A clear outline of the change we need

At one point during the primaries, the catchword "change."

After listening to all the candidates, their ideas of change don't stray very far from current party policies.

The president cannot make changes.ˆ  Only the Congress can.ˆ  If change doesn't occur, that's the way Congress wants it and the Democrats control that body.

Change should start with politicians bringing proactive solutions to real economic problems in a timely fashion.

All earmark spending should cease because those earmarks eventually benefit the politician who introduces it.

There should be a re-evaluation of all non-essential, failed or over-lapping programs.

During this time, all subsidies and tax breaks should be discontinued.

Those would include corporate farming, oil companies and ethanol production to name a few.

Also discontinue subsidies to foreign governments in and around the Middle East such as those who vote consistently against us and yet are considered allies.

The Congress should establish a flat tax, which would be fair and would eliminate the need for the IRS and all its paperwork.

Discontinue any discussion of windfall profits. The government has no place determining suitable profits for anyone or any business. Under that idea, only the government receives the windfall.

Eliminate the inheritance tax altogether. It is an unfair, double tax on the same income or property.

Reduce the size and scope of government because it's too large and cumbersome with overlapping programs and divisions and no accountability.

Just by doing the above, the savings would be a huge surplus. That surplus should be used to fully fund Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid.

At the same time, all immigration laws should be fully enforced.

Rather than reinventing the wheel, allow oil drilling in U.S. territories.

All of the above and more could be accomplished if the politicians would embrace a frugal mentality.

The possibilities are endless but our politicians only see problems not solutions.

That's a perception they want us to believe so the status quo can continue.

Wayne Oras Sr.

Schaumburg