Would anyone here ever run for office?

[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

 

[Hobgoblin]

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

 

[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? 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 Shiites), 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, Shiitstan, 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? 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 Shiites), 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, Shiitstan, 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.

 

[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?!

 

[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?!

*throws tomatoes*

 

[The Senator]

*throws tomatoes*

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.

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