As everyone is slowing down into the holiday season, I took a few minutes to write what I would like to hear a candidate say as we move towards the 2008 election. Certain positions I would like them to come out and stand up for. As I wrote I came up with more than I expected off the top of my head..For your reading pleasure I listed out 30 such positions. Sorry if the order is a little off.. I was writing as they came to me.
Making is simple - 30 things I would like to see a candidate and up for...
- Adjust the tax code - those who make over $150 thousand and single ($250 thousand and married) are going to pay more.. those who make between $75 and $150 ($125 to $250 married) not much is going to change. those who make under $75 ($125 married) will pay less. those who are at or under the poverty level will pay almost nothing..
- Reform the tax code to allow the cost of college to be deductible and close tax loops holes for big multinational gas or oil companies
3 Increase the payroll tax a small amount over the current level, then nothing and then kick back in for compensation over x amount.. Like 500 thousand or higher.. Some have called this the doughnut hole approach.. Use the extra money to help fund the social security and Medicare short fall.
- Social Security will be available to all working Americans now and in the future with no plan for private accounts.
- Deferred compensation retirement plans money will be taxed more up front and when the money is taken out after retirement. This accounts are usually only for a companies most highly compensated officers and directors.
- We will ensure that companies fulfill their obligations to works and not try to escape pension and medical benefits by going bankrupt.
- Return the tax on dividend or stock income to levels before the Bush tax cut.
- Keep some level of an estate tax.
- Close loop holes allowing (encouraging) big national company to outsource jobs.
- Increase minimum wage and an increase - extra increase to first responder, fire, police EMT.
- Those in the military or a veteran will receive increased benefits and better medical care.
- Change credit card companies or bank rules to limit how they prey on people who have hit a hard time.. Many due to health expenses.. Amending or redoing the bankruptcy bill to limit interest rates, minimal payment amounts and how often you have to make them. make is easier for people to recover from bankruptcy, exception for medical expenses.
- Mining or logging company the price per acre will increase.
- Import cheaper drugs via from Canada and allowing associations to negotiate for cheaper drug cost bought in bulk.
- Defend a women's right to make the final choice and will fight to make sure that choice is made without any pressure or unwanted influence, but we do want to make that occurs less common with a realistic approach of sex Ed and contraception's available and not rely on unrealistic absent program
- Restore the separation between church and state and make this country a welcoming place for all of the words religious and we will ensure that church are not places used to influence any candidate or campaign.
- Defend the Bill of Rights and right of ever person to get a fair trial, see the evidence against them and the right to legal representation.
- End the process of earmarking and make sure each dollar spent will be review, discussed and voted on. Transparent government spending.
- Extreme limits on Lobbyist - on what they can do, what they can give and a increase in what needs to be reported when the deal with members of congress or the individual political parties.
- Signing statements would be no longer allowed as the president will have to uphold and enforce the law they sign and not interpret or ignore them.
- Strongly support a clean environment, implement the Kyoto treaty, raise mpg standards, include SUVs in with cars, fund wind power and other research in energy sources other than coal and oil. Revisit ethanol as a true clean option, is it the best alternative?
- Fully federal spending for stem cell research.
- Increase the spending on education making sure the no child left behind mandate if full funded, put more money in the Pell Grant program and lower interest charged on school loans. Make college loan interest also totally tax deductible.
- Fully fund after school programs so kids have a place to go after school and at night. Keeping them off the street.
- Disallow the head of a reelection committee of any of the major parties to hold a key seat in any one states government. Keep those positions separate and away from any hint of basis or impropriety.
- Reform the Insurance Agency so any child in America under the age of 14 will be covered by the Federal government for their health care cost.
- Keep an open dialogue with the entire world, friends, enemies, competitors and allies. Communication is the key to world peace and understanding.
- Fully fund or share and work with the UN (not against it) to confront the worlds problems and crisis.
- Support equal rights for all people regardless of race, religion, sex or sexual orientation and do whatever can be done to end the hate and intolerance regardless of where it is coming from, even if it is coming form so called religious leaders.