Recently i was given the opportunity to talk with Mr.Brad Lefler concerning some of the more important issues facing America. Mr.Lefler is running as an independant candidate in the 2012 presidential elections. I have found his answers to be sincere and hitting to the heart of the wrongs that the United States need to right. The question and answer session can be read below:

1.      What is the most pressing problem facing the United States today?

The economy. Without a healthy economy everything else is difficult.

2.      What would be your first steps in fixing the American Economy, if you were elected?

       We need an American first attitude in this country both from our government and its   

       People.

1. Repeal N.A.F.T.A.
2. Institute balanced tariffs on foreign products
3. Freeze all foreign aid and redirect this money to paying down the debt.
4. Work incredibly hard at instituting the “Fair Tax” (Federal Sales Tax), and eliminate the federal income tax. This one issue would do incredible good for the American people, our country and its solvency.
5. Seal our borders and reverse illegal immigration. There are millions of jobs that Americans should be doing, not illegal aliens, be they from Mexico or any other country. A major portion of the jobs illegal’s do are in the construction industry, these shall be good paying jobs again. I am a builder and I have seen this situation first hand and know how extensive the illegal problem is in this industry.
6. I would initiate and American pride and American first advertising campaign nationwide to bring awareness to its importance. We need to think like Americans used to think and develop a sense of national pride again.

3.      You are running as an Independent, Do you think a successful bid by a third party will bring more division to America? Or is it time for the old two party system to be challenged?

 It is absolutely time for a third party candidate. The right independent candidate I truly believe can bring much more cooperation between the two major parties simply because a true independent will be in the middle. Americans are tired of party rhetoric on both sides and the divisiveness it is causing. I know I can be that person that can get politicians to start thinking like Americans and not just puppets speaking party lines. I’m not a dreamer in thinking it will be easy, but if it’s worthwhile it is rarely easy. This is so important to the health of this country.

4.      Since Mr. Obama has taken office, America has spent way more than we can afford. How would you right the ship, so to speak and level out the budget, without raising taxes for middle income earners?

First of all, let me start by saying, I would not raise taxes on any group of Americans. We should all be treated the same in this country. The government needs to be sized down in a major way and spending needs to be brought under control.

1. I would put a freeze on all federal hiring.
2. I would eliminate departments that are not necessary and combine others.
3. I would freeze all foreign aid, except certain humanitarian efforts due to natural disasters.
4. Again, the “Fair Tax” is one of the best tools for righting our economy. I would make this a front and center debate on the house floor.
5. I would want to repeal the health care reform bill, and or modify it greatly. I don’t understand why tort reform was not included. I also don’t understand how you can force Americans to buy something they don’t want. This is totalitarianism, not democracy. I believe we need health care reform, but get the cost down first. Part of the problem is that most of the house and senate is comprised of attorneys. Tort reform does start with a four letter word for these guys.
6. I would mandate a 5% reduction in the size of the federal government every year I am in office.
7. I would also ask for and frankly demand a reduction in pay for all federal employees including the office of the President and freeze any increases until we have achieved a surplus budget.
8. I would start attacking the debt in various ways. The debt if allowed to grow is going to be one of this country’s greatest adversaries. The interest is already sucking us dry and if allowed to continue will destabilize our currency. Our current administration is living in fantasy land when it comes to spending, very short sighted.

5.      Wall Street was at the crux of the recent financial crisis, Do you think Wall Street needs more regulations? Or less regulation?

1. It’s not that Wall Street needs more or less; it needs effective regulation with good enforcement. I don’t think men like Barney Frank need to be in a position of oversight.
2. I would bring the “Glass-Steagall Act” back. Created in 1933 and repealed by the Clinton administration in 1999, really addressed the crux of the problem. I don’t believe in wealth envy, but greed and the public trust need to be kept in balance.
3. Americans need to go back to some more traditional ideas for retirement and investing. The stock market is really a giant casino, and so many have placed their entire retirement strategy in it. We need to get back to savings and personal res-ponsibility. Social Security Insurance wasn’t initially created as a retirement plan.   

To read more about Brad Lefler and his views, visit his website Brad Lefler For president