Yes, I am optimistic even though most of our social problems are getting worse in spite of ever-increasing spending and programs, our social and political divisiveness is worsening despite pledges to do better, and our leaders are offering no useful explanations nor viable solutions. Demographics and worldwide political and economic forces portend additional pressures on our challenges.

Most importantly, I simply believe hope and optimism are essential if we are to face and solve problems. Hope and optimism must, of course, be based on something more than wishful thinking. I offer three broad reasons for such confidence.

1. America still possesses much that is good and strong, in our beliefs, in our people, and in our institutions.
2. I believe it is possible to understand fundamentally and coherently the causes of our current problems and what is required to solve them.
3. We have true freedom to vote not only politically but socially and economically.

Therefore, a citizenry that properly understands our present circumstances and a viable path forward has the voting power to change our current social trajectory to one that promises a better future for all citizens, one in which everyone has an opportunity to flourish.

Role of Citizen-Ruler

We can solve our most pressing problems, learn to cooperate and compromise, and minimize social unrest, but not by doing more of what we have been doing for decades—more money and programs are not the answer nor is the hope for a savior leader.

My work shows we can only achieve those goals with the rise of true citizen-rulers who possess understanding proper to the role. My mission is to call for and help develop citizen-rulers.

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