by Jared Jeannotte

Created on: December 07, 2008

President elect Barak Obama is entering this position with a country in turmoil. The U.S. is involved in two wars, an economic decline that could rival the depression and an all time low lack of faith in the political system. This is the perfect time to attempt to realign the governments goals with the peoples. President elect Obama needs to gain the trust of the American people during this time of uncertainty. The President is America's elected figurehead, the person who represents who and what Americans are. Many problems need to be addressed, among them are the following.

Balance the budget. Americans have all heard of the massive debt accumulating due to excess spending in Congress and the House of Representatives. Most however cannot name the current amount or even who the debt is too. This needs to be made common knowledge. Once a week, report, confirm and explain any changes made for better, or worse.

Reduce government spending. Almost every American has heard of special interest groups, bills stuffed with "pork" and other wastes of taxpayer funding. No, a senator does not have to have a $30,000.00 renovation of his office at taxpayers expense when he enters office. The furniture is fine. No, government officials do not need private jets to take them to foreign countries for vacation. Yes, reform has to happen.

Exit strategy. The war in Iraq and Afghanistan have reached a point where the American people support the troops but not the direction in which they are proceeding. Support for the war effort has declined to an all time low. Many feel that the U.S. government has paid too much attention to foreign aid, conflict and armament to realize where this country has been heading. Explain the time constraints, budgetary considerations and efforts on behalf of the American people to the population that is responsible.

Education. Everything begins with education. A childs first words, imparted knowledge from parent to child. First days of school, college and even the workplace. Americans need a better education system. Beyond the patch of "no child left behind" there are many children being left behind as standardized testing has become the basis for curriculum in most classrooms. Many schools have found ways to move children out of class during these tests for the singular purpose of not having their scores counted. Creative thinking is not encouraged as it is not testable on I-STEP.

Return business to the United States. The economy has been in a downfall for several years. Many companies now outsource more positions than they retained in the U.S. For this they are rewarded with tax breaks numbering in the billions of dollars each year. These companies need to be penalized, not rewarded. The companies need to remember that the consumer cannot purchase the product they are building overseas when they just cut their workforce to move it there.

A few changes may seem insurmountable; however, it can mean an upswing of public opinion and trust for todays government. Information needs to be published as it is changed. A website, a monthly magazine even a news conference on a weekly basis just informing Americans of decisions being made on their behalf would increase the transparancy of the Obama presidency. Require bills on the floor to be available to anyone with internet access, budgets to be reviewed by the people. Yes, there will need to be items that cannot be explained for the security of this country; however, most are not. The world is looking at the U.S. as a reflection of one man. Honesty, integrety and honor should become common words during Obama's residency as the President of the United States.

Learn more about this author, Jared Jeannotte.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.