Simple Solutions for Complex Problems

October 19, 2011 at 3:48 PM

By RAY MAYFIELD

H. L. Mencken is credited with the quote: “For every complex problem there is an answer that is
clear, simple, and wrong.”

We have Presidential candidates today who all have clear and simple solutions to the complex
problems facing the nation. Herman Cain’s 9-9-9 Tax Plan is a perfect example. Serious
analysis finds this nothing more than a cheap slogan.

Other examples: To get the nation on sound economic footing we just need to eliminate all
regulations. No, it is the crushing national debt and the Federal Reserve Bank that needs to be
eliminated. Andy Harris believes the solution is to pass a balanced budget amendment.

Others argue that the solution is to eliminate the Federal government’s role in all social
programs. Repeal the Affordable Care Act!

How about just cutting all government budgets by 50%?

Eliminating the Department of Education would solve our poor educational performance.
Wiping out EPA will immediately create millions of jobs. To solve our immigration policy we
just need to build an impenetrable fence along our southern border. Foreign aid just makes weak
nations dependent on us. …

You get the idea… simple, elegant, easy to describe in 10 second sound bites… and totally
useless as real solutions.

We are citizens of a very complex world requiring thoughtful analysis and realistic programs.

Let’s just recognize that our Republican politicians’ simple-minded solutions are getting us
nowhere.

Please add a comment

Leave a Reply

Name:

Email:
(Your email will not be publicly displayed.)

Please type the letters and numbers shown in the image.