Sydney Hay for Congress

The Fundamental Role of the Federal Government is to Defend its Citizens

Ronald Reagan spoke the words, "Peace Through Strength" and proved he meant them by strengthening America. He had the courage to speak the truth and call the Soviet Union what it was… the evil empire. Those words brought hope to the oppressed throughout the World and ultimately brought freedom to millions.

Ronald Reagan said it was "a time for choosing."We are again faced with a time for choosing. Do we choose to support our troops as they defend us in the War on Terror, or do we, as the Democrats would have us do, retreat and face our enemy on our home land?

First and foremost, it is the role of the Federal Government to defend this nation. We can debate the appropriate strategy for winning the War on Terror, and we should. But, let us remain firm in our resolve that our troops need our utmost support in this war and we should do everything in our power to give them what they need, when they need it.

President Reagan called this our "rendezvous with destiny" to preserve this great nation of ours as "the last, best hope of mankind on Earth." He was right and we face the same choice today. We dare not fail.

Border Security is National Security

Congress must get serious about border security. Our elected leaders have an obligation to protect this nation. The terrorists, drug smugglers and human-traffickers know our southern border is a sieve.

A border fence has proven its effectiveness in San Diego. The fence cut the smuggling of people and narcotics by 90 percent and cut the overall crime rate in San Diego by 56 percent. Over the past few years, we in Arizona have seen its effects as illegal border crossings increased dramatically here. Taxpayers are tired of footing the bill, and I don’t blame them.

Whether through physical barriers or technology, Congress must prove to the American people that we can defend our border, as it is the only way we will be able to establish the proper size of our nation’s “front door.” Quite frankly, it is the only way our fellow Americans will support the development of a new worker permit system.

That said we have a very real need for workers in specific industries in Arizona, and we must always be cognizant of that. Developing a market-based approach to deal with the labor needs of our nation, without suppressing American wages or job opportunities, would be the best way to approach this problem.

Let’s face it, we all generally agree that we want to the best possible outcome that screens out those coming here wishing to do us harm, respects our laws, and provides for a vibrant economy. Whatever system we design to fulfill our needs, we must never forget that we are a nation of immigrants. Legal immigration has been good for America. We must not forget that in this debate.


The United States and Israel

Israel and the United States are important allies. Maintaining this relationship is both a moral obligation and a strategic imperative for the United States.

It is a moral obligation because, since the founding of our nation, we have stood for the principles of representative government and liberty. It is championing these principles that make the United States a great nation rather than just a powerful one. Israel is the only nation in the Middle East with decades of free elections and a society that values the same liberties as the United States. The United States has been the strongest supporter of the state of Israel since Israel’s founding. Continuity and long-term commitment in our foreign policy increases the United States’ credibility with both allies and antagonists, adding to stability around the world. And it is the right thing to do.

A strong relationship with Israel is a strategic imperative because of the importance of the Middle East to the United States and the world’s energy supplies and shipping lanes. In our current struggle against terrorism we will need the cooperation of nations that share our goal of eradicating the terrorist threat. Israel is the most stable government in the region. Israel’s military and intelligence forces have served as a buffer against threats to U.S. and international security.

Continued support for Israel demonstrates to the whole world that the United States will continue to stand up for principle, is a nation that honors our commitments, and that we will safeguard our strategic interests. The ties between our two countries are many. We both share a worldview, we both value freedom, and we both stand firmly against terrorism.

The best course of action for the future is that United States and Israel remain best friends and that we stand side-by-side in the fight against terrorism. I am steadfast in my support of Israel’s survival as a free nation and a loyal ally of the United States. I will not support any effort in Congress to further diminish the land area of Israel -- not by one inch.
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Sydney Hay to Congress