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Chris Christie on Homeland Security |
Paul's comments on the NSA's programs prompted Governor Chris Christie (R, NJ) to call out the senator at a forum last Thursday. Speaking in Colorado, Christie warned of a "strain of libertarianism" in both parties seeking to challenge the post-9/11 security environment, pointing to Paul as a prime example. "These esoteric, intellectual debates--I want them to come to New Jersey and sit across from the widows and the orphans and have that conversation," Christie said. "And they won't, because that's a much tougher conversation to have."
Paul fired back on Sunday, defending his position as being more geared towards the youth vote that the GOP desperately needs to attract. "If you talk about some privacy issues like that, I think you will find youth coming to you," said Paul.
But as Christie pointed out, anyone who wants to cut back on the Bush/Obama anti-terror measures should come to New York or New Jersey and meet the families of 9/11 victims. Programs such as the NSA metadata mining have helped stop numerous attempts to repeat that atrocity.
I want them to live in a second American Century. A second American Century of strong economic growth where those who are willing to work hard will have good paying jobs to support their families and reach their dreams.
A second American Century where real American exceptionalism is not a political punch line, but is evident to everyone in the world just by watching the way our government conducts its business and everyday Americans live their lives.
A second American Century where our military is strong, our values are sure, our work ethic is unmatched and our Constitution remains a model for anyone in the world struggling for liberty. This is the American way.
"Ignorance is behind the criticism of
"Today we pay tribute to the sacrifice of our brave servicemembers who not only served our country with honor, but were also taken as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action.
"Honoring our commitment to those brave men and women is one of our solemn duties and a special responsibility for me as Governor. I am proud that we have strengthened our commitment to our veterans, their families, and those currently serving in active duty. Since taking office, I have signed legislation that strengthened our support network for military families after the death of a service member, honored those World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans who were required to drop out of high school to serve, and created the Gold Star Families license plate to honor the families of members of the military killed in action for their sacrifice."
"I'm pleased to sign S-1731, establishing the telephone helpline," said Governor Christie. "Serving in a combat zone puts overwhelming stress on the mind and body that the average New Jerseyan will never know. So, this program is a critical component of the healing process in the long-term mental health of our service members."
Funds donated by the public will be collecte through the state Division of Taxation and then distributed to the New Jersey National Guard Family Readiness Council, a non-profit organization. Through S-1731, an annual appropriation will be designated for the Veteran to Veteran telephone helpline.
Q: Well, America's always got to be the leader in that regard.
Q: Does it have to be?
A: I think it does.
A: I mean, look at Libya and the way Pres. Obama dealt with that. You know, he quite deliberately decided America wasn't going to be the leader.
A: But we really are. Let's face it, we are. He's calling the shots. and we all know that. And so let's not be kidding because they call it something different. America's taken the responsibility. Now, do I think there has to be shared sacrifice among other nations in the world who want a stable and secure world? Absolutely, there has to be. But I don't think that America can ever abdicate its leadership role in the world because of who we are & where we've come from. We are the symbol for the world for freedom & liberty.
