YDA Omaha Conference-Bill Richardson

On March 18, I was at the Young Democrats of America Spring Conference in Omaha, NE. Immediately upon arriving, I sensed the electrifying feeling in the air of hope and optimism present in this group of future leaders. Many were quick to point out that in 2006 state Democrats were competitive across the board, a far cry from the state party of six years ago. The energized young people spoke about the need for big ideas and plans to tackle many of the problems facing the state and nation. Many said that issues such as global warming, health care reform, budget deficits, Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid reform, energy, and election and lobbying reform have been discussed as long as they can remember without any real progress. Many commented that the state and federal government always opted for a short term/temporary fix or band aid, never addressing the heart of the problems. They feel we are running out of time to properly tackle these issues, but confident in their party's ability to address the issues and they hope it will translate to a big win in 2008.

The keynote address was given by Presidential candidate and current Governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson. He is considered by many to be the most qualified candidate for President in either party. He served 14 years in Congress, was Secretary of Energy, US Ambassador to the UN, serving his second term as Governor of New Mexico, and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize four times. He has negotiated with dictators in Iraq, North Korea, Cuba, Kenya, Niger, Zaire and recently negotiated a ceasefire in Darfur. He brought to the stage an air of excitement and optimism while addressing many of the issues the young Democrats were talking about earlier. He realizes the need for big ideas and even bigger solutions when it comes to dealing with the problems we face. He spoke of the need for, “Apollo program like efforts,” to truly deal with these problems. He said that solving these issues would not be easy and would require individual action and sacrifice. Quoting JFK he sees a need to return to the attitude of, “Ask not what my country can do for me, but what you can do for your country.” That was about the limit of the lofty rhetoric in the entire speech though, because unlike most candidates out there he lays out detailed solutions including specifics.

To lay out his ideas he took the audience through his first 6 days in office. His first day, he would initiate his plan to end the war in Iraq. He knows Congress could do this immediately if they followed his plan to de-authorize the war, or as he put it, “You guy's authorized, so you can just as easily de-authorize it.” He would orderly pull all of our troops out, and added a unique twist from what the other candidates offered, he would not leave residual forces behind. He would bring Iraq's three factions to the table to discuss dividing up the country into three autonomous zones. While equally assuring sharing in oil revenue, and an inclusive parliament and cabinet. He would bring in all of Iraq's neighbors to collectively plan to rebuild the country and push for an all Muslim Peacekeeping Force.

His second day, he would lay out and start his plan for energy independence. He views this as a matter of National Security since we import 65% of our oil. He has a very detailed, Apollo like program, for American energy independence in 10 years. It includes massive public and private investment in clean, renewable, and domestic sources of energy. In turn creating opportunities for economic boom and massive job growth.. Money would be invested into our schools and universities to help us regain our status in the world of technology. He includes a significant raise in mileage standards to 50 MPG in four years. He proposes the US sponsor a new Kyoto Treaty that would reduce CO2 emissions 30% by 2020 and 50% by 2050.

His third day, he would initiate his plan to revitalize our public education system and again become competitive in education. His first step would be a massive audit of the public school system to cut out waste. This money would be put to work on other aspects of his plan like guaranteeing every child preschool and full day kindergarten, give every child a healthy breakfast in the public schools. Raise teacher pay but hold teachers to a higher standard adding the ability to ensure teachers are engaged and invigorating their entire career. He would start a National School Scholarship so every American has the chance at higher education.

Day four, he would start his plan towards a National Health Care System. Consisting of a single-payer, non-profit organization that would offer “the Cadillac” of health care programs, the same what members of Congress receive. Known for his ability to accomplish goals without raising taxes, he is confident he could implement this without a tax hike. He points to the fact that we spend almost 30% of our nation's GDP on health care, yet everyday 4,000 more people lose their coverage. Whereas in France they spend 10% of their GDP on health care, yet still cover everyone. He would cut 31%, at least $3 trillion, from our current health care system that is geared towards administrative costs and put it into direct care. He would move the age for Medicare to 55 and start a Heroes Health Care Card that would let veterans and current members of the Armed Services receive treatment wherever no just in VA hospitals.

Day five, he would implement a plan for economic revitalization. He claims that the positive indicators and reports put forth by the Administration showing a healthy economy is only beneficial to Wall Street and the top 1% of the population. He feels that the middle class has been left behind in the past seven years.. He would advocate pro-growth, pro-business, and pro-expansion policy. Utilizing the ingenuity of America to again become the nation of science, research & development, and entrepreneurs.

Day 6, he would begin reaffirming America's values, such as respect for civil rights, action, and liberties. He wants to be an America advocating non-discrimination across the board. Around the world we are known for repression, torture, spying, eavesdropping, and executive orders abusing power. To counter this perception he would immediately shut down Guantanamo Bay, join the International Criminal Court, make the Geneva conventions law, restore Habeas Corpus, and reassert rule of law within the Executive Office. Basing his foreign policy based on mediation, diplomacy, and trade.

I was able to speak with Robert Hubler (D) who is running against incumbent Republican Steve King for Iowa's 5^th District. He said that the Republican's have led the country astray by focusing too much on extreme issues that do nothing but divide the people such as LGBT rights, abortion, and a wall on the Mexican border. While offering essentially silence on issues such as Global Warming, Health Care, and Energy Independence. He echoed the need for a new vision across the board to deal with these problems. He agrees with the direction of Gov. Richardson, and having known him for 36 years believes our country would be in good hands under Bill Richardson's direction.