Jonathan "Jon" McColumn

Republican | Georgia

Candidate Profile

Conservative (Conditional)

BIOGRAPHY

Name

Jonathan "Jon" McColumn


Party

Republican


Election Year

2022


Election

Primary


Race

U.S. Senator


Incumbent

No


Links

Jonathan "Jon" McColumn websites
Jonathan "Jon" McColumn emailFacebookYouTubeLinkedIn

EDUCATION

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans

Webster University, St Louis, MO, MBA

US Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA, MS, Strategic Studies/ Nat'l Security

WORK & MILITARY

US Army, Brigadier General (retired), 35 years

Churches around the world, Pastor, 24 years

Veritas Management Group, Senior Military Advisor

AFFILIATIONS

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

POLITICAL OFFICES HELD

(Candidate did not provide)

POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT

(Candidate did not provide)

OTHER INFORMATION

QUESTIONNAIRE

RIGHT TO LIFE

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).

Strongly Agree

I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.

Strongly Disagree

Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?

None - According to the most popular book ever, God hates 6 things.. one of them is "hands that shed innocent blood". I can't think of any creation more innocent than a baby. Further, did the baby commit a crime worthy of death? Life for both the mother and baby is our call to action.


ECONOMY

Redistribution of income is needed to lessen the gap between the wealthy and working classes.

Strongly Disagree

The thought of such is born in socialism/communism. Both are the antithesis of the United States' experiment.

The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.

Strongly Agree

Our national debt exceeds $30T. We have a spending problem. We must address our needs followed by our wants within our constraints. Reducing the deficit is critical; perhaps, it is time for a balanced budget amendment of some sort.

What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?

I would suggest introducing the need to discuss a flat tax. Do not increase taxes - search for ways to decrease tax burden across the board for all Americans.


RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.

Strongly Agree

Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.

Strongly Disagree

My emphasis is on religious beliefs as morals are different when compared among differing groups of people.

What should be the relationship between the church and the state?

The church and state continues to co-exist with a fine line to ensure the US does not become a Theocracy nor does the state infringe against ones right to practice religion.


HEALTHCARE

Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?

Would suggest these decisions belong at the local or state level, allowing leaders to make determinations based on circumstances in perspective areas.

What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.

Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. Allow insurance companies to compete across state borders (either regionally or statewide). Most babies and senior citizens will continue to require health care assistance. Example - in the case of abortion, churches and other conservative leaning agencies must be prepared to enable support from churches, personal support, and the government (for pregnant mothers) if it means saving babies from being aborted. Only 1% of the total U.S. population serves in the military; the U.S. government should continue to support those who either served or retired.


NATIONAL SECURITY

With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.

The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny.

I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.

Strongly Disagree

The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.

Strongly Agree

What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?

The U.S. must continue to apply tools of influence at the right time and with regard to the correct state and non-state actors to fight Islamic terrorism. Through the execution of Diplomacy, Information, Military, and/or Economic policy, the US must insist that terrorism is a non-starter and infringes upon natural human order. The US State Department in coordination with the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, Treasury and Intelligence must continue to engage all nations while conducting bi-lateral and multi-lateral engagements to promote peace and democracy throughout the world. Other priorities include: 1. Conduct diplomatic engagements abroad to "prevent - degrade - detect - and respond" to terroristic threats 2. Sharing data and finance information globally 3. Establish/grow camaraderie among nations to deter terrorism


IMMIGRATION

The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.

Strongly Agree

Build (finish) the wall - incorporate electronic detection devices and follow the existing rules already written as means to secure the border. The U.S. has already paid for certain sections of the wall in spite of termination of contracts (probably termination for the convenience of the government). It is absolutely shameful that the taxpayers funds, already obligated to build the wall, was wasted. Security is one of the prime responsibilities of the Executive and Legislative Branches.

State and federal funds shall be denied to any public or private entity, such as a sanctuary city, that is not in compliance with immigration laws.

Strongly Agree

Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?

Rules for immigration policy is already codified in law/policy. From its beginning, the U.S. is an immigrant country. It seems the current administration has determined to apply its own rules instead of applying those already generated. U.S. Embassies across the world are empowered to conduct applications to appropriately vet or determine those, by defined criteria, have access to the US. I believe those under threat and harm who live under duress should receive consideration for entrance along with those desiring work visas, viable students, employment, adoption possibilities and special immigrants (migrants persecuted by visible and provable war like scenarios.


VALUES

Sexual orientation and gender identity should be protected classes in non-discrimination laws.

Strongly Disagree

I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.

Strongly Disagree

From my 35 years of service in the Army, I have determined that the United States of America is the greatest nation in the world for all cultures. The President of the U.S. has indicated, "the U.S. is systemically racist". His comments are extraordinarily misguided and unlike comments one would expect from a leader who desires to coalesce a nation under one flag. Perhaps, we have a major nepotism problem; far from a systemically racist problem. U.S. - best place for advancement for all!

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

My spiritual beliefs hold true that all of us have good and bad - we have all "sinned" according to God, whom we uphold in the Declaration of Independence, and other nationally related songs and pledges. The greatest book ever acquired, tells us that God loves all of us; however, He is also righteous and just. I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God - the ultimate gift God graciously provided for me; that through Him and Him alone, am I saved - by faith through God's grace. I believe God's revelation to me is made available through His word - the Holy Bible (it is infallible and absolute); I accept the biblical premise, in faith, that He died, that God raised Him from the dead - all for me. As the Lord has set me free, I, too, am obligated to preach the gospel, "for though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid on me, woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel", through a willingness to love all (the Great Commandment), demonstrated by witnessing (the Great Commission). My personal value system is predicated upon the bible. It doesn't imply perfection and sinless, but the refreshed concept that consistent prayer and repentance is a daily requirement. Trusting God - having faith, is the most important element of my daily pursuits. In so doing, I have become and continue to strive to remain focused on illustrating the Servant Leader. Serving people, so it appears, is my life's pursuit as indicated in service to my country and the church & community. Serving as a U.S. Senator representing the people of Georgia is consistent with my personal theme. Georgia is conservative state and desires adherence to conservative values that are fundamental to the bible, the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence (consistent with Judaeo-Christian values). APPLICATION: Whatever God's word declares, so will one find me trying to adhere to its time and tested wisdom. Interestingly enough, it is relevant that one can often find consistency in religion and science. I trust that through the application of both, we will seek truth, secure it, execute it and apply it to make Georgia and the United States a much better place for all!


ELECTIONS AND VOTING

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

Strongly Disagree

What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?

Existing laws are fair and reasonable. The federal government must not usurp the authority possessed by the states.


EQUALITY

Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.

Strongly Disagree

Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?

"A house divided against itself cannot stand". The U.S. is the most giving country to all people from all backgrounds. No country among the most industrialized nations (G7 or G20) offer upward mobility, opportunities and freedoms like the United States. While the U.S. is neither perfect, neither has a perfect past, it is the most giving country for all. However, I am thoroughly convinced that we have a nepotism problem - one that emphasizes family, friends, relationships over best performance. The current administration has employed reverse racism by nominating people to competitive and national positions based on color and gender. This practice is wrong! It is the antithesis of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. message, which emphasized "his children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character". All cultures of representative of excellence in every field of human endeavor. Therefore, no one has to be selected as a result of color, gender... The best among us reside in every culture. Racism, when exaggerated or unfounded, can greatly represent a threat to domestic security. If racism is founded or validated, it can impact the stability of a state. Racism can de-stabilize collective harmony as its intent is to disenfranchise otherwise capable people as a result of permanent and unchangeable characteristics, i.e. color, gender. If one culture believes it is mistreated by another based on other than objective criteria, distrust and anger could cause a rebellion leading to domestic security. Reverse racism has the same impact. SOLUTION: Select people for positions based on objective criteria (past performance, education, experience, capabilities, etc)


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.

Strongly Disagree

The current administration has wrongly eroded U.S. Energy Independence. Halting the Keystone Pipeline represented employment / future of oil from Canada to through the U.S. Limiting drilling and making the process inherently bureaucratic has harmed Companies' ability to acquire oil and/or natural gas underground. As a result, oil prices are very high and the U.S. is no longer energy Independent. We can't assist our allies, and contemplating acquiring oil/natural gas from rogue nations.

Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.

Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. Since 1970 (earth day), certain prognosticators have told us that the U.S will destroy itself through the likes of oil and other perceived processes. By now (2022), the U.S. should have self-imploded via famine, droughts, ocean destruction, etc. as a result of oil. The current administration has indicated "global warming" is an existential threat to the U.S. Many scientist and others disagree with this notion. However, the administration continues to pursue its efforts in spite of Americans detesting these efforts. SOLUTION: Midterm election - Congress must change from blue to red! Georgia must send me to the Senate to help alter the Executive Branch's direction!


ABOUT YOU

When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?

Very Conservative

Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).

Sermons (see Aletheia Baptist Church, Macon, GA (Facebook)). Search for Sermons by Jonathan McColumn.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.

No

What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?

The following are my additional priorities: 1. Repair the U.S. Economy (Reduce National Debt (#30T) / Resolve inflation woes) 1. Increase commerce to Georgia 2. Ensure Georgia Veterans receive the best support available 3. Increase Georgia's education ranking when compared with other states 4. Ensure parents rights are included in decision making 5. Ensure availability of insurance to all 6. Assist in realigning those threats deemed existential to the U.S. Biden administration falsely claims Global Warming is the #1 existential threat to the U.S. I suggest the following 1. China 2. Cybersecurity 3. National Debt 4. Rogue Nations 7. Ensure Department of Defense is refocused on fighting and winning 8. Increase viability of Georgia's military bases (Robins AFB, Fort Benning, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Moody AFB, Kings Bay, Fort Stewart, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Fort Gordon, Fort Gillem). They provide much stability to surrounding communities 9. Assist in repairing cross culture disharmony 10. Support policing BOTTOM LINE: RETURN POWER TO WHERE IT BELONGS - You (the people!!!


CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.

Strongly Agree

I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.

Strongly Disagree


2ND AMENDMENT

What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?

The 2nd Amendment in its current form attests to how U.S. citizens are governed with regard to guns

Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.

Strongly Disagree

If firearms dealers and manufacturers are subject to law suits as a result of an action by a person, then almost all industry could be held responsible for the actions of individuals.

If you are not already receiving our emails, stay up to date with important election alerts, educational articles, and encouraging reminders.

I agree to receive text messages at the phone number provided.