Time and again I said that we have a president who is the best in a long time, maybe among best ever. He has on hands a gigantic crisis and is trying hard to deal with it. But time may be running out on new initiatives, " a change we can believe in." So I will venture to suggest two things which may be initial steps toward important change.

 First, an open declaration that the US intends to reduce its military presence abroad to a minimum necessary. This should immediately be followed by withdrawal of 5% of troops from Germany and 20% from Saudi Arabia. As time permits, the US should start selling the real estate held in Germany.

 Second is a suggestion made by Mr Carville and I think it is long overdue. In short, in federal elections the incumbent could not raise money for campaigns. The challenger could raise as much as possible. Fifteen percent of the money raised by the challenger would be recognized for the effort but an amount equal to the 85% would be given to the incumbent for the campaign.

 These two steps could start us in a new direction, hopefully a good one.
 This article is short but I believe that Sparta lasted long since their talk was short.