There is a link going around and about which at least two Kossacks have written diaries. It's the WQAD "Select a Candidate 2008 Quiz" and it's built around the current pool of Republican and Democratic candidates.
What I don't like about this quiz is that it only gives you the choices collected from the stances of these candidates. What I would like is to see other choices so that I can see who doesn't hold the same opinion I have, versus having to pick the opinion that most closely matches mine.
So, over the fold is the list of questions (underlined). I will list my position in bold italics where I've added the choice when mine did not exist or when I felt I needed to elaborate on too vague of an offered answer.
Iraq: What is your opinion on the war in Iraq?
We need to draw down troops and re-deploy to friendlier nations in the region until we see how things pan out in Iraq. We stay in a strategic position to step in if things get anything like Darfur and/or if Iran starts to intervene excessively. But, we get out and attempt to stay out unless/until the Iraqi government asks us to step back in.
Immigration: What is your position on immigration in the United States?
Firstly, no amnesty whatsoever. That's for letting the current employers of illegal aliens off the hook. Those companies will be identified and prosecuted. Second, if you're here illegally, you've got to leave. Either go on your own, or you will be found once we have our troops home and they're put to use in helping to locate the illegal aliens in our country. Want to come to America? Then do like all other law abiding people and get in line. Finally, address the issue of "birthright citizenship", as the 14th Amendment of our Constitution is taken horribly out of context. You are NOT automatically a citizen of the United States just because you mother was on our soil when she delivered you. There have to be other legal gates that also must be met for that amendment to apply to you (e.g.: your mother is here on a visa en-route to becoming a citizen, as one example).
Taxes: Do you believe the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts should be made permanent?
No
To be more clear on this, the tax cuts that went to the wealthiest people in the country and to large corporations should be revoked.
Stem-Cell Research: Should federal funding of embryonic stem cell research be expanded?
Yes
To be more clear on this, stem cells headed for the incinerator should be most definitely be available for use in research in trying to find cures for ALS, MS, Alzheimer's, etc.
Health Care: Do you favor or oppose the concept of universal health care in America?
Favor
To be more clear on this, I don't believe we can set up a "universal health care system" from the get-go. We need to address this in stages and start with the creation of some sort of subsidized/free health care to those who absolutely cannot afford their own insurance. Once we get the neediest of Americans sorted out, we figure out how to give some sort of health care benefit to those who are paying into the care for those who aren't paying at all. It must be done in stages, though.
Abortion: Do you favor or oppose legalized abortion in the United States?
Favor
To be more clear on this, given only two choices, I would favor legalized abortion. But, make no mistake, I am against abortions, but I am exponentially more against any man telling any woman what she can do with her body. So, if this ever comes to a vote, no American without a uterus should have the right to vote on this issue. If your religion is the compelling issue behind opposing abortion, get your flock in order before proselytizing to others outside your congregation. If you're just morally against abortion, help find a way to educate people about contraceptives and adoption.
Social Security: Do you favor the concept of privatization of Social Security to any degree?
No
To be more clear on this, this tiny portion of money we take now is to give back a tiny portion of your "government savings" once you retire. There would be so many w/o any money at retirement if they weren't forced to pay into Social Security, for reasons ranging from a lack of good planning to being taken advantage of in a fake investment and everything in between. If you think a universal health care system is too "socialist", wait 'til you have exponentially more retirees w/o any money to their names!
Line-Item Veto: Do you favor or oppose giving the president a "line-item" veto; that is, the ability to remove parts of a spending bill without needing to veto the entire bill?
Oppose
To be more clear on this, I'm for an open & honest government that exposes the pork in the bills presented to the president. If you want to stop the pork, make all of the information readily available in real-time. And, one better, with the technology we have for on-line/over-the-phone secure transactions, start making these things a referendum (where everyone in the country of voting age gets to vote). The day and age of two senators per state is way behind us. Let's grow up and into the 21st century, for pete's sake.
Energy: Do you support federal assistance for the production of ethanol and/or biofuel as an alternative to oil?
Yes Conditionally
To be more clear on this, I do NOT support the production of ethanol a/o biofuel from corn or any other food products. Look to switchgrass, but do NOT use corn as it's hiking up the price of our food products and cattle feed (thus, beef prices). Read the October 2007 edition of National Geographic on this very topic.
Marriage: Do you favor or oppose a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman?
Oppose
To be more clear on this, grow up! There are gay people amongst us. They are human, they are citizens and they have relationships. Those who seek long-term, ever-lasting relationships should be permitted to do so. Don't we have other more important issues with which to deal?
Death Penalty: Do you favor or oppose the use of the death penalty for certain crimes?
Favor
To be more clear on this, the key word is certain. If/when there is a killer - like the DC Sniper or others like him - who are out-and-out known to be cold-blooded murderers, why should we spend more money on them staying alive & in mandatory captivity than spending on children w/o health care who are captive in their debilitation?
Wow, that was cathartic. Speaking in clear, full sentences, as opposed to sound bites. Sound bite politics are dividing this country to death!
Vote for a change.
Vote, for a change!
You know where to find me:
www.LogicalParty.org