Stephen Yeargin

On torture …

It is from perverted and sick minds that the methods of interrogation we hear about on the evening news were born. The goal of obtaining information takes a backseat to the sadistic desire to punish those that have harmed us. To make “an example” of the detained, seeing him or her as representative of worldwide extremism. Humanity does not advance when we make the conscious choice to become inhumane, no matter the provocation. Those that seek to drive us into fear and confusion know all to well their power over us when we abandon reason.

On ongoing conflict …

Our military operations have failed. This year has already become the deadliest for American forces with more than 40 days remaining in 2007. Countless more are coming home with the scars of war and the irreparable damage it has caused in their lives. Perhaps we had the chance to accomplish our goal in the region shortly after the invasion in March of 2003. Perhaps it was still within our grasp one, two or three years later. Today we must realize that our goal, whatever that may have been, will never be accomplished. No more shows of force. No more surges. It is time to be honest with the American people.

On upcoming primaries …

It is my hope that three things can be accomplished by the next President. One, the office will revert back to within the constitutional system of checks and balances. The next is to restore our positive image and influence on global affairs. Finally, I hope that the next president can present comprehensive solutions to the domestic issues that I believe are most critical to our future. Chief among them is the rising cost of healthcare and the ballooning mortgage and student loan debt. Before we can return to a time of economic prosperity we must address these issues that have largely gone ignored for the better part of a decade. Beyond those, it is time for balanced budgets to make a comeback.