train wreck in our health care system. Our economy would not be limping along.

Complex problems cannot be solved by stacking the Supreme Court with very left leaning jurists. Complex problems cannot be solved by stacking the Senate with people who tend to vote with you almost 100% of the time. Complex problems cannot be solved by trying to set a record as the President who golfed the most times. No, complex problems are more easily solved by someone who pays attention to detail. Someone who is not afraid to tell the truth. Someone who does not hide bad news from the public. Someone like Jeff Johnson.

In a little over a week, we will find out if the American people have learned anything about following a Pied Piper. Listening to a charlatan. Buying snake oil. The first step in taking our country back will be to take back the Senate. Send All Franken back to California. Send Harry Reid back to Nevada when his term is up. Elect more Republican Governors, like Jeff Johnson.

Time is running out for a sane government in our state and in our country. A week from Tuesday, we have our chance to tackle our complex problems with more clear headed thinkers. Lets' do this!