PRESIDENT 4EVER 2016

Mark the option closest to your view on each issue.

//Abortion
[ ] Full reproductive rights for women! Only appoint pro-choice judges to Supreme Court and extend abortion rights! (FL)
[ ] Keep abortion as it is presently. Safe, legal, and rare. Keep partial-birth abortion legal. (L)
[ ] Protect responsible choice. Ban partial-birth abortions except in the case of life of the mother. (CL)
[ ] Abortion is not an issue for government intrusion. Oppose government control over abortion. Leave it to the states. (C)
[ ] Some restrictions on abortion. Allow abortions in cases of rape, incest, or life of the mother. Ban partial birth abortions. (CR)
[ ] Only allow abortion in cases where the mother's life is at risk. Ban partial-birth abortion. (R)
[ ] Abortion is murder! Total ban on abortions including rape & incest. (FR)

//Government Spending
[ ] A deficit and debt is fine. Focus on social programs and how the government can better people's lives. (FL)
[ ] Increase government spending on social programs, a deficit is acceptable for longer term gain such as the New Deal. (L)
[ ] Focus on real priorities. More funds for military and social programs. (CL)
[ ] Balance lowering the deficit with other priorities. No long-term deficits. (C)
[ ] We need to curb spending in order to balance the budget. Respect taxpayers' dollars. (CR)
[ ] A large decrease in federal spending. A Balanced Budget Amendment to ensure responsible fiscal management. (R)
[ ] Deficit spending should be outlawed as overall government spending is reduced to minimal levels. (FR)

//Education
[ ] Completely public school system run by the state. Massive increase to funding. (FL)
[ ] No school vouchers, large increase to federal funding. Modernize school system with more after-school programs. (L)
[ ] Make teachers accountable with performance based pay. Increase funding. Remain open to options such as charter schools. (CL)
[ ] Support public school system but allow room for vouchers. (C)
[ ] School vouchers for lower-income students. Privatize failing schools. Charter schools provide competition. (CR)
[ ] Support school vouchers and charter schools. Reduce federal government's role in education. (R)
[ ] School vouchers for anyone. Get the federal government out of education completely! (FR)

//Energy
[ ] Renewable energy all the way! Ban all polluting forms of energy like oil and coal. (FL)
[ ] Move towards energy independence focussing mostly on renewable energy sources. Subsidize clean energy. (L)
[ ] Invest in clean energy and end oil company subsidies. Cut oil use significantly by 2025. (CL)
[ ] Renewable and non-renewable energy must be equally researched. (C)
[ ] Reduce dependence on foreign sources of oil. Some research on alternate energy sources. (CR)
[ ] Coal and oil are our main concerns right now. End dependence on foreign energy. Let private funds research other energy. (R)
[ ] We don't need to worry about renewable energy sources. Oil is king! (FR)

//Environment
[ ] The environment should be our first national priority. Expand National Park System. Large government programs. (FL)
[ ] The environment and global warming is a major concern. Ratify Kyoto. Increase environmental regulations and pollution cleanup. (L)
[ ] We need to leave a healthy environment for our children. Work to reduce emissions and harmful toxins. Modified Kyoto. (CL)
[ ] Balance environmental policies with sound economic policies. (C)
[ ] The environment is important. Find market based solutions to environmental problems. (CR)
[ ] Economic policies and priorities take precedence over environmental concerns. (R)
[ ] The environment is fine. We don't need to worry about it. (FR)

//Gun Control
[ ] Ban all guns! (FL)
[ ] We need gun control! Ban certain guns. Require registration/background checks. Gun control protects children. (L)
[ ] The right to bear arms, but only responsibly! Ban assault rifles, require registration/background checks. (CL)
[ ] Gun control is a state issue. Responsible gun ownership is fine. (C)
[ ] We should be wary of gun control. The Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms. (CR)
[ ] Gun ownership is constitutionally protected. Protect sportsmen's rights and the Second Amendment. (R)
[ ] The Second Amendment is not negotiable! No restrictions on firearms! (FR)

//Health Care
[ ] We need a completely public health care system! Publicly funded, universal health care insurance. Health care is a right! (FL)
[ ] Universal health care system with mandates in order so everyone is covered. (L)
[ ] Near-universal health care whether public or private, but no mandates. Require health insurance for every child. (CL)
[ ] Public health care benefits for the poor and elderly, the rest private. Maintain Medicare and Medicaid as is. (C)
[ ] More tax-deductible health costs. Very limited public health services. Give health coverage to uninsured children. (CR)
[ ] Massive payroll tax increase (or reduce Medicare/Medicaid spending) to fund tax credits for healthcare. (R)
[ ] The health care system should be completely private, it is not a responsibility of the federal government. (FR)

//Immigration
[ ] Completely open borders. Try to obtain global citizenship. (FL)
[ ] Immigration is great! The more immigrants the better. Just require a criminal record check. Full blanket-amnesty. (L)
[ ] Legal immigration is great. Support guest-worker program for illegals and amnesty. (CL)
[ ] Enforce current laws and tighter border security but allow room for a guest-worker program. (C)
[ ] Illegal immigration is a serious problem. Tighter border security. Reform immigration laws. (CR)
[ ] Tighten border security with stricter immigration enforcement provisions. Deport illegal immigrants. (R)
[ ] Stop all immigration completely. Deport illegal aliens and build massive security fence on Mexican and Canadian borders. (FR)

//Defense Spending
[ ] Defense spending should be reduced so as to focus on other things. No overseas deployments. (FL)
[ ] The armed forces are using too great a percentage of the budget. Cancel unneeded future weapons systems. (L)
[ ] Reorganize the armed forces to deal with modern threats. More ground forces and less emphasis on air & naval assets. (CL)
[ ] The military is in a solid position right now but could use additional ground forces. (C)
[ ] The military needs additional funding, but not all future and current weapon systems are required. (CR)
[ ] The military requires a major expansion in capability to deal with potential conflicts with Russia and Iran. (R)
[ ] The armed forces must be capable of fighting a multiple-front war including engaging with China. (FR)

//Iran
[ ] Iran should be able to develop nuclear technology - they will only use it for peaceful purposes. (FL)
[ ] We should deal with Iran through the United Nations. (L)
[ ] Diplomacy and economic sanctions should make Iran see things our way. (CL)
[ ] Keep diplomatic channels open and use economic sanctions. Go to war as a last resort. (C)
[ ] We should prepare to attack Iran but be sure that we have the proper intelligence. (CR)
[ ] We should launch a pre-emptive attack on Iran and destroy all potential nuclear sites. (R)
[ ] Iran and North Korea have troubled us long enough! Launch a full-fledged attack and invade them. (FR)

//Military Intervention
[ ] Remove all U.S. troops from foreign soil. No intervention! Our military need never be used. (FL)
[ ] Intervening in other countries is another way of saying 'empire building.' (L)
[ ] For humanitarian causes or if we are attacked. (CL)
[ ] Only if we are attacked should we retaliate. War is okay to stop ethnic cleansing. (C)
[ ] We should intervene when our national interests are threatened. (CR)
[ ] We must never hesitate to defend America! Unilateral attacks are fine for national security purposes. (R)
[ ] We have the most powerful military in the world! We should exert our power across the globe. (FR)

//Role of Government
[ ] More government is always a good thing, and should be expanded into every part of a citizen's life. (FL)
[ ] Government is an activist force for good. (L)
[ ] Government is not inherently a good or bad thing, but plays an important role in society. (CL)
[ ] The Government needs to be more efficient, but is otherwise fine. (C)
[ ] Reduce the role Government plays and transfer power to the states. However, Government is not inherently good or bad. (CR)
[ ] The smaller and less activist the Government, the better the country. Local control when possible. (R)
[ ] Government can run the military, the police, and the courts - that's it. (FR)

//Free Trade
[ ] Protect the American labor market. Punish companies that send jobs overseas & end free trade. (FL)
[ ] Increase taxes on companies that send jobs overseas. Free Trade must include labour and environmental conditions. (L)
[ ] Consider new free trade deals carefully, and create incentives to keep jobs in America. (CL)
[ ] Free Trade is doing fine as is. The American corporate and labor culture is coping. (C)
[ ] Outsourcing is not a problem, it is part of a globalized world and helps America. Additional free trade agreements. (CR)
[ ] By outsourcing the U.S. frees up a lot of laborers to go on to better jobs. Global free trade would only help America. (R)
[ ] We need to encourage businesses to do whatever is necessary to generate profit. (FR)

//Tax Rates
[ ] Raise income taxes in a highly progressive tax system. Eliminate corporate loopholes. (FL)
[ ] Make the tax system more progressive by increasing the marginal rate on the wealthy. Reform corporate tax system. (L)
[ ] Raise taxes on the rich, reduce taxes on the middle class, and reform the corporate tax system (eliminate loopholes). (CL)
[ ] Leave income tax as it is presently. Keep progressive taxes and remove small hidden taxes like marriage tax. (C)
[ ] Reduce corporate and income tax moderately. (CR)
[ ] Major tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations to spur economic growth via trickle-down. (R)
[ ] A single rate flat tax for citizens, and a very low tax rate for corporations. It works for the Baltic States. (FR)

//Same-Sex Marriage
[ ] Same-sex marriage is a fundamental human right. (FL)
[ ] Pursue same-sex marriage as a constitutional right and a constitutional amendment for anti-discrimination. (L)
[ ] Support same-sex marriage and actively pursue anti-discrimination laws that protect homosexuals. (CL)
[ ] Respect the Supreme Court ruling and retain same-sex marriage in every state. (C)
[ ] Ideologically, marriage is between a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others. However, the current ruling is the law of the land (CR)
[ ] Right Marriage is between a man and a woman. Oppose the current ruling and support a constitutional ban on same-sex marriages. (R)
[ ] Homosexuals need to be treated for their condition.(FR)

//Social Security
[ ] No to any private investment, dramatically increase funding. (FL)
[ ] No to private investment and personal retirement accounts, increase funding. (L)
[ ] Allow a small amount of private investment but keep it regulated. (CL)
[ ] Keep social security as it is. (C)
[ ] Let workers privately invest some of their retirement payments. (CR)
[ ] Gradually scale down federal involvement and implement privatization of social security over time. (R)
[ ] Let workers privately invest all retirement payments. Social Security is a Ponzi scheme! (FR)

//Unions
[ ] Organized labor is essential to a worker's state and unions provide the source of our prosperity. (FL)
[ ] Labor Unions are a worker's best protection against exploitation. (L)
[ ] Labor Unions provide job security and allow workers to collectively better themselves and be paid a fair wage. (CL)
[ ] Labor demands must be balanced with business concerns. (C)
[ ] Unions are undermining our economy by blackmailing companies to overpay their workers. Support Right to Work legislation. (CR)
[ ] Unions are hindering our economic prosperity with their constant bickering. Support Right to Work legislation and forbid government employees from unionizing. (R)
[ ] Unions should be outlawed. All workers already have the individual right to negotiate wages and benefits. (FR)

//War on Terror
[ ] Terrorism will be reduced if we stop meddling in other country's affairs. Civil liberties are deeply important. (FL)
[ ] We should develop an anti-terror strategy with the United Nations to stop economic and social injustice. (L)
[ ] A renewed focus on multilateral foreign policy aimed at engaging terrorism as a police issue. Protect civil liberties. (CL)
[ ] We must focus on Al Qaeda, not Syria. Civil liberties are important. (C)
[ ] We should not hesitate to use military force against terrorism. At home civil liberties must sometimes be sacrificed. (CR)
[ ] Terrorism can only be stopped with military force. Unilateral attacks are justified as are limitations on civil rights. (R)
[ ] Unilaterally attack countries suspected of supporting terrorists. (FR)

//Corruption
[ ] Capitalism has corrupted our system! The system needs to be completely rebuilt. (FL)
[ ] The Republicans are completely corrupt. (L)
[ ] The Republicans are more corrupt than Democrats. (CL)
[ ] Both parties are corrupt. We need better oversight and reform. (C)
[ ] The Democrats are more corrupt than Republicans. (CR)
[ ] The Democrats are completely corrupt. (R)
[ ] Socialism has corrupted our system! The system needs to be completely rebuilt. (FR)

//Abortion
[ ] Full reproductive rights for women! Only appoint pro-choice judges to Supreme Court and extend abortion rights! (FL)
[X] Keep abortion as it is presently. Safe, legal, and rare. Keep partial-birth abortion legal. (L)
[ ] Protect responsible choice. Ban partial-birth abortions except in the case of life of the mother. (CL)
[ ] Abortion is not an issue for government intrusion. Oppose government control over abortion. Leave it to the states. (C)
[ ] Some restrictions on abortion. Allow abortions in cases of rape, incest, or life of the mother. Ban partial birth abortions. (CR)
[ ] Only allow abortion in cases where the mother's life is at risk. Ban partial-birth abortion. (R)
[ ] Abortion is murder! Total ban on abortions including rape & incest. (FR)

//Government Spending
[ ] A deficit and debt is fine. Focus on social programs and how the government can better people's lives. (FL)
[ ] Increase government spending on social programs, a deficit is acceptable for longer term gain such as the New Deal. (L)
[ ] Focus on real priorities. More funds for military and social programs. (CL)
[ ] Balance lowering the deficit with other priorities. No long-term deficits. (C)
[X] We need to curb spending in order to balance the budget. Respect taxpayers' dollars. (CR)
[ ] A large decrease in federal spending. A Balanced Budget Amendment to ensure responsible fiscal management. (R)
[ ] Deficit spending should be outlawed as overall government spending is reduced to minimal levels. (FR)

//Education
[ ] Completely public school system run by the state. Massive increase to funding. (FL)
[ ] No school vouchers, large increase to federal funding. Modernize school system with more after-school programs. (L)
[ ] Make teachers accountable with performance based pay. Increase funding. Remain open to options such as charter schools. (CL)
[ ] Support public school system but allow room for vouchers. (C)
[X] School vouchers for lower-income students. Privatize failing schools. Charter schools provide competition. (CR)
[ ] Support school vouchers and charter schools. Reduce federal government's role in education. (R)
[ ] School vouchers for anyone. Get the federal government out of education completely! (FR)

//Energy
[ ] Renewable energy all the way! Ban all polluting forms of energy like oil and coal. (FL)
[ ] Move towards energy independence focussing mostly on renewable energy sources. Subsidize clean energy. (L)
[X] Invest in clean energy and end oil company subsidies. Cut oil use significantly by 2025. (CL)
[ ] Renewable and non-renewable energy must be equally researched. (C)
[ ] Reduce dependence on foreign sources of oil. Some research on alternate energy sources. (CR)
[ ] Coal and oil are our main concerns right now. End dependence on foreign energy. Let private funds research other energy. (R)
[ ] We don't need to worry about renewable energy sources. Oil is king! (FR)

//Environment
[ ] The environment should be our first national priority. Expand National Park System. Large government programs. (FL)
[ ] The environment and global warming is a major concern. Ratify Kyoto. Increase environmental regulations and pollution cleanup. (L)
[X] We need to leave a healthy environment for our children. Work to reduce emissions and harmful toxins. Modified Kyoto. (CL)
[ ] Balance environmental policies with sound economic policies. (C)
[ ] The environment is important. Find market based solutions to environmental problems. (CR)
[ ] Economic policies and priorities take precedence over environmental concerns. (R)
[ ] The environment is fine. We don't need to worry about it. (FR)

//Gun Control
[ ] Ban all guns! (FL)
[ ] We need gun control! Ban certain guns. Require registration/background checks. Gun control protects children. (L)
[ ] The right to bear arms, but only responsibly! Ban assault rifles, require registration/background checks. (CL)
[ ] Gun control is a state issue. Responsible gun ownership is fine. (C)
[X] We should be wary of gun control. The Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms. (CR)
[ ] Gun ownership is constitutionally protected. Protect sportsmen's rights and the Second Amendment. (R)
[ ] The Second Amendment is not negotiable! No restrictions on firearms! (FR)

//Health Care
[ ] We need a completely public health care system! Publicly funded, universal health care insurance. Health care is a right! (FL)
[ ] Universal health care system with mandates in order so everyone is covered. (L)
[ ] Near-universal health care whether public or private, but no mandates. Require health insurance for every child. (CL)
[X] Public health care benefits for the poor and elderly, the rest private. Maintain Medicare and Medicaid as is. (C)
[ ] More tax-deductible health costs. Very limited public health services. Give health coverage to uninsured children. (CR)
[ ] Massive payroll tax increase (or reduce Medicare/Medicaid spending) to fund tax credits for healthcare. (R)
[ ] The health care system should be completely private, it is not a responsibility of the federal government. (FR)

//Immigration
[ ] Completely open borders. Try to obtain global citizenship. (FL)
[ ] Immigration is great! The more immigrants the better. Just require a criminal record check. Full blanket-amnesty. (L)
[ ] Legal immigration is great. Support guest-worker program for illegals and amnesty. (CL)
[ ] Enforce current laws and tighter border security but allow room for a guest-worker program. (C)
[X] Illegal immigration is a serious problem. Tighter border security. Reform immigration laws. (CR)
[ ] Tighten border security with stricter immigration enforcement provisions. Deport illegal immigrants. (R)
[ ] Stop all immigration completely. Deport illegal aliens and build massive security fence on Mexican and Canadian borders. (FR)

//Defense Spending
[ ] Defense spending should be reduced so as to focus on other things. No overseas deployments. (FL)
[ ] The armed forces are using too great a percentage of the budget. Cancel unneeded future weapons systems. (L)
[ ] Reorganize the armed forces to deal with modern threats. More ground forces and less emphasis on air & naval assets. (CL)
[ ] The military is in a solid position right now but could use additional ground forces. (C)
[X] The military needs additional funding, but not all future and current weapon systems are required. (CR)
[ ] The military requires a major expansion in capability to deal with potential conflicts with Russia and Iran. (R)
[ ] The armed forces must be capable of fighting a multiple-front war including engaging with China. (FR)

//Iran
[ ] Iran should be able to develop nuclear technology - they will only use it for peaceful purposes. (FL)
[ ] We should deal with Iran through the United Nations. (L)
[ ] Diplomacy and economic sanctions should make Iran see things our way. (CL)
[ ] Keep diplomatic channels open and use economic sanctions. Go to war as a last resort. (C)
[ ] We should prepare to attack Iran but be sure that we have the proper intelligence. (CR)
[X] We should launch a pre-emptive attack on Iran and destroy all potential nuclear sites. (R)
[ ] Iran and North Korea have troubled us long enough! Launch a full-fledged attack and invade them. (FR)

//Military Intervention
[ ] Remove all U.S. troops from foreign soil. No intervention! Our military need never be used. (FL)
[ ] Intervening in other countries is another way of saying 'empire building.' (L)
[ ] For humanitarian causes or if we are attacked. (CL)
[ ] Only if we are attacked should we retaliate. War is okay to stop ethnic cleansing. (C)
[ ] We should intervene when our national interests are threatened. (CR)
[X] We must never hesitate to defend America! Unilateral attacks are fine for national security purposes. (R)
[ ] We have the most powerful military in the world! We should exert our power across the globe. (FR)

//Role of Government
[ ] More government is always a good thing, and should be expanded into every part of a citizen's life. (FL)
[ ] Government is an activist force for good. (L)
[ ] Government is not inherently a good or bad thing, but plays an important role in society. (CL)
[ ] The Government needs to be more efficient, but is otherwise fine. (C)
[X] Reduce the role Government plays and transfer power to the states. However, Government is not inherently good or bad. (CR)
[ ] The smaller and less activist the Government, the better the country. Local control when possible. (R)
[ ] Government can run the military, the police, and the courts - that's it. (FR)

//Free Trade
[ ] Protect the American labor market. Punish companies that send jobs overseas & end free trade. (FL)
[ ] Increase taxes on companies that send jobs overseas. Free Trade must include labour and environmental conditions. (L)
[ ] Consider new free trade deals carefully, and create incentives to keep jobs in America. (CL)
[ ] Free Trade is doing fine as is. The American corporate and labor culture is coping. (C)
[ ] Outsourcing is not a problem, it is part of a globalized world and helps America. Additional free trade agreements. (CR)
[X] By outsourcing the U.S. frees up a lot of laborers to go on to better jobs. Global free trade would only help America. (R)
[ ] We need to encourage businesses to do whatever is necessary to generate profit. (FR)

//Tax Rates
[ ] Raise income taxes in a highly progressive tax system. Eliminate corporate loopholes. (FL)
[ ] Make the tax system more progressive by increasing the marginal rate on the wealthy. Reform corporate tax system. (L)
[ ] Raise taxes on the rich, reduce taxes on the middle class, and reform the corporate tax system (eliminate loopholes). (CL)
[ ] Leave income tax as it is presently. Keep progressive taxes and remove small hidden taxes like marriage tax. (C)
[X] Reduce corporate and income tax moderately. (CR)
[ ] Major tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations to spur economic growth via trickle-down. (R)
[ ] A single rate flat tax for citizens, and a very low tax rate for corporations. It works for the Baltic States. (FR)

//Same-Sex Marriage
[ ] Same-sex marriage is a fundamental human right. (FL)
[ ] Pursue same-sex marriage as a constitutional right and a constitutional amendment for anti-discrimination. (L)
[X] Support same-sex marriage and actively pursue anti-discrimination laws that protect homosexuals. (CL)
[ ] Respect the Supreme Court ruling and retain same-sex marriage in every state. (C)
[ ] Ideologically, marriage is between a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others. However, the current ruling is the law of the land (CR)
[ ] Right Marriage is between a man and a woman. Oppose the current ruling and support a constitutional ban on same-sex marriages. (R)
[ ] Homosexuals need to be treated for their condition.(FR)

//Social Security
[ ] No to any private investment, dramatically increase funding. (FL)
[ ] No to private investment and personal retirement accounts, increase funding. (L)
[ ] Allow a small amount of private investment but keep it regulated. (CL)
[ ] Keep social security as it is. (C)
[X] Let workers privately invest some of their retirement payments. (CR)
[ ] Gradually scale down federal involvement and implement privatization of social security over time. (R)
[ ] Let workers privately invest all retirement payments. Social Security is a Ponzi scheme! (FR)

//Unions
[ ] Organized labor is essential to a worker's state and unions provide the source of our prosperity. (FL)
[ ] Labor Unions are a worker's best protection against exploitation. (L)
[ ] Labor Unions provide job security and allow workers to collectively better themselves and be paid a fair wage. (CL)
[ ] Labor demands must be balanced with business concerns. (C)
[ ] Unions are undermining our economy by blackmailing companies to overpay their workers. Support Right to Work legislation. (CR)
[X] Unions are hindering our economic prosperity with their constant bickering. Support Right to Work legislation and forbid government employees from unionizing. (R)
[ ] Unions should be outlawed. All workers already have the individual right to negotiate wages and benefits. (FR)

//War on Terror
[ ] Terrorism will be reduced if we stop meddling in other country's affairs. Civil liberties are deeply important. (FL)
[ ] We should develop an anti-terror strategy with the United Nations to stop economic and social injustice. (L)
[ ] A renewed focus on multilateral foreign policy aimed at engaging terrorism as a police issue. Protect civil liberties. (CL)
[ ] We must focus on Al Qaeda, not Syria. Civil liberties are important. (C)
[ ] We should not hesitate to use military force against terrorism. At home civil liberties must sometimes be sacrificed. (CR)
[X] Terrorism can only be stopped with military force. Unilateral attacks are justified as are limitations on civil rights. (R)
[ ] Unilaterally attack countries suspected of supporting terrorists. (FR)

//Corruption
[ ] Capitalism has corrupted our system! The system needs to be completely rebuilt. (FL)
[ ] The Republicans are completely corrupt. (L)
[ ] The Republicans are more corrupt than Democrats. (CL)
[X] Both parties are corrupt. We need better oversight and reform. (C)
[ ] The Democrats are more corrupt than Republicans. (CR)
[ ] The Democrats are completely corrupt. (R)
[ ] Socialism has corrupted our system! The system needs to be completely rebuilt. (FR)

[ ] Full reproductive rights for women! Only appoint pro-choice judges to Supreme Court and extend abortion rights! (FL)
[ ] Keep abortion as it is presently. Safe, legal, and rare. Keep partial-birth abortion legal. (L)
[ ] Protect responsible choice. Ban partial-birth abortions except in the case of life of the mother. (CL)
[ ] Abortion is not an issue for government intrusion. Oppose government control over abortion. Leave it to the states. (C)
[ ] Some restrictions on abortion. Allow abortions in cases of rape, incest, or life of the mother. Ban partial birth abortions. (CR)
[ ] Only allow abortion in cases where the mother's life is at risk. Ban partial-birth abortion. (R)
[x] Abortion is murder! Total ban on abortions including rape & incest. (FR)

//Government Spending
[ ] A deficit and debt is fine. Focus on social programs and how the government can better people's lives. (FL)
[ ] Increase government spending on social programs, a deficit is acceptable for longer term gain such as the New Deal. (L)
[ ] Focus on real priorities. More funds for military and social programs. (CL)
[ ] Balance lowering the deficit with other priorities. No long-term deficits. (C)
[ ] We need to curb spending in order to balance the budget. Respect taxpayers' dollars. (CR)
[ ] A large decrease in federal spending. A Balanced Budget Amendment to ensure responsible fiscal management. (R)
[x] Deficit spending should be outlawed as overall government spending is reduced to minimal levels. (FR)

//Education
[ ] Completely public school system run by the state. Massive increase to funding. (FL)
[ ] No school vouchers, large increase to federal funding. Modernize school system with more after-school programs. (L)
[ ] Make teachers accountable with performance based pay. Increase funding. Remain open to options such as charter schools. (CL)
[ ] Support public school system but allow room for vouchers. (C)
[ ] School vouchers for lower-income students. Privatize failing schools. Charter schools provide competition. (CR)
[ ] Support school vouchers and charter schools. Reduce federal government's role in education. (R)
[x] School vouchers for anyone. Get the federal government out of education completely! (FR)

//Energy
[ ] Renewable energy all the way! Ban all polluting forms of energy like oil and coal. (FL)
[ ] Move towards energy independence focussing mostly on renewable energy sources. Subsidize clean energy. (L)
[ ] Invest in clean energy and end oil company subsidies. Cut oil use significantly by 2025. (CL)
[ ] Renewable and non-renewable energy must be equally researched. (C)
[ ] Reduce dependence on foreign sources of oil. Some research on alternate energy sources. (CR)
[x] Coal and oil are our main concerns right now. End dependence on foreign energy. Let private funds research other energy. (R)
[ ] We don't need to worry about renewable energy sources. Oil is king! (FR)

//Environment
[ ] The environment should be our first national priority. Expand National Park System. Large government programs. (FL)
[ ] The environment and global warming is a major concern. Ratify Kyoto. Increase environmental regulations and pollution cleanup. (L)
[ ] We need to leave a healthy environment for our children. Work to reduce emissions and harmful toxins. Modified Kyoto. (CL)
[ ] Balance environmental policies with sound economic policies. (C)
[x] The environment is important. Find market based solutions to environmental problems. (CR)
[ ] Economic policies and priorities take precedence over environmental concerns. (R)
[ ] The environment is fine. We don't need to worry about it. (FR)

//Gun Control
[ ] Ban all guns! (FL)
[ ] We need gun control! Ban certain guns. Require registration/background checks. Gun control protects children. (L)
[ ] The right to bear arms, but only responsibly! Ban assault rifles, require registration/background checks. (CL)
[ ] Gun control is a state issue. Responsible gun ownership is fine. (C)
[ ] We should be wary of gun control. The Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms. (CR)
[ ] Gun ownership is constitutionally protected. Protect sportsmen's rights and the Second Amendment. (R)
[x] The Second Amendment is not negotiable! No restrictions on firearms! (FR)

//Health Care
[ ] We need a completely public health care system! Publicly funded, universal health care insurance. Health care is a right! (FL)
[ ] Universal health care system with mandates in order so everyone is covered. (L)
[ ] Near-universal health care whether public or private, but no mandates. Require health insurance for every child. (CL)
[ ] Public health care benefits for the poor and elderly, the rest private. Maintain Medicare and Medicaid as is. (C)
[ ] More tax-deductible health costs. Very limited public health services. Give health coverage to uninsured children. (CR)
[ ] Massive payroll tax increase (or reduce Medicare/Medicaid spending) to fund tax credits for healthcare. (R)
[x] The health care system should be completely private, it is not a responsibility of the federal government. (FR)

//Immigration
[ ] Completely open borders. Try to obtain global citizenship. (FL)
[ ] Immigration is great! The more immigrants the better. Just require a criminal record check. Full blanket-amnesty. (L)
[ ] Legal immigration is great. Support guest-worker program for illegals and amnesty. (CL)
[ ] Enforce current laws and tighter border security but allow room for a guest-worker program. (C)
[ ] Illegal immigration is a serious problem. Tighter border security. Reform immigration laws. (CR)
[x] Tighten border security with stricter immigration enforcement provisions. Deport illegal immigrants. (R)
[ ] Stop all immigration completely. Deport illegal aliens and build massive security fence on Mexican and Canadian borders. (FR)

//Defense Spending
[x] Defense spending should be reduced so as to focus on other things. No overseas deployments. (FL)
[ ] The armed forces are using too great a percentage of the budget. Cancel unneeded future weapons systems. (L)
[ ] Reorganize the armed forces to deal with modern threats. More ground forces and less emphasis on air & naval assets. (CL)
[ ] The military is in a solid position right now but could use additional ground forces. (C)
[ ] The military needs additional funding, but not all future and current weapon systems are required. (CR)
[ ] The military requires a major expansion in capability to deal with potential conflicts with Russia and Iran. (R)
[ ] The armed forces must be capable of fighting a multiple-front war including engaging with China. (FR)

//Iran
[ ] Iran should be able to develop nuclear technology - they will only use it for peaceful purposes. (FL)
[ ] We should deal with Iran through the United Nations. (L)
[ ] Diplomacy and economic sanctions should make Iran see things our way. (CL)
[x] Keep diplomatic channels open and use economic sanctions. Go to war as a last resort. (C)
[ ] We should prepare to attack Iran but be sure that we have the proper intelligence. (CR)
[ ] We should launch a pre-emptive attack on Iran and destroy all potential nuclear sites. (R)
[ ] Iran and North Korea have troubled us long enough! Launch a full-fledged attack and invade them. (FR)

//Military Intervention
[ ] Remove all U.S. troops from foreign soil. No intervention! Our military need never be used. (FL)
[x] Intervening in other countries is another way of saying 'empire building.' (L)
[ ] For humanitarian causes or if we are attacked. (CL)
[ ] Only if we are attacked should we retaliate. War is okay to stop ethnic cleansing. (C)
[ ] We should intervene when our national interests are threatened. (CR)
[ ] We must never hesitate to defend America! Unilateral attacks are fine for national security purposes. (R)
[ ] We have the most powerful military in the world! We should exert our power across the globe. (FR)

//Role of Government
[ ] More government is always a good thing, and should be expanded into every part of a citizen's life. (FL)
[ ] Government is an activist force for good. (L)
[ ] Government is not inherently a good or bad thing, but plays an important role in society. (CL)
[ ] The Government needs to be more efficient, but is otherwise fine. (C)
[ ] Reduce the role Government plays and transfer power to the states. However, Government is not inherently good or bad. (CR)
[x] The smaller and less activist the Government, the better the country. Local control when possible. (R)
[ ] Government can run the military, the police, and the courts - that's it. (FR)

//Free Trade
[ ] Protect the American labor market. Punish companies that send jobs overseas & end free trade. (FL)
[x] Increase taxes on companies that send jobs overseas. Free Trade must include labour and environmental conditions. (L)
[ ] Consider new free trade deals carefully, and create incentives to keep jobs in America. (CL)
[ ] Free Trade is doing fine as is. The American corporate and labor culture is coping. (C)
[ ] Outsourcing is not a problem, it is part of a globalized world and helps America. Additional free trade agreements. (CR)
[ ] By outsourcing the U.S. frees up a lot of laborers to go on to better jobs. Global free trade would only help America. (R)
[ ] We need to encourage businesses to do whatever is necessary to generate profit. (FR)

//Tax Rates
[ ] Raise income taxes in a highly progressive tax system. Eliminate corporate loopholes. (FL)
[ ] Make the tax system more progressive by increasing the marginal rate on the wealthy. Reform corporate tax system. (L)
[ ] Raise taxes on the rich, reduce taxes on the middle class, and reform the corporate tax system (eliminate loopholes). (CL)
[ ] Leave income tax as it is presently. Keep progressive taxes and remove small hidden taxes like marriage tax. (C)
[ ] Reduce corporate and income tax moderately. (CR)
[ ] Major tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations to spur economic growth via trickle-down. (R)
[x] A single rate flat tax for citizens, and a very low tax rate for corporations. It works for the Baltic States. (FR)

//Same-Sex Marriage
[ ] Same-sex marriage is a fundamental human right. (FL)
[ ] Pursue same-sex marriage as a constitutional right and a constitutional amendment for anti-discrimination. (L)
[ ] Support same-sex marriage and actively pursue anti-discrimination laws that protect homosexuals. (CL)
[ ] Respect the Supreme Court ruling and retain same-sex marriage in every state. (C)
[x] Ideologically, marriage is between a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others. However, the current ruling is the law of the land (CR)
[ ] Right Marriage is between a man and a woman. Oppose the current ruling and support a constitutional ban on same-sex marriages. (R)
[ ] Homosexuals need to be treated for their condition.(FR)

//Social Security
[ ] No to any private investment, dramatically increase funding. (FL)
[ ] No to private investment and personal retirement accounts, increase funding. (L)
[ ] Allow a small amount of private investment but keep it regulated. (CL)
[ ] Keep social security as it is. (C)
[ ] Let workers privately invest some of their retirement payments. (CR)
[ ] Gradually scale down federal involvement and implement privatization of social security over time. (R)
[x] Let workers privately invest all retirement payments. Social Security is a Ponzi scheme! (FR)

//Unions
[ ] Organized labor is essential to a worker's state and unions provide the source of our prosperity. (FL)
[ ] Labor Unions are a worker's best protection against exploitation. (L)
[ ] Labor Unions provide job security and allow workers to collectively better themselves and be paid a fair wage. (CL)
[ ] Labor demands must be balanced with business concerns. (C)
[ ] Unions are undermining our economy by blackmailing companies to overpay their workers. Support Right to Work legislation. (CR)
[x] Unions are hindering our economic prosperity with their constant bickering. Support Right to Work legislation and forbid government employees from unionizing. (R)
[ ] Unions should be outlawed. All workers already have the individual right to negotiate wages and benefits. (FR)

//War on Terror
[ ] Terrorism will be reduced if we stop meddling in other country's affairs. Civil liberties are deeply important. (FL)
[ ] We should develop an anti-terror strategy with the United Nations to stop economic and social injustice. (L)
[x] A renewed focus on multilateral foreign policy aimed at engaging terrorism as a police issue. Protect civil liberties. (CL)
[ ] We must focus on Al Qaeda, not Syria. Civil liberties are important. (C)
[ ] We should not hesitate to use military force against terrorism. At home civil liberties must sometimes be sacrificed. (CR)
[ ] Terrorism can only be stopped with military force. Unilateral attacks are justified as are limitations on civil rights. (R)
[ ] Unilaterally attack countries suspected of supporting terrorists. (FR)

//Corruption
[ ] Capitalism has corrupted our system! The system needs to be completely rebuilt. (FL)
[ ] The Republicans are completely corrupt. (L)
[ ] The Republicans are more corrupt than Democrats. (CL)
[x] Both parties are corrupt. We need better oversight and reform. (C)
[ ] The Democrats are more corrupt than Republicans. (CR)
[ ] The Democrats are completely corrupt. (R)
[ ] Socialism has corrupted our system! The system needs to be completely rebuilt. (FR)