The Issues: National Defense

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. The defense of the nation against foreign military aggression is a proper constitutional power and burden of the federal government. To provide for the common defense, it is authorized to raise and support armies, declare war, and enter into treaties.

-US Constitution

As made clear by the US Constitution, one of the primary functions of the federal government is to provide for national defense. It is not only a rightful power but a burden that cannot be neglected. I have the greatest respect for those that serve in our nation's defense; I got to know many of them when I wore the uniform myself and can attest to their commitment and dedication. They deserve no less of a commitment from those that serve them in Washington, DC.

On The Issues:

I support the role of the federal government to provide for the common defense and to be vigilant regarding potential threats, prospective capabilities, and perceived intentions of potential enemies.
I support a modern and efficient military capability that can promptly and overwhelmingly respond to any attack on the United States.
I support an annual budget equal to the 4% of the previous year's GDP; according to studies by the Heritage Foundation, this should be sufficient to maintain an adequate defense and support continued improvements. Further, it includes military expenditures currently incurred by agencies other than the Department of Defense such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Energy. Military leaders should be consulted as to how to best allocate this budget. This amount will decrease as our allies overseas assume the burden of maintaining thier own defenses.
I support highly-mobile, strong, state-of-the-art army, navy and air force powers as well as space communication and expanded anti-ballistic missile capabilities suitable to detect and decisively counter any strategic danger.
I support foreign military action only upon a Declaration of War by Congress in the face of an imminent and clear threat to the United States. I favor a clear strategy for entrance into and conclusion of any foreign engagement and a definable goal that constitutes victory.
If circumstances us force us into a conflict with a foreign nation, the U.S. taxpayer should not be compelled to fund the rebuilding of that countries infrastructure at the conclusion of that conflict as we've done with Germany, Japan, and now Iraq. While returning stability to the region may be in our own best interest, the resources of that aggressor should first be used towards that end.
I oppose the exercise of executive War Powers in the absence of a Declaration of War, except in the face of an immediate and direct threat to the United States.
I oppose any treaty or international agreement that puts American troops under the control or authority of any other executive or administrative power.
I oppose any mandatory draft or conscription unless the United States is in imminent danger of attack. A draft is essentially the involuntary servitude of those drafted; only in the face of overwhelming evidence of invasion or direct threat to the United States should this even be comtemplated.
As an essential component of national defense, I favor state support of Air and Army National Guard. Further, I fully support and individual's right to keep and bear arms as the ultimate reserve for repelling invasion or tyranny.
I support a well-trained and highly-organized volunteer state guard/militia. This critical element of hometown security should be encouraged to our defense by providing a response team to local emergencies, forming a communications network of amateur radio enthusiasts, community watches, and so forth. It may also serve as a support organization for those Guardsmen deployed overseas.
I support voluntary ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) military training in our schools, colleges and universities. Any school of higher education that refuses to allow ROTC training on-campus should risk losing any federal funding.
I oppose any attempts to place women in combat roles in the military. Likewise, to maintain discipline and minimize opportunities for improper fraternization among combat troops, I agree with most military authorities that practicing homosexuals should also be excluded from service in the armed forces of the United States.
I support increases in compensation for our American servicemen and women; we expect these men and women to serve as professionals and should incent them accordingly.
I support, in times of declared war, a decrease in social entitlement spending and the possibility of an increase in short-term taxation that will assist in paying for the war as it progresses. This will equalize the sacrifices of those at home with those called to fight upon the battlefield abroad. This approach will minimize the debt passed along to future generations and provide proper encouragement to think hard before engaging in or sustaining a war.
If we commit our troops to the battlefield, we should fight to win. This means providing the resources needed and empowering our military leaders to make military decisions without incessant armchair quarterbacking driven by partisan politics.
I support the withdrawal of US forces from many of our overseas bases; we currently maintain 823 installations in 39 countries. Other estimates indicate that we maintain troops in about 130 different countries. Many of these posts could be closed or downsized and used as a staging area should military action be required in the area. We provide for the defense countries such as Germany that are perfectly capable of providing for their own conventional defense although the United States may still extend the protection of its nuclear umbrella. I also support taking the steps necessary to encourage and enable Japan to provide for its own defense.
If attacked by a foreign nation, the United States government should feel no compulsion to, at our expense, rebuild the country's infrastructure damaged during subsequent conflict as we did in Germany and Japan. Any reconstruction should be funded by the attacking nation where feasible.
I oppose unilateral disamament and dismemberment of our defense infrastructure. That which is hastily torn down will not be easily rebuilt.
I support a foreign policy that will minimize our chances of getting entangled in foreign conflicts. This would also preclude a role as the world's police force. We should be a friend of liberty everywhere, but the guarantor and provisioner of ours alone.
I support the intent of the original Posse Comitatus Act, as approved by the Congress in 1878, and complete separation of our national military from all state, county, and local police functions. However, this does not preclude the use of our military, which will be returned from overseas assignments, along our southern border to prevent the invasion of the U.S. by millions of foreigners illegally-entering our nation annually.
It is imperative that aging weapons systems - where it is common for aircraft to be older than the pilot - be replaced by the next generation of advanced, high-tech weapons which are designed to ensure that our armed forces face any future conflict from a posture of dominance. I support the use of technology on the battlefield that will enable us to deliver a true 'shock and awe' effect with minimal risk of harm to our own troops.
I cannot in good faith oppose pre-emptive military strikes on other nations when there is a clear and present danger to the United States; as an example, it would have been treasonous to have possessed advance knowledge of Pearl Harbor and done nothing until we had lost our Pacific Fleet.
I reluctantly support the long-term use of National Guard troops to supplement active duty forces in overseas assignments. Without maintaining a sufficiently large peace-time military, it may be necessary to deploy National Guard troops who have volunteered for that service. This should be done in accordance with existing laws governing deployment durations. The other option is conscription which is the last option to be considered only when the US is under an imminent threat of invasion.
I oppose entitlement programs, but fully and strongly support living up to our obligation to take care of our military service members and veterans that is part of their compensation package. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate compensation, education, healthcare, support in transitioning into the private sector, and home loan guarantees. For non-US citizens, this should also include a fast-track to citizenship.
I support efforts to bring our prisoners of war, or their remains, home; while this may mean little to those who have not served, we do not leave a man behind. Politicians sent our troops into harms way and should be accountable for bringing them home.
I support and respect the Conscientious Objector status; however, when a service member enjoys all the peace-time benefits of serving in uniform, they should not be eligible for a complete, honorable separation when it appears they may be deployed. This is essentially fraud; the issue should be handled in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

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Main Menu Home About Will The Issues The 2nd District News and Events Contact Us Get Involved Contribute Links and Resources MySpace Page Facebook Profile Candidate Profile Team Liberty Content Management	National Defense On The Issues Government Reform Election Reform Energy Independence Foreign Policy Taxation National Defense Rights and Liberties Nanny Government Freedom of Religion Freedom of Speech Right to Bear Arms Right to Life Right to Privacy Social and Domestic Issues Agriculture Crime and Violence Drug Issues Education and School Choice Environment Family Budget Healthcare Housing Immigration & Border Security Marriage and Family Poverty and Welfare Social Security and Retirement Technology & Infrastructure Communications Internet Other Technologies We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. The defense of the nation against foreign military aggression is a proper constitutional power and burden of the federal government. To provide for the common defense, it is authorized to raise and support armies, declare war, and enter into treaties. -US Constitution As made clear by the US Constitution, one of the primary functions of the federal government is to provide for national defense. It is not only a rightful power but a burden that cannot be neglected. I have the greatest respect for those that serve in our nation's defense; I got to know many of them when I wore the uniform myself and can attest to their commitment and dedication. They deserve no less of a commitment from those that serve them in Washington, DC. On The Issues: I support the role of the federal government to provide for the common defense and to be vigilant regarding potential threats, prospective capabilities, and perceived intentions of potential enemies. I support a modern and efficient military capability that can promptly and overwhelmingly respond to any attack on the United States. I support an annual budget equal to the 4% of the previous year's GDP; according to studies by the Heritage Foundation, this should be sufficient to maintain an adequate defense and support continued improvements. Further, it includes military expenditures currently incurred by agencies other than the Department of Defense such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Energy. Military leaders should be consulted as to how to best allocate this budget. This amount will decrease as our allies overseas assume the burden of maintaining thier own defenses. I support highly-mobile, strong, state-of-the-art army, navy and air force powers as well as space communication and expanded anti-ballistic missile capabilities suitable to detect and decisively counter any strategic danger. I support foreign military action only upon a Declaration of War by Congress in the face of an imminent and clear threat to the United States. I favor a clear strategy for entrance into and conclusion of any foreign engagement and a definable goal that constitutes victory. If circumstances us force us into a conflict with a foreign nation, the U.S. taxpayer should not be compelled to fund the rebuilding of that countries infrastructure at the conclusion of that conflict as we've done with Germany, Japan, and now Iraq. While returning stability to the region may be in our own best interest, the resources of that aggressor should first be used towards that end. I oppose the exercise of executive War Powers in the absence of a Declaration of War, except in the face of an immediate and direct threat to the United States. I oppose any treaty or international agreement that puts American troops under the control or authority of any other executive or administrative power. I oppose any mandatory draft or conscription unless the United States is in imminent danger of attack. A draft is essentially the involuntary servitude of those drafted; only in the face of overwhelming evidence of invasion or direct threat to the United States should this even be comtemplated. As an essential component of national defense, I favor state support of Air and Army National Guard. Further, I fully support and individual's right to keep and bear arms as the ultimate reserve for repelling invasion or tyranny. I support a well-trained and highly-organized volunteer state guard/militia. This critical element of hometown security should be encouraged to our defense by providing a response team to local emergencies, forming a communications network of amateur radio enthusiasts, community watches, and so forth. It may also serve as a support organization for those Guardsmen deployed overseas. I support voluntary ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) military training in our schools, colleges and universities. Any school of higher education that refuses to allow ROTC training on-campus should risk losing any federal funding. I oppose any attempts to place women in combat roles in the military. Likewise, to maintain discipline and minimize opportunities for improper fraternization among combat troops, I agree with most military authorities that practicing homosexuals should also be excluded from service in the armed forces of the United States. I support increases in compensation for our American servicemen and women; we expect these men and women to serve as professionals and should incent them accordingly. I support, in times of declared war, a decrease in social entitlement spending and the possibility of an increase in short-term taxation that will assist in paying for the war as it progresses. This will equalize the sacrifices of those at home with those called to fight upon the battlefield abroad. This approach will minimize the debt passed along to future generations and provide proper encouragement to think hard before engaging in or sustaining a war. If we commit our troops to the battlefield, we should fight to win. This means providing the resources needed and empowering our military leaders to make military decisions without incessant armchair quarterbacking driven by partisan politics. I support the withdrawal of US forces from many of our overseas bases; we currently maintain 823 installations in 39 countries. Other estimates indicate that we maintain troops in about 130 different countries. Many of these posts could be closed or downsized and used as a staging area should military action be required in the area. We provide for the defense countries such as Germany that are perfectly capable of providing for their own conventional defense although the United States may still extend the protection of its nuclear umbrella. I also support taking the steps necessary to encourage and enable Japan to provide for its own defense. If attacked by a foreign nation, the United States government should feel no compulsion to, at our expense, rebuild the country's infrastructure damaged during subsequent conflict as we did in Germany and Japan. Any reconstruction should be funded by the attacking nation where feasible. I oppose unilateral disamament and dismemberment of our defense infrastructure. That which is hastily torn down will not be easily rebuilt. I support a foreign policy that will minimize our chances of getting entangled in foreign conflicts. This would also preclude a role as the world's police force. We should be a friend of liberty everywhere, but the guarantor and provisioner of ours alone. I support the intent of the original Posse Comitatus Act, as approved by the Congress in 1878, and complete separation of our national military from all state, county, and local police functions. However, this does not preclude the use of our military, which will be returned from overseas assignments, along our southern border to prevent the invasion of the U.S. by millions of foreigners illegally-entering our nation annually. It is imperative that aging weapons systems - where it is common for aircraft to be older than the pilot - be replaced by the next generation of advanced, high-tech weapons which are designed to ensure that our armed forces face any future conflict from a posture of dominance. I support the use of technology on the battlefield that will enable us to deliver a true 'shock and awe' effect with minimal risk of harm to our own troops. I cannot in good faith oppose pre-emptive military strikes on other nations when there is a clear and present danger to the United States; as an example, it would have been treasonous to have possessed advance knowledge of Pearl Harbor and done nothing until we had lost our Pacific Fleet. I reluctantly support the long-term use of National Guard troops to supplement active duty forces in overseas assignments. Without maintaining a sufficiently large peace-time military, it may be necessary to deploy National Guard troops who have volunteered for that service. This should be done in accordance with existing laws governing deployment durations. The other option is conscription which is the last option to be considered only when the US is under an imminent threat of invasion. I oppose entitlement programs, but fully and strongly support living up to our obligation to take care of our military service members and veterans that is part of their compensation package. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate compensation, education, healthcare, support in transitioning into the private sector, and home loan guarantees. For non-US citizens, this should also include a fast-track to citizenship. I support efforts to bring our prisoners of war, or their remains, home; while this may mean little to those who have not served, we do not leave a man behind. Politicians sent our troops into harms way and should be accountable for bringing them home. I support and respect the Conscientious Objector status; however, when a service member enjoys all the peace-time benefits of serving in uniform, they should not be eligible for a complete, honorable separation when it appears they may be deployed. This is essentially fraud; the issue should be handled in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
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