Making A Difference - How I differ from my Opponent
There are 2 key areas where I disagree with my 20-year incumbent opponent.
- His Weak, Stick-Your-Head-In-The-Sand Foreign Policy
- His Ultra-Libertarian Views that Conflict with Our American Values
My opponent wants to cut spending on our military industrial complex because he believes in a weaker foreign policy. I support a strong foreign policy and a strong military to back it up. I do not have a problem with our military presence throughout the globe but he does. It is a global economy and America must be ready, willing and able to protect our interests around the globe.
While personal liberties are very important and must be protected, we must balance those liberties with our traditional American values that have made this nation the strongest on the planet. Many of the ultra-Libertarian views of Ron Paul, conflict with our traditional values.
Is Ron Paul a Hypocrite? - YES
Ron Paul constantly criticizes spending by Washington, and I agree that federal budget has become bloated. However, when Paul puts earmarks in an appropriations bill, knowing full well he is going to vote against the spending bill, as he always does, isn’t that being a hypocrite? With one hand, he is chastising Washington while he has the other hand out for money. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. You have to lead by example. If you are going to criticize spending by Washington, you must start curtailing your spending as well. You can still accomplish projects in the district without earmarks. John Culberson (R-TX CD7) succeeded in getting the I-10 expansion done without a single earmark. Michael McCaul (R-TX CD10) has been a successful representative without submitting earmarks. It can be done and it is time for representatives who want to curtail spending by Washington to lead by example instead of being hypocritical.
Does Ron Paul Represent His District Well? - NO
In October 2009, Paul voted against the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 – HR3619, becoming one of just 11 Representatives voting against this bill. Since the 14th District of Texas covers over half of the Texas coast, one would think a Representative of that district would have voted to support a first line of defense as well as the safety and search & rescue efforts of the coastal community, especially in times of inclement weather. The coast guard was instrumental in rescue efforts during hurricane Ike. Paul further insulted residents of the coastal community when he voted against federal relief efforts (Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009 – HR2638) associated with hurricane Ike, the only member of the Texas gulf coast to vote against this measure.
Ron Paul refused to hold a town hall on healthcare here in the district this summer, but he found time to have a BBQ birthday bash and campaign fundraiser in Galveston, which was attended by many from outside the district as well as outside of Texas. Why should the voters of this district continue to vote for Paul when his interests and focus are not on this district, but are instead on running for another office or making television appearances promoting his book and his cause. Paul’s focus is not on this district nor on the conservative values of the Republican party. For 20 years in Congress he has been championing his Libertarian views for his own advancement. It is time to for “Dr. No” to go as he no longer represents the people of the 14th district of Texas, nor the conservative values of the Republican party.
The 14th District of Texas Needs New Representation
I will work to represent the people of the district. I will work to see that federal dollars are allocated to necessary projects in the district and I will vote FOR those efforts. I will not be a hypocrite. If there is a need for resources in this district that is supported by the constituents of this district, I will fight for those resources and I will vote in support of those efforts. I will support providing for a common defense, in which the Coast Guard plays an important role. Ron Paul is out of touch with this district and it is time for him to move on and champion his cause on his own dime instead on the taxpayer’s dime. Enough is enough – Dr. No Must Go! 12 years (6 terms) is plenty for any member of the House to prove their effectiveness or in Paul’s case, lack of effectiveness, which has now extended to 20 years.
