Concerned about America’s future

As an American of Jewish heritage, I wonder what Adolf Hitler may have first said concerning Jews when he came to power? Donald Trump’s recent comments have been met by silence among other Republicans.

Isis and al-Qaida and related organizations are a real threat. I believe they are sucker punching us in hope that we overreact. If we start bombing mosques and denying Muslims entry, we will help radicalize a new generation and later pay the price.

Since 9/11 785,00 refugees have entered America and not one has been convicted of a terrorist act. During that time nearly half a million Americans have died from the use of guns for murders, suicides and accidents. Gun control works in every other industrialized country. Australia is a model of dramatic improvement after gun control was enacted.

There are no simplistic solutions to complex problems. Our most pressing problem is that we are degrading our environment at an alarming speed. A handful of people are making obscene profit with the rest of us downwind. We’re smart enough to leap beyond fossil fuels to more sensible alternatives. We may have to restructure our economy. America is a testament to change and that technology exists.

Long-term solutions include promoting better economic and political conditions where refugees now flee, less dependence on oil, gun control and electing officials that look seven generations ahead.

This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Concerned about America’s future."