(click a book cover for a review or other books on Gun issues from Amazon.com)

Headlines on Gun Control Al Gore Feb 21, 2000 Passed toughest gun control in 30 years; same for next 30 Bill Bradley Feb 21, 2000 Gore was a conservative Congressman who voted with NRA Bill Bradley Feb 21, 2000 Register and license all handguns Bill Bradley Feb 18, 2000 Ban gun sales in residential neighborhoods Harry Browne Jan 13, 2000 Gun restrictions are unconstitutional Howard Phillips Jan 13, 2000 Repeal gun restrictions; concealed carry OK Al Gore Jan 8, 2000 Photo id’s for gun purchase; ban junk guns Bill Bradley Jan 8, 2000 Register and license all handguns Al Gore Jan 5, 2000 Ban certain guns & “super-trace” all guns Al Gore Jan 5, 2000 Maximize gun control within what’s politically possible Bill Bradley Jan 5, 2000 Register & license all 65 million handguns Alan Keyes Dec 17, 1999 Teach high school students to use guns George W. Bush Dec 13, 1999 Best gun control is more prosecution & certain jail George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 Supports gun ownership for protection and hunting Harry Browne Nov 21, 1999 Well-protected politicians misunderstand need for guns Harry Browne Nov 21, 1999 Your home is safer if there are guns in your neighborhood Harry Browne Nov 21, 1999 Criminals are not affected by gun-control laws Harry Browne Nov 21, 1999 Don’t let politicians decide our need for assault rifles Pat Buchanan Nov 2, 1999 Stop using heinous crimes to take away 2nd amendment rights Bill Bradley Sep 26, 1999 Stand up to the NRA George W. Bush Sep 21, 1999 $1.6M TX campaign, “Gun Crime Means Hard Time.” Howard Phillips Sep 4, 1999 Guns controlled by citizens with no restrictions George W. Bush Aug 27, 1999 Raise legal age for guns to 21; ban certain ammo John McCain Aug 17, 1999 Ban cheap guns; require safety locks; for gun show checks John McCain Aug 17, 1999 Supports ban on certain assault weapons John McCain Aug 17, 1999 Voted against Brady Bill & assault weapon ban Bill Bradley Aug 1, 1999 Ban Saturday Night Specials; plus other “common-sense” Bill Bradley Aug 1, 1999 For registration & licensing; against freely re-selling Hillary Clinton Jul 31, 1999 Tough gun control laws will keep guns out of wrong h Hillary Clinton Jul 15, 1999 Gun control protects our children Hillary Clinton Jul 5, 1999 Don’t water down sensible gun control legislation Al Gore Jun 28, 1999 Child-safety locks on guns & more restrictions George W. Bush Jun 28, 1999 No child-safety locks on guns; concealed carrying ok Al Gore Jun 18, 1999 Counter gun lobby with ‘family lobby’ to shield kids Bill Bradley Jun 18, 1999 Ban inexpensive “junk” handguns Bill Bradley Jun 18, 1999 Register guns; limit buyers to one per month George W. Bush Jun 18, 1999 No city lawsuits against gun manufacturers Al Gore Jun 17, 1999 Voted against some gun limitations while in Congress Alan Keyes Jun 14, 1999 Columbine killers lacked moral development - not gun laws Pat Buchanan Jun 5, 1999 Faithfully protects 2nd Amendment, except for felons Pat Buchanan Jun 5, 1999 Gun laws didn’t stop Littleton shootings Hillary Clinton Jun 4, 1999 Lock up guns; store ammo separately Al Gore May 21, 1999 Supports background checks at gun shows, in tie-breaker Al Gore May 16, 1999 Supports Brady Law and ban on assault weapons Alan Keyes May 14, 1999 Gun control is an outcome of godless materialism Alan Keyes May 14, 1999 Control people’s passions - not the things they use John McCain May 10, 1999 Punish criminals who abuse 2nd Amendment rights George W. Bush May 1, 1999 Gun restrictions OK within basic right to own guns George W. Bush Apr 30, 1999 Gun show checks OK; ban guns near schools & kids George W. Bush Apr 25, 1999 Assault weapon OK; waiting period not OK George W. Bush Apr 25, 1999 Concealed Carry needed in our dangerous society Alan Keyes Jan 7, 1999 Against banning guns since that won’t end violence. Alan Keyes Jan 7, 1999 Supports right to bear arms for all types and uses of guns. George W. Bush Jul 2, 1998 Ban machine guns; maintain existing gun restrictions John McCain Jul 2, 1998 Repeal existing gun restrictions; penalize criminal use Alan Keyes Jul 2, 1996 No bans on legal firearms; allow concealed carry Harry Browne May 1, 1996 Repeal all gun laws; Bill of Rights is “literal” Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 Prosecute crimes, not possession of weapons

Background on Health Care

HMOs & MANAGED CARE

(click a book cover for a review or other books on Health issues from Amazon.com)

Headlines on Health Care Al Gore Feb 26, 2000 Drug companies block generic drugs & cheaper sales Al Gore Feb 21, 2000 Private insurers won’t take AIDS patients; need Medicaid Al Gore Feb 21, 2000 We can give prescription help to elderly AND save Medicare Bill Bradley Feb 21, 2000 Pledges better health plan for every Medicaid patient Bill Bradley Feb 21, 2000 Help HIV-infected with Ryan White Act and health centers Bill Bradley Feb 15, 2000 “Outrageous scare tactics” on Medicare’s HIV treatment Bill Bradley Jan 26, 2000 Fought for longer maternity stays; will fight for more Al Gore Jan 17, 2000 Weighted averages don’t work in Medicaid world Bill Bradley Jan 17, 2000 All people on Medicaid should have a primary care physician John McCain Jan 17, 2000 Higher taxes on cigarettes Alan Keyes Jan 16, 2000 Health care choice will save money for long-term health care George W. Bush Jan 16, 2000 Tax-deductible long-term care insurance for retirement George W. Bush Jan 16, 2000 Replace 132,000-page Medicare document with senior choice Harry Browne Jan 13, 2000 Get government out of health care & costs will plummet Howard Phillips Jan 13, 2000 Federal govt out of health care Bill Bradley Jan 12, 2000 Controlling smoking is key to health care reform Alan Keyes Jan 10, 2000 AIDS is a moral crisis based on licentious behavior Al Gore Jan 8, 2000 Help seniors by helping Medicare Bill Bradley Jan 8, 2000 Covering drugs is the key to reducing health care costs Al Gore Jan 5, 2000 The goal of universal health care will take time Bill Bradley Jan 5, 2000 Replace Medicaid with competitive system Hillary Clinton Jan 1, 2000 Smaller steps to progress on health care Pat Buchanan Jan 1, 2000 Self-finance Medicare by self-investing Bill Bradley Dec 18, 1999 All Americans should have access to affordable health care Alan Keyes Dec 13, 1999 Focus on cost-reductions, not methods of payment Alan Keyes Dec 13, 1999 Let market determine health payments, not bureaucrats George W. Bush Dec 13, 1999 Keep Medicare in government, but provide flexibility George W. Bush Dec 13, 1999 Create Review Board to hear HMO complaints John McCain Dec 13, 1999 Matching funds for seniors citizens’ prescription drugs John McCain Dec 13, 1999 Expand health insurance to 11 million uninsured children George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 Against mandates not related to patient care George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 Bush signed Texas’ version of Patient Bill of Rights George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 Strengthen Medicare through choice and other options Hillary Clinton Dec 9, 1999 Health care reform is key to a “new politics of meaning” Hillary Clinton Dec 9, 1999 Universal coverage, cost containment, & managed competition Hillary Clinton Dec 9, 1999 Proposed Natl Health Board to oversee employee cooperatives John McCain Nov 21, 1999 Keep health care promises to aging veterans Al Gore Nov 10, 1999 Start with affordable health care for children Pat Buchanan Nov 3, 1999 Against national health system & federal takeover Pat Buchanan Nov 3, 1999 Supports catastrophic health insurance, privately paid Pat Buchanan Nov 2, 1999 Fewer union jobs leads to 46 million uninsured Al Gore Oct 28, 1999 Patients and doctors should decide who gets what care Al Gore Oct 28, 1999 $146B over 10 years to insure 90% of adults & 100% of kids Al Gore Oct 28, 1999 Set aside 15-16% of budget surplus to fix Medicare Al Gore Oct 28, 1999 Treat mental health on parity with physical health Al Gore Oct 28, 1999 Proposes network of family caregiving support centers Bill Bradley Oct 28, 1999 Fund reforms from surplus, medical Internet, & lower costs Bill Bradley Oct 28, 1999 Create respite centers for Alzheimer’s patients & caregivers Hillary Clinton Oct 14, 1999 Be prepared with defenses against infectious disease Al Gore Oct 5, 1999 $110B for Medicare prescriptions & teaching hospitals Bill Bradley Oct 5, 1999 $650B over 10 yrs for children’s mandatory health insurance Hillary Clinton Sep 14, 1999 Medicare should be strengthened today Al Gore Sep 8, 1999 Aims to insure 15 million uninsured Ralph Nader Aug 27, 1999 Keep commercialism out of maternity wards Harry Browne Aug 26, 1999 Prescription rules should be controlled by states, not FDA Harry Browne Aug 26, 1999 FDA has caused needless deaths by delaying medications Harry Browne Aug 26, 1999 Doctors & insurers should regulate drugs, not FDA Bill Bradley Aug 24, 1999 Universal health care & health insurance coverage Ralph Nader Jul 22, 1999 Make medicines affordable in Third World John McCain Jul 15, 1999 Address powerlessness when faced with health care crises John McCain Jul 15, 1999 “Patient rights” means value human life over dollars John McCain Jul 15, 1999 Expand medical savings; community health; & tax deductions John McCain Jul 15, 1999 Patient Rights: access; MDs over HMOs; grievance process John McCain Jul 15, 1999 Allow paying extra for choice of doctors & care John McCain Jul 15, 1999 Full doctor-patient discussion even when it costs HMO John McCain Jul 15, 1999 Allow appealing HMO decisions externally & in court Ralph Nader Jul 15, 1999 Challenge the monetization of HMOs Ralph Nader Jul 15, 1999 HMO review procedures must be independent of HMOs Ralph Nader Jul 15, 1999 HMO plan: accountability, doctor-driven, independent review George W. Bush Jun 25, 1999 Health insurance for kids from tobacco settlement George W. Bush Jun 25, 1999 Choose doctor for pay outside of HMOs Al Gore Jun 14, 1999 More restrictions on underage smoking Pat Buchanan May 28, 1999 Abolish euthanasia; fight “Culture of Death” Bill Bradley May 19, 1999 More coverage; doctors in charge of HMOs Al Gore May 14, 1999 Focus on prevention to limit costs Al Gore May 14, 1999 Patients’ Bill of Rights to ensure quality care George W. Bush May 1, 1999 Endorses tax-subsidized medical savings accounts George W. Bush Apr 25, 1999 Supports subsidized Medicare menu with means testing Harry Browne Mar 19, 1999 Against tobacco lawsuits funding more health programs Alan Keyes Jan 6, 1999 Right to die usurps the Declaration and God. Al Gore Nov 19, 1998 No discriminating based on genetic information Ralph Nader Nov 16, 1998 Criticizes “sweetheart deal” for big tobacco Alan Keyes Jul 24, 1998 Universal health ID’s are a threat to liberty George W. Bush Jul 2, 1998 More managed care; more tax incentives; no state guarantees George W. Bush Jul 2, 1998 Lower care costs; reform taxes; limit lawsuits John McCain Jul 2, 1998 Supports patient rights; regulate nicotine as a drug John McCain Jul 2, 1998 More tax-deductible health costs; limits on malpractice Hillary Clinton Jun 4, 1998 Work toward affordable universal health care Al Gore Mar 23, 1998 Tobacco is greatest threat to kids’ health Alan Keyes Jul 2, 1996 For tax-free medical savings accounts Harry Browne May 1, 1996 Abolish FDA; get govt out of health care Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 Medicare has caused higher health costs Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 1992 Health Plan all about coercion, not compassion Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 Government can improve health care by getting out of it

Background on Juvenile Crime

Columbine

(click a book cover for a review or other books on Juvenile issues from Amazon.com)

Headlines on Juvenile Crime Alan Keyes Jan 26, 2000 Don’t lower crime age as a result of adult moral failure Howard Phillips Jan 13, 2000 Stricter prosecutions for juveniles John McCain Jan 13, 2000 Prosecute youths as adults, but separately; explore sources Al Gore Dec 18, 1999 School violence: zero gun tolerance & better parenting Al Gore Dec 18, 1999 We need more self-restraint in the media Bill Bradley Dec 18, 1999 More gun control to restrict kids’ access Bill Bradley Dec 18, 1999 School violence: media responsibility & adult supervision Bill Bradley Dec 18, 1999 Gun control leads to safe schools Alan Keyes Dec 13, 1999 Violence in schools due to loss of moral heritage George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 “Tough-love” in strictly disciplined boot camps Harry Browne Nov 21, 1999 Tragic events do not justify new gun laws Al Gore Oct 28, 1999 Zero tolerance for guns in schools, to end school violence George W. Bush Aug 24, 1999 Bush’s Texas is a bad place to be “young and irresponsible” John McCain Aug 17, 1999 Guns are a problem, but so are violent web sites & videos Hillary Clinton Aug 5, 1999 Boycott violent media and products Hillary Clinton Jul 5, 1999 Entire school staff should focus on school safety Hillary Clinton Jul 5, 1999 Early-warning hotlines for homicidal & suicidal students Alan Keyes Jul 2, 1999 Let God into schools to keep Columbine shooters out George W. Bush Jun 25, 1999 Arrest for guns in school; track juvenile offenders Bill Bradley Jun 18, 1999 Posting Ten Commandments in schools seems unconstitutional Bill Bradley Jun 16, 1999 Free parents to raise good kids, rather than blame them George W. Bush Jun 14, 1999 For tough juvenile justice laws Al Gore Jun 14, 1999 Make schools violence-free and drug-free Hillary Clinton Jun 4, 1999 Ban kids’ unsupervised access to guns Hillary Clinton Jun 4, 1999 Metal detectors at school are not much of an intrusion Hillary Clinton Jun 4, 1999 Society is responsible for alienation that causes violence John McCain Jun 4, 1999 Media Responsibility Act requires video & music labeling Pat Buchanan May 29, 1999 Columbine shootings due to Hollywood, not guns George W. Bush May 25, 1999 Increased penalties to rehabilitate juveniles Al Gore May 16, 1999 Faith-based crime prevention via clergy outreach Al Gore May 16, 1999 Curb juvenile crime by tough punishments Al Gore May 16, 1999 Tough “Second-chance schools” for kids Alan Keyes May 14, 1999 Columbine killers lacked moral development - not gun laws John McCain May 10, 1999 Youth Violence Prevention Act restricts guns for kids John McCain Apr 30, 1999 Violence in media caused Littleton shootings George W. Bush Apr 21, 1999 Filter - or avoid - media that romanticizes violence Pat Buchanan Apr 21, 1999 Littleton due to poisoned culture declaring “God is dead” George W. Bush Jan 27, 1999 Track gangs; enact automatic sentencing George W. Bush Dec 31, 1998 Supports trying minors as adults for violent crimes. Hillary Clinton Nov 18, 1998 Keep kids busy from 2PM to 8 PM to avoid trouble Harry Browne Jul 13, 1998 Schools were safer before the War on Drugs George W. Bush Jul 2, 1998 Prosecute kids as adults; more boot camps George W. Bush Apr 6, 1998 Send juvenile criminals to “boot camp” Harry Browne May 1, 1996 No funding anti-gang programs; end Drug War to end gangs Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 Enforcing “responsible entertainment” is censorship Bill Bradley Nov 19, 1993 Try teens as adults, but no death penalty

Background on Kosovo

History of Yugoslavia

Yugoslavia was created after WWI, from a federation of Balkan countries. The intention was avoiding further Balkan wars like those which ignited WWI. After WWII, its borders were redrawn with six republics plus two provinces within Serbia. (click on the map below left for an

Sovereignty

Marshal Tito

Breakup of Yugoslavia

Status of the former Yugoslav republics and provinces:
1. Slovenia: Declared independence in June 1991; one-week war with Serbia (a 'bloodless' war because Serbia focused on Croatia); Slovenia is now a prospering nation with hopes of joining NATO.
2. Croatia: Declared independence in June 1991; longer war with Serbia; heavily involved with Bosnia war.
3. Macedonia: Declared independence in Nov. 1991; avoided war because of arrival of international forces (including US forces, which are still based there). Greece has blocked full international recognition because the name 'Macedonia' is also the name of a Greek province.
4. Bosnia-Herzegovina: Declared independence in 1992; lengthy war with Serbia and Croatia, with all three countries involved in 'ethnic cleansing.' The war ended with the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995. US forces are still stationed in Bosnia, which is partitioned into three ethnic regions (Serb, Bosnian, & Croat).
5. Montenegro: Still part of Yugoslavia as an autonomous Republic. Montenegrins are ethnically identical to Serbs; they differ only by geography. But in the wake of the Kosovo war, Montenegro may declare independence.
6. Serbia: Legally, Serbia is just one republic of Yugoslavia. But the Serbs have always been the dominant group in all of Yugoslavia since is formation.
7. Kosovo: Remains a province within the republic of Serbia. Its population is 3/4 Albanian (refered to as 'ethnic Albanians' to differentiate from residents of the neighboring country of Albania).
8. Vojvodina: Also remains a province within the republic of Serbia. Its population is 1/2 Hungarian (they border Hungary, and prior to WWII were part of that country).

   Slobodan Milosevic

   Milosevic came to power as Chairman of the Communist Party in 1986. His popularity increased greatly in 1987 after a speech in Kosovo strongly advocating Serbian nationalism (the speech was made on the site of a 14th century battlefield. This is the political basis for Milosevic not granting Kosovo independence). Milosevic was democratically elected President of Serbia in 1989, and elected as President of Yugoslavia in 1997. He was indicted as a war criminal in June 1999, the first time a sitting President has been indicted. His alleged crimes include genocide and ethnic cleansing.

   Religion and Ethnicity

   The major religious divisions in Yugoslavia explain much of the political divisions:
   • Eastern Orthodoxy is the religion of the Serbs, Macedonians, and Montenegrins. Hence Russia (who are also Eastern Orthodox and ethnically Slavic) support the Serbs, and Greece (who consider Macedonians ethnically Greek) identifies with Macedonia.
   • Roman Catholicism is the religion of the Croats, Slovenes, and Hungarians. Hence Croatia and Slovenia are religiously distinct from Serbia even though they are all ethnically Slavic.
   • Islam is the religion of the Bosnians and the Albanians (including those in Kosovo). Hence the country of Bosnia-Herzegovina is all ethnically Slavic but has three distinct religious groups.

   Kosovo

   In 1999, the US and NATO negotiated with Milosevic in Rambouillet, France, attempting to resolve the Kosovo crisis without ethnic cleansing or war. The goal was to be a 'Rambouillet Agreement' fashioned after the Dayton Agreement that ended the war in Bosnia. The peace talks failed, and NATO bombed Serbia and Kosovo from March to June 1999. Milosevic capitulated; the Serbian Army left Kosovo; and NATO, Russian, and UN troops are now stationed there under the 'KFOR' banner.
   

   Headlines on Kosovo Harry Browne Jan 13, 2000 US should not be involved in Kosovo at all Howard Phillips Jan 13, 2000 US out of Kosovo Pat Buchanan Dec 17, 1999 End sanctions that hurt innocent Serbs Hillary Clinton Dec 9, 1999 Urged president to bomb Serbians Alan Keyes Dec 7, 1999 Respond to facts, not Serb intentions John McCain Dec 7, 1999 Kosovo an example of feckless photo-op foreign policy John McCain Nov 22, 1999 Fighting was based on polls and photo-ops Pat Buchanan Oct 9, 1999 Balkans: Let Europe police their own backyard Pat Buchanan Oct 9, 1999 We attacked Yugoslav territory without Congress’ approval Howard Phillips Sep 4, 1999 Kosovo war unconstitutional Pat Buchanan Jun 18, 1999 Kosovo conflict is illegal and unconstitutional Hillary Clinton Jun 17, 1999 Kosovo’s unified message: We will not turn away Alan Keyes Jun 14, 1999 Kosovo sets precedent for more future intervention John McCain Jun 10, 1999 Important to win, important for US to be superpower John McCain Jun 6, 1999 Distrust Milosevic, and Verify Pat Buchanan Jun 5, 1999 Prefers “least-bad peace” patrolled by Europeans & locals Pat Buchanan Jun 5, 1999 Intervention causes the disaster we sought to avoid Pat Buchanan Jun 5, 1999 No vital US interests; no right of US attack Alan Keyes Jun 4, 1999 NATO strategy against civilians is terrorism Alan Keyes Jun 4, 1999 “Ends justify the means” is the path to evil George W. Bush Jun 4, 1999 Be suspicious of agreement until Serbs gone & Kosovars home George W. Bush Jun 4, 1999 Timetable for US peacekeepers to hand over to Europeans Harry Browne Jun 3, 1999 Feel moral imperative? Do it, but don’t force others to. Harry Browne Jun 3, 1999 We bomb for morality; can US get bombed for immorality? Harry Browne Jun 3, 1999 If Milosevic is a threat, post a bounty for his death Pat Buchanan May 29, 1999 War in Yugoslavia is none of our business Harry Browne May 15, 1999 Bombing doesn’t work; US intervention doesn’t work. Harry Browne May 15, 1999 Undeclared wars are unconstitutional Bill Bradley May 10, 1999 Should have foreseen & prevented Yugoslav actions Pat Buchanan May 6, 1999 NATO should not be the air arm of the KLA John McCain May 4, 1999 Authorize Clinton to send in ground troops. Al Gore May 2, 1999 Serbs committing crimes against humanity. John McCain Apr 30, 1999 Supported deployment in Bosnia; supports it in Kosovo John McCain Apr 30, 1999 Higher price for security due to earlier idle threats Bill Bradley Apr 25, 1999 Against intervention Al Gore Apr 21, 1999 Ethnic cleansing means mass murder and we will stop it Al Gore Apr 21, 1999 Moral interests apply to all; NATO can act on it here Al Gore Apr 21, 1999 Ignoring Milosevic destabilizes Europe & world justice Al Gore Apr 21, 1999 Moral interests dictate that we fight Milosevic’s evil Al Gore Apr 21, 1999 Bomb until Serb forces withdraw & refugees return. Alan Keyes Apr 7, 1999 Kosovo not based on human rights policy nor precedent Bill Bradley Mar 24, 1999 Establish exit strategy to avoid quagmire Harry Browne May 1, 1996 Under no conditions should US be in former Yugoslavia Alan Keyes Nov 28, 1995 Bosnian intervention MUST be approved by Congress

   
   

   Background on Principles & Values

   This section cites the candidates’ underlying philosophies, principles for decision-making, and the values that underlie their stances on the issues and their voting records. In practical terms, this section is where the candidates explain their campaign slogans.

   Elsewhere in Issues2000, we have a policy of quoting strictly issues-based material, omitting the political components of each candidates’ speeches. In this category, we relax the rules substantially so that candidates can explain their political philosophy.

   
   

   
   (click a book cover for a review or click for other books on Defense or SDI from Amazon.com.)
   
   

   Headlines on Principles & Values John McCain Feb 24, 2000 Calls himself a “Reagan Republican” Bill Bradley Feb 21, 2000 The president must explain “white skin privilege” to America Ralph Nader Feb 21, 2000 Democracy over plutocracy Ralph Nader Feb 21, 2000 Counter “democracy gap”: raise expectations in politics Ralph Nader Feb 21, 2000 The DemRep duopoly obstructs citizenship Ralph Nader Feb 21, 2000 New populism: citizen participation over commercialism John McCain Feb 20, 2000 Fight clean, fight fair, but keep on fighting Ralph Nader Feb 17, 2000 Pushed consumer protection in “Nader’s Raiders” Alan Keyes Feb 15, 2000 The real outsider for conservative Republicans John McCain Feb 15, 2000 The GOP should be inclusive Hillary Clinton Feb 11, 2000 National experience & ability to get along will serve NY Hillary Clinton Feb 6, 2000 New to the neighborhood, but not new to NY issues Hillary Clinton Feb 6, 2000 End divisional politics George W. Bush Feb 3, 2000 Pledges to return honor to office of the Presidency John McCain Feb 3, 2000 Calls himself conservative who attracts political center Bill Bradley Jan 30, 2000 No nickel-and-diming, no nibbling around the edges Harry Browne Jan 27, 2000 Libertarians lay out goals and let you plan your own life John McCain Jan 25, 2000 Vote based on character, not issues Alan Keyes Jan 16, 2000 Bring God back into the White House John McCain Jan 16, 2000 Foreign policy should not be shaped by photo-ops & polls Bill Bradley Jan 13, 2000 Should we take risks? If not now, when? If not us, who? Harry Browne Jan 13, 2000 Priorities: End income tax, drug war, & commercial meddling Howard Phillips Jan 13, 2000 Stick to biblical & constitutional standards George W. Bush Jan 6, 2000 Conservative values: Tax cuts; school choice; workfare George W. Bush Jan 6, 2000 Jesus is part of my life; but won’t exclude non-Christians Al Gore Jan 5, 2000 Criticism with defense of Clinton served the public interest Al Gore Jan 5, 2000 Respect Constitution and others when affirming faith Al Gore Jan 5, 2000 Policies, not labels, define me Al Gore Jan 5, 2000 Avoiding all mistakes mean not trying hard enough Bill Bradley Jan 5, 2000 Politics is a means to an end, not the end Bill Bradley Jan 5, 2000 Mistakes are learning opportunities, even for a president Al Gore Dec 20, 1999 Domestic priorities: schools, health, enviro, & Reinvention Al Gore Dec 18, 1999 Tap into America’s soul with meaning, courage & wisdom Bill Bradley Dec 18, 1999 Personal faith is private, even for a president George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 Bush’s conservatism: local solutions within limited govt George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 Government if necessary, not necessarily government George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 “A Charge to Keep,” hymn & painting, inspire Bush Hillary Clinton Dec 9, 1999 “Vast right wing conspiracy” Hillary Clinton Dec 9, 1999 Stands by her man despite “pain in marriage” Hillary Clinton Dec 9, 1999 Decried 1980s materialism & excesses of corporate America Hillary Clinton Dec 9, 1999 Hillary’s choice: Co-president or White House wife? Hillary Clinton Dec 9, 1999 Never left Bill because they were a team Rudy Giuliani Dec 9, 1999 Campaign theme: Transformation of NYC Pat Buchanan Dec 2, 1999 Reform Party offers different agenda & real change George W. Bush Nov 21, 1999 Children looking at White House should feel proud John McCain Nov 9, 1999 Survived as POW by faith to a higher cause John McCain Nov 9, 1999 Refused release to hurt Vietnamese & remain loyal to POWs Rudy Giuliani Nov 5, 1999 Turned around NYC & made it safe again George W. Bush Nov 1, 1999 Pres. should uphold honor & dignity; act independently Alan Keyes Oct 29, 1999 Address moral crisis or lose our liberty Al Gore Oct 28, 1999 Support Gore because he’ll fight for you Al Gore Oct 28, 1999 Working to improve things overcomes disillusionment Bill Bradley Oct 28, 1999 Themes: Health insurance, racial unity, child poverty Bill Bradley Oct 28, 1999 Private sector for 2 years made him ready to lead America Pat Buchanan Oct 25, 1999 Leaving GOP elite, to take message to voters Al Gore Oct 11, 1999 “Stay and fight!” invokes passion, loyalty, and purpose Pat Buchanan Oct 9, 1999 Original “America First” in 1940s to keep US out of WWII George W. Bush Oct 8, 1999 Challenges the orthodoxy but is still a devout conservative George W. Bush Oct 6, 1999 Focus on human problems, not just economy George W. Bush Oct 6, 1999 No Gomorrah in America; no disdain of government John McCain Sep 27, 1999 Campaigning to return government to the people John McCain Sep 27, 1999 Restore, renew, reform, & reinvigorate government John McCain Sep 27, 1999 “New Patriotic Challenge”: stand against cynicism Pat Buchanan Sep 23, 1999 A patriot who calls himself a nationalist George W. Bush Sep 6, 1999 A “call to conscience” for personal responsibility Howard Phillips Sep 4, 1999 Christianity is the basis of our legal system Howard Phillips Sep 4, 1999 Accountability to people and God Howard Phillips Sep 4, 1999 Welcomes pro-family activists from GOP Howard Phillips Sep 4, 1999 America has forgotten God Harry Browne Aug 26, 1999 Basic principle: Government needs to be smaller John McCain Aug 17, 1999 Public officials have failed to set example for society Bill Bradley Aug 1, 1999 Search for meaning beyond materialism will guide America Bill Bradley Aug 1, 1999 Philosophy: Respect people; deal with big questions Bill Bradley Aug 1, 1999 Basketball teamwork is similar to political teamwork Harry Browne Jul 31, 1999 Young people are right to be scared of big government Al Gore Jul 3, 1999 Practical Idealism: centrist on most issues George W. Bush Jul 3, 1999 Bush’s centrism: free trade; private IRAs; no new taxes Al Gore Jun 14, 1999 Four core principles of Reinventing Government George W. Bush Jun 12, 1999 Government can create an environment for prosperity George W. Bush Jun 12, 1999 Match conservative minds with compassionate hearts George W. Bush Jun 7, 1999 Oil-town upbringing bred ‘compassionate conservatism’ Pat Buchanan Jun 5, 1999 Traditional morality fights culture war against secularists Harry Browne Jun 3, 1999 Morality governs personal behavior, not military action George W. Bush May 23, 1999 Governs by outlining ideas & letting Legislature do details Bill Bradley May 10, 1999 Stick to ideals & stay above the fray of a “broken” system Bill Bradley May 10, 1999 Factory town upbringing permeates campaign imagery Bill Bradley Apr 26, 1999 Campaign about trust and neighborliness Rudy Giuliani Apr 24, 1999 Love and long term attachment needed to represent NY state Al Gore Apr 21, 1999 America’s mission: prove that freedom & diversity work George W. Bush Mar 7, 1999 “Compassionate conservatism” allows individual potential George W. Bush Mar 7, 1999 Prosperity with a purpose: Peaceful & prosperous future Pat Buchanan Mar 2, 1999 Global Economy destroys US industry & US independence Pat Buchanan Mar 2, 1999 Return to Constitutionalism from Socialism Pat Buchanan Mar 2, 1999 Budget deficit replaced by moral deficit Alan Keyes Jan 9, 1999 Core Beliefs Based on ‘Unalienable Rights’ Alan Keyes Jan 9, 1999 Moral bases come from Christianity via Declaration Alan Keyes Jan 9, 1999 Reverence for God is foundation of justice & citizenship Al Gore Dec 23, 1998 At impeachment, defends “one of our greatest presidents” Alan Keyes Jun 29, 1998 Against the “gay agenda”. George W. Bush Apr 6, 1998 Base “responsibility era” on Judeo-Christian values Harry Browne Apr 3, 1998 Individual liberty and responsibilty on all issues Harry Browne Apr 3, 1998 Fiscally conservative and socially liberal...? Harry Browne Nov 1, 1997 Replace the use of political force by reducing govt Harry Browne Nov 1, 1997 Shrink govt now; come up with non-govt solutions later Bill Bradley Jan 8, 1997 People at “town meetings” form context for policy Bill Bradley Jan 8, 1997 Big reforms are as hard as little reforms, so do big ones Bill Bradley Jan 8, 1997 Small town upbringing made him prove himself by winning Alan Keyes Jul 2, 1996 #1: Restore the moral foundations of family life Harry Browne May 1, 1996 Washington cannot be a source of moral leadership Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 Government means use of force instead of persuasion Howard Phillips Nov 5, 1993 Unity of purpose based on principle

   
   

   Background on School Choice

   School Choice

   ‘School Choice’ generally refers to a school district allowing parents to decide which school within the district to send their kids to. The political issue is whether to allow the choice to include private schools, parochial schools, and home schooling at taxpayer expense. Taxpayer funding of parochial schools potentially violates the Constitutional separation of church and state. Taxpayer funding of private schools is controversial because it subsidizes parents who are currently paying for private schools themselves, and are usually more wealthy than the average public school family.

   Charter Schools

   ‘Charter schools’ are publicly-funded and publicly-controlled schools which are privately run. They are usually required to adhere to fewer district rules than regular public schools.

   Vouchers

   ‘Vouchers’ are a means of implementing school choice -- parents are given a ‘voucher’ by the school district, which entitles them to, say, $4,000 applicable to either public school or private school tuition. The value of the voucher is generally lower than the cost of one year of public education (which averages $5,200), so private schools (where tuition averages $8,500) may require cash payment in addition to the voucher.
   

   K-12 Education Statistics

   • Total spending is $260 billion, (7% federal; the rest split state & local) rising by 5% per year.
   • Student population is 50 million, rising slowly (1 million per year) since 1984.
   • Public school spending is $5,200 per student, staying about even with inflation.
   • Parochial school costs $4,200 per student, not discounting church-provided buildings & other subsidies.
   • Private school costs $8,500 per student, not discounting scholarships or other financial aid.
   • 90% attend public schools; about 6 million attend private & parochial schools.
   • 78% of schools have Internet access; 97% plan to by the year 2000.
   • 27% of classrooms have Internet access; lower in poor and minority schools.
   • College Statistics are detailed on the ‘Education’ page.
   
   

   Headlines on School Choice Al Gore Feb 21, 2000 Revolution in public schools, but his kids in private school Bill Bradley Feb 21, 2000 Allow parents to move to better-performing public schools Bill Bradley Feb 21, 2000 Vouchers gave parents a chance, but system isn’t big enough Harry Browne Jan 27, 2000 Federal involvement in schools doesn’t work Harry Browne Jan 27, 2000 Give parents “total” control over school selection Bill Bradley Jan 26, 2000 Supports experimenting, but vouchers are not the answer Al Gore Jan 17, 2000 Increase public school aid by 50% instead of vouchers Bill Bradley Jan 17, 2000 Voted for voucher experiments; now focus on public schools John McCain Jan 16, 2000 Use sugar, oil, and ethanol subsidies to finance vouchers Alan Keyes Jan 13, 2000 Pro-voucher; gov’t out of K-12 education Rudy Giuliani Jan 13, 2000 Privatize failing schools Rudy Giuliani Jan 13, 2000 Charter Schools create competition Rudy Giuliani Jan 13, 2000 Voucher program for New York City Bill Bradley Jan 4, 2000 Vouchers are not the solution to schools’ problems George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 Charters encourage innovative methods & provide choices Alan Keyes Dec 7, 1999 Money should follow parents’ education choices John McCain Dec 7, 1999 Tax breaks for charters - not from public school funds John McCain Oct 29, 1999 Vouchers & charters will improve our school system George W. Bush Oct 5, 1999 $3 billion for Charter School Fund John McCain Sep 27, 1999 Nationwide test of school vouchers Al Gore Sep 26, 1999 No experimental vouchers Pat Buchanan Sep 24, 1999 Support home schooling but don’t give up on public schools George W. Bush Sep 3, 1999 Shift Title I funds to parents for failed schools George W. Bush Aug 26, 1999 School decisions by parents, not federal judges George W. Bush Aug 26, 1999 Let poor people choose their schools, like rich people do John McCain Jul 29, 1999 $5B program for 3-year test of school vouchers Hillary Clinton Jul 5, 1999 Vouchers will not improve our public schools Hillary Clinton Jul 5, 1999 Let’s build up our schools-not tear them down Hillary Clinton Jul 5, 1999 Charter schools provide choice within public system John McCain Jun 14, 1999 Tax-funded vouchers for private schools or charter schools Pat Buchanan Jun 11, 1999 For vouchers, charter schools, & homeschooling Pat Buchanan May 28, 1999 Decisions by parents and teachers, not bureaucrats John McCain May 24, 1999 Shift policy-making from bureaucrats to parents John McCain May 24, 1999 Vouchers needed where teachers fail Al Gore May 17, 1999 More choice, more local control, within public schools Al Gore May 16, 1999 More public school choice - but not private Al Gore May 16, 1999 Shut failing schools; then re-open & turn them around Rudy Giuliani Apr 30, 1999 Experiment in NYC with school vouchers Al Gore Apr 26, 1999 Vouchers drain cash from public school reforms. George W. Bush Apr 25, 1999 Vouchers a priority; encourage their spread Alan Keyes Jan 7, 1999 Value-free public education is brainwashing. Alan Keyes Jan 7, 1999 Empower parents against the monopoly of public schools. George W. Bush Dec 31, 1998 Supports vouchers, including private or religious schools. Hillary Clinton Aug 4, 1998 Charters meet needs of failing public school students Hillary Clinton Aug 4, 1998 Vouchers siphon off much-needed resources John McCain Jul 2, 1998 Vouchers for any schools; more charter schools Howard Phillips May 1, 1998 Children’s education controlled by parents Harry Browne Apr 3, 1998 Get government out of education so parents can choose George W. Bush Mar 31, 1998 Vouchers tied to “accountability system” Al Gore Mar 23, 1998 Against vouchers; build up public schools instead Harry Browne May 1, 1996 Repeal taxes so parents can afford any school they choose Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 Vouchers better than public schools; no govt is best Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 Feds out of education and states out of education George W. Bush Feb 7, 1995 “Home rule” with state standards Bill Bradley Jul 27, 1994 Voted for vouchers & for school choice, including private

   
   

   Background on Social Security

   Social Security Trust Fund

   The Trust Fund is the government's means of saving up for the expected increase in retirement in coming decades. The primary policy question is where to invest the fund, and whether to increase the total fund by adding money from the budget surplus.
   • The Clinton plan is to have the federal government continue to control the investment (which implies investing in Treasury Bills, which means lending to the National Debt).
   • The Congressional plan is to have individually controlled retirement investment accounts (which implies investment in the Stock Market, Bond Market, and Money market)
   • Alternative plans are to have government-controlled investments in the stock market or other private markets.

   Social Security Investment

   Due to the enormous amount of money involved, where and how the Trust Fund is invested will dramatically impact the economy.

    $0.6 trillion      Total amount currently in the Trust Fund   (1999)
    $3.0 trillion      Estimated amount needed by peak year       (2015)
    $2.9 trillion      Expected total budget surplus for years 2000-2009
    $1.8 trillion      Total amount of most recent federal budget (2000)
    $5.6 trillion      Total amount of the federal National Debt  (1998)
   $11.6 trillion      Total market capitalization of the NYSE    (1999)
   

   ‘Lockbox’

9. The ‘Lockbox Bill’ aims to protect the future Social Security surplus by removing it from the control of federal budget makers.
10. The vote in Congress was 416-12 in favor of the bill.
11. It would require a ‘super-majority’ vote on any bill that would add to the budget deficit, which implies borrowing from the Social Security Trust Fund.

    IRAs and other Retirement Accounts

12. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) allow saving $2,000 per year tax-free, to be withdrawn beginning between ages 59 and 71.
13. Keough Plans for self-employed people allow saving $30,000 per year tax-free, to be withdrawn beginning at age 59.
14. Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SAR SEPs), allow investing $6,000 per year tax-free in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or precious metals.
15. 401(k) company-sponsored retirement plans allow investing $30,000 per year tax-free in any investment vehicle, including real estate and insurance.

    Medicare and Medicaid

16. Medicare and Medicaid will become insolvent under current estimates by 2015 (1999 budget discussions may push that to 2025).
17. There were 39 million Medicare beneficiaries in 1998; that number is expected to rise along with Social Security retirement figures.
18. Senior Drug coverage is currently $24-$44 per month insurance premium to cover $1,000-$2,500 per year in drug costs.
19. Medicare deductible on tax returns is currently $100 per year; also expected to rise in current negotiations.
    

    Headlines on Social Security Ralph Nader Feb 21, 2000 Pensions controlled b people, not banks or insurers Harry Browne Jan 27, 2000 Budget surplus doesn’t exist-it’s all the Trust Fund John McCain Jan 26, 2000 Trust Fund is a ticking time bomb, set to go of fin 2014 John McCain Jan 26, 2000 More believe in Elvis than in getting Social Security check Alan Keyes Jan 13, 2000 Supports privatization & Lock-box George W. Bush Jan 13, 2000 No reduction of benefits for retirees & those near it Harry Browne Jan 13, 2000 End the government Social Security system Howard Phillips Jan 13, 2000 Keep Congress out of Social Security’s pocket John McCain Jan 11, 2000 Option to invest 20% of payroll taxes in private accounts George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 Give Americans more freedom to manage their social security George W. Bush Dec 3, 1999 Keep promise to retirees but consider raising retirement age George W. Bush Nov 22, 1999 Consider raising retirement age Alan Keyes Nov 21, 1999 Keep our promises on Social Security benefits, guaranteed Alan Keyes Nov 21, 1999 Let people who earn their money invest their own money Harry Browne Nov 9, 1999 Social Security squanders your retirement money Harry Browne Nov 9, 1999 Social Security is a pyramid scheme Pat Buchanan Nov 2, 1999 Address solvency first, before adding new programs Pat Buchanan Nov 2, 1999 Option for private investment, with public fall-back Pat Buchanan Nov 2, 1999 Let people who work past 65 collect benefits John McCain Sep 27, 1999 Every dollar off-budget - no ifs, ands, or excuses Al Gore Sep 26, 1999 No privatization; no increase in retirement age Howard Phillips Sep 4, 1999 Restore Trust Fund while privatizing Al Gore Jun 14, 1999 Opposed cutting Medicare; commit more funds instead Al Gore Jun 14, 1999 Streamline disability and advocacy processes George W. Bush Jun 13, 1999 Backs private accounts for Security contributions Pat Buchanan Jun 12, 1999 Put Medicare taxes into personal insurance accounts Pat Buchanan Jun 12, 1999 Medicare: no socialized system; no expansion Pat Buchanan Jun 12, 1999 Abolish Congressional pensions; put them on Social Security John McCain Jun 2, 1999 Disallow using Trust Fund for “emergency” spending John McCain Jun 2, 1999 Earnings test penalizes productivity in retirees John McCain May 24, 1999 Eliminate the “earnings test” which taxes benefits John McCain May 24, 1999 Lock up Trust Fund; devote 62% of budget surplus to it Bill Bradley May 19, 1999 Growing economy preserves trust fund best Bill Bradley May 19, 1999 Budget surplus is a fiction; separate social security Al Gore May 14, 1999 Protect retirement plans while times are good. George W. Bush Apr 25, 1999 Supports subsidized Medicare menu with means testing George W. Bush Apr 25, 1999 Lock-box yes; tax increase no; bipartisanship yes. George W. Bush Apr 25, 1999 Tax-funded private IRA’s under federal guidelines Hillary Clinton Feb 17, 1999 Social Security protects families, not just retirees Hillary Clinton Feb 17, 1999 All should join the debate now to preserve future solvency Ralph Nader Jan 21, 1999 Social insurance is government at its noblest Ralph Nader Jan 21, 1999 Social Security privatization replaces certainty with risk Ralph Nader Jan 21, 1999 Fears loss of retirement funds in privatized investments John McCain Jul 2, 1998 Put surplus into Trust Fund; fulfill promised benefits Howard Phillips May 1, 1998 Privatize Social Security & Medicare Harry Browne Apr 3, 1998 Take social security away from politicians entirely Harry Browne Jun 6, 1997 Shut it down; buy annuities with asset sales. Harry Browne Jun 6, 1997 Irresponsibility does not justify Social Security Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 SSI tax has risen from 2% to 15% & will continue to rise Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 One-time pay off of all people over 50, with means testing

    
    

    Background on Tax Reform

    Tax Rates

20. ‘Marginal Tax Rates’ means the amount you pay on each taxable dollar earned above the deductible base.
    (Decreasing the marginal rates would decrease the amount everyone pays, but in general would favor those who pay more tax).
21. The current marginal tax rates are 15% on the first $42,350 of taxable income, 28% on the next $60,000, and 31%, 36%, & 39.6% above that.
    (Those are the ‘Married Filing Jointly’ rates. The same marginal rates apply to singles, but at different breakpoints).
22. The ‘Marriage Penalty’ means that two people filing together pay more than if they filed as two singles separately.
23. The most debated deduction is the mortgage interest deduction (applicable to everyone who owns a house; it makes buying a home more affordable by subsidizing 15% of the mortgage).
24. The charitable deduction is the basis for discussions of ‘Faith-based organizations’ replacing government agencies (see Welfare section)
25. The ‘Inheritance Tax’ or ‘Death Tax’ is the basis for discussions of Family Businesses (also see Economy section)
26. The ‘Capital Gains Tax’ is a separate income tax (with a maximum marginal rate of 28%) which applies when goods that have gone up in value are sold. Lowering the capital gains rate is considered a benefit to wealthier taxpayers.

    Flat Tax & Sales Tax

27. A ‘Flat Tax’ would replace the current progressive marginal rates with a single ‘flat’ rate (plans vary from 10% to 17%), applied after a deductible base.
28. Flat Tax plans can achieve lower rates by removing the mortgage interest and charitable deductions.
29. A ‘National Sales Tax’ would replace the income tax with a consumption tax paid when purchasing anything. Many European countries implement a form of sales tax called ‘VAT’, or Value-Added Tax.

    Tax Surplus

30. In August, Congress passed a $792 billion tax cut package to be spread over 10 years. President Clinton promised to veto it in September.
31. From 2000 through 2009, the total budget surplus is now anticipated to be a cumulative $2.93 trillion.

    Amendment XVI to the US Constitution

    The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration. (1913)
    

    Headlines on Tax Reform Al Gore Feb 27, 2000 $250B over 10 years in targeted tax cuts Bill Bradley Feb 27, 2000 Tax breaks for health insurance, working poor, & child care George W. Bush Feb 27, 2000 Its’ the people’s money, not the government’s George W. Bush Feb 27, 2000 Biggest tax cuts to those who pay the biggest tax bills John McCain Feb 27, 2000 Tax plan: $238B over 5 years; $500B over 10 years John McCain Feb 27, 2000 Double child tax credit; add family incentives John McCain Feb 27, 2000 “Balanced approach”, and starts a flat tax system John McCain Feb 26, 2000 Reagan Republican: simplify taxes; cut waste Al Gore Feb 21, 2000 Save Social Security, Medicare, and address debt before cuts Bill Bradley Feb 21, 2000 Better health insurance and schools before tax cuts Ralph Nader Feb 21, 2000 More taxpayer input into tax & spending policy Hillary Clinton Feb 6, 2000 NY share of federal taxes is too high Bill Bradley Jan 30, 2000 Allied with Reagan to pass 1986 tax overhaul John McCain Jan 30, 2000 Big money interests fear closing loopholes Harry Browne Jan 27, 2000 End income tax & replace it with nothing George W. Bush Jan 26, 2000 Use prosperous times to get money out of Washington George W. Bush Jan 22, 2000 Keep charitable deduction as incentive for giving John McCain Jan 22, 2000 Remove charitable deduction; it only benefits rich Alan Keyes Jan 16, 2000 Abolish the income tax and spend money responsibly John McCain Jan 16, 2000 Replace employer-provided benefits with a tax cut Harry Browne Jan 13, 2000 Eliminate most fees & taxes, including income tax Harry Browne Jan 13, 2000 No flat tax nor sales tax; super-majority to raise taxes John McCain Jan 11, 2000 Middle-class tax cut: expand 15% tax bracket George W. Bush Jan 10, 2000 Cut top tax rate to 33% while cutting lower income taxes too George W. Bush Jan 10, 2000 1997 no-tax pledge: judge results, despite breaking pledge John McCain Jan 7, 2000 Don’t promise tax cuts from future surpluses we may not have George W. Bush Jan 6, 2000 Tax cuts, so help me God Bill Bradley Jan 5, 2000 Not every tax cut is good for America Ralph Nader Dec 21, 1999 Tax breaks for big business hurt families Al Gore Dec 20, 1999 Rules out tax increase in good economic times Rudy Giuliani Dec 9, 1999 Tax reductions of $10.4B through 2003 Rudy Giuliani Dec 9, 1999 Supports Tax Reform Task Force to continue reduce ta Rudy Giuliani Dec 9, 1999 Eliminated sales tax on clothing; reduced real estat Alan Keyes Dec 7, 1999 Sales tax gives control back to people Alan Keyes Dec 7, 1999 Wrong to pay income taxes before basic necessities Alan Keyes Dec 7, 1999 Forbes’ plan leaves IRS, and an invasive tax, intact Alan Keyes Dec 7, 1999 Forbes’ plan still requires people to beg for tax cuts Bill Bradley Dec 7, 1999 Honesty compels avoiding ‘no new taxes’ pledge John McCain Dec 7, 1999 1st step to simplify taxes: close special interest loopholes George W. Bush Dec 2, 1999 Tax plan, helping poor & rich, gives economy “second wind” George W. Bush Dec 1, 1999 Proposes tax cuts of $483B over 5 years George W. Bush Dec 1, 1999 Lower tax rates to 10%-25%-33%; end inheritance tax. Pat Buchanan Nov 2, 1999 Tax imports & transnationals instead of small businesses Alan Keyes Oct 29, 1999 Replace income tax with tariffs & duties Alan Keyes Oct 29, 1999 Income tax is Marxist control of entire economy John McCain Oct 29, 1999 Supports flat tax; stop complexity by special interests George W. Bush Oct 18, 1999 Don’t balance the budget on the backs of the poor John McCain Oct 1, 1999 Keep lump-sum earned income tax credit John McCain Sep 27, 1999 Cut marriage tax, inheritance tax, & earnings test Hillary Clinton Sep 15, 1999 Just Say No to GOP tax plan Howard Phillips Sep 4, 1999 Tariffs should replace taxes Howard Phillips Sep 4, 1999 Veto all IRS funds; repeal 16th Amendment Al Gore Aug 30, 1999 $792B tax cut is a “risky tax scheme” Harry Browne Aug 26, 1999 Reduce size of govt so income taxes aren’t needed Bill Bradley Aug 24, 1999 Veto $792B tax cut; surplus for health coverage & poverty Hillary Clinton Aug 6, 1999 GOP tax plan would hurt New York’s students Bill Bradley Aug 1, 1999 Would veto proposed $792 billion tax cut Bill Bradley Aug 1, 1999 Surplus should pay down debt, & help people in need George W. Bush Jul 23, 1999 $8B tax incentives for charitable contributions Pat Buchanan Jul 7, 1999 Small Business Bill of Rights: 4% tax over $1 million Pat Buchanan Jul 7, 1999 Cut capital gains tax to spur “risk investment” Pat Buchanan Jul 7, 1999 Abolish inheritance taxes to keep businesses in the family Al Gore Jun 14, 1999 Tax credit for long-term care George W. Bush Jun 9, 1999 Read my tax pledge: No new taxes Pat Buchanan Jun 5, 1999 Flat 16% tax on earnings over $35,000, plus import tariffs Pat Buchanan Jun 5, 1999 Dump our tyrannical 7 million-word tax code Pat Buchanan May 28, 1999 Budget surplus and import fees go to tax cuts Bill Bradley May 19, 1999 Best income tax has low rates and few loopholes John McCain Apr 30, 1999 Taxes should be flatter, lower, and simpler George W. Bush Apr 25, 1999 Simplify tax code to stimulate economic growth Ralph Nader Apr 14, 1999 Tax breaks to big business unfairly hurt small business Al Gore Jan 14, 1999 “Reinvention” cuts taxes while improving services Alan Keyes Jan 6, 1999 Against flat tax -- a distraction for abolishing income tax. Bill Bradley Dec 15, 1998 Driving force behind the 1986 Tax Reform Act. Alan Keyes Apr 17, 1998 Excise taxes allow citizens to control tax rate themselves Harry Browne Apr 11, 1998 Flat Tax would require 30% rate and still need IRS Harry Browne Apr 11, 1998 Abolish the IRS and the income tax Harry Browne Apr 11, 1998 The Great Libertarian Offer: No income tax, but. Bill Bradley Jan 8, 1997 Tax loopholes benefit few & distort market Bill Bradley Jan 8, 1997 Bradley’s “Fair Tax” was basis for Reagan’s 1986 Tax Reform Harry Browne May 1, 1996 Repeal taxes and don’t replace with sales tax nor flat tax Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 10% flat tax OK, if no income tax returns Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 5% sales tax OK, if income tax is eliminated

    
    

    Background on Technology

    Computer and Internet Usage

    • 130 million computers are in use in the US, plus another 200 million elsewhere.
    • 75 million Americans use the Internet regularly; plus another 70 million elsewhere.
    • The 'World Wide Web' (with graphics and browsers) began its exponential growth in 1993.
    • 5-10 million web sites are currently available; growing by about 200% per year.

    Internet Issues

    • Internet access in schools: 78% of schools have access; 97% plan to by the year 2000.
    • Internet access in classrooms: 27% of classrooms have access; lower in poor & minority schools.
    • 'E-rate': refers to a $2.4 billion FCC fund, to set up Internet access for schools and libraries.
    • Internet Sales Tax: There is currently a 3-year moratorium on taxing Internet sales while the issue is being studied. Advocates say that lack of a sales tax will hurt local businesses (who are taxed).
    • 'Digital Divide': refers to good Internet access among middle- and upper-income people, with poorer access, if any, among lower-income people, especially in schools. Generally, discussing the 'Digital Divide' means favoring subsidies for better Internet access in urban schools.

    Microsoft Lawsuit

    • Microsoft vs Netscape: The federal Dept. of Justice sued Microsoft under anti-trust law for monopolistic practices against the Netscape browser and other software products. The case began 10/97; testimony ended 6/99; in 11/99, the court found that Microsoft has acted illegally as a monopolist; findings of law expected in Feb. 2000.
    • Microsoft vs Java: Sun Microsystems sued Microsoft for selling a 'polluted' version of its Java program (a common Internet language) that only runs on Microsoft Windows. The case began in Oct. 1997; Sun won a breach of copyright decision 5/99; oral arguments for the appeal begin 6/99.
    • Intel vs FTC: The Federal Trade Commission sued Intel, the manufacturer of the Pentium chip (which with Windows comprises the 'Wintel monopoly'). The case was settled in 3/99; Intel is now prohibited from withholding technical information as a means of compelling license agreements.

    Other Technology Issues

    • Human Genome Project: The entire human genetic sequence is being recorded in a 15-year project begun in 1990.
    • Y2K Bug: (or 'Millenium Bug'): Many computers interpret the year 2000 as 1900. The primary political issue concerns the liability for damages caused by Y2K-based computer problems.
    • Triana Satellite: Proposed NASA satellite (rejected by Congress in 1999) which would broadcast live Internet pictures of the entire earth from high orbit.
    • V-Chip: A TV device (implemented by FCC, 1999) which allows filtering shows via a TV rating system.

    
    (click a book cover for a review or other books on Technology from Amazon.com)

    
    

    Headlines on Technology Al Gore Feb 21, 2000 Universal Internet access should be a national priority Bill Bradley Feb 21, 2000 Close digital divide with teachers and “infostamp” vouchers Ralph Nader Feb 21, 2000 More free info from govt via computers & airwaves George W. Bush Jan 26, 2000 Technology programs are obsolete before they start John McCain Jan 26, 2000 Digital Divide requires tax credits for equipment & teachers Harry Browne Jan 13, 2000 Keep government out of the Internet Howard Phillips Jan 13, 2000 The internet doesn’t need govt regulations Rudy Giuliani Jan 13, 2000 No privacy concerns with DNA-like fingerprinting Alan Keyes Jan 7, 2000 Abolish the income tax and eventually tax the Internet George W. Bush Jan 7, 2000 Internet may or may not help mom & pop - wait & see John McCain Jan 7, 2000 Internet tax ban saved consumers $600M this Xmas Bill Bradley Jan 4, 2000 Improve schools to remedy “digital divide” Al Gore Dec 20, 1999 In information economy, oil prices rises don’t matter Al Gore Dec 20, 1999 Tax-free Internet a catastrophe for local governments Bill Bradley Dec 20, 1999 Cautious moratorium on Internet sales taxes George W. Bush Dec 20, 1999 Extend Internet sales tax ban; but wary of Main St. losses Al Gore Dec 18, 1999 Parental control & media self-restraint, not censorship Al Gore Dec 18, 1999 Postpone Mars for domestic spending Bill Bradley Dec 18, 1999 Supports research, but no bold step to Mars Bill Bradley Dec 16, 1999 Television time is not the exclusive property of the rich John McCain Dec 16, 1999 Free TV & radio to candidates as a public interest Rudy Giuliani Dec 9, 1999 Project Smart Schools puts computers in every classr John McCain Dec 7, 1999 Make Internet tax moratorium permanent Ralph Nader Nov 9, 1999 Ruling against Microsoft bodes well for competition Hillary Clinton Nov 8, 1999 We can do more for New York’s biotechnology industry Pat Buchanan Nov 7, 1999 Microsoft is over the top; but they’ll survive Justice case Alan Keyes Oct 29, 1999 Publicly fund NASA like we funded the western frontier Alan Keyes Oct 29, 1999 Supports the spiritual component of space exploration John McCain Oct 29, 1999 Encourage teachers to learn high tech Al Gore Oct 28, 1999 Proud of helping Internet; not proud of claiming invention John McCain Sep 27, 1999 Technology can hasten end of haves vs. have-nots George W. Bush Aug 13, 1999 Make the Internet a duty-free zone John McCain Aug 4, 1999 Get more government documents on-line John McCain Jul 7, 1999 Telecommuncations Act was an influence-peddling scheme Hillary Clinton Jul 5, 1999 Train teachers to use technology in classrooms Al Gore Jun 14, 1999 Connect every school to the Internet Al Gore Jun 14, 1999 Expand crime-fighting computer technology nationally Al Gore Jun 14, 1999 Supports V-Chip and parental controls over TV & Internet John McCain Jun 14, 1999 Internet access, with filters, at every school & library George W. Bush Jun 7, 1999 No Y2K lawsuits if good-faith effort made George W. Bush Jun 4, 1999 Census by head count, if possible Al Gore Jun 1, 1999 Triana satellite would inspire environmental consciousness Bill Bradley May 19, 1999 Internet connects politicians to voters Al Gore May 16, 1999 Investments & tax credits to foster high-tech growth Al Gore May 16, 1999 Use high tech to deliver government and social services Al Gore May 16, 1999 Genome project yes; genetic discrimination no Al Gore May 16, 1999 Electronic Bill of Rights for personal privacy George W. Bush May 1, 1999 V-chip OK, but cultural changes are better John McCain Apr 14, 1999 No government control over computer encryption Harry Browne Jan 11, 1999 Y2K, like Internet, will be solved by free market Harry Browne Jan 9, 1999 If Microsoft loses, consumers will pay more Ralph Nader Nov 9, 1998 Microsoft is anticompetitive and anticonsumer Ralph Nader Nov 9, 1998 Microsoft must be stopped Al Gore Mar 23, 1998 Protect kids from Internet smut as part of “e-rate” Alan Keyes Sep 6, 1995 V-chip to allow parents to regulate kids’ TV access Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 Competition makes high tech work--keep it unregulated Bill Bradley Jun 15, 1995 For deregulation; consumer rights; limit media ownership Bill Bradley Jun 14, 1995 Voted for V-Chip & telecomm self-censorship Howard Phillips Jan 1, 1992 Restrict technology transfer to present & future adversaries

    
    

    Background on Welfare & Labor

    Welfare-to-Work

    • The welfare reform bill, signed by President Clinton in 1996, ended the federal entitlement to welfare, imposed strict work requirements on recipients, and set a five-year lifetime limit for aid.
    • In 1995, 88% of poor children received food stamps. By 1998 the figure had dropped to 70%.
    • The welfare load currently stands at about 2 million recipients, which has dropped by about 1/3 since the welfare reform bill was enacted.

    Faith-Based Organizations

    • As welfare decreases, churches and other faith-based organizations (FBOs) pick up the slack.
    • Churches are tax-exempt, and donations to churches and other charities are tax-deductible, so federal activity focuses on tax reform to encourage donations, by increasing deductibility on federal and state income taxes.
    • Other recent Congressional bills focus on removing restrictions on religious organizations' activities, so that churches can bid on government block grants for performing welfare services.
    • The lessening of restrictions on separation of church and state for this purpose is known as Charitable Choice.

    Labor Issues

    • Total union membership stands at about 16 million workers, or 14% of the workforce.
    • Union membership has been falling steadily since 1958, when it stood at 35% of the workforce.
    • The minimum wage is currently $5.15. Increasing it requires an act of Congress. Some candidates want to increase it now, and automatically increase it to keep up with inflation (known as "indexing").

    Foreign trade and import regulations are covered on the Free Trade page.
    Corporate welfare issues are covered on the Government Reform page.
    Earned-income Tax Credits are covered on the Tax Reform page.
    

    
    (click a book cover for a review or click for other books on Welfare or Labor from Amazon.com.)
    

    Headlines on Welfare & Labor Ralph Nader Feb 21, 2000 Limit executive salaries & perks Ralph Nader Feb 21, 2000 Big business lobbying subordinates democracy Pat Buchanan Feb 3, 2000 Agrees with union stance on trade Al Gore Jan 26, 2000 7M people off welfare: reform has worked Bill Bradley Jan 26, 2000 1M kids lost health insurance:’96 welfare reform didn’t work Bill Bradley Jan 23, 2000 Opposed 1996 Welfare Reform; now “wait & see” how it’s used George W. Bush Jan 22, 2000 Remove tax “tollbooths” for poor single moms George W. Bush Jan 22, 2000 “No-strings” vouchers for religious groups to do charity Bill Bradley Jan 13, 2000 Welfare is down, but deep poverty is up Harry Browne Jan 13, 2000 End unemployment programs; feds out of employment biz Harry Browne Jan 13, 2000 Religious & community-based charities should handle welfare Howard Phillips Jan 13, 2000 Federally subsidized welfare should be ended John McCain Jan 13, 2000 Supports block grants, welfare-to-work, state control John McCain Jan 13, 2000 Anti-poverty shared by gov’t & faith-based orgs Rudy Giuliani Jan 13, 2000 Work is a good thing Rudy Giuliani Jan 13, 2000 Welfare offices as job centers Rudy Giuliani Jan 13, 2000 The homeless need special attention: reach out & help Hillary Clinton Jan 12, 2000 Equal opportunity will bridge the digital divide Hillary Clinton Jan 1, 2000 Working should mean no poverty Pat Buchanan Jan 1, 2000 Welfare is a state and local responsibility Pat Buchanan Jan 1, 2000 No minimum-wage increase Bill Bradley Dec 31, 1999 Strengthen unionization laws & defend right-to-organize George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 Supports low-income heating oil assistance program George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 Work and responsibility to replace welfare George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 Too much government fosters dependency George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 Religious charities deserve government support George W. Bush Dec 9, 1999 Government should not block faith-based programs Hillary Clinton Dec 9, 1999 Community involvement helps, but only in short term Rudy Giuliani Dec 9, 1999 Change welfare offices into job centers; employed 45 Rudy Giuliani Dec 9, 1999 305,000 jobs created during Rudy’s tenure Rudy Giuliani Dec 9, 1999 460,000 moved off welfare rolls during Rudy’s tenure Hillary Clinton Dec 2, 1999 Don’t criminalize the homeless Rudy Giuliani Dec 2, 1999 Do whatever it takes to get the homeless off the streets Pat Buchanan Nov 2, 1999 Offset minimum wage increase with small business tax cuts Alan Keyes Oct 29, 1999 Volunteer for community service; not via government funding Alan Keyes Oct 29, 1999 Shift welfare from government to the faith sector Al Gore Oct 28, 1999 Expand Family and Medical Leave to balance work & family Hillary Clinton Oct 24, 1999 The working poor deserve a living wage Al Gore Oct 17, 1999 Task force to study industrial needs Al Gore Oct 11, 1999 Proposes sweeping Federal programs, $Billions, for needy George W. Bush Oct 5, 1999 Churches provide “armies of compassion” to help the poor Hillary Clinton Sep 28, 1999 America can afford to raise the minimum wage Pat Buchanan Sep 20, 1999 Corporations are “amoral behemoths” Howard Phillips Sep 4, 1999 End welfare; family income doubles when fed gov’t shrinks Bill Bradley Aug 24, 1999 Raise minimum wage; more unions; low-income tax cuts Al Gore Aug 18, 1999 Add $1 to minimum wage; add earned-income credits Bill Bradley Aug 18, 1999 Supports unions for home-health & day-care workers Ralph Nader Aug 17, 1999 Student pressure can help oppressed textile workers abroad George W. Bush Aug 11, 1999 Look first to faith-based organizations Bill Bradley Aug 1, 1999 Bad ideas: block grants; 5-year cutoff. Bill Bradley Aug 1, 1999 Good ideas: federal commitment, address single-parenting George W. Bush Jun 12, 1999 Religious groups compete for state service contracts Al Gore May 24, 1999 Supports volunteerism thru faith-based organizations Al Gore May 24, 1999 Corporations should match donations to faith-based orgs Al Gore May 24, 1999 “Charitable Choice:” Fed funds for church-based welfare Al Gore May 24, 1999 Faith-based organizations replace govt programs Al Gore May 16, 1999 Invest in urban redevelopment and “Empowerment Zones” Al Gore May 14, 1999 Injuries can be reduced by workers self-identifying hazards. George W. Bush Apr 25, 1999 Invigorate “a Civil Society” to protect vulnerable citizens Bill Bradley Apr 20, 1999 Welfare should not require mothers to work. John McCain Feb 25, 1999 List unoccupied HUD-owned homes, & give them away Al Gore Jan 14, 1999 Set goals & provide tools to reach goals locally Alan Keyes Jan 7, 1999 Disintegration of the family causes social ills George W. Bush Dec 31, 1998 Help people become independent of welfare. John McCain Jul 2, 1998 Use tax code to address unemployment & working conditions John McCain Jul 2, 1998 More housing assistance; tax breaks against homelessness John McCain Jul 2, 1998 Pro-block grants; pro-welfare-to-work Hillary Clinton Feb 3, 1997 Microcredit is an invaluable tool in alleviating poverty. Bill Bradley Jan 8, 1997 Export unionism abroad Bill Bradley Jan 8, 1997 Cut poverty to help cities; not welfare or aff. action Harry Browne May 1, 1996 End welfare completely; no entitlements to others’ earnings Harry Browne May 1, 1996 War on Poverty & rent control cause poverty & homelessness Harry Browne May 1, 1996 Supports enterprise zones; eliminate govt regulations Harry Browne May 1, 1996 End welfare; return to private compassion & charity Bill Bradley Sep 21, 1995 Against welfare block grants to states Bill Bradley Sep 21, 1995 Enlist civil institutions & churches for welfare reform Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 Community-based welfare ensured oversight & honesty Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 Welfare perverts natural incentives & hence destroys lives Harry Browne Jul 2, 1995 8-month transition, then end all welfare checks

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