Doug Dern
Other | Michigan
Candidate Profile
Liberal (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Doug Dern
Party
Other
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
U.S. Senator
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Cooley Law School, Lansing, JD, 2001
WORK & MILITARY
Army, PFC, 79-82
AFFILIATIONS
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Michigan Supreme Court, 2016
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Neutral
I have always been an advocate of eliminating unwanted pregnancy's. I was not happy Roe v. Wade was overturned. But I don't think politics is the solution to the problem.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Neutral
I am no doctor. Once again don't believe this should be a political issue but a medial issue and not controlled by parties of religion.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
It should be case by case. To make a broad general ruling is unjust. Every single situation is different.
Does the federal government have a role to play in limiting abortion, and if so what federal steps and/or federal legislation would you support?
No. These are medical issues. The government should stay out of peoples personal life. When I hear a politician say the bible says life begins at conception then it is an unconstitutional response. When using the bible to define when life begins that is against everything the US Constitution stands from. Let's get rid of unwanted pregnancy. Let's make that a focus. Let the individual and their medical staff handle the rest. I don't think the government should have any opinion on abortion. It shouldn't be a political issue. It should regulated by the medical industry. There should be no laws for or against.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
This question is confusing because 10% of the people have 90% of the wealth. But, I'll bite. How about we get tough on credit card companies and limit their interest. How about expanding bankruptcy law to allow a larger homestead exemption
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Neutral
How about allowing student loan debt to be discharged in bankruptcy. I don't think it is an unfair shift the banks are still making a fair amount of money off of student loans.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Yes
Of course, what do we want to do destroy the earth?
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
It means keep your religion out of politics. We are not founded as a Christian nation that so many want to say. The reason for separation of church and state was so the Christians wouldn't take over the government. But it looks like they have anyway.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Neutral
It really depends. But how are you really going to regulate that?
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
When I was in the Army they never gave us a choice. I don't know. I think it should be on the doctors. When this Covid thing happened everyone made it political. Still are.
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
B. That has worked well in other countries. I never understood why in this country you have a right to an attorney, but not a doctor. But the Natural Law Party has always stood for better health, organic farming, exercise and being healthy and eliminating all these health care costs. Stay health. Stop with the fast-food and processed junk food. Eat a whole food plant-based diet. Lay off the sugar and the meat.
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
D.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Disagree
I think this is a favorite topic of politicians to use fear.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Out relationship is important to all countries.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
If I knew that I would be running for President. But maybe they don't pay enough.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Disagree
This is a political issue for the media and talking heads that watch CNN and Fox News all day long. The media loves to hype this up at election time.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Anyone. That is what has made America great.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Disagree
I don't know but, the way this question is worded it sounds like they want to make schools almost cult like so they can control how people think. What is wrong with public schools it has worked a long time.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Disagree
No way. Even though I believe in the Republic that is not a good idea. Especially, in this day and age with the internet. That doesn't even make sense.
VALUES
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Disagree
Married was invented by the diamond companies to sell diamonds.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Agree
What kind of question is this. That is ridiculous. That sounds like something Fox News would ask to scare people.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Disagree
I am not going to dignify this question. This is not a political issue. This sounds like religious fear. Once again this is a medical issue between a person and their doctor.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe in one secret and ineffable lord and in one star among a company of stars of whose fire we are created and to which we shall return. God laughs at politics and those that try to force their ideas on others by using his name. I believe in karma and individual spiritual freedom.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Neutral
Don't care.
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Neutral
I can see both sides. Maybe modified.
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Neutral
We have a ways to go.
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Neutral
This sounds like an argument to be made between CNN and Fox News
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Agree
Of course .Everyone knows this except the wealthy corporations that are making billions destroying the planet. So they have to spend money convincing people its not true. Sort of like tobacco companies in the 1930's. We will get there. America is one of the worse because so many people are in denial.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Solar. If we lose that we are done.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Choose not to answer
I am with the Natural Law Party and these choices are silly. It is like Coke or Pepsi. You can serve coke in a restaurant that sells Pepsi. I for one am sick of being boxed in to the 2 party system. They tell you how to think. Watch Fox news and they will give you your opinion. Watch MSNBC and they will tell you how to vote and give you an opinion on every issue you have ask in this questionnaire. This is what we have become. Right of Left. This question is an insult.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To keep peace.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Neutral
Maybe. This court seems more politized than any court in history. I don't like that they are so involved in the political process.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Neutral
That is a very broad question without much explanation.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I don't know. I believe in responsible gun ownership. But taking your guns to a protest in Lansing to show everyone you have a right to a gun then going into the capital waving your guns around seems like maybe you are trying to give people a reason to take your gun away. Responsible gun ownership!! Advertising to the world that you are a gun owner just seems like maybe you are missing the point of freedom. What about the 4th Amendment? the first Amendment?
