ARTICLE
I've been fortunate enough to interview a lot of famous types in my time here at the Chamber. Hosting the WFMZ-TV show "Business Matters" has afforded me the chance to meet people who have changed our nation and our world. Just last week, I had the honor of interviewing five area congressmen: Republicans Brian Fitzpatrick, R-8th District, Charlie Dent, R-15th District, and Leonard Lance, R-N.J., and Democrats Matt Cartwright, D-17th District, and Dwight Evans, D-2nd District. I found it interesting just how open they were regarding a variety of political viewpoints. Where they all struggled was supporting the president and the party, yet remaining independent. In today's world, a political leader takes a position and immediately it is vetted, judged and likely criticized. Our use of social media and the 24-hour news cycle leave very little room for any consideration of each other's point of view, let alone time to compromise. Remember that word: compromise. There is no more listening. There is no more pausing to think. There is only immediate retort. Instant reaction is not the only culprit for why we can't achieve success on important legislation in Washington. We ask why these really bright, impressive leaders can't move key legislation for the good of the people they truly want to represent. I believe party politics also plays a large role in the inability to reach compromise. There is that word again. In our families, our jobs and our lives, you simply don't get everything you want. And, you can't be everything to everyone. It seems anytime we get close to passing legislation, someone is negatively affected and that voice stops the movement. We as Americans have a low threshold of pain tolerance, but we better grow that threshold because we won't get anywhere trying to keep everyone happy. The answer is not starting from scratch; the answer is compromise. What I hear time and time again from business people I speak with is: "Can we please get on to the business of being a successful nation?" Business leaders locally and nationally have been waiting to see signs that our economy is being stimulated. You realize, I'm sure, that a strong economy means a strong Lehigh Valley and America. A strong economy mean jobs, good jobs for hard-working American families. Good jobs for these families means money for cars, education, a home and savings for our future. The opposite of a strong economy means communities with increasing unemployment, leaving people without the dream of a brighter future. No job means unhappy families. Here's what I know: Business people want and need to drive this economy. And by the way, they can and will grow, given the support and freedom to do so. But government is very imbedded in day-to-day business, so we need our leaders to come together and reach a compromise on: •Pensions: Pennsylvania alone is $65 billion in the unfunded liability hole. •Health care: Business says repeal the Affordable Health Care Act. It's costly and hurting business, not to mention unaffordable for most workers. •Taxes: Business says reduce business taxes to allow us to invest in growth and employ more people. •Infrastructure: Business recognizes this will cost money, but it will bring tens of thousands of jobs, not to mention raise our country up to the level of growing nations that have new roads, bridges, and airports. •Regulations: Business faces a $2 trillion annual price tag. We have to cut some regulations and reduce wasteful spending. Business understands this is the really tough one, since nobody wants to make tough choices that will hurt anyone. As I've said before, capitalism is tough and competitive — and it's not perfect. But, it's by far the best this world has ever seen. Read the original article here.