Travis J. Hedrick
From dKosopedia
Travis J. Hedrick was the 2006 Constitution Party candidate for the 2nd U.S. Congressional District of Idaho, but he lost to the incumbent. Hedrick is a gun enthusiast.
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Background
Hedrick grew up in southerstern Washington and north Texas. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1995-1997, during which time he courageously defended the U.S. from foreign attack as part of the Flag Honor Guard and the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps. He was nominated for the Humanitarian Award and Outstanding Airman Award for my leadership in the Hurricane Opal clean-up and restoration project of a food pantry in Pascagoula. He also received 4 achievement medals and many accommodations during my enlistment. Hedrick is a disabled veteran who received an Honorable Medical Discharge. After becoming a minister, he served as Youth Pastor for 7 years in ministry. His family and I came to Idaho to serve as Senior Pastor of Calvary Assembly of God in Buhl, Idaho.
Wingnut No Longer At Home Among Republicans
Hedrick describes himself as a "former card-carrying Republican who found that I could no longer support their (the party's) platform. I became active in the Constitution Party after searching for 2 years to try to find a party that I, as a Christian and Pastor, could fully support. I believe that the Constitution Party is Biblically and Constitutionally sound."
Gun Enthusiast
Hedrick incorrectly claims that the 2nd Amendment provides for an individual right to bare arms. He believes that an armed society discourages violent crime. To test his beliefs against the real world he should should visit some extremely heavily armed societies and some unarmed societies. He might start by comparing the high rates of violent crime in Afghanistan and Pakistan (both armed to the teeth) with the very low rates of violent crime in Japan and South Korea (essentially disarmmed societies).
Self-Descrition and Ideological/Policy Beliefs
I am the father of 2 beautiful children and the husband to the love of my life, Juli. I am actively serving as Senior Pastor of Calvary Assembly of God church. Additionally, I am active in the West End Ministerial Association which provides emergency assistance and aid to those in need.
I have been active in the Constitution Party of Idaho since I have moved to Buhl. I currently serve as a local representative of the party and maintain the state CP website.
Goals and Values
My goal, if elected, is to be the independent voice that Idaho needs in Washington DC. I would not be controlled or pressured by my party to do the "party-line" thing, since I am not there to represent a party, but rather the people of Idaho.
SOCIAL SECURITY - I want to see the elderly, of our great state and this nation, taken care of, both in health care and financially. They are the foundations of this state and nation. Yet, I believe we must begin to phase out this unconstitutional "black hole" called Social Security and give the power back to the people to let them decide how to prepare for retirement, while meeting the current responsibilities that we have to those currently using Social Security. I believe that this can be done without hurting or taking away from those using this system. The people, not the government, are responsible for their futures. We must stop giving away our rights and freedoms to the government and start taking responsibility for ourselves.
WELFARE - I believe that welfare has become a crutch, used by many, to get out of their responsibilities. However, I believe that there are many who use this program who are honest and upright as well. I believe that this program should be phased out and the money dedicated to the program should be redirected to help those using it find good jobs, job training, and affordable education, housing, and food. Somehow the Church has allowed the Federal Government to take away it's God-given responsibility to provide for the needy, orphans, and widows. Our nation has seen the love and charity for its fellowman at home and abroad in times of crisis. We need to take this same love and charity to the person next door and on the street.
EDUCATION - I believe that children and teenagers are the future of our communities and great nation. We must provide the tools to help them succeed in education and in life. They are a priority and should be treated in that manner, not dismissed as a bother or burden. I believe that the government schools have been failing our young people for many decades and our society is paying the price for this failing. We are afraid of God in the schools, yet we teach religions like evolution and sexual orientation acceptance. The federal government and the unconstitutional Department of Education tell us, the parents, what our children should learn and how they will achieve rather than letting the parents decide what and how their children will learn. If you want to home school or private school your child, then you have every right to do so, without the governments involvement, permission, or watchful eye. Additionally, I believe that if you choose an alternative for your child's education that does not involve a government school, then you should not pay taxes for use of that school. If you do choose to use a government school, then your taxes should go to that school and not to a school elsewhere to help support someone else's child.
ABORTION - I believe abortion is a horrible and tragic tool used in the name of "birth control." I am against abortion and believe that Roe v Wade must be overturned. It was a manipulated court case that has scared the United States and is reeking devastation on those who are affected by this choice. Not only does it destroy a living life, but the mental and emotional damage that it does to the mother lasts for a lifetime. Straying slightly from party lines, I would allow abortion in only one circumstance, and that circumstance is at the eminent and immediate danger to the mother's life and as a last resort. This does not mean that "my parents will kill me" scenario, but rather a true and clearly medical emergency of the life of the mother. Since this scenario is so rare, abortions in the United States would become almost nonexistent. After this was accomplished, I would then seek to eliminate all abortions through advancing medical science to eliminate all instances of abortion. Additionally, I believe that the "no exception" idea is crippling efforts to eliminate abortion. This issue came in progressively and must be eliminated progressively. Not to confuse anyone to my views on this topic... I am 100% against abortion. I simply understand that to reach 100% we must take strides not leaps to accomplish this.
FAMILY & MARRIAGE - I believe that strong family unit are the key to a successful home, community, and nation. I support only 1 man & 1 woman marriages. There is no logical or legitimate social reasoning behind gay marriages or civil unions. If you unravel or redefine the most basic moral fibers of life, then you unravel and redefine every fiber of life. I would press to overturn all unconstitutional and unethical "rogue" judicial decisions on this issue.
RACISM & SEXUAL ORIENTATION - I believe that there should be no "special" rights for people groups defined by sexual orientation or skin color. We are all part of the same race - HUMAN! We should treat each other that way; with mutual respect and honor of the human race. Additionally, we are "all created equal." This does not mean that if you choose a different sexual orientation that you should be 'privileged.' You are no better than me and I am no better than you. We all have the same rights. We are free to exercise them; don't steal mine and I won't steal yours. I currently have a woman and an African American serving on my pastoral staff at our church. I hired these outstanding individuals, over other applicants, because of their abilities, passion for the ministry, and personalities, not because of a government regulation. I encourage everyone to use the same standards.
TAXES & IRS - I believe that our tax laws are in a complete mess. They need to be repaired and in favor of no one person or people group. This could be handled, reasonably easy, if those in government offices, would let go of luxuries, overspending, and wasteful spending on programs that have no value to "we the people." This alone would create a surplus in the Billions. We should take care of home needs before we spend our taxpayer money abroad. Additionally, restructuring the US Tax Laws and abolishing or redefining the role of the IRS should be a priority. No new taxes and repealing bad tax laws are a priority. We must clean up spending and wastefulness first, then redirect the current funds to legitimate programs and issues. Additionally, we must begin to limit the government's reliance on taxpayers funds and encourage good stewardship on the part of lawmakers. I propose a flat national sales tax and elimination of the IRS and all filings. The National Sales Tax would tax all persons equally. If you are in a lower income bracket and can only afford a Geo Metro, you would pay the same % tax as someone who could afford a new Jaguar. No people group would be singled out for any reason. All people would benefit. Additionally, if the Government receives its income through sales tax, they would be held to good stewardship because they could not raise taxes to supply for wasteful spending. Also, it would be in the best interest of the Government to keep the economy in order because if the people are spending money they will receive the revenues. If they drive up inflation and people hold on to their money, they will have less to work with! National and State taxes combined should never exceed 9% taxation.
ENVIRONMENT - On the topic of the environment I believe that the world was created for us and that we should have the freedom to use it. This does not mean that we are to abuse or intentionally destroy it, but that we are to wisely use this resources that we have available to use. If we need fuel and we have oil or fossil fuels under our soil, then we need to utilize this resource rather than importing our fuel needs. As wise, environmentally aware people, can safely use this earth and yet still protect it from adverse and devastating circumstances.
IMMIGRATION - I believe that the immigration issue in the United States is a serious problem. 15 million + illegal immigrates are in the US today. Most of them are honest, hard-working people; however, many are not. Either way, they are still here illegally. Our first priority is to seal the borders to stop continued illegal immigration from occurring. Second, we must deal with the uncontrolled issues that we currently facing. I believe we should send all illegal immigrants back to their countries of origin, but then assist those who are willing to comply with the current Immigration Laws in obtaining citizenship. The US is a nation founded by those seeking a better future, however, those seeking must comply with the procedures of coming to this great nation. No nationality should be excluded or barred from "legally" immigrating here. The US Taxpayers have been bearing the burden created by illegal immigration far to long. It is time for immediate action. All immigration should be checked and meet the standard of legal immigration. I commend those serving our country on the MinuteMan Patrol. Thank you for doing what our National Leadership has failed to do! The recent "illegal" protests around our country by illegal immigrants in the name of "Constitutional Rights" was a complete mockery of US Citizens rights. Unfortunately, there were many legal citizens in the midst of the illegal immigrants, thus confusing the situation and causing mixed responses to these demonstrations. Many had the right and legally exercised their rights, but those who were illegal immigrants had no right and use this as yet another opportunity to use the rights guaranteed to US citizens.
NATIONAL DEFENSE - I believe that strong military is in our nation's best interest, however, I do not believe we are the world's "police force." I disagree with using our "reserve" forces to do active duty work. As a former enlisted man, it frustrates me to think that what I willing enlisted to do, on a full time bases, was often given to those who chose a part time tour. The reserves and national guard are there to fill in when the active duty are in active combat and missions. Additionally, I believe that all our men and women, who serve today and who are now veterans, should be honored and respected for their efforts towards our freedom. It is a dishonor to our nation and to the people of the Armed Forces to speak ill of or condemn them for following their orders faithfully.
AMERICAN SOVEREIGNTY AND INDEPENDENCE - I support a strong united America, free from world governments and UN mandates. I am against tariff free trade and open borders. The UN's policies and governing statement mirror that of the late communist ideals. The United States has no business taking orders or mandates from the UN and should expel this organization from our soil. We are not the world's police force and we should not be expected to send foreign aid to other countries. We must remain sovereign and independent and we must take care of our own before we concern ourselves with foreign issues. We can still work together with friendly nations as long as they respect and heed our sovereignty and independence. I do not believe in being an isolationist nation, but I do believe that we must take care of America first and others second.
ADDITIONAL TOPICS - Please visit the Constitution Party Platform (http://www.constitutionparty.com/party_platform.php) for more detailed information on these and other topics.
Organizational Affiliations
- Ducks Unlimited - Member 2006
- National Rifle Association - Life Member 2006
- Frontier Camping Fellowship - 2006
- West End Ministerial Association - Member 2005-2006
- US Air Force 1995-1997 - Disabled Veteran, Honorable Discharge, National Defense, Expert Marksman, and Outstanding Unit Awards
- International Thespian Society, Troupe #1776 - Lifetime Member 1993
- Royal Rangers - 1983-2006
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