OPINION:
The economy is improving, but the nation and its lawmakers must stay vigilant. advised U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue in his annual state of American business address on Wednesday. And never forget that free enterprise is the linchpin that holds things together.
“Whether they reside on Main Street or even on Wall Street, businesses are not the enemy. They are a big part of the solution to the challenges we face as a nation and a people. American free enterprise is the economic populism we need and must support. It has built the most successful economy in history and built it from the bottom up,” Mr. Donohue said.
“We must reject trickle-down government and support, expand, and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and make sure it thrives - not just in business but in every field of endeavor in our society.”
And while he acknowledged that the general state of U.S. business is stable, the outlook remains uncertain, and political gridlock does no one any favors.
“In 2015, we are asking the nation’s leaders to rally around a common bipartisan cause - and that cause is stronger and deeper economic growth in order to create jobs and expand opportunities for all Americans,” Mr. Donohue continued. “This is no time to be complacent. We’ve had a few good quarters of economic growth. But we’re not out of the woods. That’s why our elected leaders, divided as they may be, must work together to put jobs, growth, and opportunity first.”
Factors for a “growth agenda” include the future potential of trade, energy, technology and infrastructure, plus improvements in the current immigration system, regulatory process, tax code, entitlement programs, the legal system, and our public schools. Protecting fundamental American rights of free speech, due process, and participation in free enterprise is also at the top of Mr. Donohue’s list.
His remarks were delivered in the nation’s capital; Find the complete speech here
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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