Ryan Catala
I believe America is at its best when we stand on the original principles of our founding documents. Rights come from God. Government should not interfere with the free expression of our God-given rights to “life and liberty”. The Declaration of Independence outlines that the government is purposed with protecting the freedom and rights of its citizens. The federal government and military exist to protect citizens from international threats. Meanwhile, the Constitution outlines limits to the scope of the federal government. It protects citizens from the risk of internal tyranny. Representatives in Congress should be concerned with implementing the expression of these principles and responding to the concerns of the citizens who elected them.
I believe the 10th amendment limits the scope of the Federal Government by allocating broad responsibility “to the states and to the people”. A smaller and limited federal government is better for personal freedom. Local sovereignty and individual rights are better than federal legislation. States and cities should take on more responsibility for the issues important to their voters. As a general rule, the government should leave you alone and regulation shouldn’t get in the way of your freedom.
I believe that the 2nd Amendment is essential to democracy. Power is required for sovereignty. Just as American sovereignty is important to global stability, individual liberty is essential to the health of American popular sovereignty. The right to bear arms is a foundational right that ensures the stability of society. It places a limit on the threats to “life and liberty”. A free nation is composed of free people and the 2nd amendment ensures this freedom can be defended at the most local level.
I believe the right to life is sacred and begins in the womb. States have the right to protect their citizens, of any age, using the legal tools available. It is reasonable, and within the scope of its authority, for a state to define abortion as murder. Public funds should never be used to support this practice.