By Kim Smith
When an opportunity presents itself, we need to grasp it with both hands and carry it to its ultimate, and favorable, conclusion. Such is what has been presented to us with the selection of Daniel M. Gade as our Republican candidate for the United States Senate.
The February issue of The Blue Ridge Messenger extolled many of his virtues, which we hope were actively shared with readers' families, friends, neighbors, acquaintances across the Commonwealth prior to the primary. Now to add more arrows to the quiver.
If we were to take the Republican Creed as our measuring stick, we would have Daniel to a "T". Consider some of his statements:
On the Constitution, Freedom, Equality: "Our civil rights include the right to live in accordance with our religious principles, the right to unrestricted free speech and exchange of ideas, and the right to protect ourselves by keeping and bearing arms. This is the only way to ensure equal protection and justice for all, regardless of race, class, or creed."
On Life: Daniel stands with life 100% and believes that an unborn child has a fundamental right to life.
On the Free Enterprise System: "Markets that are free of government interference or crony capitalism are engines of economic growth and prosperity for all. Low individual and business taxes, decreased regulation, and free and unfettered trade is the key to further improvement in the standard of living for all Americans."
On Limited and Fiscally Responsible Government and Opposition to Socialism: "We must return to a fiscally responsible government that promotes individual freedom. Powers not given to the federal government explicitly in the Constitution are reserved to the people or to the States. Government overreach should be called what it is: tyranny. It's past time to rein in government overreach and return to Constitutional government." Or, "If we can go to zero base budgeting … it means that every agency has to justify its budget every year instead of just building off the previous baseline." (Novel concept: author's comment)
On a Strong National Defense: "What keeps us out of conflict and out of shooting wars, is the ability to win shooting wars. To win decisively, we need a strong national defense." And specifically, "To create a stronger national defense, Gade suggests a focus on growth of the U.S. Navy. "The Navy is the one that is fully engaged at all times. "The Army, Marine Corps and Air Force are a little less so. The Navy has responsibility for ensuring national commerce and keeping seas safe."
On Gun Control Specifically: Daniel has said repeatedly that he is a Second Amendment supporter. He has also spoken directly to the Red Flag Law proposals: "Virginians, I want to set the record straight: I am against Red Flag Laws. I fought proudly in uniform for 25 years to defend our Constitutional rights. These are rights that I hold dear and that I will fight tooth-and-nail to make sure are not stolen from the American public. As your next US Senator, I will fight against any proposed law that infringes on our 2nd Amendment rights. You have my word. (From Facebook – video)"
Dan Gade understands that this will be a tough race – if for no other reason than his opposition's name recognition – and it will be an even tougher job given the complexity of issues facing our country. It's interesting how well-prepared he is, however, not merely his educational background – West Point through Ph.D. – but also what he teaches now at American: Complex Problems Seminar and Introduction to Political Research. He'll actually understand the legislation upon which he's called to vote.
His life is already a legacy of courage, and he's clearly not afraid to fight or to meet any challenge head on. He also has perspective – that he would be a public servant, not a career politician. "The message thousands of Virginians have sent…is they are ready to elect a servant." Dan would serve, and does support term limits – a pledge he would honor.
Dan is gaining a number of endorsements – from members of Congress (e.g., Dan Crenshaw) to members of the faith community (e.g., E.W. Jackson) to the Republican National Committeeman (Morton Blackwell) to Brigadier Generals to mayors, state senators and the head of Law Professors for Trump.
Our nominee won 67% of the vote in the primary. Sixty-seven percent has a nice ring to it – a great goal to which WE can aspire. Dan and his campaign staff alone cannot achieve that goal. He needs ALL of us supporting him in a myriad of ways – financially, contacts with everyone we know throughout the state, letters in media with state-wide circulation, social media, and sharing with all, far and wide, about what an outstanding U.S. Senator Dan Gade will be!
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