Avoiding War With Iran

In recent weeks, the Bush administration has stated its willingness to use diplomacy in dealing with Iran, which is a welcome change from previous policy. Let’s hope it’s more than just a change in tone. With ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan costing more than $5 billion per week, record levels of federal spending and … Continue reading “Avoiding War With Iran”

Foreign Policy, Monetary Policy, and Gas Prices

The burning issue in Washington today is high gas prices, and it won’t go away anytime soon. Americans are not happy about paying $3 per gallon at the pump, and they want something done about it. But price controls won’t work, and allegations of price gouging and "windfall profits" amount to nothing more than congressional … Continue reading “Foreign Policy, Monetary Policy, and Gas Prices”

True Foreign Aid

A recent Hudson Institute study [.pdf] found that, last year, American citizens voluntarily contributed three times more to help people overseas than did the United States government. This should not surprise us at all, as Americans are generous to those in need, whether here or abroad. There are so many moral, religious, and human reasons … Continue reading “True Foreign Aid”

Policy Is More Important
Than Personnel

President Bush has been under pressure to fire Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, whom many view as the architect of a failed approach in Iraq. Even many ardent war hawks are unhappy with the secretary for not having more troops on the ground in Iraq, and for conducting the war less aggressively than they would like. … Continue reading “Policy Is More Important
Than Personnel”

An Embargo Is Not a Peaceful Alternative

As the drumbeat for military action against Iran grows louder, some members of Congress are calling to expand the long-standing U.S. trade ban that bars American companies from investing in that nation. In fact, many war hawks in Washington are pushing for a comprehensive international embargo against Iran. The international response has been lukewarm, however, … Continue reading “An Embargo Is Not a Peaceful Alternative”

Iran: The Next Neocon Target

It’s been three years since the U.S. launched its war against Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction. Of course, now almost everybody knows there were no WMD and Saddam Hussein posed no threat to the United States. Though some of our soldiers serving in Iraq still believe they are there because Saddam Hussein … Continue reading “Iran: The Next Neocon Target”

Making the World Safe for Christianity

The top neocon of the 20th century was Woodrow Wilson. His supposed idealism, symbolized in the slogan "Make the world safe for democracy," resulted in untold destruction and death across the world for many decades. His deceit and manipulation of the prewar intelligence from Europe dragged America into an unnecessary conflict that cost the world and us … Continue reading “Making the World Safe for Christianity”

A Sense of Déjà Vu

I rise in strong opposition to this very dangerous legislation. My colleagues would do well to understand that this legislation is leading us toward war against Iran. Those reading this bill may find themselves feeling a sense of déjà vu . In many cases one can just substitute "Iraq" for "Iran" in this bill and … Continue reading “A Sense of Déjà Vu”

Peace and Prosperity in 2006?

The ongoing war in Iraq, hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and congressional scandals all served to make 2005 a tough year for America. We can hope and pray that 2006 is a happier and more peaceful year for our nation. All Americans, regardless of their views on the Iraq war, can share the hope that the … Continue reading “Peace and Prosperity in 2006?”

Question the PATRIOT Act Now – Before It’s Too Late

Recent revelations that the National Security Agency has conducted broad surveillance of American citizens’ e-mails and phone calls raise serious questions about the proper role of government in a free society. This is an important and healthy debate, one that too often goes ignored by Congress. Public concerns about the misnamed PATRIOT Act are having … Continue reading “Question the PATRIOT Act Now – Before It’s Too Late”