Sparkle
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Sparkle: Comparing XYZ of the ABCs
Comparing XYZ of the ABCs
It's almost that time of year again-tax-free back-to-school shopping, fresh haircuts and new up-dos, lunch boxes and uniforms, and all the excitement that come with returning to a familiar school routine.
As I prepare, I mentally run through my checklist, noting what's already done and what still needs attention. My goal is simple: to make sure my child is set up for success. No child will excel in every single area, but understanding where support is needed-and where they can shine-helps ensure they meet grade-level expectations and, ideally, surpass them.
Then the bigger questions surface: What exactly is the standard? What benchmarks and developmental milestones should my child be aiming for this year? How do national expectations align with my child's age and grade level? Historically, Western students haven't always ranked at the top academically. It makes me wonder how our benchmarks compare to those in other countries, and what differences in educational approaches might explain those gaps.
What are the national education benchmarks for a
second grader?
National education benchmarks for second graders focus
on what most 7–8‑year‑olds are expected to know and be able to do across core
subjects. Because the U.S. does not have a single national curriculum,
benchmarks come from widely adopted standards such as Common Core (ELA
& Math), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS),
and C3 Framework for Social Studies. Below is a clear, structured
summary of what second graders are typically expected to achieve.
📘 English Language
Arts (Reading & Writing)
Key benchmarks:
- Read
and understand grade‑level stories and informational texts, including
identifying the main idea, key details, and story
structure (characters, setting, problem, solution).
- Read
with fluency: appropriate speed, accuracy, and expression.
- Use phonics to
decode words, including long vowels, vowel teams, and multisyllabic words.
- Write
short compositions with a clear topic, supporting
details, and concluding statement.
- Produce complete
sentences, use correct capitalization, punctuation,
and spelling for grade‑level words.
- Participate
in collaborative conversations, ask and answer questions, and
recount key ideas from oral presentations.
🔢 Mathematics
Key benchmarks:
- Add
and subtract within 100 using strategies based on place
value and mental math.
- Solve one‑
and two‑step word problems involving addition and subtraction.
- Understand
place value up to 1,000 (hundreds, tens, ones).
- Work
with equal groups as a foundation for multiplication.
- Measure
lengths using standard units (inches, feet, centimeters).
- Tell
and write time to the nearest five minutes; understand AM/PM.
- Work
with money: count coins, make change.
- Recognize
and draw 2D and 3D shapes; understand attributes (edges,
vertices, faces).
🔬 Science (NGSS‑aligned)
Key benchmarks:
- Understand plant
and animal needs, habitats, and life cycles.
- Describe properties
of matter (solid, liquid) and how materials can change.
- Observe
and explain patterns in weather and seasonal changes.
- Understand motion and
how pushes/pulls affect movement.
- Engage
in simple scientific investigations, make observations, and
record data.
🌍 Social Studies (C3
Framework)
Key benchmarks:
- Understand maps, globes,
and basic geographic concepts (landforms, bodies of water).
- Learn
about local communities, community roles, and basic government
functions.
- Compare cultural
traditions and communities around the world.
- Understand
basic economic concepts: goods/services, needs/wants,
producers/consumers.
- Use
inquiry skills: ask questions, gather information, and explain findings.
✏️ General Learning &
Behavior Benchmarks
- Follow
multi‑step directions.
- Work
independently for longer periods (10–20 minutes).
- Demonstrate organizational
skills (keeping materials together, completing tasks).
- Collaborate
with peers and participate in group activities.
- Show
developing self‑regulation, including managing frustration and
staying on task.
Create a comparison between X, Y and Z
Key takeaway: Second‑grade benchmarks in the X,
Y, and Z differ in emphasis: the X prioritizes critical
thinking and literacy skills, Y focuses on balanced development and
foundational competencies, while Z emphasizes academic rigor,
structured learning, and early mastery of core subjects. Below is a clear,
structured comparison grounded in available research and curriculum analyses.
Country X (Common Core–aligned)
Overall emphasis: Creativity, critical thinking,
foundational literacy and numeracy.
Benchmarks:
- Reading: Identify
main ideas, key details, story structure; develop fluency.
- Writing: Compose
short texts with clear topics and supporting details.
- Math: Add/subtract
within 100; understand place value to 1,000; solve word problems.
- Science: Hands‑on
inquiry; basic properties of matter, weather patterns, life cycles.
- Approach: Student‑centered,
discussion‑based, encourages exploration and independent thinking.
Country Y (City Curriculum as representative)
Overall emphasis: Balanced development,
literacy, numeracy, social responsibility.
Benchmarks:
- Reading: Understand
main ideas, infer meaning, expand vocabulary through guided reading.
- Writing: Develop
coherent paragraphs; apply grammar and punctuation; write for different
purposes.
- Math: Master
addition/subtraction to 100; early multiplication concepts; measurement
and geometry.
- Science: Simple
experiments; understanding properties of materials, growth of
plants/animals.
- Approach: Holistic,
inquiry‑based, with strong focus on communication and collaborative
learning. (Y does not have a single national curriculum; provinces
set standards. City’s Grade 2 expectations align closely with X. Common
Core in structure.)
Country Z (Compulsory Education Standards)
Overall emphasis: Academic achievement,
structured learning, early mastery of core subjects.
Benchmarks:
- Reading: Master
character recognition; read aloud fluently; understand text meaning;
memorize selected passages.
- Writing: Copy
characters accurately; write short compositions; follow strict handwriting
rules.
- Math: Strong
focus on computation accuracy; addition/subtraction within 100; early
multiplication; problem‑solving with structured methods.
- Science: Basic
natural science concepts; observation‑based tasks; less emphasis on open
inquiry compared to X./Y.
- Approach: Teacher‑centered,
rigorous, high expectations, structured practice.
🧠 What this means
for a second grader
- An X or
Y second grader typically develops critical thinking,
communication, and problem‑solving skills through exploration and
discussion.
- A Z second
grader typically develops strong foundational academic skills,
especially in reading and math, through structured practice and
memorization.
- Y benchmarks sit between the X and Z—balancing inquiry with structured skill developmen
🌟 Second Grade Parent
Checklist
A simple guide to track your child’s progress in reading,
writing, math, science, and social development.
📘 Reading Skills
- Reads
grade‑level books with growing confidence
- Understands
the main idea and important details
- Can
retell a story in order (beginning → middle → end)
- Recognizes
most common words automatically
- Uses
phonics to sound out new words
- Reads
aloud smoothly with expression
✏️ Writing & Language
- Writes
clear, complete sentences
- Uses
capitals and punctuation correctly
- Spells
common words accurately
- Writes
short paragraphs with a topic and supporting details
- Can
describe events, opinions, or simple stories
- Prints
neatly and consistently (China places extra emphasis on handwriting
accuracy)
🔢 Math Skills
- Adds
and subtracts numbers up to 100
- Solves
simple word problems
- Understands
place value (ones, tens, hundreds)
- Begins
working with equal groups (early multiplication)
- Tells
time to the nearest five minutes
- Counts
coins and understands basic money concepts
- Identifies
and describes shapes (2D and 3D)
🔬 Science Skills
- Observes
and describes plants, animals, and life cycles
- Understands
basic properties of matter (solid, liquid)
- Recognizes
weather patterns and seasonal changes
- Makes
predictions and simple observations during experiments
- Records
findings with drawings, charts, or short notes
🌍 Social Studies Skills
- Reads
and uses simple maps
- Understands
community roles (police, firefighters, mayor, etc.)
- Recognizes
cultural traditions and differences
- Understands
basic economic ideas (needs vs. wants, goods vs. services)
- Explains
simple historical or community events
🧠 Thinking & Learning
Skills
- Follows
multi‑step directions
- Works
independently for 10–20 minutes
- Stays
focused and manages frustration better than in Grade 1
- Organizes
school materials and completes tasks
- Participates
in group activities and discussions
❤️ Social & Emotional
Development
- Shows
empathy and kindness toward peers
- Resolves
small conflicts with words
- Understands
rules and routines
- Takes
responsibility for personal belongings
- Shows
growing confidence and independence
🏠 Home Support Checklist
- Reads
at home for 15–20 minutes most days
- Practices
math facts (quick addition/subtraction)
- Writes
short notes, stories, or journal entries
- Talks
about daily events to build vocabulary
- Has
regular routines for homework, sleep, and screen time
Monday, June 1, 2026
Transportation Impact Contribution (TIC) model
State and local governments face a widening transportation funding gap as fuel‑tax revenue declines and infrastructure costs rise. Traditional revenue sources—gas taxes, registration fees, and federal grants—are no longer sufficient to maintain roads, bridges, and transit systems. Mileage‑based user fees have been proposed as a replacement, but they raise persistent concerns about privacy, administrative complexity, and public acceptance.
The Transportation Impact Contribution (TIC) model provides
a sustainable, equitable alternative that does not require tracking individual
vehicle miles. Instead, TIC generates revenue from commercial sectors whose
business operations create significant transportation demand and infrastructure
wear. These include fast‑food chains, luxury goods retailers, and sports and
entertainment venues—industries that rely heavily on public roads, generate
high trip volumes, and benefit directly from transportation access.
The TIC framework consists of three targeted revenue
mechanisms:
• Fast‑Food Transportation Impact Tax — A tiered annual fee
on fast‑food locations based on vehicle trip generation, drive‑thru volume, and
delivery activity. Estimated revenue: $2–5 billion annually.
• Luxury Goods Sustainability Surcharge — A 1–3% surcharge on high‑end retail
purchases above a defined price threshold, reflecting the transportation and
logistics impacts of luxury supply chains. Estimated revenue: $1–2 billion
annually.
• Sports & Entertainment Mobility Impact Fee — A $1–$3 fee on event tickets
and a venue‑level impact fee based on attendance and parking capacity.
Estimated revenue: $1–1.5 billion annually.
Combined, these mechanisms can generate $4–8.5 billion per year without
imposing a pay‑per‑mile system on consumers.
All revenue would be dedicated to a Transportation
Infrastructure Fund (TIF) supporting road maintenance, bridge repair, transit
expansion, EV charging networks, and traffic safety initiatives. The model
includes safeguards to protect small businesses and incentivize sustainable
practices, such as credits for EV delivery fleets and congestion‑reducing
technologies.
The TIC system aligns transportation funding with
transportation impact, ensuring that industries benefiting most from public
infrastructure contribute proportionally to its upkeep. It avoids the privacy
concerns and administrative burdens of mileage‑tracking systems while providing
a stable, scalable revenue stream for long‑term infrastructure needs.
This approach strengthens transportation funding, enhances
equity, and supports economic sustainability—without requiring a pay‑per‑mile
program.
---
A sustainable transportation‑revenue plan can absolutely be built without charging consumers per mile. The key is to shift the burden toward industries whose business models heavily depend on public transportation infrastructure—fast food, luxury goods, and major sports/entertainment events. Below is a structured, actionable framework you can use as a policy concept, legislative outline, or strategic proposal.
---
🚦 Core Takeaway
A diversified Transportation Impact Contribution (TIC)
system—funded by fast‑food chains, luxury retailers, and sports/entertainment
venues—can replace or supplement pay‑per‑mile revenue by taxing industries that
generate high transportation demand, congestion, and infrastructure wear.
🧭 Comprehensive Revenue
Plan
“Transportation Impact Contribution” (TIC) Model
---
🍔 1. Fast‑Food
Transportation Impact Tax
Fast‑food chains generate massive vehicle traffic due to
drive‑thrus, delivery services, and high‑frequency customer turnover.
Structure
• Per‑location annual TIC fee based on:• Average daily
vehicle trips (ADT)
• Drive‑thru volume
• Delivery fleet usage
• Tiered rate:• High‑traffic national chains pay more
• Low‑traffic local restaurants pay less
Why it works
• Fast‑food restaurants are among the top generators of
short car trips.
• They rely heavily on public roads for customer access and delivery logistics.
Example revenue potential
• A $10,000–$25,000 annual TIC per high‑volume location
• With ~200,000 fast‑food locations nationwide → $2–5 billion annually
---
💎 2. Luxury Goods
Transportation Sustainability Surcharge
High‑end luxury retail generates:
• High‑value deliveries
• International shipping
• Premium mall traffic
• Large carbon footprints
Structure
• 1–3% surcharge on luxury goods above a defined threshold
(e.g., $1,000+ items)
• Applies to:• Jewelry
• Designer fashion
• High‑end electronics
• Luxury vehicles (non‑EV)
Why it works
• Luxury consumption is discretionary and less price‑sensitive.
• These industries rely on global logistics networks that burden transportation
infrastructure.
Example revenue potential
• U.S. luxury market ≈ $75B/year
• 2% surcharge → $1.5B annually
---
🏟️ 3. Sports &
Entertainment Mobility Impact Fee
Major events create:
• Traffic congestion
• Parking demand
• Road wear
• Public safety and transit costs
Structure
• $1–$3 per ticket Mobility Impact Fee
• Venue Impact Fee for stadiums/arenas based on:• Event frequency
• Attendance volume
• Parking capacity
Why it works
• Events generate predictable, concentrated transportation
loads.
• Fees can be collected seamlessly through ticketing systems.
Example revenue potential
• 500M+ annual U.S. sports/entertainment tickets
• $2 fee → $1B annually
---
🧮 Combined Revenue
Potential
Sector Estimated Annual Revenue Key Mechanism
Fast Food $2–5B Location-based TIC
Luxury Goods $1–2B Sustainability surcharge
Sports/Entertainment $1–1.5B Ticket-based mobility fee
Total $4–8.5B No consumer pay‑per‑mile
---
🛠️ Implementation
Framework
1. Define the Transportation Impact Index (TII)
A standardized formula measuring:
• Vehicle trip generation
• Delivery volume
• Event attendance
• Freight intensity
This index determines each sector’s tax tier.
2. Create a Transportation Infrastructure Fund (TIF)
All TIC revenue is earmarked for:
• Road maintenance
• Transit improvements
• EV charging networks
• Bridge repair
• Traffic safety programs
3. Legislative Components
• Statutory definition of TIC
• Industry classification
• Tiered tax schedule
• Annual reporting requirements
• Enforcement and auditing mechanisms
4. Economic Safeguards
• Exempt small businesses
• Cap annual increases
• Allow tax credits for:• EV delivery fleets
• Traffic‑reducing technologies
• Sustainable logistics investments
--
🔍 Non‑Obvious Insight
This model aligns transportation funding with transportation
impact, not with consumer behavior.
Industries that cause the most infrastructure strain—not everyday
drivers—become the primary contributors.
This is politically more feasible than pay‑per‑mile and
economically more equitable.
Monday, April 13, 2026
Policy Paper: A Phased Framework for Nuclear Stabilization and Regional De‑Escalation Involving Iran, the United States, and the European Union
Policy Paper: A Phased Framework for Nuclear
Stabilization and Regional De‑Escalation Involving Iran, the United States, and
the European Union
Executive Summary
This paper outlines a proposed phased framework designed to
stabilize Iran’s nuclear program, provide structured and reversible sanctions
relief, and create space for de‑escalation in Lebanon and Gaza. The framework
incorporates lessons from previous agreements, including the Joint
Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and addresses the structural weaknesses
that contributed to their fragility. The proposal emphasizes predictability,
verification, multilateral coordination, and political insulation to reduce the
risk of collapse due to domestic or regional pressures.
1. Background and Rationale
Tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and regional
conflicts have repeatedly escalated into crises affecting the Middle East and
global security. Previous diplomatic efforts demonstrated that negotiated
limits on Iran’s nuclear activities are achievable and verifiable, but also
highlighted vulnerabilities:
- Reversibility
of sanctions relief in the United States
- Exclusion
of regional security issues from nuclear negotiations
- Perceptions
of front‑loaded benefits
- Limited
insulation from political transitions
- Absence
of a broader regional security architecture
This framework seeks to address these weaknesses through a
phased, conditional, and multi‑track approach.
2. Objectives of the Framework
The proposed framework aims to:
- Stabilize
Iran’s nuclear program through verifiable caps and monitoring.
- Provide
phased, reversible sanctions relief tied to compliance.
- Reduce
regional tensions in Lebanon and Gaza through parallel de‑escalation
measures.
- Build
political and institutional resilience to prevent abrupt collapse.
- Create
a pathway toward broader regional security discussions beyond the
first year.
3. Structure of the Framework
3.1. Three Integrated Tracks
The framework consists of three mutually reinforcing tracks:
- Nuclear
Track: Limits on enrichment, stockpiles, and centrifuge deployment;
full IAEA monitoring.
- Sanctions
Track: Phased relief in 90–120 day cycles, with clear benchmarks and
snapback mechanisms.
- Regional
De‑Escalation Track: Parallel steps to reduce hostilities in Lebanon
and Gaza, supported by humanitarian measures and communication channels.
These tracks are linked politically but not mechanically;
nuclear compliance triggers sanctions relief, while regional de‑escalation is
encouraged through diplomatic incentives rather than automatic penalties.
4. Phased Implementation Plan
Phase 0 (Months 0–2): Framework Agreement and Political
Insulation
- Parties
sign a Framework Declaration outlining commitments across all three
tracks.
- Establish
a Joint Commission with nuclear, sanctions, and regional sub‑groups.
- Begin
domestic anchoring:
- Consultations
with legislative bodies in the United States and Europe.
- Internal
consensus‑building within Iran’s political institutions.
- Agree
on a 90‑day consultation period before any party can exit the
framework.
Phase 1 (Months 3–6): Initial Stabilization
Nuclear Measures:
- Iran
caps enrichment at agreed levels and limits stockpiles.
- IAEA
restores full monitoring access.
Sanctions Relief:
- Limited,
reversible relief targeting oil exports and humanitarian channels.
Regional Measures:
- Informal
understandings to reduce cross‑border incidents in Lebanon.
- Expanded
humanitarian access in Gaza.
Phase 2 (Months 6–8): Consolidation
Nuclear:
- Iran
implements additional transparency steps.
- IAEA
issues public compliance reports.
Sanctions:
- Expanded
relief, including broader financial channels.
Regional:
- Begin
structured discussions on border stability in Lebanon and humanitarian
arrangements in Gaza.
- Increased
involvement of regional states.
Phase 3 (Months 9–12): Toward a Durable Framework
Nuclear:
- Negotiations
on multi‑year enrichment caps and long‑term monitoring.
Sanctions:
- Discussions
on longer‑term relief tied to sustained compliance.
Regional:
- Initiate
talks on missile‑related confidence measures and non‑state actor activity.
- Explore
options for a future regional security dialogue.
5. Actors and Stakeholders
5.1. Core Participants
- Iran:
Executive leadership, nuclear authorities, and security institutions.
- United
States: Executive branch and relevant congressional committees.
- European
Union: High Representative and key member states.
- IAEA:
Verification and reporting.
5.2. Regional Stakeholders
- Israel:
Security concerns related to nuclear capability and regional actors.
- Lebanese
actors, including armed groups: Impacted by de‑escalation measures.
- Palestinian
actors: Affected by humanitarian and security arrangements.
- Arab
states: Interested in regional stability and missile issues.
- Russia
and China: Influence over UN‑level processes.
6. Risks and Mitigation Strategies
6.1. Reversibility of U.S. Commitments
Risk: Policy shifts after elections.
Mitigation:
- Partial
legislative anchoring.
- Multilateral
economic channels to reduce vulnerability to unilateral actions.
- Mandatory
consultation period before withdrawal.
6.2. Regional Escalation
Risk: Incidents in Lebanon or Gaza derail nuclear
progress.
Mitigation:
- Separate
but parallel tracks.
- Crisis
communication channels.
- Graduated
responses rather than automatic snapback.
6.3. Perception of Imbalanced Benefits
Risk: Domestic criticism in all parties.
Mitigation:
- Phased,
performance‑based relief.
- Public
IAEA reporting.
- Clear
benchmarks.
6.4. Insufficient Political Buy‑In
Risk: Internal opposition in Iran, the U.S., or
regional states.
Mitigation:
- Early
consultations.
- Transparent
communication strategies.
- Inclusion
of regional concerns in later phases.
7. Expected Outcomes After One Year
If implemented successfully, the first year would likely
produce:
- A
stabilized and verifiably constrained nuclear program.
- Measurable
economic relief for Iran tied to compliance.
- Reduced
frequency of cross‑border incidents in Lebanon.
- Improved
humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
- A
structured platform for broader regional security discussions.
- Greater
resilience against abrupt political shifts.
8. Conclusion
This phased framework offers a structured, realistic
approach to reducing nuclear and regional tensions. By integrating lessons from
past agreements and emphasizing verification, predictability, and political
insulation, it aims to create a more durable foundation for long‑term
stability. While it does not resolve all underlying conflicts, it provides a
practical pathway to reduce risks, build trust, and open space for broader
diplomatic engagement.
Friday, October 20, 2023
The Custodian
Prayer: I pray God gives our lawmakers and leader wisdom and discernment as he did for the leaders in the bible. Our Savior has already empowered and embolden us with the knowledge, resources and abilities. May he give us the compassion to govern with a heart for the people we serve.
I am confused. When I am confused I have questions. First, why was the pro tempore put in place? More specifically what was the purpose of appointing a pro tempore? Was it to say a prayer and bang the gavel each day and to provide the next assembly? Setting the next meeting and banging the gavel could be done by the custodian. By custodian, I mean the person who empties the trash bins at the end of the day. I was under the impression the pro tempore was set in place for the assembly to be able to continue with the business at hand -until the next speaker had been selected. There are two pressing matters that need immediate attention: aid/defense and CR to the budget fast approaching. In order to handle the business of the day and address the matters; workflow will need to continue. Continuing at a slower pace is far better than stopping all workflow. These are unprecedented circumstances, keeping this in mind; the pro tempore should be shown some grace, respect and support in getting bills to the floor and passed.
I understand aid support to Ukraine and Israel, but when did Taiwan come into the picture for assistance. Better yet, why have they been brought into the picture? I wake up one morning and see Taiwan in the budget. One of my biggest pet peeves is piggy-backing in the political arena. The most convoluted occurrence of this is on the local ballot. On local level taxpayers are polled and ask to agree to add a home exception tax credit and in the same question piggy -back taxing the people for the next 19 years to build a casino in their back yard. In a larger picture, not allowing a resolution for aid/defense or CR budget in order to get funds allocated towards putting up this wall or strengthening border patrol is subversive. Lets work together.
Enhanced border security and immigration enforcement. Sigh. This one is hard and I believe will take some research. It is hard because this country was founded on "discovery" by Christopher Columbus, who before discovering was a foreigner. Then those now know as African-American were brought to America against their will and kept as slaves. It wasn't until hundreds of years later those same African-American were "said to be equals". Based on this I say open up the borders and let anyone that wants to take a shot at the "American dream" have at it. If one is willing to work hard and be a productive member of society-who am I to deny. The fentanyl crisis can resolve itself thorough natural selection. It may sound harsh, but to what end do we pour into the never ending war on drugs. Our children need education, after school programs, tools and resources. Note to self, research best practices for US, Mexico, Canada, South Korea, UAE and UK border patrol policies and security.
Its been a week! Goal for next week continued pray for those caught in the crossfire.
Saturday, October 14, 2023
State of the nation
Where do I begin? With prayer. My prayers are with Israel and Ukraine, may God give them favor and peace.
Now as for the House speaker, there is too much money for these folks not to get it together. Matt Gaetz made a powerful move removing McCarthy from the position. However, paralleling this to a chess move, he left the nation vulnerable. This vulnerability comes at a time when the US cannot afford. Until recently I didn't know McHenry was sitting pro tempore and essentially going through the motions each day until a permanent was selected. At this point, the nation needs to make moves. From what I have gathered Scalise withdrew and Jordan isn't the right one either. McHenry seems content with doing the minimum and is not looking to help precedence to be written. I think for the next six months or until the next speaker has been selected, McCarthy and McHenry should work together to get aid packages to Israel and Ukraine. The 6 B that Ukraine requested is not going to be plausible. What is more plausible is 50% going back into US defense (China and Russia off the coast of Alaska in International waters did not go unnoticed), 25% going to Ukraine and 25% going to Israel.
Next an approach meeting needs to be set up to work out how the budget will be handled. The CR has already taken place allowing more time, but a systematic approach to cut the budget needs to be established. No one, and that is absolutely no one needs to come to the table without less than 20% in budget cuts. The approach meeting needs to set out how the budget will be reviewed, when and which date each of the 12 agenda items are to be addressed, the first being aid and defense. Two agenda items a month and meetings every week until this gets sorted out is the only way this is going to work in the favor of our nation.
We as a nation need for these "Representatives" to put aside the pettiness, such as going after Biden when those efforts can be put to good use elsewhere. McCarthy still needs to work this out like he stated when he was voted in, and since McHenry is already in place, he will have to do more. Like bring the agenda items to the floor and possibly getting the House on the same page. He cant do it by himself, he will need help. Who better than the man that was ousted and the last one in the position. Compromise and communication should not be a new concept.