A self-described Libertarian/Jeffersonian Democrat, Frank Gonzalez is running for Congress in Florida. And he's not the only one. Peter Ashdown is making a brave run for Senate at the "invincible" Orrin Hatch in blood red Utah. Pete is actually using Wiki to get constituents to participate in his platform.
http://www.peteashdown.org/ (see Wiki Collaberation at top)
Gonzalez here: http://www.dfalink.com/...
This is yet more evidence of a promising fusion that can be had between small "L" libertarians and liberals.
From Gonzalez's DFA page:
"I am a philosophically libertarian/Jeffersonian Democrat who already has the support of the Democratic Freedom Caucus (http://www.progress.org/...) and I share considerable ideological congruency with Terry Michael, former DNC press secretary, who has strongly advised a return to the Democratic Party's Jeffersonian roots."
on economic policy: (his election reform ideas are great too)
"As for fiscal responsibility, I favor forcing the federal government to work within its already bloated means and ENDING ALL CORPORATE WELFARE AND PORK BARREL PROJECTS, NO EXCEPTIONS. We have more than enough money for immediate needs, but our priorities are horribly out of order. We can make government smaller and still meet these immediate needs. Another great place to slash is by shrinking the military by 75% and still having the best national defense in the world, while redirecting these savings to funding promises made long ago to ensure safe retirements for our seniors."
From Pete Ashdown on taxation:
"I propose what The Economist calls the "true" flat-tax, one that carries no exemptions, deductions, or loopholes. This is described in detail on the Wikipedia entry for "Flat-Tax"
In essence, if you have a "true" flat-tax, there is no need for individual collection or refunds on salaried wage earners. Instead, businesses send checks to the IRS for a percentage of all salaried wages, income, and dividends. The simplification of the IRS could then turn resources to enforcement. We have all heard the stories of off-shore bank accounts for businesses operating in the U.S. along with corporations and CEOs who evade taxation with a variety of tricks and loopholes. With our federal tax system simplified greatly, we could then write and enforce rules for businesses that desire to operate in America that are fair to the rest of the public.
...I will focus my efforts once elected on not only loopholes but tax-credit give-aways to extremely profitable entities. In addition, businesses whose sole business model subsists off federal tax-credits would also be under the microscope. I built and continue to run a business in a very competitive field with absolutely no government assistance. If a business is unable to turn a profit under their current model, government support requires great justification, especially in a time when so many local programs are being starved."
These two guys are bridging the gap in sensible ways. The GOP has fooled people long enough with its "pragmatic limited and efficient government" label. They love using the government to empower wealthy interests. A more free and fair approach with no special treatment or corporate welfare will have mass appeal. It's high time the Dems took this example and went after the GOP's paper-thin facade of strength and exposed for what it is: government sponsored corporatism.
Our Jeffersonian roots are calling! If you appreciate their agenda, let Feingold, our highest ranking "libertarian-ISH Dem", know here: http://www.progressivepatriotsfund.com/...
These are Feingold's (and my) kinda Dems. Senator Wyden is yet another kindred soul. We need more of them!