Why are you running for election?

Bullies are in control with total disregard for our Civil and Bill of Rights. We are off-course and we feel it deep inside. We have to re-take our ‘Integrity’ in this world, which has been abused and convoluted by Bush and this Administration and Congress, of which Walter Jones Jr. help to advance and sustain. We need a ‘representative’ and not a politician, during these times. People are looking for hard-driven and compassionate leaders to represent their interests. I have a total ‘passion’ for the welfare of the people of Eastern North Carolina. We must take back our lives, and our country.

How do you differ from your opponent?

Jones Jr.’s method of sustaining in Congress, is to follow the ‘trend’ of time and go with it, and the way the wind is blowing for votes. I have no problem with someone changing their ‘policies’ in life over the years. I know that I have. Follow those issues and policies, and then align yourself with the Party addressing your concerns. But, Walter Jones Jr. was, in essence, ‘bought’ in his second try at Congress, after losing under the Democrat Banner. He changed to the Republican Party, with promises and to remove the ‘Junior’ from his name, to confuse voters that his Father, Walter Jones “Sr.” was still running. For three elections after that, voters still thought “Senior” was alive and running for office. Junior changed his religion. I have no problem with that, other than he did it just as a sign of the times, to be more in tune with the Bush Administration Policies. Walter Jones ‘Jr.’ changed Political “Party” first; in order, to get elected. That is an “Opportunist” and cannot be trusted. They go with the ‘times’ and lack conviction in their decisions. Case in point; now, Jones Jr. turned on His Republican Party, by showing lack of conviction to his party concerning the War in Iraq. I want ‘out’ of Iraq. Bin Laden is not there; but, worse yet, Jones Jr. has compromised and undermined a Military Mission and Objective. That is turning again, on this time, Our Military, who ‘follow orders’. On the floor of the Armed Services Committee, he changed again and called for a pullout of Iraq and bring the troops home. He said that Someone should apologize to Saddam Hussein for removing him from office. With his remarks, Jones Jr. has shown the United States to be indecisive, weak and embarrassing Our Military, himself and the United States of America, in the World Theatre. We do differ.

What experiences make you suitable to the job?

What makes me ‘suitable’ is that I am an American. I have worked in Television for 24 years and have seen the in’s and out’s of politics, from a Newsroom, and up close situations and issues from around the world. I have seen ‘affects’ and ‘effects’ of many world problems. I was never a hero; but, I am a United States Marine. Marines are people who you just know, that you can trust, with a ‘good fight’ for your welfare. Look back in History and you will find all types of occupations being represented in our establishment and ‘Fight for Liberty’.

What would be your top priority if you’re elected?

Make that ‘priorities’.

Obviously, the War in Iraq. Mind you, I am ‘strong’ on the ‘War on Terror’. But, ‘righteousness’, is finding Bin Laden, and if one belongs to Al Qaeda, which attacked America; “I want you.”

Economy and Jobs. We have to rebuild even ‘behavior’ towards American Employment. There seems to be total disregard and concern over the hard working American. Jones Jr. voted against the simplest of measures to show even the smallest concern, by voting against ‘raising the minimum wage’. The job market can be rebuilt or rechanneled . We are Americans. We find ways. We improvise, adapt and overcome. We need a Leader ‘focused’ on this.

Education. I love learning, and in all methods available. That’s the one thing that should never be exhausted by anyone or any government or civilization. It’s like me and always wanting to at least, ‘meet and hug’ everyone, once, in the world. It would be an endless endeavor. Likewise, no restraints on learning. This in mind though; don’t make promises to ‘education’ and not ‘deliver’. Money must be there. People want to know that someone is ‘Fighting for their Children’. The National Education Association, and the North Carolina Association of Educators have endorsed me. They must see my sincerity and commitment to education, knowing that I will be responsive to their welfare and that of their children and community. I will be there for them.

National Polls are ranking the economy, War in Iraq and illegal immigration as of the most concern and how do they rank in my District.

Yes, three of many. But in addressing these you suggested and not necessarily in the order mentioned as to priority, I alluded to the War In Iraq in a previous question. The world ‘goes’ as the war goes; and thus, the economy. I am in a Military District with Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, National Guard. Joe Lieberman loses a Primary and a Senate Seat, because of alignment with the Bush Administration early in the War. Walter Jones Jr. too, helped to validate, support and sustain the War in Iraq. Walter Jones Jr. helped to send our troops and military to a war shrouded in misconceptions, diversity, disregard and lies. There were many ‘meetings’ set up to justify their positions and then to promote them to the American People on behalf of an Incompetent Administration. Regardless of how Jones Jr. backpedals now, know this; He helped send the troops to Iraq and an unsubstantiated, uninitiated war, costing American Lives. I have a situation here, where we have a President, who abused the ‘righteousness’ of our Military; and, Walter Jones Jr., who has gone both ways, and compromised and undermined a military mission, as well as, turned again with lack of conviction to both Parties; but more important, embarrassed Military Direction in this matter, just to gain the sentimental vote in the wind. He turned his back on the Fighting Men and Women by sending conflicting and confusing messages from the United States Congress in their days of battle. Warriors, above all, do not need ‘lack of unity, conviction or support from those who sent them off to war and ‘harms way’ in the first place. Don’t be misled. Walter Jones ‘Jr.’ was and is a part of this. Those ‘hanging sheets’ on Heartbreak Highway along hwy 24 into Jacksonville, bring tears to my eyes too, every time I drive by. But, my Heart cries and shouts even louder, for the pride I have in our Military and their families knowing what they have put on the line for Any Cause that they have endured by ‘just following orders’ under the Heading of United States of America. I will never abandon you. I will always try to bring you ‘justice’. I so swear to God.

The economy is in total disarray, confusing and conflicting, I believe because we have over-expanded ourselves in a world market. We are giving more and more control of ‘America’ to other countries. It’s that typical response that ‘pretty soon, we won’t know who we are’. They will be telling us what to do. We have allowed it through bad management from this administration and pacifying Congress. Economy is of the essence here in Eastern North Carolina, and tourism cannot do it all. We must rebuild, create attitude and grow. Look at moneymaking ideas that bring jobs. Look where not looked before. Challenge skeptics. Re-look at avenues never ventured, but suggested. We have ‘land’. We have ‘water’. We have ‘will’. Now, let’s go grow something. I say that we can ‘farm’ again, that we can ‘manufacture’ again, that we can ‘commercial fish’ again. Let’s start small; but, let’s be innovative. We’ll get there.

You used the term ‘Illegal Immigration’. That says it. I feel this way. I want anyone who want to be an American Citizen, to ‘come on’. This is the melting pot of the world. I want you ‘legal’, so until that formality happens, there aren’t the rights available that other Americans should be able to enjoy. I can suggest this. Let us ‘shorten’ the time necessary to become a citizen. There will be a stricter scrutiny and regulations to follow; but, less time to fulfill your dream. Illegal Immigrants are eating up American Society and way of life, on all levels. Basically, ‘there’s not enough for us at the most minimal level’. We are now being told ‘no’, because what was available work wise, medically, compensatory, has been taken by someone else. Funds are already being siphoned out of ‘our Social Security’ and sent to Mexico in deals made by Bush and his administration. We’re just not suppose to know this. It’s a mess; but, must be dealt with now, and in this day and time. I ask for ‘patience, focus, loyalty, consideration’ by immigrants. There are few, if any, existing rights that you should have in this Foreign Country to you. But, I say this. I will help come up with a viable process to Americanization and make it as concise, understandable and fruitful for you to live out those dreams of grandeur in America. We have to put our foot down. Please give us understanding. America would never turn anyone away. Let’s get legal, and then the rights will be there to help you pursue your happiness. There are those who have these rights already. They are over fighting a war and dying.

Various levels of government are exploring the possibilities of off-shore drilling for oil and natural gas within 100 miles of the Atlantic Coast. How do you (and your constituents) feel about this? Will you support drilling near the North Carolina coast?

Let me be more specific with this. You mention off-shore drilling within 100 miles of the Atlantic Coast. First, I don’t like it. They say 100 mile; but, they will go where the oil is. You’ll be able to see those oil rigs. I will always worry about spillage. Water currents can take a spill to so many areas of the world, upsetting the ecological balance in a horrific way. I could go on an on about this, especially, since I am a Meteorologist and help to start “The Weather Channel”. Let me focus on North Carolina. Walter Jones Jr. said, in, I believe, the News and Observer a while back, that he would not support ‘off-shore drilling’ of North Carolina. This was prompted by two legislators from the west, suggesting this. A short time ago, Walter Jones “Jr.” voted “For” offshore-drilling of North Carolina.

He said, because of Monetary Influences, I believe. Talking about, ‘crazy as a loon’. Understand this, ‘Would you be willing to give all the Coast of North Carolina up to the possibility of environmental destruction and disregard all ‘ways of life’ experienced by the population from centuries past, let alone destroying the ecological balance for centuries to come. God gave us this land, and gave us common sense to work and live it. This isn’t the place. The North Carolina coast is not the place for oil. Go swim in the Gulf of Mexico, off the Texas coast, at Galveston. You will feel a very subtle ‘slick’ on your skin. That’s with just normal use and water behavior. Imagine a spill. Two water currents work off North Carolina. The Labrador, from Northeast to Southwest, and the Gulf Stream from South Southwest to Northeast. One, towards the coast, and the other away from the coast. If there is any type of disaster, whether mechanical, or environmentally driven, Hurricane etc., one current would bring that spill right onshore. The other current would take the spill, far across the Atlantic towards Europe, Africa, back to the Caribbean Islands. Add this into the equation. At the area where the Labrador and Gulf Stream Current parallel each other off the N.C. coast is called ‘The Graveyard of the Atlantic’. The reason is because of what we termed in Meteorology, ‘A Hatteras Low’. Storms brew in this area and breed what’s known as the infamous “Nor’easter”. Put that into the equation of an Oil Spill and a Nor’easter, and there will be a massive destructive storm, carrying oil laden storm water, all the way up the Eastern Seaboard. It would be destroyed for decades to come. North Carolina Coast is strategically, ‘not’ the place to put Off-Shore Drilling.

What will you do to make North Carolina a leader in the effort to slow global warming?

North Carolina could in fact lead this Country in an effort to slow global warming. And, or find alternatives to affect the need for the fossil fuels. This is where my thoughts take me. Instead of those Oil Rigs, create Solar Panel Rigs. The will harness and store solar energy. We could effectively light up the Eastern part of North Carolina. Also, this is one of the windiest places in America. Let’s place windmills on the sounds and back bays. Plenty of wind and not an eyesore over the waters. Wind driven electrical generated power. We do have lots of corn, making ethanol. It’s about the same price as gas per gallon; but, burns cleaner and longer for better mileage. Wouldn’t hurt the Farmers either.

How can NC recover jobs when globalization is the ruling trend? How is this stance different from your opponent’s stance?

First, I am not sure about the term ‘recover’. If you mean ‘take-back’, we can’t. If you mean rebuild and create, there’s nothing holding us back. To me, North Carolina, is the most “Prime State” on the Eastern Coast. I have a plan for energizing N.C. and renovating her. We can create our destiny, again. I believe in research and finding alternatives. Example; I believe there is some other use for tobacco. The Good Lord put it here for a reason. There are ‘existing’ elements that we need to find plans for their usage. I don’t mind ’globalization’, as long as there is a major benefit to the initial primary area. You do not drain your resource to give to somebody else, and leave a devastating effect behind. That’s counter-productive, and destroys the foundation instituted for the economy in the first place. If this is the way American Corporations and Business has become to the point of greed and self-centeredness; let’s learn and build again, in other ways and protect our interest with a stronger working constitution for the future and our families. We can lead. This very well could be the way intended by ‘The South Will Rise Again’.

What is your stance on same-sex marriage? Do you feel that a Constitutional Amendment barring same-sex marriage is the correct course of action? How do your constituents feel about same-sex marriage?

If you want to get into a Moral Question, I cannot ‘judge’. That’s one of the problems I have found through this Republicanism that is set by this Administration and Bush. It seems like, they want the American People to ‘judge’ other people, and they want help from them to do this. A ‘Moral Issue’ to me is what is ‘right or wrong’ to do. And that is what one’s ‘soul’ is. God gave us that to go ‘think in’. What comes out of the ‘think tank’ of ourselves, is our decisions we make, on how we treat others, and life itself. We will be judged on those decisions, by God, at ‘that’ time. We have to answer to God. But, I don’t know of anywhere it says that God asked, or needed ‘help’ to judge other people. I think that He can handle that one Himself. I have a bit of a problem, and just a bit using the term ‘marriage’. Maybe, it’s just from conditioning of the term meaning what it has meant to humanity for centuries. I like ‘union’ a lot. I don’t understand ‘why’; but, I know that God created everyone. There must be a purpose. You question God. I am not going to do it. I am of the Forefathers of this Great Country, on this a bit. The agreed for all to live in Liberty, and when it came to Religion, the believed strongly in a “Public Religion”. It’s in the book, American Gospel. They made the United States strong and receptive to a Religion where people would follow and revere a ‘Higher Being and Creator’ known by “God” who blessed this Country and we should pay Him homage and pray to Him during times of crises and personal concern, because without Him, there would not be a United States of America. The other part was, that we should treat others as we would like to be treated. Respect each other as we would want to be respected. It’s the Golden Rule. One other part of this was that the Government in its “Public Religion”, would respect the rights of “Private Religion” to profess and grow in their faith. With all this in mind, I must look at this from the “Public Religion” professed by our Founders, for America. As long as people understand that this Country was founded with one of the foundations being religion and God; you are free to follow your own ‘Private Religion without infringing on the ‘Public Religion’. Also, if you treat others with respect and as you would like to be treated, you fulfill ‘American Public Religion’ as a citizen. All meaning this. If two people find love and compassion in themselves and in life and are good citizens and don’t hurt others, call ‘the ceremony’ or living condition what you want. If you want to ‘judge’ people, which the American government shouldn’t do when it comes to ‘rights of all’, I say ‘Talked to God’ about it, if you think He needs help judging. Did anyone ever find that ‘guy’ who threw the first stone? No amendment is needed. Just talk to God and your soul; then, let people live. I still like the term union, better.

Women’s Rights

I love women. I think that Mothers are the closest we will ever come to touching or knowing God’s Presence, on this earth. I have seen birth. I have felt God’s warmth among all in that delivery room. A woman carries God’s message. We men will never understand. What a woman puts her mind and body through for us and posterity, must be protected. We men can protect the outside of a woman; but, only another woman can protect the sensitivity of life on the inside. I am envious of their insight into life. Put this in the same category as the previous question. Men cannot understand all the intricate parts to the woman and the changes accepted or not, by the Woman’s questioning of her soul. Once again, there are ‘moral issues’ which is a person talking to their soul. That’s where ‘right or wrong’ resides. I am for making sure any woman has the right to ‘talk to her soul’, without judgment and pressure. Only she is responsible to God for her rationale and decisions. I believe support is paramount in counseling with her Doctor, or even church groups versed in experience and not condescending judgment. Mind you of this. If The Good Lord was standing right there during any decision or confusion, He would never turn His back on anyone, and would Hold you and Hug you, just because you are scared and desperate. The Final Decision on any of this is up to the Woman, Her choice and God’s guidance. And, I will hold you and console your heart and mind.

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Recently, the U.S. Congress and North Carolina General Assembly looked at legislation that would ban the desecration of the American Flag. What is your opinion? Would you vote for or against such a Constitutional Amendment?

The fight for my country and my beliefs comes from deep in our hearts. Harm those, and we will battle. A cloth represents our effort and pride in that. It is a personal thing for all those who made that effort and thus means different things to different people. The flag symbol rallies us through our disagreements and unites us as one. That’s the marvel of these United States. We will come together under any duress, and on any given day, confusion of a task will be made focused by simplicity with the spirit of any American. The bottom line is that the United States’ Flag means many things. To make it an ‘amendment’, makes it mandatory, which then makes us not free to make those choices, that were always fought for. The Flag should be held in the highest regard and with reverence. The choice is the individual’s. I for one, will always salute and rest my heart in the vision of the American Flag.

Ethics reform has been in the news and is a topic for debate at the North Carolina General Assembly. Current lobbying reform being debated at the NC House of Representatives includes a “no-gift” registry. Do you support the “no-gift” proposal that would ban any gifts from lobbyists to government officials?

It’s all out of hand. No one can trust anyone to be fair. North Carolina is at least leading to make a change; but, I think it’s just on paper. I think Public Funding is the purist way to solve any points of contention. It’s the fairest. It puts pressure specifically on the Candidate, to focus their issues and demonstrate their ability to lead and carry the interest of the people, to the Congress, to the people. There will always be those ‘loopholes’ that devious groups will use. For example; after January 1, lobbyists can no longer contribute to campaigns; but, they can still raise money for candidates. The ban on contributions will be thrown out by a court for constitutional grounds. Those who did vote for the ban, knew this all along. I have a hard enough time just keeping my signs in the ground. Gifts shouldn’t come from Lobbyist. Help me protect your interests. Do not try to buy my favor.

Why do you think the North Carolina General Assembly has had such a hard time getting election and lobbying reform accomplished?

Money talks. I like equations. Lobbyist + money given to politicians = an open book of transactions under public record. Always ‘share’ knowledge with the voters and the public; especially if they are paying your salary with their salary

What is your view on campaign finance? Do you support restrictions on contribution amounts or do you support ‘market driven’ campaign contributions?

I support restrictions, in order to put everyone on an even playing field. Whether you are to be a ‘good person to represent your voters interest’; doesn’t come from money. It comes from what ‘you’ are made of, and the passion to carry it through.

How would you rate the performance of the 2006 North Carolina Legislative Session? What didn’t get done that should’ve gotten done?

Better to ask a state legislator about this. The intricacies are better know by them. My opinion is that they accomplished a major portion of what was first established. Dump Jim Black. Too much smoke. He should show remaining ‘integrity’ and step down. If nothing to the allegations; then come back into ‘Rome’ with a wreath and an olive branch. This is not a time to be hypocritical. Back to view of performance; there is still that surplus, contrary to Republican claims of ‘all spent’. Major part of the money is still there under headings of Savings, Rainy Day Fund, Pay for Tax Cuts. As long as Education remains at the top of issues and money is generated, a good job is being done for all to grow.

What is your stance on the mega-landfills that have been proposed to be built in North Carolina?

In this case; where, is the problem. We cannot allow landfills in my District. It is environmentally and ecologically unsafe. We are in a sensitive area. Leakage, run-off, spillage and contamination could set us back decades. We have too many water currents, underground seepage areas, bodies of water and air currents, that if infected, could be catastrophic to economy, wildlife, water life, Human life, and ecological balance. Not just here. With the different water currents these problems could be carried to many other areas of the world. I believe the one in a Camden County proposal would bring in about 3 million dollars in annual fees, into their starved economy to help build schools. Camden County is growing very fast. First, I don’t like bringing trash into our state and piling it 280 feet high and two and a half miles wide. I won’t take a chance on health problems and sewage pollution among other possible problems; especially to infect those children, in those schools they want to build. Money for education, I will always help to attain; but, this is not the way. Too many politicians use the banner of education to rationalize or mask their intentions. To build landfills in this area and Eastern North Carolina is too many problems waiting to happen and this is too sensitive an area. If you were to also ask a question about ‘off-shore’ drilling, I would say ‘no’ for the same reasons. Months ago, Walter Jones Jr. said in an article, that he wouldn’t support drilling. A short time ago, he voted “For” offshore drilling in North Carolina, for what he termed, financial reasons. I cannot ‘sell-out’ and jeopardize the health and welfare of the people and our Children.