Sydney: Unions have certainly been under fire lately. The recent events in Michigan have greatly weakened the power of unions and it seems likely that this will continue. Many politicians are also critical of unions, especially on the Republican side. It almost seems that the unions have become a scapegoat for the state of the … Continue reading Symposium 2012: With recent developments in Michigan, are unions going to become obsolete?
Annual Symposium
Symposium 2012: With the recent Sandy Hook school massacre, is it time to reconsider the issue of gun control?
Sydney: The answer to this question is a resounding yes and it is heartening to hear that the President is keen to make changes. However, this is something easier said than done. The NRA is one of the most influential political lobby groups in the United States and they will not allow changes to the … Continue reading Symposium 2012: With the recent Sandy Hook school massacre, is it time to reconsider the issue of gun control?
Symposium 2011: Is more economic stimulus needed and what form must it take to get the economy back on track?
Sydney: I don't really know if anything more can be done. The Fed can't lower interest rates anymore, and They're not keen to do any more quantitative easing. The Government doesn't really have the money to throw around either. There is a lot being said about a rise in jobs growth in the last … Continue reading Symposium 2011: Is more economic stimulus needed and what form must it take to get the economy back on track?
Symposium 2011: What is your outlook for the 2012 presidential election? Any frontrunners in the Republican party?
Sydney: Mitt Romney looks like the standout Republican at the moment, judging by his wins in the most recent primaries. I think he is likely to win the Republican nomination over Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum. He will need to pick a well credentialed running mate because Obama will be difficult to beat, especially if … Continue reading Symposium 2011: What is your outlook for the 2012 presidential election? Any frontrunners in the Republican party?
Symposium 2011: What is your outlook for the economy and interest rates? What do you perceive to be the biggest threat to the U.S. economy—inflation, interest rates, oil prices, etc.?
Sydney: The Fed recently said that interest rates will be frozen for two years so there is no real threat there. The two big threats are oil prices and the economic situation in Europe. If Iran blocks the Straits of Hormuz, our oil supply will be massively reduced and the oil price will obviously skyrocket. … Continue reading Symposium 2011: What is your outlook for the economy and interest rates? What do you perceive to be the biggest threat to the U.S. economy—inflation, interest rates, oil prices, etc.?
Symposium 2011: Many South and Central American countries have either exhibited hostility towards the U.S. or opened alliances with our enemies in the Middle East, most notably, Iran. How does the U.S. deal with this?
Orlando: Don’t do business with them and make it clear that if they aid or abet the terrorists, we will hold them responsible. That’s a pretty hard line approach, but money talks. If they can’t get stuff from us in terms of trade, they may think twice about throwing in with the enemy. Each and … Continue reading Symposium 2011: Many South and Central American countries have either exhibited hostility towards the U.S. or opened alliances with our enemies in the Middle East, most notably, Iran. How does the U.S. deal with this?
Symposium 2011: Should the Congress pass a federal ballot access law which eases the requirements for placing a minor party and/or independent candidate on the ballot for Congress and President? If so, what is the ideal ballot access requirement?
Sydney: I totally agree with this. The system now is a joke. There are so many different rules across the different States that sometimes even Republican and Democrat candidates can't get on the ballot. For a start there needs to be one Federal Ballot Access Law that applies to all States. I think that … Continue reading Symposium 2011: Should the Congress pass a federal ballot access law which eases the requirements for placing a minor party and/or independent candidate on the ballot for Congress and President? If so, what is the ideal ballot access requirement?
Symposium 2011: should we repeal the federal income tax? If we were to do so, how would we fund the federal government?
Sydney: No. This is a stupid idea. The nation is massively in debt as it is and I can't see how there is any we that we could make enough changes, or introduce enough new taxes to rescue a Government that is massively in debt as it is. If anything rich people should be paying … Continue reading Symposium 2011: should we repeal the federal income tax? If we were to do so, how would we fund the federal government?
Symposium 2011: Should the U.S. have a continued presence of military around the world?
Sydney: I think the U.S definitely needs to have a continued military presence around the world in order to protect its interests and support its allies. The more important question is, where should that presence be? By establishing a greater presence in Australia's north the U.S is responding to the growing military power of China. … Continue reading Symposium 2011: Should the U.S. have a continued presence of military around the world?
Symposium 2011: We are currently over $15 trillion in debt as a nation. What changes should be made to restore fiscal responsibility and direct the country towards a balanced budget?
Sydney: It seems that Government is way too big. There are plenty of Departments that could either improve their efficiency, or be removed altogether. Alternatively, there are clearly some Departments that should be administered by the States. There is also duplication at the moment, such as in the welfare system where both States and the … Continue reading Symposium 2011: We are currently over $15 trillion in debt as a nation. What changes should be made to restore fiscal responsibility and direct the country towards a balanced budget?
