The Security of our Nation
There two approaches to solving the terrorism crisis. The method current employed by our leaders is to have our military march through numerous countries in pursuit of a handful of bad actors. Some are concerned that this can lead to a growth of hatred toward the United States and our citizens. Some, such as U.S. Congressman Ron Paul, question our governments response along with the findings of the 9/11 commission (see The 9/11 Commission Charade). We need to bring our armies home, focus on securing our nation, and heed the words of George Washington who advised us in his Farewell Address to avoid entangling alliances.

The Proposed Draft
If there is a shortage of manpower for our government's wars, then perhaps it is time to rethink the war. It seems to me that a draft provides a means for the government to force our citizens to fight wars they don't necessarily support. I don't think empowering our government this way will lead to peace on earth.

Governmental Growth
In 1930, expenditures by the federal government amounted to just 3.6% of the GDP. Today, that same federal government spends over 18% of the GDP. One big difference is that prior to 1930 there were no social programs in our country. Today, social programs account for 59% of the national budget. Our government is now one huge behemoth that strives to regulate nearly every aspect of our lives.

Rising Taxes
In 1948, the federal government took just 2% of the income from a family of four. Today, it takes over 25%. One source estimates that today’s families, in all, surrender 52% of their income to taxes. And, if you look at historic graphs, you will see that as taxes rise savings fall. And as taxes fall savings rise. So it should come as no surprise that now when our taxes are at an all time high, our citizens have no savings and are struggling to provide for their families.

Now, you might think that our elected officials surely are working to alleviate this problem. Unfortunately, I would say they’re making matters worse. As a result of high taxes, over regulation, and international trade agreements, many of our manufacturing jobs have been forced to leave the country. In 1960, we produced and sold more products than we bought and this nation had a $4.5 billion trade surplus. Today we have a trade deficit exceeding $411 billion . That is $411 billion worth of jobs that used to belong to American citizens that have now moved overseas.

The National Debt
The growing national debt threatens future generations. Under President Bush this debt has grown by an astounding two trillion dollars. (See Debt by President). This growing national debt threatens our nations in several ways. Our nation was once the worlds leading producer of goods and services. Today, we are the worlds leading debtor nation. The interest on the national debt now exceeds the entire 1975 federal budget. To help you realize how fragile our nation is in the face of such an enormous debt, imagine if oil producing nations lost faith in the American dollar and suddenly refused to sell us o il. In no time at all, we would face massive shortages of fuel for our automobiles and for heating our homes. This growing national debt brought to us courtesy of the republicans and democrats jeopardizes our nation and heaps financial burdens and doubts on our children future. Everyone should read these articles by Walter Williams titled "Funny Government Numbers" and "Federal Deficit Reality"

Retirement, healthcare and other social programs
Investing our money in retirement accounts would allow us all to retire as millionaires. Instead, our government has seized our money to fund a program that forces many to retire to a life of poverty. As stated above, social programs now account for 59% of the national budget. All of the money paid into these programs has been squandered. Before our government can give anything away it must first take it from a hard working citizen. There are no savings accounts, only a growing national debt that burdens our youth. We must all work together to recognize, confront and resolve these problems with long term solutions. A smooth transition to private retirement accounts is imperative.

Preserving individual rights and freedoms
I have a strong belief in our constitution and the bill of rights including the second amendment. Unfortunately, recent supreme court rulings demonstrate that we can no longer rely upon the highest court in the land to uphold our Constitution. We need to elect people that will stand up for our rights.

Want to know more?
Let me know, if you have an issue you would like me to address. Or, if you would like additional information on an issue covered above.