Today, Taking The Gloves Off interviewed Daniel Lewis, Libertarian Candidate for State Representative, District 26, Tennessee.
TTGO: What are the motivations guiding your candidacy? Why did you choose to run as a libertarian?
I ran as a Libertarian because Libertarians have the best ideas to offer. Democrats and Republicans are sold on promoting socialism. I oppose all mandatory forms of collectivism.
TTGO: And what do you hope to accomplish through this candidacy?
Get elected. Get votes for Badnarik. Get out the Libertarian message.
TTGO: Tell me a little bit about the issues facing your District and state and the solutions a Libertarian has to offer the citizens of Tennessee.
Education: It is producing poor results and under funded. I propose we privatize all our schools. This will cut costs and improve the quality.
Health care: Tennessee has a Medicare supplement called TennCare. TennCare is growing in expense every year. TennCare must be privatized. Health care must be deregulated. The Tennessee Legislature must invoke the 10th Amendment to abolish the FDA and replace it with a private approval board. Tennessee also needs a good medical Marijuana law.
State Budget: Over half the state budget is controlled by the U.S. government. This must end. Just about everything the state is doing should be privatized. We also need a TBOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights). We already have a requirement for a balanced budget. We must continue to oppose a state income tax (we have non as of now). Sales taxes must be cut and eventually reduced.
TTGO: The Drug War is one of the most expensive, civil liberties violating government endeavors in American history. What would you support with regard to alleviating the problem of drug abuse and the high level of incarceration of “offenders” clogging the legal systems of Tennessee and all areas of the nation?
The Tennessee Legislature should pass a resolution asking the governor to pardon all non-violent drug offenders in state custody.
We must use the 10th Amendment to end the war on drugs in Tennessee.
The legislature should pass a law requiring all Federal agents to get a permit from the county sheriff before they do anything.
Sheriff’s should be instructed that if it is not a Constitutional crime (Piracy, treason, or counterfeiting), they are to give no authorization.
We must repeal all state drug laws.
On the National front, most libertarians agree that we should not have invaded Iraq. However, now that we are “in country,” what would you do to handle this dangerous situation?
We should withdraw all our troops in foreign nations, not just Iraq.
Further, what are your thoughts on the use of Tennessee National Guard troops on foreign soil?
I Think the Tennessee legislature should refuse to allow our troops to go to another country unless a direct threat upon Tennessee or the United States of America can be proven.
By the same token, what would you do about the rapidly degenerating mess we call Afghanistan?
Bring all of our troops home NOW.
What would you support with regards to managing the threat of international terrorism?
I would support nonaggression to prevent future attacks. The Tennessee Legislature should issue a decree to our Congressional delegation to issue a letter of Marque for the capture and or termination of Osama ben Laden and other terrorist leaders.
Further, how would you go about ensuring the security of your fellow Tennessee citizens without succumbing to quick-fix excesses like the PATRIOT Act?
Develop and train a strong state militia organized in neighborhoods. These could make sure everyone in Tennessee knows how to defend themselves.
Finally, what would you say to those who believe Libertarians and libertarians lack real world perspective and that their concepts and ideas are not ready for prime time?
Tennessee has been under declared Martial Law since early 1862. For over 140 years Democrats and Republicans have had their chance to oppress the fine people of Tennessee. Today Tennessee residents pay 25% of their income in taxes each year. It took from 1796 to 1992 for state spending to reach $10 billion. In ten years the budget reached $20 billion. Today it is at $23.8 billion. If we do not stop this now the state will bankrupt itself and its people. Is it ever to early to throw a drowning person a life preserver?
Mr. Lewis, I thank you for your time and wish you success in November. If I lived in Tennessee in District 26, you’d have my vote. Readers may also want to take a look at the campaign website and short biography of Mr. Lewis as well.