National Security
Today, America is confronted with a variety of different threats. A broad worldwide coalition of radical terrorists groups and rogue states seek the destruction of our country. Several years have passed since September 11, 2001; however, al Qaeda is patient, innovative and willing to do whatever it takes to strike at America overseas and in our homeland.
Kevin understands these threats because he looked into the eyes of over 100 of these terrorists in Iraq as an Army prosecutor. Shortly after the Iraq War kicked off in 2003, Kevin was commissioned as an officer in the Army National Guard at the ripe “old” (by Army standards) age of 37. In 2007, Kevin volunteered to deploy to Iraq during the “Surge” of troops, the deadliest year of the war, and also the most successful year in instilling the current relative calm in Iraq.
Kevin’s mission was to prosecute al Qaeda leaders and other terrorists in the Iraqi court system. Kevin was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service.
America cannot sit idly by while terrorists build networks in failed states and plot terror and murder. Our military and intelligence forces must actively pursue terrorists and those who support them. Defense is a relatively small part of our federal budget, and it is a deadly mistake to scrimp on the most basic function of government, to protect the citizens. And we must eliminate our dependence on oil from terrorist-sponsoring nations like Iran. In the Legislature, Kevin was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Disabled American Veterans for his support of our men and women in uniform. Kevin will fight to make sure our troops receive the best equipment available and to ensure our veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
Both a proper understanding of the U.S. Constitution, and proper respect for the brave men and women serving our country in uniform, demand that the authority to engage our armed forces, especially into combat, should rest with Congress and the President, not with the United Nations or any other foreign entity. In order to ensure rapid response to threats against our country, Congress should enact laws to provide prior authorization to the President to respond to threats which can reasonably be anticipated. Sending our troops into harm's way is sometimes necessary, but it does bear a cost, and the people's representatives should consider that cost when deciding to enter into armed conflict. Congress should rescind laws authorizing the President to use military force based on permission from the United Nations. Instead, any such authorization should reside only with Congress.
“The weakness of the current Congress is allowing America to get kicked around a lot these days- from increased danger from Jihadist extremists to insults from Hugo Chavez, from economic challenges from Communist China and other emerging markets to lax border security which threatens America’s sovereignty itself. We need to make America proud again- proud of who we are, without apologizing for our success and freedom.”-Kevin Calvey