What would you do if you were president?

[Guest Crimson Spider]

Just FYI: We aren't in a multi-trillion dollar deficit. Bush is only spending 3% more money than Clinton did.

If I were to become president, I would look at the resident problems that the US is currently having outside of some discrepancies of personal prefereance that many seem to be having, and address those issues that appear to be more important rather than those that can wait, and those that are un-solvable. Those issues are a drain of my valuable resources and time.

But alas, the media of the opposing party would bash me*as much as they could while saying obvious lies such as "He's spending money on the manufacturing of weapons and taking it away from the fire department and education", regardless of how much money I put into education itself.

As far as the Police and Fire Depo go, they could use some more money. Regardless of recent funds put into them, there is always room for more, for these important jobs are often times un-rewarding enough in their payment.

As far as Gay Marriage, my opinion on the matter wouldn't do much, because ultimatly it is the house of represenatives and especially the Senate that decides on the outcome of this heated debate. And even if my word had mattered, Supreme Judges who dis-agree with me will allow them in their state, such as those who allowed partial-birth abortions.

But really, unless you are actually president, you don't know the constant pressure he is under, nor the actual magnitude uf unknown to the plebian that the President has to consider when he makes his decision.

P.S. isn't this topic over a month old?

[Heaven's Cloud]

[color=indigo]President hmmm? Seems like an awful lot of work, dedication, and time to contribute for a seemingly thankless job. If I was president, however, here are some issues, statues, and bills I would present.

I would attempt to establish a fifteen percent flat tax, ten percent to be disbursed at the federal level, five percent at the state level. All businesses would be required to pay a flat tax of ten percent, seven percent going to the federal government, three percent to the state government. I would also attempt to establish a bill for a nationwide sales tax of six percent on all items except food and clothing; the revenue would be distributed evenly throughout city and state levels.

I would propose a bill that made public school teachers exempt from paying all but sales tax.

I would completely revise the federal budget...it needs to be reevaluated from the ground up.

Corporations based in America that import over a certian amount of products (based on revenue percentage) would face obvious additional taxes. American based corporations with overseas employees would be responsible for paying a ten percent salary tax for each employee (for example if a corporation paid a guy in Bangladesh $3000 a year they would have to pay the government an additional $300 on top of their standard tax).

I would propose bills that abolished the "don't ask, don't tell policy" and allowed gay marriages.

There are about a million and one other things I would like to do if I was president, however, I am not bright enough to know if any of what I just said would work, let alone implement those plans...[/color]

[Baron Samedi]

[size=1][color=darkred]Ok. Make that I was ruler of the world.

I would allow gay marriages, harsher penalties [i.e. Tortuous methods of death] for murderers, rapists and child molesters, and inform the whole world and all other countries that there will be a no-holds barred approach to tyranny. If someone [ruling a country] or terrorist forces were...committing what I deemed to be 'bad' acts. Then I would attack. I would station army battalions at the Gaza strip, and ban all fights there. I would condemn any country attacking another, except in retaliation [in which case I would be attacking]. I would employ clever people to help economy, commandeer companies to provide help for third world countries. I would also try to aid the environment.

Just be a really domineering son of a gun, with the world's best interests at heart.[/size][/color]

[Lady Macaiodh]

[color=darkblue]There is not enough money in the world to entice me to take that job.

Now, absolute monarch, on the other hand...[/color]

[ChibiHorsewoman]

[QUOTE=Lady Macaiodh][color=darkblue]There is not enough money in the world to entice me to take that job.

Now, absolute monarch, on the other hand...[/color][/QUOTE]

[color=darkviolet]I don't think I'd be too pleased to become an absolute monarch. sure, it's nice at first, but then all your relatives want control of teh throne as well. Next thing you know your up on the guillotine having your head chopped off then getting it shown to angry townspeople. No thank you[/color]

[DeathBug]

[QUOTE=Lady Macaiodh][color=darkblue]There is not enough money in the world to entice me to take that job.

Now, absolute monarch, on the other hand...[/color][/QUOTE]

[color=indigo][size=1][font=comic sans ms]I haven't met you before, but I already like you. ^__^

You know, realistically, the President can't accomplish most of the things people are suggesting. When you're taking about legislature, that's Congress. (And remember, if pro is the opposite of con, Congress is the opposite of progress.) Although it might not seem like it, the President's powers in these areas are rather limited.[/color][/size][/font]

[Guest ScirosDarkblade]

Two chicks at once.

(I haven't looked at the rest of the thread, so if someone already posted that incredibly witty reply stolen from Office Space, I sincerely apologize.) Also, if I were president I would stop with the whole "imposing conservative religious views on the public through law" that Bush is into, and I would also rework the military budget. Had I been president during the Iraq fiasco, I wouldn't have "not found any weapons." (Even if they weren't found, I'd have said that we found some, and if you think about it that would have been the smart move to make.)

About the standardized testing thing... well if you know they are changing the way the SAT is structured, and that will go into effect in 2005. It's going to be less "aptitude" and more "achievement." And honestly achievement tests are the ones that nobody needs more of, because they are the ones that direct school curricula and force everyone to learn the same stuff. That means less freedom in choosing courses in high school, and less freedom for teachers. It will also widen the score gap between blacks who live in worse neighborhoods (and whoever else in that same boat) and the rest of test-takers. Aptitude tests, on the other hand, more-or-less even the playing field. They are more closely related to IQ tests. The old (current) SAT is more of an aptitude test compared to, say, the ACT, which is mostly an achievement test. Anyway, if I were president I would rework the standardized test system, but no way would I ever get rid of it altogether.

And, yeah, I'd do all the liberal stuff like federally protect gay marriage (maybe even write it as an undeniable right into the constitution, just so conservative courts don't mess with it), try to increase gun control (by ignoring the NRA's fervent lobbyists), and get rid of that whole freaking "truth" commercial B.S. I'm tired of the whole "I'm going to assume you're stupid and act like I'm responsible for your actions" mentality. I'd also legalize controlled drugs, and it makes sense but that's a discussion for another thread because I know you'd want a long good explanation for that.

[Guest Midnight Rush]

If I was pres, first thing I'd do was make a speech so good that the senate and house would do whatever i told em to (IE- gewt dirt on all of em and black mail 'em to hell). Then I'd fire everyone in the white house and hire a bunch of attractive girls as my co-workers, then I'd buy lots of wine and throw a party. After I woke up threee days later, I'd throw another one.. wait never mind. anyways, I'd then write a few laws into being that basically gives the United States the right to extract the oil from the middle east and then leave.

after that I'd tell the united nations to **** off, and give American Corporations a 75% discount on exports and such. I'd remove the school tax and the death tax, but increase sales tax by 3%. THen I would make a few friendly nations (Japan, UK, Australia, I'd also buy Hong Kong from China) into states, so we cna be one big happy US Ruled family. THen I would appoint Jackie Chan as Secretary of Treasury (HAAHAHAHAHAHA!) and then get a nice Sheetz cuppacino (Hell yea baby!).
Thats all the first week ^_~.

Then: I'd focus on the US economy and hire a lot of good experts to boost it till the DOW was at 100000 points ^_^, then I'd sell my stock and retire one rich S.O.B! Anyways, then I'd throw lots more parties, hire more attractive girls and then resign after the wine ran out.

EDIT: I FORGOT THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE: MILITARY TRAINING WOULD BE MANDATORY FOR EVERYONE AND SERVICE MANDATORY FOR MEN 18-50 IN TIMES OF WAR!!!! BOOOYAAAHH!! Beat that hippies!! WEOOWEOOWEOO! Also gay marriage would be legalized, however the second they gay's got a marraige license, they would be given free one way trickets out of the country to a destination of their choice, and never be allowed in the US again. That way we keep all the wierdoes away form children. BTW, I'd hire some more attractive girls too... lol, I hope she's not reading this...

[ChibiHorsewoman]

[color=darkviolet][b]Realistically[/b]
Demand a recount since I think the plumber won the election (Mooseport reference) and cower in the oval office until they decided to elect the plumber.

[b]idealistically[/b]
Send all the racists, bigots, homophobes and religious extremists to one large island off the coast of Alaska-far off the coast of Alaska and ionfect it with radioactive cockroaches.

reconstruct the healthcare systems run by the government. Don't ask me how because I have no idea.

Take up golf or some other boring sport because that's what all president's do.

Place an ammendment in the constitution that allows same sex marriages. If that fails try legalizing common-law marriages since you can't really please everyone.

Stop being the damn global police! We really don't [i]need[/i] to be in Iraq, Afghanistan and Haiti! at the same time no less.

Choke on a pretzel or hit someone with a golf ball during a game. Yes, it really acomplishes nothing, but hey.

Hope and pray and then demand that I don't screw up because that's what I'm worried about most.

Reconstruct the education system-maybe even start doing entrance exams since test scores are so low these days. No new tests, get rid of some of the old tests and have children start learning a second language in second grade instead of sixth.

I've now run out of things to do, please don't elect me.[/color]

[James]

[quote name='Heaven's Cloud][color=indigo']President hmmm? Seems like an awful lot of work, dedication, and time to contribute for a seemingly thankless job.[/quote][/color]

[color=indigo][font=Verdana][size=2][color=dimgray]Yeah, I think that being President would be extremely tough. Even running a company is a really daunting task, but running an entire nation? Stress-overload.[/color][/size][/font][/color]

[color=indigo][font=Verdana][size=2][color=#696969]I think that being President requires a certain amount of ego (of course), but it also requires the ability to work for nearly 24 hours a day while frequently being attacked by half of the population (ie: the people who don't like your party or your policies).[/color][/size][/font][/color]

[color=indigo][font=Verdana][size=2][color=#696969]If you really think about it, it's probably the worst job on earth. And above all of this stuff, you are also a target for assassination and stuff like that. Ouch.[/color][/size][/font][/color]

[color=indigo][font=Verdana][size=2][color=#696969]President? No thanks.[/color][/size][/font]
[/color]

[Boba Fett]

[QUOTE=James]

[color=indigo][font=Verdana][size=2][color=dimgray]Yeah, I think that being President would be extremely tough. Even running a company is a really daunting task, but running an entire nation? Stress-overload.[/color][/size][/font][/color]

[color=indigo][font=Verdana][size=2][color=#696969]I think that being President requires a certain amount of ego (of course), but it also requires the ability to work for nearly 24 hours a day while frequently being attacked by half of the population (ie: the people who don't like your party or your policies).[/color][/size][/font][/color]

[color=indigo][font=Verdana][size=2][color=#696969]If you really think about it, it's probably the worst job on earth. And above all of this stuff, you are also a target for assassination and stuff like that. Ouch.[/color][/size][/font][/color]

[color=indigo][font=Verdana][size=2][color=#696969]President? No thanks.[/color][/size][/font]
[/color][/QUOTE]

[color=green]It?s worth it.

I?d go through at least four, hopefully eight, years of intense work with little to no privacy or free time. While in this position, I will be vilified by my opponents and have to make hard decisions all the time under constant pressure. Negotiating trade agreements, dealing with terrorism, courting our allies, appeasing my constituents and managing the US government would be extremely difficult.

I could also potentially be killed.

So what?

My reward would be the attention of posterity. My name would never be lost to history, and children would someday learn about the events that took place under my administration. I?d never be forgotten.

That?s possibly the greatest reward you can receive. Besides, I?d also get to try my hand at making the world ?the way it should be?.

Despite the monumental workload, I think that being president of the United States would be well worth it.[/color]

[James]

[color=#707875]Well, it's worth it for you. For me it's obviously not even a consideration (considering that I'm not a US citizen - and I doubt I'd be interested in the Australian equivalent, but not for the same reasons).

The point that I was really getting at was that many people will talk about what they'd do in that position, but the do not necessarily understand the investment of time and energy that is involved.

Obviously, being President is about a lot more than "doing what you want" and so on. I think someone else also mentioned that the President does not have the autocratic powers that many seem to believe. So, it's also probably good to understand the way the Presidency works first and foremost.

So, it's much more about a complete dedication of one's life, as opposed to being a "job". And everyone has a different idea about what they feel is worth sacrificing for such a job.[/color]

[Guest Midnight Rush]

I knew taht, see I was just being self-indulgent because I'd rather slit my stomach than take that job. The energy investment required is more than I'm willing to give to any one thing. Its just not appealing to waste my time trying to govern a load of people who will do their best to unseat me... not appealing at all....

[Charles]

[QUOTE=ChibiHorsewoman][color=violet]
I'd also try to improve education, but I'm not quite sure how I'd do that. You need some kinds of standardized testing, but you'd also need to have tests for children who learn differently-which adds up to a lot of hard work-but more teahcers which could mean more jobs. But don't rush me in this, because I'm not running for office.

[/color][/QUOTE]This is kind of old to be quoting, but people within this thread seem to have some interest with improving education, so what the heck? How about a system where schools aren't funded through property taxes? What we have now is an unbalanced mess where schools in poor areas remain substandard because they're being funded by a low income population, whereas children who attend schools in upper-class areas continue to hold an unfair advantage because they're benefiting endlessly from higher property taxes. One of the ideals the founding fathers had for the United States was a high quality public education system that would produce a well-rounded, cultured society. What a shame it wasn't realized properly. I know it's easier said than done, but concentrate on balancing it out more for Pete's sake.

As far as holding the position of President goes, I?m not sure how much I could do; I?m just not a huge fan of the political lifestyle and how it changes people. The President works in a system of checks and balances that?s largely flawed by campaign-finance. The private financing of campaigns for public office is one of the major reasons why political leaders do not reflect the positions that are held by a majority of Americans. Anyone could figure that out. Even someone going by the name of vegeta23000034.

I mean, if an industry lobbyist walks into the office of a key legislator and hands her or him a check for one thousand dollars, we call it a campaign contribution. We should call it a bribe. Until the connection between private contributions and public policy is severed, I?d never even dream of becoming President. How can you sway a body of politicians to back your proposals when they?re acting in the interest of some megaton corporation whose hands are planted firmly in their pockets? Even, or especially, the position of Presidency is affected by the task of fulfilling the interests of campaign contributors. Obivously Presidents find themselves in a position where they?ve got to ?return the favor? in one way or another. That is, if they want stable funding come re-election time.

That?s why it?s important to consider special interests here--and by special interests I mean business and corporate interests of all stripes and the overwhelming amount of money being contributed directly to legislative leaders. Definitely weigh these facts realistically before entertaining the idea that you, as President, could just make whatever broad, sweeping changes you want, unopposed. It?s not so simple. Maybe in a far-off fantasy land of some sort, but not in the world I live in. If I could go there for a second though, I would push to normalize relations with Cuba. Have it removed from the U.S. list of potential terrorist countries, end the embargo, and end travel restrictions between the U.S. and Cuba. There?s a lot of business to be had there. Honestly, if not, we may as well just end all business relations with China as well.

[James]

[quote name='Charles'] There?s a lot of business to be had there. Honestly, if not, we may as well just end all business relations with China as well.[/quote]

[color=#707875]I'm at school at the moment, so I cannot provide a very detailed response right now. However, I would point out that China and Cuba are fundamentally different in regard to both trade and politics. I can see why you are comparing them, but in this day and age, I'm not sure if that comparison is currently accurate.

Although I do agree that sometimes the carrot is better than the stick (China is much more open as a result of increased trade with the west, which also results in greater political freedoms).[/color]

[Ryoko T.D.C.]

[COLOR=Blue]If I were pres., I would have enslaved everyone to work in my sock factory(yeah, you heard me SOCKS) day in 'til day out. No joking, I love socks. Plus I would be fair to everyone. I wouldn't just agree on something that didn't matter. And I would help schools too.[/COLOR]

[sublime2004]

[size=1][b][color=darkred]
If I were president....I do not know what I would do. Since I have no idea what the job entails(*sp), I would have no idea what options are open to me.

There is no doubt in my mind that, currently, the seat of the President of the U.S.A. is one of the most stressful jobs in the world. Next to an air-traffic controller. The truth is, that with so many top-secret and classified projects that our (or at least, my) government has going, we really have no idea what is going on. We only see the side of the story that CNN shows us. (i.e. dead people in the streets, riots, desolate wastelands, et cetera)

I am an American. And as much as it pains me to admit, the first quote in my signature is true.

I'm sure there is a point hidden somewhere in all those words. But I, personally, don't want to search for it. But, you catch my drift.



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