All posts tagged 2008 Presidential Election

Last month, I posted the Obama Biden positon on Americans abroad. The McCain campaign recently announced the McCain Palin position on Americans overseas — a very strong, positive and innovative statement describing the approach they would take on our behalf of Americans abroad. What is particularly noteworthy is Senator McCain’s promise to: “To make our country more competitive, John McCain wants to turn global markets into level playing fields for American citizens and companies everywhere.” The statement reads in part:

US citizens living abroad may be distant, but they are not disengaged. In fact, as unofficial American Ambassadors, they play a vital role in the life of the nation.  Not only do Americans abroad vote and pay taxes, they are often the first contact other nationalities have with our country and you experience firsthand the impact that our government’s policies have overseas.  No matter where Americans may find themselves, John McCain cares about their welfare, hopes and fears.  As President, John McCain will work hard to improve the United States’ image in the world.  But image is not everything.  Above all, John McCain is committed to protecting the lives and livelihoods of all Americans and defending their personal freedoms.  Through reform he will tackle the severe US trade deficit and strengthen the dollar, while providing a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous future for all Americans.

And goes on to address these specific areas.

• The Role of Foreign Policy for Americans Abroad: Senator McCain believes the U.S. must listen to the views and respect the collective will of our allies and when we believe that international action is necessary we will try to persuade our friends that we are right.  But we must also be willing to be persuaded by them. As President, McCain would foster peaceful development to reduce the chances of war breaking out. Significantly, a President McCain would respect and uphold the Constitution and fight terrorists while at the same time defending fundamental rights.  What is more, a McCain administration will not torture or treat inhumanely suspected terrorists and will close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay and “come to a common international understanding on the disposition of dangerous detainees under our control.”
• Economic Prosperity for Americans Abroad: Senator McCain believes that globalization is an opportunity for American workers and he wants to turn global markets into level playing fields for American citizens and companies everywhere.
• Voting from Abroad: McCain will make sure the voices of Americans abroad are heard.  Absentee voting is a complicated and disenfranchises many Americans, affecting the Armed Forces and civilians alike.  The rules and regulations surrounding absentee voting must be made simpler and more uniform, and should find secure means to vote electronically.
• Social Security: McCain will work to make US Social Security services more accessible to Americans living and working overseas.
• Census: A McCain administration would ensure all Americans are counted. At this time, the US Census counts overseas members of the military, federal civilian employees, and their dependents, but does not include private citizens residing abroad.  With an estimated 6 million Americans, discounting private citizens leaves the US Census lacking.  John McCain would work with the Census Bureau to find an effective, inclusive way of counting all Americans living abroad for the purpose of the apportionment of Representatives among the states.
• Transmission of Citizenship: As President, John McCain would respond to the need to clarify the issues surrounding the transmission of citizenship.