Getting the American Dream Back on Track
Far too many Americans lie sleepless each night worrying if the next paycheck will cover the bills, or even be there at all. The government in Washington must hear the voices of all Americans, and work toward finding permanent solutions to the overwhelming burdens felt by so many. This process begins with the government getting its own house in order and with proper oversight of bad-faith lenders.
Getting Government’s House in Order
Hal strongly believes it is wrong to tax generations through reckless spending. We simply cannot afford to provide every service, and Congress must make hard choices. Certain programs, such as care of wounded veterans, must be fully funded, but we must elect a government willing to make tough calls. Hal believes because this problem has developed over years, it will take years to correct. There are no quick fixes, but Hal is deeply committed to playing a key role in real solutions to real problems.
A National Security Priority
Colorado is blessed with a remarkable combination of natural resources and exceptional citizens. We as a nation must explore the full range of energy solutions to free us from dependence on foreign oil. Our dollars should be invested here, not sent to Venezuela or Saudi Arabia. Colorado-led innovation in solar, wind, geothermal, oil, gas, coal, and nuclear power can lead this nation toward true energy independence.
Fixing a Failed Policy
President Bush blundered us into the wrong war against the wrong enemy. Hal was in the Pentagon on the morning of September 11, 2001. What he saw that day causes him to say “I am personally outraged that we have not put the full force of the US military to the task of finding, capturing, or killing Osama Bin Laden and defeating the real terrorists.” While the US military has performed magnificently in Iraq, we are now stuck between the sides of a civil war. The Iraqi government must make real progress toward peace, and soon.
Mending a Sacred Promise
As a nation, we have made a sacred promise to those who put themselves in harm’s way. President Bush has broken that promise by failing to support returning combat veterans, retirees, and the military community in general. While we must reduce deficit spending, we must also honor our pledge to these American heroes and fully fund the care these brave warriors need, and we must do that now. These men and women did not hesitate to serve when America asked, and now we as Americans must stand with them in their time of need.
Protecting Colorado’s Heritage
We do not need to make a false choice between a sound economy and a healthy environment. Hal believes that especially in Colorado, we can have both. To be a good environmental steward is to also be a good businessperson. Wise governmental leadership can help companies at all levels tap into the energetic American business community while also protecting our vital resources. Colorado has shown that responsible business, utility, and citizen partnerships can lead the way to a greener future, both fiscally and environmentally. The nation can learn from our example.
Restoring a Basic Right
President Bush has eroded our constitutional rights to a disturbing level. As a student of the Constitution, Hal is deeply committed to restoring our government’s respect for the privacy rights of all Americans. The government cannot void our rights because a president says he can.
A Real and Lasting Solution
Hal does not support amnesty, period. A well-regulated “guest worker” program is part of the solution. Hal supports letting each state, within an overall federal umbrella, propose guest worker programs that serve to advance the economic, security, environmental, and educational goals of the states. Hal supports safe and legal immigration and control of our borders. Hal’s experience as a military officer, and in particular his work as a military policeman, tells him that a fence can never be effective enough to truly stop illegal entry. Proper support for border guards, as well as aiding the states in securing their borders, is a better investment than a symbolic fence that does not really work.