Steve Forbes in 2000 National Political Awareness Test

On Civil Rights: School prayer OK; civil rights are local issues

Forbes indicates that religious expression on public school property should be allowed. He says, “Enforcement of civil rights should occur at the local, state and federal level.” Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Crime: Stricter penalties, more prisons, longer sentences

Broaden the use of the death penalty for federal crimes
Impose stricter penalties for violent felons
Increase spending to build more federal prisons
Impose “truth in sentencing” for violent criminals so they serve full sentences
Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills
Support programs to provide prison inmates with drug and alcohol addiction treatment.

Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Education: Supports teacher testing and merit pay

Give all federal education funding to states in the form of block grants and allow the states to spend it as they see fit
Support voluntary and/or mandatory teacher testing & reward teachers with merit pay
Eliminate restrictions on federal education funding, giving educators or local school districts more flexibility to design & implement their programs
Support federal tax incentives to help families save for college.

Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Education: More charters; vouchers at private & parochial schools

Allow parents to use vouchers (equal opportunity scholarships) to send their children to any participating school: public, private or religious.
Allow parents to use tax-free savings accounts to send their children to any participating school: public, private or religious.
Support creation of more charter schools where teachers and professionals receive authorization and funding to establish new schools.

Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Families & Children: Celebrate marriage; support it via tax cuts & other policy

[One of my top priorities is to] reaffirm the sanctity of marriage. My wife, Sabina, and I have been married 28 years. I will use the “bully pulpit” to celebrate marriage, abolish the marriage tax penalty, cut taxes, and make it easier for families to spend more time together. [I will] reinforce the essential role of parents in raising children. I’ll fight for parental freedom to choose schools that reinforce moral and spiritual values being taught at home. Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Gun Control: Concealed carry OK; gun issues are local

Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
Increase penalties for the possession of any illegal guns.
Strengthen enforcement of current regulations on guns.
Forbes says, “States should set firearm standards, not the federal government.”

Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Health Care: Give small-business employees same options as others

Support health care strategies focused on prevention
Allow small business owners & employees and the self-employed to have the same deductibility for health costs as corporations and large employers
Expand eligibility for tax-free medical savings accounts

Forbes says, “Allow all Medicare beneficiares freedom to choose from a wide variety of private health plans, just like federal goverment employees can do.” Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Homeland Security: Act unilaterally, without UN command or involvement

The US should take unilateral military action if Iraq does not comply with all accepted United Nations resolutions
The US should continue to play a prominent leadership role in the peace process between Israel and the Palestine Authority
The US should not commit military troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions
Forbes says “the US should never put American soldiers under UN command.”

Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Principles & Values: ‘New birth of freedom’ applies to all policies

As President, I will tear down the walls of big government and create a ‘new birth of freedom’ for all Americans: Freedom to be born and grow up in personal safety and prosperity. Freedom to choose an honest, simple flat tax. Freedom to choose a new Social Security system of Personal Retirement Accounts. Freedom to choose schools that work and doctors you trust. Freedom from fear of missile attacks and a loss of American security and sovereignty. Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

The above quotations are from Election 2000 National Political Awareness Test, by Project Vote Smart. Click here for other excerpts from Election 2000 National Political Awareness Test, by Project Vote Smart. Click here for other excerpts by Steve Forbes. Click here for a profile of Steve Forbes.
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Page last updated: Nov 29, 2018