“I Believe … The proper function of government is to do for the people those things that have to be done but cannot be done, or cannot be done as well, by individuals, and that the most effective government is government closest to the people.”
I believe strongly in this. I believe that the people are the cornerstone of the government and this means all people. Not just the super rich. Not just your donors. I believe that the government has a responsibility to help people with that which they cannot help themselves. I believe that cutting social programs such as Social Security and Food Stamps along with many others is counter productive to doing for people what they cannot do for themselves. I believe that cutting programs for the most disadvantaged of people is counter productive to overall society.
“I Believe … Good government is based upon the individual and that each person’s ability, dignity, freedom, and responsibility must be honored and recognized.”
I believe strongly in this as well. I also believe our country is moving further and further away from this. Good government recognizes and honors all peoples abilities not just those of the elite. I believe that in order to honor each persons ability, dignity, freedom, and responsibility, we must also make sure all people are able to make a living wage. I believe that if you work 40 hours a week and cannot afford a modest house, car, and food, then you are a slave!
“I Believe … The free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiative and incentive have given this nation an economic system second to none.”
I believe strongly in this as well. I believe there was once a time in which individual incentive and initiative were honored and could get you ahead. I believe in the concept of the American Dream and believe it has slipped away. I believe we should get our country back to a point where initiative leads to success and where all have the opportunity to succeed and support our economy not just those who have screwed over enough people or were born into wealth.
“I Believe … Sound money management should be our goal.”
I believe in this as well and believe we as a country have fallen apart on money management. There is no longer any such thing as a fiscal conservative. I believe sound money management involves both making sure everyone pays their fair share (something missing in modern day tax code and destroying our country) and that we need to invest in our own country more. I do not consider it sound money management going on endless war after endless war when we cannot even keep up with our own country and infrastructure. I also believe in long term sound money management like ending poverty.
“I Believe … In equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all.”
I believe strongly in this as well. I believe the modern day Republican Party has slipped away from this attacking rights, justice, and opportunity of so many people. Particularly homosexuals, women, and minorities. I believe that for all means for all.
“I Believe … We must retain those principles of the past worth retaining, yet always be receptive to new ideas with an outlook broad enough to accommodate thoughtful change and varying points of view.”
I believe in keeping an open mind. I believe in seeking to understand the other side.
“I Believe … That Americans value and should preserve their feeling of national strength and pride, and at the same time share with people everywhere a desire for peace and freedom and the extension of human rights throughout the world.”
I believe in this as well but also believe that forcing our way of life on another people is counter productive to this belief. I also believe that in order to preserve our feeling of national strength and pride we need a drastic change so that we can have something worth having the utmost of pride in and once again have a strong nation.
“I Believe … The Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.”
I believe that the Republican Party, if they were to cling to these principles as set forth would be the best vehicle for this. I believe both parties are far from this but hope one day one of them inches closer. And that is why I began this race, to bring the Republican Party back to its roots. And make it great once again as it was in the days of Fighting Bob LaFollette
