gprime
June 10th, 2008, 01:00 AM
With the elections drawing ever closer, people are focusing on the presidential race. While that is important, we must also realize that the impact any leader has, and the power they exercise, also depends upon their appointments. In other words, though the head of the Executive branch, the President's power is largely dependent upon his cabinet, his diplomatic appointments, the judges he elevates, ect. So, with that in mind, who would you like to see in which positions?
I'll start...
John Bolton - Secretary of State
A Goldwater Republican, Bolton has extensive experience in politics, having worked for the Department of Justice, USAID, the Department of State, and as the US representative to the United Nations. With nearly three decades in law and politics, he has made a name for himself as a bold figure willing to fight for what is right, no matter how unpopular. He's proven himself a staunch supporter of American allies such as Israel, and a fierce foe of enemies like North Korea. Perhaps most importantly, he is fully aware of the rising Islamist threat, and understands the scope of the issue far more than McCain, as evidenced by his position on Kosovo.
Richard Perle - Secretary of Defense
Truth be told, there are several other candidates who could do an equally excellent job here. However, Perle's extensive experience makes him a great choice. Under Reagan, he was the assistant Secretary of Defense, and has worked on the Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee from 1987 to 2004 (which he chaired for 3 years). He has a bi-partisan background, having worked for both Democrats and Republicans. Presently, he is involved in several think tanks, including Project for the New American Century, the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, Center for Security Policy, the Hudson Institute, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and the American Enterprise Institute. Accordingly, he is heavily cited in scholarly political science publications.
Frank Gaffney - Secretary of Homeland Security
Gaffney is the President of the Center for Security Policy, and thus specializes in issues of national security. Other qualifications include work experience in the Department of Defense, where he was previously nominated for, though congressionally blocked from becoming, the Assistant Secretary of Defense. His involvement in the making of the documentary Islam vs the Islamist suggests he understands the Islamic terror threat, which is also reflected by his work in the Set America Free Coalition.
Worth considering as alternatives for the above positions or others not yet mentioned: Paul Wolfowitz, Douglas Feith, Daniel Pipes, Robert Spencer, Thomas Sowell, Steve Forbes, Alan Dershowitz, Stephen Rosen, Mark Styen (Press Secretary), Charles Krauthammer, Eliot Cohen, and Zell Miller.
Ideal candidates if a Supreme Court vacancy arises: Richard Posner & Alex Kozinski.
I'll start...
John Bolton - Secretary of State
A Goldwater Republican, Bolton has extensive experience in politics, having worked for the Department of Justice, USAID, the Department of State, and as the US representative to the United Nations. With nearly three decades in law and politics, he has made a name for himself as a bold figure willing to fight for what is right, no matter how unpopular. He's proven himself a staunch supporter of American allies such as Israel, and a fierce foe of enemies like North Korea. Perhaps most importantly, he is fully aware of the rising Islamist threat, and understands the scope of the issue far more than McCain, as evidenced by his position on Kosovo.
Richard Perle - Secretary of Defense
Truth be told, there are several other candidates who could do an equally excellent job here. However, Perle's extensive experience makes him a great choice. Under Reagan, he was the assistant Secretary of Defense, and has worked on the Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee from 1987 to 2004 (which he chaired for 3 years). He has a bi-partisan background, having worked for both Democrats and Republicans. Presently, he is involved in several think tanks, including Project for the New American Century, the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, Center for Security Policy, the Hudson Institute, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and the American Enterprise Institute. Accordingly, he is heavily cited in scholarly political science publications.
Frank Gaffney - Secretary of Homeland Security
Gaffney is the President of the Center for Security Policy, and thus specializes in issues of national security. Other qualifications include work experience in the Department of Defense, where he was previously nominated for, though congressionally blocked from becoming, the Assistant Secretary of Defense. His involvement in the making of the documentary Islam vs the Islamist suggests he understands the Islamic terror threat, which is also reflected by his work in the Set America Free Coalition.
Worth considering as alternatives for the above positions or others not yet mentioned: Paul Wolfowitz, Douglas Feith, Daniel Pipes, Robert Spencer, Thomas Sowell, Steve Forbes, Alan Dershowitz, Stephen Rosen, Mark Styen (Press Secretary), Charles Krauthammer, Eliot Cohen, and Zell Miller.
Ideal candidates if a Supreme Court vacancy arises: Richard Posner & Alex Kozinski.