Candidate questionnaire: Rick Vandeven

NAME: Rick Vandeven

AGE: 40

PLACE OF BIRTH: Cape Girardeau, MO

SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Darlene - wife

Autumn, Amber, Rori Beth - daughters

EDUCATION:

Some college

OCCUPATION: Technician

EMPLOYER: Paper Industry

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART:

I do not have the nerve or the resources to navigate the erroneous, manifold regulations and tax codes that the State places on businesses to own a productive endeavor, all or part.

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

US Representative (MO-8), Libertarian Party, 2010

WEBSITE:

https://www.facebook.com/VandevenForCongress

THE FEDERAL BUDGET IS THE DOMINATING ISSUE IN AMERICAN POLITICS TODAY. HOW DO YOU PROPOSE TO TACKLE THE BUDGET DEFICIT?

We are out of money, and the duopoly will not stop spending. I support the elimination of federal corporate and social welfare programs, the removal of US military forces from foreign countries, ending the Federal Reserve system, ending the failed war on drugs, an examination and repeal of the millions of unnecessary laws and regulations in the Federal Registry, eradicating the federal funding of local police forces, and scrapping all so called "free trade agreements".

BARRING A SUPREME COURT RULING OVERTURNING THE LAW, WOULD YOU SUPPORT STEPS TO REPEAL HEALTH CARE REFORMS?

I believe that in order to make healthcare/insurance more affordable and accessible, the power of the free market must be released. Some of the ideas espoused by libertarians are dissolving the FDA's monopoly on pharmaceutical, medical device, and medical procedure regulation, allowing all drugs to be available over the counter, allowing health insurance to be sold across state lines, and providing tax deductions for the purchase of healthcare/insurance and health savings accounts.

WOULD YOU SUPPORT ANY TAX INCREASE TO HELP FIX THE BUDGET DEFICIT?

The fact of the matter is that the federal government spends more than it confiscates (taxation). The federal government is much too strong as a result of this confiscation, and also because of the Federal Reserve System which lends the federal government fiat currency to cover outlays and debts. I support repealing the 16th Amendment, and ending the Fed to force the federal government to operate within the confines and intentions of the US Constitution.

NOW THAT THE WAR IN IRAQ IS OVER AND AFGHANISTAN IS WINDING DOWN, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE AMERICAN MILITARY'S ROLE IN TODAY'S WORLD?

I oppose this country's aggressive interventionist foreign policy, and the use of our military to invade and occupy other nations that did not attack us. The "war on terror" has largely contributed to the $16 trillion public debt, created new enemies globally, and has eroded civil liberties at home. The unfunded liabilities of the future medical care of our troops, and the alarming suicide rate among their ranks are unacceptable. Bring the troops home now!

CLOSING REMARKS:

I believe that maximum freedom can only be achieved through dramatically decreasing the size and scope of the central government. The only functions of the federal government are those that cannot be provided in the free market: the protection of private property and contract enforcement. I will oppose all legislation that does not meet these very limited criteria. I will not support or introduce any legislation that does not reduce the central government's power.