Your Administration?

[mikem317]

Just a hypothetical if you had to submit a change of address form for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

What would be your domestic and foreign policies? Who would you appoint to key positions? How would your adminsitration manage the geopolitical envioronment of 2008? What plans would you have to address domestic concerns like a growing socioeconomic gap between Americans? What's your relationship with Congress and the Supreme Court?

Just curious.

[bush]

I saw this thread when you created it but I wanted to think before posting. I'm surprised there aren't any replies.

Originally Posted by mikem317

Just a hypothetical if you had to submit a change of address form for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

What would be your domestic and foreign policies?

Focus more on the domestic side and start using the bulk of federal finding for domestic programs. I'd put some serious effort into welfare reform, and make it easier to cut funding for people who are abusing the benefits. Social security reform would also be important.

I'd find some way to make the media more accountable and try to get them off this bullshit propoganda kick. Both sides have their disinformation networks and I hate it. Fact-based reporting has taken a backseat to partisan commentary and that doesn't benefit anybody.

My foreign policy would focus more on diplomacy and less on intimidation. If it's not going to benefit the American people, then it's not in the policy.

Who would you appoint to key positions?

Tough question. I'd prefer people not affiliated with either the Republican or Democratic party.

How would your adminsitration manage the geopolitical envioronment of 2008?

Decrease the number of troops in foreign conflicts. Instead of throwing manpower at the problem, rely on smaller specialized military teams. Instead of threatening countries like Iran with military action, actually make an effort towoards diplomacy. It's better to have nuclear nations on our side than against us.

If they violate agreements, we fuck them up. No questions asked.

What plans would you have to address domestic concerns like a growing socioeconomic gap between Americans?

Roll back the tax breaks for the upper 1%. If you have enough money to be that high up on the scale, you have this country's economic system to thank - so you're going to pay something back into it. Don't like it? Move to France.

Make it easier for startups and small businesses to turn a profit and increase growth by reducing their taxes.

Increase taxes on record-breaking industries like oil. If they aren't willing to try their hand at alternative energy solutions, then they pay a stiff tax.

Decriminalize marijuana. Stiff fines for posession of over an ounce. Consider it a tax. Revisit some of the legislation and get rid of some of the outdated policies.

Take steps to create a domestic hemp industry. It's a pretty versatile plant with tons of practical uses. New industry means economic growth, economic growth means more jobs. It could be a huge export business as well.

What's your relationship with Congress and the Supreme Court?

Lobbying reform takes a front seat. As Commander in Cheif, I'm going to make it known to the American people that if they are unhappy with the job performance of their state's elected officials, they can do something about it.

Find a way to prevent corporations and lobbyists from giving "gifts" to lawmakers. It's your job, not your birthday. You don't get freebies.

Any corruption will be dealt with swiftly and effectively.

Remind the Supreme Court that their job is to uphold the rights in the Constitution, not to interpret it according to their political and moral views.

[mikem317]

Nice post. I wanted to prove a point that we're all these La-Z-Boy Commander and Chiefs in the comfort of our cubicles, basements, and living rooms. Nothing more.

Thanks for sharing though. To borrow a line from the Vice President, "If chosen, I will not run. If elected, I will not serve." I don't think I could balance the stress of incessant public scrutiny.

However, if given the opportunity...

Domestically, I would address the illegal immigrant issue, perhaps on a larger scope immigration in general, do address what part of the process is preventing migrants from coming here legally and with documentation. This would not only mitigate risks associated with social strife but also homeland security. Enforce existing port security measures and introduce laws that would eliminate loopholes in the import/export process.

Other domestic programs will include the full privatization of the postal system, and social security. I would have a renewed focus on a manageable, less bureaucratic government. Address the growing socioeconomic parity between the rich and the poor. Introduce legislation to facilitate demand for higher education certificates and diplomas.

Foreign policy would be similar to your suggestion. Redeploy the military so it's more mobile to respond to threats to the United States and our interests that are sourced to sects and terrorist cells. This is two-fold, to be able to respond to threats to the United States and our interests abroad, and to reignite stale relations with our European and Asian allies. Diplomatic pressure on Iran and North Korea. Finance mid- and high-interest debt held to foreign countries. Process all detainees in Cuba under law that has already been established in the Bill of Rights and Geneva Convention. Redeploy troops stationed in Iraq (with covert ops from CIA and small consultant groups) to other areas including Afghanistan.

... and I guess this is out of context where it does not consider the political climate status quo.

I guess I haven't really thought it completely through, I'm sure there's more, but I need to start reading for papers and exams! Damnit.