Top 10 Issues Facing the Next US President

I'm starting to put together a list of issues that need immediate attention as far as I can tell. As with any of my blogs, please feel free to comment (or add) using the "Comment" link at the bottom right of each post.

Loosely in order of importance:

1) Our Federal Debt - I just heard today that we recently raised the debt ceiling to $9.0 Trillion. Needless to say, our children are going to be forced to service this debt and its not going to be easy. Can you image if you're a child and you inherit HUGE credit card bills from your parents? Unbelievable. It's not about balancing the budget anymore. It's now about running a sizable surplus for the foreseeable future!

2) Foreign Affairs -
-Iraqi War: We need our best and brightest (and most unbiased) in here helping to lay out a strategy that will get them on their own feet ASAP. I know easier said than done, that's why it's on the list.
-Iran: Iran recently threatened the US with "harm and pain" in response to the US involvement in Iran's nuclear arms interests. Same country who threatened to "wipe Isreal from the face of the Earth". Someone with some kind of diplomacy skills needs to pay these guys a visit.

3) Healthcare costs and coverage

4) Education

5) Energy Crisis
- Relations with Arab Nations
- Relations with Venezuala
- Alternative Sources of Energy

6) Domestic Civil Liberties
-Abortion
-Gay Rights
-Privacy
-Upholding the Geneva Convention

7) Housing Bubble and Its Impact on the Economy

8) Retirement for Baby Boomers

9) Preparing the US for the Global Economy - I just started The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman today. First 30 pages are strong. I've read all of his other books which proved insightful. More commentary from his latest as I dig in.

Regardless, globalization is upon us and the US leadership needs to embrace the opportunities and the challenges that it presents.

10) ***I need a number 10*** That's where you come in...

More on ALL of these in future posts. I just wanted to get them out there so that they can season (at least in my own mind, but I hope in yours too).