A plan to fulfill the American dream

At several political events recently in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut some participants have called for a clear, concise statement of desired reforms, in effect a Democratic platform to fulfill the American dream, with the focus on jobs, not cuts in programs that benefit the American people.

Such a framework, dovetailing with President Obama’s announced American Jobs Act,  is in the offing, under the auspices of the “Take Back the American Dream” conference to be held in Washington, D.C., Oct. 3 to 5. Here’s the 10-point framework:

Invest in America’s infrastructure to rebuild our transportation and communication systems to state-of-the-art standards.

Create 21st-century energy jobs to exploit new energy-efficient green technology that’s “made in America.”

Invest in public education from preschool to vocational training and higher learning to meet those job requirements.

Offer Medicare for all to ensure “Health for All”  that is cost-effective, of high quality and affordable for every American.

Make work pay for Americans at living wages and conditions,  and with full respect for the basic rights of labor.

Secure Social Security and pay for it forever by removing the current cap on payroll tax.

Return to fairer tax rates and practices so that all Americans pay an equitable effective tax rate on all income and gain.

End the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and use the funds for investment at home and for jobs here in America.

Tax speculative financial trading transactions to help balance the national budget and erase the national debt.

Strengthen true democracy by banning big-money political influence and by adopting publicly financed elections.

The above 10-point plan is what is needed to restore both our economy and our faith in America. Put the outcome of Oct. 3 to 5 on your personal agenda. Let’s speak with one voice and revive the American dream.

Sharon resident Anthony Piel is a former director and general legal counsel of the World Health Organization.

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