Conflicted Libertarian

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich proposes a new Contract with America.  It was his brilliant idea to nationalize the congressional election in 1994, almost like a British parliamentary election, that won the House for the GOP.  Gingrich is back and here is his summary (thanks also to GOP 12):

“Top 10 Contract Issues”.

1. Jobs, jobs, jobs

2. Balance the budget

3. An American Energy Plan

4. Congressional Appropriations Reform

5. Litigation Reform

6. Real Health Reform

7. Every Child Gets Ahead

8. Protect Religious Liberty

9. Protect Americans, not the rights of terrorists.

10. Defending America is job one for government.

I agree with the first two:  Taxes should be lowered to stimulate the economy and I further agree the budget should be balanced.  I thank Speaker Gingrich for reminding the people that there was some attempt at fiscal discipline in the late 1990s.

During the four years I was speaker, the Republican Congress kept spending increases down to an average of 2.9 percent a year, including entitlements. This was the lowest rate of growth since Calvin Coolidge in the 1920s. The result was four years of a balanced budget with the first tax cut in 16 years and $405 billion in federal debt paid off.

That discipline was not continued however through the Bush years.  Gingrich wants to return power to states and localities.  I agree with that too. 

I also agree largely with number three:  We should find energy sources here in USA.  I also agree with the 72 hour posting of all the appropriation bills.  That should be done for all bills not just appropriations.

I strongly disagree with Litigation Reform.  Tort law is a state issue; not a federal one.  If the Congress wants to reform the legal system, start with reducing the number of federal crimes.  Tort reform will hurt those injured by medical negligence. 

Yes we should pass market-based health reform.

Education is very simple:  Abolish the Department of Education and restore the primary role in education to the states.  Give back the saved money to the states. 

I agree with religious liberty.  Take away the power of the federal courts to decide these sort of cases.

I disagree with taking away rights to terror suspects.  I have spoken on this previously.  But I do agree that government has a duty to defend its people, consistent with the Constitution.