We have all been talking about change. People want change for our country.

I have heard we would like change in the way we handle healthcare.

I have heard we would like change in taxes and how they are distributed.

I have heard about the media and what they should/should not be able to produce.

I have personally stated that I think our education standards need to be raised.

The list goes on......there are many topics for change, but I am interested. There are only so many things that can happen in a certain amount of time, so, say you had to pick one, and even a second, which would they be and why?

Tina

Education and taxes.

America is getting dumber exponentially. (Watch Idoicracy, it makes a good point.) Our education system is slipping. Our standards, students desire to learn, parents job at enforcing their kids attendance effort. Education is the key to a successful country. The smarter we are as a whole, the better we do, and the smarter we get.

Secondly our tax system is screwed up six ways from sunday.

I've seen (not in detail) studies that suggest that a 2-4% flat tax would generate more revenue than we get now and is completely fair to any economic class. Which would assist our overall economy and our countries debt significantly.

1Health care, 2Accountability-would take care of some other problems.

Education is a huge topic and one that needs to be addressed post-haste. I think our criminal justice system also needs to be overhauled in a massive way.

First, education. We have never spent more on public education with so little to show for it. Our kids are graduating high-school (those who do graduate) and are ill-prepared to move on to college or move into the work-force because they lack the basics needed to handle the challenges they'll face. I am not an advocate of doing away with most of what makes education effective and exciting and I realize that different topics spark interests in different students, but my list below are some of what I feel are the most important topics that we need to cover from K-12.

EDUCATION:

1. English-- (both written and spoken English) in that it has been shown that a lack of skills in that area creates trouble. From writing a resume to communicating effectively in business, solid fundamentals in English is very important. I am NOT suggesting that English be the only language spoken, only that we need to make sure that our fundamentals are solid.


2. Math--We need to make sure that kids graduate high school with solid math skills. I don't think everyone needs advanced math like advanced Calculus but basic-intermediate math is a must.

3. Science--We need to make sure that kids are taught basic and solid scientific principles if for no other reason than it will cut down on those who believe that the sun revolves around the earth and that Mercury is the "closest" planet to earth. Good solid science sparks a lot of interests and will encourage more kids to enter careers in science, whether they become doctors, or work on cures for diseases, or work for NASA.

4. Geography--This is not a shot at former VP candidate Sarah Palin, for she is far from the only person (if those stories are true) who suffers an abysmal understanding of where things are. Knowing and understanding where other nations are located helps us better understand the world. Since it is nearly impossible to learn where a nation is located without learning something about the people who inhabit the nation, it is encouraging and will lead to a better understanding of the world in which we live.

5. Music/Arts--Music is more than about playing an instrument--it is also about learning how to think differently. It can also be something that keeps a child's interest outside of the regular school day. I did not forget about sports and I think they have a place but I think sports should be something engaged in if grades are kept up. I think that music/arts should be part of the standard. Not everyone will have musical talent so there are other arts that kids can engage in that should be able to spark some interest. Regardless, some exposure to music and that arts should be a part of a good education.


I know there are many more areas of education that can have a huge impact and there should be more offered. That stated, I think that the above listed areas of education should be focused on in a huge way. Make those subjects and areas something that is taught from K-12. Make it specific to the grade but let's fix this system and start investing our money in education in a more efficient way.


CRIMINAL JUSTICE:

I am not soft on crime, especially crime against a person. I am all for heavy sentences for people who attack, rob, rape, murder and assault. But we have a lot of people sitting in prisons that have never physically harmed another person.

1. Drugs. I am not pro-drug but they have been around forever and they aren't going anywhere. I heard it said once that as long as there is pain, there will be substances to help take away that pain. I am tired of seeing people who are caught with 20 Vicodin on their person sent to a Federal prison for years. I am tired of seeing people who are found with pot (but again, who have no harmed anyone) sitting in prison. We need to let those people out, tomorrow. There is no law (yet) that says one cannot kill themselves with bacon and steaks but yet we seem to want to keep everyone safe from pot and painkillers. I apologize if this sounds cold but if a person wants to spend their life getting blasted and if they can do so without infringing on my rights or yours, then let them. We aren't stopping them anyway but then we wind up paying for the construction of new prisons to house them. Why? This makes no sense whatsoever.

Now, just so we are clear. If you rape a person, you spend 25 years (with NO reduction of sentence) in prison. If you assault a person and beat the hell out of them, you get 15 years (with no reduction in sentence) and if you murder, you get life or death, depending on the weight of the evidence. I'm not being glib. I'm tired of reading about people with LONG criminal histories who get out and then kill or harm a person again. That needs to end. Some have argued that long sentences don't provide reform. OK, and the point is? I'll put it to you this way: If you knew of a rapist, someone who had raped someone you know, would you rather-- A. Have him serve 10 years but go through education and other methods of reform or B. Spend 25 years away, where you knew he could not harm anyone again for that time?

I'll vote for option B.

But the only way we'll make good, and solid changes in our criminal justice system is if we pay whatever it takes to keep harmful people away from the rest of us. A guy who cheats on taxes--locking him up is stupid. He is now using our tax dollars to keep him locked up instead of having to go work to pay back his taxes. Come on, we need employ a bit of common sense.

OK, I'm done, for now. Sorry for the rant.

-Drew

maybe when people in North America start looking at issues like housing, education, healtcare, and a dignified standard of living for all as RIGHTS instead of PRIVILEDGES then you really will see some fundamental changes in your country.

First, we have to address the economy here. I hate to put this above education, but I feel it is the most significant aspect of Obama's Presidency. I know the economy can't be fixed overnight, but a plan of action must be made and then acted upon. The unemployment rate is way too high right now, manufacturing jobs are being sent oversees, the cost of living is going up while salaries have not really changed, the housing crisis...these issues must be first and foremost.

Math--We need to make sure that kids graduate high school with solid math skills. I don't think everyone needs advanced math like advanced Calculus but basic-intermediate math is a must.

Drew, I agree with the math, but I think we should go through at least advanced algebra. The more education we receive in EVERY subject, the broader our perspective.

(we need to make sure our kids can at least read a calendar).

I also think that we should teach kids in high school communication. Interpersonal Intelligence is so necessary. Our children need to learn how to effectively deal with people in the world they live in.

Tina

It's going to take BOTH SIDES listening to EACHOTHER to bring change for the better for ALL Americans...not redistribution stuff.

You get this...she gets that... they get this...blah blah blah!!!

They should put regular citizens of all walks in charge of oversight. You would see real change then. Not just lawyers & rich people...but firemen pastors teachers & stay at home moms.

I found the best conversations were from people of GOOD faith & we had some really good conversations about many things...

the economy... working class issues... alternative energy... how to fix the media so instead of pitting people against eachother we can have some real discussion on how to fix our problems.

I do agree that the worst things is people on both sides are so mad that they fall right into argueing instead of discussing things thru. We all have been brainwashed into that.

I absolutely agree that it is a community effort.

I think it takes a few courageous people to step forward. Then everyone else can step up to do their part.

This winter, for instance, we had a big snowfall. I saw so many people helping push stuck cars to keep the traffic moving as a community effort. This needs to happen for other issues as well.

Tina

I want everything that the neo-cons have done over the last 8 years to be undone. I also am interested in seeing President Obama interact with some of the other world leaders.I am interested in seeing what effect his personal charisma and eloquence have on some of these world leaders that dont like us.On the bright side,he couldn't do any worse than Bush in foreign affairs,so we really don't have anything to lose.LOL

Only one thing needs to be changed in the WHOLE WORLD.

That each of us who see something that will change all of our lives for the better...

Make the first step so that it will become a chain that the next step can be made.

... Wonder if that is possible?...

One change branches many new paths to glory.

Yeah I agree... I say we can take care of the micro & let God take care of the macro...

I sorta like being out there... with people...involved in what's going on & helping when I can. It gives me a sense of being part of something & you get to meet the neighbors too!

Yeah, meeting people around you helps. Even getting involved in the community helps.

I used to be a public speaker at a college in my city. Knowing what people care about and meeting people that want a change is what it's all about.

Tina

Foriegn Policy -

I would like to see all our troops brought home from everywhere



Cutting back on government spending -

With the troops home we can cut the department of homeland security.

Cut the department of education to let schools evolve to make the most of an education.

The department of energy i swear is making us more dependent on oil. Abolish it, and let future companies pursue their own path to a new energy.

With HMO abolished cost of healthcare would greatly decrease. They don't allow practice of cheap, noninvasive procedures that are proven to do the same job as prescription drugs, without side effects.





With the money freed up from cutting programs and no longer being the world police, we take half, and put it on our deficit, and give the other half back to tax payers...

Let's see... criminal justice system... taxes.. education.. health care.. the economy - all worthy endeavors, granted.

From whence to all of these things get born? Why, Parents! If it were not for the parents of this society who procreate indiscriminately, want to be their child's FRIEND instead of the PARENT, give the child over to the first system of the "other" who comes along [day care, the streets, schools, courts, etc.] that is willing to take over the tough job of being a real parent.... a lot of these "issues" would take care of their selves.

Instead of looking at what has "become" of our society, perhaps we should look at what has caused our society to get that way in the first place.

Also... as an FYI... I work in an urban HS - I see what our future is, everyday - and I see the people who make it this way [parents]. You can't fix a problem when you're trying to repair the results of the issue - you have to fix the cause, before you can address the result.

IMHO.

Im speechless Im not agreeing or disagreeing,I just don't know what to say.

I love what you're saying here.

I do agree that our future starts with the parents. Parents need to set a good example for their children. Parents need to discipline their children:

There is so much extremity when it comes to discipline. Too many parents either beat their child or don't discipline at all. There needs to be a medium. There needs to be constructive discipline without physical hurt.

I also work with children every day. (lol, went from doing taxes to working with children - huge change there) I see children and how parents deal with problems, and I have to say, the parents who can just look at their child and that's enough, because the child knows better, creates so much of a difference in the learning environment.

This very well could be where much of our slack in the education system is stemming from.

Tina

I am merely restating the plans of the man i voted for...

Accountability!!!! Wow just think of what that would pay for without raising taxes. Programs already in place would work for the people.

Agreed. Unfortunatley, if you beleieve this (and I do, sad to say), the government will do as little to educate the masses as possible; stupid people are much easier to control.