George Harper

George Harper for U.S. House of Representatives, TX

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George answers the Liberty Candidate questions below:

I) Re. the U.S. Financial System:
1. What is your view of the monetary system in the U.S. today?

Between 1790 and 1910, the United States had a bi-metallic monetary system (except for the Greenback Era) and for 60 of those years had strong state banking. During that period the currency was strong and stable. Using 1790 as the baseline, the dollar of 1910 was worth .96. In 1913, the federal Reserve System was created; in 1933, the federal government took control of state banks and made the private possession of gold illegal; in 1934, the Gold Reserve Act set a fixed price on a qualified gold backed dollar; in 1944, Bretton Woods established a world monetary policy of fixed exchange rates tied to the dollar; in 1971, the United States moved to a fiat monetary system; and by 2010, the U.S. dollar was worth only .03, when compared to the 1790 dollar. The “easy money” system we’ve had since 1913 is one of inflation. We need to abolish the Fed, return to free, state banking and reestablish a bi-metallic currency.

2. What corrective actions could we take right now to improve the economy?

I have a comprehensive solution that addresses our economic problems – A New Direction for Rejuvenating the Economy and Restoring Prosperity – that focuses on four immediate concerns : the long term fiscal stability of entitlements, reducing regulatory demands on business, reforming and cutting taxes and, finally, addressing the budget deficit by eliminating nine bureaucratic departments and by cutting $500B from defense.

3. Do you agree with the actions the Federal Reserve has taken to solve the financial crisis? If not, what could the Fed have done differently?

I do not agree with anything that the Fed does and the only thing it could have done differently is to have gone off into the sunset.

4. Should the Federal Reserve be audited fully, no secrets, or does it need to keep some information under wraps?

Short of elimination, I support a comprehensive audit of the Fed.

II) Re. Foreign Policy:
1. What is your opinion on current US foreign policy?

Current U.S. foreign policy is one of projecting power and dominance both politically and economically. I support a policy of Neutrality and Non-Intervention.

2. How should we fight a “war on terror”?

Terrorism should be addressed by: a) effective intelligence; b) political cooperation with other nations; c) letting the foreign internal police forces act on threats without U.S. support; d) placing responsibility for the safety of transportation with the private sector; e) effective cargo screening at port of entries; f) and finally, and only as a last resort, I support Congress using its Constitutional power to authorize Presidential use of precision, surgical strikes when confronted by a “clear and imminent” threat.

3. Should the U.S. occupy other countries? If not, would you push to close all bases? Are there any you would keep open?

The United States should have no foreign, military presence; all bases should be closed; I know of none which should remain open, including Guantanamo Bay.

4. Should the U.S. maintain its standing army?

I do support maintaining a small, standing army, division strength. As personnel serve out their enlistment, these soldiers would form the core of the National Guard.

5. Is the Patriot Act necessary to protect America? If not, would you vote to repeal it?

The Patriot Act and Homeland Security is an anti-American political calamity representing loss of essential Liberty. I will actively work to repeal it, will support cuts in funding and will vote NO on any expansion of authority or power.

III) Re. Personal Liberty:
1. What information may the U.S. government legally gather about its citizens? When would it be necessary to overstep those boundaries?

Off the top of my head, I can’t think of any circumstance requiring the federal government to collect information on private citizens, with the possible exception of the investigation of criminal activity.

2. What limits, if any, should be placed on the U.S. government’s ability to search its citizens without a warrant?

The prohibition against warrantless searches – the 4th Amendment – is absolute and should never, under any circumstance, be transgressed.

3. Ought the U.S. government be allowed to protect its citizens’ health by outlawing foods it considers unsafe, or to force medicate (i.e., fluoridation) or force vaccinate citizens?

There is no Constitutional authority for the Federal Government to intrude into, or regulate, the behavior, decisions and health of individuals. Only in the event of a national crises, such as epidemic, is there is a proper Constitutional role for the Federal Government.

4. What controls, if any, should be placed on the right to own a gun? Is there an effective way to keep guns out of the hands of madmen and criminals without encroaching on the rights of free, law-abiding citizens?

The 2nd Amendment should be held inviolable under all circumstances. This will unavoidably have some negative consequences, but those who would give up essential liberty for a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety, to quote Benjamin Franklin.

IV) Re. U.S. Sovereignty:
1. Is our involvement in and subjugation to global organizations, such as WHO, NATO, the UN, etc., a benefit to U.S. citizens?

I’m going to keep this short and sweet and just say NO. We should withdraw from these organizations.

2. Would you work to repeal international agreements that purport to hold U.S. citizens and/or property under its jurisdiction, or do you think there might be times when benefits outweigh concessions?

We should withdraw from these international agreements, but I’m going to draw a fine distinction here by pointing out we have no authority to repeal agreements made between other nations. But the United States should never, under any circumstance, surrender its national sovereignty, or the rights of its citizens, to any international authority.

3. Are trade agreements with other nations, i.e., NAFTA, CAFTA, good for U.S. citizens?

There is nothing inherently good, or bad, with trade agreements. The Constitution grants Congress the Power to “regulate Commerce with foreign nations”. But with attention to the details, I would say that trade agreements can be a benefit. Ideally, trade agreements should be limited to one page – a declaration that the citizens of the two nations shall be free to engage in unrestricted commerce.

4. Should the U.S. give foreign aid to other countries? If yes, for what purposes would it be justified? If not all countries, which would you continue to support?

The United States should not engage in foreign aid; there is no Constitutional authority granting this disbursement of funds. Our foreign policy should be one of non-intervention.

V) Re. State Sovereignty:
1. When does state law take precedent over federal law?

Except for those explicitly enumerated powers granted to Congress, and a few denied to the States, the 10th Amendment reserves all other Powers to the States, or to the People. The 14th Amendment further denies the States the Power to encroach upon the Rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights. So State law never takes precedent over Federal law, nor does Federal law ever encroach upon the Powers of the States. The separation of the two are clear and distinct. Or that is how it is supposed to work.

2. Would you stand up to the federal government and demand that it stay within the bounds of its enumerated powers and out of state business?

Yes

3. Do federal officers have the right to arrest non-military citizens within the individual states for any crimes?

Now this is something I have never thought upon. But I’d have to say YES. Federal marshals have the jurisdiction and the power to make an arrest for violations of Federal crimes. But I’d have to hazard a guess that, historically, Federal officials have worked closely with the local law enforcement. On this question, I reserve the right to change my answer if I’m shown to be wrong.

VI) Illegal Immigration:
1. What do you see as the #1 problem with illegal immigration?

My position is that we don’t have a problem with “illegal immigration”, we have a problem with too much government. In a free society, or one Constitutionally limited, there is no burden placed on society by the free flow of people across borders. This becomes a problem only with the Welfare State, and the strain placed on resources under such a system.

2. What actions could we take to stop illegal immigrants from taking advantage of social services?

This is straight forward and easy – eliminate the Welfare State; ie the social services.

VII) Misc. Questions:
1. If you could make one amendment to the U.S. Constitution, what would it be?

I’m not going to give any thought to this and just go with the one thing I’ve wanted to do forever, and that is an amendment to repeal the 16th Amendment.

2. Would you vote to end government subsidies to private industry?

Yes

3. What should our government’s action be against Julian Assange, if any?

No action.

4. Do you know what Agenda 21/Sustainable Development and the Communitarian agenda is? Do you support it? Why or why not?

Yes. No. Because it is a program which advances one-world government, sponsored by the U.N. and ultimately infringes upon Property Rights and the Rights of the People.

Stay the Course,
George Harper

Republican Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives
Texas C.D. 14
Primary date : March 6, 2012
george@harper4congress.com
www.Harper4Congress.com