Sunday, June 10, 2012
This week, we marked two important occasions in our nation’s history. On Tuesday, June 4, we commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, where the U.S. Navy took out much of the Japanese Imperial Fleet, and the four Japanese aircraft carriers that were responsible for the attack on Pearl Harbor. This historic display of American naval might set the course for the remainder of our Pacific advance and helped bring about the beginning of the end of World War II. Then, on Wednesday, June 6, we commemorated the 68th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion at Normandy, the largest amphibious landing in world history.
These events were not just important events in our nation’s history, they were also a significant part of daily life and affected every American and their families, including my own, for generations to come. My grandfather and CD-23 resident, Frank Flori, served in the U.S. Navy and fought in Okinawa at the end of World War II. We owe a great deal of respect and appreciation to our Armed Forces and military families. Their courage and bravery have protected America and our allies for decades. But they are currently in jeopardy.
President Obama and Congressional Democrats like Debbie Wasserman Schultz, support cuts to our Armed Forces, particularly the U.S. Navy and National Guard, that undermines our national security, weakens our border security and threatens America’s sovereignty. Even President Obama’s own Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta called the Democrats’ proposed cuts to our military “devastating.” At a time when America faces new, emerging threats of terrorism, drug trafficking and a rising China, we need to ensure that our National Guard and U.S. Navy have more resources at their disposal, not less. Furthermore, this Administration’s push for U.S. ratification of the Law of the Sea Treaty is a gross submission of U.S. sovereignty to the United Nations, constrains the U.S. Navy, and threatens the free flow of maritime commerce and goods throughout the world.
Rest assured, I am committed to:
- Ensuring that disastrous cuts to our military, such as the impending sequester and President Obama’s “devastating” proposals, are avoided;
- Strengthening our Armed Forces, particularly the Navy and National Guard, as well as enhancing our and Border Patrol efforts.
- Protecting America’s sovereignty and access to the sea.
Upholding these values are crucial to delivering a robust American foreign policy for the 21st Century, and if elected, I will do what is necessary to strengthen our armed forces, secure our borders, and protect America.
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