The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home ~ James Madison
Mike Lee is challenging Bob Bennett for his senate seat. Lee’s website clearly defines his stance on a variety of issues, with the emphasis on Five Steps to a Return to Limited Government. I am discussing each of these five steps, examining them on their merits. Last time was Step 1.
Step 2: Strengthen National Security, But Stop Nation-Building
Mike Lee’s proposal:
A core constitutional function of the federal government is to ‘insure domestic tranquility’ by protecting our country. We must continue to develop sophisticated, cutting-edge tools to defend our citizens from threats of terrorism. But our focus must be on rebuilding our own nation. We should not and cannot afford to continue the quest for nation-building.
There are three parts to this proposal:
- Insure domestic tranquility.
- Rebuild our own nation.
- Cease nation-building elsewhere.
Who can argue with the charge to “insure domestic tranquility?” In the process individual rights need to be upheld, which has not always been the case.
There are many interpretations of what “rebuilding our nation” means. Is it meant in a military sense? Or increasing employment? Perhaps strengthening the dollar? My view is that once the monetary system is functioning correctly many other problems will fade.
In ceasing nation-building it is hard to to see that as anything else but an exit from Iraq and Afghanistan. This is not the normal Republican line. Recently, this has not been been the Democratic line either. In these times of huge deficits an end to the wars would save a useful sum.
Also, presidents need to be reined in a little by Congress so that no more entangling alliances are made.
Summary
I agree with step two so long as it means that the wars America is involved in are ended. Life can be made difficult for terrorists without having to occupy two countries. My grade for this proposal is 4 out of 5 because an end to overseas nation-building will benefit the U.S. in the long term.
What do you the people say?
Next Time
Mike Lee’s Step 3: Reform the Tax System
