I just don’t believe that this administration or our representative, Congressman David Wu, really understands the fundamental principles that have made this country great. Last week I wrote about health care and found a great article by Dan Lucas that points out the misconceptions and exaggerations by our current elected leadership. Please look at it because I think Dan is right on target with his information. What really caught my eye was how our leaders tell us about all the big profits and pay of the insurance companies and then see the real stats from our mostly non-profit insurance companies here in Oregon. It’s a very interesting and informative article.

The basic premise I make today is, if you base your opinions and policy on ideas that the government is the solution and the source of wealth creation and prosperity for the country, then you will take steps to expand government control into as many aspects of our lives as possible. This health care program will do just that. After all, the government knows better how to spend your money, run your business and educate your kids right? Wrong!

Our current leadership, including Congressman Wu, continues to grow the size of government and spending in exponential fashion. He voted for raising the national debt ceiling by 1.8 TRILLION, after spending more last year than any previous Congress in the history of our country. Not only that, he is personally advocating another government bureaucracy, the “Department of Innovation”. It’s a flawed way of thinking. Similar to forcing banks to give loans to people without regard for credit risk, it sounds “fair” and nice, but the end result isn’t pretty. It all comes down to fundamental beliefs. And the differences in our fundamental beliefs are why I want to replace Congressman Wu.

Individual innovation and freedom, guaranteed by the Constitution is what has made our country great and unmatched in human history. When people are allowed to freely compete, innovate and be rewarded for their hard work, the country prospers. Don’t misunderstand; I do believe limited government is necessary to provide for such things as a common defense and to guard against abuses of a free system like monopolies. But generally, I strongly believe that regulations and decisions should be pushed to the lowest possible level, preferably down to the individual where possible. We need to encourage people to seek excellence and achieve great things by setting them free. The private sector is like a thoroughbred horse wanting to run. Instead of bridling it and treating it like a government ass, we need to set it free to the greatest extent possible and let it run. Thoroughbreds are meant to run!

I have faith in the abilities of individual Americans and I believe the government is there to provide an environment where individuals can operate without the bridle of red tape and high taxes. More government isn’t the goal and government bureaucrats are not supposed to be the new aristocracy.

Can one person in Congress make a difference? I say yes. A small light in the darkness shines brightest. If the country sees what is truly going on and decides on a new direction it will not be just one voice, it will be many. But we have to start with one voice and build from there. I hope you will join me in this effort to take the country back from people who think the government is the solution.

I hope you will join me in this resistance, and set America free in 2010!