How do we rebuild this America we love?

[peace13]

In the days following 911 the leaders of the United States enlisted in an all-encompassing Fear Campaign. Americans were made to feel small and frightened. Who knew when the next attack would come? The message from the top was ‘Be Afraid’. As an American citizen I was appalled at the message. We were Americans, strong and brave. We should pull together, be vigilant, and help our neighbors if times got tough. But no, we did not hear anything about being strong. This orchestrated Fear Campaign has left many Americans in a frightened stupor. Those of us left standing, those who still have strength to put America back together, must supply the ‘fearful’ with the security that they need to survive. We need to give the people the tools to help themselves be strong.

The campaign trail is heating up and we hear, ‘What is the plan? How could it be done better?’ and better yet, ‘The Democrats have no plan’. The following collection of ideas is a basis for what I feel could help re-establish the sense of security within our country, a toolbox to heal communities and individuals.

* Re-vamp the National Guard – Guard members will respond to State Governments for duties within the United States only. This will boost the enrollment in the Guard and keep forces available at home for attacks as well as natural disasters. Local governments will develop a disaster preparedness plan. This will include setting up local shelters stocked with emergency food, water, medical supplies, and utility resources.

* Border security- Initiate a national computer bank with a registry of travelers at the borders.

* Coast Guard- Establish a liaison with the US Coast Guard and recreational boaters. Current operations exclude recreational boaters, creating an adversarial relationship.

* Education- Public schools need to focus on teaching critical thinking skills, tolerance, physical education, health and nutrition. Funds need to be re-allocated to secondary education to encourage the study of science, alternative fuel sources and transportation.

* Presidential access- Public funds will not be used to transport the President of the United States and his colleagues to private or fund raising events. Public events with the President and unfiltered audiences throughout the country should be encouraged.

* Establish a communications system between police, fire, and safety services.

* Remove Whistle blower penalties for government workers.

* Paper ballot voting

* National Health Insurance

* Repeal the Patriot Act

[shance]

1. By confronting its darkside, opening up the wound, lancing it,

bandaging it up with appropriate compassionate, honest humility and allowing it to heal.

Then we can grow and move forward again.

[peace13]

6. I agree with that

My concern is how do we stop the fearful from falling further into the dark side of Christianity. This is not a slam on the Christian faith. I see it in my own family. As though there can be no 'man-made' peace only eternal peace. I guess I see them as though they were in a hole praying and praying to be saved, we drop a ladder in the hole so they can climb out so to speak. Peace, KIm

[mrcheerful]

2. Heck we been trying to rebuild america since Nixon screwed with it

and it seems to get worse with every puke after Nixon. I'm still wondering how democratics got the title of being more corrupt then pukes. In my life time very few scandals or power take overs were lead by dems, its been pukes that seem to be the ones doing the stuff. Oh yeah thats right, Clinton and JFK had affairs while in the white house with grown women, instead of under age boys and girls. Also those darn dems gave blacks and women civil rights, how dare they. sacasm

[PoiBoy]

3. Excellent points, peace13 and shance...

both of your points are right on and well taken... we have the tools to make it all happen, and after all we've been through as a nation, we will hopefully have the will to do what's needed..

:hi:

[Subdivisions]

4. We investigate, indict and prosecute EVERYONE who tried to

fleece this country starting at the top and working our way down.

Lance the boil, as shance so eloquently put it.

[Jack Rabbit]

5. Very important:

• Repeal the Military Commissions Act (the Torture and Kangaroo Courts Act). Every word of it.
• Commit this nation to universal human rights
• Join the rest of the world in ratifying the Rome Statute for the International Criminal Court.
• Support the establishment of an international tribunal for war crimes in Iraq and crimes against humanity arising out of the so-called war on terror and resolve to turn over leading regime officials, including Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney, for prosecution.
• If there is nothing we can do for Iraq except kill more Iraqis, leave.