Question 1: There has been growing defense cooperation between the US and India. In recent years, it has taken the form of joint exercises, exchanges, lifting of import restrictions, etc. As President, would you support continuing this cooperation? (100 words)
Yes. Both nations currently confront a serious threat from terrorism. America’s own experience as the target of terrorism enables us to truly appreciate the difficulty India confronts in battling terrorists in Kashmir, and – as the attack on India’s Parliament demonstrated – even in India itself.
As President, I will work to create a special strategic relationship between the United States and India, including military-to-military exchanges that I hope will deepen into a strong bilateral defense relationship. I will institute regular meetings with the Indian Prime Minister – one of my first foreign trips would be to India to establish this dialogue – and I will ensure that there are regular meetings between our defense ministers and chiefs of military services.
Question 2: As President, how would you balance the need of the American corporations to remain competitive by outsourcing back-office operations to countries like India with the concern of the American people with job losses at home? (100 words)
The movement of jobs overseas is one of many serious challenges facing America’s economy under George W. Bush. More than 3 million people have lost their jobs under the President’s watch – 2.4 million alone in the manufacturing sector. Businesses have stopped investing, the once explosive IPO market is dormant, and the seemingly endless supply of high-tech breakthroughs has seemingly dried up. Nine million Americans are looking for work and can’t find it. And nearly three million people have fallen out of the middle class and into poverty.
As President, I will create 10 million jobs in 4 years and make the United States the world leader in manufacturing again. Here’s how I plan to do it:
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One, by cutting taxes for 98 percent of all taxpayers and demanding fairness from corporations and the well-off. I’m not just arguing about whether to keep or get rid of the Bush tax cuts. I’m taking a fresh look at the whole system—and making it work better for everybody.
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Two, by bringing down the debt. My plan will reduce the deficit every year—and balance the budget by the end of my second term.
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Three, by opening markets. Trade creates jobs. President Clinton proved that—I’ll build on his success, not build walls around our economy.
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Four, by reversing the Bush manufacturing recession. We need an aggressive strategy to stop the hemorrhaging of jobs and crack down on trade abuses by China and others. I’ll provide a 10% tax credit for manufacturers who keep jobs here in America. I’ll create a new grant program for worker training and provide Tool for Tomorrow Scholarships to existing and dislocated workers. I’ll create an R&D program for finding efficient new manufacturing processes that benefit overall industry areas. And my plan will create 21st century systems that today’s manufacturers need—high-speed broadband and environmentally-friendly infrastructure.
Five, by investing in innovation. I’ll eliminate the capital gains taxes for new investments in start-ups and provide a 20% tax credit for firms to acquire information technology. The broadband Internet, nanotechnology—these are the explosive new fields that can produce the high-paying jobs of the future for all our people.
As President, I will give the American people and the American Dream a fresh start –leading with integrity, bold ideas, and a real understanding of the hopes and fears of the shrinking middle class. I’ll be a pro-growth President—focused on spurring innovation, investing in education and training, and getting our business hiring and firing on all cylinders again. And that’s the best way to bring back prosperity and expand opportunities for all Americans.
Question 3: In your opinion, what role should US play in resolving the India-Pakistan dispute on Kashmir? As President, would you put pressure on Pakistan to stop cross-border terrorism in Kashmir? (100 words)
No one can dispute that Pakistan has proven to be helpful to the U.S. in the war on terrorism, particularly in the war on Al Qaida. However, I am deeply concerned about Pakistan’s continued support of terrorist activities in Kashmir, and one of my top priorities would be to bring it to an end. There can be no military solution to Kashmir — Kashmiri militants will never succeed in driving India from Kashmir through terrorism. The only way to resolve this issue is through peaceful dialogue.
As President, I would make very clear that the future of US-Pakistani relations depends on living up to the promise that President Musharraf made to the world – and to me personally – to stop all support to terrorists. I would tell Pakistan that it must step up its efforts to crack down on Islamic militants who have attacked India – and that, if President Musharraf does not take such action, I would not hesitate to add more of these militant groups to the U.S. terrorist list and take action against those that provide assistance to these groups. No nation can continue to support terrorism without triggering strong action by the US. If Pakistan is not with us on this, then I will conclude they are against us.
Question 4: Given its size and strategic importance, many have argued that India deserves to have a permanent seat in the Security Council. As President, would you support India’s case? (100 words)
I believe India has an important role to play in global issues. It is time for us to review and expand the permanent membership of the UN Security Council. If we can accomplish this, India should be one of the new permanent members.
Question 5: The Patriot Act gives sweeping new powers of detention and surveillance to the Executive branch of government and law enforcement agencies, and deprives the government of judicial oversight to ensure that these law enforcement powers are not being abused. Indian Americans and other minority communities feel particularly vulnerable to the abuses of the Patriot Act. What is your opinion on this issue? As President, would you repeal provisions of the Patriot Act that have seriously undermined the civil liberties of American citizens and non-citizens? (100 words)
I am exceedingly concerned by the allegations of civil liberty abuses by this Administration, whether under the Patriot Act or otherwise. I voted for the Patriot Act – because I believe that, in a post-September 11 world, we need to make sure that law enforcement has the tools it needs to fight the war on terrorism. But what this Administration has done since then tells me that they just don't have the necessary respect for our nation's foundational commitment to civil liberties. The Ashcroft Justice Department's own Inspector General tells us that in the wake of September 11, the Department abused the rights of hundreds of foreign nationals they encountered during their investigation. The Administration must do better, and as President, I certainly will.
As for the Patriot Act, fortunately, the Democratic leadership insisted that many of the Patriot Act's provisions be temporary. We need to insist that the Administration share with us and the public how it’s used those provisions, and before we even think of reauthorizing them, we need to hear the Administration's response to the abuse allegations and have them justify why they should be trusted with these authorities in the future.
Question 6: Post 9/11, there has been an increase in hate crimes towards Indian Americans and other minorities. As President, what would you do to reduce the incidence of such crimes? (100 words)
I am a longtime cosponsor of the leading anti-hate crimes bill. As President, I will fight for enactment of that proposal and ensure that the Justice Department provides devotes significant energy to helping to prevent such hate crimes from happening in the first place and ensuring that those who commit them are appropriately prosecuted and punished.
Question 7: As a growing community, which has many accomplishments, the Indian Americans feel grossly underrepresented in all branches of the government. What role do you envisage for Indian Americans in your administration? Would you seek them out for senior positions? (100 words)
The Indian-American community has earned great respect through its strong work ethic and family values. We must take advantage of this strength by helping those who have already contributed so much to our economic vitality now become full participants in the political life of our nation as well. It’s time for Indian-Americans to be more fully represented among the nation’s political leadership. If elected, I will aggressively find that talent and place it in senior positions in my administration.
Question 8: Do you have any message for the India American community in the United States? (200 words)
Indian Americans embody the values of responsibility, community, and opportunity that make our country great. They have proven that, in America, if you work hard, play by the rules, give a little back to your community, and invest in the education of yourselves and your children, there is no limit to what you can achieve.
I will continue to work hard during this campaign to earn the support of the Indian American community. As I have said, Al Gore's decision to select me as his running mate in 2000 broke a barrier in American political life. And I hope that we were able to knock down barriers for every ethnic minority group in this great country, including for Indian Americans.
I’m running for President because I love America—and hate the direction George W. Bush is taking us.
But we’re not going to defeat his extreme agenda with extreme anger. We’ve got to bring the country together and move it forward, by offering new ideas. By fighting for what’s right—whether or not it’s politically popular.
George W. Bush gave away the store to big corporations. I’m going to cut taxes for 98 percent of taxpayers and make the most fortunate pay their fair share.
George W. Bush pays lip service to helping families. I’ll make sure you can take care of a newborn baby or sick family member without losing your whole paycheck.
We’ve got to unify around common goals and values – with a positive, hopeful message.
That’s what I’m offering in this campaign—and what I’ll offer as President of the United States.
Question 9: How can the Indian American community get involved with your campaign? Who do we contact for this purpose? (100 words)
A presidential campaign is a team effort – and I needyour help to spread our campaign’s message of strength, growth, and opportunity for all. Whether it's hosting a house party, helping distribute literature door-to-door, or attending a rally, there are countless ways to help. Here's how you can get more involved.
Contact:
Chris Lavery
Joe Lieberman for President
1195 Elm Street
Manchester, NH 03101
Phone (603) 669-2004
Fax (603) 644-4563
Or go to my website: www.joe2004.com
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