Dave Webber in OnTheIssues interviews with 2018 candidates

On Abortion: I don't like abortion, but it's not black and white

A: Under Roe vs Wade, it is. The law is the law. However, I don't like abortion, any more than most people. To try to overturn the law completely would be a mistake. I also believe women have a right to say what they can do with their bodies. In a case of if the mother will die if she gives birth, and has other children at home to care for, is an example where the mother should decide. But, far too many young women have abortions, while many couples want to adopt babies in this country. To make this a black and white issue just is not a fair approach. Unless the Government can come up with a common sense alternative, they should stay out of it. Perhaps the Government can stop Federal Funding for organizations that perform abortions. That leaves them out of the process. Individual States should handle individual cases, based on sound practices, like counseling for an expecting mother AND an advocate.

On Budget & Economy: Economy will recover through free market

A: No. The best way for the economy to recover long term is through a free market and free trade. Short term fixes just don't lead to a the gradual improvement in GDP, as is happening now. Reducing Government Regulations is further proof that less Government always is the best choice!ÿ

On Civil Rights: Comfortable with same-sex marriage

A: Yes.

On Crime: Death penalty does not reduce crime

A: No. It is pretty clear the death penalty in states that adopted it did not reduce crime. The court system and lack of judges at certain levels to handle the case load is part of the problem. Rather than increase the penalties, perhaps making them more sensible would be better! One sees too many times how someone who has multiple felonies finally commits the one that takes a life. These people should be dealt with on a more stringent and realistic approach. States have the ability to control this.

On Drugs: Marijuana is a gateway drug

A: Yes. I am one of the baby boomers, who has seen the progression from 'pot' to stronger drugs in many friends who have died from substance abuse, or neglect of their health due lack of proper care. Crime rates have not decreased in the states who have legalized marijuana, so other than medical marijuana I see no valid reason to legalize it by the Federal Government.

On Education: Keep feds out of school choice

A: The Federal Government must stay out of as many social issues as possible. School Choice is available in all states, and should be legislated at the state level. There are more choices to the conventional school systems, especially for High School and beyond. Many of these choices are options for incoming Freshmen to have a "choice" of a program which includes high school and community college classes, partnered with local industries, to teach and have internships to electrical engineering and advanced manufacturing. This will increase graduation rates, as well as provide trained employees for the local businesses, and jobs for students who cannot afford the traditional transition to college.

On Energy & Oil: Prioritize green energy, but after security & economy

A: Yes. This is an issue that should not be ignored, but not prioritized before dealing with national security and the economy.

On Environment: Fight EPA regulatory over-reach

A: Yes. Another way to reduce Federal Government restrictions in the private sector.

On Foreign Policy: Support positive American Exceptionalism

A: Yes. Always in positive ways. Many ways to do this, which is beginning to happen now. Still too many negative perceptions, including the Party bickering that is relentless.

On Free Trade: Support & expand free trade

A: Yes.ÿ

On Government Reform: Making voter registration easier just adds to the problem

A: No. The interference of Russia in our election of 2016 should be a clear sign that we must be more certain than ever only US citizens are allowed to vote. To make registering to vote easier would be just adding to the problem.

On Gun Control: 2nd Amendment is very clear, and should not be changed

A: Yes. The 2nd Amendment is very clear, and should not be changes. Guns don't kill people. The person pulling the trigger is the problem. I have many ideas how to improve legislation in that regard.

On Health Care: ObamaCare is failing miserably on the Federal level

A: No. It is failing miserably on the Federal level. Again, until there is an alternative Congress can come up with that is fair and equitable, let the States handle this individually. Some states have good health care options.

On Homeland Security: Negotiate from a position of strength with Russia & others

A: Yes. Agree with the current Administration's policy. Negotiating from a position of strength with Russia, North Korea, Iran, Syria, etc. is essential. Also, keep improving the way our active military and veterans are treated.

On Immigration: Citizenship for DREAMers but not other illegals

A: No, EXCEPT a common sense bill for the DACA (dreamers) people. This may not happen in my lifetime, but there should be some clear path for those who have been good citizens and paid taxes for many years. We cannot afford to lose that tax revenue, and it is the right thing to do. For all other illegal aliens, common sense enforcement of our immigration policy must take place. Too bad common sense just isn't that COMMON!

On Jobs: Laws against discrimination, instead of affirmative action

A: I believe the laws against discrimination address this issue. It should be addressed on the State level, if at all. Keep the Federal out of things as much as possible!

On Principles & Values: Push back against those who want to pray in public

A: This issue as stated is a little vague. I believe in God, and am a believer in prayer. I don't believe any Party should come out for or against Religion. That includes pushing back against those who want to want to, or who don't want to, pray in public. There should not be tolerance for publicly trying to intimidate anyone either way. It is a fundamental right under the 1st Amendment. Other than that, keep the Federal Government out of it.

On Social Security: Don't privatize Social Security; fix it instead

A: No. Privatizing Social Security, which it has been suggested subjecting it to the Stock Market, is just wrong. This is OUR money. WE should have more say in what happens to it, including passing legislation prohibiting the Federal Government from take billions of dollars whenever it wants to! There are many fixes I would propose to help "fix" social security and medicare, which can be discussed at a later time.

On Tax Reform: Raising tax rate on wealthy doesn't provide more tax revenue

A: Yes and No! To raise the tax rate on the wealthy is not the answer to providing more tax revenue. They will simply have their tax attorneys use the loopholes available to find ways to offset that. If we want the wealthy to pay their "fair share", the entire tax code needs to be revised by a bipartisan group of tax accountants to close the loopholes that benefit the wealthy--if there IS such a group!

On War & Peace: We have to offer protection to our allies

A: TBD. Easier said than done. We have to offer protection to our allies. The goal of totally avoiding foreign entanglements is just too complicated in the world we live in. Japan, Israel, and South Korea are examples of allies who will need us to help. Also the crimes committed against their own citizens in Syria and North Korea are too horrific for us to ignore. There must always be a clear message from the US to those committing crimes against humanity.