Both political parties wrong about 'civil rights'
"Civil rights," a philosophical phrase that sounds so simple; yet, it proves to be elusive and divisive. There will always be some real and some perceived inequities.
The unrest in Ferguson, New York and other cities across America is being portrayed as a civil rights problem, and to a certain extent it is; however, the underlining factors are social problems. Millions of minority people have moved from rural areas to cities to find work and/or take advantage of the various welfare projects already in place. Once there, they find there are more people looking for work than jobs. Thus, ghettos expand creating breeding-grounds for unrest and lawlessness.
"From its very inaction, idleness ultimately becomes the most active cause of evil." - Colton.
We can't continue down the path of extending welfare and unemployment benefits for months on end. Those caught up in the system become cynical and lose their feeling of self respect.
The solution, however, should not be one of creating more hurriedly planned government projects, but to step back and see what has worked in the past. The Democrats want more government funded union jobs and the Republicans want to rely on trickle-down policies that are not keeping pace with the loss of industrial jobs. Both parties need to modify their thinking.
The present system rewards idleness. Those receiving welfare or unemployment payments often say, "Why should I take the job offered when I can receive nearly as much by staying at home?" Who can argue with that? Our system would operate better if unemployment tax funds were placed in accounts set aside and used to fund work projects similar to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs), which was created in 1933 and ended in 1942. The emergency salary should be minimal, i.e. $10 to $12 per hour worked; thus, those receiving assistance would learn skills and have the dignity of working. Most of those recipients would try to better themselves and seek more lucrative jobs as the economy improves.
The CCC program of the 1930s provided a base for more than 2 million Americans to work with dignity. These were not throw-away projects. The subsidized work programs provided many public improvements in our parks, forests, rural trails and road drainage control systems.
"Idleness is only the refuge of weak minds."
- Earl of Chesterfield
Workers with occupational illiteracy will not succeed. The Germans realize that to be employed one must be knowledgeable in his or her trade or field. They fund apprentice programs that keep step with corporate needs. There are many U.S. employers looking for associates and they can't find them in our labor pools. The age of robotics and high-tech industries will weigh heavily on the unemployed, if we continue to do little to correct our outdated programs. Our school systems and apprentice programs must keep up with our needs.
We need to repair and replace some of our aging infrastructure, but not solely on the backs of the middle class. The threat of cyber attacks on the control systems of our utilities is very real and I hope is being viewed as such by our government and major corporations. Many waste management and water facilities need updating.
Wealthy individuals get the most benefit of roads, bridges, airports, shipping facilities, communication and power systems, etc., so why shouldn't they pay a little more to update and protect these facilities or systems? Stop the tax loop-holes and the flow of money to offshore banking accounts. The CEOs of large corporations, entertainers, Wall Street speculators and bankers, etc., will not be reduced to poverty by paying a little more in individual income tax. I totally agree with Warren Buffet.
On the other end of the spectrum, corporate taxes need to be reduced to levels closer to those of many of our competing nations. Corporations that have utilized the benefits of our infrastructure and tax incentives should not be allowed to move their business to other nations without paying substantial capital gains taxes.
Congress needs to act by modifying or deleting outdated programs and create new programs to meet the needs of a modern America. We are walking down a path that could lead to anarchy if we don't modify our direction. Working together, with respect for others, will bring us closer to our goals.
Leonard Brandt is a Post Falls resident.