Weekend Writing Assignment #32

John M. Scalzi’s Weekend Writing Assignment #32: Congratulations! The American People have elected you President -- for one day. You are allowed to make one Executive Order. What is it?

 Sites focused on Executive Orders:  http://www.fas.org/irp/offdocs/direct.htm

http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/executive_orders/executive_orders.html

At first my mind drew blanks, which is hardto do (       ) ß-me drawing a blank.  Then, once the ideas started flowing, I couldn’t stop the flood.  So many areas need addressing that I was easily overwhelmed with debates of “I wanna do this, but this is more important, and what about this, that there affects more folks, and don’t forget about this whole thing here…”  But my mind kept coming back to one area.

I think we can better budget our money, as a nation.  We do not need to spend so much on defense and correction systems.  Our other social institutions are suffering as a consequence.  Namely, health/medicine and education are becoming increasingly poor in quality.  Perhaps if we spent more wisely on education, we might not feel we need to spend so foolishly on prisons.

So my executive order would be to fund research and development to all; for quality implementation of good methods and programs, more rigorous standards and criteria for teachers, and an array of programs to address the various learning styles and needs of our children.  This is also heavily tied into health and nutrition, preventative measures to ensure the optimum performance of our students.  I would beef up our physical education programs, without sacrificing our academics. Obesity has become a weighty issue, a pressing concern, as more of our children are afflicted with more health problems related to poor dietary habits and lack of exercise.  All these things would most benefit our children if combined so that no essential area is neglected.

Dream on, right?

Extra Credit: The Presidential Medal of Freedom is America's highest civilian honor. Give it to someone.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom (http://www.medaloffreedom.com/)

“The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, recognizes exceptional meritorious service. The medal was established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize notable service in the war. In 1963, President Kennedy reintroduced it as an honor for distinguished civilian service in peacetime.”

In keeping with the above theme, I want to honor founders of public institutions of higher education.  “AAHRPP® is the creation of seven nonprofit founding member organizations representing the leadership of universities, medical schools and teaching hospitals; biomedical, behavioral and social scientists; and patient and disease advocacy organizations.”  This not only allows me to address education, but also those researching and developing, contributing to our major social institutions, in particular focusing on health and medicine.  (http://www.aahrpp.org/founders.htm)

One current member of the board is Susan L. Weiner, Ph.D., president of The Children’s Cause for Cancer Advocacy (formerly called The Children's Cause, Inc.).  “…give voice to the concerns of childhood cancer patients, survivors and their families and empower them to take on leadership roles in pediatric cancer advocacy. Dr. Weiner, whose child was a 13-year cancer survivor, has been key to bringing childhood cancer to the forefront of the national cancer policy agenda”  (http://www.childrenscause.org/about/mission_susan_weiner.shtml)

In addition, Dr. Weiner is the founder of Mary McDowell Center for Learning, an independent school in New York City for children with learning disabilities.  “The Center's approach is grounded in the Quaker values of respect for individuals, personal, and social responsibility, peaceful resolution of conflict, the importance of diversity and the value of service. Challenging and building on the strengths of each child, the Center cherishes the uniqueness of every student.”   http://www.marymcdowell.org/

Susan L. Weiner, Ph.D., serves on many boards and works to improve the well-being of our children in various ways.  In my opinion, she takes the cake, candles and all.  I would award her the medal and a portion of funds to further the causes she advocates.