My name is Jose Ruiz, and I am running for Congress in 2010 for the Democratic ticket. The reason I decided to run for congress is because I have a moral obligation as a father, husband, brother, and friend to protect the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I want my children to have the foundation of a solid education which would enable them to someday compete in the global markets. Likewise, my in-laws should be able to purchase their medication and be treated when needed without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, my friends and neighbors should not have to suffer the loss of their home values due to greedy bankers and unscrupulous investors.

Clearly, during these most difficult times in our Nation's history, most in Washington do not relate to those who elected them to start with. There is a real disconnect between the Washington politicians, and politics for us in our home state. Many have lost their jobs, their homes, their lifelong savings, and to this day I have not seen help "trickle" down to those in need. We have serious problems here in Florida District 19, and we need solutions to these problems.

I care about what is happening in my community and am proud to call Lake Worth, Florida my home. If you are looking for an honest and genuine person to represent the interests of our community you need not look any further. I am asking you to support me in anyway you can whether it be financial, volunteering for the campaign, or sponsoring an event. Let's send these politicians in Washington a clear message that we are all tired. Tired of politics as usual, tired of a do-nothing Congress, tired of bi-partisan politics, tired of wasting the taxpayer's money, and tired of pork barrel and sweeteners intended to benefit a politician, in return for their political support.

"If elected to Congress, it would be a great honor for me to donate half my salary back to my community”.  I am not a wealthy man, and I work very hard to support my family. However, I want to give back to my community not only financially but through volunteer work. It is time we start working on the real issues at hand, like the loss of home values, high unemployment, and education.  I would like to challenge those who are vying for the position in Congress to donate at least half of their annual income back to the community.  Talk is cheap, and we need politicians to put their money where their mouths are.”

Fiscal Responsibility

The nation's economic future and fiscal responsibility are directly linked. There is a tie between budget deficits today and what society can enjoy tomorrow. Eliminating the deficit is an important first step. The larger challenge, however, is to reform our age-related entitlement programs, which are projected to grow at an unsustainable rate as the population ages. Facing up to both the short and long-term fiscal challenges will help put the nation on a path to lasting prosperity and a rising standard of living. If, on the other hand, we fail to quickly address the growing imbalance between federal commitments and available revenues, we will squander the only opportunity to get our finances in order before the aging of America makes our fiscal situation far more difficult. Doing so would be to ignore every principle of public finance, generational equity, and long-term economic stewardship.

Israeli Security Concerns

The security of Israel is paramount to the security of our nation. The Jewish contribution in the U.S. to religion, science, literature, music, medicine, finance, philosophy, and entertainment has made this country what it is today. However, Israel's security must be safeguarded in the coming talks between the Israelis and Palestinians. Palestinians must acknowledge Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, and make a good-faith effort to stop terrorism so that higher level negotiations can ensue. During, the last eight years of the Bush administration we were so focused on our military activities in Iraq and Afghanistan, that we have not really used diplomacy to advance the interest of the Jewish State.

I believe that we have to work with our allies to secure a permanent two-state solution that is durable and permanent. A new peace process, that engages the Middle East in a way never seen before. One which guarantees the existence of Israel, and addresses the security concerns of both parties. The International community needs to guarantee the security of Israel, and insist on a Palestinian demilitarized zone as the only means to secure a two-state status. We need to focus in bringing security, and the much needed development to the region.

In order to accomplish this feat, we need to engage Syria and Lebanon into the peace process as well. There is no viable peace process, unless all the parties involved sit down to resolve this crisis. The Jewish people are good, kind hearted human beings who want peace, but are also not afraid to fight militarily if necessary. We need to make this a priority for this new administration, and with your support, I will be honored to fight in the U.S. Congress and abroad for the right of Israel to exist.