Ideas for moving our Country forward

[Shaun @ Tru6]

it's a fact that our Country hasn't really moved forward in the last few years in the same way we went to the moon or created the Tennessee Valley Authority.

With a truly globalized market and China becoming a true economic, political and military superpower, what ideas do you have for moving our Country forward, staying competitive, etc.?

I've posted many times, but my top 3 are:
A national high-speed data infrastructure necessary to keep our businesses competitive in a global market and all of our citizens, from the the inner city poor to the suburbar middle class connected, informed, and educated at rates 60 times our current infrastructure.

A "Transportation Energy Independence" program on the scale of The New Deal taking advantage of both government and innovative free market intellectual property databanks such that in 5 years we will reduce our dependence on foreign oil for transportation by 35%?

A topshelf education system in which teachers are held accountable and the very best ones are just breaking 6 figure salaries, every student has a computer that is theirs to keep, every student has books, "music class" and fully funded after-school programs.


What is on your list to make our Country great in the next 25 years?

[M.D. Holloway]

Health Care Reform

Imporved Transist System

A Government Bid System Built Around Realibility, Performance and Service rather than the lowest bid.

Corporate Accountability to Drive Business Stability and Resist Ridiculous Pay Scales of CEO's.

Restructuring the Tax Code

Establishing Trade Tariffs for Countries Involved in Child Labor Issues and Environmental Issues - direct more manufacturing back to the states and away from countries who enslave kids and pollute.

[widebody911]

Originally posted by Shaun 84 Targa
A national high-speed data infrastructure necessary to keep our businesses competitive in a global market and all of our citizens, from the the inner city poor to the suburbar middle class connected, informed, and educated at rates 60 times our current infrastructure.

I, for one, welcome faster pr0n downloads!

A "Transportation Energy Independence" program on the scale of The New Deal taking advantage of both government and innovative free market intellectual property databanks such that in 5 years we will reduce our dependence on foreign oil for transportation by 35%?

While I agree on the need for this, you will see heavy resistance from the entrenched oil interests.

A topshelf education system in which teachers are held accountable and the very best ones are just breaking 6 figure salaries, every student has a computer that is theirs to keep, every student has books, "music class" and fully funded after-school programs.

Again, a worthy goal, but teachers and education have been so vilified by the Right that I don't see this happening. Education is valuable - to the kids of the rich white folks - but for education for anyone else is the liberal educational elite milking the public purse.

What we really need to is to figure out how to steer the ship away from being a service economy, and to do this, we need to start producing something again. However, the liberals and their child-labor laws and minimum wage and rules against dumping toxic waste into the river are standing in the way of that. China and SE Asia have no such limitations, and are thus becoming the new industrial giants. The irony is that American companies did a lot of the heavy lifting in those regions to get them started, in order to reap the short-term profits, and are now competing with native companies who run their own operations after having leveraged the American know-how. Unless American workers are willing to roll back to 18th-century standards of living, we're pretty much finished industrially.

[wludavid]

*Abandon passenger rail travel and emphasize moving surface tonnage by rail. Keep lower-income groups mobile by investing in Greyhound or similar. Modernize the busfleet and market it to a wider audience. (This has been done with moderate success along the east coast corridor.) This will reduce the upkeep costs on highways along with making them safer.

*Entice companies to institute "cradle-to-grave" policies for consumer products, so that the cost of disassembling and recycling the items are built into the purchase cost. This will hopefully slow down our runaway consumerist economy as well as reduce landfill use.

*Stop using GDP as the main measure of our country's health. There are dozens of other more appropriate metrics than just measuring how often money has changed hands.

Edit: My god, am I really this much of a liberal?

[Tobra]

1. Make politicians accountable for their actions by linking their pay and ability to keep their jobs with performance, sort of like the private sector.

2. Get everyone on the extreme R and L to pull their heads out of their asses and realize neither end is helping the 80% of the population that is somewhere in the middle.(Easy to say) For example, when a liberal says something stupid like, "The Right is anti-teacher and anti-education" You could point out the how ridiculous their position is by letting them know how much pro-education legislation is proposed by the Right. Or when a conservative says something ridiculous like, "The Left is anti-American because they don't support the troops." Point out how stupid it is to think that just because someone is opposed to the war and makes irresponsible statements to that end, it does not mean they don't support the troops, despite the fact that their words and actions give aid and comfort to the enemy.

[RKC]

Develop a very powerful, very thoughtful computer program based on the writings of Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain - the greatest Americans ever. Then vote the program into the presidency.

[mikester]

You guys are doing the same thing that plagues our current (entire) government.

You're simply thinking too big.

If you want to make a difference start small and if you really think you can make a difference and that your ideas are good then start a the local level. Your local level and get involved in what is going on, run for office even where you live.

I truely think that more of the people on this board should be doing that instead of operating off of their arm chairs.

Myself included.


When you take donations for your campaigns do not take money from anyone other than a tax payer (business or individual) and do not authorized anyone other than one of those businesses or individuals to campaign for you.

No non profits, no 539s or whatever. If you want to end the soft money problems - stop taking it. Make a stand.

[Nathans_Dad]

Ok, if I could pick one thing to change our country that is simple and would profoundly change things in DC it would be....


TERM LIMITS.

Two six year terms max, PERIOD. No running for any public office after that. You're done. Go get a real friggin job and let an Everyman take your seat.

[on-ramp]

don't let big oil companies make 10 Billion profit in 1 quarter while we get hosed at the pump. that's a form of terrorism right there.

Terrorists come in all shapes and forms.

[Nathans_Dad]

Originally posted by on-ramp
don't let big oil companies make 10 Billion profit in 1 quarter while we get hosed at the pump. that's a form of terrorism right there.

Terrorists come in all shapes and forms.

It's called Capitalism...no one says you have to buy their gas. Ride a bike or the bus/train if you want to. Limiting profits and redistribution of wealth sounds a whole like like Socialism to me...

[on-ramp]

Originally posted by Nathans_Dad
It's called Capitalism...no one says you have to buy their gas. Ride a bike or the bus/train if you want to. Limiting profits and redistribution of wealth sounds a whole like like Socialism to me...

of course

[Aurel]

I see three major domains where tremendous progress can be made to make our lives better and move in the right direction. Most have been touched already, but I will express in my own words...

1- Energy. Less dependancy will only happen if the problem is dealt at both ends: consume less and produce more at home. Develop alternative sources. Did you know that a little portion of Nevada covered with 15% efficient solar cells would cover all the electrical needs of the USA? This is not feasible right now, because solar cells are too expensive. Reduce their cost by 10, and it could be done.
This is just one example, but the R&D to find and develop new enrgy sources is promordial to keep this country moving. The problem is that big oil companies are calling the shots right now...and the president is on their side.

2. Information. A superfast information highway, better search engines, more wireless, integration of phone, TV, internet on the same network. We are getting there, but the networks are polluted with junk, viruses...it sometimes looks like internet is getting choked. Create virtual universities. These days, all the knowledge in the world can be found online. People just need the the basics to get it and use it.

3. Health. People need to eat better and lose weight. Seriously, this should be a national priority. Slimmer people will be more productive and have less health problem. Junk food and fast food are ruinning lives. I don`t think China has that many obese people,
and they are moving forward at full speed.

Aurel

[red-beard]

#3. If the Chinese are so much more healthy than Americans, why is our life expectancy 7.5% better than thiers?

I am shocked that life expectancy is higher in France (2.4%)...Aurel, you're gonna outlive us All!

I don't disagree with you. Americans need to go on a diet.

#2. It's in progress...My cable modem service costs the same as I paid 6 years ago, but my speed on the net is 3-4Mbps, where it used to be 500kbps

#1. We could do it far more cheaply and easily: Convert the cars to Natural Gas (cleaner fuel, domestically supplied) and convert our power generation to nuclear (cleaner fuel, domestically supplied). Our domestic oil could then be used for chemical and plastics instead of fuel. This is definitely an area where the US power industry should be learning something from France.

[Aurel]

Originally posted by red-beard
#3. If the Chinese are so much more healthy than Americans, why is our life expectancy 7.5% better than thiers?

You can keep an obese person for a very long time, at the very high cost of bypass surgey...the chinese can`t afford that yet

I am shocked that life expectancy is higher in France (2.4%)...Aurel, you're gonna outlive us All!

It is the red wine, olive oil, good sex and vacations my friend !

I don't disagree with you. Americans need to go on a diet.

#2. It's in progress...My cable modem service costs the same as I paid 6 years ago, but my speed on the net is 3-4Mbps, where it used to be 500kbps

In France, they have developed 15 Mbs over phone lines, available in major cities.

#1. We could do it far more cheaply and easily: Convert the cars to Natural Gas (cleaner fuel, domestically supplied) and convert our power generation to nuclear (cleaner fuel, domestically supplied). Our domestic oil could then be used for chemical and plastics instead of fuel. This is definitely an area where the US power industry should be learning something from France.

Agreed !

[cashflyer]

A Government Bid System Built Around Realibility, Performance and Service rather than the lowest bid.

This may not be for ALL contracts, but as a government contractor myself I can assure you that the "lowest bid" mentality is no longer the rule of the day. I personally have seen several defence contracts go to HIGHER bidders because they were better equipped to do the job. The contracting agencies are required to take into account the risk of a contractor default, as that represents a huge expense and delay in fulfillment.

Corporate Accountability to Drive Business Stability and Resist Ridiculous Pay Scales of CEO's.

While I have agreed with many of your posts in other threads... this one is just wrong. Government should have NO authority to limit pay in the private sector. If MBNA wants to give Alfred Lerner compensation valued at more than $250 million, it is their right and priveledge. You're just jealous. But I agree that businesses who go bankrupt while paying exorberant salaries should have their books scrutinized.

Unless American workers are willing to roll back to 18th-century standards of living, we're pretty much finished industrially.

There is a such thing as "clean manufacturing", but the world is not ready yet. For now, I agree that manufacturing in the USA is a dying industry.

My thoughts/opinions:
Americans have been spoiled by plentiful and CHEAP oil; which translates to more money in pocket and less concern about waste. I believe it is also why the world is not more seriously concerned with developing "clean manufacturing". And I believe that it is what fuels our runaway consumerism and "throw-away mentality". I don't believe that any of this will change as long as there are fortunes being made in traditional petro-energy.

Ideas:
1) Educate. Ever read Powershift? America could happily wave adieu to smoke-stack industry if there was something to take it's place. There is. Information and knowledge. America should make as big a commitment to education as was made to securing oil in the middle east. Our public schools are a bad joke. America should be concentrating on giving every last american a quality education; and I don't mean a dumbed down education, or a "only as fast as the slowest child" education. I mean really bringing people up to a level of global competitiveness. You want to see poverty end? EDUCATE. You want to see crime drop? EDUCATE.
2) Accomodate America becoming the world leader of information by fully developing a national computer/internet network. (mentioned by Aurel, et al)
3) Dismantle every fossil fuel energy plant. Electricity should be provided by nuclear and nature only. (mentioned by red-beard)
4) Quit being the worlds police force. Quit spending on unsound foreign policies. Get back to an AMERICA FIRST mentality!!
5) Disband labor unions and the NLRB.
6) Stop illegal immigration.
7) Overhaul healthcare and do more to reign-in prices charged by prescription drug companys. I know this is anti-capitalism, but heathcare is an expense that creates a national burden - arguably a matter of national concern.
8) Porsches for everyone!!

But I know there is at least one problem with being an information society. Obesity. Americans already get too little exercise and make poor food choices. Sit us in front of a computer monitor and it only gets worse (unless you have good self-discipline).

Every heavy person should know the words my mother used to yell at me when I was sitting in front of the television. GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally posted by Nathans_Dad
It's called Capitalism...no one says you have to buy their gas. Ride a bike or the bus/train if you want to. Limiting profits and redistribution of wealth sounds a whole like like Socialism to me...

Rick, there's this stuff up here in the Northeast called home heating oil. People need it to stay warm, and in the case of many, to stay alive. I believe the number of deaths from the cold in the Northeast is in significant double digits year after year because they can't afford to heat their homes.

And what does that say about our Society when we say it's OK for oil companies to reap massive profits when some people can't afford to keep their homes warm?

I'm a huge capitalist, one reason I started my own company, but I believe that when it comes to basic human needs, like staying warm, Corporations have a civic responsibility. That's all I'm saying.

BTW, when I lived in TX, I was waterskiing in November.

Here in Boston today, it's 38.

Gas and oil are not the same as bread and milk. nuff said.

[cashflyer]

Originally posted by Shaun 84 Targa
Rick, there's this stuff up here in the Northeast called home heating oil. People need it to stay warm, and in the case of many, to stay alive. I believe the number of deaths from the cold in the Northeast is in significant double digits year after year because they can't afford to heat their homes.

And what does that say about our Society when we say it's OK for oil companies to reap massive profits when some people can't afford to keep their homes warm?
...

So stop heating with gas and oil.
Nuclear energy is cheap and renewable. Heat with electric.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Cash, have you ever "raced" your Duster against a 240Z?

Years and year ago I had one in high school and there was Duster 340 and we'd race all the time. What was amazing was my car was the very tiniest bit faster, like inching past him. What fun days those were.

BTW, e- to heat your home is 2x more expensive than oil/ngas.

I like nuclear a lot myself, even after 3-mile Island, wonder why it hasn't been perfected.

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally posted by cashflyer
...While I have agreed with many of your posts in other threads... this one is just wrong. Government should have NO authority to limit pay in the private sector. If MBNA wants to give Alfred Lerner compensation valued at more than $250 million, it is their right and priveledge. You're just jealous. But I agree that businesses who go bankrupt while paying exorberant salaries should have their books scrutinized.There is a such thing as "clean manufacturing", but the world is not ready yet. For now, I agree that manufacturing in the USA is a dying industry......

Prehaps I am a bit myopic...OK, I thought about it and you make sense so my overall opinion has been adjusted. Thanks for the wake-up!

[Evans, Marv]

Although there are a lot of things mentioned here that are very worthy, I think I'll have to sort of go along with what tobra said and with the comment about term limits.
What it boils down to is having a government that runs efficiently and has the best interests of the people and the nation as a whole at heart. What we have now isn't that. I think one of the big problems (and not the only by any means) is that things have gone the way of many large governments in the past. Those in power are in it for the POWER, INFLUENCE, and EGO. It is for those reasons, special interests enjoy so much influence. They can be used to keep those in power where they are. They have mastered the art of staying in power, and after that turn to using that power to satisfy their egos by demonstrating and weilding that power "just because they can."