America Needs A Big Johnson

The best candidate for president in 2012 does not have a chance to win and that is shameful.  The filthy, corrupt, power-hungry two party system is providing a slow, torturous death to America.  Gary Johnson (who has been endorsed by Ron Paul) could change that.  But sadly, he'll never get the chance.  I know my little blog doesn't mean much to the nation, but I am officially endorsing Gary Johnson for President of the United States.  Here is a look at Johnson and where he stands on some of the most important issues.

Gary Johnson started his own business in 1976, Big J Enterprises, and built it from a one-man venture into one of New Meixco's largest construction companies.  When he announced his candidacy for governor in 1994, he used $500,000 of his own money to start his campaign.

Johnson won the election for governor in 1994 campaigning on regulation of govenmet spending and growth, tax cuts and job creation. During his first 6 months in office, Johnson vetoed 200 of 427 bills. (By the end of his second term the veto total was 742.) His first term did include a few stare downs with the democrat controlled legislator. The only tax cut he was able to get passed was a 6-cents per gallon decrease of the gasoline tax and battles over the state budget cuased near government shutdowns on multiple occasions.  However, by the end of his second term, Johnson had managed to cut taxes 14 times without a single increase.  And during his time as governor, New Mexico had the highest job growth in America.

Johnson won a second term over challenger Martin Chavez, 55%-45% in a state with a 40% Hispanic population.  (This means many Hispanics voted for Johnson in that election, just to make that clear.)  His second term consisted of a continuation of the practices from the first term but did bring some daring proposals.  Johnson became the first governor to propose a state-wide school voucher system and he also prosoped the opening of two privately operated prisons to eliminate millions of dollars from the state budget.  Neither plan passed.  But neither did the democrats request for $93 million in EXTRA funding for the public school system. 

Johnson's presidential platform includes a 43% cut to Medicare and Medicaid and converting both into block grants with control of the spending given to the states.  he also favors a 43% cut in the military budget with the biggest cuts coming in the form of closing most overseas bases, civilian personnel and the nuclear weapons program.  He would also bring the troops home from the Middle East and would not support any aggression towards Iran.  Johnson also supports a state bankruptcy law, removing any possibility of a federal bailout of fiscally irresponsible states.

Gary Johnson supports the decriminalization of marijuana, calling the war on drugs "an expensive bust".  Johnson was a user of medicinal marijuana after a paragliding accident left him near death.  He believes too much money is being wasted on trials and incarceration of marijuana offenders.

Gary Johnson is a strong supporter of gay marriage and a  Johnson presidency would see the proposal of a Constitutional amendment protecting ALL marriage rights. 

Among the legislation Johnson would repeal is the Patriot Act and the National Defense Authorization Act. Johnson would also repeal Obamacare believing the government in way can reduce costs while increasing access for the people.  Johnson would also repeal the perscription drug subsidies bill signed by George W. Bush.  He also believes it is up to the insurance companies to decide whether to cover the costs of birth control, not a government mandate.

He also would abolish the TSA and the Departments of Education (He believes the federal government has no business in education.) and Housing and Urban Development. 

When it comes to taxes, Johnson would establish a 23% national sales tax to replace the income tax and would eliminate the IRS.

Johnson has a limited pro-choice view on abortion. He believes a woman should have the right to an abortion up until fetal viability.  He also supports parental notification for minors and the non-use of public funds when it comes to abortion.

Eliminating the corporate income tax to enourage business growth and hiring and simplifying the tax code to prevent rewarding special interests and regulation behavior would also be on Johnson's agenda if elected president.

There would be no foreign aid provided unless to protect American interests.  Johnson believes America has enough building to be done here and should not be sending billions of dollars overseas.

Johnson believes the process through which immigrants obtain work visas should be simplified.  He wants to encourage legal immigration and also make certain the proper taxes are being paid.

On a lighter note, Gary Johnson is also an avid athlete who has been in several ironman competitions and has climbed four of the Seven Summits. 

This election day, if you are sick to your stomach with the two Big Evils, vote Gary Johnson for President.

Dear Neal Huntington

I've been a Pirates fan for 30 years.  So please pay attention to this.  These are the things I want accomplished before spring training begins.

Decline the option on Rod Barajas.  There is no debate on this. It must be done.

Sign Garrett "GI" Jones to a multi-year contract and announce he will be the every day right fielder.  His performance this year has earned him both of those things.  Give him what he deserves and give the Pirates a clean-up hitter for the next few seasons.

Re-sign Jason Grilli.  He earned a new deal just as Jones did.

DFA Charlie Morton.

Find a veteran left handed bat to come off the bench.  One of the Pirates biggest weaknesses was the lqack of a solid left-handed stick coming off the bench.  Jeff Clement is not the answer.

And now, for the big one.  Are you sitting down?  Trade Joel Hanrahan.  A closer of his talent and consistancy could bring you the two pieces lacking in this organization: a shortstop and a catcher.  Yes I like The Fort, but he is not suited to the the every day backstop.  And Clint Barmes may be a good defensive shortstop but he is a rally killer at the plate. One area where the Pirates do have depth is pitching.  The team's next closer is already on the 40-man roster.  You just have to decide who it's going to be.

Thanks, Neal.  I appreciate your time.  Can't wait to see them team agian in 2013.

Your change sucks.

Coming in November