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Recently Thad Wasson, 2010 Republican Candidate for US Congress, replied to my questions about his views on some of the issues related to this blog and it's readers. Thad Wasson, Blake Curd and Chris Nelson are the GOP contenders seeking Rep. Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin's house seat. In the days ahead I will post similar Q & A's with the other candidates. Bob Ellis at Dakota Voiceasked him a different set of questions earlier this summer.
I'll share this because it's revealing to me of internal motivation that in a private note to me Thad comments:
I am basing my campaign on a verse from the Bible; Proverbs 13:22 — "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children…" What does that say about our federal leaders and the willingness to pledge our children's future earnings to foriegn nations.
It's evident Thad is a "good man" who is looking beyond himself to the type of country we will leave behind for our children. As long as we are sharing them, one of my favorite verses is Proverbs 29:2– "When the righteous rule the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." I hope he is able to jump fully into the campaign swing here soon.
In responding to my question about what distinguishes him from Nelson and Curd he pointed to his military experience as evidence that he has the fight in him that is necessary… "This is a dangerous time for our Nation, we need a fighter that understand what our military can and should do and a fighter to stand up to China and their tariff violations."
We talked about his candidacy in light of the little GOP support in recent years for those who step up to challenge Herseth-Sandlin. I asked who is rallying behind him right now….
Most of my support has come from seniors, veterans, small business owners and those that have been turned off by the party system. I plan to bring the Republican party back to the values that we stand for. Some think it is time for a new party to emerge, my opinion is lets get the 72% of registered Republicans that don't bother to vote, to vote.
His brochure lists six bullet points; Financial Responsibility (personal and government), Family Values, Freedom, National Security, Constitutional Protection and Accountibility. Thad is a father of three, employed by Qwest Communications, been married for eight years, Marine Corp vet, board member of Bethany Christian Services and member/council president of Abiding Word Lutheran Church in Rapid City.
Here's the main interview. VC stands for me– Voices Carry (i.e. Steve Hickey). TW for Thad Wasson.
VC: When do you believe human life begins? Do you consider yourself pro-life?
TW: At conception, yes I do consider myself pro-life. I believe that men have a special role during the months of pregnancy; that includes providing an income for your wife and child, being emotional strong, and doing nice things for your spouse.
VC: Do you support our states Informed Consent law requiring abortionists to inform women that abortion terminates a separate and unique living human being?
TW: I do support the Informed Consent law. Our state needs as many young people as possible and the government needs to support life and show that it is important for life to grow and get stronger.
VC: How did you vote in 2006 and 2008 on the issue of abortion and WHY?
TW: 2006 and 2008 I voted yes for life. I believe that South Dakota has a right as an individual state to bring this to voters.
VC: If you voted yes and consider yourself pro-life, what have you done in the past to help this cause?
TW: I am the father of three children. We have been blessed with the joy of adoption. I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Bethany Christian Services. This is an adoption and family counseling agency.
VC: Do you support or oppose those who currently want to amend the language in our state law that prohibits embryonic stem cell experimentation in SD?
TW: We are able to get stem cells from cord blood and also adult stem cells. This will provide us the tools we need for medical experiments without having to harvest the unborn.
VC: What is the primary role of government?
TW: The primary role of the federal government is to be limited in scope and power. We need to promote freedom and opportunity in this Nation, it has not been.
VC: Regarding faith and politics, how would you describe your personal faith in God (daily walk with God) and how will that faith influence your public life and decisions as governor? (This question obviously comes from one who believes somebody’s values and morals are going to shape society, the only question is whose.)
TW: My faith in the Lord brings me contentment. It also provides a path for me to follow to become a better father, husband and servant. As a Congressman, it will guide me during my term.
VC: How would you describe your worldview? Do you believe in Creation or Evolution?
TW: I think the world is a safer place with a strong America. I do not like participating in NATO, the WTO or the UN. In my opinion, belonging to these organizations dilutes our power as a military and a nation. I believe in Creation and think that public schools should teach both evolution and creation.
VC: As a member of Abiding Word Lutheran in Rapid City, do you support the ELCA’s recent vote to allow people are sexually active outside the covenant of marriage (as the Bible defines it– one man, one woman for one life) to serve as clergy? Do you support DOMA – Defense of Marriage Act? Would you support a Federal Marriage Amendment?
TW: Our church is in fellowship with the Wisconsin Synod, we have no vote in the ELCA. I do support DOMA, marriage is a great institution for our country. Men need to treat their wives with respect and I believe we would have less divorces and stronger families for it.
VC: What is your view of abstinence-only education in the schools?
TW: Children are not emotionally ready to have a sexual relationship in school. But, I believe the HPV vaccination for young women is a good thing to get. We do not want children to be engaged in sexual activity, but this virus can strike at any age, and we want our young women safe.
VC: What kind of Republican would you say you are?
TW: I am the type of Republican Thomas Jefferson would be proud of.
VC: In what instances do you feel it is OK to raise taxes?
TW: I believe we need to raise taxes to pay for our current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This allows the entire nation to pay for the sacrifices of our military. A 30 cent per gallon charge on gas would be a good start.
VC: What kinds of taxes do you feel could be decreased if any?
TW: I would decrease payroll taxes. Millions of people are dependant on social security and medicare. Social security is broke and soon medicare will be also. We as citizens can provide for our own retirement and medical insurance. Medicare is borrowing from the general fund right now, if we run a tighter ship and narrow medicare fraud we might be able to salvage these programs.
VC: What areas of government waste would you address?
TW: I would start with a 10% cut across the board. Every program including the military, ssn, and medicare.
VC: Do you support the Federal Apology to Native Americans?
TW: I do not understand what good words do with no action. The Native families were torn apart by the federal government, this action has caused decades of despair.
VC: What is your view on Global Warming?
TW: Global Warming does not scare me. We need to be good stewards of our land, but that doesn't mean we worship the trees or the windmill. Our state is getting older, we need more people to immigrate to our great land. I believe that if we had the 40 million Americans that were aborted since 1973, we would not have the problems that are with us today. We would have young people on the farms, buying empty houses, starting families and businesses.
VC: Do you have any comments on the Federal Reserve?
TW: I believe the Federal Reserve needs to be audited every year by Congress. If they object, let Congress resume coining money.
VC: What are the last three books you’ve read?
TW: The last three books that I read are (1) My Mother's Goats, by Gordon Howie. (2) Watchmen, a novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. (3) F.D.R. Portrait of a President, by Joseph Gies.
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