One economic theory is that every product has a cycle from beginning to end. This cycle takes the shape of a bell. It begins at the base line and curves upward to a peak and then goes back down to the baseline. Consequently, a product or service can increase rapidly but it will always reach a peak. What follows is the decline back to the baseline. A.K.A. obsolescence.

This economic theory applies to almost everything. For example, we begin our lives as very small people unable to talk or walk. As we grow, we add strength, weight, language, etc. and then we peak at some point physically and mentally. Then the decline back to baseline is obvious but we all will go through this cycle.

This theory can also be applied to many things. A country’s history and different types of governing approaches all will have begun, peaked, and declined eventually. What now seems to be of importance our country’s governing cycle. Where are we on this curve. The Roman Empire lasted over 400 years. Will our form of governance continue to reach higher peaks or are we on the back side of the curve?

Where are we now? Our current governing curve started with the Declaration of Independence over 240 years ago. There are many aspects to our country’s curve. We have one curve reflecting our form of government with all of its layers, federal, state, and local here in the United States. Another curve reflects our economic productivity (Global Curve) as a nation, and another curve that reflects our stature with the world at large. These are just a few of the curves.

Reflecting on our current stature on the Global curves both economically and diplomatically we seem to have been sliding down the back side. Our withdrawal from the climate accords, threatening to withdraw from NATO, canceling trade agreements with Canada, Mexico. the European Union, etc., imposing duties on foreign products only mentions a few areas of declining influence.

Our immigration policies of inhuman treatment of people wanting to become Americans has recently been disgraceful. What happened to our message to the world emboldened on the Statute of Liberty? “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Has our current approach to immigration changed so much that these words are meaningless? When did we as a country turn our backs on the rest of the world? How can we allow our country to treat human beings seeking security and nourishment by separating parents from their children and then losing track of where these children have gone? Where does our treatment of aspiring immigrants place the United States on the Bell Shaped Curve? Could it be just a blip or are we actually in decline?

The financial curve has been split into two curves. One for the 1% ers and one for the rest of the population. It seems as though the 1% ers are on the upside of the curve while the balance of the population is on the downside. This chasm continues to be getting more disparate each year.

Recently our governing curve has been morphing into something new called extreme partisanship. Politicians and their political parties moving to extreme positions of winner take all. A difficult curve to predict at best.

Herein lies the rub. If you are unhappy with the direction your/our county is going, do something about it. First and foremost, VOTE! Second, do some research. Third, Get involved.

What will you do with your vote? How much time will you spend learning about the choices being put in front of you? It is time that everyone does their homework. Your future depends upon it.

We all can do a better job of deciphering fact from fiction, of reality from bluster, and most of all truth from lies. Now is the time to pay attention.