On Tuesday, February 23, Republican Congressional candidate Josh First participated in the Berks County East Republican Debate in Oley, at the historic Oley Fire Hall.

"A supporter of mine in the audience noted afterwards that all four candidates were hitting most of the same points, and that we appeared to be in agreement on the main issues," said First. "He actually liked that, because he feels like the conservative movement here is unified and focused on core principles. No matter which candidate   wins the primary, everyone wins."

First spoke about two issues: Returning America to its basic Constititional values, and planning ahead.

The return to basic Constitutional values include smaller government, less spending, lower taxes or a tax structure overhaul, a balanced budget, and more individual liberty.
Planning ahead includes energy independence, food independence, and  
foreign policy independence.

Energy independence means clean coal, natural gas, wood-based cellulosic ethanol, and other energy forms as new transportation fuels, offsetting substitutes for imported oil. Food independence means adequate farmland protection, so that our nation will be able to feed itself.

Foreign policy independence means getting the US out of the United Nations, and allowing our nation's core interests and needs to determine how we engage in foreign policy, diplomacy, and warfare.

"The United Nations is an anti-democratic mess," said First. "America is wasting money and precious time participating in the UN. Member nations are using the UN to attack the US and undermine our security, especially our anti- terrorism efforts."