My values are those of a politcal moderate who appreciates fiscal conservatism and social liberalism in a pluralistic society. The late Senator Henry Jackson from Washington state is a political role model for my views. As priorities, we must recognize and respect states rights, support education and be vigilant to protect the legacy that is the United States of America.
It is important to stress performance and accountability. 2 qualities lacking in politics today. Much of this is due to the nature of the "political beast". Changes in campaign finance laws would help to level the playing field for the fair expression of ideas. We must reduce the influence of money during campaigns. Campaign finance reform is one of the top 5 issues that need to be addressed to insure that congress represents the will of it's constituents and not those of big $$$ contributors.
The high cost of oil is a reality that we dealt with over 30 years ago. Unfortunately the auto industry reversed the trend toward more fuel efficient vehicles by creating a new class of car, the SUV. It's time to return Detroit to the drawing board to create fuel efficient vehicles that consumers will desire. I support free markets and capitalism. The oil market is not, as such, a free market. It is a market controlled by cartel and media manipulated to drive spot pricing to the benefit of big oil profits. For so long as the demand for oil products exceeds supply, prices will be subject to manipulation at the expense of the consumer. New refineries need to be bulit to support the supply side. New efficiencies need to be achieved while we wait for new technologies to mature.
Immigration is a challenging issue for America today. Worker permits are the neccesary answer. We must document all immigrant workers to prevent abuse by employers and to assure the safety of those seeking to come to America. However, U.S. citizenship is not a priveledge to be taken. It must be earned. My ancestors were legal immigrants to this country. They learned English as the common language of their new home. It is not unfair to ask that all new immigrants to America achieve their citizenship legally. We must maintain vigilance at our borders to protect this last great beacon of liberty in the world...The United States. |
