I have lived on 4 continents, worked in over 125 countries, speak 3 languages fluently, and hold an MBA in International Business. I have worked with foreign heads of state in numerous countries, as well as with their federal ministers and parliaments. With that background I have twice as much experience in the realm of foreign policy as any other sitting member of Congress.

We live in a interconnected world that requires us to participate responsibly in global politics. The first step in regaining our status in the world is to rid ourselves of dependence on foreign oil. Only once we have accomplished that can we establish a rational foreign policy. The world's dependence on OPEC countries to provide for our fossil fuel needs has caused major competition for these supplies pitting country vs. country. By being responsible consumers of energy and observing some pretty simple tasks we can help reduce our consumption of energy. The increased use of atomic energy is the fastest and most environmentally conscious way of achieving energy independence. The development of alternative fuel sources should also be used, but only by taking a holistic approach. We cannot create competition between bio-fuels and food sources or we drive the price of each up to the high prices we are experiencing today for both.

In a world where what happens today in America affects the stock market in India or the Kyrgyz Republic or Honduras tomorrow (or vice versa), my level of experience should be mandatory for candidates running for the US Congress. I have hosted meetings of Latin American dignitaries to look for solutions to global climate change and public health consequences caused by vehicle emissions. In October 2005 I gave a presentation at the AIDIS conference in Buenos Aires in Spanish and Portuguese to foreign Ministers of the Environment on that subject.

As we face a world that is tending towards regionalization, the necessity for us to work closely with our partners in Latin America and Canada becomes more important. We need to expand our trade agreements to include membership in CAFTA as well as MERCOSUR and to bolster our political ties with all Latin American countries.

Finally, General Kyle Barton Yount, once stated that, "borders frequented by trade seldom need soldiers." Although this is true for most things, our gluttonous demand for petroleum products has dictated our foreign policy as regards OPEC countries. If we are to win the war on global terror we need to reduce our consumption of foreign oil and become energy independent. Less energy dependence means more political freedom to run a coherent foreign policy. That should be the focus of every household in America, and that should be the focus of our elected officials.

Education | Conservative Fiscal Policy | Securing Our Homeland | The Environment