Mark West
Reforming American philosophy
By Mark West
What do Americans believe in? What drives them in their daily lives? Whether you realize it or not, your life is driven by an underlying philosophy. From the way you dress to how you sleep your life is compelled by the philosophy you believe in. Understanding this truth will help us put another issue of this presidential election into a clearer focus.
I want to deal with the issue of purpose...government purpose. Government was designated as the securer of our rights and liberties both foreign and domestic in our nation's founding documents. Over time, philosophies have divided upon how our government could best fulfill this purpose. At times, differences of opinion on this have been given special light due to the circumstances that have gripped our nation during its existence.
Today we shine a special light on aspects of our government and nation we see a deepening needs for philosophical reformation. When philosophies collide nations divide, and our nation is reeling from a division of philosophy that eats at the roots of our republic. How should government function in fulfilling its purpose in our nation and how exactly is that purpose defined?
Economic issues seem to be at the heart of this election. I do want to note that two major philosophies exist on the economy and they are on display in the two major parties if one is willing to carefully examine what is being said. Summary of these is simple and I hope that I don't put it so simply that I loose you. Do you believe that individuals drive the economy or that government drives the economy? This statement encapsulates a complex issue into simple terms that all patriotic Americans can understand. Understanding issues in this manner helps us see the clear differences in the candidates on the issues.
Corporations are always a major issue. One side villanizes corporations while the other realizes their importance in the economy. Where would our economy be with corporations and big businesses? Believing corporations and big businesses are important to the economy doesn't mean that you believe they are doing everything properly.
Free trade is also another major issue. We hear a lot about outsourcing and so little about insourcing. Did you know that our nation insources far more jobs than it outsourcing? Did you know that outsourcing has resulted in the loss of less than 1% of the jobs lost in our nation? One major event created the atmosphere in which so many jobs were lost: the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. One of the biggest hits was absorbed by the airline industry.
Taxes will also have an impact on this election. Whose money is it, yours or the government's? The American tax code needs drastically reformed so that the average American patriot can understand it. Some pay 10% of their income in taxes while others play close to 50%. A statistic that I saw that was startling was that 50% of American taxpayers foot 96% of the tax bill, the other 50% pick up the remaining 4% of the burden. Do you believe such a difference in taxes is fair?
How important is the environment? Is global warming a reality or a red herring? How can we power the planet for years into the future without polluting our skies?
Can the public campaign really be reformed? Should such be limited to donations from only private citizens? Would such really limit corporate and special interest millions from getting to the candidates? I do believe that opening up the debates to third party candidates who are on the ballot in enough states to win the election is a good idea. Making debates about issues rather than about slams would be of great benefit to the American people. We need to know full well where the candidates stand on issues as opposed to the vague responses we get in current protectionist debates. I believe having two debates, one of foreign policy and one on domestic policy, without time limits and including third party candidates would bring actual issues, policies, philosophies and plans to the forefront of the elections as opposed to general and vague responses intended to incite a reaction or television sound bite.
I've asked a lot of questions because I am a different sort of pundit. I believe that American patriots are at their best when they are thinking about the issues rather than reacting to fancy rhetoric. I hope that as you have read these questions you have taken a moment to think about two things: What you believe and why you believe it! What good is knowing what you believe if you are unable to give a good reason for believing it?
Another misnomer of our society is that faith and reason cannot co-exist but that rather they must be set at diametrical odds with one another. I believe that faith and reason can commingle and really give one a balanced construct through which to confront the issues we face.
Where do I stand?
I believe that individuals drive the economy and that it is the government's responsibility to leave the channels of economic endeavor open. We need a balanced budget. We need free trade. We need a flat and fair income tax.
Where the candidates stand?
President George W. Bush (Republican Party) believes that the economy is strong when the government is out of the way and individuals are empowered to make the economy work. Government has a responsibility to protect the economy from corruption and illegal activity by those in power. Environmental care is important but should be done after enough research is done to prove what the right method is. Drilling in the ANWR would help provide our fuel needs while we encourage research through tax incentives in hydrogen power. I give President Bush an A (11 points).
Senator John F. Kerry (Democrat Party) believes that economic health lies in the hands of the government. Government is to protect the oppressed masses from corporate oppression. No drilling in ANWR but should be funding research for alternative fuel sources. I give Senator Kerry a D+ (3 points).
Michael Badnarik (Libertarian Party) believes that cutting government control will creates jobs in the economy. Wants to eliminate incumbent protection. I give Badnarik an A (11 points).
Michael Peroutka (Constitution Party) believes that the economy should be left alone by the government. Government should step in to protect individual rights but shouldn't stifle the economy through over regulation. Eliminate incumbent protection. I give Peroutka an A (11 points).
David Cobb (Green Party) believes that the economy will be helped by increasing taxes on the wealthy. I give Cobb a D+ (2 points).
Ralph Nader (Independent/Reform Party) believes that focusing on corporate and big business taxation will help individuals. Seeks major campaign reform. I give Nader a B (8 points).
After 5 issues: President Bush (Republican Party) 51 points, Michael Peroutka (Constitution Party) 49 points, Michael Badnarik (Libertarian Party) 40 points, Senator John F. Kerry (Democrat Party) 13 points, Ralph Nader (Independent/Reform Party) 12 points, David Cobb (Green Party) 8 points.
© Mark West
What do Americans believe in? What drives them in their daily lives? Whether you realize it or not, your life is driven by an underlying philosophy. From the way you dress to how you sleep your life is compelled by the philosophy you believe in. Understanding this truth will help us put another issue of this presidential election into a clearer focus.
I want to deal with the issue of purpose...government purpose. Government was designated as the securer of our rights and liberties both foreign and domestic in our nation's founding documents. Over time, philosophies have divided upon how our government could best fulfill this purpose. At times, differences of opinion on this have been given special light due to the circumstances that have gripped our nation during its existence.
Today we shine a special light on aspects of our government and nation we see a deepening needs for philosophical reformation. When philosophies collide nations divide, and our nation is reeling from a division of philosophy that eats at the roots of our republic. How should government function in fulfilling its purpose in our nation and how exactly is that purpose defined?
Economic issues seem to be at the heart of this election. I do want to note that two major philosophies exist on the economy and they are on display in the two major parties if one is willing to carefully examine what is being said. Summary of these is simple and I hope that I don't put it so simply that I loose you. Do you believe that individuals drive the economy or that government drives the economy? This statement encapsulates a complex issue into simple terms that all patriotic Americans can understand. Understanding issues in this manner helps us see the clear differences in the candidates on the issues.
Corporations are always a major issue. One side villanizes corporations while the other realizes their importance in the economy. Where would our economy be with corporations and big businesses? Believing corporations and big businesses are important to the economy doesn't mean that you believe they are doing everything properly.
Free trade is also another major issue. We hear a lot about outsourcing and so little about insourcing. Did you know that our nation insources far more jobs than it outsourcing? Did you know that outsourcing has resulted in the loss of less than 1% of the jobs lost in our nation? One major event created the atmosphere in which so many jobs were lost: the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. One of the biggest hits was absorbed by the airline industry.
Taxes will also have an impact on this election. Whose money is it, yours or the government's? The American tax code needs drastically reformed so that the average American patriot can understand it. Some pay 10% of their income in taxes while others play close to 50%. A statistic that I saw that was startling was that 50% of American taxpayers foot 96% of the tax bill, the other 50% pick up the remaining 4% of the burden. Do you believe such a difference in taxes is fair?
How important is the environment? Is global warming a reality or a red herring? How can we power the planet for years into the future without polluting our skies?
Can the public campaign really be reformed? Should such be limited to donations from only private citizens? Would such really limit corporate and special interest millions from getting to the candidates? I do believe that opening up the debates to third party candidates who are on the ballot in enough states to win the election is a good idea. Making debates about issues rather than about slams would be of great benefit to the American people. We need to know full well where the candidates stand on issues as opposed to the vague responses we get in current protectionist debates. I believe having two debates, one of foreign policy and one on domestic policy, without time limits and including third party candidates would bring actual issues, policies, philosophies and plans to the forefront of the elections as opposed to general and vague responses intended to incite a reaction or television sound bite.
I've asked a lot of questions because I am a different sort of pundit. I believe that American patriots are at their best when they are thinking about the issues rather than reacting to fancy rhetoric. I hope that as you have read these questions you have taken a moment to think about two things: What you believe and why you believe it! What good is knowing what you believe if you are unable to give a good reason for believing it?
Another misnomer of our society is that faith and reason cannot co-exist but that rather they must be set at diametrical odds with one another. I believe that faith and reason can commingle and really give one a balanced construct through which to confront the issues we face.
Where do I stand?
I believe that individuals drive the economy and that it is the government's responsibility to leave the channels of economic endeavor open. We need a balanced budget. We need free trade. We need a flat and fair income tax.
Where the candidates stand?
President George W. Bush (Republican Party) believes that the economy is strong when the government is out of the way and individuals are empowered to make the economy work. Government has a responsibility to protect the economy from corruption and illegal activity by those in power. Environmental care is important but should be done after enough research is done to prove what the right method is. Drilling in the ANWR would help provide our fuel needs while we encourage research through tax incentives in hydrogen power. I give President Bush an A (11 points).
Senator John F. Kerry (Democrat Party) believes that economic health lies in the hands of the government. Government is to protect the oppressed masses from corporate oppression. No drilling in ANWR but should be funding research for alternative fuel sources. I give Senator Kerry a D+ (3 points).
Michael Badnarik (Libertarian Party) believes that cutting government control will creates jobs in the economy. Wants to eliminate incumbent protection. I give Badnarik an A (11 points).
Michael Peroutka (Constitution Party) believes that the economy should be left alone by the government. Government should step in to protect individual rights but shouldn't stifle the economy through over regulation. Eliminate incumbent protection. I give Peroutka an A (11 points).
David Cobb (Green Party) believes that the economy will be helped by increasing taxes on the wealthy. I give Cobb a D+ (2 points).
Ralph Nader (Independent/Reform Party) believes that focusing on corporate and big business taxation will help individuals. Seeks major campaign reform. I give Nader a B (8 points).
After 5 issues: President Bush (Republican Party) 51 points, Michael Peroutka (Constitution Party) 49 points, Michael Badnarik (Libertarian Party) 40 points, Senator John F. Kerry (Democrat Party) 13 points, Ralph Nader (Independent/Reform Party) 12 points, David Cobb (Green Party) 8 points.
© Mark West
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