GraniteGrok: **ATTENTION** GraniteGrok readers invited to submit questions to Fred Thompson

Fred, Why do you continue to deny all knowledge of anything the CFR is doing with the NAU/SPP etc? We all know you're a member in good standing, one of the good ole boy's club. What are you afraid of?

Posted by: NH | September 5, 2007 6:30 PM

Fred How would you control spending in our Government? What is you view in Abortion? WHY should I vote for you Mr. Thompson what makes you so unlike the other candidates? Why did you decide so late to join the race?

Posted by: Pricilla | September 5, 2007 6:46 PM

Fred How would you control spending in our Government? What is you view in Abortion? WHY should I vote for you Mr. Thompson what makes you so unlike the other candidates? Why did you decide so late to join the race?

Posted by: Pricilla | September 5, 2007 6:46 PM

WHY should I vote for you Mr. Thompson what makes you so unlike the other candidates? Where do you stand on the Life issue? What would be the best way to Stop Government wasteful spending? Do you really believe in man-made global warming?

Posted by: Pricilla | September 5, 2007 6:53 PM

I need to know where I can Get one of your Bumper Stickers. Please let me know thank you. Randy

Posted by: Randy Hines | September 5, 2007 10:17 PM

Senator Thompson, Do you have any regrets or second thoughts about your decision to run for the Presidency?

Posted by: Nels Kingston | September 5, 2007 10:19 PM

how does fred feel about the immigration issue? We work hard and pay taxes and should the illegal immigrants be allowed to just collect social security etc.

Posted by: janet | September 5, 2007 10:30 PM

Senator Thompson While I was still on active duty in August of 1997, I wrote you about the Campaign Finance hearings as part of my decision process on whether or not to retire from the Air Force. You answered me that there would be more hearings during the 98 session of Congress, yet they never materialized. From reading an article on the internet about you, I get the distinct impression that you discovered potential wrong doing on the part of some Republicans, but when you thought investigations should be accomplished on those individuals, Senator Lott stepped in and cancelled all hearings. Is that correct? (FYI, On January 18, 1998 when it was revealed that Bill Clinton had lied so long and so well about his affair with Gennifer Flowers, I realized I would not have obeyed a direct order from Clinton unless and until two independent parties could confirm that the orders were legal, moral and compliant with national security - it was during that month I submitted my retirement papers)

Posted by: Colonel (Retired) Greg Hollister | September 5, 2007 10:40 PM

I have heard you speak on a couple of occasions and was wondering if you mean what you say or are you only saying what you think people want to hear? I believe America and American's in general are in danger and that we need a very strong and honest leader, despite the fact it may be hard to stand up to what could amount to horrendous critism for what is right for this country. I also think we need a leader who is there for the ones risking their lives to protect our citizens whether they (the citizens) appreciate it or not. This is a country founded on ideas and hard thought out rules and faith that would stand up for the future as well as the present. I think it could still be.

Posted by: Wendy K. | September 5, 2007 10:40 PM

Fred -- What will you do to strengthen and preserve the US economy from another Depression? According to NewsMax financial analyst John Browne our economy is entering a dual state of stagflation and inflation (of AT LEAST 6%, NOT the Clinton-era recalculated 2%), significant dollar devaluation, and the beginning of a recession that could lead to a Depression. You talk about the upcoming hard economic impact of retiring baby boomers. But there is also the threat that China could dump dollars, which other countries already have done to some degree, and many American investors have done. How are we going to continue to finance our national debt with more people investing in the euro and yen and not the dollar? -- S Lieben.

Posted by: S Lieben | September 5, 2007 10:43 PM

The overwheliming issue that most of my Republican friends and I have been steamed about for years is the Bush administration's unbelievable refusal to aggressively enforce current immigration law. Given that GW was willing to invade two other countries (and spend a trillion dollars) to try to deal with international terrorism and WMDs, why in the world has he not translated his zeal into action to stop illegals at the border and take action against the tens of millions of illegal aliens in this country?

Do those big business contributors who hire many of those illegals mean more to Bush than the Republican faithful? That's the conclusion that my friends and I have reached. We feel totally betrayed and none of us will vote for a Republican who is not highly aggressive on the illegal alien problem.

So, what is Fred Thompson planning to do about all the illegal aliens in this country? Will he enforce current law and use every arm of the federal government and aggressively round them up? Will he deport them? If he catches them illegally in the country a second time, will he seek to impose the 5-year prison terms called for in existing law? What about simultaneously instituting another bracero program to supply our needed low-cost labor . . . and institute harsh penalties for anybody that overstays their allowed time in the United States?

Posted by: Rich Gannon | September 5, 2007 10:57 PM

Fred, Thanks for throwing your hat into the race!! I suggest you read "the Fair Tax Book" by Neil Boortz and promote The Fair Tax Law (HR 25) in your campaign. Look what supporting the fair tax did for Mike Huckabee's campaign at the straw poll. Good luck and God Bless, R Swierczynski

Posted by: R Swierczynski | September 5, 2007 10:58 PM

No soft shoe here. Will you get our boarder secured and deport illegal alines? Can this be done? or what can we do? There is a chicken packing company just 3 miles down our road, they pay $13.75 per hour. I work for $7.00 dollars do you think for a moment I would not clean chickens for that money? But there is no way for me to know that they are hireing because every time they need someone they go out to the shop and tell the illegals they want to hire, the word goes out in the Mexican community and they show up the next morning. What chance do I or any of us have to get one of those jobs? It is not that we don't want to work the fact is that the illegals have the jobs all sowed up.

Posted by: John Butler | September 5, 2007 10:59 PM

Is there any potential support for you among the (currently) non-voting public ?

Posted by: E D Maner | September 5, 2007 10:59 PM

Senator Thompson: I have asked this question multiple times, but I have never been able to get a response from a politician. Hopefully, you will respond. As you are aware, many 30 somethings, 40 somethings, and 50 somethings have much of their savings tied up in 401K plans. Currently, if a parent wants to withdraw an amount of money from this account prior to them turning 59, he/she must pay the taxes owed on pretax contributions and interest earned. There is also a 10% penalty tax on earnings from this 401K withdrawal. I agree with all of this except the following: If a parent needs the money to help pay for their childrens' college education, they should be able to make a withdrawal without the penalty tax. I agree they should have to pay the taxes owed, but they should not be penalized even more when this money is being used for such an important purpose. What is your stance on this?

Posted by: Keith Estes | September 5, 2007 11:06 PM

As I see Fred today, he has my vote. What this country needs is another Ronald Reagan, if you aspire to be the next Reagan then GO FRED GO. If not, stay home, you're just another politician. In the future, I look forward to speaking of Ronaldus Magnus and Fredius Maximus in the same sentence. Martin C. Hughes

Posted by: Martin C Hughes | September 5, 2007 11:15 PM

Fred, I am on active duty in the U.S. Navy and we are currently going through a force reduction. With our current Global War on Terrorism, not all servicemembers believe this is wise, including myself. We are consistently asked to do more with less on the premise that technology allows it. Contractors are being used more each day because they are supposedly cheaper than active duty. But I question some of their loyalties. Contractors are generally more concerned with their bottom line than doing their jobs the way they were hired for. If you are elected President, will you continue the current force reductions which the Navy and Air Force are currently going through?

Posted by: Paul Spears | September 5, 2007 11:15 PM

Fred-So far I like what I hear and read, but somehow we MUST make the American public aware of the impact of illegal immigration on our society. Here in Texas we are overwhelmed with people that are using tax supported services from public hospitals to schools to being part of our criminal justice system. While I know not all illegal immigrants are violent criminals, there are a significant number who do come here with the intent of commmitting crime. This in turn endangers our local and national security. A writer for the San Antonio newspaper did an investigative story detailng how people from nations that are known to harbor terrorists can slide through the system and enter our country via Mexico. The Mexican government uses us to provide the services they will not to their people and then fails to use any sort of security measures with those who enter their nation illegally. The Democrats want us to believe that national health care is the central issue, but without knowing who is being served by tax supported programs, then we have to conclude that illegal immigration is causing more harm. What plans do you have to discourage companies from hiring illegal aliens and what measures do you plan to take to secure our borders?

Posted by: Ellen K | September 5, 2007 11:18 PM

What will be done about the anchor-baby problem? This automatic citizenship was never meant to benefit any illegals.

Posted by: Steven Jones | September 5, 2007 11:26 PM

I'm ashamed to say this is the first political campaign that I've contributed to, but I'm motivated by the times & your ability to cut through the fog & get to the heart of the issue. I spoke with relatives in Georgia who also have contributed to your campaign, they too their first time. We all have confidence in you to LEAD this country to a better place. President Bush is trying & has been effective in many areas that he doesn't get credit for, but the undermining of his efforts is incredible. For you it will require making the tough choices, & sacrifice but do it for our security, our grandchildren's & global stability. The madness is on so many levels & it must be stopped. We believe you have the communication skills to meet the opposition toe to toe. Thank you & your wife for making the brave decision to run for office. My question is "Do you think its too late to stop or slow the national drift towards the forsaking of decency, principles & respect for others." We can hardly turn on television any more without being assailed during a commercial. The inhumane acts being done in society are a direct result of the lack of good ole right & wrong being taught to the children in school. There are many good people in this country who want a change.

Posted by: kathleen greenfield | September 5, 2007 11:26 PM

Fred: I hoped that you watched the movie "Man of the Year" . from what I see the whole political scene is askew. What we need is a person with backbone and not "politically correct" to stand up and be counted , especially when we have so many bobble heads in government. with the very hard directions that will be needed to be taken on such matters as immigration control,the national language,and of course IRAQ, since everyone currently in place was egar to please , why do you think colin powell bailed. he saw the handwriting on the wall also what about schawartzkoff? Since it is a known fact of the continued graft and shakedowns in iraq with the police and terrorist can be considerd the same because of family ties, we have a no win situation, espically when the quar'an says it is ok to lie , cheat , steal in the name of allah. I will watch for now to see and hear more about your approach to the problems. good luck. charles murray

Posted by: charles murray | September 5, 2007 11:35 PM

Fred, I am a huge supporter of the Fair Tax plan which will eliminate the cumbersome (and utterly bewildering) tax regulations, eliminate the IRS and turn April 15 into just another day, while preserving the necessary flow of revenue to the Federal government. What is your position on the Fair Tax?

Posted by: Susan Mohr | September 5, 2007 11:48 PM

I have heard you are a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and I like many am concerned where political correctness is leading the nation on this issue as well as many others as you know. I am 'law abiding' and I do have small fears that with more liberal legislation I will one day wake up and find myself a 'non-law abiding' firearms owner. Will you fight for this amendment? our heritage? I am a Virginia resident and thus very familiar with what has been written about Virginia Tech's tradgedy. It concerns me when academia-types (read liberal, utopian, political correctness) and the media demonize law abiding citizens who defend the 1st Amendment equally with the 2nd but it is not reciprocated. I am a retired firefighter now teaching a high school based firefighter program, that's story unto itself... educating the administrators, and there is a security person but the administrators do not want him armed. And I have taught at the local community college. As its been said, and what I do sincerely believe as a firearm owner and having been a firefighter/medic, Gun Free Zones are Victim Rich Zones. Final word on this subject if you have not heard the phrase... "When seconds count, the police are only minutes away." Not their fault, but I wish to defend me and mine. Going to go watch you on Leno now. Mike

Posted by: Capt. Mike | September 6, 2007 12:05 AM

The American aviation and airspace system is extremely important to me. I have just received my private pilots license and aspire to be a professional pilot with the airlines. However, the airlines and the FAA want to create a user fee system and increase taxes for general aviation. Such a move would greatly increase my already very expensive training. AOPA is actively lobbying to stop this move, and HR 2881 has their endorsement as a positive way to re-fund the FAA. What would you do to help aspiring pilot to be able to afford their training, and do you support a user fee system?

Posted by: Nick Elliott | September 6, 2007 12:28 AM

Dear Mr. Thompson: I've been impressed with your perception and grasp of the serious issues facing our country and the world. Now that you have announced, will we hear your ideas on what you would, as President, do about them, and how you'd go about accomplishing those goals? Thanks.

Posted by: K. Horstman | September 6, 2007 12:48 AM

Senator Thompson, A recent Pew poll has shown that many working mothers would prefer to stay at home to raise their newborn children for a few years rather than full time work. However, our tax laws take so much money from the American middle class that often most women cannot afford to be stay at home mothers due to the tax bite and the need for families to have two incomes. I wish to know, would you be in favor of frontloading the child tax credit and/or providing some sort of 3 year tax holiday up to a certain amount of money for families who have just had a child so that mothers can better afford to stay at home and raise their children while relying on their husband for their primary source of income? Also, many working mothers would prefer to work only part time so they can have more time to spend at home with children, but part time work is hard to find. Would you, Senator, be in favor of giving tax incentives to businesses and employers that give part time jobs and/or so called "Flex-Work" to women with young children so that children can spend more time being raised by their mothers? Thank you and best wishes, John

Posted by: John | September 6, 2007 12:49 AM

Dear Fred: Please see if any of these points ring true with you: Instead of the socialism of the Left, we once again need to teach and stand for: 1. Individual freedom, choice and accountability. 2. Individual responsibility. 3. Free market capitalism with un-biased education in our secondary schools and universities on how an individual can flourish in an innovative, free-market economy. If the heavily unionized government monopoly schools can’t get the job done, abolish the Dept. of Education and recommend the states institute voucher programs to stimulate competitive educational choices for the children of taxpaying citizens. 4. A move beyond "white guilt" and "black opportunism" into true individual freedom for all people, including people of color (instead of entitlements, preferences and special rights for designated groups). 5. A common sense immigration system that absolutely protects our borders, recognizes that we need labor in this country, recognizes that monies sent back to other countries from immigrant workers is the most effective foreign aid there is (it sidesteps political corruption and builds appreciation for the American economy and its fruits, as well as raising the standard of living and building markets abroad), and recognizes that US employers need a convenient, foolproof means of identifying legal workers. 6. A move towards competent, efficient, vigorous national defense that recognizes peace only comes through strength combined with virtue and that weakness invites diplomatic challenges and overt attacks. 7. Attention to our national infrastructure of transportation and communications including securing the Internet from hostile attack, protecting the computer systems that control our power grid, financial system, communications, etc.; expanding our highway infrastructure with additional capacity and effective maintenance, and aggressively building a nuclear power generation infrastructure. 8. A move away from federal centralization and control to states rights and true federalism, i.e., a move back towards constitutional government as envisioned by the Founding Fathers, including protection of 2nd Amendment rights as individual rights. 9. Exposing, debunking and overhauling or eliminating the pernicious Ponzi Scheme of Social Security and Medicare - Medicaid. The fact that the surpluses of the Social Security system over the past two decades have been squandered instead of invested in hard assets is appalling to me. The group-think delusion of Social Security must be exposed and replaced--hopefully with a free-market, investment based solution. 10. Install a simplified, easy to understand tax system that will not discourage risk, innovation or financial success. Our current system is incomprehensible and represents a tremendous drag on our economy. High-tax, socialist systems suppress individual initiative, innovation and economic growth. What's wrong with a country full of wealthy people anyway? Have you ever visited countries that are full of poor people? Those points came off the top of my head sitting here this evening. I'm supporting you because I believe you share my views on many of these topics and you appear to have the talent to move this agenda forward. I hope I'm putting my trust and financial support in the right camp. Sincerely, Louis Montgomery

Posted by: Louis Montgomery | September 6, 2007 12:50 AM

Fred, I would like to know your position, on the current plan by this administration, to install a missile defense shield in certain former soviet states,i know the current Russian government doesn't resemble the democracy that we all thought we would see at the end of the cold war, but do you think this missile defense shield will expedite the return of russia to an enemy of the USA, if they are not already? thanks good luck FRED!!

Posted by: David | September 6, 2007 12:50 AM

Fred: I think you're a great candidate. I understood what you said in the Tonight Show about the Iraq war as being a bigger agenda - and the United States's fight against tyranny. I would like to vote for you for these reasons. But what would you do about gay rights issues? Obviously it's a completely different topic from the more important issues - but would you at least support civil unions (with an opt-out exception to churches), or anti-discrimination for gay people that would still respect churches?

Posted by: DP | September 6, 2007 12:55 AM

TAXATION - Fred, under a President Thompson Administration, would we expect to see a bill abolishing the IRS and implementing the FAIR TAX, or at least perhaps a flat tax? The income tax code is out of control, leaves too much power in the hands of the politicians to dictate our daily lives and commodity prices, and has even forced many corporations overseas to saner systems.

Posted by: Eric Stratton | September 6, 2007 12:56 AM

Not so much a question but a possible idea to fix the border problem. Make it desirable for companies to transfer all production of goods from China to Mexico. This would provide jobs to Mexicans and would get rid for the most part the need for them to come to the United States... unless they are spending their new found tourist dollars. China is not to be trusted... By Americans buying all of the MADE IN CHINA products we are pumping billions of dollars into their economy every year and they are just building their military up against US.

Posted by: Tug McGraw | September 6, 2007 12:59 AM

Isaac Asimov wrote in his first Foundation novel, "Never let your morals get in the way of doing the right thing." There are many issues facing this country, some big, some small, some important, and some not. While I feel that it is important for our leaders to have and represent good moral values, there are times where this comes into conflict with the basic principles of this country.

An example could be "flag burning." While I find this reprehensible, many young men and women have died over the years so that people in this country have the right to free speech, up to and including burning a piece of cloth. This is a small issue, in that it doesn't have a huge impact on our day-to-day lives, but there are other similar issues such as "gay marriages or civil unions", "gambling", "prayer in school", etc.

In each of these cases, there is a conflict between what "religious, moral values" and "American ideals" tell us. The Federal Government is not the moral police of the country, and shouldn't take that role. Yet politicians on both sides of the aisle jockey for votes with their constituents who believe strongly in one side or the other. And typically, it is the Republican side that takes the "moral" side of the debate.

How do you feel that your values "should" and "will" play into your leading this country over the next eight years?

Posted by: Jon-Paul Estes | September 6, 2007 1:01 AM

Hi Fred, I like your approach so far. I would like to know if you will be stern on securing our borders before it's to late. It seems Bush is now buddies with the mexican Prez and he comes before the American people. What does he stand on Immigration. Thank You!!!

Posted by: Richard Molyneux | September 6, 2007 1:10 AM

Sir: I am a registered Democrat,however, I do not have a problem voting out of the party line in State elections. I have always voted Democrat for President except when I don't like either candidate, then I don't vote at all. After watching you on Tonight Show and listening to your video taped message, I am wavering! My question, why should I vote for you and not for Clinton? Thank you and God bless.

Posted by: Vicky Hurley | September 6, 2007 1:10 AM

Hi Fred, Where do you stand on The strength of the dollar, foriegn workers taking American jobs, and jobs leaving this country. Thanks

Posted by: Richard Molyneux | September 6, 2007 1:16 AM

Fred,What is your stance on the Bush administrations' agenda to put missile defense shield bases in former soviet states? do you think this will expedite the Russian government under Putin to return to a communist type regime faster? I think it's pretty obvious that Russia is FAR from being a democracy, and would like to know what you think the next 8 years will be like for Russian-American relations. thanks, GOOD LUCK!

Posted by: David | September 6, 2007 1:22 AM

I'm with Fred on many of almost all of the issues, but he's missing a key one. He will get my vote if he supports the FairTax. It's that simple.

Posted by: Kevin Bradley | September 6, 2007 1:25 AM

First off, I'd like to say I'm very excited that you are running for President, Mr. Thompson. How do you feel about a timetable on a withdrawal from Iraq? How do you feel about Iran's nuclear programs? How do you feel about the criticism by Democrats about the current healthcare system?

Posted by: Hakop A. | September 6, 2007 1:36 AM

You state that you are in favor of overturning Roe vs. Wade and therefore sending the abortion issues back to the States. My question is "if Congress ever passed a bill to make abortion illegal across the United States, would you sign the bill?"

Posted by: John Ketterer | September 6, 2007 1:38 AM

Dear Mr. Thompson, Seeing you on Jay Leno was very uplifting and just felt right. Welcome to the race and the best of luck! Jay Leno spoke of the peace corps experience during John Kennedy's administration. Wasn't his brother assassinated by a Palestinian?

Posted by: Cam Manning | September 6, 2007 1:38 AM

Very simply. What is Mr. Thompson's complete view of the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution?

Posted by: Michael Thomas | September 6, 2007 1:39 AM

I'm with Fred on almost all of the issues, but he's missing a key one. He will get my vote if he supports the FairTax. It's that simple.

Posted by: Kevin Bradley | September 6, 2007 1:44 AM

Mr Thompson The single most important question I can ask you is who is Jesus Christ. Your answer and beliefs in that question alone will determine your true affectiveness on being President of the United States.

Posted by: Tony | September 6, 2007 1:46 AM

Dear Fred, As a farmer I find it frustrating when we have people that talk about all the waste in the farm bill and think that most of it is going to rich farmers. I would like to point out that after working in the industry for over 35 years I have never met a rich farmer. I know farmers that my be asset rich but are still pinching every penny they have. 95% of them work another job just to support their farm. When will we value the contribution of our farmers and ranchers and protect them from encroaching sprawl, imports that threaten domestic production and Use of govenment programs that were ment to help the family farm and not the industrial corporate farms that continue to go bankrupt leaving the American consumer with the bill? When your ready to talk Health Insurance let me know.

Posted by: Richard L Behling | September 6, 2007 1:47 AM

dear fred,I live in montana,I would like to talk about health ins.I make about $10.00 an hr.and my work wants $749.00 a month for ins.so with paying rent,gas,food we can't aford health ins.wife had skin cancer witch we had to pay out of pocket so we are still catching up on bills a littel at a time.thank god we have a food bank here becuse we had to take the money from somewere.I hope you can do something about health ins. karl

Posted by: karl raimer | September 6, 2007 2:11 AM

Thank you for throwing your hat in the ring. You have my vote. Ever since March 2007 I've told my friends that the World will be much better off with Fred Thompson at the helm as we head into the storms of war and political unrest that are sure to come. I stood up and cheered at your announcement. The Muslim extremists have a 100 year plan in place to conquer the world by force, to convert the world to Islam. Do it or die, they say. America cannot look or be weak now or in the coming decades. It is my fear that the pacifists will gain the upper hand in this most important election, and by this action, doom freedom. Predators always take down the sick and weak from the herd, they never single out the strong and healthy. So far, no other candidate has had the right stuff to publicly address this touchy and scary subject. It seems they won't tell the voters the truth that we are and will be at war for generations. That this war will not go away with a new President who tucks tail. The Democrats will say and do anything just to get elected, including abandoning and allowing the murder of millions of people who wish to be free from tyrany. Do you have a long range plan to keep America thinking strong? And can you, will you clear up the misinformation we are constantly fed about the meaning of Separation of Church and State? That its never been a law and it's not really in the Constitution. It's just something the ACLU and others have come up with to hurry our religious demise and lessen our self worth.

Posted by: Dan Strawser, Sr. | September 6, 2007 2:14 AM

Sen. Thompson, From what I've read you are in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade. As a Federal Prosecutor, you are obviously familiar with the concept of stare decisis and its effect on the American legal system. While there have been instances in the past where the Supreme Court has reversed itself due to a changing social climate in America, as a young man I find it safe to say that my generation feels the Roe case is not one of these instances. Further, you speak about avoiding activist judges. Wouldn't any future appointment to the Supreme Court, in your effort to overturn Roe, necessarily be one of the "activist" judges you speak out against? It is precisely my generation that will be most affected by any changes on abortion policy, and any change in this policy, whether legislative or otherwise, should keep our best interests in mind. While I agree with much of "common sense conservatism", and I myself could never allow my fiance to have an abortion, your position could certainly be a sticking point for many voters in my generation.

Posted by: Phil | September 6, 2007 2:20 AM

Mr. Thompson, I am a Residential builder who is reluctantly retired do to health reasons. As a builder I have a somewhat different view of how to help with energy and focil fuel concerns, and would like your opinion. We all agree on our need to reduce our dependence on focil fuels, and technology has many ways to do so. one of which would be for state and federal requirements to install solar panels or new tech advanced solar shingles on all new homes and commercial structures built in the USA as well as new types of wind generators that have recently been developed and are very cost efficient. Also better tax incentives to retrofit older homes and commercial structures. There have been many advances for fitting skyscrapers with wind generators at a low price. These steps alone would cut our dependence on focil fuels for energy by a third, and more as it becomes more prevalent, as well as create more jobs in the market place. I know of many other options as well and wish we could talk about it some day, But I would like to here your opinion on this small but far reaching subject please. I have followed your career for some time and hope that this would merit as a concern...

Posted by: Ben Ewing | September 6, 2007 2:56 AM

Mr. Thompson, I am a Residential builder who is reluctantly retired do to health reasons. As a builder I have a somewhat different view of how to help with energy and focil fuel concerns, and would like your opinion. We all agree on our need to reduce our dependence on focil fuels, and technology has many ways to do so. one of which would be for state and federal requirements to install solar panels or new tech advanced solar shingles on all new homes and commercial structures built in the USA as well as new types of wind generators that have recently been developed and are very cost efficient. Also better tax incentives to retrofit older homes and commercial structures. There have been many advances for fitting skyscrapers with wind generators at a low price. These steps alone would cut our dependence on focil fuels for energy by a third, and more as it becomes more prevalent, as well as create more jobs in the market place. I know of many other options as well and wish we could talk about it some day, But I would like to here your opinion on this small but far reaching subject please. I have followed your career for some time and hope that this would merit as a concern...

Posted by: Ben Ewing | September 6, 2007 3:05 AM

Well, I am a lot like others on here... I want Secure Borders, NO ILLEGALS (and not by legalizing them) and NO NAU... Seeing as how you are a card carrying member of the CFR, how can we trust you in regards to the NAU or our nation's soveriengty Also, after voting for Senor Boosh 2 times, and watching the Republican party at the state level rip apart Arizona politics (if you were a secure border republican, they yanked your funding), I have ZERO trust for the republican party right now.. Republicans and Democrats are just 2 sides of the SAME coin TELL ME, after what I have just typed above, WHY should I vote for you or anyone in the republican party?? I like you, you remind me of Reagan.. Answer my questions and see if you win my vote

Posted by: Arizona Patriot | September 6, 2007 3:35 AM

While concerns over things like globalism and sovereignty are not at the top of our attention right now, these things will get much more focus in the years that you will be the leader of our country. With that in mind, I would like to know your thoughts on the SPP and other agreements that could have an effect on our ability to control our own laws and regulations when they may conflict with global and trade agreements. Thank You.

Posted by: freewolf46 | September 6, 2007 4:06 AM

Mr. Thompson, what would your policy be regarding foreign trade, as well as our trade deficit with China? Related to this, how will the de-industrialization of our country effect our long term prosperity and what can be done to protect the strength of our nation without undo reliance on other countries for manufactured goods, especially as it relates to the military.

Posted by: Rich Lillo | September 6, 2007 4:17 AM

Dear Fred, I have 5 questions for you. You can answer them all, or how ever many you please: 1) To what extent do you think government solutions can be formulated “objectively"? 2) To what extent does an “objective” approach to creating solutions lie outside the dichotomy of liberal and/or conservative values? 3) Would you adopt a solution that, while considered a "liberal" approach, was nonetheless the most sound and objective approach to attacking the problem it was designed to solve? 4) Wouldn't an increasingly Federalist national government allow for the possibility of some states to implement more liberal government policies (like in California or Mass.)? How would you reconcile your conservative values with the possiblility of a sharp increase in liberal government policies in Blue States if Federalism is adopted? Thanks for hearing me out Mr. Thompson....gluck in 08

Posted by: Ethan | September 6, 2007 4:33 AM

A few years ago I was watching a congressman ( don't know which party he was with ) talking about the national deficit. He had a solution to this problem that I totally agreed with. Make a law to where you pay the deficit like you would a mortgage and then congress could not touch or change it unless we were at war or another national emergency fell upon us. I keep thinking about all the interest that this country has to pay that could be spent on other things to benefit the American people and a reduction of our taxes. To me this is our biggest threats to national security after islamic extremism. Look what happened to the Soviet Union. They are coming out of it now due to their energy reserves. We have no such reserves. What are your plans to eliminate this countries debt? I am in total agreement concerning looking for alternative energy recources. Look what this great nation accomplished during the moon race. I believe we could do it again with finding another source of energy if we put in the same effort. I am thankful that we finally have a true conservative in the race. You have my vote. With Regards, Bob Gordon

Posted by: Bob Gordon | September 6, 2007 4:37 AM

Sen. Thompson: I have so many thoughts and comments; it is hard to know where to start. I will preface my questions with a short statement - Sen. McCain won the September 5th debate because he stopped repeating the same thoughts were have heard over this already too long campaign. We know you love your country, we know you support our troops (have you ever heard a candidate for Prez say - "I do not support our troops?"), we know you want to hunt down terrorist - stop repeating the obvious. Be direct, less thoughtful and mushy. Be factual (and ensure triple times that your facts are correct), less talkative. Give me dates, times and places. If you are going to cut taxes - by how much and by when? If you are going to put forward your plan, tell me how with specifics - times, dates, facts. Anything else is the same ole, same ole. Questions: 1. As a former member of the US Navy, I never understood why my pay was taxed. The US Government takes income tax from the milk man, passes it along to me from the Defense budget, and yet tax that pay AGAIN. Enough already. Sen., I do not need to take MORE money from the Defense Budget - give me a pay raise by eliminating the requirement of service men/women from paying income taxes. If it is ok for those in hazardous areas to get income tax free, why not all the remaining service members? Got your support? If so, by when will you propose such a task (remember to give specifics - how about within your first 100 days and dare the Dems to oppose!!) 2. The first candidate who proposes an across the board flat/fair/consumer (you pick the word) tax will get my vote. No more fraud. No more IRS. Everyone pays the same. No more tax discussions during campaigns. Period. Plan on submitting a plan (at least for public debate) within the first six months? 3. When do you plan on submitting a proposal to congress for a major fine for employers who hire illegal’s (don't forget a date)? No jobs, less immigration problem (and yes, you still have to secure our borders). I am not interested to whom large fines will put out of business. If they conduct themselves in an illegal manner, they do not deserve to be in business. 4. When (or if) do you plan on supporting a substantial raise in the HSA (Health Savings Account) cap? The current $5650.00 (and soon to come $5800.00) is a joke. Every seen a pregnancy occur for less than $5k? Congress is more interested in how much money it will cost them to realize, my tax money was not theirs to begin with. Stop worrying about how much I will save on taxes and start looking after middle income Americans. Date, please! How about an immedite increase in 2009 to $10,000? 5. Why is it that I can go to Canada and get Rx drugs cheaper than I can in my own country? What is your immediate plan to correct it (and by immediate, I do not mean lets continue to talk about it in a DC kind of way [years] and do nothing)? Thanks for the time - next week I will post more.

Posted by: RN Dishman | September 6, 2007 6:32 AM

Mr. Thompson; If pressed, no candidate will go on record as being against the second amendment to the Constitution. If pressed, at best, one will receive a response from the candidates to the effect, “I’m for second amendment rights”. Many people have said that in the past; many Republicans have said that and yet Americans have seen more and more legislation restricting their right to keep and bear arms. My question to you is what specifically would you do to protect the citizens’ second amendment rights? What specifically would you do to undo the infringement on those rights that have already been enacted?

Posted by: Michael Sinsabaugh | September 6, 2007 6:38 AM

Re: Iraq Fred, as a republican and veteran I do suuport our general mission to fight terrorism and understand Iraq is but juts one battlefeild. My question however is; since we train kids for six to eight weeks to become competent fighters why has it taken over three years to train the Iraq military members? Seems like our overal straegy is not very effective. What is the game plan for winning this battle and why don't we expect more from their leaders?

Posted by: Michael Buick | September 6, 2007 7:18 AM

America seems to be more concerned about a dead dog than a dead child. What about stricter laws regarding pedophiles, child pornography, child abuse, and the like? These people are toxic waste and need to be dealt with swiftly and justly, what are you going to do about? Children are our most valuable natural resource, we need to fix this NOW.

Posted by: Angela P. | September 6, 2007 7:41 AM

Mr. Thompson, you have my interest. I was impressed by what was presented on your announcement. There were several references to taxes and the downward spiraling of the economy. I would like to ask what, if anything, you can and/or will do regarding this. I am a real estate agent in the State of Michigan and I can tell you first hand the damage that predatory lending and skyrocketing taxes has done to cripple this wonderful State. We are seeing (as is the rest of the Country in varying degrees) record numbers of bankruptcies and foreclosures. These are not deadbeats. These are hardworking Americans that have lost their jobs or been victimized by lending institutions that sought to drive their own profits up with little or no regard to the future ramifications of their practices. House payments are increasing by hundreds of dollars a month. Their options are limited to selling their home or walking away. I can tell you that it is extremely difficult to sell a house in a market that is driven by foreclosures. And, to add insult to injury, the answer to the dwindling State revenues is to increase taxes. Pray tell, from where are the monies for these taxes to come? So, my question is this... how will you, as President, address and implement the necessary changes to turn around the devastated housing market and ever increasing taxes, yet at the same time, put the brakes on Government intrusion?

Posted by: Marian Pike | September 6, 2007 7:48 AM

Fred, The tax system and IRS are out of control and have been for decades. When an entire nation cringes and fears it's government's tax collection wing on the same day every year, something is very wrong in this country. Regardless of national statistics on an average wage in this country, most people make well below that average. Yesterdays middle class is todays lower class. The main reason for that is taxes... Income tax, excise tax, property tax, ect. If this nations populace has to endure any more taxes, both obvious and hidden, people may as well just let the IRS take our paychecks and people can go stand in line to recieve their monthly entitlement.. That is were things are headed. This is the only nation in the world that taxes it's citizens, even when they live outside the country. The Founding Fathers of this nation must be rolling in their graves. What do you plan to do about this situation? Where do you stand? A lot of polititions say they want change, but nothing ever happens. Most citizens do not really believe that anything will ever change as we are to steeped in our system. Fred, what are you going to do about it?

Posted by: Jim R. | September 6, 2007 8:25 AM

Got Energy? I think energy sources and technology will be the largest hurdle for the US to overcome in the next 10 years. Investment in energy can provide a huge boost to the American economy by providing high tech jobs, affordable energy futures and exporting the technology. Other Democrat candidates have recognized the issue, but most Republicans seem to be ignoring the issue as their big oil buddies get rich beyond belief. We need a republican to stand for what is right for the American People not Big Oil. Newt Gingrich has several great ideas for spurring our energy efforts. Fred, what is your energy plan?

Posted by: Mike Mayo | September 6, 2007 8:36 AM

Mr. Thompson, Government continues to get bigger and more intrusive in our citizen's lives. Usually you see this kind of build up in a democratic president, but the current administration has run up the deficit with no end in sight and our civil liberties have taken some hits in the war on terror, (this last part may be inevitable to ensure our safety). My question to you is how will you win the war on terror while also bringing the budget back in line? You have said it is important that the government live by the same principles as the people, but if I ran my house the way the government is being run today I would be in Bankruptcy Court. Thank you for your time.

Posted by: Shawn Gearhart | September 6, 2007 8:36 AM

Fred, are you a man of faith?

Posted by: Mike | September 6, 2007 8:43 AM

Fred, Thank you for stepping forward in a time of great need in this country before if falls into the hands of the Clintons again. But my question is, Who is going to take reponsiblity or be blaimed for the next 9-11 attack when it happens, if we give up in Iraq?

Posted by: Roger Botting | September 6, 2007 8:53 AM

Mr. Thompson, I was wondering if my idea would help in the fight against terrorism. Do you think that the Untied States and it's allies should start an all out campaign against the terrorist of the world, by sending a world wide message that the United States and it's allies are fed up with the terrrorists! If any person, that is not a U.S citizen, performs any terrorist act, any place on earth, that individuals remains will be buried in the United States or Israel! I think that if a persons family knows that their son or daughter won't be buried in their home country that they would put alot more pressure on their family members to stay away from terroristic activities!

Posted by: charles m | September 6, 2007 9:09 AM

Senator Thompson: When you are elected, will you bring moraiity back to the United States. It seems that we have left the path that we started with. What will you do with the statement "In God we Trust"? It was God that gave us this life, isn't it time for us to put our trust and faith in him?

Posted by: LLOYD LA PLATA MO | September 6, 2007 9:10 AM

Mr. Thompson, The FairTax plan is a comprehensive proposal that replaces all federal income and payroll based taxes with an integrated approach including a progressive national retail sales tax, a prebate to ensure no American pays federal taxes on spending up to the poverty level, dollar-for-dollar federal revenue neutrality, and, through companion legislation, the repeal of the 16th Amendment. The FairTax Act (HR 25, S 1025) is nonpartisan legislation. It abolishes all federal personal and corporate income taxes, gift, estate, capital gains, alternative minimum, Social Security, Medicare, and self-employment taxes and replaces them with one simple, visible, federal retail sales tax administered primarily by existing state sales tax authorities. The FairTax taxes us only on what we choose to spend on new goods or services, not on what we earn. The FairTax is a fair, efficient, transparent, and intelligent solution to the frustration and inequity of our current tax system. The FairTax: Abolishes the IRS Closes all loopholes and brings fairness to taxation Ensures Social Security and Medicare funding Brings transparency and accountability to tax policy Allows American products to compete fairly Reimburses the tax on purchases of basic necessities Enables retirees to keep their entire pension Enables workers to keep their entire paycheck As a leading candidate for the Republican Presidential nomination, Please tell us your stance on the Fair Tax? If the FairTax were passed by Congress and you were President, would you sign the bill into law? Would you openly campaign for the bill?

Posted by: Kim | September 6, 2007 9:11 AM

Fred, I make less than $30,000 a year. Quite frankly, I'm proud of the money I make and I'm not ashamed that it's less than many people make annually. However, when I look at my bi-weekly statement and see that the government is taking 30% of my paycheck to pay for who-knows-what, I can't help but get angry and frustrated. You talk a lot about taking the bureaucracy out of Washington and empowering the common American. Why not make a statement, show you really do side with the common American, and support the FairTax. This is a huge issue with millions of Americans. Please don't ignore us like so many other politicans have. You'll have my vote -- and a lot of votes you might not otherwise have. Thank you, sir, and good luck.

Posted by: Joseph Gilroy | September 6, 2007 9:14 AM

Senator: What will you do to bring back our manufacturing back to the United States. We need to provide good jobs to our legal citizens. With all of the companies going overseas, the prices have not come down due to cheap labor, just higher profits to the companies, and less quality. Don't you believe we should take care of our citizens before hiring cheaper labor outside of our country. Our citizens built this great country.

Posted by: LLOYD LA PLATA MO | September 6, 2007 9:14 AM

Fred, I make less than $30,000 a year. Quite frankly, I'm proud of the money I make and I'm not ashamed that it's less than many people make annually. However, when I look at my bi-weekly statement and see that the government is taking 30% of my paycheck to pay for who-knows-what, I can't help but get angry and frustrated. You talk a lot about taking the bureaucracy out of Washington and empowering the common American. Why not make a statement, show you really do side with the common American, and support the FairTax. This is a huge issue with millions of Americans. Please don't ignore us like so many other politicans have. You'll have my vote -- and a lot of votes you might not otherwise have. Thank you, sir, and good luck.

Posted by: Joseph Gilroy | September 6, 2007 9:15 AM

Fred, Thank you for stepping forward in a time of great need in this country before if falls into the hands of the Clintons again. But my question is, Who is going to take reponsiblity or be blaimed for the next 9-11 attack when it happens, if we give up in Iraq?

Posted by: Roger Botting | September 6, 2007 9:17 AM

Our military personnel is giving us the freedom to be able to elect our people, but when one dies or is injuried, the current administration and congress seem to turn their backs on them in giving the survivals the needed help they deserve. Supporting our troops just by saying how good the job they are doing, won't cut it. We need to provide needed assistance to their families and to the personnel. What would you do to help in this matter?

Posted by: LLOYD LA PLATA MO | September 6, 2007 9:19 AM

I was wondering what you consider to be the biggest challenge as President? What awould you tackle/want to change first? I also wonder if you are a Christian and how that will play into your role as president?

Posted by: Barbara | September 6, 2007 9:19 AM

Mr. Thompson, I would like to know if you will support the FAIR TAX? We need serious tax reform and I believe the Fair Tax would boost our economy, get this country back on track and put money into the pockets of all citizens. If you support the Fair Tax, close our borders to Illegals, stop giving them safe haven, healthcare, OUR social security, and protect our country against terrorism, I just may vote for you.

Posted by: csheahan | September 6, 2007 9:20 AM

What would you do to help our Seniors? Everytime we get a token raise we get an increase in Medicare. If we pull some money out of our established retirement funds, that we have contributed to over the years, we are taxed on our Social Security. Isn't this a double tax. We were already taxed on the income to put the money in S.S. Why do we have to be taxed on it again?

Posted by: LLOYD LA PLATA MO | September 6, 2007 9:23 AM

Will you get government out of our lives on a daily basis? We don't need the many regulations and laws that the congress think we do. Congress and the present administratin won't enforce our laws now, how do they expect to enforce new ones? We need someone that will controll Congress and protect us from outside sources, not more laws for the citizens. PLEASE HELP US GET AMERICA BACK TO THE CITIZENS.

Posted by: LLOYD LA PLATA MO | September 6, 2007 9:25 AM

Hi Mr. Thompson, First off, I would to wish you the best in your run for President. I feel your run is an important one because your bring to the podium, issues that other canidates refuse to even consider. May your run be blessed. My question to you is, what is your stand on the Fair Tax? Heres the link if you would like to go to the site. www.fairtax.com I feel that this is an issue facing us and our children. Tax issues have overwhlmed many Middle Class Americans. Thank you and God Bless

Posted by: Lori Jeffries | September 6, 2007 9:26 AM

Senator Thompson, I am a 24 year old former member of the US Air Force. I am trying to understand how with a War on Terror going on, how is it we can afford to cut the Air Force by 40,000 people. I understand the modernization of the military, but I don't understand how the leaders of our military can make some of the decisions they make and feel competent about doing it. You sound like our best bet in this next election. It is about time someone runs for the White House who is not a career politician. I believe you think there is a job that needs doing, and that you are the best person for the job. I agree with you. I will be voting for you in the election. As such, I only have one more question for you. With all of the trouble we have taking care of our own citizens, how in the world is it fair for Americans to have to wait for a job because there is a foreign worker who had the job last year but is waiting on his work visa paperwork. Now, I know we need allies, and that as a world power we take care of the weak and those looking for the American dream, but, shouldn't we be making sure American CITIZENS are having the opportunity for the American dream first? please tell me you understand what I am asking. And if you have a common sense answer for me I would love to hear it. p.s. I need some bumper stickers or some shirts or something to pass around my hometown.

Posted by: Kevin M Whitmire | September 6, 2007 9:32 AM

OK Fred we spoke at the VFW Convention. (Snoopy pin, VFW Post CDR, George Allen,Greene County Pig Roast!) When can we take you to brunch with some of the wounded troops from Walter Reed so you can hear first hand the frustration with the whole process of recovery there at that Army Hospital? Any second or fourth Sunday at VFW Post 3150 in Arlington will do.. Here is a link to a story re the Brunch for the wounded. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6163463 You have our support now we need yours. You have my card. Bigjohn PS Don't wear that pin to Church!

Posted by: Bigjohn Miska | September 6, 2007 9:36 AM

I'M with Fred

Posted by: Johnny Morgan, II | September 6, 2007 9:36 AM

I'M with Fred. As a consumer, citizen and an observer of the political climate, I believe that Mr. Thompson has a commanding presence of stature, charm, and charisma that should be marketed to stand out above the rest of the candidates. I believe he should use his full name in all political marketing, from signs to introductions... FRED DALTON THOMPSON is a strong name and should be used often. Much better than Fred Thompson. American needs a commanding strong image...

Posted by: Johnny Morgan, II | September 6, 2007 9:43 AM

Mr. Thompson, It's is my understanding that the republican party is for corporations, and then people. I have found in being an owner of a mom and pop company that laws don't apply to big money operations. The law states that medications cannot exceed 87 degrees in shipping (it's on the side of any Rx bottle, just look), yet big insurance companies ship medication to their clients in the summer 90+ degrees in a card board box or plastic bag. If you read all of the side of Rx bottle it has a lower shipping temp in the upper 50's. No one knows that the medication they are getting is out of temp, and by law should be returned and destroyed. Tell me how and in what way the government should handle this?

Posted by: Darren | September 6, 2007 9:45 AM

Fred, How do you plan to eliminate the nation's debt? I believe if government will learn that no is not a four letter word and that it is okay to say no to certain programs, we could begin to decrease the federal debt level. We might even create a nation of idividuals who take personal responsiblity for their well-being. Imagine that... In the end, govenment would be applauded for saying no and our nation would be stronger.

Posted by: Angie Womack Jones | September 6, 2007 9:45 AM

Fred, How do you plan to eliminate the nation's debt? I believe if government will learn that no is not a four letter word and that it is okay to say no to certain programs, we could begin to decrease the federal debt level. We might even create a nation of idividuals who take personal responsiblity for their well-being. Imagine that... In the end, govenment would be applauded for saying no and our nation would be stronger.

Posted by: Angie Womack Jones | September 6, 2007 9:47 AM

Fred, How do you plan to eliminate the nation's debt? I believe if government will learn that no is not a four letter word and that it is okay to say no to certain programs, we could begin to decrease the federal debt level. We might even create a nation of idividuals who take personal responsiblity for their well-being. Imagine that... In the end, govenment would be applauded for saying no and our nation would be stronger.

Posted by: Angie Womack Jones | September 6, 2007 9:47 AM

Fred, Billions of tax payer's dollars are spent every year on an industry that, by its own admission, isn't producing the product that they're being paid to produce -- people cured of mental illness. Instead, they are creating a country of drug addicts as more and more people are put on mind-altering drugs and told that they're going to have to be on these drugs the rest of their life in most cases. My question, and maybe this is the first time you've looked at this, is what do you plan to do to ensure that industries such as this are held accountable for the results they produce and that funding is cut when they fail as this industry has done for decades?

Posted by: HomeStateGirl | September 6, 2007 9:49 AM

Mr Thompson, Many older Americans don't understand why our elected leaders say we never have the money to help support senior citizens for things like Health Care, Social Security, Drug Coverage, etc. But ... we seem to come up with $3 Billion a week for the war in Iraq. Many older citizens don't understand how we can always afford this kind of money to help people in a foreign country that don't want us there in the first place. But when Social Security funding discussions come up all the politicians start shuffling their feet, looking at the floor and say "we can't afford it". Seems like we care more about foreign citizens than we do our own ... shouldn't we take care of our own first ?

Posted by: Mike Wolf | September 6, 2007 10:01 AM

Sir, Just watched your announcement for President, and listening to your plans for the future, it brought one question to mind: How are you possibly going to deal with Speaker Nancy Palosi (as a native Californian I can safely say that for all the years she's been in California politics, she's still an idiot!!), and Senator Harry Reid (as a long-time resident of Nevada I can again safely say that he USED to be pretty good while in local politics, but since arriving in D.C. has turned into another big-time idiot!!)? The only other comment I'd like to make is your position on abortion/right-to-life: When YOU can have a baby, maybe I'd be interested in YOUR opinion on this subject!! I've always felt it is a WOMAN's right to decide, and ONLY a woman's. WE (men) don't have to suffer the physical, or mental anguish of having a child. Well, maybe SOME of the mental, but until WE can get pregnant and go through all of the nine months of what women go through, I think we should keep our yaps SHUT!! I wish you good luck. Like President Reagan before you, you are a good communicator. I haven't looked at your Senate record yet, so will with-hold judgement on your political past. Your professional career in movies has been entertaining to me, but I've NEVER watched your TV series. A Fellow Republican, David

Posted by: David Pellegrino | September 6, 2007 10:14 AM

Fred, Just a wild thought. What if we did away with the Federal Government all together with the exception of National Security? Each state would take the responsibility for thier own residents. In a sense, it would create competition amoung states to try to be the best, then I would be looking for a better state to reside, than a better country. I love this country, but things a getting out of hand. Illegals getting our hard earned money, small businesses closing because of foreign exports,too many people getting welfare which they do not deserve, etc. Make the states responsible, you handle terrorism. What do you think?

Posted by: Peg Keegan | September 6, 2007 10:18 AM

Dear Fred, What role should religion play in national policy? Thank you, Jay Keenan jaykeenan@comcast.net

Posted by: Jay Keenan | September 6, 2007 10:27 AM

Fred Thompson what is your middle name and why don't you use it?

Posted by: Sehli | September 6, 2007 10:29 AM

Mr. Thompson, I and my wife would like to know how you stand on the ABORTION & HOMOSEXUALITY issues? Your answer will make a huge difference on our voting decisions. Thank you for your kind consideration in answering these issues. Delmer White

Posted by: Delmer D. White | September 6, 2007 10:31 AM

SPECIFICALLY: Health Care: Why would a single payor system for the entire US population not be more cost effective in spreading the risk than the current private/public system? Corollary: Are there any meaningful, quantitative statistics on the relationship between cost and quality of our Health Care system versus other systems in the world and are they meaningful to the conservative point of view? Immigration: Historically, when and why did the federal government stop enforcing our immigration laws and what actions, if any, should the US take to reimpose law and order in this matter? Corollary: What is the true economic effect of open borders under current state and federal laws? Iraq War: Specifically, does an "American Interest" and "Justice" have complementary or conflicting and demonstrable roles in your position on the US future in Iraq, and if so, how will you explain those roles? Corollary: How do you explain the role of the US, historically, as the leader of the "free world" and why our success in Iraq matters .

Posted by: Bob | September 6, 2007 10:33 AM

Hello Senator - I'm not a very political person and I usually don't understand or get involved in a lot of political issues, but I have basically floated through my adult work life as many of us do working for a paycheck with a typical 40 hour a week schedule, running kids to daycare and so on....I recently took the leap from working for someone else and now have my own Graphic Design/Printing Company out of my home office. I know your goal is to give the American people back their rights for choices and State Governments back their powers (from what I understand). Small buinesses in the US is encouraged but recently working for myself and now having to handle Business Tax, State Tax on top of Personal taxes I barley make ends meet. Now I am working harder and putting in more hours so I can make a profit after paying all of my Business Taxes on all levels. I live in Michigan and so far my State Government takes advantage of their powers already, what's going to happen if they get more? Our economy in my state is drastically diminishing mainly because people can't afford to make a living here. Major Companies are leaving or closing their doors, college students are relocating out of state for a job once they graduate and so on. It's getting scary. Please let me know what you plan to do to help or at least understand your stand on these kinds of issues?

Posted by: Jennifer | September 6, 2007 10:33 AM

Fred, Thank you for stepping forward in a time of great need in this country before if falls into the hands of the Clintons again. But my question is, Who is going to take responsibility or be blamed for the next 9-11 attack when it happens, if we give up in Iraq?

Posted by: Roger Botting | September 6, 2007 10:39 AM

I hear several, if not every candidate speak of securing our borders. We all know it's imperative for our security. My question is what specifically will you do to secure the borders? A 700 mile fence is an insult to the American peoples' intelligence. Please give specifics, not the same rhetoric we hear from everyone else.

Posted by: Stephen Watkins | September 6, 2007 10:42 AM

Sen. Fred, QA few questions: What will you do to address the rising cost of living for the middle class? 1. Gas Prices rising yet Mobile/Exxon have record profit years 2. Home prices/values dropping, yet difficulty to refinance and obtain loans increase. 3. Rising cost of healthcare 4. Rising cost of childcare 5. Outrageous taxes Also being technically savvy, I am concerned with the ability of the government/big industry invading my privacy. How will you address the privacy laws? Please address

Posted by: Johnson | September 6, 2007 10:42 AM

We (pro-lifers) have been mislead by candidates many times. Promises are made and very little is done. Will you be the first president to make the overturn of Pro- abortion legislation a TOP PRIORITY ????

Posted by: M.Winans | September 6, 2007 10:47 AM

Senator Thompson, would you be willing to phase out the IRS and current taxation and go to a new system of taxation? And it is great to hear someone with respect for all life. How would you go about ending abortion in this country, and would that include any and all abortion?

Posted by: John Henegar | September 6, 2007 10:47 AM

I would really like to know what Senator Thompson's views on fixing our broken federal tax system are! If he really wants to win this election, he should educate the public as to all the benefits of the "Fair Tax" bill currently before Congress. No other single concept could have a more beneficial impact on the economy of this country. Jim Nowlin Incline Village, Nevada

Posted by: James Nowlin | September 6, 2007 10:49 AM

Mr. Thompson, As a selfemployed contractor I spend a lot of time and money complying with with our current tax code. My question to you is what are your thoughts on the fair tax ( HR25 )or any other tax reform ?

Posted by: Brian B | September 6, 2007 10:52 AM

Hello Fred! May I call you that for now? I am certain it will soon be Mr. President! My question is pertaining to Social Security/Unbearable Taxes. As I am not a member of the 76Million Club, I am deeply concerned of the voting power of the boomers crippling me/my husband and our 4 children with unbelievable taxes in the near future. We should be concerned as it is now happening in Indianapolis! My personal state property taxes just increased 85% and the local city is pushing through a 65% increase in income tax! I say get the TEA! If you want to run and win hit home SECURITY! NATIONAL and FISCAL and you can whip HIllary or anybody else! Remember to say it with a smile and show your humor ... some of the people just refuse to take off the pull-ups and wear big boy pants! PS. How's your little tikes? And your older three will we see them campaigning? We have a 10 year old daughter, a 7 year old son, a four and 1/2 year old daughter, and a bruiser of a 2 year old boy! RUN FOR THEM!

Posted by: Maureen Faul | September 6, 2007 11:14 AM

For the past 20 years my brother-in-law, a union pipe fitter, has been tearing down and shipping overseas, manufacturing plants. My question to you is, Why are we as a nation spending billions of dollars on education? You do not need to be educated to flip burgers or stock Wal-mart's shelves with chinese products. In fact, if you look closely, you don't even need to speak english for most jobs available to American workers. Truth be told, most employers want you to speak spanish so you can communicate with the other employees. Even with a degree in engineering or computer science you have to compete with less qualified hb1 visa workers. Why should Americans even bother? We will soon have Mexican truckers on our roads, probably transporting "American" companies products produced in China or Mexico from Mexican ports to stores owned by foreign conglomerates. Globalization and free trade have destroyed the backbone of American society. Do you have a plan to reverse the outsourcing of America? Or should we all just continue to flip our New Zealand beef burgers and continue telling our children that with hard work, determination and a good education they can achieve anything?

Posted by: Deborah | September 6, 2007 11:15 AM

My family struggles to pay for individual health insurance. Do you have any plans to relieve the burden of health insurance costs? What about a national health plan?

Posted by: Judy Grisham | September 6, 2007 11:32 AM

Fred will you lead the charge for the implementation of the fair tax and support the repeal of the 16 amendment in this country? That way we can have more money in our own pocket.

Posted by: TDale | September 6, 2007 11:35 AM

Fred will you be able too take the pressure,and not bow out as H.Ross Perot did? Can you tell the people the truth about the dirty politics that you will have too overcome.

Posted by: Michael S. Parker | September 6, 2007 11:35 AM

Senator Thompson, The use of political mantras is very effective in communicating messages. Our country has serious issues among our aging population, a loss of national unity in areas such as enforcing laws to protect the sovereignty of the United States, a lack of sound economic education in our schools...and a populace that is totally fed up with gridlock in the Houses of Congress. Would you support legislation that would require Congress to stop playing the "tack on" approaches with legislation, which contribute to confusion and gridlock...along with a serious effort to elevate the spirit of American compassion for our elderly, our disabled, and our children, and a renovation of economic education for all Americans?

Posted by: Sherron | September 6, 2007 11:40 AM

Fred, will you enforce the laws? What American needs now more than anything is a President who will reclaim America for Americans. What that will entail would be to take America back to its roots and to re-establish the Constitution as it was set forth all those years ago by our very wise founders of this country. Remember the one that we all learned about in Grade School but that has somehow been lost in this "politically correct" society today? We want and need a President who will stand up for America and Americans and that will mean he will need to ETL. Enforce the Laws especially in regard to immigration. This great country was not built or intended to be a get-a-way for anyone, but was intended to be a land of opportunity. We are not trying to be selfish about the opportunities that are available here, but we do want everyone to earn that opportunity through the equal and proper lawful channels equally. Will you do this? If you will do this, you would be voted President of the United States hands down, because this is what the majority of Americans want for this great country. We want America back for Americans. Will you do this?

Posted by: Ann | September 6, 2007 11:43 AM

Senator, With the ever increasing benefits bestowed on the recipients of the entitlement programs, ie social security and mediscare, How can we taxpayers withstand the load forced upon us. If something is not done and soon, the vast majority of our income will be taken from us and used to support others. I am not opposed to helping those in need, but not at the expense of my own family's welfare. Any plans to reinforce the social security and medicare programs that won't force the average Joe Lunchpail into bankruptcy? The Bush plan to privatise a part of Soc Sec fell on the deaf ears of career politians afraid of handling such a politically charged issue.....what are your plans and thoughts on the issue? By the way, of all the candidates I have seen, you are far and away at the top of my list....but it is early and I still need convincing!

Posted by: Bob Simpson | September 6, 2007 11:43 AM

Senator, With the ever increasing benefits bestowed on the recipients of the entitlement programs, ie social security and mediscare, How can we taxpayers withstand the load forced upon us. If something is not done and soon, the vast majority of our income will be taken from us and used to support others. I am not opposed to helping those in need, but not at the expense of my own family's welfare. Any plans to reinforce the social security and medicare programs that won't force the average Joe Lunchpail into bankruptcy? The Bush plan to privatise a part of Soc Sec fell on the deaf ears of career politians afraid of handling such a politically charged issue.....what are your plans and thoughts on the issue? By the way, of all the candidates I have seen, you are far and away at the top of my list....but it is early and I still need convincing!

Posted by: Bob Simpson | September 6, 2007 11:43 AM

Senator, With the ever increasing benefits bestowed on the recipients of the entitlement programs, ie social security and mediscare, How can we taxpayers withstand the load forced upon us. If something is not done and soon, the vast majority of our income will be taken from us and used to support others. I am not opposed to helping those in need, but not at the expense of my own family's welfare. Any plans to reinforce the social security and medicare programs that won't force the average Joe Lunchpail into bankruptcy? The Bush plan to privatize a part of Soc Sec fell on the deaf ears of career politians afraid of handling such a politically charged issue.....what are your plans and thoughts on the issue? By the way, of all the candidates I have seen, you are far and away at the top of my list....but it is early and I still need convincing!

Posted by: Bob Simpson | September 6, 2007 11:44 AM

Mr. Thompson, I have been waiting for you to make your announcement on baited breath. My question for you is broad reaching and may have additional questions as I push my way through.
As a loyal Republican registered voter I need to know that the issues I deal with in my daily life are those you will take to heart, should you be elected to the office of President. As a Senator, I have watched you closely and applaud your often outspoken and Washington Unconventionalism Tact. I hope you can do much the same from the Executive Branch.
I need to know;
What initiatives do you have to protect the everyday American from Terrorism from abroad and within?
Our economy is in deep peril and the lower and middle income families are feeling it first and most, what do you plan to do about it?
The American work place has been moved to 3rd world countries for cheaper labor resulting in massive lay-offs nationwide, what will you do about that?
Our borders are thin and easy to cross, and illegal immigrants pour in daily, and even when caught are given Federal Aide better than that given to any Legal Resident. What will you do about that?
I read and listened to your speach on Federalism, how do you plan to unpack that from the White House?
Can you run a clean, non-mud-slinging campaign?
What will you do, to reduce our dependancy on Oil both Forgin and Domestic?
How can you strengthen our Military without a Draft?
I am a Veteran, so be careful with your answer on that last one.
I would like to see you offer something similar to the U-Tube Debate where you are asked these same questions, on live TV and rebroadcast on the Web.
Can you answer the clear and hardcore questions without the typical Washington Spin Tactic of Rabbit trail answers that have nothing to do with the questions? In every Debate so far, I have seen every Candidate do this in Both parties.
I suggest you watch the Robin Williams film, "Man of the Year" and see that his Charactor really appealed to the typical American voter because he attacked the issues head on, he didn't shy away from the unpopular answer and explained his positions and convictions to his views and beliefs. I'd like to see Life imitate Art in this fashion, can you and will you do this?
Thankyou very much for your time and consideration. Please feel free to respond to me directly as well.
james@silverbranchstudiosinc.com

Posted by: James H Egbert | September 6, 2007 11:49 AM

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON THE"PATRIOT ACT"? SECURITY VS FREEDOM AND ROLL OF FEDERAL GOVRERNMENT VIEWS ON NAFTA, NAU/SPP ? POTENTIAL LOSS OF OUR SOVIENTRY?

Posted by: JOE DIPAOLA | September 6, 2007 11:56 AM

Besides the hot topics of Iraq and _illegal_ immigration, I would like to know your position on 1) making sure the Social Security Trust Fund is no longer mingled with the general fund but maintained separately as it was intended; 2) phasing out the NEA and the BIA for starters; 3) controlling lobbyists and PAC's; and 4) eliminating, or at least controlling, the practice of adding unrelated items to bills, the "pork" add-on's. Thank you.

Posted by: Shirley Werner | September 6, 2007 11:57 AM

Mr. Thompson, I consider myself a federalist or a constitutionalist. I believe that our federal and state governments are too involved in our lives. I think that the fair tax bill submitted by John Lender, is a plan that you should look very seriously. Have you read the box by Neal Boortz titled The Fair Tax Book? If you have not I ask you to take the small amount of time it would take to read this book and spend some time with John Lender. This tax system would not only create a fair method of taxation but would take a lot of power away from the government and make our country the largest tax haven for the world. Please take a serious look at this plan and set me know what you think. Thank you for your service.

Posted by: Max Weeks | September 6, 2007 11:57 AM

Are you a Christian? Why, or why not? If you are a Christian, please state what you believe about God and His influence in/over your life, marriage, family, work and future. Thank you!

Posted by: H. Isbell | September 6, 2007 11:57 AM

Fred, I've just been waiting for you to declare your run for president. All I can say is "Thank God".This country needs you in the worst way. It seems everything is falling apart, what with the war,Democrats,Ileagals,lies from everyone in goverment,and much more than I have no room for here. I live in North Carolina which is about to become like California with all the illegals. WHat do you propose to do about the borders, the companies who hire them? Our city is becoming overrun with gangs and 90% of them are illegals. WE need your help!

Posted by: Pat Van Dyke | September 6, 2007 11:57 AM

Fred, glad to see you in the 2008 race and you have my vote! It's not everyday that we find a leader that does what he says and makes people believe in themselves. You will take some heat from alot of folks that do not want to see you as our next president, but I have news for those people; you will win and win BIG! You did the right thing in waiting to enter the race and now that you are in, the people who really believe in what is right for America will vote for you. I am retired Air Force and served our country for 21 years, it's folks like me and others who have served in the Armed Services that will get you the job, just remember us and take care of the verterns that have served. Finally, make some noise, wake up America with your ability to bring people together. Americans love change and a leader who belives in himself. You are that leader and we believe in you! WIN FRED, WIN FRED, WIN FRED Jerry

Posted by: Jerry Searson | September 6, 2007 12:02 PM

Mr Thompson I live in New Orleans and wants to know if we still can count on you to help us out on the Katrina recovey. Also will you be coming to the city to see for your self the problems that still going on after 2 years. The next President must not forget what happen in the Gulf Region and alot of work and money must be given to help out the people in this region.

Posted by: WAT | September 6, 2007 12:09 PM

Senator Fred, Sir, Numerous state and local entities have attempted to pass ordinances to join 287(g) only to get blocked by corrupt immoral organizations such as the ACLU, CARE, MALDF, etc. They sue on the basis that “ONLY the FEDERAL government” can enforce immigration and every time their hand picked judge issue an injunction. For some reason these individual Judges think they know what is right for the people EVEN though the PEOPLE VOTE, in local elections such as Farmers Branch, TX., Overwhelming passing these measures . Now that the Legislative and Executive branches finally got the message that we want ENFORCEMENT ONLY they are too being sued by these immoral organizations and getting injunctions. My questions are: 1) Please respond as to your direction with interior enforcement of illegal aliens. 2) Please respond as to how you, as Commander and Chief, will handle these organizations so we can enforce our laws. 3) This one is touchy and you don’t have to answer, “We the People” would like to know if you can take these organizations out of existence because every step they are successful at is a step toward the ending of America as we once knew it. Respectfully, Richard Reynolds

Posted by: Richard Reynolds | September 6, 2007 12:16 PM

Senator Thompson This is a five part question. #1...How and when are you as president (we) going to secure our borders without making excuses? #2...What are we going to do with the illegal immigrants who are already here? #3...What do you say to those who entered our country through the legal process. #4...How can we get this done if we do not have a Republican congress? #5...What happened to the idea of the great melting pot and immigrants wanting to learn English to get ahead? And a non related question...How can we get some true specific help and ideas about the unbelievable price of gas at the pump? Wow! I sounded a little like a reporter instead of a teacher. Thanks

Posted by: Marty F | September 6, 2007 12:19 PM

Fred, Our dependence on foreign oil is reprehensible. We should have been weaning our selves off of it since the embargo of the early seventies. We need the tax incentives to business and private sector to get off of the black juice. Electric cars have been developed and squashed by big oil, we need this industry developed . What about bio fuel, hey this will put the farmers to work, we need to get this on a serious roll . I think that the development of these alternate industries is a way to create a new industry that can help our economy. We have the technology we need to pursue and get big oil out of the decision making, HELP..

Posted by: Kipp Gill | September 6, 2007 12:25 PM

I am an American Indian and I would like to know where you stand on the rights of the indigenous people of this nation. I'd like to know your opinion on Indian health, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the operation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the problems that have occured concerning lawsuits, Indian gaming, and finally how you feel about American Indian/Alaska Native sovereignty. I look forward to hearing your opinions. Thank you, Danielle Steward

Posted by: Danielle Steward | September 6, 2007 12:26 PM

fred, i just want to know when the career political whores in washington are going to put their personal gains and retirement package,(living off me and my grandkids) on the back burning and do what needs to be done to save this country. all this beckering and in house fighting, while avoiding the real problems.almost makes me wish i were a millionaire, so i could run for office and enjoy the same perks congressional seat holders do.

Posted by: randy | September 6, 2007 12:27 PM

The one overriding issue that concerns me is immigration. Both illegal immigration that is destroying the country and legal immigration seemingly used to drive down and destroy the prospects of Americans finding decent jobs at decent wages. Before I vote for anyone, I want to see a firm committment on border security, expedited deportation, elimination of the birthright provision granting citizenship to babies born to foreigners (sometimes only visitors on birthing tours). I want to see a committment to reducing the number of foreign workers, an elimination of all provisions giving non-English speaking teachers the ability to come and teach American children in the US and presidential influence to make all critical workers fully English speaking. I want a committment that efforts to integrate Mexico, Canada and the United States into one borderless union will be opposed. My question to you is, will you make that committment?

Posted by: Kathy | September 6, 2007 12:30 PM

Senator, I am glad that we have another face in the running race for the oval office. But as a member of active duty military, I have to say that we in the military community are nervous. We're nervous about where our paychecks, housing money, and money to be able to do our jobs is going to come from. I know a lot of questions are coming up about the war overseas, but what about the war within our own borders? Currently we are fighting for gasoline prices, milk prices, and safe toys. Our economy is in a state of distress at the hands of others that appear to have their own agenda. How are you going to get it back without cutting corners? And how are you going to secure the military personnel a place in the future so that we too can have lives that are proud, strong, and financially stable?

Posted by: Kimberly V | September 6, 2007 12:30 PM

Fred, How would your administration communicate to the american public differently than past administrations, to counter the bias from the elite drive-by media?

Posted by: Pauline Scott | September 6, 2007 12:31 PM

Re: High Profile Staffers leaving campaign I want to be a supporter. The news this morning said that your campaign staff had defections due to influence of your wife . Don't misunderstand. I support women in office, work, home or wherever they want to work. I am gun shy due to Hillary. I want the candidate to run not the spouse. Do you feel this is a legitimate claim about your wife and how do you address her input into the campaign - please ... other than the usual... she is my wife and of course I value her opinion. Thanks.

Posted by: gladys | September 6, 2007 12:41 PM

I have sent letters to every presidential candidate in both parties who have not responded and completely ignored to address any of these points in debates or speeches. So Mr. Thompson I ask you the same questions: a) If alternative fuels were at full production and American vehicles were engineered to accept them, what do you believe the cost per gallon of these fuels would be as compared to gasoline prices? b) We have a national reserve of oil primarily for use in a national emergency. How would you establish a reserve for alternative fuels and what would the reserve be used for (military, private industry )? c) Since alternative fuels depend mainly on farm crops, how would you guard against damages from hurricanes/tornados, disease, drought? In other words would you establish a separate reserve for consumer use? d) Will the military machine continue to use crude or alternative fuels?

Posted by: Richard DiMaio | September 6, 2007 12:43 PM

Can you tell me how you will help HOMELAND security at home with our Firefighters, EMS and Police. We need the help and money to be split evenly among these groups? We need help now, how would you help? Ryan Hogsten Firefighter

Posted by: Ryan Hogsten | September 6, 2007 12:45 PM

Fred. We need solid commitment on these vital issues: 1- Seal the borders from illegal entry and ensure ICE strongly enforces the immigration laws. 2- Mandate the states notify ICE of all arrests of illegals and ICE promptly takes custody. 3- Ensure laws are passed to strongly sanction employers who hire illegals and those with false documents. 4- Eliminate inheritance taxes and make permanent the current tax cuts that are scheduled to sunset. 5-Take strong action against Iran obtaining nuclear weapons and from combat intrusion into Iraq. 6-Strengthen intelligence against terrorism both at home and abroad and enforce stronger cooperation between the various agencies in this area.

Posted by: David Geoffrion | September 6, 2007 12:45 PM

Can you tell me how you will help HOMELAND security at home with our Firefighters, EMS and Police. We need the help and money to be split evenly among these groups? We need help now, how would you help? Ryan Hogsten Firefighter

Posted by: Ryan Hogsten | September 6, 2007 12:46 PM

Where do you stand on reversal of taxes on Soc. Security? Why do we send aid to Mexico who is rich in oil, gold, and silver?

Posted by: C. King | September 6, 2007 12:57 PM

Is a FredHead the same thing as a bellend? Thanks.

Posted by: Tony | September 6, 2007 12:58 PM

Fred, I am really excited about your run for President. I watched your video and liked what I heard. What is your position on the addiction problem in this country? I would like to see more treatment facilities, especially for women.

Posted by: Susan Killian | September 6, 2007 1:00 PM

Mr. Thompson, It is my opinion that most Americans feel they currently pay unfai prices for gasoline and energy. I also believe they feel the government doesn't do enough or anything to keep fuel costs low and affordable for everyone. What Americans do see is record prices at the pump, and record profits AND margins being reported by the oil companies. In a free market system,"Supply and/or Demand" should dictate price, but not large variances in profit margin. I watched your webcast announcing your candidacy for President, and in that you stated The United States needs to decrease its dependancy on foreign oil that comes from unstable nations through out the world. And through out history, every time there is a sustained spike in the price of oil, our economy goes into a recession. As the next president, what emerging energy technologies would you support and fund? How would your administration assure the American people that the energy companies are producing cheaper energy and fuel? And how would show the American people you are going to hold the energy companies accountable for what they charge and the profits and margins they make? Thank you for your time and consideration

Posted by: Jason Williams | September 6, 2007 1:03 PM

Fred Congratulations ! You have a most unique opportunity to truly reach the American people, and do it in a way and with the same type of effectiveness as another man that we came to love & revere as THE voice for the vast majority of Americans ... Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan was not afraid to talk directly with the American people, and stick to his principles & ideas when he spoke to them. He sometimes took positions that while not popular with the media, the Washington Crowd and the like, were the essence of what made Ronald Reagan RONALD REAGAN ! Ronald Reagan would have NOT feared a subject, even while conventional thought had them viewed as dry & not " sexy " to the media, the Washington Crowd, BUT were subjects that resonate quietly & deeply within most Americans, and that is getting Government to be less intrusive in our lives. Fred, for you to become the Champion of the FAIR TAX and to be able to discuss, defend & make clear to the American People that this single issue above all the other " sexy " & divisive ones like Iraq would excite them, fire them up, and at the same time shine the light of truth for the American people on what the Democrats and other Left Wing Liberals in this country NEVER want the American people to know ... That they WANT to keep the Government's feet on the economic necks of all Americans & will continue to do so at all cost ! It is the single best way that they have to continue to CONTROL Americans , keep their Liberal Agendas alive & well and maintain their political gains of the last few years. Fred, you have made the decison to run for President of the United States. Use your intellect, humor, presence and superb commmunication abilities to go directly to the American people as Ronald Reagan did. It served him & us well, and it would serve you just as well. Good Luck ! James Taylor

Posted by: James Taylor | September 6, 2007 1:04 PM

Well, Fred asked for Hardball questions. So...here goes. I would like to know how Fred Thompson intends to deal with the core issues of neoconservatism vs. conservatism. A friend of mine put it very well: "In the past he has worked for AEI. These people are not conservatives. Ideologically they fall in line with 1900-1950 style democrats. They love FDR, and Woodrow Wilson. They are tough on foreign policy, but absent in the 'culture war'. Sure, they pay topics like abortion, homosexuality, illegal immigration, second amendment rights and small government lip service when they want to get elected, but once in office these things become an afterthought. That is, if they don't become hostile to them." Irving Kristol (The 'father' of neoconservatism) in 2003 said: Neocons do not like the concentration of services in the welfare state and are happy to study alternative ways of delivering these services. But they are impatient with the Hayekian notion that we are on "the road to serfdom." Neocons do not feel that kind of alarm or anxiety about the growth of the state in the past century, seeing it as natural, indeed inevitable...... People have always preferred strong government to weak government, although they certainly have no liking for anything that smacks of overly intrusive government "How can I show support for someone who belongs to a group that does not feel 'alarm or anxiety' about the growth of government? It is a widely held belief that neocons will never dismantle the welfare state, never rollback any changes made by the cultural left, never do anything about illegal immigration, never consider an 'American First' agenda. The debate will be over big government or bigger government, maintaing the status quo or giving out more welfare, minor tax cuts vs tax increases, invasion of Iraq vs the bombing of Kosovo, etc." Will Fred Thompson stick to his guns and take the ideals he espouses on the campign trail and make them happen in office? All these issue, specifically, immigration and the size and roll of governement, are very near and dear to me and I would love to see genuine progress in these areas.

Posted by: Chris | September 6, 2007 1:07 PM

Fred. Please let us know your position on the Fair Tax (HR 25). The most "fixable" problem in this country is our current tax system. I sincerely believe you would go down in history as being one of our greatest presidents if you could accomplish a complete restructuring of our current tax system. Hopefully, you have read Congressman John Linder's book (co-written with Neal Boortz), "The Fair Tax." Basically, the Fair Tax is a national sales tax, at the retail sales level only, which would replace our current income tax system. It is a very well though-out proposal that deserves to be looked at seriously. Rather than go into all the details, I am providing a link which will give you detailed as well as summary information: www.fairtax.org The Fair Tax movement has extremely strong grass roots support...both from Republicans and Democrats. The only Republican presidential candidate who supports it (Ron Paul) receives incredibly high ratings on internet polls...I personally believe it is primarily due to his support for the Fair Tax.

Posted by: Julie | September 6, 2007 1:11 PM

Fred, I am listening and like what I hear so far. You have stated that securing our borders is paramount to maintaining our sovranty as a nation and I agree. What is your plan to handle the millions of illegal immigrants already in our country? My grandparents immigrated legally to this country (through Ellis Island) to become Americans and adopted the language and customs of the United States. My grandfather often said " you come to America, to become American ". While we are proud of our heritage, we fly the American flag and speak English -- we are proud citizens of the United States. My grandfathers fought in WW-I, my father and uncles fought in WW-II and Korea, my brother and I served in Vietnam. It bothers me when I see immigrants, both legal and especially illegal, marching in our streets waving the flags of foreign nations. Along with that is the increasing movement in our country to accomodate the Spanish language in our schools, work place and even in government policy. What is your stand on making English the official language of the United States?

Posted by: Ron Havelaar | September 6, 2007 1:12 PM

What is your stand on the growing healthcare issue in america? What do YOU plan on doing about all the uninsured in the US. What about the healthcare for the elderly? Why should they lose all the money they have saved over the years just to have a few years in a nursing home before they die? Why should they eat dog food or less so they can buy the medicine they need?

Posted by: elizabeth huber | September 6, 2007 1:13 PM

In my opinion, one of the causes of illegal immigration is the automatic granting of U.S. citizenship to all those born in the U.S. without regard for the citizenship of the parents. Is this policy of automatic citizenship consistent with that of other countries? Why is the child not a citizen of the same country as his parents? If this policy was altered so that citizenship was not automatic and immediate, many problems would be solved. Perhaps instead of automatic U.S. citizenship, the option would be available when the child reaches 18 years. In the meantime the child is a citizen of mother's country. If so called "anchor babies" were eliminated pregnant women would be less likely to cross the border illegally to give birth. Reducing the influx of pregnant illegal immigrants would relieve the burden on both medical and eduational institutions. As president would Mr. Thompson consider making this controversial change?

Posted by: personna | September 6, 2007 1:15 PM

Dear Fred. I understand that President Bush is going to begin construction next year of a Mexican Highway that will extend from the Rio Grand River to Kansas City. Customs clearence on trucks comming north fom Mexico will take place in Kansas City so these vehicles will not be stopped and checked until they reach that point. Will you continue with this project under those terms or close it down??? Thanks for your attention to my question. Harold

Posted by: Harold E Gross | September 6, 2007 1:22 PM

Hey Fred, Maybe a bit premature with this, but how about Duncan Hunter for VP? Good luck!

Posted by: Mary | September 6, 2007 1:28 PM

Congratulations Fred!: There are five non-negotiable issues that I would like for you to address. These five issues are non-negotiable and concern actions that are intrinsically evil and must never be promoted by the law. If life isn’t defended first and foremost, no other issue is relevant. An aborted child can never take advantage of “free markets, rights of property and the rule of law”; or a “flat-tax”; or a “Federalist” form of government or anything else in life for that matter. On most issues that come before voters or legislators, the task is selecting the most effective policy to implement or apply a moral principle. Democracy must be based on the true and solid foundation on non-negotiable ethical principles, which are the underpinning of life in society. A well-formed Christian conscience does not permit one to vote for a political program or individual law that contradicts the fundamental contents of faith and morals. Here are the issues: 1. Abortion 2. Euthanasia 3. Embryonic Stem-Cell Research 4. Human Cloning 5. Gay Marriage The right to life is the most fundamental of all human rights. Without a right to life, all other rights are valueless. What good does freedom of speech do a dead man? How can a corpse exercise the right to trial by jury? The right to life accrues to each of us as a part of our basic humanity. It is as much a part of us as our minds, our personalities, or our arms and legs. It is given to us by no one. It is ours merely because we are living human beings. There are those who say that “society” or the government decides when we get the right to life. If that is so, then it is no right at all, but merely a privilege, for if the government can grant the right to life, it can surely withhold it. Once you accept that the government has this power, you must accept, willy-nilly that the government can decree some people — perhaps Jews, or Blacks or Catholics — never get the right to life. If, therefore there is such a thing as a right to life, it must accrue to every living human being. This sets up a simple, three-part test. Is the unborn child living?• If it were not, we would not be having this debate! Is it human?• Check the DNA. If it has rabbit or squirrel DNA, then it is not human. But if it has human DNA, it is human. But is it a being? Check the DNA again. If it has the mother’s DNA,• then it is a part of her body. But if it has its own DNA, then it is a being — a separate and distinct human life. Very clearly, the unborn has the same right to live as any other living human being. Who denies that, denies the whole concept of human rights. Thank you for your desire to lead our country in the right moral direction. Respectfully, -Greg Haley

Posted by: Greg | September 6, 2007 1:30 PM

Mr. "President" I am a 27 year old working on retirement. I have realized social security holds no security for me and my generation. For now, I sacrifice the enjoyments of life (i.e. going to movies, going out to eat) to hopefully ensure a stable retirement. I'm being taxed on all savings not going into my 401K and the money I see come out of my paycheck everyweek for Social Securtiy will never be seen by me. My money! What do you plan to do about our social security system. I've heard many politicians speak on this matter, however, no action has been taken. Will you address this issue facing my generation, and more importantly, will you follow through. Dustin Speights USA

Posted by: Dustin Speights | September 6, 2007 1:34 PM

I am a Conservative Christian who sees many sad things happening to our country. I have many questions to ask of you. first of all I see a country that is becoming more and more critical of Christianity. More and more schools and students are being forced to take Jesus out of school activities: Christmas plays are being removed or replced by "holiday plays", students are told they cannot wear shirts that mention Jesus, students cannot say the name of Jesus, etc...etc. How can this Nation....a free Nation....allow that to happen? Not to mention the constant fight with the ACLU and some politicians concerning the words:"One Nation Under God"....are we coming to the point that our history is no longer important so that a few can have their way?? What are your feelings on this?? An honest answer only, please... There is a proposed bill that would make it a hate crime for a pastor to preach from his pulpit against homosexuality. I am a Bible believing Christian who does not hate anyone for their differences, but who believes the words of God. I also believe that Christians are afforded the same rights in this country by our Constitution and Bill of Rights as those who seek to speak against us. Would you veto such a bill that takes away the right to free speech in this country?? Also, what is your stance on abortion, gay marriage, and the war in Iraq??? Do you see a withdrawal of our troops as failure? Do you support giving our military the chance to succeed in Iraq?? Do you see the people of Iraq only as the enemy or as a group of people that we pledged to help?? Do you feel that some Americans want us to fail in Iraq?? Do you think that you can unite this Nation at a time when its people are split on most issues and even on the value of our country?? My heart is broken for my country and I fear the up coming elections. I do not see a canditate that is sincere or that has gained my confidence. What makes you different from the rest?

Posted by: Chasity | September 6, 2007 1:59 PM

How do stand on the idea of a Constitutional Amendment to eliminate birthright citizenship as a stem to the influx of illegal aliens? Many of these illegals are crossing the border to have their children on American soil, thereby granting that child immediate US citizenship. They are betting on the fact that the government will not deport them because the child is now a citizen. If the path to citizenship requires that the parents be citizens or at least legally in country, then that would remove a huge incentive for them to come into the country illegally.

Posted by: Dallasite | September 6, 2007 2:05 PM

SENATOR THOMPSON, I'M A 67 YEAR OLD FATHER OF 5 CHILDREN GRANDFATHER OF 7 AND GREAT GRANDFATHER OF 1 . I WORKED FOR MANY YEARS SOMETIMES AS MANY AS THREE JOBS AT A TIME, TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY. TO ME IT SEEMS THAT MOST POLITICIANS ARE MORE CONCERNED WITH SUPPORTING THE DREGS OF SOCIETY THAT NEVER WORK,HAVE NO CONCERN FOR THEIR CHILDREN AND WILL NEVER BE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS.WHEN ARE WE GOING TO GET SERIOUS AND PUT THESE DREGS IN PRISON WHERE THEY BELONG, SOME WITH AS MANY AS 15 CHILDREN WITH THE SAME AMOUNT OF WOMEN.THE COST TO US AS TAXPAYING CITIZENS IS HORRENDOUS.ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS GETTING SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE AT THE EXPENSE OF PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF I AM OUTRAGED.I SPEND 35 % OF MY INCOME ON MEDICAL COST AS I'M SURE MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE MADE THIS COUNTRY THE GREATEST OF ALL. WHAT WILL YOU DO TO CHANGE THIS . THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SINCE RONALD REAGAN BEAT THAT SOCIALIST JIMMY CARTER.I KNOW I DON'T HAVE MUCH MORE TIME ON THIS EARTH BUT I SHUDDER TO THINK OF ANY OF THE DEMOCRATS WINNING THIS ELECTION AND THE PRESIDENCY ONLY A COUPLE OF HEARTBEATS AWAY FROM HARRY REID GOD FORBID.

Posted by: GENE W GALE | September 6, 2007 2:09 PM

Dear Senator Thompson, I hear a lot about what candidates can do for me and you. But, when the going gets tough they back down. Specifically against the heavy hitting lobbyist or politician. As you see the Mayor of New York attacking our second amendment rights with his "mayors against guns" tactics. Something needs to be done to eliminate this kind of anti constitution aggression. I am an NRA member and a CHL holder and yes I vote. My question to you is are you going to protect and defend our constitutional rights with every breath you take as POTUS? And if so, what do you intend to do about the aggressive tactics against our constitution? There is plent more questions I would love to ask any many of them have been asked above. It would be nice to meet you. Thanks for throwing you hat in the ring you just might have my vote.

Posted by: Dennis Dougharty | September 6, 2007 2:14 PM

Fred, so far, I like what I hear from you and read about you. My one fear is, though, are you really "electable?" First, I believe the mainstream media is going to tear you apart; your personal life alone is probably being scrutinized by the liberal media as they sharpen their claws preparing to make roadkill out of you. Fred, as the Republicans prepare for a potential bloodbath in 2008, just how do you plan to stop the powerful liberals in the press from destroying all of your hopes and plans? Good luck to you, my friend. I believe we need a man like you, but I am worried that America will swallow a lot of bull and vote against you. God bless you!

Posted by: Scott A Fortney | September 6, 2007 2:30 PM

Dear Mr. Thompson, You speak of an opportunity for affordable healthcare to cover all Americans. This will be achieved without the government or insurance companies deciding on what treatment might be right for each of us. Will you be willing to "take on" the insurance companies and their powerful lobby to make this happen and, if so, what plans do you have to place healthcare back into the hands of the patient and their medical providers? Sincerely, Dr. Russell Kirk Lebanon, Tennessee

Posted by: Russell | September 6, 2007 2:31 PM

Fred, first of all I want you to know, I'm with you! You've got my vote already! I have more of a comment than a question--I want to IMPLORE you to run a campaign that does not resort to mud-slinging. Many candidates start off saying that they will run a clean campaign, stick to the issues, blahblahblah, but then they start throwing the mud around with the best (worst?) of them. PLEASE don't do that--you are better than that! Just keep showing everyone how clearly qualified you are, your strong leadership qualities, etc. Take the high road, I beg of you.

Posted by: Margo | September 6, 2007 2:32 PM

Fred - First of all, two sets of congratulations are in order: 1. For making your announcement to run, and, 2. For WINNING the GOP debate in New Hampshire. Even though you weren't there (which I believe was a smart move on your part), YOU WERE ALL THEY TALKED ABOUT. I think you have the rest of the GOP candidates on the run. Second, I'd like to know your stance on taxes. I am retired Air Force and my wife is disabled. We live on a very fixed income and I'm finding it harder and harder to make ends meet. The cost of everything is going up - food, utilities, etc - and the LAST thing I want to see are my taxes going up, either by Congress raising them directly or allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire, raising my taxes indirectly. As President, would you veto income tax legislation that RAISES taxes on the middle class? Thanks for your time and best of luck in the months to come.

Posted by: Steve Dandy | September 6, 2007 2:32 PM

Dear Mr. Thompson, You speak of an opportunity for affordable healthcare to cover all Americans. This will be achieved without the government or insurance companies deciding on what treatment might be right for each of us. Will you be willing to "take on" the insurance companies and their powerful lobby to make this happen and, if so, what plans do you have to place healthcare back into the hands of the patient and their medical providers? Sincerely, Dr. Russell Kirk Lebanon, Tennessee

Posted by: Russell | September 6, 2007 2:33 PM

Dear Fred, I have heard you several times discuss a flat tax or something similar, which would eliminate tea IRS. I have 2 questions 1) How many employees does the IRS have ? Can ANYBODY in the federal government actually tell us? 2) If we eliminate the IRS completely, what would you do with all the IRS employees? They cannot be fired! Their job or retirement is secure ! While we are at it: During the Carter Administration if my memory serves me correctly, the ENERGY Dep. was created. The specified purpose of that dep. at the time of his creation was to make America independent of foreign oil !!!!!!!!! Today 34 years later we hear the same mantra! Can you tell me how many employess does the energy Dep. have ? If 34 years ago the Congress would have had the intestinal fortitude to pass a law the would give all the automobile producer of the world 10 years time and then state that any car that does not get 35 miles a gallon will not be able to be sold in the U.S.A. I think we would be awash in gasoline !What you think? Respectfully Ron Muller

Posted by: Ron Muller | September 6, 2007 2:42 PM

Fred I am a father of one and married to a hispanic american citizen. In five years working in meat packing plants I have many friends and co-workers who carry questinable citizenship. I understand the the important role that undocumented workers present in our country. Do you? What is your position on the immigraton debate?

Posted by: Casey | September 6, 2007 2:48 PM

Fred - As a financial advisor I am concerned about the credit situation in our country. More and more americans are living on credit and not saving for emergencies or for their future. Pay day loans at 10%/$100 are popping up on every corner. What do you think needs to be done to make sure that the federal government is not bailing out private individuals or companies who extend credit to individuals who are unable to pay their bills due to the fact that they were living beyond their means before the credit was extended? I think of the sub-prime mortages who gave people the ability to live in houses they could never pay for and the companies that underwrote those mortgages even though they KNEW what the risk was when they made the loan. Should we be bailing them out? I have my own options but wanted to see what your thoughts were on this issue.

Posted by: Beth | September 6, 2007 2:53 PM

You're are with whom conservatives are placing their hopes to continue the conservative revolution in the Republican Party which began in the 1980's. Are you willing to risk it all to try to sweep true conservatives into power? Are you going to support conservative opponents of powerful incumbent RINOs in primary elections? Will you be your own man and resist the temtations from marketing stategists who promote non-commital answers and "safe' talking points? Will you write an amendment to Ronald Reagan's 11th commandment that excludes RINOs? I think you will. And if you do, all those who voted for a strong, honest, consistant man in the 1980's will show show bi-partisan support in ending 20 years of the Bush/Clinton era, and bring a conservative Congress into power on your coat tails. Good luck and Gob bless. - KEN

Posted by: ken blair | September 6, 2007 2:55 PM

Mr. Thompson, based on what I hear you say, you'd be my choice for President. But, regarding your comment that the American people must demand certain things of their senators and representatives -- how can we demand it when they don't care what we say, unless it's election time? And then they've already done their damage. If the attitudes of their staff members are a reflection of them -- read a bit of the Capitolist posts online and see how their staff members respect the wishes of the American people. You'd be appalled.

Posted by: Mary | September 6, 2007 3:05 PM

In what ways are you a superior candidate than Guiliani and Hillary Clinton?

Posted by: Pradeep Srivastava | September 6, 2007 3:05 PM

Sir, I like what am hearing so far. Please answer or expand on your answers to the following: 1. Will you pardon / free border patrol agents Ramos & Compean? 2. How will you secure our borders against the illegal invasion and what will you do about the illegals already in this country? 3. Will you cut off all federal funding for so called "sanctuary cities"? 4. What is your position on the North American Union? 5. What is your position on implementing a Flat Tax and getting rid of the IRS? If you support it, how will you acheive it? 6. Will you support legislation to eliminate income tax for members of the US military regardess of deployment status? 7. Do you support freedom of choice in education, inlcuding vouchers for private school even if the school is of a religious orientation? 8. The "Unity" plank of your platform sounds nice - how do you accomplish that without selling out on conservative principles?

Posted by: Marla | September 6, 2007 3:07 PM

China - This once sleeping communist giant is becoming the world economic superpower; funding our U.S. debt, producing, it seems, the majority of the goods Americans buy, and supplying a growing amount of food to our tables. This used to be OUR role in the world! I'm fearful about what the future holds for the U.S. when our communist banker, goods producer, and food supplier isn't happy with us or vice versa. There is no doubt a military superpower isn't far behind. Will a Thompson presidency lead the nation in trying to reverse this dangerous trend of our total dependency on China (if it isn't already too late!)?

Posted by: Pam Howell | September 6, 2007 3:10 PM

Senator Thompson, Senator Clinton looks to be on her way to getting her parties nomination to the White House. I love the idea of a women as President, however, I will not vote for Hillary. Do fully support a women as a VP candidate and hope that you will strongly consider many of the viable options out their today. I have always been impressed with Lynn Martin and find her to be one of the most engaging speakers and leaders within the Republican party. Hillary and the Dem's are all going after Labor and I think her overwhelming experience in this area could be very valuable to a Thompson Ticket. What will you do to neutralize the Hillary factor going into this campaign?

Posted by: Roger Freeman | September 6, 2007 3:19 PM

Mr. Thompson, I really would like to know how you would handle illegal immigration as well. I live in southern California and I'm caucasion. Currently, I am the minority. I would like to know what you plan to do about all the illegal immigrants that are already here, parading down OUR streets, yelling in SPANSIH that they deserve equal rights. I'm love my country. My country. Not Mexico. AMERICA. What do you plan to do about these poeple DEMANDING benefits that my fellow countrymen have difficulty getting, all the while waving the mexican flag. Do you plan to, at the very least, put it in writing that the official language of the United States is English? Since illegal immigrants have invaded our country, when I was looking for another job, I had to make sure that it didn't say "Bilingual required." Now why is it that I should have to learn another language. I shouldn't. My personal opinion is that 'OF COURSE ENGLISH IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE!!', but since it has to be put in writing for it to mean anything, will you do that? Will you keep America America? I see our country falling apart more and more as we back down and allow illegal immigration to continue unfettered. I want my country back. I want a President that can't be bought and isn't afraid to admit when mistakes are made. Its important that the mistakes are corrected, but too much damage is done when no one admits their mistake and tries to just cover it up. But most of all I want a President that fights for AMERICAN'S rights, not illegal immigrant's rights. I'm losing hope Mr. Thompson. My ultimate question is, Can you help me get it back?

Posted by: Chrystal | September 6, 2007 3:33 PM

Fred, there are two questions I have for you today. First, what is your stance on the Fair Tax? I am totally for the Fair Tax and I urge you to support it fully on your campaign. Second, what do you plan to do about the large number of illegal aliens living in this country. I do not care where they come from, I would just like to see them sent back to their country of origin. I personally would also like to see us do away with the citizenship for anyone born on US soil as well as these idiotic rules that do not allow government agencies to share information regarding citizenship status with law enforcement agencies. I look forward to hearing your views.

Posted by: Jacqueline | September 6, 2007 3:36 PM

Dear Senator Thompson, I am very pleased we now have a true conservative running for president. Thank you! President Bush failed to fight effectively against our own brand of terrorism here at home, that being liberalism. If you are elected president, will you cater, compromise or crush this enemy that threatens to bring down this country more certainly than any international terror group. Thank you, Senator.

Posted by: DOUG SCHAFFER | September 6, 2007 3:42 PM

Mr Thompson Do you think you could get the dead weight out of congress by getting term limits on board?give goverment back to the people instead of big buisness an all the lobiest?Something has to be done to exspose all the scumm takeing this country down the same road as Roam went. thankyou

Posted by: Merl | September 6, 2007 3:47 PM

The North American Union.....is this in the works and How do you feel about the Idea of ending These United States? Why has Bush secretly been planning this? How can we STOP this?The SPP and all the secret deals in the works, can they be undone? All the trade with China and the bad Products they are sending and we are not in control of our destiny anymore.Have to stop the Mexican invasion and the country is totally out of control. I will not vote for any one that doesn't make it perfectly CLEAR about the Immigration Issue. Rudy and Mitt I just don't Trust them. I do Like Duncan Hunter very much and I feel he's a Great American. Lots of good wishes for you and I hope You are the Man America Needs.

Posted by: Francia Trainor | September 6, 2007 3:50 PM

FAIR TAX FRED!!! I've already seen over 20 posts now on taxes and most of them about the FAIR TAX. PLEASE support the bill and get it passed. If you live what you believe about passing power from the government to the people, then support the largest transfer of power in the history of the country. Please clarify and articulate you position on this matter. Thank you sir.

Posted by: styx36 | September 6, 2007 3:51 PM

I just donated $25.00 to Fred's campaign. I believe in your purist Federalist ideology. I'm also gay and wonder if you are a true Federalist, do you support any changes to the constitution regarding "Defense of Marriage?" I'm a libertarian and woud like you to defend us from crazy litigation, John Edwards style, and other civil problems...not what we do in our personal lives in our own individual communities. Mark Major

Posted by: Mark Major | September 6, 2007 4:03 PM

I just donated $25.00 to Fred's campaign. I believe in your purist Federalist ideology. I'm also gay and wonder if you are a true Federalist, do you support any changes to the constitution regarding "Defense of Marriage?" I'm a libertarian and woud like you to defend us from crazy litigation, John Edwards style, and other civil problems...not what we do in our personal lives in our own individual communities. Mark Major

Posted by: Mark Major | September 6, 2007 4:03 PM

Fred it is nice to see someone finally running for President that I truly feel I can stand by. What troubles me though is that I hear what all the candidates want to do all the time, but never how they plan on doing it. Anyone can point out the things that are wrong and say this needs to be fixed, but I never hear how they plan on doing it. Throughout your campaign I believe it would be greatly appreciated by us voters if you could specify instead of just identify. I would also like to see our English language become the official language of this wonderful country. I had one of my fellow co-works that speaks very little English tell me one day that I needed to learn to speak Spanish instead of him learning to speak English. I became very angry and had to remind him of what soil he was standing on. What are your feelings on this matter?

Posted by: Ann | September 6, 2007 4:04 PM

Dear Senator Thompson, President Bush failed to effectively fight our own brand of terrorism in this country, that being liberalism. If you are elected president will you cater, compromise or crush this enemy that will bring down this country more certainly than any international terror group? THANK YOU SENATOR FOR RUNNING AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO MAKING YOU OUR NEXT PRESIDENT!

Posted by: DOUG SCHAFFER | September 6, 2007 4:10 PM

What is your position on the dependence on oil and hydrocarbons (imported or not)? Now that information has been presented on the impact of Global Warming and Global Dimming on 'life as we know it' on the Planet Earth, what do you believe needs to be done to reduce the use of hydrocarbon based fuels to support life and commerce in the US? The oil embargo in the 70's should have taught us an important lesson in the dependence on foreign fuel sources. How do we drive the market demand towards energy efficient vehicles vs. energy consuming SUVs? How do we 'force' the move to other sources of propulsion using alternative fuels i.e. hydrogen and get away from greenhouse gas and particulate generating hydrocarbons - under the influence of big oil? Fair Tax, Social Security, Religious Beliefs are all interesting questions - but if life ceases to exist in 50 years because of the current behavior, what difference does it make? We are responsible for leaving the planet in better condition - for our children! But, how do we change our current behaviors to supporting and maintaining the environment instead from supporting selfish consumer and 'big oil' behavior at the expense of the planet - and, ultimately, 'life as we know it'? What incentives do you propose to change the behavior of oil addiction to supporting the environment for our children - and ultimately contributing to the end of global warming/dimming?

Posted by: Jeff | September 6, 2007 4:15 PM

Well I see many comments/questions have already been posted, so this many be too late or too trival to merit your attention, but here goes: Bush has successfully expanded the power of the Executive - in the opinion of many he has extended it TOO far. My question to Fred is, does he plan to examine and relinguish - as in OFFICIALLY and LEGALLY RESCIND - those powers which are inappropriate for the Executive to have ? Amongst all the challenges that will face the next President, this question, I believe, is fundamental to the path our Nation will be taking in the next decade. . . and possibly even beyond. Whether this question ever hits Fred's desk, I hope someone is asking him about it.

Posted by: KJ | September 6, 2007 4:20 PM

Mr. Thompson, I believe it was Benjamin Franklin who said,(and my quote may not be exactly acurate) " A man who would give up freedom for security deserves neither". I believe the Patriot Act has taken some freedoms in the name of security. How would you reguard the Patriot Act and deal with security without allowing government to get bigger and more invasive?

Posted by: Angel Brothers | September 6, 2007 4:27 PM

Fred- Where do you stand on: (a) No US funds for rebuilding NYC UN; (b) Get US out of UN; (c) No US troops assigned to UN. W.L. Brown Seal Beach, CA

Posted by: William Brown | September 6, 2007 4:37 PM

Dear Fred, I don't have a question but a suggestion. As I watched you on Jay Leno's program last night, I noticed that you have a predictable mannerism as you speak which could be very distracting to many. As you make specific points, you jerk your head downward. If you could keep your head still and looking forward, I think people could concentrate more on the points you are making. See a rerun of the video to understand my point. GO FRED !!!!!!

Posted by: Shirley Capps | September 6, 2007 4:38 PM

I would like to know your *specific* stance on the following issues:

1. Immigration - what are you going to do about all the illegal aliens we have leaching US benefits? What do you plan to do about our borders?

2. Health Care - how do you intend to reform this over-priced mess?

3. Green Issues - how seriously do you take global warming, and what kind of energy reforms do you support?

Thank you for your contributions to our country and our lives--both past and current.

Posted by: Sherrill Skanes | September 6, 2007 5:26 PM

I want to know Fred's stand on the legality and legitimacy of the Federal Reserve, and how he feels about going to a flat sales tax rather than income tax.

Posted by: Judy Pitre | September 6, 2007 5:32 PM

Thank you for running? I have been prayer that you would:) I live in NH and would like to know if you will support NH's first in the nation's status? What is your plan for upgrading health care? My Husgand and I own a barn building business. It is just the two of us and health insurance for small business owners is outrageous! We are beating a dead horse going around the War stuff that is a no brainer. Keep the fighting over there! MY daughter went to Afghanistan as an MP in the Army. We all say keep it over there! What is your stand on education? Know that we have converted the schools to teach from a "girls" point of view we are losing the boys. I also have twin sons in the public school system, and I see first hand how the boys are not taught to. What do you think of having boy only and girl only "classes"? Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing more from you in the future.

Posted by: Lori Marko | September 6, 2007 5:46 PM

Mr. Thompson we have heard for years from so many politicians what they're going to do when they are elected. Yet all to many times they either do nothing or the opposite of what they pledge. I've heard you say that our Country is in a mess and I unfortunately have to agree with you. I'm sorry to say though that one of the main reasons, is the man that so many of us voted for, not once, but twice. It is a travesty what he has done to this country and the sad thing is, I like the man. I am a small business owner and have had my business and family directly affected by the immigration problem. I cannot compete with people who don't have to follow the same rules as I do. I believe you to be an honorable man and I would just like your word that You will do everything humanly possible to restore the integrity of being an American Citizen.

Posted by: Ken Link | September 6, 2007 5:50 PM

Religon in this country is very important to me and it seems how this country was founded under God I want to know if you plan to bring back some of the values this country was made on. All the other republicans dont have all the good values and I want to know were you stand. And second what would you do about Iran im so sick and tired of seeing everybody standing back and not doing anything what would be some of the ways you would use to get them to comply. Me am my family suport you. Good Luck. We Need you.

Posted by: Brian Mikels | September 6, 2007 5:52 PM

DEAR FRED, i FOUGHT FOR THIS COUNTRY (USMC) AND IT'S A DISGRACE WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE. WE DON'T HAVE STATESMEN, WE HAVE BACKSTABBERS AND POLITITONS THAT FIGHT FOR THEMSELVES, NOT FOR THE COMMON GOOD. WE DON'T UPHOLD OUR LAWS IF IT DOESN'T SUIT OUR NEEDS. WE APPARENTLY DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT ILLEGAL MEANS "AGAINST THE LAW" AND POLITIONS "SPIN" THEN DECLARE THAT SPINNING IS NOT WRONG. TO ME SPINNING IS LYING BUT WORSE. wILL YOU BRING STATESMANSHIP, VISION, ACCOUNTABILITY, LAWFULNESS, HOPE AND MORALITY BACK TO OUR NATION.

Posted by: JOHN PRIESTNER | September 6, 2007 6:01 PM

MrThompson, please educate yourself and you staff on the Fair/Tax system that was developed by a group of financial and economic experts of Harvard and Boston Universities. Myself and millions of other American voters have read the book by Congressman John Linder and Neal Boortz and are ready to support the candidate that stands up for the real tax payers of this country.

Posted by: Gary S. Hargis Sr. | September 6, 2007 6:02 PM

Dear Senator Thompson, I'd like to add to the many questions posted hear concerning thr Fair Tax (HR 25) but I'd like to be more specific. Do you support it or not, and if not, why, specifically? Every answer I have heard related to not supporting the Fair Tax has been a misrepresentation of the plan. Such an answer is a poor report on the person answering the question. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the subject. I look forward to watching you and learning more about your campaign but I must warn you I just may be a one issue voter.

Posted by: John Reidy | September 6, 2007 6:20 PM

It is known that Chavez is training al-qaida to pose as mexicans and slip accross our open borders with the help of drug cartels. What are you going to do to protect Americans from this invasion? What plans do you have for Chavez and his new arms build up , our porous borders and to protect us from daily road side /suicde bombers hat al-qaida is planning ?

Posted by: Thomas goff | September 6, 2007 6:28 PM

Mr. Thompson...I have a question. I am a 47-year-old woman on full disability. I receive Social Security and Medicare. I want to know what your intentions are concerning Medicare? The general public believes that Medicare is "fixed" because it now has prescription drug coverage; what they don't know is how awful that current program is! I fall into the "make-too-much-but-not-enough" category so I have to purchase my own Medicare Advantage insurance. As a woman in her late forties, I receive what I call "old people's insurance". Some of my problems are covered because seniors have these issues (diabetes, high blood pressure) but others are barely covered and then not well. I have an inoperable brain tumor as well as bipolar disorder and my medications are often (usually) either not covered by Medicare's prescription program or are covered at a rate that has me paying hundreds of dollars despite the coverage! And can we talk about that "donut hole" of a problem with prescription coverage?!?! It's bad enough that I pay ridiculously high co-pays but then the consumer is doublely dinged because the cost to the insurance carrier is counted toward the donut hole! Come on, I hit the donut hole in late Feburary/early MARCH of each year and then have to pay completely out-of-pocket for the next two/three months until I hit catostrophic coverage levels! I'd say the insurance lobby must be quite proud of their work! I'd also like to know why there are limits placed on the mentally ill concerning treatment. "190 days lifetime" inpatient treatment - who thought up that little wonder??? So, even if my doctor thinks the best treatment for me is in a controlled, hospital setting - the Medicare rules could disallow coverage if I reach that 190 days total I'm allowed?? Well, I pray that doesn't happen but with my history and my age, the odds aren't good. When we talk nowadays about insurance, the topic of Medicare just doesn't come up. Guess I should just be happy that I have "some" coverage - no matter how bad it is. So, Mr. Thompson, what do you intend to do about Medicare in addition to general health insurance?

Posted by: Tamela | September 6, 2007 6:33 PM

Please Forward this to Fred. Why is the Republican party taking American Truck drivers jobs away by allowing Mexican trucks to deliver freight in all 48 states? This is taking away more American jobs. If Republicans are interested in American values, why is it that the American Gov't and Corporations feel it necessary to destroy the American Truckers and Working class in general. Safety and welfare of the American people should be priority. Nafta is not helping us, letting the Mexican Truckers deliver freight in America will allow more illegal immigrants into the country is mast amounts, terrorists will also be able to be transported as well as bombs and the like. If the Republicans are the stronger party in defense of this Nation, we better rethink this pilot project now. The containers on ports are not checked either. So any claims to check the Mexican trucks thoroughly is impossible and is a bold face lie that this can be done successfully. Nafta has just handed another weapon to terrorist to fight us with.

Posted by: Carla and Stefan Heyn | September 6, 2007 6:37 PM

Where do you stand on Mexico Truck drivers delivering loads all over the United States?

Posted by: Marvin | September 6, 2007 6:42 PM

Mr. Thompson, growing up in Hawaii we attended school with many minority groups from, Japan, China, Samoa, Tonga, Phillipines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, the mainland and other countries. Our basic commonality was speaking English. This effort produced a "melting pot" of unique cultures bound by one language. We celebrated our different cultures in the community or at home. Yet we spoke proper English which made us all equal. Today, it appears that "Americans", enamored in multiculturalism and who are without a unique culture, insist we live, breathe and die for our culture instead of wishing us to become Americans. What are your ideas regarding educational responsibilities that seem to drive home the belief that our government wants to divide and label old and new immigrants rather than except them in the fold? Should American schools have designated instructors for every ethnic group and keep us separated from the founding Fathers intent of equality among the races? How will you help all Americans become just plain Americans instead of labled as African, Asian, Native, Pacific Islander Americans? How do we earn the title of American? Mahalo e Malama Pono Nate Kim

Posted by: Nate Kim | September 6, 2007 7:00 PM

Mr. Thompson, Immigration policy and tax policy are the top items on my list. May we see your position on both soon. Suggest a tab be added to you website entitled POLICY POSITIONS. Great start!

Posted by: Don | September 6, 2007 7:09 PM

Do you plan to work for the re-instating of the Bill-of-Rights; particularly: the threatened 1st Amendment - Freedom of Speech and the Press (and modern media outlets); the ignored 2nd Amendment; the overlooked 9th amendment (Rights Retained by the People); and the 10th Amendment (Reserved Powers of the States).

Posted by: Earl Quinn | September 6, 2007 7:14 PM

Fred, My thought is will you do something about beefing up the social security some of us live on?My wife and I are disabled and we get less than 20k ayear.Every time we see politions pay going up we wonder why?Thanks, and congrads for running.

Posted by: mitchell carleton | September 6, 2007 7:15 PM

Q: Do you think that reason and force are diametrically opposed?

Posted by: Ed | September 6, 2007 7:17 PM

Dear Mr. Thompson, As a retired American Citizen, I believe it's time to stop giving hand outs to illegals and other countries. I'm not indifferent to other people's suffering but it is breaking the backs of taxpayers and those on fixed incomes to keep up with costs of living while those who have done very little or nothing for this country get free healthcare, equipment and tons of our money. Thank you, Norma J. Sears

Posted by: Norma J. Sears | September 6, 2007 7:22 PM

Dear Mr. Thompson, As a retired American Citizen, I believe it's time to stop giving hand outs to illegals and other countries. I'm not indifferent to other people's suffering but it is breaking the backs of taxpayers and those on fixed incomes to keep up with costs of living while those who have done very little or nothing for this country get free healthcare, equipment and tons of our money. Thank you, Norma J. Sears

Posted by: Norma J. Sears | September 6, 2007 7:22 PM

Dear Mr. Thompson, As a retired American Citizen, I believe it's time to stop giving hand outs to illegals and other countries. I'm not indifferent to other people's suffering but it is breaking the backs of taxpayers and those on fixed incomes to keep up with costs of living while those who have done very little or nothing for this country get free healthcare, equipment and tons of our money. Thank you, Norma J. Sears

Posted by: Norma J. Sears | September 6, 2007 7:22 PM

Dear Mr. Thompson, As a retired American Citizen, I believe it's time to stop giving hand outs to illegals and other countries. I'm not indifferent to other people's suffering but it is breaking the backs of taxpayers and those on fixed incomes to keep up with costs of living while those who have done very little or nothing for this country get free healthcare, equipment and tons of our money. Thank you, Norma J. Sears

Posted by: Norma J. Sears | September 6, 2007 7:22 PM

During WWII companies were watched over for profiteering. With the obscene profits made from the oil companies during the Iraq conflict and the war on terrorism, If elected, would you issue an executive order investigating whether the oil companies are gouging the American public and are guilty of war profiteering?

Posted by: Michael Ward | September 6, 2007 7:26 PM

Go Fred!!! One question, Why did you not vote to impeach Clinton???

Posted by: Devin Lucas | September 6, 2007 7:32 PM

Fred, If elected President, what are the first steps you will take to secure our borders?

Posted by: Brian | September 6, 2007 7:32 PM

Mr. Thompson, I lost my technical job to India thanks to tax breaks for corporations using "favored nation status" country outsourcing. That was 3 years ago and I cannot get a job that pays me more than 50% of what I was making because there are so many people with my skills that are still out of working (or working at fast food restaurants and trying to survive). I am SO tired of seeing the quoted unemployment rate at 4.6% and touting how wonderfully we are doing as a nation with everyone employed. I know tons of people who were displaced when their jobs went to India or the PHillipines but are NOT included in this statistic because it ONLY reflects the people who are currently on unemployment. Unemployment only lasts 6 months and after that a person gets NO money and is no longer considerred unemployed! This is outrageous! And now, the same thing is going to happen to our commercial truck drivers! Even as I write this email, the President is pushing for Mexico native truck drivers to have full, nationwide, open border access to drive through our country. Once here, they will be able to compete with our own truck drivers because they will work for less money than an American can afford to work for. Again, all of our jobs will be essentially outsourced and in place of safe drivers with safe trucks, using log books to document hours of service, take physical exams to be sure they should be driving, and passing complete DOJ background checks before carrying HazMat loads, we will have an unlimited number of drivers whose background we don't know, whose trucks ARE unsafe, who may have been driving over 24 hours with no breaks, and who are unsafe! I personally don't want to be on the road with them! As President, what will you do to keep American jobs in America, keep our roads safe, and HONESTLY report ACCURATE unemployment figures?

Posted by: Lynn Schack | September 6, 2007 7:33 PM

Fred, Will you work to re-instate the Bill-of-Rights, particularly: the 1st Amendment, often ignored and not applied to all media outlets; the 2nd Amendment, the strongest defense against monolithic government; the 9th Amendment, Rights of the People; and the 10th Amendment, the Powers Reserved for the States (Weakened after the Civil War and Totally Ignored after the 17th Amendment). Thank you

Posted by: Earl Quinn | September 6, 2007 7:34 PM

Fred, while I understand your stance on federalism and your position that states can be "laboratories," and develop into models of proper policy application, I'm not completely supportive of this states' rights business. It sounds like you're more in line with Thomas Jefferson's philosophy, and myself with the Alexander Hamilton camp. I favor more control by a central government. I don't want a handful of states saying it's OK to have gay marriage, and I don't want a handful of states to say it's OK to have abortions. If that were the case, then anyone wanting something like that would just visit that particular state. It's basically the same thing as having it legal everywhere in the US, only they have to buy a plane ticket to accomplish their goal. I can see where you're coming from with the "best practices" and "lessons learned" theories, but how can you stick to that and still persuade the conservative base that we're not going to sell out to rogue liberal states and their agendas (ie. CA and NY)? I understand that it may be hard to get Constitutional amendments ratified on these issues, but I refuse to just cede the argument on the basis that it's difficult. What specifically are you advocating when you trumpet the values of states' rights, and how does that best the benefits of having a central government with more say in our affairs?

Posted by: Chris | September 6, 2007 7:36 PM

Thanks for running Mr. Thompson. I'm very excited. Your comments on bringing more legitimate power back to the people is just what I wanted to hear. I would encourage you to have lunch with Congressman John Linder and author/talk show host Neal Boortz to discuss what could be the most significant power shift (to the people)-HR25-The Fair Tax. I'll even offer to pay for lunch! Misrepresentation of the The Fair Tax is the modus operendi, both with your political opponents and the media. But We the People know the facts. Do you support this legislation? Please support this legislation. Good luck! Denny

Posted by: Denny | September 6, 2007 7:40 PM

Fred: Maggie Gallagher hammered you today on NRO for waffling on gay marriage. Would you support an amendment to the constitution that would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman, or would you prefer to have a more federalist solution with each state going its own way?

Posted by: J. Hyatt | September 6, 2007 7:41 PM

I hope Fred Thompson is the Republican nominee so that I can vote for him. However, I have a Mother, a wife, two sisters and two daughters. They have told me that Mr Thompson is on record as saying Roe v Wade was a mistake and should be overturned. Is this true? How can we hope to get him elected if he disrespects 100s of millions of American women by telling them the federal government is in charge of their bodies, futures, health, well being and judgement? I fully understand that there are people who believe abortion is murder. I respect and value their feelings and beliefs. This is why it is called a Right To Choose. Is this not a perfect example of an area in which the federal government has no business dictating citizen's private lives?

Posted by: Stan Freimuth | September 6, 2007 7:43 PM

Mr. Thompson, what is your stand on the North American Union that President Bush has been pushing at the SPP that will open our borders permanently and destroy the sovereignty of the United States? Also, what is your stand on NAFTA? I believe in the law of price and demand, but under NAFTA the American workers will be at an unfair advantage and unable to compete because the cost of living in Mexico is so much lower the Mexican workers will be able to undercut us by such a wide margin that fair competition will not exist. What will you do to insure that Americans will still be able to compete and earn a living?

Posted by: Lynn Schack | September 6, 2007 7:45 PM

mr. thompson totaly agree with on just about eveything except campaign finance reform thing on this issue you might want to rething it since it has been awhile. i feel like us little folks got the shaft and unless you have alot of money we cant get our word out but if you are in office you can just about do and say anything you want. big supporter of the nra feel like they can get word out but they are even stopped to a certain extent. thanks for choosing to run even if we disagree on this issue i fully support you for president

Posted by: Jerry Lee Wolf | September 6, 2007 7:53 PM

Fred, Have you given any thought on how to not commit the same mistake George Bush did when he was elected president by not cleaning out the CIA and FBI of the demorat traitors? They have been in bed with the demorats trying to bring not only George to his knees but the United States to its' knees and make it a third world country.

Posted by: Kenneth Lee | September 6, 2007 8:08 PM

I was a small business owner for several years. I was a truck driver who hauled exotic cars for celebrities like Jay Leno and fortune 500 members like Bill Gates. Yes, I’ve hauled their cars. As a small business, I was taxed to death. I had a heavy use tax every year, individual state mileage tax or highway tax for every state that I traveled in and of course my fuel tax. On top off all that, when I bought my truck, they hit me up with a Federal Excise tax of $13,725 and of course my regular sales tax. With the price of fuel going up, I paid $75,000 just in fuel last year, and DOT trying to change driving hours, and the highways getting more and more congested, I decided to give it up. I could not justify being away from my family to make a good living when my checks kept getting smaller and smaller and the regulations getting tighter and tighter on the driver. Oh….don ‘t forget about the tolls. ($600-$900 a month just for me.) The truck driver is the only job that I know off that is not guaranteed income, like a salary, and we don’t get paid overtime and we work a lot of hours. The one thing that bothers me the most recently is the Mexican TRUCKERS. What is your opinion on this? Eric P McGrath Heavenbound Transport,LLC

Posted by: Eric McGrath | September 6, 2007 8:10 PM

Fred: Please clearly describe your position on the 2nd Amendment, gun control, ownership of handguns, and ownership of long guns. I often hear politicians claim to be supporters of the 2nd Amendment, but only with respect to long guns. A majority of Americans support the great American tradition of hunting. Consequently, I have little concern about the future of long guns. Indeed, it is my hope that Americans would "throw the scoundrels out" should they attempt to control them. I am concerned however about the political paranoia that surrounds the ownership of handguns. Additionally, do you support any effort to build a national database of gun owners or any registration initiative? Besides the obvious concerns over such initiatives, they provide a very convenient platform upon which to tax gun owners for the ownership of this form of personal property. Fred, don't let me down on this one. Thank-you.

Posted by: Robert Knight | September 6, 2007 8:12 PM

Fred, would you keep the current trade policy with China considering the recent epidemic of products endangering Americans?

Posted by: Francis Kress | September 6, 2007 8:29 PM

Senator, I read your blog on border security. But "border security" can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Will you try your best to have a wall built along the entire southern border?

Posted by: Ralph Cummings | September 6, 2007 8:42 PM

Dear Senator Thompson, Thank you for getting into the hunt. I admire your cander and straight talk. I had the pleasure and honor of working with President Reagan in providing him medical care during my days as a Navy Hospital Corpsman at Bethesda. Your sense of value and purpose is very similar and refreshing. Question, with regards to education. When can American families have real choice for educating our children rather then depending on the governments socialized format currently called the Department of Education? Can you assure the American people that your the guy, to not simply help in trying to get that issue approved but give us the opportunity to vote on that issue directly. School Choice (Public, Private, or Chartar) Wow, what a first, allowing the American public to vote more then just on candidates but on direct rules for which we want and demand. Can you force/influence Congress to allow the American people to vote on it directly? That would be a first. Additionally, why can't we vote on setting rules for Congress to follow. Like showing up for work on our behalf more then 58% of the time. Don't the Lawyers/ Senators/ Members of the House realize they are being paid to be there for us, not hobb knobbing with those with check books. How can we greatly diminish the political prostitution of our elected officials? Why is absentizm among our elected officials so common? Are people in Congress so arrogant self centered egomaniacs, that they feel its OK not to be there working for us but more on themselves and their political careers. Certain folks running for the office right now may have a problem with the Presidency. Do they relize being President is a full time job? Since they have never demonstrated the ability to be a full time Senator or Congressman? I thought Senators and Members of the House are there to represent us note simply those with funds. Some people currently running for office are still getting paid by us and not even being there to represent us. What up with that? Campaign finance reform: Why are our taxes paying for someones interview? Can we vote directly on limiting the monies allowed in campaigns both from inside Congress and those trying to get in from the outside? Can we set the rules? Who is working for who? Securing our border: How many Federal Laws, that we paid for, are on the books right now, dealing in Border Security? Why do undocumnented citizen numbers keep going up? Something is seriously wrong with our legal wonders in Congress. My 4 pack of toilet paper under my sink is worth more to me then so many laws dealing with our border security that we currently have purchased. Is anyone accountable in Congress? Thank you again for caring. I look forward to your response if you can. I know you busy and have a lot to do. I truly appreciate you willingness to help. We could really use it!

Posted by: Robert | September 6, 2007 8:43 PM

Senator, Taxes, federal spending, and the deficit are my greatest and the most unspoken concerns in the presidential debates. I wish to know your stance on a flat tax or federal sales tax. What specific actions or programs you would decrease spending on or cut, and what your strategy is to pay down the deficit which I view as the greatest threat to taxpayers.

Posted by: Adam Halstead | September 6, 2007 9:02 PM

Hi Fred, I'm tired of feeling apathetic towards my own government. I'm tired of getting into political discussions which only further my disappointment and disgust at what Washington is allowed to get away with. I'm not just speaking about the Bush Administration, I'm talking about the government infrastructure as a whole. Even though I was raised in a Republican household, I don't know where I stand within the party anymore. I'm not ultra-right wing and I'm certainly not a liberal. How about a moderate who tries to vote based on facts vs emotion. I guess I'm asking, will you represent me as none of the other candidates on both sides seem to. How about tossing out the formality of suits and cigars, blowing the party line out of the water and coming up with viewpoints that don't alienate the people. I think people are looking to you because you seem real. I, for one, am sick of politicians who can't speak off the cuff from their heart about what they truly believe but saturate their jargon with special interest flavor. We need a people's President and a re-invention of government. Will you spearhead this? Are you capable of not being bullied by either party. Frankly, are you capable of not being defined by a party? When I walk down the street, I don't see a bunch of donkeys or elephants passing me by - I see people, not polls - not statistics and the government has forgotten that as they entrenched themselves in their own little district. I want to believe again, believe that our government actually cares about the decisions they make and how it effects their people and not the special interest. Please Fred, will you represent me?

Posted by: Tara Leigh | September 6, 2007 9:08 PM

Fred, thanks for entering the race. I was with you from the beginning, even contributed dollars, never done that before. Man, lots of questions already. I have many questions, but will try and narrow it down a bit. Having never met you in person, you seem the type to sit on the front porch, enjoy the view and just be thankful to God for this great country. What are your views on political correctness? I served 25 years and retired from the military as an NCO, a little crusty, the kind that scared the stuff out of a fresh 2nd LT. I now work as a civilian contractor for the military in an office environment. It's been an adjustment, I watch every word, afraid I'm going to hurt someone's feelings or offend someone, it's crazy. What would you do to better support Veterans? I've had a disability claim filed with the DVA for 5 months now. I don't call to inquire because there are other Veterans that have been in the pipeline much longer than I. Anyway, I figure a year, then I'll start making the calls to the DVA to get a status. Ever hear of Fairtax.org?? I'm a simple minded man, one who would appreciate a simple way of funding the Fed, not one that consist of tens of thousands of pages. Force politicians to publicly disclose earmarks, pork! I'll stop with this: calling illegal aliens undocumented immigrants is akin to calling a drug dealer an unlicensed pharmacist. PC, taken to the extreme, will be the death of this country. Your thoughts????

Posted by: RC | September 6, 2007 9:14 PM

I am concerned about the transferring of jobs overseas in regard to defense procurement programs. As a nation we are making ourselves dependent on foreign countries, some who are questionable allies, for providing goods and services in support of numerous defense programs. I believe that this practice jeopardizes our national security and presents a security risk in the form of possible unwanted technology transfer. What will you do to ensure that American technology and American businesses are used to provide for our national defense?

Posted by: Tim | September 6, 2007 9:28 PM

Mr. Thompson, I am extremely excited to have you in the race-- and I think you are the only opportunity we have to maintain a Republican presence in the White House. Further, I am also enthusiastic to have you place "Unity" as one of the main bullet points in your candidacy. During the video announcing your candidacy, you talked briefly about the need to have unity and that together Americans can achieve more. Can you give some very concrete examples of the types of issues you will work across the aisle? I am personally turned off by the extreme points of view always making the headlines-- we need to have a United country, not a divided country. Best wishes and God Bless.

Posted by: Adam Berry | September 6, 2007 9:43 PM

I have been waiting for sometime now for this announcement. I know your thoughts on the war in Iraq, My other concerns are what or when are we going to do something about the illegal immigrants, or whatever they are calling them today? This is something i am very concerned about and it needs to stop. The other is on the fair tax issue, do you agree with this or not ?

Posted by: David | September 6, 2007 9:46 PM

Another question for Fred: I believe that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is having a negative impact on the way some of our countrys' defense contractors are managing their business. (Sarbanes-Oxley was passed into law as a result of the Enron scandal and there were already laws established that were used to prosecute the guilty parties.) As a cost cutting move, some defense contractors have added the additional burden of Cost Account Manager (CAM) to many supervisory positions. (In some cases the ability to perform the CAM duty appears to be the only consideration given when evaluating an employee for a supervisory role.) This added responsibility has led many qualified employees to forgo accepting supervisory positions mainly because the burden of performing the CAM duties is essentially a full time job. This leaves supervisors little or no time to effectively mentor employees or provide valuable guidance based on their years of experience. At this time our nation can not afford a lack of skill in the defense industry. What will you do to alleviate the management burden that the defenses industry feels pressured to provide as a result of Sarbanes-Oxley?

Posted by: Tim | September 6, 2007 9:51 PM

Fred, Your message of strngth and greater good resonates well with me. I often feel alone in being concerned with the technological future of the United States. I think most people take our supremacy in those fields for granted, as we have historically either produced of attracted the best scientists in the world. Our private communications, IT and biotech industries, as well as our national defence industry, must be the best in the world, without question, in order for us to be the strongest. We are facing increased competition from Russia and China on defense, and though they are not near a par with us, they are certainly not loosing ground to us either. We are also facing increased competition from India in medical science, as well as our friends and allies in Europe. The latter being part of NATO and having a historical closeness to us is not a military issue but a freindly intellectual rivalry and economic competitior. Nonetheless, we do not want either a brain drain or an upstaging from anywhere in any field if we can at all help it. There is no way to be and stay the best in the world without staying on top of cutting edge science. Many high tech industries have the venture capital needed to keep progress as rapid as possible and need only tax insentives to stay here. We possess many the best universities in the world and most of them have the endowments needed to keep at or ahead of pace in vital research, be it medical, chemical, energy, aerospace etc. Our free market system has done us well.. However, we are also at times limited by the short term profit motives where the big money resides. There is little incentive for a major firm to invest in theoretical applications if they dont show near future payoffs. As a result, the kind of research departments that were common in the middle of the 20th century have been streamilned out of many major corporations. They have been preferring a "watch the ground level scientists/researchers/inventors do the hard work and scoop it up when it looks good enough" approach. This is economically *safe* and not at all bad, but it can easilly keep expensive but vital science from originating on our soil. The future'e furious pace and higher stakes dynamic certainly seems to be making time and deliverability more of the essence as it passes. And its doing so at an ever accellerating rate. Luckily, divisions in the D.O.E. and D.O.D./(DARPA), and also a brilliant (the most brilliant in the world, btw!) team in Jason for tackling some of the issues this global dynamic presents when security or finance dictates the private sector have less of a controlling hand in the endeavor, especially when it pertains to vital defence capapbiltiy issues. Oak Ridge, Los Alamos, Hanford, Fermilab, Brookhaven, etc. are the kind of places with the powerfull tradition and creativity that kept us alive and on top when facing our greatest threats and challenges in the past, and will keep us alive through the future. What will you do to make sure these departments and associated research in our universities will not only to continue to be the best but accell at a rate faster than our competition abroad? And, would you support finishing the Superconducting Supercollider project in Texas so CERN doesnt get too many of our high energy research scientists in to leave? This may appear to some readers remote and not as pressing as health care and tax issues (please spare religious issues as much as possible people; it is a secular country and faith might make your life better but it is YOUR faith, not neccessarilly mine - but YOUR national security is ALSO my national security, got it?) What keeps us in an advantageous (or not so) postion at the global bargainig table is the supremacy of our technical apparatus and we CANNOT afford to slide backwards in cutting edge research, be it weapons, bio-tech, energy, or communications. Few people keep this in mind at election time. That is unfortunate because there is no amount of voice lost on personal issues - though these personal issues are often guised as vital national issues - at election time yet it is what is less obvious to the 'average' person in their day to day life that allows us to even have personal issues to concern with!

Posted by: William Dawson | September 6, 2007 9:53 PM

What is Mr. Thompson planning to do with the United Nations. The U.N has proven to be a do nothing organization and has certainly not backed the United States with our many issues on terriorism. I strongly believe that the U.N. is trying to be the one government of the world and is trying to weaken the U. S. because we stand in their way.

Posted by: Ted Schloesser | September 6, 2007 9:55 PM

Mr Thompson, Could you please share your views with us about renewable energy, global warming and alternative fuels? I for one am very concerned for my children and grand children. Thank you for running. Darryl Glynn Morrice,Mi.

Posted by: Darryl Glynn | September 6, 2007 10:07 PM

My question is simple. Where do you stand on the fairtax, and what are your views on lowering taxes Chris Foltin, 30 years old. Raleigh, NC

Posted by: Chris Foltin | September 6, 2007 10:21 PM

Fred, I have 2 issues I would like you to address. The first is What are your goals for universal healthcare in this wealthy country of ours. Other country's with less money have better healthcare than we do. What about fairtax!!!! Let us know Fred. We all want to know your views on this.

Posted by: Frank Windsor | September 6, 2007 10:33 PM

Mr Thompson, I am concerned about globalization, fast-track legislation, illegal immigration and international trade agreements like NAFTA and CAFTA. I also believe that these are the many heads of a single and frightening Hydra that threatens our sovereignty. Both Clinton and Bush have moved aggressively forward to make our Constitution besides the point. As we create extra-governmental organizations with sovereign powers, we diminish our own sovereignty. General Eisenhower spoke with trepidation of the "military industrial complex" but little did he know it would grow into a multinational threat. I fear unbridled trade, dangerous products, uninspected Chinese imports (especially food) and even imported diseases that spread as their government hide the truth from their multinational trading partners. I fear making legal 20 million people who broke the law to come to our country. They should not receive benefits directly or even indirectly through benefits to their children. I do not believe that one culture should dominate our immigration policies because the strength of this country always has been in the mix of many cultures. People say you can't send 20 million people back home, but I think that if those people don't receive benefits, jobs, income, education or medical care, they will leave on their own. What do you say?

Posted by: Jane | September 6, 2007 10:45 PM

Mr Thompson, I am concerned about globalization, fast-track legislation, illegal immigration and international trade agreements like NAFTA and CAFTA. I also believe that these are the many heads of a single and frightening Hydra that threatens our sovereignty. Both Clinton and Bush have moved aggressively forward to make our Constitution besides the point. As we create extra-governmental organizations with sovereign powers, we diminish our own sovereignty. General Eisenhower spoke with trepidation of the "military industrial complex" but little did he know it would grow into a multinational threat. I fear unbridled trade, dangerous products, uninspected Chinese imports (especially food) and even imported diseases that spread as their government hide the truth from their multinational trading partners. I fear making legal 20 million people who broke the law to come to our country. They should not receive benefits directly or even indirectly through benefits to their children. I do not believe that one culture should dominate our immigration policies because the strength of this country always has been in the mix of many cultures. People say you can't send 20 million people back home, but I think that if those people don't receive benefits, jobs, income, education or medical care, they will leave on their own. What do you say?

Posted by: Jane | September 6, 2007 10:45 PM

Fred, You had my vote long before you announced. After listening to that announcement, I realize why. You bring innovation, not Washington insidership. Your idea about take-it-with-you insurance is something I've never heard before. As a former representative for the leading small business lobbying organization, I don't recall anyone offering such an idea. But it's time for a different approach to this and other problems. Please tell us more--and be specific--about how your concept of healthcare in America would work.

Posted by: Jeff Adams | September 6, 2007 10:48 PM

Mr Thompson, A very important question to me. What is your position with Israel? Should they give up land for peace, or should they achieve peace through other means ? Should Israel be able to defend itself or are they bring it on themselves ??

Posted by: Clint W. Drake | September 6, 2007 10:51 PM

security unity prosperity - please add "integrity" or something like that

Posted by: mary jo Galle | September 6, 2007 10:53 PM

Fred, I have several questions. 1 Will you fight to stop NAU? 2 Will you build the fence and close the borders. 3 Will you enforce current immigration laws. 4 Will you really enforce that employers hire only legal aliens? 5 Try to pass an amendment stating that Marriage is between a man and a woman? 6 Try to pass an admendment to protect our flag? 7 Fight the ALCU and bring back the Constitution? 8 Make the US the US and not Mexico as the Mexican pres says? 9 Withhold Federal funding for Sanctuary entities such as Cities, Churches, other organizations. 10 Help America get school vouchers. 11 Try to pass fair taxing such as a flat tax. Give us America Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gene Carlsen, SLC, Utah

Posted by: Gene Carlsen | September 6, 2007 10:56 PM

security unity prosperity - add "integrity" or something like that (I'm sorry if you already got this, but I forgot to fill in the antispam block below, so I am sending it again)

Posted by: mary jo galle | September 6, 2007 10:57 PM

Hi Fred, What can I do for you here in NYC? I have been supporting and following you for quite some time here and although I appreciate everything Guiliani has done for this city I know in my heart you are the right choice for president. In this city which I love, despite the overwhelming liberal ridiculousness, I want to do everything I can to advance your campaign. Please advise if there is NYC headquarters or something I can actively do to volunteer and campaign for you here. Thank you, Tracy Zee

Posted by: TRACY | September 6, 2007 11:17 PM

Mr. Thompson, I am very upset about the lack of good enforcement of our Immigration laws. Do you plan to inprove upon this or let it go? I am a senior citizen not quite up to retirement age and the only retirement I will have is Social Security. Would you be willing to change social security to stop congress from appropriating fund from SS so these funds would be available to the recipients and not to congress to play with? Could you please try to fight to get the line item veto power to the President? That would help stop a great deal of the wastefulness in congressional spending.

Posted by: Gary Courtney | September 6, 2007 11:30 PM

Mr. Thompson, the pressures you would face as president from the Washington elites, the Democrat lapdog press, the Hollywood establishment and all the other libs to betray your stated conservative principles will be enormous and seductive. Will you be able to take the heat? Can you be steadfast in recognizing and vigorously committed to defeating not only Islamofacism but the slow creep and rot of Socialism in our own country? Will you continue to support the Fair Tax Bill? Will you remain resolved to lower taxes? Can you end ear-marks abuse and pork spending committed by both parties? Will you champion a sane and reasonable Social Security policy which includes at least some measure of private ownership and control? Can we expect an imigration policy that secures our borders and excludes amnesty? Good luck sir, God bless.

Posted by: Jeff Metzler | September 7, 2007 12:22 AM

What are your thoughts on the Fair Tax issue? Also, what are you going to do about sealing up the border to the south?

Posted by: Jon C. | September 7, 2007 12:25 AM

Fred, While I currently support Duncan Hunter, I realize that he has very little chance of winning. You, as one person above me said, are marketable, and you could pull this off. I will come straight out and say this, I believe that God allows our nation to continue to prosper because we are good friends with Israel. Where do you stand on that friendship? If we continue to support them, and we realize that we ARE one nation under GOD, everything else will fall into place. That includes making tough stands on gay marriage and abortion. You hinted that you indeed believe in God. Do you intend to fight the good fight without compromise on the moral issues facing our country? Also, on a side note, if you are as genuine as you seem, and intend to truly challenge the current leadership, do you believe you can do that effectively? We all know that money is power. Can you truly stand up to the big corporations that throw countless millions of dollars towards the lobbyists? Can ANY president? Good luck. From what I know of you so far, I would be pleased to have you as my President.

Posted by: Alex Coyne | September 7, 2007 12:26 AM

Senator Thompson: I would like to pose (5) questions that I feel rank high as challenging the future of America. I hope these might help prepare you for OUR endeavour to change. 1) Regarding the past several decades of immigration neglect on behalf of our Federal Government; Will, and if so.. How, will you plan on restoring America's soverign borders AND propose to enforce our immigration laws? Caveot: What agencies to you propose to employ and is your solution for the 12 million illegals within our borders (and their families) and, does your plan include imprisioned illegals? 2) Do you support the formation of a "North American Union" between Mexico, Canada and the United States with a common monetary system such as the European Union? If so, do you believe this to be a decision that should be shared by American voters? If not, why? 3) Assuming most Americans agree tax reform is long overdue, how would you overhaul America's overly-complicated and antiquated tax structure? Caveot: Are you in favor of continuation of an "income" based tax structure? Do you favor repealing the "death-tax" ? 4) Social Security was sold to Americans as a "voluntary" savings program intended to benefit retiring, widowed or surviving American children yet the Federal Government has failed to manage the program having resorted to placing "strings" on Americans investment to thwart the program's inevitable bankrupcy. Do you plan on overhauling the Social Security Program and if so, how would you return solvency to the program without impacting those who have considerable investment in the program? Caveot: Do you support Congress and the Senate joining the Social Security program and if not, why? 5) Campaign fund raising is one more issue that's been allowed to be bastardized by those who stand to benefit most from legislation. Are you in favor of Campaign Reform? If so, how will you go about "selling" your reform package to Washington with any chances of it passing both the House and Senate? Caveot: Lets assume the Democrats control either or both sides of the isle. 6) America has the lowest level of confidence in our government since the Great Depression as it doesn't appear that our Representatives seem to "police" themselves. As you seek the highest office in this nation, what steps will Fred Thompson take to restore America's trust and confidence in its government? Can any President restore fundamental Federalist ideals in Washington, if so, how will you go about it? 7) Many of us "middle-aged" Americans have seen a growing number of representatives in Washington for decades. Do you support term limits? Thank you and GOD SPEED TO WASHINGTON...

Posted by: John Derrick, Jr. | September 7, 2007 12:28 AM

Fred, How are you doing? I saw you at the tonight show with Jay proclaiming your candidacy for president. I am eager with anticipation to hear from you more on critical issues our country is experiencing such as the millions of citizens without health insurance, immigration, and the war against islamic radicals who want to encroach on our liberties. Also, are you for or against the DREAM ACT. I ask you this question because my mother immigrated to the U.S illegaly with me from our native country Mexico. I was two years of age when this transition took place and have never been to my country of origin since. Eventhough I am not a citizen of this great nation, I feel just as American as the next guy. Currently I am pursuing a college education at a community college in hopes to make something of myself and be a contributor to this wonderful country. The DREAM ACT will do wonders for hundreds of thousands of people in the same situation as myself. Thank-You

Posted by: Javier | September 7, 2007 12:29 AM

Fred: With all the outrage that is coming out of Iran, there are many that want to go from diplomatic talks to immediate war with Iran. I was wondering if there isn't something we could do that would be a "middle ground" solution. I few months ago, I heard talk of a solution that I think could work - a Naval Blockade. Along with the current economic sanctions, a Naval Blockade preventing the importation of goods and gasoline would, I believe, strike an economic blow to Iran that they wouldn't be able to recover from. The Iranians wouldn't be able to import or export anything, including oil. Perhaps, as will North Korea, the government would back off of creating nuclear materials, including a nuclear weapon. What do you think?

Posted by: Gerry Garrison | September 7, 2007 12:54 AM

Dear Mr. Thompson, As a active member of public safety here in Illinois I find it very sad at what are society has become. Public Safety now works in a country were the criminal has more rights then us, were our judges put the officers on trial and not the criminals and the fire fighters and ems personal are loosing a struggling fight for funding. Or local goverments have become ridden with corruption and no accountabillty and no checks and balances against our judges. We lost 343 fireman in 9-11 and still no binladen are we going to bring him home for trial or fund more money in our politicians pockets for oil? I believe in Honor, justice and american pride. I don't see that at all in politics. Are you going to step up to the plate and clean or political streets or just be another pay check collecting politician. I hope not. American Pride and american hard nose justice gets my vote for president. I just hopes it has your name on it.

Posted by: Lee Jones | September 7, 2007 1:08 AM

I agree with you that this country is extremely divided. How do you propose to unify it? It seems that the o nly time we show any unity in in times of crises' and while that is all well and good, but we have have short memories, don't we? What will it take to truly unify us once again?

Posted by: Tracy Maynard | September 7, 2007 1:09 AM

Mr. Thompson, I am an OIF veteran enlisted in the USMC reserves and I am also a college student. What are your suggestions/plans for our situation overseas? As Commander in Chief, will you allow us (Military) to fight this war in a manner consistent of the past? Or will we continue to fight with our hands tied? I've been over there and in a combat zone, and I can tell you first hand that it is a frightening feeling driving around white knuckled waiting to be attacked. If we are going to fight this war then we have to do just that, FIGHT! Second, In regard to Iraq, what exactly are your plans for rebuilding Iraq? Do you have plans to build schools? Irrigate lands? Create a National Product other than oil? Iraq is currently in an import vs export defecit. They need to learn a sense of nationhood, they need to learn how to stand on their own feet (eventually). What are your plans to see that the sacrifices and efforts of myself and the countless others who have served do not go to waste? I firmly believe that the Democratic agenda will do just that. I believe in you Mr. Thompson and so do my peers. Thank you

Posted by: Eric | September 7, 2007 1:09 AM

Mr. Thompson, I am an OIF veteran enlisted in the USMC reserves and I am also a college student. What are your suggestions/plans for our situation overseas? As Commander in Chief, will you allow us (Military) to fight this war in a manner consistent of the past? Or will we continue to fight with our hands tied? I've been over there and in a combat zone, and I can tell you first hand that it is a frightening feeling driving around white knuckled waiting to be attacked. If we are going to fight this war then we have to do just that, FIGHT! Second, In regards to Iraq, what exactly are your plans for rebuilding Iraq? Do you have plans to build schools? Irrigate lands? Create a National Product other than oil? Iraq is currently in an import vs export defecit. They need to learn a sense of nationhood, they need to learn how to stand on their own feet (eventually). What are your plans to see that the sacrifices and efforts of myself and the countless others who have served do not go to waste? I firmly believe that the Democratic agenda will do just that. I believe in you Mr. Thompson and so do my peers. Thank you

Posted by: Eric | September 7, 2007 1:10 AM

I've been a huge fan of yours for years. Not only your political positions you've held but also your acting roles in movies and on Law & Order. I was very excited to hear, earlier on, that you might run as I see you as someone who says it straight and doesn't beat around the bush. My question: Once you are elected President, will you stand up for your office, yourself and your administration when you are attacked relentlessly by the media? I realize there is a fine line as you don't want to get into a brawl but you also need to stand your ground and not let others walk all over you. I believe this is one of the Bush Administration's biggest downfalls. Dave

Posted by: Dave | September 7, 2007 1:24 AM

Fred, I'm so glad you made your bid for President offical.We now have someone whom I can vote for.I would have voted for a Republican as the lessor of 2 evils.Quite frankly the Democrats don't have a clue and sadly the Republicans it seems have lost thier way. There are many issues that are important to me but two issues seem to be most important. They are terroism and illegal immagration. I believe Presedent Bush is doing a good job on terroism and I'm sure more could be done.I'm also sure a Democract House,Senate and Presedent would amount to the beginning of our end. My question to you is What do you think of a Burden Tax on Illegal immagrants working here in our country?This Burden Tax would help to take the burden that these workers put on our hospitals, schools,prisons,bordor patrol etc.I really don't blame them for trying to make a living to feed their families.I don't blame bussiness for hiring cheap labor,I blame the Federal Goverment for not enforcing the laws that are already on the books.It seems our goverment is just as guilty on both sides of the ilse.We need to know who is in our Country for Natioal security reasons.Close the borders first.So what do you think about a BURDEN TAX? Thanks For Your Time Barry D. Puleo Southside Va.

Posted by: Barry D.Puleo | September 7, 2007 1:27 AM

Hi Fred, I have sat here quietly and read through all the questions on this page and the same ideas have popped up. I do not want to repeat them. So I will ask the one simple question of every one. Are we willing to sacrifice enough to make the necessary changes in our government and our in our selves So we can build a stronger, safer, and better America. If you are Fred then I am too. Remember "Ask not what what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country". All we ask is a chance. I think the chance is now.

Posted by: john clark | September 7, 2007 1:28 AM

Mr. Thompson, We agree with the stand you have taken on the majority of major issues; however, we have some concerns with your previous voting record on gun control. Please advise where you stand on the Second Amendment. Thank you!

Posted by: Christine Starkweather | September 7, 2007 1:29 AM

I have two questions: 1. Will we have a national retail sales tax soon that will replace the IRS and the income tax system, and why if you agree, would this be good for America? 2. Why are politicians not willing to invite Mexico to statehood as a solution to the border and immigration problem?

Posted by: Ron Kule | September 7, 2007 1:40 AM

Senator Thompson, I am a third generation US Air Force veteran of 12 years. I was wounded as a Pararescueman in the War on Terror. When my last enlistment was over I decided not to re-enlist because I am gay. Most of the people that I served with were aware of this and did not care. From the people that I fought beside each day to my First Sergeant they all knew and didn't care because I did my job. Being gay was not something that I brought to work with me. When I was in uniform representing my country I was an Airman not a gay Airman. My question to you is this: Why does my sexual orientation, in the eyes of my government, disqualify me from serving my country? I did it proudly for 12 years and was wounded in combat. But, I was in violation of one of the Air Force's Core Values of Integrity while doing so. I could no longer contiue to lie about who I am so I decided to leave the military. I don't think that that is fair. I was good enough to serve if I kept quiet about being gay, but not if I was out and honest about who I am. I don't think that it is fair to keep honest, trustworthy, hard working AMERICANS out of thier country's uniform because of whom they go home to. Why is the will to fight for freedom and protect one's country, family, and way of life not enough? I guess my question for you is do you favor the current stance of "Don't ask, Don't tell" or would you be in favor of allowing strong young American's to volunteer to serve thier country despite thier sexual orientation? And could you please provide a reason for your response. As a combat wounded veteran who left the service of my country for this very reason I would like an explaination from the man that I pray will lead my country for the next 8 years. Thank you very much, good luck, and God Bless.

Posted by: Lee Knight | September 7, 2007 2:30 AM

how will u handle statements coming out of mexico?....concerning thier right to invade us with illegals.......i want to see aggressive....we have candidates who seem to be commiting crimes....we have representatives who seem to be commiting acts of treason....i want to see a president who will not sit by and allow this country to be degraded by those who r suppose to represent us.....and i want to see a candidate who will stand up and say...we americans want to win this war..and stop harrassing our military...let them do their job...........mr thompson...unite this country on what we have always stood for ...God bless u

Posted by: joyce oconnor | September 7, 2007 5:38 AM

fred,you need to take a real good look at the fair tax.it could be the very best thing to happen to america and fix our problems with the irs.i urge you to read the book fair tax by neal boortz.the fair tax has more supporters than you realize.please do not dismiss this as not being very important.

Posted by: jimmy patterson | September 7, 2007 6:57 AM

I tried to review all the questions posted to avoid duplication. There are many good ones, and most of the issues of concern to me (esp. immigration) are covered. But I didn't see anything about global warming. What are your thoughts on this issue?

Posted by: Judy Perdue | September 7, 2007 7:40 AM

Mr. Thompson, Have you seen the Loose Change videos, and Alex Jones videos. Do you give any credence to the info in those videos?

Posted by: Carole Spargo | September 7, 2007 7:43 AM

MR. Thompson, It is obvious our country is facing many challanges including an all out attack on our constitution. What are your thoughts on the dangers we now face to our liberties? What is your stance on how we should handle the invasion of Islamic Theology into our country as well as the influx of illegal immigrants which threaten the very fabric of our society? Also what is your stance on the deteoritation of the family unit which is being brought about by orginations like the Anti-Christian ACLU and left wing gay right adovate groups?

Posted by: Daryel Sigmon | September 7, 2007 10:16 AM

Mr. Thompson, I appreciate your comments on federalism and agree very strongly. I echo concerns of others regarding border security, developing independence from foreign oil, national security, tax reform, and UN efforts to determine US policy. I would like to hear your thoughts on these issues. I have not heard an emphasis on healthcare reform. Can you explain what your federalist viewpoint envisions for the future of healthcare?

Posted by: Jeffrey Reyer | September 7, 2007 12:12 PM

Fred, you say you are running for President because you "love"/"care about our country. Our country is our people. If you do not love the Fair Tax, you do not love us and can't love or care about our country. What say you?

Posted by: Greg Heer | September 7, 2007 12:32 PM

senator - i have a lot of respect for you and think you would be a great president. however, i am going to have a hard time voting for you. perhaps you will reconsider your position on capital punishment? whether it's a deterrent is not the issue. in this country, we do not trade one life for another. we value life and this value should be upheld whenever possible. we should kill a human being in self-defense (such as war) only. just because criminals choose to illegally kill other human beings does not make it right for the government to then kill them. this philosophy is not founded in compassion for murderers and rapists, but in the superior value of life as an inalienable right of people. everyone's right to life is undermined when the government UNNECESSARILY takes the life of one of us, no matter how depraved that life is. the practice of capital punishment is hypocritical; it communicates that the government (which could protect our security by locking up forever the criminal) doesn't really value life that much. there is no moral argument for the UNNECESSARY, state-perpetrated taking of a life. capital punishment is only the continuation of the ancient practice of human sacrifice; it's primary purpose is to absolve society of blame for the monsters it creates or neglects to contain and to give a false sense that justice (that favorite term of all propaganda) has been done. most of our peer nations have evolved past human sacrifice. perhaps we should, too. politicians can have a change of heart. it's not a big voting issue; i don't think it would cost you too many votes. and, what are a few votes compared to doing the right thing?! otherwise, i imagine i'm going to have to draft, support, and vote for bloomberg. ; ) thanks and good luck to you.

Posted by: j kountz | September 7, 2007 3:13 PM

Mr. Thompson, Where do you stand on Net Neutrality.

Posted by: Gregg Cranmer | September 7, 2007 5:01 PM

Please address the continued bankrolling of the Katrina evacuees. Two years is long enough to get a job and an apartment! I live in Houston, where thousands of Katrina evacuees are located. Crime has risen significantly and nothing is being done to deal with the problem. What other disaster victims have been given a free ride for this long? All the media does is run reports about how more needs to be done for them. In the meantime, our nice middle class neighborhood has become open house for drive-by shooters, rapists, burglars, drug dealers and car jackers. The mayor doesn't have enough funds to handle the extra police burden and the federal government does nothing to help us - the law abiding taxpayers!

Posted by: Michelle Feagin | September 7, 2007 5:28 PM

Mr.Thompson,You have already been asked some very good questions. I guess all I can add is that you pay heed to your supporters. I am a Police officer, for years I've dealt with Illegal immigration, and the lack of Federal cooperation. Eventually we gave up calling the INS. The problem has only gotten worse. I have since transfered to a Rural department, closer to my family. Things have not changed in my old place of employment. In fact several officials were recently arrested on charges of accepting bribes(North Jersey). Like many of the nations problems, corruption is spiraling out of control. Honest politicians in N.J. have just been put on the endangered species list. Also endangered is my children's education. Everyday I must undue the PC brainwashing done to them. They are getting wise to it now, but soon they will be going to college. It gets very frustrating when our own government is funding Anti-American Institutions. When our own politicians dishonor out troops, when Americans shun American Ideals. Where is the sense, and when did it become not-so-common in America?

Posted by: Barry Cole | September 7, 2007 5:35 PM

Dear Fred, As a conservative, what is your plan to develop a workable realtionahip with the Congress enabling you to move your goals (for Iraq, taxes, immigration, social security, etc) through the House and Senate short of having a Majority (which is doubtful). Sue Benoit Medbery

Posted by: Sue Medbery | September 7, 2007 5:42 PM

Fred: Someone told me last night that you had served as a lobbyist - they said for a pro-choice group. Where do you stand on abortion? I think it's absurd in this nation where you can be seriously fined - and even go to jail - for destroying an eagle's egg, yet women can legally destroy their unborn baby with no legal repurcussions for the woman or the doctor. It's not that we shouldn't protect eagle's eggs – we should. But we should also protect the unborn, which are of far greater value.

Posted by: Lee Henschel | September 7, 2007 5:57 PM

Every organization is perfectly aligned to get the results they are getting; so if we want to keep getting what we are getting all we have to do is keep doing what we are doing. Your speeches and words are not that much different than the rest of the pack of career, power hungry politicians. What is it that you will do different? I mean really different. A promise to pass a constitutional amendment to term limit all federally elected officials and appointed judicial members would be a start. If you develop the idea that the real problems in this country are with the congress and the judiciary that have high jacked this country and the promise to term limit these people you will truly be ob your way to doing something really different. Your whole message should revolve around getting the poeple of this country to wake up from the trance that we have been in for so long and help them realize that it is time for a bloodless revolution to overhaul the system that has been bankrupt and inept for the last 50 or so years.

Posted by: Eugene Balsmeier | September 7, 2007 7:39 PM

Q: Isn't establishing a sound energy policy (reducing oil dependency & addressing global warming) the most constructive way to avoid future warfare on the Asian continent?

Posted by: Ed | September 7, 2007 7:41 PM

Mr.Thompson, Where do you stand on armed civilian military contractors in iraq, and right here in america? These companies are pretty much operating with a license to kill, without any oversight from any agency. More specifically, please view this private news report in which Represenative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), of the House Intelligence Committee states that they cannot find out anything about these contractors. Close to 800 of these "Private Military" contractors have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since the war started, and they aren't ever one heard about in the news.

Posted by: Richard Green | September 7, 2007 9:16 PM

Dear Fred, I'm a Sgt in the national Guard and before before that I was active duty for 6 years. As a man who believes the goverment should serve the people and not the other way around I was glad to read your thoughts on self goverment. I also believe our goverment should refrain from chosing how people should live there lives, the constitution is very clear with the bill of rights, how do you plan on keeping dems from interperting the bill of rights, it in plain english and yet the 2nd ammendment is violated by the DC goverment ad other places and nothing is done to inforce the constitution. Oh yeah If I want a trans fat burger, no one in the goverment has a right to stop me.(its another freedom and my own resposibility) I was very happy when GW had won the election ( the military didn't have to shut down for a week to meet budget, and we got raises) but lately he has been spineless and distacted from the real issues ( most people could care less about gay marrige). I'm behind the war on terror but I'm tired of fighting with one hand behind my back. How will you free up the Army to kick ass istead of a match? How are you going to seal off the borders and figure out how to deal with our criminal(any one with out a green card) alien problem? How will you stop the on going trend toward socialist(state healthcare, high taxes, Tax the rich to feed the poor)? My Family has alway been at poverty according to the goverment and we were never hugry and we never used any goverment provided services either( its a pride thing). Now I'm in the middle class and find the rich that the goverment steals from is not far above to poor they try to feed. How will you get people off ther asses and take pride in being an American again? If any one out there is affended by what I've said then your most likely part of the problem.

Posted by: Chuck | September 7, 2007 10:15 PM

Okay, we have been hearing "Grass Roots" for a long time. This usually entails getting a bunch of people around you that agree with you and telling them what they want to hear. I'm just a guy, (Husband and Dad) just completed 21yrs of military service, and my wife is finishing her last 4yrs. She is making decent money while deployed and my retirement check isn't comparable to my officer counterparts but it makes ends meet. I own my house, have a couple of cars and a daughter in middle school. So like I said just a regular guy. Heres what a regular guy wants to hear about.....gas prices and why are we really paying through the nose for it. Alternative energy and why we send shuttles to a space station and we cant put a flippin wind turbine field in every town. Elementary-High School curriculum and why we are teaching for a yearly test that must be passed to go on to the next grade (TAKS..texas) and we still let the 50% senior failures still go on, instead of teaching real life skills IE: typing/business computer skills, money math, english. Tougher juvenile laws and why I am concerned about my daughter walking home from school and getting beat up because she didn't join some girl club and parents out there use the excuse "there just kids" and teachers afraid to say anything because of their jobs. Entrepreneurship and why is it so hard to start a business and why we have let the mysterious credit score run our lives. Okay, thats just a couple, here are the things that we regular people really dont care about.....think about but dosent effect the regular guy. The War...We got it, but when we let mexican truck drivers drive across our country...the care factor starts to wain...concern is there but OUR government made that decision without asking. Abortion...jump up and down all you want, and tell the people whatever they want to hear during the campaign... but the bottom line is its going to happen and GOD will make that final decision Health Care...stop talking and just fix it, you might want to start with the ridiculous doctor fees. Steriods....why are we having congressional hearings on this. The governing sports body and the school coaches can deal with it. Immigration....When lazy Americans go out to the fields and pick produce and build our homes....then we can look into it. All the candidates sound like high school president hopefuls "I promise we will have crack dealers in every hall and every friday off" knowing full well they cant make it happen, but the crowd loves it. You want "grass roots" talk to some of my friends whose husbands are going to Iraq for the third time in five years, raising kids by themselves for twelve months at a time, or anyone in my neighborhood on why the electric bill is through the roof. Why is my friends 1st grade daughter for the last two weeks of school been coloring pictures and practicing cutting paper, instead of writing and reading. Thats all I time for right now, gotta clean the house, feed the dogs, and help my daughter with her homework. Mr Thompson you have my attention, first in a while. The country will listen, but be careful most will only listen to what they want to hear. Thanks for your time.

Posted by: Robert Johnson | September 7, 2007 11:03 PM

From your speech today (Sept. 7), you said:

Radical Islam has declared war upon us. Some years ago people didn’t pay much attention to it. We didn’t even recognize the fact that it happened, but we know it now.

They look upon it as something that’s been going on for hundreds of years and as far as they’re concerned they’re willing to take it another hundred years as they methodically move forward massacring innocent people. Bringing the Soviet Union to its knees, who they considered the tougher opponent, and now they’re upon us and all those who would befriend us around the world.

Besides an unusual view of Soviet history, it seems clear that to you this War on Terror is war on a concept, war on a religious sect, and war on an idea. But war is always against other people, who, if at war, grow up and die well before a hundred years has passed.

Will you use empathy and understanding to end this war, or will you charge forward and (Sept. 7) "deploy every resource... to defend our national interests"?

Hundred Years' Wars are fought among kings of yesteryear, not democracies of today.

Posted by: Violet America | September 7, 2007 11:25 PM

Hi, Senator, just a couple of quick questions. First, do you support President Bush's goal to return astronauts to the Moon by 2018 (okay, 2019 or 2020, whatever, better late than never!), and if so, how much priority do you think should be placed upon it? Second, what (if anything) would you do differently (from the current administration) to catch Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice? Thanks and God bless!

Posted by: Ed Kutz | September 7, 2007 11:59 PM

Dear Fred, as the next President of the U.S. will undoubtedly be sending up a nomination for the Supreme Court, please let me know the type you would send and how hard you would support him/her during confirmation hearings. Best wishes, Gonzalo Esquibel

Posted by: Gonzalo Esquibel | September 8, 2007 5:10 AM

Not so much a question but is it possible to be a friend of Fred from outside the USA. This campaign interests me but I cannot log in as the site requires an American address, Telephone No, etc.

Posted by: James Munro Fryar | September 8, 2007 5:55 AM

Hi Fred, it's been a long time since we spoke.I am the former Chairman of the Buchannan '92 campaign in Tn.& i know that many former Buchannanites,Perotistas,Libertarians,& Independents(Appox.10-12 million of us) have been waiting for you to enter. Would you please clarify for all those who have doubts, what you will do as President regarding what many feel are the 5 most pressing issues facing not only us today but our children. 1.National Soverignity. 2.The staggering National debt. 3.The war on Terror/Border security/Illegal immigration. 4.Real Tax Reform. 5.(This one kind of plays in with 1,2,&3)Our Gov.mandated dependence on foriegn oil. Thanks for deciding to make the sacrifices necessary to run for President,alot of the groups that i mentioned above (including myself) are with you... Sincerly Yours, Lyle Simpson.

Posted by: Lyle Simpson | September 8, 2007 11:02 AM

Hi Fred, it's been a long time since we spoke.I am the former Chairman of the Buchannan '92 campaign in Tn.& i know that many former Buchannanites,Perotistas,Libertarians,& Independents(Appox.10-12 million of us) have been waiting for you to enter. Would you please clarify for all those who have doubts, what you will do as President regarding what many feel are the 5 most pressing issues facing not only us today but our children. 1.National Soverignity. 2.The staggering National debt. 3.The war on Terror/Border security/Illegal immigration. 4.Real Tax Reform. 5.(This one kind of plays in with 1,2,&3)Our Gov.mandated dependence on foriegn oil. Thanks for deciding to make the sacrifices necessary to run for President,alot of the groups that i mentioned above (including myself) are with you... Sincerly Yours, Lyle Simpson.

Posted by: Lyle Simpson | September 8, 2007 11:19 AM

Hi Fred, it's been a long time since we spoke.I am the former Chairman of the Buchannan '92 campaign in Tn.& i know that many former Buchannanites,Perotistas,Libertarians,& Independents(Appox.10-12 million of us) have been waiting for you to enter. Would you please clarify for all those who have doubts, what you will do as President regarding what many feel are the 5 most pressing issues facing not only us today but our children. 1.National Soverignity. 2.The staggering National debt. 3.The war on Terror/Border security/Illegal immigration. 4.Real Tax Reform. 5.(This one kind of plays in with 1,2,&3)Our Gov.mandated dependence on foriegn oil. Thanks for deciding to make the sacrifices necessary to run for President,alot of the groups that i mentioned above (including myself) are with you... Sincerly Yours, Lyle Simpson.

Posted by: Lyle Simpson | September 8, 2007 11:28 AM

This is more of a request than a question since I know the answer is too complex for this forum. Please explain you policy position(s) on the environmental issues facing the U.S. and the rest of the world. Thank you in advance, Bill Weeks

Posted by: William L. Weeks | September 8, 2007 3:43 PM

How will your administration approach energy conservation, alternative energy, especially nuclear energy, and federal land management. I am in favor of wilderness preservation AND sensible oil exploitation. I desire nuclear facilities for independence from oil, foreign and domestic. What role should the federal government play in regulating the automobile industry. I do not think car company bail-outs are an efficient way to manage our energy needs. Will you encourage congress to enact sensible CAFE standards? The only thing Clinton gets credit from me on is his setting aside millions of acres of federal wilderness. How would you ensure that we lose no more of our natural legacy? Not from NH.

Posted by: Carolyn Wolthusen | September 8, 2007 7:45 PM

Fred, I admire what you've said about federalism. I have a federalism puzzle for you. Imagine that I am a anti-family, pro "village" liberal intent on destroying family in order to create work for my friends in social services. In that case, I might design a federal campaign to sabotage marriage. Knowing that marriage and family are primarily regulated at the state level, I would need to design a federal incentive program to motivate states to promote divorce and accelerate family destruction and forced involuntary absentee fatherhood. Knowing that the states are primarily motivated by opportunities to access cash money, I might establish a federal program to pay a cash reward to states based on their ability to post increases in the number and dollar amount of child support collections, the number of paternities established and the effectiveness of their collection programs - knowing that the easiest way for states to improve these numbers is to increase the number of divorces. (The states are smart enough to know that it takes only one person to file a divorce, and that women marry for security even though marriage promises uncertainty (i.e."for better or worse, richer or poorer"), so it's not beyond understanding that if a state promises women a 6 out of 7 chance of winning sole custody and the security of a government support check, it can motivate women to file 80% of the divorces in a state.) If I wanted to create this federal incentive to motivate states to operate a divorce incentive, I would probably allocate $472 million dollars within 42 U.S.C. 658a and let the states compete for shares of that money. I have three questions: 1) when you were a Senator, if a bill had been introduced to create the federal divorce incentive incentive I just described above, how would you have voted on it? 2) Since equal protection of fundametal rights is a Constitutional mandate upon both the federal government and the states, wouldn't it be a more appropriate use of the $472 million that IS alocated in 42 U.S.C. 658a, to reward states for demonstrating equal protection of parental rights in family courts (either by allocating sole custody to mothers or fathers at equal rates or (better) to give sole custody to fewer parents and a more equal share of parental rights and responsibilities to both perents in most divorces)? 3) When the federal government has a madate to enforce the Constitution, and when it knows (U.S.C.B. P60-230) that a provision of the Constitution is being ignored, is it consistent with your concept of federalism for the federal government to take an active role in regulating the behavior of the states to enforce compliance with the Constitution?

Posted by: Steve Winfield | September 10, 2007 4:09 PM

Fred's pointing...keep that finger out. It is so refreshing to see Fred NOT use the metro sexual closed hand, not fist, when making his points. Keep that finger pointing out the truth!

Posted by: David McConville | September 12, 2007 12:45 PM

09.12.07 — Oil prices briefly rose to a record $80 a barrel in afternoon trading Wednesday… http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20070912-1117-oilprices.html That’s one of my concerns.

Posted by: RG Church | September 12, 2007 3:29 PM

Fred, What are your views on pagan religions, our current president believs they are not valid religions.

Posted by: Matt M | September 12, 2007 7:58 PM

Fred, What are your views on pagan religions, our current president believs they are not valid religions.

Posted by: Matt M | September 12, 2007 8:03 PM

Mr. Thompson, My question is a simple one, yet an understated and equally unaddressed issue by politicians. Why are we not using military actions or government sanctions to stop the genocide and rape of a culture demonstrated in areas of the Darfur such as the Sudan like we did in the " liberation" of Iraq? Is it purely ignorance or do we have nothing to gain by saving the people of Darfur? As no other politicians have addressed this issue I would greatly appreciate a response. Thank You, Preston Webb

Posted by: Preston Webb | September 14, 2007 1:13 AM

Dear Fred, I just read a post by Phil and Tammie Dedrick on your website like them I too have a similar plight, I worked for many years while dealing with epilepsy until finally having to stop working in 2002 after many appeals I was finally awarded disability in 2005 after nearly losing my home. (that I was finally able to afford after the Bush tax cuts). Even with disability my wife is forced to work two jobs to pay for healthcare and prescriptions.I Think it would be helpful to keep more jobs in America even if this ment raising import tariffs and of course enforcing current immigration laws thus forcing more American employers to pay higher wages and bennifits. These additional healthcare benifits beeing provided by companies would create more compition whithin the healthcare industry thus lowering costs to consumers. I would like to know your thoughts on these Idea's and have you bring them to northwest Indiana where I live a traditionally blue collar democrat area whose views are slowly changing but with an older population where these issues matter a great deal.

Posted by: Tom Black | September 14, 2007 2:15 PM

HOW LONG DO WE HAVE? This is the most interesting thing I've read in a long time. The sad thing about it, you can see it coming. I have always heard about this democracy countdown. It is interesting to see it in print. God help us, not that we deserve it. How Long Do We Have? About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier: "A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government." "A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury." "From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship." "The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years" "During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence: 1. from bondage to spiritual faith; 2. from spiritual faith to great courage; 3. from courage to liberty; 4. from liberty to abundance; 5. from abundance to complacency; 6. from complacency to apathy; 7. from apathy to dependence; 8. From dependence back into bondage" Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St.Paul, Minnesota, points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000 Presidential election: Number of States won by: Gore: 19 Bush: 29 Square miles of land won by: Gore: 580,000 Bush: 2,427,000 Population of counties won by: Gore: 127 million Bush: 143 million Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by: Gore: 13.2 Bush: 2.1 Professor Olson adds: "In aggregate, the map of the territory Bush won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of this great country. Gore's territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare..." Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.

Posted by: Capt. Mike | September 14, 2007 10:04 PM

Mr. Thompson, Recently I had an exchange student and was trying to help him get a visa. He did not meet the criteria and was declined but we did fill out and pay for the appropriate lottery that is given to a set amount of people wanting to come to America. We did not recieve that, so the student went back to Brazil. My question is; why can people walk across the border illegally but if proper channels are taken, you are turned away. I knew a person in Massachusetts that flew to Mexico to walk his family from Brazil across the border without legal documents. I don't understand this process at all. I love my country and have friends from all countries. I have a picture of the statue of liberty, then I sit and wonder..what happened? Russia has a bigger bomb, 2006 non-alliance meetings in Cuba, wars on America from far east countries since 1979, oil-control or fighting for freedom, health care-insurance control, schools acedemic excellence fading, filth on television, family values, honesty not just promises for votes, communicating the truth or passifying America, remembering the Constitution and the men that put GOD first. I love my country, the freedom that I have, right to vote and to know that I believe our President is doing what he can to lead the United States of America. Thank you for your time.

Posted by: Deborah McAfee | September 15, 2007 9:58 AM

You have stated recently that there are flaws in the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform act, which you voted for when you were a Senator. What would be your proposed best alternative to McCain-Feingold?

Posted by: Jennifer Beck | September 15, 2007 2:07 PM

Sen. Thompson, I've supported you for quite a while. But I'm concerned by your remark that seemed to question whether there was a role for Congress in trying to defend Terry Schaivo's rights under the Equal Protection clause of the Federal constitution. Surely a helpless person who cannot speak for his or herself ought not to be killed on the unsupported hearsay evidence of someone who stands to benefit from his or her death. Could you clarify your position on the "right to kill" controversy, often misidentified as involving the "right to die?"

Posted by: Bob Waters | September 15, 2007 8:46 PM

Mr. Thompson, I am a Republican, a single mother of three, of which two are handicapped,and an exceptional education teacher residing in Tennessee, but teaching in Georgia as the salaries of Tennesse did not afford the opportunity for me to continue my education. My query is this: IDEA (PL94-142, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is coming up for reauthorization and No Child Left Behind is in direct contradiction to it's benefits; what is your posture on children with disabilities being "forced" by state and local governments to take standardized tests (End of Course tests on core curriculum, or High School Graduation Tests) - when these children's histories and abilities clearly indicate they are not at levels to pass these tests and thereby are consistently set up to fail year after year (eg. Only a very limited percent of students in our school are "allowed" to take the alternative assessments available as it would have an "affect" on the state numbers for purposes of NCLB)? It's truly frightening to discover children being "labeled" as learning disabled in reading and math who are entering high school or who have made it to seniors in high school and who present intelligence quotients and/or abilities incongruent with the assumption of passing these tests. It's more frightening that teachers are no longer teaching our special needs children what they NEED to learn because of being under state mandates for getting them to pass tests - and are by virtue of keeping their jobs, teaching how to pass tests. Our students are considered a sub-group for reporting to state and federal governments the percentages of students passing these tests. Sadly, it is our sub-group that always appears to pull down the numbers being reported and the pressure to "do something about it!" is immense. We are already in a group who is "at risk" for teachers - your solution Mr. Thompson??

Posted by: Melanie D. Willis | September 16, 2007 6:35 PM

Mr. Thompson As a small business owner, my wife and I are facing a health care cost crises. Together our annual cost of health insurance with prescription drugs total more than $20,000. per year,and that was after we had raised our deductible substantially. We can no longer afford to see our doctors regularly because of the out of pocket cost. We have friends in the same situation and they have elected to not have health insurance at all. If elected do you have a plan that would give all americans AFFORDABLE health insrance.

Posted by: h.parker | September 17, 2007 12:54 PM

Fred, I am rooting for ya, mostly because I really do believe that you're going to be faithful to the Constitution, and what our founders laid out for us, which would be the first time since Ronald Reagan we've seen real leadership based on principle. I'm becoming weary of having my few precious constitutional rights subordinated to the imaginary ones of illegal immigrants, whiny liberals, dictators, and dependency-mentality people here and around the world. I believe we have drifted so far from what our founders gave us that most Americans wouldn't recognize our original country if it were described namelessly to them. It's a shame. I read your words on Federalism, and was mentally standing and cheering the whole time. I have two daughters, aged 13 and 15, and either of them is able to handle a discussion on conservative values, and our government's tendency to drift far from them. They are aware of how far we've gone from the real America, and often they ask why more adults don't understand the basics. I started a blog of my own, but I have not put a lot of content there yet, but it's at libertarianvalues.com, because I do tend a bit towards small constitutional government, and 'conservativevalues.org' was already taken :) I hope to do more with it, but I am spending my time now making sure everyone I know is aware of your positions, and that's more important for the moment! Ed

Posted by: Ed Davis | September 18, 2007 1:35 PM

Fred, we're supporting your campaign because we appreciate your no-nonsense approach, your Federalist stance, and your appreciation for family values. We haven't seen or heard much from you regarding the abortion issue. We're certain you realize that many people will cast their vote based solely on that issue. We acknowledge that you have stated you value the life of the unborn. However, we wonder how deeply you feel about that when it comes to partial-birth abortion, the "rights" of women over their body, etc. We look forward to your addressing these questions in depth.

Posted by: J&NF | September 18, 2007 8:15 PM

Fred, I am a career military man on the brink of retirement and am looking forward to voting "FRED" in Nov 2008. Aside from your own personal convictions, where and how will you seek to gain guidance for what the American people want when a policy decision is to be made? Will you continue seeking input from all of us "out here" once you get elected? And most importantly, will you continue to stand on your principals throughout your term even if it threatens to jeopardize a re-election because of who you might have alienated due to your views and policies in your first term?

Posted by: Chuck Smithwick | September 18, 2007 9:13 PM

Mr. Thompson what would you do to standardise the gun laws in the states so that we would not have to get different licences to be legal in all the states? If congress were to pass another bill like the brady bill would you sign it or veto it?

Posted by: christopher koch | September 18, 2007 9:32 PM

Mr. Thompson, I have been perusing your website recently and have so far been very happy to see that many, if not most, of your principles parallel my own. That said, I have noticed one glaring omission, specifically the issue of international outsourcing of jobs. While the U.S. job market has indeed grown over the last several years, many of the jobs that have thus far been outsourced have been replaced by lesser-paying positions. I understand a number of your points regarding reforming the tax code may have an impact on outsourcing, however, it would be very helpful to know what we could expect a Thompson Administration to do regarding this issue. Thank you.

Posted by: E. Blaine | September 18, 2007 10:13 PM

Mr. Thompson,

While everyone is talking about the parties' choices for President, I'm more interested in the Republicans' choices for Vice President.

You have stated that you want to unite this country, I believe that the current set of Democrats in Congress and Their Leadership do not want to be united.
In my opinion, they are more interested in amassing as much power as possible through Agit-Prop, Biased Media Reporting, Demonization, Hegelian Dialectic, and Divide and Conquer techiques than in actually working to unite this country with anyone who does not share their Marxist vision of a Socialist America.

I believe that the Democrats in Congress and Their Leadership have "gone over the cliff".
However, I do not believe that same thing about all of their traditional supporters.
While a lot of those supporters have bought into the New Democrat Socialist Anger power base, some have not.

One notable exception in Congress is former Democrat now Independent Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman.
I believe he represents a huge demographic of disenchanted and disenfranchised Democrats who do not hate their country as it is currently structured.

In an effort to truly unite wih these Democrats who are actually open to a message of "Unity" would you be open to considering Mr. Lieberman as your running mate?

Posted by: CT rick | September 20, 2007 10:00 AM

I'd like to see Fred Thompson visit Juneau, Alaska. Our nation has such a wide variety of cultures. I think it is important that every political figure in D.C. should have a personal knowledge of the varying cultures. I'd also like to hear his viewpoint on NCLB. The bureaucracy and red tape surrounding this law, in particular, to the reporting requirements of educational background of the teachers is absolutely ridiculous. I want to vote for Fred and I want him to completely revamp if not outright repeal NCLB and give educational control back to the states where it belongs. Shelly Austin, MPA

Posted by: Shelly Austin, MPA | September 21, 2007 11:20 AM

Senator, This country needs a real energy policy. We need to move off the oil dime and onto hydrogen power now and to do this we need a bold, forward looking President. Remember when JFK told the nation we would put a man on the moon before the end of the decade? Make the same bold statement the "USA will be on hydrogen power in ten year." Invest in the infrastruce to make it happen. Give incentives to set up manufacturing, distribution, auto production and tax deductions to people who buy them. To get the process going, the government could make the hydrogen and sell it to distributors, then make it public. If we can go to the moon in ten years we certainly can get off of oil and move to a clean abundant fuel in that time frame. Lets do it.

Posted by: David | September 21, 2007 2:12 PM

I would like to see Fred Thompson, or any politician for that matter, put there're money where there're mouth is. I've always herd so much about how everybody supports the troops. It seems to me there is a real simple way people in Washington can prove that. Pass a law so that our men and women serving in the Military dont have to pay federal income taxes. The military is always offering signing bonouses, which are good, but it seems to me if you tell people they would not have to pay taxes the entire time they serve their country in the military then recruitment numbers would rise. All the talk about how we love our military and we support the troops, dont we owe it to them to at least give them a full paycheck with out taxes taken out. Even if politicians cant find it within themselves to part with all that tax revenue, at the very least we should suspend there're tax payments while they are serving in combat.

Posted by: JJ Sheldon | September 25, 2007 8:14 PM

Fred, I'm a diabetic and want the government to get out of the way of research using unwanted embryonic stem cells. Despite popular support, our President has prevented important research that could one day make it possible to find cures for so many diseases. It makes no sense for hundreds of thousands of stored embryos, which would never be used otherwise, to eventually be discarded. What a waste. What is your position?

Posted by: RJ | September 26, 2007 4:40 AM

Fred, you have stated very clearly that in your view, border security is national security. What about the effects of aliens already here on our electoral system? Some districts in Southern California are 40% or more non-citizens, 35% in some parts of Florida, but they're being counted in apportioning House representation. Based on the census, seats lost by other states to districts like these rose from 12 in 1990, to 16 in 2000. Will you lead a charge to 1)Deny votes to illegals once and for all 2)Define apportionment before 2010 to apply to citizens only, and 3)Press Congress to clear up 14th Amendment language to exclude citizenship for illegal offspring? The privileges of citizenship should not be granted to those whose first act is to break our laws, or by default, to their progeny.

Posted by: Martin | September 26, 2007 5:11 PM

Fred: With you being a fellow 'pro-lifer', how's about doing this for us... make a point to show that surgeries and liposuction (as graphic as they are) are all over cable TV these days. Why won't they show what an abortion really is? With so many people being extremely ignorant or unaware of what an abortion really is, it makes it difficult for them to make a wise decision. This may be a breaking point on how Hilary can be brought down, especially since she's trying to break the ban on Partial-Birth abortions! Thanks!

Posted by: EMC of SC | September 27, 2007 9:40 AM

Mr. Senator: I have written previously on the abortion issue and I was, thereafter, reading other posts on the page. For men who feel as though they do not have a voice, (which I am happy for and respectful of YOURS), I would like to say this: the child is YOUR child too. Many Planned Parenthood centers are beginning to get the fathers to accompany the mother into the rooms where the procedures are performed. Being such a traumatic experience, I don't see how the men can watch as their unborn (and killed) child is pulled out or expelled from their girlfriends'/fiances'/wives' wombs. My husband had no knowledge of what an abortion was until I showed him this-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s5YFyIgVX4 (copy/paste link if you would like.) He thought women were given a pill that just stopped an embryo from growing. He didn't even know that we could get abortions up to full-term. Now, my husband sees that children are being KILLED continuously, and in some cases, only because the woman 'just doesn't FEEL like having a girl/boy' or even because she 'forgot to take her pills'. As medically proven in the last 2 years, a fetus can feel pain at least by 20 weeks of gestation. Most abortion clinics won't even give pain meds to the woman so that the baby won't feel its own limbs being torn off. Hey Hilary-- would you like your neck to have a needle the size of your head be stuck through it, only so that your first day of life can end with pain??? Please understand that I'm not much of an activist, but if I had the means as much as all of you politicians out there to do so, I would scream aloud on every newschannel until abortion was stopped permanently. If I can't murder my husband for cheating, why should my neighbor be allowed to murder her unborn child because "she's just not ready"? Why is my DOG more able to receive judicial RIGHTS than my neighbor's unborn HUMAN child? I am preaching to the choir if all of you are Pro-Life, but FRED could get the knowledge spread... if he wanted. --azuraskyz3465@netzero.net

Posted by: EMC of SC | September 27, 2007 10:11 AM

Social Security is being used in a completely different way than it's original intention. I work in a hospital where most of the premature babies are signed up for social security benefits because they are considered "disabled". The majority of these infants are not disabled. They are not on oxygen, and are acting like typical newborns at discharge. They may have learning problems in the future but the main reason they are signed up seems to be because their parents are single and ususally illegal aliens. I would like to know Fred's stand on Social Security and what he proposes to do in order to fix it.

Posted by: Nancy Miller | September 28, 2007 2:39 PM

Mr. Thompson, it is people like you that make me proud to be an American. I never watched Law & Order but I am sure it was a great show and I am now searching for the re-runs. I have checked your background and experience and find you to be, with out a doubt the best canidate for the job. You have a very impressive record. I could not agree more on your views, especially when it comes to federalism. I do not know what drives a man to take on such a thankless job (as from the liberals) however I thank God for people like you and may God Bless You!!! Go Fred Go!!!

Posted by: Gary Stanley | October 1, 2007 7:52 PM

Dear Mr. Thompson, The Department of Homeland Security is a disaster. In my perception, they are the worst kind of government bureaucracy – overfunded, undertrained, inept and endowed with far too much power. They make new rules constantly to appear as if they are being productive. Mostly, their new rules infringe upon the freedoms of law abiding Americans without providing anything near a commensurate benefit to the public safety. As a resident of the DC metropolitan area, as a private pilot, as an owner of firearms, as a law abiding American, I resent their constant rulemaking. DHS should be disbanded. The CIA and FBI, with decades of expertise, should be entrusted to make us safe again. A consultant or two or ten from Shin Bet would be far more efficacious in securing us than taking baby milk from airline customers. Have you an opinion on this issue?

Posted by: JARED MAX HENDLER | October 2, 2007 9:55 PM

One of the most important TV programs for you to appear on to get out your message to real thinking Americans, ASAP, is the O'Reilly Factor. You need this kind of exposure. Will you jump at this chance? Jim

Posted by: Jim O'Malley | October 3, 2007 4:58 PM

What are your thoughts on the President's veto of the child healthcare bill? This is possibly the first spending bill that Bush has vetoed in his term and any insight would be great.

Posted by: Gene F | October 4, 2007 12:14 AM

Dear Mr. Thompson - I would like to know what you will be able to do about the Medicare/Social Security and prescription drug problem that people like myself (retired/disabled) are having great financial difficulty with. I have had to pay out of pocket prescription costs to the tune of $7,000 last year and this year about $6,000, that does not include co-pays for doctor visits. I believe that Social Security should NOT be TAXED and I should not have to pay tax on everything twice. I have had to take a lot of my 401K funds out to pay for meds and it is not in my budget. There are a lot of areas that have to be monitored because of abuse of funds. Medicare costs me $98 out of my SS check and then on top of that I pay $167.50 for my Aetna supplemental insurance. Somebody out there in insurance-land is making money at everyone's expense. Why do politicans, judges, etc. get the best of medical care at either low or no cost when the taxpayer has to foot the bills? Someone like yourself has to take hold of all this and make it work and I know you certainly can do it. You have my vote and my confidence Mr. Thompson. I pray you get elected in 2008! Mrs. Sunny Cohen

Posted by: Sunny Cohen | October 11, 2007 12:55 PM

Dear Sen. Thompson, I am so excited about you running for president of this great country! I believe you will be a strong leader & huge supporter of our troops. My husband and I are deeply concerned with the way our borders are being protected. Can you promise us that you will do everything you can to close our borders? Security is our greatest concern! Please Sen. Thompson be strong in your fight to get this country back to WE THE PEOPLE! Thankyou!

Posted by: Dee | October 13, 2007 8:50 AM

I would like to know what your thoughts are on the current criminal justice system, prisons especially & the issue of overcrowding (possibly due to mandatory sentences for drug offenders, recidivism, etc.). I ask this because our nation has such a high rate of imprisonment, obviously something is not working.

Posted by: Morgan | October 16, 2007 3:13 PM

Dear Senator Thompson, It would seem that the US needs a sound energy policy to transition us from our dependency on oil (especially foreign oil). I understand the oil companies are blocking any transition to alternative fuels, but with Brazil making a huge steps forward with the Ethanol fueled by sugar cane, why can't strong leadership push America into the 21st century with the transition to alternative fuels? Every house could sustain their energy demands with solar. Every car could run on an alternative fuel such as ethanol or methane. Developments of Nuclear Power Plants could be a stop gap for the next 25 years until we develop the next fuel source. With 65% of America's oil coming from foreign sources, it would seem to me that Anwar needs to be opened for drilling, again this is a stop gap that would buy us enough to time to transition American's infrastructure to the next source of fuel. However, it appears the Americans interests are being dictated by corporations and not the what is best for Americans. What sort of energy policy would you sit forth?

Posted by: Jonathan Hunter | October 16, 2007 5:41 PM

We are aware of the problems which are being discussed by all candidates such as immigration and Irag. But we are also disturbed that illegal aliens are given better treatment and benefits than our veterans, especially the Vietnam veterans. In such a great country as ours, and so many of our soldiers are living on the streets. What can be done? Is there is any way we can help? Is there a program in place for finding these folks? Someone needs to stand up for these soldiers who have lost everything for our freedom. Thank you

Posted by: Jay and Carolyn Hartwell | October 19, 2007 10:37 AM

Where does Fred stand with NAFTA? Where does Fred stand with the United States supporting the United Nations? Can't we just give them back to Europe (as the League of Nations)? Or, maybe every four years another country has to be it's home. The U.N. building would make a nice set of classrooms for the children in the neighborhood. It's got a nice big auditorium and everything. Can I get some details on what Fred will do with the No Child Left Behind? (I'm a teacher) How is Fred going to clean up the courtrooms? In other words, get judges in that don't make their own opinions law. Can we use NAFTA in sharing our illegal aliens with the rest of the world?

Posted by: Jeremia | October 24, 2007 12:12 AM

What to know if Fred Thompson would consider Joe Lieberman as a potential running mate. It sounds like Mr. Lieberman is level headed, may have some similar values, and could draw independents/democrats on the fence. It would also show how Fred is willing to work with non-republicans for the good of the country.

Posted by: Tom | October 26, 2007 1:02 AM

Mr. Thompson: Please tell us where you stand re: global warming and steps that the U.S.A. will take to reduce greenhouse emissions. Thank you.

Posted by: Linda | October 31, 2007 9:53 AM

Mr. Thompson,

I would love to know what, specifically, you would try to do to address the problem of our American economy. In particular, I'm sure you know that with our fiat currency and the prevailing inflationary attitude of the Fed, real inflation is going to be large in the next several years, likely greater then 10% annually just due to the amount of currency and credit being fabricated. The CPI is non-indicative of actual inflation, of course, since it was modified to suit government needs, but people with money have figured out that the CPI is either dumb or intentionally deceptive, or likely both.

Real inflation of 10% annually would force high-asset investors to gain 20% return just to preserve their wealth (due to taxes not adjusting for real inflation), discourages and destroys savings (especially retirement savings), and drives investors to seek opportunities outside of the US. As the dollar drops in value, foreign investors will be more reluctant to hold US dollars and debt instruments, and the US will need to pay seemingly huge rates to service the national debt, which will just in turn devalue the currency more. It's hard to have a positive outlook for the country staring down a seemingly imminent currency collapse, and upheaval which would undoubtedly follow.

As the most likely candidate to actually be able to perceive the problem, and also the most likely to be able to fight the momentum of the status quo driving the country to the precipice, I'd like to know if, and how, you would try to turn the country around. A great many peoples' well-being, and possibly lives, could hang in the balance of what the government does in the next few years.

Posted by: Nick | November 14, 2007 4:06 PM

ARE YOU FOR OR AGAINST THE FAIR TAX? THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE THAT IS NOT GETTING ENOUGH PRESS! PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!

Posted by: ALLISON | November 14, 2007 4:54 PM

Mr. Thompson,

Many candidates talk about finding ways of working with the Democrats to find areas where we have common goals and hopefully tone down the level of partisan bickering. In today's political climate it appears that each sides approach to solving any problem is arrived at by understanding the approach of the other side, running it through a 'not' function and then defending it to the death.

Can you identify one or two pieces of legislation that you think you could get at least bi-partisan support for both the topic of the legislation as well as the means to addressing the topics of the legislation?

Posted by: Jeffrey Creem | November 24, 2007 11:09 AM

I work with the developmentally disabled in Illinois. Repeatedly our Govenor has cut funding. While I am not a fan of the welfare system, I do think this group of people should be at the top of our list to help. How will Mr. Thompson help this silent minoraty. Does he think some sort of incentive program for states would help? It not a major issue facing this country I know but, it should be a moral one.

Posted by: Lori Misner | November 25, 2007 11:19 AM

Would Fred consider going on The Savage Nation for an interview by Michael Savage? What more could prove his vigor than going on the air with Michael Savage?

Posted by: Sir Andrew | December 21, 2007 11:23 AM

Fred, Puhlleeeeze verbally kick the crap out of McCainnedy and all his BS RINO politics that have done nothing but subordinated and ultimately vanquished the true conservative movement for this country. Same with Huckster. NO MORE MISTER NICE GUY!!! PULL NO PUNCHES!!! I also think it would be an awesome thing to see you at the headquarters of Force Protection Industries, in Ladson SC, the maker of the MRAP vehicles which have saved countless lives in Iraq. Political bickering has delayed the deployment of these massive vehicles. This needs to STOP! Protect our troops first and foremost. Keep it going, Fred!!! You are the last hope. Each of the other candidates is no match for you. Abuse them with their own policies and statements. They deserve it. And so does America!

Posted by: Mark Cancemi MD | January 16, 2008 9:42 PM

Hi, Can You please tell Us what is your likely step to be to eradicate terrorisim? Thanks.

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Posted by: xmas gifts | October 29, 2009 2:16 AM

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ATTENTION GraniteGrok readers invited to submit questions to Fred Thompson

How about it, GraniteGrok readers? This is your opportunity to get involved. We need four to five really good questions to forward to Fred for answers. If you're like me, intrigued but still unsure about Mr. Thompson, now's to time to find out.

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