FOUNDING PRINCIPLES
I believe, as clearly stated within our Declaration of Independence at the birth of our Nation, that Our Creator endowed all men with the Rights to Life, Liberty and our Pursuits. The purpose of our Constitution is as a framework for limiting Government within a structure to insure these basic and other Rights. We must always respect, cherish and protect these Rights.
GOVERNMENT
Our founding fathers clearly understood the importance of Government from the Local Level UP and rejected Dictates, with the expression in the 10th Amendment of our Bill of Rights that “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the People.”
IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN
War is not entered into lightly and the Constitution requires Congress to stand for a Declaration of War. When this determination is made there must be a defined objective supported by a full determination to win. Our young people who serve in the military deserve no less. Those politicians who would publicly state “The War is Lost” for their short term ‘political’ gain are committing treachery. We may not agree with actions of the Executive Branch; however, the proper message is to get the defined mission accomplished and return home as quickly as possible. I have heard it said “If you break it you own it;” however, we have no ability or obligation to fix what is already broken.
LANGUAGE
English must be the National language for the United States of America. English is the language of business and aviation around the world and it is a disservice to undermine this.
NATIONAL DEFENSE
One Constitutional role of the United States Government is to provide for the Common Defense. I am for our having the strongest possible military for the purpose of defending our the citizens of our Nation, but it is not intended for us to police the World for reasons beyond our defense. Somalia is an example of a lawless nation, where had we participated in “nation building” the cost would be great and twenty years later they would still be Somalians. Other Nations must stand on their own, but only when they are ready. Until that time our only military obligation is to protect our vital interests with a well defined mission. The prompt removal of Somali pirates is an example of the use of force to protect American Citizens and our interest.
PRIVACY
We reject Government programs which inventory and seek control over our lives.
RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS
Our founders clearly understood the Right of The People to bear Arms, not just for hunting, collecting or the need to protect ourselves from savages, but as expressed by Thomas Jefferson, “The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.”
RIGHT TO LIBERTY
I believe in the right of The People to freely express religion and peaceably share our opinions. The 1st Amendment of our Bill of Rights protects Freedom of Religion (not Freedom from Religion) and solely prevents establishment of a State Religion (including the adoption of Atheism as a State Religion). Each State Constitution acknowledges the providence of God and the essence of our Nation is One Under God (being protected from Man). Nearly 40 years ago there was a law suit that originated from Austin, Texas, which rejected God and ultimately resulted in the shift to declare the schools in the USA to be under the Religion of Atheism. Our Supreme Court at the time denied the fact that our Declaration of Independence recognized Our Creator (God, not Government) gave us the Rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Of course our founding fathers had written that the separation of Religion and State was intended to avoid any single group (such as the Anglican Church) from becoming the official National Religion, but they never envisioned the denial of God.
RIGHT TO LIFE
I believe we must respect, cherish and protect Life from natural beginning until natural end. To do otherwise is a crime against Humanity and Our Creator. The Federal Government has no established role under the Constitution to impose requirements regarding Life. With few exceptions, as identified in the Constitution, this role must be reserved to the State. It is the sole power of each State to define the penalty for murder.
RIGHT TO PURSUITS
I believe a fundamental virtue of our Nation is to encourage the good and industrious efforts of the People. The 5th Amendment of our Bill of Rights defines the application of penalties under due process of law and further states private property must not be taken for public use without just compensation.
SOVEREIGNTY
A primary role of the United States Government is to protect the Sovereignty of our Nation, the States and the Individual.
TERM LIMITS and CAMPAIGN FINANCE
The only Amendment I would support for the Constitution of the United States is the addition of Term Limits for Legislators. They were originally expected to serve as “representatives” of WE The People. Originally our representatives were to leave their home State and the United States Congress was to convene on the first Monday of December (with the idea of returning home by Christmas), in 1933 this was changed (22nd Amendment) to January and this facilitated career politicians in Washington. Now we must ask why it is possible to have a 96 year old man spending his life and winning another 6 year term in the Senate. The other related problem is with the Legislation these guys have imposed which stifle their being challenged (excessive regulations and Political Action Committees). I would propose a limit of 4 terms for a member of the House of Representatives (8 years) and 2 terms (12 years) for the Senate. There are plenty of good people to represent us and with these limits the would have adequate time to work on our behalf. Also with a seat in the Senate becoming available (due to term limits) an outstanding representative could still serve us for 20 years (28 years if he were elected President). I agree with limits on political campaign funding, but the support must be from the People and NOT Special Interest Groups.
VETERANS
Per Article 1 Section 8 of our Constitution, we do have the obligation to honor our commitment to the Veterans who have served our Nation. Clearly we need the best facilities for Veterans and I understand unique needs must be met providing the highest quality, but I also believe Veterans should have the option to use a physician at a location of their choice for standard services.