Our nation became the most prosperous nation because it was the most free. But many of those freedoms are under attack. Our Second Amendment rights are under assault from the current UN Small Arms Treaty; the NDAA allows for indefinite detention of American citizens; even our freedom of expression and religion have been challenged. Our liberties are in danger. We have a strong Bill of Rights because our founding fathers knew that government invariably seeks to take control away from the individual. I will work to preserve both economic and civil liberties. Our individuality, both as Americans and especially Vermonters, is part of what has made our country the greatest innovator on the planet. Free people, free minds and free markets have created more prosperity for more people than any other system designed. They are a hallmark of our national heritage that we must never surrender.

Gasoline prices are getting higher, crippling Vermont's workers. We must expedite the approval of safe and environmentally sound energy projects, including the development of North American energy reserves. In short, we must have a policy that promotes energy that is reliable and affordable. Generally I oppose subsidies for energy projects. Here in Vermont our beautiful mountains and their ridge lines are being threatened by massive scale industrial wind power projects. I will vote to end subsidies for this assault on Vermont's environmental treasure. Furthermore, in this debt crisis we simply don't have the money. While protecting our environment is of critical importance, I also want to make it affordable for Vermonters to heat their homes and drive to work.

A healthy economy produces healthy revenue. When we have favorable tax laws more working capital comes to America to invest in companies that provide jobs and boost our GDP. Much money is sitting on the sidelines because of the unpredictability of our government and its regulations. Right now many storefronts and factories sit idle. We need to allow businesses to keep enough of what they earn to build more facilities and hire more people. Taxing them more only hinders their ability to grow.

I oppose any increase on current income tax rates, especially on the poor and middle class. This is one of the primary reasons I would vote to repeal Obamacare, which adds a new tax to people too poor to buy their own coverage but too 'rich' to qualify for Medicaid.

Our nation is beyond crisis. Each year we spend TWICE as much on interest on the national debt as we do on Veterans Affairs and the Department of Education combined. If we reduced these interest payments, we would have more funds available for other programs. But if we don't change course, we'll jeopardize not only our veterans and our children, but perhaps our very ability to defend ourselves. The problem cannot be solved even with 100% tax on incomes over 200k. A large part of the equation must be spending cuts, the other is increased revenue from economic growth. We must start by passing a balanced budget, something my opponent, who sits on the Budget Committee, has not done during his entire six year term. It's selfish, unfair and immoral for us to spend the next generation's future income on our present needs.