Posted on 01/21/2006 12:11:30 PM PST by redgirlinabluestate
An Interview with Senator George Allen
Senator Allen, thank you for granting this interview. Readers of The North Carolina Conservative are very interested in your views on the issues facing our nation and our state.
NCC: Tell us a little about your background, and how being a southerner has shaped your political and social views.
I grew up in a football family, and I always say that the four “Fs” that were important were - faith, family, freedom and football. You learn a lot of things from football: teamwork, motivation, preparation to win, and that all the players are important. You also learn from mistakes. If you get knocked down, you get back up and keep fighting. Another thing about football is that it is a meritocracy - you don't care about race or ethnicity. In a football family, you move around the country a lot - the only things that are constant are faith and family. Those values of faith and family shaped who I am, and continue to guide me.
What I like about the south is the people and the beauty of it. There is a self reliance, an independence and a trusting of free people. There is a distrust of meddling, burdensome government. You expect certain things out of government, mainly good schools and law enforcement - other than that, don't meddle in our lives. It is a part of the country where people are more willing to figure out how to solve problems in their own communities. Folks pitch in to address the problems rather than relying on government. They look first to themselves, their family, neighbors and communities. The hospitality is also important; people are friendly in the south.
NCC: What was your motivation for becoming a United States Senator?
After being governor, I was with McGuire Woods law firm. I had three options: run for governor again, senate or private sector. I wanted to get back into the political field, rather than being a spectator. I had accomplished 95% of what I wanted to do as a governor. The Senate impacts the whole country. You can pick key issues and advocate for them, influencing policy for the whole country. It can be frustrating - the Senate worships process - but it is worthwhile. I am a strong advocate for policies I believe in. I want America to remain a land of opportunity and the world capitol of innovation. I want to make sure the internet is not taxed. The internet is the best invention, since the Gutenberg press, for the dissemination of information and ideas. The internet has a positive impact on commerce, but it will also be helpful in spreading freedom internationally.
I want to advance what I call common sense, Jeffersonian conservative principles. They have worked in Virginia and throughout America, and can spread freedom and prosperity to the rest of the world.
NCC: What is your appraisal of the political climate in our nation? Is America becoming more conservative?
I do think America is becoming more conservative. People need and want a mission to unite us for a cause. I think we can motivate people to conservative ideals by showing the positive impact on their lives and families, their job opportunities, etc. President Reagan advanced conservatism - he was the modern day Thomas Jefferson. He applied conservative principles to everything from the Cold War to tax policies. Reagan showed that with lower taxes, a strong defense and by trusting the people, we could turn things around from Carter Malaise. He made us proud to be Americans again. There are hundreds of millions of people from the Baltics to the Black sea, who are now free thanks to Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul 2 and Margaret Thatcher.
The vast majority of this country agrees with the principles of conservatism that Reagan advanced. They will coalesce around the right leader, one who inspires and motivates.
NCC: What are the most important issues facing America?
We are in the midst of the War on Terror, and that is the overriding issue. Islamic fascists want to destroy our way of life. It is important that we face this threat with the resolve President Reagan showed in the Cold War. We cannot forfeit Iraq, or anywhere else.
We also must be more competitive. We are not matriculating enough scientists, mathematicians and engineers. China matriculates 6-7 times more technology students, and India matriculates 4-5 times as many. That can affect our standard of living and national security. We have to reverse this trend by working with colleges, the private sector and government.
Energy security - we must become less dependent on foreign oil. That will require a multi-faceted approach to energy policy. We need to advance clean coal, oil from US, nuclear, natural gas and bio fuel - we can grow an American fuel to fuel America. The growing economies in China, India and other parts of the world will continue to increase demand for oil. We can produce bio-fuel for under $35.00 a barrel - we will not see oil for under $50.00 a barrel in the near future.
We must drill in ANWR. I have been there; there is nothing there but mosquitoes in the summer, and it looks like the dark side of the moon this time of year. ANWR will be opened to drilling soon. We now have the votes, and it will pass. I am also working with Sen. Burr on a fuel bill to get rid of boutique fuel standards, which will enlarge our refinery capacity.
The other major issue is accountability in government spending. The Federal government is taking more money in, but it is not being spent wisely and with accountability. I support giving the president the line item veto, which is an old idea of President Reagan’s. I used it as Governor of Virginia with great effect. That way, instead of only 11 of us voting for that bridge to nowhere in Alaska, the president can veto non-essential items. We have to spend money more wisely and focus on important things like national defense and education.
NCC: Are we winning the War on Terror?
Yes, we are winning the War on Terror. We are taking the fight to the terrorists. At home, there is much more sharing of information among state and federal agencies. We have prevented attacks at home and abroad, and have not had another terrorist attack on our soil since 9/11. We are making progress in the Middle East, and spreading democracy in places like Afghanistan, Lebanon and Egypt. The death of Arafat (that reptilian, corrupt terrorist) has created a real chance for peace in Israel. It is difficult, and will remain difficult, but on this very day we are talking, the Iraqi people are voting. We must persevere.
NCC: Why is it important that we stay the course in Iraq?
There are those who say we should abandon Iraq, tuck tail and run, but we need to continue with political and security improvements there. The tree of liberty has been planted in that formerly oppressive, terrorist friendly nation. As stability increases in Iraq, we will see more help from the international community.
NCC: What are your views on illegal immigration?
This issue must finally be addressed - it is undermining our security and the rule of law. First and foremost, we must secure our borders. Finally, this is being done. We need more personnel and more detention centers. Catch and release doesn't work. We need to invest in technology, heat sensors and a virtual fence, unmanned drones that can patrol the border and use infra-red sensors to detect people crossing at night.
We should not reward illegal behavior through amnesty. This will only beget more criminal behavior.
We must reform legal immigration. We need a guest worker program to fill the needs of employers. The guest workers must be checked out and have background checks, so we know they aren't terrorists or criminals. We also need to expand seasonal visas for people who come just to work and not to live here. We also need to make it easier for people who come here legally to become citizens.
NCC: Like North Carolina, Virginia has seen much of its furniture and textile industry move overseas. What are your views on international trade?
Fair trade and free trade can have net plus. But, trade agreements must be abided by. China cheats - it manipulates its currency, which gives a 15-30% advantage. Nations must have accurate currency evaluations. Nations like China also give illegal subsidies to industries, which is contrary to WTO and hurts US workers. Trade can open markets to US if trade agreements are abided by.
NCC: What are your views on gun rights?
I support concealed carry laws. Virginia has an excellent concealed carry law - I signed it into law as governor. Law abiding citizens get concealed carry permits to protect themselves and their families. Law abiding citizens do not commit crimes with guns. I am a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment, and all of the rights and responsibilities it entails.
NCC: How would you improve education in America?
There must be standards of learning. High School graduates should be able to speak and write English, know history and be proficient in science and math. We set high standards in Virginia when I was governor, and students in Virginia are testing higher. K-12 is the state’s responsibility. No Child Left Behind had the right idea, but it has been detrimental to Virginia - it undermines state standards by setting the national standards lower than the state's. Complying with federal regulations requires us to “dumb down” our academic standards. I have introduced legislation, called Flexibility for Champion Schools, to address it. It would make sure that Virginia, or any other state with higher standards, go forward without interference from micromanaging federal bureaucracies.
NCC: Do you support private school vouchers?
Yes, I support vouchers as a state and local option. Washington, DC is under federal jurisdiction, and I supported it for DC. Now, about 1,700 students have vouchers under the DC Choice program, which they can carry to private schools. I don't think the Federal Government should mandate it, but it also shouldn't prevent it. The money should go with the student, if the state and localities wish.
NCC: Rush Limbaugh has repeatedly stated that your political speeches are inspirational and remind him of President Reagan; what is your reaction to his praise?
That is as high a compliment as I can envision. I like Rush Limbaugh - he is an influential and smart leader. He is also entertaining. I find it relaxing to listen to Rush. It is a very high compliment to be mentioned by Rush, and to be mentioned with my political hero, the man who motivated me to get involved in politics, President Reagan. I was in law school, at the University of Virginia, when they asked me to become chairman of Young Americans for Reagan, which was my first experience in organized politics. Plus, Rush knows sports, and he knows football.
Again, Senator Allen, thank you for this interview and your service to our nation.
Thank you, Judson. It is such a pleasure speaking with a conservative journalist, and one who actually values accuracy!
I would like to say one more thing - I want to recommend a movie to your readers, "The Chronicals of Narnia". It is a wonderful, magical movie. The cinematography and the scenery remind me of the Asheville area, around the Grove Park and the Biltmore Estate. The movie has a great message, and I think people will really take something positive away from it.
The North Carolina Conservative is North Carolina’s only independent, state-wide conservative newspaper. Please visit www.northcarolinaconservative.com frequently for exclusive interviews and commentary, as well as coverage of politics in North Carolina.
###
Judson Cox is a political columnist from the mountains of North Carolina. Judson Cox is President of the Foundation for Conservative American Values and Editor In Chief of the North Carolina Conservative (soon to be North Carolina’s largest circulation newspaper). Please visit www.northcarolinaconservative.com
conservativejud@yahoo.com
We have to worry about them every election. And, like I said above, they'll never be happy.
I simply cannot face the possibility of a rerun of McCainiac's silly Luke Sky Walker stuff. No matter what, I cannot and will not vote for him. He is too unstable imo.
I WILL vote for Allen if/when he gets the nomination.
That was seventeen years ago. Or are you one of those voters who likes to beat the snot out of a candidate and when he changes to your position, you keep beating away?
Find something current. Were you even born 17 years ago?
One issue voters stink.
Was Allen a grown man then or not? It was one year before he was Governor.Should we discount everything he did as Governor because it was so long ago? It was a long time ago,BUT IT WAS the last time we saw a glimpse in depth on how he feels about Life issues and the role of Government funding of abortions.
George Allen (Sr.) was personal friends with Reagan going all the way back to the california days.
George Allen (jr) and his brothers (including Bruce) saw Reagan so much they called him uncle.
Thanks. The concept of the eloquent black conservative leaves them absolutely speechless in fear (and it takes a lot to shut those people up).
We'd all be dead from Alcohol poisoning after his first speech.
Not true.
As Governor he issued an Executive Order forbidding state employee health insurance coverage of abortions.
As Governor he fought for four years and successfully championed Virginia's parental notification law. And he worked for it until the General Assembly got it right.
In the Senate he has consistently supported the ban on partial birth abortion.
Try again.
I think it should be noted that back in August Senator Allen took a position regarding stem cell research.
He was clear.
If it involves destruction of human embroyos, he opposes it.
He will only support stem cell research if it does not destroy human embroyos.
This position does contradict previous statements.
But is relativly consistant with his voting record.
Are you saying you haven't changed your position on one thing in 17 years?
Honestly?
I have concerns when we federally fund abortions.It concerns me morally and fiscally.I would think we would agree on that.My concern is federally funded abortions.
No, you're only concern is trying to drum up anything that will keep our guy from blowing your guy completely out of the water.
But nice try.
Really.
It was his position.
In august of 2005, he seemed to change his position.
He opposed destruction of human embroyos for stem cell research and only supports stem cell research if human embroyos are not used.
Here is a quote.
BLITZER: Let me ask Senator Allen: On the embryonic stem-cell research, Senator Frist, the Senate majority leader, broke with the president, wants federal funding expanded on embryonic stem-cell research.
Where do you stand?
ALLEN: I am for stem-cell research, particularly stem-cell research that can get through three filters that I have: number one, the advancement of science; number two, proper federal funding; and third, trying to avoid the ethical controversy. In California, in Stanford University and elsewhere, they are getting stem cells that have the properties, the flexibility of embryonic stem cells without having to destroy an embryo. It seems to me that would be the appropriate funding from the federal government.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0508/07/le.01.html
anytime ANYONE is to the left of George HW Bush on any issue I AM DEEPLY concerned.
NARAL gives George Allen a score of 0%.
The National Right to Life Committee gives him 100% for 2005.
I knew nothing of Allen before I read this thread. Wow. A Ronald Reagan man to boot. You guys are crazy if you let a small thing like his personality (some say he is dull, others no) stop you for being for this man.
Its the issues, man, the issues. What a man stands for is what counts in my book. I now know who I am for!
If he makes it to the general election, he would hands down carry the south and the west. He would do at least as good as W in carrying the red states. This man is electable. With Steele as his running mate it would blow the dims away.
No way am I for McPain...or Condi. Condi's credentials as a conservative cannot even come close to Allen's.
If you liked him as Bennifer . . . you'll love him as Benator! That's the hot new idea being tossed around by Virginia Democrats, who are desperately searching for a big name to challenge the reelection bid of rising GOP star Sen. George Allen, now that outgoing Gov. Mark Warner has ducked out. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/26/AR2005092601991.html
The only job Rice is interested in is in Paul Tagleabu's job. She aint running. She knows that it's not worth going through the media smearing!
I hate to keep repeating this but for you I will do it. :-)
Ronald Reagan had a Democrat controlled Congress who was spend crazy. As part of Reagan agreeing to a tax increase in the 1986 "Tax Simplification" bill the Democrats agreed to cut spending $2 for every $1 in tax cuts. Typically they ignored their promise and went on a spending spree. When Reagan would veto or threaten to veto they would shut the government down and blame it on him. The media gladly went along.
In addition, Reagan had to rebuild the military that Carter had decimated. Enough of this "Reagan Deficits" BS.
Remember the Gramm/Rudman bill that was to control spending? What happened to that? Hint: Check out the Democrats.
There, wasn't I sweet about it. :-)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.