Politics 101: More on McCain's Platform

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

20 Apr 2008 08:13 AM

This is the last and final blog on McCain's position on various issues. For those of you who are thinking that I highly favor the candidate--well, I'm not saying. But I will say that I will give equal blog time to the other candidates as well. I think it's important to have a good overview of each candidate and their positions on various issues before you can make an informed choice on who to vote for.

*Strict Constructionist--This is perhaps one of the most glaring differences between McCain and the other "major party" candidates. A strict constructionist philosophy essentially means that McCain believes in upholding the constitution. The federal government should have limited power, and judges should not attempt to usurp the state and local authority from the bench. Why is this important? He will nominate Supreme Court judges with this philosophy as well and strongly supported Samuel Alito and John Roberts as Supreme Court nominees. I could probably write a whole other blog on this but in general, a strict constructionist philosophy tends to go hand in hand with conservative and/or Republican politics.

*Providing for Our Veterans--McCain was a POW at the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War and as a Senator, has been a strong supporter for the rights of veterans. In general, it is safe to say that he supports any and all legislation that benefits veterans including increased benefits for veterans and their families, increased retirement benefits for reservists, programs for counseling to ease the transition from military to civilian life, and increased access to health care for all veterans including those who are disabled and retired.

*Education--McCain is a strong supporter of school choice, believing that parents should have the right to move their children from a school that is doing poorly. He believes that federal money that is attached to schools should actually be attached to the students and families and if they choose a different school, those dollars would go with that family. He believes that NCLB showed where public education was failing, and that now we have to address that. He also supports incentives for excellence in teaching.

*National Security--McCain's national security platform is heavily tied to his platform on providing for our military. He has a plan to increase our military numbers as well as modernize the armed services. He also fought to establish an Independent Commission on 9/11 and also the Department of Homeland Security. He believes in spending defense dollars more efficiently.

2nd Amendment Rights--McCain supports the right of all responsible American citizens to bear arms. He does not believe that Americans who have been responsible and law abiding, should have to give up this right due to criminals who break the law anyways. He opposes any and all legislation that would in any way restrict the right of private citizens to bear arms. This includes making gun manufacturers liable for crimes, seizing fire arms in times of crisis, banning ammunitions and banning any type of rifle (including assault rifles.) He supports strict, swift, and mandatory punishments for criminals who use or buy guns illegally.

Related Blogs:

Politics 101: McCain's Platform Continued

Politics 101: Focus on U.S. State Senator John McCain

Other Politics Blogs:

What Does It Take to Make a Major Candidate

Politically Speaking: Do You Have Issues?

Can There Be a Do-Over in Politics?

Valorie Delp shares recipes and kitchen tips in the food blog, solves breastfeeding problems, shares parenting tips, and current research in the baby blog, and insight, resources and ideas as a regular guest blogger in the homeschooling blog. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.

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Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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Sherry Holetzky (11404) 29 Apr 2008 09:37 AM

So much to say, so little space, LOL.

McCain has some good ideas. I especially agree with his statements during more than one debate that we should not use torture. However, how does he support things that are clearly overreaches of federal government power like NCLB, global interventionism, and the hugest, most intrusive federal bureaucracy in the history of this country known as Homeland Security, and call himself a "strict constructionist"?

I still don't even get how gang of 14, campaign finance reform, pro-amnesty McCain has suddenly become the oh so "conservative" golden boy. What's even more baffling is how so many people I talk to absolutely despised the man and swore they would never vote for him, but now support him because the party says so...

Valorie Delp (49340) 29 Apr 2008 10:15 AM

Sherry--Honestly. . .I was wondering the same thing. How can you be a "strict constructionist" and tout NCLB among others that you mentioned. Honestly, I think some of it is political spinning. . .not who is conservative but what conservative "alternative" can we offer to defeat the democrats--KWIM? It's political maneuvering. . .but I'm afraid that not too many are innocent as far as that goes. . .at least not in this stage of the game.

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 30 Apr 2008 05:44 AM

Oh, I agree that none are innocent of such maneuvering, Val. I just can't get over how blatant they seem to be about it, as if no one will notice. Perhaps they believe we've become so apathetic that we don't see what they're doing, or they simply count on the fact that a large number of people still have that group/team mentality... the mindset that leads many to vote party over country.

I mean, if the R's "win" and elect someone that is more like Hillary than not, what have they really won?

Valorie Delp (49340) 30 Apr 2008 06:02 AM

But I think that's just it. People don't notice or they have the party over country mentality. It drives me bonkers when people talk about voting for Hillary because she's a woman. . . So???? We have very superficial means of choosing candidates (meaning we as a country) and we also have very superficial understanding of the political process.

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 30 Apr 2008 08:31 AM

Very true, and it is frustrating. However, I do see many people, including young people, waking up and getting more involved in the process... it gives me hope.

Valorie Delp (49340) 30 Apr 2008 08:35 AM

Now see I attribute that mostly to homeschoolers! (wink wink) Not really, but there does seem to be a generation that 'gets' that you need to be involved and know what you're voting for. I read a statistic somewhere that said that in recent history, the election is unprecedented in 'new' people voting and becoming involved in caucases and in primaries etc.

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 01 May 2008 06:47 AM

For one thing, I don't think the younger generation trusts the um... slightly older... generation with the governance of this country any longer. While that's a sad thing to say, if it leads to positive action, that's a good thing IMO.

We've allowed our "leaders" to consistently violate the Constitution and have not held them accountable. Hopefully, this generation will do a better job.

I believe homeschoolers definitely deserve some of the credit as do parents who get involved in (and often have to counter) the way their children are taught. For a long time, "educators" were trusted, perhaps too much... now, more parents examine the teaching and work to provide a balance. More children today grow up knowing that there isn't just one way.

I can't wait to see this generation running for office.

Valorie Delp (49340) 01 May 2008 06:49 AM

Hey. . .that'll be my kids! Meghan. . .watch out for that name.

It's true. . .we were the only people who brought our children with us to vote. It was a family experience. We did it for a few reasons--one of which it was easier to do it that way--but it was interesting to say the least.