The Big Five

The Big Five means various things.  In South Africa it represents 5 species of wild animals.  In Philadelphia it represents 5 local colleges that play basketball.  But there is another big five that each of the 2008 candidates needs to keep in mind and develop serious plans around.  These big five may determine our future as a nation.

1. Dependence on foreign fossil fuels.  Dependence on fossil fuels as our primary energy source is a serious matter but when the bulk of our fuels are coming from foreign sources, it exposes both our Government and our large energy companies to unwanted temptation.  The Iraq War is a current example and many argue that indirectly the Vietnam War was also based on unproven, but potentially large oil reserves.  We must rid ourselves of the need to import. 

• Fund the development and use of renewable energy sources
• Reduce current usage
• Significantly increase the fleet average “mpg” for vehicles
• Increase taxes (over 10 years) on gasoline to be equivilent to Europe and Japan
• Provide consumer tax incentives in order to switch to renewable energy source

2. Green House Gases.  The Government must take seriously the generation of green house gases and regain the moral high ground.   By the US acting responsibly, the US can help the developing world to also play a constructive role.  This is a very tough problem in the face of increased energy usage.

• We need a “man to the moon” type assault on solar, wind, and thermal energy capture and use.  Government funding and coordination are key.
• Reduction in our use of fossil fuels is a step in the right direction.
• We will need to share green house gas saving technologies with all others.

3. Return to traditional American values

• Reaffirm a clear separation of church and state.  Schools are for science and education, churches are for worship.
• Habeas corpus is a right of anyone under American authority
• Due process and probable cause should be part of all American run court procedings.
• Rendition and extreme interrogation have no place in America or any place where America operates around the world.

4. Healthcare and social security.  All Americans should be secure that their health and their old age will be protected and honored by the government.  This should be a two way partnership where all citizens who are able should contribute towards the cost with money and the avoidance of risky or unhealthy life styles.  

• We need a national dialog on what should be the basic responsibilities of each person towards their own health. 
• Government needs to ensure that an average level of care (such as in Europe) is available to each citizen.
• Levels of healthcare above the average level should be available for those who wish to pay more
• The social safety net provided by social security must be safe guarded.  Forced savings and segregation of the social security fund are key steps.
• There needs to be also a national dialog on the subject of America’s responsibility to those who can work but do not, those who could be healthy by choose unhealthy life style habits, and those who are in the country without having contributed to the funding of healthcare or social security.  (I would assume Americans will look more kindly on those who are unable and less kindly on those who could but don’t).

5.  One America.  We need to open our minds to the ”one America” concept.  This idea proposes a common union of Canada, Mexico, and the USA.  This need not be a single government (with Mexico and Canada being the 51st and 52nd states).  This more should recognize the commonality of our mutual interests such as:

• Freedom of movement
• Freedom of labor employment
• Distribution of water
• Common rules on commerce
• Common efforts on energy and green house gas reduction
• Appreciation and respect for each country’s diversity and culture.
• Anticipation of future needs for independence from foreign sourced manufactured goods.

This list is not likely to make any candidates talking points.  We are much more likely to hear the panderers promise swift and punitive action against the good Mexican workers who are employed here but lact proper paperwork.  From some we are likely to here that little Mary or Johnny should be able to say a prayer in school but be sure that person does not mean the prayer that Moshe or Abdul would know.  With energy sources having finite life times we need to begin the process of both reducing our usage and switching the source to renewable fuels.  But most likely we will hear that Americans want inexpensive gasoline and do not want to be told about energy conservation.  We will hear that Americans should be able to drive SUV’s.  (I agree with this but would accept a corresponding higher gasoline bill, like Europe, to support my choice).

Each of these Big Five carry some very tough thinking and decisions.  We need the next President to at least be able to move this ball forward.   

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