Posted on 02/10/2007 7:54:35 PM PST by seanmerc
“Peace Through Strength” are three words that, when uttered with conviction by a man of principle and great leadership, and backed up by decisive action, had the power to free hundreds of millions of people from the oppression of communism and saved this country from the specter of “mutually assured destruction.”
It was in a speech entitled, “A Time for Choosing”, that Ronald Reagan ignited the conservative movement in America and began the death knell of communism. “Peace Through Strength” became our charge. I firmly believe that it will take continued, unwavering dedication to that same calling to achieve victory against the evil terrorist threat we now confront.
I was swept into office by that Reagan revolution, arriving in Congress the same year Reagan arrived in Washington. He ushered in a new era of peace and prosperity by cutting taxes, limiting government and winning the Cold War.
It is a time for choosing again. Do we as a people choose appeasement in the name of tolerance and political correctness? If so, then we are saying to the world that what we are really willing to tolerate is evil in the World. Or, instead, do we stand firm in our resolve that this nation shall remain a beacon of freedom to people of goodwill everywhere?
Do we as a people choose dependence on a bigger, and ever-more-intrusive government? Or do we choose self-reliance, recognizing that we know better than government how to spend our money, raise our children, provide for our families.
I am confident you agree with me that we Americans have the self-reliance and the character to remain free. We choose for this nation to remain free by remaining strong; through military strength, economic strength and, in addition, through strength of character.
How?
A Strong Military and Secure Borders
Support our U.S. Military Men and Women As Chairman of the Armed Services Committee in the U.S House of Representatives I have dedicated the resources necessary to rebuild our military into the strongest and most effective fighting force in the world, after years of the Clinton Administration slashing our Armed Forces through budget cuts and troop reductions,
Our best national security asset is the U.S. soldier. Through their patriotism, dedication and sacrifice, America is more secure. We must continue to ensure their access to superior training and resources so they can meet the challenges ahead.
Field a National Missile Defense With Iran and North Korea blatantly ignoring international pressure to stop their efforts to build and field nuclear weapons, we must aggressively pursue a missile defense system that will protect our communities and families from the whims of rogue nations.
Target Terrorists Our national intelligence and defense communities must be given the tools necessary to identify, track, stop and prosecute terrorists before they have a chance to strike. Provide for Border Enforcement Homeland security begins at our nation’s borders. Knowing who and what are entering our country is critical to our efforts to secure our communities and protect our families. Building fences in strategic locations along our international borders is a proven method of keeping America safe.
We must have a Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement corps with sufficient strength to secure our borders and provide for interior enforcement throughout the country.
We must field the manpower and technology at our national ports of entry to allow all cargo coming into the United States to be screened and inspected in a thorough and efficient manner.
We proved the double border fence works in my home district of San Diego. I wrote the Border Fence Provision, signed into law by President Bush, which mandates the construction of the fence across 700 miles of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. There will be attempts made to undo the funding for it. You have my commitment that I will do everything in my power to maintain that funding and build that fence.
Economic Strength
Keep American Industry and Jobs in the U.S. American workers are the most productive and innovative labor force in the world. Unfortunately, they are asked to compete in an unfair environment against other workers who make only a fraction of a living wage and are employed by companies that face few, if any, responsibilities to the environment or to the long-term prospects of their employees. In addition, our domestic manufacturers are forced to compete against foreign companies that benefit from their country’s currency and/or regulatory regimes. International trade has the ability to lead to global prosperity, but it cannot come at the expense of the American worker and their families.
Reduce the Tax Burden Our small businesses and families face a significant tax burden that hinders their ability to plan, prepare and invest in their future. Reducing that burden will spur economic activity and enable families to have a secure future.
Strength of Character:
Honoring the Sanctity of Human Life
The life of the unborn child deserves the same rights and protections as any citizen of the United States. I have sponsored many pieces of pro-life legislation and have a clear and consistent record of fighting for the rights of our most vulnerable Americans.
Protecting Children from Predators Our children must be protected from those who would seek to do them harm. We need to implement stronger protections against: inappropriate on-line contacts with minors; pornographic materials that target children; and predators who avoid jail and strike again.
Defending the Institution of Marriage Marriage is the foundational building block of our society. It is under threat by activist judges throughout the country. It must be clearly defined as the unity of one man with one woman.
Preserving Our Religious Heritage Groups like the ACLU have waged a relentless battle to remove any mention of God from public life in America. This strikes at our very foundations. That is why I took action to save the Mt. Soledad Memorial in San Diego, CA, when it was threatened. That is why on the Armed Services Committee, we successfully defended our military chaplains and preserved their right to pray without fear of censorship by military commanders.
Religious symbols like the words “Under God” in our pledge, “In God We Trust” on our currency and countless examples on monuments across our nation’s capitol are historically significant and honor those who came before us. They must be protected for future generations. They are an important part of our history and targeting their removal dishonors us all.
Protecting Our Second Amendment Liberties
It seems every election year, some liberal politician dons an NRA cap and grabs a shotgun for a hunting photo-op, as if that means they support our right as Americans to keep and bear arms. I, myself, thoroughly enjoy hunting, having just recently spent a great weekend hunting elk in Arizona. But, the second amendment is not about hunting. It is about the right of you and me to be secure in our homes. We must vigorously defend against all attempts to chip away at the Second Amendment. You know as well as I do that there is one thing criminals prefer over any other: unarmed victims.
Standing Firm with our Allies and Freedom Loving People Everywhere
The whole world looks to United States of America as that “shining city on a hill” that Ronald Reagan called upon us to be. Enemies of freedom will find no more powerful foe than a strong America. Friends of liberty will find no greater ally.
_________
These are issues of pressing concern. Thank you for allowing me to share them with you. I thank you for what you do within our Republican party to uphold our conservative ideals. It is indeed a time for choosing – for choosing what kind of America we will pass on to our children and grandchildren.
My life’s work and the work of our party is to pass on to our posterity a secure America, strong and free.
Sincerely,
Duncan Hunter
I would wager that 99% of potential registered voters would not be able to pick Hunter out from a photo lineup.
Brownback is an open borders fool.
Yes, he was a Senator. The Senate is one of two houses of Congress. Therefore, a Senator is also a Congressman.
Simply because most people do not apply the label Congressman to Senators does not mean Senators are not Congressmen. It is not a term that exclusively describes Representatives.
Newt was a good man then and a good man now! He advanced the cause of conservatism as much as anyone in the last 20 yrs.
Go Hunter!
And Romney's been at it for, what, 10?
Hey, I was curious enough to read his little article, explaining his beliefs and the few things he has tried to do.
I don't think it would impress the average American, however.
Yes, I'd vote for Hunter!
Romney has already peaked and is headed down in the polls. He is old news. He needs to show some character and class and get out of the way so he doesn't muddy the water for real conservatives. He ain't it.
If he get's the nomination then he get's my vote in November 08 but... he isn't even in the top tier candidate group. Never really was.
He absolutely came out of nowhere. Who even knew that the former President Bush had a son in 1999, let alone one that was entering the presidential race?
He gave that subject all the attention it deserves in the article.
Is that what happened to him? My husband was curious.
"Whatever happened to Brownback?"
He's a good man, too, and I listened to both Brownback and Hunter speak at the D.C. pro-life rally.
Hunter is my favorite, though.
Was Kennedy a sitting Senator or did he resign to run? Sorry for my poor history on that one. Thanks for the quick answer.
I like Newt. I enjoy listening to him.
He had trouble keeping his personal house in order, however.
In terms of sheer qualifications, disregarding political views, Romney is most definitely in the top tier. He's done more in the Real World(TM) than, say, McCain has. Giuliani is also well-qualified, not that I'd ever vote for him unless it came down to keeping Hillary out of office.
And it's a little too early to say anyone has peaked, given that it's only February, 2007. Last I checked, the election will be held in November, 2008.
I'm sure he's for it.:)
It was so cold this past week that in Chicago Mayor Daley had to open up some Global Warming Centers for the homeless.
Yes he did.
He's my man; has been for some time.
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