United Left/Democratic Party Presidential Debate

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

In anticipation of the this weekend's presidential primaries, the Atlas Fantasy United Left and Democratic Party are sponsoring a debate over the next three days.  I figure I will get the ball rolling by creating this thread.  So welcome to our debate!

This will be a town-hall format debate where any member of the United Left or Democratic Party may ask a question of any or all of the candidates.  Questions may be related to real-life issues facing America, or issues specifically related to this forum.

Any candidate seeking the endorsement of the United Left or Democratic Party for President may participate in this debate.  Candidates, please try to limit your posts to 200 words for opening statements, and 150 words in response to questions (not strictly enforced).

If any of the candidates would like to submit an opening statement, please do so.

I will submit my first question shortly, and any other party members are also welcome to submit questions.

[Akno21]

Would it be useful to have the Vice-Presidential candidates answer questions as well?

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

I don't know...do all of the candidates have running mates by now?

[Akno21]

I don't know...do all of the candidates have running mates by now?

I know I'm Harry's running mate, and I think Lewis is Al's running mate.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

I don't know...do all of the candidates have running mates by now?

I know I'm Harry's running mate, and I think Lewis is Al's running mate.

Yes

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

OK, if vice-presidential candidates want to give answers, they are welcome to do so.

Opening statements, anyone?

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Vote for me to keep the bastards honest

[7,052,770]

I'd prefer to answer direct questions.

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

OK, I'll start off with a question for all candidates:

The US Federal budget deficit has widened rapidly in recent years as a result of a sluggish economy, increased military and domestic spending, and lower tax rates.   What policies do you think would be most effective in reducing this deficit?

Remember, question from the membership of the parties is also welcome.

[Akno21]

OK, I'll start off with a question for all candidates:

The US Federal budget deficit has widened rapidly in recent years as a result of a sluggish economy, increased military and domestic spending, and lower tax rates.   What policies do you think would be most effective in reducing this deficit?

Remember, question from the membership of the parties is also welcome.

I think this question as several steps. It is important to not try to trim a huge deficit in a short amount of time, because then you run the risk of overreacting and cutting to many social programs or raising taxes.

1. Closely monitor large businesses to make sure they pay their fair share. In the light of the Enron scandal, we found that the company often did not pay the taxes they were supposed to. If companies like Enron payed their taxes in full, the budget would be in better shape.

2. Cutting military spending is something that if done, must be done very cautiously, and should be done with the intent of fazing out weapons from past confilcts that we don't need anymore. In light of 21st century terrorist threats, the need for a Star Wars missile defense system seems less and less by the day. Having a missile defense system up and properly running on 9/11 would not have prevented the terrorists from crashing planes into the WTC. Money saved from cutting down on outdated military equipment would be originally used to cut down the deficit.

3. Raise taxes on those making over $500,000. These people can afford a light tax increase, and they should be aware that a balanced budget helps everyone, rich or poor.

Note: These are my positions. I am not speaking for Harry.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

OK, I'll start off with a question for all candidates:

The US Federal budget deficit has widened rapidly in recent years as a result of a sluggish economy, increased military and domestic spending, and lower tax rates.   What policies do you think would be most effective in reducing this deficit?

Remember, question from the membership of the parties is also welcome.

I'm glad you asked me that Nick.

While I have no problem with an increase in spending on social programmes, education, healthcare and so on and I strongly oppose rolling back such programmes... the amount of money being spent on wasteful and outmoded military programmes like "Son of Star Wars" is certainly worrying... I think that expensive Cold War era programmes should be scrapped and more money sent to the intelligence and counter-terrorism services.
Tax cuts on the wealthy are just plain stupid... they don't help the economy and they are a major cause of our deficit problem. I support a large tax rise on the very rich and a tax cut for most of our citizens.
I also support abolishing payroll and most other regressive taxes.

Cracking down on Corperate Fat Cats is something I strongy support and I'm delighted that the two Senators support this as well... however I would go further than them and I would like to see the accounts of the 100 largest corperations investigated and anyone (and I mean anyone) in these corperations found fiddling their companies accounts or tax dodging should go to jail.

Corperate Crime is dragging this nation down to it's knees... it's time we give these scumbags a kick in the balls.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Er... Hi?