## Is America’s Exceptionalism Dead? One Fox Business Analyst Says “Not Even Close”
The American Dream. The land of opportunity. A beacon of freedom. These are the phrases often used to describe the United States, but lately, a chorus of voices has declared “American exceptionalism” dead. Is this truly the case?
The Bigger Picture: Economic Woes and Government Intervention
The reported death of American exceptionalism is a joke, according to Madison Alworth, a Fox Business contributor. The real issue is the impact of ride-sharing giants and the pandemic on the economy. The Nickersons, owners of Taxi Terry’s, a Columbia, Missouri, taxi company, have decided to close up shop due to a perfect storm of economic challenges.
The company, which started 13 years ago, took a hit when ride-share giants Uber and Lyft entered the market. The operation’s driver count dropped to around 15 at that time. Then the pandemic hit, and they lost more. It also became increasingly difficult to hire folks as larger companies offered incentives that the small business couldn’t match.
The Inflation Reduction Act and the IRS’s New Role
Tucked into the tax and spending bill that passed the Senate this weekend was a $15 million provision to study allowing the IRS to prepare taxes. The provision comes after Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and other Democrats have pushed legislation for adding tax filing to the agency’s purview.
The Inflation Reduction Act, which passed the House Friday after clearing the Senate — the vote was 50-50 with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie — appropriates almost $80 billion to the tax agency. That would enable the IRS to hire its desired 87,000 agents over the next decade to increase tax enforcement.
The Controversy Surrounding “Return-Free Filing”
Warren wasn’t planning to wait for a task force study and already filed a bill to develop a free, online tax preparation and filing service that allows all taxpayers to prepare and file their taxes directly with the federal government instead of through private tax preparers.
Proponents also say it would reduce tax fraud by getting third-party income information to the IRS earlier in the tax season. Warren’s bill has 22 Senate Democrat co-sponsors. Representatives Brad Sherman and Katie Porter, both California Democrats, are the lead sponsors of the House version.
“The average American spends 13 hours and $240 every year to file their taxes — that’s too much time and too much money,” Warren said in July, before Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., announced his agreement on the reconciliation package.
Implications for Taxpayers and the Economy
However, the concept of “return-free filing,” or allowing the IRS to control the tax filing for mostly low-income individuals has critics on both sides of the political spectrum. For one, it presents a clear conflict of interest, said Grover Norquist, president of the conservative Americans for Tax Reform.
“The IRS is the prosecutor and the judge under this system. All the incentives are wrong,” Norquist told Geeksultd. On the left, a 2020 report from the Progressive Policy Institute argued this system could prevent some low earners from getting the Earned Income Tax Credit.
“The IRS does not have the necessary information in its databases to accurately determine a low-income taxpayer’s eligibility for EITC and/or correctly calculate the amount of credit due to the taxpayer — indeed, far from it,” the Progressive Policy Institute report says.
Moreover, the IRS has demonstrated numerous problems handling the responsibilities it already has, Norquist contends. “This is an agency that thoroughly needs reform, and that’s no time to give it more responsibilities,” Norquist said. “They would say they just need more money. No more money until it reforms.”
A Glimpse into the Future: What’s Next for American Businesses?
The need for reform and adaptation is crucial for American businesses to thrive in the future. The importance of family and community cannot be overstated. A new era of entrepreneurship and innovation is upon us, and it is essential that we adapt to the changing landscape.
The Need for Reform and Adaptation
The current economic woes and government intervention will continue to shape the future of American businesses. It is crucial that businesses adapt to the changing landscape and find ways to thrive in the face of challenges.
The Nickersons’ decision to close Taxi Terry’s is a prime example of the challenges faced by small businesses. The perfect storm of economic challenges, including soaring gas prices, labor shortages, and competition, made it impossible for the company to remain operational.
The Importance of Family and Community
The importance of family and community cannot be overstated. The Nickersons’ decision to close Taxi Terry’s is not just about the business; it is also about the impact on the family and the community.
Their decision to hold a goodbye celebration and welcome a new era in their lives is a testament to the importance of family and community. It is essential that we prioritize these values as we move forward.
A New Era of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
A new era of entrepreneurship and innovation is upon us. It is crucial that we adapt to the changing landscape and find ways to thrive in the face of challenges.
The rise of ride-sharing giants and the pandemic have changed the landscape of the taxi industry. It is essential that entrepreneurs and innovators find ways to adapt to these changes and create new opportunities.
The future of American businesses will be shaped by the decisions we make today. It is essential that we prioritize reform, adaptation, family, and community as we move forward.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the notion that American exceptionalism is dead is a farce. As Madison Alworth astutely argues, the concept is not only alive and well but also continues to be a driving force behind the nation’s prosperity and global influence. Through a meticulous examination of historical context, economic data, and cultural trends, Alworth debunks the myth that America’s best days are behind it. Instead, she presents a compelling case that the United States remains a beacon of hope, freedom, and opportunity, setting it apart from other nations.
The significance of this topic cannot be overstated. The perception of American exceptionalism has far-reaching implications for domestic and international policies, as well as the nation’s sense of identity and purpose. By recognizing and embracing its unique strengths, the United States can continue to lead the world in innovation, entrepreneurship, and democratic values. Conversely, subscribing to the narrative of decline would only serve to undermine national confidence and cede ground to rival powers. As Alworth so aptly puts it, “American exceptionalism is not a myth, but a reality that needs to be nurtured and celebrated.”
Looking ahead, it is crucial that Americans and their leaders recognize the importance of preserving and promoting the nation’s exceptional character. This requires a renewed commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, protecting individual freedoms, and promoting democratic values abroad. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and complex, the United States must continue to assert its leadership role, not by imposing its will on others, but by setting an example of what it means to be a beacon of hope and freedom. In the end, American exceptionalism is not a joke, but a badge of honor that must be worn with pride – for the sake of America and the world.
