Why I'm Hopeful
The midterm elections are less than a month away in the United States. Where I live, early voting is possible beginning on October 13th. One week from today.
I’ve printed the ballot and plan to vote my dissatisfaction with the Republican Party. The Legislative Branch has abdicated their duty. They have failed to defend the Constitution by allowing Trump to set policy. He has used this allowance to issue arbitrary tariffs. Start trade wars. Announce annexations of foreign allies. Create goon squads to intern immigrants (legal and otherwise). Start foreign wars that have destabilized the global economy. Trigger inflation, and reduce America’s standing as a trustworthy, rules-based, partner.
I trust a significant number of citizens in the United States feel the same way. Both parties are providing poor leadership.
The Republican Party has had full control of all branches of government. They have made things materially worse. For this reason, the Republican Party is dead to me. I will vote for Democrats (if they are not socialists). If I can’t bring myself to vote for a Democrat, I’ll write in a candidate.
One thing is certain, I will cast my vote against the party in control. Donald Trump has made an absolute mess of things and the Republican Party has enabled him.
I expect the Democrats to win the House and they have a good chance to win the Senate. If they win both, I expect the impeachment of Donald Trump to follow, with cause. It is unlikely they will not get the votes to throw him out of office. Even so, one can hope. In the 2028 election, a populist Democrat could come out on top. Then the Democrats will alienate the voters.
The fiscal problems of the United States will be so acute by 2032, the troubles won't be ignorable. Social Security will have a 25% annual shortfall. Interest on the federal debt could exceed $2 trillion annually. The Dollar will no longer be the world's reserve currency. Our elected officials have allowed an unsustainable situation. The geopolitics of Trump is damaging respect for the United States globally. Other countries are quietly replacing United States Treasury debt with other assets. Borrowing at below market rates will no longer be available to the United States.
At least four election cycles will have to happen before these problems are clear to most voters. The rest of the world is watching. I hope we send the right message to politicians.
I’m hopeful because I still believe voters will.