Platform

I want to take this opportunity and say thank you for visiting my website. If you have reached this page then to some degree you have an interest of who I am. I say "who I am" because I believe this is what is more important for our citizens to know about their elected officials than what they promise. We have all gone down the path where we put our trust in a candidate and what they promise to do only to be frustrated and disappointed. Politics has become a bureaucracy. The citizens of Texas and of the country want true LEADERSHIP.  They want someone like the late President Ronald Reagan.  They want some one who still believes in the traditional American way of life.  They want someone who has the love for his or her country and understands the fundamentals of the Constitution.  I am not President Reagan and I never will be but I hold true to my heart the principles and passion he had for our country and its moral character!

So before I focus on my political platform let me first tell you who I am and what I believe in. I am literally a working man. I get up each week and put in over 40 hours of work. I enjoy my job which is helping people get on the right path mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. They might not always get it right the first time and some still want to learn the hard way and I have let them. I am a husband of 20 years and a father of six children whose ages range from 22 to 6. My 22 year old Ashley recently made me a grandfather. I am by no means the best dad because I get caught up in my work and don’t spend as much time as I need to with my family but I love them more than anything else in the world. I believe in God the Father almighty creator of heaven and earth. He and I have a very special relationship which is one reason why I am running for this office. I am not a choir boy and don’t know many who are in this life. I don’t like asking for anything especially money which is why I have not had a lot of fund raisers. Campaigns should be focused on the people and not the money. I believe two things about my fellow man, 1) We are all created equal and have goodness in our heart 2) We are responsible for our own actions. I believe that people should have the opportunity to succeed in whatever venture they choose. I do not believe in big government. The Constitution is the law of the land and no President, Senator, Congressman, our special interest group is more important. I do not support greed, manipulation, or abuse of authority. I believe that every American citizen should have the opportunity to a quality education that is second to none in the world. I believe in respect especially to our seniors who have laid the groundwork for us to be able to enjoy the freedoms and prosperity we have today. I am easy going and don’t loose my temper easily. I believe in the virtue of walking softly and carrying a big stick. I believe in good sportsmanship and do not believe in show boating. I believe in fair economic policies nationally and internationally. I believe in a strong military that is to be used as a last resort of failed diplomacy.  I believe that once they are activated that you let them do their job.  I accept that I cannot please everyone and some people just will not like my decisions and I am okay with that as long as my decisions are legal, ethical, and professional.  I believe that I am elected to do a job, not be a Hollywood star.  There are four simple principles that I attempt to live my life by, 1) I want to be a person of my word 2) I do not want to assume I know everthing 3) I don’t want to take anything personally, and 4) I will do my best understanding that my best is better some days than others.  I understand that I am not the expert and do not know everything and have no problems asking for advise or consultation.  I consider myself logical and use common sense to approach most issues. I believe in simplicity whenever possible. Loyalty is an important characteristic I believe in and look for it in people. There is much more that I could share and prefer to share this with you in person.  I ask that you please email me and share any comments or ideas that are important to you.  I have the strongest faith that this is my calling at this time to serve you.  Until we meet I ask God Bless You and Peace of he Holy Spirit Be With You! 

Defense

Everything that we believe and stand for as a family, community, or nation is irrelevant if we are not able to protect our shores and borders. A country which cannot defend its boarders and its way of life will not be able to sustain itself as a sovereign nation. The need for a strong defense is not even a question that should be debated. I strongly support the protection of the United States in the air, land, sea, and space! I believe in taking care of our military personnel, active, retired, and veterans. It takes a very special person to volunteer for their country and at a moments notice be ready to shed their blood, give up their liberties, and endure hostile situations so that others at home can go about their daily lives seeking fortune and happiness. I do not support contractors who take advantage of tax payer funds to pad their pockets and business. Imagine what the banks are doing to the American people with their fees, interest rates, and financial regulations and then imagine a contractor doing the same thing to our service men and women who could use that extra money for other equipment, facilities, pay, or research and development. I support the research and development of space weaponry to protect our nation. I believe in sustaining our alliances with nations that have stood behind us through thick and thin. I have little mercy for groups, organizations or nations that disrespect human life.

Economy

Our economy is only going to be as strong as the people who support it fiscally. If people are not employed, then how do we expect to collect any revenue to support the government and the programs they mandate? We need to get people back to work and we need to focus on transitioning our economy for the 21st Century. One very easy fix to boom our economy is to start drilling for oil, natural gas, coal, and exploring the expansion of nuclear energy. The reality is that every economy in the world needs oil to sustain itself. It takes oil to run factories, power plants, and transportation systems. We need to reposition ourselves as an economic power by relying less on foreign oil. We can disagree about how President Bush entered Iraq but it appears to me as it is related to our national interest, we leveled the economic playing field by eliminating certain countries that had secret deals with Saddam on his oil for food program. We also still need to invest in other sources of energy from wind, solar, and bio-fuels. It is not good to be one dimensional. I recall when Ross Perrot was running for President and he stated that we need to invest in Research and Development because if we didn’t we would become a service economy. If we look at our economy now we have significantly curtailed our manufacturing base and provides services. We need to invest in R & D and look at Biotechnologies as the future economic revolution. If we want to be on the forefront we need to look ahead and change our philosophy of how companies are organized and services are delivered. An example would have been Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, if our internet companies offered the same specials that were being promoted at the stores more people might have spent more money online. Who wants to get in line early in the morning for a chance of buy a product on special? Imagine sleeping in and getting online when you wake up and are ready without all the hassle and fuss to go shopping. Well, these are just a few ideas I have for the economy and like I stated earlier, I know I cannot please everyone so I anticipate some environmental response to my energy policy but hey, if they are so concerned then they can ride a bike. The goal is to get our economy moving again not to make it a permanent fix. I do care about the environment but tuff times call for tuff decisions and at this point in time we need jobs.

Term Limits

I strongly support term limits for members of Congress. Term limits are a double edged sword because you can loose some good legislators through term limits. Term limits ensure that not any one person or party can stay in power longer than they need to. Elections have been somewhat effective in the political process of getting rid of bad apples but this is more opt to happen in a Presidential race where there are term limits in place. President Washington himself saw the need to serve only two terms. Elections can be manipulated especially since campaigns are defined by how much money one collects versus if they are a true representative of the people and Constitution. If we do not have term limits then I see us continuing to have the problem we have now in Washington where legislation is conducted on creating allegiances and the people get stuck with the bill. Term limits can create problems for special interest and lobbyist because they have to work with different candidates on many elections versus already having their candidate in their back pocket. It has been said that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Our current political system is a prime example of elected officials who ignore the needs and wishes of the common man/woman. Two terms for senators and four terms for representatives not only ensures that our elected officials have to be connected with their constituents but provides the opportunity for new ideas and new energy.

Tax Reform

I have some serious issues with our tax system. Our current tax system penalizes the middle and working class and facilitates our federal government to manipulate the congressional budget. The implementation of tax credits, tax brackets, tax incentives, rebates and all other tax lingo the government uses leaves the interpretation of tax laws to the accountants and lawyers. Tax revenue should support our vital government programs and not obstructing the opportunity for individual or corporate economic growth. We need tax reform that enhances small and large company’s expansion. I support a Flat Tax on wages, salaries, and profit. The Flat Tax would be 10% for those who make less than 35,000 a year, 15% for those who make 35,000 to 250,000 and 20% for those who make more than 250,000 a year. It should be amended that the tax rate should never increase. I support eliminating the estate tax. Property tax I would leave up to the Counties to govern. Consumptive (Sales) Tax would be left up to the States to oversee. I can see myself supporting a 1% Federal sales tax at most for the initial transition from an income tax to a flat tax. On the business side of the tax plan I would eliminate the employer from having to match the FICA Tax. Businesses and investments should not be penalized for making a profit because it will put them in a higher tax bracket. I support a 15% Flat Tax on capital gains. Individual or commercial financial risk should also not be punished and therefore I support tax free retirement accounts from IRA, 401, and 457 and other retirement accounts. The benefits of a Flat Tax are that everyone is paying into the system and there will be no need to file an income tax. My opponents will argue that this will create an increase in unemployment due to the decentralization of the Internal Revenue Service but there will still be employment demand in small and large businesses that need accountants.

Health Care Reform

I do not support the current legislation on the health care bill. I see the actions being proposed by Congress as being unconstitutional to include the discretionary authority of a Czar and the President controlling private industry and financial institutions. I support a National Referendum on Health Care legislation which can be noted at the following website: http://www.nationalreferendum.org. It would be imprudent for our Congressional and Executive leadership to implement any form of national health care without first reforming the current government national health plan; Medicaid and Medicare. Americans want health legislation not health care reform. The increase cost of insurance premiums, limited coverage, high drug prices, over charging hospital services, abuse of Medicaid services, and fraudulent billing have led to the issues we have in health care today. In 2007 Medicaid spent 350 Billion in health care expenses. These issues can be addressed through state legislation not federal government health care reform. Spirited competition is healthy for a health care system designed to provide the best medical services in the world. The implementation of any form of mandated national health care is a resemblance of socialism or communism. Businesses cannot afford to be saddled with a mandated health care program and attempt to stay in businesses. Businesses are already being taxed to bankruptcy and adding another debit will only ensure that they close up shop or move to another country where the government is not attempting to control their operations and expenditures.

2nd Amendment (Right to Bear Arms)

Our founding fathers wanted to ensure that its citizens have the right to bear arms for two reasons; to assist in protecting the borders against an enemy invasion and to protect us from the federal government. If we look back in the history of the world of all the great nations that once existed and determine their fall you will note that it was more often a military coup. Our military is under civilian control to prevent this from happening unless the civilian in charge wants total domination. The other major concern would be if the federal government approved and funded another heavily armed agency that was under his total control with no authorization or oversight from Congress. The Constitution wants to ensure that the people have not only the right be the ability to protect themselves from all enemies foreign and domestic. Congress should never consider passing any legislation infringing on our constitutional right.

Foreign Trade

Our foreign trade issues are affected by our manufacturing industries moving to third world countries for cheaper labor, no unions, less to no tax, and unrestricted environmental laws. Our economy currently lacks the ability to reclaim tax revenues due to historic unemployment rates. This limits our ability to implement reasonable trade policies. Our reliance on foreign oil only puts us at a disadvantage with other countries. Attention to our tax laws need to be reformed to give our company’s a fighting chance to compete with other nations. Government and Industry need to work together on creating a collaborative plan that assists companies to keep businesses at home. Research needs to focus on what is it that we have that others need or want and oil is one of those commodities. The advancement of biotechnologies should be a focus of exportable products. Agriculture is still a strong commodity. Outsourcing practices need to be reviewed and promote American companies to return to the U.S. If a U.S. company chooses to remain abroad, then their goods should be treated as foreign commodities subject to taxes, tariffs and fees. Corporations that choose to move their operations abroad should not be able to have their cake and eat it to.

Abortion

I am Pro-Life. I believe the debate should not be whether or not a female gets an abortion, but how to prevent them. In 2005 there were 920,000 abortions conducted and funded with Medicaid and this figure does not include private physician procedures. 83% of the abortions conducted were over the age of 20 with 53% being white and 35.5% black. The one significant gift that God gave us was free will. We can choose what we want to do and when we want to do it. The choice to engage in sexual activity should be the focus of discussion. If a woman chooses to have sex and gets pregnant, I cannot support an abortion. If her free will is taken away through rape, incest, or exploitation of the mentally ill, then I believe the decision should be hers to make and that decision will be between God and her. This is a controversial position to take and I have to go back to my personal relationship with God. As a legislator I will not approve any law that supports abortions ethically or fiscally. As a Christian I understand that I have no control over another person. I am not God nor should I attempt to act like him. Salvation is and will continue to be based on free will. My heavenly father has prepared me spiritually for life and now it is up to me to demonstrate my love for him by trying to emulate his son. A woman who has had her free will taken from her will have to make that choice. For it is better to love than judge for one day I will be judged. If a pregnant female is using illegal mood altering substances then I believe that the legal system should intervene and protect the innocent life. The woman has the right to use drugs but she does not have the right to harm and innocent life in the process.

Social Security

Veterans

Immigration Reform

Judicial Legislation

Constitution

Education

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