Reply #106: Hmmm, actually these are excellent questions..... [View All]

Since I recently said that Kerry is making some interesting comments (regarding Bush getting impeached if Dems take control in 2006), and he was looking better as a possible candidate, I'll take a crack at defining the DLC's new platform. Let me state for the record that I don't support HC, for reasons other than being DLC, and I still make regular contributions to PDA.

1.) The Patriot Act is only a temporary measure to help ensure that we are doing everything possible to eliminate the presence of active terrorists within the U.S., and the financial supporters of terrorism. There may be some disagreement as to when it should be fazed out, but there are no long-term plans to permanently disable civil rights. Capitalism works best in a truly free society. Also keep in mind that we want to bring ALL criminals to justice (ahem).

2.) and 3.) The world will be a much more secure place if all nations operate on a level playing field. This is the ultimate goal of free trade. The problem is not the presence of unions within the U.S., the problem is a lack of unions and lack of human rights in nations such as China. Since we cannot legislate how foreign countries treat their citizens, we must come up with creative solutions to the problems caused by outsourcing. I propose that a system of tax credits and perhaps even government subsidies be provided to companies for every job that is kept in America and for companies who successfully negotiate union demands. No less than 85% of subsidies must be passed on directly in the form of union employee salaries.

4.) While healthcare remains privatized, there needs to be a standardized system of legislated health care contract points. Insurance companies will suffer severe penalties when violating contracts with their customers. This should not infringe on insurance companies' profitability if they play fair.

5.) Federal laws should be enacted limiting the amount of credit offered to individuals based on their current debt and income. Once these are in place, the bankrupcy laws will be lifted. This is the sane approach to keeping banks from getting into trouble due to customer bankrupcies.

6.) We must do what we can to DEFEND our allies in the Middle East, but not provoke our allies' enemies. Military bases should only be placed in countries where the majority of people desire our presence.

7.) Part of the money planned for future war in the Middle East should instead be allocated to supporting the unemployed, and providing the able-bodied with jobs (including jobs in construction where there may actually be shortages).

8.) A portion of the funds normally spent on defense should instead be used to subsidize emergency room and intensive care for uninsured patients.

9.) There should be a healthy (as in SANE) balance between liberals and conservatives on the Supreme Court.

10.) Not only is this good for democracy but its also good for business!

11.) (If people would learn how to use the power to boycott the companies that have influence over us - us being the DLC, then we would pay attention to this demand.)

(This post probably has nothing to do with the reality of the DLC, but at least I got it off my chest)