Richonda Oaks
Republican | Missouri
Candidate Profile
Conservative (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Richonda Oaks
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 5
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, MBA/MPP, 1999
UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, BA, 1995
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Lenexa Baptist, Member, First Baptist Raytown
Member, Samaritan’s Purse, Contributor
Hillsdale College, Contributor, FRC Action
Contributor, GOP Republican Presidential Task Force, Contributor
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
House of Representatives, 2018
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Absolutely none. The legal gymnastics sanctioned by the Supreme Court, to justify murder (and thus ease the God-given conscience) is incomprehensible. I’d work to repeal Roe V Wade—as there exists a tremendous amount of science—more than enough to confirm life at conception. Furthermore, this nation would be considered unworthy of its founding if we fail to right this wrong.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
The key is a viable workforce. School systems must prepare students with the end in mind— a long term career at a livable wage. This makes the job of local policy makers easy— in that, a solidly educated workforce invites (small business &) corporate investment. Such work builds communities. Families & businesses thrive as does the tax base—which assuredly and inevitably adds to the financial solvency of Social Security. As a congressional representative I’d ensure the collection (and public deliberation) of performance measures for the billions spent on education & job readiness—while I’d work to support POTUS in bringing American jobs home from abroad. Our rural & urban areas have underutilized talent. At entry, mid-career & 2nd career life stages. If this isn’t fixed Social Security remains an unfunded mandate.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
CBO reports mandatory spending of $2.5 trillion In 2018. Going forward, I’d not touch allocations to Defense nor Social Security. I’d reduce spending which relates to the well being of working age citizens. And this based upon 2 Thessalonians 3:10. (Work is essential to adulthood). Discretionary spending totaled $1.7 trillion. I’d not touch defense nor infrastructure. Would examine return/performance for all other allocations & eliminate funding related to underperforming programs.
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
None.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
It means religious freedom. It means no legislator nor mayor nor Supreme Court justice would monitor my church life nor restrict my attendance nor create laws or rulings which would force me to violate my conscience. It means my church leadership is not forced by law to hire those who’s lives contradict the plain interpretation of scripture. It means my pastor exegetes scripture not my mayor.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
I support the elimination of private healthcare insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
We now know—by experience—the burden government regulated healthcare imposed on certain citizens. The Affordable Care Act was anything but ‘affordable’. In an effort to ensure equity—government—through the Affordable Care Act—made it worse. Employer provided healthcare NOT heavily regulated by the government is (more than) adequate, incredibly affordable and entirely/immediately accessible. The ingenuity insurance programs undertake when fighting for employers—to the benefit of employees is tremendous—when we allow market forces to operate freely. That said—any promotion of adequate healthcare cannot take place without simultaneous discussions regarding development of an adequately trained and vibrant workforce. Without strong schools and a strong work ethic—big government sees itself as the tool by which to allocate necessities of life—of which healthcare is primary.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
Work to ensure the UN has no authority nor perceived sovereignty within the United States of America. Just as physical border walls protect the nation— intangible legal & diplomatic walls must do the same. Congress must work to ensure there is no departure from constitutional protections at the state or local level. Meaning, no autonomous zone can refuse to honor the 2nd amendment without meeting—head on—US military intervention. That said—continue to invest in military preparedness. Ensure economic stability—aim for significant economic growth. Defend local & state police & ensure adequate funding for federal law enforcement agencies—such as ICE & DHS. Peace through strength. Close intangible border gaps. Islamists understand nothing else.
IMMIGRATION
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
Employers should be required to use E-verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Gainfully employed citizens from ideologically similar nations.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe the American Christian should be marked by holiness, good works, kindness & patriotism. I believe America is a gift from God—proven by the greatest generation who saved the world from the likes of Hitler. Proven also by the brilliant minds who authored our founding documents—the principles of which are not found within the governing documents of any other nation. As a Christian, I don’t fear death if I indeed live a life of purpose. I am however horrified at the thought of meeting the Lord without a life well lived. Our generation is surrounded by a cloud of witnesses—from those who began the early church to those who founded our nation—& all the testimonies of lives lived well in between. If I can serve Missouri’s Congressional District #5—by increasing the proportion of workers with essential skills, enacting thoughtful legislative solutions aimed at reducing violent crime, homelessness & perhaps even bridge the race divide—I think God would be fairly pleased.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
My twitter feed substantiates my response above. In addition, I hope to publish policy statements on noted blog before survey is published. My apologies for the obvious delay.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
One look at my name & my race is apparent. I find myself on a republican ticket because of my biblical worldview. (Which came into sharper focus after the 2009 presidential election). Such a worldview makes abortion unacceptable & has no room for universal income. My worldview allows me to defend the rights of the poor (of all races) without assigning blame to European Americans, for the violence & economic woes within Missouri’s Congressional District 5 (nor any other district within the USA). With that in mind—it is hope, my candidacy will allow legislation & dedicated resources to flow to rural & urban areas to enable & equip citizens with tangible skills so that they might discover God’s purpose, his plan & his peace for their lives. (And this without harming the financial solvency of the nation). For the task above—government is aptly suited—as am I.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
None other than those outlined within the 2nd amendment and presumably any related legislation which may place restrictions on aspiring owners with felonious background.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
I support BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanction) against Israel if they refuse to allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
1-The Essential Skills ‘Training & Development’ Act (rather than universal income—a focus on tangible certifiable skills which would add to the financial stability of families and cities and thus the nation—plumbing, electrical and mechanical work, welding, not to overlook certifiable white collar work such as data analysis and accounting). Not solely for new workers but for career changers as well. 2-The ‘Conception To Natural Death’ Act (a repeal of Roe V Wade with federal oversight of the nation’s nursing homes). 3-The Minimum Sentencing For Violence Against Police/First Responders Act (swift & firm legislation is needed to protect law enforcement & first responders in hostile confrontations). My hope is to (also) provide an inroad for federal agencies to ensure law & order within democrat controlled cities & states—so as to avoid the widening of autonomous zones which may invite foreign rule on domestic territory.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Accusations of racism are. Particularly when said accusations fuel riots. When such accusations turn riotous there must be consequences or else anarchy rules & domestic security is an ideal of the past.
