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To: elpolvo who wrote (16571)	8/29/2002 7:36:52 PM
From: lurqer	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 104155

think about it all through the holiday weekend Don't think I want to do that. How about I just reserve the right to amend this post if "something comes up". My only foray into politics left a bad taste. After being elected to a local political (environmental) office, I was viewed as one of da boyz. The hypocrisy that revealed was sickening. I wouldn't be prez on a bet. If forced to serve then I do my best to emulate Harry. To do that job and do it right is too much for anyone. And not a place for easily bruised egos. So first I'd instigate a search for those best able to identify "the best and the brightest". Then after a campaign to extol the virtues of public service, I'd use every possible way to cajole "the best and brightest" to give a few years back to the country that had given so much to them. I always thought Truman's finest hour was his eliciting the aid of George C. Marshall. A man he was sure was his superior by almost any measure. But rather than fear being overshadowed, he did what he considered best for the country. That administration formulated a strategy that not only contained Soviet expansionism, but eventually led to victory in the cold war. Again JMO. Interestingly, Truman said the two problems he wished he had been able to deal with were health care and education. We still got'um, both. Assuming I could assemble a "dream team". I'd do my best to encourage them to deal with problems proactively - anticipate, not just react. When you are in react mode (because the unanticipated always occurs), react opportunistically. Also by "deal with problems", I don't mean to just mindlessly throw money at them. Rather do the necessary "skull work", to come up with some creative solutions. As for the problems we were discussing before I “lightened up”<g.>, I don’t believe you can avoid them. They are part of what I would call the modernity memeplex. The same memeplex that’s given us everything from McDonald hamburgers to Digicams. Rather than trying to stop the inevitable, I’d attempt to “channel” development. My goal would be simple. Sentience should survive on this planet. An enduring appreciation of human accomplishments would also be nice. lurqer

To: elpolvo who wrote (16571)	8/29/2002 7:55:26 PM
From: Wharf Rat	Respond to of 104155

I think, if I were pres in the morning, I would probably first meet with my staff of interns. Then, I'd fire all the dudes and any who looked like Monica, and start from scratch, with a bunch of nubile young blonde hippie chicks. After that ... use executive privilege to get rid of the Secret Service. I'll think of something more serious in a while, but might as well get used to the perks, first. Actually, I'd probably start off by hitting the campaign trail, since I don't think Congress would go along with me. (That is the problem for any 3rd party candidate. If Nader had been elected, I doubt any of his proposals would get more than 3 votes. He would probably veto most bills, the country would plunge into political chaos, and he would be impeached as incompetent by the 2 party Congress with which he couldn't work). Gotta have Congress behind you, at least by 50.1 %, and you gotta have the courts. Thank God for the courts right now, saving us from Ashcroft. Rat

To: elpolvo who wrote (16571)	8/30/2002 10:47:09 AM
From: Wharf Rat	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 104155

What would I do after getting new interns, and assuming that Congress would be somewhat cooperative? Presidential powers are somewhat limited by the other branches, but he is in charge of the executive branch, so... new cabinet...Clinton as veep and as Ari Fleisher, Gore in Interior, Amory and Hunter Lovins in DOE and DOT. Powell can stay. Nobody comes to mind for DOJ, so I'd ask George McGovern; that or defense. If Ron Dellums is still around, maybe give him the pentagon; if he's not interested, maybe a gay person would be good in that job. Cheech Marin for drug czar, decriminalize marijuana, start a hemp industry. Daryl Cherney in charge of the FBI, haha. Balance the budget, even if it means getting rid of the tax cut. I think one reason the economy is sluggish is cuz the feds are sucking up all the money; things were much better when we were running a surplus, not competing with the private sector for money. Go after the companies and execs who use overseas tax shelters; for starters, no more gvt contracts for Stanley Tools. End plans to invade Iraq. Invade Texas, capture all the corporate pirates, and jail them in Cuba.Normalize relations with Cuba, while I was at it. Arrest Ashcroft for civil rights violations and for defacing federal statues. Hmm, maybe arrest Shrub for impersonating a president, and might as well as arrest the Supreme Court for election fraud, while I am on the power trip. Energy/environment...executive orders to convert all federal buildings to renewables, federal fleet to hybrids, adopt California emission standards for the federal fleet,use sheep instead of lawnmowers on all federal lawns over 100 sq. feet in size, etc. Subsidize renewables and organics instead of oil, oil, and chemicals. Put the forests first, not the logging companies. That will do for the first day; send in my interns. El Presidente Raton PS Direct the national labs (Livermore, Fermi, etc) to devote 100% of their resources to alt.energy/ conservation/ CO2 removal,etc, and zip to nukes, whether power plants or bombs.