A Call-to-Action for 2010: How I'd Create a New Contract with America

Dear Fellow Americans:

During the past few months, a number of people have asked me about the possibility of a new Contract with America for the 2010 elections. They remember the clarity, the positive focus, and the election results of the 1994 contract.

It is clear that the country is increasingly angry with the Obama-Pelosi-Reid team. But it is equally clear that Americans still distrust Republicans almost as much as they fear liberal Democrats . . . there has to be a lucid set of reforms both on the legislative process and on spending for the Republicans to be seen as truly reformed from the party that was defeated in 2006 and 2008.

So the question is whether a new Contract with America would provide the extra focus and extra energy needed to change the results of the 2010 elections from the expected Republican gains to a Republican majority that will deliver.

I believe there would be a lot of advantages in October to having a contract-centered campaign if the House Republicans can work their way to a serious, collective, positive commitment.

A contract in September would be a powerful unifier for all those who are tired of the corruption and waste of Washington and the alien views of the secular socialist coalition seeking to change America radically.

Read Newt's entire article at Newsmax

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Comments

By topnt636 @ Saturday, February 06, 2010 5:35 PM

Another thought: the new Congress should commit to immediately STOP spending our Social Security money in excessive of expenses.......they need to hold the delta for future expenses, I think this one point will win over millions of Americans who know that "stealing" our SS money should be a crime !!!
It could be a game changer.

By topnt636 @ Saturday, February 06, 2010 4:31 PM

In order to help "sell" these concepts to the general public, I think the strategy needs to be one of focusing on small business. "We are doing the following to help small business". Since 2/3 of all employees work for small businesses, it is hard to argue with.........all the 10 points connect within that goal....lowering taxes, controling spending, etc. It is logical.

We must also do a better job of exposing the Progressive philosophy of Obama, when the American public understands that he thinks every problem can be solved by govt and that Reagen believed the opposite it will help them understand why HOPE does not work, only the new 10 points. What do you think??

By summerbreeze @ Saturday, February 06, 2010 12:52 AM

To RopeyGuy: I have submitted both your comments to our local Tea Party to consider as an agenda item. It would be a great rallying point to maintain momentum after the Nov. elections.

To Newt: Would repeal of the 17th Amendment be appropriate for the Contract? Probably not what with the 100-day stipulation but, please, teach us what we need to do.

By ropeyguy @ Saturday, February 06, 2010 12:08 AM

We can see at a glance how badly the intentions of the framers and the very precise language of the Constitution itself can be twisted by Senators beholden to interests outside those of their home states. Only by restoring the proper balance of competing interests created by Madison, most notably by restoring the central role of state governments as a check against overreach by the central government will the worthy reforms of many prior commentators have the opportunity to be fully implemented without being undermined. For the proper roles of federal and state governments to be restored, the 17th Amendment must be repealed. Senators seated under our original Constitutional rules would then be much more likely to further constrain the central government to its original powers, including repeal of the most Constitutionally suspect of Amendments, the 16th (Income Tax) Amendment. Even in the absence of legislative repeal of the 16th Amdt., a bold step toward Constitutional First Principles such as repeal of the 17th Amdt. may well stir the Supreme Court into viewing with greater suspicion those laws and prior rulings that are clearly at odds with the original Constitutional understanding.
What is clear is that without returning to the proper balance of interests, as envisioned by Madison, no reform, regardless of best intentions, will be long-lived.

By summerbreeze @ Friday, February 05, 2010 11:43 PM

Response to RopeyGuy: Wow, thank you for that lesson on the Constitution. I had known that a looong time ago but had forgotten it. Without that distinction (of how they're chosen) we really have representatives plus 2! What's the point?!

I want to bemoan how little most Americans know/understand our Constitution but the truth is I'm one of the foremost offenders. I'm working on it. Thanks again for the wisdom.

By ropeyguy @ Friday, February 05, 2010 10:15 PM

The ONLY Appropriations reform with any chance at actually returning sanity to the process is to repeal the 17th Amdt to the Constitution (popular election of Senators), which removed the central role of the only signatories to the Constitution, the individual states acting as soverign entities. It should be noted that this Amendment, sitting between the Income Tax (16th) and Prohibition (18th), was part of a virtual blizzard of progressive proposed changes to the Constitution and to what it was to be "an American". Without a central role for the states in federal governance, federalism will continue to wither on the vine. As Aristotle noted and Madison concurred, the states are the only polity with the needed self-interest in its own power to effectively restrain the suffocating growth of the central government. Anything less would be less effective than a band-aid.

By mcdonnell.tim@indy.gov @ Thursday, February 04, 2010 8:42 PM

A couple of things:
Term Limits - not for legislators, but for legislative leadership. If the President has term limits so too should the Speaker and the President Pro Tem. I think four year for each. There are many able-bodied leaders in both parties and some fresh ideas would be welcomed. This would be welcomed at the State and Local level in most areas also.
Religous Freedom - our country was founded on this. The prohibition of an official religion does not mean excluding ALL religion. To do so is the exact opposite of the desires of the Founding Fathers. Several of the colonies were founded by one particular sect or another. The Quakers of Pennsylvannia, Puritans of Massachusetts, etc. THIS was the reason for the seperation of church and state and we NEED to get back to allowing the free practice of our religion. Inclusion not exclusion is the answer.
I agree most Americans are distrustful of BOTH parties. The Republicans CAN regain that trust but it will take real commitment to the ideals expressed in the original contract, ideals as expressed in Speaker Gingrich's guideline.

By summerbreeze @ Thursday, February 04, 2010 12:08 PM

Re: TERM LIMITS. No, no, no! A current point of leverage with congressmen is "we'll vote you out of office." Term limits would eliminate that leverage. As I said before, "unintended consequences".

You can't legislate patriotism. Or honor, or integrity, or common sense. The Left has tried to legislate everything from fuel independence to social reform - here's a clue: IT HASN'T WORKED! At least, not to our benefit.

What will work is constant vigilance and running out of town the officials who try to screw us over. It's going to take awhile so I hope the Tea Party's can maintain the momentum well beyond November, 2010.

By nomad4dixie @ Thursday, February 04, 2010 10:26 AM

I agreee with all the points in the proposed Contract. There is one item though that I think needs to be pushed to Number 1 position. We need a Line Item Veto for the President. I don't care if we give it to Obama or whomever. The President then becomes PERSONALLY responsible for each and every pork item placed in any bill. Also Congress must then vote on these vetoed items on their own merit. If we need to spend $400,000 on researching effects of hog waste in southern Arkansas, then let each Congressperson stand and either vote yes or no on the item's merit. This would cut the budget probably by more than half. Get rid of this "good ole' boys" mentality of greasing the votes.

By Shannay @ Thursday, February 04, 2010 5:10 AM

I agree with most of what has already been said on this subject, but also want whatever Contract is created to be in agreement with the Tea Party Movement as well. I think all candidates should sign on to it. If the Republican party does not include the Tea Party, it will loose this fall and the Democrates will resume the destruction of our wonderful country.

By mkjawill @ Tuesday, February 02, 2010 9:34 PM

We already have term limits if we choose - just vote the bad ones out. Every politician isn't a crook, and it's up to us to determine which ones we want and which ones we don't. Until citizens educate themselves and act on that education, we let others control our lives. I say, get rid of any who think ANY "special" groups should get special perks. That includes ethnic, race, job, organization, income, etc. Everybody gets the same treatment; we all have the same opportunity.

By summerbreeze @ Tuesday, February 02, 2010 9:15 PM

"Please talk to people about avoiding term limits; ... we should not have to restrict our liberties in order to overcome the manipulations of the election process." ~ By Kholtze @ Tuesday, February 02, 2010 4:46 AM

BRAVO for this bit of wisdom! New rules cannot guarantee statesmanship and too often rules bring with them unintended consequences.

In the Constitution we have the tools we need to keep all 3 branches of government in check. What has been lacking is vigilance by the citizenry and that lack has allowed us to be bullied darn near into financial collapse. I say we push back - hard! After all, we are the 86%!

And that's what the Tea Party's are doing. I just hope their momentum keeps up after the 2010 elections. Newt slowed them (the Left) down but then we dropped the ball. We literally can't afford to drop it again.

By Cactus Jack @ Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:23 PM

I support bettyjo 100%, but would add to take Social Security off-budget, let the social security payments continue to fund SS and stop raiding/borrowing money from it to spend elsewhere. Then pay back what was borrowed after getting us back to a balanced budget. Put all of the federal administration on a strict zero-based budget that must be justified to continue their funding. That would probably cut the various departments in half and be a great savings to our country.
Make our borders totally safe and not allow any illegals entrance. Look at our current policies for allowing foreigners to enter our country, especially with passports from countries, that do not fight terrorism well.

By itsallgood @ Tuesday, February 02, 2010 11:42 AM

I agree with most of the comments, however I believe Bettyjo@ Sunday January 31, 2010 8:27pm is right on target on ALL accounts!!!!

By layopinions @ Tuesday, February 02, 2010 8:11 AM

Washington – or at least the perception of it – has changed since the first Contract With America was delivered. I’m not sure it would work this time around, nor am I convinced that the goal is even the right one.

You pointed out that “Americans still distrust Republicans almost as much as they fear liberal Democrats.” Until that trust is restored, any new “contract” would be nothing more than empty campaign promises. The stated goal being to “change the results of the 2010 elections” only reinforces the perception that this unenforceable “contract” expires the day after Election Day.

The goal should be to restore trust and credibility in our elected officials. Here’s a start; note that none of these requires that we are the majority party:

1) Stop dealing with lobbyists.
2) Stop earmarking bills.
3) Vote against (and don’t propose) any amendment unrelated to the bill at hand.
4) Encourage primaries, especially against incumbents, and don’t endorse any candidate beforehand. Give us a choice between the better of two Republicans in a primary rather than the lesser of two evils in a general election. Then, term limits will be unnecessary.

Until these are enforced, I cannot trust the word of any politician or party leader; so, you may as well write your “contract” on toilet tissue. When credibility is restored, a candidate’s word will be as good as any “contract.” Then, we can start talking about a platform.

By Kholtze @ Tuesday, February 02, 2010 4:46 AM

Dump the Omnibus Budget Act of 1974 and start over; try again for a line-item veto or recission power; the budgeting process needs a complete transformation.

Dump Sarbanes-Oxley; soon; probably don't even need to replace it

Please talk to people about avoiding term limits; try to find some way to ELIMINATE gerrymandering; we should not have to restrict our liberties in order to overcome the manipulations of the election process; the sovereign voice of US citizens needs to be heard clearly;

Flat tax; love your corporate tax rate; capital gains at 0% at least for some period of time;

By FB3733 @ Monday, February 01, 2010 12:41 PM

A Contract with America will be a great sucess and a must. You are correct in the fact that America has lost trust in Washington. Therefore the Contract must be:

Simple, Clear and Direct, and based on true Conservative Principals, get the Progressives out of the Republican Party,

Include the Tea Party Movement,

Focused on reducing the size of Government and the deficit by "Cutting" Government Programs and Government Spending. No Smoke and Mirriors. Just to make sure Washington understands what a "Cut" means, the funding from one year to the nexts is to be reduced, ie, $1 Billion line item acutally goes down to $700 Million the next year.

Reduce Taxes, teach America the truth about who actually pays the taxes and how tax increases actually hurts business, the middle class, and ultimately America.

Job Development in the Private Sector not Government jobs. Include business ortanzations to the discussion table and not the unions.

If Healthcare is to be part of the platform, than make it a market based solution that does not include the expansion of Government or a etitlement program,

By rtcoms @ Monday, February 01, 2010 12:31 PM

Dear Newt & Callista, Please run for President. The happiest day of my adult life would be attending your inauguration in Washington DC!

By rkcbankd @ Monday, February 01, 2010 12:09 PM

Yes to a Contract, but it must be focused on the real problem. Obama is a temporary issue that we must defeat. But, the Congress is a corrupt and failed process that must be reformed. List the major problems of America (health care cost, illegal immigration, stifling business taxation, labor costs, lagging education, energy dependency, etc., etc) and you see that none have been given objective solutions for decades -- regardless of party in power or President.
It is time to focus on creating the reforms to Congressional campaigns, elections, terms, accountability, spending limits, etc. All are well known, but none can be accomplished from within the already corrupt system.
A New Contract should outline the reforms that are essential to America's survival and prevalence in the world of tomorrow. We cannot any longer afford the kind of amoral, relativistic, blind ideology currently dominating the Congress -- much less the White House.
Draft the Contract, but limit it to the core changes essential to the Congressional PROCESS that will force all politicians to do the work of the PEOPLE and not just their PARTY. Offer every candidate of any party the opportunity to pledge adherence to the Contract -- those that don't must not be elected.

By jkyu99 @ Monday, February 01, 2010 12:24 AM

I liked the old contract too.
1. Fiscal Responsibility - Fairtax
2. Take back our streets - Secure borders
3. Personal responsibility - Welfare to work
4. American Dream restoration - No marriage tax
5. National Security - commons sense the TSA
6. Common sense legal reform - please
7. Job Creation act - the old version still makes sense
8. Citizen Legislature Act - please term limits plus each earmark must be a separate bill.
9. Family Reinforcement - still makes sense
10. Senior citizen fairness - still makes sense

By rstoeck @ Sunday, January 31, 2010 11:23 PM

To me, the most important item is a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.

With a balanced budget, people and politicians have to consider the pros and cons of all legislation. They would be forced to do cost vs. benefit analysis, consider trade-offs, debate different ideas. Instead, what they do now is spend money we do now have and that they do not have a lawful right to spend.

I think you absolutely need a new contract, because the folks are absolutely fed up with both the Dems and Reps. I quit giving to the GOP 2-3 years ago and wrote a detailed explanation why. Did I get any sort of response? No, I just continue to get 2-3 solicitations a week. I'm not giving them any more until they prove they can be trusted. Ha!

By guygibbs @ Sunday, January 31, 2010 9:43 PM

I think a new contract is a winner. I want to see something on the order of the previous contract with some new provisions to keep Americans involved.

1. Expand on the Tea Party idea, only make it something that will continue and people won't lose interest. For instance have twice year tours of the country to meet with the American people and hear how they are viewing the new Republican Administration.

2. Organize the House of Representatives so they are out in the country more often;maybe 4 times a year. Let them record the gatherings with individual people on video that talk about what is happening.

3. Help people to know what is going on in government with providing information that causes them to remember who the Vice President is, who their Congressman is, who the Chief Justice is, etc. Then help people to understand why it is important to support the candidate fo their choice with money as well as their vote. Help people to get involved in the election by campaigning door-to-door.

This is just a start. But it might get people to stay in touch with the government.

Dempsey Gibbs

By FWWolf @ Sunday, January 31, 2010 9:32 PM

Being a staunch Independent I see what most people don't in both political parties.Neither the Repubs or Dems need a new contract of any kind until they uphold the old one/s to their fullest. Let's hope that happens sometime before the end of 2012.

By Bettijo @ Sunday, January 31, 2010 8:27 PM

I know it is not practical to put all of this in the "Contract." But these are the things that concern me. Please consider them.

I am totally behind this contract and have read many excellent ideas posted here. Many of my ideas have already been advanced, but I am repeating them here because they are important to me and to lots of my friends. I am a Tea Party Patriot who, at age 75, attended the 9/12 DC March.

1. Pass the FAIR TAX. I live in John Linder’s district and am a big supporter of the Fair Tax. It would solve so many of our problems. You know what they are and others have enumerated them, but one of the most important is that it would give our economy a boost and promote job growth immediately. It would bring back jobs which have been shipped overseas and would encourage investments.
2. Strict adherence to the Constitution of the United States of America. Reduce the size and power of the Federal government. Hold the Federal government to the limited powers granted under the Constitution; I think there are only 18. Don’t allow these powers to be misinterpreted; i.e. interstate commerce means only “keep the commerce flowing” and has nothing to do with health care.
3. Secure our borders and start sending illegals home. We can do the exodus slowly by just sending home the ones who get in trouble with the law. Why should taxpayers pay to incarcerate them?
4. Require a picture id to vote.
5. Discourage (instead of encourage) union membership. Unions are at the root of many of our problems; i.e., the auto industry collapse (although to be honest the management at the “Big 3” contributed by acquiescing to union demands).
6. Require anyone applying for any Federal position or job (from mail room clerk to President of the United States) to produce a valid birth certificate, a copy of which will remain in their personnel file.
7. Term limits—a maximum of 12 years service in House or Senate. No retirement other than something like a 401k. (I taught school for 35 years and the only retirement I have is what I accumulated in my 403b account.) Maybe I should have run for Congress instead?
8. Elected officials must live under the same laws they pass for the electorate. (Madison mentioned this in the Federalist Papers, #57, I think.)
9. Get Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid under control. This will be painful. Bush tried to do this for Social Security and almost got booted out of office for his effort, but if he had succeeded just think how much better off we all would be today; especially our children’s generation (the 40-somethings).
10. Require a balanced budget at the federal level, with allowances for war and maybe natural catastrophes. Congressman Nathan Deal from Georgia has a wonderful bill in Congress right now. It requires a pay cut for elected officials each year the federal budget is not balanced. That should give lawmakers some incentives.
11. Judges who do not adhere to strict construction of the Constitution as the Founders wrote and intended it shall immediately be removed from office and banned from serving on the bench.
12. Require a separate bill for each subject being passed; i.e., don’t allow some other unrelated matter to be attached to a bill before Congress.
13. Do not allow any bribes or threats to influence legislature; i.e., the second Louisiana purchase. This type of activity must be made illegal and the perpetrator (Reid) held accountable. He should be expelled from the Senate and maybe indicted. This type behavior really infuriates the voters.
14. Limit all Congressional travel to absolute need; do not allow Pelosi to take half of San Francisco to Copenhagen at tax payer expense. In fact, don’t even allow Pelosi to go at tax pay expense.
15. Get out of the UN and get the UN out of America.
16. Drill here, drill now. Energy independence is of utmost importance.
17. All recipients of welfare must pass random drug screening. One fail test and off the welfare roll; no tolerance.
18. Reaffirm individual rights to liberty and property - save Americans from abuses of eminent domain and communistic social engineering programs.
19. All enemy combatants, whether captured on US soil or overseas, must be tried in Military tribunals at Gitmo or somewhere else not in the US which undermines our safety and our ability to preserve national security.
20. Make the legislative process transparent and hold politicians accountable: all bills in their finalized form must be available on the Internet for at least seven days prior to votes, require all congressmen to certify they have read the bill and eliminate ear marks and unrelated add-ons to bills (no health care legislation on defense budget bills etc)
21. English is the official language of the US
22. Reaffirm individual rights to liberty and property - save Americans from abuses of eminent domain and communistic social engineering programs.
23. Outlaw redistributionist policies. Taxes shall only be for public purposes - defense, education, roads, and law enforcement. Charity is the work of communities and individuals, not the government
24. Scale back welfare. Make individuals responsible for themselves. We teach them to fish rather than give them the fish mentality.
25. Establish trade schools everywhere. Teach everything from plumbing, electrical, carpentry, automotive mechanics, hairdressing, medical technician, etc. to enable the non-college educated to obtain a salable skill. Not all people should go to college, but all people should have a skill in order to support themselves. Actually some plumbers I know make more than English majors who can’t even find a job. Forget Obama’s plan to send everyone to college. That is simply not practical or desirable. This creates a caste system when we need to teach people to respect ALL honest labor.
26. We do need health INSURANCE reform, but not health care reform. I concur with ideas already on the table about tort reform, elimination of state barriers, favorable tax laws (of course if we get Fair Tax this will be a moot point), etc.

Recently I have been doing some research on the cost to taxpayers of the Federal Government. I was shocked to find there are almost 500 people employed at the White House! In addition (may be some overlap) I found 1,072 people on payroll of Executive and Legislative Branches who, together, make over $1 billion annually. The Czars and their staffs make over $18 million (and I counted only 22 czars, I know there are closer to 40). Add to that Michelle Obama's staff of 22 totaling $1.5 million annually and we are over $1.2 trillion just in Washington. No wonder our government is in financial trouble. This is a good place to start cutting costs.

By BCutshall @ Sunday, January 31, 2010 5:06 PM

Dear Newt, a Contract is a must. More now than in '94. I throw away all RNC solicitations and will continue until get serious and get behind a Contract of concrete, common-sense, positive alternatives to Obama train wreck. You have don't a great job at CHT and you have already given much in service to our country. I urge you and Callista to take the lead. (It ain't going to come from the RNC!). Take the lead because you are exactly the right person at exactly the precise moment in time to lead the counter-revolution against those who destroy the great experiment that is the United States of America. I will do my part and I hope you will use your considerable gifts in this great cause. God Bless.

By Mike F @ Sunday, January 31, 2010 9:56 AM

No person or entity is "To Big to Fail". GM (Govenrnent Motors) is still draining our resources and Ford reported a huge profit.

By lugan @ Sunday, January 31, 2010 8:55 AM

And one more thing ............... the TEA Party Express may be a good "Town Marshall" to help keep the GOP's 'feet to the fire' when it comes to TRUE Consevativism and hugging the U.S. Constitution. I am a member and anyone who wants this country TRULY re-built should join as well. They are the true power of the American voter. "We won't get fooled again?"

By lugan @ Sunday, January 31, 2010 8:42 AM

I was one of the people who wrote to Newt about a NEW contract sometime AFTER the 2008 act of stupidity by American voters.

My outline in the "contract" would require:
1) Get out of the UN
2) Get the UN out of here
3) Close down the USELESS Dep. of Energy
4) Abolish the Federal Reserve ( # 1 ? )
5) Drill here. We have it.
6) Get out of the Middle East
7) Close down our borders and "sweep"
8) Stop ALL foreign aid
9) Get our troops out of Korea
10)A nat'l ID for immigrants who seek jobs
11)Term limits for senate & congress ( #2?)
12)Jail all ACLU members. They are lawyers
There is MORE, but, this would get us back on the right track, for sure.

By Jay Getty @ Sunday, January 31, 2010 1:45 AM

1) 14 Constitutional Amendments:

A) Not legal to import crude oil from the mid east.
The USA must be energy independent.

B) Replace income tax with national sales tax.

C) One nation under G-d.
All religions tolerant of other religions welcome.
No religion may be practiced in the USA that attempts to limit free speech to criticize any aspect of any religion.

D) No one can be in the executive or legislative branch that is/has been/and never can be: employed by oil companies, weapons manufacturers, or Banks.

F) All bills of Congress except the budget must deal with only one subject/"pork" is not legal.

G) Marriage is between a man and a woman.
The states may grant others rights but other States do not have to recognize other unions.

H) Drugs must be taxed and regulated.

I) Prisons are only for: murderers/assault, rapist, and thieves. All other offenses must be dealt with outside of prison.

J) Judges may only consider the USA when deciding cases.

K) The budget must be balanced.

L) Abolish the Federal Reserve and replace it with an independent government agency that prints the money!

M) The constitution can not be changed by treaty.

N) Photo ID required to vote in any election.

O) English is the official language of the US.

P) Governors, Congressmen, and Presidents must take questions from callers whose questions are not screened for at least two hours per month on radio or TV.

They can only be elected/run for office by participating in debates on radio/TV. The public should vote off the stage the morons and narrow the field to the viable candidates through a system of internet voting.

By phyzics @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 11:47 PM

Clean and simple...Term Limits to career politicians at a single post, Limits to the size and scope of Bills to prevent the "pork" AND actually living within a "budget".
Mr Gingrich, I truely think you're OUR best hope in 2012...consider Condi Rice as your VP!

By misterc @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 11:19 PM

Well Mr Ginrich, talk is cheap, promises are empty. I am more concerned about real jobs. There is no point in 'creating jobs' without blocking corporations from off shoring the work to avoid paying US taxes and get cheap labor. There is no point in creating 100 low paying jobs that the employer will only let you work 30 hrs a week to avoid supplying health insurance as many do under both Republican and Democratic leadership. So if you are going to 'creat jobs', than in the same breath take away corporate America's loophole to off shore them. That would be difficult for Republicans to do since Corporate America bank rolls the 'party'. This article really opens the understanding to a degree of your intentions. You have the backbone and the iniative to drive on. I seriously doubt any Republican's intention to concern themselves with re-employing America but then neither does the opposition. Politicians think money grows on trees...... To illustrate my point, Pres Obamma talks about 'high speed railroads' to generate American jobs but they want to use European manufactured trains- so what is the point. We had a manufacturing base but it is gone. It is gone because politicians on both sides do not care about the American worker. Then you expect the 'American worker' to finance all the elusive dreams through taxation. There are some ignored loopholes in your contract which make it useless unless patched.
Your advisors have more work to do.

By GrandmaNRichmond @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 9:52 PM

Dear Newt,
After reading through a lot of the comments, I would like to add mine. I have been a lifelong Republican, as are my parents. But, after this last election, I wrote Michael Steele and told him no more. I told him that unless and until I could tell the difference between the Republicans and Democrats not to contact me again about contributing. Needless to say, he either didn't get the letter or he doesn't care. Our country deserves better than to have to pick the lesser of two evils. I don't think John McCain is evil -- I just don't think he understands the frustrations that many of us have regarding some key issues.
1. Immigration - stop it now. Stop all entitlements to those who cannot prove they are here legally.
2. Any laws/bills passed by Congress must be abided by them - healthcare, perks, etc.
3 All monies wired out of this country should be subject to a 35% tax.
4. Welfare - ALL recipents are subject to random drug testing. If positive for drugs, welfare stops immediately and any children will be placed in foster care.
5. Congress should only meet for a short time (2-4 months) each year. This was never supposed to be a full time job.
Thank you for letting me "bend your ear".

By ClancyGA @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 9:00 PM

1. A good contract would be to eliminate the automatic pay raises for congress.
2. Eliminate the retirement checks for those members that are or have been in jail.
3. Let the members pay for their own car and do away with the leases they now have.
4. Stipulate that ANY bill they vote in be adhered to by them FIRST.

By VirtueSeeker @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 7:43 PM

A new Contract with America must be able to build trust in us and our Party. We need to keep it simple and address the major errors that our current and future economic well-being demand.

The primary concerns of our people are:

1. Jobs
If you lose your job due to the economy, everything you value is at risk.
2. Housing Foreclosures
Refinancing of existing loans is nearly impossible, even for good loan risks. More funds, and realistic regulations need to be adjusted to help stem the tide of foreclosures.
3. Loans for Small Business and Housing
Move funds from bailing out those companies who caused our problems to banks and lenders who will give them to small businesses.

4. Excessive expansion of Government

Stop creating more government jobs and focus on helping the private sector create good jobs.

5. Reduction of Government spending

Stop the Pork! Make each law stand on it's own merits and be separate from unrelated issues. Do not create massive step changes in the economy which is always destructive. Place effective controls on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, so bad loans can not be passed on to us without recourse.

6. Financial stability and accountability

Stop passing Federal Laws that are not funded. Be realistic in what we can afford. Recognize that taxes on corporations are paid by us, the consumer.

7. Take into account the effects of world trade and globalization in our near and long term policies. This will require education of our representatives and the public, as many of the effects, such as job outsourcing are not understood and the impacts are not effectively addressed and mitigated.

8. Restore and encourage Private Virtue, upon which Public Virtue depends (ref. Ben Franklin)

Trust has been broken, and will take a lot of time and effort to restore. But, the opportunity to do so is now. We must not waste it.

By Hot @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 7:10 PM

All those ideas sound good but you have to remember, WE LIVE IN A COMMUNIST, DICTATOR and CORRUPT COUNTRY.

Keep wishing but until we have a revolution and oust the thugs all your wishes will be just that, wishes.

By hovey2131 @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 6:26 PM

Go with a new contract, great idea
1. Energy independence
2. Medicare fix - multiyear study effort with one day a month of debate on House floor each month until something passes.
3. Regulate derivatives, force all "major" transactions onto an exchange with data output like the NYSE.
4. Get the Fed out of politics, back to banks
5. Glass Stegal back (sp?)
6. Tax breaks for companies with less than 5 employees and less than $10 million annual gross revenue.
7. Enforce current immigration law. Set penalties for states that do not.

By gregorija @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 5:13 PM

1. Decrease all tax rates by 5%
2. Eliminate the MOST useless 10% (at least) government departments/bureaus
3. incentives (of every kind) to new business owners
4. Pay freeze for the president, House and Senate for 10 years
5. All members of the House and Senate take a week off "work" without pay every year for 5 years

By jimmydxyz @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 5:12 PM

A contract is all well and good, but with teflon politicians, how do you enforce it? Do you get removed from office if you are not living up to the terms of the contract, or do you make excuses and keep violating the contract? That is the big problem with a contract.
As I see it, a majority of politicians (all flavors) are only out for themselves and don't give a damm about the country and the constitution.
In order to change that, all politicians need to swear allegiance to God the constitution.
Without either, nothing will ever change!

By dentalddoc @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 4:19 PM

One of the top 10 actions in the new contract needs to be the immigration issue. We need to close our borders to illegal immigration and the cost to taxpayers. We can not provide free healthcare, social security, etc. to illegal immigrants in this country.

By ajwest @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 4:03 PM

10 key topics listed in proposed contract are closer to political platform goals, which fall short of what is needed. I submit that what any New Contract with America must set forth its fundamental commitment to:

1. protect and preserve all Articles of the Constitution as written
2. promote and uphold a fundamental interpretation of each of the Bill of Rights
3. restore equality of the law, uphold the rule of law and due process of law
4. systematically review and overturn abuses of Constitutional separation of powers
5. require Constitutional education as part of the A.D.P. for education of all citizens
6. posture the national treasury to be self-sufficient and fiscally responsible
7. review all policies and proclamations that have encroached upon Constitutional powers and authorities reserved to the State and the People, as originally set forth
8. build upon the educational program at Hillsdale College to bring competency to the citizens of America, so they see the historical scars of attempts to circumvent the Constitution and understand the need to read, write, think, and speak critically
9. act responsibly and with a full sense of direct accountability in all decisions
10. protect and uphold the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, regardless of whether any public office is held, as this is the new cornerstone of American citizenship

By JeffreyMoore @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 2:57 PM

A Contract with America will not fundamentally change politicians who are only in office to keep their jobs. Why not promote and elect people who are in favor of sound, helpful, godly principles and who have the heart of a servant?

By jwiant @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 2:37 PM

Let's replace the entire House of Representatives with true representatives of the PEOPLE:
www.GOOOH.com

By summerbreeze @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 1:52 PM

Please be cautious about recommending changes to the Constitution. Part of the Leftist Agenda is re-writing, or preferably scrapping, our Constitution. It is ill-advised to open that door at a time when so many Leftists are in power. (And they ARE Leftists and they ARE in power.)

It is natural to want safeguards but the fact is you ARE the safeguard. The tools you need to defend and protect our dear nation are already in the Constitution. All it takes is your standing up and insisting those principles be adhered to.

Our problems started when most Americans were busy with their lives and not paying much attention to how Washington was ravaging the principles that made us strong in the first place. I urge you to study our founding principles and let real understanding of those principles guide our way out of this mess.

Our Constitution is not a scribble pad on which to make notes for the day. It is a founding document to be revered, studied, understood and adhered to zealously. So to all who have commented here I say, "Carry on, Brave Warrior, but leave our Constitution alone!"

By pizzipie @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 1:38 PM

tcwalther79 posted the following on 29 Jan 2010:

Excellent. Thank you tcwalther79.

My comments follow.

" I think that since Republicans have proven themselves to be only slightly less bad than Democrats, the proper way is for America to present its politicians with a contract: www.contractfromamerica.com

1) Pass the Fair Tax, repeal the 16th amendment and abolish the IRS

2) Term limits for Congressmen: 6 terms for Representatives, 3 terms for Senators (no more than 18 years total in either house)

3) Make the legislative process transparent and hold politicians accountable: 7 days public viewing of all bills in their finalized form prior to votes, require all congressmen to certify they have read the bill and eliminate ear marks and unrelated add-ons to bills (no health care legislation on defense budget bills etc)

4) No retirement plan for congressmen - it is a vocation and a civic duty, not a career! If you are too incompetent to succeed anywhere but in elected office, you don't need to be there either.

5) English is the official language of the US

6) The US constitution is the supreme law of our land - no treaty, international law or organization and certainly not the UN shall ever supersede it.

7) Judges who do not adhere to strict construction of the Constitution as the Founders wrote and intended it shall immediately be removed from office and banned from serving on the bench.

8) Photo ID required to vote in any election. Voter fraud must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

9) Reaffirm individual rights to liberty and property - save Americans from abuses of eminent domain and communistic social engineering programs.

10) Outlaw redistributionist policies. Taxes shall only be for public purposes - defense, education, roads, law enforcement. Charity is the work of communities and individuals, not the government "

My comments to the above are:

Contract MUST repeal all the flawed bills the Administration has and is likely to have written before we could act. Contract MUST immediately rescind all funding for the above and return money to lenders and the US Treasury.

Abolish all "Czar" positions and any like them.

Re:

#1 Along with the IRS abolish the Federal Reserve.
#2 Term limits - Too long by 1/2.
#3 Make a 30 day review period. ANY bill should be limited to ONE SUBJECT ONLY. It should be required that the bill be written at the 10th grade level so most regular people can understand it!!

I think the Republicans must begin NOW, this week, to begin the process of weeding out all of the PROGRESSIVE REPUBLICANS and to join with the TEA PARTY ORGANIZATIONS to present a united front with a ContractFromAmerica. Waiting until September is way too late. As a country we must get back to a Republic. We must throw off the shackles of the Progressive Movement that we have let ourselves get drawn into through our own apathy and return to Constitutional Law, not case law.

By pbierre @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 12:51 PM

The Contract is a great idea. On "Jobs, Jobs, Jobs", I think you need to explicitly say the mistake of Bush's tax-cut policy was that it grew jobs phenomenally...in places other than the U.S., and for hordes of newly arriving immigrants.
Therefore, under the Contract, job-creation incentives will only apply to jobs being filled by U.S. citizens. With all the global hiring and supply-chain choices available to companies, it no longer follows that non-specific tax-cuts translate into domestic job creation.

By itzapie@aol.com @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 12:30 PM

The one big problem I have with waiting until September is that many of the Republicans who got us in this mess are still in office and many hold leadership positions. We need them defeated in the primaries. It will be too easy for them to pull a 'me too' attitude in Sept.

By PJT1949 @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 12:08 PM

I agree with everything in your new contract with America. one thing is missing, though--a bill to establish the FAIR TAX.

By MADASH*** @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 11:57 AM

Can some one please tell me why none of the Republicans or independents have started impeachment proceedings against Obama and recall proceedings against Pelosi and Reid? After watching Newt's video on all the ways Obama has broken the Constitution, my question is why hasn't he started the aforementioned actions?

By gabriele @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 11:45 AM

We need neither conservatives nor Liberals. For governing a country well there is nothing better than moderation. The mark of a moderate is freedom from his own ideas. Then he can care for the peoples welfare as a mother for her child. Moderate's can work together for the peoples good.

By wytex2 @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 11:41 AM

In light of recent intensified efforts from the Left to force a take over of government in the U.S. it seems obvious that the Republican Party should & must mount a serious campaign to return to the core conservative principles of our Founders.
There is no better place to start than with a strict interpretation of the Tenth Amendment. The federal government simply has been wielding too much power over the American people for which it has no Constitutional authority.

I would also like to propose a Constitutional Amendment mandating that the Congress of the U.S. not be able to make nor finance any law to which it exempts its own members, neither be able to set or adjust compensation for its own members without the prior approval of the States represented.

If we the people are to regain the power of self-governance through our elected representatives, we absolutely must begin by restoring the constitutionally guaranteed rights as provided by our Founders.

By Independent69 @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 11:26 AM

Development of the Contract is a great idea. As Gov. Palin has said, Tea Party members and Republicans need to work together within a reformed, responsive Republican Party to make our govt. truly representative again. The Tea Party already has a contract developed which I have not read, but will certainly be interested in.

My own priorities include examining the Fair Tax with prebate exempting sales on life necessities up to poverty level. Concerns would include whether revenues would adequately fund our military, public health, border control, FBI, and other essential services. Determine what are essential federal services.

The last 2 administrations have featured appointed positions and letting govt. contracts as political and family payoffs, often with limited or no auditing procedures. This corrupt practice needs to be stopped in its tracks. All govt. expenditures and programs/agencies must be subject to annual audits conducted according to good and workmanlike procedures.

We need strict border security on all borders for our safety from terrorists and drug gangs as well as protection for our jobs. We should have 'zero' outsourcing as a matter of law for both govt. and private employers. In times of low unemployment this would be a hard sell, I know; but 17% unemployment, including underemployed and those who have given up, is a national crisis.

Harry Laughman's recommended #9 resonates with me--US companies relocated abroad, who ship goods back to US, should be taxed 100% at port before their goods are offloaded. They cannot pass the tax off to US consumers.

My addition to that would be incentives for those companies to return to US soil, to strengthen America and provide jobs for American workers. I would like to see both workers and executives restrain their incomes and benefits to reasonable levels.

The nominating process in the political parties should exactly mirror general election policies and practices, VERY IMPORTANTLY including ONE VOTE, ONE VOTER in the counting process--NO WEIGHTING OF CERTAIN VOTE RESULTS FOR ANY TYPE OF ADVANTAGE WHATSOEVER. This may require a Constitutional Amendment stating that candidate nomination is an integral and essential part of the voting process, and nomination votes may only proceed on Constitutional procedures and guarantees for general elections. This would eliminate partisan agendas from prejudicing nomination vote results. Freedom of speech is guaranteed in the campaign process just as in other aspects of our lives.
I was never able to obtain what advantage in vote credits Obama received from weighted nomination vote count results.

Term limits are also important to me, and frank and open govt. policies and negotiations, including lawmaking.

We must balance our budget and pay down our debt to remain a viable economy and world leader for democracy. Both of these goals would be strongly assisted by Energy Independence now, with consistent growth of a Green Energy future. We need to strengthen and protect our economy as we move toward greater use of green energy.

It was great to read all the comments, and I certainly agree with most of them. Thank you, Newt, for undertaking this and providing us with the opportunity to contribute.

By bbutler247 @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 11:23 AM

Newt,
First, thanks for being the torch-bearer for conservatives that you are.
I am 63 years old and a military retiree. I have been a lifelong conservative and have voted Republican when I could honestly support the candidate.
I like the idea of a new contract, but I also believe that the anger and frustration of the American voter has created an acute distrust of those in power - regardless of party affiliation. Change will come as a result of the 2010/2012 elections in some form, but I cannot see a clear formula for the Republican platform as the party now stands. The culture of political power among our elected officials HAS to be replaced by a culture of service, both to the country and to the constitution. In order to achieve this, in my opinion, congress must accept realistic term limits, move the country back toward the center-right, and take the tax burden and regulations off of the taxpayers and American enterprise. Being an advocate of these three planks will propel any candidate to the forefront in either election.
I think you should take a leadership role in the 2012 election, mainly because of your dedication to constitutional government, but also because of your knowledge and articulate manner. I would support your candidacy, should you decide to run.
H.P. "Butch" Butler, USN Ret.

By jonrod @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 11:11 AM

I agree entirely with the proposal. But another item needs to be added. THE FAIR TAX PROPOSAL. In my opinion this should be the first bill proposed by Congress.

By TrillionT @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 11:05 AM

A "BINDING CONTRACT" would be a start. We MUST "get over" the Two Party illusion. We MUST identify the "Progressives" in Both Parties.
Above all, WE MUST change the System so "GOOD PEOPLE" can run for office. Does "HOBSON'S CHOICE" curl your blood?

By wbracken @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 10:27 AM

Thanks for all you do.... Where is the President on immigration? For that matter, where are our Republican Party, Senators, aCongressmen on immigration. Not a word in State of theNation and no criticism from Republican Resonse. Please don't let immigration et lost!

By Hot @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 9:44 AM

Why a new contract when NO ONE in government plays by the rules?

All talk is what this is.
When the government is ABOVE the law NOTHING will ever get better.

Contract is what we need alright but on who?

By nickyboy @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 9:24 AM

New vs. RENEW
Maybe it is semantics to some but using the term "make a new contract" makes the original a gimmick rather than a real contract, which was lost sight of.

By nickyboy @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 9:17 AM

not new...RENEW
A New Contract is worthless if you did not keep the first. It is a joke really. Why make a joke out of a covenant or vow? We don't need a new contract. A lasting contract is the reaffirming of the original. It is not even ten years old. Refresh, recommit, admit to broken promises.

Renew the original contract.

By abean @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 8:58 AM

The FairTax needs to be top billing in the new contract.

Switching our federal tax system from an income tax to a sales tax will broaden the tax base when we can also collect tax revenue from those with accumulated wealth (who have very little annual income to tax), millions of foreign visitors who come here to work or vacation, millions of illegals, 3 trillion dollars that is untaxed from the underground economy which includes illegal trades plus the unreported or under-reported cash transactions.

The FairTax brings back jobs by removing the corporate tax which is currently forcing U.S. manufacturing jobs off shore because they can't compete with the other manufacturing countries who do have a border adjustable tax system.

The FairTax will encourage savings in U.S. banks. Currently there are trillions of U.S. dollars in off shore banks where capital gains are not taxed. According to economists these dollars will return to our banks within months which will help grow our economy when banks have money to loan for business, home purchases, education.

The estimated $400 billion a year that is spent by businesses and individuals to comply with the income tax code will be reduced by 90 percent. Dollars that can then be invested, saved, or spent.... which builds the economy.

Small business will thrive without the burden of the current system.

Learn about the prebate which protects all citizens from paying any taxes on the necessities of life up to the poverty level of spending..... and more at www.FairTax.org.

By ca @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 8:17 AM

yes, we need a new contract with america but update the name and include only those things that actually can be accomplished during a congressional session like drill here drill now, eliminate earmarks from bills, balance the budget etc. some things are way too difficult to complete like instituting the fair tax which will take a number of years to enact.

By dontreadonme99 @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 6:38 AM

A contract with America is an excellent idea. It would (should) eliminate all the flip - flopping that goes on during a campaign. It should also simplify the message the canidate has to the American people by keeping it simple and consistent and in writing - like any good contract would.

By MarionD @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 1:53 AM

I agree with your new Contract with America and the timing. I would add that there be NO earmarks and insurance available across state lines. Someone must be a spokesman or spokesmen for a plan.

By jpatrickham @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 12:43 AM

Their would be no better time as now to rekindle the flame of another "Contract with America." What better way, to bring all people who just want honesty in government again. Bring the Tea Party movement, and the Conservative, sprinkled with some disgruntled Democrats. What better way to bring our Country back to it's people.

By ktozierjr @ Saturday, January 30, 2010 12:39 AM

As of late it seems as though the republicans and democrats are starting to look the same with simply a different letter behind there name. I have been a Republican ever since voting. I must say the fiscal irresponsibility of the Republican Party has got to stop. What ever happened to this concept of a fiscally conservative Republican. Did they all die? or has the party been infiltrated by posers out to destroy the United States?

By brookjax @ Friday, January 29, 2010 11:19 PM

My father was involved in Newt's first two successful campaigns, when East Point was still in his district, so I have always been a supporter. There are many good ideas proposed to add to the new Contract or Declaration of Principles. My comments pertain to those I think are most important.

1. Energy Independence: emphasis on converting from oil-based energy by developing alternative energy, including natural gas, clean coal, more nuclear, and domestic sources such as tar sands and offshore drilling. If Europe can use nuclear energy safely, we can too. Cut off our payments to Arab oil despots.

2. Military trials only for enemy combatants captured overseas; no domestic show trials which endanger our national security personnel and secrets.

3. Possibly deserving to be the first on the list: no more earmarks of any kind. Where appropriations are made to promote projects, they should be funded by block grants which are awarded competitively after proposals are submitted through a public process. We should pledge to eliminate all earmarks, including those like the ones in the 2009 Stimulus bill which the Dems deny were earmarks, but which look like earmarks to everyone else.

4. Term limits are appealing, but lets not get caught and put at a disadvantage. Lets propose a Constitutional Amendment for this, so that it applies to the entire Congress, not just those who choose to take the pledge, who are usually the better ones. Term limits could also be applied fairly if they were on a state by state basis.

By tcwalther79 @ Friday, January 29, 2010 10:53 PM

I think that since Republicans have proven themselves to be only slightly less bad than Democrats, the proper way is for America to present its politicians with a contract: www.contractfromamerica.com

1) Pass the Fair Tax, repeal the 16th amendment and abolish the IRS

2) Term limits for Congressmen: 6 terms for Representatives, 3 terms for Senators (no more than 18 years total in either house)

3) Make the legislative process transparent and hold politicians accountable: 7 days public viewing of all bills in their finalized form prior to votes, require all congressmen to certify they have read the bill and eliminate ear marks and unrelated add-ons to bills (no health care legislation on defense budget bills etc)

4) No retirement plan for congressmen - it is a vocation and a civic duty, not a career! If you are too incompetent to succeed anywhere but in elected office, you don't need to be there either.

5) English is the official language of the US

6) The US constitution is the supreme law of our land - no treaty, international law or organization and certainly not the UN shall ever supersede it.

7) Judges who do not adhere to strict construction of the Constitution as the Founders wrote and intended it shall immediately be removed from office and banned from serving on the bench.

8) Photo ID required to vote in any election. Voter fraud must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

9) Reaffirm individual rights to liberty and property - save Americans from abuses of eminent domain and communistic social engineering programs.

10) Outlaw redistributionist policies. Taxes shall only be for public purposes - defense, education, roads, law enforcement. Charity is the work of communities and individuals, not the government

By Pioneer Girl @ Friday, January 29, 2010 10:15 PM

I agree with most of the above comments. The contract with America was a great idea. It won. The congress acted on much of it and then forgot about it and the republicans lost their way. Cannot let it happen again. The country is waking up. Don't leave out Rush and Hannity and Glenn, O'Riely, and many more good thinkers and communicators. The opposition on the left is sponsored by professionals with a near criminal mindset and will twist and change on a dime to trap the right. God save America. We must take back the entertainment and news media and the culture( schools, colleges and universities, Teacher colleges, and all the "tastemakers") or we won't keep the political momentum. I watch, I listen, I read, but I am only one vote. The T Party is ready to get behind candidates who we can trust. No progressives in conservative clothing.

By collins1928 @ Friday, January 29, 2010 8:58 PM

In 1994, and for the first time, I contributed to Newt and his contract for america. Not a big contribution, but it hurt. Time to do it again. Right on!

By ebrockschmidt @ Friday, January 29, 2010 8:52 PM

i Suggest enlisting David Horowitz to assist in drafting a new TIMELY AND NEEDED CONTRACT under Newt's unparalleld leadership. Include provision to re-evaluate political jobs compensation, ELIMINATING EXCESSIVE PENSIONS and REMOVING CONTROL from POLITICAL VOTING, usingfrquently changing committees instead.

By MacWell @ Friday, January 29, 2010 7:34 PM

All the posts here are helpful and much should be considered. IMHO, until we fix Americans, we're swimming up river. The average person with a high school diploma doesn't understand how our government even works. The media try's to intimidate people with their ivy-league language, (not meant for common people), they continue to cover up the largest fraud in American history. Richard Nixon and watergate paled by comparison. The biggest sin is that Obama will never be held accountable, there's just too many people to blame.
Patrick Henry
"Bad men cannot make good citizens. A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience are incompatible with freedom."

By FCanary @ Friday, January 29, 2010 7:05 PM

Newt,

Part of a new contract with American must include these 5 Pledges and each Republican running for office must sign and uphold these basic principles:

1. I believe in a balanced budget and therefore will vote for a freeze in government spending until that goal is realized.

2. I believe government should not increase the financial burden on its citizenry during a difficult economic times, therefore I will oppose all tax increases until our economy has rebounded.

3. I believe more than four decades of US dependence on foreign oil is a travesty, therefore I will support an energy plan that calls for immediately increasing usage of all domestic resources including nuclear energy, natural gas and coal.

4. I believe in the sovereignty and security of our country and therefore will support measures to close our borders except for designated immigration points so we will know who is entering and why. I will vehemently oppose any measure giving another country, the United Nations, or any other entity power over US citizens.

5. I believe the United States of America is the greatest country on earth and therefore will not apologize for policies or actions which have served to free more and feed more people around the world than any other nation on the planet.

Another point in a new contract with America is how will the Republican Party will ensure Honesty is restored to each office that a Republican holds. A good start is for each Republican cadidate to read and study our founding fathers and what they stood for and to uphold the consitution of the United States!

Sincerely,

Frank Canary
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

By dabalot11 @ Friday, January 29, 2010 6:38 PM

I would like to see a law that restricts law makers from slipping other issues into laws that are passing only to hide them from the general public... have seen and heard this done in so many bills, this should be illegal for them to do this.. It is a good reason so many of us do not trust those in Washington...

By dukeoftralee @ Friday, January 29, 2010 6:33 PM

A ever expanding Federal, State and Local government demanding that it be supported by a ever shrinking, over taxed, over regulated private sector. At what point do you drink the kool-aide and eat the government cheese!!

By Citizen Sumner @ Friday, January 29, 2010 6:29 PM

Unless there are provisions about teaching the Constitution and nation's founding to citizens, and especially legislators, then any victory, no matter how huge, will only be temporary.

I'm personally interested in the Tea Party Patriots' Contract FROM America. http://www.contractfromamerica.com/Idea.aspx

By Barman1954 @ Friday, January 29, 2010 6:16 PM

Newt,

On Campaign reform, have the monies donated be transparent, be posted on the Internet in real time.
Have the Senate, and the House only receive say 90-95 % of their contributions come from their districts and or States they are serving.

That way they will be in touch more with the PEOPLE they are Representing, and not be bought off, beholding to Special Interests.

It will see how they can handle money in their Campaign.
If you get less donations, you spend less.

It will keep Representing for the Common people instead of the Privileged.

Once they get the 90-95% they may get other contributions, Corporations, PACS, ETC. ?

By ajackson1936 @ Friday, January 29, 2010 5:58 PM

A good start will be to do the following:
Read II Chronicles7:14--then do it.

By eastmech @ Friday, January 29, 2010 5:56 PM

I agree with term limits and cutting Congressional perks. I also agree with the Fair Tax. Congress members also need to be reminded that they are there to serve the wants of their constituents, and not there to give us what they think is better for us. Tehy work for us...

By Colarik @ Friday, January 29, 2010 5:47 PM

Dear Newt,

I have stayed silent for some time watching and learning.

Throughout all the discourse and discussions, I have come to one very simple conclusion that I think you NEED to address.

Government as we know it does not function as it must. It is an entity outside the people that lives off the people. It is so complex and so self-absorbed that reform is an illusion in its current state. The very mechanisms that exist to bring “real change” by either party are broken.

If you are serious about a new contract with America, the first and most important item is government accountability and uniformity. Not just transparency, but all laws passed apply to all branches of the government at all levels.

Let me share with you an experience I had during the break of a radio show I was doing on terrorism. The hosts joked about water-boarding in a friendly manner and I made a simple statement. What I said was “I think if water-boarding is to be used legally then every person who votes for it should have to have experienced it”. The hosts laughed at the notion that most of congress and the executive branch would be water-boarded. Then they realized the truth of my statement. Needless to say, I was never invited back to this show.

The House, Senate, and Executive branches must be held to the same laws that we the people are held. Frankly, this should be in the form of a constitutional amendment. If they then seek to pass a law that cannot be uniformly applied to all people, the courts will strike it down.

If you want to win the hearts and minds of the people, develop a strategy of substance towards this end.

With Kind Regards,

Andrew

By pmc847 @ Friday, January 29, 2010 5:40 PM

We need to find a Senator to introduce this bill in the US Senate and a Representative to introduce a similar bill in the US House. These people will become American hero's..

***********************************

Congressional Reform Act of 2010

1. Term Limits: 12 years only, one of the possible options below.

A. Two Six year Senate terms
B. Six Two year House terms
C. One Six year Senate term and three Two Year House terms

2. No Tenure / No Pension:

A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security:

All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, Congress participates with the American people.

4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans.

5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

6. Congress looses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American people.

8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void effective 1/1/11 .

The American people did not make this contract with congressmen, congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

By wildfires88 @ Friday, January 29, 2010 5:31 PM

Yes, we need to put something in writing and make a supreme effort to keep the contract. A first item should be actual ear-mark reform.

I recently became a believer in term limits, but in a modified form, maybe a limit of two or three terms per person in both the Senate and the House. In other words, two terms in the House, possible followed by two terms in the Senate. Experience can be good thing, but too many crooks have become entrenched with too much power. I believe that America has plenty of talent to fill these positions effectively.

By Tsnkid @ Friday, January 29, 2010 5:28 PM

Newt, The republicans must do several things:
1. get the common man on the street involved again, or at leased make him believe he is. ( When I say the commonman I am talking about that man/woman making under 60000.00 a year)I remember when i get telephone calls and in a few days I would hears what I had said being talked about by someone in Washington.

2. The republican party needs leadership, it has non today.

3. It needs to return to the constitution and do those things.

4. It needs to start to used the natural resources we have here at home and quite spending BILLIONS overseas. ( use our oil and we have enought to last 100 years)

5. While doing 4 above invest into solar and wind engergy.

6. We neeed to REDUCE the size of the federal goverment yesterday. Not talk about it but do it.( cut the first lady staff, cut the President staff, cut all the programs that are not working)

7. We really need to change Social Security for all those under the age of 45 and start a transition for those between 46 and 60.

8. We need to cut all this foreign aid.

9 All these companies that have went over seas and are now shipping their goods bach into the USA should be taxed 100 percent at port, paid before good are off loaded. They can not pass it off to the consumer.

10. Health care, Newt you don't hav eenought time to read what I can say about that, nor do I have time to write it. But we do not need OBAMACARE

Thanks
Harry Laughman 520-425-6497

By donaspromonte @ Friday, January 29, 2010 5:28 PM

I agree that we need a new Contract With America. I would add the Fair Tax as the most important single thing we could do that would make the biggest impact immediately and long term. I think the Fair Tax will prevent the government from manipulating the populace with social engineering. Further, I think it will bring clarity to our government's finances so we can change spending to something that is rational and CONSTITUTIONAL.

By dculver @ Friday, January 29, 2010 5:12 PM

I agree with you 100% I am worried that Repulican's have also mis read what is going on. We have a long way to go to gain the trust of the American people. If we do get power back will we know what to do with it? A contact would help keep us stay on message and have a clear direction once in power.
I too would vote for you!!!

By Fedupkane @ Friday, January 29, 2010 5:08 PM

Run for President... you have my vote

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