Interview: Timothy Brennan (L) for the 1st U.S. House District for the State of Indiana

By: Ky Starr 

1. What distinguishes you from your opponents? 

 I am an independent thinker that is not tied to large to big political machines that are out of touch with the citizens of this great country.  I sincerely believe in the American heritage of liberty, enterprise, and personal responsibility.


2.   How long have you been involved in politics? Do you remember the first time you voted?

This is my first time as a political candidate, although I have always been passionate about politics and personal liberties.  I voted the first time I was legally able, in the 1988 Presidential election.

3.   What is the greatest challenge of public service?

I think the greatest challenge is one that most politicians forget about – to vote on behalf of your constituents and not just your political party.  

4.   What is the most important issue facing the 1st District?

Millions of Americans who are willing and able to work are unemployed. Republicans and Democrats argue over band-aids like extending unemployment benefits and creating make-work government jobs.  Meanwhile, they ignore the major cause of unemployment: their own policies. When government officials inflate the supply of money, when they give special privileges to banks, and when they try to    plan the economy, they cause cycles of boom and bust -- cycles that misdirect investors, destroy healthy companies, and put workers out of work.

5.   What advice would you give someone thinking of running for public office?  

Don’t be afraid to do it!  Speak your mind and your heart and you can’t go wrong.

6.   What is your favorite political book?

“Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do “ by Peter McWilliams, Jean Sedillos
This book takes on the matter of "consensual crimes". The combination of logical thought, and well-researched material provide for an interesting to the current laws.

7.   What was your favorite political TV program?    

“Crossfire” It attempts, sometimes successfully to allow multiple points of view to be heard on the topics of the day.
   
8.   How did you become involved in the (L) Party?    

I work at a large university and this party has really taken hold there with academics and students alike.  When I looked at their platform, I though “Gosh, this really makes sense!”

9.   Who are your political mentors?  What are some of your favorite political quotes?

I think that Thomas Jefferson had it right from the start:

"The essential principles of our Government... form the bright constellation which has gone before us and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation. The wisdom of our sages and blood of our heroes have been devoted to their attainment. They should be the creed of our political faith, the text of civic instruction, the touchstone by which to try the services of those we trust; and should we wander from them in moments of error or of alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and to regain the road which alone leads to peace, liberty and safety."


10.  Will the U.S. invade Iraq by December 2002?    Should they invade?

I think, regrettably we will.  In the aftermath of the Cold War, the purpose of America's defense and foreign policy should be to defend the United States, not to act as the world's policeman. At the same time, the United States should strenuously resist any attempt to co-opt U.S. forces into United Nations controlled "peace keeping" efforts. This more realistic defense policy would enable the United States to dramatically reduce its defense spending. If the United States were to pursue a policy of defending its own borders while avoiding foreign intervention, we could realistically reduce our defense budget to as little as $125 billion over the next five years. The beneficial economic impact of such a "peace dividend," if returned to the American people in the form of tax reductions, would be enormous.

11.  If you were in Congress today, what would be your first bill to sponsor?

The repealing of the 2001 “US Patriot Act” The most dangerous and unnecessary piece of legislation our government has ever passed.  

12. Why should the citizens of the State of Indiana elect you on Nov. 5th, 2002?    

Because as a libertarian I would be free from party pressures and I would be able to act on behalf of the citizens of my district.

13. What are three legislative bills in the U.S. House that you support and why?

H.R.3 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce individual income tax rates.

H.R.12 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the limitation on contributions to individual retirement accounts.

H.R.18 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish additional provisions to combat waste, fraud, and abuse within the Medicare Program, and for other purposes.

13. What is your view on the recent Enron debacle? Will the new federal law be effective?

The Enron case is the most perfect example of the failings of our political system.  Politicians, in their desperate and endless bids for reelection, have become nothing but pawns to huge corporate interests.  The new federal law is a joke – the only thing that would be effective is actual campaign finance reform and term limits that would end the necessity of policies to kowtow to the whims of industry.

14. What type of Health Care reform is needed in the U.S. today?

A deregulated one.  The current Medicare and Medicaid systems have clearly failed. Costs are skyrocketing. Patients are receiving second-rate care. And, providers are being shortchanged. The time is ripe for drastic reform. The federal government should begin to restructure the system to give Medicaid and Medicare recipients more flexibility to purchase private health insurance.

15. With your daily involvement in the educational arena, how do you improve education in Indiana and around the US?

I believe that the real key to improving our national education system is to give the power and resources back to the states and local school district.  Chicago public schools have accomplished their amazing turn-around by giving resources and control to the principles.  Let the people who know what they are doing make the changes, hire the staff and set the policies that will work best for their school.