There currently exists a gap in the center of the political spectrum. Fear is being catered to on either side of the aisle, but optimism and reform-minded spirit have died with a whimper. The longest bull market in history combined with a renewed growth in the wages of labor, including the unskilled, should see something resembling a hopefulness to the future. Whoever first sees this gap and discerns the proper way to speak to those who exist within it will have a real opportunity to make a positive impact.
The primary difficulty in shooting this gap is that of addressing real problems encountered by the citizenry while striking the right tone of hopefulness. Labor has seen small gains recently, but unskilled laborers in the US have declined relative to their peers in emerging markets which can be partly attributed to the productivity gains from hyperefficient global supply chains. This is coupled with a decline in American global stature wrought from Chinese machinations and Trumpian foreign policy incompetence. Trump, of course, is right to recognize China’s role as an adversary to the liberal world order and, by proxy, the American role as its defender and beneficiary. Conversely, he could not be farther off the mark in its mechanisms or impact (beyond the fact that it is bad for American interests). China disrupts the global rule of law and stability in exchange for backroom deals with special interests and a global network of infrastructure debt.
Solutions to these problems are neither mutually exclusive nor short-term endeavors. The bulwark of American global supremacy rests on the tenets of open society and the power of competition to forge greatness. China prefers opaque governance, persecution of critics, and state-sponsored enterprise. To compete and win, we must play to our strengths. This means shoring up declines in population with robust immigration with a special focus on skilled immigrants. China cannot attract the ambitious the way we can because we have a reputation as a land of endless opportunity and as a place where everyone is equal under the law with reliably governance and stable institutions. Secondly, it means ensuring that the rules of competition are fair and adhered to by all. There can be no exceptions. Sometimes, this will result in short term sacrifices, but the result in the long term will be a continuation of the dominance of American firms and individuals in creating valuable intellectual property.
Here, then, lies the challenge. How can we frame this solution in a way that engenders passion and patience for its execution? Part of this involves asking, as Jack Kennedy asked, for Americans – both citizens and residents – to ask what they can do for their country. I believe, as I’m sure many do, that the best anyone can do is to invest in their own future by learning skills and living active lives – and I mean that in every sense of the word. Do not settle for a comfortable life. Engage in community and take risks. In return, the government should be there to catch you if you fall and provide both guidance and resources along the way. It’s a partnership with unlimited potential.