Wednesday, November 13, 2024

How to MAGA: My Five Pointers Post-2024 Elections


A lot has been going on since the recent elections and I started writing this piece a few days ago to share. America is a truly great nation and its greatness has impacted the world in all the good, bad and ugly ways imaginable. But living here also reveals areas where America has fallen short of its full potential. This is why the MAGA slogan resonated so strongly with most Americans in 2016. Today, too many people struggle with joblessness, lack of housing, crushing debt, and the resulting issues of addiction, whether to alcohol, drugs, or unhealthy habits online. With the MAGA slogan back in focus, now is the time to rally behind it for a greater America for all. There’s no need for hate or resentment, those can only hold us back. A good and truly great America benefits everyone. 


With Mr. Donald J. Trump going back to Washington, if I were close to the President-elect, I would suggest a focused and inclusive agenda to "Make America Great Again." These actions are grounded in practical policies, and would serve all Americans across the political spectrum. As a nation, we need healing after the divisive nature of recent campaigns. When we sift through our differences, we find that, fundamentally, we all want the same things for our country. Below are some core priorities I would suggest as Trump heads back to Washington come January.


First, ending conflicts abroad. While some argue that war can drive business, it ultimately brings devastation, especially to those most affected by its carnage. For the American public, stability at home relies on a stable world. Prioritizing diplomacy to address conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza would reduce global suffering and enhance America’s international standing. Redirecting resources from foreign conflicts to domestic needs allows us to rebuild from within, fostering peace and strengthening alliances. Anyone who drives through American cities can see the urgent need for infrastructure improvements, yet billions are diverted abroad for wars that many Americans feel disconnected from. A quick conversation with people often reveals that they’re unhappy about excessive spending on foreign conflicts like Ukraine's. Many Americans might not even locate Ukraine on a map, underscoring how little these foreign involvements resonate with their daily concerns.


Second, revitalizing domestic manufacturing. To restore America’s economic backbone, we need to protect and grow our manufacturing base. This means incentivizing companies to keep production within our borders, investing in infrastructure, and offering training programs to develop a skilled workforce. A robust manufacturing sector creates jobs, reduces dependence on foreign imports, and enhances economic resilience, which can help us withstand future crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the downsides of outsourcing essential goods, especially when labor strikes disrupted basic supplies. Next time you’re shopping, take a moment to check where products come from—you’ll find most are from overseas, especially China. To truly MAGA, we must bring back “Made in America” to our stores. It’s a significant undertaking, but one that will benefit everyone.


Third, safeguarding free speech. Free speech is the lifeblood of American democracy. Protecting this right, while also recognizing the need for accountability (especially in cases of incitement or harm), allows for a society where everyone can voice their perspectives responsibly. Encouraging open dialogue fosters understanding and trust, ultimately strengthening our democratic foundation. Since 2020, we’ve seen unprecedented levels of censorship, threatening a unique aspect of American democracy. To MAGA, free speech must be upheld and allowed to thrive.


Fourth, raising wages and reducing inflation. Economic security begins with a living wage. Many Americans work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. A truly “great” America is one where a family can rely on a single job in the family to survive. Raising the minimum wage would help lift families out of poverty, but it must be carefully implemented to avoid inflationary effects like we have at the moment. This is also where experts in economics can balance wage increases with stability. By also supporting strategies to curb inflation, like boosting energy independence and streamlining supply chains. America can make daily essentials more affordable and preserve purchasing power. We have sufficient energy resources right here within our borders; let’s use them to fuel a MAGA economy.


Fifth, promoting family values and ethical standards in medicine and beyond. To support healthy families, it’s crucial to uphold ethical standards in medicine. For example, doctors should be disincentivized from promoting life-altering procedures, such as gender-affirming surgeries, without stringent, evidence-based protocols. Policies like this can protect vulnerable individuals and promote accountability. Family-centered policies foster trust and support for all Americans. The food industry should also be held accountable for selling products that contribute to widespread health issues. With figures like RFK Jr. possibly influencing policy, we could also pursue initiatives to make America healthier, which could be part of a “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) campaign.


By focusing on these priorities, we can address pressing economic, social, and ethical issues, allowing America to grow stronger from within. This agenda emphasizes peace, prosperity, and well-being for all citizens. With a united effort, we can chart a course toward a nation that upholds its values, respects its people, and stands strong on the world stage.


I still remain your pal,

Ronnie Law


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