[Lions-l] Newt's 11 campaign issues

[MOmelanuk at aol.com]

Hi Jackie -
 
I wrote a reply to your note, then my 'puter crashed and I lost it before  
sending. Maybe just as well, but I still feel a need, so here I go again. As a  
very disappointed Republican, I would appreciate your passing these  thoughts 
on to Newt:
 
Before worrying about the platform, let's decide to get some honest,  
competent, open minded, intelligent candidates. I was forced to vote for several  
Democrats in the last election because the Illinois Republican field was beyond  
dismal. I will not vote for a hack, a crook, or an idiot regardless of  party. 
 Right now, the governor's race is divided between a hack and a  slime ball 
so, I may have to abstain from voting for governor.
 
I am very concerned that election finance reform is not on the list.  It sure 
hasn't been fixed.
 
My thoughts on Newt's agenda points --------

Make English the Official Language of Government. This is  certainly not 
important enough to be the number one issue on the agenda. On the  other hand, I 
do not think there should be an entitlement at taxpayer expense to  provide 
forms, communication, or education in any other language. 
Control the Borders. Are we talking infiltration of  terrorists, or 
controlling illegal immigration? They are not the same thing.  Illegal immigration is 
high on my list, but neither party has offered anything  resembling a viable 
program to address it. As long as people will feed, house,  and employ illegal 
aliens, they will come. More so, as long as there is an  entitlement mentality 
that thinks - "I'm here, so I should be able to  stay." My experience is that 
people who break the law or rules will  continue to do so. This is especially 
true when they feel that "they must in  order to provide for their family." 
Why should they have precedence over people  who abide by our laws? 
Keep God in the Pledge. I remember the pledge before  Dwight Eisenhower added 
"under God." and I gladly say it now with those words.  But I am very 
uncomfortable that folks who believe and worship differently would  have to say them 
in order to affirm loyalty to the Flag and this nation.  I  don't see a 
solution to this one. May I add that I find it a much more  important and disturbing 
issue that GWB uses his personal religious beliefs, to  block stem cell 
research. 
 
I find it interesting that whenever a party dislikes a Supreme Court  ruling, 
that is the time they claim the court is writing law, never when they  agree 
with the ruling.    
Require a Voter ID Card. I don't think this will solve  much. If we can't 
keep social security numbers from being misused, what make us  think we can do 
better with an ID card? And how would this help in local  elections?. 
Repeal the Death Tax, for Good. Good idea, but lets fund  it by making it 
very hard for hidden pork barrel legislation. And where is the  push to help with 
retirement? Is Social Security secure? With more and more  companies ending 
defined benefit retirement plans, is it right to  tax Social Security Benefits? 
Restore Property Rights. Important, but not  overwhelmingly so at the 
national level. The court decision specified  that states could specify tighter 
standards, and many are doing so. I think  this one is better resolved at the state 
level.
Achieve Sustainable Energy Independence. I agree as  long as this is not a 
code for raping and pillaging our national parks and  forests or for helping 
Congressional contributors by funding questionable  technologies (like ethanol). 
Control Spending and Balance the Budget. How  can I disagree with this goal? 
But Newt, if it is that important, why the  heck hasn't the current majority 
party done it? Both parties are guilty of  this neglect, but why would I 
believe the Republicans would do this next year if  they haven't this year?. 
Tie Education Funding to Teacher Accountability. A worthy  goal, and of high 
priority. There are many schools burdened with incompetent  teachers and 
administrators, but in addition, there is a gross lack of  funding for 
infrastructure and operations. I am very concerned by unfunded  federal mandates, no 
matter how worthy the goal. I am equally concerned about  mandates that have 
punitive action as a sole motivator.
Defend America From the Irreconcilable Wing of Islam.  Terrorism is bad. Yep. 
So is the loss of personal freedoms because bureaucrats  overreach. And 
golly, gee, we need LOTS more congressional hearings so a bunch  of egotistical 
posturers can point fingers like they did at the 911  commission hearings. 
 
I personally don't think GWB et al deliberately lied about WMD etc in Iran.  
But I do think he misread the intelligence provided, wore rose colored  
glasses about the aftermath, and failed our troops and the Iraqis in the  planning 
and preparation needed to protect them and ensure peace. And, to date,  the 
administration hasn't demonstrated that they are getting any better at  it. 
 
I'm not saying pull out, but I'd like to see a better level of competence -  
assuming its not too late. Rumsfield is a distraction and no longer an  asset 
(if he ever was one.)
Focus on Iran and North Korea.  I agree with the  goals. I do not see 
evidence that the current administration has the competence  to achieve very much 
except alienation. 
 
Thanks for providing for some stimulating thinking,
 
Mike 
 
 
 
 
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