The Plan | Foreword Excerpt
America�s 20/20 Vision: The Plan proposes a simple and straightforward framework – a framework of shifting by one degree our perspective on issues that I for one believe we can all agree should be our priorities. This mutual agreement can provide a path toward our national unity. As State Treasurer for the Arkansas Republican Party, I feel civic duty is paramount for all our citizens, and I work daily with a passion to get people involved in the political process and engaged in their communities in order to bring about the changes they wish to see. I�m always pleased to see a book that offers new answers to our needs for unity, for participation, and to solve the epidemic of complacency that plagues our nation – a complacency that could lead us to a future we did not anticipate.
The plan that Bill proposes in this book he refers to as the SIED (pronounced "side") needs. The SIED needs are a simple framework for us to begin planning for our nation. The principal components of the SIED framework include an emphasis on Security, Infrastructure, Education and Destinations. This book is not merely the dream of one American, but a dream I believe is shared by many. This dream is born out of the freedom we all enjoy. A dream and a realization of our First Amendment rights, one that expresses the importance of learning how to "value the difference" of the individual – the diversity that makes up our great nation. It’s a dream that allows us to share our own views openly without reprisal with an emphasis of coming to an answer, not just an exercise in debate. It is this dream that brings about a shared American culture!
I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to undertake writing and self-publishing this book in order to preserve his vision unfettered. It’s impressive when you consider the 10-year undertaking while raising four children. I�m pleased to be included and happy that Bill is able to share his vision with every state governor, U.S. Senator and member of Congress along with the Americans that have elected them to serve the interests of our nation.
While these individuals are our elected officials, they cannot represent us fairly without us representing ourselves. The opportunity they have to help create the momentum is unquestionable. However, because people are overburdened with their individual urgent issues, they overlook the more important national interest issues. This has created a widening gap between our elected officials and their constituents. This gap continues to exacerbate the overwhelming complexity we now face as a nation and the disconnectedness and struggles of our population. When elected officials depart from an understanding of the daily lives of ordinary people, it is incumbent for all Americans to rally behind a vision for the future to ensure that we preserve what our forefathers fought for: the freedom we find so dear. Freedom, we must understand, isn�t free.
Hopefully this book will inspire you like it has me. I urge you to break out of your complacency and create a future of choice – not chance!