How libertarian is Bentivolio? Is he more Ron or Rand?
http://libertycandidates.com/2012/01/kerry-bentivolio/
I) Re. the U.S. Financial System:
Q: What is your view of the monetary system in the U. S. today?
A: We have a monetary policy backed by increasing unsustainable debt. Money is not commodity based and an honest measure of true value and price signals. The manipulation of the money supply encourages easy credit and malinvestment, which causes the booms and busts of the business cycle. When new money is created and circulated it reinforces crony capitalism – only a select few are the benefactors of this counterfeiting process. Crony capitalism presents a clear and present danger to our economic freedom.
Q: What corrective actions could we take right now to improve the economy?
A: #1. Repeal OBAMACARE.
2. The second most important thing we can do is get out of the way of the entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators. Entrepreneurs are the new job creators; overly saddled with a regulatory burden that does not protect the consumer or create better or safer products. I would repeal, remove, and eliminate unnecessary laws and regulations.
3. I would slash government spending, not trim around the edges, slash! Government spending distorts markets and diverts investment from profitable sectors to losers like Solyndra and others. Burdened by massive inefficiencies and excessive bureaucratic administrative costs government spending must be cut. I will fight to eliminate unconstitutional government agencies and departments over a set time-table of no more than 5 years.
4. I will fight to slash taxes. Every dollar surrendered to the taxman is a dollar that citizens and business cannot spend for their own benefit.
5. I would ask and support a reinstatement of Glass-Steagall.
6. I will fight to establish a three-year, not a one year, Congressional budget.
7. I would ask and fight for permitting banks to lend against either hard asset valuations or their own capital and forbid banks to write loans that enter negative equity at any time during the loan’s term unless it has actual capital behind that negative equity on a dollar – for – dollar basis.
8. I would eliminate use of depositor funds covered by FDIC for derivatives and unsecured loans and that they are fully reserved. Banks would become matchmakers for capital and borrowers, a service for clearing financial transactions and finally a safe temporary storehouse for consumer and business money.
9. Secure the value of the dollar. I support the core principles of sound money. It should be an honest measure of value backed by a commodity, not debt. It should convey clear price signals, act as a useful tool to an ethical free market economy, and not serve as an instrument of government policy. Then and only then will American enterprises flourish and regain its rightful place in a world economy. Sound money practically guarantees stable prices, essential to economic freedom.
Q: Do you agree with the actions the Federal Reserve has taken to solve the financial crisis? If not, what could the Fed have done differently?
A: No! The Fed should have done nothing at all. The Fed is the largest cause of the financial crisis. The Fed created inflationary money created from air and fueled the boom and bust of the business cycle. The Federal Reserve Act, Section 2A, “… to promote effectively the goals of maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates.” Stable prices and rates are essential in a strong economy. The Fed’s results are a matter of record and historical fact. The Fed never has created stable prices and interest rates. The Fed lowered interest rates to levels that did not reflect actual market price and created an environment of moral hazard and malinvestment.
Q: Should the Federal Reserve be audited fully, no secrets, or does it need to keep some information under wraps?
A: I would do a Fed audit postmortem. Arrest and prosecute any person found guilty of corruption. As proscribed by law, reference Section 8 of the US Constitution, Congress has a responsibility to coin money, regulate the value, and, referencing Section 9, provide a “regular Statement and Account of the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time.” I strongly believe section 8 and 9 provides a window to force the auditing of the Fed since it is a quasi-private government arm of Congress. I would work to return authority of currency creation to the Treasury and eliminate debt-based currency.
II. Re. Foreign Policy
Q: What is your opinion on current foreign policy?
A: The intention of our foreign policy has always been debatable. As a soldier in two foreign wars, naïve to a large degree, I sincerely believed American diplomacy’s intention was to help and assist the people of corrupted sovereign nations to secure self-governance, become economically prosperous, and socially stable and happy in the image of American ideals and values. Therein lays the tragedy. In almost every case of American intervention following the Spanish American War Of 1898, we intervened with the best of intentions but did not honor our commitment to the principles of self-determination. Rather, we engaged in social engineering by force of arms and supported various corrupt regimes favorable to short sighted American political and economic interests with minimum regard to the plight of the citizens of that sovereign country. The results of our interventions did nothing more than inspire increased aggression of militant groups opposed to our occupation. We are not the policeman of the world.
We do not have Constitutional authority, nor should we, to intervene in another country’s affairs. It is the responsibility of the citizenry of a sovereign nation to cast off their oppressive government and when achieved, stumble if need be, and work toward a government of their choosing. Perhaps, out of the turbulent chaotic political upheaval of an emerging nation, in one or two generations, there might be found innovation and creative opportunities benefiting us all.
I am aware of our costly failures in foreign policy and now fine solace in the wise words of Thomas Jefferson, “Commerce with all, alliances with none” and George Washington’s farewell address to avoid foreign entanglements
Q: How should we fight a “war on terror”?
A: This is a very complex question requiring more research. Our present tactic is bankrupting our country and it violates Constitutional provisions for individual rights and liberties. My gut feeling suggests improved defense of our borders in all areas and cooperation with other nations. I believe there is another way.
Q: Should the U. S. occupy other countries? If not, would you push to close all bases? Are there any you would keep open?
A: As a young soldier, I believed serving overseas on U. S. military base in a foreign country a great adventure and opportunity. Presently, more enlightened, I believe our soldiers in Japan, Germany, and elsewhere is unconstitutional. We have fulfilled our World War II commitment. It is time to bring our soldiers home. Immediately close all military bases on foreign soil, including South Korea. Many military experts realize U. S. military forces in South Korea, should the north invade the south, are little more than a speed bump in the road.
Q: Should the U.S. maintain its standing Army?
A: I support elimination of Federal Border services and replacing them with elements of the U. S. military. The U. S. Marines, God Bless each of them, are responsible for protection of our Diplomatic missions on foreign soil. The 101st Airborne/Air Assault and similar units are a necessity for an immediate response to a ‘clear and present danger’ to the United States. Nation building is in violation of the provisions within the U. S. Constitution. If a nation seeks our assistance in building infrastructure then they can purchase it. There are contractors willing and able to provide the services needed.
Q: Is the Patriot Act necessary to protect America? If not, would you vote to repeal it?
A: No, and yes I will vote to repeal it. I sincerely believe the Patriot Act is a quick fix to a problem to satisfy a frightened America. I will endeavor to research and fine a better solution to defend America from those bent on undermining our liberties and way of life within the provisions of our Bill of Rights. We must keep in mind however, prior to 9/11 there were numerous cases of highjacked airlines from the U. S. to Cuba and several cases of homegrown criminal conspiracies that did not involve Airlines and we did not have a Patriot Act, nor will the Patriot Act prevent someone bent on harming our society in the future. It is the responsibility of the travel services to provide security and safety to its passengers. A free society has inherent risks and we must endeavor to appreciate, yet minimize, those risks without infringement of individual rights.
III. Re. Personal Liberty
Q: What information may the U. S. government legally gather about its citizens? When would it be necessary to overstep those boundaries?
A: Confirmation I am a citizen should be sufficient information the government is able to maintain, a birth and death certificate. Citizens have the right to provide additional information on a voluntary basis. The U. S. government must never overstep civil liberties. It is the government’s exclusive duty to protect individual liberties.
Q: What limits, if any, should be placed on the U. S. government’s ability to search its citizens without a warrant?
A: The U. S. government does not have the authority to search its citizens without a warrant unless there is sufficient reason to believe the individual is of an immediate clear and present danger to life or property.
Q: Ought the U. S. government be allowed to protect its citizens’ health by outlawing foods it considers unsafe, or to force medicate, or force vaccinate citizens?
A: I do support State Regulation requiring honest product labeling. An ingredient contained within a product is of importance for individual health concerns, prevents fraud and liability claims, and allows consumers to make a wiser choice. The government is not picking and choosing winners and losers, rather demanding product honesty and protecting consumers from possible life threatening allergic reactions. Honest labeling allows an individual to make an informed decision as to whether or not the product is food and is edible.
Government mandatory medications and forced vaccination is a violation of individual rights. It is outrageous and unacceptable.
IV. Re. State Sovereignty
Q: When does state law take precedent over federal law?
A: Amendment X. “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution (Specifically, Article I., Section 8), nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” I think the 10th Amendment speaks volumes.
Q: Would you stand up to the federal government and demand that it stay within the bounds of its enumerated powers and out of State business?
A: It is a primary reason I am a candidate for the U. S. Congress. It is my duty and sacred honor to represent the people of the 11th District, in defending individual liberties on a national scale and enforce state rights. I will make every effort to return to a limited government as expressly outlined within the U. S. Constitution. A balanced budget amendment to the Constitution is not necessary if the enumerated powers are enforced.
Q: Do federal officers have the right to arrest non-military citizens within the individual states for any crime.
A: The executive authority of the State having jurisdiction, county sheriff or appointed deputies have the right to make an arrest upon presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury. There are no provisions in the U. S. Constitution or amendments allowing for federal law enforcement officers. The provisions for an arrest are clear in Article IV, Section 2, second paragraph of the U. S. Constitution and Amendments.
V. Re. Illegal Immigration:
Q: What do you see as the #1 problem with illegal immigration?
A: Republicans want the cheap labor and Democrats want the votes. Illegal immigration is not enforced until it is politically beneficial. In addition, we reward illegal immigrates with benefits.
Arizona and Alabama recently enacted “improved” immigration laws and unpicked fruit and vegetables lie rotting in the fields because unskilled labor is no longer available to collect it.
Since the 1950’s women have moved into the workforce. Yet, we do not have 75% unemployment. Why?
As a compromise to this issue, I would support a guest worker program.
Q: What actions could we take to stop illegal immigrants from taking advantage of social services?
A: Proof of citizenship and eliminate the social safety net as it has become a hammock. Privatize charity.
VI. Misc Questions:
Q: If you could make an amendment to the Constitution, what would it be?
A: I would entertain a debate on repealing the 17th Amendment.
Q: Would you vote to end government subsidies to private industry?
A: Absolutely.
Q: What should our government’s action be against Julian Assange, if any?
A: Nothing.
Q: Do you know what Agenda 21/Sustainable Development and the Communitarian agenda is? Do you support it? Why or why not?
A: Not on my watch! Yes, I do know about Agenda 21. It violates personal civil liberties and private property rights as well as rights inherent to a sovereign people and nation.
Over generations, we have allowed our government to place our children into indentured servitude not of their making. We permitted our government to violate the specific enumerated powers of Congress. Rather than increase taxes to cover the cost of benefits citizens desired they borrowed in excess of $15 trillion from the future economic freedom of our children and our children’s children. It is not entirety the fault of Congress. We allowed it to happen by not asking how or who would pay for the government sponsored benefits. We either did not want to know or did not care as long as we got our cake. Our apathy and living for the moment attitude allowed Congress to get away it. It was a conspiracy in which the majority of us took part.
There is a political Great Awakening taking place in this country. Each day more citizens are engaged in rediscovering our founding principles, our Constitution. It matters not where they come from or formerly called themselves. For all those searching for answers let this be a teachable moment in our history. Let us learn from our past mistakes and move toward a better future. Let us reset and reboot our program before it is too late. Let us, this generation, say no to the status quo. Let us leave a proud and honorable legacy to future generations long worth remembering. Join the fight. May the light of freedom forever shine brightly on your face. Thank-you.
