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Fall 2008 - An Agenda for the New President
Introduction
Introduction: An Agenda for the New PresidentWe have tried to identify the critical issues of the day and the experienced experts in their fields who can offer insightful advice. We are not so presumptuous as to think we are providing critical guidance to President Obama, but we do hope to offer "food for thought" to our readers.
Featured Articles
Restoring U.S. Credibility on Human Rights
U.S. credibility on human rights can be restored when our government's policies reflect our nation's values.
Restoring and Reviving the Department of Justice
President Obama and the new attorney general need to take steps to reestablish the confidence of the bar and the public in the integrity and independence of the DOJ.
Restoring Separation of Powers
The Bush administration asserted an unprecedented scope of unchecked executive power. The Obama presidency must renounce such claims and restore separation of powers among the three branches of government.
Your National Security Agenda
To strengthen national security, the new administration must take action to restore commitment to the constitutional principles that have always made us safe and strong.
Immigration and American Values: Some Initial Steps for a New Administration
The new administration should move assertively through executive action to reject last-minute Bush initiatives and to adopt policies that restore fairness, preserve constitutional values, and lay the foundation for system change.
Religious Freedom and Church-State Separation
President Obama can help strengthen our nation's commitment to religious freedom by giving this constitutional provision his attention, affirmation, and support.
To: President Barack Obama From: Barbara L. Arnwine Subject: Civil Rights Agenda Recommendations for the New Administration
The Obama administration has the opportunity to rejuvenate our nation's stature and leadership role worldwide by making equality and opportunity the centerpiece of the role of the federal government.
What Women Need: A Policy Agenda for the New Administration
The new administration needs to address the challenges women face in every aspect of their lives to improve their lives and opportunities.
Ending Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Existing federal legislation measures should be enforced and interpreted to protect individual rights, including those of LGBT people.
To: President Barack Obama From: Cynthia G. Brown Subject: Public Education from Pre-Kindergarten through High School
Realizing the right to a quality education is the civil rights struggle of the twenty-first century and must be a high priority for the new administration.
Divided We Fail: Leaders Urge Action on Health-Care Reform
The Obama administration needs to work toward a plan to create a twenty-first century health system that will expand access to coverage; improve affordability and value; and increase quality, efficiency, and health outcomes.
Making the Economy Work Again
President Obama should introduce a bold economic agenda with short-term initiatives that get the economy back on track and long-term investments that promote sustainable growth, spur innovation, strengthen working families, and reestablish progressive global leadership.
