My Platform

A long ago, in a time far too many dismiss as being different than our own, our Fore Fathers drafted a unique document that declared our new country to be something different. After centuries of oppression at the hands of governments that placed low or no value on the human lives of the lower class or those with different religious views, those who had come to this new land decided that they would create a system of law, a CONSTITUTION to make all men equal.

Today, much as in that day, there are people who seek to undermine our system. People, who would return us to the days of sub-service to kings and lords. Oh, they may use different titles, but in the end it is all still the same. One document gives all Americans the liberty and freedom to choose their destiny.. the US CONSTITUTION.

As your Congressman in the Massachusetts First District, I intend to defend the constitution from those who seek to alter the meaning and intent of that document to gain political power.

I am not a career politician, a point my opponents will certainly make clear. It is, however, my best feature. I don’t seek power or fame. I live with my wife and two of my five daughters in a small apartment in West  Springfield. And, after becoming your next Representative, we intend to continue to live where we will best hear your message.  I don’t need to make friends in Washington, and I won’t. I only need to deliver a message. YOUR MESSAGE. Far too long, our “Representatives have only answered to the desires of special interests and wealthy donors. Who really speaks for the single parent desperately trying to find a way to give their children hope? Who speaks for the would be small business entrepreneur who could really help a community if only they had a chance? What about you? Has anyone really asked what you think lately? More important, did they listen? As your Representative, my place is here among my constituents, hearing you concerns not just through the filter of civic leaders, but directly from you, my employers. I will make your voice, collectively and individually, heard in Washington.

As a Republican, some would think I differ from my neighbors here. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Because, as a Constitutional Republican, I represent the party of equality and liberty. I represent YOU. I intend to expose the hypocrisy of Democrat and mainstream Republican alike. I am not a “Modern Conservative”,  a  “Compassionate Conservative”, or any other designation yielding to the smooth talk of the day. I stand firm in my values and my duty to defend the Constitution and the future for all Americans, especially the most vulnerable among us. I represent the very ideals intended for our country from the beginning. “All men are created equal”. Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, Republican, Democrat, ALL.

I will seek real solutions to problems such as our failing schools. By reducing the focus placed on union benefits and placing our sights first upon the children, we can return our curriculum to levels that find us once again first in the world. By awarding merit and talent, we can do this by rewarding competent and successful educators rather than wasting our children’s future on watered down curriculums and incompetent educators. No Child Left Behind failed the day we decided that meant we had to educate our children on the level of the weakest link. I endorse school vouchers that will allow parents and students to choose their futures for themselves and encourage educators and schools to push harder to attract students.

Real solutions to crime and violence. We need to support our law enforcement teams. We need to get tough on crime and stop allowing criminals to re-offend. That means keep the most dangerous offenders off the streets and offer those who can become useful again, a way out.  A way back home. Close the gap of despair. Re-vamp neighborhoods. Help those living in hard conditions to take back pride and dignity by reducing crime, working together to rebuild and raise hope in their homes. I won’t lie, I have no love for any man who preys upon the weak. We must remove such corrupt souls from such places for as long as it takes to give our brothers and sisters a chance to make something.

I am a firm supporter of the Second Amendment. Your right to bear arms is NOT NEGOTIABLE. It is the very reason our country can exist. All tyranny needs to take seed is a place that is weak and unable to fight back. I cannot say enough about this. The tragedies we have seen are directly the result of gun restrictions. Criminals are cowards who seek out our most vulnerable places to commit their crimes. I support the National Concealed Carry movement that will make it possible for people, armed and ready, to take up the duty to conserve life by first, giving the criminal more reason to NOT attempt the crime in the first place and second, by stopping the loss of innocent life if necessary. Let’s be clear, I have a permit to carry in over 30 states. When applying for this permit, I took a course that opened by reminding the applicant of the solemn duty and COST that comes from exercising that duty. You want someone nearby who is willing to make that sacrifice when you met a criminal on a dark street. But, such rights are not without cost and are not absolute. It is possible to create a database in which Physiologists and law enforcement can restrict those who pose a danger from gaining access to firearms. Laws can be made to magnify penalties to those who obtain or use firearms illegally. We need to stop trying to restrict the law abiding and crack down on the criminal.

The Health Care for America plan (Obamacare), cannot be allowed to continue to destroy jobs and our childrens future.  To make health care affordable has always been within the scope of our society without forcing everyone to buy a certain product, place terrible debt upon our children, and reduce the quality of care to our most vulnerable. We can do this…. Just not that way. We will do this because all Americans do deserve the best health care without the terrible costs.

These are just a few of my positions on what is a list of many facing us today and in this election. Stand with me and we will see America into its brightest day. Thank you my friends. I welcome your comments and am hopeful for your input.

RUSS JENKINS