I thought that it'd be a good idea to start a thread where everyone could list exactly what you believe would make President Trump's first term a successful one. What do you hope that he does / doesn't do, accomplishes, targets, aims for, moves toward, etc. in his first term, for you to consider it to be successful? Let's get a list going, and see how he stacks up, as his term unfolds. Of course, I'm assuming that reasonable minds can at least be open to the possibility of a successful first term, even if not hopeful he will or can achieve it. So, let's hear them.
I'm assuming a successful term would be defined as: a) reduced illegal immigrants living in the US, via a physical wall and strict immigration enforcement b) end of deficit spending c) reduction in the national debt d) cheaper healthcare and more people insured e) lower unemployment f) An increase or maintenance in peace levels abroad g) lower taxes for the majority of Americans h) rebuild/repair infrastructure i) stronger military j) reduced government size and regulation The above is what he seemed to be selling as what he would do-- and quickly.
- Disengagement in the Middle East due to the situation of ISIS and terrorist threats reasonably mitigated.
Address climate change universal healthcare reduce debt Protect gay rights Protect women's reproductive rights Address the mechanization and obsolescence of jobs Social justice
He and his party are looking to overturn Roe v Wade, for one. Defund Planned Parenthood, which is how millions of women get reproductive care, for two. Repealing ACA affects their insurance, and costs, for three. Pence's idea of "personhood" would make not only abortion illegal, but also IVF. Trump has said he plans on appointing a supreme court justice who agrees with these things.
Protect isn't the same as don't take away. Protect means take the same stance as the last many years to keep States from enacting legislation that makes it more difficult, such as waiting periods and ultrasounds prior.
How can I guage someone when I'm not supposed to take the very things they say literally? The answer is, I cannot. I can only judge the actions of a man whose word I cannot trust. So give me actions, and I'll dispense judgement.
Yup, he can rant all he wants about stupid crowd sizes as long as he cuts taxes, fixes Obamacare and works out better trade deals.
That's an easy stance to take, because it forgoes accountability. "I don't care that I was over charged for the project, just that it was completed." Do you agree with that quote? In your profession? In any? So why should I take that position with the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States?
And as the client, which is what we are, how do we know how much we are going to be charged? And how do we know it? That's communication, of which talking is the easiest form. And just like you wouldn't let a subcontractor just do the job before having an idea on your cost (I assume?), I question how we are to allow the same of our President. Because unless we know how much the job is gonna cost, we can't know if the end result is even worth it.
Birth control, condoms, and abortions offered free of charge to everyone Legal weed in all states End the war on drugs Repeal the individual health care mandate Close corporate tax loopholes Cut military spending by about 25% No wall Expand H-1B visa program until educational reform produces enough skilled Americans to meet our needs Require churches to meet the same standards as all other non-profits and tax megachurches Appoint socially liberal, fiscally centrist supreme court judges Classify PETA as a terrorist group
You can be as detailed as you want (and maybe this is it), but it's going to be hard to quantify "fix". I'd really like to hear from you, Jay and KPT on what "fixing" ACA looks like.
So, I understand: 1. Universal government sponsored healthcare for all? 2. And reduce the debt? 3. Protect gay rights? From what? On what front? 4. Protect women's reproductive rights (basically, uphold the law, as it stands)? 5. Mechanization / obsolescence of jobs is pretty straightforward. 6. Social justice - I don't even know what this means.