Brian Moore in OnTheIssues interviews with presidential candidates
On Abortion:
Right to free abortion on demand at any stage of pregnancy
We demand full support for every woman’s right to choose when, if, and how to have children, including the right to free abortion on demand at any stage of pregnancy, without interference or coercion.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Budget & Economy:
Socialize all financial & insurance institutions
We call for all financial and insurance institutions to be socially owned and operated by a national banking authority, democratically controlled, including credit unions and insurance and state bank cooperatives. Plus, we call for more and stronger
regulation of the banking and insurance industries.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Civil Rights:
Ban military tribunals, and restore habeas corpus
Q: What about immigrant detainees? And what about Guantanamo?A: We call for an end to use of “secret evidence” in deportation hearings, a ban on all immigration detentions and military tribunals, and full due process and habeas corpus right
in US courts for all non-citizens.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Civil Rights:
Promote a multicultural/multiethnic presence
The Socialist Party demands the elimination of all forms of discrimination in housing, jobs, education, health care, etc. We are committed to a pluralistic society that defends and promotes a multicultural/multiethnic presence. We also call for
the strict legal penalties for the police practice of racial profiling, and we particularly condemn the targeting of Arabs and Muslims since September 11.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Civil Rights:
Blacks & women have been historically discriminated against
We oppose all efforts to declare English an official language and we support the enforcement of Native American treaty rights and democratization of power and wealth in tribal governments. We recognize the human and civil rights of all, without
regard to physical or psychological disabilities. And we particularly support and defend the rights of blacks, seniors, women and youth who have been historically discriminated against in our society.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Corporations:
Eliminate corporate welfare, then eliminate corporations
We call for the elimination of subsidies and tax breaks that benefit corporations and all other forms of corporate welfare. We call for the ultimate transformation of the economy from a for-profit to a non-profit system run by the workers. Workers
will buy out the corporations at a fair price and transition to a system where the revenues gained by the corporations deemed suitable for the environment and quality of humankind’s lives will be redistributed to the workers.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Crime:
Abolish the death penalty
We call for the abolition of the death penalty and a moratorium on new prison construction. We support alternatives to prisons and immediate closure of all “Supermax” prisons and “prisons for profits.”
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Crime:
Base justice system on mediation and rehabilitation
We expect equal treatment under the law and a criminal system based on prevention, mediation, restitution, and rehabilitation rather than on vengeance, forced labor and private sector profits. We also call for the prosecution of the criminal activities
of politicians, corporate managers and privileged individuals. We support the right of prisoners to organize unions.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Drugs:
Decriminalize drug use; de-fund war on drugs
We call for the decriminalization of drug use and the regulation of narcotics by doctors through the use of prescriptions rather than by the criminal justice system. We call for the redirection of funds spent on the “war on drugs” to comprehensive
community-based, client-controlled rehabilitation programs.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Education:
Too much emphasis on high tech in classrooms
I am concerned about schools’ overemphasis on high technology equipment in classrooms. Children are spending too much time on television, play stations, gameboys, internet games, etc. They are becoming dependent on being entertained, as opposed
to using time for physical activity, intellectual projects, use of hands and mind, leisure time for imagination, etc.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Education:
Fully fund libraries & museums to preserve culture
We want to emphasize arts and culture; plus creative use of leisure time. We encourage understanding of heritage programs. We encourage full funding for libraries, cultural centers, school arts programs, museums and historic sites. We call for the
preservation of literature, oral traditions & audio & video recordings from people’s experiences. We need to advance art centers, independent media, theaters, & festivals to advance cultural endeavors as music, poetry, drama, storytelling, & video
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Education:
Full and equal funding of public education
We call for the full and equal funding of public education; for the restoration of a comprehensive K-12 curriculum, including art, music, world languages, sports programs and physical education. We call for an end to all public funding of private
schools. We support local school/community committees and participation of student representation on school boards, and these boards be fully accountable to students, parents, teachers and school workers.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Energy & Oil:
Develop solar, geothermal, wind, hydropower and biomass
We stand for municipal ownership and control of energy plants, in a non-profit and decentralized system. We call for the development of alternative energy sources including solar, geothermal, wind, hydropower and biomass to end dependence on fossil
fuels.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Energy & Oil:
Phase out nuclear power; rejoin Kyoto Protocol
We recognize that human exploitation and environmental destruction are based on the same mechanisms. We call for public ownership and democratic control of our natural resources, the phasing out of all nuclear power plants and exportation of nuclear
technology and the return to participation in international agreements (i.e. Kyoto Protocol) limiting carbon emissions and control of global warming.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Environment:
Require companies to clean up their own toxic waste
We oppose open-pit mining and call for shutting down waste incinerators and landfills and all communities affected by hazardous waste materials. We place full financial responsibility on private companies for clean up of their own toxic wastes
and the full compensation of workers and residents adversely affected by the company’s material hazards.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Families & Children:
16 months paid maternity & paternity leave
We call for 16 months paid leave to be shared by new parents or in its entirety by a single parent, and the expansion and full-funding of high-quality child care facilities. With regard to youth, we call for an end to military recruiting in educational
institutions, the abolition of parent consent and notification laws for reproductive health services, including abortion. We call for the lowering of the voting age to 15 and oppose age-based curfew laws.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Foreign Policy:
Large-scale transfer of technology to developing countries
We advocate a large-scale transfer of resources and technology from the developed to the developing countries, as well. We call for a fully funded high-speed national rail system with fares set low enough as viable alternative to use of automobile.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Foreign Policy:
Corporate interests are the cause of most wars
Q: What would you change about US foreign policy?A: The US government uses its overwhelming military power to consolidate its strategic hold over the entire world and to defend and advance the interest of US-owned corporations as they exploit
the working people and natural resources.
Q: So corporations are the problem?
A: By eliminating for-profit corporations, we will be able to eliminate most wars, and cut our Defense budget in half.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Free Trade:
Withdraw from NAFTA, FTAA, WTO, and IMF
We demand the immediate withdrawal of the US from NAFTA, CAFTA and FTAA. We oppose the World Bank, WTO and the IMF. We call for a fundamental transformation of the economy, focusing on production for need not for profit. Free Trade and Fair Trade
are meaningless as long as the world economy is dominated by a few massive corporations. We need a global transformation from capitalism to democratic socialism which will provide peace, justice and economic cooperation to all nations equally.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Government Reform:
Public financing of campaigns, with free TV access
We support public financing of campaigns, same day registration, universal 50-state ballot access for minor party presidential candidates, equal participation in candidate debates, equal and free access to public airwaves for all candidates; citizen
legislatures; proportional representation in voting, paper ballots for paper trail auditing and public voting on the nation going to war.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Gun Control:
Right to bear arms needed for oppressed people
Many workers have died at the hands of the local police, the Army and privately hired goons. Workers and citizens will most likely need access to guns for defense, since the wealthy and corporate power can be counted on to use all manner of violence
to prevent any radical or revolutionary change that would mean their overthrow or loss of power & control. Socialists believe in the inalienable right of exploited & oppressed people to self-defense, thus, we support the right of all citizens to bear arm
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Health Care:
National health care system for all citizens
We call for a national health care system for all citizens in the country. Health care is a right, not a privilege, and all peoples residing in the
United States should have equal access to a comprehensive plan of medical, dental and mental health services. The national system should be administered through the federal government, as Medicare, Medicaid and the
Veterans health care system is now done. Health care savings will also be greatly achieved through a more efficient system based on preventive medicine and a financial incentive to providers to keep consumers healthy, well and out of the hospital.
In addition, 1600 for-profit health insurance companies will be eliminated, and their exorbitant 35% administrative costs for profits, paperwork, marketing and duplication of services.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Homeland Security:
Close down all foreign military bases
By eliminating for-profit corporations, nationalizing industries, and controlling and regulating the banking and financial areas, we will be able to eliminate most wars, enhance peace through fairer economic policies, and cut our Defense budget
in half. We will also close down all foreign military bases and abolish the CIA and NSA. We stand for unconditional disarmament, outlawing all nuclear power and weapons of mass destruction and end U.S. arms sales.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Homeland Security:
Close down the DHS and repeal the Patriot Act
We will close down the entire homeland security agency, an $8 billion boondoggle with duplicated bureaucracy & unnecessary layers of intelligence. This should include eliminating its sweeping police powers, & repealing the Patriot Act & Anti-Terrorism
Act.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Homeland Security:
Reduce terrorist threat by ending foreign exploitation
Terrorist threats will cease due to our new foreign policy that stops our exploitation of foreign lands and cultures and thereby removing the motivation of hate so prevalent amongst those countries that have been taken advantage of by our government
and American and global corporations.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Immigration:
End the militarization of the US/Mexican border
The Socialist Party calls for an end to the militarization of the US/Mexican border, an end to police raids of immigrants, and we defend the rights of all immigrants to education, health care, & full civil and legal rights. We call for an unconditional
amnesty program for all undocumented people, and full citizenship rights upon demonstrating residency for six months.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Jobs:
Unemployment compensation at 100% of previous income
We call for an increased and expanded welfare assistance program and unemployment compensation at 100% of a worker’s previous income or the minimum wage for the full period of unemployment or re-training.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Jobs:
30-hour work week with 6-weeks annual paid vacation
We call for a 30-hour work week, six weeks annual paid vacation, right of all workers to form a union and the right of public sector workers to strike. We also call for the repeal of all “right-to-work” laws, the same provision of employee benefits
for part-time worker as for full-time workers and creation of a fund to pay full wages for education and retraining if a worker losses his/her job.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Jobs:
Militant labor action for social ownership of production
We support militant labor action, boycotts, sympathy strikes, sit-down and general strikes and the expropriation of the workplace. We ultimately support the right of all workers to organize for worker control of industry and social ownership of
the means of production and distribution.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Jobs:
Set minimum wage of $15 per hour and index upward
We call for worker and community ownership and control of corporations within a decentralized and democratically determined economic plan. Until we reach our goal, we call for a minimum wage of $15 per hour, indexed to the cost of living, a full
employment policy with a guaranteed annual income and withdrawal from all free trade agreements.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Principles & Values:
Abolition all forms of domination and exploitation
We believe in the abolition of every form of domination and exploitation. We are committed to the creation of a democratic society based on compassion, empathy and respect and an egalitarian approach based on cooperation, not competition nor greed.
We are committed to achieve this through establishing new social structures and a new social and economic order in which workers and community members take responsibility for and control of their relationships, neighborhoods, local
government and the production and distribution of all goods and services. Social ownership and democratic control will be the foundation of our society and we will participate to a fair share of society’s product, in accordance with individual needs.
Our socialistic transformation will make radical demands on the existing system which will challenge the basic assumptions of a capitalist market economy.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Social Security:
Retirement at age 55 with $25,000 annual income
We deplore discrimination based on age, the right of retirement at age 55, a minimum annual retirement income of $25,000, tax free, and protection from inflation by cost of living increases. And we call for a cap on Social Security benefits so
that no-one earns more than three times the income of those receiving the minimum.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Tax Reform:
Steeply graduated income tax and estate tax
We call for a steeply graduated income tax and graduated estate tax, plus the restoration of capital gains and luxury taxes on the same basis. We also oppose regressive taxes such as payroll tax, sales tax and property taxes.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Technology:
Massive federal investment in infrastructure
We support a program of massive federal investment in both urban and rural areas for infrastructure and economic development. It is important to direct technology toward scientific exploration, research and development.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Technology:
Transfer interstate highway funding to high-speed rail
We call for a fully funded high-speed national rail system, an end to the expansion of the interstate highway system and reduction of combustion engine transport. We call for public ownership and worker control of the airline industry and the
petroleum and gas industries until their use is no longer viable.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On War & Peace:
End wars by removing greed motivation & cultural alienation
Wars will almost be entirely eliminated because the cause of greed, weapon sales, nuclear power elimination and cultural alienation will have been eliminated. In rare instances of upheaval, due to dictators, or ethnic cleansing within a country,
will there be necessary to have a minimum security apparatus. Peace will be more accessible, and war less perennial, with only the human instincts of selfishness and possession that will have to be defeated and challenged.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
On Welfare & Poverty:
Eliminate poverty by eliminating for-profit system
Poverty is deprivation of those things that determine the quality of life, including food, clothing, shelter and safe drinking water, but also such “intangibles” as the opportunity to learn, to engage in meaningful employment, and to enjoy the respect
of fellow citizens. This is the very essence of what Socialism is all about and how we wish to transform America’s society, and the world, into a more equitable and just way to live.
We propose the elimination of poverty through the elimination of the for-profit system, and to transform it into worker control with full employment, a free national health system and full access to a free education.
We also call for a guaranteed annual income which will enable all citizens to participate in a quality of life which will include food, water, shelter and mutual respect.
Source: Email interview on presidential race with OnTheIssues.org
Apr 3, 2008
Page last updated: Dec 02, 2021