GUEST EDITORIAL: Why Indiana voters should vote Brenton

As I engage with voters on the campaign trail, I hear over and over again, “Why should I vote for you?” I always welcome the opportunity to share my beliefs and Libertarian philosophies about freedom and liberty.

As your senator from Indiana, I will demand a balance budget. I will end deficit spending. I will stop politicians from taxing us all into the grave and beyond. I will work to roll back and eliminate every program that is not authorized by the Constitution. I will require that all taxes be constitutional and that we limit the size and scope of the federal government only to constitutional functions.

As a Libertarian, I believe in the founding principles of our country. I believe in the Declaration of Independence, that the Constitution is the master contract and hold fast to the rights enumerated by the Bill of Rights. I believe that we have more rights than listed in the first 10 Amendments but they are a good start.

I believe the Constitution was designed to limit the federal government and wish to return the functions of our government to only those authorized by the Constitution. My focus as senator would be to stop those who wish to grow the federal government and eliminate the things that are not specifically authorized by the Constitution. I often ask voters, “Would you be willing to give up your favorite federal government program if it meant we could eliminate federal income taxes?” Most happily agree at the thought of reducing the taxes they pay.

Voters are concerned that some federal government programs provide valuable benefits that they would not want eliminated. The state in which they live could, if the citizens and legislators agree, provide those services instead. The social safety net does not need to be dissolved. People still need help. However, it’s clear that the Constitution does not authorize most of the federal government programs that exist today.

As a fiscal conservative, I believe that a balanced budget is imperative. I believe that it is immoral to create debt obligations that fall on the generations that follow us. The interest alone on the debt is a millstone that will follow every living American to the grave — along with our children and grandchildren. This is unacceptable and must end immediately. Current politicians act like they have a blank check on the taxes generated from future generations. This is wrong.

There are three branches of the federal government created specifically to balance power and prevent the types of overreach we see through executive orders. We did not elect a king. In fact, we threw off King George and I will fight to make sure no president tries to unilaterally run this country. Our president should be a shining example of liberty and freedom — not a rogue cowboy that does whatever he wants with impunity.

Our borders must be protected. Our country is just like your home, you have the right to decide who comes in and out. If someone acts inappropriately or criminally, you can remove that person and the criminal justice system can deal with them. Our country is also a nation of immigrants. The melting pot. The American dream lives: you can work hard, study hard, create value and build a great life for you and your family. We should welcome those who want to add to our great country and bring their talent and work ethic here. We should not lure immigrants here with welfare programs that create an incentive for them to come here and live off the populace. Let us make it easy to welcome good, hard working people into our country.

Our economy must be strong in order for our wealth to grow. Every American should pay as little taxes as possible. I will fight to make sure that every dollar is held accountable and stop boondoggle spending that benefits business at the expense of the taxpayer. Every dollar you send to Washington is one that your family doesn’t have. I vow to put every dollar I can back in your pocket. You earned it, you deserve it.

I will never compromise our liberty or my principles. Never.

Lucy Brenton is the Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate.