In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wrote of three un-alienable rights – Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. The meanings of Life and Liberty has been long documented, argued, and revised. Yet, the aspirations of Pursuit of Happiness remain clouded – a missing piece of the Jefferson aspiration in our modern discourse.
For over 50 years, Neoliberalism, has dominated USeconomic policy, resulting in lower growth and a decline of employment and living standards for the lower and middle class. Running parallel, is the hyper-inflation on the essentials of modern life — education, healthcare and housing. In tandem, this has made the American Dream harder for a growing majority of Americans to achieve.
Life during Covid has accelerated and laid bare the intent, progress and effect of neoliberal policy. Souring unemployment within fragile industries, has removed all doubt as to fragility of our current economic structures and its failure to provide a sustainable present and future for the American People.
- The Pursuit of Happiness, [General Welfare Clause in the Constitution] its meaning as intended by the founders, specifically Jefferson, Hamilton and Adams and interpreted by Lincoln and FDR, both the right of the People and the responsibility of government.
- Focusing on the Federal government, I will review how the modern neoliberal economic policies of the US Government have directly contributed to a dramatic increase in inequity among Americans.
- Focusing on New York StateI will review how the economic policies have ignored the effects of a neoliberal policy and thus have perpetuated inequities and are thus not aligned with their duty pursuant to the social contract.
- Provide examples of alternative economic solutions for local economies which may be actively implemented by government to reverse neoliberal effect and create a more sustainable eco-system