Introduction
As the U.S. braces for the outcome of the next presidential election, there’s a sentiment that lingers in the minds of many: “No matter who wins, you lose.” This frustration comes from years of promises, failed reforms, and the growing realization that so many critical aspects of American life under government oversight and regulation remain in disarray. Every major sector — from energy policy to infrastructure, and from healthcare to immigration — reveals cracks in the system, often covered up by political rhetoric rather than real solutions. Here’s a sector-by-sector look at why these issues persist, along with the departments responsible for each area.
“Whether we’re talking about energy, debt, justice, or healthcare, one thing’s painfully clear: the system is broken. These aren’t just policy issues; they’re symptoms of a government that’s failing its people, one election at a time. People need more than empty promises. Real change means facing these failures head-on — anything less is just rhetoric.” – Ewing Redmond Samuels III
1. Energy Policy – A Broken Framework
- Responsible Departments: Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The energy sector is a classic case of a broken regulatory framework, where both affordability and sustainability remain elusive. The Department of Energy (DOE) oversees much of U.S. energy policy, including billions in subsidies for fossil fuels, despite public commitments to renewable energy. The U.S. government still allocates more than $20 billion annually to fossil fuel subsidies, diverting crucial resources that could further renewable energy advancements. Meanwhile, EPA regulations designed to manage emissions and pollution have often proven insufficient, leaving American households facing rising energy costs — a jump of more than 10% in the past two years. Despite expanded investments in renewables, the U.S. remains deeply dependent on non-renewables, vulnerable to the fluctuations of global energy markets.
2. Economy and Debt – A Ticking Time Bomb
- Responsible Departments: Department of the Treasury, Department of Commerce, Federal Reserve (not a Cabinet department)
The economy, now overburdened by a $33 trillion national debt, stands as an unsustainable burden on future generations. The Department of the Treasury is responsible for managing federal finances, including tax policy and public debt — yet the cycle of debt has only accelerated. With annual interest payments exceeding $400 billion, the situation has left little room for growth-focused policies. The Department of Commerce plays a role in fostering economic stability and job creation, but both departments often rely on short-term solutions without addressing the underlying debt crisis. Compounding this, the Federal Reserve, though independent, drives monetary policy, often amplifying inflation and eroding the dollar’s value — both of which heavily impact the average American’s cost of living.
3. Justice System – Failing the Principle of Equality
- Responsible Department: Department of Justice (DOJ)
Despite the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s mandate to uphold fairness and equality, America’s justice system remains plagued by inequality, with deeply entrenched issues around mass incarceration and unequal sentencing. The U.S. houses nearly 25% of the world’s prison population, despite having just 5% of its population, with disproportionate effects on minority communities. Factors like mandatory minimums and aggressive plea bargains lead to lengthy sentences, even for nonviolent offenders, highlighting a justice system that serves power rather than principles. The Office of the Attorney General within the DOJ is charged with guiding this policy framework, but so far, efforts have failed to dismantle the structural inequalities that persist.
4. Immigration – Promises Without Progress
- Responsible Departments: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of State
Immigration policy is one of the most polarizing topics in American politics, yet under every administration, real progress remains elusive. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees border security and immigration enforcement through agencies like Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but these agencies are often stretched thin and under scrutiny. The DOJ also plays a role, particularly through the Executive Office for Immigration Review, which manages immigration courts. Although reform is frequently promised, real changes stall repeatedly in Congress, leaving an outdated and overburdened system. The Department of State handles visa policies and international agreements impacting immigration, yet dysfunction within these departments has allowed humanitarian crises and policy failures to persist at the Southern border and beyond.
5. Foreign Relations – A Policy of Contradictions
- Responsible Departments: Department of State, Department of Defense (DOD), National Security Council (NSC)
U.S. foreign policy, managed by the Department of State and the Department of Defense (DOD), has grown increasingly contradictory, as diplomatic ideals often clash with interventionist tactics. The Department of State is responsible for global diplomacy, yet defense spending vastly outweighs funding for diplomatic missions, leading the U.S. to rely on hard power rather than alliances. Meanwhile, the National Security Council (NSC) coordinates these efforts, yet frequent shifts in priorities and leadership have alienated allies and fostered resentment. With over $800 billion funneled annually into military spending, foreign policy remains more about global influence than diplomacy, often increasing tensions rather than defusing them.
6. Transportation and Infrastructure – Promises That Never Arrive
- Responsible Departments: Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
America’s crumbling infrastructure, which the Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees, has long been a point of contention. Despite high-profile infrastructure bills and funding promises, essential repairs remain unaddressed. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) routinely rates U.S. infrastructure at a D+ level, indicating urgent needs that remain unmet. DOE contributes to infrastructure on energy-related projects like the power grid, while HUD works on urban transit initiatives. Yet underfunding, delays, and bureaucracy ensure that roads, bridges, and public transportation remain in poor condition, contributing to higher accident rates and environmental concerns.
7. Healthcare – Costs Continue to Rise
- Responsible Departments: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The U.S. healthcare system is one of the most expensive and heavily regulated in the world, yet millions of Americans struggle with rising costs and limited access. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees programs like Medicare and Medicaid, meant to make healthcare accessible, yet premiums and out-of-pocket expenses continue to climb. Within HHS, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates pharmaceuticals, but the price of life-saving drugs remains exorbitant compared to other nations. Efforts to reform healthcare often fall short, allowing a system to persist that burdens average Americans with costs far higher than in other developed countries.
Conclusion: A System Stuck in Dysfunction
Every major sector regulated by the U.S. government is managed by a designated department, each with its mandate to safeguard and serve the American people. However, as debt continues to rise and systemic issues within each department persist, the lack of meaningful reform becomes ever clearer. Whether it’s energy, the economy, justice, immigration, foreign relations, transportation, or healthcare, each sector tells the same story: deep-rooted dysfunction. Regardless of who wins the election, the systemic problems facing these departments remain unaddressed, making real change seem more elusive with each passing year.
Until Next Time…
I Am,
Ewing Redmond Samuels III