Howard Dean is guest blogging on Larry Lessig's site, so I actually read some of his ideas. I'm not too surprised. He's pretty much in line with other Democrats on most of the issues. The following is the list of things I require in a candidate, and I don't think such a person exists at present, which is why I'm so disenchanted with politics. At least give me one person I can vote for...

Pro-economy — Competition is what drives the economy, and the economy is the most fundamental factor in the success of our nation. Strict regulations must be enforced to ensure a level playing field, and good competition, but over-regulation must be avoided. Cities must be specially cultivated as centers of commerce and engines of the economy through tax incentives, etc.

Pro-responsibility — Individuals are responsible for their own lives, and their own behavior. They should be given a good basic education (high school), and expected to make something of themselves. Social programs should be limited to what is necessary for promoting social stability and economic growth.

Pro-choice — Abortion should be legal up to a point. That point must be negotiated, but where we are now is a good starting point. Population control should be considered a practical measure to engineer our quality of life, although the U.S. doesn't need it quite yet.

Pro-science — Fundamental scientific research must be supported by the government and fear-mongering backwardness (such as regarding stem cell research) must be overcome. At the same time, cheap access to technology, including medical technology, depends on free-market competition, so socialized systems must be cut back drastically.

Pro-environment — The environment is a limited and shared resource that must be managed closely and carefully. We should expand protected lands. We should develop a hydrogen fuel infrastructure for our economy. Where certain environmental treasures are destroyed, they may never exist again, and we cannot recreate them; thus, we must err on the side of caution in most cases acknowledged to be important by the scientific community.

Pro-citizen — we must make sure that the rights of citizenship are only for citizens. Illegal immigrants should be deported and denied use of public money. Borders should be closely monitored. To this end, efficient national and state identification systems should be developed, allowing easier and smoother security, and proper allocation of tax monies to the citizens who deserve it.

Pro-gun-rights — Everyone should at the very least be allowed to keep firearms in their homes for self-defense, and as a fundamental check against governmental tyranny. Handguns or other self-defense weapons should also be allowed to be carried when concealed, but not openly brandished.

Anti-drug-war — The drug war has failed, just like prohibition. We need to reevaluate our strategies in combating drugs, to make sure we achieve low drug use. To this end, drugs should be legalized, but still tightly controlled. Money going to the drug war could be put to much better uses...

Pro-defense — A strong national defense is important, but international relations are the basis of peace and good will towards the U.S. We must cultivate good relationships as much as possible with other nations, only putting our foot down when we feel a moral obligation to do so, and only when it is practical. If we make commitments to nation-building, we need to stay for at least 10 years to ensure stability, possibly more, but such projects should be extremely rare, and must have a well-defined plan and payoff.

Let me know who fits the bill, and I'll vote for them. :)