The US government and political system is so divided that the Federal government has literally been crippled by political dysfunction. Experiencing the longest government shutdown in American history, the United States has reached a new low in the assault on proper governance. It is not that the American People as a whole are divided along partisan lines on every issue. It is not that average American disagree on every issues nor is it that they lack the ability to compromise for the common good. It is that political leaders thrive on division. By rallying supporters to a cause and vilifying everyone who is not a supporter, political leaders are able to tap the undying passions of diehard supporters, which ensures their hold on political power. Politically affluent individuals are able to push their own special interests and political agendas using the same tactic. The strategy has the unfortunate consequence of dividing the politically active, while undermining government and the faith of the general population in the political system, but it serves those in power and those on the fringe well.
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Governments that fail to maintain the support of the populations they govern face destabilizing civil unrest that only intensifies over the course of time. Their failure to represent the Peoples of the territories they preside over and their refusal to respond to the interests of their Peoples also leaves governments without the pro-social imperatives they need. Instead of managing communities in ways that cultivate healthy civil societies, which provide for the needs of the Peoples, dysfunctional governments cater to special interest groups and their own interests. In neglecting the needs of their Peoples, and therefore the needs of their societies, dysfunctional governments transform themselves into burdens and ensure their inevitable devise. Governments must, therefore, equally serve all the Peoples they govern, i.e. government must provide for equal representation and protection. Although most modern people can agree to this simple principle, those in government tend to favor groups they prefer. It is a failure of political leaders around the world to transcend their geographic, ethnic, cultural, religious, and political affiliations to serve their national communities. This is a consequence of political leaders lacking a true national identity.
Africa is an often neglected continent in terms of geopolitics and international attention. It is a continent politically shaped by a history of exploitative European colonialism, tribal conflicts, and a fleeting struggle to maintain modern governing institutes that can be supported by all factions for the benefit of all. Where the International Community has been heavily engaged in the Middle East, for example, African issues have been put on the back burner, especially since the 1990s. It is certainty true that a large number of international governmental and nongovernmental organization have been involved in many African nations, but the resource-rich continent is clearly not a top priority for world powers nor is there is a grand international effort to address the issues that often send African nations into violent civil wars. Unfortunately, the governments and societies of the world are headed toward the same dysfunction often exhibited by many African nations. Looking at the recent elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, there are invaluable lessons for the world.
The US government shutdown over border wall funding is setting fresh records as it creates a growing list of intensifying problems. Attempted negotiations between the President and Congressional Democrats have barely commenced before they have quickly degenerated into public spectacles due to an impasse over the proposed wall. Meanwhile, Congressional Republicans appear unlikely to join their Democratic colleagues any time soon in ending the shutdown by overriding the President’s veto. For his part, President Donald Trump, who feels compelled to achieve a perceived victory at all costs, is trying to find a way out of the self-made crisis through alternative funding paths that would allow him to build his wall by circumventing Congressional approval. Trump would, presumably, sign legislation to open the government once funding for his wall was secure. One potential option entertained by the Trump Administration is the abuse of emergency powers over a non-eminent threat to divert funding to the 234 mile long steel barrier. It is an option that would allow Mr. Trump and Democrats to save face, but it would also create a myriad of legal challenges the President likely could not survive. The simple truth is that one side has to lose to win, but the question is which one.
Improved Employer-Employee Relations Is Needed To Attract New Hires And Improve Worker Performance1/9/2019 The economy exists to ensure the needs of people are met. A healthy economy should, therefore, translate into financial security for the vast majority of people. Nearly 80% of Americans, however, live pay check to pay check. Around 10% of those individuals have annual incomes over $100, 000. The vast majority of Americans are either making too little or their modern lifestyles cost too much. Recognizing the impact of geography-driven economic inequality, i.e. a $100,000 income is a small income in some areas, mismanagement of personal finances cannot account for this financial insecurity alone. Given the shrinking size of the Middle Class, alongside the growth in inequality for both individuals and businesses, the economy is not doing what people need it to do. In terms of employer-employee relations, the issue of financial insecurity creates friction. Faced with a low unemployment rate and a shortage of workers as businesses race to serve the demands of a booming economy, business leaders need to reflect on their relationships with employees in order to provide for their operational needs.
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April 2020
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