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Mike Pence is the most far-right pick Donald Trump could have made.The Koch brothers must be very happy with his pick. If you are unfamiliar with the Koch brothers, please read Dark Money by Jane Mayer. Citizen’s United turned this country over to about twenty billionaires. Democracy is dead. The sooner people accept this fact, the sooner we can take it back from them.Mike Pence is one of the Koch brothers’ favorite elected leaders. Support from the Koch brothers and conservative donors are a major component in a presidential run, so having the major money people’s favorite guy at your side if you’re new to politics is certainly helpful for campaign cash. Americans for Prosperity has been holding up Mike Pence’s work in Indiana as a paragon of a good governor. Pence’s former chief of staff now runs the Koch’s political group Freedom Partners. Given the fact that the Koch’s have pledged to spend $1 billion in the 2016 election to support conservative candidates, his ties could be an asset to Trump as he realizes his own financial limitations.Here are 5 disturbing things you should know about Trump’s likely VP pick Mike PenceThis where Mike Pence stands on various issues. Ask yourself if you agree with him. If not, cast your vote for the Supreme Court. Imagine the United States with Mike Pence at the helm if Trump should die.This is a long list. There are a few things on which I agree with him.Mike Pence on AbortionCommit to unalienable right to life, including the unborn.Arguing about abortion is as fruitless as arguing about whether or not God exists. I’m for women having the first right of refusal when it comes to their bodies. You don’t want one, don’t have one.You have no right to make that choice for me.Mike Pence on Budget & EconomyVoted NO on regulating the subprime mortgage industry.I have nothing else to say about his position on the budget except that we disagree.Mike Pence on Civil RightsVoted YES on Constitutionally defining marriage as one-man-one-woman.I have nothing else to say about his position on civil rights except that we disagree.Mike Pence on CorporationsVoted NO on allowing stockholder voting on executive compensation.I have nothing to say about his position regarding corporations. There are, however, a few things in this section on which I agree with him.Mike Pence on CrimeVoted NO on enforcing against anti-gay hate crimes.I have nothing else to say about his position on gay rights except that we disagree.Mike Pence on EducationVoted YES on allowing school prayer during the War on Terror.Constitutionally guarantee parent's right to educate kids.I have nothing else to say about his position on the education except that we disagree.Mike Pence on Energy & OilVoted YES on opening Outer Continental Shelf to oil drilling.Voted YES on barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases.Voted NO on enforcing limits on CO2 global warming pollution.Voted NO on tax credits for renewable electricity, with PAYGO offsets.Voted NO on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies.I’m speechless about his position on Energy & Oil. There’s much more in this section. Read it carefully if you care about the environment.Mike Pence on EnvironmentStrengthen prohibitions against animal fighting.I agree with him.Voted NO on protecting free-roaming horses and burros.I guess horses and burros don’t count.Stop considering manure as pollutant or hazardous.Mike Pence on Families & ChildrenVoted NO on four weeks of paid parental leave for federal employees.We are among a chosen few of countries that doesn’t give paid parental leave to employees. There are only three. The other two countries are Papua New Guinea and Suriname.US Is Still Only Industrialized Nation Without Paid Maternity LeaveI have nothing else to say about his position on the education except that we disagree.Mike Pence on Foreign PolicyCommitment to unbreakable U.S.-Israel bondThis is an odd one. Why are so many right-wing Republicans in a love affair with Israel? Do they love the Jews so much? Do they see Israel as the only stabilizing force in the Middle East? Perhaps. Could it be something else?“Dispensationalists, Christians who believe that the end times are near, are thrilled to see what is going on today in Israel since the plan fits well into their own expectations for the End. Dispensationalists find comfort in knowing that under The Temple Institute's auspices, small groups of Israelis are sewing priestly vestments, manufacturing implements for animal sacrifice, and teaching a new generation of Temple priests what will be expected of them. It seems to matter little that the desire for a new Temple has the potential of precipitating holy war.”On the Road to ArmageddonA significant number of Christians believe that the end times, as set forth in the bible, are near. In order for all to go as planned, the temple in Jerusalem must be rebuilt.I’d rather have someone in the White House who doesn’t set foreign policy based on biblical prophecy.Mike Pence on Free TradeMike Pence voted yes on every single trade bill. He’s a capitalist who wants to engage in free trade with any country. I’m not sure how this position will work with Donald Trump. He wants Apple to bring all of its manufacturing back to the United States. Will consumers be happy about paying $6000 for an iPhone?Mike Pence on Government ReformCampaign Finance Reform is censorship.Voted YES on requiring photo ID for voting in federal elections.I have nothing to say regarding his position on Government Reform except that we disagree.Mike Pence on Gun ControlRated A by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record.I wonder who pays his bills? Perhaps the Koch brothers and the NRA split them. I apologize for being sarcastic.Mike Pence on Health CareVoted NO on giving mental health full equity with physical health.I have nothing to say regarding his position on Health Care except that we disagree.Mike Pence on Homeland SecurityVoted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's roving wiretapsVoted YES on continuing intelligence gathering without civil oversight.If you don’t believe that democracy is dead, perhaps we can meet at the graveside of the 14th Amendment.Mike Pence on ImmigrationVoted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border.I have nothing to say regarding his position on immigration except that a fence isn’t the answer. If we build a wall, someone will come along with a higher ladder.Mike Pence on JobsVoted NO on increasing minimum wage to $7.25.Why in the world would we want big corporations to pay their workers a living wage? I’m being sarcastic.Mike Pence on TechnologyReject the censorship of the Fairness Doctrine.“The Fairness Doctrine was a policy of the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC), introduced in 1949, that required the holders of broadcast licenses both to present controversial issues of public importance and to do so in a manner that was—in the Commission's view—honest, equitable, and balanced.”Fairness DoctrineWe do have a television station that purports to be fair and balanced. It isn’t.I have nothing more to say on any of Mike Pence’s positions. Ask yourself if you support his philosophy. Ask yourself if this is the man you want only a heartbeat away from the presidency.Mike Pence on the IssuesClick here for 21 full quotes on Abortion OR background on Abortion.Commit to unalienable right to life, including the unborn. (Feb 2008)Voted YES on banning federal health coverage that includes abortion. (May 2011)Voted NO on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Jan 2007)Voted NO on allowing human embryonic stem cell research. (May 2005)Voted YES on restricting interstate transport of minors to get abortions. (Apr 2005)Voted YES on making it a crime to harm a fetus during another crime. (Feb 2004)Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortion except to save mother’s life. (Oct 2003)Voted YES on forbidding human cloning for reproduction & medical research. (Feb 2003)Voted YES on funding for health providers who don't provide abortion info. (Sep 2002)Voted YES on banning Family Planning funding in US aid abroad. (May 2001)Voted YES on federal crime to harm fetus while committing other crimes. (Apr 2001)Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)Rated 100% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-life stance. (Dec 2006)Prohibit transporting minors across state lines for abortion. (Jan 2008)Bar funding for abortion under federal Obamacare plans. (Jul 2010)Ban abortions for sex selection or race selection. (Dec 2011)Prohibit federal funding for abortion. (May 2011)Prohibiting forced abortions by UN Population Fund. (May 2011)Sponsored bill to prohibit fed funding of Planned Parenthood. (Jan 2011)Grant the pre-born equal protection under 14th Amendment. (Jan 2007)Declare preborn as persons under 14th amendment. (Feb 2009)Mike Pence on Budget & Economy Click here for 17 full quotes on Budget & Economy OR background on Budget & Economy.Voted YES on terminating the Home Affordable mortgage Program. (Mar 2011)Voted YES on $192B additional anti-recession stimulus spending. (Jul 2009)Voted NO on modifying bankruptcy rules to avoid mortgage foreclosures. (Mar 2009)Voted NO on additional $825 billion for economic recovery package. (Jan 2009)Voted NO on monitoring TARP funds to ensure more mortgage relief. (Jan 2009)Voted NO on $15B bailout for GM and Chrysler. (Dec 2008)Voted NO on $60B stimulus package for jobs, infrastructure, & energy. (Sep 2008)Voted NO on revitalizing severely distressed public housing. (Jan 2008)Voted NO on regulating the subprime mortgage industry. (Nov 2007)Voted YES on restricting bankruptcy rules. (Jan 2004)Mike Pence on Civil Rights Click here for 13 full quotes on Civil Rights OR background on Civil Rights.Future of conservatism demands traditional marriage. (Feb 2008)Voted NO on prohibiting job discrimination based on sexual orientation. (Nov 2007)Voted YES on Constitutionally defining marriage as one-man-one-woman. (Jul 2006)Voted YES on making the PATRIOT Act permanent. (Dec 2005)Voted YES on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage. (Sep 2004)Voted YES on protecting the Pledge of Allegiance. (Sep 2004)Voted YES on constitutional amendment prohibiting flag desecration. (Jun 2003)Supports anti-flag desecration amendment. (Mar 2001)Require "Privacy Impact Statement" on new federal rules. (Apr 2002)Rated 7% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)Rated 0% by the HRC, indicating an anti-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)Rated 22% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)Amend Constitution to define traditional marriage. (Jun 2008)Mike Pence on Corporations Click here for 8 full quotes on Corporations OR background on Corporations.Voted NO on letting shareholders vote on executive compensation. (Jul 2009)Voted YES on more funding for nanotechnology R&D and commercialization. (Jul 2009)Voted NO on allowing stockholder voting on executive compensation. (Apr 2007)Voted YES on replacing illegal export tax breaks with $140B in new breaks. (Jun 2004)Voted YES on Bankruptcy Overhaul requiring partial debt repayment. (Mar 2001)Rated 96% by the US COC, indicating a pro-business voting record. (Dec 2003)Repeal ObamaCare reporting requirements for small business. (Jan 2011)Rated 14% by UFCW, indicating a pro-management voting record. (May 2012)Mike Pence on Crime Click here for 3 full quotes on Crime OR background on Crime.Voted NO on enforcing against anti-gay hate crimes. (Apr 2009)Voted YES on expanding services for offenders' re-entry into society. (Nov 2007)Reduce recidivism by giving offenders a Second Chance. (Mar 2007)Mike Pence on Drugs Click here for 3 full quotes on Drugs OR background on Drugs.Voted YES on more funding for Mexico to fight drugs. (Jun 2008)Voted YES on military border patrols to battle drugs & terrorism. (Sep 2001)Rated -20 by NORML, indicating a "hard-on-drugs" stance. (Dec 2006)Mike Pence on Education Click here for 10 full quotes on Education OR background on Education.Voted YES on reauthorizing the DC opportunity scholarship program. (Mar 2011)Voted NO on $40B for green public schools. (May 2009)Voted NO on additional $10.2B for federal education & HHS projects. (Nov 2007)Voted NO on allowing Courts to decide on "God" in Pledge of Allegiance. (Jul 2006)Voted NO on $84 million in grants for Black and Hispanic colleges. (Mar 2006)Voted YES on allowing school prayer during the War on Terror. (Nov 2001)Voted NO on requiring states to test students. (May 2001)Let schools display the words "God Bless America". (Oct 2001)Rated 17% by the NEA, indicating anti-public education votes. (Dec 2003)Constitutionally guarantee parent's right to educate kids. (Jan 2011)Mike Pence on Energy & Oil Click here for 22 full quotes on Energy & Oil OR background on Energy & Oil.Voted YES on opening Outer Continental Shelf to oil drilling. (May 2011)Voted YES on barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. (Apr 2011)Voted NO on enforcing limits on CO2 global warming pollution. (Jun 2009)Voted NO on tax credits for renewable electricity, with PAYGO offsets. (Sep 2008)Voted NO on tax incentives for energy production and conservation. (May 2008)Voted NO on tax incentives for renewable energy. (Feb 2008)Voted NO on investing in homegrown biofuel. (Aug 2007)Voted NO on criminalizing oil cartels like OPEC. (May 2007)Voted NO on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jan 2007)Voted NO on keeping moratorium on drilling for oil offshore. (Jun 2006)Voted YES on scheduling permitting for new oil refinieries. (Jun 2006)Voted YES on authorizing construction of new oil refineries. (Oct 2005)Voted YES on passage of the Bush Administration national energy policy. (Jun 2004)Voted YES on implementing Bush-Cheney national energy policy. (Nov 2003)Voted NO on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001)Voted NO on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR. (Aug 2001)Rated 0% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence. (Dec 2006)Bar greenhouse gases from Clean Air Act rules. (Jan 2009)Signed the No Climate Tax Pledge by AFP. (Nov 2010)No EPA regulation of greenhouse gases. (Jan 2011)Drill the Outer Continental Shelf; & license new nuke plants. (Mar 2011)Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025. (Jan 2007)Mike Pence on Environment Click here for 11 full quotes on Environment OR background on Environment.Voted NO on $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers program. (Jul 2009)Voted NO on protecting free-roaming horses and burros. (Jul 2009)Voted NO on $9.7B for Amtrak improvements and operation thru 2013. (Jun 2008)Voted NO on increasing AMTRAK funding by adding $214M to $900M. (Jun 2006)Voted NO on barring website promoting Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump. (May 2006)Voted YES on deauthorizing "critical habitat" for endangered species. (Sep 2005)Voted YES on speeding up approval of forest thinning projects. (Nov 2003)Rated 10% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes. (Dec 2003)Stop considering manure as pollutant or hazardous. (Sep 2011)Rated 0% by HSLF, indicating an anti-animal welfare voting record. (Jan 2012)Strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting. (Jan 2007)Mike Pence on Families & Children Click here for 4 full quotes on Families & Children OR background on Families & Children.Voted NO on four weeks of paid parental leave for federal employees. (Jun 2009)Voted YES on establishing nationwide AMBER alert system for missing kids. (Apr 2003)Voted YES on reducing Marriage Tax by $399B over 10 years. (Mar 2001)Rated 100% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-Family-Value voting record. (Dec 2003)Mike Pence on Foreign Policy Click here for 14 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR background on Foreign Policy.Voted NO on supporting democratic institutions in Pakistan. (Jun 2009)Voted YES on cooperating with India as a nuclear power. (Sep 2008)Voted YES on deterring foreign arms transfers to China. (Jul 2005)Voted YES on reforming the UN by restricting US funding. (Jun 2005)Voted NO on keeping Cuba travel ban until political prisoners released. (Jul 2001)Voted YES on withholding $244M in UN Back Payments until US seat restored. (May 2001)Member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. (Jan 2001)Keep sanctions against Syria until WMDs are dismantled. (May 2007)Member of the Silk Road Congressional Caucus. (Nov 2007)Member of House Foreign Affairs Committee. (Mar 2011)Withhold UN funding until voluntary and program-specific. (Aug 2011)Rated -6 by AAI, indicating a anti-Arab anti-Palestine voting record. (May 2012)Sponsored bill supporting demonstrations against Iran. (Jun 2009)Commitment to unbreakable U.S.-Israel bond. (Mar 2010)Mike Pence on Free Trade Click here for 8 full quotes on Free Trade OR background on Free Trade.Voted YES on promoting free trade with Peru. (Nov 2007)Voted NO on assisting workers who lose jobs due to globalization. (Oct 2007)Voted YES on implementing CAFTA, Central America Free Trade. (Jul 2005)Voted YES on implementing US-Australia Free Trade Agreement. (Jul 2004)Voted YES on implementing US-Singapore free trade agreement. (Jul 2003)Voted YES on implementing free trade agreement with Chile. (Jul 2003)Rated 61% by CATO, indicating a mixed record on trade issues. (Dec 2002)Extend trade restrictions on Burma to promote democracy. (Jun 2007)Mike Pence on Government Reform Click here for 15 full quotes on Government Reform OR background on Government Reform.Campaign Finance Reform is censorship. (Feb 2008)Voted NO on Senate pay raise. (Jun 2009)Voted YES on requiring lobbyist disclosure of bundled donations. (May 2007)Voted YES on granting Washington DC an Electoral vote & vote in Congress. (Apr 2007)Voted NO on protecting whistleblowers from employer recrimination. (Mar 2007)Voted YES on requiring photo ID for voting in federal elections. (Sep 2006)Voted NO on restricting independent grassroots political committees. (Apr 2006)Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits about obesity against food providers. (Oct 2005)Voted YES on limiting attorney's fees in class action lawsuits. (Feb 2005)Voted YES on restricting frivolous lawsuits. (Sep 2004)Voted NO on campaign finance reform banning soft-money contributions. (Feb 2002)Voted YES on banning soft money donations to national political parties. (Jul 2001)Prohibit non-legislated earmarks. (Jul 2005)Sunset Act: review every federal agency every 12 years. (Jan 2009)Member of House Judiciary Committee. (Mar 2011)Mike Pence on Gun Control Click here for 7 full quotes on Gun Control OR background on Gun Control.Voted YES on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers. (Oct 2005)Voted YES on prohibiting suing gunmakers & sellers for gun misuse. (Apr 2003)Rated A by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record. (Dec 2003)National cross-state standard for concealed carry. (Jan 2009)Teach kids Eddie Eagle GunSafe's lifesaving message. (May 2010)Loosen restrictions on interstate gun purchases. (Oct 2011)Ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC. (Mar 2007)Mike Pence on Health Care Click here for 20 full quotes on Health Care OR background on Health Care.Voted YES on the Ryan Budget: Medicare choice, tax & spending cuts. (Apr 2011)Voted YES on repealing the "Prevention and Public Health" slush fund. (Apr 2011)Voted NO on regulating tobacco as a drug. (Apr 2009)Voted NO on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program. (Jan 2009)Voted NO on overriding veto on expansion of Medicare. (Jul 2008)Voted NO on giving mental health full equity with physical health. (Mar 2008)Voted NO on Veto override: Extend SCHIP to cover 6M more kids. (Jan 2008)Voted NO on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility. (Oct 2007)Voted NO on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Jan 2007)Voted YES on denying non-emergency treatment for lack of Medicare co-pay. (Feb 2006)Voted YES on limiting medical malpractice lawsuits to $250,000 damages. (May 2004)Voted NO on limited prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients. (Nov 2003)Voted NO on allowing reimportation of prescription drugs. (Jul 2003)Voted YES on small business associations for buying health insurance. (Jun 2003)Voted YES on capping damages & setting time limits in medical lawsuits. (Mar 2003)Voted YES on allowing suing HMOs, but under federal rules & limited award. (Aug 2001)Rated 11% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record. (Dec 2003)Repeal any federal health care takeover. (Jul 2010)Deauthorize funding for Obamacare. (Jul 2010)Repeal the Job-Killing Health Care Law. (Jan 2011)Mike Pence on Homeland Security Click here for 15 full quotes on Homeland Security OR background on Homeland Security.Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's roving wiretaps. (Feb 2011)Voted NO on requiring FISA warrants for wiretaps in US, but not abroad. (Mar 2008)Voted NO on Veto override: Congressional oversight of CIA interrogations. (Mar 2008)Voted YES on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)Voted NO on restricting no-bid defense contracts. (Mar 2007)Voted YES on allowing electronic surveillance without a warrant. (Sep 2006)Voted YES on continuing intelligence gathering without civil oversight. (Apr 2006)Voted YES on federalizing rules for driver licenses to hinder terrorists. (Feb 2005)Voted YES on continuing military recruitment on college campuses. (Feb 2005)Voted YES on supporting new position of Director of National Intelligence. (Dec 2004)Voted YES on adopting the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. (Oct 2004)Voted YES on emergency $78B for war in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Apr 2003)Voted YES on permitting commercial airline pilots to carry guns. (Jul 2002)Rated 0% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record. (Dec 2003)Extend reserve retirement pay parity back to 9/11. (Dec 2007)Mike Pence on Immigration Click here for 7 full quotes on Immigration OR background on Immigration.Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)Voted YES on reporting illegal aliens who receive hospital treatment. (May 2004)Voted YES on extending Immigrant Residency rules. (May 2001)Rated 100% by FAIR, indicating a voting record restricting immigration. (Dec 2003)Rated 92% by USBC, indicating a sealed-border stance. (Dec 2006)End Birthright Citizenship; no more anchor babies. (Apr 2009)Declare English as the official language of the US. (Feb 2007)Mike Pence on Jobs Click here for 10 full quotes on Jobs OR background on Jobs.$700B stimulus did not deliver promised employment. (Jan 2010)Voted YES on extending unemployment benefits from 39 weeks to 59 weeks. (Oct 2008)Voted NO on overriding presidential veto of Farm Bill. (Jun 2008)Voted NO on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Mar 2007)Voted NO on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Jan 2007)Voted YES on end offshore tax havens and promote small business. (Oct 2004)Voted YES on $167B over 10 years for farm price supports. (Oct 2001)Voted YES on zero-funding OSHA's Ergonomics Rules instead of $4.5B. (Mar 2001)Rated 7% by the AFL-CIO, indicating an anti-union voting record. (Dec 2003)Rated 100% by CEI, indicating a pro-workplace choice voting record. (May 2012)Mike Pence on Principles & Values Click here for 5 full quotes on Principles & Values OR background on Principles & Values.Rated C by the Club for Growth, pro-growth but not targeted. (Sep 2004)Rated 0% by the AU, indicating opposition to church-state separation. (Dec 2006)Member of the House Republican Young Guns. (Sep 2010)Member of the Tea Party movement. (Aug 2010)Designate first weekend in May as Ten Commandments Weekend. (Apr 2011)Mike Pence on Social Security Click here for 2 full quotes on Social Security OR background on Social Security.Voted YES on raising 401(k) limits & making pension plans more portable. (May 2001)Rated 22% by the ARA, indicating an anti-senior voting record. (Dec 2003)Mike Pence on Tax Reform Click here for 20 full quotes on Tax Reform OR background on Tax Reform.Across-the-board tax relief better than stimulus bill. (Jan 2010)Voted NO on extending AMT exemptions to avoid hitting middle-income. (Jun 2008)Voted NO on paying for AMT relief by closing offshore business loopholes. (Dec 2007)Voted YES on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Dec 2005)Voted YES on providing tax relief and simplification. (Sep 2004)Voted YES on making permanent an increase in the child tax credit. (May 2004)Voted YES on permanently eliminating the marriage penalty. (Apr 2004)Voted YES on making the Bush tax cuts permanent. (Apr 2002)Voted YES on $99 B economic stimulus: capital gains & income tax cuts. (Oct 2001)Voted YES on Tax cut package of $958 B over 10 years. (May 2001)Voted YES on eliminating the Estate Tax ("death tax"). (Apr 2001)Reduce the capital gains tax . (Jan 2001)Phaseout the death tax. (Mar 2001)Rated 76% by NTU, indicating a "Taxpayer's Friend" on tax votes. (Dec 2003)Rated 0% by the CTJ, indicating opposition to progressive taxation. (Dec 2006)Replace income tax & employment tax with FairTax. (Jan 2009)Taxpayer Protection Pledge: no new taxes. (Aug 2010)No European-style VAT (value-added tax). (May 2010)Replace income tax & estate tax with 23% sales tax. (Jan 2011)Supports the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. (Jan 2012)Mike Pence on Technology Click here for 15 full quotes on Technology OR background on Technology.Reject the censorship of the Fairness Doctrine. (Feb 2008)Voted NO on delaying digital TV conversion by four months. (Mar 2009)Voted YES on retroactive immunity for telecoms' warrantless surveillance. (Jun 2008)Voted NO on $23B instead of $4.9B for waterway infrastructure. (Nov 2007)Voted NO on establishing "network neutrality" (non-tiered Internet). (Jun 2006)Voted YES on increasing fines for indecent broadcasting. (Feb 2005)Voted YES on promoting commercial human space flight industry. (Nov 2004)Voted YES on banning Internet gambling by credit card. (Jun 2003)Voted YES on allowing telephone monopolies to offer Internet access. (Feb 2002)Promote internet via Congressional Internet Caucus. (Jan 2001)Permanent ban on state & local taxation of Internet access. (Oct 2007)Popularize Electronic Signatures with ESIGN Day. (Jun 2010)End net neutrality; allow tiered Internet service. (Jan 2011)Sponsored bill prohibiting return of the Fairness Doctrine. (Jan 2009)No performance royalties for radio music. (Mar 2009)Mike Pence on War & Peace Click here for 11 full quotes on War & Peace OR background on War & Peace.Voted YES on banning armed forces in Libya without Congressional approval. (Jun 2011)Voted NO on investigating Bush impeachment for lying about Iraq. (Jun 2008)Voted NO on redeploying US troops out of Iraq starting in 90 days. (May 2007)Voted YES on declaring Iraq part of War on Terror with no exit date. (Jun 2006)Voted YES on approving removal of Saddam & valiant service of US troops. (Mar 2004)Voted YES on authorizing military force in Iraq. (Oct 2002)Solidarity with Israel in its fight against terrorism. (Apr 2002)Strengthen sanctions on Syria & assist democratic transition. (Apr 2008)No contact & enforce sanctions on Iran until threat is gone. (May 2011)Support the completion of the US mission in Iraq. (Feb 2007)Sanctions on Iran to end nuclear program. (Apr 2009)

The Grass isn't Always Greener on the Other SideIt sounds to me like you're struggling with Instagram Envy and a case of importer syndrome.It can be easy to feel like a failure or at least like your way behind your peers when you are constantly comparing yourself to the version of them that they've manufactured for you to see.The truth is that they're probably just as confused, defeated, and stressed out as you are. They're probably doing everything they can to keep up appearances though, and based on the phrasing of your question - it's working.As self defeating as it is, your habit of comparing yourself to other people is fairly common.Social media networks like Instagram and Facebook heighten the affects of this natural phenomena - for better or worse - by making the public version of someone's life more available to to the masses and more easy to manufacture using filters and what have you.As it pertains to competing with your peers professionally, life is hard enough to not follow the path of least resistance.The answer to your question could be as simple as changing the plain on which your compete with these folks by playing to your strengths. It's never to late to make up for lost ground, but progress requires work.The peers worth competing with are going to be working their tails off, so there isn't much room for you to be the exception to the rule.Of course, in playing to your strengths you're likely to be working in an area the excites you which will help you stay motivated, but in order to build momentum it is important that you know your purpose. You need to be absolutely clear on what it is you wish to accomplish over the many decades of your career if you hope to rise above the crowd.Know Your PurposeIt's important to know what you want out of your career and what kind of work you want to do, because when you do work you love, you're much more likely to excel.Writing a career mission statement can help you to understand the purpose of your career and give you a thought model to refer to when faced with tough career decisions.With a carefully written career mission statement at your disposal, making decisions on whether to change jobs, transition to a new career entirely, or what your on-going professional development should look like become pretty obvious.[FREE WORKSHEET: Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Own Career Mission Statement]Stop Competing. Be Best In Class.Knowing a little about a lot is great, but having specialized knowledge and skill is what sets a professional apart from the pack. Specialization is what makes a person an irreplaceable asset to their organization and the clientele they serve.No one has time to be an expert in everything so we supplement our ignorance with the expertise of specialists; that's just how the world works.Becoming an ExpertSelf-education is the main component to becoming an expert. The idea that you can become an industry expert in something by being taught in a classroom, things that a great deal of people already know, is absurd.For one, if information has been around long enough to be synthesized into a course curriculum then it is old news and maybe even outdated.While course work and formal teaching can give a beginner a great point to jump off from, it is the uncharted wisdom gained through experimentation and self-education that gives a person expert status.It is from industry experts that material for future academic courses is derived, not the other way around.In the words of Mark Cuban, “School isn’t the end of the learning process, it’s purely the training ground and the beginning.”Overcoming Fear, Impostor Syndrome, and Self DoubtIf you’ve ever read anything by Chandler Bolt, you know he’s a firm believer in the idea that being done with a task is better than getting caught up trying to do it perfectly.In his latest project, the Self-Publishing School, Chandler challenges first time authors to change their lives for the better by going from blank page to self-published book in 90 days. To accomplish this feat, he urges his students and readers to lower the bar, change their expectations, and just do the work. Only by doing the work do these authors gain the experience to become truly great at their craft.No one becomes great at anything over night. Olympic athletes train for decades before ever qualifying for the games. You can bet that there were plenty of set-backs and embarrassing moments that led up to becoming a star athlete. Learning to excelling in your field of work or study will be no different.Don't Chase Career Success Before Defining ItCareer success can be a fickle thing if you allow it to be. Especially if you haven’t taken the time clearly define what career success means to you personallyWhat's worse is using the accomplishments of others as the measuring stick to determine your own level of success.Everyone is going to have their own definition, but without taking the time to articulate yours, how can you know what to aim for?As Zig Ziglar was famous for saying, “If you aim at nothing you are sure to hit it every time,” meaning that you have to be very specific with your intentions. Generalities will not suffice.Again, if you haven’t already, writing your own professional mission statement can help clarify what your own career fulfillment and success might look like.[FREE WORKSHEET: Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Own Career Mission Statement]Goal SettingGoal setting is a means by which you can measure incremental progress towards that greater idea of overall career success. If you're serious about making up for lost time, proper goal setting is the most efficient way to move the needle.Of course, ambiguity in goal setting only makes things harder. When it comes to setting goals it is important that each goal be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.Goals set using these principles are often referred to as SMART Goals.If you're new to goal setting or you've struggled to set and achieve goals in the past, I've created a FREE worksheet that will help you create SMART career goals and an action plan to help you achieve them in record time. [Click Here for FREE Worksheet]Staying MotivatedThe challenge to implementing all of these things long-term is staying motivated and disciplined.I recently paid off my outstanding student debt and medical bill. Doing so was a long journey that tested my discipline and motivation.I found that the key to staying motivated and true to the plan I had designed for my success was surrounding myself with like-minded people.By getting plugged in to communities founded on the same personal and professional values you will be exposed to helpful methods for achieving your goals more easily. You’ll also be able to see the success of others which will help to affirm that what you’re after is possible and worthwhile.If you’d like a list of the communities I plugged into and leveraged in achieving my goal of paying off +$20,000 in student debt and outstanding medical bills in less than 12 months you can get it here:[Click Here For FREE Access to My Recommended List of Communities]This list is what I continue to use to stay on top of best practices for professional development and improving my personal finances.[Click Here For FREE Access]

TL;DR — I signed up to testify on a bill that was eerily relevant to me.Earlier this spring, I had the chance to serve as a Page to my state-level legislature. I spent two non-consecutive weeks in the state capital, hovering about on the Senate floor and watching legislation in action. I made some of my closest friends during those two weeks and I will forever treasure the memories I have.On my first day on the job, the Page coordinator explained to us our responsibilities. My official duties included running errands for the elected officials and attending various meetings.“During your time here,” the Page coordinator explained, “you can attend Committee hearings. Bills generally go through three readings; the second reading round consists of discussing the bill in a smaller committee and hearing public testimony. Every year, maybe one Page of the hundred or so there are decides to testify on a bill — maybe something that’s personally relevant.”And so, in that instant, I mentally resolved to testify on a bill.I spent the next two nights poring over Committee catalogues, searching for a bill that I could speak about. Antibiotic resistance? I mean, I’ve read technical papers but what authority does a 17-year-old have?Maybe I could talk about oysters? They’re good for the environment, I think?I came across Maryland Senate Bill 485 and put a tentative question mark in the margin. Something about remote access to education given certain medical conditions. I’m a high school student, I’ve seen the advent of more digitally-oriented curricula — I could talk about this.And so, at 9am the next morning, I signed up to testify on Senate Bill 485. As I put my name down for the 1pm testimony, I noticed a parenthetical note — “Senate Bill 485 (Peyton’s Bill), sponsored by Senator Serafini”. Who was Peyton?I pushed the question to the back of my mind and reported to the Senate floor. I spent the next few hours making copies, passing out amendments, and the like. In my downtime, I thought of points I could mention in my testimony. I could talk about the new digital grading and submission system my school system implemented — it’s been pretty effective but has untapped potential. At the end of the Senate session, another Page came up to me.“Hey, I’m going to lunch with Senator Serafini. You wanna come with?”Only when I was sitting across the table from the Senator did it register in my mind — here was the sponsor for the bill I was about to testify on! I took a bite of my mac and cheese and asked a fateful question. “Senator Serafini, I was just wondering — who’s Peyton?”As the senator began to explain, I realized that I’d have to scrap the testimony I’d prepared.Senate Bill 485 was proposed in the name of Peyton Walton, a twelve year old cancer survivor. While undergoing treatment, Peyton had to miss school. Her mother worked tirelessly to find a way for Peyton to have access to school. After innumerable calls, emails, and conversations, Peyton was allowed to attend school remotely by way of a robot. Peyton’s Bill aims to allocate $500,000 in the Maryland state budget to remote technology so that other children with cancer or other chronic conditions can attend school. Peyton would be at the hearing, providing testimony of her own.It was 12:40pm. I was going to testify in 20 minutes, and the testimony I had prepared (something about inputting grades and implementing curriculum online) was effectively irrelevant. Shoot.Suddenly, the gears in my head started to turn. The Page coordinator had said that people tended to testify on things that were personally relevant. Oh my gosh. I’m a pediatric cancer survivor. As I sat outside the Committee hearing room at 12:55pm, I scribbled notes down on a piece of scrap paper. This testimony — haphazard as it was — would be infinitely better than what I’d prepared.If you care to hear my testimony, you can click here and go to about 23:30.I never really understood the word serendipity until I finished testifying — until those last words left my lips and I became aware of the adrenaline coursing through my veins.Here’s a picture of Peyton and me —Cancer was a big part of my childhood. I’ve been in remission for a while now, but certain effects still persist. I’ve never known how to mentally approach being a cancer survivor. There are people battling cancer now; do I avoid discussing my childhood experiences? Do I pretend they never happened?No and no — Senate Bill 485 offered me the chance to speak openly about my childhood and contribute to the passage of meaningful legislation.And to think — I had no idea what I was getting into even minutes before the testimony!