THE SYSTOCRAT PAPERS

Fellow Systocrats:

Twenty-two months later, we finally find ourselves on the other side of this epic campaign, during which nothing less was at stake than the immediate future of the United States as we know it.  We can all breathe a sigh of relief - our special brand of democracy, although far from perfect, remains capable of delivering regime change without a bloody revolution or a messy coup d'etat.  And, although our physical and economic infrastructure is crashing down around our ears, at least we finally have a chief executive that is willing to listen to we, the people. 

It does look as if Obama means to make good on his promise to have a "transparent" administration.  Since election night, he has launched a new website, where he solicits our suggestions on how to improve things, and he's put the weekly Democratic address online in video format, for those people who simply aren't likely to listen to a radio address. 

At last, we can turn to the real task at hand - cleaning up the mess that Dubya and his neocon cronies have left us.  Although things are bad and quickly getting worse, in the midst of this crisis, we have a tremendous opportunity to do away with obsolete government policies, programs and practices, and to reshape this country in a manner that effectively addresses the 21st century concerns of American citizens. 

Between now and Inauguration Day, TSP will offer some thoughts on the way forward for the fledgling Obama administration and the country in general.  If you have suggestions in this regard, don't just send them to Obama - send them to TSP as well and we'll post them for discussion.  Any subject relevant to the future vitality of the U.S. is fair game. 

At this critical juncture in our history, we should "think big."  For example, I think we need a Manhattan Project-type initiative to develop at least one renewable, sustainable, "green" energy source into a cheap, comprehensive replacement for fossil fuels, along with a plan of action to build the necessary infrastructure and implement this new power source throughout the country, and I think this can all be done in 2-3 years if we make these objectives an urgent priority.  Furthermore, I think that a cheap, renewable power source that allows consumers to independently generate enough power to satisfy all of their energy needs (home heating, transportation, etc) and sell excess power back to the grid would be ideal. 

I'll look forward to hearing your comments. Till then, we'll watch - and wait! 

One more thing - for those of you looking for information and inspiration re: the way forward, check out Thomas Friedman's Hot, Flat and Crowded - a truly thought-provoking read.  I may have to do a full-fledged book review when I'm through with it. 

From Chris J:

I know that, most likely, President Obama will not solve every problem; there's just too many piled up for any one person to get through.  I am confident that, as a smart man, he will work to get the country on the right road.  Whenever I hear him give an interview (like the 60 minutes one from last night), for the first time, I actually look up to a politician.  In my 32 years, I have never had so much admiration for a President (elect).  It's one thing to be a good politician, but it's another story to combine that with being a good person.

As far as issues go, I've got my top few.

1) Reverse the ban on Stem Cell Research via executive order on 1/21.  We're falling behind in an area where we've traditionally excelled.  

2) Cut all tax breaks to oil companies and take those credits (and more) to help fund the "Manhattan Project" of renewable energy (your point is right on).  Energy can be a driving force in manufacturing if we want it and, it'll help national security in the long run.

3)  Tax incentives for companies that keep manufacturing jobs in America and SEVERE penalties for companies that use off shore accounts as a tax shelter.

4)  Investigate everything Bush/Cheney have done over the last 8 years.  There's bona fide war crimes in their history.  How can we ever have the moral high ground if we let our leaders get away with murder, torture, and illegal spying on the American people?

From Robert Horr:

Hi All,

Congratulations to an historic election. My hope and prayer is Mr. Obama will lead this Great Republic forward . However please remember this country was built on the individual liberties and FREEDOM.  They have been stomped on enough from the last president!!

Freedom to fail and freedom to succeed is what this country was built on. Some of my greatest success came AFTER my greatest screw ups. I agree with the founding fathers a small government is the best government.

Happy Thanksgiving to all just one more gift to the world from the greatest country ever.

From Mary J:

As usual, I agree that Obama and we have to think big as we move ahead with putting the country on track again for ourselves and our children.  If you are looking for concrete ideas on how we do this, I recommend a pleasurable read in Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.  Kingsolver has been writing for years but was plummeted onto the national seen by The Poisonwood Bible being on Oprah's book list.

The basis of the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (a non-fiction book that reads like her fiction) is to point out with very specific examples how just buying food more locally (and additionally though not necessarily growing your own food or raising your own poultry as Kingsolver does) can make a huge impact on cutting down our use of fossil fuels.  As we look for ideas on how our government can help us turn things around, I highly recommend this read as providing simple and specific ways we can make a difference.  I'm not trying to be coy in saying that two things have changed my life and given me a positive perspective lately - Obama's commitment and this book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.  I hope folks read this book and make a change themselves and I hope Obama doesn't burn out in office.  His character is amazing in taking on what he has taken on.  He has yet to show us results but I am confident he will.