Resolutions for President Bush

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Midland Daily News, January 2006

A new calendar year is upon us. It is the time to make resolutions to change our lives or change our goals. I have not been one to routinely make thse kinds of resolutions, but there is some value in reflecting on the future.

I heard President Bush is resolving this year to work harder for peace in the world and for prosperity at home. Those are serious goals and I applaud and support the President.

Here are some suggestions in fleshing out those goals:

Work harder for international cooperation. This means our cooperation as well as other countries’ cooperation.
Replace his advisors with people who want cooperation rather than world domination by the United States.
As he did in early January continue to seek advice from people who don’t agree with him. Listen to them.
Continue to support the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
Figure out a way to leave Iraq. We have killed far too many Iraqi citizens already. Quit calling the war in Iraq a war against terrorism. Iraq had nothing to do with the terrorist attack on the United States on 9/11/01.
Take another look at the International Criminal Court and our role in it. Is the United States exempt from prosecution for war crimes?
Global warming is a serious concern for the future of the planet. Perhaps some people are crying too oudly about the danger presented in global warming, but on the other hand, the issue deserves to be respectfully studied and acted upon,not merely rejected out of hand. Other environmental and ecological concerns need to be tended to as well.
The United Nations is not perfect but it is a great tool for create a better world. Support their goals and initiatives as a responsible member rather than demeaning it. We are not the only ones seeking peace in the world and we are not the only ones who have the solutions to world problems. The UN is also a huge element in international cooperation, mentioned in number 1 above.
This world is the only one we have. We cannot continue to exploit the natural resources without dire consequences. Drilling for oil in Alaska makes no sense, so just drop that idea. Our dependence on oil has to decline. Encourage the manufacture of higher standards for fuel economy in all vehicles.
Continue to push for tax reform. But give the benefits to the little guy for a change! Close the loopholes for the rich and cut out corporate welfare.
Encourage the teaching of entrepreneurial skills in high school and college. It takes more than knowledge of products to own and run a business. Small businesses are the heart and soul of our economy. Here is where most new jobs are created. It is a daunting task to start up a business these days with all the capital required and the many laws that govern small business.
Admit mistakes. I have a lot more respect for a President who confesses to the American people that he made a mistake and ask forgiveness that one who pretends all is well. For example, the “mission accomplished” fiasco in May 2003 made President Bush appear as a buffoon rather than the leader of the free world.

In addition to these, I would encourage the President to reflect on his public statements. Don’t take a position on an issue and then later take the opposite view as if it were his own idea. An easy example is his stance on torture of combatant detainees. At first he said we needed the right to torture and then later plrclaimed to the world that the United States does not condone nor promote torture. Similar comments could be made about the war in Iraq, but that would take a column by itself.

Finally, I would urge the President to look at the world through the eyes of the ordinary people. Then ask the questions: what can be done to make their lives better?

The President’s support is at an all time low. Pursuing these objectives would enhance his support among Americans and change that downward trend. 2006 would also be a better year.

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