[Taliesin]

Ok, here goes. While some items aren't really things I'd run on, I would do them during my presidency.



1) Reform tax system.

There are far too many loopholes as it is. Hell, the whole thing is far too complicated. I'm not sure whether I'd favor a fair tax or a flat tax or a national sales tax, though.

2) Cut Government Spending

THere are far too many grants given out as it is. I believe in supporting the arts, every great nation in history has done this. I'm also in favor of supporting science research. However, we don't need "shock art" or studies into what odors make people sexually aroused. If we can afford to fund such things, we are putting too much money into them. It needs cut back.

Our social programs are far too large as well. I'd have each reviewed as to need and success. If they don't work or aren't necessary, they go.

3) Reorganize Intelligence Services

This is a big problem of mine. Thanks to forty years of mishandling (aside from parts of the Reagan era), our intelligence services are crap. We've funnelled too much cash into the NSA and other SIGINT type services while ignoring our human intelligence. These agencies are full of people more concerned with keeping their own jobs and playing internal politics than doing their duty.

I'd convert to one major agency with three major directorates (and however many minor ones as appropriate). First would be the Clandestine Directorate. This is your human intelligence -- spies, and spy recruiters. Next would be ELINT Directorate. Everything from satellite pictures to signals, to codebreaking. Finally would be the Analysis Directorate. This would combine the analysts of all former organizations. By forcing everyone to go to the same (although now expanded) group to figure out what things mean, it will promote the exchange of information.

4) Fix Our Borders

Our northern border should be patrolled and have electronic sensors to let us know when someone's crossing.

Our southern border needs a large wall with cyclone wire on top, lights everywhere, alarms, cameras, and manned watch towers. It needs patrolled by UAV's.

Both borders would be patrolled by an expanded Border Patrol, and augmented by National Guard units and reservists.

5) While #4 is being taken care of, I'd close all immigration for one year.

Those who're students here may stay. The same goes for registered workers. Both groups may move back and forth as necessary. Tourists would also be allowed to come for a time. However, no permanant moves or new workers/students during this time. During the year I'd also implament electrongic fingerprinting and camera systems to help stiffen immigration control.

When reopened, I'd encourage legal immigration. If someone wants to come be a part of our country, they're welcome to do so. If someone wants to sneak in, however, they will be punished severly.

6) Term Changes

I'm not a fan of presidents who spend time campaigning when they should be doing their jobs. I can't blame them for wanting to work towards reelection, but it can interfere with their jobs.

I'd propose presidents be limited to one term only, with a duration of five or six (preferably) years. I'd also consider allowing more than one term under certain conditions. People may be president many times, but it may not be consecutive terms.

7) Civilian Awards

I'd create more awards for civilians. People who do outstanding things in this country deserve to be recognized. A cop who rushes into gunfire to rescue a child deserves national recognition, as do ordinary citizens who risk their lives for others or do other outstanding deeds. American Heroes deserve medals, and I think it would help reinstitute national pride.

8) Oil Changes

Saudia Arabia is not our friend, and Iraq is fast becomming a stable partner in the world. I'd encourage our oil companies to move to Iraq from SA. What's more, I'd move what little military is left in SA out. I'd then give the house of Al-Sa'ud a choice. They could either let their nation fall to Osama or other radicals, or they could start acting like an ally. We'll be happy to protect SA from its own citizens and others, but they need to start helping out in a real way in the war on terror.

9) Panama Canal

I'd work with whatever methods I can (economic, political) to gain control of the Panama Canal. Currently, China has control of this incredibly important place. I'd rather see it as a friend of the US.

10) War Trials

I'd get trials started for the prisoners in Gitmo. Its long past time. If they're guilty, I want harsh penalties. However, I'm not content to let them sit there in limbo. Try them, punish the guilty, ship the rest home.

11) Nuclear Power Plant Defense

We're getting a lot of weapons recovered in Iraq. Currently we're destroying them. However, I'd take some small arms, and all the anti-aircraft missiles back to the US. I'd then sell these to nuclear power plants for security. These missiles are cheap and pretty effective. What's more, most nuke plants have highly trained professional security (not rentacops).

12) The White House

I'd remodel the White House private movie theater. Ok, its definitly not a campaign issue, but I'm a movie addict. I want digital projectors, dolby surroundsound, etc...

13) UN Building

I'd help our new intelligence service to build an ELINT listening post near the UN building in New York. Keep your friends close....

14) Affirmative Action

Its reverse discrimination, although it did serve a purpose when first enacted. I'd keep it as a government option. If a business is clearly hiring or discriminating based on race, I have no problem letting the government stepping in. However, we don't need to be forcing people to hire quotas (which is in effect, what is happening).

15) Assault Weapons Ban

Its dumb and has nothing to do with assault weapons. I'd keep automatic weapons (machineguns, submachine guns, etc...) banned as they already are. I'd also look into proactive bans on directed energy weapons and magnetic/electromagnetic style weapons (Gauss/Rail).



Whew, that was kind of long.