Virgil Goode vs Rocky Anderson on the issues of the 2012 Presidential election
Issues they side on...
Foreign Policy
Should the U.S. intervene in the affairs of other countries?
Virgil Goode: No, we have more important domestic issues to worry about
Rocky Anderson: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international community
Should the U.S. end the war in Afghanistan?
Virgil Goode: Yes, and only approve future wars through Congress
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?
Virgil Goode: No, cut all support and aid
Rocky Anderson: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.
Should the United States end its trade embargo and travel ban on Cuba?
Virgil Goode: Yes, end embargoes with all countries and allow U.S. businesses to do business with any country
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?
Their answers: Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courts
Should the government cut military spending?
Their answers: Yes
the Economy
Should the U.S. have bailed out the major banks during the financial crisis of 2008?
Virgil Goode: No
Rocky Anderson: Regardless, we should instead enact legislation that prevents banks from becoming too big to fail
Domestic Policy
Should the federal government regulate the internet to deter online piracy?
Virgil Goode: No, and enact legislation preventing any level of government policing the internet
Rocky Anderson: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internet
Issues they do not side on...
the Environment
Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?
Virgil Goode: No
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?
Virgil Goode: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sources
Rocky Anderson: No
Should the federal government continue to give tax credits and subsidies to the wind power industry?
Virgil Goode: No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to come
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Foreign Policy
How should the U.S. deal with Iran?
Virgil Goode: Ignore their threats and cease all contact
Rocky Anderson: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons
How should the U.S. handle the genocide in Sudan?
Virgil Goode: Do not get involved
Rocky Anderson: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military
Should the U.S. military fly unmanned drones over foreign countries to gain intelligence and kill suspected terrorists?
Virgil Goode: Yes
Rocky Anderson: No
Healthcare
Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?
Virgil Goode: Reform
Rocky Anderson: Transform the system into a Canadian or European style single payer system that can negotiate pricing for medication and treatments
Do you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)?
Virgil Goode: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costs
Rocky Anderson: No, institute a universal healthcare system
Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?
Virgil Goode: No, and increase penalties for all non-violent drug offenders
Rocky Anderson: Yes
the Economy
Should we expand or dismantle our Social Security program?
Virgil Goode: Keep "as is"
Rocky Anderson: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall
Do you agree with President Obama's 2009 Stimulus Plan?
Virgil Goode: No, and enact legislation preventing any future administration from passing a stimulus
Rocky Anderson: Yes, but it was not big enough
Do you believe the 2001 and 2003 George W Bush tax cuts should be extended?
Virgil Goode: Reform to a flat tax system
Rocky Anderson: Extend only for those making less than $250,000
Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?
Virgil Goode: No, eliminate all federal wage standards
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?
Virgil Goode: No
Rocky Anderson: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending
Social
What is your stance on abortion?
Virgil Goode: Pro-life
Rocky Anderson: Pro-choice
Should gay marriage be allowed in the U.S.?
Virgil Goode: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and woman
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should the government require health insurance companies to provide free birth control?
Virgil Goode: No, the government should sponsor abstinence education programs instead
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should the federal government allow the death penalty?
Virgil Goode: Yes
Rocky Anderson: No
Domestic Policy
Do you support the Patriot act?
Virgil Goode: Yes
Rocky Anderson: No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillance
Do you support affirmative action programs?
Virgil Goode: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Do you support increased gun control?
Virgil Goode: No, and the federal government should pass national “stand your ground” laws
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?
Virgil Goode: No, we should pass tougher drug laws
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should corporations and unions be permitted to fund broadcast advertisements backing political candidates through political action committees (Super PACS)?
Virgil Goode: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment
Rocky Anderson: No
Immigration
Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?
Virgil Goode: No, all illegal immigrants should be deported
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should illegal immigrants working in the U.S. be granted temporary amnesty?
Virgil Goode: No, remove them from the U.S.
Rocky Anderson: Yes