172 results found

1. Liquids are not a threat to nat'l security

   ! Use our analytical powers to prioritize threats to national security and determine that it is OK for me to take my full-size tube of toothpaste on the plane again.

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2. President Obama needs to have a CIO and a CTO

   Given the organizational realities/complexities of the Federal organizations, President Obama needs to create BOTH a Chief Information Officer and a Chief Technology Officer position

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3. Symbolic UN Citizenship

   Set up a site that will promote the idea of UN citizenship, discuss global problems and possible global solutions. It could attract leading intellectuals from many countries. It could also evolve to the point that it could influence world leaders.

   Symbolic UN Citizenship could be granted and revoked. Visitors should be able to browse and submit application for UN citizenship. UN citizens should be able to submit their thoughts on a topic and vote for their representatives. Representatives should be able to raise issues and moderate discussions, but all this could be resolved when the idea takes off.

   The official language should be English, but possible regional sites could have other languages. Mechanisms of idea exchanges between sister sites could be worked out when (and if) sister sites emerge.

   Kind regards,
   Damir Ibrisimovic
   Australia

   Set up a site that will promote the idea of UN citizenship, discuss global problems and possible global solutions. It could attract leading intellectuals from many countries. It could also evolve to the point that it could influence world leaders.

   Symbolic UN Citizenship could be granted and revoked. Visitors should be able to browse and submit application for UN citizenship. UN citizens should be able to submit their thoughts on a topic and vote for their representatives. Representatives should be able to raise issues and moderate discussions, but all this could be resolved when the idea takes off.

   The official… more

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4. Global Warming

   Since we started to use fire, we emitted carbon dioxide into the air we breathe. Stone Age farmers may have even averted a minor ice age through deforestation and with fires – as some data suggest. However, with industrial revolution we tapped deeply into nature’s safe storages for carbon – safe storages the nature was creating since the beginning of the life on this planet. And the whole life on this planet depends on safety of these storages. We have opened Pandora’s Box…
   I doubt that there are many left who did not hear about phenomenon called global warming. Many voices have been raised about its impacts on the planet, climate and ourselves in our daily lives. Our carbon (dioxide) footprints have been explored and various efforts to reduce them. Some countries are already pushing towards carbon (dioxide) emission neutral energy sources. All this is fine, but…
   Some misleading narrative persists probably perpetuated by hastily made, but wasted interests. The first one is the myth of “clean coal”. Coal mining industry wasted a lot in an idea that we can store compressed carbon dioxide underground. Some (favourable) estimates predict that the technology could be available on the industrial scales in 2025 or later.
   However we already saw few pilot projects abandoned on the safety grounds. The fact is that the underground storage of the compressed carbon dioxide can rarely be made safe. And a tectonic shift could release the gas, killing breathing life tens of kilometres around.
   Furthermore, we seem to be forgetting a very important component in carbon dioxide – oxygen. Our talk about carbon this or that that leaves out dioxide is apparently the reason for our forgetfulness. But, can we rule out entirely an intention behind this omission?
   In chemistry, a molecule of carbon dioxide is represented by a formula – CO2. And this means that a single atom of carbon (C) binds two atoms of oxygen (O) – oxygen we, and the rest of breathing life, need to breathe. Storing three tonnes of carbon dioxide underground would, therefore, rob us of more than two tonnes of oxygen. A choking solution, isn’t it? And yet, our policymakers are still talking about it with expensive plans to make it work…
   Another misleading narrative is probably propagated by interests already wasted in ethanol and other kinds of biofuels. It goes like this: “We need arable land to grow organic matter for biofuels.” To investors and politicians who were behind such “solutions” it is probably hard to make a U turn now – especially after deforestations made to provide fertile land for biofuels. And “biofuels or food” dilemmas still fuel debates around the world.

   This misleading narrative is further propagated by “strategic” concerns – as Scientific American demonstrated in its special issue “Earth 3.0” (Volume 18, Number 4, 2008). Their big article added the fuel to debates with “Water vs. Energy” dilemma – a false assumption that we need fresh water to grow organic matter for biofuels. Victims of the narrative or not, editors of the magazine placed a big question mark over the first part of its name.

   Identifying “solutions” and misleading dilemmas is important, for we waste too much energies circling around them. However, this will only help us to redirect our debates towards real solutions to the problem. And for real solutions we need to see the full scope of the problem and its gravity…
   We used to have sulphur emissions crisis that resulted in acid (H2SO4) rains ruining our forests. Now we have atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rapidly rising and threatening to have similar effect. Furthermore, acidity of our rivers, lakes and oceans is on the rise – reducing capacity of water to absorb oxygen. And there are many other impacts, we have not looked at yet, that may devastate not only waterborne life.
   Reducing our carbon (dioxide) footprint is a step in the right direction. But, while we are making steps towards zero emission targets – we will continue to release carbon dioxide into air we breathe. And these emissions are likely to accelerate before the whole planet switches to zero emission energy sources. And even then we will emit another greenhouse gas – vapour, for generation and use of energy will always release heat. And heat pollution could be the new challenge in the waiting. Changed weather patterns will further erode our forests and our planet will have its capacity to cool itself further reduced…
   Many scientists already stated that the only long term solution for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and feeding more people is growing new forests – agroforestry. But, to grow new forests we need arable land and (fresh) water, don’t we? This narrative is similar to dilemma “biofuels or food” – and it is also a misleading narrative…
   The secret of growing new forests on barren lands is in a proposal many have already made for other reasons – cultivating algae. The beauty of algae is that they can grow in saltwater basins over barren land. They do not only offer rapid capture of atmospheric carbon dioxide and release of oxygen. They can also be used for fertiliser, feed and food production. And, as a sweetener, they show great potential for biofuels production. With algae, we can also grow fish and address land salinity issues…
   Greening Method (patent pending) takes growing seawater algae further. Basins above barren land will partially shield the ground from the harsh sun. This will reduce humidity loss. Furthermore, saltwater in basins will evaporate (fresh water) – reducing humidity loss of the soil further. Algae are also good “desalination plants” and used as fertiliser they will fertilise and water the barren soil. Thus, the barren land will turn fertile – ready for a new agroforestry mix.
   We might be blinded by sky high tech solutions, but we need to start growing new forests everywhere possible – on massive scales. We do not have time to educate people in complex technologies. We need low tech solutions any farmer in any country can implement.
   Large scale afforestation offers other benefits. Strategically placed, new forests will impact weather. Vertical air circulation will encourage cloud formation over the ground – reducing vapour levels in the atmosphere. With a bit of careful microclimate planning we can have rains where we need them the most – and reduce chances for violent weather. In time, whole continents could be transformed…
   But all this also needs adequate policies. However, our policymakers seem to be stuck in mud of misleading narratives and “solutions”.

   Kind regards,
   Damir Ibrisimovic
   Australia

   Since we started to use fire, we emitted carbon dioxide into the air we breathe. Stone Age farmers may have even averted a minor ice age through deforestation and with fires – as some data suggest. However, with industrial revolution we tapped deeply into nature’s safe storages for carbon – safe storages the nature was creating since the beginning of the life on this planet. And the whole life on this planet depends on safety of these storages. We have opened Pandora’s Box…
   I doubt that there are many left who did not hear about phenomenon called global warming. Many… more

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5. Federal Information Archictecture and Integrated Retrieval

   Federal agencies need to collect and organize data in a way that supports better retrieval to improve regulatory oversight and public use. One of the best ways to make that happen is to conceptualize the data holdings of each agency as a unique part of a single integrated Federal database. By placing data in standardized internet-accessible databases that are suitably organized and accessible through standard queries, data could be simultaneously retrieved from multiple agencies with a single query.

   Each agency should have a "data jurisdiction" for the kinds of data they collect that they will then make available to other federal agencies, thus reducing redundancy and increasing quality and effectiveness.

   One powerful way to accomplish that would be to rely on "master ID numbers" for important regulated entities. For example, there should be a master "Corporate ID Number" used by all federal agencies when they collect data from any company. A number already exists that could fulfill that purpose - the Federal "Employer ID Number, or EIN, used to collect and report Social Security taxes. A regulation should be issued to require that any corporate data reported to the federal government be tagged with its EIN.

   Similarly, a "Federal Facility ID" should be created to uniquely identify any physical entity, such as an oil refinery. Such a number does not yet exist, but EPA is specially positioned to introduce such a number and make it widely available. Other agencies, including Homeland Security, Commerce, and Defense, require such a number and could rely on EPA to register and collect such data.

   Such an architecture and retrieval mechanism would significantly improve agency regulatory oversight and improve government accountability. A study several years ago under the auspices of the National Academy of Public Administration showed that the Facility ID Number alone could save over $1 Billion a year.

   Federal agencies need to collect and organize data in a way that supports better retrieval to improve regulatory oversight and public use. One of the best ways to make that happen is to conceptualize the data holdings of each agency as a unique part of a single integrated Federal database. By placing data in standardized internet-accessible databases that are suitably organized and accessible through standard queries, data could be simultaneously retrieved from multiple agencies with a single query.

   Each agency should have a "data jurisdiction" for the kinds of data they collect that they will then make available to other… more

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6. Mortgage and housing crisis solutions

   The mortgage and housing crisis is deepening with the onset of winter. Foreclosures are happening now. Evictions are happening now. What's needed are ways to reassure banks that value will eventually be realized from these homes without evicting their current occupants. For instance, government help guaranteed to the current residents to refit to save energy and water bills, including prepayments perhaps to the bank and contractors. With lower utility bills they can carry the mortgage.

   You'd be amazed how many families still have incandescent lights, uninsulated water heaters, unsmart thermostats, old showerheads, not to mention lack of basement exterior insulation or proper caulking. Has anyone actually told them that they could lose their house if they don't stop these losses immediately? Has anyone offered them help to do this? If not you could see maybe a few million people out on the street this winter, which is certainly going to cost more than fixing this problem now.

   The mortgage and housing crisis is deepening with the onset of winter. Foreclosures are happening now. Evictions are happening now. What's needed are ways to reassure banks that value will eventually be realized from these homes without evicting their current occupants. For instance, government help guaranteed to the current residents to refit to save energy and water bills, including prepayments perhaps to the bank and contractors. With lower utility bills they can carry the mortgage.

   You'd be amazed how many families still have incandescent lights, uninsulated water heaters, unsmart thermostats, old showerheads, not to mention lack of basement exterior insulation… more

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7. Universal Technology for Schools - build the economy and all

   Build that "information superhighway" to every American school. Each school needs real, high-speed, broadband connections and wireless support which can enable students to use laptops. handhelds, and mobile phones to bring information and communications access to every student. We need to train our students in the use of 21st Century Technology, and how to leverage that technology for education, in jobs, to overcome disabilities and disadvantages, and to improve democracy.

   We can join this to a Universal Design Technology initiative which insists that our schools use the ubiquitous technologies of the age to support student learning. From free text-to-speech systems for those with learning disabilities to mobile learning supports for those without economic advantages, from accessible websites for those with visual impairments to alternate keyboards for those struggling with dexterity. And including a nationwide commitment to text-to-speech systems to support literacy development.

   Currently, US schools privilege 15th Century "Gutenberg" technology, which limits access to success to a small group of elites. Embracing Universal Design technology opens a world of possibilities, and installing this is an "every town" stimulus package.

   http://speedchange.blogspot.com/

   Build that "information superhighway" to every American school. Each school needs real, high-speed, broadband connections and wireless support which can enable students to use laptops. handhelds, and mobile phones to bring information and communications access to every student. We need to train our students in the use of 21st Century Technology, and how to leverage that technology for education, in jobs, to overcome disabilities and disadvantages, and to improve democracy.

   We can join this to a Universal Design Technology initiative which insists that our schools use the ubiquitous technologies of the age to support student learning. From free text-to-speech systems… more

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8. raising taxes will put me out of a job

   You said you were going to raise the taxes on the rich. It won't hurt the rich, but it will hurt everyone they do business with, like me.
   By raising taxes on the rich, you will only alleviate them the guilt of having money.
   The rich expect you are going to raise taxes on them, so they are already cutting back.

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9. Banking & Credit Reform - get the economy back on track
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10. reexamine the omb interpretation of the clinger cohen act

    OMB's interpretation of the clinger cohen act failed to effectively address the information technology architecture provision

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11. De-Centralize energy profit centers.

    Put solar and/or wind generation capacity on every users site that matches the potential kilowat consumption, utilizing the existing grid to transport the power with no need for new transmission lines. If the wires can hanldle the load coming in, they could handle at least that Load plus more going out.

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12. Nationalize Medicare removing all insurers and their profit

    If citizens were to self insure unter the federal umbrella it would spread the risk and the profits currently going to insurers would be available to spend on health care instead. Essentially the mones spent on medicare supplements and prescription drug plans would be collectively paid by all medicare enrollees that currently pay a private insurer. Perhaps an expansion of military and veterans administration hospitals wouldallow us to gradually widen health care for all citizens without the profit taking by middlemen insurers.

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13. Obama Civil Rights

    There are numerous issues that have appalled me about the Bush administration, but none more than the following:
    - the support for torture and rendition
    - the suppression of habeas corpus
    - the gradual shrinking of the 4th amendment (i.e., FISA rewrite)

    Like it or not, these things happened largely because Democrats in Congress didn't stand up against them when they were briefed to select members of the House and Senate, and now that these tools/techniques/practices are in the hands of the law enforcement, intelligence, and defense agencies, there will be a real resistance to addressing these problems.

    Ensuring that we respect the rights of US Citizens, POW's, and enemy combatants in manner that is in keeping with the intents of the founders is a good idea, and I want to make sure that Obama resists the pressure of those Democrats and Republicans in Congress who failed to do their job in the past, and now have a vested interest in supporting the status quo.

    If we win the war on terror by torturing, imprisoning without trial, and becoming a surveillance state, we will lose ourselves in the process.

    There are numerous issues that have appalled me about the Bush administration, but none more than the following:
    - the support for torture and rendition
    - the suppression of habeas corpus
    - the gradual shrinking of the 4th amendment (i.e., FISA rewrite)

    Like it or not, these things happened largely because Democrats in Congress didn't stand up against them when they were briefed to select members of the House and Senate, and now that these tools/techniques/practices are in the hands of the law enforcement, intelligence, and defense agencies, there will be a real resistance to addressing these problems.

    Ensuring that… more

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14. The bailout on main street: give each tax payer 500K

    the dollars could go the pay off house mortgages, cars, credit cards thereby putting dollars back into circulation and keeping the ecomony strong.

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15. Access to affordable health care

    This is an economic issue, a moral issue, and for too many a life and death issue. It should be a top priority.

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16. Obama Now

    January 20th is two months away, but the staggering crises we face are here NOW. Why wait? If Bush and Cheney won't resign, Congress should pass a law moving January 20th to December. Or Obama should just start governing ex officio. Let's get this show on the road!

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17. i say no to an israeli as chief of staff

    an israeli as chief of staff ? why?

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18. Tax Reform ~ Fairtax
    28 votes

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19. Fairtax
    6 votes

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20. Enact the Fairtax
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