We’ve all witnessed, when certain politicians articulate, the need for changes, and suggest, they are best – suited, to make a change, but, it’s essential to remember, these are not necessarily, for the better! Have you ever felt, after – the – fact, the only meaningful change, is, we are left, with only change, in our pockets, rather than what, we began with? Of course, many politicians are far more about their rhetoric, personal/ political agenda, and self – interest, than, about helping, and serving their constituents, and, so, the changes they seek, are, unfortunately, often, more self – serving, than service – oriented! With that in mind, this article will attempt to consider, review, and briefly discuss, some examples of the differences, between actual change, and making a difference, for the better!

1. Tax reform: There is little doubt, our tax system, is far from ideal, and/ or perfect. Many political candidates have made promises, to improve it, and while, there have been several “reforms,” few have served the vast majority of American citizens! Last year, at the request of President Donald Trump, the Republican – controlled, Congress, passed their so – called, tax reform/ cut, largely along party lines. Although Trump had promised, the main beneficiary of this, would be the middle – class, the reality, according to the vast majority of experts and professional analysts/ economists, etc, has mostly benefited the largest corporations, and the wealthiest Americans. While some middle – class, and working – class individuals, have seen a slight benefit, many have seen little or none, and many, especially those, in higher – tax states, known as SALT areas, will see their taxes increase. The supporters of this, promoted the larger personal deduction, but, neglected to mention, the individual exemption has been eliminated, and the tax deduction, for state and local taxes, has been capped, at a combined, $10,000, which in higher – taxed states, is absurd, when it combines high real estate taxes, sales taxes, and state and local income taxes! There certainly has been a change, but it is, not necessarily, as touted, nor for the better, of many!

2. America First: Part of Donald Trump’s, Make America Great Again, or MAGA, slogan, is focusing on what he refers to, as, America First. However, many, believe, we live in a global society, and local, national, and world economies, are inter – dependent, and, we don’t benefit, by hurting other nations. He’s opposed treaties, which he said, were stupid, and did not benefit us, but, just as, for example, his recent attempt to change, NAFTA, there has been little real improvement, and many potential ramifications. This is also true, of the potential, negative ramification of his trade war, combined with tariffs imposed, in relation, to China. How will we benefit, when prices rise significantly? The American farmers, who supported him, when he ran, have been amongst the worst – impacted, by his immigration focus, as well as these tariffs, etc.

Wake up, America, and beware, of the rhetoric and promises, made by politicians, when they run, for office! Rather than believing them, or seeking simplistic solutions, etc, demand more details, and ask, what the negative ramifications, might occur!