Chris Dodd

Here's Chris Dodd according to his 2008 web site: [http://www.chrisdodd.com/].


1.Political Corruption: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

2. Military/Industrial Complex: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

3. Energy: Score 1

Has a plan for energy security

4. Unions - Labor and Consumer: Score 1

In favor

5. Income and Wealth Disparity: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

6. Elections: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

7. Judicial Independence: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

8. Trade deficits: Score 0.5

By implication

9. Usury Law: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

Dodd scores 2.5 of 9 for a .278 average, needs seasoning in the minors.

Joe Biden

Here's Joe Biden according to his 2008 web site: [http://www.joebiden.com/issues/].

But, his focus is different and he scores poorly, similarly to Republicans.



1.Political Corruption: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

2. Military/Industrial Complex: Score 0

No Mention - surprise

3. Energy: Score 1

Has a plan for energy security

4. Unions - Labor and Consumer: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

5. Income and Wealth Disparity: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

6. Elections: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

7. Judicial Independence: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

8. Trade deficits: Score 0.5

By implication

9. Usury Law: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

Biden scores 1.5 of 9 for a .167 average, needs seasoning in the minors.

Ralph Nader

Here's how Ralph Nader measures up according to his 2008 web site: [http://www.votenader.org/issues].

Mr. Nader has run as an Independent and as a Green.

1.Political Corruption: Score 1

Discusses publicly finance election under media concentration

2. Military/Industrial Complex: Score 0

No Mention - surprise

3. Energy: Score 0

No Mention - surprise

4. Unions - Labor and Consumer: Score 1

Strong on consumer and labor proetection

5. Income and Wealth Disparity: Score 0

No Mention - surprise

6. Elections: Score 1

Several specific statements about electoral rfeform

7. Judicial Independence: Score 0

No Mention - surprise

8. Trade deficits: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

9. Usury Law: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

Nader scores 3 of 9 for a .333, bat him after Bill Richardson

Where are the Republicans?

I have been trying figure out why there are no Repoublicans on my roster. I did not set out to be partisan on purpose.

As a student of economics, here's my best guess: Republicans are committed to the form of classical economics now known as the Neo-Liberal or Washington Consensus. Consistent with that belief is the conviction that the market will solve all problems for all people and that any government intervention is bad for people.

My nine points all require a strong government intervention into affairs to avoid a disaster for the American idea.

Regardless of the fact that the Neo-Liberal Consensus is dramatically disproven as an effective framework for national economic policies [see for example: IDEAS, POLICIES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE AMERICAS, Esteban Perez Caldentey and Matias Vernengo, editors, Routledge, 2007 New York; ISBN10 0-415-77055-6 [hbk]], Republicans seem to hold to this concept. Therefore, they are likely to oppose any government action which affects any market.

Until that changes, any Republican administration is likely to threaten the American idea, or at least my personal understanding of it.

Dennis Kucinich

Here's how Dennis Kucinich measures up according to his 2008 web site: [http://kucinich.us/issues].

Kucinich is actively running and has made numerous speeches and pronouncements on and around the issues covered in this blog. Ths scores are based on a quick perusal of his site and perhaps are incomplete.

1.Political Corruption: Score 1

Recognizes the problem and has a specific plan.

2. Military/Industrial Complex: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

3. Energy: Score 1

Recognizes the problem and has a specific plan.

4. Unions - Labor and Consumer: Score 1

Wants to let workers organize

5. Income and Wealth Disparity: Score 1

Recognizes the problem and has a specific plan.

6. Elections: Score 0.5

Covered by implication

7. Judicial Independence: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

8. Trade deficits: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

9. Usury Law: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

Kucinich scores 4.5 of 9 for an even .500, right up there with Clinton but behind Obama.

Earns a spot on the roster.

Home Team

America is facing some big challenges. It's personal, but: Who do I want batting for the home team of the major candidates so far??

Here's my list:

1. Barack Obama: Beats Clinton with 5 of 9 for a .560 average.

2. Hillary Clinton: a pretty good batting average: 4.5 of 9 for a .500 average.

3. Wes Clark scores 4 out of 9 for a batting average of .444.

4. Bill Richardson scores 3.5 out of 9 for a batting average of .390.


I really don't want any hitters with less than a .300 average trying to protect me and my family. Maybe one of the struggling candidates can take some coaching and improve their game, just in case they come up to bat:

5. John Edwards scores 2 out of 9 for a batting average of .220.

6. Mitt Romney: Total 1 of 9 for a batting average of .110.

7. John McCain scores 1 of 9 for a batting average of 110.

If one of the three above gets a plate appearance, we all need to pray a lot.

One candidate should be permanently benched and used only as trade bail: Rudy Giuliani. Sorry, Rudy. You are not my go to guy.

Wes Clark - Revised

Here's how Wes Clark measures up according to a web site labelled 2004. See the site for details: [http://www.clark04.com/issues/].

Although he is apparently not running, the 04 site has many detailed policy papers, some of which address the nine issues by implication rather than directly.

1.Political Corruption: Score 0.5

Wants open government, will reduce corruption to the extent that corruption requires secrecy

2. Military/Industrial Complex: Score 0

Committed to strong military - apparently does not recognize the MIC as a danger

3. Energy: Score 0

Can find no mention of energy alternatives

4. Unions - Labor and Consumer: Score 1

Wants to let workers organize

5. Income and Wealth Disparity: Score 1

Has a tax plan to relieve pressure on the middle class.

6. Elections: Score 0.5

Wants to secure voting for DC citizens, by implication seems to support clean elections

7. Judicial Independence: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

8. Trade deficits: Score 1

Wants to address the job exporting issue; good start, even though he seems not to metion trade deficit specifically

9. Usury Law: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

Wes Clark scores 4 out of 9 for a batting average of .444.

Keep him in the game, try to talk him off the DL.

Wes Clark - comment

Clark is not yet a candidate for office.... until he is, you could refer to http://www.clark04.com/issues/

Fred Thompson

Fred Thompson isn't running and does not yet have any published position papers.

John Edwards

Here's how John Edawrds measures up. See

[http://johnedwards.com/about/issues/] his web site for details. I was expecting a more complete issue coverage, but as of today - 07.08.07 - the coverage is thin.

1.Political Corruption: Score 0

No Mention - a surprise

2. Military/Industrial Complex: Score 0

Could not find any mention, shame.

3. Energy: Score 1

Has an idea about energy alternatives and wants to use less oil

4. Unions - Labor and Consumer: Score 0

No Mention - a surprise

5. Income and Wealth Disparity: Score 1

Mentions a worry about the middle class

6. Elections: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

7. Judicial Independence: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

8. Trade deficits: Score 0

No mention

9. Usury Law: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

John scores 2 out of 9 for a batting average of .220.

Send him to the minors to work on his game.

Bill Richardson

Here's how Bill Richardson measures up. See his web site
[http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/issues/] for details.

1.Political Corruption: Score 0

No Mention - a surprise

2. Military/Industrial Complex: Score 0

Could not find any mention, shame.

3. Energy: Score 1

Has an idea about energy alternatives and wants to use less oil

4. Unions - Labor and Consumer: Score 1

Looks kindly on labor

5. Income and Wealth Disparity: Score 1

Wants to close tax loopholes

6. Elections: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

7. Judicial Independence: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

8. Trade deficits: Score 0.5

He is for free trade as long as it offers protection for labor.

9. Usury Law: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

Bill scores 3.5 out of 9 for a batting average of .390.

Put him in the lineup - maybe as a Veep

Wes Clark

I'd like to discuss Wes Clark but his issue positions on the website [http://securingamerica.com/taxonomy/term/3] are vague and spotty. Perhaps I have not found the correct web page or perhaps General Clark has not addressed the issues yet.

General Clark: Please develop and publish some position papers.

Mitt Romney

Here's how Mitt Romney measures up. See [http://www.mittromney.com/Issue-Watch/index] his web site for details.

1.Political Corruption: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

2. Military/Industrial Complex: Score 0

Could not find any mention, shame.

3. Energy: Score 1

Has an idea about energy alternatives and wants to use less oil

4. Unions - Labor and Consumer: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

5. Income and Wealth Disparity: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

6. Elections: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise

7. Judicial Independence: Score 0

Too bad I can't use a negative score - Mitt wants judges to enforce his anti gay marriage agenda

8. Trade deficits: Score 0

Need a negative - he buys yesterday's news that free trade is the only answer to prosperity.

9. Usury Law: Score 0

No Mention - no surprise


Total 1.0 of 9 for a batting average of .110.

Studiously avoids important issues. Let him watch from the bench until he grows up.

Mike Bloomberg

Here's how Mike Bloomberg measures up. See [http://www.mikebloomberg.com/en/issues] for lots of information, but not in critical areas. Maybe he will flesh out his stances as time goes by.

1.Political Corruption: Score 0
No Mention - no surprise

2. Military/Industrial Complex: Score 0
Could not find any mention, shame.

3. Energy: Score 0.5
Has an idea about energy alternatives - at least it's a start

4. Unions - Labor and Consumer: Score 0
No Mention - no surprise

5. Income and Wealth Disparity: Score 0.5
Actually recognizes poverty, but doesn't address the bigger issues

6. Elections: Score 0
No Mention - no surprise

7. Judicial Independence: Score 0
No mention - no surprise

8. Trade deficits: Score 0
No Mention - no surprise

9. Usury Law: Score 0
No Mention - no surprise

Total 1.0 of 9 for a batting average of .110.

On McCain's level now, Let Bloomberg watch from the bench until he grows up.

Rudy Giuliani

Here's how Rudy Giuliani measures up - pretty much a strict Republican who ignores the critical issues and focuses on just getting in power . He is a danger to the American idea.[http://www.joinrudy2008.com/index.php]

1.Political Corruption: Score 0
No Mention - no surprise

2. Military/Industrial Complex: Score 0
Could not find any mention, shame.

3. Energy: Score 0
No Mention - no surprise

4. Unions - Labor and Consumer: Score 0
No Mention - no surprise

5. Income and Wealth Disparity: Score 0
No Mention - no surprise

6. Elections: Score 0
No Mention - no surprise

7. Judicial Independence: Score 0
Too bad I can't use a negative score - Rudy specifically wants more
political judges

8. Trade deficits: Score 0
No Mention - no surprise

9. Usury Law: Score 0
No Mention - no surprise

Perfect zeros - Rudy is a danger to the American idea and should be barred from the stadium.

Complete Candidate List

Need a complete list of presidential candidates??

See

http://wilderside.wordpress.com/prez-08/

Barack Obama

Here's my analysis of how Barack Obama matches up to the nine critical
questions, based on his website today
[http://origin.barackobama.com/issues/]

1.Political Corruption: Score 1
Demonstrated chops - I like it

2. Military/Industrial Complex: Score 0
Could not find any mention, shame.

3. Energy: Score 1
Working the problem

4. Unions - Labor and Consumer: Score 1
Specific mention of unions rights to organize. Also, a plan to help poor people up the ladder

5. Income and Wealth Disparity: Score 1
Explicitly discussed in the poverty section.

6. Elections: Score 1
Specifics proposed in voting section

7. Judicial Independence: Score 0
No mention, shame.

8. Trade deficits: Score 0
No mention

9. Usury Law: Score 0
Are we afraid of the banks??

Beats Clinton with 5 of 9 for a .560 average.

Bat him cleanup.

John McCain

Here's John McCain

1. Political Corruption: Score 1
Big Talk, give him the benefit of the doubt.

2. Military Industrial Complex: Score 0
His approach is to make the military bigger and buy more weapons. Too bad I didn't include a negative score.

3. Energy: Score 0
Not a word.

4. Unions: Score 0
Not a word or a surprise

5. Income/Wealth Disparity: Score 0
Not a word

6. Elections: Score 0
Not a word

7. Judges: Score 0
Not a word

8. Trade balance: Score 0
In favor of free trade and cash outflows; too bad I don't have a negative score

9. Usury: Score 0
Not a word.

John,.......John

You score 1 of 9 for a batting average of .110.

Bench him.

Hillary Clinton

Here's my analysis of how Hillary Clinton matches up to the nine critical questions posed below, based on her website today [http://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/]

1.Political Corruption: Score 1
A pretty good ten point plan here - go Hilary

2. Military/Industrial Complex: Score 0
Could not find any mention, shame.

3. Energy: Score 1
Specifically addressed and with the Demos in Congress, she has a clue about alternatives,

4. Unions - Labor and Consumer: Score 0.5
Nothing explicit, but can be read betwen the lines in helping the middle class - are we afraid of upsetting the corps by calling a spade a spade??

5. Income and Wealth Disparity: Score 1
Explicitly discussed in the middle class section.

6. Elections: Score 1
Specifics proposed in good government section

7. Judicial Independence: Score 0
No mention, shame.

8. Trade deficits: Score 0
No mention

9. Usury Law: Score 0
Are we afraid of the banks??

Overall, a pretty good batting average: 4.5 of 9 for a .500 average for Hilary.

Nine Questions

The 2008 Presidential election offers a great chance to see where the country is headed.

This writer thinks there are nine [9] areas where the American idea is actively under attack.

First, I'll list and explain each of the nine areas.

Then, I'll make a comparison of the campaign platform of many of the major presidential candidates to the nine areas. The comparison will be based on the candidate's published positions of each website.

Perhaps some candidates will change their platforms as a result. Who knows?
Here is the list of nine areas:

1. Political corruption - the government of the USA is corrupt. The legislative system require that candidates raise money from rich interests to be elected; then the elected legislators grant favors to their campaign contributors. [You can track corruption and fix it here: http://www.cleanupwashington.org]
The American idea suffers when only money interests receive favorable laws.

2. Military/Indistrial Complex - Contractors receive money from providing products and services to the armed forces. With that money they influence policy to encourage wars. [Track corruption at Soldiers For The Truth: http://www.sftt.org.......fix it here at the National Legal and Policy Center: http://www.nlpc.org]
Our military is corrupted when wars are started or encouraged by companies who profit from a war - that is not an American idea.

3. Energy - Oil interests damage the national security by promoting our dependence on oil.
A new bill was proposed recently in the House of Representatives to fund searches for oil alternatives. This is a good idea.
Here's another: let's treat oil like a public utility. After all, everyone needs it, just like water and electricity. So let's create a national oil commission that will plan for energy alternatives and regulate the price of oil so that oil companies can earn a reasonable rate of return but not any excessive profits.
Failure to deal with our energy problem will damage our future.

4. Labor and Consumer Unions - Corruption favors business interests over workers and consumers. It is time to restore a more equal balance between labor and business and consumers. [Track efforts against unions: http://www.americanrightsatwork.org/antiunionnetwork/.........track consumer problems here: http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Consumer_Safety.shtml..........Fix with new laws here: http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/mlrhome.htm]
Continued weakening of labor and consumer power will damage the working family, the backbone of America.

5. Income and wealth Disparity - we are becoming a two tier country; the middle class is becoming weaker.
Our idea has been that Americans are mostly middle class. That idea is in trouble.
Track and fix here: http://www.workertimes.com/news/disparity.html

6. Elections - The foundation of the American idea is that voters can change the government if it is unresponsive. But, if the voting process is manipulated for partisan purposes, the American ideal is gone.
Track computer Fraud here: http://www.votefraud.org/............General voting problems: http://www.commondreams.org/newswire.htm........Volunteer here: http://www.onebrick.org

7. Judicial Indepedence - Judges must be above politics to protect our values.
Track pressures on judges: http://www.afj.org.........Solutions here: http://www.legislationline.org

8. Trade Deficits - trade deficts reflect an economic imbalance that will eventually damage the American way of life.
Track: http://www.epi.org/content.cfm/indicators_intlpict_archive..........Solution: http://www.mkeever.com/essay.html

9. Usury - Banks contribute to destroying the middls class with usurious interest rates. We need a national law.
Compare credit cards here: http://www.indexcreditcards.com....and here http://www.bankrate.com....... track usury in your state here: http://www.usurylaw.com/

That's the list.

Do It Yourself

Legislators and bureaucrats respond to pressure; pressure is just people showing up to voice concerns. So, find a few friends who share your concerns and then show up in DC or your state capital and apply pressure for the right things. Don't leave it to the professionals because they work for the highest bidder.