What is Alan Doing Right Now?

Thursday, November 1, 2007

For those who want to know where I stand in a nutshell:
(This is a precursor to what will eventually be an "Issues" page on this website)

Iraq War:
We need to focus on training Iraqi military to fight their own battles. In the meantime, support current Iraq strategy.
Foreign Policy:
We need increased communication with other countries, be mindful of the actions of China, Iran, Russia, North Korea and other regional actors, and be aware of our foreign entanglements.
Homeland Security:
We need better coordination between local, state and federal efforts. We must focus on innovation and prevention rather than reaction and response and through increased intelligence and preparation, we should work to mitigate problems before they become issues.
Illegal Immigration:
We need to remove benefits for illegals, and reduce the value to illegal immigration. Enforcement of current laws is key, and building the fence will help reduce, illegal entry, crime and narcotics trafficking in the region.
Economy:
We need to reduce government spending: spend smarter and utalize a balanced budget. We also need to consider reforms, including: Fair Tax and abolishment of minimum wage.
Education:
We need to reduce federal education spending, as the money does not reach our school districts, teachers or children. States should have more control over education, and money should stay at the state and local level.
Energy Policy:
We should reduce our dependency on foreign sources of energy, embrace nuclear and alternative energy, and market forces will encourage that naturally (such as the current cost of oil)
Environment:
We should be good stewards of the environment for the sake of future generations, but I do not see strong federal regulation as an acceptable solution; market based incentives are a better way (ie. cost efficiency of hybrid vehicles)
Health Care:
We need to find innovative solutions for health care reform, including amending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, to allow states to implement creative solutions.
Social Security:
We need to stop dipping into Social Security money for other projects; privatization will help by reducing congress's ability to get to this money
Same Sex Marriage:
We should not allow the federal government to increase its regulations over people's personal lives, and with this in mind, states should decide whether to have civil unions. In support of DOMA, no state nor the federal government need recognize unions in states that oppose them.
Abortion:
We must be mindful of judicial activism that attempts to usurp the power of the legislature, and thus give the states back the right to determine the legality of abortion. In the meantime, we should continue to support current legislation regarding abortion, such as the partial-birth ban.
Gun Control:
We must retain our 2nd amendment rights, and always remember that guns do not kill people, people kill people.

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