Harris Laing

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I am a retired businessman, veteran naval officer, part owner of a manufacturer of food ingredients. I have lived most of my life in the Midwest, starting in Kansas, living 40-plus years in Minnesota, and now back in Kansas.

I am somewhat of a political junkie, albeit not by choice. I see the many assaults on our Constitution, and I can't just stand here and be silent. We need to be aware of the kind of the country we are passing on to the next generation.

In general, I follow conservative principles. This means I stand for limited government, freedom of speech, right to bear arms, accountability from our members of government, both elected and appointed.

I believe that capitalism is far more efficient than government control of business. While capitalism is not perfect, there are enough controls in place to prevent most abuses. This country needs more entrepreneurs, not fewer.

I am concerned about the coarsening of our culture. It is partly because of self-centered thinking. We need to be open to other points of view, but this does not require immediately shutting down a conservative person's right to free speech while progressives get rant without restraint.

John F. Kennedy was President when I was in the Navy. I would like to quote from his inaugural address: "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

I try to live by those words. I greatly appreciate being an American citizen, and I do not want to let that fact be taken for granted. Therefore, I am always looking for more ways to give back. I also encourage that American history be taught in schools so the next generation will have an adequate appreciation of their country.