SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEXT PRESIDENT

Since John McCain insists on pursuing the same failed strategies and
programs emanating from our current commander in chief, and since both
Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama lack the political will and
determination to offer specific details for the changes they insist we
must make in the political process, I would like to offer several
specific suggestions that are long overdue and most critical and
essential for the well-being of this republic and its citizens.

First of all, our next president must arrange for the immediate
withdrawal of troops from Iraq in order to eradicate the antagonism
and distrust heaped on us by members of the global community.

Bringing our troops home to their families and neighborhoods
significantly reduces the waste of human and financial capital in a
war we should never have started in the first place.

Secondly, we must implement programs and policies to eliminate this
country's dependence on the importation of fossil fuels and energy.

Next, we must decriminalize the consumption of addictive substances
and spend money on anti-drug education and rehabilitation programs.

These programs will be more than adequately funded from the money that
is saved from not having to pursue, prosecute and imprison drug users.

The American public must accept the truth that the proceeds from the
sale of drugs in the United States are used to finance and underwrite
criminal and terrorist activities around the globe.

Lobbyists and political action committees must be monitored and
regulated to prevent undue and preferential influences on the
political decision-making process.

Earmarks and nonessential military installations and programs must be
eliminated.

We must eliminate all human rights abuses, mistreatment of prisoners,
unwarranted invasions of privacy and self-imposed limitations on our
civil liberties.

Lastly, we must seriously advocate for the creation of a U.S.
Cabinet-level Department of Peace.

Progress toward securing justice and equal opportunity for all, along
with the elimination of racism and homophobia, can only be made when
peacemakers are actively and intimately involved in the
decision-making and implementation process.

David Johnson, president, Wage Peace Inc

Orange Park