Neither one of us believe that you can fix the culture from within by just throwing money and people at the system. There has to be a systemic change within the system.

But recently it seems that each time I vote, I am being asked to compromise my conservative ideals and my commitment to the American taxpayer simply for the benefit of political gain.

All are free to believe or not believe; all are free to practice a faith or not. But those who believe must be free to speak of and act on their belief

According to the U.S. Census, the most common reason people give for not voting is that they were too busy or had conflicting work or school schedules.

With a nation at war against terrorism and our men and women on the front line defending our homeland from abroad, resources need to be prioritized and allocated properly.

I think the choice option is critical to give the veteran an opportunity, if they choose to do so, to opt out. We have done that in this particular piece of legislation for those that have been waiting in line, and particularly for those that live 40 miles or more from a VA facility.

That future depends on the values of self-government, our sense of duty, loyalty, self-confidence and regard for the common good. We are a diverse country, and getting more diverse. And these virtues are what keep this great country together.