Posted by
mysticmaggie on Sunday, August 24, 2008 12:00:00 AM
Tired of the same old questions and the serious lack of answers? Here are a few REAL questions to which I would like short and to the point answers from our Presidential candidates. If they can't answer on a level that every American can understand, then may I suggest they stop running for office? After most questions, the background for the question is noted.
1. Mr. Obama, if you intend to take our combat troops out of Iraq and leave support troops there, how will those Americans left behind be protected? Would they not be in greater danger because of the lack of U.S. combat troops? Do you really want to put more Americans directly in harm's way? BACKGROUND: Based on Obama's mind change. First take everybody out. Now leave a few defenseless Americans behind.
2. Mr. McCain, since Anwar already has infrastructure and the pipeline is facing obsolecense and ultimate shutdown, why will we not drill in Anwar now, where we could produce additional oil in less than one year and save the ten billion dollars we spent on the pipeline? BACKGROUND : As the existing wells' production is reduced, ultimately the pipeline will become non-functional when the amount of oil going through it lowers to the point of freezing, thus destroying the pipeline into which we put billions.
3. Both candidates: Why would either of you consider yet more taxes when the ones we currently collect are wasted in large measure on foolish, fruitless projects? Why not shut down some of the sweetheart deals all Congressmen make? Why not put the pig back together by getting rid of all the pork? BACKGROUND: One project, a bridge from the mainland to an island of a few hundred people in Alaska cost millions of dollars. A ferry would have served the same purpose and cost less to do so. Other projects include Federal backing for museums. Why shouldn't museums be required to earn their own funds or collect from people who want to support them? Why are all Americans called upon to pay for something most will never use. These two don't fill even a pinhead's worth of funds tossed out to the lobbies and special interests so candidates can get re-elected..
4. Both candidates: Why does any politician worry about the Gold Parachutes of executives? BACKGROUND: Though their retirements are based on the number of years they serve, Congressmen don't have to pay for all of it. They also have the equivalent of a 401k program (complete with a 5 percent employer match- a rarity outside). In some cases Social Security kicks in. And given their medical, dental and travel benefits, plus expenses paid by the office, members of Congress have plenty of opportunity to save for retirement. Once they leave office and start taking speaking engagements and writing their books, they bring in a few golden pennies as a direct result of their previous position. Most folks don't have this option, because their names are not out in the public.
5. Both candidates: Based on the last question, should Congressmen and women be prohibited from giving speeches and writing books, so they don't give the appearance of 'gaining' from their work?
6. Both candidates: Is there a reason you do not describe the estimated costs and effects of alternative energies for electricity and gasoline based on kilowatt hours? BACKGROUND: Solar power is a minimum of four times more expensive than natural gas and the process of creating solar panels creates more pollution than natural gas. When the sun isn't shining, there is no electricity being produced. Wind power seems to be the least expensive at about 5 cents per kwh, but the wind grid depends on the wind blowing. When it doesn't, there is no electricity. This means both alternatives are good for supplemental energy, but not for primary. With the demand for more hybrid cars fueled by electricity, what will create all the extra electricity? More demand for more electricity, but elimination of the most efficient processes by not allowing drilling for oil and natural gas makes little sense. This, together with a reluctance to use nuclear energy, raises costs outrageously for the citizens of this country.