At times, politics can be thought of as the art of division, rather than constructive efforts at compromise. In Andrew Rosenthal's opinion piece Has Political Discourse Hit Rock Bottom, he lays out a rather convincing argument that American politics has been reduced to a closed-minded, shock-jock dominated battle for ratings, or votes depending on the individuals involved. A key detail supporting the argument of Mr. Rosenthal was a particularly hateful and sexist remark made by Rush Limbaugh about Sandra Fluke, a college student upset about the refusal of her insurance company to pay for contraceptives. After referring to her as a “slut”, Mr. Limbaugh made a very disturbing remark that she wants the public to pay for her to have sex. These statements in and of themselves are offensive, but of little concern to the average American as Rush is not a public servant, but what is scary is the way that members of the Republican Party tend to kowtow to Rush. In 2009 when then RNC Chairman Michael Steele referred to Rush as an “entertainer” who’s show was “incendiary”, Mr. Steele soon gave a public apology to Rush stating,”There was no attempt on my part to diminish his voice or his leadership.”

          Although this example of Rush Limbaugh being insensitive is disruptive to political discourse, Rush is simply radio personality, or as Michael Steele put it, an entertainer. In order to discover how volatile the current political climate can be to individuals, one need only to investigate another current controversy mentioned in this article. Mr. Rosenthal points out a recent bill proposed in Virginia which would require a woman to endure a trans-vaginal ultrasound before an abortion. This involves sticking a probe into a woman’s vagina and showing her a picture of the fetus before an abortion is allowed. A similar law is on the books in the state of Texas, but that law requires an external ultrasound, which is just as effective and non-invasive. For this reason it is clear that those in support of this law do not simply intend on saving the life of a baby, but also to rob a woman of her dignity.

        Mr. Rosenthal hypothesizes that we have fallen so far in our political discourse that we must be close to the bottom, at which point the only direction is up. Although I agree that we have come rather close to rock bottom in our civility, I have come to a different conclusion. As long as the general public is receptive to mudslinging and slanderous accusations than there is money to be made and votes to be attained, and that profit and those votes will simply perpetuate more of the same behavior.

      President Obama is to offer a corporate tax reform plan on Wednesday, according to CNN.com, which will increase American competitiveness and provide a more fair corporate tax code. According to the Treasury Department, it is possible to implement a reduction in the overall corporate tax rate from 35% to 28%, and set a manufacturing rate of 25% while remaining deficit neutral through an increase in the tax base and by closure of loop holes in the tax code, as well as by ending  tax breaks and subsidies for corporations that outsource jobs overseas. Small business tax cuts and  incentives for research and development, as well as clean energy production, are also mentioned, but details are not specified on this portion of the plan. Even though there is division on the steps which should be taken, there is broad consensus among average Americans and economists alike that meaningful change must be made in the tax code in order to provide a more level playing field for corporations and also to increase revenue. Although  politicians have based entire campaigns on this issue, few have been able to deliver on his or her promises. 

      The importance of this plan cannot be exaggerated, especially during a recovery as shaky as the one the global economy is currently experiencing. This plan supports a more centrist approach by spanning the ideological divide between a laissez-faire approach and one which insists upon government intervention. This plan decreases the impact of government on U.S. businesses by simplifying the tax code and decreasing the tax rate, but still allows the government to level the playing field by providing higher tax breaks for small businesses and also by investing in research and development and clean energy. With America seeming to leave behind the values of a meritocracy in favor of a wealth incumbency, there needs to be legislation introduced to enhance equality in the corporate sphere. It is my belief that this plan will  assist in reducing the deficit without increasing taxes on the average American, while also spurring economic growth by making entrepreneurship a more achievable goal for the average American.