Jun 06, 2011—For months now, there has been a lot of media speculation about whether I would throw my hat in the ring and run for president of the United States. OK, "a lot" would be an exaggeration. In fact, there hasn't been any speculation at all—but today, I am formally announcing my intention to run. I have no party, no funding, no advisors and no shot at winning, but I think the American people deserve a candidate who can focus on bringing a spirit of entrepreneurialism and innovation back to the country.

Unlike many other candidates, I don't intend to dodge the tough questions, or to run on a platform of baseball, hotdogs and apple pie. I'm running to change the country, and for the better. You can follow me on the campaign trail at Twitter (@rfidjournal), as well as on Facebook.

The Roberti 10-Point Plan to Re-energize America

1. Secure the food supply. The Bioterrorism Act of 2002 authorizes the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, acting through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, to issue regulations to protect the nation's food supply against bioterrorism and food-borne illness. We haven't had any attacks on the food supply, yet each summer for the past several years, there have been numerous outbreaks of food-borne illness (see Europe's E. coli Outbreak, Hold the Onions—and the E.coli and Fresh Spinach, Anyone?). I pledge to create a public-private sector partnership to develop ways to employ radio frequency identification, 2-D bar codes and other technologies to ensure that pathogens could be traced back to their source within 24 hours.

2. Bring down soaring health-care costs by encouraging the adoption of RFID technologies to track hospital equipment. Many U.S. hospitals that have adopted RFID have seen a return on their investment in less than a year. Increasing asset utilization and reducing the incidence of lost or stolen equipment would save the health-care sector billions of dollars annually. In addition, RFID hand-washing systems could ensure that doctors and nurses wash their hands before entering a patient's room. This would reduce the number of hospital-acquired infections, thereby shortening hospital stays and saving billions more in related costs. In addition, the use of RFID in Veteran's Administration hospitals would free up money so we could take better care of our war heroes.

3. Improve airport security. We inconvenience travelers by making them remove their shoes, belts, jewelry and so forth, and yet cargo isn't screened at all. When I'm president, airports and airlines will utilize RFID technology to track baggage (that's right—no more lost luggage when I'm in the White House), cargo in cargo holds, vehicles entering and leaving secure areas of airports and much more. We'll ensure that each person working in secure areas has a thorough background check, and that he or she uses a biometrically activated RFID tag to enter those areas.

USER COMMENTS

Jerry Horne	2011-06-06 08:49:43 AM
Candidate Roberti Mark - I can honestly say this platform makes the most sense of any I've seen in a long time. Concise. Direct to the point. Valid foundation and a plan to secure the supply chain. You're right about the ROI. As I've often said, if the ROI is within a year, then the project is basically free. There is no cost - just an initial outlay of capital that is quickly repaid. Assuming you can provide a valid US birth certificate, you've got at least one vote! :-) PS - I am interested in your plans for the election night celebration party or is it too early yet.
Patrick Sweeney	2011-06-07 07:41:45 AM
You've got a party now! Mark, You didn't have a party but you do now! ODIN will throw a win/lose/draw party for you complete with smoke, pyrotechnics, Alaskan Salmon, and Boston Baked Beans. Since O'Bama went searching for his lost apostrophe last week in Ireland maybe we can find you a Mc or O for the celebration as well. Long live the Bull Moose Party - Teddy would be proud.
Bob Basmadjian	2011-06-07 01:46:08 PM
Candidate Roberti Mark - common sense solutions to real world problems. How refreshing! Keep me in mind if you need a Communications Director. Bob
Mark Roberti	2011-06-08 09:00:07 AM
Thanks for the support Thank you for supporting my candidacy. This is clearly going to be a grassroots campaign!
John ECKHOUSE	2011-06-09 03:30:59 PM
At last! Finally, a candidate with a great platform so that I don't have to choose among the lesser of two evils in an election.
Syed Sharukh	2011-06-09 03:51:12 PM
The President of the RFID World. Mr.President RFID World. Mark- I believe you are already the President of the RFID world. Please accept my best wishes for your achievements. FDA / Healthcare / Airport Security are the key areas RFID can play the vital role. You've got one more vote! :-) Please keep me in mind if you need a PR- Director. Sharukh
William James	2011-06-09 04:12:23 PM
VP Seeonic Truer words were never spoken. I see a trip to Iowa for the caucus in June and then a swing into New Hampshire for stirring debate on UHF versus HF tags! Mark I think you need a campaign director and I'm humbly volunteering! Let's get you on Jon Steward and Colbert soon so we can get the message far and wide!
Fola Daniel	2011-06-11 01:23:19 AM
Campaign Funding Hi Mark, Since you have no funding for the campaign, my company will share 70% of our huge savings and unexpected astronomical profit being made on monthly basis since we adopted RFID for shoe manufacturing and tracking in Nigeria. Send us a campaign invoice!
Amanda Burns	2012-03-22 07:57:14 AM
How Very Interesting You've got quite a different view from the ones I read/hear from the candidates that are out now. Take a look at www.americanselect.org it could be a helpful tool to get your name out. My biggest concern is always Congress, they aren't fans of getting beneficial things done.

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Why I'm Running for President

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