[Mr. E. Monkey]

I won't be old enough to run until the 2016 election (and probably couldn't even possibly consider running until quite a bit later), but here goes, anyway.

My Presidential Platform

This is how I feel about some of the issues that this country must deal with.

Defense/War on Terror
In my mind, this is one of the most pressing concerns. Tax reform and gay marriage are meaningless if terrorists are allowed to disrupt our way of life and kill our citizens.

There are some who have said that this war on terror is “unlike any war we have ever fought before.” Well, yes. Every war that we have ever fought has been different than all that came before. In our history, brave men and women have faced previously unheard of and unconventional threats, and have overcome them all. In that respect, this war is no different.

Ours is an inherently peaceful nation. We seek peace, and detest war. Yet war has been thrust upon us. Unfortunately, we cannot reach a diplomatic solution with fanatics that would willingly die to kill as many Americans as they possibly could. As President George W. Bush said, “you are either with us, or you are with the terrorists.”

I propose:
1. Budget increases for the Defense Department. Our fighting men and women must have the best equipment available. They must have the best intelligence and support in the world, and they must be paid better. The men and women who risk their lives to defend our freedom must not be allowed to live at or near poverty levels. We must do more for them.
2. An immediate evaluation of our diplomatic relations with our neighbors in the international community. Those nations that seek to undermine our sovereignty and our strength will no longer receive U.S. economic aid. Yes, we need to strengthen our bonds with our allies, but it is crucial to know who our true allies are, first.

We must use all necessary means to defend our nation and our allies. We must strengthen our intelligence community. We must improve our security at home, but we cannot do so in a way that would compromise our civil rights. It is therefore necessary to continue to fight the enemy in their homes, instead of ours.

Immigration
Ours is a nation of immigrants. A successful and free nation will always be a magnet for immigration. We will continue to welcome legal and law-abiding immigrants, and should encourage those who plan to live in this country to become active citizens.

However, illegal immigration is not to be tolerated. We cannot tolerate willful disobedience of our laws. In this age of global terrorism, it is essential that we provide appropriate border security, as well. However, to seal our borders would be, essentially, un-American. We need to increase our surveillance and improve the security of our borders. At the same time, we need to encourage legal immigration. We must also apply diplomatic pressure to our neighbors that allow people to illegally cross the borders. This is no longer simply an immigration issue, but a security issue. If an immigrant seeking a job can cross the border, a terrorist or drug-dealer can as well. Nations that do not cooperate in controlling illegal immigration will face an immediate cessation of any aid from the U.S., and any other action that is deemed necessary.

Foreign Policy
We are not isolated in the world—we must interact with other nations. Some nations are our allies, and some seek to undermine us. Unfortunately, many of those nations act, and seek to act out these goals within the framework of the United Nations.

I believe that the United Nations was formed with good intentions. I also believe that the United Nations has been hijacked, and is filled with nations that do not support the ideals of peace and freedom. Far too many member nations of the U.N. do not have democratically elected governments of their own, and more often than not, undermine much of the good that the United Nations could otherwise accomplish.

The United States must actively associate with nations that seek peace and freedom, and eschew alliances with thugs and dictators. We should also encourage other nations to replace such totalitarian regimes with free elections.

It should be known that the United States harbors no ill will against any particular faith or ideology; the United States simply will not tolerate any ideologies that seek to destroy the basic human rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. We must never turn our backs on any who seek freedom in any nation at any time.

Foreign aid must be used wisely. Rather than providing cash grants to non-democratic nations, or nations so full of corruption that that financial assistance will never reach the people that need it, the government should buy surplus crops from our own farmers, and provide aid to needy people around the world in a form that will actually help them: food, clothing, and medicine. Nations that reject material assistance in favor of financial assistance will receive no assistance. Nations that actively protest and fight against our foreign and domestic policies will receive no aid. Aid will be given only to those who appreciate our help.

Economic Policy
Much like our foreign policy, it is clear that we cannot act in isolation. The economy of nations is more intertwined than ever. As we continue to strengthen our own economy, we will help the international economy.

I will support and encourage legislation that will promote fair and equitable trade between nations. Legislation should be enacted that would mirror trade from other nations.

If another nation were to place a tariff on goods exported from the United States, a matching tariff will be placed on their goods. If a nation provides a subsidy to lower the cost of producing goods, in order to undercut goods produced in our own nation, a proportional tariff will be enacted on such goods imported to the United States. Nations that support free trade with the United States will receive the same. A level playing field will help to ensure a healthy trade balance around the world.

Taxes
Our government cannot provide the services that we need without revenue. Taxes are necessary, but should not be a crushing burden. This country does not need to raise taxes to create financial solvency in the government, but rather needs more responsible spending. Keeping money in the hands of taxpayers is sound financial strategy. The more people spend on our economy, the more our economy will grow, and tax revenue will increase. Raising taxes will weaken our economy.

Domestic Policy
1. Education Reform is a pressing issue. A better education will help our youth to be more competitive in the international economy, it will help them to become better citizens, and it will help them to live better lives.

I support a voucher system that will allow competition in our education system. Parents should have the right to choose where their children attend school, and how their children are educated. All schools must meet basic standards, and a nationwide testing system is one way to ensure that schools meet those standards. Competition is healthy. If public schools cannot compete with other schools, they either need to be reformed or replaced with more effective schools. Teachers that do not teach, like anyone else who does not do their job well, should be replaced.

School competition will help to ensure that the funding spent on education will not simply be thrown away on an ineffective system. Throwing money at a problem will not make it go away. We need to spend our money wisely, where it will make a greater difference.

2. I support capital punishment. I believe that it should be reserved for the most brutal and heinous crimes, and should be put to use promptly, as appropriate. I believe that the penal system should punish prisoners, and the prison system could stand to be re-evaluated.

3. I oppose the practice of abortion as a form of birth control. There are simply far too many forms of contraceptives available. I believe in the sanctity of human life, and believe that available alternatives to abortion must be taken. Abortion must remain a legal form of triage (in cases where the mother’s life is in danger), but not as birth control. Abstinence programs, contraceptive education, and adoption are acceptable alternatives.

4. I do not support gay marriage, and support an amendment defining marriage as being between one man and one woman. I regret that this has become necessary, due to the behavior of activist judges. I do not feel that we need to change a time-honored tradition, and one of the bases of our civilization, due to their un-democratic actions. I think that debate on this issue is healthy, and should be encouraged, but any decision that is to be made on this issue must be made by the voice of the people.

[Pid]

You definately have my vote!!!