Build a Strong National Defense Backed by Wise Diplomacy and Real Peacekeeping
I believe in changing the course in Iraq, fighting a REAL “War on Terror,” ending the policy of preemptive war, and defending the Home Front.
Iraq: Change the Course to Allow the Iraqi People to Chart their Own Way
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I will —
- support “changing the course” and removing our troops from harm's way in Iraq, allowing the Iraqi people to chart their own course without undue foreign interference, as Americans did following our Revolution.
- support House Joint Resolution 73, John Murtha's bill to remove troops from Iraq at the earliest responsible time and seek stability through diplomacy and international cooperation.
- support replacement of American troops with troops from countries of the Arab League and NATO, under United Nations authority, to provide security for Iraqi cities. Iraqi military and police units will continue to train and will take over security duties as they become combat ready.
- support House Concurrent Resolution 197, prohibiting construction of permanent American military bases in Iraq.
- join the Out of Iraq Congressional Working Group, work with it to bring the Iraq conflict to an end, and find ways to avoid long-term, unilateral American military presence in the Middle East.
- introduce a resolution asking that our friends in Saudi Arabia and other oil-producing nations in the Middle East, reimburse American taxpayers for their fair share of the cost of the Iraqi Occupation, which eliminated a major threat to the Saudi royal family and governments throughout the region.
Replacing the “War on Terror” with Real Security
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I support —
- continued cooperation with our allies, working through NATO, the United Nations, and INTERPOL to discover and apprehend all suspected terrorists.
- United States recognition and support of the World Court as the proper venue for the investigation, prosecution and trial of organizations, individuals and government officials suspected and accused of international terrorist activities and crimes against humanity. As with any such body, adequate safeguards must be in place to prevent frivolous prosecution.
- appointment of special U.S. emissaries to Darfur in order to heighten worldwide awareness of this tragedy, compel foreign governments to increase aid, and bring hope to those who are suffering.
- aggressive efforts by the United States to find political solutions to the root cause of the Israeli-Arab conflict – creating secure homelands for Palestinians and Israelis.
- passage of the “Advance Democracy Act,” to help citizens of other countries seek American and United Nations support when their democratic movements are repressed by hostile governments.
Ending the Policy of Preemptive War
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I support —
- legislation in the House (H.R. 3760) creating a cabinet level Department of Peace, which will consolidate existing resources of government to work more effectively to eliminate many of the root causes of terrorism – economic injustice, intolerance, oppression and violence. This will allow America to reestablish global leadership to promote freedom based on understanding, respect for the law, diplomacy and mutually beneficial trade.
- legislation using the Department of Peace and other programs to create peace centers in friendly nations, to help slow the spread of terrorism.
- the Department of Peace providing for programs to address our own domestic violence, drug and alcohol related violence, and school violence. The legislation would create a Peace Academy to provide training in conflict resolution and reduction.
Defending the Home Front, by Defending Our Borders and Protecting Our Citizens
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I will —
- support the basic aims of the immigration bill cosponsored by Senator John McCain. Unlike the current House bill, it will provide procedures for effective border protection and a balanced approach to the problems posed by illegal immigration. It will take American companies and workers into account, protecting their interests while protecting our nation.
- a bipartisan Commission to investigate the economic and cultural forces creating illegal immigration. The Commission will research and document why illegal immigration flourishes and suggest real solutions to this problem.
- create legislation to strengthen and enforce laws against the illegal movement of human beings across our borders. The "coyotes" who transport illegal immigrants are violating not only immigration law, but the human rights of the immigrants.
- work to create a system whereby all cargo containers entering this nation, whether through ports or airports, or by rail or truck, are inspected and sealed at the point of origin and quickly and efficiently screened at the port of entry to detect tampering while in transit. In addition, we must implement cost-efficient methods of detecting and searching for explosives, chemicals and nuclear materials at ports of entry.
- support federal initiatives to better coordinate recovery after natural disasters.
- support full funding and quality management of FEMA, as well as providing the organization with better communications at a state and local level, to ensure that our response to natural and man-made disasters will keep our citizens as safe as possible.
- support post-disaster rebuilding that creates more stable communities with storm-resistant, energy-efficient buildings, employing local workers.
