As if by magic, the National Republican Congressional Committee had a survey in my box this morning. Entitled the 2007 Republican Critical Agenda Survey, it seems a little less rapid than the recently critiqued Democratic version last week, no less ridiculous however. It takes almost three quarters of the first page before they start mentioning the enemy. Even so, it's hardly attack dog stuff. 
Now more than ever before, especially with the Democrats in control of Congress, we must . . . blah blah blah blah blah.
But that's it until the third page. The primary examples seem to revolve around illegal immigration, spending, tax reform, Social Security and Homeland Security. Instead of spouting some Tancredo inspired rant about immigrants, they even ask the reader ' How do we best address the growing illegal immigration problem ?' It's rare to even see 'spending' mentioned as a topic. They're on board with SS still and of course the whole terror thing still plays big. There's a whiff that they know what's coming. Of course by the third page a meltdown about liberals, tying the President's hands, the radical Pelosi, the evils of Big Labor and all the ultra-liberal folk like Hillary & Obama who would do anything once they achieve power starts to ensue.
The chopped up survey after the hop . . .
Section 1: Attitudinal Questions
They give fifteen choices that they want you to pick the top three issues for you. I'll take three that don't get much attention.
Tort reform - If only we didn't enable lawyers so much in a system designed and administered by them. The top three POTUS candidates on the Democratic side are all lawyers. One of them a trial lawyer no less. Rudy was a prosecutor and he's one of them too. Otherwise, stop the insanity.
Loss of Traditional Values - This is great. The return of respect and the idea that you should mind your own business. The big problem is why should this be legislated at all ?
Other - As long as I have the podium and mike, I have to say that ballot access should allow us as much competition as possible in a winner take all system. I know SCOTUS, it's the only state's rights issue left.
The second question is how satisfied are you with Bush's job. The third throws in Congress. And the forth asks if America is headed in the right direction. YAWN.
Section 2: National Defense
1. Is the policy in Iraq on the right track ?
2. Do you support a start date to withdraw ?
3. Are loud talkers in Congress undermining the War on Terror ?
4. Re-institute the Draft ?
5. Biggest threat, N. Korea, China, Iran, al Qaeda or the Middle East in general (unsure & other) available.
6. Do you think the UN is capable of being the world's dominant peacekeeping force ?
Wow. They mention the 'D' word in all seriousness. Did they see a Richardson meme about the UN ?
Section 3: Domestic Agenda
Taxes & Economy
1. Should Congress pass tax cuts to keep the economy strong ?
2. Should the code become simpler, fairer and less burdensome ?
3. When it comes to debating reforms, Which is the fairest ?
None of the corporate vs. middle class thing the Dems did with this. But a 'national sales tax' sure sounds like the Fair Tax to me. Isn't the Flat tax dead ?
Government Spending
1. Limit spending or wasteful and overlapping programs ?
2. Stop pork barrel spending ?
3. Should Bush whip out the pen to veto the Dem spending spree ?
It's all lame duck stuff now. How much harm could another bloated budget do before all the new players come in ?
Homeland Security
1. How worried are you about another major attack in the next two years ?
2. Do you think your local community could handle an attack or natural disaster without more federal funding or training ?
Don't send Chertoff or Brownie. We'll be fine thank you.
Energy
1. Do you support a comprehensive plan to promote energy efficiency and conservation ?
2. More Alaska oil, less Middle East oil ?
Free markets do the best for the former and the latter, I don't care where the oil comes from. Even Chavez is fine for oil.
Social Security & Medicare
1. Should Congress strengthen SS or leave it alone.
2. How do you feel about Bush's plan to permit individuals to invest in personal programs ?
My money, your stealing of it for the 'good'. Hands off, leave me alone. Thanks anyway.
3. Which is the best way to bolster SS ? cut benefits, raise age, 90K cap or raise payroll taxes across the board ?
Definitely OTHER.
4. Expand Medicare or Reform ? Ugh.
Health Care
1. Are you in favor of Congress cracking down on costly lawsuits that are driving costs up ?
Sounds too good to be true or possible.
2. Do you believe Congress needs to immediately address the rising cost of health care ?
Hell no. Anymore meddling from Congress and only they will be able to afford health care.
3. Do you believe it is the federal governement's obligation to provide health insurance to more than 46 million uninsured ?
No. But when you start buying seniors drugs, what do you expect people to think ?
Illegal Immigration
1. Are you worried about the growing number of illegals ?
2. Do you see at as a threat to baseball. apple pie and Chevrolet ?
3. Do we need a program to get these people to work where you won't ?
4. Is Congress taking too long or is Underdog our only hope ?
5. A fence on Mexico border ? Why not Canada ?
6. Do employers own their jobs or do you ?
Section 4: Political
1. Should Congress do more work with the lame duck President ?
2. Is the national news media biased against the Republican Party or just Ron Paul ?
3. Do you trust those lousy Dems to stay true to those vague and nebulous things they say to stay elected ?
4. Who's better us or them ?
5. Can we say anything better to get more votes ?
6. Open question: What are the most important steps for us to win back Congress ?
Resign and declare yourself Libertarian ?
7. Can we count on you to support the election of Republican candidates in 2008 with a generous contribution ?
I thought I was being very generous with this post.
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