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Tom Ufert
AMERICA NOW!
By Tom Ufert
None Of The Above 2016 Candidate for President
America Now!
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Contents
1. Introduction
2. What is None Of The Ubove 2016 (#NOTU2016)?
3. What is the historic significance of #NOTU2016?
4. #NOTU2016 Campaign Positions Outline
5. #NOTU2016 Campaign Positions – Details & Explanations
6. Why should Americans vote for #NOTU2016?
7. Who is Tom Ufert & Why is he running?
8. Important links and how you can make a difference
America Now!
WARNING: If you want easy answers or pandering partisan
rhetoric, STOP READING—THIS IS NOT FOR YOU!
America is at a historic crossroad and the 2016 presidential campaign will be a pivotal turning point. Americans are fed up with their
gridlocked dysfunctional government. Election after election, voters have flip-flopped between giving Democrats and Republicans a chance to steer this country into a prosperous future. Increased tensions over stagnate incomes; sluggish economic growth, crumbling infrastructure and societal friction over the nation’s rapidly transitioning diversity have created a public malaise. Coupling this apprehension over
America’s future, international crises arising from renewed Russian aggression, a seemingly uncontrollable War on Terror, uncertainty in Asia regarding Chinese and North Korean militarism have caused
Americans to seriously question our place in the 21st Century.
All in all, these circumstances have failed to generate a comprehensive vision by America’s leaders to address the People’s concerns. In fact partisan divisiveness between Democrats and Republicans has made
compromise for the sake of national unity nearly impossible. Both political entities have become corrupted by a political system that favors party over country. The unsavory reality is that our elected leaders are now more concerned with becoming career politicians than conscientious public servants. What was once an ad hoc environment of perceived corruptible influences on the leadership class has now become an acceptable systemic reality.
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The Supreme Court’s abominable Citizens United decision legalized unlimited campaign contributions. That single democratic tragedy
made the buying and selling of political candidates to the highest bidder a foregone conclusion. In one fell swoop the highest court in the land made average voters and their financial influence over the electoral process a pitiful footnote on the pages of American history.
Likewise, decades of partisan control in the redistricting process have gerrymandered the House of Representatives from being the People’s house to an elitist club of incumbent career politicians. In the 2014
midterm elections it was estimated that out of 435 congressional races only 35 were realistically considered competitive. That means only 8%
of your representatives were fairly elected. The rest were pre-
determined by a rigged system of voting districts drawn to guarantee that the majority party in your state legislature could pick and choose viable candidates in the primaries.
Where’s the democratic process that insures voters not political parties decide elections? It doesn’t exist anymore! As long as everyday
Americans abdicate their power to political party elites, campaign handlers and spin doctors who are bought and paid for by self-serving multi-millionaires a “nation of the people, by the people for the people”
will continue to fade away. I’m not saying that our political system is broken beyond repair. Nor am I advocating armed insurrection. What I am proposing is a revolutionary comprehensive grassroots reform
campaign that levels the playing field.
America Now!
[*What is NOTU2016? *]
Welcome to the None Of The Ubove 2016 *]([*#NOTU2016) Campaign.
Our campaign slogan is [*“Level the Field!” *] Here are the facts: 1) 44 states allow voters to write-in a presidential candidate
2) Only 1 state, Nevada, allows voters to select None Of The
Above on a presidential ballot
3) The NOTU2016 Campaign is the only campaign that limits
personal campaign contributions, refuses corporate or PAC
donations
4) The NOTU2016 Campaign is the only campaign that has
publicly promised to donate leftover campaign contributions to
charity
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5) Unlike the Democrats and Republicans, this campaign isn’t
beholding to partisan primary voters who tend to select
nominees based on their strict ideological litmus tests
The essence of NOTU2016 is that every voter who is frustrated,
dissatisfied or feels completely neglected by the two major parties has an alternative. For the first time in American history voters have a viable campaign they can truly claim as their own. Neither their
contributions nor their votes will be wasted on self-serving career politicians locked into the never ending campaign. Their votes will serve as a monumental protest that deprives the corrupted political parties of a victory. Furthermore, NOTU2016 supporters are
guaranteed that their personal contributions won’t break their wallets, are serving their agenda for change and in the end will go to helping their fellow citizens in need. No other presidential campaign can [*honestly make that claim! *]
America Now!
I . * [ *]What is the historical significance of NOTU2016?
America has flirted with third party “independent” presidential
campaigns throughout its history. They have never really amounted to much more than “spoiler” campaigns that attracted dissatisfied factions of voters from one party or the other. In the end they contributed to helping either the Democratic or Republican nominee into the White House.
[*#NOTU2016 *]IS DIFFERENT. This campaign intends to keep
both nominees from winning!
For the first time, American voters have the opportunity to demonstrate their total disgust with both major political parties by writing in the
#NOTU2016 presidential candidate, #TomUfert, who has publicly vowed to refuse the office! Yes, you read that right! Our presidential candidate has promised, when elected, to refuse to take office.
Naturally, that begs several questions. What would happen? Why vote for someone who has no intention of taking office? Why support a
campaign that has no hope of implementing its proposals? Sounds
crazy, looney, and just a plain waste of time, right? [*WRONG! *]Our political system has become so screwed up and shows no sign of
correcting itself from within that the People have to take a stand. So let’s address the immediate questions and then we’ll dispel the defeatist myths that argue against this somewhat radical approach.
First, [*what would happen? *] Considering that nothing like this has ever happened in American history, the answer to that question isn’t entirely 8
Tom Ufert
clear. However, we’ll have to rely on the U.S. Constitution and the historical precedents that have actually occurred elsewhere. The
Constitution doesn’t actually address the case of any president-elect refusing to take office. In theory, if he/she died before taking the oath of office then their Vice-President-elect would probably assume the responsibility. However, the #NOTU2016 campaign will have no Vice-Presidential candidate. Therefore, we must assume, barring any/all legal challenges to the electoral results that a constitutional crisis would occur. Theoretically speaking, the current administration would remain in power until a new election was conducted. This new election would, in theory, have to be swiftly pursued. Time for fundraising and
campaigning would be severely limited due to the urgency of installing a new president.
In reality, there are several countries that have NOTA on their national ballots and in the U.S. Nevada has it. India (the world’s largest democracy), Greece, Ukraine, Spain and Columbia all have NOTA on
national ballots; each of these has a parliamentary form of government.
Bangladesh, Pakistan and Russia have all attempted such measures but they were either held unconstitutional by the judiciary or were
disbanded. Russia’s parliament removed it in 2006 because of political pressure from the ruling party that was consistently losing elections due to voter dissatisfaction. In Nevada’s elections where NOTA won the majority or a plurality of votes in the election, then the next highest vote recipient has won the election.
Regardless, America’s corrupted and obviously insensitive political two party system needs to be shocked to its core. In recent years it has brought the nation nothing but dysfunction, polarization and gridlock.
SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE!
Second, [*why vote for someone who has no intention of taking office? *]
While this may be a naturally logical question, it doesn’t fully grasp the intent of this campaign. Partisan control of the electoral process by the Democrats and Republicans prohibits voters from having the NOTA
option as a protest vote in 49 out of 50 states. However, there is of America Now!
course an unanticipated loophole. While voters can’t cast a NOTA
ballot in protest to the two party cronies on the ballot, they can write in a candidate’s name in 44 states. If that candidate refuses to take office, like #TomUfert has vowed, then voters have essentially voted for None Of The Ubove!
Third, *why support a campaign that has no hope of implementing *
[*its proposals? *] This too is a very reasonable question. Our hope is that by vigorously focusing and promoting issues that are vital to the
American people the #NOTU2016 campaign will foster a national conversation that can’t be ignored, clouded or distracted by self-serving special interests. This assertion is further supported by the fact that
#NOTU2016 limits campaign contributions, promises to donate all left over funds to charity and has a candidate with no career aspirations. In other words, this campaign and its candidate can’t be bought, has no vested interest in an ideologically biased agenda and solely exists to shake things up!
Naturally some will scoff at the whole concept behind #NOTU2016.
That’s fine, but they can’t ignore it if all the disgusted, dissatisfied and totally pissed off voters in America join this “hopeless cause.” Just remember, “Hopeless causes are really the only causes worth fighting for!” Furthermore, if a majority of Americans who have declared
themselves as Independents support #NOTU2016 then this campaign is unstoppable!
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America Now!
I I. * [ *]NOTU2016 Campaign Positions
Campaign Expenditure Limits
Congressional Term Limits
Expansion of “Revolving Door” Restrictions
Constitutional Amendment to Overturn Citizens United
“THROW OUT THE CRAP” Overhaul Plan for
Corporate/Personal Tax Code Reform
“A DECENT PAYCHECK IN EVERY HOME” Job Creation
Plan – 2 Million New Jobs Per/Year
“NEW AMERICAN RENAISSANCE” Economic Growth
Plan – 4-5% GDP Per/Year
“HIGHWAY TO GROWTH” Infrastructure Re-Vitalization
Plan
“RE-BUILD AMERICA” Public/Private Co-Op Investment in
Community Re-Development Plan
“FAIR IMMIGRATE TO AMERICA” (FITA) Immigration
Overhaul Plan
“YEARN TO LEARN” Education Reform Plan
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“EVERY VOTE COUNTS” Independent Re-Districting
Commission Plan
“SMART” SOPs Deployment to Combat ISIS & Support
Middle East Allies
Full Scale SILICON VALLEY/CORNELL TECH SOCIAL
MEDIA CAMPAIGN To Combat Terrorist Extremists
Energy Export “MARSHALL PLAN” to Stem Russian
Influence
Real Equal Fair Trade (REFT) or Trade War Policy
*III. * NOTU2016 Campaign Positions –
Details & Explanations
The None Of The Ubove 2016 Presidential Campaign
Platform
READERS BEWARE: This is not for the faint of heart
or the voter who wants to be pandered to! This platform
is all about solutions and substance not bluster or
rhetoric. If you want al talk and a bunch of sound-bites
that are geared to make you feel better while insulting
your intelligence then vote for somebody else.
However, if you’re serious about making a difference,
America Now!
sending a clear message and rocking the political boat
then read on.
Independent Write In Campaign
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Since both major political parties have become entrenched in
dogmatic political rhetoric that stresses party before country,
rebukes any reasonable compromise solutions that offer
answers rather than gridlock and seems compelled to
maintain a dynastic status quo of past mistakes, this *None *
Of The Ubove (#NOTU2016) Campaign offers an
alternative for Americans to vote in protest.
-
Both Republicans & Democrats are locked into a primary
electoral system that panders to fringe partisan special
interests in the pursuit of becoming the nominee, then flip
flop on vital national issues to slug it out in a general
election contest. The voters can’t trust either nominee to be
a President for ALL Americans or remain consistent in their
vision or message.
-
#NOTU2016 gives the independent, dissatisfied,
disenfranchised and frustrated majority of voters an avenue
to have their voices heard, their votes & contributions matter while sending a clear message to the whole corrupt broken
system that America is still a land of the People, by the
People and for the People. Enough Is Enough and We’re
Gonna Rock the Vote!
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This shall be a grass roots campaign of the People to write in
an alternative protest vote in all 44 states that allow write in
candidates.
-
#NOTU2016 supports public referendums in the remaining
6 states that prohibit write in ballots to give the People of
those states equal opportunity to vote in protest to the
corrupt two national political parties
Campaign Finance Reform
-
To demonstrate our commitment to Campaign Finance
Reform, [*#NOTU2016 *]will not accept any PAC money,
corporate donations, establish a super-PAC and all personal
campaign contributions will be limited to $100. This
campaign will only be bought and paid for by the American
People.
-
At the end of the election, after all campaign expenses are
paid, the remaining campaign contributions collected by
#NOTU2016 will be charitably donated to feed the hungry,
house the homeless and care for the disabled. We challenge
every other presidential campaign to do the same.
-
#NOTU2016 supports a constitutional amendment to
overturn Citizens United. This will take time but until the Supreme Court reverses its position this is the only
alternative available to the American People.
-
#NOTU2016 supports an establishment of codified
campaign expenditure limits similar to those accepted in
other democracies like Great Britain.
America Now!
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#NOTU2016 supports legislation requiring an allocation of
33% of all left over campaign funds to a public financing
campaign fund to be administered by a non-partisan publicly
elected 9 members Board of Elections with rotating 3 year
terms.
-
#NOTU2016 calls for the elimination of all gifts &
donations from lobbyists.
-
[*#NOTU2016 *]seeks to expand the present “revolving door”
restriction of 2 years to a 10 year period on all former
government officials from becoming registered
lobbyists/consultants.
-
#NOTU2016 supports the idea of legally prohibiting the
length of political campaigning to 1 calendar year so as to
reverse the current “never ending campaign” cycle.
*Advocacy for Citizen Legislators rather than *
Career Politicians
-
To fully demonstrate this campaign’s commitment to the
concept of citizen legislators as advocated by Thomas
Jefferson, I, Tom Ufert as the official presidential candidate
do solemnly swear to refuse office if and when elected. This
promise is to inspire my fellow countrymen to take up the
mantle of responsible and informed citizens, run for office
themselves and replace today’s Congress. Our present
leadership class has succumbed to the corruptive influences
of power as career politicians.
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Such a move to elect None Of The Ubove will send a clear
message that partisan influenced career aspirations
unashamedly funded by self-serving special interests and
wealthy donors can no longer be tolerated. The American
voters can be confident that my promise to refuse office only
serves the national interest by creating a constitutional crisis
that forces the re-evaluation of our corrupt electoral system.
A new election will be required that listen’s to the People
rather than takes them for granted.
-
Furthermore, since our present leadership class refuses to
curb their own insatiable career ambitions, the #NOTU2016
Campaign proposes establishing congressional term limits.
U.S. Representatives can serve no more than 6 consecutive
terms and U.S. Senators can serve no more than 3
consecutive terms. Furthermore, no Member of Congress
can serve more than a combined 40 years in Congress. This
will provide for a regular refreshing of federal legislative
leadership and allow for a routine rise of brighter minds to
meet the test of their times.
LGBTQ Issues
As the only openly gay presidential candidate, there are
certain issues that need to be given a Presidential voice
to. It must be clearly understood that while I am an
openly gay man, being gay is not all that I’m about.
I am not a Gay-American; I am an American with
all the same rights and freedoms as every American
citizen protected by the U.S. Constitution.
America Now!
Redress & Reform of Life Insurance restrictions
for HIV survivors
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Outdated & prejudicial insurance industry standards
specifically regarding HIV survivors fails to adequately
address improved life expectancy or quality of life issues
that modern medicine has successfully achieved for HIV
patients. Continued denial of end of life equal protection
insurance benefits subjugates this protected disability class
to second hand citizenship.
Marriage Equality
-
Believing that Equal Protection under the U.S. Constitution
provides for all citizens in a committed relationship the right
to marry under the law and be afforded all the
rights/privileges therein, no state should be allowed to
prohibit or restrict individuals because of sexual identity.
-
Since issuances of marriage licenses are a strictly legally
binding codifier by government entities and governed by
judiciary review without regard of arbitrarily moral religious
distinctions but rather contractual modifiers, to further
prohibit same sex couples from having accepted legal
protections is by its nature unconstitutional and prejudicial
relegating these individuals to separate and unequal class
status.
-
Though my partner and I don’t feel that a state issued license
is required to certify our 15 year committed relationship as
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legitimate, we do feel that legal recognition of our
partnership for the purposes of inheritance, medical & legal
responsibility is a necessity to insure and guarantee our
rights.
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These protections do not require particular religious
institutions, individuals and/or businesses to conduct
marriage ceremonies and the complimentary affairs that they
find morally objectionable. However, said moral objections
do not entitle certain religiously affiliated individuals or
entities to assert their beliefs as dominate over equal rights
and constitutionally protected freedoms.
“ Every Vote Counts” Redistricting Reform
-
The [*#NOTU2016 *]Campaign supports allowing all states to
transform from majority partisan legislative controlled
redistricting commissions to independent redistricting
commissions (IRCs) by either judicial appointment or
popular election.
-
This electioneering overhaul is an essential reform to re-
affirm the democratic principles as established by the U.S.
Constitution & America’s Declaration of Independence.
-
Presently, only California & Arizona have IRCs and the
Supreme Court’s recent decision in _Arizona State _
_Legislature vs. Arizona Independent Redistricting _
Commission upholds the voters’ rights to determine for
themselves how voting districts should be drawn
(http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/arizona-state-
legislature-v-arizona-independent-redistricting-commission/)
America Now!
[*“ Fair Immigrate To America” (FITA) *]
*Immigration Reform *
Let’s be frank…a wall no matter how grandiose will not curb
illegal immigration! The simple fact is that America’s broken
immigration system and lax enforcement of employer hiring
practices must be fixed through comprehensive policy
approaches.
-
Since Congress has failed to pass immigration reform and
has not addressed arbitrary immigration quotas in over 20
years primarily due to partisan pandering, *an independent *
immigration commission needs to be established.
-
*Enacting a 5 year incremental guest worker program *
similar to Germany’s successful program needs to be
established that recognizes specific industry labor market
needs, provides for annual visa quota re-evaluation and
[* simplifies the highly bureaucratic & cumbersome 60+ *]
visa classifications presently used.
-
Make the E-verify system permanent and mandatory with
significant fines for violators to make exploitation from
abuses unprofitable and criminally responsible for.
-
Eliminate the cap on non-agricultural H-2 visas and
allow unlimited visas for high skilled STEM workers.
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Enact a visa “pricing” system “…requiring employers to pay
a fee when they hire guest workers — which would provide an
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incentive for hiring the native-born and is a better way to allocate visas than the centrally planned and administered quotas in place
today.” (L.A. Times 10/20/2014)
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Allow for visa portability that would permit guest workers
to change employers and decrease exploitation.
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[*Increase funding by $1 billion to diminish and eliminate *]
America’s backlogged immigration system – this is
specifically directed at *doubling the number of *
*immigration court judges * to handle the 2+ years of
immigration hearings backlog – the present 243 judges deal
with an average of 1500 cases or busier districts with 2500-
6400 cases allowing an average of 7 mins per case to handle
a backlog of 350,000 cases (Economic Policy Institute
7/24/2014).
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*These reforms could potentially increase U.S. exports by *
[* a projected 51% and reduce the number of *]
[* undocumented immigrants from 71% to 12% within 5 *]
years.
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As for border security, partisan rhetoric and public outrage has seen increased funding for border security by the last
2 administrations and *numerous programs like *
[*Gatekeeper, Hold-the-Line as well as Catch and Release *]
have had mixed results. The additions of a *patchwork *
[*style border wall and hi-tech surveillance operations *]
have resulted in cost overruns and program inefficiencies
that have had marginal results at best. In many ways
these efforts combined with insertion of National Guard
support units *have only strained cooperative efforts with *
*Mexican counterparts, incensed domestic minority *
America Now!
*communities, heightened border state tensions and *
*essentially wasted hundreds of millions in tax payer *
dollars.
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While *immigration remains a constitutionally federal *
government responsibility, failure to effectively coordinate state and federal resources with on-the-ground local law
enforcement has severely snarled border security attempts to
police, prosecute and deport illegal immigrants.
Congressional partisan dysfunction has forced border states
to handle safety and security in their own provincial and
often inefficient ways. Massive and comprehensive re-
*evaluation is required throughout the entire *
governmental structure.
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Propose *creation of 4 regional immigration processing *
[*centers at McAllen & El Paso TX, Tucson, AZ and *]
Tijuana, CA to act as “Ellis Island” style focal points for handling and coordinating flow of southern border migrants.
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[*#NOTU2016 *]endorses continued support of “Dreamers”
legislation & executive actions to address children brought
in the U.S. by illegally immigrating parents. This *support *
*depends on verification of education requirements, *
*English proficiency and naturalization civics *
accreditation.
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[*#NOTU2016 *]endorses funding & support for extensive
community outreach programs working in coordination with
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local minority advocacy groups aimed at appropriate societal
integration and pathway to citizenship requirements such as
legal background checks, fee & tax obligations and or
familial re-unification.
“ Yearn To Learn” Education Reform Plan
While the basic tenets of Common Core do address the need for
national education standards, this program has fallen prey to a “one size fits all” approach that seriously undermines the locally specific needs of public school programs across the country. Teachers have become test monitors rather than educators.
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Therefore, #NOTU2016 proposes an annual re-evaluation of
Common Core to assess its overall value Vis a Vis
federal/state/local applications. In other words, to *avoid a *
“one size fits all” approach from the federal DOE that
may not equitably apply to specific needs of local school
districts. A closer evaluation must be maintained to avoid a
general standardized testing criterion that potentially
overlooks[* the failure of students to acquire basic skills. *]
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Though #NOTU2016 supports the ideals and aspirations of
the NEA & AFT, these unions seem to be more focused on tenure rather than qualified teachers. Therefore, it is this campaign’s stand that regardless of years of experience all
teachers must meet regular evaluations of their educational
effectiveness. This revue must *not be judged by the *
*number of students they successfully advance but by the *
*ability of their students to meet basic educational *
standards and skills assessment.
America Now!
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Furthermore, the #NOTU2016 Campaign opposes the
arbitrary DOE allocation of federal funding based solely on
numbers of students rather than on needs based school
assessment.
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Finally, #NOTU2016 supports [*a serious re-evaluation of *]
*local school funding based solely on property tax *
calculations. This fragmented approach has directly
contributed to the inequity in our schools. A better approach
must be found that equitably funds every school regardless
of property values.
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*Foreign Policy *
The realm of foreign policy is vast and constantly changing.
Therefore, it is extremely difficult to cover every aspect.
However, the present world stage presents some specific
challenges that must be addressed. Furthermore, a few basic
tenets of diplomacy and international relations should be
outlined.
ASIA – Recent & ongoing developments by China &
North Korea make this region of the world an arena of
growing concern. With China being the 2nd largest
economy in the world and both nations maintaining the
largest standing militaries as well as burgeoning
nuclear arsenals, it is only logical that increased
tensions with the United States are assured to occur.
Therefore, American leadership is essential to avoid
potentially global repercussions.
-
The 1st fact to remember is that [*China & North Korea are *]
virtually unshakable allies. In fact, China is North Korea’s primary benefactor & trading partner. *Understanding this *
*symbiotic relationship is vital to every *
[*economic/political/strategic foreign policy initiative in *]
Asia.
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While *China essentially considers North Korea to be a *
[*“buffer state” on its southern border, the Chinese also *]
America Now!
*count on the DPRK to be a reliable proxy state in their *
geo-political strategic calculations. This relationship in recent years has become a strained partnership primarily due
*to the volatile, provocative and highly unpredictable *
nature of Kim Jong-un’s regime in North Korea.
Therefore, *nothing is certain which makes the situation *
worrisome at best.
-
Recent tensions on the Korean peninsula & Chinese military
operations in the South China Sea have set the entire region
on edge. *This potential powder keg has the realistic *
*potential of being ignited by any number of *
miscalculations. The Obama Administration’s
announcement in 2010 of a reconfiguration of U.S. strategic
*focus on Asia rightly signifies the reality of this trouble *
spot in world affairs.
-
[*North Korea’s defiant pursuit of an aggressive nuclear *]
program that threatens our allies and even the United States itself *makes American military preparedness an essential *
part of our national security priorities. The United States [*Forces Korea (USFK) numbers approximately 28,500 *]
troops along the most fortified border in the world known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the 38th Parallel. *This *
*fact alone assures that American soldiers will be at risk *
in the event of any conflict with North Korea.
-
*Chinese efforts to build naval facilities in the South *
*China Sea and overtly exert their military influence in *
vital sea lanes, is a direct threat to the flow of free trade.
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Furthermore, these actions have resulted in increased
regional tensions among our allies and potentially raise the
risks of accidental military provocation. This is evident
from recent Chinese warnings to U.S. surveillance aircraft
(http://thediplomat.com/2015/05/china-issues-8-warnings-
to-us-surveillance-plane-in-south-china-sea/).
-
Considering these dangerous developments, the
#NOTU2016 Campaign supports a renewed diplomatic
effort to curtail Chinese & North Korean military
adventurism. This diplomatic “full court press” should be
backed by increased economic & defense measures that
stress America’s commitments to our allies while making it
perfectly clear that our military stands fully prepared to
address any threats these acts of aggression may pose to the
region.
Europe – The efforts by Vladimir Putin to re-assert
Russian hegemony over the Ukraine & the Balkan
region, intimidate the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia &
Lithuania while blackmailing the European Union
through energy exports and re-instituting aggressive
Soviet style military posturing has given rise to a new
Cold War status in U.S./Russian relations. This
development combined with the European Union’s
ongoing economic /financial turmoil as seen by the
crisis in Greece *demonstrates the urgent need for *
America Now!
[*American leadership, not “from behind” but once *]
again as a first among equals.
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The [*#NOTU2016 *]Campaign supports *maintaining *
international economic sanctions against Russia for its
annexing of Crimea violating the national sovereignty of
Ukraine as a matter of international law. Furthermore,
Russian military incursions in eastern Ukraine & support for
the separatists undermine any attempts at a peaceful
resolution of this crisis. Therefore, we endorse increased
economic/financial sanctions against Russia to force them
back to the negotiating table & supplying Ukraine with the
anti-tank/anti-aircraft weaponry they’ve been requesting.
-
The #NOTU2016 Campaign publicly criticizes both the
Ukrainian regime in Kiev and the Russian separatists for
human rights violations in their ongoing internal civil
conflict. Neither side is immune from responsibility. We
support an international peace conference to help resolve
this dispute that recognizes previous international treaty
commitments by all parties concerned.
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The #NOTU2016 Campaign supports current efforts by
NATO to strengthen military defensive capabilities for our
allies in Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania. Furthermore,
American initiatives to *provide missile defense for eastern *
*European countries like Poland, the Czech Republic and *
[*the Baltic Republics *]should proceed with regular joint
military exercises that enhance NATO’s continued defensive
protection for all 28 member countries. Likewise, we agree
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Tom Ufert
with former NATO Supreme Commander Wesley Clark that
there should be a NATO base in Poland.
-
[*To assist Europe’s need for energy and to reduce their *]
*reliance on Russian exports the NOTU2016 Campaign *
*proposes a massive increase in American energy *
assistance on the scale of a Marshall Plan. This plan will be mutually beneficial economically. It solidifies America’s
commitment to our largest trading partner and reduces
Europe’s dangerous dependence on an energy supply line
that seriously impedes their ability to act independently in
the face of Russian threats to European security.
-
*These alliance building endeavors will provide our *
European allies with the long term security confidence
they require to address internal Union financial uneasiness.
An unstable European Union threatens global economic and
geo-political security. It is in America’s best interest to be a
reliable and stabilizing force on the
economic/political/strategic stage in European affairs.
LATIN AMERICA – Far too often the United States
has become distracted by events in other regions to
properly recognize that our neighbors in Latin America
hold the greatest potential for the world’s greatest
trading block. Furthermore, events below our southern
border have a direct impact on the security and
prosperity of the United States.
-
Without a doubt, Mexico as our closest southern neighbor is
a vital partner in western hemisphere relations. Some 2016
America Now!
campaign rhetoric has wrongly focused internal partisan
disputes on relations with Mexico for the purpose of
personal political gains. *Mexico and many of our Latin *
*American friends CANNOT be scapegoated for our own *
[*failures! *] American immigration problems have resulted
from decades of dysfunction and partisan gridlock here at
home.
-
NAFTA inequities, a seriously porous southern border,
congressional ineptitude to modernize the immigration
system or its quotas and the failure to enforce domestic
hiring restrictions have created an undocumented alien
nightmare. Despite political partisan campaign rhetoric, *we *
have brought this crisis upon ourselves.
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[*No “impenetrable” giant wall, militarized southern *]
[*border, xenophobic repeal of the 14th Amendment’s *]
*natural birth clause or fairytale massive deportation will *
*ever succeed in substituting for the hard work that must *
*be done by our elected leaders on our broken *
immigration system!
-
The United States must vigorously engage in the diplomatic,
economic and law enforcement bilateral relations with all of
our Latin American neighbors that are required to create
vibrant democratic economies throughout the entire
hemisphere. America must reverse historic trends that have
characterized us as the overbearing big brother. The time is
long overdue for all the Americas to work together towards
30
Tom Ufert
prosperity & security as equal partners in a unified trade co-
op.
Combating ISIS – Whatever name you wish to call
them — ISIS, ISIL, The Caliphate, Daesh, The Islamic
State, Islamists, religious extremists, Jihadists — the
fact is *THEY ARE COLD BLOODED *
[*TERRORISTS! *] As such they must be dealt with
accordingly. However, unlike most of their
predecessors they have unprecedented skills in
strategic planning, modern combat techniques, public
relations, cyber recruiting, nation-state administration
and guerilla warfare. They are unlike any terrorist
fighting group the modern world has ever seen. They
are suicidal in their fanaticism and cloak their crusade
against the civilized world in religious dogma. Make
no mistake…[*THEY CANNOT BE NEGOTIATED *]
*WITH. *
-
With these core realizations in mind, *the U.S. led *
*international coalition must radically alter its approach *
in order to defeat them.
-
The #NOTU2016 Campaign proposes the deployment of 8
Special Operations Units (SOPs). 2 shall be deployed to
Iraq; 1 to Turkey; 1 to Jordan; 1 to Egypt; 1 to Tunisia; 1 to
Saudi Arabia and 1 shall be kept attached to U.S. naval
deployments in the Middle East.
America Now!
-
Control & Command of this anti-terrorist guerilla attack
force shall be coordinated through the U.S. Central
Command. They will have a three-fold mission:
1. To insert, strike, and withdraw against ISIS
targets partnering with other SOPs in a
coordinated campaign to eliminate the terrorists
and their ability to function as a cohesive fighting
force
2. Assist, coordinate with & train host coalition
allies’ SOPs for the purpose of creating a
functioning effective counter terrorist fighting
force
3. As representatives of America’s commitment to
our allies in their efforts to eliminate ISIS and
restore regional security, these SOPs will help
regain the US’s respect and credibility in the
Middle East.
-
[*ISIS is a direct threat to both Sunnis & Shias as well as *]
*our friends the Israelis. Their crusade to establish a *
*modern Caliphate represents a Clear and Present *
*Danger to American interests, world peace and Middle *
Eastern regional security.
-
The #NOTU2016 Campaign *calls for an aggressive cyber *
public relations campaign utilizing the expertise of private IT entities from Silicon Valley and the newly established
Cornell Tech coordinating with the intelligence community.
32
Tom Ufert
-
Furthermore, [*a full-fledged marketing campaign *]
*encompassing positive PR segments of faith based *
[*community leaders & images of U.S. humanitarian *]
efforts in the region must be initiated to combat negative
propaganda. ISIS’ social media stampede must end.
-
The #NOTU2016 Campaign *calls for an aggressive *
international banking/trade/arms regime to isolate
degrade and eliminate every avenue for ISIS to function as
the credible entity they have become. *Any member of the *
*international community that fails to cooperate with this *
*endeavor will be labeled by the U.S. as an ISIS ally and *
be considered a supporter of terrorism.
-
To foster this endeavor, #NOTU2016 calls for the U.S.
departments of State, Defense, Treasury and the entire
intelligence apparatus to be instructed that defeating ISIS
becomes their #1 PRIORITY IN INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS.
America Now!
-
“ S
[* TRENGTH THROUGH SMART DEFENSE” *]-
Defense & National Security Plan – *Debacles like *
[*the U.S. wars in Iraq & Afghanistan clearly *]
*demonstrate that large scale military engagements *
are no longer the effective tools of strategic geo-
political international relations. The U.S. military
defense posture, while remaining modern & prepared,
can no longer conform to early 20th Century concepts
of massive troop deployments. [*America can’t afford *]
[*the sacrifice in lives & treasure to rashly insert *]
[*multi-divisional size expeditionary forces in this *]
modern era. Furthermore, terrorist organizations like
ISIS, AQAP, etc…, whose military strategies are more
accurately described as insurgent or guerilla
movements, are far too mobile, divergent and fractured
to be effectively combatted by large scale armies.
-
Therefore, * NOTU2016 supports* the ongoing DOD re-
evaluation of U.S. military strategies that stress [*a “smarter” *]
[*application of military power focusing on “situational *]
[*response.” *]
-
While maintain America’s military preparedness and
potential need for divisional engagements, it is vital that the 34
Tom Ufert
[*DOD increase Special Operations Force (SOPs) *]
[*capabilities, streamline R&D to match these new *]
*strategic requirements and annually review potentially *
wasteful weapons systems programs and/or procurement
schemes.
-
#NOTU2016 *supports a reversal of the congressionally *
[*agreed Sequester DOD cuts that threaten America’s *]
military preparedness. This is even more essential in light of Russian, Chinese, North Korean military expenditures &
adventurism as well as challenges brought on by ever
changing developments in the War on Terror.
-
Increasing fleet expansions by the Russian, Chinese, Indian
and North Korean navies *emphasize the need for U.S. *
forces to reverse trends and set long term goals for re-
establishing a 300 ship navy.
-
Modernization efforts as well as R&D by other nuclear
powers designed to create potentially zero-warning first
strike weapons systems like hyper-sonic ballistic missiles,
stealth aircraft & submarines *stresses the need for *
*American nuclear defense forces to be immediately *
[*evaluated for upgrade and/or modernization *]
*replacement. *
-
[*#NOTU2016 supports the ongoing military evaluation, *]
training & deployment of women in the nation’s frontline
combat forces. This is a long overdue advancement that
will bring American military preparedness in line with other
modern militaries.
America Now!
-
[*Real Equal Fair Trade (REFT) or Trade War *]
Policy
-
The #NOTU2016 Campaign supports REAL fair trade.
*International trade agreements that do not require fair *
*labor standards, abide by the Kyoto Accords for clean *
[*air/water & carbon emissions or fail to comply with *]
*equitable currency agreements are unacceptable. *
-
*No bilateral or multilateral trade agreements will be *
*accepted that fail to adopt equal tariff free open markets *
for all signatory nations.
-
*Nations or trade blocks that reject these basic tenets of *
*open free international trade can expect high tariffs on *
their exports to the United States as economic measures for protecting Made in America products. Likewise, signatory
nations to binding trade agreements that breach those
agreements can expect similar retaliatory measures.
-
[*The days of American manufacturers & workers being *]
[*rolled over by unfair trade practices are over! *]
“ Throw Out The Crap” Tax Reform Plan
-
To stimulate the national discussion on Tax Reform, an issue
whose solution is long overdue, the #NOTU2016 Campaign
[*proposes a total overhaul of America’s outdated and *]
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Tom Ufert
*highly corruptible tax code both for individuals and *
corporations/businesses.
-
Though the academic debate continues to wage on between
renowned economists over the viability and/or equitable
nature of a Value Added Tax (VAT) and a Flat Tax, the
NOTU2016 Campaign proposes Total overhaul of America’s
antiquated, burdensome and bureaucratic progressive tax
code is long overdue. [* A flat tax rate of 15% for all *]
*individuals earning above the poverty line would *
eliminate loopholes. For individuals earning under that
amount, present graduated tax rates based on poverty line
standards are fair and appropriate.
- Likewise, the #NOTU2016 Campaign *proposes Total *
[*overhaul of America’s antiquated, burdensome and *]
loophole ridden corporate tax code that rewards
investment and renovation here at home while punishing
profit hoarding and outsourcing abroad. *This should *
[*include 3 basic tax rates for businesses with 0-50, 51-250 *]
[* & 251+ employees; these rates should be 15%, 20% & *]
[* 25% respectively *]. These reductions from our present
39.1% would increase U.S. corporate competitiveness,
encourage repatriation of funds & facilities, decrease
outsourcing abroad and foster corporate/public partnerships
in essential infrastructure revitalization.
[*“ REBUILDING AMERICA” & “HIGHWAY TO *]
GROWTH” Job Creation Plans – FACT: Many
jobs lost during the 2007-2009 economic recession will
never return. America is transitioning from an
America Now!
industrial based economy to an informational economy.
Likewise our population is transitioning generationally
from those who witnessed the growth of information
technology (IT) and were forced to adapt to others that
were born into this new technological revolution.
These technological advances are well within their
comfort zone, however they were not privy to the blue
collar mechanical skills of the previous era.
- Regardless of which generation one is born into, the
necessity for skills based training to best accommodate the
labor needs of America’s economy is essential.
Consequently public & private models must adapt to best
assist the labor market for the sake of international
competitiveness as well as the economic supply & demand.
- Recent years of American energy independence has given
the nation a sound footing from which to pursue an
aggressive domestic revitalization program. However, a
combination of internal partisan polarization, declining
educational effectiveness, corporate outsourcing, a
burdensome tax code and a corruptive special interest
lobbying regime have made pursuit of such a revitalization
program nearly impossible. Decades of neglecting all of
these problems seriously jeopardize the economic welfare
and national security of the United States.
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Tom Ufert
- #NOTU2016 *supports a legislative agenda for *
*educational assistance grants to aid with retraining for *
displaced unemployed citizens that enhances their ability
to find employment in the 21st century economy.
- #NOTU2016 *supports a legislative agenda to funnel *
[*public/private assistance funding into the rapidly *]
growing private sector IT trade school industry in a
similar manner to that of public college assistance grants.
- The #NOTU2016 Campaign *supports a vast increase of *
[*American natural gas/crude oil exports to our European *]
allies on the scale of an Energy Marshall Plan that will simultaneously stimulate American economic/labor gains
while alleviating Europe’s growing & dangerous dependence
on Russian energy.
- #NOTU2016 supports the proposed infrastructure bank
that unifies corporate/public investment, vital R & D to
develop/maintain/revitalize America’s seriously antiquated
rail, road, harbor, air and cyber infrastructure systems—-this
is a matter of economic & strategic security.
- According to a 2012 report by the Center for American
Progress, establishment of this bank to cohesively &
strategically pursue a national infrastructure revitalization
[*program would save commuters $100 billion a year in *]
[*time, expended fuel and related economic costs; 7 billion *]
[*gallons of clean drink water per day; rapidly reverse the *]
[*trend that has placed American infrastructure #27 in the *]
world and create literally millions of new jobs.
America Now!
(https://www.americanprogress.org/wp-
content/uploads/2012/09/InfrastructureBankReport.pdf)
- According to a 2009 report by the Political Economy
Research Institute (PERI), a high-end estimated projected
cost for this national infrastructure revitalization program
would be [*$148 billion p/yr. – $93 billion from the public *]
sector & $55 billion from the private sector. This report highlights that infrastructure investment had an almost 100%
equivalent effect on economic growth and increased job
creation – i.e. [* a 4 .0% increase in investment resulted in a *]
[* comparable 4.1% rise in GDP *]! This same report shows
that such an investment in *infrastructure revitalization *
[*would put an additional $260 in the pocket of every U.S. *]
citizen while creating 2.6 million new jobs per year.
(http://www.peri.umass.edu/fileadmin/pdf/other_publication
_types/green_economics/PERI_Infrastructure_Investments)
- Additionally, a 2012 U.S. Treasury Dept. report indicates
that [*“Middle-class Americans would benefit *]
disproportionately from this investment through both the
[*creation of middle-class jobs and by lowering *]
[*transportation costs for American households.” *]
(http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/economic-
policy/Documents/20120323InfrastructureReport.pdf)
- [*#NOTU2016 supports an incremental 4 year increase of *]
the national minimum wage [*to $15.00 p/hr. *] This will meet present day Cost Of Living Adjustments (COLAs) that
will give workers a livable wage while assisting businesses
40
Tom Ufert
with increased overhead expenses that an immediate raise
might force some businesses to go under. According to a
report by the Hamilton Project *this would increase the *
[* wages of 34 million wage earners or 29.4% of the U.S. *]
labor force. This report demonstrates a “ripple effect” for minimum wage employees and those making a wage within
the 150% range just above minimum wage. These facts
dispel critics’ assertions that increasing the minimum wage
would affect only an insignificant number of American
workers.
(http://www.hamiltonproject.org/papers/the_ripple_effect_of
_the_minimum_wage_on_american_workers/)
- Combined with the national infrastructure revitalization
plan, the #NOTU2016 Campaign *proposes the creation of *
[*a joint co-op venture between public & private *]
investments in our crumbling inner cities. This would
generate job creation, growth of local economies, improved
educational infrastructure & long term benefits for
struggling inner city youths. This project would seek to re-
invigorate inner cities through strategic planning to curb
crime, address drug addiction via rehabilitation rather than
incarceration, stimulate small business creation and thereby
improve the ability for vast numbers of citizens to once
again have access to a new middle class.
- A report by renowned Harvard Business School Professor
Michael Porter illustrates that *creating a competitive *
*bidding model for corporate investment partnered with *
*public funding has the greatest potential for sustained *
*job creation, local economic growth and increased *
America Now!
*contribution to the overall health of the national *
economy. (http://www.isc.hbs.edu/competitiveness-
economic-development/research-and-
applications/Pages/economic-development-in-inner-
cities.aspx)
- *Guaranteed paid leave makes the U.S. labor force *
competitive to foreign workers who already have this
benefit. *The U.S. is the only country out of 22 developed *
nations that doesn’t have this employee benefit. 41
million American workers don’t have access to paid sick
leave. As of 2014, only 1 state (NY) and 7 cities had
guaranteed paid leave.
(http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/03/13/3400731/paid
-sick-days-benefits/{)
- *The issue of Paid Family Leave contrasts two distinct *
priorities…people versus profits. In America we must
decide which is more important as a national value. *What *
[*does America stand for…People or the Almighty Dollar? *]
The basic truth is that happy employees work longer, harder,
take fewer days off, and are dedicated/loyal contributors to a
company’s success. This leads to increased profits for all
concerned. The short term costs of guaranteed paid leave
*are dramatically outweighed by the long term benefits *
*that can be statistically verified in terms of corporate *
*profitability, employment security and community wide *
economic growth.
42
Tom Ufert
- According to the report above, business owners’ concerns
over increased costs and employee abuse of the benefits
were unwarranted. In fact[*, the actual cost ratio resulted in *]
[* a mere 1-3% increases and the majority of employees *]
*viewed the guaranteed leave benefit as an insurance *
policy for possible future needs. As a result, in the first *year and half since instituting the policy, most employees *
had used less than 1/3 of their available paid leave days.
- After 8 years since passing a paid leave ordinance evidence
in San Francisco indicates great success. [*“Three years *]
[*after the law’s implementation, more than 70 percent of *]
[*employers reported no impact on profitability (another *]
[*15 percent said they didn’t know) and two-thirds of *]
*employers expressed support for the law. Although *
*workers can earn up to nine paid sick days, the typical *
*worker used only three, and reports of abuse were *
[*exceptionally rare.” *] The impact of San Francisco’s law on employers? “Minimal…. By and large, this has not been an
employer issue. San Francisco’s economy is booming.” —
Jim Lazarus, senior vice president for policy, San Francisco
Chamber of Commerce, New York Times (January 27, 2014)
(http://www.nationalpartnership.org/research-library/work-
family/psd/paid-sick-days-low-cost-high-reward.pdf)
- #NOTU2016 Supports equal pay regardless of gender for
*equal work with regards to comparative skill, experience *
& education. “Women are almost half of the workforce.
They are the equal, if not main, breadwinner in four out of
ten families. They receive more college and graduate
degrees than men. Yet, on average, women continue to earn
America Now!
considerably less than men. In 2013, female full-time
workers made only 78 cents for every dollar earned by men,
a gender wage gap of 22 percent.” – See more at:
http://www.iwpr.org/initiatives/pay-equity-and-
discrimination#sthash.xugSC5AO.dpuf
- The gender gap in pay inequity is un-American and in every
sense of the issue is a civil rights violation under the Equal
Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Therefore, the
#NOTU2016 Campaign wholeheartedly *supports the *
[*efforts of groups like IWPR/The Wage Project.inc in *]
*their efforts to utilize consent decree remedies on the *
local level as a comprehensive approach. “Consent
decrees are court approved settlements of law suits where
the defendant does not admit guilt but agrees to the
implementation of a set of measures to remedy and prevent
future occurrence of potentially unlawful practices.” – See
more at: http://www.iwpr.org/initiatives/pay-equity-and-
discrimination#sthash.xugSC5AO.dpuf
The “A-Team” Mental Health Plan – In light of the
recent shooting incident in Virginia, the [*#NOTU2016 *]
Campaign would like to pay tribute to the victims
Alison Parker & Adam Ward (the WDBJ “A-Team) as
well as highlight the urgency for a national priority on
mental health that unbiasedly addresses this issue.
Budget cuts that have increased the number of
44
Tom Ufert
untreated citizens, civil liberties, the gun control debate
and ongoing disagreements within the mental health
medical community over treatment approaches have all
contributed to this dilemma.
FACT: “When violence does occur, it is most often a
result of having a history of child abuse, psychopathic
traits, and/or substance abuse problems” (Spidel et al.,
2010). “In fact, these are risk factors for criminal
behavior, generally, and not specific to the mentally ill
population. *Violence is not caused by mental illness, *
*nor is mental illness sufficient to explain incidents *
*of violence. Substance abuse, sociodemographic, *
and economic factors are the major determinants of
[*violence (Stuart, 2003). *] In the general population,
perceptions of unfair and unjust treatment by
authorities has been found to relate to increased
depression (Walker & Mann, 1987), anger (Montada &
Schneider), extreme emotionality (Van den Bos, 2001),
and decreased self-esteem (e.g., De Cremer & Tyler,
2005).”
FACT: “The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated in 2010 that the country had 156,300 mental health
counselors. *Access to mental health *
*professionals is worse than for other types *
of doctors: 89.3 million Americans live in
federally-designated Mental Health Professional
America Now!
Shortage Areas.”
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonkblog/
wp/2012/12/17/seven-facts-about-americas-
mental-health-care-system/)
FACT: “[*Mental health care is pricey, with 45 *]
*percent of the untreated citing cost as a *
[*barrier.” *]The majority of those who did seek
outpatient treatment had out-of-pocket costs
between $100 and $5,000. “These findings suggest
that even though the majority of adults have some
form of health insurance coverage, there are
significant limitations on coverage for mental health
services,” federal researchers wrote in a July 2011
brief.
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonkblog/
wp/2012/12/17/seven-facts-about-americas-
mental-health-care-system/)
Based upon these statistically verifiable conclusions,
the [*#NOTU2016 *]Campaign observes & proposes the
following:
- [*NOTU2016 *]publically [*opposes Rep. Tim Murphy’s H.R. *]
[*2646 *]- The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act.
While this legislation rightly draws public attention to
America’s mental health crisis, *its passage may do more *
harm than good. Furthermore, its primary “empirical”
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Tom Ufert
conclusions are biasedly influenced by special interests and
are based on questionable fallacy ridden data.
- Contrary to the media hyped & commonly held public
perceptions, serious mental health conditions as related to
*homicidal crime are influenced more by current *
[*treatment regimens & pharmaceutical drugs than any *]
other factors.
(http://www.madinamerica.com/2015/06/regarding-
representative-tim-murphys-helping-families-in-mental-
health-crisis-act-h-r-2646/).
- Agenda biased legislative proposals like H.R. 2646 pander
*to public fears and have seriously questionable ulterior *
*motives that are unduly influenced by pharmaceutical *
industry lobbying.
(http://www.madinamerica.com/2015/06/regarding-
representative-tim-murphys-helping-families-in-mental-
health-crisis-act-h-r-2646/)
- Furthermore, the two opposing partisan approaches to public
policy solutions have only succeeded in continued
dysfunctional gridlock. Meanwhile, the problem worsens,
public fears increase and the nation’s grasp for practical &
quantifiable solutions continues to wander astray.
- First, *Congress MUST reverse its budget cutting trend *
*and make increased mental healthcare funding a *
legislative priority.
- Second, the public must carefully oversee the legislative
process and actively advocate for policy solutions that are
America Now!
free from the corruptive influence of special interest
lobbying. THIS MUST BE FIRST & FOREMOST ABOUT
PEOPLE NOT THE ALMIGHY DOLLAR!
- #NOTU2016 observes the Obama administration’s 2015
budget requests for mental health funding & supportive
programs overall was a decrease with targeted increases to
specific programs.
- Furthermore, [*#NOTU2016 *]highlights the approved
Congressional budget that represents a decrease in funding
for mental health and continued state budget cuts that
represent a national per capita expense of $119.62. The
2013 budget expenditure for mental health programs was
$113 billion or only 5.6% of total health care spending.
- In light of the national concern about mental health & its
relationship to violence, the [*#NOTU2016 *]Campaign
[*proposes increasing federal funding & supplemental *]
[* state block grants to at least 8% of total health care *]
spending.
- [*#NOTU2016 *]supports the *drafting of criteria by mental *
*health experts that simultaneously protects civil liberties *
*while allowing mental health professionals the option to *
*share concerns over potentially dangerous patients with *
law enforcement professionals. This will help with public
safety by identifying potential dangers and bridge the divide
between law enforcement & mental health.
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Tom Ufert
- #NOTU2016 supports continuation of the Second Chance
Act that assists government agencies & community based
programs for improving the lives of individuals recently
released from legal detention facilities that are diagnosed
with at least 1 mental health or substance abuse illness.
- Likewise, #NOTU2016 supports increased support for the
49 Assertive Community Treatment (ACTs) programs so as
to assist them with acquiring greater numbers of mental
health staff and attempt to increase service hours for clients.
- Furthermore, [*#NOTU2016 *]calls for a the establishment of a national pilot program based on the Miami-Dade County’s
Judicial Criminal Mental Health Project (JCMHP) and
Maryland’s mental health crisis response programs to reverse
judiciary incarceration trends & concentrate more on
treatment/community integration models.
Domestic Legislative Policy Proposals
- Make Election Day a National Holiday – This
will help generate greater voter participation.
- Enact common sense gun legislation –
Requiring the same waiting periods, verification
standards, background checks for all purchases
online and all gun shows. Furthermore, give law
enforcement professionals the tools & support they
need to enforce laws already on the books.
America Now!
- As the 2016 campaign advances the #NOTU2016
campaign will release additional proposals that
meet voter concerns about developing issues.
NOTE: This is a draft proposal of ideas to initiate a
national conversation as the 2016 Presidential
Campaign unfolds. These ideas are not written in
stone and I certainly do not claim to have all the
answers. As time goes by, further research is gathered
and emerging issues arise that the American People
feel are of primary concern, this platform will adapt to
address those subjects.
Tom Ufert – 2016 Presidential Candidate
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Tom Ufert
*I V. Why Should Americans Vote for *
[*NOTU2016? *]
After decades of flip-flopping between granting the Democrats & Republicans an opportunity to lead this country in the right direction, Americans must ask themselves a serious question. *Has the time *
finally come to reject the status quo? *]Election after election the voters have succumbed to the same old [*#PoliticalCraps! Years of a stagnate domination by the two major political parties has resulted in dysfunction and gridlock. The majority of Americans agree
#EnoughIsEnough! This is evident by recent public opinion polls that demonstrate two distinct facts:
1. Congressional approval ratings for both parties are the lowest in recorded history.
2. The majority of Americans consider themselves Independents.
America Now!
Unfortunately partisan control of the electoral process by the Democrats
& Republicans has prevented voters from voting their true conscience and selecting None Of The Above rather than choosing “the lesser of two evils.” [*#NOTU2016 *]finally gives the American people that opportunity. As a write-in campaign voters in 44 states can send a clear message and wipe the political slate clean. Our campaign slogan
“Level the Field” *] clearly states the core principle behind [*#NOTU2016!
“Establishment” critics & political pundits will claim that this reform campaign is a naïve pipe dream with no hope of success. What else would you expect from die hard supporters who are totally invested in maintaining the status quo? Their entire careers and reputations are embedded in the historically closed minded fallacy of “we’ve always done it that way.” If there is one clear picture that the 2016 presidential campaign has already demonstrated, this electoral cycle shatters every traditionally accepted model. From Bernie Sanders to Donald Trump, 17 different Republican candidates vying for the GOP nomination and a 52
Tom Ufert
radical rejection of a decade’s old concept that dynastic politics as represented by the Bushes & Clintons is a vision for the future 2016 is definitely a turning point in American politics.
Therefore, why not #NOTU2016 to rock the boat like never before?
The American voters have an opportunity to re-write the political
landscape. In a historic year of twists & turns the People can reclaim their power at the ballot box by casting a unanimous protest vote. Such a move would send a clear message to the world that America is still the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave. Voting #NOTU2016 proves that a “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.”
Putting the idealistic & philosophical allegories aside, practically speaking why should Americans vote for #NOTU2016? When the voters are constantly bombarded by pandering rhetoric and the
distracting disinformation of “Donald Trumpins’” “Great Wall of
Mexico” and “anchor babies” or Hillary Clinton’s Email fiasco they deserve a REAL vision of the future! One that puts destiny back in their own hands and not choked to death by partisan hacks, self-serving millionaires or corruptible career politicians. The [*#NOTU2016 *]
Campaign presents REAL solutions to address everyday Americans’
concerns. Even if this campaign’s proposals aren’t the right answers, at least we’re talking about the issues and not insulting the intelligence of the American People by pandering to their fears.
The #NOTU2016 Campaign speaks of hope, promise and prosperity.
Sure America has problems, but they are not insurmountable. To quote actor Michael Douglas in the popular movie The American President,
“We have serious problems and we need serious people to solve them!”
America Now!
Who better to decide which leaders are serious enough to offer a
realistic vision of peace & prosperity—the American People or the elitist leadership class that has given us the tragic state of affairs we face today?
I challenge voters to carefully review this detailed campaign platform and decide for themselves if #NOTU2016 offers the kind of vision that speaks to their concerns rather than playing “the blame game.”
For those issues that we don’t have the right solutions to, at least we’ve started the national conversation for the marketplace of ideas to find them! There is no war mongering, xenophobic ideological pandering here. What you see is what you get. From immigration reform to tax reform, from job creation to income inequality, from divisive political correctness to unifying principles of equal justice under the law & civil liberties for all Americans, this campaign seeks only to offer the voters issue based proposals. The [*#NOTU2016 *]Campaign only makes three promises:
1. Limiting contributions insures that this campaign is bought & paid for ONLY by the American People.
2. Despite partisan efforts to prohibit voters from having the option to choose None Of The Above on the ballot, #NOTU2016’s
write-in candidate #TomUfert has publicly sworn to refuse
office if elected thereby guaranteeing a new election and making
None Of The “Ubove” a viable reality.
3. Questions posed to the campaign and/or the candidate WILL BE
ANSWERED! If an answer can’t be given immediately,
research will be conducted and a satisfactory response will be
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Tom Ufert
posted PDQ. Side stepping the issues or political double talk are unacceptable avenues of communicating with the voters.
To quote a popular TV advertisement, “Sometimes a fearless choice is necessary to wake people up.” Launching the #NOTU2016 *]Campaign for President of the United States is just such a choice. Our goal is to wake up the nation from an incessant “dumbing down” of the American mind. Get Informed Get Involved ([*#GIGI)!
It’s our America and the world we live in—either accept it or
change it, but the choice is up to you!
America Now!
V
[* . Who is Tom Ufert & Why is He Running? *]
My name is Tom Ufert and I am the presidential candidate for this
campaign. I am running as an Independent write-in candidate. I am the only presidential candidate that promises to refuse office if our
campaign wins! Yes, you read that correctly. The American people have my unequivocal promise that I will refuse to accept the presidency.
Immediately this begs the question of why should voters support a
seemingly futile campaign that refuses to take office. The answer is simple. Since Democrats & Republicans have systematically insured voters can’t vote None Of The Above in 49 states, an official candidate is required to run. The unexpected loophole is that if an Independent candidate wins and refuses to take office this will force a new election.
Such a constitutional crisis will literally wipe the election slate clean and so shock the political system to its core that a new era in American politics will develop. For the first time in decades the will of the People will triumph over political parties and their wealthy benefactors! I know this sounds ludicrous and quite frankly crazy. However, anyone who knows me will confirm I am just that patriotic and loyal to the principles we all grew up believing in. Some will say I am naïve and idealistic. However, let my resume testify that neither of these is true.
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Tom Ufert
BIOGRAPHY
Tom Ufert received his bachelor of
arts in political science and history
as a scholarship recipient from
Centenary Col ege of Louisiana. Tom
is a former Rotary International
graduate Fel ow who attended
Australian National University in Canberra, ACT, specializing in East Asian political affairs[* *]and was a White House Fel ow nominee. He is a former Lyndon Baines Johnson Congressional Intern and constituency aid for two former United States Members of Congress. His past
services for 11 political campaigns on both sides of the aisle were highly valued by former Louisiana Governor Charles “Buddy” Roemer, Henson Moore the former assistant chief of staff to U.S. Vice President George H.W. Bush, and the recently retired U.S. Trade Ambassador, Ron Kirk.
At age 23 he was the youngest artistic Board Chairman in the United States as head of the Shreveport
Summer Music Festival. Mr. Ufert has
served as a member of two other
501© three charity boards including
his beloved fraternity Phi Mu Alpha
Sinfonia as wel as the community
advisory board for his former
rehabilitation hospital. Over the years
America Now!
he has acquired extensive customer service experience in the food and beverage, hotel, insurance, home security, and pharmaceutical
industries. His professional memberships include Phi Alpha Theta, Sigma Tau Delta, as wel as both the Worldwide Who’s Who and
Strathmore’s Who’s Who. In recent years he has worked tirelessly as a volunteer fundraiser for numerous AIDS charities in his community and served briefly as the community affairs liaison for Legacy Founders Cottage.
Tom Ufert, a native of Louisiana, now resides in Texas. He is an
Amazon Best Sel ing Author for his second book On The Rol Again, his first book, Adversity Builds Character received high acclaim with numerous 5 Star reviews, as has his newest release Political Craps. In fact al three books and several of his essay booklets have garnered distinction as Amazon’s Top 20 Best Sel ers. Perhaps Mr. Ufert’s
greatest claim to fame is that every book he sel s contributes directly to charity through his charitable book entity Stand Strong For Others.
Interested listeners can hear the distinguished author’s monthly
broadcast, Tom’s Take, about politics and current events
(http://www.apribroadcasting.org/tom-ufert-live.html).
Volunteer Vitae for Tom Ufert
Shreveport Summer Music Festival
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volunteer (1979-1987), Chairman of the Board of Directors
(1988)
Centenary College of Louisiana
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Tom Ufert
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Centenary Conglomerate – Editor-in-Chief (1984-85)
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Alumni Board student representative (1985-86)
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Student Government Association (SGA) Forums Chairman
(1986)
Phi Mu Alpha SINFONIA
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Eta Upsilon Chapter President (1985), Province 14 CPR (1986-
88), Committeeman-at-Large to the National Executive
Committee (1996-2002)
Louisiana College Republicans & Louisiana Young Republicans
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Centenary College Chapter co-founder & President (1984-
1988), LA YR State Vice-Chairman (1987-88)
Reagan-Bush Re-Election Campaign
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Northwest Louisiana Youth Campaign Coordinator (1984)
Louisiana State Republican Party Central Committee
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Ex-officio College Republican Representative (1986-1988)
Henson Moore U.S. Senate Campaign
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North Louisiana Youth Campaign Coordinator (1986)
Buddy Roemer Louisiana Gubernatorial Campaign
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Youth Campaign State Coordinator (1987)
Plano Rehabilitation Community Advisory Board
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Member (1994-95)
America Now!
Ron Kirk for U.S. Senate
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Campaign H.Q. Staff Volunteer & Data Input Assistant (2002)
Legacy Founders Cottage
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Community Affairs Liaison & Volunteer Coordinator (2007-08)
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Tom Ufert
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Awards & Honors
Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award (1983)
FabSteel Centenary Quiz Bowl Scholarship Recipient (1983)
Loyola College Prep Flyer of the Year (1983)
Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Congressional Intern (1986)
White House Fellow Nominee (1989)
Rotary International Graduate Fellow to Australian National University (ANU) (1989)
ANU Collegiate Debating Champion (1989)
UCLSE President’s Award Recipient (2006)
UCLSE Lifetime Title Award Recipient (2006)
Worldwide Who’s Who Honored Member (2012-2013)
ICAO Founder’s Award (2013)
Amazon Best Selling Author (2013)
Amazon Top Selling Author (2013 & 2014)
Strathmore’s Who’s Who (2015)
Titan Inkorp 2015 Non-fiction Author of the Year
As you can see from my lifetime of community affairs, education,
volunteerism and political involvement I am neither naïve nor a
foolhardy idealist. On the contrary, my extensive in the field campaign experience on both sides of the partisan aisle, educational background and multi-faceted interactions with business, charity and government America Now!
clearly demonstrates I am acutely aware of what a monumental
endeavor we are undertaking.
My candidacy and this campaign are no joke. The goals of NOTU2016
are simple. America and her people deserve better than the inept status quo we have today. This campaign does not arrogantly claim to have all the answers. As a candidate my personal integrity prohibits me from lying to the voters and asserting that I am perfect, without faults or haven’t made mistakes. However, the voters deserve an alternative at the ballot box that affords them the opportunity to voice their
dissatisfaction.
[*That’s why I’m running and why the NOTU2016 Campaign was *]
*created. *
The majority of Americans consider themselves Independent voters.
Two-thirds of registered voters don’t vote because they consider it an act of futility when they don’t see any change, aren’t offered any vision of progress or prosperity and feel marginalized by wealthy special interests. Simply put, they’ve lost faith in their government and its leaders.
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Tom Ufert
[*ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! *]
Tom Ufert “Stands”
For
I Stand for Freedom of
Speech
I Stand for Civil Liberties
I Stand for Ethics in
Politics
I Stand for “Straight Talk”
I Stand for Tax Code Reform
I Stand for Campaign Finance Reform
I Stand for Returning to Vocational Training in America’s
Schools
I Stand for fixing the Affordable Healthcare Act not nixing it
I Stand for Equal Rights under the law for all citizens
regardless of sexual orientation
I Stand for Securing the Boarder and Immigration Reform
I Stand for Eliminating ALL gifts to government officials
from lobbyists
America Now!
I Stand for Equal Public Financing of all political campaigns
I Stand for Political Campaign Contribution Limits
I Stand for stricter bans on high capacity weapons magazines,
universal background checks and registration of ALL gun
sales at gun shows
I Stand for fiscal responsibility that eradicates government
waste, erases corporate tax loopholes, rewards Made In
America manufacturing, and has two graduated income tax
brackets
I Stand for expanding and improving the Earned Income Tax
Credit (EITC)
I Stand for the concept of a livable minimum wage that is
comparable to 1994 wages with Costs of Living Adjustments
(COLAs) and applicable inflation allowances
I Stand for non-partisan electoral re-districting commissions
in every state
I Stand for national standards in voting procedures and
methods of voting tabulation
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Tom Ufert
V
[* I. Important Links & How You Can Help*]
Make A Difference
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#NOTU2016 Website
http://www.tomufert.org
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Campaign Email [email protected]
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FB Landing Page
https://www.facebook.com/tom.ufert2016
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Twitter Acct https://twitter.com/TOM_UF
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[*TOM’S TAKE Radio Show *]
http://www.apribroadcasting.org/tom-ufert-
live.html
[*#NOTU2016 *]is a volunteer write-in campaign. Therefore,
you can help by organizing state ballot access petition
drives, forwarding media/volunteer contacts, attending our
Google Hangout Town Halls, re-tweeting Tom’s Tweets,
participating on his weekly radio show and of course
SPREADING THE WORD!
America Now!
[*FYI: *]Campaign items like caps/t-shirts, brochures,
bumper stickers, signs and banners are available through
the website.
If you want to obtain any additional info about the
campaign, candidate or schedule an event please contact
us through the campaign email or website.
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