In the spirit of the presidential campaign season and upcoming November 2008 elections, I thought I would take the opportunity to not only put myself up as a write-in but declare the platforms on which I intend to run. Of course, I realize I’m not even close to turning 35 anytime soon, but if I could run for president of the United States, there would certainly be quite a few changes coming our way.
Even though I have, for the most part, conservative views, I will not associate myself with Republicans and most certainly not with Democrats. For this special election, I will just be listed under a party called “Other.” With that said, here are my platforms:
The educational system in this country is by no means perfect. It has plenty of flaws, but the first change that would drastically affect the system would be the age at which students can drop out, which is currently 16. If the dropout age was changed to 18, the age a child becomes a legal adult, there would not only be fewer dropouts, but a greater likelihood that more high school students would make it to college. Any advantage these kids can be given must be put in place, so they won’t make premature, life-altering decisions that will negatively affect them. Society will not benefit from dropouts, and I have no doubt crime will decrease as a result.
Speaking of crime, the judicial system of America will toughen up when I become president. Death row inmates will no longer be sitting in their cells for 20 years. Appeals will be made in a timelier manner, and when that tediously long process is finally exhausted, the death row inmate will breathe his last breath. According to the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics in 2005 there were 1,823,400 serious violent crimes, which is more than the previous year. This number is still too high. There is no sense keeping murderers in prison. By carrying out death sentences, America will be a safer place, and executions will be a deterrent for future heinous crimes.
Although it’s of utmost importance to keep us safe at home, it’s just as critical that we stay safe abroad. I haven’t devised a plan yet for the war in Iraq, but it will certainly not involve immediate troop withdrawal. I stand firm in the notion that President Bush entered this conflict with good intentions, and even though the war has received much negative publicity, Iraq has become a better country without Saddam Hussein in that the Iraqi government isn’t killing its own citizens anymore. To acheive the desired goal of democracy, American diplomats will work closer with Iraqi officials to aid in political stability.
I realize being president is no easy task. It’s the highest leadership position in the nation, and as such, it must be treated with respect. I will work with Congress to establish a higher code of ethics for this office. The entire nation looks to the president to be a man (or woman) of honor. As such, he or she must not disgrace the nature of the position by engaging in extramarital affairs under the Oval Office desk. The president’s personal life should be a reflection of his character.
I just highlighted four of the many platforms I will stand on in upcoming campaign efforts. I hope you, America, consider my values and strengths as a leader and determine for yourselves that our country is ready to enter into an uncharted era and finish out on top.
What would you do if you were elected president? E-mail your thoughts to [email protected].
