Opinion: Two writers explain the positions of both candidates (Part 1)

Ben Cline

Ben Cline stands for the constitutional rights of Americans. He supports our rights to life, protection, privacy, freedom of speech and religion.

Cline defends the rights of the unborn. During his time in the Virginia House of Delegates, he introduced a bill to defund Planned Parenthood, the Roanoke Times reported. 

Cline also supports our second amendment right to bear arms. The News Leader reported that Cline has an A+ rating with the National Rifle Association, and he supported “concealed carry” legislation, according to
his website.

When asked about gun control for schools, Cline said school personnel and police officers should receive training to better prepare for active shooter situations.

“One area I don’t believe would help the situation is the restriction of your constitutional right to defend yourself and your family,” Cline said, according to the Roanoke Times.

In addition to protecting the rights of the unborn and the rights of citizens to bear arms, Cline supports the rights to freedom of speech and freedom of religion. On his website, Cline states that Virginians need to elect “a Congressman who will fight to protect religion from federal interference and ensure all of our First Amendment rights are upheld.”

Cline also supports our rights to privacy. The News Leader reported that Cline help to pass legislation requiring police officers to obtain a warrant before using drones to survey citizens. 

As a firm supporter of the Constitution, Cline supports smaller government and believes that the government should only have control over areas specified in the Constitution, according to his website. 

Cline also believes in protecting America’s borders and instituting a merit-based immigration system that would bring in immigrants who will benefit the country, The News Leader reported.  At the same time, Cline believes that families should not be separated and has stated he thinks President Donald Trump did the right thing by reuniting families at the border, according to the Roanoke Times.

Not all of our security concerns come from our borders. Cline said he is aware that we need to keep an eye on the actions of countries such as Russia, China, North Korea and several countries in the Middle East, according to The News Leader. 

In addition to standing for Americans’ protection, Cline believes that citizens should be able to keep a higher percentage of what they earn. The Roanoke Times reported that Cline intends to lower taxes.

Cline is also working to protect Virginian jobs. He said the government should stay out of minimum wage and let employers and employees work through that. Cline believes a $15 minimum wage would lead to layoffs
in Virginia.

In addition to fighting for lowered taxes and protecting Virginian jobs, Cline said he intends to reform Social Security so that it does not collapse for future generations, according to The News Leader. Without reform, Social Security could go bankrupt in 20 years, Cline said. 

How does he hope to accomplish all this? Cline said he is not afraid to stand up to members of his own party, and he is not afraid to step across the aisle, which he has demonstrated through various pieces of legislation he has worked to pass.

Cline has consistently fought for the rights of individuals. If elected to the House of Representatives, Virginians can rest assured he will prioritize their rights in Washington.