Halx

I'm not sure how my life will change in the 14 years until I am elligible to be the president, but as my views and feelings stand now... I think I could be a great president. Here is my platform. Please ask me more specific questions to fill it out with more flesh. I may require some explanation because I am not a 'politics' guy.. I'm just a leader. Fear not for the possibility of others accepting me for my views, judge my platform only on what you view as the right way to live.

My views are generally liberal, but with an unforgiving social darwinism twist to it all. Let the people live their lives with none but the most animalistically moral of restrictions. Let them also suffer the consequences of their own faults, judgements, and luck. I think foreign policy should be limited to diplomacy and trade, rather than 'peace keeping' which has obviously gotten out of hand.

I would drasticly increase funding in education and technologies. I estimate that a less intimidating foreign policy would increase trade, and the cutbacks on frequently abused worker's comp, welfare and disabilities programs (not ALL of them, just the kind of stuff Matthew Lesko writes about) as well as all the money that used to go into all the illegal things that I will hope to suddenly make legal will free up enough of the budget to fund these endeavors.

Why spend money fighting it when you can legalize it and tax it?

I would work to curb these silly lawsuits that people bring against companies for shit like their coffee being too hot, or slipping on an improperly marked wet spot on the floor. If it was within my power, I'd seriously put an end to it all. Claim your medical fees and get the hell out of the courtroom.

gay marriage? sure. If it pisses people off that it's called marriage, why don't we give it a new name too?

abortion? sure. Let people suffer the judgement of others, but never deny them the right to command their own body.

weed? sure. Just tax it.

prostitution? sure. Do what they do in the netherlands. Socialize it. Tax it and use the taxes to educate the prostitutes about safe sex and educate them about better careers.

I realize that the law of averages allows society to work well. There are always gonna be people who are only good as janitors. No amount of education funding can cure this, but it can ease it up so the poverty rate is lower.

I'm not a fan of partisan politics or lobbyists. I plan to listen to neither.

I dunno what else to add right now.. help me fill out my platform.

__________________
You have found this post informative.
-The Administrator
[Don't Feed The Animals]

World's King

I wanna be your running mate.

__________________
heavy is the head that wears the crown

mml

Hal - on a philosophical level, I agree with you on most of these issues. Political reality, unfortunately, is something completely different. Issues you never knew were issues come flying out of nowhere to blow your plans out of the water.

Where does President Hal (ominous sounding isn't it) stand on global terrorism, particularly when the United States is attacked or a target?

__________________
Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."
-Douglas Adams

Halx

This is why I'm having you guys throw stuff at me, to help me shape my views on everything.

Anyways, I'm all for putting the smackdown on terrorists, but I'd like to think that with a less intimidating foreign policy, we'd be less of a target. In the unfavorable event that we do become a target, then the course of action is simple. Squish 'em.

Would you like anything more specific on that subject?

__________________
You have found this post informative.
-The Administrator
[Don't Feed The Animals]

guthmund

Okay. How about.....?

Taxes? Is there a better way for America to pay for what it does?
Universal healthcare?
Social Security?
Corporate welfare? For that matter, what about corporate tax shelters and them moving jobs out of America?

How will you deal with the terrorists? How can we be less of a target? Is your policy on terrorists offensive (taking it too them) or defensive (strengthening the country)?

With America's ways and means and its designation as the only remaining superpower, isn't it our "role" to play peacekeeper? Isn't it in our best interests to keep the world reasonably in line?

I'm not being an ass, I just want to know. I find it fascinating that a young guy like yourself is even thinking of public office. Why would you want to President?

I'm certainly a big fan of the TFP and genuinely enjoy reading your posts as you seem to have it together. So, hell, maybe a presidential run is in your future.

With the "King" on your ticket, how could you possibly lose?

__________________
No signature. None. Seriously.

mml

"Squish 'em" seems solid, I think I get what you mean. Perhaps you could take a cue from Teddy Roosevelt - "Speak softly and carry a big stick." (no pun intended)

What do we do about health care/insurance?

__________________
Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."
-Douglas Adams

Halx

Taxes will naturally decrease as the economy becomes more self-sufficient as a result of the heightened morale expected. I wont force them down before the economy can take it, though. Seriously, the best thing I can offer to my country is a sense of humor and a genuine optimistic outlook. That's just what I have at the heart.

About social security.. I think the requirements for receiving the benefits of such should be raised to accomodate the more deserving individuals. There are too many people skating along with a free ride. This will help preserve the fund. I have no problem telling middle white trash america to get off their asses and get back to work.

Please tell me about some of today's issues regarding healthcare. I think I can come up with a fairly satisfactory solution.

Regarding the outsourcing issue, a few paths may be taken. First, I'm not a big fan of forced patriotism, but I think requiring companies to clearly state which parts of their company are outsourced and to where would be one step in discouraging it. I also think that some tax cuts could be awarded to corporations who maintain domestic production and support operations. Once again, though, this would be a high-requirement thing. I'm not into giving away money to anyone who squeezes their dick into a loophole.

I think I explained the terrorist thing already. Basicly, by maintaining a non-threatening foreign policy, it makes us less of a target. My goal would be to stabilize the world economy through trade and relations, not by taking sides in wars or completely reformatting an entire government at will. We will be neutral, but you know the US Army will always be at the top of the game. We wont be waving our flag all over the world, but if we're attacked, we'll be sure to put the hurt on.

There is no higher power that determines who gets to be the peacekeeper, anyways. I dont think the USA or anyone is HOLY enough to determine that. I like the concept of the UN and NATO. Let the cousel of nations decide on what to do about other peoples conflicts. We shouldn't be so self-important until we get shit situated at home. After that, the country's superiority should speak for itself. I'm tired of hearing how great the USA is when unemployment is soaring and shit like that.

Why do I want to be president? 1 - I think I can do it and I think I can be one of the best. 2 - It's a personal test. Every man desires power - what he does with his power is the true test of his character. I want to prove myself. 3 - I love my home and my life enough to try to make it better for myself and for others. You can see my intentions with the TFP, to expand human minds and to provide a free place for people to come and enjoy themselves. I want the whole country to be like this. 4 - when all of that comes together, I just wanna make my parents proud.

Also, line up the interns.

__________________
You have found this post informative.
-The Administrator
[Don't Feed The Animals]

tecoyah

I will need to hear your energy policy....before you get my vote, as you intend to spend more on technology, what direction will the country infrastructure be taken?

__________________
Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. - Buddha

Peetster

A key difference between politicians today is a fundamental belief in people. Most Dems feel people are stupid, and the government is in a better position to make decisions that affect their lives. Most Reps feel that people should largely be left to succeed or fail on their own.

What do you think about the mountain of legislation designed to keep them from themselves?

You've already touched on "victimless" or "moral" crimes. I don't disagree with your basic belief, but you'll have a hell of a time selling the idea to middle America.

Taxes are too high, especially for someone like me. I don't think I should be working until June of every year just to pay my tax bill. How would you address this?

Finally, from a philosophical perspective, what should the role of the US be on the world stage? Are we the world's police? Should we be involved in every dispute? Use Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Haiti as examples.

mml

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I just had to say I don't agree with this statement. As a Democrat, who knows lots of Democrats, we don't think people are stupid, nor do most of us believe government should make all our decisions.

End of comment...please continue with this enjoyable thread.

Bill O'Rights

You mentioned that you would drasticly increase funding in education and technologies. Where do you intend to focus that funding? At the national, or at the local level? Will standards be formed and enforced? Would teacher's pay be merit based, or seniority based? Do you support returning the discipline function back to the classroom level? Do you support "Boot Camp" type schools for students demonstrating chronic disciplinary problems? What are your views regarding "Zero Tollerance" policies?

__________________
"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony

"Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus

It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt.

Halx

Ahh some tough ones.

It's hard to weigh energy technologies against consumer technologies, being an avid tech consumer myself, but upon a little deep thinking, I figure that with an upgraded infrastructure and research in a more reliable, less wasteful power source, the consumer development market will feel more secure to expand in more radical ways. It seems logical to me that the development of a more robust energy grid across america and higher-capacity battery systems will indefinately spur the development of new technologies regardless of funding in the consumer market. So, my stance would be to invest in the infrastructure. I mean, it's the 21st century, we should be living in the future all ready.

Peetster, I gotta disagree with your generalization. I completely see your point behind it, but I don't think it's a fair interpretation.

Like I've noted, I want to work towards the ideal American life. As a citizen, I want the government involved in my affairs as little as possible. As a leader, I want my people to run and frolic to their heart's desire. I want to make them responsible for their own actions, as I've all ready gone over. I'm willing to give them the resources necessary to do this BY lowering taxes, but only if the economy grows to the point where it can handle it.

The economy depends on consumer confidence, so I hope that all of my previously stated points and motivations behind each one will contribute to the optimism felt by America.

Like I said as well, don't worry about other people accepting my plans. Just worry about your own stance as it matches up with mine. I feel like I've explained most of what you're asking, too, Peetster. Refer to my previous post for my foreign policy.

Bill, my focus on education will be at the local level. I want to give schools the materials they need to educate their kids in fun, exciting ways. Of course standards will be formed and enforced. I feel there needs to be a new breed of teacher brought into the classroom. There are exciting new ways to teach kids the information they need to know, but it needs to be done by qualified individuals. A good way to ensure that kids get a good education is to give their teachers incentive to produce intelligent kids. The first step is to instruct the teachers themselves about how to deal with children of all types, how to divide their attention and such. The second step would be to reward the teachers based on their results.

Being a psychology freak of sorts, I am inclined to suggest alternative means of education for difficult students than 'boot camp' - there are much better ways to motivate kids to succeed. In the end, I think it mainly comes down to the people who are doing the educating. We need to get some people in the classrooms who are motivated to actually make a positive impact in a kid's life, not just spew out the lesson and return home to their 1 bedroom apartment.

Now, about Zero Tolerance. I don't think it's the most ideal way of keeping kids out of trouble. I obviously support a more personal, individual approach to preventing these issues. This is where the funding for education comes in. With a more fleshed out school experience, I think kids will be less likely to fall astray. After that, the couselors can do the job. Once again, though, the law of averages comes into play and I note that there is no way to completely eliminate the threat of violence and drugs in school. It may be necessary to keep the zero tolerance plan in place for this very reason.

__________________
You have found this post informative.
-The Administrator
[Don't Feed The Animals]

Bill O'Rights

You mentioned maintaining a non-threatening foreign policy. Do you intend to recall our troops stationed overseas, and close all American military bases abroad? If so, you could conceivably cut the U.S. armed forces by over a third. Where would you dedicate the cost savings realized? Would you reinvest that savings back into the military in terms of pay increases, improved living quarters, educational assisance, etc? With the military positioned within our own borders, what do you see as the primary function of a peacetime standing military?

__________________
"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony

"Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus

It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt.

ARTelevision

Yes - since right now and for the forseeable future we live in a world where the following statement applies:

"In the unfavorable event that we do become a target, then the course of action is simple. Squish 'em."

I would have no problem voting for you.

I don't agree with everything you're saying but there is nothing anywhere nearly so important as "squishing" those who are and will be targeting us.

The rest is social engineering-type stuff and that's really a matter of personal preference and political reality. I assume you'd do what it takes to get yourself elected - i.e. making the social-engineering statements that most people want to hear. Once elected, the social stuff is just making promises and allocating some minor funds - notwithstanding many folks notions that important social issues are involved.

IMHO - The only real significant task of a President of the United States is that of Commander in Chief.

__________________
create evolution

Halx

I feel it's important to have military stations around the world, but mainly in closely-allied countries. There are definately some that we can ease up on, but I'd need to really research it to figure which ones.

I feel like you're leading me with your questions a little. Indeed, I had never really considered re-investing the money saved by military reductions back into the defense department, but I think that will be a perk of a smaller army and more money to spend on it and technologies. I definately had my eye on developing high-tech equipment for the 'soldier of tomorrow'

Peacetime military duties should include an increased curriculum of secular education - with a focus on medical proceedures. This will enable our troops to help out in a very needy sector of society - health clinics for the impoverished. This wont be the ONLY function of a military with nothing but time to kill, but I see it as a great way to increase the stock of our veterans. Instead of a mechanic on every block, we can have more doctors.

Art, I think the system of checks and balances is in place to stop an idiotic president from screwing up the country too much. However, put a competent, persuasive and confident president in the chair and you will find that he has much more power than just commanding the army.

Personally, I have no intention of blurting out what people want or expect me to say. If I'm going to acheive something like this, I am going to do so on my own terms, relying on the public's ability to see logic. If I fail, I'll at least have SOME followers who know what it's all about.

__________________
You have found this post informative.
-The Administrator
[Don't Feed The Animals]

ARTelevision

Well yes, but realistically, one has to get oneself actually elected.

I figure politics is about realism and idealism is a part of that. In my mind it is a very very small part - we may differ on that. I can handle our differences and still vote for you because your realism is strong.

__________________
create evolution

Halx

I've got a long ways until the realism starts to really be important. I don't think I am even elligible for any offices besides Mayor. Right now, I am working on how I feel about each individual issue, which is usually what people seem to get elected based upon. The effects of these stances are pure idealism, but humans are a funny bunch. The self-fulfilling prophecy might just be my weapon in the years to come.

__________________
You have found this post informative.
-The Administrator
[Don't Feed The Animals]

fuzyfuzer

about the school thing you do know that the primary funder of the schools are the states that is why the federal education budget is low, we have "state" colleges, and schools are compared state to state what you are proposing would be a dramatic change which i am not saying is a bad idea but it just adds to the responsabilities of the government and change you know is somthing that is extremely complecatied

__________________
"The difference between commiment and involvment is like a ham and egg breakfast the chicken was involved but the pig was commited"

"Thrice happy is the nation that has a glorious history. Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt

Halx

I've never been afraid of doing things differently.

__________________
You have found this post informative.
-The Administrator
[Don't Feed The Animals]

Evil Milkman

Hal(x) and Original King, 2020. I'd vote for you.

Yakk

How would you measure education performance?

What is your position on healthcare?

What is your position on US trade surplus/deficits?

What is your position on nuclear proliferation? What practical actions do you plan?

Should exconvicts be allowed to vote?

What is your position on the two-party system?

What is your position on Free Trade?

Where would you focus federal taxes: consumption, income or wealth?

Should there be any kind of campaign finance reform? What in particular?

Do you have any positions on the World Bank and IMF?

Should the US remain in NATO? Should the US join any other regional mutual self defence organizations?

If American military and economic dominance where in threat from a rising power, would you allow it to happen, or seek to weaken the rising power?

What is your position on Cuba? Taiwan? South Korea? (whlie the issues might not exist in 20 years, equivilent issues might exist)

Are there any powers that the Federal Government currently has that you think should be removed?

What party would you join?

Which beliefs would you be willing to comprimise in order to get the party nomination?

Is it better for 10 criminals to go free than 1 innocent man to be jailed?

__________________
Last edited by JHVH : 10-29-4004 BC at 09:00 PM. Reason: Time for a rest.

Sparhawk

Positions on issues are an important part of my selection of a candidate. But the other side of the coin is the person's qualifications. Are you college-educated? Do you plan to be? What do you plan on doing between now and 2020? Military service? Peace Corps or Americorps? Run a successful business? Public service (say, state assemblyman, congressman, senator)? These are just as important to me, if not more so, than the candidate's positions on various topics.

__________________
"In Iraq, no doubt about it, it's tough. It's hard work. It's incredibly hard. It's - and it's hard work. I understand how hard it is. I get the casualty reports every day. I see on the TV screens how hard it is. But it's necessary work. We're making progress. It is hard work."

yatzr

what is your position on affirmative action?

i like a lot of what you're proposing but sparhawk does have a good point on what else is important besides positions.

__________________
Mechanical Engineers build weapons. Civil Engineers build targets.

mml

This is a very stong point. As a political junkie, I have many friends who have strong, well thought out opinions on the issues of the day, many of them much more insightful than mine. However, (and this is not blowing my own horn) I have been approached about running for office(which I am not going to do) because I have gotten out into the community and done things. What would be your strategy to move yourself towards electability? This is the real bitch about politics, and the reason I will never run.

Nomad

Your a Heathen Halx, I suspect that most of the voters In this country will never vote for an Atheist.

But should you ever run for president, you have my vote.