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[Table] IAmA candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in California's new 23rd congressional district.
**Verified?** *(This bot cannot verify AMAs just yet)* **Date:** 2012-05-02 **[Link to submission](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/)** (*Has self-text*) **[Link to my post](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/tabledresser/c4jj27f)** Questions|Answers :--|:-- [Kevin McCarthy, your opponent, has raised over $3million dollars for this campaign,when he was expecting to run unopposed. Is he going to buy his own TV station? How do you expect to compete against someone who has raised that much money from PACs?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4ja8jo?context=5)|The way to beat any failed leader is by telling the truth about him. I think Mr. McCarthy will defeat himself. His voting record is reason enough for most constituents to replace him. I trust the free press and the common sense of my fellow citizens to do the right thing. I do not believe the incumbent can buy this election. [The vast majority of his constituents are staunch Republicans and being a member of the Leadership in the House he is well liked. Both McCarthy and his predecessor Congressman Thomas have been highly popular and any attempts to run against them have failed considerably. Can you be more please be more specific about how his voting record is going to be his Achilles' heel if it resembles the political wishes of the majority of his constituents? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jgat1?context=5)|Sadly, Mr. McCarthy's voting record does NOT reflect the wishes or the interests of his constituents. He has voted against jobs, against veterans, against health care, against water rights, etc. But as the only viable candidate in election after election, it has been easy for him to be re-elected. Until now. [As a journalist, you had to balance "balance" or neutrality with truth-seeking. How would you apply what you learned from that in Congress? And given that Congress members vote on more legislation than they can possibly read, how comfortable can you be relying on staff?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jaed2?context=5)|First, I intend to be the first member of Congress who puts loyalty to country above loyalty to party. That is required by law under the U.S. government code of ethics passed in 1958. |Second, I intend to be the first member of Congress who refuses to lie under any circumstances. That includes lying by omission. I will have a live webcam in my office and stream all public business which does not violate laws concerning privacy or national security. But no backroom deals. |Third, I am a fast reader. I will read everything that I vote on. If I don't understand something in a bill, I'll ask an expert to explain it to me. But I will NOT be a rubber stamp for special interests, lobbyists or anyone else. [Who are your biggest supporters financially? How did they end up backing you?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4ja65m?context=5)|Not sure what happened to my first reply. I'll try again. My financial supporters have all been individuals. Some are friends and relatives. Most are simply those who want to defeat the incumbent. A list of all contributors to political campaigns is publicly available from the Federal Election Commission and such websites as www.OpenSecrets.org [What is your opinion on medical marijuana potentially adding billions of tax dollars into the economy and starting different industries?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jadq4?context=5)|I'm not sure whether legalizing marijuana would add billions of tax dollars into the economy. But I am sure it should be treated no differently than alcohol or tobacco. [What is your personal stance on religion and how do you think that affects your politics?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jaata?context=5)|I am a strong advocate of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which protects freedom of religion as well as speech, press and assembly. I am committed to the principle that we all have the right to our beliefs as long as those rights do not deprive others of their beliefs. [Do you have any religious beliefs?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jbhrz?context=5)|Yes. I was raised in the Orthodox Christian church. I still follow those traditions. I was also educated by Jesuits at Santa Clara University. But my beliefs are not limited to the dogma of any organized religion. I believe we should not check our brains at the door when entering a house of faith. God's greatest gift to humankind is the ability to reason. [How about Gay Marriage?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jc5d1?context=5)|Here's an odd idea: How about having all couples relationships officiated as civil unions (heterosexual and homosexual), and leave "marriage" to churches, synagogues, mosques, and other non-governmental organizations? |Frankly, I don't care who lives with whom as long as it's consensual. I do care about respecting everyone's rights. As a wise man once said, "Freedom means freedom for everyone." [So if you are elected and the issue of allowing gays to marry comes up for a vote, are you yea or nay? Lets assume its called the "freedom to marry" act and its main objective is to abolish the ban on marriage between gay couples nation wide. It expressly does not force any organization religious or otherwise to marry gay people and legal protects them from such. But it does force courthouses to marry gay people and of course it allows churches that would like to marry gay people to do so.. Will the semantics of calling it marriage sway your vote to nay?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jip57?context=5)|My default position on this is that all people should enjoy the same rights. The government should not meddle in the private lives of people. So, I would not vote to restrict the ability of consenting adults to live together, regardless of their sexual orientation. This is a clear First Amendment issue. [Sorry about the rant, hope you get to my question! ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jcpv8?context=5)|I know this isn't a perfect solution, but it just might work out best for everyone. [So you feel it should be legal? I'm a pastor in the ULC, can I call it a wedding if I want to marry a Gay Couple. Are we not jut talking about semantics?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jcrj4?context=5)|Yes and no. To those who consider marriage sacred, it is something different than to others for whom marriage is a secular relationship. The First Amendment dictates that we respect both points of view. That's why I favor reserving the word "marriage" for non-governmental purposes and legalizing "unions" for everyone. [Well while I agree that a church can choose who and who not, to marry. I don't believe any law would have forced them too. Some churches like the ULC or Unitarians would love to "marry" gay couples. Should they be able too?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jd8ov?context=5)|I think that would be up to your organization. Again, I would distinguish between the state's function (to register all unions) and the social function (to marry those who adhere to their particular rules). It's no different than the situation today where, for example, some churches only agree to perform religious ceremonies for their own followers. But those individuals can still get a state marriage license and live as a legally married couple without the religious ceremony. [Do you support the high speed railroad?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jads6?context=5)|California in general and the Central Valley in particular MUST find a way to improve our transportation infrastructure. High speed rail is one way. So far, the plans have been badly conceived and badly presented. But I am convinced that we can find a way to implement this idea. One thing is certain: We can't keep doing what we've been doing. Mr. McCarthy has only one answer: Just say "No." I think that's short-sighted. We must find a way to say "Yes" which will benefit everyone. [What do you think the likelihood is of widening either I-5 or US-99? Where do you stand on the movement to turn US-99 into an interstate?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jn7p4?context=5)|Adding more freeway capacity in the Central Valley is a non-starter. Our air quality is so poor that we cannot legally permit more vehicle emissions. (We've already been fined for failing to meet federal air quality standards.) It's also very expensive to build and maintain such roads. That money would be better spent on clean mass transit infrastructure. [Imagine that you win the election in a landslide vote. What is the most important thing on your to-do list as congressman?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jaomn?context=5)|You mean apart from demanding a recount? (kidding) |I would introduction a bill prohibiting all campaign contributions to public officials. That is the only hope for ending corruption in U.S. politics. [Aren't we past the legality of campaign contributions? I thought the entire Super PAC system was created to solve the problem of direct campaign contributions? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jgu6u?context=5)|Alas, it seems only to have made things worse. [How does your district know that you will not do what most every other freshman congressman does and sell out to the highest bidder? The previous actions of your predecessors have left a great track record for wooing the public only to turn on them once elected. What assurances can you give them?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4ja7vz?context=5)|Fear and greed have led to institutionalized corruption in politics. I'd love to pass a law prohibiting office holders and office seekers from accepting ANY money. My campaign is accepting only individual contributions. I have personally turned down donations offered in exchange for promises of favors. You should also know that I left my last broadcasting job because the station management wanted me to make changes under pressure from sponsors. You can read my op-ed piece in The Bakersfield Californian and The Fresno Bee. Check this Wikipedia article for links: [Link to en.wikipedia.org](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Phillips) [Hope you stick to your ideals. Best of luck!](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jahq8?context=5)|Thanks. I hope you'll hold me to it! [Personally I do not know much about American politics solely because I live in Alberta Canada, but I aw wondering your outlook on the oilsands in Alberta and how it effects your economy?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jack5?context=5)|Clearly, we need to look beyond petroleum for our future energy needs. Even if it were in limitless supply, oil is killing us. The Central Valley has especially bad air quality (by some accounts, the worse in America). Every reputable scientist on earth is warning us about the effects of greenhouse gases on climate change. |As for our economy, the United States and Canada may both enjoy short-term benefits from your oil sands. But in long run, we will suffer from exploiting that resource. [Kern county is the largest producer of oil in California, and has some of the largest oil fields in the nation. While I agree with you that we need to look to alternative fuels, many of the constituents in your districts could would disagree. If elected would you represent the wishes of your constituents on any legislation that could potentially harm oil production in Kern county?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jgk35?context=5)|I would represent the wishes and the interests of my constituents. These are not always the same. But I have no intention to "harm oil production" in my district. I only say we need to plan for our future. That will not necessarily include a petroleum-based economy. [Thoughts on nuclear (16% of CA's electricity generation\)?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jbtjj?context=5)|I like nuclear power. I do worry about our failure to deal with waste and seismic challenges. France gets almost all its electricity from nuclear power, but not with difficulties. |I'd rather that we focused on such forward-thinking ideas as feed-in tariffs. [*I intend to expose the incumbent for the fraud that he is.*](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jd7vd?context=5)|Yes, I am recruiting volunteers. Please visit my website (www.PhillipsForCongress.com) or send me a direct message (yes@TerryPhillips.org) to get involved. [ what dirt do you have on him? That's what I'm trying to get out. I really do appreciate your enthusiasm, and I really do hope you'll smash that schmuck in November, but it just doesn't seem like you have the ground game to do it. Are you recruiting volunteers? Are you hosting candidate forums? How are you getting your message out?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jd7vd?context=5)|Yes, I am participating in candidates' forums. I look forward to debating the incumbent after the primary. And I plan to walk a LOT of precincts. [What are some things you wouldn't compromise on?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4ja4zz?context=5)|That's an interesting question because it implies that compromise is a bad thing. I think we are best when we work together. That requires compromise. |Your question also suggests that there is such a thing as absolute certainty. I am committed to finding and expressing the truth -- and to keeping an open mind on what is true. [Is that your way of saying there is nothing for which you would take an absolute stand for or against?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jbvi0?context=5)|Well, if you ask the question that way: child pornography, rape, starvation, homelessness, animal abuse...the list is long and growing. [Obviously slavery, as you already mentioned, was terrible. Are there no current issues that you feel as strongly about?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jbvi0?context=5)|The original question was about compromise. I don't believe we should accept bad behavior. I do believe that we should work together to solve our many problems. But no...I don't see a single issue today that is as awful as slavery was. [*animal abuse.* The district you're seeking office in is something of a haven for it. Dog fighting, cock fighting, backyard slaughter operations, CAFOs, and serial hoarders of every domesticated mammal I can think of. What would you do in Congress as the 23rd's rep to alleviate their suffering? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jgfjs?context=5)|The crimes you describe are governed by state laws. But these are national (and international) problems. As a federal legislator, I would work to strengthen the ability to educate and enforce. [So you're officially taking a stand in favor of *child pornography, rape, starvation, homelessness, animal abuse...the list is long and growing.* ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jlzps?context=5)|That's ridiculous. [What is your opinion on medical marijuana? What is your opinion on decriminalising marijuana in general?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jd1ix?context=5)|I do not think marijuana should be in the same category with heroin. That said, I do like the idea of adults having the right to put into their bodies anything they wish as long as they don't harm others in the process. It should not be a crime to smoke pot. [What is the role of government? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4ja30m?context=5)|In a democracy, government is a mechanism for us to do together those things we can't do (or shouldn't do) individually. [What do you think of legalizing hard drugs then?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jg632?context=5)|Well, if by legalizing you mean total deregulation, that would be a problem. But if you mean permitting doctors to prescribe them, that might make some sense. I do think we have a responsibility to discourage people from harming themselves, but not to the point of preventing adults from making responsible decisions for themselves. [Are there limits to those things that "we can't do (or shouldn't do\) individually?" If so what are they?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jai2d?context=5)|Yes, there are limits. But that's what the democratic process determines. I believe our common interests should dictate how we select those limits, but they are also influenced by available resources and public opinion. |One controversial example is health care. We don't have all the resources to pay for basic health care, but access to those services is in everyone's best interest. So, we are trying to find an affordable way to satisfy that interest. (Not everything can be done best through the financial marketplace.) [The USA is a republic Mr. PhillipsForCongress, not a democracy.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jamsc?context=5)|You make a common error. A republic is a form of democracy. [This answer alone should disqualify you from elected office at the Federal level.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jawcz?context=5)|Please explain. [A number of countries have experimented in legalizing all drugs and treating drug use as an addiction as opposed to a crime. Even so far as providing needles AND a clean version of said drugs to ensure that people are at least not doing worse harm than they already are.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jiq6y?context=5)|We have some specific cultural challenges that differ from, say, the Netherlands. But I agree that we can be much more effective in treating addiction than simply locking up addicts. [Did you/do you support the Affordable Care Act? Follow-up: Do you support a public option?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jbdmi?context=5)|The Affordable Care Act was a bad compromise. I believe in a single-payer system to provide universal access to basic medical care. But I also support a private option. That means what while we should all contribute to national health insurance, we should all have the right to buy private supplemental insurance. |We should all have the right to choose any medical provider. But the government's role should be limited to financing payment, not dictating the details of health care. |I also think we should have the right of collective bargaining with pharmaceutical companies to negotiate drug prices. |The United States pays much more for health care than any other nation on earth, and we get worse results for it. There are many excellent models. We could choose one of them or create our own. But we need a comprehensive solution before this burden breaks our economy. [Is there a particular country you have in mind to copy? The UK has a 1-2% NI tax that goes to the NHS, then most jobs paying above £40k ish pay for Bupa which is a popular private company who charges you less for accepting NHS hospitals occasionally. ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jjh0z?context=5)|I don't necessarily think we should "copy" another country's health care system. We have our own characteristics. But we spend in excess of $7,500 per capita on health care -- nearly 20 percent of our GDP. No other industrialized country even comes close to that. Most spend less than half of what we do, yet they get better care. Let's figure this out before it becomes a real catastrophe! [Could you elaborate more on what you mean by the ACA being a "bad compromise"? Does that mean you would not have voted for it or just that you think we could have done better? Given that a number of the other countries you alluded to use a model similar to that of the ACA (i.e. a subsidized insurance mandate with cost controls\), do you think it is at least a step in the right direction?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jc0j9?context=5)|The real problem with ACA is that Congress failed to make a commitment to the most important thing: universal access to basic health care. I believe that's because members care more about their big campaign contributors (such as insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, private hospitals) than the interests of their constituents. |The mandates that other countries have are in different legal and political environments (e.g., without a constitutional commerce clause), or they go further than ours and become single-payer systems. Either would be better than this. |I agree that ACA would have been better than nothing if it had not been so badly written and presented. It's almost as if it had been designed to fail. The mandate clause was written to be challenged (and probably overturned) in court. Giving up the right to negotiate over drug prices was blatant corruption. And no public option? That's just immoral. |To answer your question, I probably would have threatened to vote "No" and then fought for a better bill. This was a bad compromise. [Do you believe revenue should rise to meet spending or spending cut to meet revenue? No wishy washy stuff, please pick one and explain why, it's more of an exercise in philosophy then practicality.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jaoes?context=5)|This is a vicious cycle. As business see a drop in the number of customers, they lay off workers and, in some cases, close stores. The ONLY way to solve these challenges is through growth. That means putting more resources into the hands of consumers. Doing so will lead to an increase in business, a growth in employment, and a rise in tax revenues. None of these things should be done drastically. Our economy is fragile. We need to take gradual steps. But the greatest danger is to do nothing. That's what this Congress has been doing, all in the name of partisanship. It is the least productive session in U.S. history. That's another reason why I am running: to end the gridlock. [Why doesn't the media actually tell it how it is? I.e. when a politician has quite obviously lied, why don't the media call them on it?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jd3di?context=5)|It's difficult when news agencies are owned by media companies that have a financial relationship with the politicians and other political forces they cover. There is very little truly independent press. [What political, philosophical, or economic book had the greatest impact on you?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4ja4lp?context=5)|I've recently read -- and highly recommend -- "That Used To Be Us" by Thomas Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum. I'm also a big fan of William Saroyan who influenced me with the words, "In the time of your life, live." But most of all, I must mention "Inherit the Wind" by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. [How did you hear of Reddit and what brought you here?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jbg63?context=5)|A friend told me about Reddit. I'm still learning my way around. How I am doing here so far? [Fantastic! It takes a while to get the hang of things. Hopefully your experience today will be positive and you'll hang around for a while.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jc3jf?context=5)|So far, it's been terrific. Yes, I plan to spend more time here! [Just remember: Cats. Carl Sagan. Richard Dawkins. PC Gaming. Nintendo classics.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jdqqm?context=5)|ROFL. [Do you support more organic farming in Kern Co? If so, what ways would you promote it.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jaj52?context=5)|I do support organic farming in Kern County as a member of a local organic farming coop. I also promoted it as a journalist. I would support such farming as a legislator. [Even though the vote is past now, What are your feelings on the overlying issues behind SOPA/PIPA?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jao8a?context=5)|I am an unabashed advocate for free expression. The federal government should not restrict Internet access. As a content producer, I don't want my intellectual property stolen. However, existing laws already protect my rights. Once I publish, my goal is widespread distribution. There was no need to introduce such freedom-killing bills as SOPA and PIPA which I opposed. |The government should also not invade the privacy of citizens without a warrant. Apparently, this is another area of disagreement between me and the incumbent who voted for CISPA. [If there was one thing you could rewrite or get rid of completely in American history what would it be? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jaszu?context=5)|Slavery. This evil institution was (and continues to be) the single worst thing in American history. We continue to live with its consequences. [If you had to fight a dinosaur to the death in a Dinosaur Death Match using only primitive weapons and not allowed to set traps, what's the biggest dinosaur you think you win against? You don't have to name a specific dinosaur, just give us a size reference.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jaaot?context=5)|It's a little known fact this but dinosaurs are vulnerable to bat-thorn. Just throw a little at them and they disappear. Very effective. [I have two questions.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jb810?context=5)|I feel ambivalent about term limits. On one hand, I don't like the idea of career politicians. On the other hand, we do have a way to get rid of them. It's called an election. (By the way, I really don't like interim recall elections. Abuse of power should result in impeachment. Otherwise, we should live with our decisions.) [What is your opinion on term limits?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jb810?context=5)|The downside to term limits is that it deprives us of experience political leaders. The worst thing about having people in office for a long time is that it deprives us of fresh ideas. Incumbents typically get reelected because of the system. A better solution is to have publicly funded elections. That way, the marketplace of ideas is more powerful than the marketing of financial forces. Maybe that's too naive. But I think we can do better than this. [What is your opinion on 'taxing the rich'?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jb810?context=5)|As for taxing the rich, I am philosophically opposed to discouraging people from earning money. On the other hand (you knew there would be one, right?), I believe in fairness. If the "rich" (whatever that means) truly paid an equal percentage instead of gaming the system, I think we'd all be happy. This dilemma leads me to want a value added tax rather than an income tax. [I don't see how a VAT addresses the rich not paying "an equal percentage" given that consumption taxes are generally regressive with respect to income. Wouldn't it be better to simply get rid of certain deductions & tax preferences?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jc3p1?context=5)|VAT can also be made more fair if there are enough exceptions and other safety nets. But either way, this is a HUGE problem -- the most complex area of law and the most attractive lure for political corruption. |I don't pretend to have all the answers, but somewhere there must be a good compromise. Maybe we need to take a few steps back and get a better perspective. I'd be in favor of a total re-write of the tax code, but I'm not sure it could be done without replacing the two-party system first. (Not kidding.) [How about an income tax based on *any* income, by just salary, thereby closing loopholes. This includes salary, stock dividends, profits from growth stocks, overseas accounts, etc. Lump it all together. To my eyes, it seems that the reason the wealthiest pay lower taxes is due to tax loopholes regarding stock. Thoughts?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jdh17?context=5)|You're right: That is a common way to avoid taxes. Politicians always talk about closing loopholes, then they create more! I think the best way is to change the way we think about government revenue. |Most of us are not very good at saving money. It's hard when so many live from paycheck to paycheck. But the current tax system seems more focused on collecting the low-hanging fruit rather than on the big pictures. |I'm open to good suggestions, and I make no claims to being a financial genius. As a journalist, my expertise is in collecting and communicating information. That's what I intend to do in Congress: get the best ideas and present them as well as possible, then work with others to pass good laws for everyone's benefit. It's a crazy plan, but I believe it can work! [1.Congratulations on a successful IAMA. I've seen many of these sort of fall flat. After meeting you last Sunday Night at the Center of the World Volunteer Appreciation Potluck, and this AMA (bonus in my book for being a Redditor albeit a new one, but hey, you're here\) I feel I can safely say you have earned my vote. How can I in Pine Mountain Club help you secure this election? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jcdtt?context=5)|Thanks! I'd like to meet with folks there, but I need advocates in my absence, too. Let's talk. [I see your district is home to the infamous Ben Richards (The Butcher of Bakersfield\) massacre. Would you agree that the trend towards a government totalitarian state and its attempt to pacify the public through gladiator-style game shows is immoral and leads to massacre such as those perpetrated by Ben Richards? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jb9br?context=5)|I like a good fantasy film as much as the next guy. I wish Arnold had just kept making movies instead of getting into politics. [What are your views on the overall financial situation of California in general? How do you plan to help your district (besides by being in congress, obviously\) in that entire respect?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jdebv?context=5)|I often wonder whether it's time to divide California into two states. We are so large and with so many contradictory demands. But for now, we need to do a better job of working together. Our congressional delegation can help. By focusing on our common interests (water, energy, transportation, etc.), we can help pull in much needed resources. I'd begin with water. We must stop the efforts by some (such as the incumbent in this district) to federalize California's water distribution. After 20 years of fighting, we finally came to an agreement. Now he wants to undo that and send everyone back to court. What a terrible idea. That's why I opposed HR 1837. [I suppose a more broad answer is "What are you going to do for your constituents that will affect their direct problems?"](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jdebv?context=5)|Unfortunately, our current crop of representatives are always at war with each other. The battle lines are strictly partisan. As a result, we are a net loser when it comes to federal taxes. (California sends more money to Washington than it gets back.) I would work to change that. Running without a party affiliation, I don't care if my fellow members are Democrats, Republicans or Whigs. They'll all get my cooperation. But it has to be reciprocal and it has to be for the greater good. I've learned that there are no magic bullets in politics. It's a process requiring cooperation, patience and hard work. Unfortunately, the House Majority Whip is more interested in his career than in his constituents. We do agree on one thing: It's time for a change in Washington. Let's begin with him. [How do you feel about this? Should we restrict immigration more? Or open doors to more people with lesser education?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4je005?context=5)|As the son of an immigrant father and grandparents, I strongly respect the desire of people to come here. My folks sacrificed everything so that I could be born in the United States. We need to stop treating immigrants as criminals. We need to make it easier for all good people who want to become Americans, but particularly those who want to make this country better. [I am a real-life consitutent of District 23. In all honestly, I think it's a terrible place (at least, where I'm from\).](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jcrdk?context=5)|You remind me of a story about two men traveling separately to the same foreign city. The first arrives and asks a local, "What are people like here?" The local says, "Well, what are people like where you are from?" The traveler replies, "Where I am from, people are nice." The local says, "I think you'll find people here are the same." The second traveler arrives and encounters the same local. They have the same exchange. But the second traveler says, "Where I am from, people are terrible." The local replies, "I think you'll find people here are the same." That's a long way of saying, I think YOU will find what you expect. I find people here to be kind, caring, and like everywhere else, with many problems. Welcome to life. This place is terrific. And perhaps most of all, it has great potential. Let's make something of it -- together! [Give me a really, really good reason not to hate my homeland.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jcrdk?context=5)| [For such a large geographic area with a reasonably-sized population, there is a dearth of institutions of higher education. Would you increase funding for regional colleges and universities? Also, educated individuals tend to leave this district. How would you attract them back to the area?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jcu0e?context=5)|We have some of the worst rates of high school and college graduates in America. It is our most serious long-term challenge. I would advocate legislation to encourage private investment in public education. Businesses lack a sufficiently educated work force. Young people lack good jobs. Let's help bridge that gap. I would also advocate some form of universal national service in which graduates are rewarded for giving back to their communities. And I'd offer tax incentives to local business for hiring local grads (maybe call it "Keep 'Em Home") which, among other things, would be a boost to family values. [Is Phillips your fathers name as well, or was it anglicized when he immigrated?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jb4h5?context=5)|My father's family name (and mine until Dad became a U.S. citizen) was Phillipidis. He was a Greek national born in Smyrna, Turkey. [Well coming from a Turkish background hinder you at all in politics? Will it hinder you at all from actually getting elected?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jd406?context=5)|I consider myself of Greek and Armenian heritage. But I have been to Turkey and liked it very much. We all have a lot in common: music, food, beautiful women, etc. I see no hindrance from my roots in getting elected. On the contrary, it's an advantage! [Terry,](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t3pj0/iama_candidate_for_the_us_house_of/c4jf7y1?context=5)|With all due modesty (a difficult commodity to have as a public office seeker!), I think my personal story is one many people appreciate. I am NOT a career politician. I have real world experience. I am a good communicator. And I like to listen to people. Fortunately, people also seem to like talking to me. *Last updated: 2012-05-07 02:14 UTC* *This post was generated by a robot! Send all complaints to [epsy](/message/compose/?to=epsy).* more