If I Were President Part I

If I Were President Part I

Photo by Sue Tucker on Unsplash

…Domestic Policy

Ever watch the news and just think to yourself, “If I were President, this shit wouldn’t fly,” or “The solution to this problem is so simple, if only I was President…”

We have all done it. Well, maybe not all of us but people like me, who question and critique the decisions of seasoned NFL coaches, the advice given by experienced tattoo artists, and the majority decisions of our highest Court from the comfort of our couch; people like me have definitely envisioned ourselves swearing in as President of the United States, swiftly redecorating the Oval Office, which could use some Pearl Jam posters, Gadsden Flags, multiple beer coolers, a massive bear rug (why not?), and a lot less tacky gold, all while solving the nations problems within months of inauguration.

Never had the fantasy? Well, you should try it. It’s fun. Just pour yourself a stiff drink, plop down in your favorite arm chair after the kids have gone off to bed, and let your imagination do its thing. In the meantime, here is my Executive level armchair fantasy…

By the title you would be correct in assuming this is a two part series. In this story, part I, I will address domestic policy.

Typically, when I think of JD Vance and Steve Bannon I think inexperienced opportunist and bat shit crazy libertarian, respectively. But there are a few things we might agree on at the end of the day, one of which would be America first policy. Now, our versions of what that should look like would differ greatly, but the core concept is one I buy into…

The “America First” policy is a US foreign and domestic doctrine prioritizing American interests — national security, economic prosperity, and worker protection — above international agreements and global initiatives.*

Does this mean I don’t care about people in Ukraine who are watching in horror as Russia lays claim to Ukrainian soil, or people in Israel surrounded by Arab states that wish to see them erased, or the people of Lebanon who have had to watch as the Israeli military levels their homes for the sole purpose of derailing U.S. and Iranian peace talks because their Prime Minister is an evil bitch who’s political survival hinges on forever wars with their neighbors, or people living amidst cartel violence in Mexico, or people in Africa with AIDs?

No, it does not. I care deeply about all of those things. But the American President is elected in good faith and paid by US citizens to serve their interests. From that, one can conclude that domestic policy should be the Chief Executives primary focus, followed by a global policy which supports a well planned domestic agenda and very little else.

I believe in an America first policy without the implementation of an overbearing federal government; a system of federalism that exists with the interest of State sovereignty at its forefront. I acknowledge that this statement is just word spaghetti without further explanation, so I will do my best to further explain my vision…

As Chief Executive I feel my energy would be best spent as a supporter, not a suppressor. I would adopt a style of governance that centered around support; collaborating with Governors and removing obstacles which may be hindering their ability to deliver promises to their constituents so that each State can reach its true potential in its own right.

I would work with Governors in confidence that they were elected by a fair representation of their constituents, and therefore Democratic Governance “is”supporting them in their efforts in turning promises made into promises kept.

Does California wish to remain a global leader in the development of clean renewable energy? Then they shall. Trade policies and federal research grants shall be developed to support that. I will help them seek investors at home and abroad.

Does South Dakota wish to capitalize on the coal they have underground until it is no longer feasible or desirable to mine it? Then they shall. Would grants issued to their State universities for the research and development of clean and efficient coal power generation help them in their effort and support the economic prosperity of the People of South Dakota? I bet it would, so I will provide it.

Would I prefer they focus on renewable energy? Absolutely. But oppressive and forceful executive orders will not bring windmills, solar panels, and nuclear energy to South Dakota, whereas collaboration between the Governors of South Dakota, California, and the White House probably would, eventually. See what I’m driving at?

When South Dakota is ready to make the switch, I will be there to support and offer my best effort to ensure their success. I want to focus on what Americans “can” do, as opposed to what they “can’t” do.

Energy is only one example, and I don’t feel that I need to list all the others. That’s not the point. The point is, in constant collaboration with all Governors I would assess each State’s plan for their own success, and strategize with them on ways in which the Federal Government can support without being seen as just an ATM machine.

How best to do this will be the challenge, but I at least know where to start.

On day one I would establish the State Advancement Commission, which would be dedicated full time to this collaborative effort. Would Congress need to authorize that additional spend?

Nope.

Each Executive Department Secretary, once confirmed or immediately if I have decided the existing Secretary shall remain in place, will identify one high ranking member of their staff to serve full time on the State Advancement Commission. They will remain employed under their respective departments, therefore the burdened cost of the committee will be shared equally amongst all existing funded agencies.

This group, which will be managed by the Vice President, will include top officials from the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs.

The team will dedicate one business week to each State’s Governor throughout the first year, in which the entire Commission will visit each State, and will spend that weeks time at the pleasure of the Governor and his or her staff.

Governors will share their vision for their State’s future. In turn the Vice President, along with all Commission members will collaborate with each governor until they have determined the role the Federal Government will play in contributing to their IMMEDIATE success. Prior to their departure from each State, the Vice President, who I am seriously hoping is Morgan Freeman, will relay a rough plan and to the White House which will be reviewed by myself, detailed, and executed immediately as the commission continues on to the next State.

Rinse, repeat. Fifty times.

Year two will be follow up visits, also one week each.

To be fair, I would have one big ticket agenda item of my own; one big beautiful ask of Congress. I want money out of politics; full stop. I don’t know how, but I know it’s a must. Want fewer wars? Get money out of politics. Want universal healthcare? Get money out of politics. Want to get all of the perverts out of our government? Get money out of politics. Want to see legislation sent to the White House with a 90 / 10 vote, or maybe even unanimous approval? Get money out of politics. Want to trust the Government again? You get the idea.

Once done, we will realize a true Democracy.

I feel that I should be transparent about what I will not be spending my time on. As most of my time will be spent implementing the Commissions plans for State’s success, I will not be interested in what universities are or are not teaching, what books are or are not on library shelves, or who is using which restroom.

Do I think Texans are loony for hanging the Ten Commandments in each classroom? Yup. Worth my time? Absolutely not. The Supreme Court will have to deal with Texas’s blatant Church and State issues. Meanwhile, I still want States like Texas to thrive, and a Trumpian style battle over lifestyle choices will not be necessary.

Do I think it’s crazy that boys can play on girls sports teams in Connecticut? Definitely. Do I really care? Not really. I don’t live in Connecticut. Sounds like an issue for their State Legislature, if it is to even be addressed at all. I am more concerned with the economic prosperity and security of the State.

I don’t see the need to provide more examples. Basically, if it doesn’t align with the goals of the State Advancement Commission, I am unlikely to waste any time on it, especially during the first two years of my imaginary term.

As the team voyages around the country I will also be shaping global policy to better accommodate the needs of each State, or groups of States.

We will not have time for wars. Israel may just have to defend itself, for once.

This is a good stopping point as Part II will cover global policy.

One last tidbit before I close… wondering why I chose the eagle as a cover photo? It’s because I’m “that guy.” That is all.

*https://bulletin.kenyon.edu/article/the-meaning-of-america-first/