Editorial, Theresa Fleming

While some might assume that national security refers only to the issue of illegal immigration and border security, others might assume it means the war on the Iraq.  But the truth is more complex than that.  National Security means both of those things, but strong national security requires more-it requires a strong, independent manufacturing base.  For a country that can not even produce its own basic needs will soon loose its independence and its freedom.

Illegal Immigration and Securing our Borders.  It's time, past time, that our congressional leaders dealt with this issue.  Global corporations seeking profits and cheap labor may support Congress's plan for amnesty for those who are here illegally, but the majority of American citizens do not.  While as Moms, we can only sympathize with those who want to come to our country to build a better life, the safety of our children and the security of our nation must come first.  Those who wish to become a part of our country, must do so legally.  Congress should stop looking for an all encompassing, magical solution and start using some commonsense. 

First, secure the borders. 

Second, enact a North American Worker Treaty that provides guest worker visas for Mexican & Canadian citizens.  This will allow most of the families who are here illegally to obtain legal status, begin paying their fair share of taxes and it will stop employers from taking advantage of them. 

Third, after enacting the North American Worker Treaty, immediately deport anyone who is here illegally.  In addition, Enact a law that would prohibit anyone found in our country illegally from EVER reentering our country again.  The law should also prohibit them from EVER being able to apply for citizenship.

As for citizenship, our country is not yet willing to consider that issue.  Perhaps once congress can prove that it can actually secure our borders and provide the social security & medicare benefits that American citizens have paid into for so many years, then maybe the country will be willing to consider the issue of citizenship, but for now-congress needs to prove that it will secure our borders and at least establish a way for those countries who border our nation to work here legally.

Strengthen our Manufacturing Base and Reduce our Dependence on Foreign Oil.  Truly this is just plain commonsense.  A country which can not even supply its own basic necessities will soon loose its freedom without even a shot being fired.  We can not continue to rely on countries who do not share our values, nor our commitment to freedom and democracy to supply our basic necessities.  We must enact trade policies that will support securing this nation and the American people; and we need to do so immediately.  Congress should Enact a National Security Manufacturing Act.  Create a list of those products that are basic necessities and set quotas on the number of these products we will allow to be imported into our country.  In addition, Congress needs to make investing in alternative fuels one of our country's top priorities and fund it.

For Those Who Seek Peace, a Free and Democratic Iraq may be our only Hope.  The men and women who are serving in Iraq are the reasons our children get to grow up safe and free.  The selfless courage and sacrifice of those serving in our armed forces are an inspiration to all who have the privilege of meeting them and I will be forever grateful for their willingness to serve.  As for the issue of Iraq itself.  It's time for our country to stop playing politics with this issue and start having a genuinely honest conversation as to why we are there.  We are in Iraq for two reasons.  First, we owe a debt to those Iraqis who were brave and selfless enough to trust us and believe our promises that democracy and freedom could bring for their children a life filled with hope and a future filled with promise.  To desert them now would be wrong.  For the minute we left, those who trusted us would be slaughtered.  For anyone with a conscience, that should be enough of a reason to stay.  But there is a second reason. 

The minute we leave Iraq, Iran will go in and take over. Consider this, Lebanon teeters on the brink of a civil war.  Syria is already allied with Iran.  The Saudi Kings may, or may not, be businessmen, but many of those living in Saudi Arabia are radicals.  If Iran succeeds in taking over Iraq, how long would it be before they managed to topple both Saudi Arabia and Lebanon?  And after that, how long would it be before the President of Iran would attempt to do what he has promised to do for so long, destroy both Israel and America.  For those  who do not want a world war, there may be only one choice, only one hope of avoiding it-a successful and free democracy in Iraq.  Perhaps it is a hopeless mission, but if we truly want to avoid a broader war, a war far graver and far more deadly than WWII was, then we must hope and pray that Iraq's attempt at democracy and freedom succeed-and we must support their efforts to do so.

The best offense is a strong defense.  We need to stop reacting to Iran's threats and start rebuilding our military.  Our military is privileged to have some of the bravest and most selfless Americans serving in it that our country has ever known, but we do not give them the support and tools they need-and we do not give their families the care that they deserve.  It's time, past time that we did.

So Message from Moms to Congress and the Many Presidential Candidates:

If you want our vote-Secure Our Nation!