M.V. "Vinny" Mendoza

Agree

As a Catholic, I firmly believe that every person, whether mother or child, has an inherent right to life. Therefore, those who oppose taxpayer funding for abortion providers at the federal, state, or local levels must fight tirelessly for these convictions. If you support forcing a 9-10 year old girl to carry a pregnancy to term due to incest or rape, you must advocate ten times harder for both the child forced to endure this trauma and the unborn child. Both deserve your utmost effort.

Agree

Chemical abortion drugs must meet strict safety standards, including in-person consultations with licensed medical doctors. These professionals, equipped with years of medical training, are best suited to assess the risks, benefits, and necessary precautions. Reporting adverse effects is essential to improve care and ensure the safety of those seeking these treatments. Trusting experts ensures informed decisions that protect both the patient’s well-being and public

The deaths of my sisters Roxane & Vivian by rape/gun shots remind us the emotional and physical toll that trauma can inflict. In cases of rape or incest, where women face unimaginable pain, the question of elective abortion should be approached with empathy and compassion. Every woman deserve to make informed decisions about her body, especially in circumstances where her life is at stake. We must consider the impact on the individual, offering support and understanding in such dire moments.

The federal government’s role in limiting abortion must be carefully considered, as medical decisions, especially regarding women’s health, should primarily involve qualified medical professionals. Obstetricians and gynecologists possess the expertise to provide informed guidance on women’s health. While the government has a duty to protect vulnerable individuals, it should not interfere in private health decisions. Instead, federal efforts should focus on ensuring that women, particularly in cases of rape or incest, have access to proper healthcare, psychological support, and legal justice. In cases involving minors, it is critical that parents, law enforcement, and social workers are involved, ensuring that the child receives the protection she needs--perpetrators of sexual violence must face severe legal consequences, including imprisonment. The priority should be focused in safety, justice, and the preservation of autonomy in healthcare decisions, not restrictive legislation.

The "separation of church and state" ensures that government remains neutral in matters of religion, protecting both the freedom of worship and governance from undue religious influence. This principle is vital to securing individual liberties and maintaining a pluralistic society. It preserves religious diversity, while safeguarding civic life from dogma. The state must serve all citizens equally, without preference to any faith, ensuring justice and equality under the law for all.

Agree

As a founding father, I would argue that individuals and businesses must retain their right to act in accordance with their moral and religious convictions. However, a balance is necessary. No person or entity should use religious beliefs as a pretext to deny essential services to others, which would undermine the rights and dignity of fellow citizens. The challenge lies in protecting religious freedom while ensuring that all citizens are treated equally under the law, without discrimination.

Option B reflects a balanced & strategic approach. The United States should selectively assist countries striving for democracy and fighting tyranny, but not overextend itself in every conflict. Supporting democratic growth strengthens global stability and aligns with American values, but we must be prudent in choosing our interventions. Our focus should be on defending U.S. interests & fostering international partnerships without unnecessary entanglements that compromise our national security.

Strongly Agree

The Chinese Communist Party presents significant challenges to U.S. national security in multiple arenas. Militarily, they are expanding their reach in the Indo-Pacific, while their cyber capabilities pose ongoing threats to critical infrastructure & intelligence. Their theft of intellectual property harms U.S. innovation, and their economic practices destabilize global markets. We must enhance our defense capabilities & reinforce cybersecurity to counter these multifaceted threats effectively.

Yes, the U.S.-Israel relationship is crucial for strategic, military, and moral reasons. Israel is a key ally in a volatile region, and our support helps ensure stability and counterterrorism efforts. However, while backing Israel’s right to self-defense, we must advocate for measured responses that avoid unnecessary civilian casualties. Our military aid must be balanced with domestic priorities, ensuring that both national security abroad and social needs at home are addressed responsibly.

The decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention stems from several factors. Constant overseas engagements, often in prolonged conflicts with unclear objectives, have led to service members questioning the necessity and purpose of these missions. Additionally, the strain on personnel from repeated deployments, coupled with the perception that the U.S. is acting as the world’s policeman, has reduced morale. To reverse this trend, we must improve conditions for those who serve.

Governments, schools, and employers should require vaccinations when public health is at risk, such as during outbreaks of contagious diseases. Vaccines protect both individuals and communities, especially vulnerable populations, and are vital to pre

Option B closely aligns with a balanced approach. Government-funded healthcare should be available for those who need it, providing essential coverage for the uninsured, while preserving private healthcare options for those who prefer it. Medicaid & Medicare remain crucial safety nets, offering vital services to the most vulnerable. This mixed system respects individual choice while ensuring that no one is left without access to basic, necessary healthcare. It promotes both equity & flexibility.

Creating 3 million small farms will boost US food production, lower food costs & reduce dependency on large agribusinesses. This will stabilize food prices, reduce inflation, and increase GDP. Citizens will retain more cash with lower food expenses.

Agree

Student loan forgiveness does shift the financial burden to taxpayers, many of whom never incurred such debt. However, providing tax breaks to billionaires also shifts wealth disproportionately, widening inequality. Instead of blanket forgiveness or selective tax cuts, a balanced approach is needed: targeted debt relief for struggling borrowers and tax policies that ensure the ultra-wealthy contribute fairly. Both steps can boost economic equity and growth without unfairly burdening taxpayers.

Yes

ESG ratings should be a factor in public investment decisions. Prioritizing environmental, social, and governance criteria encourages sustainable, ethical growth while mitigating long-term risks. ESG investing principles often outperform, benefiting both the economy and society. Ignoring ESG factors can lead to financial instability and environmental degradation. Therefore, incorporating ESG criteria ensures responsible investments that protect public funds and foster long-term prosperity.

Agree

Securing the southern border requires a multifaceted approach. While physical security is important, the U.S. must also address the root causes of migration. Rather than dictating leadership in Latin America and the Caribbean, we should work collaboratively with regional governments like Guatemala & Colombia to strengthen their economies and security, creating stability that reduces migration pressures. Diplomatic engagement and targeted cooperation are key to addressing this issue holistically.

Immigration to the U.S. should be based on a fair, humane, and orderly process, prioritizing those fleeing violence, persecution, and extreme poverty, often exacerbated by U.S. foreign interventions. While we cannot ignore the human consequences of past policies, we must focus on improving the immigration system, offering asylum to those in need, and creating opportunities for economic migration. The U.S. must work toward stability in regions affected by our past actions now driving immigration.

Disagree

While school choice may seem beneficial, it can divert essential resources from public schools, deepening inequities. Public schools are the cornerstone of our education system, ensuring every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education. Voucher programs and charter schools often lack oversight, risking lower standards and accountability. Instead, we should focus on strengthening public schools, providing all students with equal opportunities to succeed and thrive.

Disagree

Eliminating the U.S. Department of Education would undermine our commitment to providing equal educational opportunities nationwide. Federal oversight ensures that all states adhere to high standards, protect civil rights, and receive necessary funding—especially for underserved communities. While local control is valuable, a cohesive national framework is essential for maintaining consistency and competitiveness in education. Dismantling the department risks weakening our educational system.

Disagree

While investing in community programs is crucial for addressing the root causes of crime, redirecting funds from police departments may weaken public safety. A balanced approach is needed: strengthen community resources while ensuring police departments have adequate training and support to effectively serve and protect. Both prevention and enforcement are vital to fostering safer communities. Cutting police funding could compromise immediate safety needs without solving underlying issues.

Parents must be held accountable when providing firearms to minors who misuse them, especially in mass shootings. Stricter regulations, such as secure storage laws and background checks, are necessary to prevent access by those under 18. Responsible gun ownership requires safeguards to protect public safety, ensuring that only individuals capable of handling firearms responsibly have access. Liability laws would promote accountability and help reduce tragic incidents of gun violence.

Disagree

Expanding the Supreme Court could undermine its independence and politicize the judiciary. The current structure, with nine justices, has maintained stability for over a century. Reforms should focus on preserving the Court's integrity, such as term limits or ethics rules, rather than increasing seats. While calls for expansion often arise from political tensions, maintaining judicial impartiality is essential to uphold public trust and the Constitution’s balance of power.

Conservative

When considering a wide range of issues—economic, social, foreign policy, and religious liberty—I prioritize balanced, pragmatic solutions. Economically, I support policies that encourage growth & opportunity for all. Socially, I value individual rights while fostering community well-being. In foreign policy, I support strategic engagement and national security. Religious liberty is essential, ensuring freedom of belief while maintaining separation of church and state for a pluralistic society.

The general purpose of government is to protect the rights and well-being of its citizens. This includes ensuring security, maintaining order, promoting justice, and fostering economic stability. Government also plays a crucial role in providing public goods, like infrastructure and education, while ensuring fairness through laws and regulations. Ultimately, government exists to serve the people, balancing individual freedoms with the collective good to promote a just and thriving society.

No.

No.

Agree

I believe marriage, while deeply personal and often sacred, is also a social contract shaped by evolving societal values. Governments play a role in defining legal unions to ensure equality and justice for all citizens. The Constitution champions individual rights and freedoms, allowing for legal recognition of unions that may differ from traditional definitions. This flexibility ensures a just society where all are treated fairly, regardless of belief or identity.

Agree

Children, as the most vulnerable members of society, deserve protection from all forms of harm, including abuse. However, it's essential to approach complex issues like gender identity with understanding & respect for individual experiences. Rather than framing gender identity discussions as threats, we must focus on creating supportive environments that prioritize mental health, informed decision-making, and well-being of every child. We must protect children with care, empathy, and education.

Neutral

As God’s children, we should emphasize the principles of love, equality & individual rights. Taxpayer funds should support healthcare services that promote well-being, including gender transition services when medically necessary. Just as we provide healthcare for other essential needs, supporting individuals in their pursuit of mental and physical health aligns with the constitutional values of liberty and justice for all. Ensuring access to such care promotes societal health and inclusivity.

As a Catholic, my spiritual beliefs are grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing love, compassion, and justice. My faith calls for holding public servants accountable, as they have a duty to serve the common good. In matters of governance, I believe in placing duty, honor, and country before self-interest. This means serving with integrity, humility, and a commitment to the welfare of all. My values align with the belief that faith must be reflected in actions that uplift and protect others, especially the most vulnerable.

Neutral

Requiring photo identification to vote can create barriers for certain groups, including the elderly, low-income individuals, and minorities, who may have difficulty obtaining ID. Voting is a fundamental right, and the process should be as accessible as possible without compromising integrity. Safeguards like signature verification and voter rolls are already in place. Removing ID requirements ensures all citizens, regardless of circumstance, can exercise their right to vote freely and fairly.

Disagree

Abolishing the Electoral College would fundamentally shift how we elect presidents, moving from a system that balances regional interests to one focused solely on the popular vote. While some argue for a more direct democracy, the Electoral College ensures that smaller states and diverse regions have a voice in national elections. Removing it could centralize power in highly populated areas, weakening the power of rural communities. Reform may be necessary, but outright abolition is dangerous.

Disagree

While it's important to acknowledge that racial inequality has existed and continues to impact some areas of American society, labeling the entire system as fundamentally racist oversimplifies a complex issue. The U.S. has made significant progress in addressing racial injustice, and many institutions strive for equality and fairness. Focusing solely on systemic flaws, keeps us from working toward constructive solutions that promote unity and progress, without dividing society further.

Agree

The integrity and fairness of women’s sports & spaces are important considerations. Biological differences between males & females can create imbalances in physical competition. Protecting women's sports & spaces ensures safety and fairness, while still respecting the rights of all individuals. A balanced solution should involve thoughtful policies that protect women’s interests while also finding ways to address the complexities of gender identity with compassion and fairness for all involved.

Agree

Man-made climate change poses significant global risks, from rising sea levels to extreme weather patterns. Urgent political action is necessary to mitigate these impacts. Governments must prioritize reducing carbon emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and promoting sustainable practices. Delaying action will increase the long-term economic and environmental costs. Addressing climate change now not only protects the planet but also secures a healthier, more stable future for all.

Hydroelectric and geothermal energy are reliable, renewable sources that provide steady output. While geographic limits and infrastructure expansion are challenges, these sources can complement solar & wind, for a viable sustainable energy future.