PropheticNews4

In this year of 2004 when I reflect upon the way I was thinking in 1974, the people of Tennessee were not able to take me seriously
as a political candidate who was attempting to become Governor
of Tennessee. The "ideas" pouring out of my soul at that time in history would have made an impact on that region of the nation and on America in general had I been elected instead of Ray Blanton. Other than a few who chose to imitate the superficial "style" of this blue denim cowboy -- rather than the substance of my concepts, there was no tangible evidence that anything I presented was accepted at face value. Even though I hand-delivered copies of my platform to reporters, to this day I have very little proof that anything was published. For the sake of documenting some of what I had to say back then, a few examples of my 100-plank platform -- designed to inspire constructive changes on a national level are presented for analysis below:

Floating Prime Interest Rate: We need a constitutional amendment
to keep prime interest rates at 2 percent less than the national average. This measure would discourage unnecessary inflation caused partially by expensive credit. Inflation will periodically present "wage and price" fluctuations until either a severe recession or
a devastating depression brings sufficient public outrage to a strength capable of convincing the Federal Reserve to alter debatable policies. Evidence for the need of change can be seen
in excessive prosperity among financial institutions. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Ownership Assurance: The need for suitable housing, consumable goods, healthcare and the opportunity to earn life-sustaining modest lifestyles should always be the basis upon which government functions are designed to serve citizens. The impending threat of sudden disruption due to business failures or unemployment should be tempered with promises of mercy instead of legalized retaliation by creditors. The "pursuit of happiness" is diminished when people of average means are unable to prepare properly -- through "wise investments or savings accounts" -- for potential emergencies beyond their ability to contemplate. Obviously, legislation is needed to alleviate "unhealthy anxiety" within low-income families. We should prohibit agitation of human suffering brought about by harassment by creditors, repossessions or because of insufficient government subsidies. Stringent terms should be put in place before goods or services are provided with a simple signature through easy credit. In my capacity as governor, I would be working very hard for "excessive-interest-paying consumers." The "excessive-profit greedy merchants" would learn to think twice before sending their smiling lobbyists knocking on my door! They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Ban on Bankruptcy: Drastic changes need to be implemented which would bring about revision of Tennessee laws currently enabling avoidance of payment on debt by individuals and corporations. Permanent release from obligations pertaining to non-charitable debt incurred through legal means is an open invitation to clever, unscrupulous people who are willing to take advantage of loopholes in our system. Honest consumers would take greater care in matters related to credit and financial speculation related to business ventures if the "back door" to escape obligations was bolted shut! They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Graduated State Income Tax: Emergency economic situations
could potentially lead to excessive demands which would require additional revenue-earning methods to efficiently maintain state government services. As governor, I would explore the possibility of a income tax applicable to salaried employees earning in excess of $20,000 annually. A cohesive transition in our tax structure from low-income to high-income groups is feasible and could give Tennessee a more equitable tax burden. Regardless, unless emergencies force changes, I remain opposed to tax increases!
They didn't to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Tax-exempt Status: The urgency with which tax relief is made available to the tired and worn, broken and twisted citizens among us is vital at this point in history. My ultimate objective is to create new state programs designed to encourage "family unity" for the purpose of supporting compassionate mutual welfare. In the interim between the past and future, all pricing relative to housing, food and prescription drugs should be eligible for tax-exemption for those in dire circumstances. Elderly and disabled citizens attempting to pay inflated prices while living on fixed incomes need immediate assistance. One option to make a positive difference would be the issuance of "tax stamps" in addition to "food stamps." They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Experimental 4-Generation Family Communal Lifestyles: Diminishing natural resources correlated with population growth is the basis upon which my recommended state-financed "log cabin society within a super-space-age technological economy" should be implemented. This test program could conceivably remove approximately 30 percent of our citizens from the crowded job market, welfare lines, mental institutions, nursing homes and homeless shelters -- bringing them back into a friendlier environment where a self-sustaining family centered existence would be possible. This program would teach family members how to unify creative and productive pursuits -- while emphasizing loyalty and compassion as they unselfishly share a common lifestyle. Problems would lead to refinement and success would be publicized as this prototype is copied worldwide. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Central Computerized Management System: The time has come to
get smart! I believe that government exists for the sole purpose
of serving society. Therefore, when the "cost of human labor" providing public services " is greater than the "cost of computers," then for the sake of reducing tax burdens and increasing efficiency, changes must be made. As governor, I would promote a highly technical endeavor based on information obtained after a state-planned evaluation leads to "status positioning" of each citizen -- starting at age six-months through six-year intervals. Once pertinent information has been gathered, factors related to issues in need of attention would make realistic decisions possible. Proper coordination of all information related to Tennessee would allow public servants to fulfill their duties
in a way that would make government less visible and more viable. As we have seen, sometimes industrial development results in replacing human labor with machines and we are sympathetic over lost jobs. However, the purpose of government is not to compet
e in the marketplace, provide high-paying jobs or to support lazy people, but to "manage" and "protect." They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Governor's Commission On Energy: Practical application of scientific and technological capabilities should assure sufficient cheap energy needed for "human survival." Conflicting viewpoints and recommendations regarding coal strip mining, nuclear reactors, solar, or wind power should be sorted out with a sense of urgency. We need to eliminate confusion created by "special interest groups" who seek to ravish natural resources for the sake of profit. They didn't listen to Elijah then, and they're not listening now!

Governor's Watchdog Committee: Starting immediately upon
taking oath of office, a signed executive decree would start an independent investigative unit empowered to gather information related to state employment procedures and practices. Random
spot checks would enhance adherence to guidelines affecting congeniality, honesty and efficiency of personnel. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Prisons Phased Out of Tennessee: As stated in our constitution, "that the erection of safe and comfortable prisons, the inspection of prisons and the humane treatment of prisoners shall be provided for..." I will propose the establishment of the "Tennessee Prison System" in several different location. We might decide to publicize an easy-to-remember slogan such as -- "Break The Law In Tennessee To Win A Free Ticket To Kentucky!" Prisons are a breeding ground for degenerates who are taught to corrupt society. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Reborn, Tennessee: A model city would be created for the purpose
of transforming minor offenders of the law. Those not guilty of posing physical threats should be systematically guided back into the mainstream of society. These individuals would benefit from production-motivated programs designed to achieve new philosophical values in order to stabilize self-respect and new skills to make job opportunities possible. Criminal behavior should never be tolerated as a alternative "lifestyle!" The very existence of prisons remind citizens that "crime" is here to stay when criminals are supported by the state instead of being transformed or shipped out of the state. They didn't listen to Elijah then, and they're not listening now!

Police Charm Course: A new approach to public relations is needed in order to enhance respect for law enforcement personnel. The Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy authorized by the 1963 General Assembly for the purpose of training state, county, municipal and metropolitan law enforcement officers should add "charm" to the curriculum -- with an emphasis on how to treat "friendly law-abiding citizens" with more respect than "hostile criminals." Books could be written about police rudeness, arrogance, dishonesty, lack of professionalism -- and unethical connections with criminals. They didn't listen to Elijah then
and they're not listening now!

Speedy Arrest and Prosecution: Once an alleged offender of the law is apprehended, "due process" procedures should never be delayed! Since the burden of proving "guilt" rests upon the prosecutor at public expense, it is my contention that the burden of proving "innocence" should be equally shared by a defender in the courts
of our state. Practicing attorneys should then be encouraged to accelerate the processes under standard compensation fees set
by government. This would eliminate unfair representation, double-standards, inadequate provision of facts and biased resolution by a jury or judge. They didn't listen to Elijah
then, and they're not listening now!

System of Justice Reform: Interrelation between the making, enforcement and interpretation of laws guiding our affairs as citizens is the "fine thread" that holds a democracy together. Because of countless failures in our systems, we need to begin weaving a new "pattern" which will conform more realistically to our contemporary society. No person should be punished to a greater or lessor degree than harm done because of a criminal act. "Fair and equal justice for all" should simply imply an "eye for an eye" standard. If this approach to justice is put in place, the theft of a 1964 Chevy would be judged by a standard much less than the theft of a 1974 Cadillac. Since all laws are to be obeyed until changed, as governor I would work to make many "common sense" reforms designed to improve our system of justice. They didn't listen
to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Capital Punishment Policy: In simple terms, the dictates of my conscience requires modification regarding punishment of murderers which should be debated based on this premise of mine -- Only by the hand of the guilty shall the soul of the guilty be set free.
In other words, death row inmates would be sentenced to life without parole and have state-provided options to end their
own lives. The "act" of ending a life should never be dutifully performed by government employees. They didn't listen to Elijah then, and they're not listening now!

Habitual Offenders Policy: Courts must be given sufficient latitude to deal with each defendant at their discretion. As governor, I would advise restrictions on private transportation, employment opportunities, private ownership and residence within our state -- to discourage irresponsible "repeat offenders" who might enjoy
easy time on the outside after experiencing easy jail time on
the inside. Emphasis needs to be on "transformation" administered
by spiritual and mental health professionals. They didn't listen
to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Compensation for Crime Victims: A prerequisite to the idea
of "equitable justice" should include judgments that includes punishment for offenders and compensation for those offended. If
I am given trust by the voters, I'll do everything in my power to show victims more concern than criminals. "Compensation" should be the rule, not the exception! They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Black Mark Eradication: Human behavior has roots buried deep within past generations. If we are to overcome our common weaknesses, we need to remember these words: "...forgive my trespasses as I forgive those who trespass against me." As a people who are less than perfect, we need new laws to penalize those who are found guilty of discriminating against offenders of old laws who have successfully paid their "debt" to society. As governor, I would work to assure that the civil rights of all citizens are protected. In regard to "criminal records," once judgment has been satisfied, and the debt has been paid in full, the "slate" must be wiped clean! When government archives make it possible for employers,
or neighbors to continue demeaning individuals for past crimes committed -- or are hindering them from leading productive lives after being released from penal institutions -- this becomes a travesty against human dignity far beneath my sense of what Americans should condone. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Decriminalization of Marijuana: In my opinion formed from observance not experience, laws pertaining to the possession and use of this drug are out of proportion to known inherent dangers. Scientific research has shown no correlation between use and aggressive behavior or acts of violence. It has been perception on marijuana as being an "illegal substance" that causes controversy. If the only potential for physical harm from regular use is limited to reduction of white blood cell effectiveness in fighting off viruses, then we need to reconsider the laws. The obvious "character weaknesses" of many young people are being exploited
by "drug pushers" -- because of cannabis preparations that might one day prove to be no more harmful that a chew of tobacco or a cigarette. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Public Intoxication Prohibition: Uniform codes regulating state
law enforcement agencies which provide for maximum penalties upon conviction is necessary to diminish the potential for hazards resulting from public intoxication. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Drug Abuse and Trafficking: Problems surrounding illicit drug use need solutions! Individuals within certain segments of our society are on a self-destructive course. The facts as I understand them to be indicate that punishment is comparatively mediocre in the minds of users who obsessively put their lives at risk. Just as guns are not a problem until misused, drugs are not a problem until misused. "Problems" are usually the result of bad decisions made by people who lack credible information. Therefore, as governor I would support an educational program in the hope of destroying "demand" sustained by tortured users, assuming that "suppliers" would be forced out of business. Also, law enforcement personnel need to be able to make distinctions between "innocent victims" and "guilty seducers." The few "true perpetrators" that have made "drug abuse" a national disease should be identified as -- boredom, failure to achieve, insecurity, need to be popular, fear of rejection and personal despair coming out of hopelessness within a variety of unhappy lifestyles. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Emergency Helicopter Medical Aid: We need a statewide service offering emergency treatment and transportation to medical facilities for interstate accident victims. The "speeding hazard" of ambulances in traffic among unsuspecting motorists should be sufficient to "fly high" to decrease fatalities. The benefits of this program would alleviate human suffering. They didn't listen
to Elijah then, but they ARE listening now!

Emergency Medical Aid: It is the duty of each compassionate individual to respect and preserve life to the best of their ability. We must always do our best to encourage human decency.
If the life of any person is in jeopardy, emergency aid should be administered without unnecessary restrictions. Private citizens, physicians, nurses or other hospital personnel who fail to adhere to moral conduct in a time of crisis should be penalized. For this to happen, old laws will need revision and new laws will need to be written to encourage care without delay -- and eliminate lawsuits against "good Samaritans" who perform caring acts while assisting those in trouble. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Strict Enforcement of Speed Limits: Traffic laws are made to
be obeyed! Those who break these laws should have their driving privileges taken away. A maximum 55 MPH limit would help to conserve diminishing energy resources and might help to preserve the safety of motorists if accidents are prevented from happening. They didn't listen to Elijah then, but they listened later!

Bureau of Highways Dissemination: The 1956 Federal Highway Act needs to be fully implemented! The Transportation Act of 1972 has failed to accomplish objectives. To assure a fair distribution of highway funds to all 95 counties in our state, regional offices should be established in each of the eight Congressional Districts where they would have sufficient authority to maintain the interstate, primary, secondary and rural road systems. Vehicle registration within each district could then be the basis for determining proper allocation of funds to be budgeted. They
didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Non-resident Interstate-use Fee: To provide a new source of revenue to enable expansion of services, we need to consider the imposition of a nominal-fee-windshield-sticker on all out-of-state vehicles entering our interstate system. Toll gates at Welcome Centers would serve this purpose -- along with advertising positive aspects of our state through slogans such as -- "Where The Spirit Moves Free." They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Interstate Advertising Guidelines: In support of "Highway Beautification" for Tennessee, I would work to restrict outdoor advertising along the interstates. Our purpose would be to focus attention upon the natural beauty of the land and the goodness
of our citizens in a way that would appeal to travelers passing through. By incorporating common positive themes, advertisers on billboards could serve a higher purpose. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Urban Mass Transit Systems: Engineers and architects who care
about the future should be advised to revolutionize transportation concepts to avoid gridlock in places like Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville. In my estimation, a computerized electrical system would be more appropriate in "city centers" than costly fender-benders in search of parking spaces. They didn't listen to Elijah than and they're not listening now!

Neighborhood Sidewalk Safety Act: In comparison to motorized forms of mobility, "walking" is cheaper! People who live in large cities or in small towns should have easy access to stores, schools, places of worship and recreational centers. A portion of revenues received from my proposed "Interstate-use Fee" could be allocated for sidewalk construction. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Education Reform: Our goal as a "people who care" should be to provide Tennesseans with the highest standard of education in
the nation! To accomplish this objective, reform should be planned emphasizing "quality of select services" instead of "quantity of needless activities." Our current system is a tax-supported, antiquated structure that dates back to 1925. They didn't listen
to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Public School Attendance Requirements: To make sure that we wisely utilize existing educational facilities, equipment and personnel
to fulfill the constitutional dictum -- "cherish literature and science" -- we must reorganize all programs to fit new time schedules. I propose a 6-day divided school week with 50 percent
of students enrolled participating during a 3-day period of time
-- with 3 separate 2-week vacation periods during the year. This radical change in our school systems would help to reduce the necessity for further expansion of costly facilities, increase the use of costly equipment, enhance the teacher-pupil ratio and make opportunities for electronic "mind formation" readily available. Our students should be treated like "kings" and "queens" instead
of like sheep being herded on their way to open pastures. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Full Utilization of Electronic Communications: Personal consternation for years has caused me to wonder how "freedom of speech" has turned the genius of "electronic communications" into nothing more than a mind-boggling Pandora's Box. I've concluded that commercial "free enterprise" has found another method to exploit the weakness of humankind for selfish gain. In Tennessee, I'd like to see serious consideration being given to the potential of "intelligent use of cable television" as the number one "textbook" in the student's quest for knowledge. Subject matter could be programmed three or more times a day for the sake of "repetition" and "convenience of viewing" by students. They
didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Anti-homogeneous Policy: As governor, I'd resist with all my power anyone seeking to artificially weaken racial, social or political individualism! Busing of students to attain integration in our schools is one case in point -- whereby differences between people are not being respected. Attempts are being made to blend instead of recognize everything that makes people unique. If the "blend" approach is carried far enough, we might see the United States Supreme Court enforcing intermarriage, interfaith commonalities, and inter political mediocrity. In my humble opinion, parents are beginning to feel powerless over their own lives when government asserts control over children through busing out of home communities. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're
not listening now!

Spiritual Phenomena and Religions of the World: Public School curriculum should be expanded to give each student limited insight into what might be described as the "myth" or "reality" of intangible forces which might enter consciousness within certain cultures. Otherwise, students will not be prepared to make decisions capable of altering their "state of mind" during the establishment of lifestyles. In my opinion, "The guiding Spirit
of humankind can be creative and productive only in an environment free of fear, ignorance and prejudice." They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Public Service Policy: Principles affecting employment by state, county and local governments should be a continuation of the "educational process!" In my estimation, "public service" should be limited to a specific period of time, limited potential for responsibility and limited monetary compensation to avoid establishment of "political power bases." Opportunities to be
of service should be a reward within itself for those who attain abilities required to function in a specific capacity -- as a "temporary duty" -- not a career privilege. They didn't listen
to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Truth and Honesty In Government: If a majority of citizens are willing to be governed by a minority, then the minority should
be willing to be governed by the "desires" of the majority and
not by the desires of special interest groups! Most people expect "truth" and "honesty" from public servants above all other expectations. Those who are charged with the sacred trust of making, executing and enforcing laws should be motivated for patriotic reasons -- never selfish reasons. As governor, I'd
make a sincere effort to publicize the actions of state employees as a way of keeping tax-paying citizens informed. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Freedom of Press Abuse: New guidelines need to be seriously considered for implementation by the Tennessee General Assembly which would counteract blatant displays of moral degeneration performed by influential members of the media. "Sensationalism" might result in enough attention from the public to sell newspapers, endorsement of political candidates might sway public opinion, but distortion of "facts" will only destroy "trust" in democracy! They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Physical Free Enterprise: Realistically, we need to acknowledge
the existence of controversial human endeavors -- whatever the moral implications. We humans are attempting to survive while sharing limited portions of fruit from the same vines. As we know, "prostitution" is an illegal business presently flourishing because of improper enforcement of existing laws. It's evident to most citizens that political expediency to the attainment of public office is best served when candidates avoid controversy. However,
I have no respect for hypocrisy. As governor, I'd work to enlighten legislators and encourage them to write new laws capable of usurping statutes relevant to prostitution. I'd suggest new standards to be administered by the Department of Public Health. Self-righteous people would do well to acknowledge, "we can't cure a disease until it is identified." Whether a majority will agree or not, those who are seeking happiness through self-indulgence have the God-given right to live by their own definition of moral conduct. Prostitutes need to be licensed, regulated and taxed!
They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Official State Slogan: A declaration of faith in any form can be instrumental in binding citizens together! Most of our neighbors in Tennessee have traditionally shown their faith -- and common belief in a God Almighty -- in many ways. It's this respect for history coupled with personal inspiration that has given me a strong
sense of appreciation for the often used, but seldom practiced inscription on our currency -- "In God We Trust." Therefore, as governor I would give the people of our state the opportunity to approve by referendum making -- "Tennessee Is God's Country" --
a slogan to be used with pride. They didn't listen to Elijah
then and they're not listening now!

Political Party Reformation: While recognizing the rights of
people to form political organizations as a way to combine mutual objectives, and while conceding to apparent trends toward independent thinking, as governor, I could not in good conscience support a run-off law that would serve to place financial burdens of political groups on the frail backs of tax-payers. In my opinion, all laws and procedures directly related to the sanctioning of political party endeavors within the existing framework of state government should be phased out of existence.
As some would have us maintain "Separation of Church and State," I propose that we promote separation of "Political Party and State." The time has come for all Democrats, Republicans and Independents to express their philosophical slant on issues for the sole purpose of winning over the hearts and minds of the electorate. Government should no longer be thought of as the "grand prize" given to a few winners, but rather, government should be thought of as the "great opportunity" to become a servant of the real leaders. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Artistic Research and Protection Agency: In a competitive
society such as ours, small business owners might be experiencing difficulty when attempting to develop new products or marketing concepts. If those in the marketplace have greater financial resources or more power within political circles, the "playing field" is not evenly balanced. In Music City USA, we recognize
the need for government intervention when made to understand concerns shared by advertising copy writers, graphic designers, song writers, singers, musicians and music producers. As governor, I will enthusiastically assure enforcement of existing laws regulating "intellectual properties" -- and would work to advise that new laws be written when necessary. Intangible "ideas" should be treated as a "commodity" worthy of being valued. We should never allow unethical exploitation to occur when the results of fertile imaginations by poor dreamers are lost in a sea of rich imitators. "Civil liberties" should not include infringement upon the souls
of others! They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Respect for Life: It's beyond my ability to comprehend the logic of those who degrade respect for human life! Since I know of no person who can create a baby from the dust of the ground, I could never approve of giving any person the power to end lives that they are unable to create. While liberal intellectuals are attempting to define in their own minds the appropriate legal procedures needed to relieve the human anguish experienced by a few women, I suggest that "abortion" be performed on the "penis" rather than on the "fetus" -- before the sex act results in pregnancy. They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Publication of Political Candidate Position Papers: It should be the duty of the media to assure accurate publicity of candidate campaign platforms in order to educate voters in regard to issues -- without insisting on paid advertisements. Voters have the right to be told who office seekers are and why office seekers believe they should be elected. Most citizens have the intelligence to make choices if they are first given the basic facts. We all know the main objective for most candidates is to convince voters that
they have the "right stuff" -- and deserve an opportunity to be of service. As it turned out during this political season, Tennessee witnessed the most pathetic primary race in history -- when voters reacted by ignoring it! So, here I am, ready to fill the void!
They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

Governor's Newspaper Investigation Directive: As governor, I
will use my power to investigate media operations, evaluate facts pertaining to news items and eradicate deception when found by presenting factual information. Tennessee will never be able
to solve problems or make constructive changes if the minds of citizens are systematically warped by a renegade, power-hungry press. These incompetent distributors of misinformation with hidden agendas need a bright light shining on their perverse little kingdoms. As a candidate who visited 115 newspaper offices in all 95 counties during this campaign, it was my experience to suffer
a rude awakening. I figured out that Tennessee needs changes by "someone" in government who really cares, but this will never
be possible until people care enough to vote that "someone" into
a position of authority! They didn't listen to Elijah then and they're not listening now!

There were many more planks in my platform, but the above should be enough to show that a poor man in a rich man's game is bound to be ignored. I received approximately 2,000 votes -- after an erroneous Associated Press story went statewide telling voters that I had withdrawn from the race. My "correction" in dispute of the story was not publicized. If I had been treated fairly, I might have received a few hundred more votes? I guess we will never know
why voters of Tennessee made Ray Blanton the winner.