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Welcome Congressman Duncan Hunter - LIVE Thread (virtual Free Republic press Conference)
From San Diego, CA | 8/13/07 | Duncan Hunter/Freepers

Posted on 08/13/2007 1:24:44 PM PDT by pissant

To members of Free Republic and friends, I would like to introduce a candidate for President of the United States and the current congressman from the 52nd district of California, Duncan Hunter!! To Americans who value the patriotism and missions of our Armed Forces, to those who want to put fear into the hearts of our adversaries from Beijing to Tehran, to those who value the rule of law when it comes to illegal immigration, to those who realize that the unborn deserve full legal protection beginning at conception, to those who believe Peace through Strength is far more than a motto, to those who do not like giving communist China unfettered access to our markets while they cheat at every turn, to those who want to halt and reverse losses of US sovereignty to global entities, and to those who want the GOP to return to Reaganism, Mr. Hunter is the Best choice.

Congressman Hunter currently is the ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee, after spending the previous 4 years as its chair. He is an original co-sponsor of the Fair Tax bill and he is the author of the Secure Borders bill, signed by President Bush in 2006, which mandates 800+ miles of double fence across the smuggling corridors of the SW. He also is the man who has led the fight against NAFTA’s Mexican truckers having free reign on our roads, has forced congressional oversight of the executive branch’s ‘Security and Prosperity Partnership’ with Canada and Mexico, and was instrumental in saving our military intelligence officers from having to jump through bureaucratic hoops unrelated to combat.

A Vietnam combat Veteran himself, he currently has a son in the Marine Corps, Capt. Duncan Duane Hunter who is busy hunting jihadis in Afghanistan after two tours in Iraq. Congressman Hunter has been the anti-dote to the liberals in Congress doing their damndest to cut and run from the battlefield. Mr. Hunter knows that this war is our generation’s calling, and “the only way we can leave is to WIN”.

Below are 15 questions we compiled last month on Free Republic, which we sent to Congressman Hunter a few weeks ago. They are followed by his answers. This is the springboard we will use to kick off Mr. Hunter’s live “virtual press conference” on FR today.

Please stop by and say hello and you may post additional questions. HOWEVER, Please realize that time limitations will prevent him from answering all the questions you may have. Though he may get time later to forward answers to many left unaddressed during this session.

Please drop Jim Robinson a note of thanks as well. For not only hosting this event, but for having the best conservative website in the country!

Also, no disruptors allowed. Your posts will be removed.

The following is our Kickoff Q&A session:


TOPICS: Announcements; Breaking News; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: b4dh; duncanhunter; elections; hunter; spartansixdelta
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#1. Conservatives applauded the Senate when it voted a few years ago to toss out the Kyoto protocol from consideration. However, thanks to Al Gore and others it seems to be making a comeback. What is your position on so called Global Warming that is being pushed by so many on the left and is even creeping into the GOP now?

Hunter: While historic measurements of temperatures do indicate that warming has occurred [according the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration the mean temperature for the contiguous U.S. has increased by 1.1 degree Fahrenheit] the apportionment of warming to man’s activities versus the natural cycle is unclear. The Kyoto Protocol would have been disastrous for those who advocate less greenhouse gasses as well as Americans who want to maintain the industrial base of the United States.

Kyoto exempted Communist China and India from limitations. Thus, U.S. industry would be incentivized to move production to these two “smokestack” countries, thereby increasing pollution-per-product made.

I believe strongly in achieving energy independence for the U.S. This should be accomplished by cutting taxes on the production of alternative energy systems, including geothermal, nuclear, wind, solar, etc. In the meantime, ANWR should be open for U.S. petroleum development.

I reject Al Gore’s and others’ doomsday alarmism on the subject.

#2. How soon after you take office could we expect to see real results with respect to strong internal enforcement regarding illegal aliens and REAL efforts on sealing the border?

Hunter: I wrote the law that mandated the construction of the border fence in California that reduced smuggling of people and drugs by more than 90% in our sector. I also wrote the bill, signed into law on October 26, 2006, which extends the California fence 854 miles across the smuggling routes of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. As, President I will build the border fence, all 854 miles, in six months.

If you examine the record throughout my entire career in the US Congress, you will see that no one has put in more effort to force the Federal government to enforce the existing internal laws. As President, I will do so, without question.

#3. Mr. Hunter, conservatives are often dismayed by the lack of “fight” in our GOP leaders, specifically regarding vicious and very slanted attacks from the democrats and their Main stream media allies. How do you plan to fight back?

Hunter: Just tune in to the floor debate or press conferences that I am engaged in and I think you will see lots of Conservative “fight.”

#4. You worked, as I understand it, as a public interest lawyer helping Mexican immigrants for free with their legal needs in California when you started out in a legal career. Is this correct and can you explain how this informs your current views on immigration?

Hunter: When I got out of the Army in ’71, I farmed in Idaho for a year and moved to San Diego because they had a law school I could get into without a college degree. After passing the bar in 1976, I set up my office in the Barrio of San Diego, near the waterfront. During that time I helped lots of folks in the Hispanic community, often without reimbursement. I wasn’t reimbursed by any federal program. During this time I gained the insight that the Hispanic community in the U.S. is not aided by open borders, but rather their wages are the first to be lowered when cheap illegal labor flows across the border.

#5. What is your position on homeschooling? Please elaborate. And how do you plan to reign in the bloated Department of Education?

Hunter: I like homeschooling because it offers a clear choice for parents who want to impart values and knowledge to their children. I would substantially cut the bureaucracy in the Department of Education, top to bottom.

#6. Mr. Hunter: A few weeks ago I heard you mention, in a radio interview, examining legal channels to enforce the enactment of the funding and building of our border wall. I got the impression you were speaking about a civil lawsuit, such as a Writ of Mandamus or some other injunctive relief. Is this indeed being looked at, and, if so, what is the current status?

Hunter: The Congressional Research Service has reported that they find no court actions that can be pursued by Congress with respect to the fence.

#7. Congressman Hunter, would a crackdown on employers using the current laws be sufficient to remove job prospects for illegals? If not then are you for increasing penalties on employers who hire illegals, and for implementing an easy way for employers to verify who is here legally?

Hunter: Once the border is enforced and the revolving door stops swinging, there will be enough U.S. agents available to concentrate on interior enforcement, using current laws. I would like to see the pilot program for employers, which allows them to log in employee information on new hires with the Department of Homeland Security and receive a quick determination which relieves them from the burden of further determining authenticity of the employees documents, be made mandatory.

#8. Representative Hunter, you have extremely good conservative positions on social policies, defense, and immigration. However, some fiscal conservatives on Free Republic are worried that you won’t do enough to cut the size of government. Could you please list some government programs and/or agencies that you consider wasteful and would cut? Or, in the alternative, could you please explain what policies you would support to cut the size of government?

Hunter: I would eliminate such programs as National Endowment for the Arts and dozens of programs identified in the Bush Administration’s “cut list.” (These include programs from HUD, the Departments of Justice, Labor, Energy, Agriculture, Commerce, Transportation, Interior, HHS, DHS, and the EPA). Additionally, I would freeze discretionary non-defense spending, while increasing defense spending to a point between 4.5% and 5% of the GDP.

#9. The State Department is in serious need of a kick in the pants. What, as President would you do to bring that department back into line with way most Americans think (pro-American interest)?

Hunter: I will ensure that the leaders of our State Department do not come from the “Blame America First” crowd, but rather have a philosophy which embraces freedom and appreciates America’s role as a freedom beacon. I will not hesitate to remove any diplomats or bureaucrats that do not follow through on my pro-America agenda.

#10. Do you, Congressman Hunter, think it is important to keep God in public view? If so/not, why?

Hunter: God is in public view every time we review the Declaration of Independence and every time we exercise the inalienable rights given us by God, not government. We should be as willing to acknowledge God in the public forum as was George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

#11. What are the significant differences as you see them, to recommend you over Fred Thompson, another conservative candidate who will likely be the front runner when/if he enters the race?

Hunter: I’ll have to let Fred Thompson speak for himself, as I am not closely familiar with his record yet, but I do know that all of the Senators presently running for president, including Mr. Thompson, Brownback and McCain voted for Permanent Most Favored Nation status for Communist China, which I strongly oppose. I voted aginst PMFN with Red China because the chinese are clearly using US trade dollars to buy ships, warplanes and missiles, some of which are clearly targeted on American forces and interests. With respect to the rest of the Republican field, major differences are manifest in my support of fair, not free, trade. The industrial base of the United States is being pushed to China, India and other nations as a result of our acquiescence to extremely unfair trading rules that result in U.S. manufacturers being double-taxed and our competitors being subsidized. Also, I believe I am the only candidate in the field besides John McCain who is a Vietnam Veteran and the only candidate with a son (Duncan D.) who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. (McCain’s’ sons may have deployed at this date). In this era of difficult wars, it will be increasingly important to have a commander-in-chief who has shared in the burden of military service. I also know that none of the candidates have been as consistent on border and immigration enforcement as I have, in fact some have worked for the opposite result, or recently flip flopped on this vital issue. Please reference my 1986 vote against Amnesty. Also I'm the only candidate who has actually built a border fence (through directive legislation and directed appropriation). The San Diego Fence represents my ability to get things done, no simply take positions. Lastly, as Chairmen of the Armed Services committee, I increased the size of the US Marine Corps and added hundreds of millions of dollars to the defense budget to give better protection to our troops in Iraq and Afganistan through additional body armor, armored vehicles, and jammers to protect against roadside bombs (as well as many other types of combat equipment)

#12. What is the one thing you would most like to do as president to reduce our national debt and the tax burden it threatens to place on subsequent generations?

Hunter: The most effective way to attack the national debt is to restore the massive productivity of the U.S. industrial base, especially in the manufacturing sector. I would reduce taxes on domestic manufacturing to zero or as close thereto as possible and immediately stop China’s cheating on trade that is moving high-paying jobs offshore. When a manufacturing employee loses a $75,000 a year job to China and replaces it with a $15,000 a year job, the government revenue accruing to that worker falls “off the cliff.” Obviously, a conservative approach to government spending is the complement to this “pro-growth” policy.

#13. Do you support the Law of the Sea Treaty? If not, will you revoke it if it passes before you take office?

Hunter: No, in the past I have opposed the Law of the Sea Treaty. I expect that to continue. There are serious issues of sovereignty involved, and as in the past, I have no intention of letting US sovereignty be eroded.

#14. What is your opinion about CAIR and the political correctness that is running rampant in our country concerning islam’s war against the west, and here in the U.S. in particular?

Hunter: Any group that acts as an apologist for terrorism and attempts to undermine legitimate US law enforcement activities, will not get an ear in a Hunter Whitehouse.

The best way for Islamic nations to have a good relationship with the U.S. is to actively and openly oppose the anti-American and terrorist groups in their nations. Few of them are willing to do that.

#15. I see a multitude of countries combining their resources to thwart the United States, to minimize its influence: Venezuela, Russia, China, Iran, North Korea. How will you deal with this looming global crisis of fascists and communists joining together against us?

Hunter: The answer to this combination of antagonists is to maintain a strong U.S. military, utilize the leverage of our economy to deny the positions that several of these nations enjoy in the world economy (for example, energy independence), and to utilize our resources to consolidate allies whenever possible. With respect to China, we must reverse our massive trade loss, which is being used in part to purchase arms. With respect to Iran, at some point Western intervention may be necessary to deny the development of a nuclear device. With respect to North Korea and many others, the further development of Western missile defense systems is paramount.

1 posted on 08/13/2007 1:24:49 PM PDT by pissant
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To: pissant

Welcome Congressman Hunter.


2 posted on 08/13/2007 1:27:19 PM PDT by 4CJ (Annoy a liberal, honour Christians and our gallant Confederate dead)
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To: 007girl; 230FMJ; abigailsmybaby; absolootezer0; afnamvet; Afronaut; airborne; ajolympian2004; ...

Ping


3 posted on 08/13/2007 1:27:44 PM PDT by pissant (Duncan Hunter: Warrior, Statesman, Conservative)
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To: pissant

THANK YOU Congressman & Sam Hunter, pissant, JimRob and all who made this possible!


4 posted on 08/13/2007 1:27:48 PM PDT by RasterMaster (Rudy McRomneyson = KENNEDY wing of the Republican Party)
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To: Pride in the USA

Ping!!


5 posted on 08/13/2007 1:29:03 PM PDT by lonevoice (It's always "Apologize to a Muslim Hour"...somewhere)
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To: pissant
Welcome to Congressman Hunter! We proudly serve as your Arsenal of Democracy!


6 posted on 08/13/2007 1:29:04 PM PDT by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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To: pissant

ping


7 posted on 08/13/2007 1:29:15 PM PDT by freekitty
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To: pissant

Sir, it is an honor...


8 posted on 08/13/2007 1:29:40 PM PDT by WalterSkinner ( In Memory of My Father--WWII Vet and Patriot 1926-2007)
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To: davidosborne; airborne; Antoninus; GulfBreeze; processing please hold; dynachrome; RasterMaster; ...

B4DH


9 posted on 08/13/2007 1:29:43 PM PDT by Calpernia (Breederville.com)
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To: pissant; Duncan Hunter Ambassador

Congressman Hunter, it is an HONOR to have you visit us.

COMMENT: You are one of the STRONGEST advocates for protecting innocent, human life, including being the author of the the personhood-at-conception bill, and you and Senator Brownback were the ONLY two presidential candidates to attend the pro-life march in D.C.

I heard a political analyst say that former Governor Huckabee did so well because of the life issue, and I wish you would also make your very strong pro-life position better known to live audiences.

Thank you.


10 posted on 08/13/2007 1:30:07 PM PDT by Sun (Duncan Hunter: pro-life/borders, understands Red China threat! http://www.gohunter08.com/Home.aspx)
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To: pissant

Welcome to Free Republic Congressman Hunter. It is a great honor to have you here. Thank you so much for your years of dedicated service to this country. Your hard work protecting the sovereignty of this country, the lives of the unborn, and the strength of our armed forces have not gone un-noticed. I can’t wait for you to be elected as the next President of the United States. God bless you.


11 posted on 08/13/2007 1:30:38 PM PDT by dschapin
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To: pissant

Welcome Congressman Hunter. Right now you are my top candidate for President....


12 posted on 08/13/2007 1:30:54 PM PDT by MeSpikeLibs
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To: 4CJ

Welcome Congressman Hunter, soon to be our President. Thank you pissant and Jim Rob for making this possible.


13 posted on 08/13/2007 1:31:21 PM PDT by freekitty
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To: pissant

Thans JimRob and Hunter family. Thanks pissant.


14 posted on 08/13/2007 1:31:25 PM PDT by showme_the_Glory (ILLEGAL: prohibited by law. ALIEN: Owing political allegiance to another country or government)
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To: pissant

Congressman Hunter,

Thank you for your service to this country as a soldier and congressman and particularly for your strong defense of innocent human life.

I am very impressed by your record and positions on issues of concern to Americans.

I hope you know you have many friends at Free Republic who hear your unique message and want you to stay in the presidential race despite the opposition’s hopes and rumors that you will drop out.

I agree with you that rebuilding the American manufacturing base is critical to social stability and national security. Related to this, the USA has a shortage of skilled craftsmen like plumbers and electricians.

While I agree with the national push for more academic rigor, it is obvious that not everyone can nor should attend college. Many students who might be very good with their hands often drop out of school from boredom or an inability to meet academic expectations.

As president, would you amend No Child Left Behind (NCLB) to add a high school vocational program with trade certification in lieu of state exam requirements?

Thank you & God bless you and your family.


15 posted on 08/13/2007 1:31:57 PM PDT by fetal heart beats by 21st day (Defending human life is not a federalist issue-it is the business of all humanity.)
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To: jimrob

PING!


16 posted on 08/13/2007 1:32:00 PM PDT by pissant (Duncan Hunter: Warrior, Statesman, Conservative)
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To: pissant

Mr. Hunter, welcome to Free Republic.

Is your son making progress in his bid to replace you in your congressional seat?

What do you think of my tagline?


17 posted on 08/13/2007 1:32:44 PM PDT by Kevmo (We should withdraw from Iraq — via Tehran. And Duncan Hunter is just the man to get that job done.)
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To: pissant

Looking forward to seeing you at the Texas Straw Poll Congressman Hunter.

How strong of an organized effort do you have lined up?


18 posted on 08/13/2007 1:32:56 PM PDT by GulfBreeze (Support America, Support Duncan Hunter for President.)
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To: pissant

Congressman Hunter

Still reading your answers to the questions, but wanted to stop and say “welcome” and you have my 100% support!


19 posted on 08/13/2007 1:33:07 PM PDT by sneakers (This Pennsylvania gal supports DUNCAN HUNTER for President!)
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To: pissant

My two sons served in Iraq. My younger son came back a month ago. Let me tell you that they were dismayed at the reporting from Iraq upon their return. They see positve improvements within the past two years.

My brother, a Navy LCDR lived in the Green Zone. When I asked him about a certain bombing the media reported. He denied it happened.

The media seem only interested in the political component to this war. How do you see their behavior?


20 posted on 08/13/2007 1:33:40 PM PDT by rbosque ("To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." - Teddy Roosevelt)
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