CANDIDATES understanding of the principles of prosperity

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CANDIDATES understanding of the principles of prosperity

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At the challenge made by Rick Koerber on the FreeCapitalist.com radio show I have just made up a list of 13 questions to ask candidates. Each question relates to one of the 13 principles of prosperity. http://freecapitalist.com/principle/index.php I sent this e-mail out to all candidates in Utah. I will also post this on the online discussion forum along with any responses I receive.

Here are the questions:

1. Who/what is the author of prosperity? Where do rights come from? Explain.

2. Faith Begins with Self-interest. What does this statement mean to you?

3. Do you believe that it is the government’s responsibility to provide for the needy? Why or why not?

4. As a representative of the people what will be the most important thing for you to understand that will provide you with the knowledge needed to best represent your constituents? Explain.

5. Do you believe that people or things are your most important assets? Explain Why?

6. What characteristics, knowledge, talents, skills, and abilities do you have that will allow you to be most effective as a representative of the people?

7. Define Money.

8. Exchange creates wealth. What does this mean to you?

9. Do you believe that the government should place limits on how much profit an individual or company can make? Explain.

10. Should an employee be hired based on their abilities or their age, gender, ethnicity, etc.?

11. Should the government be involved in regulating/restricting the honest exchange between two individuals or companies? Explain.

12. Is it right for government to take money from one person and give it to another? Explain.

13. Should the control and use of property be placed in the hands of the people or the government? Explain.

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RESPONSES

Post by creator »

Here are the responses I have received so far. There are some great responses, showing that there are candidates who truly understand the principles of prosperity. With some questions it seems that people weren’t sure how to answer because I either didn’t make it clear enough OR it’s because they haven’t spent enough time studying true principles. I could see that those who truly understand the principles of freedom gave great answers. Also, some answers might be correct in the context the person understood the question and they would probably agree once they saw the 13 principles as Rick has outlined them. Another thought I had is that, for the most part, it is the candidates who understand that actually responded. Also, I received some responses from people stating they were too busy to respond to all those “complex” questions.

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1. Who/what is the author of prosperity? Where do rights come from? Explain.
GOD

2. Faith Begins with Self-interest. What does this statement mean to you?
A PERSON'S BELIEF THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO PROSPER BEGINS WITH SELF
INTEREST-NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH SELFISHNESS.


3. Do you believe that it is the government's responsibility to provide for the needy? Why or why not?
NO. IT IS AS FREDERIC BASIAT SAYS "LEGAL PLUNDER" TO FORCEFULLY TAKE WHAT IS NOT YOURS AND GIVE IT TO SOMEONE ELSE. FAMILY AND CHARITY GROUPS SHOULD CARE FOR THE NEEDY.

4. As a representative of the people what will be the most important thing for you to understand that will provide you with the knowledge needed to best represent your constituents? Explain.
THE CONSTITUTION AND PRINCIPLES.

5. Do you believe that people or things are your most important assets? Explain.
PEOPLE. ALL VALUE COMES FROM PEOPLE, NOT THINGS. "THINGS" HAVE NO REAL VALUE, UNLESS YOU ARE A FOLLOWER OF MARXIST IDEALS.

6. What characteristics, knowledge, talents, skills, and abilities do you have that will allow you to be most effective as a representative of the people?
I AM A MAN OF PRINCIPLE, WHO KNOWS THE CONSTITUTION. I AM A MAN WHO KNOWS WHERE KNOWLEGE AND PROSPERITY COMES FROM. THER ARE SEVERAL MORE, HOWEVER TIME IS SHORT THIS CLOSE TO THE CAMPAIGN.

7. Define Money.
MONEY IS A CONCEPT WE USE TO MEASURE THE VALUE OF SOMETHING.

8. Exchange creates wealth. What does this mean to you?
THIS IS A PRINCIPLE WHICH DESCRIBES THE DIFFERING VALUES OF OBJECTS, WHICH HELP BOTH PARTIES INVOLVED OBTAIN WEALTH. IN OTHERWORDS A MAN ON THE STREET WOULD NOT BE WILLING TO BUY A GLASS OF WATER FOR 200 DOLLARS, BUT A MAN IN THE DESERT WHO HAS NOT HAD A DRINK IN THREE DAYS WOULD GIVE 200 AND MORE FOR IT. THIS EXCHANGE CREATED "WEALTH" FOR BOTH PARTIES BECAUSE THEY VALUED THE OTHERS ITEM MORE THAN THEIR OWN AND THEY EXCHANGED IT.

9. Do you believe that the government should place limits on how much profit an individual or company can make? Explain.
NO. THIS VIOLATES THE ABOVE PRINCIPLE.

10. Should an employee be hired based on their abilities or their age, gender, ethnicity, etc.?
ABILITY.

11. Should the government be involved in regulating/restricting the honest exchange between two individuals or companies? Explain.
NO.

12. Is it right for government to take money from one person and give it to another? Explain.
NO, AGAIN THIS IS LEGAL PLUNDER.

13. Should the control and use of property be placed in the hands of the people or the government? Explain.
PEOPLE. GOVERNMENT WAS SET UP TO PROTECT OUR RIGHTS, NOT CONTROL THEM.

CARL WIMMER
Utah Representative, District 52
Republican

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1. Who/what is the author of prosperity? Where do rights come from? Explain.
I am not sure I understand what you mean by author of prosperity. If you mean what is the cause of prosperity for an individual. It is the result of productive work by an individual. If you are referring to cause of prosperity of a family, comminute or nation it becomes much more complex. There are factors that come into play that can cause setbacks such as illness, deaths, disaster, etc. Because of this, prosperity can be the result of not only productive work, but those more fortunate assisting those who have been given life trials. Christ has taught us that when we care for those less fortunate we receive rewards from our maker. In addition to this we need a wise and frugal government for prosperity.

Thomas Jefferson put it best "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness."


2. Faith Begins with Self-interest. What does this statement mean to you?
I don't have an answer for this. I suppose that some would say that without caring about yourself that it would be difficult to have faith in God. I expect there have been those that have not had enough respect for themselves to work hard and yet had tremendous faith that God would provide for them.

3. Do you believe that it is the government's responsibility to provide for the needy? Why or why not?
In a perfect world I would say no. We see that government has had to provide for the needy in many cases because there are not enough citizens with faith in God who will step up to the challenges that Christ has given us to care for those who are infirm and elderly.

4. As a representative of the people what will be the most important thing for you to understand that will provide you with the knowledge needed to best represent your constituents? Explain.
Your question is the answer I will be a representative of the people in my district. I must understand that I represent my constituents and not the representative of lobbyist, parties or other entities.

5. Do you believe that people or things are your most important assets? Explain.
People are the most important asset. That should need no explanation. Assets are of this life only.

6. What characteristics, knowledge, talents, skills, and abilities do you have that will allow you to be most effective as a representative of the people?

I am someone who is good and communicating with people. I believe that hard work will be rewarded. I believe that our government leaders should be held to the highest standards and should be held to the most ethical standards in our community.

7. Define Money.
A medium of exchange, measure of wealth, or means of payment.

8. Exchange creates wealth. What does this mean to you?
I feel it is a statement that explains itself.

9. Do you believe that the government should place limits on how much profit an individual or company can make? Explain.
No. This needs no further explanation.

10. Should an employee be hired based on their abilities or their age, gender, ethnicity, etc.?
Abilities.

11. Should the government be involved in regulating/restricting the honest exchange between two individuals or companies? Explain.
As long as it not against the interests of our country. There are times that I would say yes. If an individual is selling drugs, pornography, weapons to those that mean us harm such as terrorist, etc., the government should make laws that make it illegal and prevent such from happening.

12. Is it right for government to take money from one person and give it to another? Explain.
I guess it would depend on the situation. If someone steals from someone else and it is proven then yes the government would be right in taking that and returning it to it's rightful owner.

13. Should the control and use of property be placed in the hands of the people or the government? Explain.
I believe individuals have the right to own property.

Jay Seegmiller
Utah Representative, District 49
Democratic

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1. Who/what is the author of prosperity? Where do rights come from? Explain.
Rights come from God. It is the purpose of government to protect our inalienable rights. I believe firmly in the principles set forth in our Declaration of Independence. Prosperity (at least the worldly kind) comes from adherence to proper and natural principles ... I most appreciate the free market principles taught by Adam Smith, Milton Freedman, etc.

2. Faith Begins with Self-interest. What does this statement mean to you?
I'm not exactly sure what you are driving at with this one ... but, I strive for greater faith so that I can experience the blessings of it. By the power of true faith, we can accomplish all things, for others and for ourselves.

3. Do you believe that it is the government's responsibility to provide for the needy? Why or why not?
I do not believe that it is the government's responsibility to provide for the needy, but to protect our rights. Government cannot give you anything it didn't take from you in the first place ... so government dole becomes forces charity by theft, or in other words, socialism. It is the responsibiliy of each of us to care for the needy. How well we do this is an index to our level of maturity as a self-governing people (a republic).

4. As a representative of the people what will be the most important thing for you to understand that will provide you with the knowledge needed to best represent your constituents? Explain.
There are actually two things that I think are equally important for me to understand. First, the laws of nature and of nature's God. Secondly, the limited role of government (our constitutional republic governed by the rule of law), and my place and proper role therein. That I receive my powers from the people.

5. Do you believe that people or things are your most important assets? Explain.
My relationship with my family members are my most important assets. Family and friends are way more important to me that the things I have acquired in this life. The richest man is he who has a happy family life.

6. What characteristics, knowledge, talents, skills, and abilities do you have that will allow you to be most effective as a representative of the people?
I am inclined to public virtue, which is service for the sake of the public good. I have studied the scriptures (and God's law), our system of government and its original intent as understood by our founding fathers, I have a friendly and welcoming personality (I've been in sales and marketing as a career), and I have a solid work ethic. I have the attitude and aptitude to truly make a difference.

7. Define Money.
Tangible commodities, or the representation thereof that can be exchanged for goods and services. I'll tell you what isn't money ... our fiat federal reserve notes based on nothing.

8. Exchange creates wealth. What does this mean to you?
Basic free market capitalism at its finest ... finding something that will benefit your fellow man, producing it, and then exchanging it for something of equal or greater value. Everyone through this sort of exchange benefits. Add competition, and you add efficiency, greater quality, and better pricing for all.

9. Do you believe that the government should place limits on how much profit an individual or company can make? Explain.
Absolutely not. If your product, goods, or services are of value in the market, and continue to be of value to a greater number of people, then the market will naturally yield to you what you are worth. Government intervention is destructive to the principles of free market capitalism.

10. Should an employee be hired based on their abilities or their age, gender, ethnicity, etc.?
I've always hired people based on their attitude, aptitude, and agility. Age, race, and gender really don't apply.

11. Should the government be involved in regulating/restricting the honest exchange between two individuals or companies? Explain.
NO ... government intervention in commerce is socialism, and destructive to free market capitalism. I endorse and encourage free market capitalism, competition, choice, and no government regulations.

12. Is it right for government to take money from one person and give it to another? Explain.
No, of course not. That would be socialism, which is a nice word for theft. If it is not right for individuals to do it to one another, then it is not right for government to do it. Using a vehicle such as government to redistribute wealth is just as immoral as personal theft.

.13. Should the control and use of property be placed in the hands of the people or the government? Explain.
Private property is one of those inalienable rights that government should protect, and not infringe. Communists and socialists control property, and prohibit private property. I despise these systems of government.

Ed McGarr
Utah Representative, District 58
http://www.mcgarr2006.com/
Constitution Party

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It is good to hear from you! I hope you will forgive me sending the following information to you and (in the interest of very constrained time) not breaking out the answers one by one. The over-arching principle is that powers granted in the United States Constitution are "few and well defined." The powers of the National government are not extended to most of the areas into which the government currently projects itself. If this doesn't provide adequate answer to help you make your decision, please contact me and we will try to do a better job. Thanks for all you do!

---Scott Bradley

The Proper Role of Government

In 1776, Thomas Jefferson penned the immortal words of the Declaration of Independence. That document succinctly captures the essence of the American understanding of the proper role of government, and the foundation of liberty upon which the American experience is based:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men..." (The Declaration of Independence)

It must be noted that many today falsely assume that rights come from government. There are many dangers associated with such an assumption, among which is the fact that, if such is the case, the "creation" of a right by government also creates an obligation of someone to fulfill that right—thus forcing other individuals in society to give something up to meet the new "entitlement" of another individual or group. In addition, the concept that government holds the power to create rights has a dangerous corollary: such a government therefore is bestowed with the general power to destroy or withhold rights.

The Founder’s correct position was that all mankind are equal before the law and God. God is the grantor of our rights. Proper government is created to protect and secure those God-given rights. The Declaration of Independence continues in explanation of the controls which must exist over government to assure that it remains the protector of God-given rights, and does not become the source of oppression:

"...deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." (The Declaration of Independence)

In the body of the Declaration, and in justification of the Declaration, Jefferson proceeded to enumerate the tyrannical offenses committed by the King.

In 1787, with this faith-based recognition of the source of rights, this succinct definition of the purpose of government, and the experience-based understanding that government must be limited to specific powers if the Nation was to remain free, the Founding Fathers created The United States Constitution.

The Founders considered the Constitution to be a written, binding contract upon all who were to hold office within the Nation. They were so serious in this regard that they require ALL who hold office in this Nation to take an oath to uphold, support, and sustain The United States Constitution:

"Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation: ‘I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.’" (Presidential Oath of Office, U.S. Constitution Article II Section 1)

"The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution..." (U.S. Constitution, Article VI, clause 3)

The Founding Fathers of this Nation clearly understood that, over time, the necessity to modify the Constitution would likely arise. Consequently, they incorporated into the Constitution a process by which the Constitution could be changed. This process is defined in Article V of the Constitution. It was purposefully designed as a very deliberative process which would reduce the chance that the Constitution would be modified for "light and transient Causes." (see Declaration of Independence)

In his monumental Farewell Address, George Washington left us wise counsel in regards to faithfully following the Constitution, and obedience to the plain English words of that timeless document:

"This Government, the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liberty. The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. But the constitution which at any time exists till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government." (Washington’s Farewell Address, September 17, 1796. Messages and Papers of the Presidents, George Washington, Vol 1, Pg.205-216)

The Constitution of the United States
is noted as being "sacredly obligatory upon all" until it is "changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people." That act may only be carried out by the fulfillment of the process defined in Article V of the United States Constitution. Any attempt to change by any other method is usurpation.

And the scope of power granted to the National government was clearly understood to be limited to the specific powers granted, and no others. James Madison, the "Father of the Constitution," as well as virtually all of the others we call Founding Fathers, made many unequivocal statements in support of that position:

"The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite. The former will be exercised principally on external objects, as war, peace, negotiation, and foreign commerce; with which last the power of taxation will, for the most part, be connected. The powers reserved to the several States will extend to all the objects which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, liberties, and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement, and prosperity of the State." (James Madison, Federalist No. 45)

In addressing a proposal before Congress to expand the powers of the government beyond the powers specifically delegated within the Constitution, Madison made the following observations:

"I, sir, have always conceived—I believe those who proposed the Constitution conceived—it is still more fully known, and more material to observe, that those who ratified the Constitution conceived—that this is not an indefinite government, deriving its powers from the general terms prefixed to the specified powers—but a limited government, tied down to the specified powers, which explain and define the general terms....

"The language held in various discussions of this house is a proof that the doctrine [of implied powers] in question was never entertained by this body. Arguments, wherever the subject would permit, have constantly been drawn from the peculiar nature of this government, as limited to certain enumerated powers, instead of extending, like other governments, to all cases not particularly excepted....

"In short, sir, without going farther into the subject, which I should not have here touched at all but for the reasons already mentioned, I venture to declare it as my opinion, that, were the power of Congress to be established in the latitude contended for, it would subvert the very foundations, and transmute the very nature of the limited government established by the people of America; and what inferences might be drawn, or what consequences ensue, from such a step, it is incumbent on us all to consider." (James Madison, Speech on the U.S. House floor, 07 February 1792. Quote in: Jonathan Elliot, Debates on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, Vol. 4, p.428-429)

And the Ninth and Tenth Amendments made this position the sure and unquestionable "law of the land:"

"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." (Amendment IX)

"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." (Amendment X)

The government of the United States was created as a limited government, whose powers were confined to the specific powers granted within the Constitution; and the purpose of the government created by the Founders was to secure the blessings of liberty and mankind’s God-ordained rights both for themselves, AND their posterity. To stray beyond the bounds established in this great Charter of the Nation is to invite tyranny to destroy these blessings.

Scott N. Bradley
Candidate for the United States Senate
Constitution Party

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Who/what is the author of prosperity? Where do rights come from? Explain.
The individual is the author of prosperity. The market facilitates individual exchanges, which in turn produce prosperity. I believe in natural law – rights come from our Creator. Let me extrapolate. I believe that people possess rights simply by virtue of their status as human beings, and natural rights exist irrespective of any action or failure to act on the part of government. I view law as an embodiment of a social contract. People grant legislature the power to protect their liberty & property.

2. Faith Begins with Self-interest. What does this statement mean to you?
I agree. I consider myself somewhat of an objectivist. Sounds like Ayn Rand, The Virtues of Selfishness.

3. Do you believe that it is the government's responsibility to provide for the needy? Why or why not?
I believe in the individual's responsibility to provide for the needy.

4. As a representative of the people what will be the most important thing for you to understand that will provide you with the knowledge needed to best represent your constituents? Explain.
I believe in strong democratic government; therefore, I would seek input from the people on every feasible issue.

5. Do you believe that people or things are your most important assets? Explain.
People. Things are temporal but relationships are forever.

6. What characteristics, knowledge, talents, skills, and abilities do you have that will allow you to be most effective as a representative of the people?
I have intercultural sensitivity. I am open-minded and empathetic.

7. Define Money.
A medium of exchange.

8. Exchange creates wealth. What does this mean to you?
Exchange allows for specialization and division of labor.

9. Do you believe that the government should place limits on how much profit an individual or company can make? Explain.
No. I don't believe in artificial distortions of the market.

10. Should an employee be hired based on their abilities or their age, gender, ethnicity, etc.?
Abilities.

11. Should the government be involved in regulating/restricting the honest exchange between two individuals or companies? Explain.
No. The government shouldn't distort the market.

12. Is it right for government to take money from one person and give it to another? Explain.
No. I don't believe the government should take from A to give to B. I do, however, believe in taxes for national defense.

13. Should the control and use of property be placed in the hands of the people or the government? Explain.
People.

More information at:
http://blog.myspace.com/phil4congress

Philip Hallman
U.S. Congress District 3
Libertarian

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My basic underlying political spirit is mostly reflected in the platform of the Constitution Party (see http://www.cputah.org).

1. Who/what is the author of prosperity? Where do rights come from? Explain.
We are the authors of prosperity. Our rights come from God.

2. Faith Begins with Self-interest. What does this statement mean to you?
I don't know how to answer this question. When I think of faith, I don't think of self-interest. I equate faith with service.

3. Do you believe that it is the government's responsibility to provide for the needy? Why or why not? No. I believe people should care for the needy.

4. As a representative of the people what will be the most important thing for you to understand that will provide you with the knowledge needed to best represent your constituents? Explain.
Governments are instituted by the people.

5. Do you believe that people or things are your most important assets? Explain.
People

6. What characteristics, knowledge, talents, skills, and abilities do you have that will allow you to be most effective as a representative of the people?
I do not believe I have any special talents that qualify me to serve as a representative of the people. I am a citizen of this great state and am willing to serve to: 1) keep limits on government. 2) To lower taxation, 3) To maintain the unalienable rights of the people.

7. Define Money.
A medium of exchange for goods and services.

8. Exchange creates wealth. What does this mean to you?
Mutually beneficial exchange of goods and services unfettered by regulation or taxation creates prosperity.

9. Do you believe that the government should place limits on how much profit an individual or company can make? Explain.
No.

10. Should an employee be hired based on their abilities or their age, gender, ethnicity, etc.?
Abilities.

11. Should the government be involved in regulating/restricting the honest exchange between two individuals or companies? Explain.
No. Governments may provide some role in protecting against exploitation or monopolitic power.

12. Is it right for government to take money from one person and give it to another? Explain.
No.

13. Should the control and use of property be placed in the hands of the people or the government? Explain.
People.

Gordon Mella
Utah Senate, District 15
Constitution

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Brian… Good to hear from you…. I have made it a policy to not respond to questions from special interest groups because the questions they pose skew the reality of the situation. However you represent the only special interest group I plan on representing or running legislation from “removing restrictions” Placing and holding Government Accountable. Know this, many spew truth from their lips but their hearts “actions” are far from it. My one Liner “ It is not enough to understand correct principles, our words must be governed by our actions”.

1. Who/what is the author of prosperity? Where do rights come from? Explain.
We hold these truths to be self evident all men are endowed with certain Inalienable and inherent rights….also the First words in the Utah Constitution Grateful to almighty God for life and Liberty.

2. Faith Begins with Self-interest. What does this statement mean to you?
I guess I get confused I tend to believe that Self-intrest relates to Selfishness…which relates to the love of Self "The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves."William Hazlitt (1778 - 1830). I tend to believe that Liberty is faith in God Basiat.

3. Do you believe that it is the government's responsibility to provide for the needy? Why or why not?
Simply…the Creator can not hold the government accountable for things he has entrusted us. The Creator set up this government so that we would have the opportunity to choose, and he will hold us not the government accountable if we fail to do those things.

4. As a representative of the people what will be the most important thing for you to understand that will provide you with the knowledge needed to best represent your constituents? Explain.
The People. We all have a piece of this great painting. Parts of truth is found in all of us, how can we have a fullness if we do not share… Community network , direct access, humility, Understanding of correct Principals. The Most important the Republic or rule of law… It truly sets us free and binds the hands of mischief if understood and applied.

5. Do you believe that people or things are your most important assets? Explain.
I do not believe I have assets….. Article 1 sec 2 Utah State constitution “All political power is inherent in the people; and all free governments are founded on their authority for their equal protection and benefit, and they have the right to alter or reform their government as the public welfare may require.. I know I do not have power. But we can create synergy and righteousness.

6. What characteristics, knowledge, talents, skills, and abilities do you have that will allow you to be most effective as a representative of the people?
I have been involved at all levels of the Government when I was asked why I was involved or who I was with I would always respond I am just a concerned citizen who do I need to be with to get results….. It always through them off base…. I have taken on the Governors office , Senate, House, AG Office , etc etc etc…. I have no grand illusions. I recognize my weakness and failings. I do not compare Myself but feel as George Washington. I recognize where truth flows from and ask that same force for divine inspiration guidance and preservation of these God given principals of liberty and freedom for ALL.

7. Define Money.
Define the Question ? Funny Money ? Gold Standard ? Global Bank “Federal Reserve” deficit spending ? If you asking about the current currency my definition would be the worthless means designed to take away all of our property and put us in bondage.

8. Exchange creates wealth. What does this mean to you?
I assume you are referring to free enterprise. However I think the wealth we are hear to learn has nothing to do with money it is in the exchange and sharing of this experience, resources and truth.

9. Do you believe that the government should place limits on how much profit an individual or company can make? Explain.
No No No

10. Should an employee be hired based on their abilities or their age, gender, ethnicity, etc.?
The first impression is no and the follow up tends to be the government should force this concept upon business owners. I say we have liberty to choose and god will be our judge.

11. Should the government be involved in regulating/restricting the honest exchange between two individuals or companies? Explain.
No No No

12. Is it right for government to take money from one person and give it to another? Explain.
No there is no Legal plunder. The Law is simple it is only negative and can only be applied after someone takes away your inherent rights.

13. Should the control and use of property be placed in the hands of the people or the government? Explain.
Control is oppression , Liberty is the ability to choose. For us to choose we have to allow others the same full opportunity. We can not have faith in government “socialism” we must once again have faith in the goodness of human nature and natures God.

Brian sorry for the brevity of answers and I look forward to hearing from you and learning from you.

Steve Maxfield
Utah Representative, District 68
Constitution Party

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1. Who/what is the author of prosperity? Where do rights come from? Explain.
Rights are inherent in our existence. I choose to recognize God as the author of liberty and the one that gave us our life, our liberty and our inalienable rights. The perfect law of liberty brings about prosperity, the author of that? Our creator.

2. Faith Begins with Self-interest. What does this statement mean to you?
If we choose to follow the path of spirituality it must be taken one step at a time, with the hope of attaining personal enlightenment and knowledge. Those that you meet along this path may help you, or you may help them, but the path is taken alone.

3. Do you believe that it is the government's responsibility to provide for the needy? Why or why not?
It is most definitely not the responsibility of the government to provide welfare. This robs the individual of the opportunity for personal charity, a requirement on the path to personal enlightenment. The government's job is to set standards of weights and measures, and establish courts of law. See Art. 1 Sec 8 of the US Constitution.

4. As a representative of the people what will be the most important thing for you to understand that will provide you with the knowledge needed to best represent your constituents? Explain.
Article 1, Section 8 of the US Constitution is a list of powers delegated from the people to the legislature. It constitutes an upper and lower limit to federal powers. Anything more or less than this comes of evil.

5. Do you believe that people or things are your most important assets? Explain.
People are the greatest asset, with free people anything is possible.

6. What characteristics, knowledge, talents, skills, and abilities do you have that will allow you to be most effective as a representative of the people?
I am rock solid for the cause of the restoration of personal liberty. I cannot be dissuaded or 'bought' off. Liberty is the greatest gift that God has given us, and we have squandered it. It is time for a renaissance of liberty!

7. Define Money.
Money should be gold and silver coin of an established purity and weight that acts as a medium of exchange. Anything that is not gold or silver is simply an IOU.

8. Exchange creates wealth. What does this mean to you?
Free market, or mutually advantageous exchange is fundamental to life and liberty. There are those that think that government can meddle in the market and somehow improve it. Any meddling just requires more meddling, hence the boom and bust cycles are exacerbated by government intrusions. When I sell something to you, it is because the money is worth more than I value that object. But now, the greater value that the object demanded is its true 'new' value. Therefore wealth is created at every free market exchange.

9. Do you believe that the government should place limits on how much profit an individual or company can make? Explain.
No. The government's job is to assure a level playing field by establishing laws regarding counterfeiting, fraud, bankruptcy, etc.

10. Should an employee be hired based on their abilities or their age, gender, ethnicity, etc.?
The employee/employer relationship is a private exchange, hopefully mutually advantageous. Discrimination due to some physical attribute should not be mandated by government. The employer should have the freedom to offer employment to anyone he/she pleases.

11. Should the government be involved in regulating/restricting the honest exchange between two individuals or companies? Explain.
No, this is the essence of the free market. If one or the other is harmed then the government has established courts which can sort out the offender and mete out punishment that is appropriate. In theory anyway, right?

12. Is it right for government to take money from one person and give it to another? Explain.
Never. This is called theft. Whether one person takes from another or a mob takes from an individual, or an Army takes from an individual, it is still theft. Read "The Law" by Fredrich Bastiat, available online. Also Read any book by Ayn Rand, my personal favorite is Atlas Shrugged.

13. Should the control and use of property be placed in the hands of the people or the government? Explain.
People. Our freedoms are like the three legs of a milk stool. Life, Liberty and Property are the great freedoms, and the seat which holds them all together is our right to defend all three. If we have no life then there is no argument. If we have no liberty then we are slaves. If we have no property then we are serfs. Therefore I am opposed to imminent domain laws, and property taxes and zoning ordinances.

Dave Starr Seely
Libertarian Candidate for US Senate, Utah

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I have listed below the “Core Values” that govern my decision making in the legislature. They may answer some of your questions.

Core Values

a. I believe that government must allow people and business to live and breath free of excessive government regulations and taxation.

b. I believe that job creation and employment opportunities start with quality education.

c. I believe that education is the basis for learning to appreciate all that is ours to enjoy.

d. I believe that a well trained, well educated workforce starts in the classroom. Teaching our children is our most important responsibility.

e. I believe that the proper role of state government is to create an environment for its citizens to succeed but not to guarantee everyone will succeed but only be give an opportunity to succeed.

f. I believe that state government needs to help those who cannot help themselves but only until they can help themselves.

g. I believe that government must be accountable to its citizens.

Rep. Fred R. Hunsaker
Utah Representative, District 4
Republican

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My responses are delineated below. At this late date in the campaign, I wish I had more time to respond but I don't, so my answers may be more general than I would otherwise have liked. Regardless, this should give you a sense of my opinions. I would like to know where I can access my opponents responses to your questions, if they chose to respond. Thank you.

1. Who/what is the author of prosperity? Where do rights come from?Explain.
Individuals who produce prosperity. Rights come from the nature of being human. Some wish to attribute rights coming from God which is fine by me if it simplifies things or solidifies the concept.

2. Faith Begins with Self-interest. What does this statement mean to you?
If you are speaking of faith in God then the self-interest would be God's intervention into our lives and thereafter (including saving one from the grim reaper.) Generally, faith can be thought of as hope, and we seldom hope for things that are not in our self-interest.

3. Do you believe that it is the government's responsibility to provide for the needy? Why or why not?
No. Government should be used to protect us from force and fraud not provide for everything under the sun since government can only provide what it takes from others. Individuals in a moral and prosperous society would naturally care for those requiring help.

4. As a representative of the people what will be the most important thing for you to understand that will provide you with the knowledge needed to best represent your constituents? Explain.
I'm not sure I understand the question but would refer you back to #3. Please look at my web site voteshumway.org for my platform.

5. Do you believe that people or things are your most important assets? Explain.
My most important assets? Both are necessary for a fulfilling life. You need things like food, water, air, shelter, tools, education, etc. to survive and be productive but we also need others (including family and friends) for a productive and fulfilling life.

6. What characteristics, knowledge, talents, skills, and abilities do you have that will allow you to be most effective as a representative of the people?
Succinctly, I believe government is not the answer to all our problems. Taxes and the taking of other assets by government should be minimized and agreed to. People must be responsible and held responsible for their actions. A = A.

7. Define Money.
A medium for expediting the exchange of value for value.

8. Exchange creates wealth. What does this mean to you?
You exchange what you have/produce for what you want. This makes both you wealthier and the person(s) you exchange with wealthier.

9. Do you believe that the government should place limits on how much profit an individual or company can make? Explain.
If profits are obtained legally and morally without force or fraud then let the market decide how much what you produce is worth.

10. Should an employee be hired based on their abilities or their age, gender, ethnicity, etc.?
Abilities

11. Should the government be involved in regulating/restricting the honest exchange between two individuals or companies? Explain.
No. I would need only to explain it if someone wanted to insert themselves into the transaction without providing value for same.

12. Is it right for government to take money from one person and give it to another? Explain.
Only to the extent that contracts are broken, force or fraud was used, and the parties agree for the needs of government to provide the services it should be providing (police, courts, military). Otherwise, no.

13. Should the control and use of property be placed in the hands of the people or the government? Explain.
People. Without the rights to property, including its control, you have no rights.

Gary Shumway
Utah Representative, District 53
Libertarian

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