My fellow taxpayers,
I will make you a pledge and I would hope, that Cooper would be willing to do the same.
I WILL sign WITHOUT hesitation or reservation a "Taxpayers Bill of Rights". In this, I will pledge NOT to RAISE taxes on ANY class of Americans until the budget is balanced and the deficit is cut in half. Even after this, I will OPPOSE at all costs, any bill that levies unnecessary taxes on hard working Americans, small businesses and families that are struggling.
Finally, I will vote EVERY TIME to cut taxes across the board. If they don't like it, then I will offer a bill that will raise taxes ONLY on those who pass the higher tax laws in Washington!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Government of the people?
My fellow Patriots,
Today we learned that President Obama and the Democrats have been handsomely rewarding their BIGGEST donors with privileges not shared by us ORDINARY Americans. These big donors even have access to the Presidents advisors and input on policy decisions! How can we expect transparency in government when we don't even know the people who are affecting the decisions of our policy makers?! To make matters worse, how can these politicians honestly tell us that they represent the common American when they are admittedly beholden to special interest groups and HUGE campaign donors? This type of patronage must STOP!
I, Patrick Miranda, do pledge that I will not grant special access, especially with regards to policy decisions, to a SELECT FEW who have money. My campaign is about reforming the political system in Washington, and if the big donors don't like it, then that is tough! I will represent the people of the Tennessee Fifth District and the people of the United States...not the special interest groups who run Washington!
Today we learned that President Obama and the Democrats have been handsomely rewarding their BIGGEST donors with privileges not shared by us ORDINARY Americans. These big donors even have access to the Presidents advisors and input on policy decisions! How can we expect transparency in government when we don't even know the people who are affecting the decisions of our policy makers?! To make matters worse, how can these politicians honestly tell us that they represent the common American when they are admittedly beholden to special interest groups and HUGE campaign donors? This type of patronage must STOP!
I, Patrick Miranda, do pledge that I will not grant special access, especially with regards to policy decisions, to a SELECT FEW who have money. My campaign is about reforming the political system in Washington, and if the big donors don't like it, then that is tough! I will represent the people of the Tennessee Fifth District and the people of the United States...not the special interest groups who run Washington!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Energy
For far too long we have heard our politicians in Washington talk about energy reform, but nothing has been done. They lecture us in the middle of a bad economy about the need to pass Cap and Trade legislation to fight Global Warming, which will cost the American taxpayer an additional $1,700 yearly in energy bills, and yet, they can not even prove that these steps will reduce so-called "harmful" CO2 emissions. Moreover, we keep sending billions of dollars to our enemies in the Middle East because of our dependence on foreign oil; these INSANE policies must end and be replaced by common sense approaches to insure sustainable American energy independence. Here are a few of my proposals to make this country more energy independent:
1. Completely end the policy of buying oil from the Middle East. America has more than adequate resources to sustain our fuel needs so that we SHOULD NOT rely on terrorist sympathizing nations for gas and oil. This not only allows these nations to fund terrorist activities with OUR money, but it allows OPEC to control the oil market without regard for the American consumer. We can do this by tapping into some of our oil reserves and investing in oil imports from friendly nations.
2. We MUST allow for offshore drilling and for drilling in ANWR (the Alaska National Wildlife Reserve). This would increase domestic production and create THOUSANDS of jobs for American workers. It would also make us self sufficient for our fuel needs RATHER than having to rely on exports from the Middle East. We MUST completely open up these areas to oil exploration and EXPEDITE the process of allowing PRIVATE companies to bid on these oil projects.
3. The Federal government MUST END the numerous restrictions placed on energy exploration; in other words, let the free markets dominate this energy exploration. Too many government regulations lead to less incentive and motivation for the creation of newer energy innovations. We must ALLOW the private sector to build newer and better coal and nuclear refineries which lead to cheaper energy alternatives while allowing us time to explore for even more environmentally friendly ways to be profitable yet eco-friendly.
4. We SHOULD make ALL resources within the United States available for PRINCIPLED exploration and research. The US has too many resources to have to rely on enemy nations to support our energy needs. The idea of "Drill here, drill now" is a good one which I support without hesitation. Nothing breeds success like allowing competition in this free market economy.
5. Work with our allies in the International Community to protect oil pipelines and reserves in friendly nations from outside harm or pressure from our enemies. We MUST allow for free market competition in other parts of the world in order to enhance our foreign relations status and to continue assuring American national security.
6. We MUST END harmful government regulations on companies with regard to stringent emissions standards. These standards are set by the international community and they are designed to slow American economic growth and expansion. Furthermore, the biggest international polluters are exempt from these stringent policies...if we have to abide by these stringent standards, then EVERY nation should have to abide by them as well.
7. Congress must provide rewards and incentives to companies that find useful alternative means of energy production such as newer nuclear power plants and hydrogen fuel cell technology. Encourage these companies to develop clean and effective energy resources that won't hurt Americans financially and will discourage the importing of oil from our enemies.
8. Encourage/promote the development of renewable resources with rewards, not unchecked funding. Allow the company/person who comes up with efficient wind and solar energy longer patent rights for their discovery. This promotes productive research because it doesn't allow for wasteful spending of our money.
9. Finally, we must allow the market based exploration (as opposed to government funding) of green renewable energy as an another alternative for satisfying our energy needs.
1. Completely end the policy of buying oil from the Middle East. America has more than adequate resources to sustain our fuel needs so that we SHOULD NOT rely on terrorist sympathizing nations for gas and oil. This not only allows these nations to fund terrorist activities with OUR money, but it allows OPEC to control the oil market without regard for the American consumer. We can do this by tapping into some of our oil reserves and investing in oil imports from friendly nations.
2. We MUST allow for offshore drilling and for drilling in ANWR (the Alaska National Wildlife Reserve). This would increase domestic production and create THOUSANDS of jobs for American workers. It would also make us self sufficient for our fuel needs RATHER than having to rely on exports from the Middle East. We MUST completely open up these areas to oil exploration and EXPEDITE the process of allowing PRIVATE companies to bid on these oil projects.
3. The Federal government MUST END the numerous restrictions placed on energy exploration; in other words, let the free markets dominate this energy exploration. Too many government regulations lead to less incentive and motivation for the creation of newer energy innovations. We must ALLOW the private sector to build newer and better coal and nuclear refineries which lead to cheaper energy alternatives while allowing us time to explore for even more environmentally friendly ways to be profitable yet eco-friendly.
4. We SHOULD make ALL resources within the United States available for PRINCIPLED exploration and research. The US has too many resources to have to rely on enemy nations to support our energy needs. The idea of "Drill here, drill now" is a good one which I support without hesitation. Nothing breeds success like allowing competition in this free market economy.
5. Work with our allies in the International Community to protect oil pipelines and reserves in friendly nations from outside harm or pressure from our enemies. We MUST allow for free market competition in other parts of the world in order to enhance our foreign relations status and to continue assuring American national security.
6. We MUST END harmful government regulations on companies with regard to stringent emissions standards. These standards are set by the international community and they are designed to slow American economic growth and expansion. Furthermore, the biggest international polluters are exempt from these stringent policies...if we have to abide by these stringent standards, then EVERY nation should have to abide by them as well.
7. Congress must provide rewards and incentives to companies that find useful alternative means of energy production such as newer nuclear power plants and hydrogen fuel cell technology. Encourage these companies to develop clean and effective energy resources that won't hurt Americans financially and will discourage the importing of oil from our enemies.
8. Encourage/promote the development of renewable resources with rewards, not unchecked funding. Allow the company/person who comes up with efficient wind and solar energy longer patent rights for their discovery. This promotes productive research because it doesn't allow for wasteful spending of our money.
9. Finally, we must allow the market based exploration (as opposed to government funding) of green renewable energy as an another alternative for satisfying our energy needs.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Middle Class
When President Obama ran for office, he promised not to raise any taxes on the Middle Class. Now that Americans drank that kool-aide, maybe we can get back to reality.
The truth is that if we pass Cap and Trade, it will cost the average family more than $1700 EXTRA dollars per year. This doesn't count the other bills that families must pay.
Now, if this healthcare plan passes, families are going to be required to pay upwards of $3000 in additional fees. Americans aren't being told of these additional taxes because the Congress knows that these bills could never pass if Americans knew the truth.
So to put it in perspective: a family here in America could have to pay over $4000 in extra taxes per year to the Federal Government. If a family makes $30,000 per year, that is already 1/8 of their income that goes to taxes (before ANY other expenses are taken out and other taxes are added).
This is going to destroy our working families and harm Americas middle class. It is absurd that the Congress feels the need to ram through legislation which will raise taxes on our middle class during this economic downturn.
The truth is that if we pass Cap and Trade, it will cost the average family more than $1700 EXTRA dollars per year. This doesn't count the other bills that families must pay.
Now, if this healthcare plan passes, families are going to be required to pay upwards of $3000 in additional fees. Americans aren't being told of these additional taxes because the Congress knows that these bills could never pass if Americans knew the truth.
So to put it in perspective: a family here in America could have to pay over $4000 in extra taxes per year to the Federal Government. If a family makes $30,000 per year, that is already 1/8 of their income that goes to taxes (before ANY other expenses are taken out and other taxes are added).
This is going to destroy our working families and harm Americas middle class. It is absurd that the Congress feels the need to ram through legislation which will raise taxes on our middle class during this economic downturn.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Education
Fixing the educational system in this country will NOT come from Capitol Hill. These politicians are so out of touch with their own districts that they probably have no idea of the actual state of their local school systems. Furthermore, too many of our politicians are linked to special interest educational unions, such as the NEA, and they are afraid of voting against their union voters. This must change...we MUST stop coddling our special interest groups and focus on actually EDUCATING our children. Here are my thoughts:
1. Keep the Federal Government OUT of the business of running our schools. Sure the Feds can set national standards that our kids should be able to reach, but they should really give adequate money to the states and let them run and fund the schools as they see fit. We should give these schools ALL that they need to provide a good education to their youth, but, at the same time, they need to be held accountable for their successes and FAILURES. Bottom line, the Federal government should give the local school districts what they need to succeed and then get out of the way!
2. We need to ABOLISH the NEA and completely scrap its influence in our schools. The fact that teacher tenure is more important than educating our youth is a primary reason that our schools are failing. Furthermore, the NEA needs to be audited and should be put on notice as an organization beholden to the most Leftist groups/politicians in our nation. The NEA should force its teachers to TEACH our children, or loose ANY and ALL funding that it receives from American tax payers.
3. We MUST end political correctness in our grade schools. If a student can't read AT or ABOVE his/her current grade level, then that student MUST either be held back or required to attend summer school or extra tutoring sessions in order to progress to the next grade level. We have got to quit allowing our students to advance if they aren't equipped to do so...if their feelings get hurt, then they can deal with it. I was told I made mistakes in school and I worked harder...we should tell kids they are wrong when they mess up and help them to do better; STOP the CODDLING.
4. We WILL take thuggery out of our schools. Far too often our students and teachers feel fearful when going to school; they feel as if they always have to be on guard in order to avoid physical harm. For this, there needs to be a ZERO tolerance rule...if you cause harm at school (selling drugs, buying weapons, excessive bullying), then you will be kicked out, PERIOD. You will be required to go to school, but you will be required to do so at a military school or somewhere similar where discipline is MANDATORY. Parents, you will be required to PAY at least part of the fee to enroll these hoodlums in schools like these...stop making our children suffer while we deal with your child. For all other offenses, we need to enforce, without fear of lawsuit, etc, a "three strike rule" for those who continually break the rules.
5. We need a VOUCHER system. We should allow parents to use the money they'd otherwise be paying in taxes to put their money in a voucher or in a TAX-FREE education fund for their children. They can use this voucher to attend the schools of their choice. If under performing schools fail, then so be it...competition will breed success.
6. EMPHASIZE and SUPPORT charter schools. President Obama shut down one in DC recently which forced primarily "inner-city" youth, who were preforming well, to attend schools in the DC school system...this is a TRAVESTY! We should reward schools, teachers and administrators who excel in their jobs and keep our students performing at top levels.
7. We must end busing. Local school districts ought to be allowed to determine if they want students bused to their schools from other areas of the city...the government needs to stay out of these choices. If local schools are failing, then it should be up to LOCAL officials and parents to FIX the schools...not the job of better performing school districts to take in additional students from these failing schools (this does not include students with vouchers).
8. Understand and support the needs of schools with Special Education courses. Make schools perform to the standards set forth by law, but take into account schools with special needs youth. Reward schools who have good special needs programs which not only educate but allow for greater social interaction with the youth they teach.
9. ESL classes are necessary, but we MUST insist on parents and students to learn the English language as quickly as possible. We should mandate how long a child can be in a ESL class...if, for example, the child hasn't learned sufficient English in 3 years, then they need complete English immersion...no questions asked. Also, we MUST retool our curriculum to focus on Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, US History and Geography. We must also allow our students to take financial awareness courses in late grade school and high school which will teach them the basics of investing, earning and spending money...financial literacy so that they will learn the importance of money in their daily lives.
10. We MUST reward our teachers for good work. I advocate that we give a $3000 tax credit to teachers who complete the highest qualifications possible. We should also not tax bonuses and incentives given to teachers who excel in the classroom. If we want to keep our best teachers in the classroom, then we must do what we can to reward them for their good work.
Finally, STOP the motto "All children CAN learn". Rather, make it "All children WILL learn".
1. Keep the Federal Government OUT of the business of running our schools. Sure the Feds can set national standards that our kids should be able to reach, but they should really give adequate money to the states and let them run and fund the schools as they see fit. We should give these schools ALL that they need to provide a good education to their youth, but, at the same time, they need to be held accountable for their successes and FAILURES. Bottom line, the Federal government should give the local school districts what they need to succeed and then get out of the way!
2. We need to ABOLISH the NEA and completely scrap its influence in our schools. The fact that teacher tenure is more important than educating our youth is a primary reason that our schools are failing. Furthermore, the NEA needs to be audited and should be put on notice as an organization beholden to the most Leftist groups/politicians in our nation. The NEA should force its teachers to TEACH our children, or loose ANY and ALL funding that it receives from American tax payers.
3. We MUST end political correctness in our grade schools. If a student can't read AT or ABOVE his/her current grade level, then that student MUST either be held back or required to attend summer school or extra tutoring sessions in order to progress to the next grade level. We have got to quit allowing our students to advance if they aren't equipped to do so...if their feelings get hurt, then they can deal with it. I was told I made mistakes in school and I worked harder...we should tell kids they are wrong when they mess up and help them to do better; STOP the CODDLING.
4. We WILL take thuggery out of our schools. Far too often our students and teachers feel fearful when going to school; they feel as if they always have to be on guard in order to avoid physical harm. For this, there needs to be a ZERO tolerance rule...if you cause harm at school (selling drugs, buying weapons, excessive bullying), then you will be kicked out, PERIOD. You will be required to go to school, but you will be required to do so at a military school or somewhere similar where discipline is MANDATORY. Parents, you will be required to PAY at least part of the fee to enroll these hoodlums in schools like these...stop making our children suffer while we deal with your child. For all other offenses, we need to enforce, without fear of lawsuit, etc, a "three strike rule" for those who continually break the rules.
5. We need a VOUCHER system. We should allow parents to use the money they'd otherwise be paying in taxes to put their money in a voucher or in a TAX-FREE education fund for their children. They can use this voucher to attend the schools of their choice. If under performing schools fail, then so be it...competition will breed success.
6. EMPHASIZE and SUPPORT charter schools. President Obama shut down one in DC recently which forced primarily "inner-city" youth, who were preforming well, to attend schools in the DC school system...this is a TRAVESTY! We should reward schools, teachers and administrators who excel in their jobs and keep our students performing at top levels.
7. We must end busing. Local school districts ought to be allowed to determine if they want students bused to their schools from other areas of the city...the government needs to stay out of these choices. If local schools are failing, then it should be up to LOCAL officials and parents to FIX the schools...not the job of better performing school districts to take in additional students from these failing schools (this does not include students with vouchers).
8. Understand and support the needs of schools with Special Education courses. Make schools perform to the standards set forth by law, but take into account schools with special needs youth. Reward schools who have good special needs programs which not only educate but allow for greater social interaction with the youth they teach.
9. ESL classes are necessary, but we MUST insist on parents and students to learn the English language as quickly as possible. We should mandate how long a child can be in a ESL class...if, for example, the child hasn't learned sufficient English in 3 years, then they need complete English immersion...no questions asked. Also, we MUST retool our curriculum to focus on Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, US History and Geography. We must also allow our students to take financial awareness courses in late grade school and high school which will teach them the basics of investing, earning and spending money...financial literacy so that they will learn the importance of money in their daily lives.
10. We MUST reward our teachers for good work. I advocate that we give a $3000 tax credit to teachers who complete the highest qualifications possible. We should also not tax bonuses and incentives given to teachers who excel in the classroom. If we want to keep our best teachers in the classroom, then we must do what we can to reward them for their good work.
Finally, STOP the motto "All children CAN learn". Rather, make it "All children WILL learn".
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Illegal Immigration
Illegal immigration is a major issue in America today. While Democrats and some Republicans seek "immigration reform" that will do nothing more than offer amnesty to more than 12 MILLION Illegal aliens, I support a different kind of immigration reform. During this time of economic downturn, we simply can not sustain an unchecked and massive influx of immigrants to this nation; not only are they taking jobs from unemployed Americans, not only are they dragging down the salaries of Americans by doing work more cheaply but also having open borders is a direct threat to American national security. As such, here are my proposals for Illegal Immigration reform:
- First and foremost, WE MUST close our border by whatever means necessary; this is NOT negotiable. I do support a border fence, but I also believe that we need increased funding in order to modernize and increase the presence of Border Patrol agents along the border with Mexico. This not only deters illegal aliens from flooding across our border, but it also helps us identify terrorists who seek to kill Americans. We should do the same thing along the Canadian border as well.
- We MUST support our Border Patrol Agents in their efforts to fight illegal immigration. We CAN NOT allow our Border Patrol agents to be prosecuted for defending our nation!
- All illegal immigrants in this country MUST leave this nation and be vetted for criminal history and health screenings. We can set up check points on either side of the border to make sure they pass the inspection to come to this country. While we simply don't have the manpower or resources to force illegals to do this, we WILL send back any illegal immigrant who has NOT passed through this process...we will ask to have them deported at the EXPENSE of THEIR government, NOT the American taxpayer. Once they have been vetted and identified, we can then give them a temporary work visa in order to work in this country.
- By the end of the visa period, these immigrants MUST show progress toward learning the English language, obtaining gainful employment, and actively being part of the US naturalization process. Any one who fails to take those steps will not receive a renewal of their visa and will be deported. Anyone not wanting to become American would follow the current program for work-visas, IF work and visas are available. They would not be required to learn English or enter the naturalization process, but would be required to leave after the end of the visa or risk permanent ban from future visas. Anyone failing to voluntarily report to a border checkpoint within a designated time (90 - 120 days), or who over-stayed a visa, would be permanently banned from EVER receiving citizenship, work visa, or even future admittance into the United States. Those same violators would be immediately deported, without due process, once caught within the United States.
- We MUST make laws that punish employers who hire illegal immigrants to work in their companies. As long as they continue to pay the workers minimum wage, the wages for American workers WILL NOT increase.
- We WILL PASS a law denying sanctuary cities federal funding for aiding illegal immigrants
- We must deny most social services for illegals (unless they pay for these services)
- We must stop Mexico from interfering in our national discourse on immigration and make mexico pay to record and/or deport any illegal here from Mexico (this includes incarcerating any criminals)
- We must eliminate birthright citizenship for those who are either not married to Americans or who are unwilling to obey our immigration laws.
- Finally, we MUST make it easier for workers to obtain work visas. Right now, the process is too expensive and too burdensome. We must also make it easier and faster to obtain citizenship for those who want to become Americans.
- First and foremost, WE MUST close our border by whatever means necessary; this is NOT negotiable. I do support a border fence, but I also believe that we need increased funding in order to modernize and increase the presence of Border Patrol agents along the border with Mexico. This not only deters illegal aliens from flooding across our border, but it also helps us identify terrorists who seek to kill Americans. We should do the same thing along the Canadian border as well.
- We MUST support our Border Patrol Agents in their efforts to fight illegal immigration. We CAN NOT allow our Border Patrol agents to be prosecuted for defending our nation!
- All illegal immigrants in this country MUST leave this nation and be vetted for criminal history and health screenings. We can set up check points on either side of the border to make sure they pass the inspection to come to this country. While we simply don't have the manpower or resources to force illegals to do this, we WILL send back any illegal immigrant who has NOT passed through this process...we will ask to have them deported at the EXPENSE of THEIR government, NOT the American taxpayer. Once they have been vetted and identified, we can then give them a temporary work visa in order to work in this country.
- By the end of the visa period, these immigrants MUST show progress toward learning the English language, obtaining gainful employment, and actively being part of the US naturalization process. Any one who fails to take those steps will not receive a renewal of their visa and will be deported. Anyone not wanting to become American would follow the current program for work-visas, IF work and visas are available. They would not be required to learn English or enter the naturalization process, but would be required to leave after the end of the visa or risk permanent ban from future visas. Anyone failing to voluntarily report to a border checkpoint within a designated time (90 - 120 days), or who over-stayed a visa, would be permanently banned from EVER receiving citizenship, work visa, or even future admittance into the United States. Those same violators would be immediately deported, without due process, once caught within the United States.
- We MUST make laws that punish employers who hire illegal immigrants to work in their companies. As long as they continue to pay the workers minimum wage, the wages for American workers WILL NOT increase.
- We WILL PASS a law denying sanctuary cities federal funding for aiding illegal immigrants
- We must deny most social services for illegals (unless they pay for these services)
- We must stop Mexico from interfering in our national discourse on immigration and make mexico pay to record and/or deport any illegal here from Mexico (this includes incarcerating any criminals)
- We must eliminate birthright citizenship for those who are either not married to Americans or who are unwilling to obey our immigration laws.
- Finally, we MUST make it easier for workers to obtain work visas. Right now, the process is too expensive and too burdensome. We must also make it easier and faster to obtain citizenship for those who want to become Americans.
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