I am appalled that the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, is being considered to be nominated as Secretary of State, while she currently owns millions of dollars in stocks of oil companies and banks that stand to make a killing from the Keystone XL pipeline—a project that requires State Department approval. If she wants to remain in consideration for this position, Ms Rice should indicate her objectivity and dedication to the job by immediately selling every share of those stocks; even should she do so, I would prefer you to select another candidate. The planet can't afford any such conflict of interest.

Another alternative, even better for the areas through which the pipeline is planned to run, is for you to restore oversight on the project to its rightful department—the Environmental PROTECTION Agency, which has been doing a relatively good job under N.J.’s own Lisa Jackson, even in the current Washington atmosphere.

There are other reasons why you should not spend your political capital on nominating Ms Rice—in two words, Kenya and Bhengazi. You can find an equally good nominee without that background; please do so!

Thank you for your consideration.

N.B.: The above is my customization of the Roots Action petition letter to President Obama.  The White House telephone number is 202/456.1111.