I'm disappointed with the structure of the debate taken by the Unity08 web site. Unity08 has framed the issues directly in terms of the concrete problems facing America (global warming, health care, the economy, etc.) - apparently with no thought toward the higher strategic themes behind all of these issues.

Voters like myself are not frustrated with conventional parties because of their stances (or lack thereof) on the concrete issues, but because mainstream leaders are ignoring root cause and are not communicating an American grand strategy (or call it a "vision statement") to move America out of its morass.

For example, why is American competitiveness in the global market declining? We all sense it's true, and it causes, contributes to, or complicates the resolution of concrete problems like health care, education or global warming. This is a root cause issue - without a strong economic engine to fund solutions, all we can do is develop an unfunded wish list.

A grand strategy/vision statement not only provides a set of imperatives and principles to apply in resolving concrete issues. It also generates faith in the society and the motivation to support that society - even at the risk of life. And we need that motivation - especially if we have reached the soft stage of past civilizations where comfort replaces productivity as the cultural norm. Where did I put those ticket to the lion feed at the Coliseum, anyway?

The new U.S. administration ought to be identifying and analyzing the common root causes in all of these problems and forming a grand strategy - and the president him/herself ought to communicate that grand strategy that addresses these root issues in an inspirational way. For example, taken at face value, President Bush's stated desire to bring democracy to the world, starting with the Middle East is certainly a principle of grand strategy. Whether it is right as a grand strategy needs vetting - and is the kind of issue the country needs to debate. Is universal democracy even possible? Is the pursuit of universal democracy world consistent with America's vision?

Some consider the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence to be America's grand strategy. I agree. But as interpreted today, do these documents provide strategic precepts that motivate and guide us?

In the way Unity08 has structured the issues, it has let the mainstream parties frame the debate, and like the donkeys and elephants, is missing the long-term, fundamental issues facing America. We should be debating what vision of America will guide and motivate us to ensure America's survival and prosperity.