In June of 1998, while watching C-SPAN, I discovered a new political web site I ran to my computer, went on line and experienced my first forum for discussing politics with people all over the United States. It became so popular, and the discussions became so fragmented and difficult to follow, that the manager of the site had to break down the discussions into many topical boards. I have always been a politics buff and I found my "place in the sun" here with literally thousands (now millions) of other political junkies. In an attempt to organize our thoughts, we put together a "top ten" wish list. This took many months of discussion and argument, by which this time several million readers had joined us. I asked that they email me their top political issues and I would compile them into simple terms in order of priority. The Lewinsky sex scandals were exposed and the internet boards turned riotous. The political issues vanished quickly, being replaced with what Clinton did in the oval office to Monica. The stolen FBI files, the firing of the Travel Office personnel and the dismantling of our Defense systems were dropped in favor of Clinton's cigar trick.

We are now faced with a major decision to elect a president who will usher us into the new century and, hopefully, a higher level of leadership. After reading a dozen or so books on the Clinton Administration, I realize that the year 2000 will be a "make or break" election for America. I spend many hours per week reading all the other political sites that have been launched on the internet, as well as the newspapers from all over the USA that are available on-line. This service is probably the most exciting revelation since the printing machine was developed.

It is time to find candidates (presidential and congressional) who must make a few promises to the American people. This country must be brought back to the greatness that we have all shared in the time period from WW2 through Reagan's years. America must not lose the freedom of being a constitutional republic. Too many presidential orders, written in the last 6 years, have bruised our constitutional foundation. How is it possible to elect a president without knowing how he/she plans to correct the precarious position that we find ourselves in at the present time? So many damaging events have taken place since Clinton's election that must be corrected immediately!

NUMBER ONE PRIORITY - DEFENSE AND SECURITY

The Federal Government must rebuild all National Defense Systems. Russian strategic missiles must be disarmed and removed from their launch pads and submarines. Russian missile inventory should be researched thoroughly by our own people, and before we send one more dollar to Russia, American inspectors must verify that this overly-armed country is not a threat to America.

China has been violating international agreements under the noses of our great leaders. China's weapons programs are clearly laid out in "Betrayal" and "Year of the Rat" both a must read for any American voter. The Democrats are so concerned with disarming American families that the obvious enemy has been ignored. Clinton is indirectly arming dangerous governments all over the world including Russia, China, Iran, Iraq and North Korea apparently under the noses of our CIA, FBI, Department of Energy, State Department, Congress and the Senate, and we tax payers are footing the bill.

1. My first question to the candidate(s) would be: Why do we allow the continuing production of nuclear ballistic weapons being built in Russia and China and yet earmark no funds for defense missiles in the United States?

Since the day Clinton took office, he succeeded in disarming our Defense Department under the "Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty" without any thought given to ask the same of our enemies. I can't believe that there wasn't one American patriot in the CIA, FBI, Congressman or Senator that didn't stand up to Clinton! We must place the responsibility directly in the laps our elected representatives. The cost of rebuilding our defense systems and our entire government should not be turned over to any man or woman without a promise to correct the situation.

2. My second question to the candidate(s) would be: What is more important Trade Agreements or National Security? The Cox Report indicates that Trade Agreements took top priority here including the knowledge that China was stealing from us and selling our weapon technology to Pakistan. When our number one leader is caught dealing in cover-ups with enemy countries, every single Congressman and Senator is obligated, by his oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution, to stand up and just say NO!

These two questions must be answered by any candidate that expects to be elected. We voters are not as stupid as Washington D.C. thinks. Since the internet has allowed us all to research our information and separate truth from rumor, there is no reason for us not to be informed on the issues.

I would hope that all Congressmen, Senators and Candidates spend the summer reading the Constitution and become acquainted with the "limits" of authority by the Federal Government. Washington D.C. has been operating outside the rules of the Constitution for many years and Clinton has taken to micro-managing every action that he feels is necessary to alleviate our pain. This "feel good" type of leadership is a detriment to our freedoms.

NUMBER TWO PRIORITY - ARMED FORCES RESTORATION

All our legislators should join the "Promise Keepers" on this subject. There have been many benefits offered to our servicemen and women during the course of their recruitment that simply dissolved when their time of service was completed. The American Armed Forces are the core of our security and defense of the U.S.A. These brave men and women are now being used to protect and serve other nations to protect them from other aggressive nations all over the world. There are some constitutionally-legal doubts that our American Forces should be sent to an undeclared war action on foreign soil.

There is no part of the Constitution that allows our armed forces to serve under a NATO or U.N. jurisdiction. Maybe the NATO and UN should reinstate the Foreign Legion and build their own army. American service people should not be engaged in any action that is not a declared war by Congress (ours)!

The time is here for a change of attitude in Washington DC. For many years, our leaders have involved Americans in too many extensive actions to show the world how desirable a free democracy can be. I believe a better plan would be to show the world our Constitutional Republic's strength by example of unity and strength.

I am old enough to remember Pearl Harbor. Everyone of my uncles and friends old enough to enlist rushed to the many recruitment centers that opened all over the country. All the households who had someone in the service hung a little fringed flag in their front windows PROUDLY. From coast to coast patriotism exploded and swelled with emotional pride for the USA. Sadly, many of those window flags were replaced by a flag with a gold star that meant that the soldier/sailor was not coming home.

"These brave men and women gave their lives for their country" was heard all over the country. Sadly this feeling of pride was destroyed by our leaders who sent our youngsters into somebody else's war; first in Korea and then VietnNam. I didn't blame the dissenters who marched against this action and refused to go into battle. The USA lost all credibility in the world and the American citizens lost all respect for the leaders in WDC when they left so many soldiers to die in a country that they very likely couldn't even spell. Both political parties are equally guilty in this terrible time in our history.

That our government has become corrupt is almost an understatement. Americans are resilient and with a new trusting government, that governs by the constitution, we could regain our trust in the Congress, Senate and maybe even the White House.

To correct our problems in this category, it will take a strong constitutional president and a congress and senate who will make a new contract with American people. This new "Contract with America" will include a thorough understanding of the Constitution with regard to our Armed Services as follows:

1. Every promise made during recruitment to be kept by the powers in WDC.

2. A decent pay scale and benefit package guaranteed.

3. All injured service personnel to receive free medical care within 20 miles of their home or base.

4. No American service man or woman will ever see action under any flag but Old Glory!

In Y2K let's rebuild our Federal government back where it started by electing candidates who respect American citizens without reverting to lies, dishonesty and over-taxation that puts us all into this helpless position of fear for our future.

Give us safe borders, build our defenses back and give American Armed Forces the ability to wear an American uniform with pride.

Published in the July 5, 1999 issue of Ether Zone. Copyright © 1999 Ether Zone Online. Reposting permitted with this message intact.