We need to use technology to reduce the costs of health care. That is why my plan will invest $10 billion a year over the next five years to move the US health care system toward broad adoption of standards-based electronic health information systems, including electronic health records.
We need to use technology to solve our energy crisis. That is why my energy plan uses revenue generated from the cap-and-trade permit auction for carbon emissions to invest $150 billion over 10 years to advance the next generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure, accelerate the commercialisation of plug-in hybrids, promote development of commercial scale renewable energy, invest in low emissions coal plants, and begin transition to a new digital electricity grid. This will allow us to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which makes us dependent on foreign dictators for energy, and endangers the future of our planet.
As President, I will also strengthen the critical relationship between the United States and India. The world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy are natural partners, sharing important interests and fundamental democratic values. That is why I voted for the US-India nuclear energy deal on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. And that is why I will move forward to build a close strategic partnership between the United States and India when I am President of the United States.
The United States and India must work together to combat the common threats of the 21st century. We have both been victims of catastrophic terrorist attacks, and we have a shared interest in succeeding in the fight against Al Qaeda and its operational and ideological affiliates. That fight must not be undercut by a misguided war in Iraq.
Image: Supporters of Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama at the University of Texas campus February 21, 2008. Photograph: Ben Sklar/Getty Images
Also read: Obama pledges to strengthen Indo-US relations
At the Rediff Bookshop: Barack Obama
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