As the United States heads deeper into the twenty-first century, the country stands at a crossroads between innovation and uncertainty.
The U.S. faces many issues relating to several political, economic and environmental topics. Although the U.S. is still seen as one of the world’s leading nations for individual freedom and human rights, the recent effects of policy changes on everyday citizens can tell a more complicated story.
Economically, the nation remains a global leader for innovative and technological advancements as well as great financial growth. Yet U.S. citizens still face high housing costs, tremendous medical debt and uncertainty surrounding the education system. A poll from the Associated Press and National Opinion Research Center for Public Affairs found that only 33% of Americans approve of how U.S. President Donald Trump is managing the federal government during his second term.
The most recent government shutdown from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, the longest in U.S. history, has had significant political and economic consequences.
According to an ABC News article by journalist Max Zahn, “60,000 non-federal employees lost their jobs, and 42 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients lost their benefits during the shutdown.”
Families who relied on SNAP benefits were suddenly worried about how they would be able to afford groceries. Politicians and everyday citizens alike were placing the blame on one side or the other regarding the shutdown, with Republicans, Democrats, and the President all receiving criticism.
Many Americans are concerned about how government policies continue to affect minority and vulnerable communities. The crackdown of immigration enforcement and reductions of government-assisted programs are continuing to affect these communities.
An article from the American Civil Liberties Union states that:“Democracy depends on every level of government protecting our rights.”
Regarding healthcare policy, back in January the U.S. withdrew from the World Health Organization. This shift in policy can make it harder for health reforms to get passed for more affordable healthcare. The U.S. was a tremendous contributor to the WHO by providing funding and a significant amount of research to the organization. If there were to be another pandemic like COVID-19, the U.S. would possibly have a hard time through different routes taken to help prevent the spread of another virus throughout the country.
There are many who may disagree on how the country should be run and by who it should be run by, but if the citizens of the country can work together and operate as a well-developed democratic society, there will always be hope for future generations to come.
by James Shelton
