Questionnaire responses from Steve Olsen
1. In general, what are the two major issues facing the United States and your specific House district today, and how would you address them?
First — I feel that the greatest long-term threat America faces is not terrorism or any external threat, but the looming fiscal crisis caused by Congress' reckless borrowing, spending and unfunded promises to our retirees. The bankrupting of America is the single biggest problem we face. See below for how I would address this.
Second — If we do nothing about our addiction to foreign oil, we will be fighting a war in the Middle East again 15 years from now — but this time fighting the Chinese for the last drop of oil out of the sand. I agree with the call that this generation's "moon shot" should be making our nation energy independent in 10 years. Like President Kennedy's challenge, this one would bring tremendous side benefits — including the final end of Islamic terrorism through elimination of their funding.
2. Would you over the next two years in office ever vote for a tax increase? Yes. No. Explain.
3. Before the United States invaded Iraq, did you favor or oppose the United States taking new military action in the country?
I supported President Bush getting tough with Saddam sufficient to contain him and get the United Nations inspectors back in. But I agreed at the time with the analysis of Brent Scowcroft — that taking out Saddam carried tremendous risks. Events since then have shown that this distinguished Republican statesman and Ogden native was prophetic. The instability in the region, the intense hatred towards America in the Muslim world, the belligerence of Iran and the weakening of the world coalition against terrorism are all outcomes of the Iraq war.
4. In your opinion, what should the U.S. now do in the Iraqi war? (Please be specific: Should we withdraw immediately, set a time line for withdrawal, stay the course as President Bush advocates, etc.)
We should continue to support the government of Iraq long term with logistics, air cover, help with intelligence and training, etc. — but it's now time for Iraqis to take over the direct role of patrolling their streets and defending their country, and time for the Iraqi government to make the hard compromises to ensure peace between the different ethnic groups. Our military, both manpower and equipment, has been worn down by this war, and our reserves have been exhausted. America's enemies see this. A long extension of the Iraq occupation without massive new infusions of manpower and money puts America at risk.
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