February 29, 2004
Just like the last time they sent me a survey, the letter says that I have been chosen to have my views represent all the Republicans registered in my district. Just like last time, I'm sure my Republican neighbors are going to be disappointed.
The letter also says, in bold type
RETURN THE SUREY DOCUMENT - AT ONCE - IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDEDThe problem I have with that is that there is insufficient room on the survey form for thorough commentary (i.e. fisking). So if you should happen to see Bill Frist in the next couple of days, please let him know my survey answers are in the extended entry. For brevity's sake, I'm going to skip over the demographics portion of the very IRS looking form and get straight to the questions.
PART 1 GENERAL QUESTIONS1. In general, are you pleased with the job President Bush is doing? Yes or No
Yes and No. Tax cuts, economy, kicking terrorist's butts: Yes. Medicare Prescription Drugs, Federal takeover of education, immigration policy, marriage ammendment: No.
2. Which issues are most important for the Republican Party to focus on during the upcoming 2004 campaign. (rate each Very important, somewhat important, not important)
Economy: Very important. One word - Deregulation. We need much much much more.
War on Terrorism: Very important. This is the single most important issue. EVER. If we are not physically secure, then there can be no economic security and no job security.
Education: Not important. That is not important to the federal government. It should be the of the upmost importance to towns and cities and PARENTS.
Healthcare: Not important. Health care is an individual issue that the federal government should have NO PART OF with the exception of helping the truly helpless.
Abortion: Very Important. Return the decision to allow abortion or not to allow abortion to the states where it should be decided.
Aids: Very important. The better job we do fighting aids worldwide the less risk there will be domestically.
4. For additional comments about this part, check here and write comments provided at the end
Sorry, based on the meager amount of space provided you clearly aren't interested in any additional comments.
PART 2 ECONOMIC AGENDADo you agree with liberal Democrats who have called for more taxes? Yes or No
Absolutely not. The Democrats policy of taxing the rich (from each according to his ability) and giving it out in endless welfare entitlements (to each according to his need) is one of the most appalling political ideas ever inflicted on man.
5. How Important is a balanced budget?
Very Important. So STOP SPENDING MORE MONEY THAN YOU HAVE.
6. Should the Republican Party push for additional tax cuts to further stimulate the economy?
Absolutely. Actually I don't care what reason you give for it. Just cut taxes.
7. Do you agree with President Bush's plan to eliminate the double taxation of dividends?
Yes. See #6 above.
8. Which of the following is the most important priority?
Creating more jobs: The Government doesn't create jobs - other than make-work for bureaucrats. Businesses create jobs so get the government the hell out of the way.
Cutting Taxes: See #6 above.
Balancing the budget: #5 above is worth repeating: STOP SPENDING MORE MONEY THAN YOU HAVE.
Growing the economy so the stock market rises: The market is supposed to represent the value of companies based on what buyers and seller of stock believe about the economic soundness and profitability of a company.
PART 3 RETIREMENT SECURITY9. Do you favor a plan that will protect Social Security for those who are on it or about to go on it, but will allow younger Americans to invest part of their Social Security dollars?
Since I am not on or about to go on Social Security and fully expect that by the time I am there will be nothing left I am already planning to live my retirement with whatever money I am able to put together for myself, I'd have to say yes to this.
10. Do you favor adding the prescription drug benefit to Medicare
Abso-freakin-lutely NOT. I would in fact like to amend the Constitution with a law that says that any new entitlement or increase in and existing entitlement cannot take effect while the president who signed it, and anyone who voted for it, still holds office.
PART 4 HOMELAND SECURITY AND FOREIGN POLICY11. Do you believe our nation is too dependent on foreign oil
Yes. If foreign oil suppliers (read Mid East Muslim Theocratic dictatorships like Saudi Arabia) didn't have us over a barrel, they would be a bit more hesitant in funding terrorists who attack us. We should be doing anything and everything to eliminate not only dependence but any use of foreign oil. That includes drilling in ANWAR, developing commercially viable not petroleum fueled cars, building many new nuclear power plants.
11.a Do you support President Bush's plan to develop hydrogen-powered cars that will reduce America's dependence on foreign oil?
See #11 above.
12. Are you concerned about the growing numbers of illegal aliens coming across our borders each month?
Yes. I am also concerned that one of the reasons for the increase is the legal status dangled by President Bush. Shut down the border and let the deportations begin.
12.a Do you believe we should put armed troops on our borders?
I certainly don't think there would be any reason to put unarmed troops on the border. That said I would have to say yes as a temporary measure to stop the flood of illegal immigrants until we can clean out those that are already here illegally.
13. Do you support President Bush's initiative to promote the safety and security of all Americans?
Uh, this question is a little vague. exactly which initiative are we talking about? I'm all for safety and security but without a few more details I'm leaving this one blank.
14. Today, on the continent of Africa, nearly 30 million children have the AIDS virus. do you support President Bush's plan to provide $15 billion in emergency relief to turn the tide on the global effor to combat HIV/AIDS?
Yes. reducing the global threat of AIDS reduces the domestic threat of AIDS.
15. Should the United States provide more humanitarian aid to foreign countries?
Yes. but any aid should be tied to a committment to individual rights and democracy.
PART 5 FAMILY AGENDA16. Do you believe that every American should access to quality health care.
Yes, but I do not believe it is the proper role of government to provide it.
17. Do you agree that teaching children to read and increasing literacy rates should be a national priority?
No. Teaching children to read should be a local and above all PARENTAL priority.
18. Should the federal government provide day care for children under the age of 5?
You have got to be kidding. The government does such a piss-poor job with kids after the age of five spending more classroom time on indoctrination and self-esteem than actual education. Why on earth would we want them to start younger.
19. Do you support a school choice plan that wold allow parents to decide which school their child attends.
Yes. Actually, I prefer a plan that has local governments selling their facilities to the highest bidder and getting government out of education entirely. But you know - baby steps.
20. Do you support President Bush's faith-based initiative that would increase the tax benefits for donating to religious or community charities?
No. I would like to eliminate the current tax benefits (with a corresponding reduction in tax rates) for donating to charities. Let charitable organizations ask for donations based on their beliefs and their performance, not on someone's need for a tax break.
PART 6 SOCIAL ISSUES21. Should the courts enforce the ban on partial-birth abortions?
Is this a trick question? Should the courts enforce the law? Yes.
22. Should the United States ban human cloning?
No. Cloning is the the A Bomb of the 21st century. America should be out in front in the development and control of cloning technology.
23. Should the Republican Party continue to fight for individual's Second Amendment rights?
Yes. And while you're at it you should fight for individual's rights under the other 9 amendments in the Bill of Rights too.
PART 7 CAMPAIGN 2003-300424. Do you agree defending our Republican Majority in the U.S. Senate is crucial to America's future?
Given how little you've done with it, and how awful some of what you have done is, I think crucial is a little too strong a word.
25. do you believe that building the Republican Party at the local grassroots level is key to defending our Senate Majority?
I would have to say that showing any sign of fiscal restraint and even a hint of a backbone in dealing with the Minority's obstructionism are probably more important.
26. Will you support the NRSC efforts to defend our Republican majority and build a foundation of grassroots support for President Bush's agenda for a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America?
Only if you show "any sign of fiscal restraint and even a hint of a backbone in dealing with the Minority's obstructionism."
27. Will you help build a strong foundation of republican grassroots support for President Bush's Agenda by making a generous contribution to the NRSC today?
I cannot. I have put all available resources into my own campaign.
I hope Mr. Frist gets this in time, and I hope all the Republicans in my neighborhood don't come after me with pitchforks a length of sturdy rope. Most of all, I hope I have your vote.
Posted by: Stephen Macklin at 04:18 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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