2010 - Governor of Utah

I decided today that since the position is opening that I should get the ball rolling, and run for the Governor of Utah.

I have to make sure I qualify since I moved to Arizona for a few years...but my family did own property in Utah. So I think I do Qualify. So donate and back me up!

While I'm On

I just saw a report that said 47 of the states have budget deficits. You know what the a lot of the have or are looking to do? Raise Taxes. And it seems they think that is the only way to fix the problem.

Well I have an idea. LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS! Here is a little life lesson I have learned: Don't spend more money than you bring in. I use this method and its kept me out of debt. States and the federal government should takes notes and do the same. Trim it up.

Obama: I'm over Him

He bores me and I don't see why so many people think he's so rad. I just don't believe him when he talks.

Worries Abound

In the days ahead there lies uncertainty and worry for most of us. As jobs seem to disappear daily and as government spending explodes, we are certainly justified in our cause for concern. As the stock market crumbles and we face mortgage failures, we are fearful of what is in store for our great Country.

I urge each of you to be heard. I think it is time we united ourselves in the cause of freedom. If we sit idly by we may lose everything we have. That reality is closer to some of us than is comfortable. I feel your pain and worry.

Do you feel powerless? Watching things happen, decisions being made that directly affect you and you can’t do anything to stop it. Well, all I can say is that the majority voted these people into power. If things go as badly as some think, we have only ourselves to blame. We, the People, voted for this. Now it is our responsibility to tell the people we voted for to act in OUR best interests not their own. We need to let our leaders know that there is no “Next Term” if you don’t satisfy OUR demands. Do what is best for US. We chose you to represent US.

If we continue to vote for people that don’t honestly care about us then we deserve the failures and the problems that come because of those people. We are not powerless. Speak and be heard.

As your President I will do my best to listen to We, the People. I want insight and feedback. I want to create an environment where the people can live a life with out the interference of government. I want to provide a vehicle that allows We, the People, to flourish and be the greatest nation on the Earth.

Taxes

I am in favor of a simplified tax, a flat tax. Here is my plan.

No one gets taxed on the first $20,000. Regular deductions will be made on that money throughout the year. as it is now, but then fully refunded. After that, a flat tax on all the money an individual makes will be taxed at a rate of 20%. From $20,001-infinity, 20% across the board. There will be no write-offs, no deductions for children or any other reason, no depreciation, nothing. Simply 20%.

Let me tell you why this is a good idea because I know you are wondering. First, with such a simple tax plan we can eliminate a huge portion of the IRS. This would save millions and millions of dollars in oversight, regulation and wages. Government can make better use of the money they have then on audits and disputations.

It also make the system completely fair. No longer will those with enough money to hire smart accountants be the only ones able to benefit from the thousands of loopholes that exist. No longer will there be an inequality among tax brackets and groups of people. Everyone bears the same burden.

Another advantage to a flat tax is that it allows for better forecasting and budgeting. It is much easier to create a budget off a number like 20%.

As for businesses, the taxes will break down in a similar fashion. No company will be taxed on their first $250,000. After that, all monies will be taxed to infinity at a rate of 15%. The difference allows companies to use their added tax savings to build the company. No credits, incentives, write-offs, or any such thing.

It may not always be used for such reasons but the fact remains; as companies have more money to spend, invest, and divest, it puts them in a position to grow and make more money. As they make more money, they pay more in taxes, but not unfairly or excessively.

This does in some ways benefit small businesses but as they use their untaxed money to grow the company they will hit that level and start paying taxes.

The reason I call for no write offs, incentives, or any other device is because it eliminates private interest. It eliminates lobbyists. It promotes good and better business. For example, if people are drawn to companies and products that promote a "Green" lifestyle then meet the demands of the consumer or suffer.

So there it is. My tax plan, simple, practical, logical, fair...what's not to like other than the fact that you still have to pay them? :)

Guns

Someone asked me what Libertarian views I had. I will tell you. Guns. Me and the Libertarians feel the same way about guns. Here is their view and I agree with it.

I reason that reasonable people act reasonably. Criminals act criminally. Crazy people act crazy. Guns don’t kill people; people kill people...with guns. But outlawing citizens from owning and carrying guns is not the answer. I wrote a blog about it awhile ago. You can read it here.

You shouldn’t be scared of guns. A well regulated militia, as stated in the Constitution, means it may be wise to encourage the citizens of our country to train themselves and learn how to properly and safely handle and use a fire arm. A government sponsored program to certify you in firearm safety and operation, conducted bi-annually, is something I would support.

Are there certain guns that only the military should be privy to? Yes.
Are there certain people who should not be allowed to own guns? Yes.

Let me know if I can be more specific.

Abortion

I was asked to address this topic first. Pro-Choice or Pro-Life?

I don't look at it in terms of for or against abortion. I think there are emotions, both deep and rooted in this issue; and to call it an issue may very well undermine and make light of the whole topic.

Legally speaking, I think women should have the right to do as they will with their bodies. I can't see a government or body of people making a decision that affects someone on such a personal level. I don't think that is fair. We, as a people, do not have the authority to take that right away one way or the other.

Morally speaking, I do not believe abortion is right. I will not make a personal judgment on anyone who chooses to do so or who has chosen that path. Again, it is their choice. I have certain religious beliefs that I adhere to. These beliefs lead me to think abortion is morally wrong. I don't support abortion. I have never been a party to it. I have never facilitated, financed, or aided in an abortion. At the time of writing this, I have never been in a position to be responsible for causing a woman to become pregnant and thereby be put in a position to consider having an abortion. I think those that have abortions based on things other than preservation of one's own life or because of rape or incest are acting selfishly and will be held accountable for their actions in the afterlife.

Politically speaking, in the role of your President I wouldn't go about trying to overturn any Supreme Court decisions. I would not base a nomination of a Supreme Court Judge solely on their stance towards abortion. I would not use public funds to support any group, Pro-Life or Pro-Choice. I would not appropriate funding for programs that support one side or the other. I would accept funding from either side with the understanding that I will do nothing to favor one side or the other. I won't be bought.

My feeling is that if you choose to have an abortion, for reasons other than preservation of the female's life or in cases of rape or non consensual incest, which would cause undue physical limitations on a live born baby, the state and/or government should not be financially responsible. If you have an insurance company or the private funds to pay for an abortion then it is your prerogative to do so. Public facilities, those that receive money from government, state or federal, should perform abortions on those requesting it, who are financially capable of doing so. Private facilities can choose to perform abortions but both would be required to perform an abortion in situations where there is a critical, immediate, life threatening emergency which would require an abortion to save the female's life.

I think abortion is a personal decision. If you are against it than you do not have to participate in, condone it, or be even partially financially responsible for it.

I hope you can see the reason and logic behind my stance. It may not be the answer you want but I think it is fair. It is one that allows people to choose for themselves how they would like to proceed with this issue. Nor does it place any undue burden, financial or moral, on those who do not agree with abortion.