Dear Mr. Obama,
I am relieved and filled with hope now that you are our president with the backing of a Democratic Congress.
For several years I have believed that the United States has been losing ground as a leading nation and that our leadership and political policies have guided our country into a lifestyle and way of conducting business that is not sustainable or ethical in the areas of economic and labor policies, environmental management and resource use, medical care, care for the homeless and financially deprived, education, civil rights, penal philosophy and practice. and international relations and policies, and defense. In general, our people and government have addressed the symptoms rather than core causes of problems in each of these areas. To a great extent policies have been driven by personal and vested interests and not by science and the welfare of the people. Below I have introduced my views on each of these areas. In future communications, I intend to elaborate on and clarify these views.
Our economy should aim for steady state and stable conditions instead of continued expansion. We should localize our economy by minimizing imports and keeping services and production of goods within our country. All workers should make a living wage and should be registered U.S. residents with some provision for authorized temporary residents from other countries. Transfer of funds should be primarily related to goods or services received. Loans and activities related to speculation of the future should be heavily regulated and significantly taxed.
Sustainable environmental practices must be strived for by maximizing recycle, minimizing disposal of wastes into the environment, prevention of resource depletion, and minimizing destruction of natural environments. We must evaluate and regulate major polluting industries such as land filling, agricultural, fossil fuel extraction and use, mining, water use, and forestry (especially lumber and paper industries).
Basic affordable medical care and drugs should be available to all legal residents and visitors. Layered medical care practices should range from simple nursing care to special medical services provided by doctors and medical specialists. Incentives should be provided to encourage U.S. residents to improve their health, e.g. healthy diets and exercise. Unhealthy products such as alcohol, foods with added sugar, tobacco products, and alcoholic beverages should be heavily taxed.
Every resident should be entitled to have their basic needs met, i.e. food, shelter, and medical care. Group homes should be established to help those with mental, physical, and addiction health problems and released prisoners. Prisons should be viewed as rehabilitation institutions which strive to be self sufficient and provide counseling and training. Half-way houses and jobs opportunities should be provided for released prisoners. Capital punishment should be abolished.
Education through undergraduate college level should be free for all residents. Students should be grouped based on demonstrated aptitude so education can be focused. Education at all levels should include basic knowledge, creativity, and life management skills.
Laws should be instituted to minimize discrimination of individuals based on age, gender, sexual preference, or religion. Legislation of morality should be minimized. Issues should be clarified by open dialog regarding controversial issues such as abortion, stem cell research, capital punishment, euthanasia, and gay rights.Strong policies should be instituted to address and improve international relations. The U.S. should encourage formation of an international governmental agency (IGA) with funds and personnel provided from all participating nations. The IGA should play a governing role in international defense, security, disaster, economic, and environmental issues. Member nations should collectively decide and act on matters related to terrorism, internal oppression, response to natural disasters, and regulation of global environmental issues such as greenhouse gases, fishing practices, and water use. Movement should be toward diplomacy and away from war and use of weapons of mass destruction. All able bodied men and women should be required to provide civil service and be trained as reservists on call for civil and other defense issues.
Sincerely,David P. Chynoweth, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida
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