Wes Mantooth

Do you agree with Barack Obama and the Democrats that taxes should be raised for the sake of "fairness" regardless of the negative impact it is likely to have on the economy?
For simply the sake of fairness regardless of the outcome? No. However if it can be shown to be helpful to the economy and the hike isn't too high they yes.

Do you believe the federal government has gone too far in bailing out failing banks, insurance companies and the auto industry
Not sure in this case. I believe the market place should be allowed succeed or fail on its own accord, if a business fails it allows another to move in and take its place. I do believe that in rare instances (extreme emergencies) that bail outs should be an option but only in the rarest of circumstances as a safety net. Regardless I'm not sure if enough time has passed to tell us weather or not the bail out was a good idea.

Do you support amnesty for illegal immigrants
The realist in me says that with such sheer numbers of illegal immigrants running around and the ease with which they can enter the country it might be the only way to handle the problem. At least they would be in the system paying taxes and such. However such a large influx of new citizens has potential to wreck havoc on the current system and besides I'm not sure its right to reward illegal actions. I don't know their isn't an easy answer here.

Should English be the official language of the United States
No. Why do we Americans have such a difficult time speaking a second language anyway?

Are you in favor of granting retroactive Social Security eligibility to illegal immigrants who gain U.S. citizenship through an amnesty program
No. Not unless that same right is granted to people who come here legally as well (is it?). Again I don't believe in rewarding bad behavior.

Are you in favor of the expanded welfare benefits and unlimited eligibility (no time, education, or work requirements) that Democrats in Congress are pushing to pass?
No and is anyone really suggesting this? If true then no it would be ridiculous.

Do you believe that Barack Obama's nominees for federal courts should be immediately and unquestionably approved for their lifetime appointments by the U.S. Senate?
No, again is anybody suggesting this?

Do you believe that the best way to increase the quality and effectiveness of public education in the U.S. is to rapidly expand federal funding while eliminating performance standards and accountability?
Yes I do. I'm so sick and tired of our education system getting the short end of the stick as though its an after thought with no importance. Anyway I feel its unfair to penalize a child born in a district with a badly run school system because of a set of arbitrary standards. That child deserves the same funding as any other.

Do you support the creation of a national health insurance plan that would be administered by bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.?
Way to make it sound appealing GOP. No I'm not convinced its the best system for us considering the way the govt is currently run. In theory I love it, in reality I'm not sure it would work.

Do you believe that the quality and availability of health care will increase if the federal government dictates pricing to doctors and hospitals?
Yes GOP everything is either good or bad isn't? My answer really depends on the why and how much. The cost of health care in this country is ridiculous, dictating certain fair price ceilings (IE not allowing doctors and hospitals to gouge patients) might be effective and relieve some of the burden. However its an area we must tread very lightly so as not to effect the quality of care...prices need to be fair and somebody needs to insure they are.

Are you confident that new medicines and medical treatments will continue to be developed if the federal government controls prescription drug prices and sets profit margins for research and pharmaceutical companies?
Meh these questions are getting a little silly now. Again it depends on the how and why, allowing room for profit while not allowing prices to spiral out of control could benefit both sides but it has to be done properly.

Are you in favor of creating a government-funded "Citizen Volunteer Corps" that would pay young people to do work now done by churches and charities, earning Corps Members the same pay and benefits given to military veterans?
Absolutely, what a great way to invest in the future of your country. Allowing young people fresh out of high school who are undecided on college to go off and learn, be productive and provide a valuable service is a great idea...in theory.

Are you in favor of reinstituting the military draft, as Democrats in Congress have proposed?
No. I can see certain instances where a draft could be necessary but I'm not convinced an influx of recruits with no real desire to serve in the military is the best way to go.

Do you believe the federal government should allow the unionization of Department of Homeland Security employees who serve in positions critical to the safety and security of our nation?
I guess...although I would hope their is a backup plan should a strike occur.

Do you support Democrat's drive to eliminate workers' right to a private ballot when considering unionization of their place of employment?
Yup keep right on misleading the flock GOP...


Dumb survey. These are complex issues and to break them down to slanted, badly worded yes or no questions is absurd. I guess it gives us a nice glimpse of the thought process behind the GOP though. Its things like this that make me happy I registered as an independent.

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