Received a great survey from my representative (NOT!)

[bcool]

Got a survey in the mail today from my representative, Todd Akin (Missouri)...a perfect example of a push poll (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Push_poll).

Here are the questions, with the available choices:

What steps should Congress take to improve and reduce unemployment?

1. Spend more taxpayer money in another "stimulus" bill


2. Empower the private sector by cutting taxes & reducing government spending

What steps should Congress take to reduce red-tape?

1. Nothing, the current regulatory climate is not unduly burdensome


2. Pass legislation requiring Congress to vote on every rule that has more than $100 million annual economic impact before it can be enforced on business


3. Immediately repeal the most burdensome regulations that have been proposed by this Administration

What steps should Congress take to reduce deficit spending?

1. Enact the House-passed Republican 2012 budget


2. Because "autopilot" spending programs now comprise 62% of all federal spending, we must reform programs like Social Security, Medicare, and food stamps


3. Reform the Budget Act of 1974 to make it harder for Congress to spend money

What should Congress do (about Healthcare)?

1. Congress should repeal the Patient Protection and Affordability Healthcare Act


2. If "Yes", Congress should replace the bill with market-oriented solutions such as: individual tax credits, association health plans, purchase health insurance across state lines, expand Health Savings Accounts and institute comprehensive tort reform

Should our defense budget be cut further?

1. Yes


2. No

Before the recent defense cuts, our current level of defense measured in men in uniform, planes, and ships is about 50% of where we were in 1990. Have we cut defense too much?

1. Yes


2. No

The final question was "Is this survey a convenient way for you to express your opinions on the issues discussed?" I said "yes", and added "but it needs to be worded in a more neutral fashion - as is, it's more of a push poll". As if they'll actually read it.

[Sherman A1]

1. You can of course email the Esteemed Mr. Akin

and answer the questions posed with your own answers as opposed to the ones provided.

I think I would do so if you have the time.