If we as voters are not satisfied with the selection of candidates put before us, we do have the capability of voting for others that we may be more impressed with. We can look further a field. How satisfied are you with the three primary candidates running for President of the United States. A quick review of their positions is appropriate.

One candidate is by nature confrontational and her performance as First Lady can be charitably put as lacking. Now she wants to be President.

Another, while know as a consensus builder is distancing himself from the remarks that his pastor has made; definitely proving that racism and prejudice is alive and well in the United States.

The third candidate has a lot of experience but has not addressed the questionable decisions made by the current administration.

The present administration has established a fantasy that includes unlimited tax cuts, unlimited spending, and looking at the war in Iraq through rose colored glasses. Is it too late to pay attention to the words of George Washington – “not to ungenerously throw upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear.”

Positions of consideration:

Budget Deficit
We have created an unsustainable deficit. A gap of this magnitude can only limit the creation of jobs and decrease our global competitiveness.

The budget deficit is currently over $10 trillion, health costs are escalating by leaps and bounds, and many government programs are severely under-funded. But Congress has managed to eliminate more than 1,800 tariffs, resulting in the closing down of hundreds of U.S. plants and the elimination of tens of thousands of American jobs.

Everybody wants the benefits of big government, but they also want low taxes. Unfortunately big government results in high taxes, and low taxes results in decreased governmental services. At the end of 2000, this country had a balanced budget, now we are sinking further into debt by billions each day. That any Republican majority could preside over such fiscally irresponsible spending ought to be grounds for revoking their party membership.

Education
Many programs and many millions of dollars have been presented to advance the opportunity toward a good education. Although some efforts have produced positive results, a lot of effort has been wasted. One key fact is the attitude of the parents. If the parents are concerned, then the child is more likely to be concerned. For most of our society, both parents are required to work to maintain a standard of living, this does not leave a lot of time that can be devoted toward the child. How are families handling this problem. With what is happening in the economy today, not very well.


Environment/Energy
Nothing is more basic than the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water and land that surrounds us. During the past seven years the environment has at best been ignored, realistically many of the environment programs have been gutted in favor oil and other big business interests. America is addicted to oil, and clean energy solutions are needed.

Research is needed to eliminate pollution and our dependence on fossil fuels. The production of energy from renewable sources like wind, solar, and biomass could produce billions in new investments and create many thousands of new jobs. Environmental concerns cannot be over emphasized, and our dependency upon oil as a source of fuel has unfortunately affected us nationally and internationally. To develop alternate energy capabilities the government needs to assist in developing independent alternatives and assist in defraying the risks of failure.


Foreclosures
Recessions come and recessions go. Foreclosures came about because of overzealous brokers, borrowers who were too easily influenced into paying more than they can afford, investment bankers chasing greater profits, financial engineers creating complex debt structures, and board members of many corporations who did not understand how the whole process worked. Everyone was greedy for just a little more. The American dream.

Health insurance:
In 1950 medical care accounted for about 4% of consumer spending. In 2004 - 17%; roughly equal to what consumers spent on food and clothing. Health costs have increased.

Currently health costs are primarily paid by companies, individuals, and insurance companies. Companies in the United States are not competing on an international level playing field. When a health crisis happens it is usually unplanned, and the ability to pay the financial costs are not always available to the individual. Having health care paid for by the government would increase taxes for everyone concerned, but would the overall costs increase or decrease? Lets face it – no one in the health care business is working for free, and many people and organizations want to made a profit. The current situation is limping along and needs fixing.

Would it be better provide a $2,500 annual tax credit to individuals and $5,000 for families, or increase the taxes for individuals and corporations, thereby alleviating the burden of providing health care by employers for employees. Basic health care should be provided to all U.S. workers and citizens. This is not only humane but would also enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. businesses.

Immigration
Some 12 million or so unauthorized immigrants are already in the U.S. and nearly half a million more sneak across the border every year. The number of Border patrol agents has almost doubled since 2000, to 14,900, supplemented now by up to 3,000 National Guard troops. Immigrants will choose to continue to cross as long as Mexico’s per capita income remains one-fifth of the U.S. People are willing to risk death for the possibility of a better life in the U.S. Thus, the U.S. cannot solve the problem by itself.

Social Security
For over 70 years, Social Security has provided all working Americans with a basic level of income protected against inflation, financial market fluctuations, risks of disability, losing a family wage-earner, or outliving one's assets. With a few modest changes, it can continue to deliver this remarkable security. Eliminating the wage cap entirely would solve the financial shortage and leave a slight surplus.

A Social Security cap of $90,000 at one time represented 90% of all wages paid in the United States. Now it only covers about 85%. Adjusting the cap to cover 90% would solve 40% of Social Securities financial problems. Eliminating the wage cap entirely would solve the financial shortage and leave a slight surplus.

Stem Cell Research
This is encouraged. People should be provided the opportunity to be healthy.

Trade Deficit
We've given away our manufacturing base through free trade; increased our trace deficit and outsourced many American jobs. In 1951, the average U.S. trade tariff was approximately 15%. By 1979 it had sunk to 5.7%, and now it is just under 3%.
The current level of our trade deficit stands at a staggering $3.5 trillion. We need to stem the tide of imports that drive our trade deficit even higher. Should our candidates back the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?

War on Terrorism
The war in Iraq has been neither well thought out or properly executed.
Sole source contracts have been issued which has resulted in huge profits for the companies involved. There has been poor long-term planning and some questionable agendas. Today’s defense budget (in wartime) is less than 4 percent of GDP. Fighting a global war on terrorism, protecting the homeland, peace-keeping in the Balkins, and honoring treaty commitments in Europe, the Far East, and the Sinai has spread the United States armed forces very thin.
Should we continue with this policy or admit our mistakes and begin a withdrawal.