People are always asking what are my core values and beliefs.  This is an important questions as EVERYBODY makes decisions according to their values and beliefs.  Mine are:

I am a Christian, Conservative, Patriotic American & Texan, Anti-abortion. I do not believe in gun control unless you mean holding it with two hands to get a better shot. I believe in term limits, Fiscal responsibility, Limited government, Personal responsibility, The rule-of-law, National Sovereignty, Liberty & Freedom, and the lowest taxes possible.  I respect the Rights of others and expect others to respect my Rights as well.   I do not just spout these values, I live them and I am hoping that you do also.

Explanation:

• I am a Christian - this is what my moral beliefs are based on.  I am not trying to be preachy but for those who do not understand, it is important to refer the the greatest commandments as stated in Matthew 22:37-39 “.... ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself...."  Then there is a whole book that shows you how.

• Conservative - I believe that we need to hold to proven ideas and values that made this Country great.

• Patriotic American & Texan (I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and the State of Texas),

• Anti-abortion - The issue is about the human life cycle. I do not play into the redefined definitions of  Pro-Choice and Pro-Life.  It is Abortion or Anti-Abortion.  It is an innocent life - a child, a Human being.

• I do not believe in gun control unless you mean holding it with two hands to get a better shot. Follow the law but I believe the 2nd Amendment covered it clearly.  Guns do not kill people.  People kill people.  If an evil person wants to kill someone, they will find a way.  It doesn't have to be a gun.  But it will most like be a good guy with a gun to stop a bad guy doing to killing.

• I believe in term limits - some say that is what voting is for.  I think they are half right.  The other half is term limits.  I see too many examples of politicians that think they have kingdoms and unlimited power.

• Fiscal responsibility - I think government should live within their budgets without getting into debt.  That is our debt that they should pay off.

• Limited government - Liberty and Freedom made this Country great.  We need to control over reaching politicians. The best way to do that is to elect people that believe in it too.

• Personal responsibility - Do not blame others.  Includes the responsibility of individuals, respect for others, and making decisions that do not harm the greater good.

• The rule-of-law - Allow me to quote Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC) Feb 25, 2015, who said it better than I could.  He said,  "The thread that holds the tapestry of our country together is respect for and adherence to the rule of law. The law is the greatest unifying and greatest equalizing force that we have in our culture. The law is what makes the richest person drive the precise same speed limit as the poorest person. The law is what makes the richest person in this country pay his or her taxes on precisely the same day as the poorest person in this country. The law is symbolized by a blindfolded woman holding a set of scales and a sword. The law is both a shield and a sword, and it is the foundation upon which this republic stands."

• National Sovereignty - The Declaration of Independence tells us why sovereignty matters.  Sovereignty is a simple idea: the United States is an independent nation, governed by the American people, that controls its own affairs. We do not have independence if a foreign power can tell America “what we shall do and what we shall not do.”   I believe this holds true at the local level as well.

• Liberty & Freedom - means allowing others to do legal things even if you do not agree with them.  I respect the Rights of others and expect others to respect my Rights as well.

• The lowest taxes possible.- Who likes to pay more taxes (fees, permits, etc..), especially if they are not necessary?.  It will be a very rare occasion if I ever vote for bonds (that is debt and taxes).
   

Again, I do not just spout these values, I live them and I am hoping that you do also.
 

I am a passionate man. Most everything in my world is black and white, 1 or 0, right or wrong.  I know clarity is not found by living in the gray.  Pick a side, stick to it, and invest yourself in it!

Sincerely,

John Gorena

p.s.  I am not trying to be preachy but for my fellow Christians out there, consider these two versions in relation to my last comment above.

• Matthew 7:13-14
  13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
  14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

• Revelation 3:15-16
  15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!
  16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

-JG