Issues

‎REBUILD THE MIDDLE CLASS - Once upon a time, the United States had the largest and most prosperous middle class in the history of the world, but now its quickly shrinking. Our government's policies are making the rich richer and the poor poorer with the rest of us are being squeezed in the middle. At some point, we need to say "Enough is Enough" We must have a strong middle class. It's essential to the future of our country.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX - We need a healthy debate and discussion over the issues facing this country. It is time to think outside the box and look for new solutions to our problems without the old partisan rhetoric.

SMALL TOWN VALUES - I know that I am a political outsider. I'm from Rising Sun, Indiana. We must fundamentally change what is happening in Washington and take on the power of money and the lobbyists. Until then, the middle class will continue to suffer.. and that kind of change takes an outsider. When you grow up in and live in a small town, your values aren't a campaign slogan, they are how you live your life. Look out for your neighbors, don't waste time or money, work together to solve problems, and always strive to do the right thing. I am proud of where I come from and I think this country needs some small town common sense values to solve its problems.

IT'S THE ECONOMY - Siekman said the core message of his congressional campaign is the economy and jobs.
“We have to take steps to make sure we continue moving forward to recovery. I would like to see our country reinvest in infrastructure, reinvest in education, reinvest in the people. We need to stimulate demand in this economy, and we need to see the middle class grow their incomes."

PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE - We must secure this important life line for our Seniors. In the present uncertain economic climate, Social Security and Medicare provide a guarantee of assurance to our most vulnerable citizens.
I pledge to the people of the Sixth Congressional District of Indiana and to the American people that I will work to strengthen and protect Social Security and oppose any budget or debt ceiling plan that includes cutting Social Security or Medicare.

‎JOBS JOBS JOBS - The 10 biggest banks now control more than three-quarters of the country’s banking assets...nearly $9 trillion in household wealth has vanished...Over the past decade, we squandered trillions of dollars on rampant speculation rather than making investments... [I]sn’t it time to shift fromWith an unemployment rate of 8.8%, too many Hoosiers are still looking for a job. Good jobs build the middle class. We need to start rewarding investing in American factories employing American workers making American products over paper profits on Wall Street and jobs shipped overseas... an economy based on money making money to an economy based on money creating jobs and genuine prosperity?"

AN ENERGY POLICY FOR THE LONG-RUN - How about this? The gas is too dang high! Why is the oil market so volatile? Maybe its because of the lack of a long-term realistic energy policy in this country that considers both alternative sources of energy and investment in increased domestic production. The investors' dollars will follow our commitment to solving this problem.

POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY - It is about building respectful relationships so things can get done. There is a better way.

CLOSE TAX LOOPHOLES - I have no problem with Corporations paying lower taxes if they are truly reinvesting profits in the U.S. economy by building new domestic factories and hiring workers in the United States. The tax code should be simplified to lower rates, eliminate tax loopholes and pay down the deficit.

STAND UP TO BIG OIL - The 5 biggest oil companies made $36 billion in profits in the first quarter of 2011 -- and received a $4 billion tax subsidy. The Senate is considering ending the subsidy. The House likely won't do anything because these 5 companies spent over $145 million on lobbyists to keep this subsidy. That $4 billion is a 2,700% return on investment. We need a representative who stands up for us!

LIFE - Sometimes you make decisions based on political considerations, sometime on moral implications, and sometimes you just decide based on what is in your heart and what is right. Abortion is one of those issues where you have to push away the rhetoric and make a personal decision. I believe that we as a nation should support human life at all stages from conception to death. It's the right choice.

SECOND AMENDMENT - “Certainly one of the chief guarantees of freedom under any government, no matter how popular and respected, is the right of citizens to keep and bear arms…. The right of citizens to bear arms is just one guarantee against arbitrary government, one more safeguard against the tyranny which now appears remote in America but which historically has proven to be always possible.” ~ Hubert H. Humphrey.