A politician without principles is simply a pawn. He cannot be trusted to hold a steady course because any excuse will allow him to bend to political pressure. Therefore, I submit my statement of principles as paraphrased from a declaration written in the early nineteenth century:* Laws should secure to each individual the free excercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life. They should restrain crime, but never control conscience. Laws should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul. Laws should be administered in equity and justice. The commission of crime should be punished according to the nature of the offense and according to the offender's tendency to commit crime. We should obey the laws and sustain our respective governments while protected in our inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments. We should step forward and use our abilities in bringing offenders against good laws to punishment. We should appeal to the government when personal abuse is inflicted or the right of property or character is infringed; but are justified in defending ourselves, our friends, and property in times of emergency. I have other strong beliefs regarding the essential nature of education, charity, community cooperation, financial planning, etc. However, the choice to participate in these things is a matter of conscience and not crime; therefore, they are outside the scope of government and the law as long as our activities in them do not result in force or fraud against the life, liberty, and property of those around us. Please see my platform for a more detailed explanation of these principles and past updates for various applications.