A Frank Appeal to the Independence Party

Question 5:

Have you read the Independence Party Platform (http://ipny.org/platform.html)? If so, are there any substantial areas with which you especially agree or disagree?

Based on time constraints I have not had time to read the Independence Party Platform.

Question 12:

Currently, New Yorkers have the right to reform the city charter through Initiative and Referendum. Would you support an amendment to the constitution that would allow Americans to directly propose and vote on legislation through initiative and referendum?

Absolutely not, such an amendment would fundamentally alter the nature of the government created by the constitution. The United States Constitution created the Federal government as a democratically elected Republic, where legislative decisions are made by duly elected representatives. The wisdom of this system, at least in theory, is that it creates a barrier between the passions of people and the law. This change is far to radical for me. I am a strict Constitutionalist and such a change, in my opinion would strike at the very heart of the great system our founders created. What we instead must do is go back to following the Constitution instead of allowing the government to violate every word on the page day after day.

Question 13:

Do you believe that state Supreme Court justices should be elected through the current judicial convention process or by some other means? Please be specific as to the method you’d prefer.

Question 19:

Please state your view on the war in Iraq? Do you favor withdrawing troops, maintaining a military presence or some other solution? What was your position when the conflict began?

Based on current levels of government spending and growing debt, we must find ways to start winding down the War in Iraq. The cost is becoming far too high and risks making our already horrible budget situation even worse. We should end it in a phased with drawl, not an immediate pullout since to do the ladder would leave utter chaos behind us. I initially supported the Iraq war and regret that support. On a large scale we must seriously reconsider the US military’s role in the world and shift back to the idea the US military only exists to protect the United States not police the world. We have tried the World Police model, it is unworkable and simply far too expensive (why do we still have military bases in Germany and Japan?).

Question 22:

What if anything would you do to ease ballot access restrictions for candidates seeking office to federal offices like Congress, U.S. Senate and President?
At this time I have not given serious enough though or research on the issue to give a useful and worthwhile answer.

What if any changes should be made to the nation’s campaign finance laws?
I believe corporate and special interest donations should be severally restricted but individual donations should have no cap.