We MUST make this the year!

Written by: Mike W on Jan 1, 2008 11:17 AM EST

Linked to groups: PA for Democracy

I’ve never been one for New Years’ resolutions.  But then, this is not a year like any other.

For me personally, this is a year of great change.  This will be my first year as a candidate for Congress.  And this will also be my first year as a father (and please ask, because I’m dying to share some pictures of Elena!).

But for our country, this is going to be a year of even more profound change.  It has to be.

So let’s resolve to make it so.

Let’s resolve that this will be the year we end the Iraq War.  This year, we’ll pressure our representatives and leaders harder than ever to bring our troops home and enforce accountability from the Administration for the deception and corruption that has brought us to this point.

Let’s resolve that this will be the year we reform our health care system.  This year, we’ll demand a new commitment from Congress to enact universal, single-payer health care for every American as soon as possible.  The President’s cold and uncaring attitude may prevent us from succeeding this year, but we will set the stage for the first Democratic President of the new millennium to sign a health care bill more than fifty years in the making into law.

Let’s resolve that this will be the year we restore the Constitution.  This year, we’ll fight to return the protection of habeas corpus to everyone under US law, and to close the unlawful, unconstitutional, and un-American prison at Guantanamo Bay.

Let’s resolve that this will be the year we make prescription drugs affordable.  This year, we’ll push Congress to reform Medicare Part D to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate with the big pharmaceutical companies for lower prices, the same way the Secretary of Veterans Affairs already does for VA hospitals.

Let’s resolve that this will be the year we create a new energy policy for America.  This year, we’ll work for a new energy bill that will promote alternative energy development, green construction, clean technology, and public transportation, and reduce both our dependence on foreign energy and our greenhouse gas emissions.

Let’s resolve that this will be the year we reform our educational system.  This year, we’ll insist that No Child Left Behind be consigned to the scrap heap of failed Republican policies where it belongs, and that we adequately invest in school infrastructure, improved technology in the classroom, better pay for our teachers, early education, and reforming the student loan system.

And, above all else, let’s resolve that this will be the year we elect a Democratic President and begin dismantling the disastrous Bush legacy.

As a candidate for Congress, and as a citizen of this country, and as a father, I make this resolution for 2008.  I hope you’ll join me, and I wish you and yours a very happy new year.

-Mike

Candidate for US Congress, PA-3

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Location: PA