Oldest known version of this page was edited on 2003-08-18 04:58:30 by RichardBerg []

Environment

I believe in the protection and conservation of our natural resources, especially those that are limited. Some policies that encourage efficiency unnecessarily encroach on Americans, but I hope to enact many that do not. Don't expect me to prevent a promising development because of an endangered snail, but realize that complaints about the gasoline tax won't go far. With regard to our bureaucratic agencies that regulate environmental issues, I'll ensure we're getting our money's worth; with regard to mining and logging interests on federal land, I'll ensure they get their money's worth -- at most! Above all, I will defer to experts on the topic, not the trendy political whimsy of the day.

Abortion

The issue at hand is more philosophical than political, so I refer you to my treatise here.

Social Issues

I probably cannot be convinced that there's such a thing as too much job training. Structural unemployment is an economic fact of life, but there's no reason we can't combat it at the source. As for direct transfer payments, they have its place -- the caricatures of a person more satisfied with welfare checks than a job, or of the woman who bears more children just for the extra money, are largely myths. I'd like to see greater generosity with both time and money on behalf of the American public, however. Let me put it directly: prove that you are capable of assisting those who need a helping hand, and I will lower your taxes.

For some, a boost in tough times is not enough. More money needs to be spent (wisely!) on mental health care, on literacy and ESL, on drug rehabilitation. I'm as concerned as anyone about the cost, but the cost of avoiding these problems is certainly worse: not "mere" poverty, but crime.

(to be continued)


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