The change I need!

Following up on my previous post, here are somethings I'd like to see in an Obama presidency, as a change from the Bush administration:

1. A real scientist in-charge of the EPA, or at least a professional with a science background.  The person should also have a strong independent streak, so s/he can put science and the public health ahead of corporate/monetary interests.

[There was a trial balloon that RFK, Jr could be the EPA administrator - but he's an activist of dubious credentials, even if on the right side.  And not a scientist.]

2. Do we really need another President who uses executive orders rather than wait for Congress to act (via FirstRead)?  Here's a leader of Obama's transition team, John Podesta:

"There’s a lot that the president can do using his executive authority without waiting for Congressional action, and I think we’ll see the president do that"

Yes, I know - Obama will be reversing some questionable decisions by the Bush administration.  But it's the principle - and should we not hold President Obama to the same standard to which we hold/held President Bush?

3. This is not about governance per se, but worth mentioning.  I just heard Howard Fineman on "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" that Obama does not want to make a hero out of Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) by kicking him out of the Democratic caucus or stripping him of his Homeland Security/Government Affairs Senate Committee chairmanship.  I am not so sure - Lieberman campaigned actively against Obama, questioning his abilities while praising Governor Palin's qualifications.  Lieberman also said that "whether Obama is a Marxist" is a good question, questioned Obama's patriotism, and was mute when Governor Palin accused Obama of "palling around with terrorists." [The last as heard on Rachel Maddow's show tonight.]  This is the person Obama, Reid and other Democrats want as Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security/Government Affairs committee?