Defending our constitutional rights

    In great part because of the United States Constitution, our government “of the people, by the people, (and) for the people” has stood the test of time from one generation of Americans to the next. For 225 years, the Constitution has protected our “unalienable rights” of life, liberty and property which, in turn, have promoted economic growth and more prosperity and freedom for each succeeding generation.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives take an oath to “support and defend the Constitution.” There is no more important Congressional duty than doing so. If honored with this profound responsibility, I will thoroughly research every issue that comes before me to make the best decisions to uphold the Constitution and help my fellow 2nd District families.
Increasingly, the principles of our founding document are coming under attack. Many elected officials believe that our Constitution is an old fashioned document no longer reflecting the values of our nation and citizens. Aided by the courts, they interpret the Constitution that bends the law to advance their political agendas. This is wrong and should be exposed and stopped at every turn.
The Constitution details the specific rights we hold as Americans. It also limits the power of the federal government to be sure those rights are protected. We should all be concerned that Washington has apparently abused its power in a number of ways that have eroded our freedoms.
The First Amendment to the Constitution includes our bedrock rights of free speech and assembly. It looks like the Executive Branch used the Internal Revenue Service to harass and intimidate Americans who hold different (conservative) political views. If proven true, those responsible for breaking the law must be held accountable.
The Second Amendment clearly states “the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” The State of Maine Constitution states that right “shall never be questioned.” Even so, the national debate about this important Constitutional right is likely to continue. That’s why it’s so important that Maine’s next Congressperson from the 2nd District understands the history and relevance of gun ownership today. I do.
I’m a strong supporter of our Second Amendment rights and always have been. I do not support, and never have, the extreme objectives of national gun control groups, such as a federal directory of gun owners and expanded background checks. I’m honored to have the support of NRA instructors, Second Amendment leaders, gun shop owners, and sportsmen and women throughout Maine.
Maine residents have a long history of safe and law-abiding gun ownership. We have one of the highest rates of firearms possession and one of the lowest rates of gun violence in the country. For generations, 2nd District families like my own have responsibly used firearms to enjoy our long tradition of hunting and target shooting, and to ensure the protection of ourselves, our rights, and our property. I still enjoy my .22-long lever action rifle that I bought at age 14.
For several years, the National Security Agency has systematically tracked and collected our emails, phone calls, and other communications. Notwithstanding the counter-terrorism purpose and provisions of the Patriot Act, this surveillance activity of lawful Americans likely violates of our Fourth Amendment right against “unreasonable searches and seizures.” If so, these activities must stop and our laws should be tightened, and violators should be prosecuted.
If privileged to serve as Maine’s next 2nd District Congressman, I will diligently support and defend our Constitution — the cornerstone of our hard-earned civil society, freedoms, and American way of life.