Posted on Sep 18, 2015
Governor Jeb Bush here, stopping by on the 9/28/15 - What questions do you have for me?
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*RP Staff is moderating this discussion*
From RP Staff: Governor Jeb Bush will be joining us on September 28, 2015 for a live Q&A on
RallyPoint. Post your questions below.
Governor Bush has made restoring the VA, rebuilding our military, and revitalizing American leadership a central theme of his campaign. He is the only candidate to have released a detailed plan on fixing the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has spoken passionately against the defense cuts of the past several years, which have placed an incredible strain on our men and women in uniform. Governor Bush believes in peace through strength, and that the military should be strong enough to deter bad behavior from major powers on the international stage.
Governor Bush leads the field in veteran endorsements, garnering the support of over 75 prominent veteran leaders including 12 medal of honor recipients.
From RP Staff: Governor Jeb Bush will be joining us on September 28, 2015 for a live Q&A on
RallyPoint. Post your questions below.
Governor Bush has made restoring the VA, rebuilding our military, and revitalizing American leadership a central theme of his campaign. He is the only candidate to have released a detailed plan on fixing the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has spoken passionately against the defense cuts of the past several years, which have placed an incredible strain on our men and women in uniform. Governor Bush believes in peace through strength, and that the military should be strong enough to deter bad behavior from major powers on the international stage.
Governor Bush leads the field in veteran endorsements, garnering the support of over 75 prominent veteran leaders including 12 medal of honor recipients.
Leadership
Election 2016
Politics
Republicans
Q&A
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 251
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Governor Jeb Bush Personally I am not impressed with the business as usual that seems to be the norm in Washington these days. What are your plans to clean up the corruption in Washington?
What will you do to fix the Exchange system? Before the Clinton administration, the Exchange (BX/PX) was a fair deal for service members. Good products at a fair price, no sales tax. Now, the Exchange is over priced compaired to the local economy. As for the tax free issue, take gasoline for instance: according to the US Energy Infotrmation Administration (http://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=10&t=10) Federal excise tax is $0.184 per gallon and the average state tax is $0.241 per gallon. As the Exchange (BX/PX) is tax exempt, why isnt the gasoline at least $0.42 cheaper than any local gas station. I am useing fuel as an example because I am sure this is something that all of us can relate to.
What will you do to fix the Exchange system? Before the Clinton administration, the Exchange (BX/PX) was a fair deal for service members. Good products at a fair price, no sales tax. Now, the Exchange is over priced compaired to the local economy. As for the tax free issue, take gasoline for instance: according to the US Energy Infotrmation Administration (http://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=10&t=10) Federal excise tax is $0.184 per gallon and the average state tax is $0.241 per gallon. As the Exchange (BX/PX) is tax exempt, why isnt the gasoline at least $0.42 cheaper than any local gas station. I am useing fuel as an example because I am sure this is something that all of us can relate to.
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LTC (Join to see)
Here is what the Hayden-Cartwright Act says:
§ 104. Tax on motor fuel sold on military or other reservation[;] reports to
State taxing authority
(a) All taxes levied by any State, Territory, or the District of Columbia
upon, with respect to, or measured by, sales, purchases, storage, or use of
gasoline or other motor vehicle fuels may be levied, in the same manner
and to the same extent, with respect to such fuels when sold by or
through post exchanges, ship stores, ship service stores, commissaries,
filling stations, licensed traders, and other similar agencies, located on
United States military or other reservations, when such fuels are not for
the exclusive use of the United States. Such taxes, so levied, shall be paid
to the proper taxing authorities of the State, Territory, or the District of
Columbia, within whose borders the reservation affected may be located.'
Named For?:
Sen. Carl Trumbell Hayden, (D-AZ); Rep. Wilburn Cartwright, (D-OK)
Its so nice to know our elected officials are watching out for the uniformed service members that stand watch to protect them while they sleep.
§ 104. Tax on motor fuel sold on military or other reservation[;] reports to
State taxing authority
(a) All taxes levied by any State, Territory, or the District of Columbia
upon, with respect to, or measured by, sales, purchases, storage, or use of
gasoline or other motor vehicle fuels may be levied, in the same manner
and to the same extent, with respect to such fuels when sold by or
through post exchanges, ship stores, ship service stores, commissaries,
filling stations, licensed traders, and other similar agencies, located on
United States military or other reservations, when such fuels are not for
the exclusive use of the United States. Such taxes, so levied, shall be paid
to the proper taxing authorities of the State, Territory, or the District of
Columbia, within whose borders the reservation affected may be located.'
Named For?:
Sen. Carl Trumbell Hayden, (D-AZ); Rep. Wilburn Cartwright, (D-OK)
Its so nice to know our elected officials are watching out for the uniformed service members that stand watch to protect them while they sleep.
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Governor Jeb Bush
I was a disrupter as Governor of Florida and want to bring the same philosophy to Washington, DC. You can see some of my plans in my "Mount Washington" speech here: https://jeb2016.com/policy-reforming-washington. As for the Exchange, I know Congress has looked at a few options to make commissaries and exchanges solvent. I see both as an earned benefit, and their low cost helps many of our troops and retirees make ends meet.
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LTC (Join to see)
Governor Bush, Thank you for your response. I am not familiar with your work in Florida, But I do like your approach to the problem.
As for the Exchange issue, there is a lot of discussion these days regarding that pay for military members. Pay or compensation is more than just a paycheck, and I am seeing an erosion of benefits for military personal across the board, from increased cost of medical care and inflated cost for exchange items.
One of my major complaints with regards to the exchange system is that military members routinely serve in remote locations. Here in the USA, I generally shop elsewhere because the exchange is not competitive with other sources, but when overseas, the military is pretty much a captive audience and the entity that is supposed to be there to take care of us quite frankly seems to be more intent to take advantage of those it is designed to serve.
As for the Exchange issue, there is a lot of discussion these days regarding that pay for military members. Pay or compensation is more than just a paycheck, and I am seeing an erosion of benefits for military personal across the board, from increased cost of medical care and inflated cost for exchange items.
One of my major complaints with regards to the exchange system is that military members routinely serve in remote locations. Here in the USA, I generally shop elsewhere because the exchange is not competitive with other sources, but when overseas, the military is pretty much a captive audience and the entity that is supposed to be there to take care of us quite frankly seems to be more intent to take advantage of those it is designed to serve.
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LTC (Join to see)
While you still save sales tax at the Exchange, I do agree items aren't competitive. Even the commissary is not lower than most grocery stores. I find overall lower prices at Foodmaxx and even on sale items at Safeway.
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Sir, I have to say that it is refreshing to see a major Presidential candidate coming to RallyPoint. Thank you for the attention you show this community.
That said, this is what I wonder: Your father, George HW Bush, orchestrated the 1991 Gulf War, and left things unfinished. We had to deal with an active containment, no-fly zones, and an ongoing public relations nightmare as sanctions eroded mostly the Iraqi people, not their corrupt leaders. Then, your brother, George W Bush, orchestrated another attack on Iraq based on either lies and obfuscations (for the cynical) or "mistaken intelligence" (for the optimists). Again, we had an incomplete job and an aftermath that spun out of control. The whole region is boiling over as a result.
I went to your brother's war and knew people who came back with mangled bodies; the least we can do is give them a working VA and access to care. I also know people who came back broken in spirit and mind; the least we can do is make mental health care as much a priority as care for shattered limbs. But more importantly, how about not clamoring for more war, and not pushing for more fighting with places such as Iran? Most of the people pushing for more war are, I notice, not the types of people who are likely to be sent to do the actual fighting. It's going to be us, here, on this community.
So my question is twofold: what sort of *diplomatic* efforts are you going to engage in to try to avert more war in an area where your family has a poor track record; and, if war *does* happen, what are your plans to deal with the men and women who come back in need of their country after they have given all their country asked?
Thank you for your time.
That said, this is what I wonder: Your father, George HW Bush, orchestrated the 1991 Gulf War, and left things unfinished. We had to deal with an active containment, no-fly zones, and an ongoing public relations nightmare as sanctions eroded mostly the Iraqi people, not their corrupt leaders. Then, your brother, George W Bush, orchestrated another attack on Iraq based on either lies and obfuscations (for the cynical) or "mistaken intelligence" (for the optimists). Again, we had an incomplete job and an aftermath that spun out of control. The whole region is boiling over as a result.
I went to your brother's war and knew people who came back with mangled bodies; the least we can do is give them a working VA and access to care. I also know people who came back broken in spirit and mind; the least we can do is make mental health care as much a priority as care for shattered limbs. But more importantly, how about not clamoring for more war, and not pushing for more fighting with places such as Iran? Most of the people pushing for more war are, I notice, not the types of people who are likely to be sent to do the actual fighting. It's going to be us, here, on this community.
So my question is twofold: what sort of *diplomatic* efforts are you going to engage in to try to avert more war in an area where your family has a poor track record; and, if war *does* happen, what are your plans to deal with the men and women who come back in need of their country after they have given all their country asked?
Thank you for your time.
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SCPO Carl Wayne Boss
Excellent questions SSG Grant... no one's gotten it right since the war (Vietnam) my generation was involved in either? What about that Mr. Bush... there are a lot of us Vietnam era Vets that want to know!
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Governor Jeb Bush
Thanks for the question Sergeant. No soldier should go into a fight without a clear understanding of what he is supposed to accomplish. Elected leaders have a moral obligation to lay out a strategy and an exit plan. And every American who is there in harm’s way should have the best training, equipment, and leadership bar none – so that they can do their job and come home to us safely. Here’s the full text of my speech at the Reagan library, where I laid out my strategic vision for defeating ISIS. http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/full-text-of-jeb-bushs-foreign-policy-speech/2240942.
To your other point, remember that Congress authorized both the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. My dad put together the largest coalition since World War II and kicked Saddam out of Kuwait. That was a finished war. My brother left Iraq fragile but stable – thanks to the sacrifice of troops like you. President Obama himself said that Al Qaeda Iraq was destroyed.
To your other point, remember that Congress authorized both the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. My dad put together the largest coalition since World War II and kicked Saddam out of Kuwait. That was a finished war. My brother left Iraq fragile but stable – thanks to the sacrifice of troops like you. President Obama himself said that Al Qaeda Iraq was destroyed.
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SSG (Join to see)
Governor Jeb Bush - Thank you for taking the time to respond, sir. I appreciate the answer. I can't in all honesty say I *fully* agree, but you do bring up points worthy of consideration. The 1991 Gulf War was, indeed, an almost textbook case of Chapter VII of the UN Charter in action, which it is worth remembering.
In all sincerity, good luck with your campaign. I find you to be one of the reasonable people from the GOP field.
In all sincerity, good luck with your campaign. I find you to be one of the reasonable people from the GOP field.
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Governor, welcome. As a Democrat, I'm often more inclined to vote for a Democratic candidate than a Republican based on the direction the parties take if the individual candidates themselves are a close call for my preference. If you become the GOP nominee, what would your administration bring to the table that could sway me to you rather than my preferred party? I think there are a number of Democrats like myself who aren't enamoured with Mrs. Clinton. Your ability to draw across the aisle is crucial for us.
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MSgt (Join to see)
LCDR (Join to see)
Although we are many times of differing opinion, I must compliment you on your question. Very well thought out sir!
Although we are many times of differing opinion, I must compliment you on your question. Very well thought out sir!
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TSgt Daniel Wareham
I would like to know what Bush is planning on doing to reach us Conservatives and much less interested in him reaching out to his base, the Liberals.
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LCDR (Join to see)
And I'd like to point out that while the liberal here asked a legitimate and respectful question, it's conservatives getting up in arms over the inconceivable notion of a candidate trying to appeal to undecided voters. That's insane.
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Governor Jeb Bush
I'd like to restore some degree of civility to Washington. I don't assume that people that disagree with me have bad motives. Presidents need to lead by changing the culture.
During this campaign, I am outlining a series of policy proposals that will allow us to grow at far faster rate than we are now, increasing incomes for American families who haven't had a raise in 15 years.
During this campaign, I am outlining a series of policy proposals that will allow us to grow at far faster rate than we are now, increasing incomes for American families who haven't had a raise in 15 years.
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