Greetings,

This is my first time finding Political Forum...and have been reading a number of post and the interesting discussions which follow. Looking forward to exploring many of the topics you are discussing here.

Thus, for my first post, I thought I would share one of my recent articles which expresses my political opinion on a number of issues regarding America-our politics and society.

I embedded informative links throughout the piece for further reading on any particular topic mentioned, but in this post have omitted all those links. Thus, I invite interested readers to visit my site http://www.christinesmith.us to read it in its entirety (with links) and to hear one of my recent radio interviews (discussing this article).

This was a piece which has been published worldwide last month. I share it with you as my first post:

My America

by Christine Smith

I have written a number of political pieces regarding issues in our society, but there remains far more topics upon which I have developed an opinion based on extensive reading and listening to intelligent thoughtful discussions.

Thus, I decided to create a list of ideas I believe are attainable, expressing my opinion on a number of issues. The list, of course, is not exhaustive, nor does it (for brevity sake) develop the path by which these outcomes might be achieved (though links for further reading/research are provided). Agree or disagree with my opinions, may this list provoke its readers to unemotionally think about and explore different perspectives regarding the serious problems our nation is struggling with.

Thus, I share a few of my opinions which I envision would create the America deserved by the people; an America, as Lincoln expressed, with a "government of the people, by the people, for the people":

1. Bush and Cheney impeached.

2. Elimination of the "Patriot Act"; restoration of the American civil liberties we have lost; return to a republic governed/guided by Constitutional law with citizen rights upheld.

3. Immediate withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.

4. Focus on security of our nation including stockpiling of antibiotics and other medical supplies for the people in case of national disaster (natural or terrorism). Due to threat of bio-terrorism, emphasis on preparation/provision of needed supplies for American people in worst case scenario.

5. Defending our nation against terrorism by elimination of the "War on Terror." American lives and billions of dollars will not be used for imperialistic powergrabs; our military and military budget will be used for self-defense of our nation on our soil. Protecting America will be the priority, not invading sovereign nations, losing American military men and women, and slaughtering innocent civilians in the name of self-defense or in the name of spreading "democracy." Neither outright war (or covert actions) will be engaged in against nations posing no direct threat to our nation. We will focus on rebuilding democracy in our nation, and other nations will be left to the fate of whatever form of government they choose--their civil wars are theirs to fight--not ours. Similarly, no arms dealings with countries that abuse human rights and/or engage in aggression. Our priority will be America and Americans. We will adopt an isolationist policy so as to build a strong military defense. Security of the "homeland" in the "homeland" including air safety, ports, borders, etc. against foreign terrorists. When it is necessary for defense of our nation, we will fight with a well-trained well equipped military, but we will not engage in needless aggressive battles as we have for years.

6. Maintain a strong well-equipped and well-trained military; always ensure adequate financial (and medical) benefits to active-duty military men and women and their families and to veterans for their service. Maintain a strong National Guard for security at home/domestic emergencies to protect life and property within our nation; its deployment internationally to conduct overseas combat limited to extreme cases when a legitimate war requires additional soldiers.

7. Decrease military budget by ending unnecessary foreign interventions and waste, with some of that money applied toward immediate overhaul of the American education system--education becoming one of the top priorities of the nation, as well as social welfare-provision of basic necessities to our people.

8. A constitutional convention.

9. Recognized and respected business leaders of our nation selected to negotiate/oversee foreign trade polices and treaties.

10. Accountability at all levels of government enforced by criminal not civil law; thereby giving citizens with grievances/evidence/suspicion about illegalities of any government official a means to hold them legally accountable under criminal law. Entity formed to receive citizen complaints and evidence of possible governmental corruption with the legal power to bring charges against elected officials when sufficient evidence justifying prosecution is provided, or if adequate evidence to justify further investigation is offered, investigation of citizen complaint will happen. It should not be up to citizens to enforce the laws when it comes to use of their tax money and conduct of elected officials. Thus laws regarding elected offices, their powers and accountability to the public would become enforceable under criminal law.

11. Respect for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights . Violations committed by Americans subject to the International Criminal Court . International law respected and abided by. No support (due to political expediency) to world leaders who themselves violate human rights of their people.

12. Abolish the death penalty.

13. Lift all restrictions imposed upon Cuban-American relations and commerce; respect Cuban sovereignty.

14. Leave the Middle East alone. End our enormous degree of financial aid to Israel. Middle Eastern conflicts with Israel (a nation with a powerful army, and a nuclear power) is Israel's business to negotiate (or fight)...not America's. America will cease its quest to maintain/gain geopolitical control in Middle East. Arab territories and their natural resources are theirs to control and sell to whom they wish. America to focus on self-sufficiency; end dependency on Arab resources; with taxpayer money used for betterment of American lives and our security not foreign governments and their conflicts.

15. Campaign/electoral reform. Abolish the electoral college; make every American's vote count. Voting (and the process used to do so) one of this nation's top priorities...ensuring accurate just voting and vote tabulation. Elimination of private companies providing voting machinery. Verifiable voting. Fair voting. Television/radio political advertising given equally to all candidates and only during a limited set time prior to the election--all candidates will have access to equal time on television and radio advertising. The people will be exposed to all candidates whether federal, state, or local through equal presentation in media. Third party candidates provided the opportunity to compete and debate.

16. Income tax abolished; with states and federal government developing a flat taxation (taxation on commodities) and/or gambling enterprises/lotteries to raise funds for projects and public services. The American people receive very little in return for the taxes we pay, and even as the current way of taxation exists, the money generated doesn't get transformed into much benefit to the people as it should. One way or another, establishment of a fair tax.

17. Travel (not directly related to business of the office politician elected to) by any politician eliminated at taxpayer expense (i.e.: expense for transportation, security, accommodations, etc. to be paid for by elected official if trip is not a necessary and direct duty of position held). Similarly, no tax monies used for propaganda or trips campaigning (No media to receive money from the government, and no government-produced propaganda presented as "news" stories to be made and distributed by media. Major examination/re-evaluation/and changes at all levels of government for what are permitted expenditures at taxpayer expense.

18. The government will not regulate the private lives of citizens--all laws regarding sexual activities between consenting adults stricken from the books.

19. Universal healthcare with freedom of choice; socialized medicine for all American citizens. Again, private enterprise medical care still available, but people would have choice.

20. Abolishment of property taxes; private property rights respected not only be eliminating property tax but also by severely restricted use of seizure of personal property by government for commercial use/profit versus public necessity or best interest (which would be determined democratically by the people in the area).

21. An end to the tax-free status of churches and clergy. (I favor abolishment of the federal and state taxation of income entirely; but as the current system is set up, I do not think churches/clergy should be given tax-free status. True charitable work and perhaps community churches engaged in charitable works would be an exception.)

22. Equal treatment under the law for all--no discriminatory practices permitted by the military, etc. (such as against homosexual behavior.) Likewise, no laws making some crimes worse than others based on assumed motives-- every crime to be judged on the law broken not who committed the crime, who a victim was, or why. Equality under law for all; strong enforcement of the existing laws we have protecting all individuals of our nation.

23. Give states more sovereignty; states responsible unto themselves for taxation and the economic needs unique to and for their state.

24. Basic necessities such as electricity not controlled by capitalists; as well as other areas such as insurance coverage--an alternative insurance program for home, auto, etc. available to those who wish to participate. People would have choice whether to purchase private insurance or government-funded/affordable insurance and other such necessities. The private sector would still compete and offer services and products, but consumers would have an alternative. The free market is excellent for most/many goods and services; but the for-profit motive of uncontrolled capitalism must be removed from essential needs of human life. A blend of socialism and capitalism to maintain the free market economy in most areas of our lives giving us the ingenuity of creative endeavors and achievements and the rewards for those who produce and create, while simultaneously providing for all the basic necessities of life such as food, housing, healthcare, education, and areas such as water, electricity, etc. We are a wealthy nation; I believe that at the current rate of taxation, we as citizens should receive far more benefits back than we do--untreated illness, poverty, homelessness are social ills we could eliminate.

25. Every state to have a strong legal self defense system/services for the indigent charged with a criminal violation.

26. Remove existing censorship (radio, tv); this would include prohibiting schools who receive federal government funding from banning literary-recognized and educational books from their library shelves and curriculum due to language, prejudices against homosexual content, discrimination against certain writers, or any other non-educational based bias. Any institution receiving federal funding would be unable to engage in such censorship.

27. Gun ownership protected for citizens; any "checking" prior to firearm sales automated via Internet for quick access so that waiting periods are minimal.

28. Legalization of drugs. End the "war on drugs,"; the government could even sell drugs reaping the financial benefit; use proceeds to fund abuse centers (voluntary) for those who seek assistance in ending addictions.

29. Legalization of prostitution.

30. Prisons transformed into places of learning, growth, with every opportunity for those who seek knowledge, skills, and education provided; abolishment of excessive telephone charges for families to stay in touch with loved ones in prison; Emphasis on programs to help former prisoners re-enter/transition into society. Every prison staffed with an independent advocate office to receive, investigate, and take action for any report of abuse or other grievances from inmates. Abolish for-profit prisons. Also, elimination of all profit-making from prisoner's needs--basic necessities such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, antiperspirant, etc. provided to inmates at no charge; similarly, inmate labor will not be exploited--any labor performed on a volunteer basis by inmates choosing to participate in work programs will be paid a fair wage.

31. Prisoners given the right to vote.

32. Workers rights protected; increased health and safety provisions/requirements for all employers--safety of the worker paramount; all workers have right to form unions and strike. Minimum wage greatly increased (economist to examine to determine true living wage proportionate to economy and inflation.)

33. Access to our public lands to remain free; with federal lands and protection of their ecosystems a priority. Federally protected lands not subject to sale to commercial interests unless the people of the state choose so.

34. Counseling centers available--open to all--including youth with intervention available on behalf of any youth with emotional problems, disturbance, or unhappiness due to their "family" or "home" life...giving the youth of our nation the power and ability to choose to leave their "home" to be raised in/by special homes/schools when their family life is unbearable and psychologically unhealthy. The mental and emotional abuse of minors to be addressed just as seriously as physical and sexual abuse.

35. Public schools: No school-sponsored religious activities such as prayer and posting of religious articles, neither will religion be taught as science. Religion offered as an objective study in class such as in a historical context or comparative religions of the world, but no religious sectarian instruction will be permitted.

36. Super-rail transit between major American cities; emphasis on transportation availability between/within cities.

37. Humane treatment of all animals such as those raised for meat production; abolishment of factory farms where animals are severely confined, overcrowded, or otherwise treated inhumanely; an end to speciest cruelties inflicted upon animals in the name of research.

38. Adults may refuse medical treatment (though no adult may do so on behalf of a minor).

39. Sex education to begin in elementary school with age-appropriate materials; with contraception, disease prevention, and all sexual partnerships examined as part of curriculum.

40. I would want to see a true leader as President. One who loves our nation and places its Constitution and democratic values as the guiding principle. Around that president I would want an advisory board of objective experts regarding matters of economy, environment, defense, and Constitutional law. I believe major electoral reform may eventually provide us with true leaders from the presidency to senate and congress and all other offices throughout our nation. We need individuals who will rebuild the republic, uphold our Constitution, and who truly love America and want us to be a true light not by forcing our will onto others, but by example within our own nation providing for our own people.

(Christine Smith is a writer, author of an internationally popular book, social justice activist, and singer, now developing a career as a model/actress. She was recipient of The 2002 Outstanding American Award and the 2000 Amigas Peace Prize. Read more at her website www.christinesmith.us )

Most of what you posted I agree with. There are however a few things I disagree with you about.

Not sure about this one. Most business is now international. Not many companies are tied to the U.S. anymore therefore they could care less what is good for us.

Abolish the electoral college? Terrible idea. What you propose is doing away with the Republic and going all for Democracy which is nothing more than mob rule. Most of this countries population is in the big cities. New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and a few others. The rest would be "fly over" country. Any president winning the majority of the major cities would win every time. What would be the need to campaign in Nevada, Mississipi or other rural areas? These city people would run everything. The Electoral colledge gave the smaller rural areas a little clot and the politician cannot completelty ignore them right now. These people grow our food and if you think the city bums care one thing about these farmers and rural people you are mistaken. I for one do not want all the power being given to the big cities who will only vote to take all the money in the country and sent to them. Talk about a total disaster that would be it.

Abolish the income tax is good but a "flat tax"? All that does is make a flat tax for the people who are already paying taxes. What you want to do is make a tax that makes people who don't pay taxes now have to pay taxes and take some of the burdon off the middle class.

What would get drug dealers, rich people, illegal aliens and people like the mafia into the tax system? A National Sales Tax. Everyone has to buy things at stores. That way everyone has to pay. The poor can get a rebate at the end of the year if they can prove they made less than a certain amount of money that year. This would also get visitors to our country to help pay the our taxes.

I don't think you are adreessing the real problems of public education in this country. The main problem is the dumbing down of the peons in these schools while the rich can afford real education. By keeping us uneducated and dumb we are much easiar to control and they can get away with their corruption and crime much easier. Do away with all federal control of public schools. Make it mandatory to teach kids how to read useing phonics. Do away with "Social Studies" and once again teach history and geography. Stop all "feel good" classes and stop promoting kids just to get them out of the way. As long as the kid are under 18 years old they are under the custody of their parents and spanking or any deciplinary actions that are needed should be allowed as long as it does not cross the line. Kids need to know who is in charge and know they are expected to behave themselves while being educated. Teachers also should be allowed to decipline kids under their care to insure orderly classrooms.



Kids have enough to worry about in todays world. Let them be kids for a few years before you throw sex in their faces. Teach them Homosexuality? Have to disagree with that. Why teach them a deviant lifestyle especially that early in life?

What impeachible offense have they commited?

What civil libertire have we lost? What about what the patriot act (thousands and thousands of pages long) has done to protect us. for example better sharing of information between the CIA and FBI?

You dont think we'd just be making things worse for ourselves? As in, a terrorists state in the middle of the Arab world?

You've never heard the line, "Take it to the enemy"?

Whats wrong with the constitution?

When was this exactly?

Which rules are you referring to?

How will you pay for this?

So people should be allowed to freely use as much cocaine and heroin and meth as they like?

Any sort of restrictions on them? To protect society?

What about parents who don't think this appropriate for their children?

Truth - it might be better to start a thread with just one of the topics as the subject. You might get better discussion that way. When there are a bunch of topics listed (as in this thread), people will be less likely to even read through them, much less respond.

With that said...welcome to the forum.

__________________
Tiger got to hunt, Bird got to fly, Man got to sit and wonder 'Why, why, why?'
Tiger got to sleep, Bird got to land, Man got to tell himself he understand.
~Bokonon

Thank you, Poletree, for the welcome.

Yes, I understand, and intend to join in a few of the current existing discussions going on elsewhere on the forum. My first post, being an article I had written already, was a way to introduce myself...as it did cover quite a bit. But, yes, I'm very interested in participating in the single topic/issue discussions and plan to do so...since it is there we can focus in on the pros/cons of ideas/opinions.

Best wishes!

Let's try this one again. I think we are not understanding each other. You are right that people in rural areas are aware of the candidates. My point would be that the candidates can completely ignore thes people since in a straight up vote the city slickers are going to get their way every time. They take control of government then all money will go to cities by the politicians to win their votes. These people won't care about what problems the farmers and ranchers have.

The electoral college was designed just for that. With it the poiliticians cannot completely ignore them. Each state has it own unique problems and you can't have New York City deciding everything that goes on in this country. It would be a disaster. Our founding fathers were geniuses don't be so quick to change their masterpiece before understanding why it is so vital to this this country.

A winning presidential candidate must demonstrate both a sufficient popular support to govern as well as a sufficient distribution of that support to govern. A popular vote could never manage that.


.

I have to admit...
You did a (*)(*)(*)(*) good job of explaining that.

__________________
That information is classified and to be given only on a need-to-know basis...

And I do not need to know.

1. Bush and Cheney impeached.

For what?

2. Elimination of the "Patriot Act"; restoration of the American civil liberties we have lost; return to a republic governed/guided by Constitutional law with citizen rights upheld.

A lot of people like the Patriot Act and the safety it brings. And we haven’t given up any civil liberties worth mentioning. What we have done is remove barriers that protect terrorists.

3. Immediate withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.

There hasn’t been a terrorist attack on the United Sataes since 911 – part of the reason is that Al Qaida has focused its resources on Iraq. A stable democracy in the middle east will help prevent the growth of terrorism.

4. Focus on security of our nation including stockpiling of antibiotics and other medical supplies for the people in case of national disaster (natural or terrorism). Due to threat of bio-terrorism, emphasis on preparation/provision of needed supplies for American people in worst case scenario.

The security of our nations lies in the prevention of terrorist acts – see item #3
We are stockpiling vaccines.

5. Defending our nation against terrorism by elimination of the "War on Terror." American lives and billions of dollars will not be used for imperialistic powergrabs; our military and military budget will be used for self-defense of our nation on our soil. Protecting America will be the priority, not invading sovereign nations, losing American military men and women, and slaughtering innocent civilians in the name of self-defense or in the name of spreading "democracy." Neither outright war (or covert actions) will be engaged in against nations posing no direct threat to our nation. We will focus on rebuilding democracy in our nation, and other nations will be left to the fate of whatever form of government they choose--their civil wars are theirs to fight--not ours. Similarly, no arms dealings with countries that abuse human rights and/or engage in aggression. Our priority will be America and Americans. We will adopt an isolationist policy so as to build a strong military defense. Security of the "homeland" in the "homeland" including air safety, ports, borders, etc. against foreign terrorists. When it is necessary for defense of our nation, we will fight with a well-trained well equipped military, but we will not engage in needless aggressive battles as we have for years.

What are you talking about? There are no imperialist power grabs, except in your imagination. There was an attack on our nation supported by several mideast regimes – taking the war to them has prevented further attacks as those regimes that harbor terrorists don’t want a war with the US.

6. Maintain a strong well-equipped and well-trained military; always ensure adequate financial (and medical) benefits to active-duty military men and women and their families and to veterans for their service. Maintain a strong National Guard for security at home/domestic emergencies to protect life and property within our nation; its deployment internationally to conduct overseas combat limited to extreme cases when a legitimate war requires additional soldiers.

We already have these things.

7. Decrease military budget by ending unnecessary foreign interventions and waste, with some of that money applied toward immediate overhaul of the American education system--education becoming one of the top priorities of the nation, as well as social welfare-provision of basic necessities to our people.

You can’t have #6 and then do #7 vis a vis the military.
If you want a better public education system, eliminate teachers unions and institute minimal standards for promotion and graduation.

8. A constitutional convention.

For what? The Constitution is already good the way it is.

9. Recognized and respected business leaders of our nation selected to negotiate/oversee foreign trade polices and treaties.

Huh? Why fiddle with something that already works well! The US has a great economy and is leading the rest of the world toward a global marketplace and global economy.

10. Accountability at all levels of government enforced by criminal not civil law; thereby giving citizens with grievances/evidence/suspicion about illegalities of any government official a means to hold them legally accountable under criminal law. Entity formed to receive citizen complaints and evidence of possible governmental corruption with the legal power to bring charges against elected officials when sufficient evidence justifying prosecution is provided, or if adequate evidence to justify further investigation is offered, investigation of citizen complaint will happen. It should not be up to citizens to enforce the laws when it comes to use of their tax money and conduct of elected officials. Thus laws regarding elected offices, their powers and accountability to the public would become enforceable under criminal law.

We already have a system in place that works quite well – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Here’s a good suggestion – take your ideas to the UN – they are in desperate need of some accountability.

11. Respect for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights . Violations committed by Americans subject to the International Criminal Court . International law respected and abided by. No support (due to political expediency) to world leaders who themselves violate human rights of their people.

What’s wrong with what we have now?

12. Abolish the death penalty.

IMO, we don’t fry enough of them.
How about, abolish all marijuana related victimless crimes.

13. Lift all restrictions imposed upon Cuban-American relations and commerce; respect Cuban sovereignty.

Let’s see what happens after Castro dies – maybe Democracy will happen there.

14. Leave the Middle East alone. End our enormous degree of financial aid to Israel. Middle Eastern conflicts with Israel (a nation with a powerful army, and a nuclear power) is Israel's business to negotiate (or fight)...not America's. America will cease its quest to maintain/gain geopolitical control in Middle East. Arab territories and their natural resources are theirs to control and sell to whom they wish. America to focus on self-sufficiency; end dependency on Arab resources; with taxpayer money used for betterment of American lives and our security not foreign governments and their conflicts.

As long as the US is dependant on ME oil, we can’t leave them alone.

15. Campaign/electoral reform. Abolish the electoral college; make every American's vote count. Voting (and the process used to do so) one of this nation's top priorities...ensuring accurate just voting and vote tabulation. Elimination of private companies providing voting machinery. Verifiable voting. Fair voting. Television/radio political advertising given equally to all candidates and only during a limited set time prior to the election--all candidates will have access to equal time on television and radio advertising. The people will be exposed to all candidates whether federal, state, or local through equal presentation in media. Third party candidates provided the opportunity to compete and debate.

The electoral college insures that all people and all states get an equal voice in the elction of a President – otherwise, large urban areas, and especially large urban states would rule.

16. Income tax abolished; with states and federal government developing a flat taxation (taxation on commodities) and/or gambling enterprises/lotteries to raise funds for projects and public services. The American people receive very little in return for the taxes we pay, and even as the current way of taxation exists, the money generated doesn't get transformed into much benefit to the people as it should. One way or another, establishment of a fair tax.

Agreed – let’s get rid of all taxes including FICA and Medical.

17. Travel (not directly related to business of the office politician elected to) by any politician eliminated at taxpayer expense (i.e.: expense for transportation, security, accommodations, etc. to be paid for by elected official if trip is not a necessary and direct duty of position held). Similarly, no tax monies used for propaganda or trips campaigning (No media to receive money from the government, and no government-produced propaganda presented as "news" stories to be made and distributed by media. Major examination/re-evaluation/and changes at all levels of government for what are permitted expenditures at taxpayer expense.

Agreed – they should stay in DC when they aren’t home.

18. The government will not regulate the private lives of citizens--all laws regarding sexual activities between consenting adults stricken from the books.

So two consenting adults that decide to rut in the middle of the street should be allowed to do so? What about two men? What about public fellatio?

19. Universal healthcare with freedom of choice; socialized medicine for all American citizens. Again, private enterprise medical care still available, but people would have
choice.

Another bureaucracy! No Thank you! The system we have right now works better than any other system in the world – again, why fix it if it ain’t broke!

20. Abolishment of property taxes; private property rights respected not only be eliminating property tax but also by severely restricted use of seizure of personal property by government for commercial use/profit versus public necessity or best interest (which would be determined democratically by the people in the area).

Agreed – Great idea!

21. An end to the tax-free status of churches and clergy. (I favor abolishment of the federal and state taxation of income entirely; but as the current system is set up, I do not think churches/clergy should be given tax-free status. True charitable work and perhaps community churches engaged in charitable works would be an exception.)

I disagree – the church provides a social service and has social expectations. There is a degree of social intercourse and emotional support that no government bureaucracy could ever supply. The state might be all to you, but others need God.

22. Equal treatment under the law for all--no discriminatory practices permitted by the military, etc. (such as against homosexual behavior.) Likewise, no laws making some crimes worse than others based on assumed motives-- every crime to be judged on the law broken not who committed the crime, who a victim was, or why. Equality under law for all; strong enforcement of the existing laws we have protecting all individuals of our nation.

Don’t ask, don’t tell is not a discriminatory practice! It’s an agenda preventer.
Otherwise, I agree – institutionalized discrimination is evil.

23. Give states more sovereignty; states responsible unto themselves for taxation and the economic needs unique to and for their state.

Areed!

24. Basic necessities such as electricity not controlled by capitalists; as well as other areas such as insurance coverage--an alternative insurance program for home, auto, etc. available to those who wish to participate. People would have choice whether to purchase private insurance or government-funded/affordable insurance and other such necessities. The private sector would still compete and offer services and products, but consumers would have an alternative. The free market is excellent for most/many goods and services; but the for-profit motive of uncontrolled capitalism must be removed from essential needs of human life. A blend of socialism and capitalism to maintain the free market economy in most areas of our lives giving us the ingenuity of creative endeavors and achievements and the rewards for those who produce and create, while simultaneously providing for all the basic necessities of life such as food, housing, healthcare, education, and areas such as water, electricity, etc. We are a wealthy nation; I believe that at the current rate of taxation, we as citizens should receive far more benefits back than we do--untreated illness, poverty, homelessness are social ills we could eliminate.

I totally disagree – =the cost of utilities is kept low because these businesses work for profit. Keep government the hell away from all business – regulate them- yes; run them – no!

25. Every state to have a strong legal self defense system/services for the indigent charged with a criminal violation.

Make bums get a job – if they must be institutionalized, give them work and pay them for it.

26. Remove existing censorship (radio, tv); this would include prohibiting schools who receive federal government funding from banning literary-recognized and educational books from their library shelves and curriculum due to language, prejudices against homosexual content, discrimination against certain writers, or any other non-educational based bias. Any institution receiving federal funding would be unable to engage in such censorship.

Censor the hell out of all entertainment media – define the moral standards and enforce it!

27. Gun ownership protected for citizens; any "checking" prior to firearm sales automated via Internet for quick access so that waiting periods are minimal.

Love it! Criminals shouldn’t be allowed to have weapons.

28. Legalization of drugs. End the "war on drugs,"; the government could even sell drugs reaping the financial benefit; use proceeds to fund abuse centers (voluntary) for those who seek assistance in ending addictions.

I’ll go along with Marajuana. I’ll fight against the legalization of all other drugs.

29. Legalization of prostitution.

Agreed!

30. Prisons transformed into places of learning, growth, with every opportunity for those who seek knowledge, skills, and education provided; abolishment of excessive telephone charges for families to stay in touch with loved ones in prison; Emphasis on programs to help former prisoners re-enter/transition into society. Every prison staffed with an independent advocate office to receive, investigate, and take action for any report of abuse or other grievances from inmates. Abolish for-profit prisons. Also, elimination of all profit-making from prisoner's needs--basic necessities such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, antiperspirant, etc. provided to inmates at no charge; similarly, inmate labor will not be exploited--any labor performed on a volunteer basis by inmates choosing to participate in work programs will be paid a fair wage.

Punishment is first last and foremost. Offer education – most of them don’t want it and won’t take it. Most criminals come from single parent families – if you want to minimize crime, get a father in the home. This is where tax incentives could be used.

31. Prisoners given the right to vote.

No way Jose! You’re in jail, you’ve lost your rights for the term of inprisonment!

32. Workers rights protected; increased health and safety provisions/requirements for all employers--safety of the worker paramount; all workers have right to form unions and strike. Minimum wage greatly increased (economist to examine to determine true living wage proportionate to economy and inflation.)

We already have this in the private sector. We should outlaw public employee unions.

33. Access to our public lands to remain free; with federal lands and protection of their ecosystems a priority. Federally protected lands not subject to sale to commercial interests unless the people of the state choose so.

Agreed!

34. Counseling centers available--open to all--including youth with intervention available on behalf of any youth with emotional problems, disturbance, or unhappiness due to their "family" or "home" life...giving the youth of our nation the power and ability to choose to leave their "home" to be raised in/by special homes/schools when their family life is unbearable and psychologically unhealthy. The mental and emotional abuse of minors to be addressed just as seriously as physical and sexual abuse.

What? This is stupid! Kids don’t have the education or the experience to know what they want – they’ll invariably make the worst decision. Get a father in the home – he’ll make the kids toe the line.

35. Public schools: No school-sponsored religious activities such as prayer and posting of religious articles, neither will religion be taught as science. Religion offered as an objective study in class such as in a historical context or comparative religions of the world, but no religious sectarian instruction will be permitted.

Get rid of all teachers unions. Put the power back in the hands of the local school board. Let the local school board decide whether religion should play a minor role or not.

36. Super-rail transit between major American cities; emphasis on transportation availability between/within cities.

I like this one – we can pay for this via gasoline taxes.

37. Humane treatment of all animals such as those raised for meat production; abolishment of factory farms where animals are severely confined, overcrowded, or otherwise treated inhumanely; an end to speciest cruelties inflicted upon animals in the name of research.

Gimmee a break! I’ll agree that brutal treatment shouldn’t occur, but puleez don’t look to treat a chicken by human standards – feed a chicken, let it lay a few eggs, and it’s happy – it doesn’t care about freedom!

38. Adults may refuse medical treatment (though no adult may do so on behalf of a minor).

When did they pass a law saying an adult couldn’t refuse medical treatment?

39. Sex education to begin in elementary school with age-appropriate materials; with contraception, disease prevention, and all sexual partnerships examined as part of curriculum.

Let kids be kids! Sex ed in high school is ok – but not before!

40. I would want to see a true leader as President. One who loves our nation and places its Constitution and democratic values as the guiding principle. Around that president I would want an advisory board of objective experts regarding matters of economy, environment, defense, and Constitutional law. I believe major electoral reform may eventually provide us with true leaders from the presidency to senate and congress and all other offices throughout our nation. We need individuals who will rebuild the republic, uphold our Constitution, and who truly love America and want us to be a true light not by forcing our will onto others, but by example within our own nation providing for our own people.

The problem here is that you don’t like Bush and would force your elitist candidate on the rest of us. I won’t say I like Bush – he’s too liberal for me – but he’s better than that traitorous moron John Effin Kerry!

Overall, I’d say that your ideals are utopian and unachievable without a drastic change in the human condition. Given our inadequacies, I’d say that the government we have in the United States right now is about the best there is. The last time someone tried such crap as you propose here was in the mid 60,s – they called it the Great Society and it was a miserable failure.

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To donut, or not to donut, that is the question!