"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crises. The great point is to bring them the real facts." Abraham Lincoln.
The Democratic majority in Congress has managed to pass health care legislation that supposedly extends coverage to those currently not covered by health insurance but does little else. It is neither true reform, nor does it improve the quality of health care for all Americans. As Lincoln said, once the American people see the true impact this bill will have on those who already have insurance by increasing premium costs, an expanded entitlement program that will drive the deficit up by billions (see Congressman Paul Ryan's website), increasing taxes in a weak economy and other negative effects, the majority of people will express their displeasure with ObamaCare when they vote in this fall's Congressional and Senatorial elections.
However, it is not enough for Republicans and Independents to just say "we will repeal this bill! It cannot stand!" As a party, Republicans need to unite behind a health care reform package to offer to the American people as a replacement for the bill enacted this week. Our bill will focus on people controlling their health care, not the government; provide for affordability and portability of health insurance; reduce health care costs in a free market; improve the quality of health care; all without increasing taxes by billions and without creating a huge new entitlement program that we cannot afford. By the fall campaign, we must be united behind a health care reform plan to offer to the American people as a replacement for the ill-advised and poorly crafted bill that was signed into law this week. Congressman Paul Ryan, Newt Gingrich and others have proposed such plans for health care reform. We need to meld those ideas into a plan that is best for the American people. If we do, I have every confidence they will understand that our plan is best, and vote for candidates in the fall election who support our health care plan as the replacement for ObamaCare.
We need to recognize, and educate the American people, that our plan will not be enacted and replace ObamaCare in the near future. It will be at least a three year process, requiring return of control of the Congress to Republicans through the elections of 2010 and 2012, and electing a Republican President in 2012
In summary, as succinctly stated by the Wall Street Journal's lead editorial on Tuesday, March 23rd, "Many Republicans are already calling for 'repeal' of ObamaCare, and that's fine with us, although they should also be honest with voters about the prospects. The GOP can't repeal anything as long as Mr. Obama is President, even if they take back Congress in November. That will take two large electoral victories in a row. What they can do now is take credit for fighting on principle, hold Democrats accountable for their votes and consequences, and pledge if elected in November to stop cold Mr. Obama's march to ever-larger government." [Wall Street Journal, Tuesday, March 23, 2010, page A20].
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Days 2 & 3 of the AIPAC Policy Conference 2010
Monday, March 22 was a full, informative day at the AIPAC Policy conference. In the morning session, we heard from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the administration's approach to dealing with Iran and peace in Palestine; and Colonel Richard Kemp, former British military commander who evaluated and found that Israel's defense forces utilize the utmost ethical conduct on the battlefield of any army ever deployed (to refute the infamous Goldstone report accusing Israel of war crimes).
In the afternoon I attended sessions on "Dangerous Liaisons: Iran's Alliances with Rogue Regimes," and "Friends of Faith: Understanding Evangelical Support for Israel."
The evening featured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Gala Banquet attended by nearly 8,000 people, including most members of Congress. The Prime Minister delivered a powerful speech outlining Israel's quest for peace, proseperity and security in the Middle East. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) made it clear that there is strong bipartisan Congressional support of Israel and the need to prevent Iran from successfully developing a nuclear bomb.
The conference wrapped up on Tuesday morning, March 21, with a focus on "Global Perspective: Israel's Quest for Peace and Prosperity in the Middle East." The key speaker was former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
All in all, the conference was very informative and educational. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet and make new friends. I was truly humbled at the Gala Banquet Monday evening when I was publicly recognized as a Congressional candidate from Missouri in attendance at the dinner, and my new friends from Missouri cheered for me.
We live in challenging, dangerous times. But through bipartisan cooperation in the Congress, unity with Israel and the pursuit of responsible policies, we can meet these challenges and secure the opportunity for peace and prosperity.
In the afternoon I attended sessions on "Dangerous Liaisons: Iran's Alliances with Rogue Regimes," and "Friends of Faith: Understanding Evangelical Support for Israel."
The evening featured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Gala Banquet attended by nearly 8,000 people, including most members of Congress. The Prime Minister delivered a powerful speech outlining Israel's quest for peace, proseperity and security in the Middle East. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) made it clear that there is strong bipartisan Congressional support of Israel and the need to prevent Iran from successfully developing a nuclear bomb.
The conference wrapped up on Tuesday morning, March 21, with a focus on "Global Perspective: Israel's Quest for Peace and Prosperity in the Middle East." The key speaker was former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
All in all, the conference was very informative and educational. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet and make new friends. I was truly humbled at the Gala Banquet Monday evening when I was publicly recognized as a Congressional candidate from Missouri in attendance at the dinner, and my new friends from Missouri cheered for me.
We live in challenging, dangerous times. But through bipartisan cooperation in the Congress, unity with Israel and the pursuit of responsible policies, we can meet these challenges and secure the opportunity for peace and prosperity.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Highlight from Day 1 of the AIPAC Policy Conference: Our greatest weakness in exerting influence in the world= our national debt
Today I attended the first day of the AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. I attended sessions on the topics of "Elements of Power: The Strategic Geography of the Middle East," "State of the Union: America's Place in the World Today," and "Hearts and Minds: Can the United States Win Support in the Islamic World." While all three sessions were very informative, the one on "The State of the Union" was by far the most interesting and revealing.
The speakers were William Kristol of the Weekly Standard and Daniel Kurtzer, former United States ambassador to Israel. Both speakers looked at four areas which determine how much influence/strength we have to influence events in the world today. Those four and their current evaluation by Kristol and Kurtzer are as follows.
1. Military. Both rated our military as still the best and strongest in the world. While it is our major strength compared to the other three, we need to be pursuing policies to maintain our military strength by investing in additional personnel, updating equipment (e.g., aircraft, naval vessels), and pursuing technological advances.
2. Diplomacy. Both rated as weak. We do not have enough well trained foreign service people who can stand toe to toe with countries that are hostile to us. More needs to be invested in hiring and properly training our diplomats.
3. Intelligence. Also rated as weak, even after the events of the past decade. There needs to be better coordination of intelligence gathering and sharing as the world becomes increasingly more dangerous.
4. Economic. This was rated as the weakest and most serious of our deficiencies. As Kristol stated, "Our national debt threatens not only our economic well being, but also threatens our strength in the world." Ambassador Kurtzer pointed out the problems of the United Stated being a debtor nation, especially a debtor nation to China. Both men emphasized the need to reduce the debt in the next few years before it cripples us internally and externally.
Tomorrow morning will be interesting as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addresses the conference. She faces an audience upset because of harsh words by the Obama administration against Israel over the course of the past week. This action by the Obama administration was the topic of discussion during sessions I was in and also in the hallways between sessions.
The speakers were William Kristol of the Weekly Standard and Daniel Kurtzer, former United States ambassador to Israel. Both speakers looked at four areas which determine how much influence/strength we have to influence events in the world today. Those four and their current evaluation by Kristol and Kurtzer are as follows.
1. Military. Both rated our military as still the best and strongest in the world. While it is our major strength compared to the other three, we need to be pursuing policies to maintain our military strength by investing in additional personnel, updating equipment (e.g., aircraft, naval vessels), and pursuing technological advances.
2. Diplomacy. Both rated as weak. We do not have enough well trained foreign service people who can stand toe to toe with countries that are hostile to us. More needs to be invested in hiring and properly training our diplomats.
3. Intelligence. Also rated as weak, even after the events of the past decade. There needs to be better coordination of intelligence gathering and sharing as the world becomes increasingly more dangerous.
4. Economic. This was rated as the weakest and most serious of our deficiencies. As Kristol stated, "Our national debt threatens not only our economic well being, but also threatens our strength in the world." Ambassador Kurtzer pointed out the problems of the United Stated being a debtor nation, especially a debtor nation to China. Both men emphasized the need to reduce the debt in the next few years before it cripples us internally and externally.
Tomorrow morning will be interesting as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addresses the conference. She faces an audience upset because of harsh words by the Obama administration against Israel over the course of the past week. This action by the Obama administration was the topic of discussion during sessions I was in and also in the hallways between sessions.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Why and how you can help elect me as your next Congressman
"I have always retained my confidence in the people..I believe in the common sense of the American people... Throughout my career I have tried to keep my outlook and my thinking in tune with the public interest." Alben W. Barkley, Vice President of the United States 1949-53.
These words from Alben Barkley succinctly summarize why I am running for Congress. I have spent my adult life in public service, focusing on public policy issues that help improve public safety, public health and the general quality of life for people in this community, southwest Missouri and the State of Missouri. That is why I am running for Congress.
As your next congressman, I have the life experiences, skills, abilities, passion, compassion, humility and principled convictions to advocate on your behalf in Washington, D.C. I have the track record of public service which demonstrates that I successfully pursue policies that benefit the quality of life of people, care about people, and know how to serve you as a responsible steward of the office you entrust to me.
Twenty-two weeks from today, voters in the Republican primary on August 3rd will determine the Republican nominee for the 7th Congressional District. For those of you already committed to this campaign, I now need your help in letting other people in the 7th Congressional District know about my qualifications and desire to serve as your next congressman. There are many things you can do to assist the campaign.
First, we need to raise enough money to use various media to inform people about my candidacy and qualifications. I have never been good at asking people for money, and have been especially hesitant to ask for money when all of us are facing challenges in these economically troubled times. But I need your financial help. We have developed a frugal media campaign to get our message out. To implement that campaign, we need at least 50 people to each contribute the maximum of $ 2,400; another 50 people to each give $ 1,000; 100 people to each give $ 500; and 300 people to each contribute $ 100. You may give online through the campaign web site or mail your contribution to the post office box as listed on the web site. Please give as generously as you can. Also, please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to contribute to the campaign. The guidlelines for what contributions can be accepted are listed on the web site under the "Contribute" tab.
Second, we need you to encourage your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to support and vote for me. We need you to recruit others to join our Facebook site, and to sign up through the campaign web site as volunteers willing to distribute literature, work special events, put up yard signs, call voters and help get out the vote on August 3rd.
Third, we need you to be willing to host events in your home where I can meet and introduce myself to your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.
Finally, and more importantly, pray for wisdom, discernment, strength and protection for this campaign, my family and me.
These words from Alben Barkley succinctly summarize why I am running for Congress. I have spent my adult life in public service, focusing on public policy issues that help improve public safety, public health and the general quality of life for people in this community, southwest Missouri and the State of Missouri. That is why I am running for Congress.
As your next congressman, I have the life experiences, skills, abilities, passion, compassion, humility and principled convictions to advocate on your behalf in Washington, D.C. I have the track record of public service which demonstrates that I successfully pursue policies that benefit the quality of life of people, care about people, and know how to serve you as a responsible steward of the office you entrust to me.
Twenty-two weeks from today, voters in the Republican primary on August 3rd will determine the Republican nominee for the 7th Congressional District. For those of you already committed to this campaign, I now need your help in letting other people in the 7th Congressional District know about my qualifications and desire to serve as your next congressman. There are many things you can do to assist the campaign.
First, we need to raise enough money to use various media to inform people about my candidacy and qualifications. I have never been good at asking people for money, and have been especially hesitant to ask for money when all of us are facing challenges in these economically troubled times. But I need your financial help. We have developed a frugal media campaign to get our message out. To implement that campaign, we need at least 50 people to each contribute the maximum of $ 2,400; another 50 people to each give $ 1,000; 100 people to each give $ 500; and 300 people to each contribute $ 100. You may give online through the campaign web site or mail your contribution to the post office box as listed on the web site. Please give as generously as you can. Also, please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to contribute to the campaign. The guidlelines for what contributions can be accepted are listed on the web site under the "Contribute" tab.
Second, we need you to encourage your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to support and vote for me. We need you to recruit others to join our Facebook site, and to sign up through the campaign web site as volunteers willing to distribute literature, work special events, put up yard signs, call voters and help get out the vote on August 3rd.
Third, we need you to be willing to host events in your home where I can meet and introduce myself to your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.
Finally, and more importantly, pray for wisdom, discernment, strength and protection for this campaign, my family and me.
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