As a Vermont State Senator, Mark Shepard built a consistent record of working for limited government, free-market economics, personal responsibility, stronger families and individual liberty. Vermonters can have confidence that if elected to congress, Mark Shepard will continue to stand up for policies that are best for the people of Vermont.
America has become the strongest nation on Earth while yielding unmatched prosperity and freedom for her citizens. This is a result of the foundation with which our form of government is based, as expressed by the American founders:
“… WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness -- That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed …”
– Declaration of Independence – July 4, 1776
When considering public policy, it is critical that we keep our feet firmly planted on this most incredible foundation.
Issues
Economy & Jobs – Family security, national security and a clean environment all require a free economy, in which people are motivated to maximize their creative talents and to be industrious.
Health Insurance – Empower citizens to be more in charge of their health insurance by allowing them to purchase health insurance policies from any state. This would save many Vermonters 50% or more on health insurance.
Health Care – Empower health care consumers by enacting policies that build a stronger and more direct connection to their health care provider. This would lead to lower costs and better products.
Environment – Over the past several decades, we have made great strides in cleaning up our environment. Environmental laws must be science based, transparent and predictable as well as consider the economic hardship they may place on people. A healthy environment requires a strong economy.
Energy – America must be prepared to run a vibrant economy on its own energy resources. All foreign energy purchasing arrangements should be strictly business relationships, not dependent relationships.
Foreign Policy – America should build positive relationships with the people of other nations, however America is a sovereign nation and we must never allow our citizens while in America, businesses located in America, or our soldiers while on duty to be subject to any foreign or international governing body.
Human rights – America should set an example to the world by upholding the dignity of every individual, which includes expecting personal responsibility from those are able.
Immigration – America is a nation of immigrants, however our immigration policy is clearly broken. Illegal should mean something! We must build a clear path for legal immigration, eliminate taxpayer-funded services to illegal immigrants, secure our borders and not allow amnesty, under any name. Those here illegally must go through the same system as the legal immigrants.
Reviving America – America’s strength lies in that we are a nation of immigrants who share a common bond, that being a respect for the rule of law and a common language - English. (Motto on the U.S. Seal - E Pluribus Unum = Out of many one)
Property Rights – The right to own and profit from private property must be protected. Eminent domain must be used sparingly and never for private gain or for increasing the property tax base. The government should not be in the business of acquiring property.
Public Lands and Waters – Public lands and waters should be accessible to the public and viewed as a resource to the people of Vermont. No more acreage within the Green Mountain National Forests should be designated with the heavily restrictive Federal Wilderness designation. Federal policy should support diverse use for economic and recreational purposes, enhancing public access, improving wildlife habitat and sustainable forestry management.
Ethics in Government – The debate around corruption in government has been focused on symptoms and not the core problem. The core problem is that as government becomes more centralized and powerful, the stakes of winning and losing become greater, which fosters an environment where people are willing to pay enormous sums to buy political influence.
Patriot Act – There is always a tension between security and liberty, however this tension increases in times of war or national crisis. While a primary role of the federal government is to secure our nation, we must uphold the constitution and take great care that we not undermine the freedoms that make America the envy of the world. Each year Congress should fully review the Patriot Act to ensure that the liberties of Americans are protected, that the anti-terrorism measures in place are effective, and that the provisions are actually accomplishing something.
The War on Terror – Since September 11, 2001 America has been engaged in what has been referred to as “The War on Terror”. This term is deceiving, as terror is merely a tactic used to spread a particular worldview called “Islamic Radicalism”. The words of its proponents make clear that a democratic form government is incompatible with their worldview and they will use whatever means available to impose their worldview and their way of life on the rest of the world.
For the American way of life to extend to future generations, today’s Americans must stand up to this real threat in the same way earlier generations stood up to earlier threats. Just as Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan were defeated in WWII, Islamic Radicalism must be defeated today.
| |
|
