DIPLOMACY

“In a world wracked by hatred, economic crisis, and political tension, America remains mankind’s best hope.”

~ Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States

Diplomacy begins at home.

I have had the honor of being the eldest brother in my family and it’s quite a responsibility.   As the eldest sibling, you are mimicked, especially early in life.  It is an inherent opportunity for leadership that you can either appreciate, ignore or squander.

In the United States of America, we are all the standard bearers of humane behavior.  American values in regards to human rights, individual rights, property rights, women’s rights, ethnic and religious freedoms and animal rights are a model for the rest of the world.  We must make clear what we believe domestically because internationally the world is watching; ready to point out any hypocrisy and/or mimic us.

As your Congressman, I will vote to strengthen the rights of Americans as afforded us historically by Virginia’s Declaration of Rights in 1776 and continued with the United States Bill of Rights in 1789 until now.  Our domestic commitment to this effort will embolden our government to support the rights of people all around the world.

As the world’s regional powers mature, Asian, African, Middle Eastern, Eastern European and Latin American regions must be clear on this most precious American value:  that rights are bestowed upon us by our Creator, not government.   This affects with whom we trade, bargain and battle.

Diplomacy at its heart, points to how we express the values inherent in our unique founding documents.  Diplomacy MATTERS.