I suspect that you, like me, have had more than enough political information and disinformation thrown at you for the last eighteen months. Over the next few days, even more commercials, automated phone calls, and doorbell ringers will descend upon us with scads of specifics. So, I'm going to give you only gut feelings for my choice. Some are wishful, some are down-to-earth. Should you desire details of Obama's positions from his web site, click here.
On Tuesday, November 4, I will go to a nearby elementary school and proudly cast my ballot for Senator Barrack Obama for President. Why? Since I first compared all the candidates in the Republican, Democratic, Independent, and Libertarian parties, Obama's beliefs were the only ones that stirred my blood, and rekindled the joy I felt when I cast my first vote for President in 1972. Shackles of cynicism fell away.
Obama represents hope and change for a brighter future. He has fleshed out these broad concepts with specific programs and plans in a variety of areas: jobs; health care; environment; pensions; tax policy; education; and foreign policy, such as: the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, rebuilding America's image, encouraging peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation for goals both domestic and global.
Unlike his opponents in this race, Obama is a contemplative man who will look at problems and issues from a variety of angles. This type of person does not make snap judgments. Our nation does not need a hot-headed individual making ill-considered choices. Obama will have advisors who will not always agree with him. And that is a good thing. Having alternative viewpoints presented marks a clear break from most prior Presidents, both Democratic and Republican.
With apologies to John Lennon...
Imagine our families secure in the knowledge that: health care won't disappear on the whim of an employer's ax; a college education can be obtained without the resultant debilitating drag of debt; hard-earned pensions won't dry up when they're needed the most; and the economic engine on which so much of our lives depend won't lurch recklessly, destroying confidence and security.
Imagine our nation with a new sense of proactive, future-based purpose, instead of reactive, backward-looking responses.
Imagine a world in which alliances for peaceful conflict resolution replace the all too frequent tendency to reach for weapons.
Will we realize these visions during an Obama administration? That's for you to answer for yourselves. But one last gut feeling - Barack Obama is the only candidate who will at least start clearing the clutter and defining the mission's direction. It will be our responsibility to see that we reach these goals, and give a new meaning to the term "Mission Accomplished."
Next Friday: 2008 Election Analysis
Friday, October 31, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Three Reasons To Vote For Barack Obama In 2008
Beginning Friday, October 3, and continuing through Friday, October 24, I intend to be positive, and provide three reasons to vote for each of the four best known candidates for President. Friday the 3rd: Independent candidate Ralph Nader. Friday the 10th: Libertarian candidate Bob Barr. Friday the 17th: Republican candidate John McCain. Friday the 24th: Democratic candidate Barack Obama.
Barack Obama, Democrat
Barack Obama served three terms in the Illinois Senate (1997-2004). He lost a race for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000. As the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Illinois, in July 2004 he attracted national attention when he made a dynamic, unifying keynote speech at the Democratic Party National Convention. In November of 2004, he was elected Senator with 70% of the vote. He is the third African-American elected to the U.S. Senate. The first was Republican Edward Brooke from Massachusetts (1966-1978). The second was Carol Moseley Braun from Illinois (1992-1998).
Interesting side note #1: Had Braun been re-elected in 1998, Obama would likely still be serving in the Illinois Senate, as he would not have run against an incumbent Democrat in the 2004 primary. Interesting side note #2: Had Hillary Rodham Clinton not moved to New York to run for Senator in 2000, and had waited to run for the Senate from Illinois in 2004, Obama again would likely still be serving in the Illinois Senate.
Based strictly on data from the Obama for President web site, the following are three reasons to vote for Obama on November 4: click here to read more
#1. Tax relief. Obama's plan provides tax relief for middle class Americans. Specifics include (a) a tax cut for working families and (b) simplified filing procedures: (a) "The typical middle class family will receive well over $1,000 in tax relief under the Obama plan, and will pay tax rates that are 20% lower than they faced under President Reagan. Barack Obama will eliminate all income taxation of seniors making less than $50,000 per year. This proposal will eliminate income taxes for 7 million seniors and provide these seniors with an average savings of $1,400 each year. Under the Obama-Biden plan, 27 million American seniors will also not need to file an income tax return." (b) "Obama and Biden will dramatically simplify tax filings so that millions of Americans will be able to do their taxes in less than five minutes. Obama and Biden will ensure that the IRS uses the information it already gets from banks and employers to give taxpayers the option of pre-filled tax forms to verify, sign and return. Experts estimate that the Obama-Biden proposal will save Americans up to 200 million total hours of work and aggravation and up to $2 billion in tax preparer fees."
There is also targeted tax relief for small businesses and corporations. Obama's plan would: "Eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses, cut corporate taxes for firms that invest and create jobs in the United States, and provide tax credits to reduce the cost of healthcare and to reward investments in innovation."
I like simplification, and paying less taxes. Seniors especially deserve a break. Although Obama's plan does not make Social Security benefits non-taxable, his plan to eliminate income taxes for seniors earning less than $50,000 per year will go a long way towards helping them live the life for which they worked all of their careers.
#2. The Iraq war. In Chicago, I heard Obama speak against the USA invading Iraq. I had never heard of the man. He was an effective speaker whose sincerity was apparent. Frankly, I wasn't completely convinced at the time. I still felt anger after 9/11, and still had faith in my President, and especially General Powell, when he presented the Bush case before the United Nations. Time has proven Obama's judgment to have been correct.
A small quote from his web site says it best: "Our troops have heroically helped reduce civilian casualties in Iraq to early 2006 levels. This is a testament to our military’s hard work, improved counterinsurgency tactics, and enormous sacrifice by our troops and military families. It is also a consequence of the decision of many Sunnis to turn against al Qaeda in Iraq, and a lull in Shia militia activity. But the absence of genuine political accommodation in Iraq is a direct result of President Bush’s failure to hold the Iraqi government accountable."
Unlike Bush, Obama has a clearly defined exit strategy:
- "Immediately upon taking office, Obama will give his Secretary of Defense and military commanders a new mission in Iraq: ending the war. The removal of our troops will be responsible and phased, directed by military commanders on the ground and done in consultation with the Iraqi government. Military experts believe we can safely redeploy combat brigades from Iraq at a pace of 1 to 2 brigades a month that would remove them in 16 months. That would be the summer of 2010 – more than 7 years after the war began."
- "Under the Obama-Biden plan, a residual force will remain in Iraq and in the region to conduct targeted counter-terrorism missions against al Qaeda in Iraq and to protect American diplomatic and civilian personnel. They will not build permanent bases in Iraq, but will continue efforts to train and support the Iraqi security forces as long as Iraqi leaders move toward political reconciliation and away from sectarianism."
- "Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that America has both a moral obligation and a responsibility for security that demands we confront Iraq’s humanitarian crisis—more than five million Iraqis are refugees or are displaced inside their own country. Obama and Biden will form an international working group to address this crisis. He will provide at least $2 billion to expand services to Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries, and ensure that Iraqis inside their own country can find sanctuary. Obama and Biden will also work with Iraqi authorities and the international community to hold the perpetrators of potential war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide accountable. They will reserve the right to intervene militarily, with our international partners, to suppress potential genocidal violence within Iraq."
#3. Technology. Obama believes that the USA may be in danger of losing our traditional lead in developing and implementing new technologies. Evidence from his web site includes: (a) "A recent international study found that U.S. students perform lower on scientific assessments than students in 16 other economically developed nations, and lower than 20 economically developed nations in math performance. Only one-third of middle class physical science teachers are qualified to teach in that subject, and only one-half of middle school math sciences have educational background in that subject area." and (b) "As a share of the Gross Domestic Product, American federal investment in the physical sciences and engineering research has dropped by half since 1970."
Obama's plan includes:
- "Obama and Biden will recruit math and science degree graduates to the teaching profession and will support efforts to help these teachers learn from professionals in the field. He will also work to ensure that all children have access to a strong science curriculum at all grade levels."
- "Obama and Biden will address the dropout crisis by passing his legislation to provide funding to school districts to invest in intervention strategies in middle school - strategies such as personal academic plans, teaching teams, parent involvement, mentoring, intensive reading and math instruction, and extended learning time."
- "Obama and Biden will reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act, and increase resources for community colleges and lifelong learning initiatives to ensure our citizens can continue to gain new skills throughout their lifetimes."
- "Barack Obama knows that we need to rely on technology to help solve the critical energy and environmental problems facing this country. As he announced in his energy policy, Barack Obama and Joe Biden will invest $150 billion over the next ten years to enable American engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs to advance the next generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure, accelerate the commercialization of plug-in hybrids, promote development of commercial-scale renewable energy, and begin the transition to a new digital electricity grid. This investment will transform the economy and create 5 million new jobs."
- "A key reason the Internet has been such a success is because it is the most open network in history. It needs to stay that way. Barack Obama strongly supports the principle of network neutrality to preserve the benefits of open competition on the Internet."
Education in technologies for the future will help the USA thrive. And the time to start the foundation by laying the building blocks is actually yesterday. But it's not too late.
Next Friday: My choice for President in 2008.
Barack Obama, Democrat
Barack Obama served three terms in the Illinois Senate (1997-2004). He lost a race for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000. As the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Illinois, in July 2004 he attracted national attention when he made a dynamic, unifying keynote speech at the Democratic Party National Convention. In November of 2004, he was elected Senator with 70% of the vote. He is the third African-American elected to the U.S. Senate. The first was Republican Edward Brooke from Massachusetts (1966-1978). The second was Carol Moseley Braun from Illinois (1992-1998).
Interesting side note #1: Had Braun been re-elected in 1998, Obama would likely still be serving in the Illinois Senate, as he would not have run against an incumbent Democrat in the 2004 primary. Interesting side note #2: Had Hillary Rodham Clinton not moved to New York to run for Senator in 2000, and had waited to run for the Senate from Illinois in 2004, Obama again would likely still be serving in the Illinois Senate.
Based strictly on data from the Obama for President web site, the following are three reasons to vote for Obama on November 4: click here to read more
#1. Tax relief. Obama's plan provides tax relief for middle class Americans. Specifics include (a) a tax cut for working families and (b) simplified filing procedures: (a) "The typical middle class family will receive well over $1,000 in tax relief under the Obama plan, and will pay tax rates that are 20% lower than they faced under President Reagan. Barack Obama will eliminate all income taxation of seniors making less than $50,000 per year. This proposal will eliminate income taxes for 7 million seniors and provide these seniors with an average savings of $1,400 each year. Under the Obama-Biden plan, 27 million American seniors will also not need to file an income tax return." (b) "Obama and Biden will dramatically simplify tax filings so that millions of Americans will be able to do their taxes in less than five minutes. Obama and Biden will ensure that the IRS uses the information it already gets from banks and employers to give taxpayers the option of pre-filled tax forms to verify, sign and return. Experts estimate that the Obama-Biden proposal will save Americans up to 200 million total hours of work and aggravation and up to $2 billion in tax preparer fees."
There is also targeted tax relief for small businesses and corporations. Obama's plan would: "Eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses, cut corporate taxes for firms that invest and create jobs in the United States, and provide tax credits to reduce the cost of healthcare and to reward investments in innovation."
I like simplification, and paying less taxes. Seniors especially deserve a break. Although Obama's plan does not make Social Security benefits non-taxable, his plan to eliminate income taxes for seniors earning less than $50,000 per year will go a long way towards helping them live the life for which they worked all of their careers.
#2. The Iraq war. In Chicago, I heard Obama speak against the USA invading Iraq. I had never heard of the man. He was an effective speaker whose sincerity was apparent. Frankly, I wasn't completely convinced at the time. I still felt anger after 9/11, and still had faith in my President, and especially General Powell, when he presented the Bush case before the United Nations. Time has proven Obama's judgment to have been correct.
A small quote from his web site says it best: "Our troops have heroically helped reduce civilian casualties in Iraq to early 2006 levels. This is a testament to our military’s hard work, improved counterinsurgency tactics, and enormous sacrifice by our troops and military families. It is also a consequence of the decision of many Sunnis to turn against al Qaeda in Iraq, and a lull in Shia militia activity. But the absence of genuine political accommodation in Iraq is a direct result of President Bush’s failure to hold the Iraqi government accountable."
Unlike Bush, Obama has a clearly defined exit strategy:
- "Immediately upon taking office, Obama will give his Secretary of Defense and military commanders a new mission in Iraq: ending the war. The removal of our troops will be responsible and phased, directed by military commanders on the ground and done in consultation with the Iraqi government. Military experts believe we can safely redeploy combat brigades from Iraq at a pace of 1 to 2 brigades a month that would remove them in 16 months. That would be the summer of 2010 – more than 7 years after the war began."
- "Under the Obama-Biden plan, a residual force will remain in Iraq and in the region to conduct targeted counter-terrorism missions against al Qaeda in Iraq and to protect American diplomatic and civilian personnel. They will not build permanent bases in Iraq, but will continue efforts to train and support the Iraqi security forces as long as Iraqi leaders move toward political reconciliation and away from sectarianism."
- "Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that America has both a moral obligation and a responsibility for security that demands we confront Iraq’s humanitarian crisis—more than five million Iraqis are refugees or are displaced inside their own country. Obama and Biden will form an international working group to address this crisis. He will provide at least $2 billion to expand services to Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries, and ensure that Iraqis inside their own country can find sanctuary. Obama and Biden will also work with Iraqi authorities and the international community to hold the perpetrators of potential war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide accountable. They will reserve the right to intervene militarily, with our international partners, to suppress potential genocidal violence within Iraq."
#3. Technology. Obama believes that the USA may be in danger of losing our traditional lead in developing and implementing new technologies. Evidence from his web site includes: (a) "A recent international study found that U.S. students perform lower on scientific assessments than students in 16 other economically developed nations, and lower than 20 economically developed nations in math performance. Only one-third of middle class physical science teachers are qualified to teach in that subject, and only one-half of middle school math sciences have educational background in that subject area." and (b) "As a share of the Gross Domestic Product, American federal investment in the physical sciences and engineering research has dropped by half since 1970."
Obama's plan includes:
- "Obama and Biden will recruit math and science degree graduates to the teaching profession and will support efforts to help these teachers learn from professionals in the field. He will also work to ensure that all children have access to a strong science curriculum at all grade levels."
- "Obama and Biden will address the dropout crisis by passing his legislation to provide funding to school districts to invest in intervention strategies in middle school - strategies such as personal academic plans, teaching teams, parent involvement, mentoring, intensive reading and math instruction, and extended learning time."
- "Obama and Biden will reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act, and increase resources for community colleges and lifelong learning initiatives to ensure our citizens can continue to gain new skills throughout their lifetimes."
- "Barack Obama knows that we need to rely on technology to help solve the critical energy and environmental problems facing this country. As he announced in his energy policy, Barack Obama and Joe Biden will invest $150 billion over the next ten years to enable American engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs to advance the next generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure, accelerate the commercialization of plug-in hybrids, promote development of commercial-scale renewable energy, and begin the transition to a new digital electricity grid. This investment will transform the economy and create 5 million new jobs."
- "A key reason the Internet has been such a success is because it is the most open network in history. It needs to stay that way. Barack Obama strongly supports the principle of network neutrality to preserve the benefits of open competition on the Internet."
Education in technologies for the future will help the USA thrive. And the time to start the foundation by laying the building blocks is actually yesterday. But it's not too late.
Next Friday: My choice for President in 2008.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Three Reasons To Vote For John McCain In 2008
Beginning Friday, October 3, and continuing through Friday, October 24, I intend to be positive, and provide three reasons to vote for each of the four best known candidates for President. Friday the 3rd: Independent candidate Ralph Nader. Friday the 10th: Libertarian candidate Bob Barr. Friday the 17th: Republican candidate John McCain. Friday the 24th: Democratic candidate Barack Obama.
John McCain, Republican
John McCain was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982 from Arizona. In 1986 he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he has served to this day. In 2004, he was re-elected to the Senate with 77% of the Arizona vote. He is a decorated Vietnam War veteran, who spent 5 1/2 years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. The McCain-Palin website states that, "His naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross." click here to read more
Based strictly on data from that site, the following are three reasons to vote for McCain on November 4:
#1. Iraq War surge strategy. Whether you agree with our involvement in the Iraq War or not, you have to admire McCain for recognizing that the Bush-Rumsfeld strategy was not working, and for pushing for an additional troop deployment (surge). McCain took a lot of political heat from Republicans for his action. But the surge has been a success, vindicating McCain's position.
#2. The environment. I quote two bullet items from his website that I feel are most important, and speak for themselves:
(a) Climate Policy Should Be Built On Scientifically-Sound, Mandatory Emission Reduction Targets And Timetables.
(b) Climate Policy Must Facilitate International Efforts To Solve The Problem.
Considering (a), I like the "scientifically-sound" phrase, but would have appreciated a definition of the term. For (b), it is obvious that the USA is not the only polluter on the globe. A world-wide effort is required.
#3. Renewing America's civic purpose. This initiative's concept is described and specifics defined:
"John McCain will create a Service to America initiative to strengthen the teaching and understanding of American history, culture and core ideas, and to inspire Americans to serve causes greater than their own self interest. Civic participation by citizens over a lifetime, working in neighborhoods and communities, and service of all kinds - military and civilian; full-time or part-time; and national or international - can renew America's civic purpose and heal our fractured patriotism."
"Bolster volunteerism with an energetic and comprehensive national service initiative designed to increase opportunities for people willing to serve their communities and their country."
"Convene "Volunteerism Summits" so people can share with others the best ideas and most effective programs currently underway in their own communities." I found this idea particularly attractive. Sharing what works and what doesn't will add efficiency to programs (ALL federal programs, not just this civic initiative), and in so doing, curtail the 'reinventing the wheel' time and money wasting drag upon projects that exists in both the governmental and private sectors.
"Coordinate a network of private sector "venture capital" funds matched with government grants to support job retraining or vocational training efforts in high schools and targeted communities where job loss persists." This targeted approach to areas of specific needs sounds both promising and cost effective.
Next Friday: Democratic Party candidate Barack Obama.
John McCain, Republican
John McCain was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982 from Arizona. In 1986 he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he has served to this day. In 2004, he was re-elected to the Senate with 77% of the Arizona vote. He is a decorated Vietnam War veteran, who spent 5 1/2 years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. The McCain-Palin website states that, "His naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross." click here to read more
Based strictly on data from that site, the following are three reasons to vote for McCain on November 4:
#1. Iraq War surge strategy. Whether you agree with our involvement in the Iraq War or not, you have to admire McCain for recognizing that the Bush-Rumsfeld strategy was not working, and for pushing for an additional troop deployment (surge). McCain took a lot of political heat from Republicans for his action. But the surge has been a success, vindicating McCain's position.
#2. The environment. I quote two bullet items from his website that I feel are most important, and speak for themselves:
(a) Climate Policy Should Be Built On Scientifically-Sound, Mandatory Emission Reduction Targets And Timetables.
(b) Climate Policy Must Facilitate International Efforts To Solve The Problem.
Considering (a), I like the "scientifically-sound" phrase, but would have appreciated a definition of the term. For (b), it is obvious that the USA is not the only polluter on the globe. A world-wide effort is required.
#3. Renewing America's civic purpose. This initiative's concept is described and specifics defined:
"John McCain will create a Service to America initiative to strengthen the teaching and understanding of American history, culture and core ideas, and to inspire Americans to serve causes greater than their own self interest. Civic participation by citizens over a lifetime, working in neighborhoods and communities, and service of all kinds - military and civilian; full-time or part-time; and national or international - can renew America's civic purpose and heal our fractured patriotism."
"Bolster volunteerism with an energetic and comprehensive national service initiative designed to increase opportunities for people willing to serve their communities and their country."
"Convene "Volunteerism Summits" so people can share with others the best ideas and most effective programs currently underway in their own communities." I found this idea particularly attractive. Sharing what works and what doesn't will add efficiency to programs (ALL federal programs, not just this civic initiative), and in so doing, curtail the 'reinventing the wheel' time and money wasting drag upon projects that exists in both the governmental and private sectors.
"Coordinate a network of private sector "venture capital" funds matched with government grants to support job retraining or vocational training efforts in high schools and targeted communities where job loss persists." This targeted approach to areas of specific needs sounds both promising and cost effective.
Next Friday: Democratic Party candidate Barack Obama.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Three Reasons To Vote For Bob Barr In 2008
Beginning Friday, October 3, and continuing through Friday, October 24, I intend to be positive, and provide three reasons to vote for each of the four best known candidates for President. Friday the 3rd: Independent candidate Ralph Nader. Friday the 10th: Libertarian candidate Bob Barr. Friday the 17th: Republican candidate John McCain. Friday the 24th: Democratic candidate Barack Obama.
Bob Barr, Libertarian
According to the Libertarian Party's official web site, "The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. Our vision is for a world in which all individuals can freely exercise the natural right of sole dominion over their own lives, liberty and property by building a political party that elects Libertarians to public office, and moving public policy in a libertarian direction." The party is described on its site as "The Party of Principle" and touts three primary goals: "Smaller Government, Lower Taxes, and More Freedom."
Bob Barr was nominated by the Libertarian Party as its nominee for President in 2008. He is a former Republican Congressman from Georgia, who served in the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003.
Based strictly on data from his 'Barr for President' official web site, the following are three reasons to vote for him on November 4:
#1. The Iraq War. Barr considers that the invasion and continued occupation of Iraq were "... two separate mistakes, which collectively have cost thousands of American lives and hundreds of billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars." He supports a rapid exit, without an announced timetable.
His analysis is that "The Iraqi government has come to rely too heavily on American forces to maintain control of its country, and our U.S. taxpayer dollars to artificially support its economy. A continued U.S. presence in Iraq emboldens both insurgents and terrorists, and discourages the Iraqi government from taking control of promoting peace and prosperity in Iraq."
#2. Foreign Intervention & Foreign Bases. I'll let Barr's words speak for themselves: "America should not be the world’s policeman. The American purpose is to provide a strong national defense, not to engage in nation building or to launch foreign crusades, no matter how seemingly well-intentioned."
#3. Property Rights & Eminent Domain. Barr states that "Private property should not be seized absent an overwhelming public interest, including actual use by the public — and even then only with fair compensation that truly reflects the value of the property. Allowing governments, at any level, to confiscate property without a compelling justification represents a serious attack on fundamental liberty."
Barr refers to the U.S. Supreme Court's 'Kelo' decision in 2005 as one of the worst decisions in modern times. On June 24, 2005, CNN reported on the Kelo v. City of New London (Connecticutt) decision:
"In a victory for cities, a divided Supreme Court concluded Thursday that local governments have the authority to seize private land and turn the property over to private developers for economic development.
Government's authority to condemn land for public use traditionally has been used to eliminate slums or build highways, schools and other public works.
But Tuesday's 5-4 ruling found that local officials can use their "eminent domain" power to condemn homes in a working-class neighborhood for private development in hopes of boosting tax revenue and improving the local economy."
One wonders... if the coveted land had been, say, a private golf course owned by members who lit their cigars using $100 bills... would the developer have been as successful in court... or even have tried to take the land in the first place?
Next Friday: Republican Party candidate John McCain
Bob Barr, Libertarian
According to the Libertarian Party's official web site, "The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. Our vision is for a world in which all individuals can freely exercise the natural right of sole dominion over their own lives, liberty and property by building a political party that elects Libertarians to public office, and moving public policy in a libertarian direction." The party is described on its site as "The Party of Principle" and touts three primary goals: "Smaller Government, Lower Taxes, and More Freedom."
Bob Barr was nominated by the Libertarian Party as its nominee for President in 2008. He is a former Republican Congressman from Georgia, who served in the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003.
Based strictly on data from his 'Barr for President' official web site, the following are three reasons to vote for him on November 4:
#1. The Iraq War. Barr considers that the invasion and continued occupation of Iraq were "... two separate mistakes, which collectively have cost thousands of American lives and hundreds of billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars." He supports a rapid exit, without an announced timetable.
His analysis is that "The Iraqi government has come to rely too heavily on American forces to maintain control of its country, and our U.S. taxpayer dollars to artificially support its economy. A continued U.S. presence in Iraq emboldens both insurgents and terrorists, and discourages the Iraqi government from taking control of promoting peace and prosperity in Iraq."
#2. Foreign Intervention & Foreign Bases. I'll let Barr's words speak for themselves: "America should not be the world’s policeman. The American purpose is to provide a strong national defense, not to engage in nation building or to launch foreign crusades, no matter how seemingly well-intentioned."
#3. Property Rights & Eminent Domain. Barr states that "Private property should not be seized absent an overwhelming public interest, including actual use by the public — and even then only with fair compensation that truly reflects the value of the property. Allowing governments, at any level, to confiscate property without a compelling justification represents a serious attack on fundamental liberty."
Barr refers to the U.S. Supreme Court's 'Kelo' decision in 2005 as one of the worst decisions in modern times. On June 24, 2005, CNN reported on the Kelo v. City of New London (Connecticutt) decision:
"In a victory for cities, a divided Supreme Court concluded Thursday that local governments have the authority to seize private land and turn the property over to private developers for economic development.
Government's authority to condemn land for public use traditionally has been used to eliminate slums or build highways, schools and other public works.
But Tuesday's 5-4 ruling found that local officials can use their "eminent domain" power to condemn homes in a working-class neighborhood for private development in hopes of boosting tax revenue and improving the local economy."
One wonders... if the coveted land had been, say, a private golf course owned by members who lit their cigars using $100 bills... would the developer have been as successful in court... or even have tried to take the land in the first place?
Next Friday: Republican Party candidate John McCain
Friday, October 3, 2008
Three Reasons To Vote For Ralph Nader In 2008
For the next four Fridays, I intend to be positive, and provide three reasons to vote for each of the four best known candidates for President. Today, I look at Independent candidate Ralph Nader. Friday the 10th will be Libertarian candidate Bob Barr. Friday the 17th will be Republican candidate John McCain. Friday the 24th will be Democratic candidate Barack Obama.
Ralph Nader, Independent
It is safe to assume that most folks have heard of Ralph Nader. He first came to prominence in 1965, when, as a lawyer, consumer advocate, and author of 'Unsafe At Any Speed,' he battled General Motors (GM) over the safety, or lack thereof, of the Chevrolet Corvair. When Nader was through, so were Corvair sales. He has run for President numerous times. See his web site for additional details.
#1. He favors opening up the Presidential debates. The League of Women Voters ran the debates until 1987. A private corporate entity, the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), took over the process that year. It was formed by both the Republican and Democratic parties, and has not been kind to third party candidates. In 1992, Ross Perot was included in the debates. He won 19.7 million votes, equating to 18.9% of the vote total. In 1996, Perot ran again. This time, he was excluded by the PDC from the debates, and won only 8.9% of the vote.
#2. He favors a securities speculation tax to reduce the radical fluctuations in the stock market. His web site has this explanation: "Securities speculation -- buying and selling blocks of derivatives to profit from rapid fluctuations in price -- is one cause of the escalation in oil prices at the pump, the mortgage industry meltdown, and the dot.com bust. A securities speculation tax would reduce speculation in the markets and increase stability." I take pride in my knowledge of economics. I faithfully balance my checkbook every month! But my knowledge on the subject pretty much ends there. So I had to look up 'derivatives,' and found that they are futures contracts and options, used primarily by institutional investors. A speculation tax of this nature, with, say, a two year trial life span, with analysis thereafter before extending or ending it, might help reduce the wild swings we've seen in the stock market, and the ripple effects on well-diversified IRAs and 401Ks.
#3. He is squeaky clean. He is so untainted by... well, anything... that during the 1960s Nader-GM war, GM's private investigators were unable to dig up any dirt on the guy. And you know they dug deep.
Next Friday: Libertarian Party candidate Bob Barr.
Ralph Nader, Independent
It is safe to assume that most folks have heard of Ralph Nader. He first came to prominence in 1965, when, as a lawyer, consumer advocate, and author of 'Unsafe At Any Speed,' he battled General Motors (GM) over the safety, or lack thereof, of the Chevrolet Corvair. When Nader was through, so were Corvair sales. He has run for President numerous times. See his web site for additional details.
#1. He favors opening up the Presidential debates. The League of Women Voters ran the debates until 1987. A private corporate entity, the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), took over the process that year. It was formed by both the Republican and Democratic parties, and has not been kind to third party candidates. In 1992, Ross Perot was included in the debates. He won 19.7 million votes, equating to 18.9% of the vote total. In 1996, Perot ran again. This time, he was excluded by the PDC from the debates, and won only 8.9% of the vote.
#2. He favors a securities speculation tax to reduce the radical fluctuations in the stock market. His web site has this explanation: "Securities speculation -- buying and selling blocks of derivatives to profit from rapid fluctuations in price -- is one cause of the escalation in oil prices at the pump, the mortgage industry meltdown, and the dot.com bust. A securities speculation tax would reduce speculation in the markets and increase stability." I take pride in my knowledge of economics. I faithfully balance my checkbook every month! But my knowledge on the subject pretty much ends there. So I had to look up 'derivatives,' and found that they are futures contracts and options, used primarily by institutional investors. A speculation tax of this nature, with, say, a two year trial life span, with analysis thereafter before extending or ending it, might help reduce the wild swings we've seen in the stock market, and the ripple effects on well-diversified IRAs and 401Ks.
#3. He is squeaky clean. He is so untainted by... well, anything... that during the 1960s Nader-GM war, GM's private investigators were unable to dig up any dirt on the guy. And you know they dug deep.
Next Friday: Libertarian Party candidate Bob Barr.
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