While there is strong support for the concept of investment in people, particularly children, these participants have grave doubts about government's ability to get the job done. Accountability is a key component of a successful strategy. They believe that America should take care of its own first. Foreign aid, military aid to other countries, and jobs moving overseas are viewed as impediments to this goal. Many believe that if government would only reduce its involvement in these areas, there would be enough funds to take care of problems at home.
Participants have mixed views of the economy.
While they believe we are in a period of strong economic growth, they are not convinced that everyone has benefited from that growth. While some remain cautiously optimistic that the growth will continue, most see an economic downturn as inevitable. The tax cut is remarkably discredited. As an abstract concept, many participants would like to pay less taxes and believe that they could spend the money far more wisely than government. However, they are skeptical that any tax cut would be substantial enough to make any real difference, if they were to see one at all.