National Issues
Economic and Fiscal Policies - Fiscal responsibility is one of the primary duties of every government. Over-spending leads to a weakened economic foundation, and eventually national bankruptcy. A strong monetary policy and currency is part of what makes a nation strong. Overspending, excessive debt, and irresponsible fiscal control make us a vulnerable, weaker, America. We must elect representatives who will consider fiscal and economic issues to be as serious as national security. Money is to the economy what blood is to the human body - it enables goods and services to circulate. Strong money and strict fiscal policies are essential to good economic health. You may survive by diluting your blood with water, or by extracting some blood from circulation. But dilute too much, or extract too much, and you will begin to weaken, and if not corrected, you will die. Money is no different in its effect on the economy.
Energy - Stopping or choking the flow of national energy is like having a heart attack. Taxation and over-regulation of energy is one of the worst things the federal government can do for America. Energy is the driving force behind all of the economy. A sound energy policy is a policy that first of all promotes energy by refusing to tax it, and then by de-regulating it. As a state, the Oklahoma government has a duty to stand up to the federal government and tell them to stop their bad policies, based on their right under the 10th amendment.
Oil - America's dependence on foreign oil is a disgrace that can be blamed directly on one legislative body - the US Congress. Taxation and regulations have choked the industries responsible for obtaining our energy. These issues have restricted drilling, refining, and building, and have also prevented new competitors and ideas from entering the market. Dependence on foreign oil and energy makes America vulnerable and influences our view of foreign affairs. The Oklahoma government has a 10th amendment duty to stand up to the federal government and tell it to let Oklahoma govern its own internal affairs.
Taxes - Few people actually believe we are under-taxed. What is amazing to me is how popular low taxes are, and yet how politicians have such a struggle in reducing them. What they are actually doing is reducing taxes a little here and a little there, while simultaneously finding new things and new methods to tax. The result is an even greater tax burden. We must elect political leaders who are radical in their anti-tax philosophy if we are going to see any true and lasting reduction in taxes.
During the first 120 years of our national history, America progressed from insignificance to being the greatest nation on earth. This was done without an income tax, without subsidies, grants, and an overbearing, intrusive federal government. Great enterprises, such as nationwide train systems, scientific research, and great inventions were achieved - all without government aid or oversight. If we are to continue prospering, we must return to this model of low taxes, minimal regulations, and individual responsibility. Over-taxation stifles and suffocates our future. It is a serious social and political issue that demands bold political leaders who mean business.
Family - There is only one legitimate basic family unit - a man and woman (along with any children they may have). The family unit officially begins when a man and a woman are married, and ends when one or both pass into eternity. Other than God, the family is the true foundation of a strong nation and a strong society. Families are meant to be the primary source of love, care, compassion, dreams, aspirations, and achievement. No earthly relationship or loyalty should ever trump the family. Misplaced priorities and values, even if they are in themselves good things (such as career, sports, or government programs) can be destructive to the family. It is vital that the leaders we elect represent, respect, and promote the values that are conducive to strong families.
Incredibly, there are some people who do not grasp the importance of the family unit. These people promote destructive ideologies that they call "social unions" or other politically (in)correct terms. These ideas lead to a perversion of the institution of the family. The source of these ideas is ultimately a rejection of the God of creation and the order which He established. When the Creator is rejected, there is no limit to what the perverted mind is capable of justifying and calling good. The government and the people's representatives should have no part in promoting, protecting, or even condoning behaviors and ideologies that are destructive to the most fundamental institution that gives a nation its strength - the family.
Industry - Excessive regulations are destructive to industry. As a business owner, I am very aware of the incredible burden and overhead that is imposed and mandated by our government. It not only hurts business, but it drives people out of business. There is no way to know what the cost of over-regulation is, but it is certainly many billions of dollars and millions of man-hours that are made to be non-productive. Yes, some regulations are inevitable, but most of these should come from local and state sources, not from our federal government that does not have true constitutional jurisdiction.
Education - This is one area where the Federal government really has it all wrong. If the Federal government limited itself to its Constitutional jurisdictions, the people and the States would have all the money they need for education. Education is the responsibility of parents, not the Federal government.