Security

Issues:

  • The protection of American citizens, at home and abroad, is a national priority of the highest order but efforts to protect us from our enemies have sometimes impinged on individual civil rights. 
  • Our troops are deployed across the globe.  For how long, and at what cost, should we maintain our military presence in foreign lands? 
  • Although as a country we are quick to express gratitude and respect for the services of American men and women in uniform, when they return home we too often fail to provide them with essential services.
  • Danger takes many forms.  While terrorism has claimed the spotlight, infectious diseases, able to spread across the globe in a matter of hours, pose significant dangers.  Water and food supply contamination are huge concerns as our sources increasingly cross both state and national borders.

Solutions:

  •  Americans want protection that works.  Modern solutions must blend diplomacy, economic development and military might.  We should not abandon our constitutional protections in our rush to fight domestic and foreign terrorism.  The balance between freedom and security must be maintained.     
  • Whenever our troops are deployed, we must have clear goals and objectives and an action plan for accomplishing those goals.  An indefinite stay in either Afghanistan or Iraq is unacceptable.
  • Every veteran deserves access to the highest quality medical care.  No more arguing about pre-existing conditions or PTSD!  Veterans may need help transitioning back into civilian life.  We owe them the opportunity to complete their education.
  • The U.S. agencies charged with protecting our national health must be adequately funded.  Cutting edge surveillance is needed to detect outbreaks and monitor our food and water safety.  Foreign disease outbreaks quickly find themselves on our shores.  We must be proactive and vigilant.