Memo to the President

NOTES TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT:
It may be the end of the American empire, but it is surely not the end of the American dream. The sun may no longer set on the nation's capital, not even on Wall Street. The global financial and economic crisis, largely a result of mismanagement, lack of accountability and greed in the United States could also be an opportunity for America's recovery if the new administration is bold and courageous. Americans and the world crave enlightened US leadership. Despite the crisis, the President-elect has a chance in the early days to set the agenda. What are some of the steps?

TALK TO THE PEOPLE
Americans need a President who will always tell them the truth, even the brutal truth about all the issues which affect their lives. They may not like what they hear, but they will accept even bad news if the President talks straight. Tell them what their government can and will do and what they will have to do and what they will have to sacrifice. Americans are the most resilient people in the world and will roll up their sleeves to fix the problems if they understand the issues and feel part of the process. Get rid of slogans and clichés in favor of language which empowers and persuades. Talk about extremism, drop the word terrorism which is a tactic. Authenticity is vital. Choose cabinet members and others who are equally authentic, bold and committed. If they do not communicate well, teach them so they, too, can communicate effectively to the American people.

HEALTH CARE
As the only OECD country without universal health care the United States has an urgent obligation to truly change the system as quickly as possible. Uninsured, under insured and citizens who lose everything if they have medical issues is a national security issue and it must be addressed as a national security issue. A dramatic change in the healthcare system is as urgent as ending the wars.

EDUCATION
It's not the money, the size of classes, socioeconomic conditions, it's the quality of the teachers. Financial incentives and retraining for public school teachers is urgent if this country is going to prosper and provide equal opportunity. All Americans should be required to speak proper English and all Americans should study and learn a foreign language beginning in kindergarten. Lack of proper English language skills divide Americans, is an obstacle to good paying jobs and creates limits in society. Extend the time students spend in school including universities. Use schools for after-school and summer programs for remedial teaching and to teach science, mathematics, music, art, computer science and other skills. Stop the waste of time, talent and facilities in the education system.

TRANSPORT
Be bold on carbon emissions. Insist that autos made in the US or those which are imported meet strict guidelines as soon as scientifically possible. The American automakers need to be accountability for their failure to innovate. Invest in building a track for a fast train (like Japan and France) and then privatize the service on major routes such as the northeast corridor and the west coast. A fast train would take cars and trucks off the roads, increase commerce and reduce carbon emissions.

NATIONAL SECURITY
Explain globalization to Americans. Borders and sovereignty mean much less in an era of transnational threats. Unilateralism is no longer a possibility. Only multilateral approaches to transnational threats including the global economic crisis, extremism, climate change and national security will be effective in the 2lst century. Emphasize civil society, tolerance and cooperation as the foundation of America's value system and well-being necessary for national security. Consult, consult, consult with domestic constituencies and with allies and adversaries alike. Listen carefully to what others need and want from the US and how common ground can be assured based on mutual interests. Accept other cultures, not better, nor worse, simply different. Close Quantanamo and destroy Abu Gharib. Rebuild and restore the volunteer military. Give veterans the health care they need including psychological services. Communicate that national security is the well-being of the nation, not its military might nor its power, necessary, but not adequate for a confident and secure country.

FOREIGN POLICY
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq are the hot spots. Each needs a fresh comprehensive strategic approach for the long term. There is no military solution to any of these crises. Strong consistent diplomacy, multilateralism, economic incentives to promote development and a better standard of living have to be the foundation of US policy despite the time, effort and cost. There are no quick fixes. The festering Israeli-Palestinian conflict may not be a crisis, but its resolution is long overdue. It will haunt the new administration whether or not it is seen as an early priority. This conflict cannot be resolved without a consistent, active and even firm American strategy and documents. A new President needs to commit to resolving the conflict and take the following steps:
-quietly inform the Israeli and Palestinian leadership of the President's commitment which will be based on what has already been negotiated between the parties and American ideas to address outstanding issues. Present an American summary document encompassing what has been negotiated including American ideas as the basis for a peace treaty. The parties will be invited to comment on this American document to make some adjustments, however, the major outlines will prevail.
-use the full persuasive powers of the United States to get the conflict resolved in consultation with the EU and key Arab states.
-the President needs to meet with the bipartisan leaders of the Congress, Jewish American organizations, Arab-American organizations and others with a vested interest to tell them in no uncertain terms: it is in the American interest to resolve the conflict; an end of conflict is Israel's most important national security issue; ask them for their support....they are either with the President, or not in seeking peace; criticism or doubts should be expressed directly and not publicly for a period of time.
-say what you mean and mean what you say
-tap a team of the most experienced negotiators who have demonstrated their capacity to tackle the difficult issues and the sense of victimhood of the parties including some of President Carter's Camp David aides and others.

LEADERSHIP
Leadership is the key to success. Americans are so smart and fortunate to have elected a new President who is a strong leader and communicator. Changing the tone in the country, inspiring confidence and tolerance, reforming a government that was shaped for the bipolar world will come naturally to America's new President, but to actually get things done he will need to be surrounded and served by America's most thoughtful innovators. Perhaps, the biggest challenge for the President-elect is to assemble a team of bold, innovative and spirited individuals who really know how the world works, have genuine empathy for the less privileged and who give much more than lip service to the importance of culture, tolerance, civil society, communications as well as bipartisanship and inclusion. A team as authentic as the President-elect, as committed to the common good and the healing of the nation to restore the United States as the beacon on the hill for Americans and others alike will give the new Democratic administration a chance, at least, to succeed. President-elect Barack Obama, an historic figure, a leader with enormous potential and possibilities deserves no less to face the burdens he will inherit.

(Judith Kipper is Director, Middle East Programs, Institute of World Affairs and a consultant to the private sector.)