Election Day Thoughts

This week, I will have the privilege of joining the RMD club.

Age sneaks up on you. But it beats the alternative.

No question, we have been blessed to retire comfortably and stay active in our community, in both the for-profit and non-profit world, travel, hang with friends, and stay close to the kids, grandkids, and extended family.

Yes, we worked hard, caught some breaks, and overcame some major bumps. We came to this point because we had the opportunity to get on the road. That's where I want to go with this Muddy Boots post.

Our generation and demographic here in America may be the last for some time to have the opportunity we did. Barriers to opportunity continue to grow based on one's economic demographic, origin, and gender.

From 2013 to 2023, I worked in Philadelphia with individuals experiencing poverty. I have seen directly the challenges and barriers. For capable individuals, the way out of poverty is a living-wage job with benefits and assets in the bank to meet emergencies.

The core issue is access to these opportunities and the ability to qualify for them.

So, as we go to vote this November. Here is the challenge for both parties and our executive and judicial branches. The challenge of our time is that 30% of Americans live below the living wage.  I acknowledge geopolitical wars, the environment, AI, and similar challenges, but for this election, look here.

How do we raise all boats? How do we go from maintenance programs to transformation programs for the 30%?  We are a nation of consumers. Consumption drives 70% of GDP.  What happens if 30% of the population becomes consumers? We all grow.

So, leadership, here is what I want to know.  What is your game plan?

First, how will you create living-wage jobs for the 30%?

Then….

For the environment?

How will you meet challenges to free markets and trade?

How will you restore America as a leader and partner of the free world?

I haven't seen a single political ad that speaks to any of this.

I want to know how my RMD tax will be spent, not for me,

but for my grandchildren. All grandchildren.