Atticus lives…

You: build your own platform,

discuss and debate everything you care to,

rate or vote others and you get the same.

Not sure how it will end but I’m in.

In tribute to my friend Fred here, I’ve chosen the name Atticus. The fictional character of Harper Lee’s book I feel is reflective of many things I feel strongly about. Here’s a link, join if you so desire, but if you don’t vote for me I shall have to have Rummy come out of retirement and run the CIA. heh

http://www.u4prez.com/index.php?do=rate&act=profile&id=1190

Here is my platform:

• To begin with I would go to Israel and tell the Prime Minister that the United States is no longer an unconditional ally. (leadership by example) in that if we are to hold a sort of moral high ground in international affairs (war on terror) we must do so beginning at home and at our allies\’ homes.
  I would then push for Israel to revert to its\’ previous borders, while the Arabic States recognize Israel\’s right to exist as a State.

• I would have in my Cabinet Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and anyone else who is the most qualified individual. (don\’t care if they\’re purple or paisley) In short, I would refuse to ally with a particular party. Partisanship destroys the very ideas of democracy that we supposedly fight and die to bring to the world.
• I would amend the McCain-Feingold Act to completely shut out corporate donations to ANY political candidate, and make candidates run off a strict budget provided by the People. This eliminates a politician owing a corporation, thus POSITIVELY affect policy for the good of the People.
• I would limit Presidential pardoning to a certain number of people, say Five.
• I would lift the foolish embargo from Cuba, and attempt to normalize relations.
• I would talk to those that intend us harm first. If that is not successful, I would employ the might of our military to smack them in the mouth.
• I would revamp the intelligence community by increasing the number of foreign language experts and field agents.
• I would tax imports to pay for the increased security required to truly provide security at our borders.
• I would invest in the Mexican economy.
• I would grant a working amnesty to illegals provided they complete the following:
  Eight years of military service, pass an English language course (this would be benmeficial to them as it would allow them to function better in our society thus allowing them to CONTRIBUTE that much more easily.)

• I would sign an amendment that blocks any future attempts to send the National Guard anywhere overseas except by 2/3 majority of the entire Congressional vote, in case of emergency. (Katrina)
• I would remove FEMA from under the umbrella of the Dept. of Homeland Security.
• I would create intelligence schools in each of our Military Academies.
• I would revamp the Army making them the stationary force, while making the Marine Corps the strike force.
• I would refuse to get into a war that would make us an occupational force. This addresses the WOT as I believe our forces need to remain dynamic not static. Put the requirements for enlistment BACK where they were, not allowing \”dirty dozen\” units to represent the United States abroad.
• I would, in concert with the UN, create a \”wells for the world\” program in which any nation that applies can have water wells dug and maintained within their borders.
• I would pay the regular dues that we have not paid in well over a decade to the UN (leadership by example).
• I would lower the interest rates on student loans for college.
• I would eliminate the aspects of Affirmative Action that are detrimental to its\’ purpose.
• I would give a tax incentive to an American computer maker that would provide computers to EVERY SCHOOL IN AMERICA.
• I would give salary bonuses to teachers of science, computer tech, and mathematics.
• I would create a sub-committee under the Dept. of Education that would be the hands on wing of the Dept. in case a school\’s district is failing to meet certain standards.
• I would repeal NO child left behind, because it leaves children behind. I would not require that a school\’s children pass a test in order for that district to get the money they need to educate our children.
• I would give tax breaks or incentives for colleges that have schools of education.
• I would require that if a person has a permanent disability that this is to be monitored and determined.
• I would require that occupational insurance last six months PERIOD.
• In that time, the individual can live property tax free etc. HOWEVER, it must be two years before they can reapply.
• I would repeal the tax breaks for the richest Americans.
• I would give tax breaks to the average wage earners of America.
• I would allow felons to vote.
• I would at the very least decriminalize marijuana, if not legalize it.”