I would like to offer the suggestion of voluntary military service for non violent prison inmates.

For a defined period of military service an incarcerated inmate could receive a clear record assuming a firstsecond time offender.

Maybe this idea could reduce prison populations, give offenders a chance at redemption and provide human resources.

Thank You – Covi

Location: Aurora, Colorado

Keep the old Marine One or upgrade to the Blackhawk UH-60. The Blackhawk is a newer aircraft and is currently used by the military. It is also American made. This idea would save well over half the 11 Billion Dollars earmarked for the presidential helicopter program. Use the saved money to build a new Walter Reed Hospital. Honor those Veteran’s that have given so much for our country.

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Rather than futily attempting to eradicate opium production by destroying the livelihood of marginal farmers, how’s about just buying up the crop. It would seem that the US directly buying opium from farmers would get the corrupt middlemen out of the picture, make sure cash is flowing to the farmers, and take the drugs off the international market.

The costs of such a program would be far below what we are currently expending and would deprive the Taliban of a major source of income which they use against us.

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American involvement in Afghanistan must end now. We are killing both Americans and Afganis to no avail. In addition, the funds used for the war are needed to aid our own citizens.

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To win in Afghanistan, we have to buy the opium.

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Dear President Elect Obama,

I am so happy you have been elected and I really like the way you are handling your transition. I have no arguments at all regarding your appointments and I hope the Congress confirms them very promptly.

On Dec 23, 2008, I saw on the TV News the actions of some of the Armed Forces in distributing school supplies and such to some youngsters in a school in Iraq as a Christmas gesture. It would be my suggestion that you explore the use of some troops in this way often, not just at this time of the year. It seems that to get the appreciation of a nation for such acts would go a long way in gaining success with this operation.

I am sure you are enjoying the warm breezes of Hawai’i and wish many more warm breezes for you as you tackle the immense problems you face.

Best,

Wallace Rhine

22401 Fort Ross Road

Cazadero, CA 95421

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The question that needs asking is why are so many people trying to “escape” reality by getting high. The answer to that questions points to the ONLY viable solution to the drug problem in this country. The “war” on drugs is a perfect model for increasing profit for the suppliers. Meanwhile, the result is prisons filled to overflow with people whose “crime” was smoking some pot. My personal observation as a retired Army 1st Sergeant: the soldiers recovering from last nights hangover were virtually useless, those that got high on pot were functional next day. Cynicisim makes me wonder if the mafia might be funding the “anti-drug” lobby.

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