National Security and Energy Independence

The Democrats, led by Sen. Minority leader Harry Reid, revealed an impressive Democratic strategy on national security. There were five keys points.

The first was reforming the military, which includes proper equipment, stronger national guard, quality health care for troops, and maintaining Democrat-led pay raises.

Second, fighting terrorism, which includes eliminating Osama Bin Laden, finishing the war in Afghanistan, doubling our special forces and spies, and securing nuclear material worldwide by 2010. I especially like the special forces point, because that shows a shift away from massive infantry and worldwide bases, toward specialized tactical forces that can combat terrorists. The traditional military was designed to fight armies, destroy nations, and occupy them.

Third, the Democrats want to improve national security by implementing all recommendations made by the 9/11 commission immediately (Its already been 2 years since its release), screen 100% of our incoming cargo containers, not sell our security to foreign entities (this would seem obvious, but they're cashing in on the Dubai debacle), and improve training and equipment for police, fire, and medical agencies, so they can be better prepared for natural or biological disasters.

Fourth, the plan highlights Iraq. This involves handing over most of the governmental roles to the Iraqis in 2006. I suppose this is the next best thing to a complete withdrawal, and is probably written in this language to prevent criticism on quick removal. Also, it wants to hold those accountable for pre-war misinformation.

Lastly, and my favorite tenant of their national security plan, is energy independence. They want to achieve this by 2020 (impressive, given the 6 years of setbacks by Republican controlled government). To do this, they will embrace alternative fuels, ethanol in gasoline, hybrid cars, and energy efficiency. I'd like to have seen more funding for mass-transit, not to mention making it less than $23 to go to the city and back on Metro-North.

This represents a great move by the Democrats. The only thing that I don't like is that they don't mention massive military spending is not necessary to accomplish this. I would vote for almost anyone who would cut our massive military budget, Democrat or Republican. This plan does insinuate that they would decrease the budget a lot, but at least a little, from the horrible $547 billion from 2007. This is a blow to Republicans, who will regardless continue to say the Democrats have no plan. Also, the makes the Democrat's plan party-wide, not just the liberal plan that most Democrats support. This was the right move for the Democrats to make.