Ron 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?
Ron Paul: 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?
Ron Paul: Yes, and only approve future wars through Congress
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?
Ron Paul: No, we should not give aid to any foreign nations
Rocky Anderson: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.
How should the U.S. deal with Iran?
Their answers: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons
Should the United States end its trade embargo and travel ban on Cuba?
Ron Paul: Yes, allow Americans to travel to any country they choose
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?
Ron Paul: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay
Rocky Anderson: Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courts
Domestic Policy
Do you support the Patriot act?
Their answers: No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillance
Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?
Ron Paul: Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug use
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should the federal government regulate the internet to deter online piracy?
Ron Paul: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the government
Rocky Anderson: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internet
the Economy
Should the U.S. have bailed out the major banks during the financial crisis of 2008?
Ron Paul: No, remove the federal reserve and go back to the gold standard
Rocky Anderson: Regardless, we should instead enact legislation that prevents banks from becoming too big to fail
Healthcare
Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?
Ron Paul: Yes, and immediately free all citizens jailed for drug offenses
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Social
the Environment
Issues they do not side on...
Foreign Policy
How should the U.S. handle the genocide in Sudan?
Ron Paul: Do not get involved
Rocky Anderson: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military
Should the government cut military spending?
Ron Paul has not given a stance on this issue
You: Yes
Should the U.S. military fly unmanned drones over foreign countries to gain intelligence and kill suspected terrorists?
Ron Paul has not given a stance on this issue
You: No
Healthcare
Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?
Ron Paul: Dismantle
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)?
Ron Paul: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costs
Rocky Anderson: No, institute a universal healthcare system
the Environment
Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?
Ron Paul: Regardless, we should not devote government resources to prevent it
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?
Ron Paul: 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?
Ron Paul has not given a stance on this issue
You: Yes
the Economy
Should we expand or dismantle our Social Security program?
Ron Paul: Dismantle
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?
Ron Paul: No, I'm against any type of federal 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?
Ron Paul: Abolish all income taxes
Rocky Anderson: Extend only for those making less than $250,000
Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?
Ron Paul: No, eliminate all federal wage standards
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?
Ron Paul: No, cut spending
Rocky Anderson: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending
Domestic Policy
Do you support affirmative action programs?
Ron Paul: No
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Do you support increased gun control?
Ron Paul: No
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should corporations and unions be permitted to fund broadcast advertisements backing political candidates through political action committees (Super PACS)?
Ron Paul: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment
Rocky Anderson: No
Social
What is your stance on abortion?
Ron Paul: Pro-life
Rocky Anderson: Pro-choice
Should gay marriage be allowed in the U.S.?
Ron Paul: Take the government out of marriage and instead make it a religious decision
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should the government require health insurance companies to provide free birth control?
Ron Paul: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandate
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should the federal government allow the death penalty?
Ron Paul: Leave it up to the states
Rocky Anderson: No
Immigration
Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?
Ron Paul: No
Rocky Anderson: Yes
Should illegal immigrants working in the U.S. be granted temporary amnesty?
Ron Paul: No
Rocky Anderson: Yes