Could you be President?

[Malice]

I thought this would be interesting...

Could you be the US President?

For me, no, it would never happen.
Why, you might ask....

Well. I am honest, bluntly honest. That would get me in so much trouble with the other politicians. I would never make it far enough to be "recognized" to get my name on the ballot.

For instance, when someone puts together a really pointless bill. My comment would be something like. "What the hell? What kind of moron did this?" or I would say something like, "This is the most moronic idea I have heard."

The career politicians would blackball me, because they simply would hate to have me near them.

I might do ok with the people, although I dont have the eloquent speech like others do, hence my comments like "This is the most moronic idea I have heard."

So, I think in the end, my own lack of verbal eloquence and my blunt honesty would stop me long before I get into a beginning office, let alone close to a Presidential run....

[Matt]

Yes, I would. And I'll even tell you how I'd do it!

My fellow Americans: If, I, Matt were president, I would serve the country I love by making things better, not worse.

For instance, health insurance. I believe every American should have health insurance, so I would write a law giving it to them - and then I'd sign it right away. I also don't think people should have to struggle to make ends meet, so I would fix the economy.

Now, it’s no secret the Israeli-Palestinian crisis has been going on for months. I would her them together and let them talk. Why hasn't anyone done that yet? Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one.

The president is also the nation’s moral leader. I don’t really know how I’d play this one.

If I were president, I would end the unfair tax on the tax people already pay. It’s called double taxation and it’s totally unfair. Right now Uncle Sam collects 35 cents on every dollar I make. I’d change that so I could write that off, and only pay taxes on the remaining 65 cents. At a thirty-five percent rate, that would leave me with 42 cents.

Wait, actually that’s less. I worked this out the other day…can I get back to you on the tax thing?

And what’s the Department of Labor for? Here’s a shocking fact I heard: No one knows! If I were president it would be gone. Unless there’s something I’m not seeing here.

Also, I would order the immediate death of Roger Simpson. The one who lives at 1310 North Seventh Ave., Apt. 12A, Oroville, CA. He knows why.

Okay. That about does it. Oh, one more thing. In a Matt Administration, Air Force One would officially be renamed Air Force Fun.

I feel very strongly about this.

[Matt]

But seriously, I doubt it. A few years ago, when I was a blind Democrat drone, most likely. Now-a-days, hell no. I see how much the world is not black and white. I see that both sides have good and bad politicans. And I wouldn't buy into all the partisan bull****. That would probably piss off the powers-that-be within my party.

[Malice]

But seriously, I doubt it. A few years ago, when I was a blind Democrat drone, most likely. Now-a-days, hell no. I see how much the world is not black and white. I see that both sides have good and bad politicans. And I wouldn't buy into all the partisan bull****. That would probably piss off the powers-that-be within my party.

Yup, me too...I would start my politics...and might get into office in the first tier...local government...then it would end because the other politicians would detest me cause I would grill them...and nastilly.

[Harlekin]

All I'd be good for would be banging interns and secretaries.

[Gilpesh]

I would never progress in the political arena because I would constantly carry a list of logical fallacies and use it on other politicians.

[cookiva]

Matt, your name isnt Stephen Colbert....

Or was that Ed Helms that wrote that one?

[Matt]

Matt, your name isnt Stephen Colbert....

Or was that Ed Helms that wrote that one?

Ed Helms. Haha, it cracks me up every time I read it. :cwink:

[cookiva]

I love how every article of his ends with the murder of Roger Simpson

[SoulManX]

You're better off being a senator than prez...

[SuBe]

I would someday consider running for Political Office. But, maybe not the Presidency. I would have a couple of *ahem* people that might need to be taken care of.

My plan would be:

Economy: Fairtax. 23% on what you spend, not what you earn. No Corporate Taxes, to bring in Foreign Businesses. Read my thread for more details.

War on Terror, Military Policy: You hit me, I hit you harder to make sure you don't ever hit anyone again. That's it, and it grows from there.

Abolish Unions for Federal Employees: You don't need them, you already work for Tax-Payer Money!

Education: Untax the Education System, From K-College. and let anyone go where they deem best for their child. It's your fault if you kid goes to a crappy school and Competition Reigns supreme.

Voters Rights? : You have no right to vote! Current Welfare Receipiants no longer can vote. They would just vote in people that promise to give money to them for not working. Does that seem Fair? If you want to vote, Contribute to society by getting a job.

UN?: Abandon the UN and create a United Democracies Union. The UDU would be made up of Democracies only. If a nation wants to join, you better be a Democracy. Communists and Dictators need not apply.

Medical Coverage?: If the Fairtax hasn't gone through yet, untax the Medical Services. They entire expendature, not just the taxed portion. Lower Medical costs by Privatizing the Bill Payment options with a Tax Free Savings accounts to offset Insurance Costs. Once people stop using Insurance companies, they are gaurenteed to reduce pricing.

Court Reform: I would enact a system with a loser pay. If you sue someone for a stupid reason like Spilling hot coffee on yourself when you know the fricken coffee is hot, and you lose the case, you pay for the other parties legal fees. If the suit is brought up to you as the business owner, and you lose, guess what, you pay their legal fees. This will help end Frivolus Lawsuits.

[bell110]

Growing up, you're always told that "anyone" could be president, including YOU. Obviously, that's not true. I couldn't be president because I'm not rich. Also, I'd probably fall into the same trap as Ron Paul, being counted off as too crazy, even if my theories were sound.

[cookiva]

Voters Rights? : You have no right to vote! Current Welfare Receipiants no longer can vote. They would just vote in people that promise to give money to them for not working. Does that seem Fair? If you want to vote, Contribute to society by getting a job.
.


What?? Its every citizens right to vote. That could potentially keep the homeless homeless. This might be the most moronic idea I have ever heard in my life!!! I know you are a staunch conservative, but do you have a heart? I just cant understand why you dont want to HELP someone. Are you the kind of person who doesn't donate to the needy in 3rd world countries because they cant help themselves??? This is ridiculous.

[cookiva]

Growing up, you're always told that "anyone" could be president, including YOU. Obviously, that's not true. I couldn't be president because I'm not rich. Also, I'd probably fall into the same trap as Ron Paul, being counted off as too crazy, even if my theories were sound.

Um, everyone/anyone could be president. It's just about how dedicated you are to wanting to be president.

[The Senator]

I think I could do it. Here are a few things I'd run on:

Platform

HEALTH CARE
I support extending Medicaid programs to those who cannot afford basic health care coverage. Additionally, I would have the Department of Health and Human Services set up regional health care markets which could be used to direct consumers to individual health care companies, including Medicaid 2.0. These health care markets would work a lot like Progressive Auto Insurance: They would get you a quote from all the leading health insurers, and would compare those quotes to Medicaid 2.0. The goal would be to open Medicaid 2.0 to every individual (those who are not entitled to the "free" benefits would have to pay to be covered), offering a low-cost alternative to private insurers, with the hope of reducing private insurance companies' prices over time.

SOCIAL SECURITY
I support gradual privatization of Social Security. The money is going to be gone before I can get my hands on it. I believe the government should give people the option to opt out of Social Security if they so desire. Furthermore, the government should encourage the wealthiest 10% of Americans to take control of their retirement, and leave Social Security for those who make under a certain income. A series of benchmarks should be put in place to ensure the program runs successfully, with the final goal of having 50% of those eligible for Social Security benefits investing in their own retirement by 2050. Assuming I'm running in 2008, the benchmarks would be as follows:

2020: 10% Privatized-- The Wealthiest Americans, in addition to some middle-class households, have taken control of their own retirement

2030: 25% Privatized-- Most of those making above $120,000 a year have taken control of their own retirement

2050: 50% Privatized-- Everyone making above $120,000 have taken control of their own retirement; most of those making between $50,000 and $120,000 have invested in private retirement options.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
I believe that the United States should set up a guest worker program which would allow so-called "undocumented workers" to work towards full United States citizenship. I also support increasing border security presence along the Mexican-American border, and oppose building a fence... that's just silly.

ENERGY
The United States should re-invest in nuclear power. Furthermore, the U.S. should raise CAFE standards, and look into alternative methods for fueling automobiles.

IRAN
It is our responsibility to begin diplomatic talks with Iran, while simultaneously watching their nuclear program with a hawkish eye. Military force against Iran should always be an option, and the United States should remind that whackjob over there that we can and will engage them militarily if they do anything provocative.

EDUCATION
Reform No Child Left Behind; offer school vouchers to low-income families in poor school districts or struggling neighborhoods; raise the level of student aid available for middle-class college students; establish a national standardized test system to measure student performance... and other similar things.

GUN CONTROL
I support banning automatic weapons, and anything which could be an assault weapon. Everything else, though, can stay.

WELFARE
Eliminate most welfare programs and replace them with a broad, extensive Public Works Program. Make people work for their money. Those with disabilities, or those who are unable to work, will be able to receive unemployment benefits and social services for an extended period of time.

TRANSPORTATION/ INFRASTRUCTURE
Why don't we have Mag-Lev trains on the East and West Coast? I believe we should invest in Mag-Lev technology. AMTRAK just doesn't do it anymore. The slow, inadequate service often makes driving seem like a faster alternative. Not to mention that it's as expensive as all hell. Mag-Lev technology would be able to transport commuters from Boston to Washington, DC in just over four hours. Imagine traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego in an hour; San Francisco to San Diego in three and a half hours; Seattle to San Diego in eight hours or less... it would bring in the customers almost immediately, and would pay for itself in less than a decade.

Also, if anyone thinks the 'gay' thing may be a negative... polls show that 55-67% of Americans would be willing to elect a homosexual President, depending on which poll you look at.

[SuBe]

What?? Its every citizens right to vote. That could potentially keep the homeless homeless. This might be the most moronic idea I have ever heard in my life!!! I know you are a staunch conservative, but do you have a heart? I just cant understand why you dont want to HELP someone. Are you the kind of person who doesn't donate to the needy in 3rd world countries because they cant help themselves??? This is ridiculous.
Show me where it says that Anyone has the Right to Vote? It's not in the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, or even the Articles of Confederation. It is not anywhere. And, my only prerequisite is they must have a job. Not they have to have a home.

[cookiva]

Show me where it says that if you are a US Citizen, you do not have the right to vote. Just because its not there doesn't mean its not a basic right of every US citizen.

http://www.uscitizenship.info/ins-USimmigration-naturalization-benefits.htm

There, its the basic right of every citizen. Most legal immigrants love the fact that they can now vote. Its a basic right, and what separates the US citizen from others....

[SuBe]

Show me where it says that if you are a US Citizen, you do not have the right to vote. Just because its not there doesn't mean its not a basic right of every US citizen.
The Bill of Rights are your only Federal Rights. They do not say you have a right to vote. Only certain Amendmants state they the Goverment cannot impede your from voting due to Race or sex, but not that you have the right to Vote.

And, I'm not going to prove to you that it's not in there. But, show me where it says that it is.

But your logic that if it is not in there, but it is understood, I can say that it is a basic right for me to go to Starbucks for a Free Coffee everyday, just because it is not in the Constitution.

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060206/jackson

If there is a Right to Vote, then why does this group want to Amend the Constitution to state that you have a right to vote?

[cookiva]

The Bill of Rights are your only Federal Rights. They do not say you have a right to vote. Only certain Amendmants state they the Goverment cannot impede your from voting due to Race or sex, but not that you have the right to Vote.

And, I'm not going to prove to you that it's not in there. But, show me where it says that it is.

But your logic that if it is not in there, but it is understood, I can say that it is a basic right for me to go to Starbucks for a Free Coffee everyday, just because it is not in the Constitution.

Fine. Then how about you dont vote. I mean, if you dont have the right to vote, then why are you going to?


Also, what is this?

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/constitution/html/amdt15.html

That is called the 15th amendement. The right to vote. You cannot deny the right to vote based upon race, orientation, or previous conditions.

Sounds like you just want to do the same thing Huckabee wants. Rewrite the constitution based upon your beliefs and not what is best for the country.

[SuBe]

Fine. Then how about you dont vote. I mean, if you dont have the right to vote, then why are you going to?
Voting is a privilege not a right. But, good arguement anyway.:cwink:

[cookiva]

So you are going to respond to that but not the fact that you are incredibly wrong? Alright....

[SuBe]

Fine. Then how about you dont vote. I mean, if you dont have the right to vote, then why are you going to?


Also, what is this?

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/constitution/html/amdt15.html

That is called the 15th amendement. The right to vote. You cannot deny the right to vote based upon race, orientation, or previous conditions.

Sounds like you just want to do the same thing Huckabee wants. Rewrite the constitution based upon your beliefs and not what is best for the country.
The 15th Amendment restricts the Government from basing who can vote by Race. The 19th Amendment Restricts the Governmetn from basing who can vote by Sex. The 24 Amendment Restircts the Government from Taxing voters from voting.

But Voters are people that Vote. The Goverment cannot deny someone to vote based on Race, Sex or if they've paid taxes. But it does not say that you have the Right to vote.

[cookiva]

This sounds like you want to take away the lowest tier of the lower class's ability to vote away.

Who do they typically vote for? Is it the democrats? Yes sir! This sounds like partisan redistricting at its finest, basically.

[SuBe]

This sounds like you want to take away the lowest tier of the lower class's ability to vote away.

Who do they typically vote for? Is it the democrats? Yes sir! This sounds like partisan redistricting at its finest, basically.
What can I say, I'm a Conservate Hate-Monger NEO-Con blah blah blah. But, If anyone said that they support Ron Paul, his on my side on the Voting thing. But, doesn't that make you think that maybe the whole Lower Class Coddleing from Government was just vote buying from the begining?

What did you think of the UDU? I thought that was pretty good...

[Addendum]

No, I could never be president.

1) I've no interest in joining any political party.
2) I've never had any inkling of entering any elected office.
3) I can spend several million dollars on something more beneficial to me.

[The Senator]

What did you think of the UDU? I thought that was pretty good...

What qualifies as a Democracy?

Does Venezuela count as a Democracy? Because they elected Chavez, they turned down a referendum which would give him unlimited power... they're a Democracy.

What about Iran? Because the Iranians elected Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. They elect their representatives, they elect their figureheads, too. They're technically a Democracy.

Is this just a Friends of the U.S. Union, or will it actually be open to all Democracies?

[cookiva]

What can I say, I'm a Conservate Hate-Monger NEO-Con blah blah blah. But, If anyone said that they support Ron Paul, his on my side on the Voting thing.

What did you think of the UDU? I thought that was pretty good...

Not saying you are, but most Ron Paul supporters do it because it "was the thing to do". Lets abolish the IRS! Get out of Iraq! Legalize it!

I do not like the UDU. It basically does what we are doing now, and distancing ourselves from realizing that we need to talk to these "dictators".

[Excel]

haha, no. No way. Id be horrible.

[Malice]

This is what the Malice for Presidency's Platform would be.

SOCIAL SECURITY
I would retroactively change the age of Social Security to 70. All people under the age of 50 would have to wait till 70, to get Social Security.
Those over 50 will get their benefits as they are now.

HEALTH CARE
I like the idea of a free market solution to healthcare. Nothing government run. I will read up more on this and update my idea.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
I think the first things we need to do, before everything else, is enforce the US borders. Enfore immigration laws. Noone gets in without proper documentation.

The next thing I think, some would clasify as a form of Amnesty. Unfortunately, we cant in all good conscience deport 12 million people. I say we do the following.

1) Set a date (after the borders are effectively secured) of 6 months where are immigrants are required to contact the Immigration Offices, and register. This registration gives them a valid ID. They are required to state where they came from and how long they have been here. They are to pay a 5K fine for being here illegally. They are gaurented 5 years to be in the country.
At the end of those 5 years, they must learn to read and write English. if they dont learn English, the 5 year visa, is pulled, and the immigrant is deported.

2) At the end of the 6 months, the free registration ends. Then, any illegal found gets deported, simple as that. This means, if you get pulled over by a cop, you get your info run. You go to a hospital, you get your info run. Basically, when an illegal immigrant gets deported when they are discovered. We wont go after them, they will "be found thru normal means."

Also, at the end of these 6 months, companies are required to verify that their employees are Legal. If they are not, the company will significantly fined. This will force the companies to get their illegal immigrant to register and get into the system.

ENERGY
I would have a Government STARTED program to fund alternative fuels. This program would be like "Manhatten Project" but for Energy. The government
would have companies sign up to get federal monies for research, but the technology will then be diversified to numerous other companies after something comes
of it.

This means numerous companies and research institutions will get huge amounts of grant money (these companies will have numerous oversites in place).
Once they find an environmentally safe and clean fuel, this technology will get given freely to US companies who have proper Export Compliance laws in
place.

IRAN and North Korea
Talk Talk Talk. No military action unless they simply attack. Nothing more than that.

EDUCATION
Disolve all the Federal Education standards programs, and give ALL control back to the states. Fund them and let them decide.

GUN CONTROL
If it can take out a tank, ban it, other than that, you can own it.

WELFARE
Welfare is simpel to me. Everyone can be on welfare for a total of 20 years in their lifetime. Also, they can only be on it for 5 years on, 5 years off.
Once they hit 20 years, all funding for them is cut. This is meant as help, not a lifestyle.

TRANSPORTATION / INFRASTRUCTURE
Reinvest in the infrastructure, its falling apart...not much else I can say, I dont know much on the subject.

GAY RIGHTS
Let em get married, I dont care.

TAXATION
Frankly, I dont know on Taxation...
I would do one of the following, I just dont know:
1) Abolish Income Taxes, and institute a Sales Tax (I honestly dont know the %, this would have to be determined)
2) Adjust to a Flat Tax for all for Income.

GENERAL ECONOMY
No idea honestly...Some things I would do:
1) Tax benefits for Corporations to keep jobs from being outsourced - how this is done, I have no idea....
2) Other things to stem more business in the US

[SuBe]

Malice: What about Taxation and the Economy?

I like your Healthcare, Education and Immigration Plan, but you lost me on the Welfare.

[Malice]

added those

[cookiva]

What qualifies as a Democracy?

Does Venezuela count as a Democracy? Because they elected Chavez, they turned down a referendum which would give him unlimited power... they're a Democracy.

What about Iran? Because the Iranians elected Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. They elect their representatives, they elect their figureheads, too. They're technically a Democracy.

Is this just a Friends of the U.S. Union, or will it actually be open to all Democracies?



SUPERMANBEYOND. PLEASE ANSWER THIS!

[Arkady Rossovich]

Yes,i think i could.Let me explain..if i was President,i would hang the Confederate flag over the White House.

With Health Care,there would be a Nationwide plan. There is no fear of socialism or communism,it's just a effective way of keeping the population healthy.

Immgration,you need to be here legally to enjoy the American dream. If your not here legally,you will be deported immedately. Hard working Americans keep the dream alive,you can't take advantage of that. There will be a boarder with soliders at Mexico.

The national budget? It will be hard,but there must be taxes to get rid of it. Bush has rammed the country into the ground,Republicans must pay taxes to fix this.

Relations with other countries? It will be a repair mission,apologizing to other countries for the stupidity of Bush. But if you say your sorry,then in time..things will be better.

Terrorism? There is no such thing,keep them in their country not in ours.

Education? I would make it like it was from the 1950's to the mid 1990's. Full classes,and each child can get help if they desire it. I would eliminate the GED,and every child would be given a diploma.

[LuiECuomo]

No such thing as terrorism? LOL, you crack me up.

[cookiva]

No such thing as terrorism? LOL, you crack me up.

There isnt. There are people pissed at us for being *******s. Easy fix. Stop being *******s, no more terrorists.

[hippie_hunter]

Show me where it says that Anyone has the Right to Vote? It's not in the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, or even the Articles of Confederation. It is not anywhere. And, my only prerequisite is they must have a job. Not they have to have a home.

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

As you see, the Constitution states that voting is a right and cannot be denied or abridged.

[LuiECuomo]

There isnt. There are people pissed at us for being *******s. Easy fix. Stop being *******s, no more terrorists.

I'm not even going to dignify this with a response.

[cookiva]

I'm not even going to dignify this with a response.


No, do, respond. Do you think they woke up one day and said "Those guys are funny looking, lets screw with them". No. Its because we go all over the world, pushing our beliefs on everyone. They are sick and tired of it. If you were in their position, you would do the same thing...

[LuiECuomo]

Nope, I'm pretty sure I would never strap a pack of dynamite to my four year-old son. Would you?

[The Senator]

No such thing as terrorism? LOL, you crack me up.

Yeah, I agree. Anyone who says otherwise is blind to the world.

There is such a thing as terrorism. Al Qaeda is a terrorist organization. They use fear to get what they want, through organized attacks against civilian targets.

Yes, we are, in part, responsible for fueling the efforts of these organizations, whether we invaded their countries and pissed them off or directly supplied them with weapons and "back alley" funding. But what they have done to our people, and the people across the world, is nothing less than terrorism.

Additionally, terrorism isn't confined to an organization. Timothy McVeigh was a terrorist. He killed over 150 people in Oklahoma city. Ted Kazinski (sp) was a terrorist. He sent bombs through the mail in an effort to spark fear among the American people. These people aimed to terrorize us, by attacking random civilians.

Terrorism exists, and it is a threat, in multiple forms. Any other claim is ludicrous.

[cookiva]

The Bill of Rights are your only Federal Rights. They do not say you have a right to vote. Only certain Amendmants state they the Goverment cannot impede your from voting due to Race or sex, but not that you have the right to Vote.

And, I'm not going to prove to you that it's not in there. But, show me where it says that it is.

But your logic that if it is not in there, but it is understood, I can say that it is a basic right for me to go to Starbucks for a Free Coffee everyday, just because it is not in the Constitution.

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060206/jackson

If there is a Right to Vote, then why does this group want to Amend the Constitution to state that you have a right to vote?

As you see, the Constitution states that voting is a right and cannot be denied or abridged.

Thanks for doing my HW, HH.

[LuiECuomo]

Yeah, I agree. Anyone who says otherwise is blind to the world.

There is such a thing as terrorism. Al Qaeda is a terrorist organization. They use fear to get what they want, through organized attacks against civilian targets.

Yes, we are, in part, responsible for fueling the efforts of these organizations, whether we invaded their countries and pissed them off or directly supplied them with weapons and "back alley" funding. But what they have done to our people, and the people across the world, is nothing less than terrorism.

Additionally, terrorism isn't confined to an organization. Timothy McVeigh was a terrorist. He killed over 150 people in Oklahoma city. Ted Kazinski (sp) was a terrorist. He sent bombs through the mail in an effort to spark fear among the American people. These people aimed to terrorize us, by attacking random civilians.

Terrorism exists, and it is a threat, in multiple forms. Another claim is ludicrous.



We may not agree on much, jman, but thank you for that response.

[hippie_hunter]

No, do, respond. Do you think they woke up one day and said "Those guys are funny looking, lets screw with them". No. Its because we go all over the world, pushing our beliefs on everyone. They are sick and tired of it. If you were in their position, you would do the same thing...

To say that there is no terrorism is rather naive. I know this is Wikipedia but they provide a very good definition

Terrorism, in the modern sense,[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrorism#_note-0) is violence (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violence), the threat of violence, or other harmful acts committed for political or ideological goals.


Now, I'm not saying that the terrorists are out there to destroy our freedoms and way of life. Because that's a blatant lie. They're created for a reason. The IRA wanted the British out of Ireland. The ETA wants the Spanish out of the Basque territories. The Black Hand wanted to create a greater Serbian state. al-Qaeda wants the Western powers (not just the United States) out of the Middle East and create an Islamic state of the entire Middle East. The Ku Klux Klan wants to terrorise people who aren't white Protestant Americans. There are people who bombed abortion clinics because they are so opposed to abortion.

Yes there is terrorism and while they do have an idealology it still doesn't provide them justification of their actions. Killing innocent civilians for an idealology can never be justified. Destroying property for the most part is unjustifyable.

[LuiECuomo]

Well, cookiva, since you're so intent on me responding to questions YOU pose, please answer the question I posed: Would you send your four year-old son to death for a "cause" you believed in?

[cookiva]

Well, cookiva, since you're so intent on me responding to questions YOU pose, please answer the question I posed: Would you send your four year-old son to death for a "cause" you believed in?

I would send myself to die for a cause I believe in. Theres a difference between cowardice and the lust of achieving what one wants.

[hippie_hunter]

A lot of I believe in agrees completely with jman (I really like your ideas on health care and Social Security). So I copy and pasted a lot of what he posted

Health Care
I ensure that the overall health care system within the United States would be privatized. Socialized health care is not the way to go because we are a nation that is too big to do so (over 300 million people) and such a system would hinder innovations in the health care industry and we would most likely experience a shortage on the necessary staff required.

However, the current system is not working. Health care costs far too much in this nation. Government intervention is necessary in order to make sure that it is affordable and accessible.

As jman said: "I support extending Medicaid programs to those who cannot afford basic health care coverage. Additionally, I would have the Department of Health and Human Services set up regional health care markets which could be used to direct consumers to individual health care companies, including Medicaid 2.0. These health care markets would work a lot like Progressive Auto Insurance: They would get you a quote from all the leading health insurers, and would compare those quotes to Medicaid 2.0. The goal would be to open Medicaid 2.0 to every individual (those who are not entitled to the "free" benefits would have to pay to be covered), offering a low-cost alternative to private insurers, with the hope of reducing private insurance companies' prices over time."

Social Security
I support gradual privatization of Social Security. The money is going to be gone before I can get my hands on it. I believe the government should give people the option to opt out of Social Security if they so desire. Furthermore, the government should encourage the wealthiest 10% of Americans to take control of their retirement, and leave Social Security for those who make under a certain income. A series of benchmarks should be put in place to ensure the program runs successfully, with the final goal of having 50% of those eligible for Social Security benefits investing in their own retirement by 2050. Assuming I'm running in 2008, the benchmarks would be as follows:

2020: 10% Privatized-- The Wealthiest Americans, in addition to some middle-class households, have taken control of their own retirement

2030: 25% Privatized-- Most of those making above $120,000 a year have taken control of their own retirement

2050: 50% Privatized-- Everyone making above $120,000 have taken control of their own retirement; most of those making between $50,000 and $120,000 have invested in private retirement options.

Illegal Immigration
I would propose an amendment to the Constitution to make English the official language of the United States, excluding Puerto Rico.

I believe that the United States should set up a guest worker program which would allow so-called "undocumented workers" to work towards full United States citizenship. Learning English and American laws would be a requirement for citizenship.

I also support increasing border security presence along the Mexican-American border. I would put the National Guard along the US-Mexican border along a fence.

However, border security is not the only thing that is necessary to combat illegal immigration. We need to target the employers who willingly hire illegal immigrants.

Energy
The United States needs to invest in environmentally friendly alternatives to energy. We need to invest in wind, solar, and hydro power sources along with developing new technologies. As Malice said, "a Manhattan Project" for energy and develop an X-Prize for companies, individuals, and organizations researching various forms of energy.

Nuclear energy is not the way to go because of the waste it produces, the potential disasters it can cause in the event of a terrorist attack or a nuclear meltdown.

And our dependence on foreign oil from the Middle East is definitely not the way to go.

Renewable energy is the way to go.

Education
The right to regulate the education systems lies to the states in accordance to the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution. However, the states have failed miserably. Therefore it is up to the federal government to take up the job. We need to make our education system on par with that of Japan and Europe. We need to get our students motivated like in China, which I have seen first hand.

Teachers will have a minimum wage of no less than $40,000.00.

We need to rely less on test grades and more on the skills in science, math, history, writing, etc.

Students need to learn a second language, particularly Spanish. Starting at an early age.

Prepare students for the workforce.

Foreign Policy
The Department of State would be renamed the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt created a foreign policy called the "Good Neighbor Policy" towards Latin America and Europe.

We need to create a new Good Neighbor Policy, but not with just our neighbors and Europe, but the entire world.

Military action should never be taken off the table and a hawkish policy is at time necessary. As jman stated with Iran: "It is our responsibility to begin diplomatic talks with Iran, while simultaneously watching their nuclear program with a hawkish eye. Military force against Iran should always be an option, and the United States should remind that whackjob over there that we can and will engage them militarily if they do anything provocative." But such a power shouldn't be abused. The United States does not have the right to police the world. We shouldn't be in areas where the populace doesn't want us such as the Middle East and Korea.

I would promote the expansion of NATO to include our allies Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Israel, Japan, and Mexico.

I would promote to expand the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to include Germany and Japan.

I would promote a two-state solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict with Jerusalem as an international city.

The United States is supposed to be the defender of human rights and democracy. While I would maintain diplomatic relations with these nations, my administration will refuse to be buddy/buddy with dictatorships in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, China, and African regimes.

I would take the free trade/protectionism debate on an case by case basis. I fully support the ideas of NAFTA and a North American trade zone. I would promote more trade with the nations of Europe. However, I would take a more protectionist policy with China who is abusing our trade relationship with their economic, monetary, and enviromental policies.

Gun Control
The Second Amendment forbids the government to deny us the right to bear arms. If we say that the Second Amendment is out of date and get rid of it, what's stopping us from doing the same thing to the First Amendment? Our right to vote?

However certain laws are indeed required like what we have with denying the right to convicted felons, or banning certain types of weapons (like a Stinger missile launcher), or requiring gun safety courses and safeties on weapons.

And I would make ensure that gun manufacturers are not sued. It is not the guns or the gun makers that hurt and kill people with guns, it is the people who use them that do so.

Gay Marriage
There are two aspects of marriage these days. Religious and civil.

For the religious aspect, it is up to the various denominations and religions to decide if they want to bless gay couples.

For the civil aspect, we must recognise the rights of gay couples and make them on par with straight couples. The Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional on the grounds that it violates the Equal Protection and Due Process clauses of Amendment XIV, Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution and allows states to violate the "full faith and credit" clause of Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution.

The Military
I would expand the military to include over 2 million active military personnel and a 2 million reserve force. And increase funding in the development of military technologies.

However, we should pull out of countries such as South Korea, Japan, and Europe. It is their responsibility to defend themselves, not ours. If our allies are under attack, then we will provide the necessary aid, but we don't need military bases on foreign territories. The troops stationed there would be put to better use defending the homeland, particularly the border.

The Budget and Finances
We need to return to fiscal responsibility. The days of the Bush Administration and an irresponsible Congress has brought us nothing but financial ruin.

I would never approve any federal budget that would create a federal deficit.

So just how do we cut federal spending? I would reunite the Departments of Labor and Commerce into one department. I would disband the Departments of Homeland Security and Housing and Urban Development, they are unneeded government bureaucracies the various functions of those departments would go into the appropriate departments. The Department of Veteran's Affairs would be put into the Department of Defense. Other parts of the government such as the Department of Commerce and Labor and the Department of the Interior would get budget cuts.

We wouldn't go into unnecessary wars such as in Iraq and policing the world. No needless pork barrel projects. As jman said: "
Eliminate most welfare programs and replace them with a broad, extensive Public Works Program. Make people work for their money. Those with disabilities, or those who are unable to work, will be able to receive unemployment benefits and social services for an extended period of time."

At the time I would not cut taxes to ensure that we are getting enough revenue to pay for the various government programs.

While not a part of the budget, we need to strengthen the power of the dollar.

I would introduce the Balanced Budget Amendment to the United States Constitution that would require the federal government to pass a budget that is balanced.

Transportation
I rode on a mag-lev train in Shanghai so I really liked what jman said: "Why don't we have Mag-Lev trains on the East and West Coast? I believe we should invest in Mag-Lev technology. AMTRAK just doesn't do it anymore. The slow, inadequate service often makes driving seem like a faster alternative. Not to mention that it's as expensive as all hell. Mag-Lev technology would be able to transport commuters from Boston to Washington, DC in just over four hours. Imagine traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego in an hour; San Francisco to San Diego in three and a half hours; Seattle to San Diego in eight hours or less... it would bring in the customers almost immediately, and would pay for itself in less than a decade."

The Environment
The EPA would become a Cabinet level department known as the Department of Environmental Protection.

Fuel emission standards for cars in this nation would become on par with European standards.

I would not submit the Kyoto Protocol for ratification in the Senate. I would impliment the ideals of the Kyoto Protocol for legislation to help protect the enviroment, but the treaty itself is a load of bull. It is specifically designed for just the United States to take really serious action, nations like Russia is allowed to profit off of it, and nations that are worse polluters like China are exempt from taking any serious action.

Abortion
Abortion is not a fundamental right like many pro-choicers believe. It is completely unethical and morally wrong.

However, Roe v. Wade cannot be overturned. Just imagine the public health crisis it would create. A woman who wants an abortion will get an abortion, legally or illegally. With a coat hanger or with an underground doctor with a an unsterile clinic. It's just too dangerous to ban it.

However we should ban and restrict certain types of abortion such as partial-birth abortions, third trimester abortions, etc. Also, I would not support federal funding for abortion clinics. You want an abortion, you're going to pay for it.

Minimum Wage
First off I should state that I do believe in the minimum wage. I believe that it is necessary.

I find it kind of pointless to raise the minimum wage at the federal level. I see this as a right of the states to decide on how much the minimum wage shall be and frankly, the states are far more responsive towards the necessary increases in the minimum wage. When the federal minimum wage was $5.15/hr, the majority of states passed legislation or referendums to increase the minimum wage above $7.00/hr. And more states were most likely bound to do so too.

So leave the minimum wage to the states. They do it far more effectively. The right to do so belongs to in accordance to the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." And when the federal government finally decides to act upon it, it's kinda pointless.

NASA and Space
I am a huge believer in the mission that NASA has provided us. I see space exploration on par with the voyages of Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama, James Cook and many others. That's why I propose that NASA gets fully funded for the missions it needs to explore the unknown and continue the tradition that has been started hundreds of years ago.

Terrorism
Yes there is such a thing as terrorism. That is why I have previously proposed to have a 2 million active and 2 million reserve force for our military, not to just protect the homeland from a Russian or Chinese or French or British attack or to defend the border from illegal immigrants, but to also help prevent terrorist attacks on the homeland.

I would repeal the USA PATRIOT Act. It violates the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution which prohibits unreasonable and warrant less searches and violates the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution which protects our right to privacy (rights not specifically stated belong to either the state or to the people). There is no reason to be investigating on innocent people.

We also need to take a look as to why there are groups such as al-Qaeda and why they want to not only attack the American homeland, but also American interests. We need to take an active participation in preventing these terrorist groups from springing up (i.e. not giving them a somewhat legitimate reason) along with preventing terrorist attacks.

The Electoral College
I will propose an amendment to abolish the Electoral College. It is undemocratic and a President should be elected solely based on the popular vote and the will of the people.

Civil Rights
I oppose the idea of Affirmative Action. It was necessary when it was created, but today is nothing but a relic of the Civil Rights Movement. And relics need to be gotten rid of. Affirmative Action violates Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution which prohibits discrimination by our government.

I would reintroduce the Equal Rights Amendment and the District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment. And an amendment protecting the equal rights of those based on sexual orientation. That way there can be absolutely no basis on denying the rights ALL American citizens.

I oppose the idea of hate crimes based on the words of Dr. Ron Paul:
Ron Paul on hate crimes (http://www.lewrockwell.com/paul/paul385.html)

The Customary System
The Customary System of Measurement is completely idiotic on the basis of its measurements and the fact that the rest of the world uses the Metric System.

It's time to get rid of it and convert the United States to the Metric System with the rest of the world.

[cookiva]

Wow....


I actually agree with almost everything you said, HH....

[hippie_hunter]

Wow....


I actually agree with almost everything you said, HH....

Were you expecting something different?

[The Senator]

More issues:

GAY RIGHTS
I would work with Congress to draft a bill which would declare a crime committed against a person specifically because of his or her sexual orientation or gender association a hate crime. Furthermore, I would work to pass the Equality Amendment, which would state in the Constitution that United States women, people of all races and backgrounds, homosexuals, and transgenders are created equal and are entitled to the same rights as everyone else in this country-- including full employment benefits. I would also work to abolish both the Defense of Marriage Act and the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, allowing gay men to serve openly in the armed forces.

As it currently stands, 50% of all cases brought before commanding officers in which a serviceman has admitted (s)he is gay are ignored or overlooked (according the most recent Army Times). This is because many of our top soldiers can perform the duties which are necessary to protect our country, regardless of their sexuality. Why not let them serve openly, so that we don't lose some of our best men and women due to some silly provision?

The issue of gay marriage would be left to religious institutions, not federal or state governments, and I would work with Congress to pass a resolution which endorses civil unions at a national level. Also, I would attempt to pass legislation which would ban federal and state governments from deciding who has the right to get married; that would be left to religious institutions.

ABORTION
A woman's right to choose is essential, not only for privacy reasons, but for medical reasons. Abortions are currently performed by certified practitioners. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, then the chances of desperate women in dire need of an abortion seeking unprofessional, unsterilized help will increase dramatically.

I do believe that women under the age of 18 should be required to seek parental consent to get an abortion.

THE MINIMUM WAGE
The national minimum wage should be capped at $8.50 an hour.

THE ENVIRONMENT
It's time to sign the Kyoto Protocol and stop acting like children. Fine companies which do not meet specific emissions caps. Continue to clean up vital water sources, such as the Great Lakes. Do not permit oil drilling the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge.

I also support making the EPA a cabinet level position, which would work closely with the Department of the Interior to maintain our national parks and work to clean up our lakes, rivers, and forests from pollutants.

Since I plan to re-invest in nuclear energy, then we must come up with an effective way to store nuclear waste. I would encourage Congress to fund "Waste Bunkers" which are built hundreds of feet below the surface of the earth to store the massive amounts of radioactive materials. These bunkers would be located primarily in "wastelands," such as beneath the Moab Desert in Utah, and in the uninhabited parts of Alaska.

Furthermore, I would encourage investment in two additional fuels which have not been adamantly pursued: Fusion, and nuclear energy via Helium-3. Helium-3 is a rare element which is found on the moon. As crazy as it sounds, mining Helium-3 could be essential to our long term survival. Three tons of Helium-3 are enough to power the United States for over a year. There is enough Helium-3 on the moon to power the United States for over a century. Not only would mining Helium-3 be beneficial to our energy programs, but it would let us do something we haven't done in decades: Return to the moon.

SPENDING
No more bridges to nowhere. A line-item veto may be necessary to ensure that pork barrel spending projects are dismantled, and that spending goes to projects which are essential, such as infrastructure repairs, local education, some social programs, and educational services such as museums.

DEFENSE
A strong defense is vital to our national security. That said, we should still dismantle 50% of our nuclear stockpiles, while maintaining a nuclear triad (land, water, air) which could easily strike after an attack.

I'll add more later.

[cookiva]

Were you expecting something different?

Well, I figured that we differed on a few things, but honestly, most everything you said I agree with...


Enspecially education. I lived in Shanghai for a year (and sounds like you lived there for awhile as well), and I agree 100%. Transportation as well. The only things I differ on are:

Gay Marriage

I fully support same sex marriage. Period.



Gun Control

I believe that the only guns that one would need are hunting rifles/shotguns. Hunting was a big part of my life as a child, and I used to love it, and respect hunters.

[Excel]

My #1 priority would be man on mars!

[hippie_hunter]

Well, I figured that we differed on a few things, but honestly, most everything you said I agree with...

Well, I've always considered myself more of a liberal Republican. I like to consider my type of Republicanism as the type of Republican before the neo-conservative Reagan Revolution. The type of Republican of Eisenhower, Nixon, and Ford.

[cookiva]

Well, I've always considered myself more of a liberal Republican. I like to consider my type of Republicanism as the type of Republican before the neo-conservative Reagan Revolution. The type of Republican of Eisenhower, Nixon, and Ford.


I went back and edited some info, such as my differences in yours/my ideas.

[hippie_hunter]

Yes,i think i could.Let me explain..if i was President,i would hang the Confederate flag over the White House.

With Health Care,there would be a Nationwide plan. There is no fear of socialism or communism,it's just a effective way of keeping the population healthy.

Immgration,you need to be here legally to enjoy the American dream. If your not here legally,you will be deported immedately. Hard working Americans keep the dream alive,you can't take advantage of that. There will be a boarder with soliders at Mexico.

The national budget? It will be hard,but there must be taxes to get rid of it. Bush has rammed the country into the ground,Republicans must pay taxes to fix this.

Relations with other countries? It will be a repair mission,apologizing to other countries for the stupidity of Bush. But if you say your sorry,then in time..things will be better.

Terrorism? There is no such thing,keep them in their country not in ours.

Education? I would make it like it was from the 1950's to the mid 1990's. Full classes,and each child can get help if they desire it. I would eliminate the GED,and every child would be given a diploma.

Please....tell....me...your....joking :shock

[hippie_hunter]

Enspecially education. I lived in Shanghai for a year (and sounds like you lived there for awhile as well),
I was only in China for about 18 days. But I saw a lot such as the motivation of Chinese students, staying with a Chinese family for a couple of nights, and how China is really modernizing especially in Shanghai. It really changed my perspective on things.

Gay Marriage

I fully support same sex marriage. Period.
I fully support same sex marriage as well. If a man wants to call another man his husband there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. The government should give civily married couples the exact same benefits as a straight couple and recognise them.

However, we can't tell a religion that they have to bless and recognize same-sex unions. The Constitution guarantees a separation of church and state and as long as they are not doing anything harmful we have absolutely no right to interfere with religious affairs. If the Catholic Chuch doesn't want to recognise a gay union, they have that right. Same with the Episcopalian Church having the right to recognise them.

[The Senator]

Yes,i think i could.Let me explain..if i was President,i would hang the Confederate flag over the White House.

Do that, and you'll have roughly 250,000 African Americans who live in DC and its suburbs storming your office in a Coup d'etat.

The national budget? It will be hard,but there must be taxes to get rid of it. Bush has rammed the country into the ground,Republicans must pay taxes to fix this.

You can't force a political party to only pay taxes. That's discrimination.

Relations with other countries? It will be a repair mission,apologizing to other countries for the stupidity of Bush. But if you say your sorry,then in time..things will be better.

Yeah, I hear sorries are the best way to rebuild infrastructures.

Terrorism? There is no such thing,keep them in their country not in ours.

There's also no such thing as the sun; it's just a giant lightbulb in the sky that gets turned off when we go nighty-night.

Education? I would make it like it was from the 1950's to the mid 1990's. Full classes,and each child can get help if they desire it. I would eliminate the GED,and every child would be given a diploma.

Um.... what?

[Addendum]

I fully support same sex marriage as well. If a man wants to call another man his husband there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. The government should give civily married couples the exact same benefits as a straight couple and recognise them.

However, we can't tell a religion that they have to bless and recognize same-sex unions. The Constitution guarantees a separation of church and state and as long as they are not doing anything harmful we have absolutely no right to interfere with religious affairs. If the Catholic Chuch doesn't want to recognise a gay union, they have that right. Same with the Episcopalian Church having the right to recognise them.

I agree, since you don't need a religion's approval for marriage.

Now, if a denomination decides on their own to perform same sex marriages, that's their choice. But if the government decides to recognize same sex marriages and give them the same benefits as the straight marriage, religious institutions are in no way threatened.

[The Senator]

I do believe the technical term for all marriages performed outside of a religious ceremony are civil unions.

My parents had a civil union, I think, where a justice of the peace resided over their ceremony, rather than a minister/ priest/ pastor/ etc.

[Chris B]

My main problem is that I'm devoid of any real solutions to the problems that the country is facing right now. Once I got over that, I believe I could pull it off.

[The Senator]

My main problem is that I'm devoid of any real solutions to the problems that the country is facing right now. Once I got over that, I believe I could pull it off.

Well, if Barack Obama can run for President... :cwink:

[cookiva]

Health Care

After seeing a true government run heath care system in Belgium, I know it doesn't truely work. It sounds great, but no one wants to wait 8 hours for some medicine, and in doing so see someone abuse the system to get their "fix". That said, the heath care system in the US is appauling. The "progressive auto ins." idea is interesting, and I need to think more about that.

Social Security

The top 10% doesn't ieven need to whiff social security. I do agree with HH in saying by 2050, everyone over a certain salary must take over their retirement, but I do not agree with the number. With inflation, I will say $150,000, rather than $120,000.
Illegal Immigration

Everyones family, at one time, an immigrant. We cannot forget our past, but with the population growing at the rate it is, we have to change our beliefs. I do not want a wall on Mexico, but rather work with the Mexican government to find out what we can do to keep these men and women in their homes.

Energy

Nuclear energy is the enemy. Plain and simple. Foreign oil, as well, is our enemy. We are our own country, and banking a source as needed at this point in time as oil from a foreign country is the last thing we should do. That said, we are NOT drilling in the US. We need to start funding renewable energy options, and start now. This is very important.

Education
The right to regulate the education systems lies to the states. However, the states have failed miserably. Therefore it is up to the federal government to take up the job. We need to make our education system on par with that of Japan and Europe. We need to get our students motivated like in China, which I have seen first hand.

Teachers will have a minimum wage of no less than $40,000.00.

We need to rely less on test grades and more on the skills in science, math, history, writing, etc.

Students need to learn a second language, particularly Spanish. Starting at an early age.

Prepare students for the workforce.

Thats what HH said, and I fully agree with it.


Gun Control

There is no reason to own anything other than hunting rifles and/or hunting shotguns. Hunting is a sport in our country, and no reason to take it away. That said, we need stricter gun laws. I want to keep the 2nd amendement, but I think we need more testing/researching for potential gun purchasers.

Like, HH said though, the final blow cannot go to the gun manufactures. Do you go to the slaughterhouse because you had a heart attack from your Big Mac???


Gay Marriage

I give full support to gay couples, and they have all of the rights that a male-female marriage would have.

The Military

We still have major bases in Europe. Why? Our military is here to protect us, not invade other countries. Diplomacy is our first option, and military action should only be inforced if a major attack from another nation, such as Pearl Harbor.


The Enviroment

Ford is advertising that they have cars that run at 30mpg. Really? Its come to that? How about the standard 40mpg that Europe has, which is about to go up to 45.

Abortion

While I despise the idea of a 3rd trimester abortion, I do think its a womans right to chose during the first two.

[cookiva]

Please....tell....me...your....joking :shock

I took that as a joke....

[hippie_hunter]

Social Security

The top 10% doesn't ieven need to whiff social security. I do agree with HH in saying by 2050, everyone over a certain salary must take over their retirement, but I do not agree with the number. With inflation, I will say $150,000, rather than $120,000.
I can't take credit for the Social Security idea, that was jman's idea.

[Chris B]

Well, if Barack Obama can run for President... :cwink:

:woot:

Well if it works for him...

[Kenny Eugene McCall]

Why don't we abolish the Democratic and Republican Parties altogether, because they're both corrupt anyway, and just start over from scratch.

I do agree with the Fair Tax anyway. But Let's abolish the Electoral College and base the election on the popular vote.

My idea for the United Nations is that it should be based in whatever country the United Nations Secretary General is from for the entire run of his leadership. That way, the United States won't have to be burdened with their problems as if they were based in New York City, making the UN a more mobile organization. You can even build a floating base in which the UN can conduct business and launch their peacekeeping forces from anywhere in the world.

But one thing I would've liked to see is that Congress would authorize the Central Intelligence Agency to hire mercenaries in the United States to put a contract out on the life of President George W. Bush and Dick Cheney before they have a chance to leave office for all the lies and false intelligence they put us through to get our soldiers and Iraqi people killed during this unjust war.

I may get blacklisted for this, but our soldiers should be mainly in Afghanistan looking for that Bin Laden fella and bringing him to justice, and not in a resource war in Iraq in the so called war on terror

[Havok83]

No and Id never want to be President. Too much pressure

[rdh007]

The first part of my platform includes a licensing system for parents. If you don't have a license, we take your kids and put them into foster care three states over.

[Malice]

Lets name all the "platforms" we need to identify for the "SHH election"
Foreign Policy Issues
Defense
The Environment
Immigration

Domestic Issues
Abortion
Gun Control
Gay Rights
Defense
Environment
Health Care
Social Security
Immigration
Energy
Education
Minimum Wage
General Finance
Budget
Transportation
NASA and Space
Politics and Political Parties
Terrorism and Homeland Security
Welfare

[SuBe]

As you see, the Constitution states that voting is a right and cannot be denied or abridged.
Your posts made my point Hippie. All of those say that Voting shall not be denied for various reasons, but not who is a voter. It does not state that you have a Right to Vote, only that the Government shall not deny voting by Race, Sex, poll tax, or age.

[SoulManX]

And what drugs,homeless, jobs, the dollar, and crime?:o

[hippie_hunter]

Your posts made my point Hippie. All of those say that Voting shall not be denied for various reasons, but not who is a voter. It does not state that you have a Right to Vote, only that the Government shall not deny voting by Race, Sex, poll tax, or age.
No they do not prove your point. They specifically state "the RIGHT of citizens of the United States to vote." They say that it is a right. But it also is a privilege which the Constitution states that privileges cannot be denied or abridged.

[Matt]

My #1 priority would be man on mars!

Why? What good would REALLY come from it? I like the idea of space travel and all, but we divert billions if not trillions of dollars to NASA each year and for what? So scientists can analyze some rocks that may or may not be useful? The space program just seems like such a waste to me.

[The Senator]

Voters Rights? : You have no right to vote! Current Welfare Receipiants no longer can vote. They would just vote in people that promise to give money to them for not working. Does that seem Fair? If you want to vote, Contribute to society by getting a job.

That's nonsense. Utter and complete nonsense.

This means that people who are disabled and are supported by the government because they PHYSICALLY cannot work are unable to vote.

This means that those who are in impoverished areas of the country where work is either unavailable or gradually disappearing cannot vote.

This means that the single mother of four who CAN'T work because she has to take care of her children cannot vote.

This means everyone YOU don't like can't vote.

You talk about your United Democracies Union... Ha! I guess the United States would be excluded from that, right? Because you're explicitly denying people the ability to elect their leaders, regardless of whether or not the Constitution guarantees the right to vote.

[LexCorp]

Owner of my own company yes, president no.

[Malice]

Here is the updated Platform of Malice for Prez:

Overall Government View
Here is my opinion of how the government should operate in the general (the specifics are below) I think the Federal Government should entirely stay out of most things. So I would say I am a Constitutionalist on the Federal Governments view. I dont believe that the government is here for the most part to provide much more than freedom and protection of its citizens. All issues not assigned the Federal Government should be handled at the State level.

Abortion
The issue of Abortion is a very divisive issue.
If the government was to outlaw it, those seeking abortions would end up "finding" places to do it, or do something so insane such as using a coat-hanger.

I personally think, that it is up to the mother. That be the case, I think they should talk to the mother and then with adoptive parents about it. They should work out a deal that the mother completes the pregnenacy for costs
and then hands it over to the adoptive parents. Basically turning the unwanted pregnancy into a surrogate pregnancy. Aside from that, I think abortion in the first 2 trimesters is allowed, then its illegal.


Budget
The US Congress and Presidency as of late has gone unchecked in its spending. This needs to stop if there is any hope in the future of actually having a fiscal budget that is nothing but covering existing debt.

This will be a hard fought battle but needs to be done.

I believe that there needs to be a good 10%-20% cut in many of the Government funded programs if not cut entirely. This is obviously going to be a case by case basis, and there are so many programs in existance getting government funding, that honestly, they needs to sit down and go over them one by one. I would be willing to bet that 1 billion dollars alone could be eliminated by the govt, and 99.9% of the pulic would never know it because those programs cut would have little or no impact. Of course my goal would be more than 1 Billion, but this would be a hard battle.


Defense and Military
Defense of the US serves numerous purposes.
I think first of all, they are to support the defense of the states as is standard. I am all for having a large standing military and a large reserve. You never know when we may be called to perform a large military action.
During World War II, Roosevelt had the forsite to see us coming into the war. He enacted the draft even before we were in war. I dont see that happening again in the near future. The US Military provides men and women both
with a career path also, I think this is a good thing. I figure (granted I trully dont know the numbers of the current troop levels, we should have around 2 million troops, and then 1.5 to 3 million in reserve and then of course with the National Guard. Remember the National Guard is the force that we use to assist with natural disasters, so a well oiled machine there, is only a huge benefit to us as a people.

As far as the military bases around the world. I dont think we honestly need to have troops stationed in something like 60 nations (aside from Marines stationed in Embassy's). I dont think that is needs, close a number of them
and create more virtual and mobile bases on ships.


Education
The education system in the US is in really bad shape. This is a well known fact. I believe we need the Federal Government to get out of the Education business. They need to get rid of all mandated policies and let the States
themselves take this over. I think the Federal Government should simply hand education funds to the states, and that is all they should do. Why?

When you have one mandated policy, you have no room for inovation in instruction. They are told exactly what to teach. If each state had their own way of doing things, you would eventually have some ingenious innovations occur in teching students. For instance, if Oregon started teching a different way and had huge success, and Washington was not having any, Washington would have the opportunity to learn from Oregon and adapt to their own issues. Inflexibility in teaching methods is one problem I see by having the Federal Government involved.


Energy
There are numerous problems we face in the future, and Energy use is one of the largest. We use massive amounts of energy and we need to start finding a way of being self-sufficient with it.

Oil - Right now, we get a majority of our oil from countries we would not even let come to our own homes. We are supporting governments that we would not ordinarrilly support, simply because they produce oil. I find this a security risk and simply put, bad business.

Nuclear - Nuclear is a "fairly" clean process. It does have its negatives, but with current known technologies, its by far one of the cleanest. We need to start utilizing this more and more, until we can find a trully clean and renewable energy source.

I am now coining a new term, the "Clean and Rewnewable Power Education Project" - CarPep This project would be similar to the Manhatten Project of the 40's. The government would give large grants to research institutions in researching ways of getting rid of our unclean ways of power, by building a new one. This means companies and institutions would be given large grants (based off proposals to a scientific group) for money. The group then does their research, constantly sending all data to a new agency setup strictly for this venture (when its acheived, the agency would go away).

Once a viable solution is procured and meets approval, this technology is given FREELY to the US auto and power companies as well as the US military. Of course, the companies its given to, must have export compliance policies in place so that this technology as least for some time, is in the hands of only the US (granted we all know it would be reverse engineered by others in a short amount of time).

Environment
In the last 50 years we have seen some changes to the Earth, and we need to do something to keep the Earth a viable place to live for our children. We need to find the alternative power source to completely replace oil (listed above in the Energy section). We also need to do a more effective job of recycling waste.

We need to start trying to convince manufacturers to packge in papers, not plastics. There are numerous devices we use on a daily basis that are significantly more poisonous to the environment then ones that might cost a few cents more to make. We need to change the attitude of the people to accept the slight increase in price for the knowledge that we are performing a global service.


Gay Rights
This is another incredibly divisive issue. I myself grew up Catholic but now have significant problems with the church and am basically non-practicing. If a couple, who happen to be of the same sex, wish to state to the Government they are to be a partnetship (via a civil wedding) I am all for it. Of course different religions will have a problem with this, but this is not the governments problem. Lets the Religions fight with the Gay couples, not the government.


General Finance
The government needs to be significantly more responsible with the money of the people it works for.

I dont believe in a balanced budget, because unfortunately, the government sometimes must spend more money than it takes in (ie, times of war or possible financial crisis)

But I would imagine, something can be done, to force a balanced budget until specific criteria are met. For instance, if we have "not declared war" then the budget each year must be balanced. (granted my fear is war will be declared
to get legislation passed, so they can get extra money). Also, the budget must be balanced unless Congress sees the US economy needing more money to be spent becuase of hardships.

Those listed above a very theoretical, and I am not even sure if they could work, but I thought it would be worth mentioning.


Gun Control
The 2nd Amendment says I have the right to bear arms. When that was written, it was geared towards a Militia and for personal defense. Although right now, we really dont need the militia (unless we get invaded). Personal protection is still a viable precedent. Thru the years, armaments have grown in destructive power. I honestly dont think anyone should ever own an Anti-Tank weapon (RPG, LAW rocket, etc...) I am ok banning a class of weapons in that range or above it (the devil is in the details of course). I am adamently for you being able to own an rifle, pistol and shotgun you want.

I stated in a previous thread, if it can damage a tank, its too big.


Health Care
This is one of the most talked about a debated issues in the Presidential race today. Rightly so, its an important issue to discuss.

I dont believe the Government getting involved and putting together a Government sponsored Health Care program is the right way to approach this. The government tends to be very inefficient, this needs to be a government RECOGNIZED private market solution.

I have heard of different systems where people post money into a health account, and it gets used from there. I have not found enough information to trully be able to speak about it.


Immigration
I think the first things we need to do, before everything else, is enforce the US borders. Enfore immigration laws. Noone gets in without proper documentation. This MUST be enacted and functioning before the next step goes into action.

The next thing I think, some would clasify as a form of Amnesty. Unfortunately, we cant in all good conscience deport 12 million people. I say we do the following:

1) Set a date 6 months (after the borders are classified as secure) where illegal immigrants are required to contact the Immigration Offices, and register. This registration gives them a valid ID. They are required to state where they came from and how long they have been here. They are to pay a 5K fine (this is honestly an arbitray number, but can change) for being here illegally, breaking our laws. They are given a VISA for 5 years. At the end
of those 5 years, they must learn to read and write English. If they dont learn English, the 5 year visa, is pulled, and the immigrant is deported.

2) At the end of the 6 months, the free registration ends. Then, any illegal found gets deported, simple as that. This means, if you get pulled over by a cop, you get your info run. You go to a hospital, you get your info run.
Basically, when an illegal immigrant gets deported when they are discovered. We wont go after them, they will "be found thru normal means."

Also, at the end of these 6 months, companies are required to verify that their employees are Legal. If they are not, the company will significantly fined. This will force the companies to get their illegal immigrant to register
and get into the system.


Minimum Wage
Minimum Wage is technically against Complete Free Capitalism. Honestly though, we are not a Complete Free Capitalist society because the government interferes in business affairs. The raising of the wage must be done to ensure employees are fairly compensated. Technically the employer would do this as a reward for good effort to the employee. We are mainly doing this to prevent exploitation.


NASA and Space
I honestly believe that man needs to explore and colonize space in the hundreds of years to come. If we do nothing, we endanger ourselves. To help get to that point, we need to heavilly fund the space program here in the states, to a similar degree as was done in the 60's. I think we need to fund and devise a way to put a settlement on the Moon.

Once that is done, we will learn new technologies and way of doing things. This will lead us to heading to Mars next. The space program has perform thousands of experiments that we cannot perform here on Earth. This is a huge scientific platform that in the end benefits us all, granted it may take many years.

Also, this gives the nation a point on which to rally together. In the 60's almost every person alive can tell you about the moon landings. I want to continue that tradition.


Politics and Political Parties
Politics has become a way of life for people. Honestly, I believe there should be a 2 term limit for Senators and a 4 term limit for Congressman. This would most likely never come to pass, since the Congress would have to ratify it.

I believe there should not be career politicians in Congress, not for 40 years.

I completely abhore the political parties as they exist. The parties work to their own ends, to keep themselves in power, not for the good of the people. Unfortunately nothing cna be done about the parties.


Social Security
I would retroactively change the age of Social Security to 70.

This means, all people under the age of 50 would have to wait till 70, to get Social Security benefits, and those over 50 will get their benefits as they are now.

12 years down the line, this will actually create a decrease in Social Security members, as no new members are entered into the system (except some that might get disability). This will give the Social Security administration some time to make other reforms I have not enacted.


Terrorism and Homeland Security
This has most likely been the largest and most divicive issue in the last 10 years.

I find the Patriot Act to be unconstitutional. It would be repealed. Wiretapping without a warrent is illegal. Reading emails without a warrant is illegal.

I believe the CIA needs more funding for human intelligence gathering all around the world. They will be the ones that help us in the time of need by gaining information. There is no substitute for having someone in the enemys
camp.

The US invasion of Iraq. I personally dont think we should have gone there, but since we are there, we need to see it thru. If we were to leave on a "scheduled timeframe" the opposition would just lay in wait for that day, then
come out in force, so a scheduled withdrawl is simply unacceptable. We are going to have to be there for some time to help the Iraqi government do for themselves.


Transportation
The US is a country of roads and airports. We MUST keep the aging infrastructure in place and functioning. If it was to really start to breakdown, the US businesses would be negatively impacted, thus hurting the people even more.

I think the US needs to try to invest more in Mass Transit. MagLev trains is one idea, and of course, teleporters (just kidding).


Welfare
Originally welfare was simply put, a package to help those in need during a dire time. Currently the US is not in a dire time. The system now, is creating a problem. It propogates itself. Someone gets on welfare, and they are not
given incentive to get off it.

I propose a new system that only allows a recipient to only be on it for a total of 20 years in their lifetime. With that in mind, they can only be on it, for 5 years at a time. Then they must be off it for 5 years. So basically,
someone could be one and off it in 5 year stints for 40 years. By that time the person is most likely in their late 50's.

The way the welfare system hands out money is also unacceptable. They should simply give out vouchers for essentials. No cash is given out at all.

[bell110]

I'd switch us to the metric system.

[SuBe]

That's nonsense. Utter and complete nonsense.

This means that people who are disabled and are supported by the government because they PHYSICALLY cannot work are unable to vote.

This means that those who are in impoverished areas of the country where work is either unavailable or gradually disappearing cannot vote.

This means that the single mother of four who CAN'T work because she has to take care of her children cannot vote.

This means everyone YOU don't like can't vote.

You talk about your United Democracies Union... Ha! I guess the United States would be excluded from that, right? Because you're explicitly denying people the ability to elect their leaders, regardless of whether or not the Constitution guarantees the right to vote.
This is the Quote that leads me to Believe you have to limit the Voters to only those that Contribute to Society. I'm not in the Mood to debate today. But, read this and discuss.


"A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves money from the public treasure. From that moment on the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most money from the public treasury, with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world's great civilizations has been two hundred years. These nations have progressed through the following sequence: from bondage to spiritual faith, from spiritual faith to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependency, from dependency back to bondage."

Where are we in this Scale? Are we too Apathic? Are we too Dependant? Are we going back into Bondage?

[Malice]

This is the Quote that leads me to Believe you have to limit the Voters to only those that Contribute to Society. I'm not in the Mood to debate today. But, read this and discuss.


"A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves money from the public treasure. From that moment on the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most money from the public treasury, with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world's great civilizations has been two hundred years. These nations have progressed through the following sequence: from bondage to spiritual faith, from spiritual faith to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependency, from dependency back to bondage."

That is fascinating...

[SoulManX]

Here is the updated Platform of Malice for Prez:


Overall Government View
Here is my opinion of how the government should operate in the general (the specifics are below) I think the Federal Government should entirely stay out of most things. So I would say I am a Constitutionalist on the Federal Governments view. I dont believe that the government is here for the most part to provide much more than freedom and protection of its citizens. All issues not assigned the Federal Government should be handled at the State level.

Abortion
The issue of Abortion is a very divisive issue.
If the government was to outlaw it, those seeking abortions would end up "finding" places to do it, or do something so insane such as using a coat-hanger.

I personally think, that it is up to the mother. That be the case, I think they should talk to the mother and then with adoptive parents about it. They should work out a deal that the mother completes the pregnenacy for costs
and then hands it over to the adoptive parents. Basically turning the unwanted pregnancy into a surrogate pregnancy. Aside from that, I think abortion in the first 2 trimesters is allowed, then its illegal.


Budget
The US Congress and Presidency as of late has gone unchecked in its spending. This needs to stop if there is any hope in the future of actually having a fiscal budget that is nothing but covering existing debt.

This will be a hard fought battle but needs to be done.

I believe that there needs to be a good 10%-20% cut in many of the Government funded programs if not cut entirely. This is obviously going to be a case by case basis, and there are so many programs in existance getting government funding, that honestly, they needs to sit down and go over them one by one. I would be willing to bet that 1 billion dollars alone could be eliminated by the govt, and 99.9% of the pulic would never know it because those programs cut would have little or no impact. Of course my goal would be more than 1 Billion, but this would be a hard battle.


Defense and Military
Defense of the US serves numerous purposes.
I think first of all, they are to support the defense of the states as is standard. I am all for having a large standing military and a large reserve. You never know when we may be called to perform a large military action.
During World War II, Roosevelt had the forsite to see us coming into the war. He enacted the draft even before we were in war. I dont see that happening again in the near future. The US Military provides men and women both
with a career path also, I think this is a good thing. I figure (granted I trully dont know the numbers of the current troop levels, we should have around 2 million troops, and then 1.5 to 3 million in reserve and then of course with the National Guard. Remember the National Guard is the force that we use to assist with natural disasters, so a well oiled machine there, is only a huge benefit to us as a people.

As far as the military bases around the world. I dont think we honestly need to have troops stationed in something like 60 nations (aside from Marines stationed in Embassy's). I dont think that is needs, close a number of them
and create more virtual and mobile bases on ships.


Education
The education system in the US is in really bad shape. This is a well known fact. I believe we need the Federal Government to get out of the Education business. They need to get rid of all mandated policies and let the States
themselves take this over. I think the Federal Government should simply hand education funds to the states, and that is all they should do. Why?

When you have one mandated policy, you have no room for inovation in instruction. They are told exactly what to teach. If each state had their own way of doing things, you would eventually have some ingenious innovations occur in teching students. For instance, if Oregon started teching a different way and had huge success, and Washington was not having any, Washington would have the opportunity to learn from Oregon and adapt to their own issues. Inflexibility in teaching methods is one problem I see by having the Federal Government involved.


Energy
There are numerous problems we face in the future, and Energy use is one of the largest. We use massive amounts of energy and we need to start finding a way of being self-sufficient with it.

Oil - Right now, we get a majority of our oil from countries we would not even let come to our own homes. We are supporting governments that we would not ordinarrilly support, simply because they produce oil. I find this a security risk and simply put, bad business.

Nuclear - Nuclear is a "fairly" clean process. It does have its negatives, but with current known technologies, its by far one of the cleanest. We need to start utilizing this more and more, until we can find a trully clean and renewable energy source.

I am now coining a new term, the "Clean and Rewnewable Power Education Project" - CarPep This project would be similar to the Manhatten Project of the 40's. The government would give large grants to research institutions in researching ways of getting rid of our unclean ways of power, by building a new one. This means companies and institutions would be given large grants (based off proposals to a scientific group) for money. The group then does their research, constantly sending all data to a new agency setup strictly for this venture (when its acheived, the agency would go away).

Once a viable solution is procured and meets approval, this technology is given FREELY to the US auto and power companies as well as the US military. Of course, the companies its given to, must have export compliance policies in place so that this technology as least for some time, is in the hands of only the US (granted we all know it would be reverse engineered by others in a short amount of time).

Environment
In the last 50 years we have seen some changes to the Earth, and we need to do something to keep the Earth a viable place to live for our children. We need to find the alternative power source to completely replace oil (listed above in the Energy section). We also need to do a more effective job of recycling waste.

We need to start trying to convince manufacturers to packge in papers, not plastics. There are numerous devices we use on a daily basis that are significantly more poisonous to the environment then ones that might cost a few cents more to make. We need to change the attitude of the people to accept the slight increase in price for the knowledge that we are performing a global service.


Gay Rights
This is another incredibly divisive issue. I myself grew up Catholic but now have significant problems with the church and am basically non-practicing. If a couple, who happen to be of the same sex, wish to state to the Government they are to be a partnetship (via a civil wedding) I am all for it. Of course different religions will have a problem with this, but this is not the governments problem. Lets the Religions fight with the Gay couples, not the government.


General Finance
The government needs to be significantly more responsible with the money of the people it works for.

I dont believe in a balanced budget, because unfortunately, the government sometimes must spend more money than it takes in (ie, times of war or possible financial crisis)

But I would imagine, something can be done, to force a balanced budget until specific criteria are met. For instance, if we have "not declared war" then the budget each year must be balanced. (granted my fear is war will be declared
to get legislation passed, so they can get extra money). Also, the budget must be balanced unless Congress sees the US economy needing more money to be spent becuase of hardships.

Those listed above a very theoretical, and I am not even sure if they could work, but I thought it would be worth mentioning.


Gun Control
The 2nd Amendment says I have the right to bear arms. When that was written, it was geared towards a Militia and for personal defense. Although right now, we really dont need the militia (unless we get invaded). Personal protection is still a viable precedent. Thru the years, armaments have grown in destructive power. I honestly dont think anyone should ever own an Anti-Tank weapon (RPG, LAW rocket, etc...) I am ok banning a class of weapons in that range or above it (the devil is in the details of course). I am adamently for you being able to own an rifle, pistol and shotgun you want.

I stated in a previous thread, if it can damage a tank, its too big.


Health Care
This is one of the most talked about a debated issues in the Presidential race today. Rightly so, its an important issue to discuss.

I dont believe the Government getting involved and putting together a Government sponsored Health Care program is the right way to approach this. The government tends to be very inefficient, this needs to be a government RECOGNIZED private market solution.

I have heard of different systems where people post money into a health account, and it gets used from there. I have not found enough information to trully be able to speak about it.


Immigration
I think the first things we need to do, before everything else, is enforce the US borders. Enfore immigration laws. Noone gets in without proper documentation. This MUST be enacted and functioning before the next step goes into action.

The next thing I think, some would clasify as a form of Amnesty. Unfortunately, we cant in all good conscience deport 12 million people. I say we do the following:

1) Set a date 6 months (after the borders are classified as secure) where illegal immigrants are required to contact the Immigration Offices, and register. This registration gives them a valid ID. They are required to state where they came from and how long they have been here. They are to pay a 5K fine (this is honestly an arbitray number, but can change) for being here illegally, breaking our laws. They are given a VISA for 5 years. At the end
of those 5 years, they must learn to read and write English. If they dont learn English, the 5 year visa, is pulled, and the immigrant is deported.

2) At the end of the 6 months, the free registration ends. Then, any illegal found gets deported, simple as that. This means, if you get pulled over by a cop, you get your info run. You go to a hospital, you get your info run.
Basically, when an illegal immigrant gets deported when they are discovered. We wont go after them, they will "be found thru normal means."

Also, at the end of these 6 months, companies are required to verify that their employees are Legal. If they are not, the company will significantly fined. This will force the companies to get their illegal immigrant to register
and get into the system.


Minimum Wage
Minimum Wage is technically against Complete Free Capitalism. Honestly though, we are not a Complete Free Capitalist society because the government interferes in business affairs. The raising of the wage must be done to ensure employees are fairly compensated. Technically the employer would do this as a reward for good effort to the employee. We are mainly doing this to prevent exploitation.


NASA and Space
I honestly believe that man needs to explore and colonize space in the hundreds of years to come. If we do nothing, we endanger ourselves. To help get to that point, we need to heavilly fund the space program here in the states, to a similar degree as was done in the 60's. I think we need to fund and devise a way to put a settlement on the Moon.

Once that is done, we will learn new technologies and way of doing things. This will lead us to heading to Mars next. The space program has perform thousands of experiments that we cannot perform here on Earth. This is a huge scientific platform that in the end benefits us all, granted it may take many years.

Also, this gives the nation a point on which to rally together. In the 60's almost every person alive can tell you about the moon landings. I want to continue that tradition.


Politics and Political Parties
Politics has become a way of life for people. Honestly, I believe there should be a 2 term limit for Senators and a 4 term limit for Congressman. This would most likely never come to pass, since the Congress would have to ratify it.

I believe there should not be career politicians in Congress, not for 40 years.

I completely abhore the political parties as they exist. The parties work to their own ends, to keep themselves in power, not for the good of the people. Unfortunately nothing cna be done about the parties.


Social Security
I would retroactively change the age of Social Security to 70.

This means, all people under the age of 50 would have to wait till 70, to get Social Security benefits, and those over 50 will get their benefits as they are now.

12 years down the line, this will actually create a decrease in Social Security members, as no new members are entered into the system (except some that might get disability). This will give the Social Security administration some time to make other reforms I have not enacted.


Terrorism and Homeland Security
This has most likely been the largest and most divicive issue in the last 10 years.

I find the Patriot Act to be unconstitutional. It would be repealed. Wiretapping without a warrent is illegal. Reading emails without a warrant is illegal.

I believe the CIA needs more funding for human intelligence gathering all around the world. They will be the ones that help us in the time of need by gaining information. There is no substitute for having someone in the enemys
camp.

The US invasion of Iraq. I personally dont think we should have gone there, but since we are there, we need to see it thru. If we were to leave on a "scheduled timeframe" the opposition would just lay in wait for that day, then
come out in force, so a scheduled withdrawl is simply unacceptable. We are going to have to be there for some time to help the Iraqi government do for themselves.


Transportation
The US is a country of roads and airports. We MUST keep the aging infrastructure in place and functioning. If it was to really start to breakdown, the US businesses would be negatively impacted, thus hurting the people even more.

I think the US needs to try to invest more in Mass Transit. MagLev trains is one idea, and of course, teleporters (just kidding).


Welfare
Originally welfare was simply put, a package to help those in need during a dire time. Currently the US is not in a dire time. The system now, is creating a problem. It propogates itself. Someone gets on welfare, and they are not
given incentive to get off it.

I propose a new system that only allows a recipient to only be on it for a total of 20 years in their lifetime. With that in mind, they can only be on it, for 5 years at a time. Then they must be off it for 5 years. So basically,
someone could be one and off it in 5 year stints for 40 years. By that time the person is most likely in their late 50's.

The way the welfare system hands out money is also unacceptable. They should simply give out vouchers for essentials. No cash is given out at all.

U got my vote:o

[Demogoblin]

Not in a million years. Too introverted and bipolar. People dont like their presidents crazy. :woot:

[hippie_hunter]

Lets name all the "platforms" we need to identify for the "SHH election"
Foreign Policy Issues
Defense
The Environment
Immigration

Domestic Issues
Abortion
Gun Control
Gay Rights
Defense
Environment
Health Care
Social Security
Immigration
Energy
Education
Minimum Wage
General Finance
Budget
Transportation
NASA and Space
Politics and Political Parties
Terrorism and Homeland Security
Welfare

Wait are we actually having a mock SHH Election?

[cookiva]

That's nonsense. Utter and complete nonsense.

This means that people who are disabled and are supported by the government because they PHYSICALLY cannot work are unable to vote.

This means that those who are in impoverished areas of the country where work is either unavailable or gradually disappearing cannot vote.

This means that the single mother of four who CAN'T work because she has to take care of her children cannot vote.

This means everyone YOU don't like can't vote.

You talk about your United Democracies Union... Ha! I guess the United States would be excluded from that, right? Because you're explicitly denying people the ability to elect their leaders, regardless of whether or not the Constitution guarantees the right to vote.

I'm glad that someone else sees it that way. I do like your comparason between the "UDU" and this "democracy" he wants to keep here in the US.

[hippie_hunter]

And not just that, lets give SupermanBeyond the benefit of the right to vote is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution. The Tenth Amendment still goes against what he believes in:

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

So even though the Constitution may not have originally specifically mentioned voting, it states that rights that are not delegated (i.e. voting) belongs to either the states or to THE PEOPLE

[cookiva]

Does this mean that full time college students who dont work cannot vote either??? Isn't that another part of this block that SupermanBeyond doesn't want voting???

[SuBe]

I said, if you are on Welfare you don't get a vote. I said, you have to Contribute to Society. What does someone you pops out kids for extra welfare do for society other than create a burden on taxpayers?

College Students are getting an education to better themselve in order to get a higher paying job in the future that would contribute to society.

Do you see the difference? If you owned a company, and you needed to hire/promote someone for a management job, and you ask your employees for advice: would to listen to the people that have worked for you for years and has helped your company increase business, or would you listen to the Homeless person outside asking for change?

[cookiva]

I said, if you are on Welfare you don't get a vote. I said, you have to Contribute to Society. What does someone you pops out kids for extra welfare do for society other than create a burden on taxpayers?

College Students are getting an education to better themselve in order to get a higher paying job in the future that would contribute to society.

Do you see the difference? If you owned a company, and you needed to hire/promote someone for a management job, and you ask your employees for advice: would to listen to the people that have worked for you for years and has helped your company increase business, or would you listen to the Homeless person outside asking for change?

That has no relevance. There are people who honestly can't change what they are at the moment. They need help, and sometimes the only help they can get is from the government. Now, how do you differentiate between those using the system and getting better, or those abusing it?

[Matt]

Lets name all the "platforms" we need to identify for the "SHH election"

Are we having some sort of election? :huh: Okay, well, I'll bite and throw my name into the hat.

Defense - A strong defense is a necessity to our country. But it should be just that. A strong defense. The second it is used for offense, we become exactly what our enemies claim we are. I supported the invasion of Afgahnistan, and I believe it is important that we stay in Afgahnistan and help to rebuild the country. However, the invasion of Iraq was unjustified and based on unfounded allegations.

My solution for Iraq - As long as there is one country with three very vocal groups (the Sunnis, the Kurds, and the *****es), democracy will never work within Iraq due to the fact that two major groups of people will always be oppressed. Therefore there will always be civil war. Our options to prevent it are to either make a strong central government, similiar to Saddam Hussein's regime. Rule through fear. Or, the plan I endorse. Split it up into three seperate countries. A Sunnistan, *****stan, and Kurdistan. US Troops will oversee and transport all refugees who wish to migrate to their respective reigion. The US will then aide in drafting a constitution for each of these countries and help hold elections. We will also negotiate an oil sharing agreement between the three countries to prevent them from warring. We will inform them that we will not tolerate hostilities and will intervene against the aggressor. Then we have a mass pull out, leaving behind small forces to guard each reigion while we train their militaries. Once their militaries are capable of defending from other reigions and other Middle Eastern countries, we pull out in full.

The Environment - I'd first enter the US into the Kyoto treat by officially ratifying it. I'd give tax incentives to companies who meet certain enviromental standards. If I do not see a significant decrease in carbon emissions and polution after this and find the tax incentives are not working, I would consider something more...mandatory. I do not like government intervening in the private sector, but this is an important issue and can effect our entire planet and every life on it.

Immigration - I personally do not support amnesty for illegal immigrants. It is pretty much rewarding people for breaking the law and in all honesty is a spit in the face to the people who have waited, worked hard, paid their dues and have done it the right way. My first course of action would be major fines (in the 7 or 8 figures) for companies harboring and employing illegal immigrants. Same for landlords renting to illegal aliens. Afterwards, I would begin a nation wide law enforcement protocol to check into legal status on something as low level as a traffic stop. If they find an illegal, they are immeidietly detained and deported. I would also greatly expand the Justice Department's budget for hunting illegals. Anyone found is deported. Then I would greatly expand border control. Possibly to the level of National Guardsmen on the border and I would seriously consider a fence.

Domestic Issues
Abortion - I don't like it, but I also do not like the ideal of the national government intervening in it. It is a state issue and should be handled as such. However, I would push for a law to outlaw ALL partial birth and late term abortions. Anyone who has seen these and can call them anything less than murder is out of their f'n minds.

Gun Control - I support the second amendment, however...I would also push for more extensive background checks for potential gun owners to keep guns out of the wrong hands. I'd also support a national registry. It doesn't mean the government is going to burst into your house and take your guns. It is simply a law enforcement tool and a precautionary measure. Also, I would push to reinstate the assault rifle ban. You want a hunting rifle or handgun...fine. But there is really no reason, what-so-ever that anyone needs a gun capable of firing 15 bullets per second.

Gay Rights - State issue and even then, it is a non-issue. It is used by politicans to distract people from real issues, so, c'est la vie, I say.

Defense - Umm, didn't I already answer that one above?

Environment - That too?

Health Care - I support national health care for every child in America. That is a must. There is no reason anyone under the age of 18 should be without healthcare. I support slowly but surely expanding towards nationalized medicine. We cannot just pass a law that gives everyone insurance as the costs would bankrupt us in a day. We'd have to gradually move into it. It may take time, but it is really the only way to go about it.

Social Security - This is a tough issue. I do not support privatization of accounts. It would just be a huge cluster **** waiting to happen. At the same time, due to longer life spans and growing populations, our current system isn't going to hold. I suppose the first thing I would do is attempt to do is end the government stealing (or as they call it "borrowing") from the social security fund. That is probably the biggest reason that SS is currently in such bad shape. Because those greedy bastards can't keep from dipping their hands in it. Second...I would allow those who do not wish to partake in the social security program to opt out. They won't have to pay it, but of course...they won't recieve a penny later in their lives if they choose not to. It would take time, but I am sure we can rebuild it if we take those two courses of action.

Immigration - Already answered this too.

Energy - I support government funded research into alternative energy. Nuclear power seems to be a good temporary fix, but it does have its risks. We can't find something that temporarily works, like plug-in hybrids or nuclear power and just stop looking. We must research until we have a permenant solution to this problem. Oil and coal won't last forever. They are very much finite. We need to find a REAL solution. I'd be specifically interested in putting money into hydrogen research.

Education - I personally think our education system is fine. It is underfunded, and I would try to fix that, but it is overall, fine. The problem is, they are a scapegoat because no one wants to hear the real answer. LAZY CHILDREN ARE THE PROBLEM. Not teachers, not lack of supplies. Simply students who do not wish to learn. And thats fine. They simply shouldn't expect us to bail them out later in life.

However, There are students who do wish to learn who cannot. Higher education costs are ridiculously high. I would allocate fund to start up at least three PUBLIC, 100 % free colleges. There would be an admissions process and it would require a high school GPA of at least 3.0 to be admitted. The admissions process would also check into your financial standings and ensure that you truly need to be there (in otherwords, if you can afford a state or private school, you can't get into the free college). You'd be expected to maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher since you are there on the government's charity. I'd also give states incentive to create their own 100 % free public colleges.

Minimum Wage - In a perfect world, corporations would never exploit their employees. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world. I would push to keep the minimum wage consistent with inflation.

General Finance & Budget - I combined these as they seem to be the same. Quite simply, I would stop spending money we do not have. Our country cannot go further into debt, because the second China decides to collect....our economy crashes. Plain and simple. If this means cutting social programs, so be it. It may hurt some in the present, but it will do a lot more damage in the future if we don't stop spending.

Transportation - I'd use tax incentives to get car companies to lower carbon emission rates. If that does not work, I'd begin pushing for laws to cap them even further. We can't be so short sighted. Driving an SUV today is not worth the hole in the O-Zone layer tomorrow. Also, as I said above, I would fund government research into alternative fuels, particularly hydrogen.

NASA and Space - Am I the only one who finds the space program to be a bit ridiculous? We spend billions of dollars each year to send people to the moon to collect rocks that may or may not be of use (only usually not) or send a robot to mars to take pictures that may or may not tell us something (again, usually not). Like I said, we have to stop spending money that we do not have. NASA would be one of the first gigantic budget cuts. I'd leave a space program, but they'd have a hell of a lot less to work with.

Politics and Political Parties - What can I say? They are private institutions. Do they suck? Sure. But what can we do? Until people truly start voting for third parties, nothing can change. This is a democracy. The people have spoken and they have said "we want to vote for our same old two parties." and that is their right. Though I would work to extend campaign finance reform in order to end corruption.

Terrorism and Homeland Security - I actually think we have a pretty decent start. We've opened lines of communication between enforcement agencies that have never been opened before and we actually seem to be all on the same page for once. We just have to keep up with that trend. Terrorist acts will happen. It is an inevitability. Someone will always slip through the cracks. And when that happens, we should not be looking for scapegoats or excuses. We should just work our asses off to bring those behind it to justice and ensure that the same mistakes do not happen again and we are safer as a result.

Welfare - I support social welfare when it is needed. However, I believe our system has become greatly tainted and corrupt. People take advantage of the system. If you want to be on welfare, then there should be extreme supervision. You should be required to actively pursue and accept employment. Your spending and budget should be reported to a caseworker once a month. And there should be much stricter limits on the usage of food stamps. I have seen people say "Well, its the end of the month. Better waste my foodstamp money as it doesn't carry over," and buy junk such as ice cream, candy, energy drinks, etc. That shouldn't fly. What you can buy with food stamps should be limited to the essentials to get by. Not luxury items. Our government should not mind lending a hand...but when we do, we expect to not be spit on in return.

(added this one) Crime - I believe our government needs to end its "war on drugs." It is a foolish endeavor that punishes drug addicts, not dealers, pushers and syndicates. Drug addicts are sick, not criminals. The punishment for possession should be mandatory rehab and urine tests once a month (or week, depending on the severity of their abuse). Currently, drug addicts make up about 75 % of our prison populations. That is a lot of money down the crapper when there is so much empirical evidence to support that prison is the wrong way to go with these people.

[The Senator]

I said, if you are on Welfare you don't get a vote. I said, you have to Contribute to Society. What does someone you pops out kids for extra welfare do for society other than create a burden on taxpayers?

I'm not talking about the mother who "pops out extra kids." I'm talking about the mother who made it her duty to take care of her children, while her husband worked, but her husband has since left her for whatever reason or passed away.

Who are you to judge who contributes to society, anyway? What do you do which contributes more to society than any of those people?

[Malice]

Matt, here are my thoughts...

Defense -
reading yours I do like your idea of Iraq, I had a thought like that before...just havent thought about it in some time.

Immigration -
I would love to deport all illegals, but I cant in good conscience deport ALL of them, many have deep ties here...I am not saying make it easy...but amnesty, especially from a Foreign relations issue, is the only thing I can see we will realistically do.

Health Care -
I simply dont see the government doing anything for healthcare except creating a nightmare.

Social Security -
We have to raise the age or its simply done for in the future.

Education -
I find your free school idea interesting....
My issue, how are you going to get someone to work there? You and I know both well and good, it wont pay very well.

Also, why give free school. Anyone can basically goto college. Granted they will have school loans to pay off, but they can still goto school.

NASA and Space -
My other thought on this one. Think of it as an investment. The moment we get far enough, space will not be only for someone who has a PHD in astrophysics and can fly a plane. We need to make sure we have a presence there from the beginning or it would be hard to get there when the "technology bump" allows short cheap spaceflights as a common thing.

Terrorism and Homeland Security -
What do you think of wiretapping...patriot act...ect...?

Welfare -
I like the, "if its not on this alotted list, you cant get it policy"

[SoulManX]

Are we having some sort of election? :huh: Okay, well, I'll bite and throw my name into the hat.

Defense - A strong defense is a necessity to our country. But it should be just that. A strong defense. The second it is used for offense, we become exactly what our enemies claim we are. I supported the invasion of Afgahnistan, and I believe it is important that we stay in Afgahnistan and help to rebuild the country. However, the invasion of Iraq was unjustified and based on unfounded allegations.

My solution for Iraq - As long as there is one country with three very vocal groups (the Sunnis, the Kurds, and the *****es), democracy will never work within Iraq due to the fact that two major groups of people will always be oppressed. Therefore there will always be civil war. Our options to prevent it are to either make a strong central government, similiar to Saddam Hussein's regime. Rule through fear. Or, the plan I endorse. Split it up into three seperate countries. A Sunnistan, *****stan, and Kurdistan. US Troops will oversee and transport all refugees who wish to migrate to their respective reigion. The US will then aide in drafting a constitution for each of these countries and help hold elections. We will also negotiate an oil sharing agreement between the three countries to prevent them from warring. We will inform them that we will not tolerate hostilities and will intervene against the aggressor. Then we have a mass pull out, leaving behind small forces to guard each reigion while we train their militaries. Once their militaries are capable of defending from other reigions and other Middle Eastern countries, we pull out in full.

The Environment - I'd first enter the US into the Kyoto treat by officially ratifying it. I'd give tax incentives to companies who meet certain enviromental standards. If I do not see a significant decrease in carbon emissions and polution after this and find the tax incentives are not working, I would consider something more...mandatory. I do not like government intervening in the private sector, but this is an important issue and can effect our entire planet and every life on it.

Immigration - I personally do not support amnesty for illegal immigrants. It is pretty much rewarding people for breaking the law and in all honesty is a spit in the face to the people who have waited, worked hard, paid their dues and have done it the right way. My first course of action would be major fines (in the 7 or 8 figures) for companies harboring and employing illegal immigrants. Same for landlords renting to illegal aliens. Afterwards, I would begin a nation wide law enforcement protocol to check into legal status on something as low level as a traffic stop. If they find an illegal, they are immeidietly detained and deported. I would also greatly expand the Justice Department's budget for hunting illegals. Anyone found is deported. Then I would greatly expand border control. Possibly to the level of National Guardsmen on the border and I would seriously consider a fence.

Domestic Issues
Abortion - I don't like it, but I also do not like the ideal of the national government intervening in it. It is a state issue and should be handled as such. However, I would push for a law to outlaw ALL partial birth and late term abortions. Anyone who has seen these and can call them anything less than murder is out of their f'n minds.

Gun Control - I support the second amendment, however...I would also push for more extensive background checks for potential gun owners to keep guns out of the wrong hands. I'd also support a national registry. It doesn't mean the government is going to burst into your house and take your guns. It is simply a law enforcement tool and a precautionary measure. Also, I would push to reinstate the assault rifle ban. You want a hunting rifle or handgun...fine. But there is really no reason, what-so-ever that anyone needs a gun capable of firing 15 bullets per second.

Gay Rights - State issue and even then, it is a non-issue. It is used by politicans to distract people from real issues, so, c'est la vie, I say.

Defense - Umm, didn't I already answer that one above?

Environment - That too?

Health Care - I support national health care for every child in America. That is a must. There is no reason anyone under the age of 18 should be without healthcare. I support slowly but surely expanding towards nationalized medicine. We cannot just pass a law that gives everyone insurance as the costs would bankrupt us in a day. We'd have to gradually move into it. It may take time, but it is really the only way to go about it.

Social Security - This is a tough issue. I do not support privatization of accounts. It would just be a huge cluster **** waiting to happen. At the same time, due to longer life spans and growing populations, our current system isn't going to hold. I suppose the first thing I would do is attempt to do is end the government stealing (or as they call it "borrowing") from the social security fund. That is probably the biggest reason that SS is currently in such bad shape. Because those greedy bastards can't keep from dipping their hands in it. Second...I would allow those who do not wish to partake in the social security program to opt out. They won't have to pay it, but of course...they won't recieve a penny later in their lives if they choose not to. It would take time, but I am sure we can rebuild it if we take those two courses of action.

Immigration - Already answered this too.

Energy - I support government funded research into alternative energy. Nuclear power seems to be a good temporary fix, but it does have its risks. We can't find something that temporarily works, like plug-in hybrids or nuclear power and just stop looking. We must research until we have a permenant solution to this problem. Oil and coal won't last forever. They are very much finite. We need to find a REAL solution. I'd be specifically interested in putting money into hydrogen research.

Education - I personally think our education system is fine. It is underfunded, and I would try to fix that, but it is overall, fine. The problem is, they are a scapegoat because no one wants to hear the real answer. LAZY CHILDREN ARE THE PROBLEM. Not teachers, not lack of supplies. Simply students who do not wish to learn. And thats fine. They simply shouldn't expect us to bail them out later in life.

However, There are students who do wish to learn who cannot. Higher education costs are ridiculously high. I would allocate fund to start up at least three PUBLIC, 100 % free colleges. There would be an admissions process and it would require a high school GPA of at least 3.0 to be admitted. The admissions process would also check into your financial standings and ensure that you truly need to be there (in otherwords, if you can afford a state or private school, you can't get into the free college). You'd be expected to maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher since you are there on the government's charity. I'd also give states incentive to create their own 100 % free public colleges.

Minimum Wage - In a perfect world, corporations would never exploit their employees. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world. I would push to keep the minimum wage consistent with inflation.

General Finance & Budget - I combined these as they seem to be the same. Quite simply, I would stop spending money we do not have. Our country cannot go further into debt, because the second China decides to collect....our economy crashes. Plain and simple. If this means cutting social programs, so be it. It may hurt some in the present, but it will do a lot more damage in the future if we don't stop spending.

Transportation - I'd use tax incentives to get car companies to lower carbon emission rates. If that does not work, I'd begin pushing for laws to cap them even further. We can't be so short sighted. Driving an SUV today is not worth the hole in the O-Zone layer tomorrow. Also, as I said above, I would fund government research into alternative fuels, particularly hydrogen.

NASA and Space - Am I the only one who finds the space program to be a bit ridiculous? We spend billions of dollars each year to send people to the moon to collect rocks that may or may not be of use (only usually not) or send a robot to mars to take pictures that may or may not tell us something (again, usually not). Like I said, we have to stop spending money that we do not have. NASA would be one of the first gigantic budget cuts. I'd leave a space program, but they'd have a hell of a lot less to work with.

Politics and Political Parties - What can I say? They are private institutions. Do they suck? Sure. But what can we do? Until people truly start voting for third parties, nothing can change. This is a democracy. The people have spoken and they have said "we want to vote for our same old two parties." and that is their right. Though I would work to extend campaign finance reform in order to end corruption.

Terrorism and Homeland Security - I actually think we have a pretty decent start. We've opened lines of communication between enforcement agencies that have never been opened before and we actually seem to be all on the same page for once. We just have to keep up with that trend. Terrorist acts will happen. It is an inevitability. Someone will always slip through the cracks. And when that happens, we should not be looking for scapegoats or excuses. We should just work our asses off to bring those behind it to justice and ensure that the same mistakes do not happen again and we are safer as a result.

Welfare - I support social welfare when it is needed. However, I believe our system has become greatly tainted and corrupt. People take advantage of the system. If you want to be on welfare, then there should be extreme supervision. You should be required to actively pursue and accept employment. Your spending and budget should be reported to a caseworker once a month. And there should be much stricter limits on the usage of food stamps. I have seen people say "Well, its the end of the month. Better waste my foodstamp money as it doesn't carry over," and buy junk such as ice cream, candy, energy drinks, etc. That shouldn't fly. What you can buy with food stamps should be limited to the essentials to get by. Not luxury items. Our government should not mind lending a hand...but when we do, we expect to not be spit on in return.

(added this one) Crime - I believe our government needs to end its "war on drugs." It is a foolish endeavor that punishes drug addicts, not dealers, pushers and syndicates. Drug addicts are sick, not criminals. The punishment for possession should be mandatory rehab and urine tests once a month (or week, depending on the severity of their abuse). Currently, drug addicts make up about 75 % of our prison populations. That is a lot of money down the crapper when there is so much empirical evidence to support that prison is the wrong way to go with these people.

What about the homeless?

[The Senator]

What about the homeless?

You could do what Rudy did as mayor and have your administration round them up and shoot th-- er, I mean, give them hugs and kisses and nice jobs with business suits and lots of money.

[Matt]

Matt, here are my thoughts...

Defense -
reading yours I do like your idea of Iraq, I had a thought like that before...just havent thought about it in some time.

Immigration -
I would love to deport all illegals, but I cant in good conscience deport ALL of them, many have deep ties here...I am not saying make it easy...but amnesty, especially from a Foreign relations issue, is the only thing I can see we will realistically do.

I think it is a neccessity. Ties or none, we can't reward people for breaking the law. I mean, even with the increased border security, people are still going to continue to find a way through the border. By granting amnesty, we are going to send a message that says "Well, just keep sneaking in and eventually you'll be allowed to stay."


Health Care -
I simply dont see the government doing anything for healthcare except creating a nightmare.

I agree. It will take time to make it work, which is why I think it should be gradual. Starting with only children (there is no reason any child in America should be deprived medical care due to lack of insurance) and the absolute needy and slowly progressing to nationalized health care.


Social Security -
We have to raise the age or its simply done for in the future.


I agree that raising the age is a good idea. Afterall, if life expectancy is rising, the retirement age should as well. BUt I also think it should become optional for younger Americans.


Education -
I find your free school idea interesting....
My issue, how are you going to get someone to work there? You and I know both well and good, it wont pay very well.

Well, they'd simply have to find a way to offer competitive wages. At the very least, younger professors fresh out of college may take the job as a stepping stone.


Also, why give free school. Anyone can basically goto college. Granted they will have school loans to pay off, but they can still goto school.

Not everyone. With the increasing number of students trying to go to college, it becomes that much harder to get a loan, grant, or scholarship.


NASA and Space -
My other thought on this one. Think of it as an investment. The moment we get far enough, space will not be only for someone who has a PHD in astrophysics and can fly a plane. We need to make sure we have a presence there from the beginning or it would be hard to get there when the "technology bump" allows short cheap spaceflights as a common thing.


I can't see that happening any time soon. MAybe we can revisit space in the future, but right now, we just can't afford it. When our country is billions if not trillions of dollars in debt to another country, we have to cut some corners. NASA is one of them, I think.


Terrorism and Homeland Security -
What do you think of wiretapping...patriot act...ect...?


I think its unnecessary. If we sacrifice our freedom, aren't the terrorists essentially winning? At the very least it is a very fine line.


Welfare -
I like the, "if its not on this alotted list, you cant get it policy"

Cheers. :up:

[Matt]

What about the homeless?

I see it as a non-federal issue.

[SuBe]

I'm not talking about the mother who "pops out extra kids." I'm talking about the mother who made it her duty to take care of her children, while her husband worked, but her husband has since left her for whatever reason or passed away.

Who are you to judge who contributes to society, anyway? What do you do which contributes more to society than any of those people?
Pay Taxes via Income. Not take benifits from Tax payers money. That's a start. Did you know that after The Civil War, there was a Former General from the Union. He died, but by the time he died, his widow didn't have the money for a proper funeral. The State Representative heard about this and wanted to give her a little tax payer money to help with the bureal. The Indiviual Tax payers decried the thought of using TAX PAYER money to do this. Even though they could have gone out and gotten charity for the cause.

The Point of that is, I do not need someone taking my money from MY paycheck by force (IRS AGENTS HAVE GUNS) and give it to someone who DOESN'T WORK FOR A CAREER. I can understand a down on the luck, just lost a job, mothers etc. But, I'm talking about Welfare Career people.

Anyway, I consider Parenthood to be an Investment, not a Career.

[Malice]

man this thread died suddently...

[The Senator]

man this thread died suddently...

Let it be known I am resisting the urge to make any reference to a current event which happened this afternoon....



...still resisting...


...


...

...

...like Fred Thompson's campaign?! :O

[Matt]

Let it be known I am resisting the urge to make any reference to a current event which happened this afternoon....



...still resisting...


...


...

...

...like Fred Thompson's campaign?! :O

*throws tomatoes* :cwink:

[The Senator]

*throws tomatoes* :cwink:

I've never been one with the zingers.

But seriously... when people were first receiving the news about Mr. Ledger's death this afternoon, one the desk receptionists at my residence hall was talking about something be "so sad" and that we should hold a candlelight vigil on Capitol Hill. I honestly thought he was talking about Fred Thompson's decision to drop out, or the death of some Congressman/ politician, like Dick Cheney.

Anyway... back to running for President!

I also agree with the comment above about the metric system. It's kind of silly we haven't converted yet. It seems like every ten years or so, we say we'll get around to it... and we never do.

[Matt]

Realistically converting to the metric system would take awhile. It seems like every time they try, you only end up with confused senior citizens. We'd pretty much have to start educating the current youth generation of the metric system and then we couldn't realistically do a full on conversion until they are collecting social security and the rest of us are six feet under.

[Matt]

man this thread died suddently...

Two reasons

1) SupermanBeyond had to turn it (like every thread) into one of his soap boxes for a rant on fair tax. :cmad:

2) My platforum was so awesome that everyone knew they couldn't compete so they just quit writing theirs and decided to give me the presidency :oldrazz: :cwink:

[SuBe]

Two reasons

1) SupermanBeyond had to turn it (like every thread) into one of his soap boxes for a rant on fair tax. :cmad:

2) My platforum was so awesome that everyone knew they couldn't compete so they just quit writing theirs and decided to give me the presidency :oldrazz: :cwink:
I didn't Rant on the Fairtax on this one. I put it as my position on Taxation and left it at that. I was being hammered on my position on Voting Rights and a United Democracies Union. I only brought up the Fairtax on my first post on this thread and didn't talk about it anymore.

But, your 2nd reason is for real though.

[Matt]

To get this thread back on track, I'm going to respond to Malice's platform :up:

Here is the updated Platform of Malice for Prez:

Overall Government View
Here is my opinion of how the government should operate in the general (the specifics are below) I think the Federal Government should entirely stay out of most things. So I would say I am a Constitutionalist on the Federal Governments view. I dont believe that the government is here for the most part to provide much more than freedom and protection of its citizens. All issues not assigned the Federal Government should be handled at the State level.

The only probelm I have with a Constitutionalist view point is that even in its conception, the Founders had the forsight to see that the Constitution needed to be changed from time to time and was a living document. That is why they put in an amendment process. And just as times have expanded, so has the role of the federal government. The fact is, its just not practical for a state entity to be expected to carry out the responsibilities a modern society needs. Granted, some issues belong in the hands of the state, but not all of them.


Abortion
The issue of Abortion is a very divisive issue.
If the government was to outlaw it, those seeking abortions would end up "finding" places to do it, or do something so insane such as using a coat-hanger.

I personally think, that it is up to the mother. That be the case, I think they should talk to the mother and then with adoptive parents about it. They should work out a deal that the mother completes the pregnenacy for costs
and then hands it over to the adoptive parents. Basically turning the unwanted pregnancy into a surrogate pregnancy. Aside from that, I think abortion in the first 2 trimesters is allowed, then its illegal.

I like this idea :up:


Budget
The US Congress and Presidency as of late has gone unchecked in its spending. This needs to stop if there is any hope in the future of actually having a fiscal budget that is nothing but covering existing debt.

This will be a hard fought battle but needs to be done.

I believe that there needs to be a good 10%-20% cut in many of the Government funded programs if not cut entirely. This is obviously going to be a case by case basis, and there are so many programs in existance getting government funding, that honestly, they needs to sit down and go over them one by one. I would be willing to bet that 1 billion dollars alone could be eliminated by the govt, and 99.9% of the pulic would never know it because those programs cut would have little or no impact. Of course my goal would be more than 1 Billion, but this would be a hard battle.


Seems like a good plan. I'd even go as far to argue that there is at least 10 billion in government spending per year that is unnecessary. After all, there are times and places for social programs, but if China decides to call in its debt and the government goes bankrupt, who could they really help then? We may need to sacrifice a little bit now in order to perserve our country for future generations. Unfortunately, this generation has no concept of what the word "sacrifice" means.


Defense and Military
Defense of the US serves numerous purposes.
I think first of all, they are to support the defense of the states as is standard. I am all for having a large standing military and a large reserve. You never know when we may be called to perform a large military action.
During World War II, Roosevelt had the forsite to see us coming into the war. He enacted the draft even before we were in war. I dont see that happening again in the near future. The US Military provides men and women both
with a career path also, I think this is a good thing. I figure (granted I trully dont know the numbers of the current troop levels, we should have around 2 million troops, and then 1.5 to 3 million in reserve and then of course with the National Guard. Remember the National Guard is the force that we use to assist with natural disasters, so a well oiled machine there, is only a huge benefit to us as a people.

As far as the military bases around the world. I dont think we honestly need to have troops stationed in something like 60 nations (aside from Marines stationed in Embassy's). I dont think that is needs, close a number of them
and create more virtual and mobile bases on ships.

Good idea. More mobile and virtual bases would allow our military to be so much more flexible. And I concur that we really don't need many of these foreign bases. Do we really have to keep watch in Germany...STILL? Is there really any chance of the Nazis returning to power or the Communists invading?


Education
The education system in the US is in really bad shape. This is a well known fact. I believe we need the Federal Government to get out of the Education business. They need to get rid of all mandated policies and let the States
themselves take this over. I think the Federal Government should simply hand education funds to the states, and that is all they should do. Why?

When you have one mandated policy, you have no room for inovation in instruction. They are told exactly what to teach. If each state had their own way of doing things, you would eventually have some ingenious innovations occur in teching students. For instance, if Oregon started teching a different way and had huge success, and Washington was not having any, Washington would have the opportunity to learn from Oregon and adapt to their own issues. Inflexibility in teaching methods is one problem I see by having the Federal Government involved.

Amen to that. No child left behind is a ridiculous policy and does much more harm than good.

Energy
There are numerous problems we face in the future, and Energy use is one of the largest. We use massive amounts of energy and we need to start finding a way of being self-sufficient with it.

Oil - Right now, we get a majority of our oil from countries we would not even let come to our own homes. We are supporting governments that we would not ordinarrilly support, simply because they produce oil. I find this a security risk and simply put, bad business.

Nuclear - Nuclear is a "fairly" clean process. It does have its negatives, but with current known technologies, its by far one of the cleanest. We need to start utilizing this more and more, until we can find a trully clean and renewable energy source.

I am now coining a new term, the "Clean and Rewnewable Power Education Project" - CarPep This project would be similar to the Manhatten Project of the 40's. The government would give large grants to research institutions in researching ways of getting rid of our unclean ways of power, by building a new one. This means companies and institutions would be given large grants (based off proposals to a scientific group) for money. The group then does their research, constantly sending all data to a new agency setup strictly for this venture (when its acheived, the agency would go away).

Once a viable solution is procured and meets approval, this technology is given FREELY to the US auto and power companies as well as the US military. Of course, the companies its given to, must have export compliance policies in place so that this technology as least for some time, is in the hands of only the US (granted we all know it would be reverse engineered by others in a short amount of time).[/quote]

Great idea :up:


Environment
In the last 50 years we have seen some changes to the Earth, and we need to do something to keep the Earth a viable place to live for our children. We need to find the alternative power source to completely replace oil (listed above in the Energy section). We also need to do a more effective job of recycling waste.

We need to start trying to convince manufacturers to packge in papers, not plastics. There are numerous devices we use on a daily basis that are significantly more poisonous to the environment then ones that might cost a few cents more to make. We need to change the attitude of the people to accept the slight increase in price for the knowledge that we are performing a global service.

I think you'll find it very difficult to simply convince companies. Though the green movement does seem to be having some success right now, I question how long it will last. Tax incentives are the way to go and if they do not work, consider mandatory law. I do not normally like government interference in the private sector...but this issue is too important to let slide. Afterall, if there is no Earth, how can the free market exisit?


Gay Rights
This is another incredibly divisive issue. I myself grew up Catholic but now have significant problems with the church and am basically non-practicing. If a couple, who happen to be of the same sex, wish to state to the Government they are to be a partnetship (via a civil wedding) I am all for it. Of course different religions will have a problem with this, but this is not the governments problem. Lets the Religions fight with the Gay couples, not the government.


Amen to that. And I can relate as a fellow non-practicing Catholic who has become disillusioned by the Church. That being said, it is simply a distraction issue and I don't think it even deserves the federal government's time. Let states handle it.


General Finance
The government needs to be significantly more responsible with the money of the people it works for.

I dont believe in a balanced budget, because unfortunately, the government sometimes must spend more money than it takes in (ie, times of war or possible financial crisis)

But I would imagine, something can be done, to force a balanced budget until specific criteria are met. For instance, if we have "not declared war" then the budget each year must be balanced. (granted my fear is war will be declared
to get legislation passed, so they can get extra money). Also, the budget must be balanced unless Congress sees the US economy needing more money to be spent becuase of hardships.

Those listed above a very theoretical, and I am not even sure if they could work, but I thought it would be worth mentioning.

I think it should be plain and simple. Very clear cut and black and white. If we aren't in war time, don't spend money we don't have.

Gun Control
The 2nd Amendment says I have the right to bear arms. When that was written, it was geared towards a Militia and for personal defense. Although right now, we really dont need the militia (unless we get invaded). Personal protection is still a viable precedent. Thru the years, armaments have grown in destructive power. I honestly dont think anyone should ever own an Anti-Tank weapon (RPG, LAW rocket, etc...) I am ok banning a class of weapons in that range or above it (the devil is in the details of course). I am adamently for you being able to own an rifle, pistol and shotgun you want.

I stated in a previous thread, if it can damage a tank, its too big.[/quote]

I don't think you go far enough. I support the right to own a hunting rifle, but an assault rifle in my eyes is a bit too much for the average citizen to have.


Health Care
This is one of the most talked about a debated issues in the Presidential race today. Rightly so, its an important issue to discuss.

I dont believe the Government getting involved and putting together a Government sponsored Health Care program is the right way to approach this. The government tends to be very inefficient, this needs to be a government RECOGNIZED private market solution.

I have heard of different systems where people post money into a health account, and it gets used from there. I have not found enough information to trully be able to speak about it.


I would be for a government sponsored private account system, but I do believe every child should have universal healthcare, no questions asked. If you are a minor, you shouldn't have to worry about being unable to see a doctor.


Immigration
I think the first things we need to do, before everything else, is enforce the US borders. Enfore immigration laws. Noone gets in without proper documentation. This MUST be enacted and functioning before the next step goes into action.

The next thing I think, some would clasify as a form of Amnesty. Unfortunately, we cant in all good conscience deport 12 million people. I say we do the following:

1) Set a date 6 months (after the borders are classified as secure) where illegal immigrants are required to contact the Immigration Offices, and register. This registration gives them a valid ID. They are required to state where they came from and how long they have been here. They are to pay a 5K fine (this is honestly an arbitray number, but can change) for being here illegally, breaking our laws. They are given a VISA for 5 years. At the end
of those 5 years, they must learn to read and write English. If they dont learn English, the 5 year visa, is pulled, and the immigrant is deported.

2) At the end of the 6 months, the free registration ends. Then, any illegal found gets deported, simple as that. This means, if you get pulled over by a cop, you get your info run. You go to a hospital, you get your info run.
Basically, when an illegal immigrant gets deported when they are discovered. We wont go after them, they will "be found thru normal means."

Also, at the end of these 6 months, companies are required to verify that their employees are Legal. If they are not, the company will significantly fined. This will force the companies to get their illegal immigrant to register
and get into the system.


I'd love to think that would work, but I think it is just encouraging law breaking. Even with enforced border security, people will find a way through. Now if they see people being rewarded by being given citizenship for sneaking through the borders, they are going to think "Hey, if enough of us get over, they will have to just do it again." and the process will repeat itself.


Minimum Wage
Minimum Wage is technically against Complete Free Capitalism. Honestly though, we are not a Complete Free Capitalist society because the government interferes in business affairs. The raising of the wage must be done to ensure employees are fairly compensated. Technically the employer would do this as a reward for good effort to the employee. We are mainly doing this to prevent exploitation.

I'd like to think workers will be rewarded for hard work...at the same time, I doubt it will happen out of the kindess of a business owner's heart. I think this is one of those few occassions where the government must step on the toes of the private sector.


NASA and Space
I honestly believe that man needs to explore and colonize space in the hundreds of years to come. If we do nothing, we endanger ourselves. To help get to that point, we need to heavilly fund the space program here in the states, to a similar degree as was done in the 60's. I think we need to fund and devise a way to put a settlement on the Moon.

Once that is done, we will learn new technologies and way of doing things. This will lead us to heading to Mars next. The space program has perform thousands of experiments that we cannot perform here on Earth. This is a huge scientific platform that in the end benefits us all, granted it may take many years.

Also, this gives the nation a point on which to rally together. In the 60's almost every person alive can tell you about the moon landings. I want to continue that tradition.


Wrong time. Our country is too deep in debt to be pursuing this. NASA should be one of the first budget cuts of many to get us out of our overwhelming debt. Maybe we can return to it in the future, but for now...its just too expensive.


Politics and Political Parties
Politics has become a way of life for people. Honestly, I believe there should be a 2 term limit for Senators and a 4 term limit for Congressman. This would most likely never come to pass, since the Congress would have to ratify it.

I believe there should not be career politicians in Congress, not for 40 years.

I completely abhore the political parties as they exist. The parties work to their own ends, to keep themselves in power, not for the good of the people. Unfortunately nothing cna be done about the parties.


I love the idea of term limits on Congress.


Social Security
I would retroactively change the age of Social Security to 70.

This means, all people under the age of 50 would have to wait till 70, to get Social Security benefits, and those over 50 will get their benefits as they are now.

12 years down the line, this will actually create a decrease in Social Security members, as no new members are entered into the system (except some that might get disability). This will give the Social Security administration some time to make other reforms I have not enacted.


I agree with this idea, but it won't mean a thing if our federal government doesn't stop dipping its hands into our social security funds. We need to pass laws to prevent "borrowing" social security money.

(see next post for more)

[Matt]

Continued:


Terrorism and Homeland Security
This has most likely been the largest and most divicive issue in the last 10 years.

I find the Patriot Act to be unconstitutional. It would be repealed. Wiretapping without a warrent is illegal. Reading emails without a warrant is illegal.

I believe the CIA needs more funding for human intelligence gathering all around the world. They will be the ones that help us in the time of need by gaining information. There is no substitute for having someone in the enemys
camp.

The US invasion of Iraq. I personally dont think we should have gone there, but since we are there, we need to see it thru. If we were to leave on a "scheduled timeframe" the opposition would just lay in wait for that day, then
come out in force, so a scheduled withdrawl is simply unacceptable. We are going to have to be there for some time to help the Iraqi government do for themselves.

I agree about the Patriot Act and unwarranted survelliance, but I don't think the Iraqi Government will ever work. All you will see is civil war as two of three groups will ALWAYS be oppressed. And this is different then a political party being oppressed as in our country. This is an entire culture, religion, and way of life being ruled over by people who despise them. I think we need to split up Iraq into three different countries who are unified only for the sake of oil revenue sharing.


Transportation
The US is a country of roads and airports. We MUST keep the aging infrastructure in place and functioning. If it was to really start to breakdown, the US businesses would be negatively impacted, thus hurting the people even more.

I think the US needs to try to invest more in Mass Transit. MagLev trains is one idea, and of course, teleporters (just kidding).


I wouldn't mind seeing Maglev trains come state side, though I think it should be run privately as it is too expensive of a project for tax payers to shoulder.


Welfare
Originally welfare was simply put, a package to help those in need during a dire time. Currently the US is not in a dire time. The system now, is creating a problem. It propogates itself. Someone gets on welfare, and they are not
given incentive to get off it.

I propose a new system that only allows a recipient to only be on it for a total of 20 years in their lifetime. With that in mind, they can only be on it, for 5 years at a time. Then they must be off it for 5 years. So basically,
someone could be one and off it in 5 year stints for 40 years. By that time the person is most likely in their late 50's.

The way the welfare system hands out money is also unacceptable. They should simply give out vouchers for essentials. No cash is given out at all.

The Welfare system is needed to help those truly in need. All that really needs done is reform to ensure closer supervision. You want our hand outs? Fine. We are going to be watching you under a microscope in exchange.

Also Malice, what are your thoughts on free trade? I personally say we do away with it entirely. It only hurts the working man and allows exploitation of foreign citizens. You want to import, pay tariffs. On a side note, I think we need to eliminate the 54 cent per gallon tariff on imported ethanols simply to ease the burden at the gas pump for the average American.

[Matt]

I didn't Rant on the Fairtax on this one. I put it as my position on Taxation and left it at that. I was being hammered on my position on Voting Rights and a United Democracies Union. I only brought up the Fairtax on my first post on this thread and didn't talk about it anymore.


Don't worry, I'm just busting chops :cwink:


But, your 2nd reason is for real though.

Damn skippy it is :up:

[hippie_hunter]

Two reasons

1) SupermanBeyond had to turn it (like every thread) into one of his soap boxes for a rant on fair tax. :cmad:

2) My platforum was so awesome that everyone knew they couldn't compete so they just quit writing theirs and decided to give me the presidency :oldrazz: :cwink:

My platform > Your platform :oldrazz:

[Matt]

Have you posted one? :huh:

[SuBe]

Don't worry, I'm just busting chops :cwink:



Damn skippy it is :up:
Just checking, don't want to Piss off a Red Label. :yay:

[hippie_hunter]

Have you posted one? :huh:

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A lot of I believe in agrees completely with jman (I really like your ideas on health care and Social Security). So I copy and pasted a lot of what he posted

Health Care
I ensure that the overall health care system within the United States would be privatized. Socialized health care is not the way to go because we are a nation that is too big to do so (over 300 million people) and such a system would hinder innovations in the health care industry and we would most likely experience a shortage on the necessary staff required.

However, the current system is not working. Health care costs far too much in this nation. Government intervention is necessary in order to make sure that it is affordable and accessible.

As jman said: "I support extending Medicaid programs to those who cannot afford basic health care coverage. Additionally, I would have the Department of Health and Human Services set up regional health care markets which could be used to direct consumers to individual health care companies, including Medicaid 2.0. These health care markets would work a lot like Progressive Auto Insurance: They would get you a quote from all the leading health insurers, and would compare those quotes to Medicaid 2.0. The goal would be to open Medicaid 2.0 to every individual (those who are not entitled to the "free" benefits would have to pay to be covered), offering a low-cost alternative to private insurers, with the hope of reducing private insurance companies' prices over time."

Social Security
I support gradual privatization of Social Security. The money is going to be gone before I can get my hands on it. I believe the government should give people the option to opt out of Social Security if they so desire. Furthermore, the government should encourage the wealthiest 10% of Americans to take control of their retirement, and leave Social Security for those who make under a certain income. A series of benchmarks should be put in place to ensure the program runs successfully, with the final goal of having 50% of those eligible for Social Security benefits investing in their own retirement by 2050. Assuming I'm running in 2008, the benchmarks would be as follows:

2020: 10% Privatized-- The Wealthiest Americans, in addition to some middle-class households, have taken control of their own retirement

2030: 25% Privatized-- Most of those making above $120,000 a year have taken control of their own retirement

2050: 50% Privatized-- Everyone making above $120,000 have taken control of their own retirement; most of those making between $50,000 and $120,000 have invested in private retirement options.

Illegal Immigration
I would propose an amendment to the Constitution to make English the official language of the United States, excluding Puerto Rico.

I believe that the United States should set up a guest worker program which would allow so-called "undocumented workers" to work towards full United States citizenship. Learning English and American laws would be a requirement for citizenship.

I also support increasing border security presence along the Mexican-American border. I would put the National Guard along the US-Mexican border along a fence.

However, border security is not the only thing that is necessary to combat illegal immigration. We need to target the employers who willingly hire illegal immigrants.

Energy
The United States needs to invest in environmentally friendly alternatives to energy. We need to invest in wind, solar, and hydro power sources along with developing new technologies. As Malice said, "a Manhattan Project" for energy and develop an X-Prize for companies, individuals, and organizations researching various forms of energy.

Nuclear energy is not the way to go because of the waste it produces, the potential disasters it can cause in the event of a terrorist attack or a nuclear meltdown.

And our dependence on foreign oil from the Middle East is definitely not the way to go.

Renewable energy is the way to go.

Education
The right to regulate the education systems lies to the states in accordance to the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution. However, the states have failed miserably. Therefore it is up to the federal government to take up the job. We need to make our education system on par with that of Japan and Europe. We need to get our students motivated like in China, which I have seen first hand.

Teachers will have a minimum wage of no less than $40,000.00.

We need to rely less on test grades and more on the skills in science, math, history, writing, etc.

Students need to learn a second language, particularly Spanish. Starting at an early age.

Prepare students for the workforce.

Foreign Policy
The Department of State would be renamed the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt created a foreign policy called the "Good Neighbor Policy" towards Latin America and Europe.

We need to create a new Good Neighbor Policy, but not with just our neighbors and Europe, but the entire world.

Military action should never be taken off the table and a hawkish policy is at time necessary. As jman stated with Iran: "It is our responsibility to begin diplomatic talks with Iran, while simultaneously watching their nuclear program with a hawkish eye. Military force against Iran should always be an option, and the United States should remind that whackjob over there that we can and will engage them militarily if they do anything provocative." But such a power shouldn't be abused. The United States does not have the right to police the world. We shouldn't be in areas where the populace doesn't want us such as the Middle East and Korea.

I would promote the expansion of NATO to include our allies Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Israel, Japan, and Mexico.

I would promote to expand the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to include Germany and Japan.

I would promote a two-state solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict with Jerusalem as an international city.

The United States is supposed to be the defender of human rights and democracy. While I would maintain diplomatic relations with these nations, my administration will refuse to be buddy/buddy with dictatorships in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iran, China, and African regimes.

I would take the free trade/protectionism debate on an case by case basis. I fully support the ideas of NAFTA and a North American trade zone. I would promote more trade with the nations of Europe. However, I would take a more protectionist policy with China who is abusing our trade relationship with their economic, monetary, and enviromental policies.

Gun Control
The Second Amendment forbids the government to deny us the right to bear arms. If we say that the Second Amendment is out of date and get rid of it, what's stopping us from doing the same thing to the First Amendment? Our right to vote?

However certain laws are indeed required like what we have with denying the right to convicted felons, or banning certain types of weapons (like a Stinger missile launcher), or requiring gun safety courses and safeties on weapons.

And I would make ensure that gun manufacturers are not sued. It is not the guns or the gun makers that hurt and kill people with guns, it is the people who use them that do so.

Gay Marriage
There are two aspects of marriage these days. Religious and civil.

For the religious aspect, it is up to the various denominations and religions to decide if they want to bless gay couples.

For the civil aspect, we must recognise the rights of gay couples and make them on par with straight couples. The Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional on the grounds that it violates the Equal Protection and Due Process clauses of Amendment XIV, Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution and allows states to violate the "full faith and credit" clause of Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution.

The Military
I would expand the military to include over 2 million active military personnel and a 2 million reserve force. And increase funding in the development of military technologies.

However, we should pull out of countries such as South Korea, Japan, and Europe. It is their responsibility to defend themselves, not ours. If our allies are under attack, then we will provide the necessary aid, but we don't need military bases on foreign territories. The troops stationed there would be put to better use defending the homeland, particularly the border.

The Budget and Finances
We need to return to fiscal responsibility. The days of the Bush Administration and an irresponsible Congress has brought us nothing but financial ruin.

I would never approve any federal budget that would create a federal deficit.

So just how do we cut federal spending? I would reunite the Departments of Labor and Commerce into one department. I would disband the Departments of Homeland Security and Housing and Urban Development, they are unneeded government bureaucracies the various functions of those departments would go into the appropriate departments. The Department of Veteran's Affairs would be put into the Department of Defense. Other parts of the government such as the Department of Commerce and Labor and the Department of the Interior would get budget cuts.

We wouldn't go into unnecessary wars such as in Iraq and policing the world. No needless pork barrel projects. As jman said: "
Eliminate most welfare programs and replace them with a broad, extensive Public Works Program. Make people work for their money. Those with disabilities, or those who are unable to work, will be able to receive unemployment benefits and social services for an extended period of time."

At the time I would not cut taxes to ensure that we are getting enough revenue to pay for the various government programs.

While not a part of the budget, we need to strengthen the power of the dollar.

I would introduce the Balanced Budget Amendment to the United States Constitution that would require the federal government to pass a budget that is balanced.

Transportation
I rode on a mag-lev train in Shanghai so I really liked what jman said: "Why don't we have Mag-Lev trains on the East and West Coast? I believe we should invest in Mag-Lev technology. AMTRAK just doesn't do it anymore. The slow, inadequate service often makes driving seem like a faster alternative. Not to mention that it's as expensive as all hell. Mag-Lev technology would be able to transport commuters from Boston to Washington, DC in just over four hours. Imagine traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego in an hour; San Francisco to San Diego in three and a half hours; Seattle to San Diego in eight hours or less... it would bring in the customers almost immediately, and would pay for itself in less than a decade."

The Environment
The EPA would become a Cabinet level department known as the Department of Environmental Protection.

Fuel emission standards for cars in this nation would become on par with European standards.

I would not submit the Kyoto Protocol for ratification in the Senate. I would impliment the ideals of the Kyoto Protocol for legislation to help protect the enviroment, but the treaty itself is a load of bull. It is specifically designed for just the United States to take really serious action, nations like Russia is allowed to profit off of it, and nations that are worse polluters like China are exempt from taking any serious action.

Abortion
Abortion is not a fundamental right like many pro-choicers believe. It is completely unethical and morally wrong.

However, Roe v. Wade cannot be overturned. Just imagine the public health crisis it would create. A woman who wants an abortion will get an abortion, legally or illegally. With a coat hanger or with an underground doctor with a an unsterile clinic. It's just too dangerous to ban it.

However we should ban and restrict certain types of abortion such as partial-birth abortions, third trimester abortions, etc. Also, I would not support federal funding for abortion clinics. You want an abortion, you're going to pay for it.

Minimum Wage
First off I should state that I do believe in the minimum wage. I believe that it is necessary.

I find it kind of pointless to raise the minimum wage at the federal level. I see this as a right of the states to decide on how much the minimum wage shall be and frankly, the states are far more responsive towards the necessary increases in the minimum wage. When the federal minimum wage was $5.15/hr, the majority of states passed legislation or referendums to increase the minimum wage above $7.00/hr. And more states were most likely bound to do so too.

So leave the minimum wage to the states. They do it far more effectively. The right to do so belongs to in accordance to the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." And when the federal government finally decides to act upon it, it's kinda pointless.

NASA and Space
I am a huge believer in the mission that NASA has provided us. I see space exploration on par with the voyages of Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama, James Cook and many others. That's why I propose that NASA gets fully funded for the missions it needs to explore the unknown and continue the tradition that has been started hundreds of years ago.

Terrorism
Yes there is such a thing as terrorism. That is why I have previously proposed to have a 2 million active and 2 million reserve force for our military, not to just protect the homeland from a Russian or Chinese or French or British attack or to defend the border from illegal immigrants, but to also help prevent terrorist attacks on the homeland.

I would repeal the USA PATRIOT Act. It violates the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution which prohibits unreasonable and warrant less searches and violates the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution which protects our right to privacy (rights not specifically stated belong to either the state or to the people). There is no reason to be investigating on innocent people.

We also need to take a look as to why there are groups such as al-Qaeda and why they want to not only attack the American homeland, but also American interests. We need to take an active participation in preventing these terrorist groups from springing up (i.e. not giving them a somewhat legitimate reason) along with preventing terrorist attacks.

The Electoral College
I will propose an amendment to abolish the Electoral College. It is undemocratic and a President should be elected solely based on the popular vote and the will of the people.

Civil Rights
I oppose the idea of Affirmative Action. It was necessary when it was created, but today is nothing but a relic of the Civil Rights Movement. And relics need to be gotten rid of. Affirmative Action violates Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution which prohibits discrimination by our government.

I would reintroduce the Equal Rights Amendment and the District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment. And an amendment protecting the equal rights of those based on sexual orientation. That way there can be absolutely no basis on denying the rights ALL American citizens.

I oppose the idea of hate crimes based on the words of Dr. Ron Paul:
Ron Paul on hate crimes (http://www.lewrockwell.com/paul/paul385.html)

The Customary System
The Customary System of Measurement is completely idiotic on the basis of its measurements and the fact that the rest of the world uses the Metric System.

It's time to get rid of it and convert the United States to the Metric System with the rest of the world.

[Matt]

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Holy shnikes, yours is good. You've got my vote. :up:

I like your thoughts on free trade, though I believe it to be important, that there is free trade, it is only with countries who play by the same rules as us. Countries that protect worker exploitation. In other words, countries that have similiar labor laws and do not give companies incentive to come so they can exploit their workers, I am fine with. By having free trade with countries that play by the same rules as us, it is also more likely that there will be less job exporting as companies will have less incentive to pack up and leave.

[CK1]

I've thought about this long and hard. I see a lot on here that I like, and quite a bit that scares me. Below is my Platform, let me know what you think:

Secure the Borders:

*Build the Fence
*Ensure that an interlocking surveillance camera system is installed along the border by July 1, 2010.
*Ensure that the border fence construction is completed by July 1, 2010.
*Increase the number of border patrol agents.
*Fully support all law enforcement personnel tasked with enforcing immigration law.
*Policies that promote or tolerate amnesty will be rejected.
*Employment is the chief draw for most illegal immigrants and denying them jobs is the centerpiece of an attrition strategy.
*Impose steep fines and penalties on employers that violate the law.
*Eliminate the visa lottery system and the admission category for adult brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens.
*Increase visas for highly-skilled and highly-educated applicants.
*Expedite processing for those who serve honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces.
*Improve our immigration process so that those patiently and responsibly seeking to come here legally will not have to wait decades to share in the American dream. Governor Huckabee has always been grateful to live in a country that people are trying to break into, rather than break out of.

Healthcare

*We don't need universal health care mandated by federal edict.
*We do need to get serious about preventive health care.
*I advocate policies that will encourage the private sector to seek innovative ways to bring down costs.
*As President, I will work with the private sector, Congress, health care providers, and other concerned parties to lead a complete overhaul of our health care system.
*Our health care system is making our businesses non-competitive in the global economy. It is time to recognize that jobs don't need health care, people do, and move from employer-based to consumer-based health care.


Taxes

*I support the FairTax.
*Our massive deficit is not due to Americans' being under-taxed, but to the government's over-spending.
*To control spending, I believe the President should have the line-item veto.
*I believe in free trade, but it has to be fair trade.
*Globalization, done right, done fairly, can be the equivalent of a big pay raise by allowing us to buy things more cheaply.




This all I can think of now, I will post more when I finish up. Thanks for reading.

[SuBe]

I've thought about this long and hard. I see a lot on here that I like, and quite a bit that scares me. Below is my Platform, let me know what you think:

*I support the FairTax.
.

:up:

[Lobo]

To respond to the opening post NO, I'm simply a MUCH too private person and would hate my life being so scrutinized.

This would be my platform though
:p
http://www.hiller.org/files/i/platform-4-626.jpg

[SuBe]

To respond to the opening post NO, I'm simply a MUCH too private person and would hate my life being so scrutinized.

This would be my platform though
:p
http://www.hiller.org/files/i/platform-4-626.jpg
AWESOME!

[Lobo]

;).

[Indy]

I'd love to be pres, but i'm sure i'd suck :woot: :(

[Malice]

Continued:
Also Malice, what are your thoughts on free trade? I personally say we do away with it entirely. It only hurts the working man and allows exploitation of foreign citizens. You want to import, pay tariffs. On a side note, I think we need to eliminate the 54 cent per gallon tariff on imported ethanols simply to ease the burden at the gas pump for the average American.

Forgot to comment on this

Free Trade
We are not to that point yet. Meaning I dont think the US can really handle it.
I like the idea of the US mirroring the trade policies of foreign countries.

If we trade with lets say, Bolivia, Bolivia doesnt is really restrictive on imports, but not on exports, we should mirror (with that country) their own laws...

That is a thought

In the end, we really need to try to promote growth of the US businesses, and have them as a good alternative to moving the product development out of country.

[Matt]

Forgot to comment on this

Free Trade
We are not to that point yet. Meaning I dont think the US can really handle it.
I like the idea of the US mirroring the trade policies of foreign countries.

If we trade with lets say, Bolivia, Bolivia doesnt is really restrictive on imports, but not on exports, we should mirror (with that country) their own laws...

That is a thought

In the end, we really need to try to promote growth of the US businesses, and have them as a good alternative to moving the product development out of country.

While I agree with the idea of promoting the growth of business, I'm not really sure how the US can compete with countries where children can work for 40 cents an hour.

As for your idea on mirroring trade laws, I would support this, but only as long as it is with countries who play by the same rules as us. Canada, for example. If they do not wish to restrict our imports, then we will not restrict theirs. Why? Because there is really not much incentive for a US company to pack up and move to Canada as they have similiar labor and business ethics laws. China, Peru, and Mexico on the other hand does not...therefore, we should not permit free trade with them.

[Malice]

While I agree with the idea of promoting the growth of business, I'm not really sure how the US can compete with countries where children can work for 40 cents an hour.

As for your idea on mirroring trade laws, I would support this, but only as long as it is with countries who play by the same rules as us. Canada, for example. If they do not wish to restrict our imports, then we will not restrict theirs. Why? Because there is really not much incentive for a US company to pack up and move to Canada as they have similiar labor and business ethics laws. China, Peru, and Mexico on the other hand does not...therefore, we should not permit free trade with them.

True...I have alot to learn on the Free Trade issues..