Monday, April 16, 2007

Peter King Interview, 10/26/06

Political Insider Column- Issue (51) October 26, 2006 Congressman Peter King (NY-3)
By featured writer Marty Schwartz

BACKGROUND: Age 62; married with two children and a resident of Seaford. Congressman since January 1993; former County Comptroller (1981-1992) and Hempstead Councilman (1978-1981). Law Degree from Notre Dame and an undergraduate degree from St. Francis (Brooklyn).

NORTH KOREA: They do not have a government. It is actually a one-man organized crime family. North Korea is sourrounded by major nations including Russia, China and Taiwan. All have some interest in North Korea not getting nuclear weapons. This is good for us. This is a real problem; maybe not today, tomorrow or next year. The leader has to be stopped.

PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH: He has done a good job on the war against terrorism. I disagreed with him on the Dubai ports and immigration, Overall he has been a good President. For the people who criticize him, ask yourselves how Kerry and Gore would have done.

ISRAEL: A democracy and the strongest ally in the mideast. I have a close relationship with the Washington Embassy and the New York Consulate. With the war against Hezbollah, we win the game but do not cover the spread.

A FEW MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: (1) Chuck Schumer-He is hard working and day-to-day bipartisan. We've disagreed on many issues. (2) Tony Blair-I have the highest regard for him. I met him during the Irish peace process. He is honest and able and a good ally. (3) 2008 Presidential Year-Giuliani is the strongest and McCain is second for the Republicans. I do not see Mitt Romney or Governor George Allen doing anything. Hillary Clinton will make it or not make it. If she gets off the ground, she makes it. It's possible that she gets blown off the launching pad in Iowa. She is good to work with. (4) Dennis Hastert-A quiet, low-key guy. You have to work with him. He gets more than you would expect out of people. He was a compromise candidate and has worked out well.

THE US MILITARY: It's the best in the world and has been asked to do a tough job in Iraq, where I have been a few times. Morale is high and different than what the media says. Whatever happens, our military has done its job.

IMMIGRATION: I am a supporter of legal immigration. Prior to 9/11/01 it's not the issue it is today. I am opposed to illegal immigration and amnesty to illegal immigrants. We must secure the border with a 700 mile wall using military technology. Illegal immigrants that are captured need to be returned to their country and we must penalize employers that hire illegals.

ETHNIC PROFILING: An airport screener should be allowed to factor in someone's background. Discretion should be given if screeners want to question Islamics, Muslims and Arabs. Common sense and logic are needed to cover us when people are boarding airplanes.

IRAQ: This is a tough situation. We will be able to separate this into phases. (1) Saddam Hussein-We defeated him and the terrorist threat. It's now under control. (2) Sectarian Fighting-The Federal govenment has to stop it. The biggest question is whether the Iraqi government is able to stablize itself.

HOMELAND SECURITY: We are much safer than we are before 9/11. The enemy will always change its antics and we must adapt. There is no magic wand to solve this problem. Airlines, subways, port security and nuclear plants are better today but there are vulnerablities. Containers need to be monitored that are sent from overseas.

CLOSING STATEMENT: We live in a dangerous world. As Chairman of the Homeland Secvurity Committee, I have a strong national role in fighting Islamic terrorism. I support wiretapping of terrorists, profiling for terrorists and tougher interrogations of a captured terrorist. I also will continue to denounce radical Muslims living on Long Island. The stakes are too high to back down to political correctness