Dear Mr. President

WITH THE PRESIDENTIAL election upon us, DAM intern Karen lorio '10 asked a wide range of Dartmouth professors what one piece of advice they would offer the next U.S. president, regardless of party or campaign platform.

"Have modest expectations about what is possible in the American system of separated powers and focus on a few priorities while developing a long-term governing strategy. Such a president will immediately be labeled a failure by the media, but he just might end up succeeding where so many others have failed."

Linda Fowler Government

"Restore confidence: of us in our economy, of us in our government and of the rest of the world in us."

Dean Lacy Government

"Enhance the federal government's financial investment in basic scientific research in order to ensure America's preeminence as the global thought leader."

Ed Berger Biology

"Push forward food aid and agricultural trade policies to benefit hungry people rather than the agribusiness lobby. It would be good for development and diplomacy."

Susanne Freidberg Geography

"Get our health system to focus on prevention. A national institute to evaluate the cost effectiveness of every service reimbursed would help move precious resources toward medicine that actually improves outcomes and overall health—away from tests and treatments that may have no measurable benefit."

Ethan Berke Community and Family Medicine, DMS

"One of the most important things you can do is to think deeply about the most radical phrase in the Declaration of Independence: that U.S. citizens have a right to 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.' It may be time to seriously ponder the concept of happiness and ensure that all citizens across the world can attain it."

Michael Bronski Women's and Gender Studies/ Jewish Studies

"Surround yourself with advisors whose opinions, philosophies and policy proposals are diverse. Any president will make mistakes, but the magnitude of your mistakes will be compounded if all you hear are ideas that reinforce your initial inclinations."

John Cary Government