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Philip Kok's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.

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Philip Kok has demonstrated Political Courage by telling citizens where he stands on the issues he may face if elected.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Presidential Election 2012 Political Courage Test

Pro-life Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
I am strongly in favor of protecting life at all stages, from conception to birth to natural death. I encourage all persons to always consider adoption before abortion

BudgetIndicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing the federal budget.In order to balance the budget,SpendingIndicate what federal spending levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.TaxesIndicate what federal tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.

Yes do you support reducing defense spending?
Yes do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Yes do you support reducing Medicaid spending?
Yes do you support reducing Medicare spending?
Yes Is balancing the budget an administrative priority?
Maintain Status a) Agriculture
Maintain Status b) Arts
Slightly Decrease c) Defense
Greatly Decrease d) Education
Slightly Decrease e) Environment
Slightly Decrease f) Homeland Security
Greatly Increase g) International aid
Slightly Decrease h) Medical Research
Slightly Decrease i) Scientific Research
Slightly Decrease j) Space exploration
Slightly Increase k) United Nations
Greatly Decrease l) Welfare
Greatly Increase m) Other or expanded categories
Greatly Increase a) Capital gains taxes
Greatly Increase b) Corporate taxes
Greatly Increase c) Excise taxes (alcohol)
Greatly Increase d) Excise taxes (cigarettes)
Maintain Status e) Excise taxes (transportation fuel)
Maintain Status f) Income taxes (low-income families)
Maintain Status g) Income taxes (middle-income families)
Maintain Status h) Income taxes (high-income families)
Greatly Decrease i) Inheritance taxes
Maintain Status j) Payroll taxes
k) Other or expanded categories
I believe we must defend our country and the principles of democracy & freedom, but also believe we can achieve more w/diplomacy & spiritual warfare (Christian evangelism).
More faith-based funding.. our country was founded by faith, & must live or die by faith
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
The election of a president should NOT boil down to who has the most money.
Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
Yes and No. I believe we should have a "hollywood version" of capital punishment where by we pretend to put such persons to death (tv production) to inhibit others (for those who don't read) from murder
No Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
Yes Do you support spending on infrastructure projects for the purpose of job creation?
Yes Do you support the 2010 temporary extension of unemployment benefits?
Yes Do you support the 2010 temporary extension of tax relief?
As mentioned in my "administrative priorities," I believe that instilling pride, confidence, & a sense of being respected, cherished, & cared-for will be the ultimate boost for our economy.
Yes Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?
States should have autonomy in education up to a certain point, but if they show NO signs of progress they should be cut off from federal aid until they improve
Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
No Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?
[Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?] Yes & No [Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?] Yes & No I believe that human activity can contribute to climate change but not necessarily to the extent extremists believe. I believe fed govt. can play a moderate role in protecting environment.
Yes Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan?
No Do you support a timetable for withdrawal from Afghanistan?
Yes Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
Terrorists prey on perceived weaknesses often they misperceive diplomacy & kindness as weakness, hence at times we must use force as a deterrent. A show of strength inhibits terror.
Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
[Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?] Yes & No Better screening of potential buyers, but not "gun control" per se. Americans w/o significant criminal records or history of mental illness should always be allowed to purchase guns for self-defense.
Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
No Should individuals be required to purchase health insurance, as mandated in the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
[Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act?] Yes & No. There are some good things about "A.C.T." but not tax-payer funded abortion. It needs amendments to make health care more affordable and accessible, but not mandatory for all to purchase
Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Do you support allowing illegal immigrants, who were brought to the United States as minors, to pursue citizenship without returning to their country of origin?
No Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration law by state and local police?
[Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?] Yes & No [Do you support allowing illegal immigrants, who were brought to the United States as minors, to pursue citizenship without returning to their country of origin?] Yes & No I believe each situation must be considered on a case-by-case basis considering the various factors: length of time in USA, citizenship qualities, contributions, etc.
No Do you support same-sex marriage?
I support traditional marriage & believe that it should apply exclusively to man & woman.
Yes Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts?
given the precarious nature of our social security system for future generations, its imperative to allow alternative ways of saving for SS
BRINGING back to America a sense of pride & unity. In order for our country to "get back on its feet" we need to begin by restoring our sense of pride as Americans. Although I am conservative on social issue such as abortion and marriage, I am still able to "bridge the gap" to a certain extent with "the other side" because I still show respect for all people from a theological perspective (i.e. born in the "Imago Deo", Image of God). In order to truly motivate people, they must know you truly respect, love (agape), & care for them...

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