(CNN) -- Democrats will be taking control of Congress when the new session begins in January. We asked CNN.com users to tell us what the Democrats' priorities should be. Here is a selection of your e-mails, some of which have been edited for length and clarity.
Jonathan Raper from Richmond, Virginia
Under Republican control of Congress this administration has operated like an organized crime syndicate, installing their own judges, awarding no-bid contracts to their pals, fraternizing with lobbyists and corporate criminals, and spending the people's money like wise-guys on vacation with a suitcase full of stolen credit cards. I think Congress should investigate and at least expose the abuses of power that have taken place in the last six years so that it will never happen again.
Brent Don from San Diego, California
In addition to restructuring elements of the armed forces to create lighter, faster assault groups, the U.S. military should also develop dedicated occupation forces. Our military will face more peacekeeping and nation-building missions in the future and they deserve to receive the specialized training and equipment that these missions demand.
Drew Aldrich from Portland, Oregon
The Democrats would be wise to address the cost, and funding, of higher education in the country. The Pell Grant hasn't been raised in many years and we are sending a whole new generation of the college-educated workforce out into the world saddled with ridiculous educational debt. Many are postponing buying a home, or even having a child. This will come back to haunt our nation.
Melissa Flores from Phoenix, Arizona
Pass comprehensive immigration reform either with or without a guest worker provision. There are a lot of families with children separated, where one parent is outside the country waiting for legal residency. A 2006 Senate bill included a family unity provision -- at least pass that part of the law and reunite families that are suffering!
Sherry Cohen-Richards from San Diego, California
ALWAYS do the right thing. No more scandals. We don't want any skeletons coming out of the closet. If you're gay, wonderful, let's hear about it now (it isn't a big deal, but people think you are hiding something when the tabloids or a scorned lover have to tell us). Forget the extramarital affairs, forget any shady real estates deals. Be on the up and up. Only do what would make your fellow Dems proud. (I'm not religious, but now would be a good time to follow the Golden Rule).
Austin Boyd from Huntsville, Alabama
[Democrats should] hurry up and try to make their changes and fall flat on their face. That way we can get them back out of Congress.
Melissa Chenowith from Portland, Oregon
Impeach Bush and then Cheney. I'm not being flippant.
Bernard Warren from Durham, North Carolina
Remove special interest groups and big business tax breaks. The oil industry and stock exchange market should pay for what they have done to the middle class. Let other countries deal with their own problems and stop immigration. We MUST accelerate the space program. Population growth must slow and our resources be conserved. We must set a minimum IQ level for people in government.
Richard Allen from New Orleans, Louisiana
Democratic leadership needs to reach across the aisle and create further incentives for sustainable economic recovery in New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf South.
John Davis from Fairbanks, Alaska
Launch Apollo-like programs for energy independence based on renewable resources and fix "no child left behind" by listening to teachers about what is needed.
Tony Arvish from Seattle, Washington
The first order of business the Democratic Party should address is to make it very clear that the childish, acrimonious tone of everything that has come out of a Bush/Republican-led Washington, D.C., for the past six years will be replaced by a professional, civilized tone that will lend itself to real dialogue and progress on important issues.
Steve Lambert from Portland, Oregon
[Democrats should] humble themselves and realize that they don't have all the answers. In fact, they have real potential for making things worse.
Charles Califf from Decatur, Alabama
The biggest long-term problem the U.S. faces is inexpensive energy production that does not destroy the planet. If we devote the scientific resources to solving this problem, it will go along way toward solving many other political and social problems here and abroad and we will be able to live on the planet to enjoy each other's company.
Molly McGrane from Vermillion, South Dakota
I think they should all give each other hugs. That should be the first thing they do.
Cheryl Cucco from Brooklyn, New York
The first and most important thing to me as a New Yorker and as a Democrat is for the minimum wage to be raised to a fair amount. No person in this city can survive on a little over six dollars an hour. It's a joke to think we can pay these outrageous rents and bills, and still have money to eat and clothe ourselves.
David Stewart from Overland Park, Kansas
Senators and members of Congress should make countless trips to other countries promoting goodwill and cooperation even if these ventures offer no immediate economic rewards. In other words, the purpose of these trips is to prove that the U.S. can be trusted once again to uphold the ideals of freedom and democracy, not because they work as political PR, but because Americans genuinely believe in them.
David Hooper from Texas
All I have seen with liberals is the consistent "Monday morning quarterback" mentality. Instead of back-analyzing every decision made by Republicans, I want to see if they have the guts to make real decisions and lead this country into the future. Instead of pointing the finger, offer viable solutions! My bet is they will flop on their faces. I hope they prove me wrong (and stay out of my wallet).
Christian Lonnqvist from Geneva, Switzerland
1. Reach out and win back the hearts and minds of the world. 2. Take immediate action against global warming.
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