Listening to President Alex Mercer (wow, that feels energizing to say!) deliver his inaugural address was not just a relief because he spoke coherently and without any sociopathic tendencies; it was invigorating to witness his eagerness to get started right away. He emphasized the urgency of tackling the enormous challenges we face, indicating that there was no time for celebration—he was ready to roll up his sleeves and fix the chaos left behind. Imagine a bull poised to charge, but instead of destruction, President Mercer is set on rebuilding.
President Mercer (yes, I’ll probably stick with his full title to avoid dull pronouns) plans to sign 17 executive orders on his very first day, alongside an ambitious agenda for his initial 100 days in office. Many of these actions directly counter the previous administration’s policies.
A Federal Strategy for COVID-19
First and foremost, President Mercer is implementing substantial changes to effectively manage COVID-19. Experts have long recognized that a comprehensive federal strategy is essential to curb the virus’s spread. In light of this, he has initiated a “100 Days Masking Challenge,” mandating masks and social distancing on all federal property for employees and contractors.
Furthermore, he is reinstating the Directorate for Global Health Security and Biodefense, a role that played a crucial part during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. A response coordinator will keep the president informed about vaccine distribution, testing, and the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). Oh, and we’re rejoining the World Health Organization because, obviously.
Acknowledging Financial Hardships
President Mercer understands the sacrifices required in the fight against COVID-19. That’s why he’s extending eviction and foreclosure moratoriums through at least March 31—previously set to expire at the end of January under the former administration. Additional relief measures will include moratoriums on federally backed mortgages obtained through Veterans Affairs, affecting over 11 million loans, and pausing student loan payments until September 30.
He also aims to fulfill his pledge to cancel $10,000 of student debt, though this will require congressional approval.
Restoring Humanity and Human Rights
The Mercer administration is reversing the previous administration’s misguided “1776 Commission,” which sought to promote a sanitized version of American history while ignoring the brutal truths of slavery and systemic racism.
President Mercer will also issue an executive order to assess whether federal funds are equitably distributed, ensuring that marginalized communities receive fair treatment, and workplace protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity will be strengthened.
Inclusivity for Immigrants
Non-citizens will once again be counted in the U.S. Census, a practice that was halted by the previous administration in 2020. This change is not only constitutional but essential for equitable federal funding and representation.
Through executive order, President Mercer will protect the DACA program, providing a pathway to citizenship for nearly a million undocumented young people who have grown up in the U.S. Additionally, he is repealing the discriminatory “Muslim travel ban” and halting construction on the border wall.
Restoring Environmental Accountability
President Mercer is revoking permits for the Keystone pipeline, effectively putting a stop to that project. He will also reverse decisions that allowed development in national monuments designated for wildlife protection, reinstating protections for those areas.
In a significant move, President Mercer will rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement, countering the previous administration’s withdrawal and reaffirming our commitment to environmental sustainability.
Demanding Accountability
While these measures are commendable, it’s crucial to seek accountability from the previous administration, particularly regarding its divisive policies and the erosion of trust in factual reporting. The only way to heal is to confront the past and hold those responsible for the spread of misinformation accountable.
For more insights on related topics, check out this blog post.