Sorry folks, I tend to be skeptical. Although President Obama is by far the most promising arrival I've seen in my life-time, I still gotta say "Are you capable of 'Real Change'":
1.A foolproof capping of political contributions for all federal (non-federal?) elections. The test would be: is the cap low enough so that any candidate could fairly win without the support of lobbyists and corporations that now control legislation?
2.Prosecution of all persons for the misuse of federal bail-out money. This law would be made retro-active to include the recent misuse of bail-out funds by banks and financial institutions.
3.The passage of legislation instituting mandatory service for all persons at the age of 18 in a peace corps/military. The individual would have the right to chose which service he/she prefers, except in the time of war. During a war, and this would have to be defined, the president would have the right to change this to a military draft. If all citizens had been actively participating, and thus threatened by, the invasion of Iraq-instead of an army of mercenaries while the majority continued mall-shopping as usual-we may not have had that "tough decision" as Bush calls his big mistake. Also, we would not have shortages of troops when they are needed for our rightful defense. (Note: the draft was ended because it played a large part in the successful protest of the Vietnam War.)
These are the changes I feel need to happen. Other suggestions welcome.
Abe Frankel www.circleofheearth.org
We know that the earth grows smaller and smaller each day. We can no longer exist as separate nations. We look for a sense of renewed deep belief that is necessary for human beings. And the answer is: the earth, itself--in the feeling of oneness and unity that it gives to us. We are all members of the same bio-world. Wherever, however, we live, we all have the same needs for air and water. We all have the same needs for nutrition. We all see the same sky, touch the trees and plants, have communions with the other animals around us. These are factors which bind us together into one, a unified whole celebrating Our Mother Earth's spirit. www.circleoftheearth.org
