Posted by
GG-AZ on Friday, February 15, 2008 8:10:18 PM
I've created this blog to discuss proposed policy goals for Sen. McCain, assuming that he is the Republican nominee, as appears likely. I think that most politicians make a mistake by focusing on too many issues. James K. Polk may be little-known, but he was one of our most successful Presidents, entering office with 4 goals: cutting tariffs; creating an independent treasury; settling the Oregon boundary dispute; and acquiring California. He accomplished those goals in his four-year term, and retired.
I propose that Sen. McCain adopt a similar set of 4-5 "core" goals around which to focus his campaign. My proposals are:
(1) Prevail in Iraq: With success defined as reasonable political stability and significant reduction in U.S. force levels. We will bring most of the troops home, but in victory, not defeat.
(2) Reform the tax code: Make the Bush tax cuts permanent; abolish the estate and gift tax; and abolish the AMT. I think it will be important to limit the scope of tax reform. I'd like to cut corporate tax rates, eliminate the marriage penalty, and make other reforms, but I think that they will be very difficult to accomplish.
(3) Curtail federal spending: Freeze all spending at current levels except Defense, Social Security, and Medicare. Limit the growth of Defense spending to 3% annually.
(4) Appoint strict constructionist Justices and Judges: Focus on Chief Justice Roberts (who is less controversial than Justice Alito), and perhaps suggest Miguel Estrada as the first nominee.
(5) Secure the border: Complete the border fence and increase border enforcement. Postpone decision on policies toward illegal immigrants already in the country until after the border is secured.
(6) Reform Social Security: With a combination of private accounts, reduction in cost-of-living adjustments, raising of the retirement age, reduction in starting benefits by small increments (for example, a SS recipient becoming eligible in 2010 would receive 99.5% of the benefit calculated under current law, a recipient becoming eligible in 2011 would receive 99.0%, and so on), and small tax increases (0.05% increase per year in both the employee's and employer's tax, for 10 years, until the SS tax rate is 6.7% for employee and 6.7% for employer). Believe me, I hate tax increases, but I think that to solve the Social Security crisis, compromise will be necessary.
Please share your thoughts and suggestions.