Steve
Mostly Harmless
I'd love to hear it. We've had a lot of threads recently where people are accusing other people of this and that. Well, what if you were a politician? What would your platform be? I know that Bob Hubbard's posted his platform a few times. I'll throw out some examples of some typical planks, but feel free to add whatever you'd like.
I've said at times that I don't consider myself to be a liberal. But maybe I'm wrong. So, for what it's worth, below is a very brief overview of my platform:
Foreign Policy: I believe that we need to protect our interests overseas, and that comes from cultivating allies and working as much as possible for a diplomatic solution. We are involved in wars that are bankrupting our country. Where military action is necessary, I think we should do what needs to be done quickly, efficiently and always consider under what conditions our involvement will end. The problems in the Middle East stem from a lack of an exit strategy and a lack of a clear idea of what winning means.
Jobs: We should also work to eliminate our growing dependence on imported products from overseas. Government tax incentives to reward industries for creating domestic jobs, particularly in manufacturing industries are key. Couple this with an increase in import tariffs to create a more level playing field, and Made in America will mean something again.
Energy: Bottom line for me is reducing our dependence upon foreign energy. This doesn't mean eliminating any imported oil. Rather, if we NEED it, then we are at risk. This means looking with open eyes at our energy situation. We have a wealth of natural resources, as well as several ways to produce green energy.
Education: This is a big one. I am not opposed to standardized testing, but the tests should accurately reflect the knowledge and behaviors we're looking for. I think that the local school districts should continue to have the latitude to teach children how they deem best, including the opportunity to try creative approaches. At the same time, the standardized tests should ensure that children are meeting the minimum requirements necessary to become productive members of society.
In addition, I'd create and/or strengthen trade education for kids who are interested in pursuing an apprenticeship following high school. If kids in high school aren't interested in college, let's give them some tools that will prepare them for an apprenticeship or entry level job.
Taxes: I'd push for a flat rate income tax assessed on all income above $20k for an individual or $50k for a family. Whether it's from capital gains, dividends, royalties, wages, an inheritance or anything else. You get money in a year, it will be reported and taxed at a flat rate.
Abortion: I'm pro-choice.
Guns: I see two issues, but to boil it all down, my philosophy on guns is to make them available and accessible to most people, but to also do what we can to increase personal accountability. I don't see the value in assault weapons bans or anything like that. But I do think that sensible measures to improve background checks, mandate training courses that would include gun safety, gun law and "use of force."
I'd also like to see people pass a practical exam for each broad weapon type before being able to purchase a weapon in that category, sort of like a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement, or in the military, being certified to drive a forklift up to 10k, a crane, a truck up to 1 1/2 ton, etc....
Gay Marriage: Government should be out of the marriage business, beyond census records and establishing legal next of kin, for everyone. Not just gay couples.
Immigration: I don't really have a strong opinion about this one. I think that the idea of simplifying our immigration laws and providing a path for people who are already in the USA to gain legal residency, if not citizenship at some point, is a good one. Our country was founded on immigrant workers, and I think that diversity strengthens our country, not weakens it.
Health Care: I'm for single payer, all the way. There are a lot of reasons for this, but the bottom line is that I think it's the best way to go for America.
Welfare: Increase personal accountability and invest in job training. Time limits are important, particularly where adults are concerned. I don't have a problem with drug tests, but if we're dealing with welfare recipients, the agency should foot the bill for the testing.
I've said at times that I don't consider myself to be a liberal. But maybe I'm wrong. So, for what it's worth, below is a very brief overview of my platform:
Foreign Policy: I believe that we need to protect our interests overseas, and that comes from cultivating allies and working as much as possible for a diplomatic solution. We are involved in wars that are bankrupting our country. Where military action is necessary, I think we should do what needs to be done quickly, efficiently and always consider under what conditions our involvement will end. The problems in the Middle East stem from a lack of an exit strategy and a lack of a clear idea of what winning means.
Jobs: We should also work to eliminate our growing dependence on imported products from overseas. Government tax incentives to reward industries for creating domestic jobs, particularly in manufacturing industries are key. Couple this with an increase in import tariffs to create a more level playing field, and Made in America will mean something again.
Energy: Bottom line for me is reducing our dependence upon foreign energy. This doesn't mean eliminating any imported oil. Rather, if we NEED it, then we are at risk. This means looking with open eyes at our energy situation. We have a wealth of natural resources, as well as several ways to produce green energy.
Education: This is a big one. I am not opposed to standardized testing, but the tests should accurately reflect the knowledge and behaviors we're looking for. I think that the local school districts should continue to have the latitude to teach children how they deem best, including the opportunity to try creative approaches. At the same time, the standardized tests should ensure that children are meeting the minimum requirements necessary to become productive members of society.
In addition, I'd create and/or strengthen trade education for kids who are interested in pursuing an apprenticeship following high school. If kids in high school aren't interested in college, let's give them some tools that will prepare them for an apprenticeship or entry level job.
Taxes: I'd push for a flat rate income tax assessed on all income above $20k for an individual or $50k for a family. Whether it's from capital gains, dividends, royalties, wages, an inheritance or anything else. You get money in a year, it will be reported and taxed at a flat rate.
Abortion: I'm pro-choice.
Guns: I see two issues, but to boil it all down, my philosophy on guns is to make them available and accessible to most people, but to also do what we can to increase personal accountability. I don't see the value in assault weapons bans or anything like that. But I do think that sensible measures to improve background checks, mandate training courses that would include gun safety, gun law and "use of force."
I'd also like to see people pass a practical exam for each broad weapon type before being able to purchase a weapon in that category, sort of like a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement, or in the military, being certified to drive a forklift up to 10k, a crane, a truck up to 1 1/2 ton, etc....
Gay Marriage: Government should be out of the marriage business, beyond census records and establishing legal next of kin, for everyone. Not just gay couples.
Immigration: I don't really have a strong opinion about this one. I think that the idea of simplifying our immigration laws and providing a path for people who are already in the USA to gain legal residency, if not citizenship at some point, is a good one. Our country was founded on immigrant workers, and I think that diversity strengthens our country, not weakens it.
Health Care: I'm for single payer, all the way. There are a lot of reasons for this, but the bottom line is that I think it's the best way to go for America.
Welfare: Increase personal accountability and invest in job training. Time limits are important, particularly where adults are concerned. I don't have a problem with drug tests, but if we're dealing with welfare recipients, the agency should foot the bill for the testing.
