Ultra limited federal government, super restricted foreign policy, civil liberties encouraged for a change, 100% of religion out of government, 100% of morality enforcement out of government, end of corporate/money worship, etc.
That's pretty interesting. You have any more info about the election? Which party did you run with?
Cogman
Lifer
- Sep 19, 2000
- 10,286
- 147
- 106
I would...
*Remove Income tax and all federal taxes and replace them with a national sales tax with percentages varying based on necessity of item. IE a cruise liner would have a higher sales tax on it then a loaf of bread.
*Require that health insurance providers give a minimum coverage over basic dental and surgical operations (IE, getting fillings should be fully covered by all insurance companies) as well as provide full coverage for medication needed for survival. With that, I would also require them to have a rate set based on a percentage of the minimum wage. However, I would also give them the right to go into legal battles with doctors and pharmaceutical companies over fair pricing of goods and services.
*increase funding to nuclear power and nuclear research. while decreasing funding of solar power and solar research.
*As much as I think space is cool, I would probably further reduce NASA's funding. It has been a while since they have developed anything worth while, I don't think that we will get a whole lot more from space exploration. Though, I would try and increase funding and benifits to physics research labs and chemical research labs.
* Remove the "Born in USA makes you a citizen" law and begin deporting illegal families. As well, I would require a national ID database be instituted requiring everyone to be registered in it. The database would NOT be able to contain personal information beyond physical descriptions, IE it could not have your home address, just a physical description and maybe even a genetic ID number to allow cops to quickly test if you are who you say you are.
ummm, not much more. If I could, I would reduce or eliminate congresses and maybe even the presidents salary. That, or make it limited to the amount you made last year (in a former job) with a price cap on it.
*Remove Income tax and all federal taxes and replace them with a national sales tax with percentages varying based on necessity of item. IE a cruise liner would have a higher sales tax on it then a loaf of bread.
*Require that health insurance providers give a minimum coverage over basic dental and surgical operations (IE, getting fillings should be fully covered by all insurance companies) as well as provide full coverage for medication needed for survival. With that, I would also require them to have a rate set based on a percentage of the minimum wage. However, I would also give them the right to go into legal battles with doctors and pharmaceutical companies over fair pricing of goods and services.
*increase funding to nuclear power and nuclear research. while decreasing funding of solar power and solar research.
*As much as I think space is cool, I would probably further reduce NASA's funding. It has been a while since they have developed anything worth while, I don't think that we will get a whole lot more from space exploration. Though, I would try and increase funding and benifits to physics research labs and chemical research labs.
* Remove the "Born in USA makes you a citizen" law and begin deporting illegal families. As well, I would require a national ID database be instituted requiring everyone to be registered in it. The database would NOT be able to contain personal information beyond physical descriptions, IE it could not have your home address, just a physical description and maybe even a genetic ID number to allow cops to quickly test if you are who you say you are.
ummm, not much more. If I could, I would reduce or eliminate congresses and maybe even the presidents salary. That, or make it limited to the amount you made last year (in a former job) with a price cap on it.
Brainonska511
Lifer
- Dec 10, 2005
- 29,190
- 14,578
- 136
You do realize that NASA does more than space exploration, right?
They do research in robotics, physics, chemistry, nanotechnology, etc and give out tons of grants every year to fund additional research. And space exploration provides an opportunity to test new equipment - you might not see those things role out tomorrow, but in the future, things do come to market. Look at the Apollo program, things are still coming to market today based on what was developed 40 years ago.
Fern
Elite Member
- Sep 30, 2003
- 26,907
- 174
- 106
Illegal immigration/legal imigration:
Step 1. Secure the border. We keep deporting criminals only to find that they wander back in.
Part of the solution is physical barriers in places where that is possible.
The other part is techno barriers where a physical barrier isn't possible, buttressed by increased border enforcement officer personnel.
We need to stop the unfortunate things that happen to people being smuggled across the border. They are too often victimized. Coyotes, only, get imprisioned to stop that activity.
Vastly increase manpower for border patrol. I see no problem with using the military to guard the border.
Attitude adjustment for existing Border Patrol. I've heard some say that their job to stop "terrorists", not plain 'ole illegal immigrants.
Step 2. (after #1 completed). Streamline deportation proceedures. Create better co-ordination between local/state/fed law enforcement.
Step 3. Create programs (like many other countries have) to bring guest workers. No more "under the table" pay and poor working conditions allowed/tolerated. If the price of fruit and vegatables goes up. So be it.
Step 4. Modify legal immigration procedures. Adjust target applicants more to those who benefit our country, or are in need of relief from oppresive regimes. Just because you hapen to live near us doesn't give you priority.
Functional command of English language is a must.
Step 5. Illegal immigrants were motivated and got here by themselves. So lets motivate them to leave by themselves.
We now have a free government database to help identify illegals vis-a-vis their SS #s. So we can increase penalties for employers hiring illegals. Since their motive to do so is primarily economical, fines will be enacted to eliminate that motivation. Money to be plowed back into border enforcement efforts.
Use of government services (schools) and entitlement programs (Medicaid, welfare, food stamps) are limited to citizens and lawful residents/guests. Prohibited to illegals. Removes a motivation to come here.
Deficit Reduction Measures:
Earmarks are to be divided into categories such as (1) necessary infrastructure investment, (2) necessary services (rare to see this IMO), (3) research & technology, (4) cultural (museums and the like), (5) egotistical (unnecessary new gov buildings named after a politician), and (6) boneheadedly fucking stupid (bridge to nowhere). Set budget limit for earmaks and allocate to #1 first, if any left over proced to #2 etc. If we get to #5 or 6, somebody gets impeached or put into prison.
Reduction or elimination of expenitures/donations/support to foreign countries. Simply put, we can't give what we don't have.
Reduction in US troops stationed abroad. Are our troops in S Korea really gonna stop anything?
Budget/Spending Clarity. We have all types of user charges and fees that most people don't realize. Most federal revenue/taxes comes from charges buried in our products, not income taxes. So, identify the fees, make sure that the fee/user charge money is directly targeted to it's intended purpose. Review fee level to make sure it's appropriate to meet the purpose, too little or too much results in one thing subsidizing another and artificla price levels. I.e., gas taxes will ONLY be spent on highways/roads/bridges. Likewise with other items (FDA is financed entirely by food and drug prodcing companies etc)
Review of Washington burocracies for reduction and/or elimination. Target redundant agencies first. Focus on inept agencies 2nd. Fraud reductions implemented (you'll never get rid of it entirely, instead you implement measures that provide cost/benefit to reduce it to an acceptable level).
Provide better advice regarding info/act systems to agencies known to "lose" great deals of money. We have private businesses that are quite capable of assisting with this. lets hire them.
New guidelines on gov employee expenditures. I'm tired of hearing about superfilous and outragious charges on employee's gov supplied credit cards. Fraud is prosecuted (no prison unless extrememly egregious, but reimbursemnt with interest plus additional fines to deter).
Decriminalize pot. Have it taxed and sold by gov where possible (like alchohol in many states). Nonviolent offender get no jail time. Reduce or redirect efforts of law enforcement.
Decrim other drugs, maybe fines for the very harmful (crank). No jail time for nonviolent offenders, rehab programs instead.
Put the UN on a diet. Dues/fees apportioned by each countries GDP. Let the Chinese and saudis pay the lion's share. And utilizing GDP won't burden poor nations.
Eliminate subsidies to huge corporate farms. Switch some to small independant farms.
Non-profits and gov agencies will no longer recieve r/e tax exemptions. They use fire and police services (but not public schools etc) so they will pay at least a portion of such taxes to help at the local level.
Individual Income tax
In 1913, income taxes started out as being promised to only affect the very wealthy. Eliminate income taxes and filings for 90% of individuals to get back to the original idea.
For those below the threashhold, there would only be SS w/h on their wages.
AMT is repealed. The purpose for it no longer exists.
Corporate taxes
Expand provision for immediate deduction of investment in equipment and durable goods. Eqiupment must be US produced (no foreign products qualify).
Review tax rates to ensure we're competitive. A few % points higher won't hurt.
Modify Sarbannes Oxly to stem the flow of capital markets abroad.
Get rid of all the lopholes for Estate & gift tax. The rich aren't paying.
Energy Policy
Create Manhatten Project type-effort to acelerate tech advances in alt energy sources. Locate the centers/offices/labs in decaying cities with economic problems like Detroit where possible. Technology is licensed to US and foreign companys. Revenue is used to fund the project.
Provide gov back-loans (a gov guarantee lowers rates and enhances access to capital) for alt energy projects such as pilot plants etc.
Dump gov support of corn-based ethonol.
Increase funding to universities for alt tech research. Let the fed gov share in the royalties (a tax) on tech that is commercial and is deployed by private business.
Reconsider drilling in ANWR. Review/explore use of coal resourses as gasoline and tar sands etc.
I think ultimately we'll have to switch to electric cars for most transportation needs. Gas can be used for commercial trans etc purposes.
Ultimate goal, put us on a path to be energy independant ASAP so we can basically ignore the ME.
Environment
Use manhatten project above to assist wth tech for zero emission coal plants. Provide low interest gov loans and mandate adoption of the tech/systems.
Gov Corp to clean up streams and waterways. Limitation on recreational boating to stop killing coral etc. We need seafood etc. Either boat emmissions are cleaned up instead of put into water, or they go electric too.
Take measures to reduce/eliminate nitrogen fertilizer runoff into the Gulf of Mexico. It killing too much aquatic life.
Education
Reduce/streamline burocracy. Ranks should be more teaching less administering.
Focus more on basics (math, science, reading & writing, US civics, history, classic liturature and art), Less on PC crapola and fluff s/b limited. Physical fitness (PE) periods are mandated (too many overweight kids).
Develop path to trades etc, not everybody needs or wants to go to college.
Health Care
All children of US citizens and lawful residents/guests get free HC until 18. Period.
Gov regulation of policies. No ceiling for catastrophic illness, it's stupid to pay for a policy but not really be covered. You'll just be cared for on the gov money after you're bankrupted etc. Various deductibles are permitted. Let the insurance carriers price as they see fit (no collusion allowed though).
Cosmetic and elective proceedures are free market. Do want you want if you pay for it.
Repeal prohibition on reimportation of US made drugs from Canada. If the US drug makers wanna send their products up there at a cheaper rate than they sell here, that's there business AND their problem. It's not the governments business to enforce their profit model and control reimportation, we're just subsidizng them when we do so.
That's all for now.
Step 1. Secure the border. We keep deporting criminals only to find that they wander back in.
Part of the solution is physical barriers in places where that is possible.
The other part is techno barriers where a physical barrier isn't possible, buttressed by increased border enforcement officer personnel.
We need to stop the unfortunate things that happen to people being smuggled across the border. They are too often victimized. Coyotes, only, get imprisioned to stop that activity.
Vastly increase manpower for border patrol. I see no problem with using the military to guard the border.
Attitude adjustment for existing Border Patrol. I've heard some say that their job to stop "terrorists", not plain 'ole illegal immigrants.
Step 2. (after #1 completed). Streamline deportation proceedures. Create better co-ordination between local/state/fed law enforcement.
Step 3. Create programs (like many other countries have) to bring guest workers. No more "under the table" pay and poor working conditions allowed/tolerated. If the price of fruit and vegatables goes up. So be it.
Step 4. Modify legal immigration procedures. Adjust target applicants more to those who benefit our country, or are in need of relief from oppresive regimes. Just because you hapen to live near us doesn't give you priority.
Functional command of English language is a must.
Step 5. Illegal immigrants were motivated and got here by themselves. So lets motivate them to leave by themselves.
We now have a free government database to help identify illegals vis-a-vis their SS #s. So we can increase penalties for employers hiring illegals. Since their motive to do so is primarily economical, fines will be enacted to eliminate that motivation. Money to be plowed back into border enforcement efforts.
Use of government services (schools) and entitlement programs (Medicaid, welfare, food stamps) are limited to citizens and lawful residents/guests. Prohibited to illegals. Removes a motivation to come here.
Deficit Reduction Measures:
Earmarks are to be divided into categories such as (1) necessary infrastructure investment, (2) necessary services (rare to see this IMO), (3) research & technology, (4) cultural (museums and the like), (5) egotistical (unnecessary new gov buildings named after a politician), and (6) boneheadedly fucking stupid (bridge to nowhere). Set budget limit for earmaks and allocate to #1 first, if any left over proced to #2 etc. If we get to #5 or 6, somebody gets impeached or put into prison.
Reduction or elimination of expenitures/donations/support to foreign countries. Simply put, we can't give what we don't have.
Reduction in US troops stationed abroad. Are our troops in S Korea really gonna stop anything?
Budget/Spending Clarity. We have all types of user charges and fees that most people don't realize. Most federal revenue/taxes comes from charges buried in our products, not income taxes. So, identify the fees, make sure that the fee/user charge money is directly targeted to it's intended purpose. Review fee level to make sure it's appropriate to meet the purpose, too little or too much results in one thing subsidizing another and artificla price levels. I.e., gas taxes will ONLY be spent on highways/roads/bridges. Likewise with other items (FDA is financed entirely by food and drug prodcing companies etc)
Review of Washington burocracies for reduction and/or elimination. Target redundant agencies first. Focus on inept agencies 2nd. Fraud reductions implemented (you'll never get rid of it entirely, instead you implement measures that provide cost/benefit to reduce it to an acceptable level).
Provide better advice regarding info/act systems to agencies known to "lose" great deals of money. We have private businesses that are quite capable of assisting with this. lets hire them.
New guidelines on gov employee expenditures. I'm tired of hearing about superfilous and outragious charges on employee's gov supplied credit cards. Fraud is prosecuted (no prison unless extrememly egregious, but reimbursemnt with interest plus additional fines to deter).
Decriminalize pot. Have it taxed and sold by gov where possible (like alchohol in many states). Nonviolent offender get no jail time. Reduce or redirect efforts of law enforcement.
Decrim other drugs, maybe fines for the very harmful (crank). No jail time for nonviolent offenders, rehab programs instead.
Put the UN on a diet. Dues/fees apportioned by each countries GDP. Let the Chinese and saudis pay the lion's share. And utilizing GDP won't burden poor nations.
Eliminate subsidies to huge corporate farms. Switch some to small independant farms.
Non-profits and gov agencies will no longer recieve r/e tax exemptions. They use fire and police services (but not public schools etc) so they will pay at least a portion of such taxes to help at the local level.
Individual Income tax
In 1913, income taxes started out as being promised to only affect the very wealthy. Eliminate income taxes and filings for 90% of individuals to get back to the original idea.
For those below the threashhold, there would only be SS w/h on their wages.
AMT is repealed. The purpose for it no longer exists.
Corporate taxes
Expand provision for immediate deduction of investment in equipment and durable goods. Eqiupment must be US produced (no foreign products qualify).
Review tax rates to ensure we're competitive. A few % points higher won't hurt.
Modify Sarbannes Oxly to stem the flow of capital markets abroad.
Get rid of all the lopholes for Estate & gift tax. The rich aren't paying.
Energy Policy
Create Manhatten Project type-effort to acelerate tech advances in alt energy sources. Locate the centers/offices/labs in decaying cities with economic problems like Detroit where possible. Technology is licensed to US and foreign companys. Revenue is used to fund the project.
Provide gov back-loans (a gov guarantee lowers rates and enhances access to capital) for alt energy projects such as pilot plants etc.
Dump gov support of corn-based ethonol.
Increase funding to universities for alt tech research. Let the fed gov share in the royalties (a tax) on tech that is commercial and is deployed by private business.
Reconsider drilling in ANWR. Review/explore use of coal resourses as gasoline and tar sands etc.
I think ultimately we'll have to switch to electric cars for most transportation needs. Gas can be used for commercial trans etc purposes.
Ultimate goal, put us on a path to be energy independant ASAP so we can basically ignore the ME.
Environment
Use manhatten project above to assist wth tech for zero emission coal plants. Provide low interest gov loans and mandate adoption of the tech/systems.
Gov Corp to clean up streams and waterways. Limitation on recreational boating to stop killing coral etc. We need seafood etc. Either boat emmissions are cleaned up instead of put into water, or they go electric too.
Take measures to reduce/eliminate nitrogen fertilizer runoff into the Gulf of Mexico. It killing too much aquatic life.
Education
Reduce/streamline burocracy. Ranks should be more teaching less administering.
Focus more on basics (math, science, reading & writing, US civics, history, classic liturature and art), Less on PC crapola and fluff s/b limited. Physical fitness (PE) periods are mandated (too many overweight kids).
Develop path to trades etc, not everybody needs or wants to go to college.
Health Care
All children of US citizens and lawful residents/guests get free HC until 18. Period.
Gov regulation of policies. No ceiling for catastrophic illness, it's stupid to pay for a policy but not really be covered. You'll just be cared for on the gov money after you're bankrupted etc. Various deductibles are permitted. Let the insurance carriers price as they see fit (no collusion allowed though).
Cosmetic and elective proceedures are free market. Do want you want if you pay for it.
Repeal prohibition on reimportation of US made drugs from Canada. If the US drug makers wanna send their products up there at a cheaper rate than they sell here, that's there business AND their problem. It's not the governments business to enforce their profit model and control reimportation, we're just subsidizng them when we do so.
That's all for now.
What would you propose to pay them?
Congressmen get paid $142-200k depending on which chamber and if they have a leadership position or not.
They have extremely long days. Most are 12 hrs.
They have to maintain two residences. One in uber expensive DC.
They have to sacrifice time with family.
For the experiance they have, the amount they go through, and the sacrifices they make, their pay isn't all that great.
While the Senate is comprised mostly of millionaires. The House is not.
All federal employees are eligble for that retirement plan. I doubt many federal employees would allow that to happen. Most federal employees make 70% what they'd make in the private sector, job security and the federal retirement plan is what keeps them there. Having Congress go on SS, would likely have them following suit.
ProfJohn
Lifer
- Jul 28, 2006
- 18,161
- 7
- 0
Immigration:
Stop new illegals from crossing the boarder first.
Deport anyone convicted of one felony or two misdemeanors or a DUI.
Then work on a solution to legalize those people who are already here.
Tax reform:
Massive tax reform that scraps our current system and puts in place a form of the flat tax that allows all Americans to do a 1 page tax return.
Social Security:
All younger people to put their money into private accounts that they will not have access till until they reach a certain age.
For us older folks keep the system the way it is.
Eventually all the older people will die off and the entire system will be private.
Medical Reform:
Create a hybrid system with private and state run insurance plans.
Encourage private insurance by rewarding employers with tax benefits to help off set their costs.
Create government backed insurance plans for anyone who does not qualify for a privately run insurance plan.
Defense:
Stay on the offense in the war on terror, but avoid invading any countries if possible.
Meet the 4% GDP for defense goal called for by many on the right.
Balanced budget + tax increase control amendment.
After my tax reform plan goes into place push for an amendment that requires a balanced budget and requires a 3/5s majority for all tax increases.
Stop new illegals from crossing the boarder first.
Deport anyone convicted of one felony or two misdemeanors or a DUI.
Then work on a solution to legalize those people who are already here.
Tax reform:
Massive tax reform that scraps our current system and puts in place a form of the flat tax that allows all Americans to do a 1 page tax return.
Social Security:
All younger people to put their money into private accounts that they will not have access till until they reach a certain age.
For us older folks keep the system the way it is.
Eventually all the older people will die off and the entire system will be private.
Medical Reform:
Create a hybrid system with private and state run insurance plans.
Encourage private insurance by rewarding employers with tax benefits to help off set their costs.
Create government backed insurance plans for anyone who does not qualify for a privately run insurance plan.
Defense:
Stay on the offense in the war on terror, but avoid invading any countries if possible.
Meet the 4% GDP for defense goal called for by many on the right.
Balanced budget + tax increase control amendment.
After my tax reform plan goes into place push for an amendment that requires a balanced budget and requires a 3/5s majority for all tax increases.
ProfJohn
Lifer
- Jul 28, 2006
- 18,161
- 7
- 0
Wreckem: via money.cnn:
"Add it all together and the Congressional pension program is about two-to-three times more generous than the average corporate executive pension plan, according to the National Taxpayers Union."
and
A current congressman ending up with six years of service (it's two-year terms, after all) would get at least $16,503 (at age 62, of course).
6 years in congress and you get $16,503 a year!!! Six years at most companies would get you nothing.
"Add it all together and the Congressional pension program is about two-to-three times more generous than the average corporate executive pension plan, according to the National Taxpayers Union."
and
A current congressman ending up with six years of service (it's two-year terms, after all) would get at least $16,503 (at age 62, of course).
6 years in congress and you get $16,503 a year!!! Six years at most companies would get you nothing.
8 years of service in the Texas House or Senate, and you get a lot more than that. Granted they make $10k a year(they're only in session 3.5 months every odd year).
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