What should President Biden do?

President Biden’s first job is to sooth the wounds that Trump has brought upon America. In that regard, he should form a unity government that includes some responsible Republicans (a rare animal, indeed). This will infuriate progressives (of which I consider myself one), but the Democratic Party did not do well down ballot. It’s a time for healing. In particular, Biden can give the rural, white, partially educated, Trump supporters not what they want, but what they need. What they need are respect, decent employment, education, medical care, community, etc. What to do? My list in no particular order:


1) Omnibus Infrastructure Program for the Future. - Includes widespread repairs and updating; Broadband extension to rural areas; Clean energy  and conservation measures; Climate change defense and amelioration; More I haven’t thought of. It’s a jobs program. 


2) Employment and Income Security. - $15/hour minimum federal wage; Equal opportunity employment; Pages from the New Deal (WPA, PWA, CCC. Etc.); Appalachian Mountain Authority to bring prosperity to the states in the chain. If it can make life better for folks in deep red West Virginia, it can work anywhere. Tax restructuring directed toward reducing inequality and to provide funding for public needs.


3) Medical Care Rationalization. - Geographically universal affordable access and coverage (new possibilities with telemedicine); Cost containment, especially big pharma; Rugged pandemic defenses is included. 


4) Education Upgrade. - Quality access for all; Free college for at least the first two years just like public school; Sufficient public funding not based on property tax; Elevation of teaching as a respected, attractive and well paid profession. 


5) Fair Democratic Representation. - The president and vice president shall be elected by popular vote (assemble a legal team to figure a way to skirt the electoral college); Evidence of gerrymandering that does not reflect voters preference calls for court action; Encourage wider voter participation; Maintain election security and integrity; Reduce the roll of money in politics; Reverse Citizens United (you can’t fool me that corporations are a person). 


6) Executive Orders. - Reverse all Trump orders pertaining to withdrawal from international organizations (e.g., Paris Accord, WHO); Reverse all Trump orders loosening environmental regulations. Start over again in both areas. 


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