Review of Presidential Candidates - Part One

It's time to break down the race for Presidency in November. As mentioned before, I will review each candidate who has gained ballot access in at least ten states. This is by no means an exhaustive list - well over 200 people have filed the official papers with the Federal Election Commission to announce their candidacy. Some are crazy, some are serious, most do not have ballot access in even one state. Due to the restrictive laws in most states, ballot access is difficult if you haven't received the nomination of the "major" parties. I don't have the time or desire to review everyone... so, on to those with "significant" ballot access.

This will be part one in a series of posts on this topic.

(In ascending order of current number of states with access.)

Party: Socialist Party USA
Candidate: Brian Moore

After winning a recent lawsuit in Ohio, the Socialist Party has now gained ballot access in exactly ten states. Moore and the Socialist Party are strong advocates of Democratic Socialism and speak out against Communism. The Socialist platform focuses on a government by the people and an economy run by the people. The focus in on the provision of goods and services for the common good and not for profits. This concept is illustrated by Moore's proposal of a guaranteed wage of $35,000 per year and a maximum limit on wages at 10x the minimum - which is $350,000 by my math.

Moore is a former Democrat and has also run as a Republican in the past. He held elected, local government positions in Washington, D.C., in the 1980s and has had numerous unsuccessful bids for other elected offices across the spectrum of government. He has spent most of his professional career in the health care industry with much international experience (especially in Latin America). He currently holds a high-ranking position at an executive search firm for the industry. His running-mate is Stewart Alexander.

As you may have figured out, I don't believe in Socialism. I strongly believe that any form of tax or subsidy will distort market economics. This does not mean that I am an anarcho-capitalist; I'm pretty sure that I am not. But, placing a maximum income cap of $350,000 alone assures me that Moore will not receive my endorsement. This is way to guarantee the demise of our entire economy. I'll save a detailed report of my views against socialism for another article at another time.

Party: Party for Socialism and Liberation
Candidate: Gloria La Riva

With ballot access in twelve states, the Party for Socialism and Liberation is a self-declared Marxist-Revolutionary party. They hold many of the same principles as the Socialist Party USA; however, they place a lot more focus on issues of international affairs and equal rights. They also call for an increase in the minimum wage (to $15 per hour) and the eradication of capitalism. Their criticism places its focus more on the (so-called) corrupt nature of corporations and their close ties to the government elite. There is much (well-placed) focus against the warfare state. Unfortunately, they are all for the welfare state.

I can't find a lot of information regarding Ms. La Riva. She is definitely a political activist having been on Presidential tickets on numerous occasions. She is very active in anti-war organizations, advocates the release of political prisoners, and is a strong supporter of civil rights. I cannot find any information regarding her source of income; she did translate one of Fidel Castro's works into English. Here running mate is Eugene Puryear.

I can respect much of the platform of Ms. La Riva. The warmongering pseudo-imperialism of the U.S. government is too much, too often. The notion of putting power in the hands of the people is not a bad thing. But, corporations are not always a bad thing either. Business plays an important role in delivering goods and services to the people. Government sponsored and/or regulated monopolies are destructive and distort capitalism. But, a socialist platform cannot receive my endorsement. The bad will just outweigh the good.

Party: Socialist Workers
Candidate: Roger Calero

Mr. Calero is not a natural born citizen of the U.S., and despite having ballot access in thirteen states, he is ineligible for holding the office of President. As such, I will not bother reviewing his candidacy.

Stayed tuned for Part Two where I will review Cynthia McKinney and Ralph Nader.