Go Ahead, Elect Me ... I DARE You!!!
Common sense returns
I realise that the campaign process is very expensive, and very hectic. Many a good citizen has been humbled by this enormous task, but for those that make it into the race, there is great responsibility. To hold true to one's principles in the face of pressure to just go along with business as usual is nearly unbearable. For those that can do it, the sense of accomplishment at having done the right thing for our country is a greater reward than the money or power promised by private interests. I can do that. I believe that holding office is a civic duty not a right, nor a guaranteed means to wealth.
I truly believe that Americans are ready for change. What is change? For too long we have heard promises to change the direction of America, to change the inequity in America. Change, hope, future. These are just words without real action. I hope to be the candidate that acts rather than just talks.
Campaign Finance Reform
For far too long the way to raise campaign funds has in itself been a corrupt, insider event. Millions of dollars are doled out to the candidates by special interests in an effort to get them onboard with their agendas. This has led to corruption, favoritism, and a general disregard for the will of the people by the vast majority of elected officials. This is my solution, at least for my campaign.
1. I will accept no more than $25 per individual donor.
2. I will accept no more than $500 per corporate entity, institution, organization.
3. I will not accept "bundled" donations on behalf of employees of unions, corporations, etc. as these donations are often not the wish of the employees, and are many times taken from the pension funds that the employees are paying into. Bundled donations are often simply corporate donations to curry favor.
4. I will not accept help, other than stipulated above, from PACs, 527s, etc.
5. Campaign fundraisers working on my behalf will also adhere to the restrictions I have placed upon myself.
6. Fundraising events will be conducted so as to comply with my restrictions. ie: No $10,000 per plate dinners, no $1000 dollar a seat concerts, etc.
7. I will accept no sponsor for travel. If I have to drive myself from state to state, then I will do that.
I know that this severely limits my ability to raise funds, but I would be much more comfortable with this arrangement. I believe that this will virtually eliminate fraud in my campaign, and would allow those who believe in my ideas to be properly represented as there would be no favoritism.
Campaign Ethics
Campaigning has become a full contact sport rather than an exchange of ideas. The candidates try to dig up dirt to discredit their oponents. Slander, lible, accusations, insinuations all work to disgrace and discredit the campaign process and the candidates themselves. I will not engage in these tactics as they are disgraceful and detract from the real opportunity to effect change through a meeting of minds.
Common sense is genius dressed in it's working clothes.
Volunteerism
As an independent candidate it is unlikely that I would be able to raise enough capital to pay staffers in the early stages of my campaign. I say this in all honesty, rather than promising a specific amount of compensation, only to not be able to meet that committment later. I would rather be truthful, than to let someone down.
To this end, I am asking for interested individuals to volunteer their time to get out our message of smaller government, reduced spending, lower taxes, increased security, and economic growth.
Sometimes those with the least, have the most to offer.
