Journal JWSmythe's Journal: 2012 Presidential Bid 5
I thought this was worthy for cross posting to my journal.
For the 2012 election, the answer is easy.
Write in JWSmythe!
I promise restoration of the rights of all people, as protected by the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
I promise transparency in our government, and open public audit of all government projects.
I promise revocation of the Income Tax (25% of your income for most citizens), to be replaced by a 2% sales tax. This effectively gives a 23% raise to all working citizens.
I promise increase in tariffs on foreign goods to be no less than 2% of the retail value, to encourage growth in the industrial sectors of America.
I promise immediate closure of all tax "loop holes" to ensure all "big money" corporations pay in their fair share.
I promise yearly "dividend" payments to the citizens of the United States on any excess tax paid by the citizens and profit from foreign tariffs.
I promise health care in the form of open access doctors and hospitals to be no less than 25% of the total medical service field (at least 25% of doctors will be free for the citizens). You may still purchase insurance, and doctors may still provide special expert service, but for those who can't afford it, free services are available, and more positions will be available for both new and skilled doctors.
I promise open borders, reducing the lengthy and confusing immigration/emigration procedures. Diverse and contridactory policies exist now, including Canadians who are welcome across the friendly open borders, but Mexicans who are frequently detained, arrested, or left to die in military style borders and checkpoints. This will reduce operational costs for enforcement agencies by billions yearly.
I promise retiring the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration, returning their duties to the appropriate intelligence agencies. This removes over $55 billion in yearly government expenses that are simply not necessary.
And oddly enough, I'm dead serious. I'm not a billionaire, so I cannot afford the campaign. The estimated cost for the 2008 Presidential election was $1.6 billion per candidate. Neither established party back me. I would hurt their corporate interests.
And yes, I am an American born citizen. I have traveled to the majority of US states, and both bordering nations. I don't know everything, but I know people who I can trust who are experts in their fields. No individual can run the country properly, but a good team will return the United States to it's prior reputation of the nation all others want to emulate, rather than the most powerful and embarrassing nation in the world.
Re: (Score:2)
Unfortunately, projects like that can't work unless one of two things happens.
1) Political leaders give their control to the people.
2) Revolution.
The first simply isn't going to happen. Not only do the leaders have lots invested, but their financial supporters would never allow it. Company X invested millions. That's a big investment that they aren't willing to let go to just anyone.
The second is much less that desirable. A revol
moo (Score:3)
To quote the Simpsons Baseball episode:
Homer, "Are you better than me?"
Strawberry, "I don't know you, but yes."
I don't know how you would vote but being a /. member you will probably be better than the other candidates.
Of course you have to be old enough.
I won't make it by 2012.
How do some of these work? (Score:2)
I like some of your ideas, others I don't think are workable.
I promise restoration of the rights of all people, as protected by the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
I promise transparency in our government, and open public audit of all government projects.
Excellent!
I promise revocation of the Income Tax (25% of your income for most citizens), to be replaced by a 2% sales tax. This effectively gives a 23% raise to all working citizens.
Read about the Gilt Age in America. Prior to income tax the money could really get concentrated in a few hands. The Vanderbilts and Astors are good examples. The super rich made money faster than they spent it and it increased the divide between rich and poor.
Also of concern is how this would affect our national debt and payment for other projects (such as health care below).
I promise increase in tariffs on foreign goods to be no less than 2% of the retail value, to encourage growth in the industrial sectors of America.
I promise immediate closure of all tax "loop holes" to ensure all "big money" corporations pay in their fair share.
Many big money corporations already move money overseas. Ir
Re: (Score:2)
I'll try to address your questions in order.
Right now, those in higher income ranges take advantage of numerous tax loopholes including those with income tax. Much of their cash is put into or processed through various shelters including off-shore accounts. Special provisions for those with money to hire lobbyists are in the tax codes specifically to allow such things to happen. Rather than removing those holes, they are allowed to continue. Additionally at local levels, la