Replies

MR. RUSSERT: But what’s your position [on Roe v. Wade]? Do you want them to sustain it [Roe v Wade] or overturn it [Roe v. Wade]?

And the answer is....(Let's diagram the answer)

LT. GOV. STEELE:
Well,...
I think,...
I think,....
I think....
Roe vs. Wade,....
Roe vs. Wade is.....
a,....
is a ...
matter that should’ve been left to the states to decide,....
ultimately.....
But it,...
it is where it is today,...
and the courts will ultimately decide whether or not this,...
this gets addressed by the states,....
goes back to the states in some form or....
they overturn it outright.

Obviously Russert was confused, but Steele managed at the end to state his position:

MR. RUSSERT: Is is your desire to keep it [Roe v. Wade] in place?

LT. GOV. STEELE: My desire is that we follow what stare decisis is at this point, yes.

Michael Steele's Positions:

Support affirmative action and its improvements

I support the current system and improvements to the current system, keeping in mind that while we have done very well in affirmative action at our universities across this country, I look at our boardrooms across the country, I look at NBC, CNBC, Fox, all these stations, all the corporate, corporate companies-and I don't see affirmative action necessarily being practiced there when I look at the management, when I look at the leadership, when I look at those who have a decision-making role. Source: 2006 Maryland Senate debate on Meet the Press Oct 29, 2006

Affirmative action programs still necessary to close divides

Q: Are federal affirmative action programs necessary and effective?

A: Studies show enormous disparities still exist in education, healthcare, employment and economic opportunities along racial lines in the United States. I believe programs are still necessary to help close these divides. I support giving people opportunities. Programs must be fair to all Marylanders - of every color - and they should focus on economic empowerment.

Source: Responses to Baltimore Sun Survey Aug 7, 2006

Michael Steele on Gun Control:

Q: Your views on gun control?

A: My views are pretty much in line with the governor's. I grew up under some of the strictest gun control laws in the country. You can have all the gun control laws in the country, but if you don't enforce them, people are going to find a way to protect themselves. We need to recognize that bad people are doing bad things with these weapons. It's not the law-abiding citizens, it's not the person who uses it as a hobby.

Q: Should people have access to buy assault weapons?

A: Society should draw lines. What do you need an assault weapon for, if you're going hunting? That's overkill. But I don't think that means you go to a total ban for those who want to use gun for skeet shooting or hunting or things like that But what's the point of passing gun laws if we're not going to enforce them? If you want to talk about gun control, that's where you need to start. We've got 300 gun laws on the books right now. At the end of the day, it's about how we enforce the law.

Apparently Mr. Steele thinks the only legitimate use for a gun is not for self protection or to use to protect yourself and society from tyranny, but for hunting squirrels.