Mr. Demas's Statements to the Electorate Demas Addresses Gordon's Absence I regret that Bart Gordon has declined to participate in this debate. A side by side comparison of our views on the following questions would have been more helpful to the voter then my stand alone answers. I feel that Gordon's refusal shows some disrespect for the voters of the 6th district.

Nick Demas's Closing Statement

The people of the 6th District, like all Americans, recognize that this is a critical time for America. We are under assault from the outside by a new kind of enemy. We are also under assault from within, by moral decay and decades of uncontrolled Federal spending. These are great challenges, but America is up to the challenge. We must cut back domestic spending and concentrate our resources on defeating terrorism.

Citizen Questions from Tennessee's 6th District

What should be done in Iraq?

We must finish what we have started. We must leave Iraq with the blessings of a democracy. They need an opportunity to organize an effective internal and external defense force. A government elected by the Iraqis, that is recognized as legitimate , is essential to peace in the Middle East. Our success in Iraq and our subsequent total withdrawal will reinforce U.S. credibility and enhance our own security. President Bush is on the right track. I support his steady, consistent, approach to peace and security.

How can we balance the need to guard against terrorism with the need to preserve our basic civil liberties?

Our civil liberties must always come first. Perfect security is a deep dark cell where there is no liberty. To preserve our liberties we must be willing to accept some degree of chaos and vulnerability. The men and women we send abroad to preserve our freedom are risking life and limb everyday. We at home must also accept some degree of danger in order to enjoy our civil rights. Excessive precautions against terrorism not only rob us of our liberties they also rob us of our resources. When another terrorist attack occurs in the United States of America we must not respond with panic, finger pointing, and demands for more security measures. We must use that terrible occasion to increase our resolve to find the terrorists and those who abet them, and bring them to justice.

The income tax system is too complicated. How can it be fixed?

The income tax system is an abomination. It is jam packed with loop holes and provisions to benifit one special interest or another. It takes an army of accountants and lawyers to interpret. The income tax needs to be abolished all together and be replaced by a national sales tax. The income tax, taxes you on what you put into society. A sales tax, taxes you on what you consume and take out of society. There will be no loop holes and no exceptions except a provision to remove the tax burden from our lowest income citizens. There is presently a fair tax bill before Congress to abolish the income tax and establish a national sales tax. I support that bill.

Do you support or oppose the proposal to require television broadcasters to provide free air time to candidates prior to elections?

I oppose this proposal. It would essentially be a tax on TV broadcasters and would introduce more Federal government regulation of political campaigns.

Do U.S. immigration policies need changing?

Immigration has been a valuable part of the development of the United States. Under no circumstances should immigration to America be stopped. However, immigrants who enter this country illegally should be deported back to their home country. There should be no obstacle to a person reporting the whereabouts of an individual who has broken the law to the proper authorities. A con man, a robber, a drug dealer, and an illegal alien have all broken the law, and all, when identified to the authorities, should be properly delt with. No new laws dealing with immigration need to be passed. We need to enforce the laws that are already on the books.

What can be done to reduce our use of and dependence on fossil fuels?

What are the choices? Solar, works only 12 hours a day at most. Wind, is intermittent. Hydro is limited by geography and climate. The only dependable, non-fossil energy source available is Nuclear. Today, France produces more than 80% of their electricity by nuclear power plants. Today, the U.S. produces approximately 20% of its electrical power from nuclear power plants. If we followed the French example we could substantially reduce our use of fossil fuels. If we also convert our transportation system to electricity and, or, hydrogen generated by nuclear power we could essentially eliminate our use of fossil fuels.

What can the Federal government do to ensure that every American has access to affordable health care?

I have looked carefully at the Constitution and find no place where the Federal Government is given the responsibility to ensure affordable health care to every American. For the indigent, the Federal government can use our tax dollars to help pay medical costs. For the vast majority of us, our health care and how we pay for it is our business. Some people have trouble paying their food bill . The Federal govenment restricts its activity to helping the indigent, not taking over the food budget of every American. Some people have difficulty paying for their housing. The Federal government restricts its activity to helping the indigent, not taking over the housing budget of every American. Some people have difficulty paying their medical expenses. The Federal government should help the indigent, and leave the rest of us alone.

What national issue or issues do you consider to be a priority?

Strong national defence, fiscal responsibility, limited government ("The govenment that governs least governs best"), constitutional term limits for members of the House of Representatives and members of the Senate.

What is your position on abortion?

I am opposed to abortions !!
When an abortion is performed it is a tragedy; a tragedy for the woman, a tragedy for the fetus, a tragedy for society as a whole, and a personal failure for every American. But, a constitutional amendment to ban abortion would be as ineffective as the constitutional amendment that banned the consumption of alcohol. When abortion was against the law in all 50 states, abortions were still performed. The money and effort now being spent to petition the government would be better spent on educating the public and in helping pregnant women in crisis. There is a wonderful sign that says, "Love them both. Choose life". Persuasion is much more effective than coercion. Abortion, like poverty, will always be with us. Our goal should not be to eliminate them. That is impossible. Our goal must be to minimize them. We can succeed at that. Abortions can not be stopped by changing laws, they can only be stopped by changing hearts.

The above is not a simple answer. The abortion issue is not a simple issue. Our goal must not be to put in place some sort of prescribed institutional constraints, and then fall back into complacency. We must continuously educate, support, and council to minimize the number of abortions that are performed.

What is your position on gay marriage?

Gays and lesbians have the same rights as every other United States citizen. No more and no less. They do not have the right to mutilate the English language. They can not redefine "marriage", or "disadvantaged minority".