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| The Issues The issues that are important to the people of Kentucky's First Congressional District are the same issues that are important to all Americans. The First District has been without a true representative of the people for thirteen long years. We can do better - and here's where I propose we start: |
Health care:
It is an absolute travesty that 50 million Americans struggle without health care in the
wealthiest nation in the world. What's worse is when our representative votes against
improvements in access to health services for children and the poor. Unfortunately, these are
both realities that we've experienced under the current leadership. I propose that health
care for every American is more important than tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy.
It is time we had a representative who thinks about more than just how much money he can
make when he helps pass legislation that benefits drug and insurance companies. As the
leaders of the free world, it is an embarrassment that we are the only industrialized nation
that does not offer health care for our citizens.
The War in Iraq:
As a veteran of the United States Navy, and an active member of the American Legion, my
dedication to the men and women in uniform is unyielding. The current service member is
highly skilled, highly trained and highly ignored by this administration. The American people
were duped into an ill-conceived war under false pretenses and the administration continues
to over utilize a national guard system which was never intended to be used for sustained
combat missions. Congress must insist that an exit strategy be planned and implemented
immediately. By the Bush Administration's own account, the nation will be forced to
reinstate the draft system again should we continue to over-tax our National Guard with
sustained combat. I am not a supporter of reinstating the draft for as history clearly shows
us, the draft is merely for those of us who are not wealthy enough to buy our way out of
active duty. We must not allow this ill planned and ill executed war to continue to destroy the
brave men and women in our armed forces while simultaneously placing our nation at a
heightened risk with a limited national guard.
Jobs:
It is not hard to figure out that outsourcing American jobs to third world countries is
destroying our middle class. We must stop rewarding companies who send our jobs
oversees with tax cuts and begin rewarding companies who invest in our nations future.
As a member of a staunch union family, and a former union member myself, I understand first
hand the need for a living wage as well as benefits and training programs. I will work
tirelessly to fight for the rights of the working person. For far too long, the citizens of
Kentucky have been victimized by the million dollar boy's club. It is time for change!
National Preparedness: Where would you go if there was a national, state or local
emergency? What would you do if severe weather hit your area? What if you lived in a
mobile home or had no transportation to get to higher ground? These are serious issues that
the Republican party has had 7 years to think about and plan around since the War on Terror
began. When Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast, thousands of low income people were
without a plan and were abandoned by the Bush administration. When tornadoes hit
Kentucky and the south on February 5th, 2008 my family and I found ourselves in the same
situation. A low income family, living in a mobile home park with nowhere to go. The people
who died in those storms were largely like us, they knew they were in danger but they had no
plan. WE NEED A NATIONAL EMERGENCY PLAN! Every life in our nation is precious and
deserves protection against the elements and terrorist threats; not just the lives of the
Republican Party's rich donors deserve to have shelter in times of crisis. As your congressional
representative, I will immediately begin work on a national emergency plan. Unlike the
Republicans, who want you to be afraid, I do not believe that Fear Mongering is a plan,
instead it is a tool for their re-election campaigns. I will be part of the solution - not the
problem!
Veterans:
Every day we see reports about how our veterans services have fallen into severe disrepair.
The men and women who served this country deserve better. Our VA system needs a
complete overhaul; from the GI Bill to health care to disability benefits, without a modernized
system, we do those who served our country a grave disservice. Veterans deserve better.
Education:
If anyone understands the desire to attend college, but the heartbreaking reality of being
unable to pay for the privilege, it is I. Even with the Montgomery G.I. Bill, my family and I were
strapped with tens of thousands of dollars in student loans, which we now struggle to pay in
this recessed economy. We can do better for our students on every education level. We
simply must create more educational opportunities in Kentucky's First District. This
requires more than just talk, and I intend to push for real change.
Culture of Corruption:
The Budget Reconciliation Bill, signed by President Bush and passed by Congress, cut future
spending for Medicare, Medicaid, Student Loans and even free and reduced lunches for poor
children; all while giving a $2.3 Billion tax break to Oil Companies and affording a $5.7 billion
slush fund to Pharmaceutical Companies (both of which Representative Ed Whitfield has
personal financial investments and large campaign contributions). Corporate welfare for
profitable companies who donate heavily to Congressmen is corrupt and scandalous. I will
work diligently against the culture of corruption which permeates the political system.
Domestic Violence:
Did you know that every 2 minutes in North America someone is sexually assaulted and every
15 seconds in the United State a woman is battered, usually by her intimate partner?
Domestic violence is a serious and continuing problem in the United States and abroad. Only
2 states in the country allow victims of gender based violence to sue their perpetrators in civil
court. Until the violence stops,we must be the voice for those who have yet to find theirs.
Arms:
Kentucky has a rich tradition of hunting and I support the right to bear arms in a safe and
responsible way.
It is an absolute travesty that 50 million Americans struggle without health care in the
wealthiest nation in the world. What's worse is when our representative votes against
improvements in access to health services for children and the poor. Unfortunately, these are
both realities that we've experienced under the current leadership. I propose that health
care for every American is more important than tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy.
It is time we had a representative who thinks about more than just how much money he can
make when he helps pass legislation that benefits drug and insurance companies. As the
leaders of the free world, it is an embarrassment that we are the only industrialized nation
that does not offer health care for our citizens.
The War in Iraq:
As a veteran of the United States Navy, and an active member of the American Legion, my
dedication to the men and women in uniform is unyielding. The current service member is
highly skilled, highly trained and highly ignored by this administration. The American people
were duped into an ill-conceived war under false pretenses and the administration continues
to over utilize a national guard system which was never intended to be used for sustained
combat missions. Congress must insist that an exit strategy be planned and implemented
immediately. By the Bush Administration's own account, the nation will be forced to
reinstate the draft system again should we continue to over-tax our National Guard with
sustained combat. I am not a supporter of reinstating the draft for as history clearly shows
us, the draft is merely for those of us who are not wealthy enough to buy our way out of
active duty. We must not allow this ill planned and ill executed war to continue to destroy the
brave men and women in our armed forces while simultaneously placing our nation at a
heightened risk with a limited national guard.
Jobs:
It is not hard to figure out that outsourcing American jobs to third world countries is
destroying our middle class. We must stop rewarding companies who send our jobs
oversees with tax cuts and begin rewarding companies who invest in our nations future.
As a member of a staunch union family, and a former union member myself, I understand first
hand the need for a living wage as well as benefits and training programs. I will work
tirelessly to fight for the rights of the working person. For far too long, the citizens of
Kentucky have been victimized by the million dollar boy's club. It is time for change!
National Preparedness: Where would you go if there was a national, state or local
emergency? What would you do if severe weather hit your area? What if you lived in a
mobile home or had no transportation to get to higher ground? These are serious issues that
the Republican party has had 7 years to think about and plan around since the War on Terror
began. When Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast, thousands of low income people were
without a plan and were abandoned by the Bush administration. When tornadoes hit
Kentucky and the south on February 5th, 2008 my family and I found ourselves in the same
situation. A low income family, living in a mobile home park with nowhere to go. The people
who died in those storms were largely like us, they knew they were in danger but they had no
plan. WE NEED A NATIONAL EMERGENCY PLAN! Every life in our nation is precious and
deserves protection against the elements and terrorist threats; not just the lives of the
Republican Party's rich donors deserve to have shelter in times of crisis. As your congressional
representative, I will immediately begin work on a national emergency plan. Unlike the
Republicans, who want you to be afraid, I do not believe that Fear Mongering is a plan,
instead it is a tool for their re-election campaigns. I will be part of the solution - not the
problem!
Veterans:
Every day we see reports about how our veterans services have fallen into severe disrepair.
The men and women who served this country deserve better. Our VA system needs a
complete overhaul; from the GI Bill to health care to disability benefits, without a modernized
system, we do those who served our country a grave disservice. Veterans deserve better.
Education:
If anyone understands the desire to attend college, but the heartbreaking reality of being
unable to pay for the privilege, it is I. Even with the Montgomery G.I. Bill, my family and I were
strapped with tens of thousands of dollars in student loans, which we now struggle to pay in
this recessed economy. We can do better for our students on every education level. We
simply must create more educational opportunities in Kentucky's First District. This
requires more than just talk, and I intend to push for real change.
Culture of Corruption:
The Budget Reconciliation Bill, signed by President Bush and passed by Congress, cut future
spending for Medicare, Medicaid, Student Loans and even free and reduced lunches for poor
children; all while giving a $2.3 Billion tax break to Oil Companies and affording a $5.7 billion
slush fund to Pharmaceutical Companies (both of which Representative Ed Whitfield has
personal financial investments and large campaign contributions). Corporate welfare for
profitable companies who donate heavily to Congressmen is corrupt and scandalous. I will
work diligently against the culture of corruption which permeates the political system.
Domestic Violence:
Did you know that every 2 minutes in North America someone is sexually assaulted and every
15 seconds in the United State a woman is battered, usually by her intimate partner?
Domestic violence is a serious and continuing problem in the United States and abroad. Only
2 states in the country allow victims of gender based violence to sue their perpetrators in civil
court. Until the violence stops,we must be the voice for those who have yet to find theirs.
Arms:
Kentucky has a rich tradition of hunting and I support the right to bear arms in a safe and
responsible way.
| Paid for by the Heather Ryan for Congress Committee All Rights Reserved 2008 |
