| 1. How do you personally define socialism? |
I would define socialism as being a society without the filthy rich and the dirt poor. It would be a society consisting of a broad middle class in which everybody would have the right to live a comfortable life. |
| 2. Do you plan on running on the Socialist Party platform and the principles embodied in Socialism as Radical Democracy (including social ownership, worker control, and production for use -- not profit)? Is there anything in the Socialist Party Platform or Statement of Principles with which you disagree? |
I would never trust a politician that doesn't stand up for what he or she believes. I decided to run for political office to be able to help make a real difference (such as calling for radical changes that would help to expand civil liberties and worker rights). I consider myself to be a socialist that agrees with most of what is in the Socialist Party's platform, but I would only feel comfortable running for office speaking out for what I believe in. Such a stance might cost me the Socialist Party's nomination to run for United States President (which is something that I want very badly), but it's important to me that people know I believe in what I campaign about. |
| 3. If you take any positions that differ from those of the Socialist Party, are you willing to make clear at all times that your views differ from those of the Party? |
Whether asked about my positions, or the positions of the Socialist Party, I will do so to the best of my ability. |
| 4. In what way will your campaign take a working-class orientation? How will it differ from mainstream appeals to the working class? |
I believe in calling for several new laws that would help the working class. For example, it is my personal belief that employees should get paid "time and a half" when they work on Saturdays, and paid "double time" when they work on Sundays. Some union workers already receive these benefits for working on weekends. I think that the rest of the labor force should also be able to expect that. That way, employees would either get their weekends off, or they would get compensated with additional money. |
| 5. What would be the top three issues you would address in your campaign and why? |
Here are three issues that are very important to me: All laws that interfere with Americans' right to freedom of speech should be repealed. Our current Social Security system should be replaced by a Universal Social Security system so that everybody would have a basic minimum income. Labor laws should be changed to improve the rights of workers. |
| 6. Please describe your position on the following issues. |
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| 6a. Do you support a woman's right to choose? |
Yes, I am pro-choice. |
| 6b. Do you support Affirmative Action? |
Affirmative Action is good in regards to giving opportunities to those that would otherwise have a tough time getting such opportunities, but it can sometimes hurt the more qualified job candidates. |
| 6c. Do you support equal rights for non-heterosexuals? |
All human beings are born with certain inalienable rights. |
| 6d. Do you support equal rights for non-citizens? |
I believe in basic rights for non-citizens. |
| 6e. To what extent do you support establishing a socialized healthcare system? |
I believe that all citizens of the United States should have free medical care. |
| 6f. How do you envision a socialist solution to the most common problems in the public school system (i.e., funding, assessment, and integration)? |
It would be impossible for me to answer this question in a paragraph, as it is a complicated issue. |
| 6g. How do you intend to address living wages and affordable housing? |
Universal Social Security and expanded worker rights would both go a long way in taking care of these issues. |
| 6h. How do you propose to address the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? |
I would call for the citizens of both countries to have national referendums asking if our troops should remain in their respective countries or leave. Because of the unpopularity of the occupations, I am confident that both referendums would result in a call for our troops to leave. It wouldn't be an abandonment if we give the people over there a choice, and if they ask for our troops to leave. Our troops would not leave in defeat. In fact, they would come home victorious. The totalitarian regimes that were in control before have been overthrown, and the troops would be withdrawing because the people over there made the decision. That's democracy. |
| 7. Do you have any experience running for and/or holding public office? For what office(s) have you run? Have you ever run before as a Socialist? |
I have obtained ballot access to run for School Board in the upcoming General Election under the Socialist Party's banner. I was also the Socialist Party's nominee to run for United States Senate in 2006 against Rick Santorum and Bob Casey Jr. |
| 8. Do you satisfy the Constitutional requirements for being elected president of the United States (e.g., you are a natural-born U.S. citizen, at least 35 years of age, and have at least 14 years of U.S. residency [foreign military service notwithstanding])? |
I do. I am a natural-born U.S. citizen that has lived in the United States all my life, and I will be 35 years old prior to next year's Presidential election. |
| 9. To what extent are you willing/able to travel while campaigning? Do you have any personal commitments that would significantly limit the amount of time you can dedicate to campaigning (i.e., family, school, work, etc.)? |
I am disabled, and I work a full time job. |
| 10. What strategies and/or methods do you think would be most effective in promoting your campaign? Do you have access to any community resources that might aid in publicizing your candidacy? |
I know people in several different political parties throughout the political spectrum. I hope to participate in several multi-party forums and debates to help spread the word that most people are unaware of the diversity of opinions that exist. I am already organizing a multi-party forum, scheduled for August 25, 2007. |
| 11. Are you comfortable writing campaign statements, speaking to large audiences (including the media), and participating in debates when opportunities arise? |
I look forward to the opportunity to be able to spread my message. |
| 12. What resources (financial, skills, etc.) do you bring to the SP Presidential campaign? And what resources would you request or need from the Socialist Party USA? |
I am a member of the working class, so I would benefit from any assistance that the Socialist Party would be able to provide. |