Maslow’s hierarchy of needs explains how humans prioritize necessities: physiological needs form the base, followed by safety, belonging, esteem and self-actualization. Each level depends on the stability of the one beneath it.

This framework is a powerful tool for political thought. Good governance should begin at the bottom, ensuring basic needs are met before pursuing higher goals.

Yet our federal government often does the opposite, diverting resources to foreign ventures and social debates while neglecting food security, housing, infrastructure and public safety.

Empty promises do not fix fundamental issues. Consider physiological needs: food, water, power and shelter.

In 2023, 13.5% of U.S. households faced food insecurity, up from 7.7% in 2022. The top six foodborne pathogens affect 9.9 million annually, and grocery prices have risen nearly 24% since 2020.

Water is compromised, with 158 million Americans exposed to PFAS, 28% of systems violating standards in 2023, and trillions of gallons lost to leaks.

Power infrastructure is aging — 70% of transmission lines exceed life cycle limits and weather events cause major outages.

Housing is strained, with 32.8% cost-burdened, a shortage of 3.8 million homes, and over 700,000 homeless. Despite these urgent needs, in 2023, the U.S. spent $99.9 billion on foreign assistance and $66 billion on ODA, and $85.77 billion on State Department operations in 2024.

While soft power builds alliances, Americans deserve priority. A hierarchy-of-needs approach to politics would strengthen our foundation. I urge citizens to demand that the government put America first.

Quinn Miller,

Butler