The government of the United States of America derives its power from the consent of its citizens.

Freedom of speech is fundamental to the continued survival of our republic. It shall not be abrogated under any pretense.

As our Founding Fathers acknowledged, we are a nation under God. We each individually have the right to worship God as we each know Him in the manner we believe appropriate. We also have the freedom to not believe and to not worship. No individual or group has the right to dictate to anyone else how, when, or where to conduct their worship.

The "exclusionary clause" of the Constitution of the United States of America should be debated as to its limits and then enforced. The federal government currently is greatly encroaching on areas of responsibility that are properly in the arenas of individual states.

The Constitution of the United States specifically gives each individual the right to bear arms. No government, federal, state, or local, may abrogate this fundamental right.

Our republic survives on the backs of our voters. We must ensure that each ballot cast comes from an authorized, registered, and properly identified voter. We must also ensure that every person entitled to vote has an unencumbered opportunity to vote.

America first. While we are a major cooperative world player, our priority must always be to first and foremost secure what is in the best interests of the United States of America.

Smaller government is better government.

Lower taxes lead to greater prosperity. The money belongs to the people, and the individual is best capable of knowing how to spend his or her money. Individual hard work and initiative have been our nation's cornerstone of success since the first European settlers arrived on America's shores. Hard work and initiative should be rewarded.

The United States is not and should not be the world's policeman. It is time for us to back off and allow other members of the world community to pull their weight.

A strong military is necessary for our continued existence. There are many countries and non-government organizations that would see our nation and our form of government destroyed. An appropriately sized, trained, and equipped military is a basic, non-negotiable requirement for our continued security.

The family is the basic unit of our society.

Life begins at conception. Except in a very few situations, abortion is wrong. Late term abortion is almost always wrong. Abortion should always be a medical decision, not social or political.

The United States must strive to become energy independent at the earliest possible date. We must make major investments in renewable energy sources so as to make them financially in reach of the common citizen. We must invest in nuclear power. We must find and use environmentally sound means to capture and use the vast energy resources, including coal, oil, and natural gas, that are found within our borders. But, we must not keep going down paths that have proven unfeasible.

The "War on Drugs" is a failure. A complete revamping of drug laws and the agencies responsible for enforcing them is required. Drug induced crime and drug gang related activities are a major threat to the internal security of our country.

Education is a key to our progression both on the individual level and as a nation. Educational requirements are best developed at the state and local level. Federal government involvement in education should be minimal.

Health care costs must be brought under control. The free market place should be incentivized to make this happen.

Immigration reform is necessary. Procedures must be developed to ensure that immigration that is beneficial for the country is allowed and encouraged. Illegal immigration must be stopped.