Progressives Pin Candidates on Tough Issues
None by KCPW
(KCPW News) While Democrats and Republicans held their state party conventions over the weekend, Progressives trolled the gathering for candidates willing to declare their position on hot-button issues. A five-question survey from the Utah Progressive Network asks candidates about their position on immigration legislation that quote "tears families apart" and whether "nine years is long enough to go without raising the minimum wage.""Any legitimate candidate should be willing to answer these questions honestly," says Gena Edvalson, Executive Director of the Utah Progressive Network. The non-profit advocates progressive issues, but does not endorse political candidates.
The survey touches on five topics: immigration, living wage, healthcare, energy policy and abortion. Edvalson says her group will publish the results of its survey and hope to inspire a well-rounded debate during the coming election.
Utah Progressive Network Survey of Candidates, 2006
1. What is your position on immigration legislation that tears family apart?
2. Do you think that nine years is long enough to go without raising the minimum wage?
3. What will you do about the growing number of people who can't afford healthcare?
4. What is your ideal energy policy?
5. Do you think incest victimes should be able to obtain an abortion?
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW
1. Roger I. Price said:
Saturday, May 13,2006, I was selected to be the Personal Choice Party candidate for Utah's U.S. Senate seat. I was not asked for my stand on those questions. Apparently, the members of the Utah Progressive Network do not respect the Republic of the United States. The two party system has corrupted the law of the Republic into a democracy by default. James Madison, in Federalist Paper #10, stated that in a pure democracy, "there is nothing to check the inducement to sacrifice the weaker party or the obnoxious individual." Chief Justice John Marshall added, "Between a balanced republic and a democracy, the difference is like that between order and chaos." Do you want to know why we have so many problems in the U.S. today? Let's start there. If someone wishes to be progressive, let's pull out the Republic, include all citizens, reestablish the rule of law, and work out solutions using the principles of Liberty, Equality and Justice.
Roger I. Price
Huntsville, Utah
3. Ronald Thompson said:
Based on the questions asked (which are clearly written to solicit a "correct" response), I find it hard to believe that anyone would take that survey to be anything other than an attempt for that Party to "weed out" anyone offering a distinct position.
The questionnaire given seems overtly political and predatory.
Has this group even "THUNK" about getting a pollster to ask legitimate and unbiased questions?
What in the world is going on in Park City, Utah??
- Ronald Thompson
2. Phil Hallma 3rd USCD canidate said:
1) I will fight against any legislation which is detrimental to the family, since the family is the basic unit of society. The history of immigration quotas in the US reek of racism, militant nationalism, and even anti-semitism. Immigration is the best way to export cultural capital and reduce the threat of terrorism on our shores.
2)Minimum wage is an example of wasted taxpayer money in government regulation, freedom of contract is a RIGHT we have as citizens. A living wage is what employees need NOT a minimum wage.
3)Cost of health care is astronomical because of oppressive government regulation. Reduction in regulation will increase supply of service and reduce price to consumer. Of course this is a much bigger issue, but this will put us on the right course.
4)Japan is a good example of energy management, atomic power is the most promising. Alt fuel like biodiesel should be mandated in all government vehicles. At current prices there are many economic energy models to choose from. Continuing with the status quo is certainly the worst of the choices.
5)Victimes of incest should be allowed abortion without parent supervision if they are under 18. They should not be forced to press charges or identify to authorities which of their family members they had incest with. They should have at least a few counseling sessions to be sure they are aware of options avalible and be allowed the greatest amount of compassion possible from the state.