Restore the Promise of America

Crisis in America

We are at a time of great crisis in America. Not since the Great Depression, has the need for new, independent leadership been so urgent. Our politicians have forgotten that it is not only an honor, but a privilege, to serve the American people. Both parties have become too self-serving and, too often, mired in false patriotism. Pork projects have become the currency of corruption in Washington, while gridlock, back room deals, and the constant focus on the short term, sells out the future of our country.

This election can be a turning point for both Ohio and America. We can replace today's politicians with new, honest, independent leaders who will put the people first, instead of party loyalties. We can elect leaders who will restore the Promise of America for all hard-working, deserving Americans. If we do not, our country, as we know it, will not be there for our children. Our children will pay the price for our failures.

We cannot afford to wait any longer. Our economy is in a tailspin. We are losing jobs and our incomes are falling, while prices are climbing higher and higher. The cost of gas is on its way to $4.00 per gallon, and I shudder to think what our energy bills are going to look like this winter. Food prices are also on their way up. The cost to put together healthy meals is already forcing families to make some very tough choices and it's only going to get worse. In fact, food riots are erupting around the world, while tent cities are quietly cropping up in parts of our own country.

In Washington, rather than focus on the plight of distressed homeowners, politicians seem to care more about bailouts for Wall Street fat cats and investment banks. It was these very financial institutions that got us into this mess with their selfish greed and reckless lending practices. As helpless homeowners watch the value of their homes decline, the Federal government braces for a wave of bank failures.

Our federal trade and budget deficits are enormous, yet the government remains unwilling to control spending. What happened to fiscal conservatism? Foreign countries no longer want to hold US dollars, because we have become a risky investment in the eyes of the world community. America is losing its triple A rating, while the US dollar has lost its status as the world's reserve currency. Where is the outrage?

Our country has a tax code that people can't understand. It places the tax burden on earnings, instead of consumption. State and municipal budget shortfalls are starting to happen all over the country and it's getting worse, not better.

Our educational system focuses more on testing, than teaching. While China and India's best and brightest get ahead by going into science, technology and engineering, too many of our best and brightest, instead, go to work for hedge funds.

Our healthcare system is becoming out of reach for the average American family. Too often, patients are spending more time worrying about how to pay their medical bills, than about getting better. Some Americans are forced to forego medical treatment altogether. Our medical system is focused on treatment, rather than prevention, and it's getting worse, not better.

Our energy policies are beyond irresponsible. 40 years ago, our country was able to put a man on the moon, yet today, we still use 100-year old technology for personal transportation. With oil prices skyrocketing, we are now chasing the fool's gold of corn-based ethanol. This is driving agricultural commodity prices through the roof. American cattle farmers have begun slaughtering their herds because it has become too expensive to feed them. Meat prices are rising substantially as a result, and perhaps worst off all, a hoarding mentality is starting to take hold.

Our airline security system calls for grandmothers to remove their shoes and for mothers to toss their children's water bottles before they board airplanes, yet potential terrorists can waltz right over the border undetected on a daily basis. When did we become a nation that would give up our basic dignities and civil rights for the illusion of security?

Overseas, our children, family members, friends and neighbors are fighting in a war that has no end. There is no plan for peace. There is no plan to bring our brave men and women home. With no end in sight, some politicians are suggesting we just stay the course. Stay the course? We must right the ship. This is America, not the Titanic.

This crisis did not happen overnight. For too long, we, the people, have passively stood by and allowed this to happen. Are we going to continue to watch the dollar depreciate as taxpayer money is used to bailout the bankers? Are we going to accept the lower standard of living that Washington is forcing upon us? How much longer will we allow the government to use fear to take away our civil liberties? The list goes on and on. I say enough is enough!

No longer should we listen to our politicians talk about these issues, while doing nothing to address them. We keep going around in circles, accomplishing nothing. It is their failed leadership that has gotten us into this mess, and I certainly don't trust them to get us out of it! Together, we must take it upon ourselves to restore the Promise of America. We owe it to those who came before us and to our children who will follow. I ask you to join this cause.

The Promise of America

The Promise of America means that prosperity, integrity, and security will follow for those who work hard and take responsibility for themselves, their families and their communities.

The Promise of America means our government works for the people, not the political parties, corporate interests, or career politicians.

The Promise of America means that our hard-earned savings won't be destroyed by government sponsored inflation and the irresponsible actions of banks, financial services firms and the Federal Reserve.

The Promise of America means that small business owners, who are the backbone of the American economy, get the full support of federal tax legislation.

The Promise of America means that we exercise free trade, but we do so on a level playing field. It means that American workers don't take a back seat to corporate managers trying to make their quarterly earnings targets.

The Promise of America means that as a country of great technological achievement, we can solve the energy crisis without harming our treasured wildlife and green-space.

The Promise of America means our government won't listen to our phone calls, and read our emails, without first getting legal authorization to do so. It means that we will never take away a person's right to trial by a group of his or her peers.

The Promise of America means that we are a nation of immigrants. We will take your tired, your poor and your hungry, but we will do so under the umbrella of our legal system. The Promise of America means that English is our language and that if you take the initiative to learn it, you will become part of the rich fabric of our country.

The Promise of America means that when natural disasters strike our country, we will have rescue teams and resources in place to help those in need, instead of bumbling bureaucracies, mismanaged by people of political appointment.

The Promise of America means an honest day's pay for an honest day's work. It means access to quality medical care at affordable rates and good public schools. It is the ability to go to college without having to take on massive amounts of debt.

The Promise of America means that we spend American taxpayer money on American infrastructure, instead of roads, bridges and schools overseas that most Americans will never see. It is the expectation that bridges won't collapse when driving over them.

The Promise of America means that our politicians will use every means at their disposal to diffuse the potential for war. We are a proud nation of warriors and we deserve civilian leadership who understands the difference between a clear and present danger, and a war of choice.

The Promise of America means that we will never send our fighting forces into battle without the tools necessary to get the job done. It means our wounded soldiers will have access to the best medical care our nation can provide.

The Promise of America means that the United States will take a leadership role in fighting the AIDS epidemic in Africa and to addressing world hunger, which kills thousands every day. It means we will lead the charge in stopping the genocide in Darfur, NOW, instead of giving speeches with the familiar refrain of "never again". With the help of other nations, it means we can change the world for the better. This is how we show the world our compassion and win their hearts and minds.

The Promise of America means that we are a nation of freedom, above all else. It means that we are respected by people of all nations, because we give a damn about humanity and civil rights. It means we practice what we preach, regardless of political expediency, or the threats of some foreign government.

The Promise of America means that children should not be abused by anyone. It means that the foster care system is administered by competent and caring individuals. It means finding loving, nurturing parents for young people who deserve a fair chance in life.

The Promise of America means that we have a moral and Constitutional responsibility to respect and protect all life and private property.

The Promise of America is the promise of a middle class. Without a strong and vibrant middle class, we become a nation of the haves and have-nots.

The Promise of America is, in essence, the American Dream. It is the very foundation of this great nation. It is America.

Call to Restore the Promise of America

Each of our families came to this country seeking better lives through the Promise of America. It is our duty as Americans to keep this promise to our children, grandchildren, and the generations that follow. I will walk our district day and night. I will listen to my fellow citizens describe what they believe the Promise of America to be. As your representative, I will work tirelessly to promote these promises in Congress.

This, however, is not a one-man job. The problems that we face are numerous and complex. I ask you, regardless of your party affiliation, to join me. We must come together so that we can change the direction of our country. We must be united in purpose to meet the challenges our country faces. While I strongly believe that one person can make a difference, it takes thousands to make the change happen!

My name is David Krikorian. I am running as an Independent candidate for United States Congress, representing Ohio's second district. Will you please join in this mission to Restore the Promise of America?