Headlines
By Jim Ward
Ronald Reagan spoke of peace through strength. It was an effective strategy. Yet the Obama administration is effectively bringing about war through its weak foreign policy of appeasement particularly in the Middle East and most acutely as it relates to Israel.
President Obama is the Neville Chamberlain of our time. He has repeatedly made overtures to extreme regimes like Iran that signal an overall weakness in the United State’s resolve to stand by its allies in the region. This appeasement strategy has given extreme Islam in particular the opening they have needed to begin the next chapter of Jihad and both Hamas and Hezbollah are taking great advantage. In addition, these Obama olive branches have had the effect of fueling a global anti-Semitic movement that feeds a “hypocrisy and a biased rush to judgment” in the words of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Obama administration, through its weakness, has effectively created an extremely volatile situation in the Middle East, giving radical Islam the bold encouragement it needs to act out, forcing Israel into justified unilateral actions. The current scenario, as it is shaping up, will provoke even more violence proving that Barack Chamberlain’s weakness will lead to war.
Nothing better exemplifies this devastating cycle than the global reaction to Israel’s intervention on the Gaza flotilla. Rather than support a nation who is simply trying to stop the free flow of weapons that will be used against it, the world and, most regrettably, the United States, have decried the action. Israel has a right to defend herself and her recent actions against Hamas, who is smuggling Iranian rockets and missiles into Gaza, are more than justified. We owe Prime Minister Netanyahu a public apology for our lack of support but more importantly, we owe Israel our dedicated commitment to stand by her side and be ready and willing to take whatever action is necessary to rid the region of those who profess to destroy her.
We can achieve peace through strength. We need to have the leadership that can understand this strategy and the character as a nation to defend our ally Israel. We also need to have the geo-political foresight to understand what Prime Minister Netanyahu has warned the world. “I warn of this impending willingness to enable Iran to establish a naval port right next to Israel, right next to Europe. The same countries that are criticizing us today should know that they will be targeted tomorrow.”
Jim Ward is a candidate for the House of Representatives in Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District. Visit votejimward.com.
StateBrief's op-ed contributors include local and national
opinion-makers, elected officials and candidates. 
Jim Ward courageously expresses what should be publicly expressed by journalists as well as members of Congress. His op-ed goes right to the heart of Obama’s destructive foreign policy; I saw this possibility before his election but unfortunately, too many Americans did not. We are paying for voters’ unwillingness to carefully assess each candidate’s background and views. I won’t make that mistake with our congressional representatives; Jim Ward has my vote of confidence.
Freedom and opportunity flourish because of American strength. After observing Obama, French President Sarkozy blurted “Is he weak”? On another occasion, he deemed Obama “grossly egotistical and naïve”. When America is lectured for spinelessness by the French, of all people, we’ve sunk to a new low.
The Obama administration has adopted “Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” as its foreign policy manual. Meanwhile, our enemies are reading Sun Tzu and Machiavelli and are playing to win. I’m not embarrassed that America is powerful, nor am I apologetic that we use that power to further America’s interests. Evil exists in the world, and like it or not, only power will check it. That’s as true for our allies as it is for us.
This president and congress live in an Alice in Wonderland fog. Free market capitalism is bad, big government socialism is good. Protecting America through power is bad, groveling to be liked is good. Personal accountability and success is bad, irresponsibility profligacy is good. Supporting allies is bad, sucking up to enemies is good. We need to return to the values that made America great. This congress and administration have got to go before they do more damage. We desperately need people like Jim Ward to put America back on track.
Jim Ward may be a decent writer, but he isn’t a good candidate in Arizona’s Congressional district five. He is a carpetbagger who moved here from San Francisco a year ago solely to run for this race. He was president of a gaming company in California that he abruptly resigned from for “personal reasons.” Apparently he did such a poor job the gamers complained, and put out a “Fire Jim Ward” petition to get him removed. He’s not the right person to take on Democrat Harry Mitchell. We can win that race, and a newcomer with that kind of baggage doesn’t stand a chance at taking Mitchell out. So far David Schweikert looks the best in that race; he’s got the name recognition and a solid conservative record.
Jim Ward has had a successful business career that spans almost three decades. He grew his former company from $100 million in sales to over $500 million. His staff gave him a going away party that was attended by almost all of his employees. The entire affair was videoed by Lucas Films. I am sure that Jim would be happy to let any interested person to see it. Jim’s thoughtful piece speaks to what needs to change in this country. Rather than criticize a fellow Republican, shouldn’t we be directly our vitriol towards those in Washington who got us into this mess. Let’s hope that this primary does not degenerate into another fiasco like 2008 when we ended up losing the election because of party infighting. The crisis is in Washington, not in Arizona. Jim Ward is not the problem. Harry Mitchell, Barack Obama, Nancy Polosi, Harry Reid, Band their fellow Democrats are the problem. None of these people have ever made a payroll or worked in the private sector. They have spent their entire lives living off the taxes paid by you and me and should be replaced with talented, well-educated men and women. The country desperately cries out for positive, not negative change. Our party requires a winner. We need someone like Jim Ward.
Schweikert has lived, worked and represented people in CD 5 as both a legislator and County Treasurer for years. He was even a TAR. Schweikert understands Arizona and what we want. Unlike Ward, he is not in bed with McCain and the other country club republicans. His support comes from the republican base. He will win the seat this time and keep it.
I don’t believe there is any courageous bone in Jim Ward’s body. He has no knowledge of AZ, having been here for such a short time, he is very good at sounding good, but it’s all a facade. This guy is a hollow man who wants power above all else.
Jim Ward has written a well thought out piece on one of the many, many faults of Obama. Obama’s time will come in 2012 when we remove him from office. However, one oped piece does not provide the qualifications for our Representative from CD5. Dave Schweikert is an extremely honest, hard-working, and experienced inidividual who will be will to make some extremely hard decisions in the days to come. His record as a politician is nearly perfect. He is reachable and will talk to you. These are characteristics that Mitchell (or Kyle or McCain) do not share. Dave knows Arizona and will truly represent us. Jim Ward’s opportunity will come-but not this election. He truly does need to live here a bit longer and really get to know how we feel and what we want from our Representative. Dave Scheikwert is the man of the hour! We need to support him with out time, work, and contributions.
Thank you. Obama’s policy of engagement could not come at a worse time. The election of Hamas in Gaza, a terrorist organization with the goal of Israel’s annihilation, shows that radical Islam has closed the door on diplomacy. For this reason, the effect of Obama’s policy is no more than political posturing. Also, what does it say when the U.S. response to increased hostility is increased openness? What is needed is someone like Jim Ward in Washington who can remain strong in the face of foreign hatred.
I think Jim Ward has written a very well thought out, timely article. Obama’s weakness has made us extremely vunerable. Just think about the number of “near misses” we had since Obama took office. Only through the grace of God, and incompetent terrorists have these attacks been unsuccessful!
I find the personal attacks on Jim Ward by other writers interesting. Based on their comments, he is a “newbie”, with no experience. He should be no threat whatsoever to other candidates !! Obviously, he is a threat! That’s the reason for the attacks. I’m sure Dave Schweikert is a fine person, but he is another career poltician!!!! WE DON’T NEED ANYMORE LIKE HIM!! LOOK WHERE IT’S GOTTEN US TO DATE. WE’RE BROKE!! WAKE UP. We need some new faces in D.C. with strong business backgrounds to make the tough decisions that the career polticians won’t make. Actually cut spending, instead of merely reducing the amount of the increase and then tell us it’s a cut.
We need Jim Ward in Congress, I could care less how long he’s been here!!
Considering the dire straights we’re in, is that really the most important issue facing some of you people. GROW UP! We’re about to become Greece unless we do something drastic and quickly.
Thank you to Jim Ward for this timely op-ed. Jim’s stalwart support for Israel shows his resolve and leadership. Jim is the right candidate to unseat Harry Mitchell. We don’t need to send another career politician back to Washington. Regarding key issues such as national security and the economy, Jim Ward gets it.
Having served as a United States Naval Officer, I appreciate Jim Ward’s comments. History shows time and again that the world is comprised of Good and Evil. Those who wish to do evil lick their proverbial chops when presented with Good who believe they can talk evil out of their aggressive intentions. It never works and won’t this time. Given that Israel is our staunchest democratic ally in the Middle East, it’s disappointing that we don’t stand with her more strongly. Iran is testing Israel’s defenses and will, likely with intention of having Hamas and Hezbollah launch summer offenses.
Regarding Jim Ward, I’m proud to call him a friend. All you Schweikert supporters who write anonymous responses attacking Jim for being a carpetbagger, you are just fools. Jim’s wife is from an old-time AZ family with staunch conservative principals. Jim understand what AZ needs and all-Americans, a resolute pro-life, pro-business, pro-defense, pro-borders/language/culture, etc. Representative from AZ District 5. Mole, Pingponglee, etc. – your attacks on Jim are stupid and make me suspect that you are Liberal Democratic plants who attack Republican candidates. Nice job fools!
District 5 voter – while I’d vote for anyone other than Harry Mitchell, you forgot to mention that David Schweikert LOST last time and had a very nasty mud-throwing contest with Susan Bitter-Smith. You might like him, but be careful when going on the offensive against Jim Ward, who is a very decent man with STRONG conservative principles. Those who live in glass houses should not throw rocks.
Ward’s comments are spot on – and although I’m not in his District, he has my support as a “seat is a seat” and I’m in favor of retiring Pelosi’s man Harry. I’ve been closely watching and listening to Jim Ward and I believe he can and will retire Harry Mitchell and go on to represent AZ in the esteemed company of those like Ernest McFarland (WWII GI Bill initiator),Carl Hayden (CAP), Barry Goldwater, John Rhodes and John Shadegg. I don’t care where he worked most of his life, he’s the person to best represent my “working man’s” values.
Great article Mr. Ward. I am proud to be a supporter of this fiscal conservative, successful business leader, believer in our free market system and most importantly a believer and supporter of the Constitution of the United States of America! We do NOT need any more career politicians in Washington which makes Mr. Ward a breath of fresh air and he will be a great representative from the 5th Congressional District of the State of Arizona.
How funny that these posts have morphed from a discussion of foreign policy to a back-and-forth about Schweikert vs. Ward. I have lived in this district since 1984. I know Harry Mitchell. He is a nice person, but he has become part of the Obama regime which is destroying the USA, and so he must be replaced. I also know David. He is also a nice person. But this election is about who has the best shot at winning in November. As an earlier poster noted, David couldn’t beat Harry in a heavily Republican district last time around. We simply cannot afford a repeat of the 2008 scenario where the bitter battle between David and Susan allowed Harry to win (those of you who threw personal barbs at Ward please take note of how this tacky strategy helps the Democratic incumbent). That is why I endorsed Ward early on, I believe that he is the best candidate for Republicans to put up against Harry in November. It’s as simple as that.
Great post!
The majority of the politicians I have met, I would not want representing me. Having met and liked David Schweikert, I thought that there was no to look further. However, having now checked out Jim Ward on the issues, and after looking into his background, I see that Ward is a very legitimate candidate. Also, after reading the actual names and comments of those who signed that petition, it turned out to be nothing worth noting, over obsessive gamers with no one else to blame for a game not being everything they hoped for… and they seemed to criticize Ward despite the game’s success on the market. David has experience in politics, while Jim, without having held public office, has proven himself through success in running several businesses on an international scale. Since Harry Mitchell is the true opposition, I hope that Jim and David won’t sling too much mud.