A blueprint for America: nine strategies for a strong country.

• Author: Gingrich, Newt

The U.S. must re-assert American civilization, compete in the world market, move into the information age, replace the welfare state, decentralize power, establish governmental excellence, balance the Federal budget, re-establish safety, and become the planet's leader.

As America looks toward the 21st century, the nation is at a novel midway point--five years removed from the end of the Cold War, five years away from the new millennium. So, this is a good time to take stock of where we are. On the face of it, we should be content. The collapse of imperial communism has left us as the number-one superpower, with the largest economy and the greatest opportunity for success of any country. Yet, when we look around domestically, we can't be particularly happy with what we see.

We are horrified to live in a country where 12-year-olds are having babies, 15-year-olds are killing each other, 17-year-olds are dying of AIDS, and 18-year-olds are getting diplomas they can't read. Could there be any doubt that, regardless of its size or military strength, the nation's long-term health seriously is endangered from these signs of internal decay? Is it any wonder some citizens fear the end of the millennium means the end of "the American Century"?

House Republicans say, "We have a vision of what the United States should look like and where she needs to go to ensure our nation's best days entering the 21st century. It is a three-part vision based on communication, dialogue, and partnership. First, we will communicate to everyone that this is a great country with good people and a bright future. Second, we will initiate a dialogue with every American. There can't be any secret government plan to restore the country; in a democracy such as ours, we all have to be ready to listen to one another. Third, out of our belief in a great future and out of our dialogue, we have to create partnerships."

The lesson learned after more than three decades of trying is that the government can't--and shouldn't--do it all. The social, religious, and civic sectors that once were the bedrocks of society have been crowded out by the misguided belief that government is the solution to every problem. These sectors have to be revived if we are to create a great future. All Americans must step forward. It won't be easy. To create a nation that is strong at home and abroad, culturally and militarily, it is necessary to understand and adopt nine strategies that will make vision become reality:

We have to re-assert American civilization. Although some question whether there is, or ever has been, an "American civilization," I believe most of us would agree the answer is, unequivocally, "yes." We are multi-ethnic, but one civilization. endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights. We loan power to the government; the government does not loan power to us. This alone makes us the most extraordinarily open and diverse society in the history of the human race. Proud as they are of their heritage...