6 issues i'm thinking about when evaluating presidential candidates.
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Introduction
I am convinced that we are at a turning point in US history. Take one road and we enter a golden age. Turn the other and global instability proliferates. We have many crucial issues in front of us. Some have the ability to unravel our very fabric. We need the absolute best president possible right now. Who is it? I'm not decided yet. They must have the ideas, the will, and perhaps most importantly the ability to enact change. Since we don't live under a dictatorship, that means they have to be able to work with in the existing fabric of our government.
As of right now the candidates who I would consider: Clinton, Edwards, Romney, Obama, McCain, Richardson (although I fear he'll be out quickly), and Ron Paul.
1
Our relationship with the rest of the world
I am interested in a president that can forge strong alliances and cooperation on the global stage. In an era where money, information, relationships, work and media travel with ease around the world, our government needs to be the absolute best at this. We need to be great at diplomacy, not just militarism. We need to be hyper engaged. Improving our (now tarnished) image is important to me. I believe that we have a much more powerful mechanism than aggression to protect our interests. It's vastly underutilized.
One of the things that appeals to me about a Clinton presidency is the 2 for 1 package with Bill as a global emissary.
One of the things that appeals to me about a Clinton presidency is the 2 for 1 package with Bill as a global emissary.
2
Renewable energy
I want a US president to make this the next space race. No other issue has the power to transform our world as much as this. It will be a sea change economically and environmentally. And I'm not talking about the absolute joke that is biofuel. I am talking about energy that is clean to produce and burn.
You might think that this issue is already properly rated due to all the green marketing going, however if you look at the government money spent or incentives for things like solar power, you'd find its a drop in the bucket. (End these damn subsidies to big companies growing an over-surplus of corn and soybeans. I don't want to pay for that)
Take the 2 trillion that we are going to spend on Iraq and tell me that significant breakthroughs aren't possible.
You might think that this issue is already properly rated due to all the green marketing going, however if you look at the government money spent or incentives for things like solar power, you'd find its a drop in the bucket. (End these damn subsidies to big companies growing an over-surplus of corn and soybeans. I don't want to pay for that)
Take the 2 trillion that we are going to spend on Iraq and tell me that significant breakthroughs aren't possible.
3
Health Care
I would like to see sweeping changes in US Health Care policy and administration that result in lower prices, universal coverage, and world class health care. This is a massive tangled problem with powerful financial interests abound. Only the best plan with the most committed people behind it has a remote chance of success here.
4
Education
Innovation, creativity, scientific prowess, imagination and determination are the qualities that will enrich America in the future. Cultivate that in all of our citizens as children. This means not only science and math but proper funding for music and arts.
5
Iraq
The next President is going to inherit an awful situation. Who can best manage the mess?
6
Environment
extension of the renewable energy concern and relationship with the rest of the world point.
What about terrorism? Do you not see a threat from a radical group who has vowed to destroy the US? I think Hillary would be the best of the Dems to address this issue because she will have to stand even tougher as a female. Additionally, she is realistic enough to know that she will be unable to pull all of the troops out immediately; as per her own statements.
Personally, that will be my first priority; whoever I think understands the opposition and has some sort of a clue on how to deal with them.
Personally, that will be my first priority; whoever I think understands the opposition and has some sort of a clue on how to deal with them.
I consciously left terrorism off the list because I honestly believe there is this zen, judo-like way to interact with the world that mitigates that risk. Postively iInfluencing the world through innovation, economic, political, and societal mechanisms has far greater long term impact on our safety. In my humble opinion, terrorism is only the frightening symptom of much larger issues that need to be understood. Focusing on the final traumatic symptom isn't the way to cure the disease.
Ultimately we aren't going to militarize or "homeland securitize" our way to safety. We're not going to be able to put up walls high enough to protect us. Of course there's no way to know, but I believe we have put ourselves at a much higher risk for future terrorist attacks by our actions over the past 5 years.
Ultimately we aren't going to militarize or "homeland securitize" our way to safety. We're not going to be able to put up walls high enough to protect us. Of course there's no way to know, but I believe we have put ourselves at a much higher risk for future terrorist attacks by our actions over the past 5 years.
Well, you got that right, Noah. I don't know about zen judo, but you can't threaten people into liking you, and you can't protect yourself against terrorism (by definition). Israel is the most scrutinized, securitized nation on earth, and people still get on buses, into night clubs, and weddings wrapped in C4. The war on terrorism is misdirection to keep you scared and not thinking about their other hand which is picking the national pocket. I have a real novel idea how about "do unto others as you would have them do unto you," or , "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
As to everything else, go to:
http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm
At least you'll eliminate the Republicans and the Libertarian.
As to everything else, go to:
http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm
At least you'll eliminate the Republicans and the Libertarian.
Gosh, Ol' Hippie; if you eliminate all of us Republicans with whom would you argue politics? And exactly how would we be eliminated? I just hope it doesn't hurt.
Sounds good, Noah. I hope you get your wish. I will vote for them, also.
I wish more people had commented with their feelings about the current election process and candidates. In my mind the most important thing is to carefully consider the issues, as Noah as done, and vote. Does the fact that this didn't generate more interest indicate apathy? I hope not! I would prefer a candidate with whom I don't agree to be elected with a great voter turnout; than a small turnout bringing my candidate to the winner's circle.
Our country, our veterans, our children deserve better. They deserve to live in a country with a population who cares as much about who is running their country as they do about the next American Idol; or "Brangelina"!
There are countries where woman can't vote. There are countries where you can die for showing up to the polls. We are allowed, not only to vote, but to complain and rant about the people in charge. And we should! We should care enough to speak our mind. However, I don't believe you have earned that right unless you participate in the process.
Noah, Ol' Hippie and I are at opposite ends of the political spectrum and that is fine (at least with me). Good for all three of us; we are obviously interested in the process and will use our right to vote our principles.
Okay, I'm done.
Our country, our veterans, our children deserve better. They deserve to live in a country with a population who cares as much about who is running their country as they do about the next American Idol; or "Brangelina"!
There are countries where woman can't vote. There are countries where you can die for showing up to the polls. We are allowed, not only to vote, but to complain and rant about the people in charge. And we should! We should care enough to speak our mind. However, I don't believe you have earned that right unless you participate in the process.
Noah, Ol' Hippie and I are at opposite ends of the political spectrum and that is fine (at least with me). Good for all three of us; we are obviously interested in the process and will use our right to vote our principles.
Okay, I'm done.
Speaking of list #1. I have to disagree. I know it is great to be liked by everyone, but I know from experience we don't always make the best decisions when our first thought is will people like us. I think Americans do far too much self flaggelation. We always seem to see what we do wrong and how we fail. Every individual and every nation has dark and evil qualities. The majority of Americans are very generous and caring and our Country does many good things. If we are so terrible and unlikeable why are so many people trying to get here to live. Some European Countries now seem to wanting to take on more of our ways. The French under the new President, Sarkozy, seem to be trying to correct some of their socialist past to embrace more of a Capitalistic form of life. Also Germany. I listened to a speech by Sarkozy and he was more compilmentary to Americans and our country than a lot of Americans. Austrailia, Britain, Japan and Turkey(well before the Dems tried to stir up trouble by picking such a horrible time to pass that resolution about atrocities that happened over 100 years ago.) consider us as allies. I'm sure lots of countires when push comes to shove may say they hate us, but which country would be the first there to help them in a time of national crisis-America. Countries with repressive regimes will never be our friends any way. Sorry to go on for so long. Good list . .
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