Matthew Millers Text The Two Percent Solution - Essay Example

Miller begins by considering that only 2 cents on the dollar if implemented in the right way, could solve many of the nation’s pressing issues (Miller). The essay goes on the consideration that with the Baby Boomer generation gradually inching towards retirement, the nation must proactively confront many of its most pressing challenges or face political stagnation (Miller). As Miller’s argument advances he considers the various levels of federal spending that Republican and Democratic administrations since Ronald Reagan have implemented (Miller).
The consideration is an important one as the central crux of Miller’s approach to policy implementation is one that draws from both conservative and liberal viewpoints (Miller). While the nation faces several pressing challenges, policymakers have failed to make any serious progress in solving these issues because they are operating in a dysfunctional paradigm (Miller). The current paradigm currently is restrictive as policymakers are beholden to special interest groups and entrenched partisan ideologies. While Miller argues that the current political policy paradigm is ineffective, he proposes several solutions (Miller). As noted, the most central element of Miller’s argument is that achieving significant political change requires policymakers to transcend the liberal and conservative divide (Miller).

The essay indicates that society must advance by first focusing on several issues that the vast majority of Americans agree must be solved. The next step is for policymakers to approach the solution to these issues by seeking the most pragmatic method possible. This is contrasted with the current practice of simply aligning oneself with entrenched ideological solutions, which has currently caused the country to be gridlocked. Miller believes that the process of seeking the most pragmatic solution necessitates that policymakers draw from both conservative and liberal perspectives (Miller). Ultimately, this will allow for significant policy change to occur.

There are several ways that Miller’s approach could be applied to contemporary social change. One of the most pressing issues facing America is educational reform. This issue is particularly apt for Miller’s approach as both conservative and liberal groups recognize that a strong educational system is essential to a functional democracy and economic progress. Still, it appears that progress hasn’t stagnated because of entrenched ideological beliefs. In these regards, conservative groups favor less federal involvement and more local control, while liberal perspectives embrace a strong federal government-led program. Following Miller’s approach involves several inputs. The current system seems to find liberals embracing higher taxation, as a means of achieving a more equitable society. Conversely, conservatives would like to see more individual control over educational options. In either instance, most people can agree that the nation needs stronger public education to remain globally competitive. Solving this issue using Miller’s approach would involve borrowing the conservative emphasis on financial efficiency. It seems to a great extent liberal perspectives neglect cost efficiency for an emphasis on equality and innovation. One of the pervasive understandings of improvements in education is that in the long run, the country will benefit economically through improved employability relative to the rest of the world. It follows that policymakers must implement liberal perspectives on educating, including content knowledge, as well as larger processes, such as charter schools. These perspectives must be made to conform to conservative understandings of financial efficiency and long-term economic sustainability. Ultimately, such a hybrid approach will have the maximum levels of benefit for the maximum amount of American citizens.

In conclusion, this essay has examined Mathew Miller’s ‘The Two Percent Solution’. Within this context of understanding, the essay demonstrates that Miller proposes an approach to policymaking that transcends entrenched modes of liberal and conservative ideology. This approach has been applied to solving America’s crisis of public education. A hybrid approach to education that embraces conservative economic values and liberal perspectives on instruction is articulated. Ultimately, such an approach is not only important for public education but a broad range of contemporary American policy issues. Read More