Get the facts on the California candidates running for election to the District 50 — U.S. House of Representatives
Find out their top 3 priorities, their experience, and who supports them.
Duncan D. Hunter currently represents California’s 50th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, consisting mainly of East San Diego County. With the latest redrawing of state-wide Congressional Districts, Duncan is now a candidate for the 50thCongressional District, which holds parts of East County, North County and the city of Temecula in Riverside County.
Duncan is a native of San Diego, graduating from Granite Hills High School in El Cajon before going on to San Diego State University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. Soon after graduation, Duncan began working full time as a Business Analyst, utilizing his degree and his experience creating websites and programming databases, while a student at San Diego State University.
For Duncan, like millions of other Americans, everything changed when the nation was attacked on September 11, 2001. In the weeks that followed, Duncan quit his job and joined the Marine Corps. Between 2002 and 2006, he served two combat tours in Iraq, before making the decision to run for Congress, where he saw an opportunity to continue serving the country.
Only a few weeks after declaring his candidacy, Duncan was recalled to active duty and deployed to Afghanistan. Though unable to campaign in any way while serving on the front lines, he carried out his campaign through his wife and family as they reached out to the voters on his behalf, until his return in late November of 2007.
In November 2008, Duncan was elected to his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Now joined in Congress by a growing list of distinguished military veterans, he remains the first and only Member of Congress to serve in a direct combat role in both Iraq and Afghanistan with the Marine Corps.
Duncan and his wife Margaret reside in Alpine, California. They are proud parents of Duncan, Elizabeth and Sarah.
Duncan is a strong conservative whose priorities include a strong national defense; enhanced border security, fiscal accountability and transparency, and protecting taxpayer interests. He currently serves as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, as well as a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the House Education and the Workforce Committee.
Top contributors that gave money to support the candidate, by organization:
Patrick Malloy was born in 1966 in Norwood, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. He comes from a family of educators; his parents, John and Patricia are retired school teachers. He attended University of Massachusetts and American University in Washington, D.C. studying international business.
It was in D.C. that he had his first life-changing political experience. Patrick was paying his way through college by working at the University Bakery Shop in northwest Washington, a business locally famous for its ice cream cakes.
One day a limousine pulled up and its occupant leaped out, rushing into the store and rudely cutting to the front of the line as he pushed the women behind him to the side. I want an ice cream cake for Anne or Anna, I don't know. Somebody will pick it up this afternoon," he bellowed. Patrick firmly said: "It takes more than 8 hours to properly freeze an ice cream cake. It can't be done by afternoon." But I'm Congressman R... and I want that cake ready," he demanded To which Patrick then calmly replied, "Well, I'm Student Malloy, and it still takes more than 8 hours to freeze an ice cream cake." As the congressman stormed out, a woman in line said: "That's right, young man; you stick to your guns."
Malloy confronted the arrogance of power that day and promised himself to challenge the small-mindness and sense of entitlement of the powerful, whether in politics or business. This commitment is one of the reasons he is running for Congress.
After college, Patrick went on to be a successful businessman in marketing in San Francisco and New York City. During extensive travel in Australia and South Asia, he met the love of his life, Karuna, a young businesswoman from Bangladesh. They married in 2007 and now live in Escondido. Karuna followed the long path to become a naturalized US citizen They are both so proud of America and its potential.
Today, Karuna works in the health care field, and Patrick developed a thriving business as a real estate specialist and realtor in the region. Patrick knows the "lay of the land" as a realtor. His knowledge of the 50th District includes understanding the strengths of each community and their unique needs. He finds daily inspiration working with young families who want to buy homes, find fulfilling work, and create a good life in this part of the world.
But Malloy is still disturbed by the arrogance of power in Washington and specifically, the arrogance of our congressional incumbent. He sees how this congressman's neglect affects the 50th District from the lack of better strategies to control wildfires in East County or the lack of traffic management on the I-15 in Temecula. These are problems that national funds can alleviate. US dollars wasted on infrastructure in Afghanistan could have been put to much better use right here. He sees the neglect of our veterans; we made a promise to our vets and we need to keep it. It's immoral and unpatriotic that veterans must wait months for health care or have difficulty finding jobs and affordable housing.
Malloy sees the arrogance of our incumbent using his campaign funds for personal uses and his mindless promotion of vaping in Congress. Malloy has read the stories of our incumbent acting like a "party animal," as the employees in the Capitol have labeled him. Malloy firmly believes this must end. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents need to rise up together to rid the US Congress of this embarrassment. The arogance of power needs to be confronted. We can all agree with that woman in the D.C. bakery line over a quarter of a centry ago who said about Patrick: "That's right young man; you stick to your guns."
The current immigration policy is bewildering and needs an overhaul. A plan that is similar to Ronald Reagan's can address undocumented immigrants currently living in this country. An enhanced system of green cards will allow more workers to legally enter this country and help to revitalize the economy. Laws are needed to protect immigrants from workplace violence and crimes. For those who enter the country with documentation, the process of becoming a citizen should be streamlined; though, civics tests and some knowledge of English can be maintained.
I'm a negotiator and that's one of the reasons I am running for office. I'm willing to work hard to create win-win solutions in Congress. For example, all Members have an interest in meeting their district's needs. While fire abatement is a necessity in the San Diego region, development of tornado warning systems and shelters are major issues in the Midwest. Collaboration can work to meet the needs of each region.
Additional use of intelligence from satellites and drones can help the US develop and coordinate a national security policy to address terrorism. To the extent that US agents can infiltrate and understand terrorist groups, US resources can be used in targeted ways. Modernizing and safeguarding the US nuclear weapons system also ensures that these weapons can be used as a powerful deterrent.
Water scarcity is a fact of life in California. Water innovation such as public and private investment in water reclamation and desalination will help to alleviate local shortages. These practices have the ability to turn low value water into freshwater suitable for human use and consumption. Improved management of groundwater resources can protect this precious resource. Modernization of the State Water Project can help ensure that less transported water is lost to evaporation.
Top contributors that gave money to support the candidate, by organization:
I am a Realtor by Trade, and it shapes my ability to negotiate a win win- a trait that is seriously lacking in todays 114th Congress. I seek to find the common middle ground that both sides can agree upon, and get that passed in Congress. My philosophy on representing the 50th district, is to look through the lens of how legislation either written by myself, or others, affect entrance into the middle class, or fortifying the middle class. I will not vote strictly on party lines, I will vote the issues as they affect my district. I would like to ensure that with a combination: Raise in the Federal Minimum wage to $15/hr and increased earned sick leave and One year of Free Vocational training and or Reduction of Student debt, that low-income earners can get some real assistance and see a path to the middle class, that once was the backbone of our Country. My goal is on the Middle Class, getting in it and securing it.
I was born in Washington state, but spent my early years in the small northern Wisconsin mining town of Montreal, where my Dad was an iron miner. In 1959, when I was 12, the mine closed and the entire region was economically devastated. We came to California that summer in a pickup truck with a camper shell - my folks, my brother and 2 younger sisters, grandma and her dog, leaving everything I'd ever known behind. We settled in San Diego in 1960. After graduating from Morse High in 1965, I was a platoon leader with the 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam 1968-69. In 1973, I graduated from SDSU with a B.A. in Speech Communication and taught classes there as a graduate assistant. There were years of travel and a wide variety of jobs - construction, warehousing, truck driving. I joined San Diego Superior Court downtown in 1992, and retired from the felony division in 2011. I married Patty in 2007. We had dated in high school, and although she turned down my proposal before I left for Vietnam, we met again at our 40th high school reunion and she finally said, "Yes!" Patty taught elementary school in Temecula for many years. We live happily in Crest with our fox terrier, Clementine.
I am a Bernie Sanders Democrat. Just like the Republican Party establishment, the Democratic Party establishment has sold out its base, sold its soul for corporate, lobbyist and special interest campaign contributions. While the top 1%, multinational corporations and the politicians themselves have prospered, working class Americans and small business owners have been financially bled dry over decades, under both Republican and Democratic administrations. We've believed their promises. We've seen the results. Enough is enough. The people on Main Street are my people. Mine is a working class background. I've seen war up close, as an enlisted man. I've worked jobs where I broke a sweat - in construction, warehousing and truck driving, and jobs where I wore a shirt and tie - teaching and in criminal court. I've lived the experiences now being faced by our fast-disappearing middle class. That's why I am totally dedicated to seeing the return of a sustainable, thriving middle class. That can only happen when voters stop being merely pawns in the political establishment's bigger game. It can only happen when we don't just desire, don't just request, but demand REAL CHANGE. By working together, there is NOTHING that we, the People, can't do!
The impact of Single Payer on individuals, families, small buisness owners and the U.S. economy. Ever-increasing premiums and deductibles with insurance-based plans, including the ACA (Obamacare) and the as yet unknown Republican alternative, are unaffordable or financially crippling for millions of Americans.
We will never be able to restore a viable, thriving middle class until we have Single Payer health care. You already know that, other than the U.S., every advanced nation in the world, from Canada to Israel, has universal health care. Its value and success is obvious, as not even the most conservative politician in those nations would dare campaign based on rejecting it and switching to a system like ours. Those nations cover everyone, yet their healthcare costs as a percentage of GDP are much lower than ours -12% vs 17%!
In our district alone, every month, health insurance premiums extract millions of dollars from workers and small business owners! Along with rising deductibles, co-payments and sky-high prescription costs, it's only getting worse. This is money that would otherwise be spendable income we desperately need. It's income that would otherwise be spent boosting our economy, and in the process creating new jobs. There are other important costs!
The savings accrued, and worries avoided, by not having to pay any monthly health insurance premiums far outweigh any modest increase in taxes - it provides thousands of extra dollars per household each year as disposable income. Single Payer Health Care is the single best action we can take to better the lives of people, small business owners and stimulate the U.S. economy.
A significant investment in infrastructure is desperately needed. It will not only provide needed improvements, it will add 13 million good-paying jobs - jobs that can't be outsourced, and the investment will more than pay for itself!
While China spends 15% of its GDP on infrastructure, the U.S. spends 2.5%. This has been going on for decades. Allowing our ports, roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, airports, railroads, etc. to deteriorate costs us billions and hurts our economic competiveness.
The benefits in jobs, efficiency and productivity are obvious. Less obvious is that it would not cost money, but make money! With current interest rates of 2%, investments in infrastructure improvement projects need only return 5-10% over 10 years to more than pay for themselves. Most would have an even greater return on investment.
Construction workers, contractors, suppliers - all are ready to go to work! These are good-paying American jobs that can't be outsourced, using American-made materials. The time is NOW. Interest rates will never be lower. It's not, as some will say, "wasteful government spending." It's investment that spurs economic growth. An added benefit - the money earned by workers, contractors and suppliers also means income growth to the businesses they visit in their local communities. That's what's known as the "multiplier effect" of such investments. It's not often we can say "spending" is a great idea, but in this case it truly is!
Given the current Administration, it is very difficult to determine what the current Immigration laws and regulations are that are being enforced. I favor a secure border barrier of some form for National Security reasons. We have a right to know and need to know who our visitors are and to then regulate them accordingly by law. We simply cannot protect our homeland from people/forces that we do not know are here.
As for undocumented immigrants who are now here, we are a Nation with a Constitution governed by the Rule of Law. I advocate the Executive Branch actually applying our laws. I do not believe in amnesty for undocumented immigrants. However, I also do not believe the great majority of these immigrants are hardened criminals. I believe the manner to resolve this issue is for undocumented immigrants to abide by the Rule of Law and report to proper authorities within a reasonable time so they can be scheduled for a hearing to determine their ultimate status based upon the law. Regarding how to resolve individual cases, I believe that, due to our American heritage and values, the law will treat the undocumented immigrants just as we would expect to be treated if we were in their shoes (and if our laws need to be amended to make them so, we should change them accordingly). In other words, as legislators, we need to fully set the system of justice to which undocumented immigrants must subject themselves, and then all of us must trust our justice system to fairly resolve their individual cases. Those undocumented immigrants that decide not to live by the Rule of Law by reporting to authorities then will have made their own choice to live outside the law, meaning they would be subject to deportation upon discovery by their own choice.
I believe a special bipartisan Committee on Legislation should be formed to make recommendations on legislation which should consist of Representatives sincerely interested in helping the Nation as opposed to their individual party (much as the Simpson-Bowles Committee, but with a broader jurisdiction). If such a committee cannot be properly formed on a formal basis (which may be probable), then such a group should form informally in order to further the interests of America. Honest discussion of alternatives to better the Country can yield results, and it needs to happen.
Securing our borders is a national security issue. I favor building the Wall or some form of physical barrier. I also favor re-invigorating and strengthening our national security by supporting further military investment, both in troops and equipment. I specifically favor updating and strengthening our nuclear weapons capability to assure it acts as a proper deterrent.
I support young citizens being required to complete a civil defense course before the age of 21, taught by qualified members of our military. This training would expose our younger generations to proper civil defense procedures in the event such an event were to take place requiring such knowledge. Such training would also expose citizens to proper procedures for the care, use and ownership of firearms while providing a useful forum to the military to allow it to inform young citizens of the opportunities the Armed Services offer, thus a real and practicable recruitment tool. Finally, the education and training of young people in the proper use and care of firearms not only acts to strengthen our National Defense and readiness, it acts to protect our Constitutional rights under the 2nd Amendment.
Water is not a luxury, it is a necessity. I am against the waste of our Nation's resources. I support water reclamation and recycling efforts. While I generally oppose Federal involvement in matters and believe powers are vested in the States, I believe it may be worthwhile to research whether Federal involvement is viable in taking part to help alleviate flood waters in one area of the Country and transferring a portion of that excess water to another area in need of this resource... Put another way, if oil pipelines are a good idea to tranfer oil over State lines, then I believe it is appropriate to research whether water pipelines may also be a good idea.
I support the creation of a required "Civil Defense Course" for all graduating high school students or young adults to be administered by qualified members of the Armed Services. This course would educate young adults about necessary civil defense procedures, expose them to the benefits of serving in the Armed Services, and train them in the proper use and storage of firearms, resulting in more effective recruiting for our Armed Services, a stronger 2nd Amendment, and a more secure and prepared America.
I, H. FUJI Shioura, hereby declare myself as the Independent candidate for our 50th Congressional District in the state of California. Like you, I am committed to making your voice heard in Congress. I also want Congress to return to what it was meant to be – a representative form of government that is only inspired and moved by the voice of the people. I will work hard for you and our families. I will also play a vigorous role in making our country, district and neighborhoods a safer and better place to raise our children, run our businesses, and forge a future filled with unlimited promise and opportunity.
As your Representative in Congress, I will fight to serve your needs. I will conscientiously listen to your concerns regarding quality education and smaller class sizes, helpful environmental legislation, energy independence and local economic development for the creation of better jobs. I will remain true to our federal Constitution. In all of my dealings, whether in Washington or here, I will remain a committed Christian.
I’m running for Congress to represent the people of California’s 50th Congressional District in the greatest state in America. I will fight for our Constitutional rights, a return to sound economic principles for small businesses, and to make sure that our federal government respects each and every one of us in our 50th Congressional District.
As a committed and veteran educator with real-world classroom experience at high school, middle school and elementary school grade levels, I know what it takes to make improve and modernize our educational paradigm. Having personally worked in Chicago’s most at-risk, dangerous and improvised schools, I know what works and what disastrous effects of inaction combined by doing businesses as usual. I will legislate for more federal funding for smaller class size and a statewide California school police department to make our schools the safest in the country. I will not wait to make our schools the best in the country. China, India and other economies will not wait for our educational bureaucracy in Washington DC, school districts and our students (tomorrows workforce) to become competitive. I’m here to make smaller class a top priority!
As a technologist will revolutionize our local, state and federal government workflow like never before to save tax payer dollars, guarantee transparency to expand genuine accountability.
I am also passionate about empowering our residents, local businesses and organizations to make a difference. When given the right tools, you and I together can realize America’s and California’s full potential. I will make our federal government transparent in a timely manner and more responsive. The outcomes that we demand as concerned residents and hardworking tax payers should be met.
As your next Congressman, I will make it my personal mission to provide services to you faster and more cost-effective than ever before. I will empower our 50th Congressional Office to be more proactive, while gaining the visibility and accountability you demand and deserve.
Like you, I am committed to making your voice heard in Congress. I also want Congress to return to what it was meant to be – a representative form of government that is only inspired and moved by the voice of the people.
I will also remain true to our federal Constitution by working hard to protect and expand our First Amendment, Free Press Clause and Free Flow of Information Act. I will also play a vigorous role in making our government more transparent and accessible to journalists, through the use of more time-efficient postings in social media.
I am excited and dedicated about taking Smart-Government technology initiatives to the next level, by promoting a modern 24/7 50th Congressional Portal that will:
If you share my vision, I urge you to stand with me and help make it happen. Together, you and I can turn this election into a statement of faith and a loud cry for the need to have God’s leading in government put into practice, so that good legislation can be passed based on morality, as opposed to the harmful influence of perceived entitlements and special interests.
Let this coming election be the change you wish to see. Vote Independent. As a parent, educator, youth pastor and technologist, I will help to create bipartisan fellowship, introduce bold new ideas, and explore innovative solutions to the normal, business-as-usual approach that has infiltrated Congress for years.
I have many family and friends who are Republicans and Democrats and I do not distinguish by party affiliation. I am an American first, and I will continue to act like one. I am here to get the job done!
VOTE F-U-J-I, which stands for: FAMILY, UNITY, JESUS, and INTEGRITY.
Thank you for your time and consideration. You can reach me at (805) NOW-VOTE, or at: 2016@americacalifornia.com.
An American Government of the People, By The People, For the People of California.
I’m running for a new start, I’m running for us, and I’m very grateful for your support!
Yes. I propose a controlled, safe, Christian pathway to citizenship for the millions of undocumented people living in America. Like it or not, they are here. Here are my proposals:
• A five-year Amnesty for undocumented adults and minors
• The individual must abide by all local, state, and federal laws.
• Undocumented parents with children who are born in the United States will have an expedited one-year amnesty to be followed by citizenship.
• Undocumented individuals with violent-felony records will not be eligible.
As your Congressman, I will support increased funding for federal criminal investigators to target internal corruption at the United States Customs and Border Patrol. I support the goals and objectives of the Homeland Security Advisory Council, an independent group that echoes my stance.
I do not support building an isolationist-type wall that will embolden adversarial nations like China and Russia to displace our foreign policy outreach so that it could be substituted with theirs. This could exponentially compromise our national security for decades to come. Furthermore, building a wall will not really work to significantly deter illegal entry. As a matter of fact, tunnels as deep as 90 feet have been discovered on the border.
In conclusion, a renewed partnership between Mexico and America must be inspired by mutually- assured security pacts, bi-national prosperity agreements, and international moral commitment. As your next Congressman, I am the most qualified to make this happen, sooner than later. A successful immigration policy, paired with genuine border security and a robust binational cooperation, will require a thorough understanding of the geopolitical challenges and socioeconomic realities that are now part of Latin America as a whole. From Mexico, to Central and South America, regions that comprise of over 300 million people, a wonderful collage of new possibilities awaits us. We must make the right decisions so we can lead the way for future generations.
As the Congressman of the 50th District, I would first treat every individual I meet as a fellow American instead of a member of an opposing party or team. In the spirit of Ronald Reagan, who would often enjoy games of golf with his biggest rival, then-House Speaker Tip O'Neill, I would be sure to maintain my civility, remain cordial and amicable, yet astute and knowledgeable about the main issues. For the most part, people respond best to understanding or reasonableness, in addition to a sense of mercy and kindness. The main reason why there is so much division and factionalism in Washington DC today is because of the lack of mercy and kindness. Once I become Congressman, I would be taking these traits there with me.
We must have better and more comprehensive training of our national security personnel and offices, which is geared toward better understanding the cultures and languages of the Middle East. This would cause less mistakes in the area of policing, safety and counter-terrorism. At the same time, we must remain vigilant in intentionally creating new or stronger bonds with the leaders of the Islamic-American community, so that as a society, we will be able to better combat those within the Islamic religion who actually intend to do our society harm. We do not want to ever judge or condemn those within the Islamic community for being something they are not, while allowing those involved in militancy and radicalism to get away without answering to the law. There is a system we can develop which would allow to us, as the watchmen, to distinguish between our friends and enemies, and it is just a matter of developing necessary bonds with our American Muslims, while also being intentional about understanding how terrorists and militants work.
I would definitely push for legislation or public policy that encourages the building or expansion of a system that traps and maintains excess rain water. Our current system does not work as efficiently as it can and this needs to change. I would also push for our nation's joint cooperation in the area of research and development, with scientific organizations or other nations like Israel in developing better water recapture methods.
Having been personally involved in the election process at the local, state and federal level for some time, I have long worked for positive reform in elections and campaign finance. My friends, family and I now feel that the time has come for me to seek elected office. I want to bring fresh ideas and positive solutions to the election process for voters like you and me by running for Congress. As some of you who have met me know, I have always been very concerned about the sway or influence of money (originating both here and abroad) over our candidates and the election process. I believe there are workable solutions that will enhance the election process at all levels of government. I would like to see the public financing of campaigns, thereby removing any need for outside money. I also support enforcing term limits, in addition to making Internet-based voting a reality, for the purpose of increasing voter turnout.
Another important issue is genuine accountability and transparency for politicians. We have been allowing Citizens United to directly influence the election process, which undermines our democracy. We need to find ways to end such powerful influence over our election process by an unidentifiable few. To succeed in this effort, I need to mount an aggressive campaign. I am proud to be an early supporter of the ICIJ, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which has disclosed the startling revelations of political elite’s secret offshore bank accounts. By no means is this a one-sided problem. The establishment of both parties, Democrat and Republican, have benefited immensely from allowing too much money in politics.
It is for these reasons and many others that I have decided to offer the voters of the 50th Congressional District a real choice in primary election, to take place on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. As an Independent, this campaign will also require a strong and organized grassroots organization. I have already spoken with many of you, have carefully listened to your concerns, and I am eager to work with you. Committed volunteers are needed to pass out campaign literature, contact people via e-mail or telephone people to arrange a meet-and-greet, besides canvassing door-to-door, to let voters know about the election. As you can imagine, I cannot do this alone. That is why I am inviting people who want our government to return to what it originally was meant to be - a representative form of government by everyday people like you and me. Please join my campaign and help make a real difference. We are not here to ask other people for their hard-earned money.
Honest election reform starts with a candidate like myself, one who will not accept campaign contributions. Contact your candidates to lead by example like myself to tell them to return their campaign donations to the hard-working, tax paying Americans. I am running for the United States Congress with my own money, so why can’t they? Washington DC, our democracy and the election process are no longer for sale! A contribution of your time, from as little as one hour, or up to a few hours or weekend, will help raise the initial awareness needed to launch the campaign and get our message out to the public.
In conclusion, like you, I am committed to making your voice heard in Congress. I also want Congress to return to what it was meant to be – a representative form of government that is only inspired and moved by the voice of the people. I will work hard for you and our families. I will also play a vigorous role in making our country, district and neighborhoods a safer and better place to raise our children, run our businesses, and forge a future filled with unlimited promise and opportunity.
As your Representative in Congress, I will fight to serve your needs. I will conscientiously listen to your concerns regarding quality education and smaller class sizes, helpful environmental legislation, energy independence and local economic development for the creation of better jobs. I will remain true to our federal Constitution. In all of my dealings, whether in Washington or here, I will remain a committed Christian.
If you share my vision, I urge you to stand with me and help make it happen. Together, you and I can turn this election into a statement of faith and a loud cry for the need to have God’s leading in government put into practice, so that good legislation can be passed based on morality, as opposed to the harmful influence of perceived entitlements and special interests.
Let this coming election be the change you wish to see. Vote Independent. As a parent, educator, youth pastor and technologist, I will help to create bipartisan fellowship, introduce bold new ideas, and explore innovative solutions to the normal, business-as-usual approach that has infiltrated Congress for years.
I have many family and friends who are Republicans and Democrats and I do not distinguish by party affiliation. I am an American first, and I will continue to act like one. I am here to get the job done!
VOTE F-U-J-I, which stands for: FAMILY, UNITY, JESUS, and INTEGRITY.
California Open Primary June 7th, Tuesday, 2016
During these days, when so many countries around the world view our American Republic in a bad or false light, it is refreshing to see a nation and its people extend a hand of peace and goodwill. That country is Curdistan, also known as Kurdistan. Between the nations of Armenia, Turkey, Iraq, Syria and Iran, there are some 30 million Kurds, living in diaspora.
During these days, when so many countries around the world view our American Republic in a bad or false light, it is refreshing to see a nation and its people extend a hand of peace and goodwill. That country is Curdistan, also known as Kurdistan. Between the nations of Armenia, Turkey, Iraq, Syria and Iran, there are some 30 million Kurds, living in diaspora. A recent look at American involvement in the Iraqi theater in the last 25 years has shown that the Kurds, in general, have been supportive and friendly to the United States. Since even the time of World War I, the Kurdish people have dreamed of their own, independent state and have had to battle oppressive regimes in order to keep that dream alive.
It is with great joy and hopefulness to declare that the reality of a free and independent Kurdistan is at our threshold. As Americans who love independence, freedom and the right to self-government without fear of oppression or tyranny, the creation and stability of a free and independent Kurdish state is something we must support, just by virtue of us being Americans, aside from the fact that we Americans also prize freedom and independence.
As it stands today, in the Middle East, there is no government or nation, besides Israel, that is placing itself in the heart of the fight against radical Islam. The brave Kurdish people have a standing army that is essentially doing our bidding against ISIS. If Kurdistan is strong and vibrant, then ISIS is weakened. On the other hand, if Kurdistan is weakened and destabilized, then ISIS is encouraged to proceed in taking more villages, towns and cities in north Iraq. The time has come for the United States to throw its full support behind Kurdistan, not only for purposes of its own self-determination, but for the promotion of democracy and representative government in the Arab world.
The level of commitment which the Kurdish people have shown in their longstanding fight against the ultra-radical ISIS in these last three years, is not only commendable, but also, a cause which demands our allegiance and support as a nation. Again, other than Israel, there is no other nation or state that has shown itself to be a serious contender to oppose the spread of ISIS and its ideology. This alone should cause us, as Americans, to throw our support behind her in every way.
I am here today to declare that, if elected as Congressman, I will be Kurdistan’s greatest supporter on Capitol Hill, not if, but when it finally becomes a nation. Let us look at the facts about Kurdistan and what it stands for in what is otherwise a geographically tough neighborhood:
Kurdistan is sovereign territory in north Iraq. Its business and economic development in the last decade is a welcome sign when compared with the infrastructural breakdowns in Iraq. It has stood by America as a staunch ally when needed. It has never turned its back on us. Now, when the times are most desperate, we cannot and should not turn our backs on Kurdistan, especially against an enemy who is intent on turning the clock back 1000 years, if given the chance.
In a region where so many women are fighting for such basic things as the right to drive a car or the right to attend school, or even the right to be free from physical abuse, the Kurdish governing authority has entrusted its own self- defense and survival to the mothers, daughters and sisters of Kurdistan.
Kurdistan’s Women Defense Units have done a remarkable job in standing up and fighting against ISIS. If there is one group of people who need to see our support and solidarity in the Middle East, it is the Kurdish people.
Even through its female population, Kurdistan has demonstrated its serious intent to become a beacon of democracy to its people groups, irrespective of their gender, religion or ethnicity. And by its example, I am hoping and trusting that other totalitarian regimes in the region would follow suit. There must be a strong and pronounced American declaration in support a free and independent Kurdistan, which will serve as a beacon of liberty, justice and equality.
The men, women and children of Kurdistan need you and I to act now. We can all become a part of history by demanding that our candidates for Congress, and incumbents in Congress, begin to work together to draft formal legislation which recognizes Kurdistan as a free and sovereign nation-state in 2016. There’s a lot of work ahead for a new Kurdistan, I am sure, but the starting point is to build on a foundation based on democracy and reverence for human rights and social development. Kurdistan and its people are serving by example.
As your Congressman, I will continue to be an active and committed proponent of an American foreign policy that encourages and supports a lively democracy in Kurdistan. It is with exciting hope that I will welcome the newly-built nation of Kurdistan.
Just recently in March 2016, it was reported that there are at least 100 Westerners who have joined the Kurdish fight against the Islamic State. They come from all walks of life and from every corner of the world. Too often, on the news, we hear the discouraging stories about confused or misled youth who are somehow deceived into joining ISIS or throwing their support behind this evil group of people. We rarely ever hear about these brave women and men who have locked arms in solidarity with the Kurdish people and their army to fight ISIS in the hills, mountains and deserts of Iraq and Syria. These men, some of whom are ordinary citizens and others who are in fact, former soldiers, see the practical need in lending support to the Kurdish cause and Kurdistan’s own fight for survival.
Because we all know that a victorious Kurdistan is also a victory for the United States in our own fight against terrorism – at the very least – it will lessen the need for Americans to send their own sons and daughters back to the battle fields of Iraq and Syria. And that’s a good thing that I am sure we can all get behind. Sign the petition today!
As your next Congressman one of my greatest concerns is for our families. As a parent, an educator, and a youth pastor I see that our public health policies are inadequate and dangerously underfunded. To successfully combat contagious diseases on the state, national and international level, my plan will be proactive not reactive with a robust and adaptive public health policy.
As your next Congressman one of my greatest concerns is for our families. As a parent, an educator, and a youth pastor I see that our public health policies are inadequate and dangerously underfunded. To successfully combat contagious diseases on the state, national and international level, my plan will be proactive not reactive with a robust and adaptive public health policy.
Between 2008 and 2014 the National Association of County and City Health Officials have reported approximately 52K staff positions have been eliminated due to defunding. During this time our University of California system had some of the largest budgetary cutbacks in the nation, losing over 1.5 billion dollars, and during the same time our nation was confronted simultaneously with Ebola, West Nile and H3N2 flu virus. Our diverse climate, agricultural importance, both national and international, year-round booming tourism industry, global commercial cargo shipping hub, and being a major gateway to Latin America and Asia, it would take very little for a rapidly spreading disease to breakout into a pandemic. A breakout of an infectious disease can escalate from epidemic to pandemic within a matter of weeks to months.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported the Zika virus in over 61 countries and with the Zika virus' potential to become pandemic, I encourage all candidates running for all elected offices in the state of California to make combating the Zika virus a priority.
Using Brazil as a tragic example, the Zika virus has already had an impact on Brazilian society and their economy. I believe that the Zika virus can not only be substantially controlled but perhaps eradicated, if a concerted effort is made by all of us running for elected office.
The impact of an outbreak of the Zika virus in California would have far-reaching consequences for both our economy and society. As your next congressman, I will fight for our California University system to be adequately funded and to provide medical research grants specifically to combat the Zika virus. Our University of California system in our state is globally recognized for research and development, particularly in medical research for contagious disease. It is my goal as an educator, a parent, a youth pastor, mothers and their children, are a top priority for me as your next Congressman to make sure that education returns as a priority in California.
Forward thinking public health policy for the prevention and control of contagious diseases is one important component of my Earthquake Preparedness Plan for California. It is a matter of “when” and not “if”, and that is why as your next congressman I will outline in the coming weeks my Earthquake Preparedness Plan. There are many important components to the short term and long term Earthquake Preparedness Plan, such as public safety, emergency rail infrastructure rebuilding, statewide economic recovery, preservation of law and order just to name a few. In the coming weeks additional information will be forthcoming. I invite and encourage my fellow candidates running for public office in California to join me to publically prepare, compare and share with the public their Earthquake Preparedness Plan. Let’s get the job done together!
I propose a controlled, safe, Christian pathway to citizenship for the millions of undocumented people living in America. Like it or not, they are here. Here are my proposals:
I propose a controlled, safe, Christian pathway to citizenship for the millions of undocumented people living in America. Like it or not, they are here. Here are my proposals:
* Amnesty for undocumented unaccompanied minors until the minor attains 18 years of age.
* A five-year Amnesty for undocumented adults and minors
* The individual must abide by all local, state, and federal laws.
* Undocumented parents with children who are born in the United States will have an expedited one-year amnesty to be followed by citizenship.
* Undocumented individuals with violent-felony records will not be eligible.
As your Congressman, I will support increased funding for federal criminal investigators to target internal corruption at the United States Customs and Border Patrol. I support the goals and objectives of the Homeland Security Advisory Council, an independent group that echoes my stance.
I do not support building an isolationist-type wall that will embolden adversarial nations like China and Russia to displace our Latin America foreign policy outreach so that it could be substituted with theirs. This could exponentially compromise our national security for decades to come. Furthermore, building a wall will not work as intended to significantly deter illegal entry. As a matter of fact, tunnels as deep as 90 feet have been discovered on the border.
I propose along the international US-Mexico border a modified dual layered fence with accompanying surveillance equipment like cameras, motion tunnel sensors. I support building a secure, environmentally friendly, dual purpose fence, complimented with my plan to work with Mexico to secure the northern Mexican states as a secondary buffer zone. A successful, long-lasting and realistic border security plan will require a reinvigorated binational cooperation initiative by the United States and Mexico.
Binational cooperation of the northern Mexican border states of Baja California North, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas are key to a successful border security. The total length of the continental border is approximately 1,989 miles. Our US-Mexico international border runs from Tijuana, Baja California, and Imperial Beach, California, to Matamoros, Tamaulipas, and Brownsville, Texas. Our international border consists of diverse terrain types, including harsh, uninhabitable deserts, also frequented by major urban areas.
It is imperative to work with Mexico to secure the northern Mexican border states. The incentive must be socioeconomic. Since 2005 the Mexican economy has suffered from the drug cartel rivalry. The violence and chaos must be contained and eliminated. Therefore, I propose the following:
1. Mexico, and in particular the mayors, local governmental entities and residents, must have an incentive to secure the northern Mexican border states of Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.
2. Unify the two states of Baja California Norte and California Sur to simplify, expedite and make more efficient security, administration and commerce.
3. Rename the newly merged states as Baja California.
4. Encourage Mexico to build a train line from Monterrey to Tijuana to improve internal commerce and offer passenger rail. This would create jobs that would improve the socioeconomic environment for Mexico overall for years to come, especially for the northern Mexico border states. This 20-year rail project would be the popular incentive for the people of the northern Mexican states to genuinely secure their borders within Mexico, thereby offering the US a secondary buffer.
5. The 20-year rail project would be accompanied and preceded by a 5-year project to laydown fiber along the proposed train line corridor for improved Internet connectivity. The fiber would commence in Tijuana then eastward. The main goal here is modernizing the schools in Mexico.
6. Tijuana must be secured and become safe again to expand trade and tourism. It is the one of the major epicenters of illegal entry into the US. A five-year passenger train construction project accompanied by LTA (Lighter Than Air, airship, blimp, etc.) transport from Tijuana to La Paz should be explored, discussed and considered to further consolidate safety and ensure lasting security on the Baja California peninsula that would stimulate economic growth.
7. LTA from San Diego to Tijuana and La Paz should be offered to expand tourism and cross boarder cooperation, with accompanying FAA, TSA and CBP law enforcement, immigration and trade protocols in place. This would help in reducing traffic for our San Diego and Tijuana highways, which is an international metropolitan conurbation corridor. It is the largest shared bi-national conurbation for the United States and Mexico.
8. The Chinese Consulate in Tijuana is 5 miles from the US border. The Fleet 152 of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, consisting of the missile destroyer Jinan and the guided missile frigate Yiyang was in Mexico last November, 2015. In other words, Chinese People’s Liberation Army considers Latin America, in particular Mexico and Venezeula, has a force multiplier for their long-term foreign policy and naval force projection. This cannot continue for the sake of our Armed Forces in San Diego and for our overall national security posture in Latin America.
9. Implementing a secondary buffer zone within Mexico is essential for successfully deterring uncontrolled entry into the US. Uncontrolled entry into the US from the border can be effectively controlled, humanely with dignity and respect that reflects the best Christian values of America and Mexico. For this to happen, to reiterate, a more comprehensive cooperation between Mexico and the United States must happen.
In conclusion, a renewed partnership between Mexico and America must be inspired by mutually- assured security pacts, bi-national prosperity agreements, and international moral commitment. As your next Congressman, I am the most qualified to make this happen, sooner than later. A successful immigration policy, paired with genuine border security and a robust binational cooperation, will require a thorough understanding of the geopolitical challenges and socioeconomic realities that are now part of Latin America as a whole.
From Mexico, to Central and South America, regions that comprise of over 300 million people, a wonderful collage of new possibilities awaits us. We must make the right decisions so we can lead the way for future generations. Our border with Mexico is important for both economies. An immigration policy paired with a binational secure border of northern Mexican states is essential for both to succeed. Building a wall, literally or symbolically, would result in unintended consequence of unnecessarily stifling security, commerce and prosperity for both Mexico and the United States.
From the very begining, I have openly invited my fellow candidates running for public office to publically debate my immigration and border security plan!
This June, I will be the only Independent self-funded candidate campaigning to become Congressman for California’s 50th Congressional District. Presently, there are four candidates running in this district, aside from myself, who are: David Secor (Democrat); Scott C. Meisterlin (Republican); Jeffrey P. Malloy (Democrat); and incumbent, Duncan D. Hunter (Republican). Let the debates begin as soon as possible. Justice delayed is justice denied. Democracy delayed is democracy denied.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
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