An agenda for Obama
By
Max J. Castro Read Spanish Version
majcastro@gmail.com
As
this is written, on the eve of the Obama inauguration, Washington is
abuzz with excitement. George W. Bush soon will be history, and not a
minute too soon. A new era dawns amid a multitude of hopes that the
new President will be able to repair what the old one tore apart and
start the country on a new path.
Here
are my top wishes for the first year and for the first term.
The
First Year
1)
End all torture and abusive interrogations, close the Guantánamo
detention camp, and discontinue warrantless wiretapping.
2)
Begin to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq and rethink the strategy in
Afghanistan.
3)
Take the first steps to ensure universal health care.
4)
End the war against undocumented immigrants and stop building of the
border wall.
5)
Rescind tax cuts for high income groups, cut taxes for the middle
class, and stimulate the economy by spending on infrastructure,
education, research, and development of renewable energy.
6)
Investigate Bush administration war crimes and other violations of
the law.
7)
Reverse Bush measures on the environment, worker health and safety,
and consumer protection.
8)
Fight global warming through domestic policies and international
agreements.
9)
End all restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba.
10)
Allow freedom for scientific research on embryonic stem cells.
The
First Term
1)
Reestablish the global standing of the United States by ending U.S.
involvement in Iraq, observing and promoting international law,
carrying out peacemaking in the Middle East and other conflict areas,
and providing funding for AIDS, malaria, and other diseases.
2)
Reposition U.S. global strategy by focusing on soft power including
diplomacy, cultural exchange, foreign aid, and multilateralism.
3)
Create a system of health care coverage for all.
4)
Enact comprehensive immigration reform including a path to
citizenship.
5)
Reestablish a progressive income tax system and raise or eliminate
the ceiling on the social security tax.
6)
Prosecute all crimes committed by Bush officials.
7)
Rebuild public confidence and rebuild government agencies corrupted
by Bush, including the Justice Department, the Environmental
Protection Agency, and the Occupational Health and Safety
Administration.
8)
Join international treaties including the International Criminal
Court, the treaty banning land mines, and the successor to the Kyoto
global warming protocol.
9)
End the Cuban embargo and reestablish diplomatic and trade relations.
10)
Develop a fair, evenhanded policy regarding the Israel-Palestinian
conflict leading to a two-state solution on the basis of the 1967
borders and recognition of Israel by all Arab governments including
the government of the new Palestinian state.
