Candidate’s name: Steve Larrick, Nebraska Green Party
Should the United States begin a phased withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq?
I support an immediate phased withdrawal of combat troops and private contractors from Iraq. All U.S. troops and contractors should be out of Iraq within six months. This war based on lies is breaking Iraq into smaller and smaller pieces the longer we stay. Furthermore, it is bankrupting the United States financially and morally while severely weakening our military.
What should our policy in Iraq be?
We must end violent interventions by the United States and bring together all parties in Iraq to rebuild the country’s infrastructure and civic life. As violence subsides, the United Nations, the Arab League, and others can be brought in to help rebuild Iraq. We owe apologies and reparations to Iraq for invading and occupying the country based on false pretenses.
Recognizing that every candidate supports increased border security, what should U.S. policy be in dealing with the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants already settled here?
We must enforce our labor laws and eliminate exploitation of working immigrants by providing legal channels toward citizenship for people of all educational backgrounds. Educational opportunities should be made available for all U.S. residents. Many American families have both documented and undocumented members. Insensitive crackdowns tear families apart, stripping children from their parents. We need more humane immigration policies.
What should the Congress do to deal with a struggling economy that already may be in recession?
Congress should quickly enact meaningful regulation of the financial sector. Deregulation is causing economic tragedies. Our economy needs an end to the Iraq War and a redirection of our nation’s economic resources toward healthcare, housing, education, energy conservation, renewable energy development and public transportation. We also need public policies to better conserve our land and water for long-term environmental health.
Do you favor direct, unilateral talks with Iran in an effort to resolve some differences? If so, what should be on the table? At what point, if any, should the United States consider a military attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities?
I favor direct, unilateral talks with Iran. There are no circumstances in which we should attack Iran. The U.S. intelligence community has assured us that Iran quit its nuclear weapons program. Our bluster and threats only weaken Iranian democracy and force Iran to increase military threats toward us. All issues should be on the table with peaceful co-existence the goal.
What, if anything, should Congress do now to change entitlement programs and secure the long-term financial stability of Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid?
Social Security is safe through 2041. Modest increases in the cap on income eligible for taxation can cover the shortfall thereafter. More immediate threats to Medicare and Medicaid can be eliminated by adopting a universal single-payer healthcare system. This system would cost us less to cover all Americans than our current system costs while failing to serve 47 million people.
What should Congress do to resolve rising health care costs and assure access to health care?
Congress must adopt a universal single-payer healthcare system. Europe and Canada cover all their people at 60% of the cost of our system which is failing to serve more than 47 million Americans. Moreover, Europe and Canada have better health outcomes. About 60% of our healthcare system is already run by the government through Medicare, Medicaid and the VA anyway.
What specific goals would you work to accomplish, if elected?
If elected, I pledge to: (1) end the Iraq War and strengthen diplomatic efforts worldwide; (2) provide health care and educational opportunities for all Americans; (3) better protect the environment for future generations; (4) restore the U.S. Constitution damaged by the Patriot Act and illegal spying on Americans; and (5) respect international law and treaty obligations with the United Nations.