It's Crazy Out There!

To whom it may concern,

Two quick questions:
Why drop something from the health care reform bills (i.e. end of life counseling) if the myths surrounding it have already be debunked? Bending to false claims will only bolster this obstructive politics and in the end, produce a lower quality health care reform bill.

Secondly, where did the finance overhaul go? I know we have to focus on health care, and your administration made that choice, but I believe that we have missed a huge opportunity to structurally change the way our economy works. Not just by investing in green technologies, or shifting markets, but how we invest, save, and spend our money. The growth model that this country has been booming on for the past 50 years is unsustainable and at the core of a lot of these environmental and financial problems. We should have ended the Federal Reserve System in the wake of this scandal, and instead you promoted the people who were behind the collapse. The question I want answered is who controls the Federal Reserve? I know that it was originally formed with private money, and the United States government is only partly in control. Why then can no one answer me this question and why would we continue to let private businesses control our monetary policy?

I voted and campaigned for this administration, and this is my biggest disappointment to date.
Thank you for your time,

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Health Car Reform

To whom it may concern,

I believe that the most pressing issue that needs to be addressed in this debate is the cost of inactivity. It is briefly mentioned, but I think that if people knew what it meant not to act, they would agree more with the reforms or at least seek to better understand and provide input rather than just yell and scream. I also think that more needs to be done and/or explained for those with existing health insurance. The only benefit that I seemed to hear is that by insuring all Americans, there would be a greater discount over time due to competition, and that the hidden cost of $1,000 to cover the uninsured would eventually be eliminated. Can we not guarantee that once this bill is passed that it will definitively be eliminated? Or can we require insurance companies to remove this hidden cost immediately? I have quality health care coverage, and I want to know more about what this bill means for me. Additionally, and I know the President does not like to look backwards, but can we at least talk a little about how everything that the detractors are saying now about federal healthcare reform, is what they were previously promoting and supporting under the Bush administration’s expansion of Medicare and Medicaid? This health care reform expanded costly federal subsidies, prevented access to cheaper drugs, and further bankrupted this country to the point where we are now. I would like a more historical perspective on the issue in general. One last thing: at these town hall meetings, I suggest that the Senators and Representatives first ask who among them uses or benefits from some sort of government health care program. When all the hecklers raise their hands, it should be very telling. Thank you for your time,

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Another Note from President Obama

To whom it may concern,

Here is the second response from the Obama Administration:

Dear Friend: Thank you for writing to me. I appreciate hearing from you and value your input. Each day, I am moved by the messages I have received from people across the country. Far too many Americans are struggling--falling behind on mortgage payments, coping with illness, or losing a job without warning. My Administration is working to address the serious challenges our Nation faces. I am committed to taking immediate steps that generate job creation and economic recovery, and I am determined to make investments that lay a new foundation for real and lasting progress.

To build this new foundation, we need health care reform--this year--that reduces costs, protects health care choices, and assures quality, affordable care for all Americans. I encourage you to visit www.HealthReform.gov to learn more about my commitment to enacting comprehensive health care reform in 2009.

I am also dedicated to building a clean energy economy that creates millions of jobs, helps us achieve energy independence, and reduces pollution as we tackle the effects of global warming. Please visit www.Recovery.gov to read about the more than $60 billion in clean energy investments my Administration has made to jump-start our economy and build the jobs of tomorrow.

To prepare our children to thrive in the global economy, we must guarantee every child a complete and competitive education. For information about my education reform agenda, please join me online at: www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/education.

At the same time, we have an obligation to rein in our budget deficit by cutting wasteful spending and ineffective programs. We can do all this, and change the way business is done in Washington, by building the most open, transparent, and accountable government in our history.

While we repair our communities, we must also recognize the important contributions of our service men and women in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other nations. Our military and their families have borne an enormous burden for their fellow citizens, serving with honor and succeeding beyond any expectation. For those who have been injured or lost their lives in pursuit of our freedom, we owe them our undying gratitude. I am committed to assisting our servicemembers, veterans, and their families and honoring our debts to them.

The only way to solve the problems of our time is to involve all Americans in shaping the policies that affect our lives. I hope you continue to explore www.WhiteHouse.gov, which is regularly updated and more interactive than ever before. Thank you again for writing. Sincerely, Barack Obama To be a part of our agenda for change, join us at www.WhiteHouse.gov

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

How Did This Environmental Disaster Happen?

To whom it may concern,

Can someone please explain to me how Coeur d'Alene Mines Corp appealed their plan to dump mine tailings into a lake on federal land in Alaska all the way to the Supreme Court and win? Seriously, how can this possibly comply with the Clean Water Act? Now that another inane and asinine policy of the Bush era has doomed a lake in Alaska, can we please overturn this policy that allows the US Army Corps of Engineers to make such rulings? With 1.5 million ounces of proven gold deposits, I think that the mining company can afford to dump the waste elsewhere.

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Where is the Federal Land Use Policy?

To whom it may concern,

Land use policy and control is an inherently localized manner. But the federal government has had an increasing impact on local decision through court cases, tax structures, and transportation projects. Land use and transportation are inextricable interconnected, and the Federal Highway Reauthorization Acts always impact the way cities across the country continue to develop. While local leadership in many parts of the country has successfully guided these funds into mass transportation and alternatives to the automobile, the vast majority of the funds go to the expansion of our highways. And it is these subsidized highways more than any other factors that induce sprawl in America. Sprawl that devastates our farmland, our environment, our social network, and out economic efficiency. We should shift subsidies from single family homes to transit oriented development. Or even reward those who live without a car. If this administration wants to seriously alter the economy and our carbon footprint, then they will have to change the way that this country develops. We must focus on mass transportation, infill development and the revitalization of our existing infrastructure. You see these connections being made in places like California where greenhouse gas emissions laws are starting to encourage more compact, walkable neighborhoods and open space preservation. How will the federal government support and influence the private sector to shift into this new focus on the city?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Israeli Settlements

To whom it may concern,

The Israeli-Palestinian Road Map to peace is a very complicated process that requires both peoples to embark on simultaneous courses of action. From the very beginning, this Road Map has been riddled by false starts, false promises, and political upheaval. The process is inherently flawed in that it requires a diplomatic quid pro quo between two groups that have never worked hand in hand. And diplomacy never works when forced. Unfortunately, this universally accepted approach is very susceptible to failure because it removes the opportunity for compromise by setting a rigid path to peace. Unless you lose a war, peace is very much an on-going process. In that sense, the Road Map only leads to frustration, resentment, and mistrust when neither side is willing to make the first step. Recently, the lynchpin of this process has been Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The Road Map calls for these settlements to be halted and removed in order for the peace process to move forward. But this is wholly unnecessary. If Jewish settlers choose to move into the West Bank, then they should be allowed that choice, within land use law and environmental constraints. When that land then becomes Palestine, they will have a new choice; to become exiles in their own “land” or to join the Palestinian government. These enclaves should be viewed as less of a roadblock to peace and more of an opportunity for social integration. Once incorporated, these Jewish settlers would be forced to work with and hopefully in their new government. In the end, both States must recognize that they will not and should not be all Jewish or all Muslim, but as the cradle of the three faiths of Abraham, they will be multi-cultural and multi-ethnic. Why are we now beholden to this Road Map, and will you forge a new peace process?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Constraining State Ballot Initiatives

To whom it may concern,

Across the nation the State Ballot Initiative has been a growing force in local, regional, and state politics. Traditionally, these ballot initiatives have been used to advance issues that are not always popular with politicians. Political “third rail” issues like medical marijuana or gay marriage end up on state ballot initiatives through a relatively easy process. Through a ballot initiative, minority voices with powerful allies and large purses can bring an issue before the public. In some instances, this is the most direct form of democracy where the populace is essentially self-legislating. However, as is the case in California, these ballot initiatives have become ubiquitous. Of particular concern are ballot initiatives that mandate certain spending levels or have a permanent effect on the tax structure, budget, and policy. A democracy is supposed to change with the times and with its people. It is meant to be flexible. To have a ballot initiative passed 30 years ago tie the hands of the legislature today is counterproductive. State Ballot Initiatives do have their place. They should be used locally and regionally to generate funds for specific projects like mass transportation or cultural institutions. For States, they should be used to direct the legislature to address an issue instead of usurping the legislature. How can the federal government work to limit ballot initiatives that have disastrous effects on the long-term solvency of States?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Why Defend Torture?

To whom it may concern,

Over the past few weeks, there have been an increasing amount of attacks on the Obama administration for its change in policy on interrogation techniques (i.e. water boarding and other internationally understood forms of torture). The chief supporter of the Bush administration's approach, Vice President Dick Cheney, is also probably the one who is chiefly responsible for the initial decision. While he claims he is defending the President, one has to wonder who in their right mind would defend the practice of torture. The results of these "enhanced interrogation techniques" are defended by the Republicans without evidence, and usurped by the Democrats through the testimony of former interrogators, lawyers, and other Justice Department officials from the previous administration. Regardless of their effectiveness, which is at best inconclusive, it is bizarre to see a former Vice President in the limelight to defend a decision and a strategy that he no longer has any control over or say in. Until the Bush administration, the United States and its military had been regarded as a beacon for human rights. The Germans marched West in order to be captured by Americans instead of the Russians. The Civil Rights Movement gave the world hope for equality. And virtually every international agreement or treaty for the last century is written with language to bolster human rights protections in foreign countries. With our reputation now tainted by unilateral military action, Abu Ghraib prison, and the torture of suspected terrorists, how will this administration restore our moral standing with the world?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

The First Response from President Obama!

To whom it may concern,

It was not much and it was automated, but at least I finally heard back from them:

Dear Gunnar Hand:

Thank you for contacting the White House to share your thoughts with President Obama. We are glad to have your comments and hear the thoughts of all Americans.

The President greatly appreciates the outpouring of messages expressing different views from across the country, and from Americans around the world. Some comments are supportive, some are critical, but all reflect the desire of Americans to participate in a dialogue about our common concerns and challenges.

Thank you again for contacting President Obama. We invite you to visit www.WhiteHouse.gov to learn more about the President's actions and views.

Sincerely,

F. Michael Kelleher
Special Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Correspondence

To be a part of our agenda for change, join us at www.WhiteHouse.gov

Gas Tax

To whom it may concern,

As soon as demand dropped off with the recession, oil prices and profits plummeted from their record levels. At the height of our oil exploitation, the United Stated public began to radically shift their consumption and transportation behavior. More people took transit and in the process converted millions from the single occupancy vehicle. As the economy stabilizes, the federal government should increase gas taxes as a means to finally shift consumer patterns away from our dependence on foreign oil. This strategy would improve foreign relations, reduce the burden on the military, alleviate congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and propel the green industry movement. The petroleum based economy must be replaced by an alternative, renewable energy economy. The profits from the tax measure would be used to bolster the ailing Highway Trust Fund. With this reauthorization would come an opportunity to reform the funding program to completely realign its priorities. Instead of building highways it would promote the creation of a multi-modal transportation network. These funds could transform our entire roadway network into both green streets (storm water management, permeable surfaces, urban forest, and expanded open space) and complete streets (two-way pedestrian, bike, bus, transit, and automobile streets). The monies used to create more capacity for highways should be used to build bike lanes on every street, expand sidewalks and street amenities, and provide efficient and accessible transit options. All of this would feed into a more livable, efficient, and productive built environment that would encourage social cohesion and economic competitiveness.

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

the 100th Day

To whom it may concern,

The 100th day of the age of Obama is now upon us, so I will keep this brief. Speaking directly to the President and his administration, will you maintain the pace of change that you have had in the first 100 days throughout the remainder of your term? Of all the programs that have been initiated, how will you follow through with their passage and implementation? Finally, with everyone else in the world scoring your performance, what is your honest assessment of how you have done thus far?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Politics as Usual

To whom it may concern,

Closing in on the coveted, yet arbitrary first 100 days of his administration, President Obama moved one vote closer to an opposition proof Congress. With Arlen Specter now a Democrat and Al Franken nearly confirmed, 60 Senate Democrats are primed to move forward with the full Obama agenda. While the opposition decries the lack of bi-partisanship promised during the candidacy, it is hard to empathize with the former majority who only played partisan politics during their stint as the majority. With the political pendulum now fully on the Democrats side, they must believe that they, along with Obama, have a mandate for change. While the Republicans have been doing some soul searching recently as the opposition, the Democrats, as a super majority, must do some soul searching of their own. A filibuster proof Congress must think long-term in order to maintain its balance of power. Otherwise, drastic passage of legislation or general poor performance could easily swing the majority the other way in the next election. While the Democrats feel like they need to make up for lost time, they should at least attempt to reach out across the aisle. And the Republicans must formulate some sort of alternative strategy other than just saying “no” in order to maintain their relevance. Will this administration continue to seek bipartisan support, or simply move on with politics as usual?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

A New Protest

To whom it may concern,

During the build-up to the Iraq War, the United States and the world saw some of the largest protests in history. While this huge show of force brought attention to public sentiment, it did nothing to change the government’s course of action. Subsequent protests have been ineffective or marred in violence, usually accredited to improperly termed "anarchists". These traditional forms of protest have done very little to effect real change as they did in their 1960s heyday. Since that time, protests have been incorporated into the government’s highly controlled permitting process. The effectiveness of the traditional protest has been squandered by this sponsorship of the State. What are missing from these acts of civil disobedience are the sit-ins and boycotts of the Civil Rights Movement. Instead of walking around and screaming for a day, the protests must begin to take action to produce the desired changes. Otherwise, we are simply venting our frustrations. Past protests fought injustices, racism and prejudice that were visible and painfully apparent. The fight today is much more clandestine, which makes it very difficult for a protest to truly connect to an issue and identify with the broader public. What is needed are new, imaginative and pro-active ways to express displeasure with the government. One such example is the nascent Flash mob movement. With so much at stake, how will the federal government respond to these burgeoning populist movements in the future?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Reinstating the Draft

To whom it may concern,

At the height of the Iraq War, there was a movement to reinstate the draft for the armed services. This measure was being discussed for several reasons. At the height of the Iraqi insurgency, recruitment was at an all time low. And as a means to deter current and future military action, a mandatory draft would directly link the public to such decisions. For many of those who initially protested the war, it was a very cerebral exercise in futility. For those who were in the armed services, it was their duty, responsibility, and job. For the families of the servicemen, it was a day they had been preparing for. The US high command had learned their lesson well from Vietnam. Now we are engaged in a prolonged war on terrorism with literally no end in sight. A mandatory draft would create an very tenuous balance between approval and protest. It would engage the public and promote good citizenship. It would actively promote participation in our democracy. Without it, the wars we fight would be solely determined by our leaders, our generals, and the military industrial complex. Without a volunteer military, a prolonged war would be virtually impossible. We would be forced to do what was never done prior to this war on terrorism; We would have to develop alternatives like economic sanctions, political and diplomatic pressure, multi-lateral engagement, and the strengthening our defenses at home. 9/11 did not happen because the terrorists are particularly smart, but because we were embarrassingly stupid and without foresight. Will the draft ever be reinstated in the United States?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Federal Reserve

To whom it may concern,

Nearly a century ago, after several failed starts, the United States created a Federal Reserve system. This is the same reserve system that is in place today. As the Federal Reserve takes an increasingly larger role in our economic recovery, several questions and concerns begin to arise. For instance, who actually owns the Federal Reserve? While the name would imply that it is a government entity, it is, in fact, a combination of a central bank, several regional banks, private banks, and other policy setting committees. The Federal Reserve is very much a quasi-public entity. A central component of its purpose is to maintain an elastic currency that both expands and contracts as is warranted by economic conditions. The Federal Reserve has not contracted the supply of money since the Great Depression. In this Great Recession, will the Federal Reserve implement this elastic currency to contract the supply of money? Since it can essentially issue debt without consequence in order to stimulate the economy by expanding the supply of money and credit, the Federal Reserve can print its way out of this recession. Yet the costs of these actions are unclear. If the Federal Reserve regulates monetary policy, then who regulates the Federal Reserve? There are no checks and balances for this quasi-public, independent institution. If the supply of money is virtually endless and not tied to any gold standard, what value does our currency really have (i.e. is it not just monopoly money then?)? And if it is just monopoly money, then why do we insist on perpetuating capitalism and not seek an alternative system?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Networking

To whom it may concern,

Over the past few years to a decade, there has been a growing field of science called Networking. Spawned from a rather interesting work entitled Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, Networking has begun to map out how people, places, things, and ideas are interconnected. Loosely the theory seeks to explain and illustrate how the world is completely interconnected. The revelation during some of the preliminary tests shows that there are hubs, like Kevin Bacon, that have a greater gravitational pull on people. As the science begins to develop and evolve, several implications in regards to the way we organize our built environment, regulate and expand economies, and even administer government are already beginning to emerge. For example, how can we use this information to more efficiently connect people to these hubs? The internet is a perfect example of this, but even within the World Wide Web there are hubs like Google of Facebook. Networking is a grand theory in an era where virtually no grand theories (such a relativity or objectivism) exist. These theories have historically changed the way in which we as humans comprehend our world. They are significant contributors to a global shift in consciousness. With a global cry for change, and a desperate need to augment the world’s behavior, this type of theory could elevate our understating of ourselves, this planet, and even our existence. With the recent shift in support for science in this administration, will there be room to help expand this new science of Networking?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

The Kissinger Connection

To whom it may concern,

As a relatively young politician on the national scene, President Obama has had to reach out to all sorts of political pundits in order to legitimize his experience and record. This was illustrated by his selection of Vice President Joe Biden. It is also seen in his Cabinet selections and various appointments. But one troubling confidante is former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. Now, I can understand how someone could not say "no" to such a political heavyweight. However, even after 30 years of direct involvement in US foreign policy, how can this administration listen to the advice of a man who escalated the Vietnam War, was involved in Operation Condor in South America, and as recently as the previous administration contributed to the buildup of the Iraq War? The policies of Kissinger are those of constant US intervention across the globe. We are spread thin as is, and the political clout of a new President ultimately fades with time. The United States must seek to solidify its independence from not increase its dependence on the rest of the world during these tumultuous economic and geo-political times. As a consultant, what type of advice does Henry Kissinger offer to this administration, and how does it influence policy?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Earth Day

To whom it may concern,

Earth Day is always a time to take a moment and think about your impact on the planet. Yet so much of this nation is cursed with an out of sight out of mind mentality. While die-hard environmentalists are stereotyped as radical, tree-hugging hippies, one's commitment to living in harmony with the earth's ecosystem seems more like a good idea than a derogatory label. On this Earth Day, everyone should take a practical step forward to reduce their ecological footprint. Instead of buying bottled water, buy a canteen and refill it. Instead of relying of plastic or even paper bags when you shop, bring your own reusable bags. If you have the space, start a bee hive, compost bin, or recycling program in your office or residential building. Or just simply start walking and biking more. While the government can do much to provide the services and facilities to promote good stewardship, it is up to the individual to participate. With these simple steps in mind, how will the federal government seek to alter this nation's individual and collective behavior in terms of the environment, natural resources, and sustainability?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

Military Secrets

To whom it may concern,

Over the past few weeks, there has been a spat of accusations against the Obama administration regarding national security. The argument is that the actions of this administration have been breaking down the good work of the Bush administration. While the focus of the Bush administration's national security objectives involved stretching out military across the world to deter terrorism, the Obama administration has taken a more traditional stance on the issue. Nuclear non-proliferation is now an essential part of the debate, and a more holistic, multi-lateral approach to combating terrorism appears to be the current policy. Yet the foundation for all of these accusations is undone by recent reports that have uncovered several breeches to the nation's military and infrastructure networks. Over the past two years, hackers have broken into the Pentagon, Department of Defense, our national electric grid, and now the blueprints of our next generation fighter planes. This is clearly a more dangerous threat to national security than pulling back on American interrogation techniques. How will this administration protect the American public from both domestic and foreign cyber crime?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP

New Orleans Rebirth

To whom it may concern,

It has been over three years since the federal government blundered both disaster response and recovery in the wake of hurricane Rita on the Gulf Coast. And now, with billions of dollars moving through one of this country's most graft ridden local governments, very minimal progress is being made in the City of New Orleans. While there are some high profile efforts to rebuild housing and upgrade the City's intricate levy system, many recovery efforts have unfortunately focused on the City's tourism industry. Yet the city is only at about half its former population, FEMA communities still house those effected, and no real coordinated, comprehensive recovery effort exists. What seems to be lacking now is what was lacking from the start; leadership. So much thought has gone into this issue that there are now hundreds of disparate plans all working simultaneously and in most cases against one another. New Orleans is a classical case of human encroachment on ecologically sensitive areas. The central city, built by the French atop a hill, was virtually undamaged by the Hurricane and subsequent levy breach. It is here where future development should be concentrated. Instead of rebuilding the areas that were protected only by expensive levees and outdated flood management ideas, it is in these prime development areas where the city can reconnect with its natural environs, effectively manage stormwater run-off, and reintroduce much needed natural wetlands. Instead of rebuilding these devastated neighborhoods, we should take this opportunity to develop a single masterplan for the City that focuses development away from these hazardous areas, reintroduces a natural water flow through the City and across the delta, and maximizes the natural landscape. With the assistance of the State and Federal governments, New Orleans should focus on reducing its ecological footprint as a means to revitalize the city. How will the federal government change or augment its role in disaster recovery for New Orleans?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP