Replies

Terrorism: The perpetrators of terrorism are criminals according to international laws pertaining to the conduct of war. Every nation that claims to uphold international law must act to crush this menace to civilization. That being said, we cannot rely on ANY other nation to do what needs to be done. If they help out, great, and we appreciate it. If not then they can get out of the way or suffer the consequences. Order of priority: those that engage in terrorism against us including accomplices, then those that engage in terror against our allies, then all the rest - we'll set priorities when we get that far. War to the knife without quarter - the survival of our civilization is at stake.

Immigration: LEGAL immigration is not a problem IF you can demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language and of fundamental US law (Read: The Constitution) and pass a background check. Zero tolerance for illegal immigration. I would militarize the borders, even if I had to call up National Guard units for the short term. We have 1.4 million active duty military (or thereabouts) - I don't see why we can't put some of them permanently on the border along with other obvious measures. If all those illegals really want the American dream they should bring their resources with them - establish the Rule of Law and apply for statehood.

Taxes: There is a need for some taxes to pay for those things that the Constitution specifically designates to the federal government, such as the military. There are some things we as a people have CHOSEN to do with tax money. These latter items constitute luxuries, and as such should be the first to go during times of economic stress. Taxes in general are too high, and the tax system is far too complex. I think the tax system should be simplified to the point where anyone with basic math skills could do their own return (with obvious exceptions for unusual or extraordinary situations). Furthermore, our tax money is spent on things that we have no control over. I believe that we should have a direct say in how the bulk of our taxes are spent. This would amount to a tax referendum every year when you fill out your (simple, one page) tax return - just check off the boxes that say where you want your money to go. Say up to 10 boxes each representing 5% of your tax dollars. I like the flat tax and consider it both more fair and realisitcally implementable, but what I think is most fair is a 'head tax' where everybody pays exactly the same amount either in withholdings or through various types of community service. After all, we are all getting the same benefits or at least access to them, (theoretically, anyway). Why shouldn't the price of admission be the same for everyone? I realize a 'head tax' is not feasible, at least for now. Finally, regardless of the form of taxation (progressive, flat, head, any combination) all laws that impose taxes should sunset after, say, 5 years. Then, if there really is a good reason for the tax and if the money is being used well, then they can reintroduce the bill (not extend - introduce a new bill even if it is exactly like the last one), duke it out in the legislature, and get it signed into law. As things stand now, politicians don't have to justify the indefinite duration of a tax, they can micro-tax us to death (impose incremental taxes that people don't really notice), and even if you get rid of the politicians, the next set don't have to do anything about it and the tax doesn't go away.

So, blam, are you going to vote for me in 2004? If so, you had better move to NH by then. In the mean time, I intend to support Republicans since, at least until I get to do something about it, that is the most likely chance of still having a country.