U.S. House District 17 Julio Gonzalez

When you think of your political philosophy, to which philosophy do you align yourself more: that “the common good,” or collective society takes precedence over and is superior to the individual and his/her rights, or that the individual and his/her rights take precedence and are superior to “the common good, or the collective?

My political philosophy is rooted on the individual; on the assumption that each of us has a direct and immutable relationship with our Creator.  That from these come certain unalienable rights, and that amongst these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  And like Benjamin Franklin observed, it is the pursuit of happiness to which we have the right, not any guarantees to it. 

Social Security and Medicare are government-sanctioned Ponzi schemes that will need more money to continue paying benefits to the 78 million retiring baby boomers. What legislation would you propose to continue funding these programs at current levels — higher payroll taxes? Higher income taxes? Less defense spending? Raise the retirement age for both?

I would be in favor of passing legislation prohibiting the use of Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds for any purpose other than funding these two programs.  In other words, the practice of raiding the Social Security and Medicare funds needs to stop.  

Additionally, as these two programs are unique in that they are government programs into which working citizens pay, I would push towards cutting other social welfare programs to make up for the deficits in funding Medicare and Social Security. 

Should Congress appropriate the funds required to build President Donald Trump’s border wall? Yes or no.
Yes. 

How would you vote on legislation to create a single-payer, taxpayer-funded, government-controlled medical system that provides all U.S. citizens with medically necessary and hospital physician services? For or against?

Absolutely, 100% against such a move. Not only would it be cost prohibitive, but it would result in a massive usurpation of power over the individual by the federal government and would result in direct and undue government manipulation of the health care we receive.  

What is your position on the Second Amendment, and what, if any, new gun laws will you propose if elected?

I am a strong defender of Americans' Second Amendment rights and because of it, I have earned an A rating from the NRA.