If anyone is truly concerned with and determined to fix the ongoing and underlying problems in America, it would most definitely be The People of this Great Country, and We could and would do it with SIMPLICITY. One thing we should realize is the fact that, if those in a position of power, instead of concerning themselves with fame, fortune, and gaining or retaining power, would actually implement policies which would and could do that which is necessary in order to alleviate the problems and difficulties in which the entire Country is experiencing, this Nation would benefit tremendously. The only way to ensure that this Country will improve, is to have the Whitehouse and the Congress on the same page. Not having like-minded people in the positions to which the changes can be made, the remedy will never be accomplished. Of course, as we attempt to wrestle the powers-that-be and return the power to the People, there are those of whom which will do whatever they can in order to derail any possibility of doing so. Do not fall prey to their deceptions and distractions, stay the course. The pompous, arrogant, pretentious, and haughty attitudes of these individuals must be eliminated and must also be reminded that they are the servants and not the masters.
I, myself, do not relish in, or concern myself with, fame and fortune or even having power over anyone else. Having said that, if I were elected President of the United States of America, along with those of like-minded and determined individuals in Congress to do that which is best for all in America, the People of America would be empowered by relinquishing a majority of the same power being wielded, exploited, and held for ransom by the ever growing and over-bloated government entity that is and has been in power and control for decades. This is what is needed to accomplish the rise to the Greatness to which we once attained. Our lives, and lively-hoods, are not game pieces to be moved at their will and then put away until the next time to play. The times of playing politics are over. Especially party politics.
These are but a few of the many ways to attain our goals of True Freedom, Liberty, and Prosperity,(through hard work and personal responsibility), and re-establish our strength and credibility throughout the world;
As we all do when times get tough, we make the responsible, sensible, and difficult choices, which are usually unpopular among those involved, in order to preserve our financial way of life. We cut corners and even downsize, to some degree, which is becoming more burdensome daily, so that we can retain our necessities, and for some, necessity is all they have, if any at all.
We must bring to conclusion all hand-outs, bail-outs, and pay-offs instituted and condoned by our government. A hand-up during a time of need is warranted and encouraged, but an unprecedented hand-out due to irresponsibility is no longer acceptable. There is a substantial degree of corruption within our subsidy, entitlement, and foreign-aid programs and/or policies, not to mention throughout the entire system of government. There are many in America which are hurting, suffering, and in a continuous struggle which is more than one can imagine or understand. They need assistance now, not in a few years when the supposed plans of political contenders are intended to be implemented, if ever they are.
1)-- For a period of 6 months, but not more than 1 year, any and all payments for entitlement, grants, foreign aid, bail-out, and subsidy programs will be suspended. During this time, all agencies responsible for these programs will conduct thorough screening and eligibility requirements for those enrolled or receiving these benefits. They will determine whether benefits should continue or be disqualified due to ineligibility. This will be determined by, but not limited to, invalid recipients, falsified information given by applicant, means testing, legal status, imprisoned while receiving benefits, etc... Only by this measure can we be assured that those of whom actually need these benefits can and will receive them. This will also allow eligibility by income and not total real assets. What good is a program that requires you to sell all that you worked hard for in order to receive assistance when you need it? This is part of the process in correcting the systems, making them more effective and efficient. All medical benefits will continue during this time. This process will include, but not limited to, Food Stamps, Welfare, Social Security, S.S.I., Disability, Unemployment, Foreign Aid, Bail-outs, Grants, and any other program deemed necessary. With that being said, before anyone jumps out of their skin, there is a solution for those receiving the necessary benefits during this process.
This will provide a booster shot to the economy, bolster demand for goods and services, and encourage job growth in order to supply the demands, which in turn will further strengthen the economy by having more people working, paying taxes, and purchasing more goods and services. This plan will allow those of whom have been hardest hit by the economic turmoil, brought about through failed policies and the misdirection of funding by Washington, D.C. and others, in order to stabilize and possibly restore their financial circumstances.
Income requirements for eligibility of one-time benefits;
Single individual households, with no dependents, and a gross annual income of $30,000 or less;
Single income households, with 1-2 dependents, and a gross annual income of $40,000 or less;
Single income households, with 3 or more dependents, and a gross annual income of $50,000 or less;
Two income households, with no dependents, and a combined gross annual income of $60,000 or less;
Two income households, with 1-2 dependents, and a combined gross annual income of $65,000 or less;
Two income households, with 3 or more dependents, and a combined gross annual income of $70,000 or less;
These categories include: Those receiving government assistance only; Food stamps, Welfare, Social Security, S.S. Disability, S.S.I., Unemployment; Those receiving government assistance combined with working income; Working income without government assistance. These will be eligible to receive $35,000, tax free and not deemed as income. This will be in 4 quarterly installments of $8,750. This can be done due to the suspension of aforementioned programs. Those persons which are displaced, (homeless), will be required to register at the Social Security office to receive this benefit. No persons here on a visa, either work or educational, of illegal status, or imprisoned will be eligible to receive benefits.
*NOTE*- Recipients are encouraged to be responsible with benefits as there will not be any extra benefits available during this period if they choose not to do so.
2)-- To further encourage job and economic growth, the business tax rates will be reduced to 20% and capital gains taxes will be reduced to 10%. Regulations that are in effect, in which are not most beneficial to, and inhibit, business and expansion, will be suspended or repealed to allow for much more growth.
3)-- Agencies such as, Medicaid, Medicare, and the Veteran's Administration, will be examined and investigated to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability. Policies and requirements for said agencies and departments, will need to be changed or modified, in order to eliminate unfair and/or corrupt practices. By doing this, we can create plans for those in need of assistance with medical coverage without adding yet another corruptible agency or organization to the already over-bloated bureaucracy we now have. As stated before, no medical benefits or payments will be affected by the suspension process , unless it is determined to be necessary to do so.
4)-- The necessity of a National ID and Driver's License to include all 50 states, interconnected within a National Database, is of significant importance to our Country. This program will allow for clarity, efficiency, and accountability concerning certain issues plaguing America. The ID and DL will only be permitted to contain basic information relating to the persons in which cards are issued. This will be a mandatory program for citizens and non-citizens alike. The information contained on these cards are: Current legal name, current address, legal status, voter eligibility, basic medical information, and on DL's, automobile insurance information. It will continue to have the same appearance as currently issued cards and other pertinent information will be encoded within magnetic strips on reverse of card, which is currently in use and can only be accessed by appropriate authorities. Non-citizens, such as students here on educational visas, people here on work visas, and Diplomats stationed in this Country as representatives of their country, will be issued in color other than that issued to citizens of the USA. Let us explore the purpose and benefits of this program; As is currently, when moving to new state or area, you are required to report to the DMV to re-apply or receive new ID or DL., this program will eliminate the inconvenience of long waiting times in order to accomplish such. All that is required for the necessary updates to your card are as follows; Report to DMV, present card to representative, provide new information pertaining to necessary changes requested, and when transaction completed, retrieve card, and you are finished. The effectiveness and efficiency of this process will be of tremendous value for all. You are not required to acquire new card unless current card is damaged or destroyed, or at renewal of card. The reason for this is that the only information displayed on card is; your photo, name, date of birth, date of issue and imprint of either index finger or thumb for verification purposes., all other information, as stated earlier, will be encoded within magnetic strip on back of card. Information can be updated whenever necessary. Voter registration and/or changes, medical information and /or changes, and automobile insurance information and/or changes can be updated in the same manner. In regard to voter eligibility, this will eliminate the ability to commit voter fraud. One citizen, one vote. Absentee ballots will be eliminated due to the ability to cast your vote, in national and local elections, from anywhere. Just report to any polling location and the information for your district will be available. No need to appear at your districts polling location. The database will enable your vote to be recorded and reported to your district. This will enable only those of whom are eligible to vote. In regard to medical information, the permitted information will be as to your current physician and contact information, current medications, and medical allergies. No medical history will be allowed. In regard to automobile insurance, will verify coverage in the event of accident or incident. This program/process will streamline procedures and allow for expedient, effective, efficient, and accurate information when warranted.
5)-- With the constant threats to our Country's National Security and the safety of our citizens at home and around the globe, it is in the best interest of this Nation to show significant strength. Our Military might is the backbone of this Country's strength. It is not only the weaponry which we possess, but it is the personnel that makes the Military. We must enact a mandatory enlistment in our Armed Services. Peace is achieved through strength. Give the order that individuals between the ages of 21-35 have the opportunity to voluntarily enlist within a 60 day period. All of those individuals which fail to do so, will be drafted into service. The length of service is a minimum of 2 years or until the threat has dissipated. There will be No Amnesty permitted for anyone that does not comply. All individuals between the ages of 18-20 will be permitted to enlist strictly on a volunteer basis. The rules and requirements for enlistment will be suspended, as we know, it is nearly impossible for just anyone to serve their Country. All of the gimmicks and promissory promotional fringe benefits for enlisting will be terminated. This will provide an attitude of service instead of service just for benefits. Implementation of this program will assure that the rest of the world will take notice and realize once and for all that America will not tolerate any further threats to ourselves or our true allies, and our readiness to act. Enlistment does not necessitate deployment to battlefields. We will be prepared to assist and defend our allies and protect our borders until appropriate steps can be achieved to secure them.
6)-- Our Department of Defense will be required to re-negotiate all contracts in order to assure the American people of it's efficiency and effectiveness. Taxpayers will not be subjected to unnecessary and over-bloated contracts which cost us billions. Nation building will no longer be an option or requirement. This is too costly and is mostly for nothing. The DOD's budget and funding will need to be re-evaluated. There seems to be a significant reason to begin a serious housekeeping regiment.
7)-- Illegal Immigration; When you hear this, illegal immigration, what is the first thing that comes to mind? I have asked this question to hundreds, if not thousands, of people and at least 80% have answered "Latinos". The same as most of you , I'm sure. We are led to believe this on purpose. This is over-politicized for a distraction from the real issue. Truth is, we have people from all over the world, from every continent, which are here illegally. Do not allow yourselves to be misled concerning this any longer. We have an ever-growing problem with this issue. We are pronounced to be a Nation of Law and yet we fail to enforce even the simplest one of them. How can we protect ourselves and anyone else if we continue in this manner? We cannot! As I stated previously, I have spoken to many peoples, from all walks of life and from many nations, all over this Country, and when I asked them, with no one else present and in a group, how do they feel about illegal immigrants?, I was given two different answers, considering which setting the question was asked. When they were asked this question on a one-to-one basis, the reply was that they were upset that it was happening and messing it up for everyone who was trying to get here the right way and making it harder for the ones that did the right thing in order to be in this Country. When they were asked the same question while in a group, the same nationality, the reply was quite different. They said that they had a right to be here to do the work that Americans would not do, and if they were sent back home, they would be back because it was so easy to get here. I was perplexed by the different answers by the same people in the group that I had asked one-on-one. I spoke to these again and asked as to why their replies were different when they were alone compared to in a group, they stated that they were afraid of retaliation/retribution from the others and did not want to endure such. I also learned that the US/Mexico border is considered to be the Gateway to America for many nations. We must remedy this quickly. If we are to continue to allow people to be here illegally, which should be considered the breaking of National Security Law, then why do we continue to arrest and imprison people for lesser offenses? This is not fair to anyone!
This is only a few of the many ways that America can be fixed and return to Greatness. Part-1. This is only the beginning. Gene Weatherford 11/09/2011