The War and National Security
Many veterans still remember acutely December 7, 1941, the day Japanese pilots bombed Pearl Harbor. The United States was not looking for war, but it came looking for us. And when it came, “the greatest generation” stood at attention, answered the call of duty, and fought until the forces that threatened our freedoms were vanquished.
We all remember September 11, 2001. As was the case sixty years earlier, the United States did not seek war, but once again it came looking for us. That is an unpleasant reality, but a reality nonetheless. We must squarely face the fact that we are at war with Islamic extremists bent on destroying our nation. We cannot afford to be naïve, and our children cannot afford for us to be complacent. We owe them the same vigilance and valor that a previous generation paid for us. The ideological contest between radical, Islamic extremism and the western world will decide the course of history. No one likes war. As William T. Sherman said, “War is all hell.” But we do enjoy freedom, and war is the price that sometimes has to be paid to keep it.
Our armed forces deserve a debt of gratitude for protecting America. They deserve more than our words of praise. They deserve our complete support. They deserve full funding to complete their mission.
As congressman, Keith Richardson will support the following principles in fighting against violent, radical jihad:
- The United States should maintain an offensive stance against radical extremism.
- Congress should fully fund the War in Iraq and Afghanistan, and reject timetables for withdrawal and retreat.
- Military commanders, not Washington bureaucrats, should determine future troop levels and tactical decisions.
- It is irresponsible for politicians to use the turmoil of war to seek personal political advantage instead of seeking our ultimate aim—complete victory.
- Congressional Republicans should oppose wasteful, pork-barrel spending loaded into Defense and Homeland Security bills.
- America should continue efforts to improve port security, border enforcement and intelligence gathering capabilities.
- The Patriot Act is an important national security tool.
- The capture and trial of Osama Bin Laden must continue to be a top national security priority.
As a bright beacon of hope to a watching world, America must remain vigilant in advancing the cause of freedom and liberty. In many ways, our success or failure in Iraq and Afghanistan will decide the outcome of this great cause.