We all learned in grade school 2+2=4. Very simple. Our country needs experts in financial matters. We can not take in $90 and spend $100 or more every year. We must live by a balanced budget across a Presidential term. There are times when we can not, but it must be rectified by the end of the term. We continue to leave one generation after another in worse financial shape than started.
Taxes
Taxes need to be fair. Those who have made more will pay more. A flat tax with a minimum is fair. If you are in retirement and making $500,000 in income, you do not need Social Security even if you paid it in. It is a security blanket. If you are warm enough, you do not need one. Yes, you paid it in, but you have succeeded in without the need of the additional dollars.
Growth
Growth of the country should be left to capitalism and the people of the country. From the local level to federal level, the politicians are the last people to say who should succeed or fail. We do not need government to run our lives, just do not ruin it and the people will prevail.