While I have been supportive of the war since the beginning, it has become clear that through a combination of poor management of the war and poor diplomacy, we have done all the good that we can at this point in time. In order to save what face we have left, it's time to begin bringing our troops home.

Indicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing the federal budget.

In order to balance the budget,

We need a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, and must look seriously at ALL areas to decrease Federal spending as our reckless spending is out of control and as a result our fiscal system is teetering on the brink of collapse, as interest payments on our debt gradually become greater and greater - while still at historic low levels. When the interest rates inevitably rise, we will find ourselves unable to pay them.

This is a slippery slope to balance free speech, but the fact remains that the influx of undisclosed money into politics can only breed corruption.

There are some crimes that are so heinous that the perpetrator has clearly indicated he/she is not a willing member of society and these crimes must be punished appropriately.

Economic growth is spurred primarily by private enterprise, but there are some large infrastructure projects that can reasonably be subsidized or financed by the Federal government, particularly projects of such scale as to be difficult for a private organization o undertake.

Federal mandates on any issue - but especially education - cause states to have to tailor their curricula to meet standards that may not be best for that state, and may result in these states having budget crises of their own.

I cannot answer either of these with a yes or no. I believe that climate change is a cyclical event which occurs without human interference, but with that in mind it is our duty as stewards of the planet to act in an environmentally responsible way. I support regulations that, for example, prohibit the dumping of mercury or industrial waste into waterways or other environments. But, any environmental regulation must also pass a "common sense" test, particularly when many other countries - such as China - have no such desire for limitations.

I am a strong supporter of individual firearm rights, but I do believe that common sense should apply. I do not support gun ownership for individuals convicted of violent crime, and I support background checks.

It is not the Federal government's role to mandate that an individual purchase *anything*. Furthermore, even looking at the act regardless of its constitutionality, it does not actually fix any significant problems - it does nothing to bring down the cost of healthcare, which is the most important issue. If costs were lower, coverage would be expanded by default.

This country was built upon immigration, but specifically legal immigration by people coming in "the front door". One of the key areas that sets the United States apart from other countries is our long standing and strong adherence to the rule of law. How can we purport to continue that, and truly be a beacon of light and hope for the rest of the world, if we do not enforce our own laws?

TI cannot answer with a yes or no because it's more complicated than that. I believe everyone should have the same legal rights, but that government should not be in the marriage business in the first place - marriage was an institution that was created and long administrated by religion. I believe any couple of the human race, heterosexual or homosexual, should be able to enter into a legally binding union, but marriage should be carried out by the appropriate religious entity, and separation of church and state dictates they can marry (or not marry) whomever they please.

Spending

Indicate what federal spending levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.

Taxes

Indicate what federal tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.

By lowering taxes and allowing people to retain more of their own money, they will be far more likely and able to spend and invest that money which will spur on the economy. It is a misconception of the left that low taxes - especially on capital gains and corporations - only benefit the wealthy. On the contrary, it allows those in the middle class to gain more wealth, and have upward economic mobility by wise investment and sound judgment.

First, a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Second, a clear and straightforward plan to reduce our debt by reducing spending and reallocating resources towards more long term and beneficial goals. This would include R&D and other technological advances to restore the manufacturing capability of the US. Third, a reform of the energy system in the US, to make energy more affordable and the nation less reliant on foreign energy sources. All of these together would also have the effect of making the US economy more robust and increasing the number of good jobs in the country.