SantorumBlog

[moved to top, due to followup update]

Green Party candidate Carl Romanelli has graciously answered a few questions for me via email.

I don’t think I’ve seen any interviews with Mr Romanelli in the media.

Outside of the obvious reason, winning, what is your purpose for running for the Senate?

Since grade school I have desired to serve in the US Senate. I love my country and I have always had a passion for American history, and I was aware from a young age that I was living through a busy chapter of that history ( the 1960’s ). So my political values were shaped and my duty was clear. I have been steadfast to my values my entire life. So, to finally answer your question, I want to serve and I want to engage in the debate on the direction and security of our country, and our constitution.

What is your number one issue?

The issues of war and foreign policy. I believe we need a major change in our approach to both to truly guard the security of our people. As we correct the fundamental flaws in our approach on these issues, we will begin to see positive change in other areas and institutions in our country.

Followup: what’s the major change that you’d like to see? Where are the fundamental flaws in the strategy as outlined by the administration?

We give too much power to the agencies, without presidential and congressional oversight. The result has been many bad decisions, such as creating Al Queda, dealing with Noriega and other criminals. We must remove the cloak of secrecy from these agencies, at least to the extent that presidents and congress can maintain oversight. Our constitution makes these branches responsible for matters of war and commerce, so our servants should assume the responsibility that goes with the position. Though I rail about this administration often, the problem has been getting worse for 50 years. Both parties are responsible for such constitutional abuses, not just the Bush administration. Also, for as much as I complain about this administration, I am more offended by Democrats in congress not having a clue as to how to respond. Further, they refuse to take responsibility for their being a willing partner in many of the policies that I believe have failed. I want to bring a robust constitutional debate to the table during this election. The Republicans are at least willing to engage in it. That kind of fairness is far more patriotic than the media created Democratic shells of no substance.

What would you like to see get done?

Establishment of a single-payer, universal health care system. We deserve to have our basic health needs covered by virtue of being an American. It is the American worker and consumer that fuel our $10 trillion dollar economy, so it’s time we show our people the respect they deserve. The cost of using our tax dollars for corporate subsidies, in the name of health care, is staggering and wasteful. The cost of the various, yet limited, government programs is equally high. If the taxpayers are going to pay for health coverage, then the money should go to health coverage.

If elected, what’s the first the piece of legislation you’d introduce?

Legislation to abolish congressional pensions. This will serve as a natural term limit, without encumbering the system with term limits. Other than president, I believe term limits are unconstitutional. Good representatives of the people deserve to stay, if the voters choose. We should not pay for all of the dead wood that stays in congress just because they can get re-elected. These folks do little real work, take no real issue stands, and milk there years to fatten pensions. It is too high of a cost for the American taxpayer.

[That’s a pretty good idea. Congressional term limits are one of those things I’d love to see. Doing it through pensions is a clever way. They don’t want to stay there. Plus it’s cheaper. -Ed]

For choice voters, please explain your position on abortion, comparing and contrasting to Senator Santorum & Treasurer Casey’s.

The choice in this matter should be left to the individual, her family, her faith, and her doctor. Despite our deeply held views ourselves, as leaders we need to acknowledge our duty to the constitution and our citizens.

We will not solve the abortion question by talking to our congress, we will solve it by talking to our sons and daughters. To criminalize women or doctors on these grounds seems, to me, to go against the very concept of a free society. Both of my opponents should understand this, as well. Both are lawyers, so they should know better.

[I would have liked to have seen a little acknowledgement of the father’s role and responsibility in the pregnancy.-ed]

What is your position on the illegal immigration debate? Bob Casey supports the Senate’s plan, whereas the Senator strongly disagrees and seems to support the House’s version.

I see both the House and Senate versions as being to punitive on a population of mostly good, compliant people. We need to assure that rather than blanket criminalization, we protect all of a persons rights. Each case should be heard on its own merits, and sentencing should be the discretion of the judge. My answer to the first question applies here too; a change in the way we conduct our foreign policy will go a long way to solving this issue. The division created by this debate in the country, and in my community ( Luzerne County ), is hateful and incomplete. We need to raise the level of discourse on this debate if we are to ever solve it.

How many debates would you be willing to engage in? Rick Santorum is asking for as many as ten. As of this point in time, only one on Meet the Press has been agreed to. There is also another with Leslie Stall of CBS News, that is still slated to go on, presumably with an empty chair.

I want as many debates as possible. The best service we can provide voters is to debate our visions for our country. Though I disagree with the Senator, at least he has a vision and a commitment to his beliefs. I have so much more respect for a person that believes in something, rather than the Casey approach of asking pollsters what his vision is, this week. I don’t need one to think exactly like me in order to get along. Despite our differences, at least the voters know that with me or the Senator Pennsylvania gets a man with a vision and passion for America. We both want the voters to decide the direction of vision.

Finally, There is a lot of anger on the left from liberals and progressives regarding your ballot situation. They see this election as a chance to get rid of Rick Santorum. What do you say to the liberals / progressives, and Casey partisans who think you’ll “steal” Bob Casey’s votes?

Only Bob Casey’s vote belongs to Bob Casey. For anyone to assume otherwise is just arrogant. I have had enough of the limo-liberals hypocritical double standards. They assume the votes of their base, while giving in, and even aiding, all of the interests they say they need to protect us from —- like Republicans. Well, I am not now, nor have I ever, been afraid of Republicans. I will always be honest in my view of policy and fair with my treatment of voters and constituents. If elected I realize I represent all of us, not just those who voted for me. The Senator has shown me the same respect, as my Senator and, of course, I’d show the same regard when serving in the US Senate. I will move forward with this campaign, debate in good faith, and not once feel the need to get permission from Bob Casey, or any Democrat. I am and shall remain, a free man.

Many thanks to Carl Romanelli for the interview.