Send Obama A Message

Barack Obama rides into today's inauguration on a wave of hype and adulation, and I'm fine with him basking in the glow all day and night. But as of tomorrow, I want our new president to get right down to business. America faces so many critical challenges, and there isn't a moment to waste.

Here are the top three issues that I want President Obama to make a priority in the early days of his administration:

1) President Obama has to end the war in Iraq. It is time to get our troops out, and let the chips fall where they may. Simply put, we can't afford to lose any more lives or spend any more money in Iraq.

2) President Obama has to get our economy back on track. This will take years, so he has to take action immediately. Here's hoping his proposed stimulus spending won't just dig the hole deeper.

3) President Obama has to ensure that each and every American has access to affordable health insurance with comprehensive coverage. People shouldn't be going broke paying for medical costs.

You've surely noticed that I didn't list any gay issues in my top three priorities. It isn't that I don't care about our issues. I hope President Obama will fight for equal rights for gay people during his first term, and he can start by repealing the federal Defense of Marriage Act. But I'm most concerned about ending the war in Iraq, fixing our economy and providing health care for all at the moment.

Now it's your turn. What are the issues that you'd like President Obama to immediately get to work on in the early days of his administration? List the top three in order of importance.

Gay.com will tabulate the feedback, and we'll let you—and President Obama—know the results next week.

See President Barack Obama's Inauguration Addess

(Image courtesy of Getty)

Comments

[Joe Moag]

For what it is worth, I agree completely with your top 3, and the reasons that you state for them.

[Barry Aldridge]

#1 is full civil equality for all citizens. Obama has made it clear he doesn't support this idea, so I don't expect much out of his 8 years that will benefit groups that are still actively discriminated against by our own government.

#2 is full civil equality for all citizens. You get the picture? Unless our country promotes equal treatment under the law for everyone, then our credibility in the world is worthless. Heath care and ending the war in Iraq are just window-dressing compared to this central problem in our republic: discrimination is wrong and must not be tolerated, period.

[Rajeshree Parikh]

To Dynamic Power Couple/Jewel, Date: January 20, 2009
Dear President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama,

Reference: Personal perspectives of spiritual blessing for inauguration moment

President elects, Barack Obama’s historical victory, leadership styles, work ethics, and family values had touched my heart to salute all known and unknown transformational leaders, who had overcome the most challenging groups of issues, natural disasters, and evil forces/spirits. Presidential election of 2008 in United States had strengthened my spiritual essence of many religious, especially the knowledge of Hindu, Christian, and Muslim religious. My personal perspectives presented hear is based on foundation of a spiritual journey, dreams, and thoughts of comparative leadership styles of Obama and other leaders who had empowered the hope and courage. On this historical day of inauguration on January 20, 2009, I am convinced that under presidency of Barack Obama and extraordinary administrative team members’ wisdom and skills, world will begin to restore the balance and harmony for financial, housing, healthcare, and educational needs for all.
My chain of thoughts for comparative leadership styles of Obama had begun with comparative memories of current situation and application of exemplary leadership executed by mentors, saints, and leaders to defeat the evil spirits. For example, Lord Rama (Hindu God) had defeated Evil Spirit by exercising bold and courageous leadership based on simple lifestyles and touch of emotional intelligence to honor and respect everyone's viewpoints to deal with highly complex tasks. Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshman had applied the similar principles of community organization to generate hope, enthusiasm, and energetic positive attitude to deal with any situation. Historic evidence suggests that Lord Ram had also created a dynamic team of people with extraordinary power and wisdom to embrace happy and healthy life styles around the world. With blessing of guided spiritual forces, collaborative support of team members, and enthusiasm of hopeful individuals many leaders have experienced the possibility of successful outcome during adverse circumstances. For example, Lord Rama was able to defeat “Ravan,” a symbolic representation of more than 10 evil spirits and threats simultaneously. Therefore, wisdom drawn from Abraham Lincoln to create an outstanding, powerful, experienced, and diverse administrative team will generate a successful outcome to deal with the current global crisis that is surfacing in various hazardous shapes of undefeatable terrorists’ threats, attacks, and serious complex issues.
On November 4, 2008, while world was celebrating the historical victory of Obama, my spiritual and scientific mind was experiencing the signs of possibilities of defeating terrorists mentality of few individuals during the era of cost and technological driven world. Then, I receive the opportunity to experience the sprinkles of blessings coming in the form of joy, tears, and excitements from the direction of spiritual party hosted by Obama’s grandmother in heaven. At that moment I had envisioned the gathering of spirits from every nation’s greatest leaders and all religious gods, who were cheering and blessing the historical moment of Obama’s victory that would have potentials to defeat current evil sprits, like Lord Rama was able to defeat Ravan.
I was joyfully lost in that precious blessed moment of historical victory of President elect of United States. The blessing delivered from heaven was appeared in vocalized prayers to receive required courage and wisdom to end violent crimes and diminish religious, racial, and gender disparity in the world. My imagination took me one step further to visualize smiling faces of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, who were blessing Obama to create none-violent strategies and enthusiastic groups of hopeful community as a bulletproof shield to weaken the strength of terrorists, all evil spirits, and power of most controversial complex issues. .
Since the experience of spiritual moment on November 4, 2008, President elect Obama had presented desirable characteristics of leaders during crisis time, who can remain calm and collective, and exercise participative leadership among chosen administrative leaders, government, and general public to provide affordable healthcare, shelter, and education. President elect’s choice of collective power of boldness and expertise among the members of administrative team demonstrates the confidence in own ability to lead based on collective diverse viewpoints generated from reliable and valid source of information. His respectful honorary salute to past and present leaders makes him humble to accept all controversial viewpoints during keen observation and analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) existed in the internal and external environment. President elect’s had shown the strategic approach to deal root cause of issues and takes necessary actions to minimize the impact of personal and system flaws to minimize risks and liabilities. To take appropriate actions, President elect applies his gifted charm with acquired extraordinary interpersonal skills to seek wisdom and guidance from heroes, mentors, pundits, and gurus to make careful informed judgments to resolve the critical issues,
Thus, on this historical inauguration day, I am convinced that President Obama will be able to carry on the mission with blessing and inspiration from beloved leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King, and Mahatma Gandhi to defeat the evil spirits like Ravan that are currently existing in the form of terrorists. World will experience the balanced economical and peaceful environment when President elect Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton will generate an unique and powerful echo of three dynamic couples leadership as a one presidential sound of genuine changes for the better world of tommorrow. I will look forward to experiencing the moments of creative presidential vision and strategies emerged from flavorful three in one leadership to serve the residents of United States and abroad.
I will make sure, I play my role to be a part of those shining moments by presenting myself as an accountable, reliable, and dependable individual support the leaders for achieving desired goals every step of the way to provide affordable housing, healthcare, and education. I will continue to pray to for blessing and wisdom from spiritual forces to handle crisis and complex issues with none violent strategies and with provision of desirable human dignity to everyone, including our enemies. God Bless President elect, Obama and his administrative teams to present exemplary presidential leadership to establish balanced, peaceful, happy, and healthy lives around the world.

Raja

[JT]

As implausible as it is...

1. Deal with the economy. It really needs to be fixed... so... fix it.

2. International relations, crises and wars. Fix them.

3. Healthcare sounds good. And education. Those things always sound good.

[Dirk]

1. Reduce the deficit and government spending.
2. Reduce taxes.
3. Protect life.

[Zeke]

1 - Economy

2 - Cleaning up the mess of the last 8 years, the assault the administration has performed on the constitution, the environmental oversight it threw completely out the window, corporate accountability that is lacking, ad nausea...

3 - Form a bi partisan commission to investigate illegal activities, broken laws and absolute corruption that has plagued the white house the past 8 years. (document shredding sprees (chenney), refusal to hand over documents where they should be (library of congress) usually indicates guilt! if this was a democrat doing this it would be all over fox news 24/7/365 and they would be screaming, crying, whining non stop till they got their way. guess what like bill oreily says 'shut up! its time to get behind our president.' and now its time to take your own advice conservatives and swallow your own pill and take your own damn advice. you cant expect what you dont give!

[Alexander]

I think we have elected the best guy for the of President. I think he will get this country out of the mess that we were put in for 8 years.

1st- issue I think he needs to work on is GET OUR TROOPS out of IRAQ, we have done our business there now its time to get them out. So they can protect us here, when we need them.

2nd- We need out economy needs to be fixed, there are places closing down, job are slowly disappearing more and more people are getting laid off. We dont need to see another great depression. I know it may take some time to fix the mess that a former president caused, I think Obama can get it done for Americans.

3rd- Education. its getting to the point where going ot college. Id getting to expensive for our future generation, we need to fix it where going to school is easy for our future kids, so they wont be flipping burgers

Gay rights well when we get 95% of our community will stand up for rights, we might be able to. If gays start to think with their heart and brains instead of their private parts.

[queerplanet]

One
The population of the planet increases at three additional people per second. Start looking at heterosexual ignorance.

Two
The environmental chaos is caused by overpopulation and consuming finite resources.

Three
Kick Rick Warren to the curb honey.

[anthony altieri]

Whats the deal? The answer to the question is what I want. How can citizens of this country claim to be free when there are things like we even if we buy a house free and clear then why do we have to continue paying rent on it as long as we own it you can call it nothing else its rent cus if you dont pay someone comes and kicks you out its rent if we were free that wouldnt happen. and why just because of the neighborhood i live in you have to live a certain way when i was letting a lesbian girl live in my house i had no problems but when I let my boyfriend move in with me all of a sudden im breaking the rules by letting 2 families live in my house iI love Texas deed restrictions and how your neighbors can impose rules on you because they want you to live the way they want you. Freedom yeah right. I try and try to be just like I am, but everyone wants you to be just like them. freedom love it or leave it if thats the deffinition of freedom well ill leave it.

[Charlie]

1. Ecomony

2. Environment

3. New forms of energy (a scientist in the mid-west has successfully created anti-matter in larger quantities and is getting 80% MORE energy out of the reaction than he's putting in...WORK ON THAT!)

4. Civil rights is 4th in my book.

[Matthew]

Personally, I think the environment is top. We're just fucking ourselves over by ignoring it. Humanity is just the smallest blip in the grand scheme of things and Earth will be just fine long after we're dust. The economy takes number two for me. However, I do believe that by investing in green industries is a way to both tackle the Economy and Environment.

[zarxo]

Was it any suprise that Obama nor McCain envisage new manufacturing in America? Both support NAFTA, which supports tax incenstives for "American" companies to push more businesses off shore: IT IS NOW A ONE-WORLD SYSTEM. You act as if he cares! A GOP refuses to give money to the poor, while the democrats say, "give it to the poor," so the Dems can figure out ways to steal it to line thier pockets--just like the GOP. In fact, Obama "owned" a set of projects in IL that didn't pay their bills, which caused the residents to have no heat! "A change" presupposes a standard that meets goals. Where are Obama's?

You're are not going to get much from a president that suffers from depression. Why do you think that Obama has such an afinity for Abraham Lincoln? Most cigarette smokers smoke to self-medicate thier own depression. As you research, you will say that has cig smokers decline, the use of mood prescriptions has risen. We've exchanged one manufacturer for another, and yes, we will be suing those manufactuers in the future just as we did the cig manufacturers.

In the end, life is novelty reality suffering one myopic idea for another while "our leaders" plunge America into it's own pit.

As things stand, China and Russia will rise as the next super powers because our leaders have failed to think beyond "their own moment," which is ALWAYS expedient, for this is what law school teaches and this how these lawyers have been deprogrammed to be programmed "to think." Their previoiusly, what little self-though they had, their 'a priori', has been replaced by 'a posteriori' processes that "are not longer human" becuase their abiltiy to use intellectus reasoning (has been destroyed)--for they can no longer think vita contemplativa; therefore, "the cog of the machine is now 'the machine.'"

We can no longer ask "them," the bureaucrats, to think for us becuase the simple fact is, THEY CANNOT--not out of inability but out of strucuture: its like asking the DNA of a primary structure protein to be no linear--one would need to change the DNA sequence to change the structure from primary to secondary or tertiary to quarternary.

If there is hope for the United States, it will be in the form of radicals. In fact, it is the radical group the defines protein structure--that which we are.

In the end, America will be changed by radicals, but the radical Obama is not a true racial, just a psuedo. A true radical, IS THE CHANGE, it is not just "speaking" the words to the mob to buy more time to speak more words that buy more time--see the cycle?

However, we do have hope because Socrates warned the Athenian Court "the 'he' would die thousand deaths" until 'they' got it right. They now applies to "them," our bureaucrats, and the Socrates will be those who will rise and be counted as a radical--not for change but "to know it!"--that they themselves are the change that we need.

[Tim]

It perturbs me that the author of this gay.com piece would omit something of grave importance to many LGBT Americans and ignore any elaboration on what we face today - the imperative strive for EQUALITY. This site has habitually repulsed me with it's flocking toward a homophobic pop-culture, iconic/glorified displays of heterosexual men, flagrant disrespect and lack of coverage on matters that directly effect GAY people. Tone down the centralized fascination with sex and get outside that box-- our freedom as American citizens is in great turmoil.

Clearly at a time in history when a vulnerable minority is being stripped of it's rights federally and in over 4 states, gay rights should be of extreme importance to the Obama administration... and YOU reading this. Get your mind out of the gutter with your nonsensical, carnal, sexual self-indulgence and GET MAD, GET OUT, GET EQUALITY.

A) Make good on his promises to include sexual orientation in ENDA, repeal DADT, reinstate important hate crimes legislation on a federal level, allow federal partner benefits for same-sex couples, allow gay and lesbian civil unions, support comprehensive sexual education in our schools (not just "abstinence only"- which is a thorough failure).

B) Universal and affordable health care.

C) Drive our economy back to the top.

4 years is a short time if you think about it. I just hope President Obama doesn't let us down. Ya know the old saying, beware of false idols...

[Not Optimistic...]

1)Intelligent handling of the economy. Intelligent is the operative word. Frankly, I think Dubya was more correct on this issue than anything I've heard Obama proposing, although Dubya left a great deal to be desired as well. Tax rebates and "incentives" are not the same as tax CUTS, nor do they work as effectively. Obama and Geithner (if he can learn to read the tax code that he's now charged with forcing down our throats) need to go one by one through the tax brackets and slash them. That's the best kind of stimulus you can give the economy. Rebates and sissy tax games like Bush used don't do much, esp. when you're then made to claim your rebate check on the next years income tax return. Trillion dollar "stimulus" packages aren't very high up on the list either. Tax cuts work faster than stimulus packages for infrastructure that will take a year to cut through all the bureaucracy to get to where they need to be.

2) Repairing our image around the world. This doesn't mean sitting down with Iran in some uncontrolled environment and with this Messianic attitude Obama has thus far taken. In 40 years, nobody has been successful in negotiating anything with any of the ayatollahs. Getting out of Iraq and letting them start fending for themselves should be a priority, as well. And, in general, just getting us out of these codependent relationships we have with other countries (*cough* Israel).

3) Comprehensive healthcare and education are on an equal footing, I think, as far as prioritizing goes. Nationalized healthcare will not work. If you want to see what nationalized healthcare in this country would look like, take a good look at the VA system. It's in shambles. Nor is this hybrid system we have acceptable (obviously). We have some bastardized system where private and national healthcare were mixed and where some irrational linkage between employment and healthcare was created. It needs to be totally privatized and allow the market prices and supply & demand do its magic. It works everytime it's allowed to. Unfortunately, free markets are so rarely allowed to flourish. Same with education. It needs to be privatized.

Generally speaking, we need to get back to Constitutional basics and start treating the Constitution as the law of the land rather than the pink elephant at the tea party who everyone knows is there but chooses to ignore. It's not a nuisance to be overcome. It's there for our protection and it's constantly ignored. Federal departments of agriculture, education, health and human services, energy...all unconstitutional. Nowhere are such agencies sanctioned in the Constitution. Time to get back to basics people and I just don't see that theme anywhere in Obama's flowery rhetoric. I already have my "Don't Blame Me, I Voted for Ron Paul" bumper sticker ready. But I do wish President Obama all the best. God Bless him and God Bless America!

[rj]

resign!!!

[Tim]

One other thing, I personally support the war in Iraq and in eradicating the terrifying threat of Islamic Fascism (countries are living in the dark ages and it is our responsibility to reconstruct them for the greater good of the world, just as we did in WWII with the Nazis). Now that we have a much more competent commander in chief, I believe it is our duty and responsibility to keep men on the ground throughout the Middle East. Step by step, we will destroy the vicious core of neo-terrorism - Islamic Fascism.

[Queerplanet]

one

Teach all children that homosexuality is a natural and more sustainable life than breeding.

Two

Spay and neuter all heterosexuals.

Three

Kick Rick Warren to the curb.

[Steve]

1. We need original thinking. Each solution must have multiple facets, such as energy and infrastructure initiatives addressing job creation and economic issues.

2. We need to restructure our regulation. Government is regulation, and our government and all of its reach has to be retuned to more effectively address the world situation from global issues to local issues.

3. We need motivation. America is fat from affluenza; its time to get the citizens off the couch, outside, and improving the value of our company, er, country, America, Inc. If everyone just does one thing to help Obama, maybe he will actually make good on his attempt to redirect this country.

[wolf4t3]

I don't think President Obama needs to know what needs to be done here. He is fully aware of what HAS NOT been done these last eight years and will correct these major issues as time progresses

[christopher barton dragonboymale]

I like to say im a democrat and silly me why id voted for mcchaine i don't know why, but i wish i could change my vote, Thing i wish Obama could do is fix the coummity for the homeless, I would like to share as of feb 12th me my boyfriend and my mother will be put out of a house of 6 people 90% handycap because the vieus of me haveing a boyfriend i love so much i have to choose life or him and i chose him ,,, being treated like shit to come live with family to help but now being happy cost my place.,, wish obama could save us all is my dream . in wich my grand mothers had a dream pome colided with dr. martin luther kings coppy right on that day.

[Sargon Bighorn]

The Top three things Obama must do:
#1 Every one gets a pony on their Birthday.
#2 Free Movie Saturdays, small popcorn and drink.
#3 Paint the White House something other than white. A soft blue with magenta trim would be good.

[tomriddlesmate]

1. Close donw the Federal Reserve.

2. Restore a constitutional form of government.

3. End "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

[jamesangelo]

1-Tolerance and Inclusion for all individuals, lifestyle and religious beliefs .
2-Responsibility and accountability of all: citizens, corporations, financial bodies, government employees and bodies, insurance companies,corporations, small businesses, institutions, legislators, politicians, etc, etc.
3-Prepare for the future fiscally, environmentally, economically, and technologically.
Thanks, :-)

[jett]

1. cut all individual taxes

2. cut all corporate taxes

3. Don't try to "fix" the economy by enlarging government and spending more $$$$$.

[Frankly]

If we don't ask for Gay rights, who will?

If not now, then when?

How long do we wait?

Does the world have to be completely fixed before we are ever considered?

I find your conclusions offensive. It should not a choice. Civil rights are never a third, fourth or whatever priority.

Where is the backbone of our people? What happened to the spark of the Stonewall revolution? We capitulate to our doom. If California Prop 8 didn't teach us a lesson, then what will?

Gay Right should be number 1 for us. Concurrent with Economy and concurrent with Iraq. Please grow a pair.

[Steven]

Make Weed Legal and Tax it to end the money problems in the u.s.
Gay rights.
Make college cheaper

[paul]

1-cut taxes 2- cut spending 3- keep our country save

[James Petras]

1) Repair our nation's infrastructure. We have been postponing til "tomorrow" far too long. Our water supply and distribution; our wastewater collection and treatment; our energy generation and distribution; our roads, rails, and bridges. Such actions are integral to the survival of our economy (so I will not list economy separately).

2) Environment: Take action to repair the damage that man has done; enact legislation to prevent future damage.

3) Integrity: Put the crooks in jail. There's no reason why criminals like Madoff should be living in $7 million penthouse while honest americans are struggling to get by in $120,000 capes and ranches.

[Mitchell Killman]

1 - Promoting honesty and mutual interest within our society, starting with our government.

2 - Economic progression...preferably paying closer attention to a forever-failing profit based system.

3 - Promoting human rights through foreign and domestic policy.

[Jack]

1. Stop being a fascist.

2. Stop being a communist.

3. Make sure Joe Biden never talks.

[rechlo]

Re: Frankly

Do you know why people aren't putting Gay rights first and foremost? Because, unlike you, we aren't all self centered. Gay rights ARE last priority. The Stonewall riots were a VERY long time ago. It's time to stop living in the past. Its not a matter of "Growing a pair" like you think we need to do, its a matter of knowing priorities. If gays don't get these apparent right we "don't have", its not gonna ruin the economy, or cause war. Right now, there are more pressing matters. Its a matter of you and people like you growing up and getting your heads out of your asses.

So I agree with the author of this article. If you guys (I'm Canadian, so I can't really say we or us in this paragraph) can first concentrate first on getting yourselves out of Iraq and stabilizing your economy, then Gay rights will eventually be dealt with. But if you hadn't noticed, you are still technically at war. During war time, priority number one is finishing that war. Priority 2 is making sure your countries wealth doesn't hit the shitter.

The one thing I don't agree with this author about is the health care as of yet. It should be 4th on his list. Improved education systems should be number 3. I don't know if you realize, but the US is the laughing stalk of the world Education wise. Time to get your asses in gear.

[James]

There's a lot of good information here. I agree with those three, but in close fourth comes the environment. I voted Nader, and not just because he wants to prosecute Bush for all of the illegal action he's taken in office.

[Rick Henderson]

Keep our country safe with a stong military..mind or own business..stay out of comflits..Take care of AIDS victims in AMERICA! find a cure!

[JenniferLight]

I am over the hype of today, but here are my top three:

1 -- Gay adoption. Sorry folks, but i care more about this issue than same-sex marriage.
2 - Social Security -- needs to stay intact.
3 -- End this war.

[nashmaines]

I agree with author on top three. no gay issues for this gay man. country first.

[Gerry]

1. Define a paradigm change in the American and world economies from one of never-ending growth to that of sustainability. Resources are finite, so live within the earth's ability to provide. Re-regulate the financial system to accomodate this axiom. Remind capitalist bankers that it was ordinary taxpayers via government socialism that actually saved thier industry.

2. Vastly accelerate the move from carbon-based to hydrogen-based energy. This addresses global warming and also ends the enrichment of oil-flush enemies. Also, this keeps jobs and wealth at home.

3. Turn foreign policy on its head. Stop treasury-busting social and political engineering adventures overseas by the use of force. Become a team-player in world affairs and lead through common purpose, consensus, and shared responsibility. Talk and listen seriously to all nations without preconditions. Let those be, who dissent and stop backstopping the Pax Americana through self-appointed budget-ruining displays of shock and awe.

[rechlo]

Re: JenniferLight

Your serious? Amongst all this war, economic struggle, disease, fraud, hunger, death and many of the other things wrong with the world, you pick "Same-sex adoption rights" as you number one?? what the fuck?

[John]

I'm disappointed that a gay website wouldn't list equality as one of its top three objectives.

If gays cannot share equally in the American dream, what good is this utopia that we've been promised.

The top three priorities listed by Carter Todd will take a lot effort with congress. With a stroke of a pen via an executive order, Obama could grant most if not all equalities for all Americans.

I suspect that Carter Todd is an Obama operative...once again telling gays to get to the back of the bus.

PATHETIC

[Frankly]

Re Rechio and Not Optimistic:

Maybe it won't come first. Maybe it won't be 20th.

My point is that we as the gay community should not be so ready to concede our agenda. No other minority group concedes their positions. We are the only one who will capitulate about our rights. How can they take us seriously if we are so willing to bend. *insert joke here.

It is time for us to say we are impatient. And hope that when the rest of those important issues are worked on that we are considered. I am tired of being the good quiet fag in the corner of the room hoping someone won't be mean. I want to take action.

[RICK PIVA]

ALOHA FROM THE STATE OF BARACK OBAMA'S BIRTH PLACE HONOLULU HAWAII!
THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT AND CRITICAL ISSUES TO ME ARE REPEAL OF THE JONES ACT IN HAWAII SO THAT WE OPEN UP COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY TO ALL FORMS OF SHIPPING GOODS AND SERVICES TO THE ISLANDS OF HAWAII SO THAT OUR MILITARY FAMILIES DONT HAVE TO CONTINUE TOO LIVE ON FOOD STAMPS AS WELL AS OTHER FORMS OF FEDERAL PROGRAMS SIMPLY BECAUSE THE GOODS AND SERVICES BROUGHT TO THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS ARE IN THE HANDS OF TWO AND NOT MANY SHIPPERS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD!
SECONDLY I WANT PRESIDENT OBAMA NOW TO SET UP TERM LIMITS FOR ALL CONGRESSMAN SINCE HE HIMSELF IS LIMITED TO TWO TERMS OF FOUR YEARS- NO OTHER CONGRESSMAN OR WOMAN SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO SPEND MORE THAN TWO FOUR YEARS TERMS IN OFFICE AND ALSO GET RID OF THE LOBBYISTS IN WASHINGTON D.C. SINCE THEY ANSWER TO ONLY THE WEALTHY AND THE MILLIONAIRE ARSE FACES WHO KEEP THE SPECIAL INTERESTS TAKEN CARE OF INSTEAD OF MAJORITY RULE IN THIS COUNTRY!
FINALLY WE DESERVE QUALITY AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE AND CALL IT WHAT YOU WANT SOCIALIZED MEDICINE PAID FOR EXLCUSIVELY BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND IT MUST BE DONE NOW SINCE WE CAN SEEM TO AFFORD 10 BILLION DOLLARS A MONTH ON A SO CALLED WAR ON TERROR WHICH IS THE BIGGEST FARCE IN OUR SOCIETY SINCE THE ARSE FACES FROM THE FORMER ADMINISTRATION ARE THE ONES WHO ARE REPSONSIBLE FOR 9-11 AND THEY ALL NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE SO GET US HEALTH INSURANCE AND MEDICINE FOR ALL U S CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTRY AND TAKE CARE OF EVERYONE IN AMERICA SINCE WE ARE THE WEALTHIEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD AND WE ALLOW HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY TO RUN AMUCK RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR FACES WHICH IS TERRIBLE !

[John C]

The top 3 I can agree with. These are some of the issues which concern all.

Personally, I would like his administration to make these "BIG" companies responsible for thier mistakes -- such as the executives of the motor companies & financial institutions. The bail out monies could be put to better use such as: SBA loans and grants, VA benefits (taking care of those who have served), rehab communities instead of building more while letting other already developed areas suffer, incentives for companies which keep jobs in the US, etc.

[queerplanet]

One

The prez and vice prez should have sex with each other at least once a month to expand their awareness of social interaction.

Two.

They should use public funds to put XTUBE into all classrooms.

Three.

He should kick Rick Warren to the curb.

[Jim Meehan]

Do not repeal the marriage act. Most of Americans are in favor of it. Why side with the minority

[Jonathan]

The fact the civil rights for ALL are not included in the author's article is ridiculous - especially since it is being posted on a gay-centered website. This brings to mind a quote from Ego, a character in my daughter's favorite movie, Ratatouille: "I think I'd like to order a little Perspective - yes, that's what I want - Perspective". LOL... I'm sure that isn't funny for those of you who haven't seen it... ANYWAYS... here's a little perspective:

1.) END THE WAR IN IRAQ - we are officially "at war" and will be fighting a war of ideology forever unless someone ends this madness right now.

2.) AFFIRM CIVIL RIGHTS FOR ALL - and don't dress it up as "civil unions". That is not the same as marriage, and we want nothing less than full-blown marriage! This also includes repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

3.) FIX THE ECONOMY - that's a tough cake to bake, but the answer certainly is not to reduce taxes. Instead, we should reduce spending and increase investment in greener energy.

[John McClaskey]

First: I agree the war in Iraq must end. I am a VN war veteran and those guys need to come home at this point and feel a sense of real worth.
Second: The economy must be pulled back up
Third: And most important is Taxes, Taxes, Taxes.

Cutting Taxes, Stopping the wrongful use of taxes we pay, Think twice about imposing new taxes must be gotten under control if our economy is ever to become stabalized. Throwing money back at us citizens after the fact may be somewhat helpful. However, it should never be taken to begin with unless it is going to be put to good and justifiable use. We now pay taxes, tarrifs, penalties, fees and the list of names government wants to give it goes on and on. It is just mind boggling to think of what they possibly do with all of the money. Well, not really as we know where $750 billion has gone. We are taxed at the Federal, State and local levels over and over again. If just a small percentage of this enormous taxation was eliminated, taxpayers would not need to receive money back to stimulate the economy. They would simply have more of their own money to spend to begin with.

[rechlo]

Re: Frankly

Oh, I'm definitely not the quiet fag "sitting in the corner, hoping nobody is mean." I'm also, unlike you, not the self-centered fag who stands in front of parliament/legislature/state offices/ white house wearing bright, rainbow colors, screaming for "equality". I'm a normal man. The thing that sets you and me apart, is i understand my place in society. And gays are NOT priority number 1 for the world. And for a good reason. We all act like a bunch of spoiled brats. Heterosexuals are the older siblings and we're the immature child. *whiney voice* "But mooommmm... Hetero has marriage i want it tooo." *stamps feet* "If I can't have it I'm gonna hold my breath for a looong time, and then call Social Services on you." DO YOU FUCKING REALIZE MARRIAGE IS PRIMARILY A RELIGIOUS CEREMONY?! The name of it was coined by religious people. Why do you want something that is part of a faith that HATES you? Again... it's a matter of taking your head out of your ass and growing up a little bit.

[niceguyina2]

1. Push the agenda on alternative forms of energy, which could probably by itself fix the economy. (People keep saying "fix the economy"... sorry folks, Obama cannot "fix" the economy by himself any more than GWB "broke" it by himself.) And hey, we'd probably fix the environment in the process. Might as well kill 2 or 3 birds with one stone, right?

2. Take steps to ensure Social Security is stable into the next century.

3. We need a college football playoff system! Ok, of course this is hardly a priority.... but he mentioned it himself during the campaign, and God knows a helluva lot of people would love him for it!!

[blah2323]

Why do Democrats use little kids to spread their propaganda? And who is this "GZ" gee-zee or however you spell it who was spreading racism and "black power" during Obama's inauguration?

[blah2323]

rechlo's comment makes a lot of sense and is soooo true!

[blah2323]

rechlo: "Improved education systems should be number 3. I don't know if you realize, but the US is the laughing stalk of the world Education wise. Time to get your asses in gear."--that's why most Americans are so Liberal right now, they're too ignorant to know otherwise...