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Del Tachi
Republican95
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Posts: 17,665
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Political Matrix
E: 0.52, S: 1.46

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« on: June 04, 2011, 11:15:42 PM »

Overall Philosophy: I consider myself a staunch Republican, but I hold more liberal, “socialist” positions than that of many mainstream Republicans.  I like to say that I’m one of last “Northeastern Republicans” who just happens to be stuck in the heart of the Bible Belt.  The Tea Party and other extremist elements of the GOP frighten me, and if the Tea Party continues to more or less take over the Republican party I may become a pretty reliable Democratic voter in the near future.  However, enough about that…here we go:

SOCIAL ISSUES (Ugh…the most boring)Sad

Abortion:  While I would never encourage anyone I know to have an abortion, I’m pretty satisfied with Roe v. Wade.  I believe that every woman should have a right to terminate her pregnancy according to the laws in her state.  However, I do not advocate the allocation of federal funds to abortion providers nor do I think that Medicaid funds ought to be used to pay for abortion services.

Affirmative Action:  As far as I know, “affirmative action” isn’t really a political issue because I don’t think the federal government actually encourages or discourages any form of it.  If businesses and private universities want to use it when selecting applicants, more power to them--it’s their right.  However, I am philosophically opposed to the idea of elevating certain ethnic groups and races based on something other than merit.

Death Penalty:  Should be a state issue.  I personally believe that if you commit the ultimate crime, you should pay the ultimate price.  However, the system does need to be reformed to protect taxpayers.  Surprisingly, the death penalty is a very expensive thing…and I really can’t imagine why…maybe it’s time to bring back firing squads?

Alcohol:  The drinking age should remain at 21.  Too many young college kids are not responsible enough to make good decisions regarding their health.  Alcohol consumption is not a right, it is a privilege.  I believe; however, that regulations placed on the advertising of alcohol should be lifted and I do not think that alcoholic beverages should be subject to any additional taxation.

War on Drugs:  I favor the United States’ current drug policy.  However, the states should be allowed to devise their own drug policy without federal intervention.  As long as it doesn’t cross state boundaries, its no concern of Uncle Sam’s.  I do believe that we need tougher penalties for drug violators, longer prison sentences. 

Gay Marriage:  Marriage should be a purely state issue.  For tax reasons, the federal government should recognize any legal marriage performed by any state--but only if the married persons are still legal residents of the state in which their marriage was performed.  So, no getting a gay marriage in California and then moving to Arkansas and claiming federal tax benefits associated with marriage…ok?  Moreover, states should not be forced to recognize any marriage performed in another state.

Pornography: I see this a Freedom of the Press issue.  Pornography should be able to be legally possessed by any adult.  Child pornography regulations should be strengthened and sentences made more harsh.

Euthanasia: Once again, a state issue.  However, I personally believe that if we allow one human life to be intentionally taken then the value of all human life is diminished. 

Gun Rights:  Strong proponent of the Second Amendment.  Handgun bans are the most unconstitutional laws in American history.  The right to keep and bear arms is critical to the prevention of tyranny, both domestic and abroad.  However, background checks and mental health assessments ought to be required by state governments.  Also, illegalize the purchase of firearms via the Internet or by mail-order catalogs. 

Immigration:  Set up a guest-worker program for those seeking to enter the United States for work.  Its time to realize that those who are in this country illegally are doing illegal.  Favor deportation for all illegals, even children.  However, the immigration process does need to be modernized and streamlined.

Tobacco: I am probably the most pro-tobacco person you’ll ever encounter in your entire life.  No joke.  For some reason it just really irks me when people single-out smokers for additional taxes.  I understand smoking is bad for one’s health, but the government should not dictate my lifestyle.  Public smoking bans enrage me!  Since when can I not consume a perfectly legal product in public?  SMOKER’S RIGHTS!!!

Prostitution, legalization of: Should be a state issue.  However, I don’t want whores hanging around my house, school, office, etc.  If it is legalized, it needs to be heavily regulated and there needs to be a system in place to make sure than women are not taken advantage of and “gamed” so to speak.

Stem Cell Research: The United States federal government should subsidy stem cell research.  Period.

ECONOMIC POLICY (Ugh, these are the most over-discussed…)

Taxation, general: Taxes need to be low in order to encourage private enterprise and allow for business growth.  However, taxes do seem a bit low nowadays…

Income tax: Rates are pretty good where they are now.  However, I think the burden needs to be shifted back towards the top-income earners.  But I could live with the current tax rates.

Corporate tax: Needs to be lowered drastically to prevent off-shoring.  Favor a flat income tax for businesses.

Sales tax: I have flirted with the idea of a low 1-2% national retail sales tax--exempting groceries and gasoline.  I think it would work wonders for our budget and the effect on consumer spending would be minimal I believe.

Estate tax: Estate tax, at the federal level, should be done away with. 

Spending, general: Spending needs to be reined-in in-order to prevent complete financial meltdown.  However, I see Republican’s proposals for spending reduction as pretty outrageous and based on shaky mathematics (i.e., the Ryan Plan).  When it comes to the national debt, I believe that we have reached the point of no return.  America will never be a debt-free nation ever again.  The best we can done is to stop the debt from ballooning like it’s been doing the past few years.  By focusing on economic growth we can shrink the effect of the debt, also.

Spending cuts, domestic: I say target entitlement programs like Medicaid/Medicare, S-CHIP, and Social Security.  These are our government’s largest expenditures.  However, we cannot afford to cut education and infrastructure--these things lay the foundation for our future economic success as a nation. 

Spending cuts, military: Our military is a Cold War relic.  The U.S. accounts for almost half of the world’s total defense expenditures.  The days of huge, standing armies are behind us.  It’s time to modernize, synchronize, and digitize our military and intelligence agencies.  Also, it’s a lot cheaper that way.   

Education: If you want to get serious about education reform, first you need to tackle the unions.  Teacher unions have repeatedly stood in the way of meaningful education reform for decades.  Also, I like the idea standardized education reform.  The DoE should establish national benchmark standards for every grade and require students to pass standardized tests in order to advance to the next grade.  Secondary education is a mess.  High school students who aren’t “academic all-stars” should be allowed to drop “19th Century English Literature” for “Plumbing 101”--more emphasis on vocational education.  Increase investment in four-year university programs: Universities should be the backbone of our nation‘s research facilities.  I like the idea of vouchers, but think that they should be a state issue.   

Unions: I think that unions have outlived their usefulness.  Employers should reserve the right to terminate the employment of striking workers.  If you hire them, you should be allowed to fire them whenever you want.  Also, we need a national “right to work law”--the payment of union dues shouldn’t be a prerequisite of employment (Right of Assembly?).   

Free Trade:  I LOVE free trade.  Seriously, I think that it is a great idea; it means cheaper goods for American consumers and gives American products a chance in new, untapped markets like Eastern Europe (which is the greatest unexploited economic market on earth, BTW).  However, we shouldn’t engage in free trade with nations who aren’t willing to return the favor…

FOREIGN POLCY (My favorite!)

Iraq:  Favor continued U.S. presence in Iraq.  In hindsight I think the ‘03 invasion was an uninformed decision, but we can’t just run-away from the mess we made.

Afghanistan: It’s getting pretty nightmarish, but the current situation is workable.  Escalate the number of troops.

Israel: I do not find the current level of U.S. support for Israel outrageous.  I believe that Israel is morally superior to Palestine.  Objectively, Israel has served to create peace in the Middle East--not threaten it--thus, I think they deserve our current support.  I oppose the creation of a Palestinian state.   

Nuclear Weapons--Like ‘em.  Deterrence theory all day long baby.

United Nations--Unsupportive.  The UN serves as a forum for undemocratic, dictators to spread their message of oppression and hate around the world.  Only democratic states should have say-so in international political affairs.  The U.S. should withdraw from the U.N. (it can stay in NYC though, I find that kinda ironic) and establish a similar association with similar goals for only states with democratic governments.

Intervention, general--As the world’s sole superpower, I believe that the U.S. has a moral responsibility to promote democracy and human rights across the globe.  If that means military intervention in foreign conflicts, so be it.

After righting this…I’m pretty confused.  I don’t really know what I am.  Conservative?  Liberal?  Libertarian?  Authoritian?  Neoconservative?

What do you think…cause I really don’t know.   Help me!  I’m having a political identity crisis!!!
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Del Tachi
Republican95
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Posts: 17,665
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Political Matrix
E: 0.52, S: 1.46

P P P

« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2011, 11:41:37 PM »
« Edited: June 04, 2011, 11:43:43 PM by Republican95 »

Republican95: your positions on the issues are really not that far off from mine.  If I can fit into the Democratic Party (which I do), then so can you.  

Yeah, I know that I'm more liberal than most Republicans.  But I just can't bring myself to be referred to as a "democrat"--because I don't think I've met any Democrat in my life that I particularly liked personally.  Too me, they all just come off as cosmopolitan, latte drinking, metrosexual, elitist douchebags.  Being a townie stuck in a college town doesnt help either. I guess for me it's much more personal than it is political...but I think I'd feel pretty out of place in both parties...so oh well...
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Del Tachi
Republican95
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Posts: 17,665
United States


Political Matrix
E: 0.52, S: 1.46

P P P

« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2011, 11:56:21 PM »

Your statements on euthanasia, the death penalty, and abortion (among other things) are contradictory.

I was a bit worried someone would point that out, I noticed it too.  The conclusions may seem contradictory, but I don't think the reasoning is.  To me, abortion is about the rights of the mother--it's not a moral issue because a fetus isn't a person.  Euthanasia is, to me, a moral issue because it involves a actual person's life.  Death penalty is a completely different story, the value of one's life is erased when one willinging takes the life of another.
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Del Tachi
Republican95
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Posts: 17,665
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Political Matrix
E: 0.52, S: 1.46

P P P

« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2011, 01:16:58 PM »

Your statements on euthanasia, the death penalty, and abortion (among other things) are contradictory.

Whoop-de-doo!  Not all of political beliefs are internally consistent with one another...that makes me just like 95 percent of all other Americans...
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Del Tachi
Republican95
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Posts: 17,665
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Political Matrix
E: 0.52, S: 1.46

P P P

« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2011, 01:18:18 PM »

Quote
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Sounds like you, eh?

That sounds very much like me, thanks!  However, I'm not European and I don't plan on being one anytime soon.  American politics are so "shallow" and dumb to me...nothing like they have in Europe!
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Del Tachi
Republican95
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Posts: 17,665
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Political Matrix
E: 0.52, S: 1.46

P P P

« Reply #5 on: July 30, 2012, 11:54:58 AM »

Abortion: Generally supportive of the status-quo.  I believe that the Roe v. Wade decision has provided a reasonable framework that protects both a woman’s right to choose and state autonomy.  The Roe decision should be protected, but the states should be allowed to write their own laws outside of that.  I reject being classified as siding with the “Pro-Choice” or “Pro-Life” lobbies, as neither one of these terms really reflect my “middle-of-the-ground” stance on the issue.  Support federal funding for stem cell research.   

Gay Rights: Opposed the overturning of DADT; I believe that issues regarding sexuality on the battlefield serve as nothing more than a distraction and that the discussion of sexual topics--whether they be heterosexual or homosexual--does nothing to further the American military.  I believe that homosexual marriage should be a state issue, but I do see federal involvement in the matter to be necessary.  I believe that federal tax benefits should be reserved for heterosexual couples as a way for the government to encourage procreation among the population.  Not generally supportive of homosexual adoption, but believe that it should be a state issue.     

Sex and Prostitution: Legalization of prostitution should be a state issue.  That being said, I would not like such a vulgar practice to be visible in my community.   

Second Amendment: Supportive of the Second Amendment and believe that its text protects the rights of law-abiding private citizens to purchase and carry firearms.  Supportive of “castle laws” that allow citizens to protect their life and private property through the use of deadly force.  Believe that background checks and regular gun registration should be required for gun owners.  Support closing the gun-show loophole.  Would consider a reenactment of the assault weapons ban that was in place during the 1990s.   

Drug War: Since the drug trade is international in nature, I  believe that issues relating to drugs necessitate federal involvement.  I support working more closely with other nations around the world to suppress the drug trade where it starts.  Should increase funding to anti-drug programs in both schools and prisons, with habitual drug users being send to court-mandated rehabilitation.  Penalties should be strengthened for drug offenders and prison sentences should be instituted for first-time drug offenses.  Believe that the federal government should tie state drug laws to highway funding, as they have done with alcohol as to discourage states from passing pro-drug laws.         

Economic issues

Education: Favor the NCLB’s approach of standards-based curricula in education reform.  Would increase federal involvement in K-12 education in order to ensure that students are excelling in core areas essential to academic success.  Would encourage the Department of Education to develop benchmark standards for grades K-12 and require all students to be tested in these areas annually.  Support tying education funding to school performance, allowing the methods that work the best to receive the most support.  However, I realize that this may come at the expense of poorer, more rural schools who also need more federal assistance and I would put into place programs to specifically aid schools such as these. 

Believe that secondary education should be reformed as to place more emphasis on vocational education for students who do not excel in more traditional college-preparatory classes.   Stricter enforcement of anti-truancy laws is essential to lowering the dropout rate, and I believe that the legal dropout age should be raised to 18.

Opposed to charter schools as they take necessary funds away from public school programs.  Would also like to see shorter school years and school days.  American children spend more time in school now then ever and we have no results to show for it.  I believe that shorter school days (especially for younger children) and shorter school years (especially for older children) would help students be able to focus more while in the classroom and allow older students to gain more experiences through internships, part-time jobs or other personal enrichment courses.       

Tax Code: Favor adopting the Bowles-Simpson plan, closing loopholes and limiting deductions.  Support linking the Alternative Minimum Tax to inflation.  Individual tax rates are good where they are.  Support raising payroll taxes on high income earners.  Institute a flat tax rate for corporations.     

Entitlement programs:  Generally supportive of protecting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.  However, I believe that these programs need reforms in order to protect their solvency.  Encourage partial privatization of Social Security by allowing future beneficiaries to move their funds into government-approved private investment accounts.  Support a watered-down version of the Ryan Plan for Medicare reform.  More Medicaid assistance to the states.

Health care:  Generally opposed to the Affordable Care Act due to the presence of the individual mandate.  Would favor partial repeal.  Support using innovative free-market solutions, such as allowing insurers to compete across state lines, to increase access to insurance by lowering premiums.  Support extensive tort reform in order to lower the costs of medical treatment.  Favor streamlining the FDA-approval process in order to reduce costs.  Think that small businesses should be able to “pool” together in order to hold a larger stake when negotiating insurance contracts for their employees.   

Labor Unions: Believe that the right to form a union is protected by the First Amendment right to assembly.  Unions preserve a delicate balance between the importance of a business’ bottom line and the welfare of its employees.  Do not support a federal “Right to Work” law because I do not believe that the federal government should be allowed to place conditions on such terms of employment. 

Living Wage: Support linking the federal minimum wage to inflation. 

Free Trade: Strongly supportive of free trade as a way to increase the United States’ exports.  Believe that free trade is advantageous to both the United States and foreign nations.  Would work to establish free trade zones around the world, especially within the Americas and European Union. 

Immigration Reform: Support amnesty for law-abiding illegals who have resided in the country for at least seven years.  Support passage of the DREAM Act and the establishment of a guest-worker program and a more generous Visa program.  Support the strengthening of our border security as a matter of national security.  Encourage ESL courses as a means of assimilation.  Reform and streamline the legal immigration process as to deter those seeking to enter the country illegally.  Increase humanitarian aid to Latin America in order to decrease poverty in the region and to encourage economic development.   

Energy Independence and the Environment:  Favor increasing investment in alternative sources of energy as well as more traditional sources of energy.  Would look to see a renewed focus on research and development rather than the commercialization of currently inefficient energy sources.  Support streamlining the licensing process for the construction of nuclear power stations.  Support increasing oil drilling on federal lands, including offshore, in oil shale and in ANWR.  Support the promotion of natural gas as a suitable energy source.  Support the completion of the Keystone XL oil pipeline.     

Transportation: Support increasing federal funding to transportation programs across the nation.  Build more highways, enlarge airports and seaports, improve access to public transportation and increase support for rail initiatives.  Support more government involvement in wireless infrastructure to expand access to broadband Internet access. 

NASA -Space Exploration: Strongly support the federal government’s role in the space program.  Believe that the emphasis should be shifted from space exploration to research and development.  Would set goals for permanent lunar research stations and regular trips to Mars by 2040. 
 
Foreign Policy

Iraq:  Support continued U.S. presence in Iraq through the use of development grants and security training.  Iraq should be our top “emerging ally” in the region and a secular Iraq is necessary for a pro-American Middle East.

Afghanistan: Support increased troop levels in Afghanistan as a way to reduce violence.  Work diplomatically with Afghan government to decrease corruption and continue to fight terrorism.   

Iran:  Continue to press for harder sanctions through the United Nations.  Encourage paramilitary forces in ousting current regime.   

Pakistan:  Continue to diplomatically pressure Pakistan to aid in the fight against terrorism.   

Israel/Palestine:  Supportive of Israel.  Increase American aid to Israeli government.  Oppose creation of Palestinian state.  As one of the only secular democracies in the region, Israel deserves the United States’ support on moral grounds. 

European Union:  Start to dissolve ties with the EU, favoring instead forming stronger coalitions among its individual members.  Work for stronger relations with Germany and France while maintaining strong relations with the United Kingdom.   

Eastern Europe: Expand American presence in Eastern Europe by increased economic aid and trade.  Give Eastern European nations an “alternative” to Russian influence.   

Russia:  Deliver Russia an ultimatum on its support of undemocratic, rogue nations.  Make some big scene on the international stage in order to attempt to “embarrass” the Russian government.  Go toe-to-toe with Putin over Syria and Iran.  Fund paramilitary groups in Chechnya and other breakaway provinces.   

Arab Spring: While supportive of the right to self-determination for Arab peoples, support American friendly governments in the region.  Put pressure on the new Egyptian government to maintain friendly relations with Israel.        

United Nations:  Support continued American presence in the United Nations, if only to maintain our likeability around the world.  Support reforming the Security Council to allowed for more varied interests to be represented.   

Democracy-Related Issues

District of Columbia: Count residents of the District of Columbia as residents of the state of Maryland for the purposes of Congressional representation.  Allow D.C. residents to vote in Maryland congressional elections.   

Puerto Rico: Favor Puerto Rican independence.
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Del Tachi
Republican95
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Posts: 17,665
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Political Matrix
E: 0.52, S: 1.46

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« Reply #6 on: December 14, 2012, 09:26:14 PM »

This is a pretty significant thread...maybe it should be stickied?
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Del Tachi
Republican95
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*****
Posts: 17,665
United States


Political Matrix
E: 0.52, S: 1.46

P P P

« Reply #7 on: December 17, 2012, 04:36:01 PM »

How would we go about getting this thread stickied?  PM the mods?
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Del Tachi
Republican95
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Posts: 17,665
United States


Political Matrix
E: 0.52, S: 1.46

P P P

« Reply #8 on: June 19, 2013, 02:54:35 PM »

I figured I needed to update, as my beliefs change every so often…

Social Policy
Abortion: Supportive of Roe v. Wade, and generally pro-choice.  However, I am  not opposed to certain “informed consent” laws and mandatory waiting periods.  Minors seeking abortion should have to gain parental consent.
Drugs: Continue the war on drugs with harsher penalties being applied to violators, including recreational users.  Marijuana is a gateway to other, harder drugs and should be banned. 
Censorship: The government has the responsibility to censor objectionable material from the air and radio waves.  The fact that satellite communications are exempt from FCC content regulation should be enough to appease the anti-censorship crowd.
Gay marriage: States reserve the right to make their own marriage laws, and gay couples should only be allowed federal benefits if they reside in a state where their marriage is recognized. 
Death penalty: Federal use of the death penalty is warranted in extreme circumstances; States can enact their own laws. 
Prostitution: Local and municipal jurisdictions should be allowed to make their own laws to fit their communities as prostitution’s major affects are on property values and local health.  I would not support the legalization of prostitution in my community as a matter of moral decency and preserving property values. 
Church & state:  The state should stay out of religious affairs, and religious organizations and churches should be tax exempt with the exception of the monies they earn through commercial enterprises.  Forcing churches to forfeit their tax exempt status for making political stances is tantamount to “taxing” the First Amendment.  Individuals should be allowed to lobby and petition the state on behalf of the Church like any other citizen would be able to do for any other organization. 
Affirmative action: Ambivalent.  Private corporations and organizations should be allowed to devise their own systems as long as they are not discriminatory.  There is a difference between promoting certain attributes in hiring and discriminating against those who do not meet such criteria.  Employment in the public sector should primarily be merit-based. 
Hate crime laws: Crimes of corresponding severity should be treated similarly regardless of apparent motive.  No additional punishment should be levied for crimes perpetuated out of “hate.” 
Immigration: Secure the border as a matter of national security.  Full amnesty for illegals who have been residing lawfully in the country for at least five years.     
Stem cell research: Support federal funding of stem cell research. 
PATRIOT Act: Support the PATRIOT Act.  Increase Congressional oversight over Executive national security initiatives as a way to increase accountability and decrease the possibility for misuse.   
Gun Control: Status-quo.  Increase data sharing between state and federal agencies as a way to strengthen the effectiveness of federal background checks.  Onus should be on the States to close the “gun-show loophole”.   
Assisted suicide: Ambivalent.  However, living wills are generally a bad idea and end-of-life decisions are best left to family members.   
Gambling: Decisions should be left to local and municipal jurisdictions.  I would not support legal gambling in my community.  Heavily tax earnings gained through gambling and lotto.
Organ donation: Status quo.  Opposed to universal or “opt-out” organ donation; follow wishes of next-of-kin in ambiguous cases.  Invest in non-market mechanisms (public service announcements, increase education) to increase organ donation. 

Electoral Reform:
Term limits: No term limits for Congress or judges, but keep the 22nd Amendment.  Keep the seniority system in place in Congress.   
Statehood: Congress’ prerogative, popular referendums are irrelevant.  Consider statehood for D.C. 
Voting age: Keep as is, but allow people who will turn 18 before election day to vote in primary elections. 
Campaign Finance Reform: Status quo.  Political donations are free speech. 
Voting system: Keep as is.  Allow States to experiment with proportional representation and multi-seat districts. 
Gerrymandering: Status quo. 
Voter ID: Repeal Section 5 (if SCOTUS doesn’t do it soon).  Allow States to make and enforce their own Voter ID laws.   

Economic Issues:
Welfare: Block-grant Medicaid and SNAP and send back to the State with federally-enforced support and eligibility standards. 
Unions: Oppose right-to-work laws, as they are excessive government regulation in employment contracts.  Allow public and private sector unions, but consider limiting collective bargaining rights for certain public employees. 
Privatization: Partially privative Social Security in order to allow for additional, voluntary investment by workers.  Sell certain government assets associated with TVA.
Environment: Economic protection but be weighted against economic development.  As much as environmentalists would try to convince you otherwise, trees and land and ecosystems do have monetary value.  Implement as a VMT to support future infrastructure projects. 
Minimum wage: Repeal the federal minimum wage.  Minimum wage increases result in job loss and are an inefficient way to decrease poverty.  Support expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit. 
Taxation: Keep the current progressive system for income taxation.  Experiment with shifting the tax burden back to the upper classes through consumption-based taxation (i.e., luxury goods taxes, real estate taxes).  Implement an income tax “surcharge” on incomes over a certain level, say $3 million.  Consider a low national VAT (0.5-1%).  Raise and lock the Social Security tax cap to cover 90 percent of all workers.  Reform and lower corporate taxes as a way to discourage outsourcing.   
Healthcare: Status-quo.  Implement Obamacare, but work to lower the cost of medicine by enacting medical malpractice reform and allowing insurers to compete across state lines.  Grant partial exemptions to Obamacare (with oversight) for states wanting to deisgn their own insurance exchange systems.  Grant liberal exceptions from insurance mandates.  Work to make Medicare solvent by raising the eligibility age and instituting max-payouts.  Consider moving Medicare to a “premium support” system. 
Trade: Support free trade as way to bring down prices for consumers.  Trade to correct American trade deficit by encouraging American producers to export, especially in the agriculture sector. 
Embargo: Use embargos and sanctions as way to exert diplomatic pressure.   
Pork: Overwhelmingly supportive.  Use “pork-barrel” projects as ways to promote local economic development.   
Subsidies: Increase agricultural subsidies; generously subsidize struggling industries. 
Military: Maintain current military funding levels, but shift more money into R&D and away from traditional ground forces.  Make more use of military contractors as a way to allow for funds to go further.   

Foreign Policy
War: Maintain a constant state of military readiness, and be willing to go to war whenever and wherever American interests are at stake.  Do not be afraid to go to war unilaterally.  Use reputation as a military juggernaut as a way to exert diplomatic pressure. 
Israel-Palestine: Generally supportive of a two-state solution, but it most likely will have to occur on Israeli terms in order to be successful.  Increase support for Israel as it is the only secular democracy in the Middle East.  Call for an end to new settlements, but maintain that those living in settlements have a solely civilian status. 
Draft: Institute a mandatory period of “national service” for young men and women, with a term of service in the armed forces as a possible way to satisfy this requirement.  Maintain the selective service system, and start to collect information on young women.  If a draft ever has to be reinstituted, draft all eligible males before dipping in the “ladies’ pool”. 
UN: Use status as the UN’s largest financial contributor to encourage the organization into changing its role in a new, global environment.  Shift focus away from security issues and to humanitarian issues.  Use the UN as a global forum in which member nations may organize international relief efforts and financial aid.  Work through other international organizations (namely NATO) to deal with threats to international security.   
Nukes: Maintain American nuclear arsenal.  Expand the “nuclear club” to more U.S. allies such as Canada, Australia and Germany. 
Foreign Aid:  Increase levels of foreign aid as a way to increase American presence and influence in the developing world.   

Overall: Hmmm….after making this list I can honestly say I don’t know what I am.  Republican?  Democrat?  Moderate hero?  I would describe myself primarily as a “big-government Republican” or “neoconservative”.  I would say that, except for my opinions on a few social issues, I fit the GWB-mold quite well.
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Del Tachi
Republican95
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Posts: 17,665
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Political Matrix
E: 0.52, S: 1.46

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« Reply #9 on: July 19, 2013, 04:10:22 PM »


  • Reduce Senate terms to four years instead of six


So there are going to be two electoral classes of 50 Senators each?

So, that would mean that half of the U.S. Senate would always stand for re-election the same year as presidential elections...not gonna fly with ardent defenders of the Senate's status as the "upper chamber". 
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Del Tachi
Republican95
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Posts: 17,665
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Political Matrix
E: 0.52, S: 1.46

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« Reply #10 on: December 22, 2014, 11:26:32 AM »
« Edited: June 02, 2017, 03:38:00 PM by Del Tachi »

Overall: Big-government liberal Republican.  Could pass for an Andrew Cuomo or Amy Klobuchar Democrat, maybe.  

Social Policy
Abortion: Supportive of Roe v. Wade, and generally pro-choice.  However, I am not opposed to certain “informed consent” laws and mandatory waiting periods.  Minors seeking abortion should have to gain parental consent.
Drugs: Continue the war on drugs with harsher penalties being applied to violators, including recreational users.  Enforce federal drug laws in States where marijuana has been legalized.
Censorship: The government has the responsibility to censor objectionable material from the air and radio waves.  The fact that satellite communications are exempt from FCC content regulation should be enough to appease the anti-censorship crowd.
Net Neutrality: Opposed; turning the Internet into a public good would decrease private investment into Internet infrastructure and thus make the internet less accessible to everyone.  
Gay marriage: The equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment makes statewide bans on gay marriage unconstitutional.  SCOTUS should strike-down all statewide bans, and the Congress should pass legislation in order to ensure LGBT equality in employment, healthcare, housing, education and other areas.  
Death penalty: Federal use of the death penalty is warranted in extreme circumstances; States can enact their own laws.  I personally do not oppose the death penalty on moral or religious grounds.
Prostitution: Local and municipal jurisdictions should be allowed to make their own laws to fit their communities as prostitution’s major effects are on property values and local health.  I would not support the legalization of prostitution in my community as a matter of moral decency and preserving property values.  Stronger enforcement of federal laws concerning human trafficking and child exploitation.  
Church & state: The state should stay out of religious affairs, and religious organizations and churches should be tax exempt with the exception of the monies they earn through commercial enterprises.  Forcing churches to forfeit their tax exempt status for making political stances is tantamount to “taxing” the First Amendment.  Individuals should be allowed to lobby and petition the state on behalf of the Church like any other citizen would be able to do for any other organization.  
Affirmative action: Implement a quota system in federal hiring in order to ensure representation of minorities, women and LGBT Americans.  
Hate crime laws: Crimes of corresponding severity should be treated similarly regardless of apparent motive.  No additional punishment should be levied for crimes perpetuated out of “hate.”  
Immigration: Comprehensive immigration reform including blanket amnesty for all non-criminal illegals.  Strengthen border security.  Maintain birthright citizenship.  Stronger enforcement of existing federal laws.    
Stem cell research: Support federal funding of stem cell research.  
PATRIOT Act: Support the reauthorization and expansion of the PATRIOT Act in order to give the federal government more power to combat terrorism.  
Gun Control: Status-quo.  Increase data sharing between state and federal agencies as a way to strengthen the effectiveness of federal background checks.  
Assisted suicide: Ambivalent.  However, living wills are generally a bad idea and end-of-life decisions are best left to family members.  
Gambling: Decisions should be left to local and municipal jurisdictions.  I would not support legal gambling in my community.  Heavily tax earnings gained through gambling and lotto.
Organ donation: Status quo.  Opposed to universal or “opt-out” organ donation; follow wishes of next-of-kin in ambiguous cases.  Invest in non-market mechanisms (i.e., public service announcements) to increase organ donation.  

Electoral Reform:
Term limits: No term limits for Congress or judges, but keep the 22nd Amendment.  Keep the seniority system in place in Congress.  Opposed to term limits for Mississippi legislators or other statewide officials.  
Statehood: Refer to popular referendums on statehood questions.  Allow for a referendum in Washington, D.C.  
Voting age: Keep as is, but allow people who will turn 18 before Election Day to vote in primary elections.  
Campaign Finance Reform: Status quo.  Political donations are free speech.  
Voting system: Keep as is.  Allow States to experiment with proportional representation and multi-seat districts.  
Gerrymandering:  Status-quo.  Opposed to “independent” redistricting committees.  
Voter ID: Pass a national voter ID law requiring valid photo ID in order to cast a ballot for federal office.
Primaries, Statewide: Opposed to partisan voter registration in Mississippi; support the current open primary system.  Consider implementation of a Louisiana-style “jungle primary.”  Allow all eligible Mississippi voters to vote in runoff elections, regardless of their previous participation in other parties’ primaries.
Primaries, National:  The national parties should push for presidential primary reform where large, rotating batches of states are allowed to vote at once as a way to decrease the power that certain states (i.e., Iowa, New Hampshire) have on the presidential primary process.

Economic Issues:
Welfare: Block-grant Medicaid and send back to the States with federally-enforced support and eligibility standards.  Opposed to drug-testing for welfare eligibility.  
Unions: Implement a national right-to-work law in order to diminish the influence of organized labor.  
Education:  Complete federalization of K-12.  All public school teachers and school administrators become federal employees and all local/state financing of public education is removed.  Ban on charter schools and vouchers, and consider bans on private education if found to be Constitutional.  Fully implement Common Core.  Establish national benchmark standards for K-12 and require students to pass standardized tests in order to advance into the next grade.  By removing State funding for K-12, States should be able to put more resources into Higher Ed.      
Privatization: Generally opposed.  Maintain current government assets associated with TVA and DRA.
Environment: Implement cap-and-trade legislation with exemptions for non-major polluters.  Increase EPA funding.  
Minimum wage: Oppose further increases in the federal minimum wage.  Expand the EITC.  
Taxation: Keep the current progressive system for income taxation.  Experiment with shifting the tax burden back to the upper classes through consumption-based taxation (i.e., luxury goods taxes, real estate taxes).  Implement an income tax “surcharge” on incomes over a certain level, say $3 million.  Raise and lock the Social Security tax cap to cover 90 percent of all workers.  Reform and lower corporate taxes as a way to discourage outsourcing.  
Healthcare: Repeal Obamacare.  Implement malpractice reform and allow insurers  to compete across state lines in order to decrease premiums.    
Trade: Support free trade as way to bring down prices for consumers.  Trade to correct American trade deficit by encouraging American producers to export, especially in the agriculture sector.  
Embargo: Use embargoes and sanctions as way to exert diplomatic pressure.  
Pork: Overwhelmingly supportive.  Use “pork-barrel” projects as ways to promote local economic development.    
Subsidies: Opposed to changes in the Federal Crop Insurance Program; generously subsidize struggling industries.  
Military: Maintain current military funding levels, but shift more money into R&D and away from traditional ground forces.  Make more use of military contractors as a way to allow for funds to go further.    

Foreign Policy

War: Maintain a constant state of military readiness, and be willing to go to war whenever and wherever American interests are at stake.  Do not be afraid to go to war unilaterally.  Use reputation as a military juggernaut as a way to exert diplomatic pressure.  
Israel-Palestine: Generally supportive of a two-state solution, but it most likely will have to occur on Israeli terms in order to be successful.  Increase support for Israel as it is the only secular democracy in the Middle East.  Call for an end to new settlements, but maintain that those living in settlements have a solely civilian status.  
Draft:  Status-quo.
UN: Use status as the UN’s largest financial contributor to encourage the organization into changing its role in a new, global environment.  Shift focus away from security issues and to humanitarian issues.  Use the UN as a global forum in which member nations may organize international relief efforts and financial aid.  Work through other international organizations (namely NATO) to deal with threats to international security.    
Nukes: Maintain American nuclear arsenal.  Expand the “nuclear club” to more U.S. allies such as Canada, Australia and Germany.  
Foreign Aid: Increase levels of foreign aid as a way to increase American presence and influence in the developing world.  
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