The American Anti-Corruption Act

    This is a movement I strongly stand behind.  It would eliminate the wealthy of this nation from influencing elections via large donations to political parties, campaigns, and lobbyist activities.  Having no chance to pass on a federal level -  state and local passage of the ideals of this act would allow a grass roots movement to go a long way to eliminate the power of the the wealthiest 10% of the  population from controlling our electoral process as it presently does.

 

               Property Taxes/Income Taxes/Sales Taxes:
  Property taxes are a necessary evil for local government operations.   My ultimate desire would be the removal of all income taxes in favor of  a post-income sales tax, which would result in those having more wealth spending (and thus being taxed) more.
              Government Spending:
  All government spending (except federal) is fiscally constrained, therefore a balanced budget is of paramount importance.   Federal spending, however, is not fiscally constrained as the federal government has a printing press for money (one might say that federal spending is constrained by hyperinflation).  Until someone can come up with a better fiat monetary system than what we presently have, the 3% inflation target that the Federal Reserve has targeted seems rational as long as federal spending does not outstrip a set percentage of the GNP.    
              Gun Laws:
  Reasonable control seems important. (i.e.  A limit to multiple round magazines, thorough mental and criminal background checks).  We have a 2nd Amendment for a reason, not an excuse.
              Public Education:
    Our public education must be maintained at high quality standards unconstrained by federal law.
              Healthcare/Medicare:
  Single-payer national health insurance (such as universal Medicare) is the least-worst scenario.  It gives the largest base of money for health-care spending and eliminates profit motive (which increases prices).  This would not be necessary except for the unrestrained capitalism of a health-care industry refusing to police itself.  I will admit that this is a problematic area which needs to be addressed from many directions.
              Welfare:
  A hand up, not a hand out.
              Minimum Wage and/or Maximum Wage:
  Since corporate America is greedily soaking up profits from anywhere it can (including its employees' wages and pension systems), they either must police themselves or the government will be forced to do it for them.
              Business Regulations:
  Capitalism provides prosperity, but considerable inequality; socialism provides equality, but considerable poverty.  A balance must be maintained.  This balance would be greatly enhanced with corporate input and co-operation.
              State Sovereignty:
  States have sovereignty which is not specifically given to the federal government in the constitution.
              Gay Marriage:
  The term "marriage" is a relic term from a religious past. Its use should have remained with those so influenced.  It is unfortunate that civil unions were not made the law of the land and the term "marriage" was not relegated to secondary status long ago.  Having made that statement, studies continue to indicate that the standard male-female relationship remains the most stable form of civil union.
              Eminent Domain and/or Forced Annexation:
  Eminent Domain is a nice term for economically motivated gain through the use of politics.  It is almost totally misused in this country.
              Social Security:
  A great idea.  Capitalism prosperity allows for conscientious social programs.  It is even more important now that corporate America has decimated the pension system.
              Smoking Bans:
  Indoors  - Yes.   Outdoors and away from others - No.  (Although, smokers should pay a higher premium for their insurance).
              Abortion:
  With the changing scientific capabilites and understandings of modern medicine, I must now agree that any on-demand abortion after the 4th month of pregnancy comes under question.  However, the physician-patient primacy of influence must be maintained.
              Immigration:
  More money needs to be spent in an efficient manner to prevent illegal immigration.   More importantly, an examination of present laws should be performed. (See "Drug War" below)
              Drug War:
  About as effective as any war - with little positive to show for it.  Honest addictive behavior education needs to begin in elementary school, beginning with the self-discipline of one's character.  As a sidenote, this country's illicit drug problem adds billions of dollars to Central and South American drug cartels, which then increase immigration to our country by those innocent people seeking asylum from crime-lord despotism.
              Military/National Defense/Foreign Wars:
  There have been 2 legitimate wars in my lifetime: the first Iraqi invasion (which ended too soon), and the Afghanistan war (which should have ended within 1 year of our intervention).  National Defense seems to be another name for "protect our corporate interests overseas"; and this must be addressed by the American people.  Our national security is the fourth item listed in the preamble of our federal constitution and, thus, is a reason for which the constitution was written (but economical gain should not be used as an excuse to invoke use of the military).