Visions of a safe and prosperous country along with taking an offensive approach to the War on Terror were themes communicated loudly and clearly by former New York City mayor and Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani when he sat down with the Foster's Daily Democrat editorial board on Monday.

Fresh off a quick local tour, Giuliani took time out of his campaign schedule to address some of the main issues of his candidacy.

He addressed the growing problem with "Islamic terrorism" and said victory in Iraq would help diminish the continuing war against America and ensure peace.

"As soon as they stop trying to kill us, then we'll make peace," said Giuliani.

Democrats believe in going on the defensive when it comes to terrorism, Giuliani said. The ability to go on the offensive against radical Islamic terrorists is something he firmly believes and intends on doing if elected to office.

He said a reduction in support for nations that fund different terrorist groups is necessary along with a strategic plan on how to remove that support.

"We need to stop Iran and have to find ways to get them to stop supporting terrorism," said Giuliani.

One of the ways to stop them, he said, is to ensure they never become a nuclear power capable of distributing nuclear weapons to terrorist states.

He also said educating nations such as Russia and China on that major policy decision is imperative because it will only strengthen America's attempt at squashing global terrorism.

Giuliani credited President Bush with starting the effort to reduce terrorist groups funded by Mideast nations and said he would work to continue that effort.

Free trade with foreign countries would also help foreign relations, Giuliani said, because he believes creating a business relationship with them and encouraging mutual success is a deterrent from the mounting tension between America and the rest of the world.

On the home front, Giuliani expressed his belief in a "flatter" tax and said he would lower taxes to strengthen the economy.

"The Democrats defy the laws of economics," said Giuliani.

Lowering taxes wherever he could and setting forth moderate regulations in regards to safety and security are on his agenda if elected.

Reductions in the corporate tax, business tax, hotel occupancy tax as well as controlling government spending are just some of the ways he plans to bolster the domestic economy.

He also envisions greater private control and less government involvement in economic matters.

"The genius of the American people, is the people," said Giuliani.

He believes putting more money back in the pockets of American taxpayers will stimulate growth and prosperity for generations to come.

A strong believer in choices, Giuliani said he would provide subsidies giving people the right to choose their own health care providers.

Energy independence and more emphasis on developing alternative energy sources are also main staples in his platform.

"There is no magic bullet that makes us energy independent," said Giuliani.

Steps toward developing biofuel, wind, solar, hydroelectric and even clean coal are what he considers crucial to becoming more energy independent.

He likes the steps taken toward developing more hybrid cars and agrees that by making the many alternatives more available it will make them more cost effective to the American people. Giuliani also includes nuclear power as an alternative energy sources and considers it necessary toward achieving independence from foreign oil.

With so many visions and dreams, Giuliani acknowledged that when he was mayor of New York City he made a lot of promises, some of which he kept and others he did not.

"I tried to keep all of my promises," he said

With the primary just three weeks away, Giuliani is determined to make good on the promises he's made to the American people and hopes his optimism will sway voters in the direction of the dreams he has envisioned for the country.