As a nation, we stand at a pivotal moment, confronted with urgent issues that, if left unresolved, could have serious and lasting consequences. Three of these issues are particularly pressing: national defense, fiscal responsibility and the state of our education system. How we respond to these challenges today will define the future we pass on to our children and grandchildren.

1. National Defense: Confronting a Coalition of Authoritarianism

Our national security is being tested by an alliance of authoritarian countries – China, Russia, Iran and North Korea – working together to erode the influence of Western democracies. These nations, increasingly confident in their ability to reshape the world order, are capitalizing on global unrest to challenge us.

Russia’s war in Ukraine highlights the gravity of this threat. Vladimir Putin’s strategy of attrition is gradually wearing down the resolve of the West, with many nations, including our own, growing weary of the financial burden of supporting Ukraine. Some argue that, just as we withdrew from Vietnam and Afghanistan with no immediate catastrophic consequences, we should allow Ukraine to fall. But is this war truly the same?

Unlike those past conflicts, the stakes in Ukraine are global. China, which has declared its ambition to become the dominant world power by 2049, is carefully watching how we respond. If we abandon Ukraine, authoritarian regimes may view this as a signal that we lack the will to stand up to their aggression. The result could be an emboldened China, North Korea and Iran – nations that see our withdrawal as an opportunity to assert their dominance. What kind of world would we inherit if these authoritarian regimes replace the democratic order we helped establish?

2. Sound Money: The Price of Fiscal Irresponsibility

For years, our nation has lived beyond its means, with both Republican and Democratic administrations spending far more than they collected in taxes. This reckless spending is unsustainable, and yet many of us seem content to receive government services without fully paying for them.

The hard truth is that we cannot continue to run up our national “credit card” without serious long-term consequences. Inflation, rising interest rates and a weakening dollar are just some of the risks we face if we do not take action. The question is not whether this excessive debt bothers us now, but what it will mean for future generations.

If we want to enjoy government services, we must accept the necessity of paying for them through taxes. Alternatively, we must be willing to accept fewer services. Politicians avoid confronting us with this reality because they fear voter backlash. But unless we address this issue, we will be handing our children and grandchildren an economy crippled by debt. Fiscal responsibility isn’t just a matter of balancing the books – it’s about securing a future that allows future generations to thrive.

3. Education: Restoring Our Global Competitiveness

Our educational system, once one of the best in the world, now ranks in the mid-20s to low 30s, depending on the subject area, and faces significant challenges compared to leading countries in global education rankings. This is a stark decline, and one with profound consequences for our nation’s future. Countries like Ireland have become economic powerhouses in part because they prioritized education. Meanwhile, we seem to be content with mediocrity.

This should alarm us. A strong education system is the foundation of our global competitiveness, our economic prosperity and even our national security. If we continue to fall behind, we risk not only a weaker economy but also a diminished standing on the world stage. Countries that prioritize education will out-innovate, out-compete and out-perform us in every area that matters.

Are we willing to accept this decline? Or will we demand better for our children and invest in the kind of education that will prepare them to meet the challenges of the future?

Time to Pause

Too often, politicians tell us what we want to hear instead of what we need to hear. But we cannot afford to continue making decisions based on short-term comfort and convenience. We must be willing to vote for leaders who are prepared to make tough choices – even if that means raising taxes to pay for essential services or cutting back on services we cannot afford.

The future of our nation depends on our willingness to demand more from ourselves and our leaders. If we continue to vote based on promises of quick fixes and easy solutions, we will leave behind a nation in decline for future generations.

National defense, fiscal responsibility and education are critical issues that will shape the future of our country. These challenges demand immediate attention and thoughtful action. We must make difficult choices today if we want to leave a better nation for tomorrow.

Quotes from the Bible

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Proverbs 29:2