Ballot Access - Third parties are denied access to representation in the United States universally. Archaic rules and a system that determines the winner by the largest percentage of votes (winner takes all) is unjust. Instant run-off voting and proportional representation could establish a greater democracy. Reforms like initiative and referendum could be used to curb and limit government.
National & State Libertarian Party All effort to conform to national or state platforms will be made. In the event that some insurmountable issue arises between the candidate and party, the former will be glad to defer endorsement. A viable third party effort requires success before the think tanks take over.
Campaign Finance - Limiting donations to parties and candidates will not produce reform in a spoils system that rewards special interests. Most Americans don't contribute to campaigns. This campaign will only seek and take contributions of a $100 or less from individuals. Whatever FEC requirements are left after that pledge will be for the lawyer folk. A list of expenditures will be provided in a simple web-accessible format.
Paper Ballot Trails - Distrust for the government and special interests is the primary factor in advocating a paper receipt. Despite advanced, safe financial transactions that occur every second of the day, people don't trust systems that can be programmed by manipulative elements. If a mechanical system can be tested and certified and not require a paper trail, an electronic system can also be technically achieved. A digital democracy is possible without the fear and horror mongering that seems to accompany it.
Obviously every issue to mankind cannot be handled by an insurgent third party campaign. I am always open to suggestions and debate. The reality is that even if elected, I could not persuade or impose any of these ideas in the current political environment. If some of these ideas seem cold or callous, I am sorry that you are so sensitive. The main point of this campaign is that 'wars' have to stop and trillions of dollars of debt imperil future generations.
Websites I Read & Reference
An End of 'Wars'
Iraq A declaration of war by Congress for an armed conflict with a nation state or sovereign country should be the only meaning of war. Withdraw immediately and let the burden of that responsibility rest with the two major parties who started it.
Terror 9/11 occurred due to poor intelligence, law enforcement and security. Pre-emptive invasions of distasteful regimes is not self-defense. Osama Bin Laden has not been caught.
Drugs The federal government's drug policy is an outright failure. I will fight for the rights of states to offer medial marijuana to the sick and dying by supporting legislation which will end the rule of the federal government over sensible state drug policy.
Defense Spending vs. Occupation
One of the country's most decorated generals,
Smedley Butler,
once declared that ' War is a Racquet '. Spending more than the next
25 countries, the United States spends an obscene amount of money
not even protecting two coastlines on major oceans. Controlling,
air, space and seas, the defense industry continues to gladly serve
paranoid security freaks who think that invading other countries is
some form of protection from acts sparked by its own extreme
aggression. Neither major party seems capable of backing down from
these ridiculous positions. Whether it's the principled opposition
of the libertarians or the passion of the progressives, everybody
opposed to the perpetuation of 'state' violence should vote third
party.
The Draft & Beer - A young man or woman under 21 years of age and back from an overseas involvement can't even buy a six pack on their way home. If the armistice in Korea fails or a conflict breaks out with Iran, many will defend involuntary servitude of youth as patriotic and just. Eric Sundwall is opposed to this type of patriotic slavery. People who advocate the draft and the promotion of democracy ought to form their own private militias and go save the world on their dime and time. Free Tibet.
Reproductive Rights & Death Penalties There are too many incidents of government failure in moral and ethical arenas. Limiting that power should be the highest priority. When systems and laws make life and death determinations based on moral certitudes (or platitudes) beware. Forcing women to carry out unwanted pregnancies is a reduction of personal liberty that should be questioned. Likewise if the death penalty is administered in such a way as to kill an innocent person what function does it serve beside the fear of the wrath of angry system ? Irrational, homicidal individuals do not consider the immoral illegal consequences of their violent actions. Threatening their own death in response to their indecent actions seems ineffectual.
Property Rights & Regulation Zoning laws that do more than separate commercial, residential and agricultural uses are now the norm. When businesses, farms and individuals are assailed by citizen juntas under the pretext the health and general welfare of the community, look out. Obviously those who do not ascribe to Adam Smith's idea of the invisible hand will take umbrage with such rhetoric. Self-interest and good taste need not go hand and hand. Real property disputes and grievances should be reserved for the courts. Delay economic development based on land use regulation is an insidious cancer in the hands of a few do gooders. Relax or buy the place yourself. As Stan Lee would say 'nuff said.
Gay Marriage & Guns
Eric Sundwall supports the free exercise of both. Marriage should be anything a particular religion or sect says it should be. The state should not make this determination. Gun ownership should not be restricted. Negligence or misuse should be prosecuted to the extent of the law.
Government has always sought to legitimize taxation based on the fear that its absence will endanger the security and utility of its citizens. Libertarians believe that government should be drastically reduced, if not eliminated. Recognizing that most voters will not accept this notion, this candidate need not conform to promising money or projects. In an offer of compromise and good conscience however, a national sales tax of 1-5% would be proposed to meet the basic needs of defense, infrastructure and care of the indigent. This would provide a smooth transition to demystifying the government. Income and property tax could eventually be eliminated. Future generations will be left with over eight trillion dollars of debt. Spending must be reduced regardless of your ideology or party affiliation. A Libertarian can say and vote "no" to bloated budgets and special interests.
Corporate Welfare - Tax breaks for certain companies favors one business over another. Outright appropriation in the form of grants or subsidies, violates the spirit and function of free markets. Only a representative without special interests can advocate or achieve this.
Education & Children - Absent government supplied education, people will recognize its value and pursue it on their own terms. The poor suffer the most in the current system and should be supported by foundations, charitable and religious organizations. Innovative learning and teaching techniques should be pursued in a modern society.
A parent's first responsibility is their child. Those who abuse or hurt children should be accorded the necessary legal punishment and recourse. Social change requires more than the wrath of an angry family court. Families, communities, churches and other charitable organizations provide the necessary means to achieve these ends.
The Social Policy of Entitlements Social Security and Healthcare would have no government function in libertarian policies. Freedom to choose retirement plans and healthcare options would be left to the individual. The original HMO act in 1973 forced a system onto businesses and people which would not have happened in a market environment. A 'social security' system that is more like a Ponzi scheme and seems to reward those who contribute more, seems antithetical to its original intent. The drastic reduction of taxes which supports wars, bloated & inefficient bureaucracies would hopefully create enough productive wealth so that the care of the indigent or unhealthful could be placed in caring, helpful hands.
Help stop the wars.
Common Sense & Decency.
Fiscally Responsible.
Socially Tolerant.
