Can the Federal Government Improve American Quality of Life?

Many believe that the federal government can be a powerful tool in improving the quality of life. For instance, better public schools, safer neighborhoods, and access to healthcare are some of the elements that contribute significantly to a better quality of life. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of government intervention is not a straightforward answer.

Universal Healthcare

The introduction of universal healthcare is one of the sought-after solutions. The United States is often criticized for not providing such a system compared to other developed nations. My experience in Taiwan, which has a universal healthcare system, highlights how it can be delivered effectively. The system there is efficient, affordable, and accessible. It serves as a model for how quality healthcare can be provided.

Better Infrastructure

The infrastructure in the United States lags behind many other countries. A specific example of this is the contrast between public transportation in Taiwan and the United States. In Taiwan, a 50km trip from the airport to the capital took only 40 minutes and cost about $5, making it a viable and competitive option. In contrast, when I traveled from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to my home in New York City (NYC), the process was more cumbersome and expensive, even though the distances were similar. This is a clear indication that better infrastructure could significantly improve the quality of life.

Public and private services often rely on government oversight, indicating that the government's failure in one service does not imply failure across all sectors. However, reproducing the efficiency of the postal service, the speed of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the compassion of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in a single system could indeed create a highly effective public service model.

Refinement vs. Interference

While there is a belief in improving the quality of life, the role of the federal government is to less interfere with people's lives rather than increase that interference. Former President Ronald Reagan's famous quote underscores the importance of limiting government's overreach. However, this perspective must be balanced with the realities of the current situation in the United States.

Challenges and Systemic Issues

The list of systemic issues in the United States is extensive and widely documented. These include expensive and unreachable higher education, poorly implemented social welfare, crippled healthcare, corruption, social inequality, lack of gun regulation, and a double-standard international policy. These issues are not solely the result of negligence but are often encouraged by those in power to maintain their interests.

Former Senator Bernie Sanders advocates for a redirection of funds from the military to civil sectors as a solution. While the idea of rechanneling resources to education, healthcare, and infrastructure seems intuitive, it raises concerns about the potential consequences of reduced military spending. Specifically, the world may seek retribution, and the collapse of the US economy could lead to resource scarcity and economic instability.

The Inevitability of Decline

The potential collapse of the United States as a superpower is a looming threat, driven by historical trends and worsening statistics. The decline of the United States from a unipolar world to a multipolar one suggests that the current systemic issues may exacerbate. This shift can lead to a variety of outcomes, from modest negative impacts on quality of life to civil war and global conflict.

The widening social inequality and potential technological advancements that could displace workers are key factors. As machines take over what once required human labor, the social fabric of the United States could be further strained. The reliance on the dollar as a world reserve currency and the military presence around the globe also raise questions about the sustainability of the current system.

While it is important to hold the federal government accountable for systematic issues, it must also be acknowledged that the challenges are complex and deeply entrenched. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that considers both immediate and long-term solutions.