TIm:
Thank you for the list. Interestingly, mine would not be that different, but with a few modifications:
First; a tax system that is fair to all and does not result in increasing national (which is owed by all of us) debt.
I am not totally against unions; they have their purpose and if they have too much power, it is because management has caved in a few times too often. I also believe that corporations should be more accountable to the public they serve, insofar as environmental issues, and sufficient funding for employee retirement fans (Enron and Global Crossings as poster children)
Controls on social welfare programs to make them available to the truly needy; the children, aged, those injured. No welfare to those who do not deserve it. It is necessary to provide for those who truly cannot provide for themselves. (reference study by Jeffery D. Scahs of Columbia University
www.sciam.com/ontheweb )
I am for family rights as well, but the definition of families is changing; married households are no longer the majority.
Affirmative action should not factor into decisions as much as capabilities. But, certain safeguards should be in place. I have seen in the public sector instances where a minority without, for example, the proper education was chosen for a position just to meet some kind of "goal".
Legal reform, a strong military and "tough on crime"(needs definition) without doubt.
The rest are fluff, such as personal responsibility, and I have absolutely no problem with them; they are noble.
Altogether a very good first attempt.