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[Table] IAMA 2012 Independent Presidential Candidate running on Americans Elect platform. I believe in Fair Trade, No Tax Loopholes, No Special Interests, Energy Innovation
**Verified?** *(This bot cannot verify AMAs just yet)* **Date:** 2012-04-26 **[Link to submission](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/)** (*Has self-text*) **[Link to my post](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/tabledresser/c4h7xq3)** Questions|Answers :--|:-- [Hey Buddy thanks for AMA! What can we do to get you into a debate this fall?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h13kk?context=5)|If I receive the Americans Elect nomination and poll 15% in a National poll I will be able to be on a National debate. Need everyone to go onto www.AmericansElect.org and support me. [Are you aware you are running against Ron Paul on the same site? Someone with far more supporters and essentially the same policies?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h7083?context=5)|Ron Paul is not a declared candidate for Americans Elect. He would have to drop out of the GOP race and declare his intent to run for AE. [I see health care reform on your issues list, what is your stance on marijuana reform and reclassifying certain drugs?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h1r2y?context=5)|I'm not sold yet on complete legalization of marijuana but I do support states that allow for it. Fed government should stay out of this and stop attacking state rights. [What are your thoughts on CISPA? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h16e8?context=5)|The invasion of our personal freedoms in SOPA, PIPA and CISPA is appalling. Released a press release against CISPA 2 days ago. [Being a previous governor of Louisiana, you're familiar with the decline in public education. What do you think about Jindal's education reform plan? Also, what are your future political plans after the presidential election?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h0zy0?context=5)|I support Jindal?s plans. We need more competition in our K-12 system. We have the best colleges in the world because of competition. Our teachers need to be paid fairly and we all need to put the students first. No future political plans besides winning the election in November. [Youve been elected and sworn in: what are your top priorities on your first day as president?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h135p?context=5)|Getting the corruption out of Washington and putting Americans back to work. [How do you intend to accomplish that?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h1qzh?context=5)|Full disclosure of every campaign contribution, no matter how small. |Real-time electronic reporting of campaign contributions, within 48 hours, rather than quarterly. |Elimination of Super PACs entirely. |4.Limiting PAC donations to candidates to the same as individual contributions. |5.Prohibition of registered lobbyists participating in fundraisers Criminal penalties for violations of campaign finance rules. |6.Term Limits [Buddy, You're the man, it was great meeting you at Larry Lessig's house awhile back. You and Larry often say that the number one problem in America is that there is too much money in politics. I agree that money in politics is the biggest problem that we face, but I'm afraid that we won't make too much progress on this issue so long as our corporate media outlets ignore the issue entirely. I mean, they wouldn't even let you on stage during the GOP debates because you refused to play by their "required fundraising" rules. Therefore, don't we need to do something about our corporately-owned media before we can realistically make progress on uniting to get money out of politics? How can we take back control of the communication channels (specifically T.V. and radio\) in this country so that they stop serving corporate interests instead of We the People? Does it start with reforming the debates so that candidates like you are included? Do we mandate that major media outlets provide equal commercial time for all candidates? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h11k9?context=5)|Good question. It?s not just the money. We need to reform a whole bunch of things. Majority of Americans don?t know this, but it was the networks that refused to invite me to the debates. CNN, FOX, ABC, NBC. I would be interested in allowing air time for all candidates. I was the only guy running who had been elected to Congress and was a former Governor. What does it take? Selling pizzas?! I would look at term limits, public funding of campaigns, gerrymandering issues. There?s other stuff we need to work on besides the money issue. [What are your views on internet privacy? Oh and thanks for doing this AMA!](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h14v6?context=5)|The invasion of our personal freedoms in SOPA, PIPA and CISPA is appalling. I participated in the SOPA blackout. [From the looks of your platform, you are for tax reform, not tax increases, right? How would you reform the tax system to efficiently reduce the deficit, while still maintaining a reasonable government budget? Also, since you are running as an independent and you've previously ran as both a democrat and republican, what platform do you support in the house and Senate?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h1808?context=5)|I would support a progressive flat tax of 17% for corporations and individuals. $50,000 exemption and I would keep the Earned Income Tax Credit. We spend 250B per year on tax compliance costs. We would save that. Our corporate rate would go from the top three highest in the world to the bottom 3. |100,000=8.5% 250,000=12.1% 500,000=15% 750,000=17% | Not sure what you mean by what platform I support in the house and senate, but I support reforms that make our country more prosperous, more safe and more free. [Buddy, What is you views on religion in general?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h145n?context=5)|I am a proud Southern Methodist boy. No matter what town I?m in I look for a church to attend on Sunday. I believe it helps guide people but we get into trouble when we mix religion with governing. [Buddy, I have been following your campaign very closely. I just made a Reddit account to take part in this IAMA. I am an undocumented immigrant here in Alabama, home to the country's worst anti-immigrant law. As you know, Arizona's SB 1070 led to Utah, Indiana, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina passing their own anti-immigrant law, spurred on by groups such as ALEC, who profit from the passage of these laws, as well as private detention centers. Having seen the humanitarian, economic, and political crisis that these laws entail, what would you do as President to deal with them? Also, if President, how would you deal with illegal immigration? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h1418?context=5)|These laws are not because of ALEC, these laws occur because our government is made up of cowards. We have a president who promised immigration reform in his first year. Where is it? We have a Congress who likes to kick the can down the road. We need leadership. These states have serious problems because of illegal immigration and it is the federal government?s job to fix our broken system. Democrats and Republicans are both at fault. I am opposed to SB1070 like laws because they infringe on our liberties, especially Hispanics in America. [You said you want to open Yucca Mountain to store nuclear waste. But what about transporting that waste cross country? People might fear of spillage on the highway. ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h1kz2?context=5)|Good question. I know we make fun of them, but the French are masters of dealing with nuclear energy. I will see how others transport it safely and learn from them. [How are you going to get your campaign reforms pass congress, because almost all of them take special interest money? I appreciate your honesty and your love for America.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h1cj2?context=5)|You must have experience being a leader and working with both parties. This president does not know how to lead or work across the aisle. I led the a group of conservative Democrats in the 80?s that worked with Reagan to get legislation passed. Remember when we placed sanctions against South Africa and then Nelson Mandela was freed? Well that was my bill and I worked with Republicans and Democrats. I would have joints sessions of Congress and give credit to the Members that helped me pass the legislation. I would name them by name and thank them. This can be done, but it must be done together. [If someone donates more than $100 to you right now, would you return it?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h19pw?context=5)|Yes, we do. My team counts every cent. [Damn, you realize that you will never win? An honest idependent? Don't get me wrong, you should win, but you can't. Do you plan on visiting college campuses and getting on the news? Becuase that is probably your only hope. I believe young people are who you need to appeal to. Older people tend to be loyal to their political parties. Do you have a plan to overcome this problem?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h1cgo?context=5)|I agree with you, I believe that young people are the ones that change America. I have been visiting colleges, talking to students across the Country. What I need to be is on the National stage. Which I can do with Americans Elect. I will be on all 50 ballots, and if I poll at 15% I will be able to debate. [What are your views on the insane costs of getting a college education and the loan interest rates (subject to doubled\)?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h1j1p?context=5)| It's very frustrating but that's why I need people like you to spread my message. [Thank you very much for doing this!](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h1j1p?context=5)|It pisses me off that we bailout all these irresponsible corporations and don't charge them a dime, yet we charge our students 3.4-6.8% interest. I would go a step further than Congress and the White House. I would lower all student loans to 2%. [Who's your favorite American President?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h1lem?context=5)|Abraham Lincoln. He lead under the hardest circumstances and kept our union together. [Posted 1PM Central Time / 2PM Eastern Time. What is your stance on VAWA and the Bradley Amendment? Link to www.reddit.com. ORIGINALLY POSTED HERE.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4hc7jm?context=5)|Sorry I missed this the first time. I support the VAWA and would have voted for it if I was in Congress. [He is already running as independent to answer your question. No offense or anything but I knew Buddy wasnt going to get close to a GOP nomination when the GOP were literally sabatoging Ron Pauls campaign for holding some of the same views. That being said, Buddy, I am a huge supporter and have been following since I saw you on Colbert Report. My question to you (if you see this\) is, do the allegations of vote fraud in the primaries as well as the hostile attitude of the mainstream media towards anti-big money in government candidates such as yourself (like when FOX called Ron Paul out on media bias and they cut to commercial during him talking\) make you worry about your chances?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h25y9?context=5)|It does. The corporate owned media is part of the problem. My problem has not been my message, it's been my lack of a stage. When I get on shows my donations and supporters go through the roof. All the networks besides MSNBC have pretty much ignored me. It's easy for Herman Cain to get on all the shows, but God forbid we let Roemer on. I think they are scared, but we will continue pushing. [Even if you don't get elected and we get stuck with more of the same crooked politicians letting big money run the show and set the tax code, how can I help? I plan to vote for you on Americans Elect, but what else can I do?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4haciv?context=5)|You need to stay involved and be engaged. Join a get money out group or a better government group. Organize via social media or whatever way you feel comfortable with and spread this message. The politicians will listen if enough of us make noise. [Isn't Americans Elect just a corporate shill designed to draw votes away from Obama?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4ha136?context=5)|No. Anyone can run. I have seen no evidence to believe that this is a front to hurt one side or the other. As a matter of fact, I see it hurting both parties which I am perfectly okay with. [How do you plan to set yourself apart from Ron Paul? It looks like a lot of folks are confused about what you stand for...I recall a segment with you on NPR that did a decent job of that in few words.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4hac8p?context=5)|1- I have a lot of respect for Ron Paul and I hope when he officially leaves the race, his supporters will give me a look. I am strong on liberties and fiscal matters like he is. [What are your plans to overcome the warping of the Citizens United decision if you are elected?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4hac8p?context=5)|2-We will deal with Citizens United and campaign finance reform my first day in office. I will veto every bill until I get a good campaign finance reform bill that fixes our broken system. Citizens United called for independence from the candidates and these Super PACs are not independent from the candidate they are trying to help. People would go to jail under my plan. [What will it take for a third party candidate to seriously be considered? Ross Perot seems to have had the greatest public appeal as an outsider, but then his campaign fell apart. Ron Paul has always been a niche candidate, the same for Nader. What does it take?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h4thg?context=5)|It takes a coalition of Americans that are unhappy with the two-party system, which is most of America. Americans are so used to only having two choices -- Democrats or Republicans. We need to make it known to them that there are more options. Independents need to be elected to more offices. Get me on a debate stage and America will finally see they have another option. [Just a thought, I was approached on the sidewalk on the edge of my campus by one of your canvassers here in Texas and asked to sign a petition to get Americans Elect on our state ballot. When I asked her what it was specifically for, meaning what are the party beliefs, etc. she basically asked me if I knew what republicans and democrats are. At that point she lost me as an audience because I felt my time was being wasted by someone not willing to inform me about what she was asking me sign. I have little patience for that kind of runaround and it was very obvious it was for a political party. You are an independent but having to get on the ballot through a party affiliation? This seems contradictory. Pretend I am a recruiter for a company you want to work for. I know you have experience, or you would not have gotten this far, and that basically you have the keywords that got your resume pulled out of the HR database (not hard with a bit of college freshman level google-fu\). Now, I am about to hand you off to your interviewer but I still have a say in the hiring process. You have 30 seconds until I hand you off what do I need to know about you?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h9m38?context=5)|Though I am running on the Americans Elect platform the people who are working for them are not connected with me or the campaign. Americans Elect is creating a unity ticket to put all 50 state ballots. I am running to be part of that ticket. [Buddy, what can we do to change the American political climate and get away from the partisanship that comes with our current two party system?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h5277?context=5)|Americans Elect is giving Americans a way to crash this 2 party system. Americans need to stand up and say "we want more choices". [What's your plan to fix the current tax system we have in place?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h85nm?context=5)|I would support a progressive flat tax of 17% for corporations and individuals. $50,000 exemption and I would keep the Earned Income Tax Credit. We spend 250B per year on tax compliance costs. We would save that. Our corporate rate would go from the top three highest in the world to the bottom 3. [Also, what's your opinion on the TSA and Homeland Security?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h85nm?context=5)|I believe the TSA can be more efficient and better trained. I believe in safety but not at the cost of our liberties. We need to keep a close eye on this but I have no problem walking through a metal detector. [Why do you choose to go by such an informal nickname when, in the position you are trying to obtain, every single detail is scrutinized?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h50kx?context=5)|Growing up in the south with the name Charles Elson Roemer, III automatically meant you were Buddy. It's stuck. I was elected to Congress and Governor that way. [Hey Buddy, I stumbled upon you a while back and was an instant fan. I'm still a bit confused on your ideas on healthcare reform, which is my biggest issue. Thanks to pre existing conditions that I don't even see a doctor for anymore, I am refused healthcare by all but a couple of companies and I only qualify for healthcare that is $900 a month. That is $400 more than my rent per month. It's extremely frustrating to be willing to pay a reasonable amount for insurance and refused. What is your stance on this?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h4bf1?context=5)|We need healthcare reform. As a diabetic for 50 years, I know what it's like to be sick in this country. People cannot afford to be sick. We have excellent healthcare but it's too damn expensive. I would allow for competition across state lines, I would allow drug discounts and competition from Canada and other countries, I would have tort reform. I believe insurance companies need to allow people like yourself to be on a affordable plan. Obama should have met with doctors, patients and nurses, not lawyers and lobbyists for the various industries. [Buddy: It's January of 2009 and you have just been elected President. What do you differently to spur the economy / job growth? Please be specific.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h95g0?context=5)|After campaign reform, I would do budget reform by making cuts over 5 years. I would make the gov't more efficient and cut the waste and unnecessary departments and agencies. I would reform our tax code to be a progressive flat tax that would create growth. I would make us energy independent. I've done all of this before. It won't be easy, but it can and must be done if we want to keep our Republic. [What are your stances on immigration and the dream act? Thanks!](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h58nq?context=5)|We need comprehensive immigration reform and I would work on it. I support the DREAM Act because these children had no say in breaking the law. It also makes them earn their right to be here by going to college or joining the military. [Why did I have to click through 8 pages to find this?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h4975?context=5)|People got to Up Vote!! [Buddy Roemer is not as sparkling as his AMAs would have you believe.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h69p6?context=5)|Or maybe it is this guy that is related to Edwin Edwards or David Duke? [I know it's too late to ask now, but I'd really like to know where Mr. Roemer stands on science in our schools. Mainly in response to all the non scientific hypothesis the religious right keeps trying to force into our science classrooms.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4hci7z?context=5)|I'm a scientists at heart. I can be a geek sometimes and enjoy reading. Our kids need to know the facts but also not be ignorant to what others believe. [Hey buddy what is your stance on thing like gay marriage and the legalization of marijuana. They are widely viewed in the positive but there still outlawed any thought. EDIT!:Typo ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4haeig?context=5)|I believe gay couples should have the same rights as married couples. The federal government should not be in the business of telling you who you can and can't marry. I do not mind the states allowing for legalization of marijuana but I'm not sold yet on complete legalization. I need to research more on why this is a good idea. [I know you're focused on the economic issues, and I'm really liking what I'm reading, but I was wondering where you stand on the social issues.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h13st?context=5)|I'll be honest, I think the social issues divide us and I don't plan on going to the White House to dictate what people should do in their bedroom or who to marry or what to do. I lean left on social issues while personally remaining a traditionalist. [Please comment on the Federal Reserve and the Gold Standard. ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h9m9d?context=5)|We must conduct a public audit of the Federal Reserve. I don't believe going back to the gold standard is the answer at this time. There are things we can do now without taking that step. [Canned, simplistic answers. Pretty disappointing. This is no way to inspire people to get behind you.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h6kzg?context=5)|Just trying to get to all the questions. This is my third IAMA, and all my issues are on my webpage. [He's not running as a Republican.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h1zxw?context=5)|Correct, I am an Independent. [This probably isn't even Buddy Roemer talking with us right now. Look at this: *"**I** served four terms in the United States Congress from 1981 ? 1988 as a conservative Democrat who often broke ranks with **his** party to vote with President Reagan." *](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h6il6?context=5)|Actually I am here answering the questions and I have a staff member type them out for me. If I was typing I would be here all day. Sorry about it. [Not sure if this has been asked. How do you feel about CISPA(which the senate passed today\)](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h744d?context=5)|The invasion of our personal freedoms in SOPA, PIPA and CISPA is appalling. Released a press release against CISPA 3 days ago. [Let's get straight to it, what is your HONEST opinion on Decriminalization/Legalisation of Cannabis. Don't lie to us, we are Reddit.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4h7e1d?context=5)|I'm not sold yet on complete legalization of marijuana but I do support states that allow for it. Fed government should stay out of this. [No one will give this guy money because he simply has absolutely 0% chance of winning, let alone being known by more than a few thousand people.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/subm7/iama_2012_independent_presidential_candidate/c4ha501?context=5)|I disagree. Most Americans are fed up with the current system and if you get me on the stage with Obama and Romney, Americans will finally have another option that is free to lead and will put his country before party. *Last updated: 2012-05-01 05:17 UTC* *This post was generated by a robot! Send all complaints to [epsy](/message/compose/?to=epsy).* more