A reader agreed with my assessment of troubled years ahead and asked my thoughts on how civic leaders could navigate the turbulence, especially financially. My outline for him:
Prioritize spending:
National security – military, food, critical supplies, energy, cyber
Civic security – law and order, local leadership responsibility
Investing in infrastructure and capacity – people, facilities, health, fundamental innovation
Provide incentives for entrepreneurs and business owners
Implement means testing for benefits, and recover the Victorian idea of the “deserving poor vs. the undeserving poor”
Pay down debts
Require adults being adults:
The “man on the street” must understand the necessity to bear more burdens because the reality of our collective situation. Decisions and promises in the past created consequences we now must live through. We must celebrate maturity rather than indulging immaturity.
The wealthy and investors need to accept, as Cicero suggested, that half a loaf is better than a full loaf with rebellion and anarchy.
Politicians must accept that doing the right thing might not help their re-election.
Churches must step up to care for both souls and physical needs. This will require less energy on narrow matters and more focus on the authority of Christ and practice walking in step with the Spirit.
There is much more to say but I would begin with these.
