Niverville special correspondent Roy Smalling submitted this story to the campaign.
Libertarian Candidates For Congress Meet and Greet in Valatie
Valatie, NY – On April 3, 2006 Libertarian party candidates seeking their party’s nomination in the congressional and senatorial primaries met in an old fashioned “meet and greet” at Four Brothers in Valatie. Senate Candidate, Jeff Russell and Congressional candidate, Eric Sundwall, hosted the event, which focused upon the candidates’ specific, individual viewpoints and the view and philosophy of the Libertarian Party in contemporary society.
The Libertarian Party is one of the country’s largest “third” parties and membership in Columbia County has more than doubled over the past year. “The interest in the Libertarian Party has grown because people have tired of the rhetoric and actions of the Republican and Democratic parties,” said Sundwall.
Both candidates were asked a variety of questions ranging from international relations, to domestic policy to immigration. In the “meet and greet” format the candidates were free to answer all questions without time constraint.
When asked about the war in Iraq, Mr. Sundwall said, “I am personally against the war. However, I think the Congress, republicans and democrats, should not hide behind the vestige of the Gulf of Tomkin resolution, and either declare war or not support the action. Since the Korean Police Action, congress has avoided the responsibility of declaring war whilst supplying the means for military conflict. This is the type of hypocrisy our congress espouses everyday” On the war in Iraq, Mr. Russell commented, “violence is never the answer unless we are assured that our action is for the betterment of mankind.”
Mr. Russell’s dovish views were echoed in his opinion on immigration in which he affirms his support of immigration amnesty, if those given amnesty are not a threat to our national security. He also believes that the immigrants given amnesty should not automatically qualify for the benefits in our social welfare system. Despite Mr. Russell’s dovish views on some issues, he and Mr. Sundwall are adamant supporters of the second amendment.
Both candidates were asked the difficult question regarding the recognition of Hamas as the legitimate government of the Palestinian people. Mr. Sundwall and Mr. Russell both believe the question needs more thought. However, Mr. Sundwall did state, “That it is interesting that a terrorist organization, (Hamas), was democratically elected.” Additionally, both parties believe there is a place for the UN in world relations; however, that role still needs to be further defined.
Domestically, both candidates share a dire concern about the national deficit. Mr. Sundwall pointed out that each member in his household of four is responsible for $30,000 in national debt. In terms of fiscal responsibility and social policy, Mr. Russell noted that the cycle of rebirth in our nation’s ghettos is best eliminated not by government subsidies and social programs, but an easing on restrictions that prevent entrepreneurship and individual advancement. Mr. Russell noted that the lifting of many business-licensing restrictions would be a tremendous benefit to poorer urban communities.
Likewise, on the death penalty, Mr. Sundwall stated he was against the death penalty. Mr. Russell, an opponent of the death penalty, had a more philosophical view. Mr. Russell feels that once the convicted is “off the street” he is no longer a threat to society. Consequently, the death penalty is just violence for violence sake.
Many of the attendees were supporters of a change in the political paradigm. Even though this was a Libertarian sponsored event, the theme of increasing registration in all third parties was paramount. One attendee went so far to say, “The difference between republicans and democrats is public relations.” This nation needs a change in the status quo.” Another attendee said, “I am amazed at the party’s (Libertarian) belief in individual responsibility and the need for a shrinking role of government in American life.”
When one of the attendees who was new to the Libertarian viewpoint was asked to summarize the stance of the two candidates, he said, “I think it is best summarized on a bumper sticker I recently saw. It said, The USA One Great Nation, One Lousy Empire.”