Political Aspirations? Anyone on RP interested in Politics?

2015-06-30T12:12:26-04:00

I am asking this because I have always had a pull towards politics. I get tired of seeing the same old names on the ballots every election. We have the discussion where do we think the president should have military time serviced, what about more military veterans in politics in general? Have any of you though about it? What "Party" would you run with? If so, what would be your "main" key issues to focus on... and if anyone says "world peace" you are getting a Miss America badge and a throat punch. ;)

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 30 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-06-30T12:15:21-04:00

You couldn't pay me enough to run for town dog catcher let alone a political office. It's all too, well, "political" for me. :-)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 12:19 PM

2015-06-30T12:19:11-04:00

I would love to be a politician but I just couldn't sell out the American people or violate the Constitution.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jun 30 at 2015 12:19 PM

2015-06-30T12:19:48-04:00

I don't have the patience for politics. I have even less patience for career politicians. I couldn't do it.

Response by Maj Ron Jones made Jun 30 at 2015 12:28 PM

2015-06-30T12:28:57-04:00

I think the problem is that we don't have enough veterans running for office so we get the government that we currently have. To make matters worse, getting vets politically active...even to just vote is hard too.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jun 30 at 2015 12:29 PM

2015-06-30T12:29:31-04:00

I know of at least two of my colleagues from school who are in political positions, and on RallyPoint:

Congressman Seth Moulton:
https://www.rallypoint.com/profiles/61707-capt-seth-moulton

VA Assistant Secretary Maura Sullivan:
https://www.rallypoint.com/profiles/563164-capt-maura-sullivan

Seth Moulton at US Congress | Former Capt - 0302: Infantry Officer | RallyPoint

View the full military profile of Capt Seth Moulton, MA-6 Congressman at US Congress | RallyPoint professional military profile.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 30 at 2015 12:32 PM

2015-06-30T12:32:06-04:00

I've debated it for a few years.

Publicly protesting (even on the internet) comes with the implied willingness to answer the question of "Could you do better?"

That question haunts me. Never present a problem without a solution. That is something we are taught early in our careers. The privilege of critiquing comes with an obligation of performing if challenged on it.

As for Party, I am "most aligned" with the Libertarian Party, however that doesn't mean I don't agree with all parties on some if not most issues. It's what I disagree with them that is probably more relevant, or to what degree I disagree.

As for key issues "Personal Freedom," and the concept of not actively harming others.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Jun 30 at 2015 12:39 PM

2015-06-30T12:39:55-04:00

I want to see a candidate that is for Americans NOT a party. even if you loosely associate with a party, once you are in office you are there for everyone, not your party.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 1:10 PM

2015-06-30T13:10:19-04:00

I've been bouncing the possibility around for years to run for a political office and I would be head over heels to serve again in a political capacity after I retire. However, everytime I dig into it, not being absurdly wealthy tends to be an issue. Sure, I could run for city council or maybe a state legislative position, but my desire lies at the federal level where I feel I can have the largest impact.
The second issue I have is that I would need to run either Dem or GOP (more of my views line with GOP) and garner support with that party. However, I know once I made office that I would not have any loyalty to that party. I would make decisions for America, not America Inc. and would likely be voted out via smear campaign by the party I'm affiliated with. And therein lies the core of the problem. We the people can vote for whoever we want, but the big two parties decide who is heard. A serious flaw. This country needs more "Americans" in office and less Party politicians. Come to think of it, an "American" political party might be just what this country needs to break the mold of the same old, same old.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jun 30 at 2015 1:35 PM

2015-06-30T13:35:09-04:00

After military retirement and moving around the country for 6 years or so, we finally bought a house in a nice little village, with a river running through the middle of it. Picture perfect little American village population under 1200.... The very first year I was here the Mayor asked if I would like to run for councilman. He could guarantee that I would be elected. I immediately realized that I would then owe him political favors and that small town politics was as crooked as any other..... Other than being Commander of the village American Legion Post, no I will not get into politics....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-06-30T13:55:12-04:00

I have considered running for office over the years, from way back when I worked on the campaign of Senator Rod Grams back in the 90's.
I tend to align pretty well with the Republican platform, but I have a Liberitarian streak.
What I believe in:
Social safety nets should catch you when you fall, not when you jump. I think that there should be a hard limit on how long a person can collect welfare and SNAP, and that eligibility requires you to maintain employment or actively seek it out.
I would allow liberal immigration through a designated port(s) of entry, a la Ellis Island. You would be required to register and be supported with training and a referral system to get employment. Citizenship should be earned. Current illegal immigrants should report to that port of entry and register like everyone else. Employers who hire illegal employees would face a heavy fine.
I would pursue energy independence for economic and security reasons.
I would launch a full review of major programs, manning levels, and mission sets throughout DoD and rebalance where our money goes.
I would push for a flat tax that was revenue neutral. Everybody pays the same percentage. No deductions. Any raising of this tax, once set, would require a supermajority in Congress.
I would prioritize spending towards education, defense, and economic infrastructure. I would de-emphasize spending in subsidizing bloated bureaucracies in State, Commerce, Energy, and Homeland Security. Every federal agency would be directed to review their budgets and processes and report to the Executive Branch and appropriate Congressional Committees justifying programs and expenditures by line item. I would work towards eliminating duplication of effort across federal agencies.
I would not threaten other nations with military force or vague talk of "consequences" for bad behavior. If they acted against our interests, I would simply say "if this, then that" and let them decide. If they choose "then that", they would rue the day.
If faced with an enemy that threatened the United States, I would support a formal Declaration of War from Congress.
I would apply the "knife hand" to scuzzy lawyers, lobbyists, special interest groups, and political schiessters that tried to tell me which way to go. I enjoy input. Just not from them.

Lastly, I would make it my purpose to embody and live the values and ideals I have come to cherish about our great republic. I hope that history would judge me worthy.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 2:23 PM

2015-06-30T14:23:26-04:00

I'll run on the liberal-but-also-a-veteran card. Then people will find out that I'm an asshole with no regard for blowing sunshine, and I'll lose spectacularly.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 30 at 2015 2:25 PM

2015-06-30T14:25:41-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I don't think I could run because of my past aggressions (two divorces and things I wasn't proud of before the Age of 17). The press would have a "hay day" with my family values. Plus I ride a Harley and look like a biker now after I let my beard grow. Also, I don't believe I could hold my tongue with some of the current politicians. I would be fighting against the status quo every day. That would probably have me eliminated or quietly removed permanently. I had that same problem as a Colonel in the Army when I disagreed with my superiors. Had to tell them exactly how I felt. Sometimes that works and other times it doesn't. Maybe that is why I retired as a Colonel! Huh!!

Based on what I've told you I think I would make a great politician for the people and not for the consensus of the day!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-06-30T14:45:06-04:00

One of my favorite quotes about politics:
"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics, is that you end up being governed by your inferiors" -- Plato

Every time I get frustrated or mad (A LOT) with how things are going.. I remember that quote. Every time I think why bother with voting- whether local, state, federal elections.. I remember the only way to correct the situation is to participate is as little or as much as I want.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-06-30T14:45:08-04:00

i once thought about entering into politics. Then I realized that I would never get elected due to my incurable ability to tell it like it is and call out stupid sh*t.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 30 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-06-30T15:11:10-04:00

I heard these two are:

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/ssg-burns-and-ssg-woods-white-house-hopefuls-for-2016

But take that for what it's worth because I started the rumor :-)

SSG Burns and SSG Woods - White House hopefuls for 2016? | RallyPoint

The Burn-n-Wood or Woods-2-Burns ticket for the RallyPoint Party. Do they have a shot?

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jun 30 at 2015 3:25 PM

2015-06-30T15:25:38-04:00

Only as a Citizen.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jun 30 at 2015 3:54 PM

2015-06-30T15:54:08-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I am someone who thinks about running for office but then decide the effort is not worth the level of pain.
I am very concerned about passing along a government that is sustainable, transparent, caring and supportive, I have four children who I hope have opportunities if they work for them.
Very worried about the debt levels and our ability to support critical programs and our lack of institutional will to work together to resolve issues.
I am a conservative christian and would only consider the GOP, constitution, libertarian or a separated Tea party.
I lean much more libertarian/original constitutional and don't want the federal or state governments as large as they are or in people's business deciding HOW they should live.
I have no interest in being a 'perfect' candidate. I believe I would have to compromise my integrity to play the political game.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Jun 30 at 2015 5:11 PM

2015-06-30T17:11:59-04:00

Great question. At one time when I was young and more ignorant than I am now (although that is debatable), I thought about entering politics. Since then, I've become more aware and exposed to how it works (at least at the state level) and realized I'm not one of them (you can pick your own "them"). That said, I would run as in independent, my main issue would be "statesmanship for the good of the country" - in other words, let's collectively do the right thing for the right reasons, and not because of our particular sponsors. Just my humble opinion.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jul 1 at 2015 10:06 AM

2015-07-01T10:06:13-04:00

My Dad once said that the big difference between a politician and an engineer was that politicians work with people and engineers work with ball-bearings and you can't bullshit a ball-bearing.

Response by PV2 Nathaniel Hurn made Jul 1 at 2015 10:30 AM

2015-07-01T10:30:50-04:00

While I used to have the desire to run for an office, after working for 2 different Members of Congress, I quickly realized that the key to getting things done is working behind the scenes with people regardless of political party.

Response by SGT Kevin Gardner made Jul 1 at 2015 4:40 PM

2015-07-01T16:40:18-04:00

It's a great question, and the answers for not running are even better except for one glaring fact. The reasons you guys give for not running is exactly the reasons you should run. Fantastic your not one of them! Look at the damage they have done that should be reason enough for you to take what would be considered a negative to them as a positive for us.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2015 7:24 AM

2015-07-04T07:24:02-04:00

I thought about this myself a number of times. I've got skeletons in the closet just as much as the next guy, so I'm not worried about that. I would run on the principles of being socially liberal (I don't care who you sleep with and the govt shouldn't either, legalize and tax weed, etc) and fiscally conservative (balance your da*n checkbook). I support guns 100%, and the average hard working person trying to make ends meet should pay less tax than a large corporation. I would end foreign welfare to countries that attack us, and make sure that Israel knew we had their back if someone Fu**s around with them. That money we give to our enemies I would redirect to our own high school grads for college money. You can send a lot of kids to school for a 2 year program to get them started or trade schools for the amount of money we send to our enemies, and that's where it should go to help us be the best and brightest again. Anyway, those are my ideas, vote for me? Lol

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made May 27 at 2016 12:09 PM

2016-05-27T12:09:04-04:00

Yes, I was then life intervened and was derailed. Perhaps once I get my life back in order.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Jun 2 at 2016 1:04 PM

2016-06-02T13:04:35-04:00

I thought about it more than once. I get tired of politicians being run by the $ donors and being restrained by that. So, I would run as an independent candidate. As far as key issues - #1, getting money out of politics; #2, finding the balance between internal affairs and international affairs in that we need a strong military as well as a strong domestic policy (I think we should do a better job supporting veterans and others who have a hard time getting a job at no fault of their own); #3, running the government as a business focused on effectiveness (as opposed to profit). I'd also focus on establishing a "leadership criteria" for appointees so we don't end up with ineffective leaders in appointed positions (I bet that will rub some current politicians the wrong way).

In any case, I suspect none of this will sell very well. (Also, I love your last comment on your question by the way).

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made May 26 at 2017 2:53 PM

2017-05-26T14:53:36-04:00

I don't do this often. AT least, not here. I try to keep that sense of professionalism on this site, and if I have to do it, I mask it phonetically. But that just doesn't cut it for a response to this question.

Do I have any thoughts of running for political office?

Fuck. No.

"You could be the instrument of change! Lead the way to making Washington a better place!" I'm sure there's been many an idealistic person that has attempted to do just that, or more likely, just gone there with the thought of making changes to the system, and was subsequently crushed by the old guard. The system is a behemoth, and there's very little hope of changing its course without drastic, world-altering conditions happening first. I'm not even talking Designated Survivor level. I'm talking survivability of the species level, Independence Day type events. Not just for a day, but for years. Something to shake our society to its very core, take us right to the brink. Maybe then. But only just maybe.