Bryan Witt
Democrat | California
Candidate Profile
Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Bryan Witt
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2018
Election
General
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 27
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
(Candidate did not provide)
WORK & MILITARY
U.S. Marine Corps, Infantry Squad Leader, 4
South Pasadena Police Department, Reserve Police Officer, 2
AFFILIATIONS
Feel the Bern Democratic Clup, Member, Democrats of Pasadena Foothills
Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Pasadena City Council, 2016
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Neutral
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Neutral
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Disagree
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Disagree
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Disagree
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Disagree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Strongly Disagree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Agree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Agree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Agree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Agree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Disagree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Disagree
More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.
Agree
More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.
Agree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Additional regulations are needed to prevent climate change.
Strongly Agree
Additional regulations are needed to prevent climate change.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Disagree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Disagree
The United States should help defend Israel from attack by its enemies.
Neutral
The United States should help defend Israel from attack by its enemies.
Neutral
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Disagree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Disagree
Islamic law (Sharia) should take precedence over national and state laws where there are Islamic majority communities in the U. S.
Strongly Disagree
Islamic law (Sharia) should take precedence over national and state laws where there are Islamic majority communities in the U. S.
Strongly Disagree
Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Disagree
Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Disagree
People should be allowed to use public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms based on "gender identity."
Neutral
People should be allowed to use public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms based on "gender identity."
Neutral
I support sanctuary cities.
Agree
I support sanctuary cities.
Agree
It is OK for Congress to exempt itself from compliance with laws applicable to all citizens.
Strongly Disagree
It is OK for Congress to exempt itself from compliance with laws applicable to all citizens.
Strongly Disagree
I support the death penalty.
Strongly Agree
I support the death penalty.
Strongly Agree
Tuition-free public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Agree
Tuition-free public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Agree
The United States should protect its sovereignty from the United Nations.
Agree
The United States should protect its sovereignty from the United Nations.
Agree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Disagree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Disagree
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
2016 Republican Primary
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
2016 Republican Primary
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Rape, incest, when the mother's life is in jeopardy, or when there are physical or mental impairments that would prevent the child from living a full and complete life. However, it should be the mother's decision. I believe if we had better sex education in schools and expanded Medicare for all of our citizens, we could dramatically reduce the demand for abortion. Although I lean strongly in favor of pro-choice, I believe society should do everything possible to provide options to abortion. It should be safe, legal and rare.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Rape, incest, when the mother's life is in jeopardy, or when there are physical or mental impairments that would prevent the child from living a full and complete life. However, it should be the mother's decision. I believe if we had better sex education in schools and expanded Medicare for all of our citizens, we could dramatically reduce the demand for abortion. Although I lean strongly in favor of pro-choice, I believe society should do everything possible to provide options to abortion. It should be safe, legal and rare.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
We can start with ending our reckless dependence on dwindling fossil fuels and the need to protect the assets and profits of multi-national oil companies that have no allegiance to the United States. One need only look to the 1953 overthrow of Mohammad Mossadegh in Iran, which led to the Shah, which led to the Iranian Revolution of 1978–79 and the subsequent takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. The same policies that protect Israel's genocide towards the Palestinians, also protect the brutal Saudi Monarchy that is waging another genocide in Yemen. When young men and women have lost all hope, they turn to radical, Islamic terrorist groups. I believe the U.S. should mostly clear out of the middle east and focus our national attention on clean, sustainable energy.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
We can start with ending our reckless dependence on dwindling fossil fuels and the need to protect the assets and profits of multi-national oil companies that have no allegiance to the United States. One need only look to the 1953 overthrow of Mohammad Mossadegh in Iran, which led to the Shah, which led to the Iranian Revolution of 1978–79 and the subsequent takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. The same policies that protect Israel's genocide towards the Palestinians, also protect the brutal Saudi Monarchy that is waging another genocide in Yemen. When young men and women have lost all hope, they turn to radical, Islamic terrorist groups. I believe the U.S. should mostly clear out of the middle east and focus our national attention on clean, sustainable energy.
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
I believe they recognized that absolute power corrupts, so they wanted to ensure that those who made the law could not execute it. Furthermore, they didn’t want those who executed the law to have a hand in making laws for their own advantage. They then gave us an independent judiciary that would interpret the law and this system of checks and balances was designed to keep all three branches honest.
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
I believe they recognized that absolute power corrupts, so they wanted to ensure that those who made the law could not execute it. Furthermore, they didn’t want those who executed the law to have a hand in making laws for their own advantage. They then gave us an independent judiciary that would interpret the law and this system of checks and balances was designed to keep all three branches honest.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I think one's spiritual beliefs are personal and should not be considered when voting for public officials. But as long as you're asking, I am a Christian and also gay and married to the man I love. My parents taught us to show up on time, do what you say you're going to do and tell the truth.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I think one's spiritual beliefs are personal and should not be considered when voting for public officials. But as long as you're asking, I am a Christian and also gay and married to the man I love. My parents taught us to show up on time, do what you say you're going to do and tell the truth.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Somewhat Liberal
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Somewhat Liberal
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
Although I don't like labels, I am progressive in most of the issues we face as a nation. Progressives are not in favor of big government...we are in favor of effective governmental action. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayrZWXUu7Vw
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
Although I don't like labels, I am progressive in most of the issues we face as a nation. Progressives are not in favor of big government...we are in favor of effective governmental action. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayrZWXUu7Vw
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
I want to expand Medicare for every citizen of our country. The system could be improved, but as is, it works pretty well. I believe healthcare is an absolute human right and there is no reason why the United States cannot join the following countries in providing Universal Health insurance to everyone. Norway New Zealand Japan Germany Belgium United Kingdom Kuwait Sweden Bahrain Brunei Canada Netherlands Austria United Arab Emirates Finland Slovenia Denmark Luxembourg France Australia Ireland Italy Portugal Cyprus Greece Spain South Korea Iceland Hong Kong Singapore Switzerland Israel
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
I want to expand Medicare for every citizen of our country. The system could be improved, but as is, it works pretty well. I believe healthcare is an absolute human right and there is no reason why the United States cannot join the following countries in providing Universal Health insurance to everyone. Norway New Zealand Japan Germany Belgium United Kingdom Kuwait Sweden Bahrain Brunei Canada Netherlands Austria United Arab Emirates Finland Slovenia Denmark Luxembourg France Australia Ireland Italy Portugal Cyprus Greece Spain South Korea Iceland Hong Kong Singapore Switzerland Israel
What role should government play in boosting the economy?
We can start with a fair and balanced, progressive taxation system, where companies like Facebook, Apple, Amazon and others pay their rightful share of taxes. These companies use our radio spectrum, our highways and harbors, our airports and our courts to adjudicate their property disputes, so they can certainly help to pay the national bills. Our government could reverse years of boom, bust and inflation by revoking the Federal Reserve's authority to issue our currency. We could transfer this power to a non-partisan, independent monetary authority within the U.S. Treasury that would issue a true national currency, determine its value and decide how much will be in circulation at any one time. This is what the Fed does now…the only difference is that under my plan, private banks would stop receiving hundreds of billions of dollars in interest every year. This is also entirely consistent with Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution that vests this power with the Congress.
What role should government play in boosting the economy?
We can start with a fair and balanced, progressive taxation system, where companies like Facebook, Apple, Amazon and others pay their rightful share of taxes. These companies use our radio spectrum, our highways and harbors, our airports and our courts to adjudicate their property disputes, so they can certainly help to pay the national bills. Our government could reverse years of boom, bust and inflation by revoking the Federal Reserve's authority to issue our currency. We could transfer this power to a non-partisan, independent monetary authority within the U.S. Treasury that would issue a true national currency, determine its value and decide how much will be in circulation at any one time. This is what the Fed does now…the only difference is that under my plan, private banks would stop receiving hundreds of billions of dollars in interest every year. This is also entirely consistent with Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution that vests this power with the Congress.
What changes should be made to the tax code?
We need to return to the same kind of progressive income tax that was in place up until the time of President Eisenhower. Currently Labor carries 86% of the tax burden, while Capital pays only 14%. I would like to reverse this. In fact, I believe, under the right circumstances, we could eliminate income taxes for anyone making $200,000 a year or less...that's about 90% of the population. In the 1950's, when we had this progressive income tax, Elvis Presley was still rich and my mom and dad could afford to buy a nice middle-class home in Pasadena on my dad's salary of $500 a month.
What changes should be made to the tax code?
We need to return to the same kind of progressive income tax that was in place up until the time of President Eisenhower. Currently Labor carries 86% of the tax burden, while Capital pays only 14%. I would like to reverse this. In fact, I believe, under the right circumstances, we could eliminate income taxes for anyone making $200,000 a year or less...that's about 90% of the population. In the 1950's, when we had this progressive income tax, Elvis Presley was still rich and my mom and dad could afford to buy a nice middle-class home in Pasadena on my dad's salary of $500 a month.
What is the best way to bring down unemployment?
Set government and tax policies that encourage more individuals to start their own business. Make the bar much higher for venture capital to take a company public...today there is way too much emphasis on big business. These companies should have to prove they are doing a massive public service before soliciting one dime of public money. Corporate conglomerates like Kroger, Darden Restaurants, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, Target, Home Depot and others stifle individual entrepreneurs and do nothing but standardize every American City.
What is the best way to bring down unemployment?
Set government and tax policies that encourage more individuals to start their own business. Make the bar much higher for venture capital to take a company public...today there is way too much emphasis on big business. These companies should have to prove they are doing a massive public service before soliciting one dime of public money. Corporate conglomerates like Kroger, Darden Restaurants, CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, Target, Home Depot and others stifle individual entrepreneurs and do nothing but standardize every American City.
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
If we nationalize our currency that will never be a problem. Our country is awash in money. The only problem is that a very privileged minority takes all the gains and leaves the people with crumbs. There is no reason why our country cannot have a very strong and stable economy while providing a host of generous universal public services for all of our citizens.
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
If we nationalize our currency that will never be a problem. Our country is awash in money. The only problem is that a very privileged minority takes all the gains and leaves the people with crumbs. There is no reason why our country cannot have a very strong and stable economy while providing a host of generous universal public services for all of our citizens.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I meet all of the qualifications outlined in Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution. Beyond that, I may be new to politics, but I'm not new to life and what I see at the present time is a political process that has been utterly corrupted by big business and money. I believe we need elected representatives who have integrity, common sense and the audacity to take on the powerful forces that are ruining our country.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I meet all of the qualifications outlined in Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution. Beyond that, I may be new to politics, but I'm not new to life and what I see at the present time is a political process that has been utterly corrupted by big business and money. I believe we need elected representatives who have integrity, common sense and the audacity to take on the powerful forces that are ruining our country.
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:
bryan@wittforprogress.com
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:
bryan@wittforprogress.com
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
Our country was founded by men and women with guts. They risked the hangman's noose for their beliefs. Today, our spineless politicians are only interested in the next campaign contribution and this is why we never get any real change and I'd like to do something about this. I'm really neither conservative or liberal, left or right...I agree with what President Kennedy said years ago when he said: Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
Our country was founded by men and women with guts. They risked the hangman's noose for their beliefs. Today, our spineless politicians are only interested in the next campaign contribution and this is why we never get any real change and I'd like to do something about this. I'm really neither conservative or liberal, left or right...I agree with what President Kennedy said years ago when he said: Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.
