[random_stuff]

I believe our federal government has become far too large, intrusive, and cumbersome. As such, it needs to be pared down and streamlined considerably. Eliminating from the federal government that which can, should, and would (under my administration) be restored to state level (primarily social spending programs), to exercise at their own will, would greatly reduce the scope and volume of the Federal Government, and allow it to focus on that which is of federal concern. Eliminating fraud, waste, abuse, and duplicity, would reduce federal spending another sizable amount.

According to the Preamble of the Constitution, the federal government will be charged with, and be held responsible and devoted to; establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

My platform is based on two key words in the Preamble, and the difference there-in. "Provide" for the common defense, and "promote" the general welfare. These are far from the same, and yet they are not mutually exclusive either, as one solution can benefit both...

I propose (within the confines of the Constitution):

1) A volunteer, standing and reserve, national military, comprised of the former Air Force, Army, Border Patrol, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, and Navy, to defend our Nation, borders, and our interests abroad. I believe the branches can be folded into one Department, with various units assembled according to use and mission. Basically, a lot of the administration can be centralized and streamlined, while the field units are trained and equipped for their particular tasks. I would include an expansion of the Civilian Marksmanship Program, where individuals are taught the basics, and advanced weapons usage, whether actively involved with the military or not. A subset of this would be a civilian gunsmith program, to teach the understanding, maintenance, design, and construction, of various weapons systems.

2) The continued construction, maintenance, and repair, of intra and interstate transportation infrastructure; roads, bridges, canals, waterways, etc...

3) A uniform, national education program (K - 12), based on learning facts, and how to recognize them, as opposed to the liberal "how does it feel" crap. Students will be taught the basic and advanced principles of reading, writing (communication), math, history, geography, science, economics, technology, art, and hands-on capability (sewing, cooking, construction, mechanics, etc...). There is a right answer, and everything else is wrong. You will learn the difference, and be graded thusly. Parent(s) will be held responsible for the attendance and behavior of their non-adult children.

Since I believe there is a difference between being "taught about", and "indoctrinated in", religion will be taught in public school. As; these are the major and minor religions of the world, and this is the belief set of each. Not that one is necessarily better or worse than the others, just different. It would be permissible, however, to teach that since "this religion" has beliefs that are contradictory to the rest of our laws, it's in conflict with our society. "This religion" isn't necessarily wrong, but since our laws are supreme here in the US, "this religion" will conform to our laws, not the other way around.

The same education principles go for sex ed (age appropriate), and orientations. As; most people believe this, some believe that, etc... Once you are an adult, you can decide for yourself.

Also included would be adult education, similar to a basic tech college, so all who wish to do so, may keep pace with the advance of technology, etc...

4) An available national fitness program, including diet and exercise for all age groups. This would not be mandatory, but instead an open education system to all wishing to learn and improve their own health and well-being. Facilities would be provided where feasible.

5) Communication of the happenings and official position of the federal government, via TV, radio, internet, etc... Free access for all to observe, and be kept aware.

6) Construction, maintenance and repair of an intra and interstate communications infrastructure.

7) Incentives to create and maintain business and industry within the US.

8) Exploration, and exploitation, of all energy sources available, within market demand.

9) Construct a National atmosphere where business (and thus the economy) can thrive. Lowered taxes, initiatives for research and development, incentives for hiring, training, and retaining employees.

10) Re-institute self responsibility. You are free to do as you will, so long as; all participants are; willing, adult (18 or older), legal citizens (or legal immigrants in the process of becoming citizens), and have not been convicted of a felony (served time or not), and are ready, willing, and able, to accept the ramifications and responsibilities thereof..

11) Establish national limits of our tort system. While I acknowledge a need for civil address of disputes, there needs to be a balance that benefits all. We have become entirely too litigious, to the point where it has become a national detriment. I'm not sure what the answer is, but this needs to be taken care of.

12) Establish 18 as the national age of adulthood and consent. Once you reach the age of 18, you are able to; get married, have sex, drive, vote, join the military, excuse yourself from public education (at the risk of losing welfare benefits), own firearms, and drink.

13) An individual, family, and/or community agriculture program, to promote the self-sustenance and freedom of gardening ("freedom garden" expanded).

14) Expel the UN from the US, and immediately withdraw the US (and all financial support) from the UN.

15) Halt all foreign aid, unless we receive something equal or greater from the recipient country.

16) Halt all "humanitarian aid" unless such aid goes directly to the people who need it, and not the government over them.

17) Institute a federal exemption from the forced joining of any/all unions (as a prerequisite to accepting a job), and discontinue all government subsidies (arts, agriculture, etc...).

I'm sure I can think of more i would like to correct, but this is a good starter...