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<DIV>Hi Jackie -</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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:</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I am very concerned that election finance reform is not on the list.
It sure hasn't been fixed.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>My thoughts on Newt's agenda points --------</DIV>
<OL>
<P></P></OL>
<DIV><STRONG>Make English the Official Language of Government.</STRONG> 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. </DIV>
<P></P>
<P></P>
<DIV><STRONG>Control the Borders.</STRONG> 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? </DIV>
<P></P>
<P></P>
<DIV><STRONG>Keep God in the Pledge.</STRONG> 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. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><EM>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</EM>.
<P></P><STRONG>Require a Voter ID Card.</STRONG> 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?. </DIV>
<P></P>
<P></P>
<DIV><STRONG>Repeal the Death Tax, for Good.</STRONG> 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? </DIV>
<P></P>
<P></P>
<DIV><STRONG>Restore Property Rights.</STRONG> 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.</DIV>
<P></P>
<P></P>
<DIV><STRONG>Achieve Sustainable Energy Independence.</STRONG> 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). </DIV>
<P></P>
<P></P>
<DIV><STRONG>Control Spending and Balance the Budget.</STRONG> 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?. </DIV>
<P></P>
<P></P>
<DIV><STRONG>Tie Education Funding to Teacher Accountability.</STRONG> 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.</DIV>
<P></P>
<P></P>
<DIV><STRONG>Defend America From the Irreconcilable Wing of Islam.</STRONG>
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. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>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.)</DIV>
<P></P>
<P></P>
<DIV><STRONG>Focus on Iran and North Korea.</STRONG> I agree with the
goals. I do not see evidence that the current administration has the competence
to achieve very much except alienation. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Thanks for providing for some stimulating thinking,</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Mike </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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