How to grow the U.S. economy

I'm not an economist or a politician, simply an American who wants the best for our country and its people. Here are some of my ideas to get the economy humming again and put people back to work.

1. Fix the infrastructure: roads, bridges.

2. Build mass transit where needed (metropolitan areas where traffic is a headache).

3. Private/public investment in sustainable innovation: indestructible road surface,  health care advances, etc.

4. Better ways to connect buyers with sellers (internet market places).

5. Export more goods.

6. Maintain dominance in industries/products that are in demand and pay workers a living wage.

7. Provide ways for people to stay in shape: pools, parks, courts, playing fields. (This will give them energy to be active and stay healthy.)

8. Promote culture – make it an integral part of life that is easy to access for people of all economic statuses.

9. Nutritional classes and cooking classes for all.

10. Free mentorship for small business owners. (combination of private/public sector)

Life is good

The great thing about getting older is that you know what you want. You know what sports you are good at and what you like to do for fitness. Give me a pool and a tennis court, a scenic place to walk or hike, and a bike path with no cars and I’m a happy camper. You know what kind of food you like to eat. You know which friends to call when you want to go on a double-date or out to lunch; play tennis or watch a baseball game; attend a concert or go to the art gallery; or just sit on your porch and have a great conversation.

Hopefully, you have a job or business that you enjoy. One that not only pays the bills but allows you to live the lifestyle that you makes you happy. Is happiness overrated? I have found that happiness is the side effect of working hard, playing hard, making plans, setting goals and reaching them, being with loved ones on a regular basis, and doing all the things that I like to do as often as I can.

When life becomes too much to bear – consider this: Are you in prison? Are your movements limited by someone or something?  Are you impoverished? Are you alone or just lonely? If these things don’t apply, then maybe you just need to look at the bright side. Appreciate. Enjoy. Savor what you have on a daily basis. Then you will recognize that “life is good.”