Why I am Running for Congress

This is a special time for all Americans. The holiday season brings most people to a great place of reflection, thanksgiving and community. I want to make sure that we remember the 160,000 deployed soldiers and their families during the holiday season. There service is much appreciated and is necessary to keep our hopes, dreams and constitutional democracy alive and well. I would also like to take the time to let the good people in the area know why I am running for Congress in the 1st Congressional District of Georgia. I have the requisite skills and background to be an exceptional Congressional representative. We are at a critical crossroads in American and world history; we need leadership, not extreme partisanship and demagoguery. I am a proven values-based leader, problem-solver and communicator. I am an idealist, not an ideologue. I am a patriot, informed citizen and a Christian. I am very proud of all three, especially when they work in concert with each other. I believe in service above self. I put people first. I like common sense, reason, fiscal responsibility, moderation and hard-fought compromise. Government cannot solve all our problems. Government must be accountable, trustworthy, transparent and make timely decisions. I am a strong supporter of the Bill of Rights, especially the 4th Amendment, which protects our privacy and individual liberties. I dislike wasteful taxes, so at worst they should be fair, simple, transparent and put to good use. I believe a politician can represent 100% of the people, and that government can be in synergy with capital investors, business and workers. All good things flow from business. However, capitalism must stay in balance with democracy and be fair to working America. Currently it is not. I served 23 years in the Army. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as an Army Officer. I had great jobs, advanced educational opportunity, traveled the world, and worked with awesome soldiers and leaders -- all while serving my country. I served as a Professor at West Point, an Army level Inspector General, and was Chief of Staff of the 3rd Infantry Division Rear Command Post. I deployed the Rear Command Post to war in Iraq. During the 2003 invasion, I served as the Senior Logistician for Material and Distribution Management, supporting well over 30,000 warfighters. We gave the soldiers the right stuff, at the right time and at the right place! This is one of my proudest life accomplishments! Unfortunately, things are not always as they appear. I was very disappointed in the strategic planning and execution of the invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq. Hindsight speaks volumes. I retired prematurely due to the mess, and I want to share my concerns and the foibles. We did not have the personnel, equipment, ammo and resources for success. I saw first-hand the ramifications of poor and manipulated intelligence. I served proudly on the DMZ in Korea and the East Germany border during the Cold War, and through Desert Storm, but this current conflict has tarnished American integrity, freedom, justice and American prestige worldwide. My loved profession has been misused. Rubber-stamping politicians who did not do their “due diligence” should be retired. Those that approved and executed the invasion and occupation have failed. They must not be involved in winning the peace. I am ready to bring the military home within the next two years. It is time to let the Iraqis take responsibility. In conclusion, I will champion a smart values based platform that advances our values and improves our Georgia, which includes economic growth and job sector expansion by making South Georgia the national leader in clean technology and renewable energy. We must be prepared for the global economy and put America first. Our children must no longer be economic migrants, forced to leave our communities to find employment. I will advance education to meet the needs of the 21st century; as well as improve the healthcare industry, and reform and improve the Veterans Administration. Military heroes have earned the right to simple and assessable healthcare. I will make a priority solving the huge problem of illegal immigration into South Georgia and America. Lastly, I want to preserve, conserve and sustain our beautiful coast, rural farmland and resources. I was brought up believing the Earth was God's footstool, and that we need to be good stewards for his creation. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and prosperous new year! I wish you all great joy in your reflections, thanksgiving and family time. I would like to lead you to prosperity in the global economy, and to safety in an unstable world. I ask you to vote your values and self-interests in 2008. People First!