church and state There is a very distinct connection between church and state presently. I believe that the connection should be much more divided than it presently is. Individuals in the media have made religious beliefs a major role in campaigning and profiling of candidates running for offices. This is because religion shapes ones beliefs and creates a bias toward specific rules and regulations imposed. For example, the presence and acceptance of gay marriage had become a major factor in the campaigning race; and was particularly present with this past 2012 election. I believe that the government has no right to have any say in whom people can or cannot marry. Personally, I identify myself as a religious individual and my religion does not support gay rights. Yet I feel that this issue is a personal choice every person has to make and their decision should not be regulated by the government. Economically, the government has bigger problems on its plate than individuals rights and the restriction of such rights.
education As a cornerstone of our current economic situation education should be at the top of the governments issues list. I feel that our government should be most focused on internal affairs rather than external ones. Education is the single most prominent internal affair which affects our economy directly. The higher education individuals are able to receive the more of an educated country we may have. This in turn could mean more people in the work force, more people able to perform more advanced jobs, and the ability for our economy to grow under an intelligent working class. People need higher education in order to achieve most "american dreams". So why are costs skyrocketing and admission rates plummeting Because the government refuses to put a price moderation on the cost of tuition for higher education.
In addition, education begins at a young age; Public education grants are being cut and teachers are being let go. This means larger class sizes and less individualized attention that children need. It has been proven that the more children are able to absorb and comprehend at a young age, the more they will retain as they get older. Increase funding for the education system would only benefit the economy since it creates more jobs and pumps money into the market, since as well all know, with more jobs comes more money to go around.
military funding This last topic, is by far the most controversial. Military funding, has forever, been something that bothers me greatly. I believe that the governments pumps way to much money into a military that then pumps money into other countries to be doing the United States any good. With such an immensely large debt, it is fascinating that the United States chooses to maintain the largest military in the world an yet cuts things like healthcare and education from budgets. Of course I do think that it is important to help other nations and countries in need, yet not at the extent which it happens. I think it would be economically mindful to reduce the size of the military. Not cut it completely, but reduce the man-power and the production of fire-power.
