Basic Position: Peace
Overview:
I believe individuals, families, communities, and nations have
the right to defend themselves, but it is best for all of us to
live in peace. I advocate nonviolent solutions to problems on
every level, with armed self-defense as a last resort.
The government of the US has a long record of claiming to act in self-defense when it has in fact been an international aggressor. When I was a child the US engaged in a war of aggression against Vietnam. The US government has invaded several small countries during the past 20 years. During the 1980's the CIA trained the Afghan rebels in the techniques they (Al Queda, the Taliban, and their allies) currently use against all their enemies, including the U.S. The U.S. also paid and encouraged Saddam Hussein to invade Iran and provided him with weapons of mass destruction.
As your representative in Congress I would vote against any and all acts of U.S. aggression. I would favor a defense budget that allows only for the actual defense of the territories of the United States.
The real national security needs of our country are Universal Health Care, which is the only real protection against disease, and a sound policy on the environment. In a deteriorating environment there is no security for anyone.