| Terrorism |
The RJC fully supports President Bush’s war on international terrorism, and endorses the efforts and initiatives the President has propounded and enacted to further this cause. Terrorism is an evil and murderous tactic that is never acceptable or justifiable, no matter the cause for which it is employed. The RJC also endorses the President’s view that states that sponsor terrorism are morally indistinguishable from the terrorists they fund, and should be brought to justice.
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| National Security |
The post-Cold War world differs from the Cold War in that we have one less large enemy, and many more small enemies. In addition, the U.S. has been called on to defend democracy and liberty all over the world. This situation cannot exist with the deteriorating military America has had in the 1990s.
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| U.S. - Israel Relationship |
The U.S.-Israel alliance is of tremendous importance to both countries. Israel is a democracy in a region that is unstable and where rogue countries continue to be hostile to America. Israel is also the U.S.’s strongest ally in the War on Terrorism, and is in a unique position to facilitate the war effort in the Middle East, as well as share her extensive experience in battling terrorism domestically, militarily, and diplomatically. The evil and vicious September 11th terrorist attacks against the U.S. are indicative of the sort of terrorism Israel experiences every day.
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| Mideast Peace Process |
The peace process between Israel and its neighbors is a difficult, dangerous effort. Israel has already taken great risks for the sake of peace, and continues to do so out of a sincere commitment to a peace that will be stable, long-term, and of benefit to all the peoples of the region. For a peace agreement to succeed, both sides must agree that they want peace and be prepared to take action to insure the viability of their diplomatic agreements.
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| The Palestinian Authority |
The RJC believes that the Palestinian Authority must honor its commitments under the Road Map to Peace, as outlined by President Bush, and completely dismantle the Palestinian terrorist infrastructure. Hamas, Fatah, Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian terrorist groups have not changed their original goal, the destruction of Israel, nor their original tactics, terrorism and violence. Those organizations that continue to fund, support or carry out terrorist attacks should be unequivocally targeted in the U.S. War on Terrorism.
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| Syria |
The RJC supports work towards a peace treaty between Israel and Syria. However, important conditions should be met before such a peace treaty can be implemented.
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| Immigration |
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, it is imperative that the US take all necessary measures to secure its borders and to prevent the entry into the US of terrorists and others hostile to the interests of the United States and of its constitution.
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| Iran |
Today, Iran, correctly labeled by President Bush as part of the “axis of evil,” represents one of the greatest dangers to U.S. interests and to Israel. Iran funds and supports international terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollah. Iran has been pursuing nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons of mass destruction. While Western hopes have focused on a growing pro-democracy movement in Iran, Islamic hard-liners there have continued their program of exporting militant Islam through terrorist groups abroad and brutal repression at home. Iran’s dangerous behavior, especially aimed against the U.S. and Israel, is a direct threat that we cannot ignore.
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| Energy Policy |
| The RJC supports and endorses President Bush’s Energy Security initiative to help alleviate U.S. dependence on OPEC oil by developing fossil fuel production domestically.
The RJC applauds the development of the resource-rich Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and is confident that safeguards will be in place to minimize any adverse environmental impact.
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| Education |
In order to solve America’s education crisis, the RJC strongly supports school choice programs such as vouchers, charter schools, and deregulation of schools. The simplest principle of school choice is the principle that the parents of a child know what is best for that child -- not the government. Forcing children to go to inferior schools is an improper and immoral use of government power. School choice will also enhance the quality of public schools by forcing them to compete for students and funds.
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| Prayer in School |
The Jewish community is particularly grateful for the freedoms we enjoy in America, among them freedom of religion. As a minority in a culture that is predominantly Christian, we value and endorse the determination of the Founding Fathers to prevent the establishment of a state religion in this country. On the other hand, we understand the importance of religious values to the maintenance of a healthy society and realize that banning all religious expression in all public forums would be detrimental to America and to our community in the long run. The right to the free exercise of religion means that in public schools, for example, voluntary, personal, private prayer by a student or group of students should be permitted.
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| Affirmative Action |
The cornerstone of a free society is equality of opportunity, not a government-mandated “equality” of result. All Americans, being equal citizens with equal rights under the law, have the right to be judged on their individual talents, skills, and achievements.
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| Workplace Religious Freedom Act |
The RJC supports the Workplace Religious Freedom Act, which provides employees with the opportunity to practice their religious observances without causing an undue hardship on either their employers or themselves. Freedom of religious expression is one of the basic rights upon which this country was founded. This legislation provides important protection for that right.
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| Adoption |
A moral society places great value on the protection and nurturing of children. Adoption is usually seen as a means of helping adults -- it allows infertile couples to raise children in a loving home and allows a woman who cannot, for whatever reason, provide a good home for her child herself, the opportunity to place that child in another home where it can have a good life.
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| Crime |
Great public dissatisfaction exists with our criminal justice system and, in particular, with the prison system. Too often, dangerous criminals are released to prey again on innocent citizens. Those who do remain behind bars are given amenities and benefits, such as health care, a college education, and cable TV. Prison should be a punishment, and giving the range of amenities currently offered to hardened criminals is a tremendous injustice.
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| Tax Issues |
The tax code requires reform to make it reflect the values of our society. For example, it is not in the best interests of our country for the tax code to penalize investment, marriage, child rearing, success in business, and death.
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| Welfare Reform / Faith-Based Initiatives |
Because of disincentives for work, marriage and savings, government policies have failed to improve the lives of the poor in our society. In fact, such policies encourage dependency, illegitimacy and crime. As Ronald Reagan said, the “safety net too often becomes a hammock.”
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| Health Care |
Americans currently enjoy the best health care in the world. However, problems exist with our system, in terms of access and cost, which can and should be solved without putting the entire system under the sole jurisdiction of the federal government. Access to health care should be equally available to everyone, just as is access to all goods and benefits in our society.
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| Medicare Reform |
Medicare is destined for bankruptcy and is in need of reform. As the baby boomer generation ages, the demand for medical care for the elderly will far outstrip the available funds. Reform is needed.
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| Social Security Reform |
The RJC strongly supports President Bush’s efforts to preserve and strengthen Social Security. Individuals can handle their money themselves, and invest it much more successfully than the federal government. Social Security is facing bankruptcy due to the baby boom generation starting to reach retirement age. This is a dire crisis in need of an immediate remedy. Social Security needs serious reform.
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| Government Reform |
Individuals created the wealth of our society, not the government. Citizens give their money to the federal government for specific functions, such as providing for the national defense, which states and local communities cannot accomplish on their own. Our tax money is often poured into wasteful, redundant, and bureaucratized programs. The RJC supports efforts to cut pork, spending, and bureaucracy.
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