I consider myself lucky. As a former Marine Corps reservist and veteran of the 1991 Gulf War, I've only had occasion to visit a VA hospital twice: Once for the standard post-Gulf-War screening, and another time on an emergency basis with outpatient followup.

Many veterans are not so lucky. Some of them are disabled or have ongoing health problems which the government has obligated itself to address. And friends, my impression is that many of these veterans are getting screwed.

I'm still in the process of investigating the best ways to address veterans' issues, and this paper will be updated as I proceed, but I'd like to hit on three main points to begin with ...

Foreign Policy

I support the foreign policy laid down by George Washington in his farewell address to the nation he founded: "Friendship and commerce with all nations, entangling alliances with none." This is the only foreign policy consistent with the American values of liberty, prosperity and peace.

Priorities

• Withdraw US forces from Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Restore the armed forces to their mission of defending the US.

[Read the full position paper]

Civil Liberties

The Patriot Act, warrantless wiretapping and other violations of our civil liberties have made us less, not more, secure and robbed us of our American birthright. I support the repeal of all unconstitutional laws and a full restoration of the protections our forefathers bequeathed us in the Bill of Rights.

Priorities

• Repeal the Patriot Act.
• End warrantless searches and wiretaps.
• Restore the Bill of Rights in its entirety.

[Read the full position paper]

Taxes & Spending

Government takes far too much money from you, and it spends even more than it takes, running up debt that it expects your grandchildren to pay. I support a balanced budget and drastic reductions in taxes and government spending.

- [My tax cut plan]
- [My position on the "Fair" Tax]
- [My position on "economic stimulus"]

Marriage and Family

Pro-family means pro-marriage, and pro-marriage means pro-freedom. I'm proud to be all three.

- [My position paper on marriage]

Veterans' Issues

As a (non-disabled, non-retired, but proud) veteran myself, I'm deeply interested in seeing our veterans treated justly.

Priorities

• Increase the standard of VA care by privatizing it.
• Guarantee full concurrent receipt of retirement and disability benefits.
• End the "Feres Doctrine" -- allow inury compensation suits.

[Read the full position paper]

Immigration

I support the most "open border" policy possible. Peaceful individuals should be able to cross the border "through the front door" at any port of entry with no more scrutiny than you or I receive when we board a bus or enter a bank ...

Priorities

• End immigration ceilings and quotas.
• Amnesty for undocumented workers already in the US.
• A "path to citizenship" for immigrants.
• Border security addressing real defense priorities.

[Read the full position paper]