Political Platform

Introductory Comments

I am opposed to the practice that all persons in a political party should support/vote for all the Political Planks of that parties Political Platform. As individuals we all have had different life-experiences, which have shaped and influenced our thinking and positions. Therefore, it is reasonable that no individual will agree with and support every topic of his/her’s political parties platform. Those who are “Independent” aren’t subjected to the influences of a party to “conform.”

Many politicians avoid a direct statement on their values concerning different topics because it is “safer” to avoid any position, which might alienate some segment of the voting population. Therefore it is “safer” to speak in generalities and limit the number of topics they address in public. NOT SO HERE, not with me.

I know that very few people will agree with all of my positions and values on the full range of topics. But I am honest and believe it is important that you know my thinking. My viewpoints are developed based on my life-experiences and my knowledge-base on each topic. As I continue to experience more and acquire more information on each topic, my position on each topic may be modified and become more focused.

While I could write more and provide additional detail on each of the topics which follow, I’ll try to keep each brief. If you want more information on any of them, just let me know.

Marko’s Interview

On 20 August 2014 I was interviewed by a reporter who was focusing on Independent/Third-party candidates running for office. His premise is that any candidate who is not a member of one of the major parties is severely handicapped, but that voters are shifting away from this past inertia. The following are the questions I was asked. You may click below for my responses.

• Why are you running for office?
• What are your qualifications?
• Why do you think that you have a better chance than past third party candidates?
• Same-sex marriage appears to be heading toward legalization in most states. If elected, how will you ensure that the LGBTQ community will gain equal rights?
• What is your opinion on oil fracking?
• Do you support an increase in alternative forms of energy, including green energy such as solar and wind?
• Do you support the legalization of marijuana?
• Do you have any lasting concerns about the regulatory and safety of marijuana?
• What is your opinion on gun rights?
• What, if anything, will you do in order to make the Affordable Care Act more palatable to your constituents?
• Do you support school choice in the form of vouchers?
• Do you support an increase in the minimum wage?
• How would you handle the current immigration crisis?

Click here for Marko’s interview answers.

Marko’s Answers to Questionnaire from Local Newspaper

On October 9, 2014 I had completed my answers to questions posed by a local newspaper and emailed them to the political editor. He later contacted me and apologized saying he forgot to tell me the answers could not exceed 70 words for each question. Ouch!. I reduced the answers to meet his specification. The questions are shown below. The “long” version of my answers may be viewed on the link shown.

1. What can be done to reduce the high level of political partisanship in Washington these days and to move legislation forward?
2. What is your opinion of the discussions going on about impeaching or suing the president? If you believe either should happen, why? If not why and how could it be stopped?
3. What should Congress do about the growing problem of identity theft?
4. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has been declared an international threat. Should we add more boots on the ground or just logistic support? Briefly, what would you do?
5. A serious immigration problem has arisen from unaccompanied children, fleeing largely from gang-ravaged Central American countries and entering the United States by the thousands. What is your specific solution for these children?
6. Congress did very little actual legislative work this year and polls show the voters believe that. What would you do to make the body more productive?

Click here for Marko’s answers to the above questions.

Final Comments

If you have a topic I have not addressed and would like to know my thinking, just contact me and I'll provide and answer, and if appropriate, I'll post it here in this section of my website. If you'd like to provide your comments on any of the topics above, please share them with me.