Campaign season is a crazy time in South Dakota; the media and the various political parties are obsessed with the squabbles and disagreements that separate us. The truth is, we’re South Dakotans first, and there is much more that unites us than separates us. For that, I’m truly grateful and blessed to be a South Dakotan.
Our campaign continues to focus on the issues. It’s important to me that you understand my positions – and yes – it’s also important to understand the positions of our opponents; after all, that’s what it’s really about.
A strong America will be strong around the globe, but we need to have our house in order first. Today, we have a long list of domestic policies that need to be addressed – or in Obama’s case – reversed. I believe domestic policy not only has an impact here at home, but also impacts our status and our stature around the world. We cannot project strength if we’re weak at home.
We need to end the dysfunction in Washington, D.C.
- No matter how difficult, we need to set our differences aside and get the people’s work done.
We need policies that improve our economy and help create good jobs.
- We’re overregulated by the federal bureaucracy and that needs to change.
- Our individual and corporate tax structure needs to be overhauled with marginal tax rates broadened and lowered.
We need to pass laws that accommodate the changing workplace.
- There are a host of proposals that help working moms and dads – unfortunately, those proposals are held up in the Harry Reid-led Senate.
Obamacare must be repealed and replaced with a patient centered, market driven plan that reduces costs and expands coverage and access.
We need to save Medicare for our seniors.
- Obamacare threatens Medicare’s solvency – that’s a fact. I don’t support Democrat or Republican modifications to Medicare if it threatens current beneficiaries in any way.
We need to build the Keystone pipeline and support all forms of North American energy – both renewable and carbon-based.
2nd Amendment.
- I’m proud to have received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association!
- I will continue to defend the 2nd Amendment and vow to vigorously oppose additional restrictions on gun owners.
I’m pro-life and pro-family.
- I’m honored to have received the endorsement of the National Right to Life.
Speak softly and carry a big stick.
- We need to support our military men and women, this includes appropriate funding for those military members – both active and retired.
- We need to restore arbitrary cuts.
These are more than my “policy positions.” These are my values – instilled in me by my parents. It’s who I am and it’s what I believe.
Domestic policies that create a vibrant economy, a strong military, and policies that are grounded in South Dakota common sense – will extend far beyond our borders.
America can’t lead from behind.
Today, our world is a dangerous place. International threats in Israel, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, China, Ukraine and Russia – are the direct result of failed Obama policies. Globally, Christians are being slaughtered, the Taliban is making new advances, U.S. Embassies are being attacked, threatened and evacuated. Recently, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is emboldened and represent a significantly increased threat. All of this proves that there are consequences for Obama’s failed international engagement.
The world needs bold leadership. We need to support our allies and crush terrorists that would do us harm. We should be helping allies reduce and eliminate imports from hostile nations and apply economic sanctions. There is no negotiating or sympathizing with radicals. To think otherwise, is foolish and further jeopardizes our standing…and our safety.
As South Dakotans, we can all agree that we need to improve both our domestic policies and our international standing.
Mike Rounds