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BACKGROUND: Age 62; married with two children and a
resident of Seaford. Congressman since January 1993; former County
Comptroller (1981-1992) and Hempstead Councilman (1978-1981). Law Degree
from Notre Dame and an undergraduate degree from St. Francis (Brooklyn).
NORTH KOREA: They do not have a government. It is
actually a one-man organized crime family. North Korea is sourrounded by
major nations including Russia, China and Taiwan. All have some interest
in North Korea not getting nuclear weapons. This is good for us. This is
a real problem; maybe not today, tomorrow or next year. The leader has
to be stopped.
PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH: He has done a good job on the
war against terrorism. I disagreed with him on the Dubai ports and
immigration, Overall he has been a good President. For the people who
criticize him, ask yourselves how Kerry and Gore would have done.
ISRAEL: A democracy and the strongest ally in the
mideast. I have a close relationship with the Washington Embassy and the
New York Consulate. With the war against Hezbollah, we win the game but
do not cover the spread.
A FEW MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: (1) Chuck Schumer-He
is hard working and day-to-day bipartisan. We've disagreed on many
issues. (2) Tony Blair-I have the highest regard for
him. I met him during the Irish peace process. He is honest and able and
a good ally. (3) 2008 Presidential Year-Giuliani
is the strongest and McCain is second for the Republicans. I do not see
Mitt Romney or Governor George Allen doing anything. Hillary Clinton
will make it or not make it. If she gets off the ground, she makes it.
It's possible that she gets blown off the launching pad in Iowa. She is
good to work with. (4) Dennis Hastert-A quiet, low-key
guy. You have to work with him. He gets more than you would expect out
of people. He was a compromise candidate and has worked out well.
THE US MILITARY: It's the best in the world and has
been asked to do a tough job in Iraq, where I have been a few times.
Morale is high and different than what the media says. Whatever happens,
our military has done its job.
IMMIGRATION: I am a supporter of legal immigration.
Prior to 9/11/01 it's not the issue it is today. I am opposed to illegal
immigration and amnesty to illegal immigrants. We must secure the border
with a 700 mile wall using military technology. Illegal immigrants that
are captured need to be returned to their country and we must penalize
employers that hire illegals.
ETHNIC PROFILING: An airport screener should be
allowed to factor in someone's background. Discretion should be given if
screeners want to question Islamics, Muslims and Arabs. Common sense and
logic are needed to cover us when people are boarding airplanes.
IRAQ: This is a tough situation. We will be able to
separate this into phases. (1) Saddam Hussein-We defeated him and the
terrorist threat. It's now under control. (2) Sectarian Fighting-The
Federal govenment has to stop it. The biggest question is whether the
Iraqi government is able to stablize itself.
HOMELAND SECURITY: We are much safer than we are
before 9/11. The enemy will always change its antics and we must adapt.
There is no magic wand to solve this problem. Airlines, subways, port
security and nuclear plants are better today but there are
vulnerablities. Containers need to be monitored that are sent from
overseas.
CLOSING STATEMENT: We live in a dangerous world. As
Chairman of the Homeland Secvurity Committee, I have a strong national
role in fighting Islamic terrorism. I support wiretapping of terrorists,
profiling for terrorists and tougher interrogations of a captured
terrorist. I also will continue to denounce radical Muslims living on
Long Island. The stakes are too high to back down to political
correctness.
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