Serious question for conservatives, liberals, and moderates

[Platapus]

This is a serious question and I hope this thread does not get hijacked. If it does, I hope the moderators lock it

Look at this politicians platform. I would sincerely like to read opinions on his platform.

http://www.redpath2010.com/issues.htm

Now it is important to remember that this guy is a politician and that means that he is a cheat and a liar, and when he is not kissing babies, he is stealing their lollipops. (love that movie!)

Let's assume, for the sake of discussion that what he wrote is truly what he feels. What are your opinions on his platform?

[The Third Man]

Like many candidates for congress this man has some ideas with which I agree whole heartedly, others which I might agree if it weren't for the way he frames them, and would undoubtedly endorse, and others which just cannot work.

The real question, as always, do you believe ths man will represent you well.

[Schöneboom]

Ciao Platypus,

It's a good platform for Libertarians, but even Redpath knows it wouldn't survive contact with reality (the 2 dominant parties and general stupidity). In my younger days I believed that political problems could be solved at the political level: i.e., support the right party, vote for the right candidates, push through the right agenda, and things would get better. I don't think it works that way anymore, if it ever did.

Re libertarianism in particular, the principles always sound reasonable on paper, but to implement them, esp. in our current Idiocracy, would result in riots (as in Europe these days), and possibly much worse. Among the things the platform completely sidesteps: leaving things to the "invisible hand" of the free market does not shift the power balance from those who have too much of it to those who have too little of it.

[Platapus]

Ciao Platypus,

It's a good platform for Libertarians, but even Redpath knows it wouldn't survive contact with reality (the 2 dominant parties and general stupidity).


With much sadness, I believe you are most correct. :nope:

[SteamWake]

Well he hit all the conservative talking points.

Popular these days.

[Takeda Shingen]

Briefly on his points:

National Security--Full agreement.

The Economy--Yes on spending cuts.

No on budget cuts to DoT, Energy; our infastructure is in sad shape. We don't need additional spending, but we should not cut what we already have.

No on elimination of Department of Education. The No Child Left Behind act was ineffective. Current spending is ineffective also. Still some form of regulatory agency is needed if and when school reforms are pressed. It is clear that you cannot trust the individual districts to act without oversight. I've been on the inside of the industry, and I don't trust them; too many bad teachers, too many bad administrators.

Free Trade--Full agreement

Social Security--Full agreement

Tax Reform--I've always endorsed the flat tax.

Medicare--Full agreement

Medicare--Full agreement

Illegal Drugs--I actually endorse full legalization. Take the money out of the hands of the cartels and our southern border becomes much less dangerous. Tax the hell out of the stuff and we can lessen some of our burden.

Heath Care--Full agreement

Immigration--Full agreement

Unfortunately since he isn't on Team R or Team D, he'll likely be strangled in the general. Got to love the stagnation of the two-party system in American politics, right? Play to the extremes and forget about reason.

[Bubblehead1980]

I'm going to steal Takeda's format to answer the question in order to save time and agree with him so.

National Security--Agree in some areas but disagree on just pulling out, would shades of the Vietnam withdrawl, shameful and harmful to our country.

The Economy-Yes on spending cuts, low taxes and balancing the budget.



Free Trade- Disagree, "Free Trade" NAFTA etc has hurt our nation.

Social Security--Full agreement, I really like that plan.

Tax Reform--I've always endorsed the flat tax.Actaully I am for repealing the 16th Amendment but I'll settle for Flat Tax.

Medicare--Full agreement


Illegal Drugs-Can't say I am for full legalization at the Federal level, it encourages harmful behavior.I suppose if the states pledged to keep drugs illegal.

Heath Care--Full agreement

Immigration-Agree. Although I would like to see immigration severely restricted since this nation is already crowded and overburndened, we have plenty of people.However, this policy makes sense.