Social Issue Policy

[politicallefty]

Gay Marriage - Strongly support; all gay marriage bans should be struck down as unconstitutional.
Gambling - Heavily regulated, leave it up to the states.
Marijuana - Support, both medical and recreational legalization (and, of course, regulated and taxed).
Abortion - Pro-choice until viability of the fetus.
Stem-cell Research - Strongly support, with considerable funding.
Death Penalty - Strongly oppose.
Gun Control - At this point, I'd just be happy to get universal background checks, a new AWB, and a ban on high-capacity magazines.
Affirmative Action - Oppose race-based affirmative action, but open to some form of income-based program.
Smoking Bans - Ban smoking in all public places.
Amnesty - Generally supportive, but as part of a large comprehensive immigration package.
In God We Trust - Not really a concern, but almost certainly unconstitutional.
Under God - See above.
School Vouchers - Strongly oppose.

[ElectionsGuy]

Same-Sex Marriage: Get government out of it, let it be a private contract between individuals
Gambling: Legalize it, whatever
Drugs: Legalize and decriminalize all drugs, end the failed drug war
Affirmative Action: Discrimination isn't something I support
Stem-cell Research: Leave it up to the private sector
Abortion: Do not support banning at any time, but would like to raise awareness, keep it as safe and rare as possible. Part of this is having full access to contraceptives
Smoking Bans - Let businesses and institutions decide
School Vouchers - I support people's access to a good education
Death Penalty - Oppose
Gun Laws - 2nd amendment guarantees the right to own firearms. Background checks and mandatory licenses to carry guns should be only restrictions. Raise awareness about gun safety.
Amnesty - I support a path to citizenship so illegal aliens can eventually get amnesty, oppose immediate amnesty. Oppose deportations unless convicted of a violent crime.
God in public sphere - Whatever, this is a non-issue, but if we're talking about Pledge of Allegiance in schools just make so kids aren't required to participate if they don't want to.

[Goldwater]

Gay Marriage: Legal
Gambling: Legal
Drugs: Soft drugs like marijuana should be completely legal, harder ones should just be decriminalized
Affirmative Action: Oppose
Stem-cell Research: Legal
Abortion: Completely legal during the first two trimesters, illegal except for risks to the mother's life in the third trimester
Smoking Bans: Oppose, should be up to the individual owners
School vouchers: Support
Death Penalty: Support
Gun Laws: There should be background checks, but otherwise no gun control
Amnesty: Support a path to citizenship
God in public sphere: Apathetic

[RR1997]

Gay Marriage - Strongly support legalization.
Gambling - Edit: Let the States decide.
Marijuana - Strongly support legalization, for medical and for recreational purposes.
Abortion - Undecided
Stem-cell Research - Support
Death Penalty - Strongly support.
Gun Control - Strongly opposed.
Affirmative Action - Strongly opposed.
Amnesty - Strongly support path to citizenship.
In God We Trust - Keep it.
Under God - Keep it.
School Vouchers - Opposed

[BaconBacon96]

Gay Marriage: Legalize it at a federal level
Gambling: Legalize, but discourage through education
Drugs: Legalize marijuana, decriminalize other drugs, focus on rehabilitation not punishment
Affirmative Action: Don't like it, but the states can decide that.
Stem-Cell: Has already been proven to be useful, so the government should fund it
Abortion: Allow it, no limitations
Smoking Bans: Leave that up to the individual place
School vouchers: The government should fund education properly, not through this
Death Penalty: Oppose
Gun Laws: Support
Under God: No
In God we trust: We shouldn't have god anywhere near government

[Sopranos Republican]

Gay Marriage: Strongly Support, strike down all state bans, and legalize nationwide.
Gambling: Legalize nationwide with the condition that gaming is made far more fair for the player.
Marijuana: Fully legalize.
Abortion - Pro-choice; 100% state funded abortion until viability.
Stem-cell Research: Don't see why one would oppose.
Death Penalty: Eh, I'm kind of on the fence. Some criminals really do deserve to die. Though, I'm still not sure if I'm comfortable with the state having the right to end lives.
Gun Control: With the exception of background checks; strongly oppose.
Affirmative Action: Support.
Smoking Bans: Strongly opposed, except for around schools "for the sake of the children" or some bullsh**t like that, that we've been trained to believe.
Amnesty: Hell Yes.
In God We Trust: Yes, although I'd prefer a large mural of: Washington, Lincoln, TR, and Jesus on the back of all currency.
Under God: Sure.
School Vouchers: Strongly oppose.

[IceSpear]

Gay Marriage - Legalize nationwide
Gambling - Legalize nationwide
Marijuana - Legalize nationwide
Abortion - Pro-choice, abortion legal for first 2 trimesters, only in the 3rd trimester for health of the mother
Stem-cell Research - Strongly support
Death Penalty - Support for only particularly heinous crimes where guilt is certain
Gun Control - Support background checks, assault weapons bans, ammunition limits, etc. Oppose heavier restrictions. Strongly opposed to horrible "guns everywhere" bills like in Georgia.
Affirmative Action - Ambivalent
Amnesty - Support, although we need to secure the border as well
In God We Trust - It doesn't bother me, but if I had the choice I'd remove it
Under God - See above
School Vouchers - Strongly oppose

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Abortion: Pro-life; overturn Roe v. Wade, ban abortion except to save the life of the mother.
Gay Marriage: Legalize civil unions with equal marriage benefits for homosexual couples, but refuse to use the term "marriage."
Gun Control: Support background/mental health checks, but oppose further restrictions.
Illegal Immigration: Grant amnesty to illegal immigrants who have already stayed a certain amount of time; deport all others, as well as future illegals.  Simplify the legal immigration process.
Death Penalty: Oppose, but leave to the states
Marijuana: Keep it illegal, and enact harsher punishments; oppose medical marijuana.
Other Drugs: See Marijuana
Embryonic Stem-Cell Research: Oppose unless done on cells that would be discarded; strongly support adult stem cell research (sane).
Affirmative Action: Support bans on discrimination in admissions/hiring, but oppose quotas.
Gambling: Keep internet gambling illegal, allow for sporting events.
Assisted Suicide: Ambivalent, lean oppose.  If suicide is illegal by itself, then so should assisted suicide.
School Vouchers: Strongly support
Smoking Bans: Allow smoking in private residences, let businesses decide whether to allow it; support bans in schools.
In God We Trust: Ambivalent, but allow it
Under God: See In God We Trust

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Abortion: Ideally, banned in all cases but to preserve the mother's life.
Gay Marriage: If marriage is a "civil institution", then it should be decided--hypothetically--by society. As a religious institution, that would be up to the religion. After all, America, a Protestant country, has a diverse set of even Christian religions that take a stance on it, either for or against. The state should have a largely "hands off" policy and allow for a way for people to make contracts between themselves and let them be recognized religiously as the religions see fit. This, of course, would lead into a debate regarding polygamy. Polygamy is an institution that would allow for an entirely unequal relationship between persons and I would oppose its recognition by any religion. Legally, that might be up in the air.
Illegal Immigration: Speaking from the standpoint of principle, obviously all immigrants should be legal or deported. However, that doesn't count for certain practical considerations. As much as the concept of "anchor babies" might offend someone, is it just for the government to uproot a family whose children have only known life in the United States? Looking at such an issue from a purely criminal standpoint is inconsiderate of other factors. I recall an appearance by Jack Kemp in a segment on a talk show or news channel regarding this. In theory, anyone found to be an illegal immigrant should still be required to and allowed to attempt to pass all requirements for citizenship. If they have produced naught but crime and such during their undocumented stay here, obviously they must be thrown back. However, on other issues it is complicated.
Death Penalty: Oppose due to the fact that it asserts that the state and the majority have the right to decide one's worthiness for life.
Marijuana: Legal. Sure, stoners can be unproductive people that are wastes of oxygen, but such will serve to weed (heh) out those that would otherwise be mentally weak when encountering other obstacles in life, while validating those that are able to function and prosper despite (because of?) its use.
Other Drugs: Decriminalization seems like a good step, however, pushers and the like should be severely punished for profiting off the unjust and immoral use of addiction in their favor.
Stem-Cell Research: Support adult stem cell research, oppose embryonic, blah blah blah.
Affirmative Action: Oppose in principle--things should be rewarded on merit (A) or allow for considerations aside from just race (B) which I think we do have in place.
Gambling: Legal, sure, why not? Again, Darwinism.
Assisted Suicide: Oppose.
School Vouchers: Support.
Smoking Bans: Ridiculous, but if a private entity wishes to enact one, can we stop them? I personally wouldn't attend an institution that had a
"smoke free campus" on principle alone.
In God We Trust: Stop whining. Where would you even get the right to object, given that a concrete and universal standard of morality would be hard to come by in your field?
Under God: Stop whining.

[Bozo the Clown]

Abortion Doctors:
 
A physician may not perform an abortion on minors without obtaining either consent from one of her parents or a judicial bypass.
 
Before performing an abortion, the physician must inform the patient of the status of the pregnancy, stage of fetal development, expected date of viability, health risks of abortion, and availability of adoption agencies and childbirth resources.
 
24 hour waiting period before abortions with the exception of emergencies.
 
Physicians must ensure that fetal remains are disposed of in a "humane and sanitary manner."
 
Doctors to face criminal penalties for performing abortions on minors without informing and acquiring consent from at least one parent.
 
Women must be given the option of providing for stem-cell research and receive counseling.
 
 
Legal Requirements and Regulations:
 
Require all second trimester abortions be performed in a hospital.
The free market provides a livable society for babies.
Require testing for viability after 20 weeks.
Prohibit public officials from encouraging women to have abortions.
Allocate funding to promote childbirth instead of abortions.
No federal funding of abortions.
Ban federal health coverage that includes abortion.
Abortions to be legal in the case of incest, rape, hazard to the mother's life, and damaged fetuses.
Restrict interstate transfer of minors to get abortions.
Ban partial birth abortion.
No human cloning for reproduction and medical research.
Ban abortions for gender or race selection.
 
 
 
Federal Regulation:
 
Provide federal funding for health providers who don't cover abortion.
Teach abstinence in health classes.
Prohibit forced abortions by UN Population Fund.
No family planning assistance that includes abortion.
Declare pre-born as persons under the 14th amendment.


Sentencing:
 
Decriminalize all drugs and offer rehabilitation in place of sentencing.

Only sentence drug users who refuse rehabilitation.

Harsher sentencing for "pill mill" operators.
 
 
Legalization and Age Requirements:
 
Legalize marijuana and regulate it like we do alcohol.
Lower drinking age to 19 and maintain a minimum age of 21 to drink at a bar.
Lower drinking age to 18 for military.
 
 
Drug Awareness:
 
Teach D.A.R.E. to students in 3rd, 6th, 8th, and 10th grade.
Reward students for performing well on material learned.
Provide seminars about drugs for students and parents.


Machine Guns:
 
Restrict the transfer and possession of machine guns except for “transfers to or by, or possession by or under the authority of, the United States or any department or agency thereof or a State, or a department, agency, or political subdivision.
 
The ATF can authorize the transfer of a machine gun to an unlicensed civilian.
 
An unlicensed individual may acquire machine guns, with ATF approval, from its lawful owner residing in the same state as the individual.
 
The transfer-er must file an ATF application, which must be completed by both parties to the transfer and executed under penalties of perjury, and pay a $200 transfer tax to ATF.
 
Application to include detailed information on the firearm and the parties involved in the transfer.
 
Those receiving a machine gun through transfer must certify that they are not disqualified from possessing firearms.
 
Someone receiving a machine gun through transfer must submit two photographs taken within the last year, fingerprints, and a copy of a permit required to possess a machine gun.
 
Also must certify that machine gun will be used only for lawful purposes.
 
Anyone acquiring a machine gun must, as part of the registration process, pass an extensive Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background investigation.
 
ATF must refund the $200 tax if application is denied.
 
Gun owners must keep approved applications as evidence of registration of the firearms and make them available for inspection by ATF officers.

Dealers subject to police inspection of stock of machine guns, sawed off rifles, and sawed off shotguns.
 

Registry Prohibition:
 
Multiple Sales Reports
Suspect Guns- guns suspected of criminal use but not collected
Traced Guns
Out of Business Records
Theft Guns- reported as stolen by the ATF
 
 
Disqualified Individuals:
 
those who have served more than a year in prison
fugitives from the law
anyone currently addicted to a controlled substance
illegal citizens
those with mental illnesses who have been involuntarily admitted for treatment
dishonorable discharge from the military
felons
kidnappers
rapists
convicts of violent crimes against other individuals
convicts of gun crimes
convicts of domestic violence against a spouse or child
anyone with a court order restraining them from an intimate partner or child
minors under the age of 12 except when supervised
minors under the age of 18 except with permission of parents and property owner
anyone acquitted for reasons of insanity
anyone judged to be mentally incompetent or incapacitated
those who have renounced U.S. citizenship
minimum 5 year prison sentence for crimes committed with illegal firearms
 
 
Places of Possession:
 
Keep general cross-state standard for concealed carry.
Allow guns in Washington D.C. with no trigger lock requirement.
Allow for open carry outside of cities with exception of legal officials.
Teach kids about gun safety.


Places of Restriction:

places of religious worship
courthouses
near schools and campuses
airport terminals
state forests (except law enforcement)
state parks (except law enforcement)
areas of wildlife management (except law enforcement)
buildings of federal employment and general assembly
anywhere prohibited by property owner

 
Sales Procedures:
 
Mandatory background checks for gun purchases.
Background checks may take no longer than three days.
Proof of previous background checks maybe used for later purchases.
One day waiting period for purchase of a firearm.
Require 12 hour training class before allowing open carry.
Magazines holding more than 20 rounds considered as automatic firearms.
No requirement that guns be sold with trigger locks.
Protect gun manufacturers from lawsuits from gun misuse.
Must have proof of age and citizenship.
Private sellers may not sell firearms to anyone they know is prohibited from possessing or transporting them.


Licenses and Private Sales:
 
Require license to purchase valid for 3 years.
Allow guns to be traded between dealers and private citizens.
No license needed if trading a gun.
No license needed for purchasing a firearm of more than 50 years of age.
Guns considered as collectors items not subject to license.
No license required for veterans or retired members of law enforcement to purchase firearms.
Require concealed handgun permits to carry a magazine holding more than 20 rounds.
 
 
Firearms in Vehicles:
 
1. In a closed package, box, or case.
2. In a compartment that can only be reached by leaving the vehicle.
3. In plain sight and secured in a rack or holder.
4. Must be unloaded.


Automatic Firearms:

Automatic firearms must be registered with the state police.
Prohibit plastic firearms outside of law enforcement.
Prohibit Armsel Strikers (striker 12 shotguns) outside of law enforcement.


Reparations:
 
Acknowledge the fundamental injustice of the enslavement of those of African ancestry prior to the Civil War.
 
Apologize on behalf of the people of the United States for the enslavement of those of African ancestry prior to the Civil War.
 
Provide a public education fund to inform our country about slavery.
 
Financially provide $60,000 of reparations for direct descendants of slaves.
 
Set an example of the United States as honoring human rights.
 
 
Affirmative Action:
 
Recipients of federal funds must comply with civil rights laws in all areas, not just in the particular program or activity that received federal funding.
 
Schools not receiving federal funds which are very few are not required to abide by civil rights laws.
 
Use federal funds for affirmative action hiring.
 
 
Age Discrimination:
 
Prohibit discrimination in hiring, promotions, wages, termination, and layoffs.
No advertisements of age preference and limitations.
No denial of benefits to employees based on age.
Prohibit mandatory retirement for workers based on age.
Permit mandatory retirement at age 65 for executives in policy making decisions who are entitled to pensions.
 
 
Voting:
 
No discrimination based on religion, race, or gender at polls.
All polls to be open by 7:00 a.m. until at least 7:00 p.m. local time.
Allow for absentee ballots after deadline for handicapped individuals.
Continue to provide absentee ballots for each election.
Absentee ballots to be valid upon reception until Election Day.
Require every U.S. citizen to have absentee access.
Ensure that all precincts are handicapped accessible with available parking.
Assure handicapped and elderly individuals have access to a polling place.
Provide telecommunication devices for blind voters.
Require states to survey voting places for handicapped irregularities.
 
 
Indian Gaming Casinos:
 
Allow Indian Gaming Casinos for traditional and social gaming.
Encourage states to allow and regulate casinos in their state.
Taxes on gambling to go to seniors through social security and Medicare.
Tribes must first negotiate with the Secretary of Interior.
Tribes must adopt an ordinance approved by the Chairman of the Commission.
Build casinos to promote tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong tribal governments.
Casinos shield tribes from organized crime and corrupting issues.
Establish a commission to ensure gambling is conducted fairly and honestly.
 
 
Gaming Commission Purposes:
 
conduct investigations
undertake enforcement actions
determine violations
assess civil fines and closure orders
conduct background investigations
perform yearly audits of gaming records
review and approve Tribal gaming ordinances
investigate allegations of criminal activity
allow casino gambling


Gays:

Allow for same-sex marriage.
Allow for gay adoptions in order to prevent children from growing up in the system.
Gays in scouts is fine, but scouts have their rights as a private organization.

[Bozo the Clown]

Here's what we should do about immigration. I'm pretty liberal on this issue.


Path to Citizenship:
 
Require employers to attest to their employees' immigration status as we already do.
 
Keep it illegal to hire or recruit unauthorized immigrants.
 
Legalize certain seasonal agricultural illegal immigrants.
 
Amnesty for immigrants who entered the United States before January 1, 2010 and have resided here continuously with the penalty of back taxes due and admission of guilt.
 
Citizenship requirements include a knowledge of U.S. history, government, and proficiency in the English language.
 
INS is ineffective.
 
Share costs of immigration between federal and state governments.
 
 
On the Border:
 
Immigration is part of our life's blood.
Value today's immigrants as much as descendants of the Mayflower.
Open boarders with a path to citizenship is the way to go.
 
 
Immigrants Within American Culture:
 
Require legal citizenship for voting.
Rely on biometric fingerprinting at poll booths.
No need for English to be the official language of the U.S.
Deportation for certain crimes committed by illegal immigrants.