|
Post by Jackal on Apr 19, 2008 10:59:38 GMT -5
Any Democrat who wishes to declare their candidacy for President of the United States must fill out the following form!
Name: Age: Party: Home State (Or Region if Governor):
Issues
In a short paragraph, why do you think you are the best man/woman for this job?
What would you do with regards to immigration reform and/or fighting illegal immigration?
What are your views on controversial social issues like abortion and gay marriage?
What do you believe is the best way to reform the U.S. health care system?
How would you support approaching social security reform?
What is your stance on tax cuts and taxes in general?
Do you approve of the current U.S. war in Iraq? If yes, how can we best achieve victory? If no, how do we best exit the conflict?
Do you support federal funding of embryonic stem cell research?
What is your stance on free trade agreements, and free trade in general?
How do you feel about unions and organized labor? What is your stance on issues like the minimum wage?
What is the best strategy to employ in fighting the war on terror?
What, in your opinion, is the best way to improve our education system overall?
|
|
|
Post by Lance Lillidge on Apr 20, 2008 13:08:56 GMT -5
Lance Lillidge 39 years old Democrat California
The Democratic Party is a party that encompasses diversity, that believes that our country works best when we work together. I believe in the core message that we espouse and stand for. Opportunity for all, responsibility by all and unity. I am a candidate that will stand for our core beliefs, because they are a part of my own core beliefs.
Goals Bring more and new people to the election process with a message of unity Promote strong communities, strong families, a strong defense, a strong economy and equality for all Stand up for the core values of our Party Work to produce substantial results and clean up the culture of Washington D.C. to bring faith back into politics Work to expand the reaches of the Democratic Party, by promoting a sensible policy that all can unite behind
It is the duty of the President, and it will be my priority and a daily task of mine to do all that I can to protect the American people. In order to do this task we need a commander-in-chief that is prepared and has the leadership to do just that. We need results and proactive actions that show the world that we will protect our citizens and we will lead in this War on Terror. And together we can stand up to terrorists, reopen diplomatic channels and spread democracy across this world.
Military Transform and rebuild the military to meet 21st-century threats of today and make it even more effective Expand our military to meet the new challenges that we face as well as invest in new technology Stand with our allies, rebuild and create new alliances and partnerships to fight terrorism across this world Work with NATO to establish joint missile systems and expand funding for missile defense programs Reform our defense budgeting, and spend our money on programs that work and on items that we need Support nations that are striving for and fostering democracy Keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists and continue to work on stopping nuclear proliferation
We have been attacked on our soil multiple times. Our intelligence agencies have failed us and our President has failed to protect us. It is time for leadership that will overhaul our intelligence agencies, so that we thwart terrorists attacks before they occur rather then while they are occurring. We must properly fund our agencies and make sure that we are doing all that we can to make sure that the American people are safe. I will make the tough decisions and ask the tough questions to make sure that our agencies are doing what they are supposed to, in order to protect America and its interests.
Homeland Security Establish national emergency centers to better respond to emergencies and disasters Improve security for all our transit systems, chemical and nuclear plants, as well as increase cargo screening at all of our ports Expand the amount of counter terrorism agents we currently employ and overhaul our intelligence agencies for better performance Assist our regional governments to expand training for local enforcement agents and provide assistance for equipment and technology Increase funding for programs that put more police officers on our streets and that reduce crime
Our nation is a nation built by immigrants. We are also a nation of laws and our laws must be followed. We must bring illegal immigrants out of the shadows, and we must deport those who have committed crimes. I will make sure that we enact a fair yet tough policy that cracks down on any and all illegal activity. Allowing immigrants the ability to apply for green cards and permanent residency if they meet certain guidelines such as learning English, securing a job and paying taxes. Businesses that employ illegal immigrants or trample their rights will face tough penalties, and I will make securing the border a priority.
Immigration Evaluate all immigration funding and programs to effectively protect our borders Invest in new technology to secure the border Establish a path to citizenship for immigrant workers who abide by laws Implement a sensible guest-worker program Promote and increase the legal immigration process, reduce backlogs and promote family reunification Crack down on human smuggling and drug rings Implement an employment eligibility verification system and reduce incentives for illegal immigration
A great education is the gateway to success, it is the gateway to opportunity and accessibility. Every child should have the opportunity to receive a world class education, and the ability to attend college if they wish to. We must properly educate our children so that they can compete in this global economy and lead our country down a path of innovation and new technology for the future. I will work to improve standards within our public schools and increase the amount of choice that parents have in placing their children in schools. I will demand accountability and improvement as well as provide additional funding to make our schools better for every child no matter what race, social standing or climate that they live.
Education Expand early childhood education and assist states with establishing universal pre-k Put a quality teacher in every classroom and improve teacher quality Improve testing, accountability and raise standards by reforming NCLB and increasing funding Build more schools and improve the quality of existing schools Grant more funds to states that use innovative means to improve educational standards Increase federal college grants and loans to make college accessible for all Increase college tuition tax credit to make college more affordable for families
Strong families and communities are an important and integral part of our country. Our families and communities are what powers this nation. We must always do what we can to strengthen our families and improve our communities. I will enact policy that makes sure that we are doing what is best for our families and communities. It is not the job of the government to raise children, however we can assist in helping strong families prosper in our nation. I will create programs that invests within our communities to create jobs, reduce crime and improve the infrastructure of our great nation. This nation will prosper and grow with the sound policies that are enacted.
Taxes Provide tax relief for the middle class Decrease the taxes of small businesses and entrepreneurs and pass legislation that will create new jobs Provide tax benefits for companies who create jobs, goods and services here Initiate an urban and rural community renewal program that will conserve land space and revitalize communities Initiate drug rehabilitation programs with states to stop the effects of drugs within our communities Work to reduce abortions, promote adoption and family values while protecting women's rights
The millions of Americans that live in poverty need a hand up not a hand out. In order to address the growing problem of poverty here in America, we must make a commitment to assisting those less fortunate. By providing programs that promote life and job skills, and assist with creating opportunity within our rural and urban communities. Focusing on educational success, proper health care coverage and job opportunities we can begin to lift Americans out of poverty. I will create an initiative that commits to lifting people out of poverty and moving more people into the middle class.
Fighting Poverty Expand the earned income tax credit and eligibility to assist more families Raise the minimum wage so that it is a livable wage Expand the child credit to assist more working families Increase funding and assistance for states to increase the production and availability of affordable housing Continue to invest in programs that move people off of welfare rolls and into good paying jobs Reform eligibility requirements and increase assistance for our senior citizens with an increase in SSI benefits and a further reduction in costs of prescription drugs Expand our funding of job and life skills training programs Focus upon lifting children out of poverty and make a commitment to fund an end poverty initiative
Every American must have the right to quality affordable health care coverage. That must be a priority that our next President must make sure that we resolve. I will work with businesses, the medical community, and members of both parties to form a comprehensive solution to our health care crisis. I will work with regional governments to increase innovation in medical research and health care coverage. We must reduce the costs and rising premiums within our health care system. All Americans pay for the costs of our health care system, now we must move to reduce the uninsured and reduce the rising costs through a comprehensive solution.
Health Care Emphasize preventative care Invest in science and technology to battle and cure diseases Pass a Patients’ Bill of Rights Increase investment in the global battle against AIDS Invest within our IT systems to get a standard movement towards electronic health information Expand eligibility SCHIP program Introduce a Health Plan for all Americans to insure the uninsured and introduce quality affordable health care for every American
We have an obligation to address the issue of climate change. And as leaders of this world, we can be a nation that takes steps to clean our environment and lead others to do the same. I will propose bold initiatives that will lessen our dependence on foreign oil and gasoline. Working with other nations to establish a new climate treaty that all can be a part of and on our own terms. America can be a leader in stopping the effects of global warming and it is our duty to do so now. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil and gasoline is not only a global warming and climate change issue, but it is also a national security issue and we will take the steps to clean up our environment.
Environment Increase buyer tax credits for purchasing energy efficient vehicles Assist domestic car manufacturers with financial support for health care coverage of retirees if they invest in producing more energy efficient vehicles Establish a new climate treaty that brings India and China into the folds Increase research and development in energy technology Establish a low carbon fuel standard Enhance and toughen penalties for those who pollute
Faith in politics and our government has fallen, and the people in Washington D.C. are the only ones to blame. Our way of government has been deduced to who can do more for the special interests, and who can get more money to run for re-election. We need to end the effects that special interests have in our policy making, and get government back on track working for the people. I will work hard to make sure that every budget is balanced and stop mortgaging the futures of our future generations by paying down the debt. I will make sure that every American has access without inhibition to vote and increase voter turnout. I will make government transparent and open for all to see and get involved.
Government For All Introduce strong ethics reform legislation Promote open government Pass only balanced budgets and demand fiscal responsibility from Congress Stop the litany of earmarks and pork barrel spending Open markets and opportunity with nations playing by the same rules Simplify taxes Enact new trade policies that put our workers first Champion election reform and return integrity to our voting process Champion the need for responsibility and national service with an initiative that will motivate our future generations to proceed down a path of national service Secure Social Security for the future generations
|
|
|
Post by Mitchell Burton on Apr 20, 2008 14:44:10 GMT -5
Name: Mitchell Burton Age: 39 Party: Democratic Home State Colorado
Issues
In a short paragraph, why do you think you are the best man/woman for this job? I can work with both parties while not losing sight of my principles. I will bring honesty to the American Government, my primary interest will be to the American People, not lobbyists or corporations. I am not extreme, independents will both for me as well as Democrats.
What would you do with regards to immigration reform and/or fighting illegal immigration? I would make immigration easier so people do not have to come to America illegally, this is the land of opportunity yet it is so hard to enter. I will change that. I will grant amnesty to all illegals who have background checks done on them.
What are your views on controversial social issues like abortion and gay marriage? I believe that abortion is to be used only if the mother is under 18, victim of rape or incest, or her life is in danger. For gay marriage, I fail to see how persecuting someone on who they love is different than persecuting someone based on the color of skin or religion.
What do you believe is the best way to reform the U.S. health care system? Stop waste and corruption, tell the Directors to manage money better and get money away from redundant agencies.
How would you support approaching social security reform? Make it voluntary, so multi-millionaires do not have to get it, and clean up waste and corruption in the system
What is your stance on tax cuts and taxes in general? Repeal tax cuts for the wealthy, use extra money for programs that benefit the people. I will try not to raise taxes but if I do, they will be for good causes.
Do you approve of the current U.S. war in Iraq? If yes, how can we best achieve victory? If no, how do we best exit the conflict? I do not support it, I feel we should withdraw over two years and tell the Iraqi Government that it is their time to go to the batting cage
Do you support federal funding of embryonic stem cell research? I support it
What is your stance on free trade agreements, and free trade in general? As long as they do not hurt the American Worker, if they do I am opposed to it
How do you feel about unions and organized labor? What is your stance on issues like the minimum wage? Unions make a fair deal for the worker, I feel the minimum wage should be able to support a family of four.
What is the best strategy to employ in fighting the war on terror? Diplomacy, using our allies and troops as a last resort
What, in your opinion, is the best way to improve our education system overall? By having federal funding so schools have money to teach children better
|
|
|
Post by Joseph Clark on Apr 20, 2008 20:25:54 GMT -5
Name: Charles Joseph Clark Age: 51 Party: Democratic Party Home State (Or Region if Governor): Maryland
Issues
In a short paragraph, why do you think you are the best man/woman for this job?
I have spent more than a decade in side the Federal Reserve, and almost three decades studying economic management with some of the brightest minds on the planet. We are facing a time of economic change with issues such as global warming presenting new economic, and social issues. These are issues that I have spent the majority of my life studying, and during my years in the Federal Reserve, and as a Senator managing. I understand monetary policy, and the implications of tax, and social programs I am fully prepared to deal with them to ensure a better future for Americans.
What would you do with regards to immigration reform and/or fighting illegal immigration?
America is a nation built on immigration this is a fact we cannot afford to forget. I am a strong supporter of the efforts to negotiate a comprehensive immigration reform package. We still have not solved our nation's immigration crisis, and I believe that we can find a solution that secures our borders, respects the rule of law, and honours both our history as a nation of immigrants and our basic values of respect and compassion. I shall continue to work in cooperation with my fellow senators, and members of congress to find a resolution to this issue. We must strengthening our borders, achieve greater cooperation with our neighbouring nations, create strict and fair enforcement of our laws, provide assistance to state and local governments, establish and enforce strict penalties for those who exploit undocumented workers, and create a path to a based legal status for those who are here that are working hard, paying taxes, and are respecting the law.
What are your views on controversial social issues like abortion and gay marriage?
I understand that these two issues are some of the most controversial issues in the United States, but in the end they must both come down to a person's own freedom to choose. For that reason, we should ensure that Roe v. Wade is upheld, and we allow gay couples to enter into domestic partnerships, as well as allowing churches who wish to do so to marry them. Freedom of religion is a fundamental right in this nation, and as such is our responsibility to protect.
What do you believe is the best way to reform the U.S. health care system?
Health Care is an issue that touches all segments of America. Reform is desperately needed in the areas of regulation, and Medicaid. At the same time a nationalization of the Health Care system would have severely negative economic impacts in the long-term. It is necessary to establish strong and standardized forum for dialogue between the current, and future health care providers, states, and the federal government in order to ensure all Americans, including those such as t the impoverished, the young, the elderly who may lack the facilities pay for health care themselves have the access to the medical care that they so desperately need. Such reforms will call upon a significant alteration in how the government spends money in regards to health care. This shift in spending will call upon my years of experience in the financial world.
How would you support approaching social security reform?
I support supplementing the current Social Security system with personal accounts. However this is not a replacement for addressing benefit promises that cannot be kept. I will work with both Democrats and republicans to get the necessary reforms implimented. No problem is in more need of honesty than the looming financial challenges of entitlement programs. Americans have the right to know the truth and I will not leave office without fixing the problems that threatens our future prosperity and power. We've got to fix it for the future generations of Americans that is our responsibility. My background in Economics lends me a unique understanding of how to mange such changes to ensure stability in finances for individual Americans now, and to build a strong foundation for future generations.
What is your stance on tax cuts and taxes in general?
I fully support responsible tax cuts, which will not impede the government’s ability to meet its responsibilities to the population we have responsibilities as a federal government to be able to adequately provide funding for national necessities such as defence. As a trained economist I under stand the dangers of lacking government spending, and over taxation. Big-government is no more the answer to countries problems than no-government. Taxation is a necessary occurrence in modern times and the key to having a properly functioning country is to find the right level of taxes, along with minimizing inflation, and proper regulations to protect individuals while not impeding the development of industry.
Do you approve of the current U.S. war in Iraq? If yes, how can we best achieve victory? If no, how do we best exit the conflict?
The war in Iraq has been a resounding failure, marked by corruption, needless death, and horrible fiscal policy, which included reckless spending and a misappropriation of funds, causing the worsening of the budget deficit. With these facts in mind, I cannot honestly support this war, and I propose a gradual withdrawal of American troops in Iraq, with an open dialogue with our generals in the theatre so that we can make a propoer timetable for withdrawal.
Do you support federal funding of embryonic stem cell research?
As a matter of economic policy direct government support for embryonic stem cell research is in my view irresponsible, but support for those companies wishing to conduct their own project will be handled through a government fund for such research. It is our responsibility to support industry and as long as their projects are within the bounds of the laws of the United States of America there is room for cooperation between the private sector and the federal government,
What is your stance on free trade agreements, and free trade in general?
It is easy to say that times have changed and take a more protectionist viewpoint. In fact, times have changed. Dramatic advances in technology and increased global trade are creating enormous economic opportunities, but also challenges. If America is to remain the world's economic superpower, it must capitalize on the opportunities and confront the challenges. Countries that run away from globalization will pay a heavy price for decades to come.
How do you feel about unions and organized labour? What is your stance on issues like the minimum wage? Unions provide an invaluable service to workers when they work in cooperation with companies to address issues. However, At the same time high union wages harm everyone, including union members. They create higher wages but at the cost of jobs and as a result if some industries are unionized while others are not, wages will decline in non-unionized industries. There are cases in which minimum wages can impede compition, however part of our social responsibility as a feberal government is to protect citizens of which a mimimum wage is an invaluable asset in preventing explotiation.
What is the best strategy to employ in fighting the war on terror? I feel that the War on Terror, although certainly necessary with the upsurge in radical terrorism, has been poorly handled until now. We cannot simply attack those nations which we suspect to be harbouring terrorists, we must instead work with those nations committed to our cause to fight against terror at its roots, by changing our image in the world and specifically in those nations where our nation inspires hatred and revulsion. All of this means that a serious look at our strategy on the war on terror, and subsequently our goals, is desperately needed.
What, in your opinion, is the best way to improve our education system overall?
A nation cannot prosper if its education system is not at its best, and lately there has been a sharp decline in the quality of public education, due in part to the No Child Left Behind initiative. I propose to repeal the aforementioned act, and to concentrate on improving the quality of our schools through programs to better educate our teachers, and to ensure that all kids have access to a proper education.
|
|