Join The Conversation!
By: BJ Lawson
Welcome to the Campaign Blog at lawsonforcongress.com. (In case you’re as new to blogs as I was earlier this year, the word “blog” is a contraction for “Web log”.) My campaign blog exists to discuss important issues with my fellow Americans, and chronicle the adventures of a non-politician running for political office.
I’ve watched many politicians create “blogs” that are just a place for pasting press releases. Press releases tend to ignore the deeper context around issues, and generally do not spark discussion. Right now we desperately need to engage in thoughtful dialog. I take this discussion seriously, and hope you will too.
December 28th, 2007 at 11:43 am
Good luck, BJ. You’re a true patriot.
December 28th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Goodluck, BJ!
By the way, I get the impression reading your “About Me” page that you don’t like labels but would it be fair to call you a “Ron Paul Republican”?
December 28th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Garland — That’s certainly a fair statement. I was drawn back to politics by Ron Paul’s tireless and principled work to restore a Constitutional federal government. Our grassroots Congressional campaign has grown out of the diverse members of the Triangle Ron Paul meetup that I was privileged to organize this past year. It’s amazing to see how the freedom message brings people together — the one label I will always wear proudly is that of a Ron Paul Republican.
The problem with even this label, however, is that it allows people who have been fed intellectual junk food about Ron Paul to dismiss our campaign without engaging in discussion.
Our challenge is the status quo. Our challenge is the person who wrongly thinks he “knows” Ron Paul and labels him an “isolationist” because he heard that word on the news. That person, and our entire nation, needs a deeper conversation to get beyond the labels, soundbites, and half-truths recited as dogma without deeper examination.
I’ve never been more convinced that or nation is up to the challenge of having these discussions. Our children are depending on it, so let’s get started.
January 13th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
BJ,
Ron has said on many occasions that he started his presidential campaign with a good deal of skepticism, and that we’ve changed his mind about how many people in this country still care about freedom and the rule of law. Ron’s already gotten some things back on the agenda that we’d long since given up as lost causes.
Seeing people like yourself and Murray Sabrin running for office gives me even more hope for our future. Ron’s often voted alone to uphold the constitution, and I look forward to seeing those tallies shifting as more senators and representatives get into office with a mandate to roll back the federal government to the powers we gave it in the constitution.
Right now, lobbyists don’t bother showing up at Ron’s office. Let’s make it a waste of time for a lobbyist to visit *any* congressional office.
-jcr
January 13th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
John — Amen to that! Lobbyists are welcome to visit, but they must come citing the Constitutional justification (out of the words in the document, not judicial or legislative precedent!) for any proposed legislation. That should keep my agenda free to deal with the substantial issues of restoring a Constitutional federal government.
January 14th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
How would you explain to some of the more rural voters in the 4th District, what a Ron Paul Republican is, and how would you square that with some of the more outlandish statements and behavior’s of Ron Paul? Ron Paul is a Libertarian, labeling himself as a Republican so he can get on ballots; do you compare yourself to him in that way too? Considering that many of David’s (Price) voters have been ‘paid’ to vote for him over the years, and have not educated themselves as to how David votes against their interests so often. How will you get door to door in the rural areas and get yoru message to those folks? (Hint: They are not here on the internet looking for an alternative to Congressman Price.) I sincerely wish you luck in your campaign, and I’m sorry in advance for what Price’s machine will do to you and your family. They are bloodthirsty crooks who will stop at nothing to retain power.
January 14th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Strohkid, those are tough and good questions. My definition (speaking just for myself, of course): A “Ron Paul Republican” is a “Constitutional Republican”. In other words, a Constitutional Republican understands that the “root” of Republican is “Republic”, as in “Constitutional Republic”.
Our Founders fought and died to give us a Constitutional Republic, with a limited federal government that lived within the boundaries of our United States Constitution. The “original” Republican party was actually Thomas Jefferson’s “Democratic Republican” party, which struggled against the Hamiltonian Federalists who wanted an elite ruling class, a strong central government, a “landed gentry”, and a central bank to control the economy.
It’s ironic, isn’t it? In the beginning, the struggle between a limited central government with local/state self-governance and a strong central government with limited local control was clearly defined. At that time “Democrats” and “Republicans” were actually combined in a party with a single name, and faced off against those who wanted an elite ruling class with a strong central government in the new world.
Today, we’re divided between ourselves, and there are factions within BOTH major parties that advocate a strong federal government, with powers and influence that stretch FAR beyond what our Constitution specifies.
That may be too much history for some voters, but “more rural voters in the 4th District” should understand that a “Constitutional Republican” is a champion of the free American, living in a free country, striving for the philosophical ideals of our Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”
That’s it, really. I’d be curious to hear which of Ron Paul’s statements and behaviors (as opposed to those of self-identified “supporters”, or statements from the mainstream media) you find “outlandish”.
As for me personally, I am not “Libertarian” in the partisan sense. I’ve been a registered Republican since I turned 18, and a better descriptor, if you must use one, would be “Constitutional Republican”. I simply believe we should stop ignoring the advice of our founders, and again embrace the virtues of a Constitutional federal government.
We’re looking forward to engaging the voters of the 4th District with the Constitutional message of Peace, Prosperity, and Liberty. It will be a person-to-person campaign to help them understand that the federal government *cannot* help us any more. The federal government is bankrupt, and the status quo’s approach towards an even bigger government trying to “fix” things only makes problems worse.
Please sign up to host a neighborhood coffee — I’d love to continue this conversation in person with you and your friends, and learn more about the issues concerning voters in your area.
BJ
January 15th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Thanks for your thoughtful answer and history lesson. I’m not in the 4th District so I doubt hosting a coffee can help your campaign much. So sorry. We have our own issues here in the Brad Miller (13th) gerrymandered District. I’m just always happy to see anyone take on the Price is Right machine.
In regards to Ron Paul’s statements over time, I refer you to his own statements in his ‘newsletters’ over the years. Here’s a link to a blog that quotes from a New Republic piece (which I don’t read) http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/showthread.php?t=93914 which has links to pdf’s of his newsletters: http://www.tnr.com/downloads/sponraceterrorism.pdf Some of his statements are downright dangerous and broderline lucid. I’m sorry….the man’s elevator just doesn’t go all the way to the top floor. I appreciate you sympathising with some of his views, but please consider distancing yoruself from the man himself.
Here’s a specific quote: “”A Special Issue on Racial Terrorism” analyzes the Los Angeles riots of 1992: “Order was only restored in L.A. when it came time for the blacks to pick up their welfare checks three days after rioting began. … What if the checks had never arrived? No doubt the blacks would have fully privatized the welfare state through continued looting. But they were paid off and the violence subsided.” June 15, 1992.
IMHO, a 21st Century Republican has more, or should have more, in common with the Party of Lincoln, not Jefferson.
Grist for the mill.
January 15th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
BJ - I had the same ration of #### from the party when I ran for wake county commissioner against Ken Gardner. ‘We don’t want a runoff….” from Bill Peasley.
The brain trust in this party doen’t get its hands on the wheel very often. We have a cadre of hags and fops that are just as corrupt as the democrats. They are keen for a federal job / pension and that is it. If you get the nomination, and I hope you will, it will be total war with the left, and our side will probably sucking its thumb, rocking quietly in the corner, as they did with Patrick Balentine as candidate for gov. I wish you the best.
“My comments to Martha Jenkins were out of frustration with her taking me to lunch and telling me not to run for Congress. How can we have a representative form of government if the “party” decides which candidates should run for office? I am, and remain, a Republican.”
Burn the witch!
January 15th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Strohkid - Regarding Ron Paul and The New Republic article: This may seem a bit odd, but I’m actually going to refer you to a couple of comments left at bluenc.com (a state Democratic blog):
http://bluenc.com/dr.-paul-and-the-neo-confederacy#comment-77125
http://bluenc.com/dr.-paul-and-the-neo-confederacy#comment-77151
… suffice it to say that the allegations raised in The New Republic article are rehashing old news that has been extensively discussed. He owned a minority interest in the publisher that put these newsletters out, and neither wrote nor exercised editorial oversight over what was published. We can debate the acumen of that arrangement, but I do not judge Rep. Paul by the actions of so-called “supporters”. I judge him by his actions and the words that he himself has written and said. Fortunately, over a twenty year legislative career, there is no shortage of information upon which to make an informed decision. His record on civil rights and individual liberties for ALL Americans is spotless based upon my in-depth assessment of his writings and speeches at http://www.ronpaullibrary.org.
Having said that, I am running in my own campaign for Congress, and likewise ask folks to judge my candidacy based upon my stance on the issues and ability to serve credibly and honorably in Washington.
January 15th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Francis - I can appreciate your sentiment, although I must say that I am more optimistic that rationality will ultimately prevail. I’ve met a number of great individuals in the GOP, and frankly think our biggest enemy is ignorance. Hopefully a positive dialog focused on the issues will get folks out of their respective “corners”, and back on the playing field focused on taking back our country as free Americans!
January 16th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I just wanted to wish you luck!!! I am not in your district. In fact I am not even in your state but it is good to see people like yourself and Murray Sarbin running for office. In fact it is probably the best way to grow upon Ron Paul’s success and to spread the “the revolution”. I hope others will take your lead. Anyway I just wanted to wish you good luck and when I make a contribution this weekend to Ron Paul I will do likewise for you!!!
January 19th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/jjregan.htm
dUke alum
BURIED AT: SECTION 60 SITE 8535
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
January 21st, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Hello Mr. Lawson,
I was excited to see another Ron Paul Republican running for office. Dr. Paul’s message is spreading, and I am happy and grateful about that.
While looking through your issues statements, I noticed that you do not address the War on Drugs.
As I am sure you are aware, Dr. Paul has been a strong opponent of that ridiculous war. Not only because of its lack of success, but because drug laws are an obvious violation of property rights, ie: the right to own ourselves.
What is your stance on the government’s war on drugs? Will you work to end it?
Regards.
Jack
January 26th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Jack — The federal war on drugs is counterproductive, and un-Constitutional. States are more than capable of deciding how to deal with the problem of drug addiction, and having the federal government usurp state and local governments with respect to this issue is a clear violation of the 10th Amendment. I will work to end the federal war on drugs, and return this issue to the state and local governments as is specified in our Constitution.
January 27th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Liberty for Dummies
Show this your kids!
http://isil.org/resources/philosophy-of-liberty-english.swf
February 10th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Hi BJ–learned of your campaign when a couple young canvassers stopped me to talk out in my front yard. As a first impression–they are good kids and representing you well. I certainly welcome ANY Republican alternative to David Price. If I’m convinced that you could be one to beat him, I might pitch in on your campaign. I doubt anyone would object to the starting point of your campaign focused on restoring a Constitutional federal government. Getting agreement with your premise will be more difficult, especially to make it relevant for people that never think about that sort of thing. Ron Paul’s having a great run but not sure aligning yourself there other than a simple point of reference is useful. Doesn’t look like you’ll have to overcome Ron’s kook factor (no offense intended), but broadening the following for his messages will still be difficult.
One of your blog entries mentions that some CD #4 voters are ignorant of many issues and ways in which David Price has acted against their interests. I agree that revealing deception, helping to educate voters with your positions and issue advocacy is the only way to potentially get enough votes to win. I’ll be spending some more time on your site here to get a better sense of your positions.
So for an initial discussion into some issues that you don’t seem to have touched on yet, perhaps you could take a shot at outlining your positions on energy, the environment, and global warming. I apologize if you’ve done that somewhere here already. Feel free to link me to anything relevant. I’ll be looking to see if you feed back the hopeless distortions and useless prescriptions that we’re hearing from virtually every politician. Politicians seem to either be vested in the ignorance themselves or so convinced that the public is that there’s nothing to be gained by trying to address it. You say you’re not a politician so this would be an opportunity to convince me.
You can start wherever you’d like, but your feedback on these thoughts would be great:
1) Stopping ethanol subsidies should be an easy one for you. But I’d like to see a truly informed debate reveal the insanity not just of the subsidies but all of the underlying assumptions. Ethanol’s not a green fuel (whatver that means). It will never reduce our dependence on fossil fuels or imported oil. It can’t bring down the price of gas even with the subsidies. It probably increases emmissions of CO2. It’s dangerously distorting farm economics and markets for food.
2) Do you condemn big oil for obscene profits (in case you wonder, I don’t work for one)?
3) The American public is suicidally deluded on the topic of alternative fuels. There is no alternative to oil in transport and coal in power generation (short of a massive drive to build new nukes) for at least 25 years that woudn’t be accompanied by a huge economic dislocation.
4) The “consensus” on global warming. “What if Al Gore’s right? And if he’s not, well ending our addiction to fossil fuels is still a good thing.” Back to the dislocation in #3.
5) CAFE standards should be another opportunity for you to promote limited goverment, free markets and letting consumers make their own economic trade-offs.
6) Drilling in ANWR and offshore OCS is a no brainer. Do you have the fortitude to take that one on?
February 10th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Henry - thanks for your comments, and questions. Energy, the environment, and global warming have not yet been covered in the blog to the degree they deserve, but I’ll start with a brief summary of my current research/thoughts on the subject:
1) Ethanol subsidies are economically and environmentally irrational. You’re absolutely right that ethanol subsidies need to be stopped as soon as possible. They are nothing but corporate welfare on a grand scale that are damaging our economy, environment, and grocery bills.
2) I don’t condemn profits, nor do I label them “obscene”, unless they are the result of corporate welfare. In the case of oil companies, however, their profits result from massive government intervention. Our government has painted us into a corner through generations of subsidizing investments in unstable areas, and acting in a mercantilist fashion by protecting corporate interests:
http://blog.lawsonforcongress.com/2007/12/27/why-were-in-the-gulf/
So in conclusion, while big oil deserves a share of condemnation, so does big government.
3) I agree that there is no short-term alternative to oil for transportation, or coal for power generation. We need to talk about transitions, not short-term “solutions”. An orderly and gradual transition will be facilitated by the government gradually removing itself from the energy markets — both by ending the corporate welfare that perpetuates our foreign oil addiction, and letting private capital markets and American ingenuity respond to the currently rising cost of energy. We’re already seeing exciting investments in electric energy storage/retrieval technologies — new generations of supercapacitors promise to combine the energy density of a battery with the power density of a capacitor. Such innovation will be an enabling step towards alternatives for transportation and household/industrial power. If government can avoid distracting us with things that *don’t* make sense (like ethanol), good ideas that actually work will rise to the top.
4) I need to do more research on the global warming debate. I’ve heard arguments on both sides, and understand that the question is what impact humans have on the climate change that we’re currently observing. Whether it’s global warming or old-fashioned pollution, though, it doesn’t take much time in Asia to become concerned with the environmental consequences of China’s breakneck economic growth. There’s no question we need to clean up our act and explore more sustainable solutions that respect private property. Neither you nor China have the right to pollute my air.
5) I don’t like CAFE standards, either. They’re a bit like the ethanol subsidies of the automotive industry — sound like a good idea at first, but have a number of unintended consequences. For example, CAFE gets combined with the ethanol boondoggle to allow a 15mpg dual-fuel E85 vehicle credit at 40mpg for CAFE purposes, even though hardly anyone actually burns E85. Additionally, CAFE has given us the widening safety gap between small, fuel efficient cars used to meet the standards, and massive SUVs that receive favorable treatment.
6) Yes indeed. No matter how you look at it, ANWR (presuming we find needed reserves) is a better source of energy than the Middle East.
February 11th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
BJ, I don’t know you, but I have watched you on youtube, and I have endorsed you on my blog. I’m new to the political arena. I have been reading social, political, economic, philosophical, and history books since high school (I’m 23), but I always found modern politics superficial. I didn’t know people like you (logical folks, that is) still ran for office. I discovered Ron Paul during a debate over the summer and have been hooked on politics ever since. We need more statesmen in Washington. Good luck. I live over the hills in Knoxville TN. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help out your campaign. I’m a penny-less college student, but I am plentiful in time and good with words.
Endorsement page: http://fearistyranny.wordpress.com/endorsements/
February 12th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Hey Henry, I was one of the two canvassers who spoke to you in your yard on Saturday. I’m really glad to see we got you interested in BJ’s campaign and that you checked out the site.
March 1st, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Hey Henry, I’m the other canvasser that talked with you a couple of weeks ago. Good to see you checking out the site and joining the conversation! I appreciated your willingness to talk to Garland and I, and hope that BJ and his team were able to answer any questions you might have had
March 2nd, 2008 at 8:13 am
dear BJ,
the best of luck to you all the way from india!…have been following the RP campaign very closely…now am chacking out the RP repubs…what you are doing is awesome!…really gutsy…all the best once again…
March 10th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
BJ,
I’ve only been to North Carolina once (just to visit). But I still want to congratulate you and wish you luck on a campaign based on correct principles. It’s good to see more people carrying the banner of freedom. Have you ever thought of renting Ron Paul’s donor list to solicit additional funds for your campaign?
March 12th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
I posted a blog entry about you. Happy to help out in any way I can. http://danielharmon.net/2008/03/13/bj-lawson-a-true-patriot/
March 21st, 2008 at 6:40 pm
I just want to say that with each passing day my support for BJ Lawson grows stronger and stronger. BJ Lawson is a man of faith, a man of principle and a man of integrity. He is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in and is firm, yet respectful, when articulating his views to others.
I am proud to endorse BJ Lawson, and I encourage all republicans and independent voters in the 4th District to make him your choice for Congressman in the May 6th Primary and in the November general election.
Respectfully,
Justin B. Clark
Former Chair
Durham County Teenage Republicans
March 30th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Your signs along 15-501 in Chapel Hill will harm your campaign…they are dreadfully overdone and in placing them in the median to the extent that you have, will only cause people to wonder when they will be taken up.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:34 am
BJ, I met you at the YR convention and I was very impressed with your knowledge on the issues and your value system is truly American. I hope that you pick up the traction that you need to mke a difference. You have a very good grasp on the economic issues of our times. I need to be able to overcome objections and detractors when I wave the conservative Republican flag. Where do I go to get that knowledge? I wish you luck and I will tell folks in your area to vote for you. (I do not know many people in that area, but every vote makes a differnce!)
April 21st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
BJ, just a quick suggestion. Maybe you should put someone in charge of periodically Googling your name, so you can respond to mentions of your campaign on various blogs and forums.
For example, there’s currently a thread here: opencarry.mywowbb.com/forum41/9472.html started by someone from NC inquiring about pro-second amendment candidates in their area. Within the thread, someone else brought up your candidacy. This is a great opportunity to sign up, thank the poster for the mention, talk a bit about your views on the second amendment, and direct folks to your site if they’re interested in learning more about your campaign.
Good idea? Bad idea?
April 21st, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Ben,
A lot of us with the campaign, and I’m pretty sure B.J. as well, are signed up for Google Alerts so we get notified when there’s a new article, blog entry, web page, etc. with B.J. in it on the Web. I also periodically do Google B.J.’s name to check to see if anything has fallen between the cracks such as the thread you’ve posted above, which I did not get a Google Alert about. So thank you for letting us know about it.
April 25th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Mr Lawson,
1) Are you for legalizing any drugs?
2) Are you for employer sanctions for hiring illegal immigrants?
3) Do you favor access to welfare by illegal immigrants?
3) Are you for detainment of enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay?
4) Do you support the War in Iraq?
Thank you.
April 28th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
1) See here:
http://community.icontact.com/p/lawsonforcongress/newsletters/campaign/posts/from-the-campaign-trail-why-im-running
Speaking as a candidate for federal office, I am against the unconstitutional federal war on drugs. It’s just not a federal issue.
2) See here:
http://blog.lawsonforcongress.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/abi-survey.pdf
Again, federalism suggests that the states can regulate such private contracts through employer sanctions. The federal government does not have such jurisdiction. Ideally, the federal government should remain focused on enforcing visa laws and securing the border so employers do not need burdensome federal regulations, nor to be the immigration police for the federal government.
3a) See here:
http://www.lawsonforcongress.com/issues/border-security-and-illegal-immigration/
No.
3b) We clearly need to be able to detain criminals and terrorists, but we must observe due process. I am not yet familiar enough with the issues surrounding Guantanamo Bay to provide an answer.
4) See here:
http://www.lawsonforcongress.com/issues/national-security/
You’re welcome!
May 6th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Congratulations on your landslide victory. The tide is turning, and we will take back our country for our children. God Bless You, and Godspeed to winning the November election in another landslide.
May 7th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Congratulations on your landslide win!
May 8th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
B.J. — Terrific work winning your primary, congratulations!
Your fight in the general election will be an uphill battle. You will need to reach-out and appeal to all the political bases. Leverage the downturn in our economy and make sure every voter in your district understands that Mr. Price has done absolutely nothing for his constituents with respect to solving this mess. Speak about the economics you clearly know, but make sure to always fit the discussion to a kitchen-table level. “Gas is $3.80 a gallon.” “Well David Price certainly contributed to this mess — B.J. Lawson points out X,Y,Z and that makes COMMON SENSE”.
Pull no punches with this guy. At the same time, befriending the voters is one of the key ways to rack up votes. Your ability to listen and offer a common sense approach, whether easy or not, well prove you truthful and in the voters’ minds, worthy of their vote.
Campaign your heart out!
RC
May 17th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
BJ,
It is no secret that 4th District Chair, Martha Jenkins recruited fellow Orange County Republican, Augustus Cho to run for Congress when she discovered your candidacy. Since your landslide win in May, has Martha Jenkins congratulated you? Has she offered support from the 4th District NCGOP? Would you accept her help if offered?
Would you agree or disagree that the largest challenge facing North Carolina Republicans is to overcome the ever persistant in-fighting within the state party? What would be a good first step towards unity?
May 17th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Disenfranchised NCGOP’er - Regarding events in the 4th district — let’s just say that I’m not in the habit of refusing help when it is offered sincerely and with good intentions.
Regarding challenges facing NC Republicans, it is imperative that the GOP figures out how to begin working together if it hopes to bring viable candidates and campaigns to the political process. As far as uniting is concerned, I think they need to find a message, and a foundation, that everyone can embrace:
http://blog.lawsonforcongress.com/2008/05/07/earth-to-gop/
This will be interesting!
BJ
May 27th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I just want to make three suggestions.
First, you could write a post about how farm subsidies are actually designed the force small farmers out of the market. Farm subsidies are sold to the public as support for family farms, but in reality they support big agribusiness to the detriment of small farmers. It would complement your two posts about the Farm Bill nicely. Maybe it could be a third installment of the “Giving Away the Farm” posts. You might have to read the Farm Bill itself to write a post about its effects on small farmers in the U.S., but there is plenty out there about farm subsidies in generally.
Second, you should write a post focusing on the difference between capitalism and mercantilism. By capitalism I mean a limited government and free market. By mercantilism I mean government support for business, like subsidies, tariffs and regulations designed to reduce competition or aid an industry. Many people confuse the two, and progressives use mercantilist wealthfare as an excuse to create unlimited socialist policies. People think that capitalism causes big corporations and poor workers and inequality and suffering for the poor. We know that it does not. To some extent, those problems will always exist, but capitalism minimizes those problems while mercantilism, and other forms of socialism, exacerbate those problems. I think it is important that we show the difference between capitalism and mercantilism, and I think you would do a fantastic job expounding upon those differences. I would like to see this topic addressed in at least one blog post, and maybe even a speech or television ad.
Third, I posted these suggestions here because I am not sure where else to put them. I understand why you do not have a public email address, but there are many people outside of NC that are interested in your campaign and want to help. I think you should have a clear place for these people to put their advice or suggestions. Much of it will be of not use, but someone might post something useful to you and your campaign.
I hope my suggestions are helpful. If you have already written about those topics, I apologize. Maybe you should considering addressing those topics again. If you have a proper place for suggestions, please tell me. Thank you.
May 28th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
BJ,
I think all of you MDs running for congress should help each other out. Deborah Honeycutt, GA, is an MD and this is her 2nd run for congress. Perhaps you could get her to come to NC and you go to GA in order to support each other.
June 9th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I’m a 4th district voter and you have my vote!
Several months ago Dr. Ron Paul cured my apathy and I am so pleased to see there’s a true constitutional republican running in my district.
I find it so interesting that when you ask a democrat or neocon why they support their candidate they give you generalized answers like, “he’s a good, moral person” or “she has experience.” But when you ask a libertarian or constitutional republican, they’ll give you 10 minutes worth of their candidate’s policy and the logic behind it.
The difference is that we’re educated about the constitution and policy. We’re able to see and appreciate that government intervention only helps people by hurting others. We realize that the government can’t CREATE jobs; it can only take them from some people to give to others. And we’re not afraid to talk to others about it and listen to opinions. This website is the epitome of the movement; it’s a campaign website but unlike almost all other campaign websites it’s devoted to educating people, not appealing to their fears and desires.
I heard your speech at Duke a couple months ago and I love that you compared democracy to two wolves and a sheep deciding what to have for dinner. I’ve used that on several of my democratic friends and each one has been stunned into silence. I appreciate your intellect and your honesty - especially when your honesty says things won’t be easy or that you actually don’t have the answer but that you’re working on it. I’d much rather hear you care enough to find the right answer than to pretend you know what’s best.
The Price is Wrong.
June 23rd, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Thank you for running for office. We need more RP types in office.
I agree with Jeff F. above. Most of the voters are voting for who the media is pushing at them. They have no clue about the issues. Ask an RP fan about issues and he could talk about day.
That’s because the others don’t have solutions. Just rhetoric.
Thanks again for running and good luck. We’re rooting for you here in ‘Bama.
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I tried to download the form for a mail-in contribution and was unsuccessful. I know I’m old fashioned but I’d rather mail a check. Please check it out. I’ll try again later. Thanks.
Spencer
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Spencer — I just forwarded you a copy on email. It may be a pop-up blocker, as clicking that link opens a popup window. We should probably fix that
Thanks for your support!
BJ
June 26th, 2008 at 11:52 am
I do not have much to give, but any canidate that wins the endorsement of Dr. Paul will be getting a small amount of my hard earned cash. Good luck to you this Fall. Pennsylvania supports liberty!!
June 29th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Good luck! thanks for your hard work.
June 29th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Strohkid Says:
January 15th, 2008 at 10:14 am
(Strohkid) Maybe this will change your mind?
Check this out > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvFLSwDvBUA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DggGZqYebrQ&feature=related
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:48 pm
BJ,
Happy Fourth. I wrote a little endorsement for you in celebration of the first independence day of the new American revolution. Here it is:
http://fearistyranny.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/bj-lawson-a-common-sense-conservative/
Please keep working your buns off. Your election would be the first flames of the revolutionary spark.
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:55 am
BJ,
Keep up the great work. It is comforting to have a rational voice representing my district. What are your predictions for the presidential election? Obama landslide, McCain by way of Diebold glitch, or Bush retaining his title because of “national emergency”? All are very scary to me.
O.D.L.
August 2nd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I read the Campaign For Liberty blog almost daily and I hope Ron Paul can direct all this new found knowledge his followers have gained into some real results with the election of those like you who really understand what a congressman should do. My fear is the people will not turn their knowledge into action. There are some 25 Ron Paul supporters around the country who are running for national office. I hope Mr. Paul can turn his supporters into good workers for other good candidates. Just 5 or 10 really good Congressmen could make a hugh difference.
August 11th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
TX GOP adopted my resolution at our State Convention, calling for immediate conversion of Social Security and Medicare to private accounts. It’s based on an innovative solution that gives us a real chance to drive a great victory in November for Freedom, Capitalism and Limited Government!
Here’s the URL to the “executive summary” presentation which is already submitted to the online platform so the Platform Committee can review it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quJkamUOVcM
And here’s the URL to the thorough presentation with full details which is posted online at:
http://www.americansolutions.com/SolutionsLab/Solution.aspx?Guid=4feed845-f107-4dbe-af65-61c74940cb57 .
We can use this to not just lament the problems Big Government has created, but actually solve and eliminate several of the largest ones - check it out and spread the word!
August 21st, 2008 at 11:58 am
BJ, I like almost everywhere you stand on the issues, but was concerned about your Carbon Tax stance. I view that as yet another scam that at best will hurt our limited domestic manufacturing and at worse is a tax on the very gas we exhale. It could be yet another excuse for businesses to leave our country. I would like a stronger stance against such a tax.
Also I think a winning issue is to take a stronger stand against the income tax, and reject any consumption based alternatives. Once people research the history of the income tax they realize how we don’t need it at all. People only need to realize our individual income tax is only used to pay interest and does nothing of any real substance.
Please let me know what you think and I look forward to supporting you.
August 21st, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Nick — I am opposed to net new taxes, and believe that reducing spending as well as eliminating our counterproductive income tax code is the most important goal we should strive for in pursuit of economic growth.
I am also in agreement that we need a serious conversation about the consequences of a debt-based monetary system, and the resulting need to perpetually enslave our nation to higher taxes and less freedom as a result of growing interest payments on perpetually-growing debt.
My question, though, is how do we get from Point A to Point B? It seems that we will need taxation to fund government, and I believe that we should tax things we don’t want, and not tax things that we DO want. That is, don’t tax income — we want more jobs, income and productivity. How about taxing consumption that has negative side effects? My support for a so-called “carbon tax” reflects a desire to get to a method of taxation that is direct, Constitutional, and takes into account “negative externalities” — that is, hidden costs which affect everyone negatively.
I’m less sanguine about the FairTax, because that puts the federal government (directly or indirectly) in a position of control over *every* retail transaction. Even essentials like food. It seems odd that we should have to pay tax to the feds to eat.
The idea of a “consumption tax” targeting consumption that is non-sustainable, non-renewable, and that has negative effects on the environment is more justifiable, however. Regardless of whether one believes that climate change is man-made, there are negative side-effects to consuming nonrenewable resources at accelerating rates. So why not tax nonrewable consumption to reflect the fact that burning stuff dirties our environment?
Bottom line is that I’m absolutely committed to reducing the size, scope, and complexity of government. Cap and trade is a disaster waiting to be gamed by corporate interests, and a simple, well-executed carbon tax targeting negative externalities could be, in my opinion, a great replacement for a disastrous system of income, capital gains, and estate taxation.
Downsize DC has some excellent commentary on the fallacy of cap and trade here:
http://www.downsizedc.org/etp/campaigns/93
BJ
August 21st, 2008 at 9:40 pm
BJ - your answers are a little less absolute than I would prefer, but then again you are a politician! That being said, it is obvious that you know what you are talking about and I could not expect any such answer from Burr or Dole. Nor would I expect the average politician to have even the most basic understanding of our monetary system. Thank you for your thorough response.
You have my support!
September 16th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Hey BJ,
Congrats on winning the Republican primary. How are things looking for the upcoming election? Will it possibly be as much as a landslide or are things heating up there? I hope you along with many other Liberty loving folks win seats so that we can begin working towards real change. The numbers will probably not be there to make change this time, but people need to keep fighting to get our country back. It starts here, but the movement needs to continue growing.
Good luck,
Larry
September 16th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Larry — funny you should ask — see here:
http://blog.lawsonforcongress.com/2008/09/16/how-were-doing-first-polling-numbers/
September 19th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Hello to all,
I am a member of Ron Paul’s Campaign for Liberty, and have been familiar with Mr. Lawson since the days he was campaigning his heart out for Dr. Paul. I can’t be there in North Carolina to get out and go door-to-door, wave signs, etc., but I’m contributing to Mr. Lawson’s campaign as much as I can.
I live in Lake Jackson, TX, Ron Paul’s hometown, and right now, we are in the process, as you know, of trying to recover from Hurricane Ike. Even though I’m still out of work, and will be for 2 more weeks, I just made a donation.
Please, you guys who live in North Carolina, get out there and work for this man. We need him in Congress badly - as someone recently said on campaignforliberty.com 0 “to eat lunch with Dr. Paul.”
Good luck, B.J. We Paul supporters are praying and rooting for you.
September 26th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Mr Lawson, Have you seen this:
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/09/army_homeland_090708w/
What do you think?
September 26th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Kelly - how do you spell “posse comitatus” again?
It’s troubling.
BJ
September 29th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
check out crisis, and bootstrap links on my site. http://www.dnusbaum.com These are both bottom up free market solutions to the credit crisis. They save homeowners first, and as a result, banks second. If you want more information, then write to me and you can get a non disclosure which will allow you to see the entire 8500 word document.
dpaladin@ix.netcom.com
September 30th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
If I had one piece of advice it would be to camp out in Chapel Hill for the next 40 days. If you can get the McCain Republicans to go ahead and vote for you along with the ‘change’ minded Democrats to vote you will have a shot. The UNC turnout is the key to your chances.
September 30th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
BJ- On the Fair Tax, I don’t know the details of the plan but I think it would be wise to exempt food and medicine. I know Texas had these exemptions on a sales tax at one time but I’m not sure about their current sales tax. I think any national tax on purchases would have to exempt food and medicine.
I think the great think about this kind of tax is that it would allow ‘black markets’ and family owned cash business to thrive, reduce the use of electronic purchases and bringing back the barter system.
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:44 am
Dear all House Members,
PLEASE HELP
Please don’t bailout these companies by any means!
Please don’t allow the Fed to further bailout others like they have been for the last few months.
Please don’t add other few hundred billion dollars (or even trillions dollars) to our national debt!
We will have to live with a few less companies, banks, etc., even though this will cost jobs and a deep recession. We’ll get through it… were Americans !
It’s very important that you don’t allow our Fed to continue bailing out these institutions, by whatever means or names we call it, including buying non-performing assets or useless notes.
Please don’t try to save us by passing any “bail-out” bills.
Please however increase the amount of FDIC insurance to over $100k and firm up the FDIC insurance system requirements so we can make it through a very serious recession (possibly depression).
I realize this week maybe the last chance WE have to really draw the line in the sand.
My last comment;
You do realize, this is way to little bail-out money and its NOW much to late to act. The bankers will not be convinced to loan to each other until enough of the failing companies have failed or been successfully consumed (by the federal supported institutions) and the dust has settled. Neither your plan nor Mr. Paulson’s actions can change this outcome.
Thank you,
US citizen
October 3rd, 2008 at 3:48 pm
What they should have done….
The political reality is that the gov’t can not be seen as doing nothing no matter how desirable that is or how it accords with reality. We are sure to lose if our only strategy is to stave off the bailout. We must offer an alternative. So it is time to strike while the iron is hot…
The talking heads are all asking Dr. Paul what should be done. I saw Neil Cavuto ask him and Dr. Paul’s reply was “cut spending” “end the empire” “cut taxes” “reign in the Fed” “deregulate” etc. He rattled it all off in a single breath and those who were laughing before are listening now. Cavuto had nothing bad to say and commended him for his wisdom.
Ron Paul, who providentially now has tons of credibility, should put together a rival “Rescue Plan”…. a real one. It should include the following…
1. Immediate repeal of the death tax.
2. Immediate reduction of capital gains tax to 10% or less.
3. Immediate reduction in the corporate tax rate by 50%.
4. Immediate cuts of 20% in spending across the board except in “social contract obligations” like Medicare and Social Security.
5. Immediate closure of 50% of foreign military bases (as a start)
6. Immediate end to ALL foreign aid.
7. Immediate cuts to congressional salaries of 20% (to give them a taste of what we endure).
8. Immediate cuts to gov’t pensions of 20% (to give them a taste of what we endure).
9. Immediate end to all “no bid” contracts.
10. Immediate reduction of income tax rates by 20%
11. Immediate repeal of the Community Reinvestment Act.
12. And lastly the real “stimulus”…. an eight week “jubilee” from all federal tax withholding to help people catch up on their debts and mortgages. Self employed people and businesses would pro-rate their quarterly returns to reflect this eight week “jubilee”. (This will also have the effect of giving us a glimpse of what it would be like without it.)
BTW, “immediate” means “immediate”.
October 4th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I’m a concerned Canadian — please continue your good work in fighting corruption and restoring sanity. Best,
Scott
October 5th, 2008 at 2:09 am
BJ Lawson comes off like a regular Joe. He’s not. He’s an exceptionally bright guy who speaks like a regular Joe.
October 7th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Mr. Lawson, part of the reason for Dr. Paul’s media blackout was his opposition to sending billions of dollars of our money to criminal regimes like Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, and Israel. Do you support Dr. Paul’s plan to end this practice? If yes, then how do you expect to get elected or stay in office opposing aid to Israel given the fact that every candidate has to kowtow before the lobby group AIPAC to get anywhere in Washington?
Thanks,
Raza
October 7th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
“My question, though, is how do we get from Point A to Point B? It seems that we will need taxation to fund government”
The government is the ultimate source of money, it is potentially completely self-funding and needs no taxes at all to function.
Currently we’ve delegated the authority to create money to the Fed, and use the fractional reserve system to multiply and distribute the created money across the system (increasing the velocity of the money). As you are aware, this system binds the creation of debt to the creation of money, but this is not a necessary fact, money can be created debt-free (and we’d all be better for it, except the banks).
Federal taxes are not necessary to fund the operation of the government. Direct creation of the money is sufficient. Without a way to reduce the quantity of dollars in the system this creation quickly leads to massive inflation as buying power is stolen away from everyone who uses dollars. The quantity of circulating dollars must be balanced with the available goods and services to provide stable buying power. (Note that dollars stuffed in mattresses are not circulating dollars).
Federal taxes are the method by which this inflation is controlled. By laying taxes the total number of dollars in the system is balanced and inflation checked. The taxes /do not/ go to funding government operations, they are simply removed from circulation and sent back from whence they came, into the aether. Any attempt by the government to spend them again just muddies the picture and confuses understanding of how the system works.
Fair Tax is a nearly ideal way to lay this tax. It is very uniform and simple, and avoids placing undue strain on anyone or any market segment. The government takes a cut of every dollar spent, with absolutely no exceptions (if you allow any, everybody will lobby to get their product on the list). To compensate for the regressive nature of this tax on food and other such necessities with respect to income, the government issues a fixed rebate (possibly on a quarterly basis). The amount of this rebate can and should be tweaked as needed to null out the tax at some income level (i.e., poverty level). Below this income level it actually provides a slight subsidy.
The fractional reserve system is highly effective at creating and distributing money (and debt), so if this system is phased out in favor of direct creation of money by the government, government domestic spending must be substantial. I’m sure we can think of some large industries that would benefit the entire country if they became major sinks for government grants. I’m thinking education, healthcare and community improvement.
This system would benefit everyone by giving core institutions that the nation depends on additional spending power and would remove from the banks the incredible power that the imbalance of debt obligation given them by the fractional reserve system creates (every ‘real’ dollar they obtain creates for them, collectively, 9 dollars in debt obligation).
Truly, the creation of the Federal Reserve System was act of genius of the highest level. Evil genius for sure, but genius nonetheless.
Food for thought.
October 7th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Has anyone linked the deterioration of the U.S., the loss of whole
industries, abandonment of our borders, the sickening “Patriot” Act, the
draining, crafted Iraq war and the current effort to stampede us over a
cliff for the elitists’ hunger for world control ala their touted “New World
Order?” Obviously the once powerful U.S. has to be reduced to an
emasculated, manipulatable state of confusion and fear as a prerequisite.
“Sure we will accept more loss of our sovereignty.” “Just give us our
credit, gasoline and jobs.” Yes, reduced to numbing inflation we will yearn
for the controls the power craving elite are anxious to provide for us. We
will have to accept control of our markets, government and lives “if they’ll
just stop the theft of our homes, jobs, and businesses by destroying our
whole economy.”
When events all lead toward one dark outcome, connect the dots….expose
the big picture….identify the sources of the consuming greed for domination
and foil those plans or cravenly suffer the carefully engineered Orwellian
objective materializing before your eyes. It is not a new quest. History is
rife with the sick dreams of the Czars, Caesars, Hitlers, ad nauseum and
today it is a cabal of banking, government, and industrial power-craving
elite who would deny their intentions with all the zeal of the Mafia which
of course, “did not exist.”
We have been craftily led toward the current financial debacle and more
moves are in store if this hammer blow to our Nation fails to stun us into
insensibility and submission. Sit down and contemplate the serial and
contrived nature of the erosions of your Constitutional rights and Bill of
Rights protections. Don’t miss the seemingly mild unconnected machinations
like vote theft through electronic voting machines. Suspicion of them alone
provides further destabilization of the Republic and that is the name of the
insidious entrapment program being played out.
Resist while there is still a viable America to save. Demand that the
Congress fulfill the duties of deliberative bodies and not be stampeded into
surrendering your power and decisions to those yearning to enslave and
control you. Then consider voting for 3rd party candidates for true and
actual changes and support anyone like B.J. Lawson who is recommended
by Ron Paul.
Richard Mealey
2531 S. Kihei Rd
Kihei, HI 96753
(808) 879-8909
October 7th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Mr Lawson,
I just read your “About BJ” section and I have to say that it is very encouraging to know that more and more Americans are fighting for the constitution. Its amazing how unifying this message is and I my hope and prayer is that citizens/politicians on this platform would continue to get the message in the open. I am more than happy to donate to your campaign. Best of luck to you!
Adam
October 7th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I made a small donation, only what I can afford right now. I wish I could give more.
Go get ‘em, BJ!
October 7th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I have donated 50.00 today, I hope you win. I can’t vote for you but I can help fund you. I look forward to seeing your legislation.
October 7th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
I am watching the 2nd presidential debate tonight and listening to both candidates tap dance better than Fred and Ginger. How come they just can’t answer the questions instead of trying to make a point by attacking the other candidate?
B J Lawson’s website and purported beliefs are a breath of fresh air and carry on the Ron Paul tradition of returning America to the people.
I don’t plan on voting for any incumbents on any level. It’s time for some fresh air in the halls of congress.
I approve this posting
Xanik Xeus
October 7th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
@Xanik Xeus: the Presidential “debates” are merely campaign events designed to make the Republican and Democratic candidates look good. They aren’t debates; they’re dog-and-pony shows. Go read what the League of Women Voters had to say about the Presidential debates when they stopped sponsoring them.
October 8th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Another moneybomb contributer here. Good luck and Godspeed, Mr. Lawson; our country needs more men like you.
October 8th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Mr. Lawson, I was happy to contribute again yesterday to your campaign. I wish I had a candidate in my district running on a Constitutional Republican platform.
I have a question. Where would you stand on the issue of repealing the 17th Amendment? Would this remove a lot of the national special interest influence on the Senators to vote for pork, or would it just create an environment where the Senators were no longer responsive to the people (not that they are now anyway) and foster further corruption being pushed up from the state level.
October 9th, 2008 at 4:32 am
I just wanted to offer you my best wishes on the campaign and a suggestion regarding the website. Since your opponent twice supported the bailout you the district should be made aware of its “progress” by placing a “Bailout Watch” section prominently on the website. There are several sites you could link (just google “bailout watch”). But also link to specific articles to show from a both liberal (http://www.cepr.net/index.php/op-eds-&-columns/op-eds-&-columns/wall-street-follows-the-path-of-the-steel-industry-in-pittsburgh) and conservative (http://www.independent.org/newsroom/article.asp?id=2334) perspective why it was a bad idea. Maybe even floor speeches from REAL Republicans and Democrats that opposed that monstrosity.
Also from a lighter perspective the SNL bailout video is just hilarious and spot on (http://nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/c-span-bailout/727521).
Anyway that’s my 2 cents in addition to my earlier financial contribution. Best of luck getting your message out!
October 9th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I wanted to suggest a topic for a blog post. I think you should write about the deployment of the First Brigade of the Third Infantry Division in the United States. Here is a link to the original article announcing the deployment:
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/09/army_homeland_090708w/
October 9th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I pray that you win this election Mr. Lawson. My wife and I have lost over 60% of the money we had saved for our retirement since this UNCONSTITUTIONAL bailout plan was initiated by President Bush and approved by Congress. We are just sickened that our Senators from Texas, Cornyn and Hutchinson, voted for this bailout plan that has contributed to our demise. We are in our 50’s and probably won’t recover what we lost; however, we believe in America and pray if we can get people like you elected to represent Americans then our children and grandchildren have some hope for a safe future. North Carolina is blessed to have a patriot like you. We pray for your victory.