Social and Personal Responsibility

As Americans we should have a certain sense of personal responsibility and stewardship. At the heart of my vision for the 6th District lies the idea that all Americans are equal and are required to adhere to those virtues which our forefathers passed down to us. I believe that we can all agree that protecting those traditions which our society has passed down from generation to generation are essential to the preservation of our great country:

1. Defending the government's observance of marriage by upholding the Defense of Marriage Act and voting against disconnected legislation to override state laws on marriage

 

2. Defending life at all stages by adhering to the idea that life does not begin, it continues

 

3. Defending our rights to free speech, including prayer in schools, which are protectedby the 1st Amendment

 

 

Defending the Sanctity of Marriage

Congress has provided its position on the issue of marriage as it concerns the federal government through the Defense of Marriage Act, which was signed into law by President Clinton in 1994. I will fight any legislation which seeks to repeal DOMA, as well as any legislation which would violate the rights of states under the Tenth Amendment. The federal government has done its job of defining marriage on the national level. This legislation has been upheld as constitutional in the highest courts in our land, and states like Ohio have utilized their rights to expand the meaning of this legislation accordingly.

Protection of Life

Protection of life at all stages of development and having a belief that life does not begin, but rather continues, is the basis for my defense of pro-life measures and support for the repeal of Roe V. Wade. I believe personally that abortion all at stages of development, when utilized as a form of contraception, is abhorrent and unnecessary in a civilized society. Encouraging education programs like abstinence and adoption are the only ethical and responsible approaches. It is not enough to call myself prolife, I will show this through my votes on Capitol Hill and the speeches I give in front of my colleagues.

School Prayer

The First Amendment of our Constitution is very clear on the Freedom of Religion and the free exercise thereof: "congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." I believe that an individual in school has the right to step aside for a few minutes of prayer, moments of silence, or receive time for daily reflection. It is not the job of the federal government either to establish religion or to prohibit the free exercise of such an action, even in the class room. By creating laws which prohibit the free speech of an individual, even on school property, the federal government is taking away our basic rights as American citizens. I would support any legislation which reaffirms individual's civil liberties concerning prayer or silent reflection in the classroom.