Chris' Views on...

Chris' views on hot-button issues straight from his own mouth. Disagree? Click here to drop us a line and let us know!

Abortion:
Only when the LIFE (not health) of the mother is at stake or in cases of incest or rape should abortion be allowed - and then, only if it is within the first trimester, before the unborn child can feel pain.  Life begins at IMPLANTATION; at that moment the group of cells begins turning into a viable human life. I understand that by my definition of the beginning of life that the abortion pill Plan B is acceptable. However, I want it to be understood that although I must admit it is acceptable to use under my definitions, my personal feeling is that Plan B should only be used in emergencies such as cases of incest or rape and not as a form of birth control. This is not just for religious or political beliefs but also for the medical safety of the mother.

Religion and Government:
Religion cannot be excluded from government; we need to acknowledge the contributions that organized, LEGITIMATE religions are willing to make to both government and society and allow them to happen. Courthouses should be allowed to have the 10 commandments posted and towns, villages and cities should be able to have manger scenes on government property. Most of all, charitable work by religious organizations (such as the Salvation Army) must never be turned away simply because it is from a religious organization.

Taxes:
Low taxes; let us keep more of our own money and do with it what we choose. I am a strong proponent of a "flat income tax"; each man, woman, business and charity is responsible for paying a flat 25% in taxes. No loopholes, no tax breaks. This would single handedly solve the federal deficit, eliminate the need for 90% of the IRS and free up millions of dollars within the working families of our economy.

Capitol Punishment:
After careful consideration and years of debate with myself I must profess that I am against the death penalty. It is my firm belief that state sanctioned killing only punishes the family of the convicted. Instead, we must punish the criminal by sentencing him or her to spend the rest of his or her life locked away in prison without the possibility of parole.

However, I am sympathetic to the victims' families; I do not think that even one penny of their tax dollars should go towards keeping the murderer fed with a roof over his or her head. Instead, all prisoners should be forced to work to earn their keep.

Welfare:
It is NOT a way of life; Welfare must be limited and regulated to ensure it is only used as a temporary 'safety net' for those finding themselves in unforeseeable circumstances or circumstances beyond their control.

We need to make it easier to get off welfare. Right now there is a huge gap between 'livable' wages and welfare benefits. Many people find that they earn too much to qualify for welfare but too little to live on. That gap must be closed.

Homosexuality:
No issue; To each his or her own, as long as it isn't forced on the rest of us.

Gay Marriage:
Against gay marriage; Marriage itself must be reserved for a man and a woman.  However, there should be alternatives such as 'civil unions' for homosexual couples so they may enjoy certain benefits.

Illegal Immigrants:
Immediate deportation, period; While I understand the draw of the United States, citizenship or at the very least residency must be obtained through the established legal means for the protection of each and every American citizen.

However, I recognize that the legal immigration system needs to be overhauled. We need to make it easier for foreigners to come to America as legal citizens. We cannot, though, continue to allow gaping holes in our immigration enforcement allowing thousands of illegals to come into this country annually.

It is not that I fear what the Mexican alien will do; it's that the person sneaking over the border from Mexico may be a Mexican at all but rather an Al Qaeda terrorist.

Stem Cell Research:
Stem cell research may provide cures for many of today's incurable and deadly diseases and conditions.  However - stem cells have many different sources including everything from umbilical cord blood to fat cells. There is no reason that human embryos need to be created and then destroyed to create stem cells.

And finally, the Iraqi War:
Regardless of the presence of or lack of weapons of mass destruction and regardless of the links or lack of links to terrorism, Saddam needed to be removed due to his crimes against humanity.  The United States is, bar none, the most powerful nation on the face of the earth.  It is OUR responsibility to stand up for those that cannot stand up for themselves and to protect those that cannot protect themselves throughout the world.