A series of memos to President-elect Obama identifying policy areas where his words line up with our vision.
Seeking common ground, The Heritage Foundation is reaching out to President-elect Barack Obama with specially designed policy memos on subjects where his words line up with our vision of how to solve the most critical issues facing America. Each entry in the series, titled “Change We Believe In: Memos to President-elect Obama,” will cite the incoming president’s own words as a starting point for potential agreement and necessary follow-through.
"In a world with nuclear weapons, America must continue efforts to defend against the mass destruction of its citizens and our allies."Moving Forward with Ballistic Missile DefensePresident-elect Obama, during the campaign you said you were committed to protecting the United States and its allies against attacks that employ weapons of mass destruction (WMD). This commitment extends to fielding defenses against such attacks that are delivered by ballistic missile systems. Your pledge is in keeping with the Bush Administration’s policy, moving the U.S. away from the Cold War strategy of relying almost exclusively on large-scale retaliatory threats, including nuclear weapons, to deter attacks. The American people should welcome this continuity because, first and foremost, they want to be protected.   | |
"If you don’t have health insurance, you’ll be able to get the same kind of health insurance Members of Congress get for themselves."Ensuring Access to Affordable Health InsurancePresident-elect Obama, during the campaign you pledged to build a health care system in which Americans can be assured of access to affordable health insurance. You guaranteed Americans who already have insurance that nothing would change except that their coverage would be less expensive. You pointed to the health system that Members of Congress have as your model for expanding coverage. And you agreed that choice of doctor and care is a basic principle. These laudable themes struck a chord with Americans...   | |
"We cannot allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon... And I will do everything that's required to prevent it."Yes, a Nuclear Iran Is UnacceptablePresident-elect Obama, you are right that the United States cannot allow Iran to attain a nuclear weapon. Your statement during the second presidential debate indicates that you appreciate the unacceptable dangers posed by a nuclear-capable Iran. But statements like the following indicate a lack of understanding about the past record of failed attempts to negotiate with Iran... | |
"I'll eliminate capital gains taxes for start-ups and small businesses, the engines of our job creation."Cutting Taxes to Promote Growth and Restore FairnessPresident-elect Obama, a centerpiece of your campaign was your pledge to cut taxes for 95 percent of American workers. Middle-class voters, especially, connected strongly with this pledge and expect their taxes to decline. Tax cuts are one key way to strengthen the economy for both the short term and long term, creating jobs and increasing wages. Targeting families, workers, and small businesses is a good starting point, but your promised tax cuts will deliver only minimal benefit to the groups you target. You must go farther if your tax plan is to promote a growing economy--something that is essential in our current situation...   | |
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