SUPERHEROHYPE.COM PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION! - Republican Debate

[Matt]

Alright, here is the official debate thread for our Republican candidates. Feel free to ask them any questions that you feel are important.

StorminNorman did not fill out the initial debate questionairre, but here is Hippie_Hunters. Norm, jump in whenever.

1) Are we in a reccession? If so, what is your solution to fight it?

National Bureau of Economic Research defines a recession as "a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production and wholesale-retail sales."

With that definition, I'd say that we are currently in a mild recession. While unemployment is a rising concern, it isn't going up in dramatically. Income isn't falling in dramatically. The economy is still growing, though very mildly.

We need to take steps to prevent this from getting worse.

With my administration, I will promote a very strong dollar policy and fight rising prices in energy. The main reasons why our economy is going down is because of a weakening dollar and rising energy prices.

2) With gas prices reaching record highs on a daily basis do you believe it is time for the government to step in? If so, to what capacity or do you believe the free market should regulate itself?

Usually I would believe in the free market being capable in handling something like this, but with the rising profits of oil corporations out there, I do not see that happening.

As President, I will launch a through investigation to determine if price gouging is indeed occurring and if it is, punish the oil companies as such.

I will push for higher fuel emissions standards in our nations vehicles on par with that of Europe.

I will push for more research in alternative energy sources so we can wean ourselves off of oil in the future.

I will lower taxes on gasoline and I will apply heavy pressure on the oil companies to lower their prices.

3) Is it time to exit Iraq? If so, what is your exit strategy? Or do you believe we should stay the course? If so are any modifications needed to our ground strategy?

Frankly I don't know if we should exit or stay in Iraq. We have to look at it this way, we're damned if we do and we're damned if don't.

We shouldn't have been in Iraq in the first place and if we stay there our troops will continue to be in unnecessary danger.

But if we leave, chaos in Iraq is all but guaranteed. If we leave the situation will get even worse than it is. And obviously we can't just abandon the mess created by President Bush.

As President, I will be meeting with the leaders of NATO, the Pentagon, and leaders of Middle Eastern nations to try and see if Iraq can be fixed in the best possible way or if it can't and determine the best path to take.

4) What are your feelings about lobbyists grip on political campaigns? Is public financing the route to go? What kind of ethical reforms are neccessary?

The reason why lobbyists have gotten a grip they way they did was because politicians have allowed themselves to be consumed with the money.

We need to hold the politicians more accountable than the lobbyists. They're the ones who accept the money and have allowed the lobbyists to get the grip they have.

If a candidate wants to accept financing from lobbyists or public financing or from average joe schmo that's their decision and they will have to accept the outcome of happens with that money. If they become corrupted with it they will be punished accordingly to the law. If they use it responsibly, then nothing will happen.

5) What are your plans for taxation? Is the federal income tax outdated?

I have found myself rather interested in the Fair Tax idea that has been proposed. As President I will take a look into it and see if it is the best plan to be implemented.

However, if we do continue with the federal income tax, I will make it much more simplistic to file like what Rudy Giuliani has proposed.

6) There is a chance that this next president could appoint several SCOTUS Justices. What would you look for in a Supreme Court Justice?

I will look for Supreme Court justices that will not put political or personal bias into their decisions like Sandra Day O'Connor did. We need more justices like her who were neutral and moderate, not the political partisan hacks who make up the court today.

7) Should Roe v. Wade be overturned?

No.

 

[Matt]

(part two of Hippie_Hunter's questionairre)

8) What is your stance on gay marriage?

I firmly support gay marriage. As President I will push for the repeal of DOMA which gives the states far too much power and is completely discriminatory to gay Americans. I will have the federal government recognize gay marriage.

However, since most marriage laws are up to the states according to the Constitution it is up to the states for the most part to allow gay marriages to take place in their states.

Personally, I think that we will end up seeing more court decisions overturning state laws that ban gay marriage like in Massachusetts and California.

9) Do you have a solution for illegal immigration? If so, what is it?

The solution to combat illegal immigration is to beef up border security, target employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants, and make it easier for people who want to come to this country for legitimate purposes to do so.

10) Crime is running rampant in this country. Does the federal government have an obligation to help fight it? If so, how would you go about it?

Yes the federal government has an obligation to help fight it.

However crime rates are going down just like in most industrialized nations so I will keep things the same for the most part.

11) As a follow up question, many say the proble with our prison system is overcrowding due to offenders being locked away for "Victimless crimes" such as prostitution and drug usage. Should we legalize these type of vice-crimes?

I support the legalization of marijuana, but most other drugs will still be outlawed. As for crimes such as prostitution, that will be left to the states.

12) How would you go about restoring America's reputation abroad (if at all?)

I will end the unilateral policies of the Bush Administration and forge closer ties with Europe and Venezuela. I will open diplomatic relations with Cuba.

I will show the world that America is indeed a benevolent power not one that wants to dominate the world. I will continue President Bush's policies towards Africa and be tougher concerning the Darfur situation. I will pursue a Good Neighbor Policy with Latin America and show them that the imperialistic days of America are done.

13) How should America deal with rogue nations such as Iran and North Korea? On that same note, how would you pursue the war on terror?

I support diplomacy with nations with Iran and North Korea with certain conditions. With Iran they need to make assurances that their program is indeed a civilian one and not a military one and whenever we have a problem with North Korea they will need to meet the requirements necessary. We do not have diplomatic relations with them and they will be treated as such.

As for the War on Terror, I will put it back on track like how it was first run in Afghanistan before President Bush botched it all up with Iraq.

14) Many argue that Israel is the source of many of America's problems. Do you agree or disagree? Should we continue to support Israel?

While I don't think that we need to give the abundant amount of aid to Israel that we are currently giving them, I believe that they are a traditional ally of the United States and we don't turn our backs on our allies. I support giving NATO membership to Israel.

15) David Palmer, great president or greatest president?

I'm sorry but the greatest fictional President is Thomas J. Whitmore.

 

[StorminNorman]

I thought we were going to address these questions in the thread and not in a PM (the fact I didn't fully read the PM which would of given me this instruction is of no consequence) - so here I go.

I will post in groups of 5.

1) Are we in a reccession? If so, what is your solution to fight it?

Are we in a recession? By definition, no we are not. However the term "recession" to the an average American does not rely upon a text book definition - the term recession is any time America's economic is running through a rough patch and without a doubt that is exactly what we are dealing with now.

The key to solving our economic woes is to address the rising cost of gas, the rising cost of food and the to help the inflate the dwindling housing market.

While I will address my energy plan in greater detail later in this debate - the plan is simple: attack the problem in as many fronts as possible. There is no one answer to the oil crisis, there is no one solution. The more we limit ourselves, the more we hurt ourselves.

I would stop government subsidies on corn ethanol production. This is a plan with good intentions that have failed. This would open up large amounts of American farmland for food production. While this will have little impact on immediate prices (that are impacted by a wide array of factors, including Australian droughts and other uncontrollable conditions) it should have a great impact on near future prices.

There is no easy fix to the current home owners crisis. This has been brought apart by the irresponsibility of American homeowners and the slowing economy. Luckily there are some indicators that the housing marketing is slowly improving. The last few months have seen increases in new home sales. The worst thing we can do now is allow the government to come in and stamp out that by over regulating the market.


2) With gas prices reaching record highs on a daily basis do you believe it is time for the government to step in? If so, to what capacity or do you believe the free market should regulate itself?

I do not trust the government to come in and fix this problem. The government must allow the free market to come up with the solutions. We must rely upon the Capitalistic Ideals that make our economy what it is.

I would lower the rising cost of gas by attacking the problem on as many fronts as possible. I would take away restrictions on drilling for oil in the Pacific, Atlantic, East Gulf of Mexico and Alaska. I would allow the excavation of oil shale. I would support the development of coal to fuel plants. I would offer permanent tax breaks for businesses that utilize solar panels. I would support T. Boone Pickens and his investment for wind power.

We also need to encourage flex-fuel cars. I would do this by removing taxes on flex fuel cars sold in America and drastically cut tariffs on ethanol importation.

We should also reward oil companies - and any companies - that are making serious strides in the development of alternative fuels such as Hydrogen cars. The technology is available, but we have to have the infrastructure in place to make it markedly viable. The best way to make the transition to Hydrogen Cars is for oil service stations to start offering hydrogen fuel as well. This will only come with the cooperation of the oil companies - the reason why any plan that includes punishing oil companies with taxes is simply inane.

Also any plans for future power must include the building of Nuclear Power plants. While Nuclear Power will do little to fund our cars, we must start relying on these plants to power our homes and businesses across the country. While I hate to say it, the French have it right here.

By simply rewarding companies that are taking the proper steps, and giving the free market the chance to regulate itself - America can become the leader in weaning off of Middle Eastern Oil.

3) Is it time to exit Iraq? If so, what is your exit strategy? Or do you believe we should stay the course? If so are any modifications needed to our ground strategy?

The time to end major military operations in Iraq is coming. I have long been a critic of an exit strategy in Iraq, however as the news of the Iraqi Government supporting such an action - it is our duty to respect the wishes of the sovereign nation. Our exit strategy should be a collaboration with General Patraeus and the Iraqi Government and should be done so in absolute secret. We should never announce a date we will withdraw from the country.

The Surge worked brilliantly and the success we now have in Iraq - and that is what we now have, success in Iraq - is an example of the brilliance, bravery and resilience of our brave Americans serving the Armed Forces.

At this time I would not support complete and utter withdraw from Iraq - I would like to work with the country so that we may retain at least one base in the country. This agreement should be similar with countries like South Korea. If one can not be reached, however, and the government is totally opposed to such a plan - again, we must respect their decision and leave.


4) What are your feelings about lobbyists grip on political campaigns? Is public financing the route to go? What kind of ethical reforms are neccessary?

If anyone thinks that legislation and regulations will solve any ethical problems in Washington they are far more idealistic than I. In the area of politics there will always be corruption - too often are people that have no business holding office hold office. This is not a Republican problem, nor a Democrat problem, nor even an American problem but a human problem - a political problem.

I strongly disagree the idea of public financing, I think it infringes upon American's Freedom of Speech. Americans have the right to support any candidate, any cause they want and they should be able to do so with their money as well as their voice and their vote.

Stopping political contributions by special interest groups and individuals will lead to nothing but more 527 groups. I would rather see political campaigns (that face oversight, regulations and lack the privacy of private groups) use the money than groups like MoveOn.org and Swift Boat Veterans For Truth.


5) What are your plans for taxation? Is the federal income tax outdated?

The Federal Income Tax is completely outdated. After a long time looking at various systems of reform and alternative methods I have come to the conclusion that the FairTax System is best for the country moving forward.

It offers the best savings for the average American, destroys the IRS (something everyone should be grateful for - unless you work for them) and it offers the chance to greatly discourage outsourcing American companies - boosting the American economy in a multitude of ways.

Now I fully understand that its a system that right now is nothing but words on paper - I fully accept that there is a possibility that it might have to face alteration when put in practice. The possible benefits, however, out weight these risks and I see it as a great improvement upon current Tax Codes.

 

[StorminNorman]

6) There is a chance that this next president could appoint several SCOTUS Justices. What would you look for in a Supreme Court Justice?

I will push for judges that will interpret the Constitution as it is written and not make decisions based on their own political ideologies. I will not support any judge that wants to overturn Roe V. Wade.

I have a deep concern with the increase of judicial activism facing the country. I found the decision made by the courts in the matter of granting Prisoners of War the same rights as American Citizens to be both baffling and troubling. Judges can not be allowed to write law from the bench.

7) Should Roe v. Wade be overturned?

Absolutely not.

8) What is your stance on gay marriage?

I strongly support gay marriages. In fact I for see a time in the near future (10-20 years) where this is no more an issue than the idea of inter racial marriages. I would veto any attempt to sign a Constitutional Amendment defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

9) Do you have a solution for illegal immigration? If so, what is it?

For me Immigration is first and foremost a National Security issue, not an economic one.

I would continue and finish the wall on the boarder of Mexico - and then begin with Canada. This wall should be as much physical barrier (in some cases this is simply not reasonable) but a virtual one. Surveillance, predator drones, increase boarder patrol and national guard presence.

While I would like to have the ability to remove all illegals currently living in America - I recognize this is foolish and impossible. I would instead do this:

All illegals currently in this country must apply for a temporary residence card. Registration would be available for the six months and will not apply to illegal immigrants that cross into this country after that time. This program would provide an ID card, an ID number and grant legal status in this country for a period of five years. After five years of this, they can then apply for immediate citizenship with completion of the US Citizenship test.

During this five year period, if an illegal immigrant commits a felony - they are deported. If an illegal immigrant fails to register in the first six months and gets caught by a government official (for speeding, for misdemeanor, anything) they are deported.

Any Businesses caught hiring undocumented illegal immigrants after this program is initiated will be fined $250,000 per illegal immigrant.

We must also pressure the Mexican government and prevent their aid of illegal immigration into America.

I would seek to remove the amendment that guarantees a child born in American citizenship. I wish to see it amended to state that at least one parent must have legal status in American (as a citizen or on a legal green card/visa) for the child to be given citizenship.

10) Crime is running rampant in this country. Does the federal government have an obligation to help fight it? If so, how would you go about it?

The Federal Government is responsible only for Federal Offenses. We can not infringe upon the rights of states by telling them how to run their police forces.

I would, however, encourage the decriminalization of marijuana, as well as lowering the drinking age. While this may seem as nothing more than a college student seeking his own self interests, I think my age and experience gives me a far better look at the problem than most politicians.

The law as it stands now does little to discourage the use of alcohol and marijuana - in fact, by criminalizing it, you are increasing the dangers of teens across the country. People point to weed being a gateway drug as a reason to criminalize it, but I would contest that if weed was not illegal many kids would not be put in the company of those that sell and use harder drugs.

The billions we save on our war on marijuana, plus the revenues that would come from taxing it, would help the great task of paying off the national debt - as well as provide funding for projects that improve our education domestically.

 

[StorminNorman]

11) As a follow up question, many say the proble with our prison system is overcrowding due to offenders being locked away for "Victimless crimes" such as prostitution and drug usage. Should we legalize these type of vice-crimes?

I jumped the gun a bit I suppose t:

As I stated, I fully endorse the decriminalization of marijuana.

I think it is incorrect, however, to peg the uses of other harder drugs as "victimless crimes". While there is little to no dangers involved with the smoking of marijuana, that is not the case with harder drugs and they still deserve to be made illegal.

I would push for a mandate that would increase the use of rehabilitation over jail time for first time drug users. Second time drug users should be evaluated on a case by case basis while a third time should face mandatory jail time.

Those caught selling drugs should face a mandatory minimum of 15 years.

Prostitution should be made legal and then regulated. One should have to have a prostitution license which would require monthly check ups.

Another victimless crime is polygamy. If a man wishes to marry two plus wives (or vice versa) and these are all consenting adults involved, then they should have the choice.

12) How would you go about restoring America's reputation abroad (if at all?)

America does too many great, wonderful, incredible things abroad for us to try to further increase our reputation abroad. No country does more to combat world hunger, no country does more to help those in need, no country has done more for Africa than the United States of America. Any country that does not see that, will never see that.

We should no more go out of way to bolster our reputation than we should go out of our way to try to promote our superiority.

13) How should America deal with rogue nations such as Iran and North Korea? On that same note, how would you pursue the war on terror?

I fully support President Bush's handling of North Korea, though we must see through and start increasing pressure on their multiple human rights violations. The steps towards removing the threat the country serves as a Nuclear Risk have been great and truly one of the great accomplishments of the Administration.

When viewing on how to deal with Iran you must also consider how to deal with Israel.

Israel has been put in a tough decision by Iran. They are facing times where you have a powerful tyrant calling for their destruction, the Jewish people have been down this road before and I don't see them giving Iran the ability to become a new Third Reich.

I have no doubt that the upcoming Israeli elections will see a more conservative and aggressive leader take power in Israel, someone like Benjamin Netanyahu. We must take the role in this conflict not as aggressor, but peace maker.

We must give Ahmadinejad the power to destroy himself. The next generation of Iranian's are much more civilized, much more Western and much more rational. It is vital to not corrupt the next generation against the Western World. I would encourage forcing conditions that make revolution in the state necessary and natural. Enforce economic sanctions - create a credible, strong coalition that is willing to set an embargo with any country that is willing to deal with Iran. We must also pressure our own American companies like General Electric who continue to deal with country.

When the economy in Iran is crippled, the government will fall.

We must allow the fall of Ahmadinejad to be an Iranian mission - not a Western one. That does not mean the US should not be involved. We must take notes from Kermit Roosevelt. While Operation Ajax had horrific consequences, the mission was one of the greatest CIA missions ever accomplished. If the CIA is able to spark the flame of Revolution - and do so without being noticed - they should.

14) Many argue that Israel is the source of many of America's problems. Do you agree or disagree? Should we continue to support Israel?

Israel is a great ally that deals with great troubles. We must help the country simply because no one else will effectively. Any country that seeks to destroy Israel is an enemy of the United States as long as I have a say in it.

15) David Palmer, great president or greatest president?

I would like to take this opportunity to offer Mr. Palmer the position of Vice President. If he wishes to accept, he knows how to reach me. The man was a great leader in the face of chaos, should I be half as confident - I will have done well.

 

[hippie_hunter]

I have a question for Norman. Why the hell haven't you accepted my PSN friendship

 

[Marx]

I think we all recognize that illegal immigration is a problem and I see that both of you have taken stances regarding the border fence and employers, but my question concerns illegal immigrant housing. It is my firm belief that we must not only enforce our borders and hold employers accountable, but those in the housing sector who grant housing to illegals as well.

Where do each of you stand?

 

[StorminNorman]

Usually I would believe in the free market being capable in handling something like this, but with the rising profits of oil corporations out there, I do not see that happening.

As President, I will launch a through investigation to determine if price gouging is indeed occurring and if it is, punish the oil companies as such.

I will push for higher fuel emissions standards in our nations vehicles on par with that of Europe.

I will push for more research in alternative energy sources so we can wean ourselves off of oil in the future.

I will lower taxes on gasoline and I will apply heavy pressure on the oil companies to lower their prices.

How do you plan on pressure on oil companies to lower the price with doing nothing to increase supply or decreasing demand? How do you plan on pressuring oil companies as well? Do you feel that government can run oil companies better than the private sector?

I see nothing in your plan that includes drilling in America, the only way to effect gas prices at this time. You seem to have no plan that will impact the market in the near future.

Lowering the taxes on gasoline would make little different in terms of dollars and cents - what do you plan to do to lower gas prices in the short term?

 

[StorminNorman]

I have a question for Norman. Why the hell haven't you accepted my PSN friendship

Ha - I haven't been on PSN in the longest time. Its not my PS3 - but my brothers I will do so next time I visit him.

 

[StorminNorman]

I think we all recognize that illegal immigration is a problem and I see that both of you have taken stances regarding the border fence and employers, but my question concerns illegal immigrant housing. It is my firm belief that we must not only enforce our borders and hold employers accountable, but those in the housing sector who grant housing to illegals as well.

Where do each of you stand?

It is typical for any sort of housing to do a credit check and run a history on the tenant-to-be. As such, the legality of a person's citizenship should be available to any renter or bank. If any such party decides to rent, loan or aid a person they know to be illegal - they will suffer punishments similar to those who hire illegal aliens.

 

[Marx]

It is typical for any sort of housing to do a credit check and run a history on the tenant-to-be. As such, the legality of a person's citizenship should be available to any renter or bank. If any such party decides to rent, loan or aid a person they know to be illegal - they will suffer punishments similar to those who hire illegal aliens.

I agree Candidate Norm.

 

[Marx]

12) How would you go about restoring America's reputation abroad (if at all?)

America does too many great, wonderful, incredible things abroad for us to try to further increase our reputation abroad. No country does more to combat world hunger, no country does more to help those in need, no country has done more for Africa than the United States of America. Any country that does not see that, will never see that.

We should no more go out of way to bolster our reputation than we should go out of our way to try to promote our superiority.

I don't believe that there is any question of America's willingness to help various countries around the world. The problem lies in the failed policies of the Bush Administration. Are you saying that you would not seek to fix the problems created by those policies? The world must once again know that we are not a "go it alone rogue cowboy state that does as we please despite its effects on others." Would you engage in cooperation and conversation again with the world? Would you talk WITH the world? Or continue Bush's stance of talking TO the world?

 

[StorminNorman]

I don't believe that there is any question of America's willingness to help various countries around the world. The problem lies in the failed policies of the Bush Administration. Are you saying that you would not seek to fix the problems created by those policies? The world must once again know that we are not a "go it alone rogue cowboy state that does as we please despite its effects on others." Would you engage in cooperation and conversation again with the world? Would you talk WITH the world? Or continue Bush's stance of talking TO the world?

I will not allow the policies of the Bush administration have any influence upon my own. I will not look at a situation and think "well how can I use this to repair the damage of the last 8 years", I will only consider "well how best do I deal with this now".

Diplomacy must be the first, second, third, fourth and fifth option when dealing with countries - especially now.

I will not, however, meet with rogue leaders without certain conditions being met. If Iran wants an audience with the American President, they have to earn that. If Hugo Chavez wants to meet with the American President, he has to meet conditions. Hugo Chavez his a communist tyrant who has taken away the right to free speech - a right that we, as Americans, we consider to be a right given to us by our creator.

There will be governments that simply disagree with me ideologically, and thats fine. While we may disagree on certain issues, most countries want what I set to achieve - a peaceful world free of tyranny and oppression.

I will open myself personally to all countries that have this goal in mind.

 

[hippie_hunter]

How do you plan on pressure on oil companies to lower the price with doing nothing to increase supply or decreasing demand?

In order to increase supply and decrease demand I will temporarily stop filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. To decrease demand I will demand higher emissions standards for our vehicles.

How do you plan on pressuring oil companies as well?

I will apply pressure to the oil companies by threatening to close off their loopholes and increasing their taxes. I will run numerous unwanted investigations. Corporations will want the government off their backs so if we make the simple offer of if they do their best to lower prices we will stay off of them and if they don't we will go after them.

Do you feel that government can run oil companies better than the private sector?

No, I firmly oppose the government running the oil industry. However because the the high demand for it and highly unjustified prices and the negative impact they're creating, some measure government oversight is necessary. The free market alone cannot solve this problem.

I see nothing in your plan that includes drilling in America, the only way to effect gas prices at this time. You seem to have no plan that will impact the market in the near future.

I oppose drilling in America because it just further makes our need for it even worse and will have negative environmental consequences. We need to be looking in the long term more than the short term.

As President I will lower tariffs on Brazilian ethanol, I will push for higher fuel standards

Lowering the taxes on gasoline would make little different in terms of dollars and cents - what do you plan to do to lower gas prices in the short term?

We need to be looking more into the long term than the short term. If we keep up our dependence on oil as it is, it will be more dangerous in the long term.

Looking far too much into the now has gotten us in this mess that we are in now.

 

[hippie_hunter]

I will not, however, meet with rogue leaders without certain conditions being met. If Iran wants an audience with the American President, they have to earn that. If Hugo Chavez wants to meet with the American President, he has to meet conditions. Hugo Chavez his a communist tyrant who has taken away the right to free speech - a right that we, as Americans, we consider to be a right given to us by our creator.

While I do agree with your assessment about Hugo Chavez, the reason why he's a dictator is because the people allowed him to do so. We must respect the will of the Venezuelan people. Unlike North Korea and Iran, Venezuela is harmless and the reason why Chavez has been able to gain so much clout is because of our policies towards him. If the Bush Administration didn't pursue a policy of him being a completely evil beast instead of treating him as the annoying buzzing fly that he really is South America would be in a completely different political climate if you ask me.

I support talking to Chavez with no conditions. He poses no threat to us or to American interests just like Cuba.

 

[StorminNorman]

In order to increase supply and decrease demand I will temporarily stop filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. To decrease demand I will demand higher emissions standards for our vehicles.

But hunter, we have already done that. Since May of this year we have stopped filling the SPR - the prices we have now are with that already factored in. Its impact has been minimal.

I will apply pressure to the oil companies by threatening to close off their loopholes and increasing their taxes. I will run numerous unwanted investigations. Corporations will want the government off their backs so if we make the simple offer of if they do their best to lower prices we will stay off of them and if they don't we will go after them.

If you increase taxes on oil companies, then you will do nothing but increase the price of gas on the average citizen. Even if you do decide to go after oil companies, all it will do is hurt the American consumer.

No, I firmly oppose the government running the oil industry. However because the the high demand for it and highly unjustified prices and the negative impact they're creating, some measure government oversight is necessary. The free market alone cannot solve this problem.

What evidence is there to support the prices are highly unjustified and is it the government's job to dictate how much of a profit is justified? Who makes that call? How much of a profit is reasonable? You say you don't want the government running the oil industry, but with regulations on profits - you are effectively doing just that.

I oppose drilling in America because it just further makes our need for it even worse and will have negative environmental consequences. We need to be looking in the long term more than the short term.

Why can we not do both? This is not "either/or" there is an "all of the above option". There is no way America can get off oil for anytime in the next decade, for us to simply ignore the oil crisis - which is what this would be - you are hurting the average American that can not afford to buy a new hydrogen car, a new flex fuel car, etc. Any viable solution MUST include a way to decrease oil prices of today.

As President I will lower tariffs on Brazilian ethanol, I will push for higher fuel standards

This is something we can agree on - but thats under the assumption that all Americans can afford to simply trade out vehicles.

We need to be looking more into the long term than the short term. If we keep up our dependence on oil as it is, it will be more dangerous in the long term.

Looking far too much into the now has gotten us in this mess that we are in now.

We can end our future dependence on oil all we want, but it does nothing to help our current dependence.

What has cause much of the mess we are in now is the regulations on drilling set in place. If we had been allowed to drill in the Gulf, offshore, in Alaska a decade ago - we could be pumping in millions of American oil.

 

[StorminNorman]

While I do agree with your assessment about Hugo Chavez, the reason why he's a dictator is because the people allowed him to do so. We must respect the will of the Venezuelan people. Unlike North Korea and Iran, Venezuela is harmless and the reason why Chavez has been able to gain so much clout is because of our policies towards him. If the Bush Administration didn't pursue a policy of him being a completely evil beast instead of treating him as the annoying buzzing fly that he really is South America would be in a completely different political climate if you ask me.

I support talking to Chavez with no conditions. He poses no threat to us or to American interests just like Cuba.

Yes, we must respect the will of the Venezuelan people, but that does mean we have to go against the basic principals of our nation. To embrace Venezuela with open arms is to openly embrace a tyrant. How can we preach an end to global oppression while holding the hands of an oppressor?

We do not have to move against Chavez, but that does not mean we should work with him.

 

[hippie_hunter]

I think we all recognize that illegal immigration is a problem and I see that both of you have taken stances regarding the border fence and employers, but my question concerns illegal immigrant housing. It is my firm belief that we must not only enforce our borders and hold employers accountable, but those in the housing sector who grant housing to illegals as well.

Where do each of you stand?

I will admit that I have no position on illegal immigrants and housing. This is a very complicated issue where a simple black and white solution just cannot be done.

I will not allow illegal immigrants living in government housing. But for housing in the private sector, I just do not know and I personally feel very conflicted about it.

On one hand, my opponent has a very valid point. But on the other, we just can't expect hundreds of thousands of people to be homeless and living on the streets. Housing is a necessity just like food and clothing.

Instead of housing, I will focus more on border security, employment, and making it easier for people to enter this country legally.

I do apologize if this answer is unsatisfactory to you.

 

[StorminNorman]

I would also state that I would support lifting economic sanctions on Cuba, though - again - I would not embrace Raul Castro without him meeting human rights conditions.

 

[hippie_hunter]

Yes, we must respect the will of the Venezuelan people, but that does mean we have to go against the basic principals of our nation. To embrace Venezuela with open arms is to openly embrace a tyrant. How can we preach an end to global oppression while holding the hands of an oppressor?

We do not have to move against Chavez, but that does not mean we should work with him.

I'm not saying that we embrace Hugo Chavez or his policies. What I am saying is that we are unnecessarily antagonistic to him and there is no need to have conditions on someone who does not pose any threat to the United States or American interests.

And with your logic then we better impose conditions to talk with leaders of China, Russia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and others that we don't impose conditions on.

 

[Marx]

I will admit that I have no position on illegal immigrants and housing. This is a very complicated issue where a simple black and white solution just cannot be done.

I will not allow illegal immigrants living in government housing. But for housing in the private sector, I just do not know and I personally feel very conflicted about it.

On one hand, my opponent has a very valid point. But on the other, we just can't expect hundreds of thousands of people to be homeless and living on the streets. Housing is a necessity just like food and clothing.

Instead of housing, I will focus more on border security, employment, and making it easier for people to enter this country legally.

I do apologize if this answer is unsatisfactory to you.

It is a hard issue to tackle. I completely understand your confliction. I just believe that if we stop those in housing sector from granting housing in the first place, it will help our cause. If illegals coming into the country know that they won't be able to find housing, it might provide a valuable deterrent.

In regards to those already here, would you propose fines to those in the housing sector? (In the way that Norm has suggested? And that I completely agree with. Or do you believe it should be left alone?)

I'm not necessarily suggesting we throw all of the illegals that are already here, to the streets. I am saying that those responsible for housing illegals should be punished just as severely as those who employ illegals.

 

[hippie_hunter]

I would also state that I would support lifting economic sanctions on Cuba, though - again - I would not embrace Raul Castro without him meeting human rights conditions.

And what about diplomatic relations? If not then will you end diplomatic relations with Russia, China, Syria, Pakistan, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Belarus, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, and many, many others?

 

[Matt]

15) David Palmer, great president or greatest president?

I would like to take this opportunity to offer Mr. Palmer the position of Vice President. If he wishes to accept, he knows how to reach me. The man was a great leader in the face of chaos, should I be half as confident - I will have done well.

David Palmer is dead you sick bastard

 

[BlackLantern]

If the current tax system stays in place...will single people continue to be punished...?

 

[StorminNorman]

I'm not saying that we embrace Hugo Chavez or his policies. What I am saying is that we are unnecessarily antagonistic to him and there is no need to have conditions on someone who does not pose any threat to the United States or American interests.

And with your logic then we better impose conditions to talk with leaders of China, Russia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and others that we don't impose conditions on.

We do not have to antagonize, we can even work with Venezuela (and other countries), but yes - I would set conditions for ever meeting when meeting with countries that oppress their people.

The Conditions most of the countries you list are far less severe than those in Venezuela, though I would agree - they would require overlooking. I will not be so quick to buddy up with countries like Saudi Arabia than my predecessor was.

At the same time we can not apply the same standard to countries such as China as we do with Venezuela simply because of the current environment. China has made many strides within the last 10-20 years in the area of human rights, they should be rewarded for those strides.

Again - simply because I would not grant an audience with the President does not mean I would ignore or not try to establish diplomatic ties with these countries.

It should also be noted that Chavez has tried to gain strength to oppose the United States - something no other country has listed. Chavez has spoken in support of Iran. He has threatened to use oil to "fight America" and is openly hostile to this country. That is unacceptable.