If you had a chance to create a party, what would your platform be?

[Tameamea]

We all are really great at criticizing the actions of our government, their policy and position on certain issues. Too bad we don’t have a chance to really change anything.
Let’s imagine, we created a party with a great chance to get a majority in the House of Representatives. What would its platform be? What changes would it bring?
In order not to be led away, let’s stick to the following issues:
1. International policy: general direction, dos and don’ts
2. Economy: possible ways out, taxation.
3. Education: what needs to be changed?
4. Immigration: any possible solutions to the crisis? Perfect immigration policy?
5. Health care system: how should it look like and function?
Discussion welcome! As well as some explanation of why you think this or that is a good stuff.

 

[as seen on tv]

1 - international - closer alliances with our traditional allies which observe the rule of law and human rights. de emphasize relations with nations which discriminate against women, minority religions, or are serial human rights offenders. cut off aid to nations/groups which are involved in criminal/terrorist activities (palestine, saudi arabia, several latin american and african nations . . . )

2 - economic policy - align corporate taxation rates with europe, to stem the continued exodus of companies and jobs to other nations. propose an amendment that any personal tax increase be passed with a 2/3rds majority in the house and senate, rather than a 1 vote margin. appoint a bipartisan committee to make recommendations on closing redundant military facilities and long term stability of social security, medicare, and other entitlement programs.

3 - education - loss of federal funds for any school district that fails to perform at baseline federal standards (standardized testing for literacy, math, science, and history). closure of the worst public schools, vouchers, and charter schools will continue to be a states rights responsibility

4 - immigration - strict enforcement of the laws regarding identity theft, willful violation of "eligible to work" registers by employers; align H1B visas with technical training of america's own citizens. You get 1 H1B visa for imported labor for every citizen you sponsor for a GED, technical training, or a college degree. anyone wanting amnesty can apply, have their US arrest records vetted, and enter a pathway to legal residency/citizenship depending on their criminal background, irrespective if they entered the country illegally in the past. narcotics trafficking; gun crimes; murder; and grand larceny/bank robbery will be immediate disqualifiers for amnesty, and result in deportation upon apprehension.

5 - healthcare - turn the obamacare system over to the states, with "fixed federal funding" like medicare has. states will be free to fine tune coverage and premiums to meet the needs of their own voters, communities, and their resources/prevailing cost structures. If you are dissatisfied with your state's health options, you are free to move to another state, and comply with ITs laws, just as you would if you disagreed with your state's auto insurance regulations, state income tax, or right to work rules.

you left off: narcotics legalization; domestic espionage/spying on citizens; gun control; environmental initiatives.

 

[freyasman]

I always liked these folks...
http://www.gunsanddopeparty.com/

 

[Zoar]

I always liked these folks...
http://www.gunsanddopeparty.com/

Yup as has been clearly shown here on PJ and around the country: Libertarians are just Republicans who smoke weed.

 

[freyasman]

Yup as has been clearly shown here on PJ and around the country: Libertarians are just Republicans who smoke weed.

I don't smoke weed... I can't find any. You holding?

 

[Colorforms]

We all are really great at criticizing the actions of our government, their policy and position on certain issues. Too bad we don’t have a chance to really change anything.
Let’s imagine, we created a party with a great chance to get a majority in the House of Representatives. What would its platform be? What changes would it bring?
In order not to be led away, let’s stick to the following issues:
1. International policy: general direction, dos and don’ts
2. Economy: possible ways out, taxation.
3. Education: what needs to be changed?
4. Immigration: any possible solutions to the crisis? Perfect immigration policy?
5. Health care system: how should it look like and function?
Discussion welcome! As well as some explanation of why you think this or that is a good stuff.

International policy:

I would only allow trade with countries that met our civil rights criteria democratic countries with good civil rights records. Countries could apply to be a trading partner, but must first adhere to the same civil rights criteria as everyone else. No aid to hostile nations, and a policy of aggression against anyone who attacks our assets overseas.

Economy:

Internally I would start decentralizing power away from the federal government. On one hand, I would downgrade of many of the regulatory agencies to advisory boards, such as the department of education, the food and drug administration, and others. States would have to see to it that guidelines were met. It would only be a federal matter in terms of dealing between states.

I would stop taxing businesses that operated only inside the US. I would tax companies for any outsourced parts bought from countries outside the US. A national sales tax would be implemented on all transactions instead of the current tax system. In that way, economic stimulus would be the only driving factor in how much money the government received, so we would have a vested interest in keeping commerce strong. There would be no federal interference in business affairs except to clear up disputes.

Education:

A national guideline would be established and it would be up to the states to monitor if those guidelines are being met. Other than that, there would be no input into the state run school system. If a state did not adhere to the federal guideline, students could file suit.

Immigration:

Close all borders. Streamline the immigration process. People coming here to work are fast tracked, those who come just to suck off of the system must go into public housing and are given a year to find either work or a sponsor who will care for them. After that they must go back.

Healthcare:

Establish nationally subsidized walk in and urgent care clinics. Use of these clinics is without charge and can be used for regular check-ups and any problems that can be dealt with by an RN. Deals can be made with private businesses to house the clinics so separate buildings aren’t required. After that, insurance can offer policies for emergency and major medical which can be sold across state lines.

 

[middleview]

I don't smoke weed... I can't find any. You holding?

Look up Colorado on a map....

 

[freyasman]

Look up Colorado on a map....

I'm outside of CONUS right now....

 

[connieb]

We all are really great at criticizing the actions of our government, their policy and position on certain issues. Too bad we don’t have a chance to really change anything.
Let’s imagine, we created a party with a great chance to get a majority in the House of Representatives. What would its platform be? What changes would it bring?
In order not to be led away, let’s stick to the following issues:
1. International policy: general direction, dos and don’ts
2. Economy: possible ways out, taxation.
3. Education: what needs to be changed?
4. Immigration: any possible solutions to the crisis? Perfect immigration policy?
5. Health care system: how should it look like and function?
Discussion welcome! As well as some explanation of why you think this or that is a good stuff.

1. - Follow the "walk softly and carry a big stick " idea. No foreign aid. None. No foreign wars. Continue to invest in superior military technology. Increase spending in intelligence, etc os that we can make targeted strkies and attacks and take out key terrorist plots, people, facilities. When the official Gov't of somewhere else starts shit with us - have the strength to wipe them off the map literally - and give them a little taste of it. I like the whole world fearing the US. That works for me. What I don't like though is feelign like we have to settle everyone else's internal conflicts. I don't really give a shit who is killing who on the other side of the globe. really, I do not. I do not endorse any war or military action for trade/financial considerations. If someone would like to invite our participation in their internal conflict, I would consider it provided we are fully reimbursed for our costs.

2. Promote growth by enticing companies back to the US - with credits and benefit packages to relocate here and promote job growth. Require that dollars from the US Gov't are spent ONLY with domestic companies. Period. Even through 5th or 6th tier vendors. In short - our Gov't should ONLY be buying American.

3. - Return Education entirely under the perview of the States. Reward States though for excellence in education with additional funding. I would rather pour money into systems producing superior results than even out the spending so everyone gets mediocre results.

4. Immigration - increase spending on enforcement and processing. There is absoltuely no reason that cases can not be decided in less than a month. All new immigrants shall be held in secure facilities and only released into the general population if they can prove their case. You can not come here unless you can prove that you have sufficient assets that if liquidated would support you for 3 years at 5 times the poverty level or if you will be entirely supported by a relative who meets the same requirement. You must ALSO post a bond -which can be claimed on should you end up costing the country money in the first 5 years of your residency.

Expand a guest worker program. As a return for not bringing their families here - they get to keep all their SS and medicare. Anyone who comes in after being a guest worker - must pay an additional fine of 10% on earned income for the first 10 years. The point is to discourage people from bringin thier fmilies which cost money. I will emply you - but keep your epxenses back in your own country.

Absolutely STIFF enforcement of any law. E-verify mandatory. Immediate and permanent deportation of anyone who attempts to commit ID fraud to obtain work.

5. Healthcare - repeal Obamacare. Eliminate medicaid Open medicare to all but you have to pay in based on your income if you use it. You do not have to use it though, can have private insurance and not pay in extra to medicare. HOWEVER, allow private insurance, allow it to still be a tax free benefit.Private isnurance can still set plans and choose what people it will accept. thus, if you do not have group insurance and have health problems you will likely have to be on medicare. What you pay in will likely be comprable to what you would pay in private insurance if you were middle to upper middle class. In fact, Medicare would have to adjust the scale and or the reimbursement rate to ensure liquidity similar to how private insurance has to.

connie

 

[Colorforms]

1. - Follow the "walk softly and carry a big stick " idea. No foreign aid. None. No foreign wars. Continue to invest in superior military technology. Increase spending in intelligence, etc os that we can make targeted strkies and attacks and take out key terrorist plots, people, facilities. When the official Gov't of somewhere else starts shit with us - have the strength to wipe them off the map literally - and give them a little taste of it. I like the whole world fearing the US. That works for me. What I don't like though is feelign like we have to settle everyone else's internal conflicts. I don't really give a shit who is killing who on the other side of the globe. really, I do not. I do not endorse any war or military action for trade/financial considerations. If someone would like to invite our participation in their internal conflict, I would consider it provided we are fully reimbursed for our costs.

2. Promote growth by enticing companies back to the US - with credits and benefit packages to relocate here and promote job growth. Require that dollars from the US Gov't are spent ONLY with domestic companies. Period. Even through 5th or 6th tier vendors. In short - our Gov't should ONLY be buying American.

3. - Return Education entirely under the perview of the States. Reward States though for excellence in education with additional funding. I would rather pour money into systems producing superior results than even out the spending so everyone gets mediocre results.

4. Immigration - increase spending on enforcement and processing. There is absoltuely no reason that cases can not be decided in less than a month. All new immigrants shall be held in secure facilities and only released into the general population if they can prove their case. You can not come here unless you can prove that you have sufficient assets that if liquidated would support you for 3 years at 5 times the poverty level or if you will be entirely supported by a relative who meets the same requirement. You must ALSO post a bond -which can be claimed on should you end up costing the country money in the first 5 years of your residency.

Expand a guest worker program. As a return for not bringing their families here - they get to keep all their SS and medicare. Anyone who comes in after being a guest worker - must pay an additional fine of 10% on earned income for the first 10 years. The point is to discourage people from bringin thier fmilies which cost money. I will emply you - but keep your epxenses back in your own country.

Absolutely STIFF enforcement of any law. E-verify mandatory. Immediate and permanent deportation of anyone who attempts to commit ID fraud to obtain work.

5. Healthcare - repeal Obamacare. Eliminate medicaid Open medicare to all but you have to pay in based on your income if you use it. You do not have to use it though, can have private insurance and not pay in extra to medicare. HOWEVER, allow private insurance, allow it to still be a tax free benefit.Private isnurance can still set plans and choose what people it will accept. thus, if you do not have group insurance and have health problems you will likely have to be on medicare. What you pay in will likely be comprable to what you would pay in private insurance if you were middle to upper middle class. In fact, Medicare would have to adjust the scale and or the reimbursement rate to ensure liquidity similar to how private insurance has to.

connie

I really like your foreign policy stance. We don't support countries, and if you drag us into your problems, we will end you. Deal only with allies.

One idea I thought about for federal taxes is to just say "screw it" and charge the states rent based on population and land usage. That way you get 50 checks and let the states deal with how they want to come up with it.

 

[middleview]

1 - international - closer alliances with our traditional allies which observe the rule of law and human rights. de emphasize relations with nations which discriminate against women, minority religions, or are serial human rights offenders. cut off aid to nations/groups which are involved in criminal/terrorist activities (palestine, saudi arabia, several latin american and african nations . . . )

2 - economic policy - align corporate taxation rates with europe, to stem the continued exodus of companies and jobs to other nations. propose an amendment that any personal tax increase be passed with a 2/3rds majority in the house and senate, rather than a 1 vote margin. appoint a bipartisan committee to make recommendations on closing redundant military facilities and long term stability of social security, medicare, and other entitlement programs.

3 - education - loss of federal funds for any school district that fails to perform at baseline federal standards (standardized testing for literacy, math, science, and history). closure of the worst public schools, vouchers, and charter schools will continue to be a states rights responsibility

4 - immigration - strict enforcement of the laws regarding identity theft, willful violation of "eligible to work" registers by employers; align H1B visas with technical training of america's own citizens. You get 1 H1B visa for imported labor for every citizen you sponsor for a GED, technical training, or a college degree. anyone wanting amnesty can apply, have their US arrest records vetted, and enter a pathway to legal residency/citizenship depending on their criminal background, irrespective if they entered the country illegally in the past. narcotics trafficking; gun crimes; murder; and grand larceny/bank robbery will be immediate disqualifiers for amnesty, and result in deportation upon apprehension.

5 - healthcare - turn the obamacare system over to the states, with "fixed federal funding" like medicare has. states will be free to fine tune coverage and premiums to meet the needs of their own voters, communities, and their resources/prevailing cost structures. If you are dissatisfied with your state's health options, you are free to move to another state, and comply with ITs laws, just as you would if you disagreed with your state's auto insurance regulations, state income tax, or right to work rules.

you left off: narcotics legalization; domestic espionage/spying on citizens; gun control; environmental initiatives.

The problem with "aligning" our tax rates with other countries is that it isn't just tax rates that enter into it.....you basically have to calculate effective tax rates based on deductions and write offs.

How about if we calculate the effective tax rate of the country the company chooses as their HQ. Then we calculate the difference between what they'd pay in taxes for business in the US and bill them the difference. That way it doesn't matter where they go. They pay the US tax rate for the revenue they accrue from doing business here.

 

[Carlsen]

We all are really great at criticizing the actions of our government, their policy and position on certain issues. Too bad we don’t have a chance to really change anything.
Let’s imagine, we created a party with a great chance to get a majority in the House of Representatives. What would its platform be? What changes would it bring?
In order not to be led away, let’s stick to the following issues:
1. International policy: general direction, dos and don’ts
2. Economy: possible ways out, taxation.
3. Education: what needs to be changed?
4. Immigration: any possible solutions to the crisis? Perfect immigration policy?
5. Health care system: how should it look like and function?
Discussion welcome! As well as some explanation of why you think this or that is a good stuff.

1 - International - I will always keep close relationship to allies. I will not support any nation that support terrorism or that do not recognise human rights

2 - Economic policy - I will meet with large company to find out why they leave USA for other nations. It will be good to keep these companies here in USA to create more jobs and to be better for the economy. When the economy get better then I will cut taxes on people

3 - Education - Keep federal government fund to States but each State have right to choose how to use the money. States they will also have rights to there own standard tests to the schools. There will be no multicultural studies so I will get rid of this.

4 - Immigration - Closed borders and immigrants now in USA will be followed to make sure they obey laws. I do not want in USA what is happening now in EU with open border.

5 - Healthcare - I will not make healthcare nationale like in Sweden. I will have each State decide what system of healthcare is best for it. Federal government fund will be used by the State to do this

.

 

[middleview]

I'm outside of CONUS right now....

Izzat a suburb of Rifle?

 

[JV-12]

We all are really great at criticizing the actions of our government, their policy and position on certain issues. Too bad we don’t have a chance to really change anything.
Let’s imagine, we created a party with a great chance to get a majority in the House of Representatives. What would its platform be? What changes would it bring?
In order not to be led away, let’s stick to the following issues:
1. International policy: general direction, dos and don’ts
2. Economy: possible ways out, taxation.
3. Education: what needs to be changed?
4. Immigration: any possible solutions to the crisis? Perfect immigration policy?
5. Health care system: how should it look like and function?
Discussion welcome! As well as some explanation of why you think this or that is a good stuff.

term limits.

 

[freyasman]

Izzat a suburb of Rifle?

CONtinental US....CONUS.

 

[middleview]

CONtinental US....CONUS.

I was kiddin....

 

[freyasman]

I was kiddin....

I was wondering..... every vet has heard the term "CONUS".

 

[Tameamea]

you left off: narcotics legalization; domestic espionage/spying on citizens; gun control; environmental initiatives.

I just decided to focus on some key issues, but those are hard to chose, for key issues are subjective. These are mine. If you want to share your ideas on other issues - you are more than welcome.

International policy:


I would only allow trade with countries that met our civil rights criteria democratic countries with good civil rights records. Countries could apply to be a trading partner, but must first adhere to the same civil rights criteria as everyone else. No aid to hostile nations, and a policy of aggression against anyone who attacks our assets overseas.

I'm afraid, there might occur certain problems: first of all, business would be opposed to it, money is more important for them than country's policy.

Establish nationally subsidized walk in and urgent care clinics. Use of these clinics is without charge and can be used for regular check-ups and any problems that can be dealt with by an RN. Deals can be made with private businesses to house the clinics so separate buildings aren’t required. After that, insurance can offer policies for emergency and major medical which can be sold across state lines.

This one is good. I think we need a certain balance between not leaving people without any help when they don't have money to pay for it and not making the system completely free for everyone, on a balance of federal/state budget.

1. - Follow the "walk softly and carry a big stick " idea. No foreign aid. None. No foreign wars. Continue to invest in superior military technology. Increase spending in intelligence, etc os that we can make targeted strkies and attacks and take out key terrorist plots, people, facilities. When the official Gov't of somewhere else starts shit with us - have the strength to wipe them off the map literally - and give them a little taste of it. I like the whole world fearing the US. That works for me. What I don't like though is feelign like we have to settle everyone else's internal conflicts. I don't really give a shit who is killing who on the other side of the globe. really, I do not. I do not endorse any war or military action for trade/financial considerations. If someone would like to invite our participation in their internal conflict, I would consider it provided we are fully reimbursed for our costs.

Agree on that completely. It always surprises me: we have incredible intelligence service, but it doesn't work the way it should, preventing the attacks. There might some underlying reasons for not letting them do their job properly.

As for meddling with other countries’ inner affairs… Well, I agree that we should reduce our involvement, but we can’t refrain from it completely – the world is too small.

3. - Return Education entirely under the perview of the States. Reward States though for excellence in education with additional funding. I would rather pour money into systems producing superior results than even out the spending so everyone gets mediocre results. .

But often the results don’t depend on a teacher. There are students that are just not capable of meeting the requirements. Frankly speaking, they are stupid. And teacher can’t do anything about that. It would be unfair to punish schools for such students.