Questions for the Candidates
While more than 90% of Americans know who John McCain and Barack Obama are, third-party candidates like Chuck Baldwin, Ralph Nader, Cynthia McKinney and Bob Barr are virtually ignored by the mainstream media and prohibited from participating in the televised Presidential debates.
The current election is falling into the same old routine. There are two candidates with very few real differences from each other. They answer the same meaningless questions at the debates, each side calls the other a liar and hypocrite, there’s class warfare, fear is planted in everyone’s mind, and so on.
Would it really hurt us to ask some of the below mentioned questions of both candidates, along with some follow ups so they can clarify their answer? And then ask 2-4 smaller party candidates the same questions, and give them some national exposure as well?
These questions are the ones I would ask, based on my ideas of what we should do to fix our once great country.
1. What are some advantages / disadvantages of our current fiat money system?
2. Would you be in favor of a simpler, easier to understand tax code, where money is only taxed once?
3. Do you think we are getting our money’s worth in the war on drugs? What tangible benefits does this war on drugs have?
4. Which would be more beneficial to an individual, a properly managed mix of 401k, Roth IRA, CDs, bonds, money market funds, etc. or government run Social Security?
5. Are we getting fair value for the money we spend on education? Why are some schools falling apart? What benefits do teachers unions provide to our children?
6. Do you agree or disagree with the statement that our infrastructure is crumbling? If yes, why is this the case? Could private companies handle the roads, bridges, and jails without as much waste?
7. Are the wars we are involved in constitutional, and why exactly are we at war right now? To capture Osama Bin Laden? Secure our oil supplies? Promote our way of life?
8. Why are we in the United Nations and what purpose does a UN declaration serve if we ignore it?
9. Do you think free markets could set interest rates, or do we need the Fed to set these rates? In your opinion, has the Fed played any negative role in the current economic situation?
10. Is it a good idea to let third-party candidates participate in the Presidential debates?
Can you think of other important questions that should be asked but are very unlikely to be asked in tomorrow’s televised debate?
Print This Post
* Do you support amnesty for illegal aliens?
* Are you in favor of an eternal and unconditional alliance with Israel?
* Will you bring our troops hope from all over the world?
* Are you going to you open a new investigation into 9/11?
* Do you plan to abolish the Federal Reserve?
* Would you introduce a gold standard?
Sure, we know the (identical) answers to these questions from Obama and McCain, but it would be interesting to hear what the others have to say.
[Reply]
Jack, to answer your questions (as I would answer, not Obama/McCain)…
* Do you support amnesty for illegal aliens?
No, doing that will undermine our authority and hurts the legal citizens by increasing their costs for healthcare, (illegally) increasing the competition for jobs, and also gives extra incentive for illegal aliens to come here.
* Are you in favor of an eternal and unconditional alliance with Israel?
I would treat it as I would any other country, try to reach out and be friendly with them and encourage freedom at home and abroad. If things sour then we reevaluate.
* Will you bring our troops hope from all over the world?
I assume you mean “bring troops home” so I’ll answer it as such. I would bring them home for the most part, there’s certainly no reason to have heavy amounts of troops in Iraq or Afghanistan.
* Are you going to you open a new investigation into 9/11?
If I ever thought of doing something like this, I would take it to the taxpayers for a vote and lay out a specific plan. After all, they are paying for it. But probably not, the investigation would cost a lot and probably has very few benefits.
* Do you plan to abolish the Federal Reserve?
Yes, clearly we do not need a Federal Reserve to set interest rates and inflate/deflate the money supply. We also do not need legal tender laws. What we need, as always, is competition. Ron Paul and the folks over at Mises.org have been saying this all along and I support this position.
* Would you introduce a gold standard?
Yes, and I would also encourage people to trade and create new monies. Meaning, if people want to trade in silver, hamburgers, or laptops, they can. Or if someone comes up with a great new idea that helps trade become more effective and efficient, as determined by the free market, then that should be allowed also.
[Reply]
Most of the banks involved are controlled by Jews. Many of the principals involved are Jews. Ditto for the responsible politicians involved. Why are Jews always getting a free ride? Never mind that Abe Foxman accuses me of anti-Semitism. I just want some straight answers … so do most intelligent Americans.
[Reply]
Why don’t they listen to the people? It would seem like were either going to have’t to shit or get off the pot.
[Reply]
What is the future of capitalism in the United States?
[Reply]
The predatory lending and abuse of interest rates by bankers and credit card companies have been an underline factor of bankruptcies and of the mortgage failures. I foresee this to be an even bigger problem in the future, would you consider a National 10% usury law.
[Reply]
One question - Do you know and can you please explain the difference between Capitalism and Socialism?
[Reply]
1. Are we trying to save House prices for the people or are we trying to make sure government doesn’t miss out on high property taxes?
The inflation in Homes just means billions more in property taxes for government….which G W B was pushing for hardcore in 2002 to help open up lending with Fan and Fred. The government only pushed this to get property taxes higher and stick us in expensive loans. Not to get everyone in a house. After the new prices were set up Government comes to the rescue because Fan and Fred did thier job. They established higher property tax. Now we are bailing out more to try to stabalize these rediculous prices on homes.
Just another way to strip you of your freedom and make you a slave to government.
[Reply]
Why is Ron Paul not running for President? I know that he was running, so what happened?
[Reply]
Banks and Finacials have no doubt extorted US citizens for decades, and incedibly also leaving them (taxpayers) with the tab. Governments pour billions in fighting wars on Drugs, or on putting the likes of the John Ghotti’s (Mob/Orginized Crime) away. It seems here like the biggest ORGINIZED CRIME in history are presently the Finacials.
So my questions here are:
1. Why doesnt government realize this?
2. Why isn’t government pouring resources to stop it/fix it?
3. Is Ron Paul the only government official that realizes this?
[Reply]
Why are we going to escalate fighting in Afghanistan? Is it because they have MORE al quaeda groups and hate us more now than they did before Iraq? Doesn’t democracy allow for protests? assembly? The Afghani’s have a right to hate or love whomever they choose! America has no right to use military power in an attempt to change their minds. If we bring our troops home and focus on our security and BORDER control, then it wouldn’t matter what terrorist plot Al Quaeda has planned in the US, because our security would stop it.
[Reply]
I really want Ron Paul to win the Presidency but since he is not running and the election is so soon, I do not think I would be helping by voting for any third party candidate. Especially since none of them are known to enough people to win the election.
I will ask these questions suggested here and hope to get good answers from both canadidates.
I would have been a lot more secure if Ron Paul had run and won.
[Reply]
Eileen, don’t believe the two-party lie; you WILL be helping by voting for the best candidate for the job. If we all would stop saying “gee, I’d vote for him but he doesn’t have a chance” and just VOTE for the best candidate, maybe he/she WOULD have a chance.
On the other hand, if we just roll over and swallow their line (quite a pureed metaphor there), then we will get exactly what we deserve.
[Reply]
I would like to write in Ron Paul’s name for President on the ballot, but with these electronic machines how would you do that? Ron Paul seems to be the most sensibly man for the job.
[Reply]
Write-ins can be tricky; it appears that they aren’t always regarded as legitimate, and even if they *can* be, they won’t unless there are extenuating circumstances (note that I am not a lawyer). Besides, Ron Paul (a) is busy with some very important personal developments, and (b) has endorsed another candidate (possibly as a result of a).
Vote for the best one on the ballot (unless all you have is McBama).
[Reply]
FYI, here’s a very telling response from Chuck Baldwin, the man that Ron Paul endorsed:
http://www.newswithviews.com/baldwin/baldwin470.htm
[Reply]
I would like to hear Obama or MCCain defend the Patriot act.
[Reply]
Make sure who is approved as a write in candidate in your state. I know, it’s nuts and yes they have to be on the list. Another way to control access. I would also add that your third candidate vote is not wasted. The wasted vote is one not cast. Voting is still the ONLY way we can influence the outcome. Plus, as third parties get a bigger percentage of the vote they will get increased access. If you have weighed the issues and feel the third party has it right, put your vote there! God Speed.
[Reply]
For both McCain & Obama:
How much of your collective bullshit do you think the average American voter is buying into these days?
[Reply]
I would like to ask all in government (except Mr Paul) why is it that we the people of the “USA” can’t get help when we need a “BAILOUT”, but you each set up there and asked each of us to pay to get “WALL STREET” out of trouble when we all can’t afford to buy or pay for things we need to live, but you didn’t listen to us the citizens you just voted for the “BAILOUT for WALL STREET” and that showed each of us or at least some of us that our government don’t care about us they only care for themselves. Also each one from the State of Virginia that is in the government that voted for the bailout will never have a vote from me ever again. You didn’t listen to me so I will not vote to listen to you. WHY DO YOU ALL NOT LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE??????????????????????????????????
[Reply]
jack said:
“* Are you in favor of an eternal and unconditional alliance with Israel?
* Are you going to you open a new investigation into 9/11?”
these are two biggies, they would open so many doors if the issues were addressed fairly.
[Reply]
The recycle party has advocated a “bring back tax”. This tax would require any American Company who has moved their manufacturing to foreign shores to pay a “bring back tax” to have access to a consumer market they are helping (through lost American wages destroy…This tax would help pay for the retraining of American workers and level the domestic playing field for manufacturers who stay at home. Do you favor this proposal?
[Reply]
Jose, all I can say to that is “no.” I’m not very familiar with that proposal, but remember the fundamental law about taxes. Any time you tax something, you get less of it. So this would just encourage companies to keep their operations overseas. Why should a company have to pay to have access to a market? Let’s free up markets and encourage trade and growth worldwide.
[Reply]
1.) Why isn’t the Treasury Secretary an elected official?
2.) Do you think the American People should have an interest in voting for the Treasury Secretary who could help the government regulate the Federal Reserve, protect their dollars and prevent economic bubbles?
[Reply]
May I ask who Mr. Paul has endorsed?
Do you think that the October surprise, re: Obama’s birth place will have an effect on the election?
How do these candidates feel about the media’s non-attention? I had no idea who you were until I received my ballot. Hmmm???
Does anyone besides me think that our country is slipping into a black hole, both financially and morally?
[Reply]
Marci: Dr. Paul has endorsed Chuck Baldwin of the Constitution Party.
As for your last question, you obviously haven’t been talking with many Ron Paul aficionados lately or you would know the answer
(not that the matter really merits a smiley face, but there you have it).
[Reply]
The next time (if there is a next time) Ron Paul and Chuck Baldwin should do something like this:
http://www.bobbarr.com/2008/10/15/watch-the-real-debate-here/
[Reply]
I wish we could hear these type of questions asked!
[Reply]
To any candidate
1. If you had a choice go to war spend trillions on dollars on a no win situation or leave the UN what would you do?
2. On the topic of war if we the people placed it into law that anytime there is a war our president goes along with his generals to said war and the president comes home when our solders come home meanwhile the vice president can run things at home while our president is beside his men, would you vote yes or no to put this into law.
These are observation for the candidates.
3. When is our government going to tell us “this isn’t our government anymore” it belongs to the UN and other outside interests?
4. When is our government going to tell the people the truth about our rights in this country and just admit to us we have no rights anymore, the constitution has been abolished by UN documents written for the New World Order.
We need change but not the change the democratic or republican parties are proposing. It would be nice to see real questions and real answer something we will never have is honestly. Ron Paul and few and I mean few like him represent the real men and women in our government that truthfully stand for something meaningful the rest of them are the Bushes, Obama’s, McCains, Regans, and the Clintons all and I mean all pushing towards this New World Order where only the rich and the elite will have privilege all others are just a product to be used and when used up to be discarded. That’s the change these people want for you. Socialism, Communism, and of course a “New World Order” under a new government.
Sounds great! (sarcasm)
[Reply]
We are getting close to early voting in all States and I believe some states have already begun early voting.
I believe it is very important that all of us stick to our guns and vote for Chuck Baldwin, Constitution Party,(if you can) because Ron Paul endorsed him. His platform of issues are identical to Ron Paul’s. Ron Paul wants to stay in Congress where he feels he can be of most help. That is why, I believe, he endorsed Chuck Baldwin.
It is my understanding that you may write in a third-party candidate; however, I believe the candidate has to be an “allowable” write-in candidate for a State.
Bob Barr is on the ballot in Texas, the state where I live, so I will be voting for him unless Chuck Baldwin is allowed as a write-in.
Does anyone know of a website where one can go and see all the ballot candidates as well as the allowable “write-in candidates” ?
I am not afraid that I will be “wasting” my vote which is what alot of my Republican friends have been telling me. I am voting my conscience.
The ESTABLISHMENT has only given us two choices…an extreme Leftist socialist and an extreme Rightist Warmonger. And, it is unfortunate that these two parties decided to get together after Ross Perot put a scare into them and changed the rules of presidential elections so that no other party can participate. Unfortunate for THE PEOPLE.
I am also NOT voting for any Republican or Democrat that is up for re-election on Congress and am going to vote any other party such as Independent, Libertarian or any other third party candidate.
Someone please get back to me regarding election rules on write-in candidates, etc. I think it is important that we all know these rules and I have had a difficult trying to find them online.
Thanks…and God speed.
[Reply]
More Americans need to hear Ron Paul’s message. A halt in the manipulation of the national news media outlets by the two-party system have to stop, blocking the way for independents. Ron Paul makes so much sense, it would seem impossible that if equal media coverage existed…people would choose this plan. At the least, Americans would not be cheated and have the opportunity to hear hall candidates equally on a national level.
As far as preventing more poor economic decisions, I would propose education first. Credit card companies should not be allowed to issue a credit card to a young adult (college age) unless they enroll and pass a personal finance class first. This would be a requirement. It is sickening the way these companies target young people and put them so quickly in debt. This would at least ensure the education of more individuals and also slow-down these credit card predators.
Lastly, but more importantly…thank you Ron Paul for being what the public wants in a candidate, if they only had the chances to hear you. You are truly a servant in office for the American people.
Thanks as well to the other independent candidates that won’t take what the big corps, media, and Washington is trying to force-feed us. Thank you for being courageous!
[Reply]
Jo Ann, Chuck Baldwin is an official write-in candidate in Texas. For everyone else, here’s the complete list of his status in various states: http://www.constitutionparty.com/ba_stats.php
Also, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Remember, Ron Paul is a Republican Congressman! My Representative, Jeb Hensarling (R), is getting my vote for the right reasons.
However, for Senate, I must vote for Yvonne Schick — http://yvonneforsenate.com/ — after what Cornyn pulled (Hutchison’s seat isn’t up yet).
[Reply]
For everyone out there trying to decide how and for whom to vote, I DID find a website that details if each State does or does not accept write-in candidates and what the deadlines and/or circumstances are. The site lists ALL states and you just click onto your State. Here is the website:
http://writein2008.blogspot.com/
[Reply]
To Mike Cuneo above: Are you a candidate?
[Reply]
Sorry, I’m too young to run
[Reply]