The U.S. economy is suffering under crippling deficits, massive debt, and record unemployment. The country needs fresh ideas, novel solutions, and unorthodox measures to stimulate job growth, pay down debt, and balance its budget. Independents will be watching for policy proposals and candidates, who think outside the box, can make the tough decisions, and challenge the status quo when it comes to leading the economy out of a recession.
Even FDR recognized that public sector unions give some citizens an unfair advantage over others in determining public policy, undermining the freedoms of other citizens by diminishing their voice.
While the U.S. economy continued to grow during the first quarter of 2012 (+2.2 percent on an annual basis), it grew at a reduced rate from the previous quarter (+3 percent), and slightly below expectations.
Polarization and party loyalty are the rules of the day, hence rendering compromise unlikely. The need exists for more independent thinking – either by party members, or by independent candidates who wrest seats from the two-party system.
Worst of all, concentrated wealth means concentrated political power. In the age of SuperPacs and Citizens United, it is money that speaks the loudest in terms of electing politicians and influencing policy.
![Independents Speak Up: Your Obama Motors [INFOGRAPHIC]](http://ivn.us/wp-content/themes/ivn/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://ivn.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/obama_cars_infographic.png&w=200&zc=1)
One of President Obama’s most well-known, significant and controversial policies has been the automaker bailout of General Motors. Independent voters answer, “If Barack Obama were a car, what kind of car would he be and why?” The responses were interesting.
Some of the strategies Ford is using to reduce petroleum dependence and integrate sustainable materials into designs, are downright creative.
The idea of a regulatory cap has been kicking around in conservative policy circles, but it has now gained an important adherent in the form of Governor Mitt Romney. He pledges to impose “a regulatory cap of zero dollars on all federal agencies.”
![The Impact of High Oil Prices [INFOGRAPHIC]](http://ivn.us/wp-content/themes/ivn/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://ivn.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/oilprices.jpeg&w=200&zc=1)
Everyone is watching the prices at the pump closely. One of the most interesting findings in this infographic? 2012 is projected to be the worst year in oil prices, ever.
With a few exceptions, the lowest unemployment rates are in the heartland, often referred to as “fly-over states”. Those looking for jobs should also get ready for living in the country since the bulk of such openings are in rural and exurban areas.
In a victory for employers, the California Supreme Court clarified a number of issues relating to an employer’s obligations under California Labor Code § 512(a), which states that employers must “provide” meal and rest periods to employees.
