More Than A Nominal Change

Now that the Democrats have won both houses of Congress, they need to make real change.

Domestically, increasing the minimum wage is very important. It's something that is easily doable, a political win for 2008, and most importantly will help a lot of people. Immigration reform is also doable and important. I want to see opportunities for citizenship for so-called illegal immigrants. Granting health insurance to a sizable portion of the uninsured population is another doable and important political objective for this Democratic Congress. Compromise is acceptable in these issues as long as the overall purpose is retained.

The Democrats shouldn't compromise when it comes to foreign policy. America needs an image overhaul, which will certainly improve national security without spending billions of dollars on wars. The troops stationed in Iraq need to come home. The fact is that there is no justification for the loss of another single American life. There is also no justification for the loss of another Iraqi life leaving blood on American hands. One thing I've been pondering lately is: how much of this violence is due because of the American troop presence in Iraq.

The Iraq war has created more American enemies than before it started. We need a dramatic shift in our policy. I like the idea of dialogue with those that would do us harm. Bilateral talks with North Korea is important. The same with Iran. Refusing bilateral talks is just another aspect of needless American arrogance. It shouldn't be our goal to control the world, but to make it a better and safer place.

Alright, I'm done with the election and politics for a little while. Feels good.