Now the interesting part begins as our new President-elect confronts eight years of failed policies that have led to two wars, an economic collapse, a healthcare system in crisis and civil liberties decimated. One has to wonder why anyone would have wanted the job given the sorry state of affairs in America. Clearly, President-elect Obama (God, I love saying that!) has his work cut out for him. The crisis confronting America is so overwhelming it is almost impossible to know where to start.
Yet, Obama seems to know exactly how to proceed. He is quite aware that action must taken immediately on alleviating our economic crisis - a stimulus package that will bring not only some instant relief but also create confidence among the American people. His team has noted other priorities including foreign policy (our two wars), healthcare and education. In addition, we can rest assured about issues surrounding the appointment of judges and also a women's right to choose. Those issues alone all require urgent attention and would be enough to keep anyone busy the next four years.
However, there are some other issues that cry out for attention and it is important that the key appointees work on them immediately. Here are just a few from what actually could be a very long list:
CONGO: This horror story in Africa cries out for help. We are rapidly approaching six million dead from the results of war mostly in the Eastern sector of the country. The fragile cease fire appears to be over again and mass death, rape and massive refugee flows have become common place once more. The United Nations has no where near enough peace keepers -- indeed, in the latest round of fighting they had trouble protecting themselves.
GUANTANAMO BAY: Inside sources in the campaign say it will be closed soon. It must be closed. Release the clearly innocent and ensure fair trials for those prisoners that must have them. This is operation is America's shame.
TORTURE: Remove from military or civilian service any individual involved in torture or even sending prisoners to other countries to be tortured. It must be stopped.
AIDS: The epidemic continues and millions are at risk of dying. Remove those restrictions that the radical right placed in AIDS funding bills so that professional care can again become the standard. It is important to work with local governments on needle exchange. Not being for needle exchange is like being against condoms in the 1980's. Finally, the ability of HIV positive people to visit America is still not a reality. Despite being overturned by Congress, implementation is being held up in the Department of Homeland Security.
ENVIRONMENT: Stop the building of roads, drilling and logging in our national park system. Clearly, Obama's team will tackle global warming and other major issues but the Bush team put into effect tons of small regulations that are eating up our park system. Expand the list of endangered species and for God sakes, put the Polar Bear on it.
LGBT: The LGBT community took a real hit in the last election. More than any other community we suffered at the ballot box. In a true vision of unity for America, the LGBT community urgently needs to see from the new President that we are part of that fabric of unity. The easiest way to do this would be to pass ENDA, Hate Crimes legislation and repeal DOMA. In addition, work must begin with the military and Congress over the next months to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" by the end of 2009. Expanding benefits for federal employees and honoring the laws of those states that have implemented marriage also would be great steps. Finally, it is time to realize that marriage is a great struggle for equality and freedom.
POVERTY: Millions of Americans are actually going to bed hungry each night. Kids are developing neurological disorders from the lack of food. Thousands of programs from Head Start to VISTA have suffered under the Bush Administration. In the urgency to rebuild the American economy lets not forget the poor one more time - the ranks are growing and the impact is shocking and sad.
INFRASTRUCTURE: As complicated tax incentives and other key parts of the new economic program are worked out, America's collapsing infrastructure cannot be forgotten. Our dams, roads, mass transit, sewer systems, etc are ancient and in urgent need of repair. The best way to create jobs for the poor is constructing mass transit light rail, high speed train lines, rebuilding our dams and repairing roads. This will put America's poor to work while we develop programs for daycare, special needs training and education for their children.
This is just a very partial list but once again points out the massive job ahead for our new President-elect and our Democratic Congress.
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