Q. What is your vision for the future for America?

A. I would like to help build a future that is worthy of our past, that tests our present resolve, and that taps into the best that is within us. Life is neither fair nor free, but barriers to both can be broken. We need to keep freedom at the front of all we do. We are also a democracy, and that means a government of, by, and for the people. No citizen is too big, none gets special privileges, yet none is forgotten. We take care of our young, our aged, those who are handicapped, who need a “hand up.” Government’s role is to see that we have safety nets in-place so everyone has access to food, fuel, housing, health care, education, and the freedom to find his or her place where they can develop their talents and feel they are part of the miracle of life, the pride of citizenship, and the joy of life on Planet Earth. Those objectives require money, and government has a role first, to see that we are healthy and educated. We also need a fairer tax system that favors no-body, but gives each of us a chance at life. Everyone must pay their fair share of taxes. No one gets a free pass with unearned wealth, income, or wealth building. We need to replace the poverty and minimum wage levels with a Fair Living Wage.

Q. What should our role be on the international scene?

A. We need alliances to protect each other from tyrants who seek to gain by force and ideology what they haven’t the drive or the will to achieve in fair competition. But freedom is not free, so we cannot open our golden gate to all just because they want a better life. We also know that world citizens are not the cause of their circumstances, so we need to adjust our immigration policy to reflect the urgency of the circumstances.

Q. What are the basics to an effective nuclear policy?

A. First, we must understand that expanding stockpiles and delivery systems for nuclear weapons only makes everyone more and more vulnerable to a nuclear disaster. We must lead the way to a nuclear-free world even if it takes 100 or 500 years to accomplish. Proliferation of nuclear weapons is everyone’s biggest threat. The world needs ambassadors, scientists, philosophers, and people of good will to join in and make the case for, and a plan to achieve, a nuclear-free world.