My non-negotiables for the Obama administration
I am a political schitzophrenic. Browsing through my posts on politics will prove it. I’m happy that Obama got elected and I’m trying really hard not to be overly cynical about everything too quickly. I do hope that things change — seriously change. But part of me knows that he is just another politician and a member of the rich power elite who will likely maintain the general status quo. I live with the tension. And it causes me much grief.
Obama’s rhetoric has been inspiring, but if actions mean anything, then his recent appointments should indicate the general direction his administration will go. So far he has enlisted help from the establishment, mainly old Clintonites who represent politics as usual.
I know. The guy hasn’t even been sworn in yet. I really am trying to remain positive.
BUT — I do have a random list of non-negotiables that will send me back into realm of dissent and criticism quicker than anything. Here they are in no particular order.
- Immediately close Gutanamo Bay
- Seriously end the occupation of Iraq (and by seriously, I don’t mean moving troops around or reducing their number. I mean seriously, like getting rid of some of those permanent military bases)
- Repeal the Patriot At
- Try George Bush and Dick Cheney for war crimes and crimes against humanity
- Begin a serious health care reform (serious = a new system)
- Enact a plausible energy policy that will eliminate our addiction to limited resources
- Scrap No Child Left Behind and start over
- Get on board with Kyoto
- Make the executive office more transparent
- Scrap the BCS system for college football (!!!)
This list is by no means complete and I realize that all of these cannot be accomplished as quickly as I’d like. However, if several of them aren’t in process by or before the midterms I will be very, very disappointed. If none of them are, then Obama has blatantly lied.
What are your non-negotiables?
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Don’t hold your breath.
Anonymous II
20 Nov 08 at 8:45 am
Other than I have no idea what the BCS system for college football is … that looks like a good list to me.
I’m with you on the current appointments and how they look. I’m getting more cynical by the day. Especially if Hillary gets Sec of State. That’s very, very bad. Eric Holder for AG is a good choice.
If O were really going to reach across party lines he’d think hard about keeping Condoleeza Rice in at State. She’s done a fabulous job with a crappy boss; imagine what she could do with a good boss? I have enormous respect for her. But Hillary? Come on … not thinking out of the box at all. Keep her in the Senate where she can twist arms for her beloved health care initiatives.
sonja
20 Nov 08 at 8:50 am
So here’s why keeping Hillary out of the Obama Administration (especially as Sec of State) is one of my non-negotiables: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/opinion/19friedman.html?em
sonja
20 Nov 08 at 9:10 am
yeah, sonja this clinton as sec. of state is really curious to me. i’m with you on it, but part of me thinks that O can’t afford to publicly reject her again. she was floated for VP and got turned down and now this — i’m just wondering if O will do it again. and if he does (i hope he will) then why make a big deal out of it in the first place. i don’t know. the soap opera-esque drama is really interesting if anything.
blake
20 Nov 08 at 10:14 am
Great list! I especially enjoy #4, though I’d be even more delighted if they were subpoenaed by the ICC. Speaking of Hillary, though, I’m a bit confused by all the anti-Hillary rhetoric going on among Obama-supporters. People will say she’s too ambitious, but what politician isn’t? The argument that it would negate Obama’s stance of change also surfaces– but no one seemed to care while he was being endorsed by old Democratic Party members such as Sens. Gore, Kerry, and Kennedy. What gives?
Brandon
20 Nov 08 at 11:15 am
Speaking of being subpoenaed– this will probably never go to trial, but it’s fun to think about!
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4AI11B20081119
Brandon
20 Nov 08 at 11:25 am
1. Come home from Iraq – I was running the on-air switcher the day bush announced this occupancy would take place. I was told to switch over to bush and broadcast this, this war has been going on my whole carreer in broadcasting so far…
2. Do something about Public Transportation in non major cities-This is important to me after what i ve been through in Oklahoma growing up with the one of the worst systems in place.
3. Media- Don’t be one those presidents who blame the media and video games for the problems your children may or may not have. You are the parents – take the responsibility. And change channel if you dont like what see or hear-its different for everyone. Little offends me.
So far my top three, He hasn’t proven anything yet and even though i voted for him it doesn’t stop there. I don’t think he is going to be full steam ahead on getting much done right away or to quickly.
Phil
20 Nov 08 at 11:49 am
brandon – yeah, i doubt anything comes of it, but it’s nice to see that at least some people are trying.
phil – pretty good list, thought i think public transportation may be more of a state level issue than a federal one. but, i like it. obama appears to be promising on media issues. he’s appointing a chief technology officer for the first time. so, let us hope.
blake
20 Nov 08 at 12:57 pm
Hillary is an interesting figure. She’s very smart and understands policy and procedure about as well as anyone Obama could pick for a Secretary. If there’s anybody who could help orchestrate an effective overhaul of the health care system (or anything else for that matter) it’s Hillary. Yet, she seems suited to be a career senator because of her personality. Her constituents love her, and she loves them back. Taking her away from the outstanding job she’s doing in the Senate would be a blow to the people. I’d love to see Hillary as a HHS Secretary, AG, or State Department Secretary, but I don’t know if that’s the best thing for the country. We need her in the Senate to write good legislation.
Andrew
20 Nov 08 at 3:09 pm