Monty on Security:

The primary function of government is to keep its citizens safe. That means a stronger military with the ability to project force overseas. It means tighter homeland security and it means taking the war on terror to the terrorists. It means regaining control of our borders.  If this nation has the ability to put a man on the moon, there is no doubt that we can immediately secure our borders. 

Monty on Taxes:

We can’t tax our way to prosperity. As a recession looms, Congress is trying to raise taxes.  Experience has taught us that when the government cuts tax rates, more revenue flows into its coffers.  The Kennedy and Reagan tax cuts helped create economic booms that poured money into the treasury.  It’s a simple fact: tax cuts mean growth and growth means more revenue to fund government programs, more money in the pockets of Americans and new jobs. The Democrat Congress is trying to raise taxes on working Americans, and that is a sure recipe for a weaker dollar and could push us into a recession.  For American families to enjoy the fruits of their labor, the tax cuts passed by Congress 6 years ago, which stimulated the economy, must be made permanent.  

As a businessman, I know that raising taxes will put people out of work, and the best way out of poverty is still a good job.  The bottom line is that our tax system needs a major overhaul to make it more fair and less complicated. It really comes down to the tragic way some of our money has been spent and having the direction to make things right. 

Monty on Veterans:

When our soldiers put down their rifles, we raise our hands to salute them. The heroes of Iwo Jima, Porkchop Hill, Hue, Fallujah and Baghdad deserve the thanks of a grateful nation. As your Congressman, I promise that everyday I will have the interest of our military veterans in mind. The best way to honor our Vets is by taking care of them & their families. I support full funding of VA benefits, expansion of the GI bill and better VA health care.

Monty on Spending:

The government wastes too much money. Despite promises to the contrary, Congressional earmarks are at an all time high. I want to shine the light of public opinion on all Congressional spending and ban the use of earmarks. I have worked hard for what I have earned in life. I don’t believe in wasting money; mine or yours!

Monty on Energy:  

 

The recent rise in gasoline and oil prices is a rude wake-up call for Washington. There is not a single American person, family, business or industry that has been unaffected by skyrocketing costs. We need to move our country towards common sense solutions, immediately. 

 

In the short term that means more conservation and more drilling, opening up more public lands to energy exploration and allowing energy companies to build more refineries and nuclear power plants.  In the long run, we need a new strategic vision for American energy independence that utilizes our global economic power, creativity, resources and international relationships to strategically undercut the oil-based leverage that hostile nations currently enjoy.  Any long term solutions must include increased domestic energy production from natural gas, clean coal, wind and solar power and advanced nuclear energy. 

 

The Democrats in Congress have proven that they are more concerned with left-wing politics than with finding serious energy solutions.  Democrat leaders like Barak Obama and Nancy Pelosi, as well as their subordinates, are more concerned with isolated areas like ANWR than the immediate financial needs of over 300 million Americans. 

 

Monty on Illegal Immigration:

 

The American people understand that the issue of illegal immigration affects almost every aspect of our lives from public education and health care costs, to national security and taxes.  In every one of these fields, illegal immigrants are receiving free benefits and services, while law-abiding US citizens foot the bill.

 

Congress has failed to address the issue of illegal immigration and that must stop now. I believe that we must complete the fence along the U.S.-Mexico border, bolster our border patrol forces and provide them with the resources they need to combat this problem.

 

We must also create a database that allows employers to easily verify of the work status of potential employees and then punish those who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. Additionally, we must encourage ICE to integrate its criminal database so that local law enforcement can fight illegal immigration with more knowledge.

 

Monty on Health Care:

Our nation’s health care problems cannot be fixed by bigger government and more bureaucratic control of health care.  Government agencies should not be allowed to decide which doctor you can see, or when and if you can get a needed operation.  It is a fact that citizens in countries with socialized medicine routinely receive poorer care and often come to the US for surgery because they can’t get that kind of care in their home country.

Can we do more to control costs?  Yes.  Tort reform will help lower the cost of malpractice insurance, and those savings will be passed on to patients.  Medicare reimbursements to doctors should be increased to improve access to medical care for seniors. Many states are already experimenting with market incentives, and are delivering a higher level of care at a lower cost to families. We have seen the benefits of competition in the prescription drug benefit program.  By allowing health providers to compete, seniors were able to obtain their medications at a lower cost than the government.

It is deplorable that the greatest generation of this country is having its health benefits cut, while the Democrats in Congress are trying to provide health care benefits to illegal immigrants.  So many of our senior citizens have put their lives on the line to defend our country and our freedom.  We must make sure that their needs come first.

Monty on the Second Amendment:

As a proud gun owner, I fully support the right of every law abiding citizen to keep and bear arms.  Our founding fathers had the foresight to include this American right in the Bill of Rights, and we must continue to work to ensure its survival.  On June 26th, the Supreme Court narrowly upheld the federal appellate court ruling that struck down the District of Columbia's handgun ban.  Now more than ever, it is crucial that we appoint judges who will strictly interpret the Constitution and not legislate from the bench.

Monty on Family:

Protecting the American family is goal number one! A good friend of mine once said, “the greatest thing we can do to prepare for the future, is to protect what we have now!” I am all for advancement and research, but let’s get our priorities straight. I support the right to life and family-friendly legislation to help enrich the families of Tennessee and America. I also support strong action to guard our children and grandchildren from internet prowlers and to stop the flow of illegal drugs into our country.

Monty on Target:

As we travel the district and talk with voters, I am frequently asked why I decided to run for Congress.  My answer is that this nation has lost sight of its moral compass.  We need to re-instill the right values in Congress.  It’s not just about change. It’s about direction.  We need leaders that are not afraid to stick their heels in the dirt and stand up for what is right, not leaders who make decisions according to the prevailing political winds. 

I am not ashamed to say that I have used the Bible for a moral compass most of my life. It is my number one guide. I will never veer from that model when contemplating decisions that affect you. You might ask, “Monty, why so much emphasis on your religious beliefs?”  My friends, it’s about direction.