Welcome to Adopt A Policy!

Proposed Policy

A) Remember that “check box” on your tax return where your tax dollars can be used for political campaigns? Instead, we should use those funds to set-up a standard web format where you can access all the information you will need for an election. In addition the candidates would be required to enter all relative information in text form into the web site. Information such as where they stand on key issues and their proposed solutions. Each candidate would also utilize tools such as “YouTube” style videos on the site. The videos would allow voters to have a feel for the candidate’s personality in addition to hering their message.

B) Limit the use of a candidate’s private funds to $50,000.00. Limit 527 and 501 organizations to $50,000 that they can spend on behalf or against a candidate.

C) Review existing contribution rules to close any loopholes that are not in the spirit of reforms.

What would this accomplish?

A) By having a central web site regulated by the government it would level the playing field. Each candidate would have a forum to state their platform, policies, and solutions. This would allow outsiders to run and compete for office based on addressing the issues. For voters it gives them a starting point to perform their research and make comparisons on the issues.

B) Most rich people got where they are because they are smart & charismatic. We still want these people to run for office. But we do not want them to have an unfair advantage. If they are truly smart, they can compete effectively with these fiscal constraints. We do not want 527 and 501 organizations to become an extension of the party or candidate.

C) We need to shift from monetary driven campaigns to information driven campaigns. The presidential debates is an example of an informational campaign over a monetary campaign. All the presidential candidates are on the same footing in this setting. It seems everytime a campaign reform bill is passed someone figures a way around it. We need to continuously plug the holes.

Commentary

Are you tired of seeing all the same insiders running for office? To make it worse, most of our leaders are either career politicians or lawyers. Is that the field that we want to pick our leaders from? These concepts would open up the door to a whole new field of candidates.

Proposed Policy

A) Incumbent leaders cannot use the services of their position for political advantage. This would be in effect one year prior to the next election. No mailings allowed.

B) Each election would require a new campaign fund “project” to be opened by each candidate. We need a clear opening and closing of each campaign project. The fund project cannot be initiated until 2 years before the any election. At the conclusion of each election, an accounting must be performed within 3 months after the election. Then the project must be closed and the excess funds sent to Social Security.

What would this accomplish?

A) Incumbents should not have an unfair advantage. Do you notice that you get no information from your incumbent politician until it is election time? In addition, these mailings cost us a lot of money!

B) Having no war chest accumulation prevents unfair advantages in the future. By having a campaign project close date, it will reduce the risk of these funds being abused. Excess finances should be distributed to the Social Security Department. This provides benefits to our society. At the same time contributors will not feel their funds have been wasted.

Commentary

Campaigns should not be a continuous business. There must be closure. The candidates need to focus on the job we elected them to do.

Proposed Policy

A) Have a tax rebate every year on any budget surplus. The size of the tax rebate would gauge our elected official’s performance year over year. This rebate should be tax free. Keep the tax code the same to benchmark year to year increase or decrease in the tax rebate. The tax rebate amount would be distributed as follows: 50% directly to the tax payer, 25% to Social Security, 25% towards a medical program. The rebate checks should be mailed every February. If the budget cannot be balanced, a letter should be sent stating that you will not be receiving a rebate because our elected officials could not balance the budget.

B) Cutter Bill: We would ask our elected politicians to introduce “cutter bills”. This would be the exact opposite of spending bills. This would pressure them to work on our “tax rebate”.

C) Singular Bills: Make all spending bills singular. Meaning, it must be one subject only without allowing anything to be added to the bill. Example: If the bill is about a dam project in a specific location, nothing else can be added to the bill. No dams in other locations, no libraries, no parks, non-zip! NO EARMARKS!

What would this accomplish?

A) The public would heavily pressure politicians for cuts if they knew it directly effected their rebate. Hopefully the tax free rebate would grow year over year as we take a knife to each program looking for waste. New spending will now be under a microscope. This creates a system to lower taxes & spending in one swoop. .

B) We could have our elected officials working to get their name on a “cutter” bill rather than a “spending” bill. Wouldn’t it be great to see bills initiated that cut costs rather than adding cost! If the corporate business world can reduce costs, why can’t government?

C) Pork & earmarks would not slip through the cracks. Each bill would be analyzed on it’s own merits on how it would benefit the country.

Commentary

These proposals would change the whole game from elected officials trying to push through pet pork projects to justifying what is best for the country. The tax rebate each year would bring spending into focus at the voter level. It’s a self-regulating policy with built in checks & balances.

Proposed Policy

A) Absolutely nothing can be paid for by a lobbyist, corporation, or individual. No trips, not even lunch! If it is an important subject, the government can pay the bill!

B) Lobbyist can provide good research. However, that should be the limit of their function.

C) All lobby business must be conducted on-site at the Washington DC offices in a public forum. All information given to politicians from a lobbyist must be immediately made available to the public for review.

What would this accomplish?

A) We remove the “conflict of interest” that does not allow politicians to act in our best interest. No corporate influence, no special interest influence…none-zip!

B) We need to redefine the purpose of lobbyist. It should be about providing good research and not about influence.

C) By allowing the public to access the lobbyist research presentation we can dispel any misconceptions, statements, or factual errors early in the process. The politicians must have the facts from all sides to make good decisions.

Commentary

This should eliminate the gray areas where special interests have been leveraging undue influence. Perhaps more objective thought will be given to context of the research provided by a lobby group by both the elected official and the lobbyist.

Proposed Policy

A) Create and enforce graduated fines on employers that hire undocumented workers. Assign a portion of collected fines to go towards social security. If employers become second and third time offenders the fines would increase dramatically. This policy could be phased in over a 4-year period as not to shock the system. It would start with manufacturing in year one, services year two, agriculture in year three, and individuals in year four. A guest worker program will need to be implemented in parallel. See details of policy #6 on how to do this properly.

B) Set-up a tip line to report companies that employ undocumented workers. A percentage of the collected fine would be paid to the informant.

C) Work towards a national identity card as technology allows. Preferably with finger print or eye recognition methods. We need to eliminate the possibility of forged documents.

What would this accomplish?

A) If you remove the demand for undocumented workers they will not try to enter the country illegally. Those already here will want to leave without employment opportunities available to them. There are similar laws on the books, but they are not enforced. Following this plan should allow for a plan that can be effectively implemented.

B) Employees know when an employer is taking advantage of low cost labor to hold down wages. This allows an employee or potential employee to fix the problem without confronting the employer.

C) Paper birth certificates and paper documents are obsolete and can be falsified. This would simplify legal employment status for employers.

Commentary

Not only would this policy fix 80% of our border problem, it would also help bring up stagnate wages in industries that unfairly used illegal workers to hold down the wages. Up to now similar policy proposals have been distorted by saying these policies are racist. This policy proposal has nothing to do with racism, it has to do with fair wages. I did not recommend rounding up all illegal aliens or undocumented workers, I only said to punish the companies that hire undocumented workers. The supply of work available to undocumented workers will dry up and the problem will fix itself. At the same time we should be able to reduce costs because we would not need extensive border enforcement or a multi-state fence.

Proposed Policy

A) To implement a fair guest worker program and continue the H1B1 program we need to implement the following employer wage guidelines. The employer must pay 1.75 times the prevailing wages or the wages established by a government survey, which ever is higher. The H1B1 or guest worker would receive the established base wage rate. Normal taxes would apply. The remaining wage above the base wage would be split in three ways. Social Security, education, and administration of this program.

B) All guest workers must pass appropriate screening and be issued an electronic identity card. All US residents should have an electronic identity card.

What would this accomplish?

A) This is a self regulating policy that can allow any labor shortage to be filled. This policy should guarantee that the employer will not be using this program only as a method to lower wages.

B) Having an electronic identity card will create a “no excuse” method for employers to validate an employees employment status.

Commentary

I always hear business claims that there is a labor shortage, but I wonder if what they are really saying is “we can’t find cheap labor”. I am all for keeping America competitive. Our companies need access to talented people and a qualified labor pool. However, we must make sure to protect the US worker first. This policy should take care of both sides of the aisle. In addition this is another potential Social Security revenue source that would benefit American workers!

Proposed Policy

A) Absolutely no foreign aid to be allowed except for humanitarian emergencies. All aid must be in the form of exported goods from the US. (food, equipment, etc) If distribution of the goods must be able to be controlled and audited. No cash distributions allowed to foreign governments or foreign organizations.

B) All foreign aid must have an expiration date not to exceed two years.

C) All foreign aid must be published for the public to view in a simplified, one page condensed format. The public needs to clearly understand where our tax dollars are going, what amount, and why. This should be published yearly.

D) For humanitarian and foreign aid purposes, set-up a government sponsored web site for voluntary tax deductable contributions. A percentage of the funds would be dedicated for administration and auditing of this system.

What would this accomplish?

A) Foreign aid must be defined, it is out of control. Shipping goods instead of cash promotes our economy and reduces corruption.

B) Things in Washington tend to become long term commitments with a steady or increasing budget. Foreign aid should be a temporary action. We must have closure.

C) Clear reporting with goals and objectives are necessary. This creates transparency and will force the administration to act in our best interests.

D) This is the preferred long term solution to foreign aid. The US public is very giving for good causes.

Commentary

Our internal infrastructure needs improvements before we send funds outside of our borders. Therefore we must truly justify that the foreign aid is truly needed. Sending cash does NOT work without checks and balances. Foreign governments mismanage most of the funds and this fuels corruption. We don’t need to use foreign aid as a means to prop up governments or make them like us.

Proposed Policy

A) Military agreements and political agreements cannot be tied to any trade agreements. This must be clearly stated and put into law.

B) The military should be reconfigured to a model for rapid deployment only. We should NOT have military bases around the world. Any ally that wants us to support them militarily should provide a military base infrastructure. Their base would be ready for us to be deployed. This would be maintained with their funds and their people. We should not have our military reside in other countries.

C) With the savings of pulling back our offshore operations, spending can be diverted to build the best high tech, rapid deployment force available. Promote aircraft, ship building, drones, and other high technology instead of maintaining offshore operations.

D) Develop a protection plan to secure our country. Missile shield for one.

E) Create a clear vision for troop deployment. We must only deploy our troops to assist countries that are truly our ally and do not have internal strive. We need to be welcomed to assist them and be able to leave the country in their hands. We must NOT use our military means to push our agenda or democracy principles. No propping up leaders.

What would this accomplish?

A) We have no idea how many bad trade deals have been implemented to satisfy a country to accept our military bases or resolve a situation. Our workers and businesses should not be a bargaining chip. By having this in law, other countries will know in advance that this is not negotiable. North Korea instantly comes to mind, we don’t need to give away any future trade advantages to cut a deal that benefits Asia.

B) This should reduce costs dramatically while reducing resentment towards the US. This sends a clear message to our military and the world that our military function is to protect the homeland and our interests. Morale and worldwide prestige should return.

C) Each military confrontation in history is initially won on technical superiority. We must remain a leader.

D) As the proliferation of weapons expands in rogue countries, the need is self apparent.

E) The military mission statement must be clear. We may be able to win the initial war with our troops and technology, however true success is dependent on an effective exit strategy.

Commentary

As an example of how this model would work, think of when Iraq invaded Kuwait. We were able to deploy forces and push back Iraq. The exit strategy worked because the world and the Kuwait people supported our mission. Kuwait had prosperity, government, and laws in place before they were invaded. We did not stay to perform government and nation building.

Economics and technology won the cold war. Democracy without prosperity does not work. If the economic trend is not there, the military solution will not hold. Again, business and the internet is the best ambassador over time.

Proposed Policy

A) Pornography sites should have the availability of an .xxx extension to be used in their web address. This new Internet address protocol .xxx should be created as a new standard just like com, org, biz, etc.

B) Spam, unsolicited sales mass emails should contain a .spm extension. Fines should apply to offenders not following this policy. The fines would go to Social Security, medical program, and administration of enforcement.

C) Any program that installs or monitors anything on your computer without your approval should be equivalent to trespassing or privacy/home invasion. Fines should apply to offenders not following this policy. Again, the fines would go to Social Security, medical program, and administration of enforcement.

D) Telecom carriers must not be able to regulate data transmission.

What would this accomplish?

A) The pornograph market may then voluntarily want to rename their sites using the .xxx extension. It would help their business by defining the nature of the site and attracting the proper customer. At the same time they could do the right thing. I think we can all agree that we must have a means to protect our children from viewing such sites until they are a mature age. By adding the .xxx extension, filters could be easily added to restrict access. The freedom of the internet is still preserved.

B) Receiving spam is impacting business productivity in a big way. Spam filters are not effective. At the same time spam filters can sometimes remove good messages. Email programs could easily be configured to put .spm messages in a separate folder or automatically delete them. This extension allows freedom of internet while boosting business productivity.

C) Spyware, and programs that are continually running in the background are sapping business productivity. Computers require constant maintenance to operate effectively. For individuals, it is an attack on your property and privacy.

D) There is a risk that large communication carriers can control or regulate internet data transmission which could limit independent innovation.

Commentary

People question the legality of wire-taps, as they should. However, why aren’t we questioning the legality that allows companies & individuals to intrude into our computers? How far should should a company be allowed to collect and track our data? It may be time to draft an internet “bill of rights” to keep our privacy. At the same time we need to preserve the freedom of the internet, promote innovation, and have free flow of information.

Proposed Policy

A) Review breaking up the big oil companies.

B) Review loosening up regulations that hamper the development of additional refinery capacity.

C) Review how to expand refinery capacity & distribution.

What would this accomplish?

A) Competition needs to return to the marketplace. There is no incentive for big oil to increase capacity or grab market share.

B) Barriers must come down for refinery development to increase capacity & competition.

C) Independent companies outside of big oil need the capability to enter the refinery market to make gasoline production competitive.

Commentary

Who allowed all the big oil companies to merge? It should be Exxon versus Mobil, not Exxon/Mobil. Since big oil is purchasing significant offshore oil, their profits should be squeezed, not expanded. Recent studies have shown that we have adequate supplies at the present time. True ‘supply & demand’ fundamentals are not at work.

Yes, I have big concerns about future supplies with emerging economies developing and increasing their oil usage. There is no denying that this is a crisis coming. However, that crisis has not yet arrived. Pricing should reflect our present supply situation.

Proposed Policy

A) We need to set-up a common pool that allows the purchase of health care insurance. This can be done by state. No one should be denied. This pool would be an addition to the present system we have in place, not a replacement. Every insurance company that wants to do business in the state would be required to be in the pool. For high health risk individuals there would be a lottery to distribute the risk among the insurance companies. The state would set minimum requirements for standard insurance coverage. The pooled insurance would allow choice and not be an HMO. Payments would be monthly and renewed yearly.

B) Each individual in the health care pool would have a portion of their health care payment deposited into an account. An electronic card would be issued to each individual. Individuals would then use this card for the first $1000 in medical payments to health care providers. 50% of the unused balance would then be returned to the person at the end of the year. The insurance company would keep the other 50%. This would be paid and reset on a yearly basis.

C) Insurance companies would publish standard medical fees by region. If an individual can shop or negotiate lower rates than the published amount, 20% of the cost savings could be disbursed to the insured. This would be offset against any higher costs paid above the published amount. The total rebate cannot exceed 25% of the yearly premium. This would be paid and reset on a yearly basis.

D) The insurance company will mail a summary of all medical bills paid quarterly by the insurance company to the insured person for review. Any excess charges that can be recovered by the insurance company would allow 20% of the cost savings to be disbursed to the insured. The total rebate cannot exceed 25% of the yearly premium. This would be renewed yearly.

E) Increase the pool of doctors and other high cost health care workers through education incentives.

F) Allow a lower corporate tax rate for companies that provide health care coverage for all their employees.

G) The drug companies must sell their goods at a price the same or lower than it sells in other markets. (other countries)

What would this accomplish?

A) Insurance is all about spreading the risk. We need to increase the pool so that individuals, small companies, large companies, and government can have access to affordable health insurance at the same rate.

B) This will encourage shopping for the best price and to only use medical services when truly necessary.

C) This would give you an army of consumers looking for the best price. This will introduce competitive pricing pressure into the medical market. With enough “competitive shoppers”, the standard rate could be decreased each year if the average price could drop rather than increase.

D) This will allow the insured person to review his billing. It gives incentives to look for abuses and errors. This lowers the cost by the health insurance provider.

E) This can create a more competitive work environment. Every other worker in this country is subjected to competitive wage pressures.

F1) This will reward good business practices and increase the pool of insured people. By increasing the pool of insured people we are reducing the cost on government and lowering the cost of health insurance.

F2) Corporate tax rates are high. Lowering the corporate tax rate to companies providing insurance to all their employees is a better alternative to reducing corporate tax rates across the board.

G) The drug lobby says it is unsafe to buy their drugs from foreign markets, so then they must provide the same prices so we do not purchase drugs from outside our border. The USA market must not be used as a profit center to subsidize other markets.

Commentary

This model has the potential to contain the runaway health care costs while increasing access. The government could buy insurance from this pool for disadvantaged people rather than running their own system. This would reduce government administration costs and reduce bureaucracy.

This model requires a very detailed analysis before implementation, but the concept is there to get the job done. If this model is not a success, it could be discontinued without effecting the system we presently have in place. If the model is a success, the model can be expanded instead of going to a socialized medical system.

Ideally, a model with a very high deductible would perform the same function. However, many people have little savings to make this a viable plan option.

We should have a more competitive corporate tax rate. By providing a lower corporate tax rate to companies that provide health insurance coverage is a win-win proposal.

Proposed Policy

A) Proclaim a 100% free trade policy. However, if the trading country has any trade restrictions then we would impose mirror policies.

B) Any currency that is not freely traded would be subjected to tariffs based on a financial analysis of true valuation, not political posturing.

What would this accomplish?

A1) We would create a clear and concise trade policy. It would force other countries to abide by fair trade practices. This should open up closed markets.

B1) This would take this issue out of the political arena where nothing gets accomplished. This would work to help correct any trade imbalances.

Commentary

These policies are NOT protectionist. They are meant to open up markets to have fair, reciprocal trade. Currency valuation is a means to fix trade imbalances. If a trading partner cannot comply, then we must take alternative action.
Point of manufacturing creates wealth and jobs, we must align policy with that in thought. Trade must be a “win-win” situation, not a one way street.

Proposed Policy

A) TAIWAN and CHINA – Work to negotiate an agreement between these two countries to have a peaceful and cooperative relationship. I would suggest a 100-year unification plan with back-out clauses.

What would this accomplish?

A) Taiwan needs China for trade and manufacturing. Taiwan has its roots in Fujian, China. China has deep convictions that Taiwan must be part of China. They are the same people, just different systems. The Chinese government is steadily improving. Look at the trend, not the past. The China government knows that to stay in power they must make the people happy. Over a period of 100 years this trend should improve things to allow a smooth transition that would satisfy both sides. If it did not work out there would be escape clauses.

Commentary

The United States needs to have China as a true ally and trading partner. This can only be accomplished by fixing the Taiwan issue. We must defuse any military tensions to discourage China to continue it’s military build up. We do not want to be in the middle of a Taiwan/China confrontation. All parties will be losers.

Proposed Policy

A) Drop all trade sanctions. Work towards Cuba becoming a trading partner and tourist destination.

B) Put an embassy in Cuba and open up free travel.

What would this accomplish?

A) Our present policy is not working. We have not been helping the poor people of Cuba or the Cuban Americans in this country. The cold war should have been over a long time ago.

B) This would show good faith and get things started.

Commentary

Trade, communication, and business is the best ambassador. The problems we now have should be able self-correct if we adopt this policy. This could also fix many immigration issues with this country.

Proposed Policy

A) We need to publish a clear exit plan while the military surge continues. We must state that this is their country and we will not stay. We would then formulate a plan for the transition and have a formal hand-over ceremony.

B) After the formal hand-over the military needs to be pulled out. No military bases, no advisers, nothing, only an embassy.

What would this accomplish?

A1, B1) This would put an end to a situation that has no end in sight. The Arab world should be reassured that we have no intention to occupy their land, take their oil, or infringe on their religion. This should be the start of eliminating any reason for Al Qaeda or other organization to target the US as an Arab aggressor. To date we have only reinforced their cause. The Arab world can now be responsible for their destiny.

A2, B2) We can free up funds for Social Security or other purposes. We have spent $415 billion on Iraq and $190 billion on Afghanistan. Yes, that’s B for a billion! The budget for 2007-2008 is nearly $200 billion!

Commentary

Things have changed since we started the Iraq and Afghan campaigns. We made errors and miscalculations. When business conditions change, a company must be flexible and change course. We are now in that situation. The military surge is presently working, but will not hold if we back down. How many years must we do this? Forever? We must follow through with a formal timetable and hand-over plan to have a chance for success.

In the future we should not be in the occupation, security, or nation building business. A change of administration is the ideal time to make a change in course.

Regarding oil, over time all these countries will sell us their oil. Business and trade will prevail.

Proposed Policy

A) First we need firm documentation that there is actually a nuclear threat. Wanting to develop nuclear weapons is different than actually going down the path of developing nuclear weapons.

B) If it is found that there is a real threat, diplomacy and trade sanctions must be pursued on a united front. All allies must be pressured to participate. Our allies should be encouraged to lead in this issue, not the US.

C) Do not set any preconditions to open up talks.

D) Step up business ties for expanded oil purchases and trade. Many of our allies need oil, Iran needs to sell oil, and we want their petrol dollars to be buying our goods.

What would this accomplish?

A, B) It is in the best interest of our allies to work together. Trade sanctions do not work if others do not participate.

C) Any discussions are better than none. We do not need any misconceptions based on lack of communication.

D) Business and the internet are the best ambassador over time.

Commentary

Why do we continually “go it alone”? This troublesome country is not in our backyard. This problem needs to be pushed on our allies to lead the charge. We don’t need our present label as a warmonger in the Arab world.

Proposed Policy

A) Mutual funds, 401Ks, and all related saving vehicles must have all fees clearly stated within these three measurements. Fees to add new money (loads all-inclusive), annual fees all-inclusive, and redemption fees. All fees must be captured in these three categories. No exceptions. Funds cannot negotiate trades or services without paying for them. All costs must be captured. It must be stated in this simple format. Then these fees must be shown as a dollar deduction on your financial statement when they occur and a total yearly amount.

B) 401K plans should all be the same and not meet any specific ‘test’ per company. Common low cost plans must be made available to all companies so more employers will offer these plans and people can save more.

C) If your company does not provide a 401K plan, then you should be able to contribute the same 401K maximum amount to your IRA. Why do these two plans have different limits?

D) 401K plans must give you a yearly option to transfer any of your 401K balance directly to an IRA outside of the company plan.

What would this accomplish?

A) There are so many costs in this industry that are hard to determine in the legal mumbo-jumbo, small print, and things not accounted for. 95% of the public do not really understand what these fees cost them each year. The public needs clear measurements to shop for the best deal. The only way to have a competitive financial environment is to have the consumer know the true costs. The costs may be disclosed now, but the average 401K investor has no idea. This policy creates a transparent competitive financial environment.

B) Why should people be limited on their contribution if they work for a company with a bad contribution ratio? Why should every plan be different? It adds cost to have these plans evaluated and implemented. Keep it simple and low cost so more companies would participate.

C1, D1) Many companies have bad plans. Plans with few options or high costs. We need to provide savers with good plans. If the employer will not provide a good plan, then employees need other options. If an employer has no plan, why should you be restricted on how much you can save tax deferred?

Commentary

Why does the government allow financial institutions to take advantage of the consumer by charging fees without a clear measurement to compare costs? We need a competitive financial environment, not a protected market.

For companies with a bad 401K plan or no 401K plan, employees need alternative options.

It is in our best interest to have the public maximize their retirement savings and not be a burden on society.