Bentivolio Reddit Online Townhall TODAY AT NOON!

[Spoa]

Future Congressman (hopefully) Kerry Bentivolio sent out an e-mail concerning his townhall. This is great!

Friends,

You are cordially invited to take part in my first on-line "Town Hall" forum, today starting at noon.

I'll be answering questions from... anybody. So go ahead, ask me anything.

Depending on the volume of questions, I might not be able to answer every single one... but I'll do my best.

All of the questions and answers will be on the record and available for all the world to see.

I've made transparency a campaign pledge, and I believe it is important for people to make informed decisions about the candidates who hope to represent them in Washington.

I'm happy to take any question from anyone, and this particular on-line format is great in that it is completely un-filtered.

You'll be able to read each of my responses directly.

The online forum will take place on reddit.com, at this address: www.reddit.com/r/iama/

Reddit is user-controlled website with category forums for every topic you can think of. It's one of the most popular websites in the world. In any category, anyone can post links or start a discussion, and other users vote on them for prominent placement. And anyone can make comments, reply to comments, and vote on comments.

One of their most popular forums is called "IAmA" where interesting people present themselves and invite users to "ask me anything." Or, AMA, for short.

For example, right now the top posts are: "I Am Ira Flatow, host of Science Friday, AMA." "IAmA Former Navy Test Pilot who crashed the 727 on Discovery Channel's 'Plane Crash,' AMA" "IAmA Qatari royal."

So, today at noon, I will post: "I am Kerry Bentivolio, Vietnam and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and Republican nominee for the open congressional seat in Michigan's 11th district. AMA."

To ask a question, you will need a Reddit account... but they only take seconds to create. There's no e-mail verification, no cost, nothing. You simply click the link in the top-right to create an account. You just make up a username and password.

Once you login, you can "upvote" my "Ask me anything" posting... which will be helpful to keep it on the front page of the forum. And you can "upvote" any questions and answers you find helpful.

So, join me today, starting at noon, on Reddit at reddit.com/r/iama/.

See you then, and... ask me anything!

For Liberty,

Kerry

 

[tsai3904]

Here is the link:
http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1154sn/iama_veteran_of_vietnam_operation_iraqi_freedom/

Do you believe liberty for all super PAC was responsible for your primary win?

There's no easy way of knowing. I'd assume they were helpful. But we had a lot of volunteers on the ground, and of course it was helpful being the only candidate on the ballot. Liberty for All was not the only Super PAC, either. So it's difficult to measure.

As a former Fowlerville H.S. PUBLIC school teacher (and I assume a member of the MEA)... do you support Democracy in the workplace? collective bargaining? Proposal 2?

Well it's not "democracy in the workplace" to force every public schoolteacher to pays dues to a union. In fact, if workers had the option to refrain from paying dues, the effect would be to democratize unions and make them accountable to the workers as much as possible. "Collective bargaining" does not empower workers, it is a deprivation of their right to participate as individuals in a union or not to. Everyone should be permitted to join a union... or not.

What is your stance on the legislation that is being introduced to control/censor/regulate the internet (SOPA, PIPA, CISPA, etc.), and how would you vote on these key issues if elected?

I oppose these attempts to regulate the Internet. The Internet has become a wonderful thing without government regulation, and the government should not be regulating speech or commerce on the Internet. I would vote against SOPA, PIPA, CISPA.

Do you believe President Obama was born in this country?

I believe he was born in this country, and he should be defeated based on his policies, not conspiracy theories which are a distraction from his record.

What are your thoughts on the PATRIOT Act?

I would have opposed it and voted against renewing it. We can protect our country without infringing on the essential liberty of our citizens.

Or do you believe the Ron Paul liberty movement had a role?

They have a role, too. Many of my volunteers were Ron Paul supporters, although my coalition today is broader.

Please name 2 senators and 2 congressmen/women that you admire based on their political philosophies. Also, if you could name at least 2 federal departments that you would support cutting, that would be very helpful.

I admire Justin Amash, and I plan to be the second Congressman to post all of my votes on-line with explanations. Also Allan West, who has been a fighter for our country for 30 years. I admire his tenacity in fighting for a smaller government.

In the Senate, Mike Lee and especially Jim DeMint, who has been sticking by his principles for many years.

And of course, Ron and Rand Paul.

I'm no fan of the FCC, which is the group trying to regulate the Internet, and which already regulates radio and television excessively. Some essential roles of the Department of Homeland Security should be returned to the FBI and military, the rest done away with. Again with Deparment of Energy, a few essential roles could be transferred elsewhere and the rest of it done away with. And education should be done at the state and local level, not the federal level.

Its NOT mandatory to join a Union... you are incorrect! AND also... DID you ACCEPT the PUBLIC School salary that was collectively bargained for??? Or did you opt out and hire in as a non union employee...and negotiate your OWN salary???

Yes it is mandatory. Even if you exercise Beck rights, much of the money unions spend on "non-political" activity which is often indirectly spent on politics. Plus you become a political target. It's almost impossible not to pay dues to a union when the entire workforce is union.

If it was the case that union membership was optional, unions would not oppose Right to Work laws, since they wouldn't change anything.

Do you support the legalization of gay marriage?
Which issue do you consider most important economically, and which issue socially? (ie, national debt, education)
Do you feel like the military, which spends 6x more than any other military in the world and as much as the top 14 combined, shares an equal responsibility to be cut as social programs?
How do you feel about the Patriot Act and/or clause 1021 of the NDAA?
Would you support patent reform to prevent abuse by companies such as Apple, Nokia, Intellectual Ventures, Righthaven, etc?

Gay marriage is legal, just not recognized by the government... I believe marriage is between a man and a woman but the government doesn't have the moral authority to answer this question.
Economically, the debt, which is $16 trillion today and over $200 trillion in un-funded liabilities. This is astronomical and will destroy our country. This also make it the most pressing social issue; it's grossly immoral to pass this on to the next generation, which is what is happening.

Not every military dollar is sacred, too much is wasted, and fighting no-win nation-building efforts are a huge waste, but at the same time, we need to be more efficient. We call them "force multipliers"--using technology better. As it is, it can take a year for a part to arrive from the day it's ordered. There's a lot more room for efficiency in the military while still being the most powerful force.
Also, remember that Communist Russia had a formidable military but the whole thing fell apart economically. So the economy itself is a defense priority.
I oppose the Patriot Act, asked elsewhere, and on the front page of kerrybentivolioforcongress.com you can find me speaking out about the NDAA.
Patent reform is a judicial issue, and I'm not sure if the situation warrants congressional intervention. But I admit I'm not an expert on this yet.

Please clarify your relationship with the Michigan Militia:

None.

Do you support the Ryan budget?

It's an improvement. I would have supported it. It needs to go further. The debt and the deficit are out of control.

I am tired of representatives that only vote along the party lines and do not care what people of their district think about particular issues. Every time that I try to communicate with my current representative (Gary Peters), I am lucky to get a form letter back a few months later.
How do you intend to gather feedback from your constituents if you are elected? What are you going to fight for?
I will be in your district for the general election next month.

We're planning to develop a mobile office with a schedule moving around the district, in addition to a fixed district office.

One of my major issues will be veterans' issues. When I was MEDEVAC'd from Iraq I spent 30 days in Germany for my neck injury. I was transferred to the Medical Holding unit at Fort Knox for the remainder of my recovery. Upon arrival to Ft. Knox the soldiers told me of a recent death in the unit. A soldier died in his barracks room and was not discovered for 4 days. The Army official report is 12 hours, the newspapers reported 2 days. The boots on the ground said 4 days. The soldier ordered his pizza on Friday and was discovered on Monday evening with his uneaten pizza. 7 days later I received a prescription from my doctor and waited 6 hours for the Ireland Hospital to inform me they did not carry the medication and to come back Thursday. Upon my return that Thursday they informed me they forgot to order it. I could have received the same medication from Walmart in less than an hour. We need better care for our veterans, and they deserve more choices in medical services. I guess this is why I'm wary of the government getting more involved in the medical industry for civilians as well.

Kerry, I recently watch J. Edgar and I was wondering what actual constitutional authority does the FBI and DEA have?

I have a family member who was deeply harmed by drug abuse, but this is a matter for the states to handle. The Constitution does make crime-fighting a state issue. Even if we ended the federal war on drugs, they are still illegal at the state level, where it belongs.

Some things the FBI does may sometimes exceed its constitutional powers, but the bureau itself serves the executive branch to protect national security.

Kerry, presently an American citizen does not have the right to take the IRS to court. Do you have any plans to push tax reform?

Very emphatically, yes. The IRS has become a "moral enforcer," both against religious institutions (for example, limiting political speech of churches) and on marriage--where strangely, sometimes there is a "marriage penalty" and other times marriage works to tax benefit. It's all very arbitrary. The complexity of the tax code is outrageous, too. The tax code shouldn't be longer than the Bible.

What was your reaction when you first learned McCotter was not going to be on the ballot?

"Oh my god!"
Seriously, first I was stunned. Then I was thrilled.
But only a few days later, I realized the enormous responsibility I was facing. I'd been told for more than a year I had no chance, so to suddenly realize I had a real shot at becoming a congressman, so it took a moment to prepare myself to be ready, willing, and able to go all the way.

What is your stance on cannabis legalization?

In Michigan it's become a 10th Amendment question. It's really a state issue, and the federal government should get out of regulating narcotics.

Do you support the debt ceiling increase deal that occurred in 2011? In what cases would you vote for an increase? Do you support the Cut, Cap, Balance plan?

-Absolutely not. -I can't imagine; it's outrageously high already. -I support Cut, Cap, and Balance.

The press has repeatedly said you're a difficult man to track down. You have also skipped some previously scheduled candidate forums. If elected, would this trend continue? How would you make yourself available to answer your constituents? And along those lines, how do we even know Mr. Bentivolio is the man behind the keyboard right now?

I've been interviewed on WAAM on a weekly basis since May; I do interviews when asked; I was interviewed by the Milford Times and Channel 7 last week, I've been on Frank Beckmann's show a couple times; I'm being interviewed by Nolan Finley this week.

I never skipped any previously scheduled candidate forums; I declined to attend the League of Women Voters event because they had two Democrats in two races who were going to get double my time, plus a few third-party candidates who were going to trash me as a group. It didn't seem like a fair setting. But I did debate my opponent in a candidates' forum a few months ago, which went well.

Somewhere above I mentioned having a mobile office in the district... and I'm here answering these questions. Having fun actually, might do this on a recurring basis. As for the last question... thanks for the vote of confidence.

You have not had strong support from the mainstream Oakland County Republican Party leadership. What are you doing to win them over?

We're doing a lot better now.

Though, I would like to know what about the Ryan budget specifically is an 'improvement.' You mentioned earlier that our public debt will destroy us, yet the Ryan budget if extrapolated outward wouldn't even hit break even on the deficit until the 2030s. Any plan we have will need to be balanced in some way... ie, we will need cuts and revenue increases to even have a prayer of paying back the debt.

You know how long it takes for an aircraft carrier to turn around? Imagine how long it takes the ship of state... we need to devise a better course and it will take time. Every deal so far has involved trading deficit cuts for tax increases, then has always led to just tax increases as the next Congress always fails to tackle the spending.
The key is reducing the deficit without hurting the economy; a bad economy always hurts the poor and middle classes the most.

What would you replace veterans medical services (VA) with? How would that work, would it still be taxpayer-funded?
Would it be for-profit or non-profit?

Rather than replace VA services, I would strengthen it but also legalize competition. Allow soldiers to choose whether to stick with the VA or opt for their own care. The VA benefit is part of the salary they--we--receive for serving our country. They should have ownership over what to do with it.

Kerry, you are one of only two politicians I have ever donated to. You are with good company in my book so far. It seems clear that you are a staunch supporter of liberty. At this point in time I believe we need educators that dont only believe, but understand the principles and philosophy of liberty so they can explain and debate these ideas effectively. That being said, have you ever read anything from economists like Mises, Hayek, Hazlit or more philosophical stuff from people like Rothbard? If not, what are you reading today and what do you have lined up for the future?

I received 17 books for my birthday last Saturday. The two on my desk are Karl Denninger's Leverage and Ron Paul's Liberty Defined. A member of my staff gave me a copy of Rothbard's What Has the Government Done With Our Money? and I'm looking forward to them.

If you're elected, what's the #1 thing you hope to accomplish within 2-years?

One thing I can do without congressional approval is transparency and accountability... perhaps with Justin Amash we can start a trend. The mobile office can also be done without a vote, and setting a standard for constituent services.

Economically, I'll push for a balanced budget amendment, tax simplification, auditing the Federal Reserve.

Of course, a lot depends on what happens on Election Day, so we'll see.

1. Thanks for coming on here. Reddit tends to be a liberal echo chamber and there aren't too many Republicans who dare enter.
2. Were you in Desert Shield / Storm? If so, we served together.
3. What's the biggest thing that differentiates you from your opponent?

1. Well, it's a public setting. I like that my responses are made directly available to the public.

2. I served with the 177th MP Bde ready, willing and able to go in the next group deployed in support of Desert Storm. One private said they heard I was coming and gave up soon afterwards (LOL) so I did not go. I am a veteran of OIF 2007 supporting my unit's Combat Convoy Missions. I am a veteran of Vietnam 11B (Infantry rifleman).

3. Fundamentally, I believe in less government, fiscal responsibility, and individual rights. My opponent is a collectivist; he doesn't seem concerned about the debt, he believes in giving bureaucrats even more control over our personal behavior and over commerce.

It's a question of whether we have more liberty or less.

What role do you think the federal government should play in terms of abortion?

Without defining when life begins, there's no definition when our rights begin. Life begins at conception. That's even the scientific consensus when a unique individual life begins.

What was it like serving in 3 major military conflicts? Was it difficult re-adjusting from civilian life to military life after such a long break?

Actually I served boots-on-the-ground in two, although I was ready for combat in 1990. Vietnam was the most difficult adjustment because veterans were not well-respected.

Do you believe in evolution?

Creation and evolution are not mutually exclusive. The Bible says God created heaven and earth in six days, and rested on the seventh... how long is a day, to God?

Do you support or oppose health care programs provided by the Federal government using federal tax dollars? This would include the ACA, Medicare, Medicaid, VA, FEP, military and health care insurance provided to elected officials and other federal workers.
Which of these do you support? Which should be terminated? Why?

These are several different things, so there's no single answer to all of them... I oppose the government take-over of health care that the ACA is. As mentioned elsewhere I would strengthen the VA, which is part of their compensation for serving our country, but allow veterans to choose their own solution as an alternative option. We have to honor our obligations to our senior but Medicare reform is essential because the program is not solvent as it stands today. Health insurance for elected officials and federal workers is part of their compensation, and there are choices there, so I'm not opposed to the way it is now.

What are your views on Ayn Rand and her philosophy of Objectivism?

There's a lot of value in her works, but she prizes logic as if it's the only force in the universe. A true free market isn't just dog-eat-dog; it's a system where individuals are empowered to make the most of their lives, and the market--the consumers--decide for themselves what is best for them and who the winners are. I respect Rand's contribution to the moral case for capitalism and freedom, but I wouldn't call myself an Objectivist. There is a human nature and there is value for compassion.

would you sign the no tax pledge?

If it's Grover Norquist's you mean, I was happy to sign it. I also signed the Republican Liberty Caucus' pledge.

What kind of work did you do as an automotive designer? Which companies did you work for?

I worked for American Motors out of college as a draftsman for engines. I went to Ford Motor Company and worked as a detailer and layout draftsman--exhaust systems, routing pipes, nothing glamorous. Then at General Motors, Fisher Body Division, eventually ending up as a project design engineer in the styling department.

I admit while the thread hasn't been much noticed yet, you are getting much more upvotes than downvotes which is surprising for a republican in reddit.

I would hope people would encourage a discussion on these issues whether they agree with me or not. I am giving honest answers to important issues. I want people to know who I am, and I'm glad they respect that.

In what ways does your military service help your political career?

Wow, great question. Let's see... Selflessness, discipline, patriotism, loyalty to country, duty to accomplish missions, respect for the Constitution, honor, integrity, leadership... these are all valuable qualities enhanced by the military experience.

 

[Spoa]

Bentivolio is answering questions about SOPA/PIPA, collective bargaining rights, etc. Here are some of his great responses so far:

On Collective Bargaining:

Well it's not "democracy in the workplace" to force every public schoolteacher to pays dues to a union. In fact, if workers had the option to refrain from paying dues, the effect would be to democratize unions and make them accountable to the workers as much as possible. "Collective bargaining" does not empower workers, it is a deprivation of their right to participate as individuals in a union or not to. Everyone should be permitted to join a union... or not.

SOPA/PIPA:

I oppose these attempts to regulate the Internet. The Internet has become a wonderful thing without government regulation, and the government should not be regulating speech or commerce on the Internet. I would vote against SOPA, PIPA, CISPA.

GREAT JOB MR. BENTIVOLIO!

 

[Spoa]

Strong Affirmation in Opposition to Patriot Act:

I would have opposed it and voted against renewing it. We can protect our country without infringing on the essential liberty of our citizens.

 

[Spoa]

Mr. Bentivolio responded to my question! Amazing response.

My question:

Please name 2 senators and 2 congressmen/women that you admire based on their political philosophies.
Also, if you could name at least 2 federal departments that you would support cutting, that would be very helpful.
Thanks.

His response:

I admire Justin Amash, and I plan to be the second Congressman to post all of my votes on-line with explanations. Also Allan West, who has been a fighter for our country for 30 years. I admire his tenacity in fighting for a smaller government.
In the Senate, Mike Lee and especially Jim DeMint, who has been sticking by his principles for many years.
And of course, Ron and Rand Paul.
I'm no fan of the FCC, which is the group trying to regulate the Internet, and which already regulates radio and television excessively. Some essential roles of the Department of Homeland Security should be returned to the FBI and military, the rest done away with. Again with Deparment of Energy, a few essential roles could be transferred elsewhere and the rest of it done away with. And education should be done at the state and local level, not the federal level.

 

[Spoa]

Double posted by accident.

Currently Mr. Bentivolio is doing really well, and what really disgusts me are some of the dumb questions being asked.

For example (I'm paraphrasing), "are you a birther?", "are you a 9-11 theorist", "did you really ask a girl if her hair was natural blonde".

I respect the questions on collective bargaining, the Patriot Act, federal spending, REAL issue questions that REALLY MATTER!

 

[McChronagle]

he hasn't answered my question yet. if you're lookin at this thing, upvote my questioN! i asked about if hes read any mises/hayek/hazlitt/rothbard under the tag mcchronagle.

gotta love these libs trolling it up in this ama. although im not a fan of allen west myself.

edit: thx for the upvoted

 

[McChronagle]

I received 17 books for my birthday last Saturday. The two on my desk are Karl Denninger's Leverage and Ron Paul's Liberty Defined. A member of my staff gave me a copy of Rothbard's What Has the Government Done With Our Money? and I'm looking forward to them.

awesome

 

[Spoa]

he hasn't answered my question yet. if you're lookin at this thing, upvote my questioN! i asked about if hes read any mises/hayek/hazlitt/rothbard under the tag mcchronagle.

gotta love these libs trolling it up in this ama. although im not a fan of allen west myself.

edit: thx for the upvoted

Thanks for coming to Reddit. These libs mocking Mr. Bentivolio are annoying. On Rep. West, he isn't the best, but he did endorse Kerry Bentivolio, so it makes sense that he would praise Rep. West. Here's the news about the endorsement:

http://www.americantowns.com/dc/was...s-endorsements-for-upcoming-election-11116805

 

[Jumbo Shrimp]

he hasn't answered my question yet. if you're lookin at this thing, upvote my questioN! i asked about if hes read any mises/hayek/hazlitt/rothbard under the tag mcchronagle.

gotta love these libs trolling it up in this ama. although im not a fan of allen west myself.

edit: thx for the upvoted

He's getting through them one by one. If you look at his page you'll see his new answers come up every minute or so. http://www.reddit.com/user/KerryBentivolio

 

[DeMintConservative]

I admire Justin Amash, and I plan to be the second Congressman to post all of my votes on-line with explanations. Also Allan West, who has been a fighter for our country for 30 years. I admire his tenacity in fighting for a smaller government.
In the Senate, Mike Lee and especially Jim DeMint, who has been sticking by his principles for many years.

I knew I was right to make this guy one of my congressional race pinkies.

 

[deadfish]

Thanks for posting the responses, that was a good read.