The Presidential Candidates: Jose Miguel Aparicio

Unlike our previous two candidates, Mr. Aparicio has held public office. He has been a building inspector for the city of Chicago since 2004. He was trained academically as an architect, and worked as a draftsman in the private sector until 2003.

Aparicio is the founder of the Rebirth Party. In announcing his candidacy, he stumbles out of the gate with this declaration: "The America as we known her, as our four fathers have known her, is in great turmoil. Although this is not my job, to educate, to enlighten, to inflame the American people, but I will take it upon myself to try to open their eyes."

This begins a long, repetitive, angry manifesto that makes me look terse. Aparicio is angry and alarmed. He sees a government that views any dissent as treason while failing to comprehend the protests of faithful citizens. His mission in these troubled times is: "My job will be pretty clear. Take us forward, heal the wounds of days long past. This task is straightforward; to create a message that would convey, to the politicians and to foreign governments the message that the passion and the dedication of the American people is resolute and unmistakable. It is time for a formal declaration of independence, a Rebirth, by voting for an independent to take office. So others will recognize that the true power lies in the hands of the people, to bind up the nation’s wounds…to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace in uniting the American people into one voice, that our nation must be preserved. To speak for the farmer, the laborer and the underprivileged classes, to put the Government of the United States once again at the service of the entire American people. With its vast increase in its powers and responsibilities, it is imperative that government be made more responsive to the popular will and that new standard of honesty and administrative efficiency be widely adopted. "

Aparicio's platform consists of twelve resolutions. He will end the Iraq War and leave that country "an organized, democratic and free nation to govern themselves." He will finance a universal health care system by "by the current and if necessary new taxes against the well endowed as well as the curtailing of unnecessary need to spend foolishly and provide large amounts of funds to other countries when the need to take care of home must be first and foremost." He will settle the immigration issue in his first term by getting all immigrants to register and take citizenship courses, while excluding those with serious criminal records. On energy issues, he resolves that "the United States will seek new and effective ways that will limit the need to use natural resources and the need to relay on foreign oil and that America will set the price if necessary for purchase." He will secure both civilian and military pensions, providing insurance for the former should employers go bankrupt. He will keep kids in school for eleven months out of the year as part of a thorough reform of all levels of education. He will re-evaluate existing aid programs while ending subsidies to the private sector and foreign aid except in the event of natural disasters. He will establish a two-term limit for all elected offices. Finally, he promises to visit all fifty states, though whether he'll do this before or after his election is unclear.

Convinced that there needs to be one independent party to overcome the Democrats and Republicans, Aparicio urges all independent parties and candidates to rally to the Rebirth Party. "I ask to the strongest and well-organized Independent parties to finally come together to support me and believe that all of us together can reach the mountain top that so elusively eluded you all these years. Together we can make a difference because “A house divide cannot stand," he says.

Like Adams and Allen, Aparicio is self-appointed. A more obvious demerit is exposed by the slightest examination of his writing. His heart is in the right place on many issues, but Aparicio is plainly unqualified intellectually to be President. His website gives no indication of current campaign activity, and he's gotten but one comment in his guestbook. Despite my reservations, I'm adding his website to the candidate list in the interest of fairness and the historical record.