Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI), lauded by many as the next Ron Paul, is a libertarian Republican member of Congress who is rapidly changing the way things are done in Washington. Famous for explaining each and every one of his votes in detail on his Facebook page, Justin Amash is one of the most transparent elected officials in the world. Even the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg, is impressed with his record.
“Imagine what the world would be like if elected officials all over the world were that honest and transparent,” said Sandberg in an April 2012 speech.
However, Justin Amash’s fame has earned him powerful enemies. A local politician by the name of Brian Ellis has announced his candidacy to challenge Amash in the Republican primary, and the big business establishment in Washington is laying the groundwork for a brutal attack campaign. Ellis’ positions are far from conservative or even libertarian. He has supported special breaks for his favourite big corporations, supports the controversial left-wing Common Core education policy, has consistently voted for higher taxes and more earmarks, and even called Edward Snowden as a “flat-out traitor.” Though he is being outspent - now that his opponent has committed more than $1 million US to attack ads - Justin Amash is not giving up.
At the time of this writing, the Re-Elect Justin Amash money bomb is already halfway to its fundraising goal, with plenty of time left on the clock. If you live in the United States, and you value individual liberty, limited spending, and transparency in government, consider making a small donation to help Amash’s efforts, and share this article with your friends to spread the word.
With that goal in mind, I have compiled ten of the most poignant statements from Justin Amash, America’s most libertarian Congressman:
On National Defence
1) ”It is wrong to assume that every military dollar we spend is well-spent. There is significant room to cut spending in the Department of Defense while increasing our military strength and ensuring that our men and women in harm’s way and our honorable veterans receive the support they deserve. We should not forget that a strong economy is the source of our ability to maintain a strong defense.”
On the U.S. Economy
2) ”A strong United States economy requires restrained government spending and tax treatment that is fair and predictable for all businesses and industries. Private investment is the engine of private-sector job growth and a growing economy, and in order to expand private investment, Congress should take actions to encourage competition among businesses and individuals.”
On Energy Policy
3) ”The United States is one of the most innovative and advanced countries in the world. We have the resources and technology to develop alternative fuels without relying on government handouts. Whether it is offshore drilling, developing new wind and solar technology, using natural gas, ethanol, bio-mass, or safe nuclear alternatives, consumers can support a balance of energy production that will increase America’s energy independence and boost our economy. We should eliminate barriers to entry that are preventing entrepreneurs and innovators from participating in the energy market.”
On the Financial Sector
4) ”When government chooses the winners and losers in our financial system, the system becomes less trustworthy. Americans deserve better.”
On Federal Spending
5) ”Federal spending is far too high because the federal government has its hands in almost every part of our lives—from health care, to education, to how we raise our children. As stated clearly in our Constitution, the federal government should defend our country, secure the borders, and perform other limited roles that require national coordination. The federal government spends enormous sums of money that should be left in the hands of individuals, families, and local communities.”
On Taxation
6) ”Our tax system should be fair and predictable. Today, the tax code is filled with loopholes, targeted tax breaks, and exceptions for special interests. The result is that very few Americans understand how the system operates.”
On Transportation Security
7) ”Air travel continues to be one of the safest methods of transportation. There are better ways to protect Americans from evolving threats than with invasive full-body scanners. Americans should not be forced to choose between intrusive pat-downs and walking through a scanner that creates a nude image of a person’s body using radiation.”
On the Freedom Act
8) ”The days of unfettered spying on the American people are numbered. This is the bill the public has been waiting for. We now have legislation that ceases the government’s unconstitutional surveillance. I am confident that Americans and their representatives will rally behind it.”
On Principled Voting
9) ”I follow a set of principles. I follow the Constitution. And that’s what I base my votes on; limited government, economic freedom and individual liberty.”
On His Dedication to Posting Explanations of Every Vote Online
10) ”As a legislator, I saw how effective I could be by being transparent, posting and explaining all of my votes.”
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