Election 2000 Essays (1504 words) - Al Gore,

Election 2000 Election 2000 Abortion, gun control, and social security reform are issues that everyone has an opinion on. Including politicians. Despite the pressures to be en vogue and stay in the public favor, these issues require Ralph Nader, Al Gore and George Bush to take a stand. Abortion takes into account moral, as well as social concerns. And, the question of governments power in influencing or dictating policies that affect those concerns. Social security, is a serious aspect of a growing number of elderly persons, as well as young professionals daily realities, and their election decisions. Ask any working American, the monies being siphoned out of their weekly paychecks with the promise that itll be there for them when they are eligible, and they will tell you how serious they think it is. This topic also gives us the opportunity to see how well versed in economics the candidates are, or are not. Gun control is an issue on which everyone has an opinion. In this day in age where violence is not so far away from most communities, the question of whether people should have the right to bear arms is debated intensely. What our founding fathers had in mind when they wrote the constitution is a topic which puts our freedoms against public benefit. Abortion is an issue that is becoming a litmus test for office seekers these days with many women voters. To openly take a hard stance against abortion is to end a political career. As a congressman for Tennessee, Al Gore cast more votes against abortion and related policies. As he became a national figure he changed his position, and now claims he will do everything in his power to make sure Roe v. Wade does not get overturned. Now an advocate of a womans right to chose, he also opposes parental- notification laws and supports Medicaid funding of abortion! As the election near more people are reminded of the fact that two of the Supreme Court justices are retiring. Meaning new appointments could imbalance the court in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade. Al Gore has said he believes in a potential justices right to privacy, but that there are ways of assessing how they would interpret the constitution. And he feels that his appointments would uphold the landmark case. Governor Bush also would not hold appointees to a litmus test, but would make judicial appointment that are strict constructionists in their interpretation of the constitution. Governor Bush opposes partial- birth abortions, as does Al Gore. However George W. is in favor of parental-notification, with fines for failure to notify parent/guardian at least 48 hrs. prior to abortion. Also to ban tax money spent on abortions, with exceptions for sexual abuse or physicians advisement. Bush is supportive of pro-life amendments but says he wouldnt pursue them. Ralph Nader, the Green party candidate, has probably done the best at down playing this topic. He is pro-choice, but doesnt acknowledge that there is a threat to Roe v. Wade, saying itll never be overturned. And like Al Gore supports the FDAs decision to allow RU-486( abortion pill ), sighting its benefit that its preferable to surgical procedure. If the NRA could pick a candidate it would be Governor Bush. Although none of the hopefuls are in favor of more restrictions on handguns, he is the most consistent. Gore as a congressman was not opposed to them, but as Vice President changed tack completely. He is now in favor of cracking down on gun shows, banning junk guns( cheap guns used in many violent crimes ), limiting one gun to one person per month, and requiring manufacturers and retailers to report gun sales to state authority. The latter raising loud voices of right to privacy concerns. Other than that all sides are in agreement to ban assault weapons, large ammunition clips, and certain types of ammunition, such as armor piercing, high velocity, and cop killers. Ralph Nader has been advocating tougher laws against gun wielding criminals, stating in accord with Bush that the problem isnt with the law-abiding citizens that purchase guns. So we shouldnt make it harder for them. The point where Bush and Nader differ with Gore is precisely that. Gore would