THE CURMUDGEON CHRONICLE - #143 - SPECIAL RE-POST FROM 2005

A Note From Howard:

This issue was written in 2005 and still represents our hope and beliefs. I was surprized at how it still reflects our needs. We will write about the election once the outcome is known.

I know you will vote for a person whose platform typifies your wishes for this country, regardless of your past political affiliation. The time is fraught with peril and we must select a leader for reasons beyond Party poliyics.

November 5th and the next four years are in our hands.

***************

The Curmudgeon Chronicle ©

AN IRREVERENT VIEW


Time Line: November 1, 2005
Date Line: Flemington New Jersey

Here is our checklist for the next election. I want to vote for a candidate who will:

NATIONAL PROGRAMS

Induce Industry to build capacity here instead of abroad, and believe that markets abroad should not adversely affect capacity and the economy at home.

Understand that unlimited transfer of know-how and intellectual property is not in the best interests of this country. Industry must be induced to curb its appetite for short-term profits and act responsibly for the good of the country as a whole, for the long term interest of its shareholders.

Commit to preserve the environment and repair and upgrade our infrastructure. Concentrate on roads, bridges, dams, rail, and airport facilities for our safety, security and growth pattern; avoid further failures of infrastructure that caused such devastation during Katrina.

Implement those two programs to create jobs, new technology and long-term benefits like we saw with projects like TVA.

Implement an education initiative geared to the facts. Not everyone can be a scientist, mathematician, engineer, or innovator. Education beyond the elementary level must provide a competitive work force for this country. We have to give our brightest students a suitable curriculum, and provide other students with curricula to assure them a place in the work force. We are not all alike and education must deal with reality.

Commit to a program that maintains costs for health care at affordable levels. Industry has not met that goal for the country; instead they have created an unnecessary inflationary pressure. Our citizens should not be forced to fund the marketing abroad by drug companies with high healthcare costs at home.

Commit to be inclusive in government, and listen to the ideas of political parties not in power. Commit to remember that he is President of the entire country, not just those who voted for him.

Get the Federal Government out of matters of local concern. We are a country made up of fifty sovereign political units, each with separate ethical standards for social and moral values. The States have Constitutional, reserved police powers that should be respected and applied. If one looks at the map of red and blue states, it is clear that most divisive social issues would disappear if each State were permitted to set the rules for its citizens. If you do not like your State’s treatment of an issue and can’t change it at the ballot box, you are free to move to an environment that espouses your views.

Commit to use the Veto when confronted with wasteful spending or special interest pandering. This is tied to a commitment to curb lobbying activities and free the Legislature from special interest pressures.

Commit to a policy of taxation that is even handed and fosters economic growth for industry and individuals. The topic is so complex that it merits a platform all its own. I would be satisfied with an initial commitment that deals with the use and application of tax revenues and can be understood by anyone who reads the law. (I don’t mind paying for government services, but I am dead set against my money being wasted or given to someone who knows how to twist a Senator’s arm.)

Commit to a strong (but not excessive) defensive military capability; a National Guard that serves in our own country to defend us at home; put border security in the hands of the National Guard, and foster an immigration policy that is enforced to the letter.

Commit to establish a true energy policy, not one designed for and owned by big oil.

In foreign affair he will:

INTERNATIONAL POLICIES

Commit to mend our friendships. It is unthinkable that we have chilly relationships with Canada. It is ludicrous for the US to be deemed aggressors and warmongers. We are part of the world, but we don’t own it, run it, or have the right to dictate to it.
Believe foreign policy should be designed to defend our position and standing as a friendly nation, fair in our dealings with all, and able to protect our citizens and their concerns.

Commit to be open to the problems of others, but not stupid about excessive involvement in their squabbles and national issues. (If that means Mexico will be upset that is tough. He will tell them we can make our own enchiladas and Mexico can care for its own citizens.)

Commit never to take us to war unless attacked, or in the face of a clear and present danger of unusual moment.

Commit never to usurp the power of Congress to declare war and do everything in his power to reduce our military presence in Iraq and elsewhere in the world.

Commit to redesign the “Free Trade” policies now in place, to protect the country’s economy from industrial greed; participate in International Treaties that protect the environment and control nuclear proliferation; fight terrorism at home and participate in the conflict to the extent necessary abroad if our security is jeopardized; keep our religious and ethical beliefs from becoming crusades, and recognize (and respect where possible) that every country has a nationalistic agenda of its own.

Commit to define his foreign policy aims for the electorate.

Commit to employ people in the administration with experience and capability who will further and foster his commitments at home and abroad.

In other words, I want to vote for someone as unlike the current incumbent as possible. The platform’s goals are for the benefit of all citizens. The Chronicle will share your views with other readers if you send them along.

Who knows, we might come up with a candidate as good as Jimmy Stewart.

Howard Stamer