Taxes:
I believe that the average person is grossly over-taxed with a tax burden that reduces the chance of achieving the "American Dream."
True conservatives have always supported low taxes and low spending. Lower taxes benefit everyone, creating more jobs, providing economic growth, and allowing South Carolinians to keep more of their own money.
This enables more spending, saving, and investing.
Common sense fiscal policies should be considered and implemented as soon as possible.
We must all realize that the political leaders work for and represent us. Our state and federal governments do not own or produce anything. Everything the government manages is owned by the taxpayers.
The unrestrained spending at the ever-expanding federal level is unacceptable.
I believe that a Balanced Budget Ammendment is necessary to preserve these United States of America. The federal government must stop pressuring South Carolina to increase local and state taxes to adhere to unfunded federal mandates.
I agree with the platform of the South Carolina Republican Party, in that, high property and income taxes repel capital migration and therefore, retards economic growth. Lowering taxes often stimulates the economy and actually increases revenues to the government.
A greatly reduced tax burden would give small businesses and family businesses a much better chance of success. When these small businesses excel, it will inspire more individuals to start their own venture which will inturn offer more jobs and further contribute to the economy. Summed up: Success breeds success.
I will not falter on my stance about taxes. I have signed the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers' "No New Tax Pledge" and will stand firm on these principles.
The Second Ammendment:
I will always, strongly protect our 2nd ammendment rights. I believe that our
founding fathers would be horrified by the unconstitutional legislation that
prevents law-abiding citizens from excersizing this right. I think that the constant,
liberal attack on our 2nd ammendment has allowed tragedies like the Virginia
Tech massacre to occur.
Virginia Tech was a "gun-free zone." The
extended, murderous rampage could have been brought to halt if any staff or
students (with a concealed weapons permit) would have been allowed to bring
their weapon
onto campus.
Furthermore, the terrorist attack on 9/11 could have easily been prevented if the pilots of the hijacked planes were armed. A trained pilot with a handgun beats a terrorist with a box cutter everytime.
Citizens of our state and nation have the right and responsibility to bear arms to protect themselves, their families, their property, the freedom of the state, and most importantly their individual freedoms. The continued ability to lawfully own firearms is as important now as it ever was. The liberals' efforts to rule over our lives from Washington are stronger than ever. We need strong conservatives to defend our constitutional rights at both the state and federal levels.
It is clear that armed, law-abiding citizens can be a deterrence for a potential crime or actually stop a violent crime from occuring. Criminals, by definition, don't obey laws. Therefore, if you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns.
I will never give an inch on our right to keep and bear arms.
Eminent Domain:
Eminent Domain is the most simple issue out there.
Many laws are on the books to discourage and punish individuals for theft,
and the same laws should apply to the government. Property rights are
the foundation of
all rights in a free society. The taking of personal property
such as homes, farms, and/or land to increase a tax base or simply hand
it over to a special
interest group that wanted the property is ridiculous. Also,
through
excess regulation, government drives down the value of properties
without paying "just
compensation.' I believe that these excessive government regulations
amount to regulatory takings which are prohibited by the Fifth Ammendment
which is
very clear:
"no person shall be... deprived of life, liberty, or property without
due process of law, nor shall private property be taken for public use without
just compensation."
Government should respect your property rights the same way that you
respect your neighbors' property rights.
HealthCare:
Universal healthcare is being passed off by the media
today as the caring, compassionate, and sensible approach to our medical
woes. This idea could NOT be more wrong. Our, once great, free market
healthcare system
has been replaced by a government/corporate managed hybrid, which favors
corporate interest and a form of socialized medicine. We have enjoyed
the best healthcare
system known to man. The free market system rewards new products, technology,
and procedures.
Government regulation and intrusion has reduced affordability, quality,
availability, and patient choice. Big government does not do anything efficiently,
including healthcare. Just ask a veteran how efficient the VA Hospitals
can be.
If Universal Healthcare is ever implemented, the government will not
suddenly become efficient and effective. We don't need corporate and
government bureaucrats driving doctors and patients further apart.
We don't need rationed care, or managed care, by big government. We need to return to a free market
system in which we have more healthcare freedom. The decision to pursue
a particular treatment and the ability to "shop around" for
particular treatment should be between the patient and medical provider.
Free market solutions would drive the cost down and quality up. We
still have the best God-gifted doctors, nurses, and medical researchers in the world.
They are not at fault.
Here, I have written of my personal conservative beliefs, but in the
end I realize that "We The People" should govern me as a State Senator.
I will adhere to the Constitution.
