THE ARIZONA AFFIRMATION 

In honor of Arizona's 100 Years

 A DECLARATION OF FIVE PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE ARIZONA'S PROSPERITY 

Marriage and Families - Traditional marriage is the foundation of society.  We support the passage of the Marriage Protection Amendment and recognize that a loving marriage between one man and one woman affords children the best opportunities for success.  We assert the inherent dignity and sanctity of all human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed.

Economic Growth - We recognize that reducing taxes and oppressive regulations create jobs and spur economic growth.  We maintain the philosophy that small businesses are the engine of our economy and we are committed to providing the best possible environment for private-sector ingenuity and innovation.  We have welcomed those companies which have chosen Arizona to grow and expand their business.  These positive changes have significantly improved our state's employment conditions while also increasing public sector revenues.

Defense and Protection - We defend the obligation of the state and local governments to protect the rights to life, liberty and property of its citizens.  Our determination to uphold the rule of law begins with more effective enforcement by giving our agents the tools and resources they need to protect our sovereignty.  We recognize that border security is essential to national security.  In an age of terrorism, drug cartels, and criminal gangs, allowing millions of unidentified persons to enter and remain in this country poses grave risks to the sovereignty of the United States and the security of its people.  We are appreciative of our law enforcement officers for their dedication and service to the safety of our communities and for our exceptional military who protect our Nation and its borders.

Immigration - We are a nation of immigrants and celebrate those who choose to come to our country in search of the American dream and who are willing to contribute culturally and economically to our society.  We acknowledge the importance of assimilation into our culture through a common language and through embracing core values of liberty which will afford legal immigrants the greatest advantage and opportunity.  We vigorously support current state laws which discourage the hiring of illegal immigrants and those who participate in identity theft.

Good Government - Constraining the federal government to its legitimate constitutional functions and empowering the people is essential to our republic.  This includes imposing taxes only to raise revenue for essential government functions, unleashing the power of free enterprise, innovation and the American spirit, controlling spending, respecting the Tenth Amendment by reserving to the states or the people all powers not specifically granted to the federal government - and never allowing government to be a substitute for family or community.