Life
Texas is a state where life is good and Texans are people who love life! However, each year tens of thousands of innocent lives are legally ended prematurely in our state. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 80,000 babies were killed in the womb in Texas in 2008 through a gruesome process known as abortion. The practice of abortion is legal because liberal activist politicians decided a long time ago that it would be an acceptable method of population control, especially the control of minority populations.
Many politicians pay lip service to pro-life advocacy, but very few have actually fought to pass legislation to end abortion. I pledge to do everything in my power to stifle and end this murderous practice in Texas. I am dedicated to the restoration of the right to life for every innocent person, born and unborn.
Gun Rights
At the time of its signing, the framers of the United States Constitution had fought a war for their liberties against an oppressive government just five years earlier. This war was not fought with sticks and stones, but with rifles and cannons. The founders knew that an armed people stood a better chance of remaining free people. Those brave souls who fought against Santa Anna and claimed Texas’ independence knew this as well. The purpose of the 2nd amendment was not to enable the people to hunt or defend themselves from common criminals, although these are benefits of the 2nd amendment, but rather to enable the people to protect themselves from their own government if it ever became oppressive.
The problem with gun laws is that they only restrict law abiding citizens. The notion that stricter gun legislation would reduce violent crime is ludicrous. A criminal is not restrained by law until they are caught. So if a criminal is willing to break the law to commit a robbery or murder, then they would have no problem breaking the law in order to obtain the gun to do it with. Therefore, I am opposed to ALL gun legislation.
Property Rights & Taxes
When hard working people are not allowed to keep what they have worked hard to earn, they will soon become an unproductive people, especially when they see so many around them getting something for nothing. I oppose any tax that targets a specific group or taxes productivity. Income tax, tobacco tax, and SPV (Standard Presumptive Value) tax are not constitutional.
Individual property ownership does not exist in the State of Texas. When property owners have paid off their mortgage, they are still required to pay a tax to the state each year in order to keep their property. This is not freedom!
I support a broad based sales tax. A consumption tax is the best way to be sure that the tax burden is spread out evenly. Wealthy people would automatically pay more in taxes because they consume more. Poor folks would automatically pay less because they consume less. Let’s stop taxing what is earned and start taxing what is consumed. Let’s end property taxes and eminent domain abuse. Let’s restore property rights in Texas.
For more info, see http://www.texaspolicy.com/pdf/2009-04-taxswap-laffer-posting.pdf
Nullification & States Rights
The 10th amendment gives the states the final say in matters not addressed in Article 1 of the US Constitution. The State of Texas reserves the right to nullify any federal law which is unconstitutional. This includes laws such as Obamacare, The Patriot Act, and the National Firearms Act. I support the sovereignty of Texas and I will push for nullification and no-compliance when it comes to unconstitutional federal acts and mandates. This includes regulations from the EPA and the Department of Education.
Jobs
It is not the role of government to “create jobs”. The proper role of the government is to protect and promote the free market so that the private sector can flourish. I support less government regulation and I will work to decrease regulation on small businesses. I will also fight any legislation which targets green house gases. Man made global warming is a myth and I will work to expose it for the lie that it is.
Illegal Immigration
Texas has open borders with our neighbors to the south. Illegal immigration poses a significant threat to the security of our state and it also contributes to our skyrocketing healthcare costs. While I support legal immigration, I will work hard to produce and pass legislation which will put an end to illegal immigration. I support the employment of minutemen on the border. I support the use of the Texas State Guard on the border. I do not support levying fines against businesses which employ illegal immigrants because it is not the employer’s job to act as a policing agency. I support the requirement of proving ones legal status prior to buying or renting a home or apartment. I support allowing law enforcement to check for legal status during routine traffic stops. We must take action soon and stop waiting on the federal government.
More Local Control
Each community across our district, our state, and our nation is different from all others. We know best how to handle the local issues of crime and education and we do not need the state or the federal government meddling in local issues. I would like to see more control returned to the counties, cities, and school districts in Texas. The practice of prayer in schools should be left up to school boards. Building codes and street sign specifications should be left up to the county commissioners and city councils. Investigation and enforcement of non-federal laws should be left up to the Sheriff’s departments and police.
Spending
We have to get spending under control! Under my opponent’s first term as House Appropriations Chair, the state budget grew by 16%. That’s unacceptable and inexcusable. I will vote in the Texas House the same way I live my life, with frugality and thrift. I will root out the waste and work to eliminate it. I will find the biggest bang for your bucks. I will work to end subsidies and entitlement programs in Texas along with unnecessary bureaucracies. The best way to reduce spending is to reduce the size of government.
Life, Liberty, Property and Good Ol’ Common Sense!