Questions for Our Nation

The Presidential campaign season is here. Even before the conventions, we are subject to hourly pronouncements and trivia created to distract us from the compelling issues that demand a referendum in November. I do not care about high school pot-smoking or pranks; I am deeply concerned about the constitutional, economic, moral and social issues that demand attention from all our leaders in all branches of government. Rather than regale my readers with polemical profundities (smile), here is a series of questions for all the candidates as thoughtful people consider their choices. These queries are addressed to the women and men that aspire to "public service" - a notion that I hope can be revitalized from its current permanent ruling class. "Ms. or Mr. [insert title and name here], what are your plans for... ...creating a hospitable environment for all people desiring to come here legally, while ensuring that only citizens vote? ...reducing government waste (including over-bloated Pentagon budgets) while making sure the poor and vulnerable are served? ...delivering health care in a just, decentralized fashion where doctor and patient are the focus, not a massive redistribution of wealth? ...facilitating private-sector economic growth without unnecessay regulation and totalitarian legal tactics, while refining a 21st century understanding of environmental stewardship? ...respecting the rights of those with deeply-held moral and religious convictions as well as those who differ greatly? ...supporting the fundamental institution of heterosexual, monogamous marriage while creating ways for adults in other living situations to care for each other and enjoy legal rights? ...confronting radical Islam and the insidious dhimmitude perpetrated by those who insist of separate rights and promote violence against their critics, while respecting our moderate Muslim neighbors? ...supporting Israel's right to live in peace and security while creating a democratic Palestinian state that renounces violence and unequivocally acknowledges Israel as a legitimate state? ...restoring power and responsibility for more governmental functions to the cities and states and reducing the size of the federal governnment, thus reversing an 80-year trend that saps our resources and effectivness? ...reigning in the power of public employee unions and privatizing pensions so we can actually afford to care for the elderly? ...insisting on a full audit of the United Nations' budgets and programs? ...balancing our federal budget and stimulating equitable global trade? ...confronting China, India, Russia and the 57 Islamic states concerning their human rights abuses? ...creating a hopeful view of the future?" Thoughtful women and men are not looking for bumper stickers and cliches. We have proven to ourselves that minorities and women are equal partners; therefore, let's make November about ideals and issues, principles and practical work, values and vision. Our wonderful nation deserves our best, Ms/Mr. Candidate!