I recevied my multiple-choice policy quiz in the mail, and the documents tell me that "My survey responses will give the DNC a better understanding of the views of Democrats in the Hartford area." That's funny, because I'm so registered as an independent, that I can't even vote in a primary. But if Gov. Dr. Dean wants my two cents, he can have it.

As instructed, I answered all 15 questions to the best of my ability. See if you can guess which responses I wrote in! I am sure that for "statistical accuracy," the DNC will record each and every one of my opinions, and not flip straight to the credit card information section on the back. Or, they'll just throw my questionaire out, thinking I'm a crank.

1. Which of the following issues is the most important to you? Please rank from 1-10 with "1" being the most important to you.

__ Improving public education

__ Protecting the environment

__ National security/foreign policy

__ Economic/tax policy

__ Reproductive freedom

__ Social Security reform

__ Civil rights and liberties

__ Health care and affordability

__ National energy policy

__ Impeachment of Pres. Bush

__ Universal Health Care

__ An End to the Iraq War

__ The truth of 9/11

__ Other:

2. When decision about Social Security's future are being made, what do you think is most important?

Keeping Social Security as a program with a guaranteed monthly benefit

Allowing younger workers to decide for themselves how their Social Security contributions are invested.

Both guaranteed benefits and investments are important.

A guaranteed cradle-to-grave social service net.

3. Do you support new tax cuts targeted at working families?

Yes, with our economy struggling, working families need a tax break.

No, additional tax cuts at this time will only worsen the federal deficit.

I support a tax hike on the wealthy and aggresive taxation of corporate profits.

4. Should the government put a high priority on stopping American manufacturing jobs from being "outsourced" to overseas workers?

Yes, the manufacturing jobs being lost are essential to our economy.

No, American consumers benefit from cheaper goods made overseas.

American withdrawal from WTO, FTAA, NAFTA, CAFTA, IMF and WB initiatives would improve labor conditions globally.

5. Do you support raising the minimum wage from its current level of $5.15 an hour?

Yes, the minimum wage should be raised to help workers make ends meet.

No, raising the minimum wage will hurt small businesses and cost jobs.

If John Kerry ran on this ballot initiative in Florida in 2004, he would be president now.

The 1948 Taft-Hartley Labor Act, which passed with bipartisan support, seriously handicaps union drives and destroys workers' rights. It should be repealed.

6. Do you believe Medicare should be allowed to re-import less expensive drugs from Canada to make prescription medicines more affordable for senior citizens?

Yes, this will help millions of seniors who struggle to pay for their prescriptions.

No, it is too risky as the safety of these drugs can't be guaranteed.

I think we shouldn't rely on Canada to provide for American medical needs.

I want a new political party with vision and fortitude, one willing to tame Wild Bill Frist and the runaway corporate profitizatin of our bodies.

7. In your view, what is the best way to ensure health care coverage for all Americans?

Tax credits to help employers provide health care coverage for their employees.

Medical savings accounts that let families set aside money for health care costs.

A government-run system where everyone is guaranteed coverage.

Single-payer health coverage combined with retroactive taxation of HMOs.

8. Thinking about the issue of education, which of the following is your number one priority? Please select only one answer.

Funding for early education programs like Head Start.

Funding for elementary and middle school education to reduce class sizes.

Funding for tuition aid programs to make college more affordable.

Full funding for free k-thru-graduate school education, securing universal literacy for all people living inside the United States.

9. How would you characterize our gun laws in America?

We need stronger laws to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and children.

Our gun laws are about right. We need no new gun control legislation.

Our gun laws interfere with an individual's right to bear arms.

Our guns laws need to keep arms out of the hands of the Executive Branch.

10. What is your opinion about a woman's right to a safe and legal abortion?

I support a woman's right to choose.

I support a woman's right to choose, but believe we need some parental notification laws and mandatory aiting period before having an abortion.

I oppose a woman's right to choose.

I really wanted to see a filibuster in Senate, and am deeply disappointed that the pathetic attempt to stop the radical right from capturing the Supreme Court failed.

11. Do you support increased defense spending to fight the war against terrorism?

Yes, we need a stronger military to stop terrorist threats around the globe.

No, the money should be spent on domestic needs like education and healthcare.

I think we will never claim victory over an abstract noun, nor do I understand how a loyal oppostition could allow itself to debate dominant-party policies using dominant-party terminology.

12. Do you support an immediate withdrawal of the U.S. troops from Iraq?

Yes

I question whether Democrats can be trusted to extricate the troops from an illegal, immoral invasion that they supported in the first place

13. If you don't support an immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq, what do you believe the time frame should be?

Sometime in 2006

By the end of 2006

Sometime in 2007

By the end of 2007

Don't know

Wonder how we can haul the Bush junta into the International Criminal Court to face charges for crimes against humanity.

Wonder how our nation can be so myopic, imperial and white supremacist trying to determine the future of a soveriegn nation 4,000 miles away.

14. What is your opinion about environmental laws in America?

We need stronger environmental laws to protect our air and water, clean up toxic waste, safeguard endangered wildlife and habitat and combat global warming.

Our environmental policies are about right, no new laws are needed.

Our environmental laws burden businesses and hurt our economy.

Worry that the human race lacks time, discipline and desire to respond to a seemingly impending catastrophic climate change.

15. To help make progress on issues like those discussed in this survey, will you join the Democratic National Committee as a contributing member today?

Yes, go to the next question (Question 16 directs you to choose a donation level).

Maybe when the Democratic party grows a spine, if we are lucky enough to escape any consequences of their buffoonery during the past six decades.

In small print at the bottom, the DNC says it must do its best to collect employer and occupation data if an individual gives more than $200 annually. And if you were wealthy and pretty stupid, you can contribute up to $26,700 to the DNC per calendar year. I told the DNC "You can take my name off your mailing list you gutless cowards."

A disclaimer also notes that federal law prohibits foreign nationals from donating to the DNC. They ask you to check a box that you are a citizen. I checked the "Yes, I am a citizen box" then wrote "And fighting for my rights, unlike the Democratic party!"

2/6/06

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Howard Dean Wants My Opinion!