by John F. McManus, President

The big issues in 2010 will be the economy and the two wars. Those who deal with these matters realistically will attract voters; those who do not will be properly accused of wrongheaded business as usual and suffer rejection at the polling places. About the economy (and the shrinking value of the dollar), the proper response includes large cuts in spending, balancing the budget, starting to rebuild our severely depleted manufacturing base by getting out of the way of producers of goods, exposing and closing down the stranglehold possessed by the Federal Reserve, and launching meaningful steps toward placing something tangible behind the dollar. About the two wars, the response should include recognition that continuation — even expansion in Afghanistan! — is the direct opposite of what should be done. The longer we stay in Iraq and Afghanistan, the more we invite hatred for and retaliation against our troops and our country. It’s time to begin bringing the troops home.

No copyright exists on these thoughts. Anyone running for office at any level is perfectly free to adopt these recommendations without credit to me or to The John Birch Society!