It appears that 2012 is shaping up to be another poor excuse for a Presidential election year.  As a moderate conservative, I was hoping that the Republicans would put forward a candidate that mattered, but the Grand Old Party is once again engaged in finger pointing rather than solutions.  So as I think about the future of this country, the future for my children, and possibly the future of the world as we know it, I thought I might pretend to be a candidate and voice  my opinions (for what they are worth) on what the platform should be.

America First

First and foremost on my Presidential agenda is the idea that everything I stand for and all the actions I would pursue in the White House would be for the long-term, best interest of the United States.  This would affect both domestic and foreign policy, defense, economics, and every other aspect of my administration.

Now some of the controversial topics that seem to absorb far too much of our time:

Religion

I believe in God.  That doesn’t mean my administration will be religious in nature, but that my morale compass is seated in a Judeo-Christian  foundation and I will conduct myself in that manner.  I firmly believe in the Freedom of Religion and NOT the Freedom from Religion.  If you choose not to believe, so be it, but it does not give you the right to deny others the freedom to practice as they see fit.

The one caveat would be those groups that seek to impose religious laws on any group of people within the United States.  I firmly believe that the fundamental Islamic movement is bad for the world and will do what I can to stop its spread.  This has been an ongoing battle for 1300 years.

Abortion

While I personally don’t believe in it, I cannot impose my morale standards on others.  My policy would be that it is not illegal to perform abortions within the United States, but that the Federal Government will not pay for it under any circumstance (exception would be within the DoD for cases or Rape or incest (at the victim’s discretion), or to save a military member’s life).    Education programs should be developed that dissuade the use of abortion as a form of birth control.  State laws should be put in place to protect all parties (mother, father, and child).

Marijuana

I see the legalization of marijuana as inevitable.   While I personally don’t agree with its use, we can no longer afford to put good people in jail for the stupidity of smoking a joint.  I propose a full pardon and reinstatement of constitutional right for all persons solely convicted of marijuana possession equal to normal recreational consumption.  Those convicted of distribution of marijuana (no other crimes involved) will be released from jail, but not pardoned.   Taxes and regulations will be imposed on the production, marketing, and  sale of marijuana similar to cigarettes and alcohol.  States will be encouraged to pass laws governing the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence and businesses should put policies in place to govern intoxication in the workplace.

Homosexuality

Your sexual preference is irrelevant to me and to most people, and certainly does not entitle you to additional benefits or rights.  Since I will be asked, I think there are two categories of homosexuals; those that choose and those that have a genetic defect (yes, it is abnormal).  Again, what you choose to do in the privacy of your own house (provided it is legal) is of no interest to me.  Under my administration, all Federal Hate Laws would be abolished.  Murder is murder, assault is assault, so on and so on.

Immigration

My immigration policy is simple.  America is the greatest country on Earth and provides the greatest opportunity to those that want to come here and start a new life.  If you do it legally, you are welcome to stay.  If you do it illegally or violate the laws that allow for legal immigration, you will be shown the door.  No benefits will be paid to any immigrant who is not registered and fully compliant with Federal and Sate laws.  All business in this country will be conducted in English, and all Federal documents and forms printed in other languages will be eliminated.

Race Relations

I don’t care what color your skin is.  My administration will only hire/appoint the best people available for the given position.  We will not be held to any artificial standard that states we must hire a proportion of a certain ethnic background.  We are all Americans; so prepare to remove the hyphens.  Those leaders of the minority groups around the country will be asked to be Americans and stop spreading dissent amongst their constituency for wrongs that may or may not have been committed decades and/or centuries ago.

Now the more important aspects of my Administration:

Taxes

My long-term tax policy is simple.  Simplicity and honesty.  First off, I propose a flat tax for all individuals and businesses that earn more than $15000 in a calendar year.  The tax rate would be set at a level that would allow us to pay our debts and run the Federal government.  While I don’t know what that rate would be, 11% has always sounded good to me and that would be my starting point.  This rate would be locked for 8 years and would only be raised in the event of a National Emergency (war or a massive volcanic eruption in the Midwest).  All exemptions and credits would be eliminated without exception.  During the State of the Union, I would present a short review of the country’s finances so that all Americans are informed.

Foreign Policy

Our standing within the world is very important and it would be the policy of my Administration to engage in those activities that improve our standing in the eyes of the people.  American will not apologize for the actions it has taken in the past, but will apply the morale and ethical code of the day to current and future dealings.  Those countries that are our Allies will continue to remain so provided their actions are not contrary to the long-term interests of the United States.  There needs to be an in-depth review of our policy of purchasing half-hearted loyalty through foreign aid.  The spread of Islam as a tyrannical form of government must be stopped.

Defense

As a former military member, I understand the importance of a strong defense.  This means people and equipment that are second to none.  I will ask the Joint Chiefs of Staff to provide a realistic estimate of what is required to maintain our defensive posture and to protect our National Strategic Interests.  As I see it Iran, Russia and China pose the  largest threat to stability in the world and we will need to focus our efforts on maintaining that stability as much as possible (preferably without the use of force).  If we are required to go to war, all gloves come off and every tool available to our military and intelligence organizations, short of WMD, will be used to achieve victory.  Any allied nation impeding our progress or found helping the enemy, will be treated as an enemy.

Technology

Technology will be a key objective of my administration.  The deployment of new, but stable technologies is vital to our standard of living, science, and National Interests.  Protecting these technologies and our current electronic infrastructure is also crucial.  Attracting the best and brightest to work for the government and/or partnering with commercial entities to ensure that America is second to none is a key initiative.  Grants and other incentives (not related to taxes) will be proposed to make new technology available to all and to stimulate R&D.

Welfare and Social Security

A complete review of the social programs of the Federal Government will be reviewed and new rules will be established to ensure individual accountability.  Individuals who are capable of working will be dropped from any social welfare program 180 days after they are notified.

Smaller and Focused Government

One tenant of my administration will be to reduce government overhead wherever possible and the elimination of organizations/departments that truly do not serve the long-term National Interests of our country.

The United States of America is a great country and I am sick and tired of all the bickering between the various factions.  We cannot afford to be the most liberal country on the planet nor can we survive if we become artificially the most conservative.  Personal liberty and balance are the key to everything.

2012 America