Issue Position: National Defense

Issue Position

I am committed to a strong national defense that keeps America secure and safe. We must also support our troops and always make sure that our veterans -- our returning heroes -- have all the support they and their families deserve.

America must be strong and vigilant and the best defense is always the best offense. To protect our country and to fight terrorism, we need national defense policies at home and overseas that keep America safe and free. We must continue to track terrorists, bring them to justice, destroy their organizations and stop the flow of money that funds them.

We must stand up to aggressor nations. History has taught us that standing up to bullies early can save American lives later on. President Reagan stood up to the Soviets until the people of the Soviet Union themselves demanded Western freedoms -- and President Reagan lived to see the dismantling of the Berlin Wall.

Being the greatest nation in the world brings great responsibility. Throughout history, America's values and principles have been beacons of freedom to the world. We must continue to stand up to terrorists and oppressive rulers. America must continue to fight for the basic freedoms that should be the right of every human being.

The events of 9/11 changed our country forever. 9/11 changed the way we define our enemies. The events of that infamous day created the recognition among all Americans that not only other countries -- but also extremists -- can plan and carry out actions that threaten the liberty, institutions and indeed the lives, of our fellow countrymen.

Peace through strength is the best way to keep America -- and the world -- safe from those who seek to destabilize it.

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