First and foremost, I believe that a group of 5 skilled carpenters can be of 5 different faiths, have 5 different beliefs or philosophies and still build a strong house together. Unity to complete a goal can be assembled even in our diversity.

Cooperation must extend beyond the “hot” topics and we must be able to work together, even through our diversity. Simply put, we will not all agree, but we can work together to make this an UNDIVIDED country. I am not saying that social issues are not important, but Government should not be stifled due to disagreement over these issues, and the work must go on.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, or just want to verify a point or opinion, please send me an e-mail and ask! bob@hargis.info

 

Financial Accountability

I believe that...

THE President and our congress have a responsibility to reduce our National deficit, yet still provide only the highest quality National security. The government must limit spending, and can not spend our children’s future on interest to support a national deficit. We are currently watching our financial security dwindle, with over 100 Billion dollars a year going to foreign interest alone.

THE governing bodies of the United States must be accountable to the stock holders of this nation, which includes all tax payers, as to the money that is spent. Americans deserve to be treated as any corporation would treat it’s investors, and deserve the right to be informed about government spending.

We must have financial accountability to all areas of government with mandatory departmental auditing. The American people should be informed as to the results of audits, regarding the money they are forced to give up in the form of taxes. An organization without accountability can and will become corrupt. It is time to hold government accountable.

 

Foreign Policy – Military Strategy – Homeland Security

I believe that...

THE US government should be a world leader in promoting freedom and positive human rights, but should not police the world, or devote our armed forces to fighting so that our standards of living become a world standard.

THE government should stop digging a deeper and deeper hole in Iraq, and create an exit strategy that will allow the Iraqis to manage their own affairs. The only way a country can achieve freedom is for them to desire it, and be willing to fight for it on their own.

THE president should see war as a last resort only when diplomacy has failed and national security is jeopardized. 

THE US needs to regain it’s trust with the nations of the world, many of whom now see us as “bullies” and consider the USA nothing more than another “evil regime”. Should we become a weak republic? NO.   Should we become a more responsible republic? YES.

THE president should seek open communications with the nations of the world to promote peace.

Foreign Aid should be targeted towards education, healthcare, and programs that support self-reliance and growth for developing countries.  It should not be merely ineffective and dependence developing handouts.

THE US military is stretched dangerously thin, and our focus should be moved toward defensive ability, and less on world policing.  The US military should serve US interests first and foremost.

THE military capabilities of the USA can be regrouped so that they are the most powerful and capable force on the planet, yet they should be used in a manner that demonstrates respect to a world with views that differ from our own.

THE protection of the USA should be first priority of the military, with a strategic plan in place that will enable us to defeat any enemy that dares to breach our borders.  Homeland security and internal military strategy should be placed above worldwide policing and foreign aid. Securing our homeland is the only way to ensure a safe nation.

 

 Healthcare — Medicare

I believe that...

THE Medicare system must be re-created and fully funded.  Our priority of spending should be shifted from foreign aid, to domestic aid. We must limit our spending to support the world’s affairs, until our own public health programs are stabilized.

THE government has a responsibility to provide quality, affordable healthcare to our elderly population.  The members of this society, who have been the backbone of the work force in the previous generations, can not be forgotten in future generations.

Each American should have the opportunity to receive healthcare that is affordable, and health insurance should not be a benefit of only the wealthy. 

Medicare can NOT be cut further and should be expanded so that vital and crucial services are no longer in financial jeopardy.  

 

Energy/Oil

I believe that...

The United States MUST find permanent alternative energy sources.

Throughout the ages, empires have fallen as a result of building internal dependency on external resources. If we depend on outside resources, like we do oil, and it runs out, or is cut off, then the structure of our society crumbles. We have less than 5% of the world’s oil reserves, yet we use 25% of the world’s harvested oil.  Our dependency is such that we are victim to the pressures of the major oil producing countries.

We must be independently stable with regard to our energy resources. We can and will develop an efficient energy producing matrix, with pronounced emphasis on use of non-depleting resources, such as wind, solar, and hydro power.  We must continue to develop other money and energy saving methods to operate our vehicles and energize our homes and industries.

It is our responsibility to leave this earth a better place than we left it. Those with children can feel this passion with me… We must be responsible with earth’s resources.

 

Abortion

While I personally respect the rights of every American, I do not support the right to have an abortion, outside of a life threatening medical or traumatic emergency.

I believe we have right to protect every person, and that the unborn have this same right. I tremble to imagine that many of the world’s most brilliant minds may have been aborted before birth. 

However, I do not support violent protest against abortion. I will not support protestors or demonstrators who threaten or violate the rights of any other person, including physicians who have performed abortions, women who have had abortions, or facilities that have been involved in abortions. How can we advocate life, then kill and destroy to demonstrate it?

The same rights of freedom and protection that I advocate for the unborn apply to all citizens. It is not my place to judge or criticize what people have done, but my responsibility is to help educate those who face these decisions as to the importance of life, and to the many alternative options they have, without getting an abortion.

In summary,  I can not judge the hearts of men, but I do stand firm in my belief that each person, born or unborn has inalienable rights, and it is my responsibility to protect and serve all of those citizens.

 

 

 

Stem Cell research

I have found, in my research, that stem cell technology is not the simple topic people like to make it. I have heard arguments for and against this issue, most of which have been presented with a narrow mind set and limited information.

Clearly stem cell technology, as it pertains to adult stem cells, is a valid and possibly helpful tool in the fight against disease and human suffering.

The controversial issues arise when we ponder the topic of embryonic stem cell research. In my limited education on this topic, I have seen already that the basis of the debate revolves around where, when and how the cells are manifested. I find it more interesting that the technology itself has never been used on humans, and is only a theoretical human research, having been limited to only lab animals.

Should it be researched further so that a clearer understanding of the technology can be found, and the issues can be debated with valid information? Yes it should.

Should it be allowed to progress and become a medical procedure without first being submitted to the will of the American people? No it shouldn't. 

I base this opinion on the simple concept that the government should be the voice of the people. If after unbiased and valid information is presented, the America citizens should decide if they agree or disagree in proceeding forward with this type of technology.

I don't mean to dance around the topic, but I have seen clearly that some of the people who are strictly against it, don’t even know about the types of research that are involved, and that some of those who are strictly for it, haven't fully listened to the rationale of those that oppose it. Cooperation, listening and understanding should at least preface if not completely replace debating, arguing and fighting.