Over the past few decades, we seemed to have been lured into creating an ecomomic system that supports the idea that we’re better off as a society when we have big winners and big losers. I think this is a dangerous trend. Many people have pointed out that the gap between the “haves” and the “have-not-so-much” in our society is not sustainable in a democracy. But while some believe it is solely the fault of the players involved, there needs to be some consideration with regard to how we as a society shape the game toward economic fairness. The strong middle class of the post-war years in the last century did not happen by accident – or some product of our free market system. They were largely the result of positive, proactive policy decisions that believed in “floating all boats”. It’s also dishonest to say that this idea trends toward socialism. It’s about sharing prosperity and not allowing a select group to run away with all the benefits. Something that all of us, as human beings must strive toward.

I would look to restore the progressive tax system advocated by Adam Smith. Warren Buffett seems to understand this idea. But somehow this has eroded in our affinity to trickle down economics promoted in the past few decades by conservative ideologues. My opponent always dishonestly colors the Bush tax cuts as helping the “hard working families” of the district, while leaving out the fact that the cuts disproportionately favored the rich.

I would also support labor union rights in the private sector, which support the floor of wages and benefits. While trade is such an important component of the economy I would seek to improve trade policies that are currently hurting the American worker. There are also many opportunities to create new jobs in this country, including encouraging the green industries.

We also need to take a good hard look at how the mortgage crisis evolved in this country and how predatory lending intertwined with stagnating wages, job losses, and other cost of living increases, creating a perfect storm that put consumers in tough positions. While personal responsibility played a role as well, it cannot be ignored that a variety of industry considerations need to be addressed.

The goal should always be to create the greatest good for the greatest number, while still awarding the high achievers for their efforts – two ideas that when they are fully in balance – make us great as a nation.