Tag Archives: Cronyism

Public Private Partnership Fails… Deal Could Chain Residents to Long Term Debt

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A funny thing happened on the way to the gym a few months ago. Yep, I arrived and it was closed. All the equipment was gone! Empty! The note said my membership would transfer laterally to another local gym. The owners were going out of business.

Flashback 7 years ago when the City of Kinston and County of Lenoir entered into a public/private contractual agreement with Woodmen of the World to build office facilities, a state of the art gymnasium and a water park! An $8 million project. Taxpayers dollars were put on the table quickly to the tune of $1 million. Half from the City and half from the County and the Woodmen Community Center was constructed. There are other recurring expenses such as maintaining insurance, but the contract called for $1 million. The center/water park did remarkably well for the first year but has been losing money ever since. Image result for public private partnership

The Woodmen Community Center has already become a Fiscal Albatross to the Woodmen of the World organization and to the City/County. So let’s look at where our liberal elected leaders and non-elected bureaucrats have led us. 

First infraction – Government should NEVER compete with the private sector!  Public/private partnerships are enticing but rarely work without infringing upon personal rights. Our leadership entered into an agreement, as such January 30, 2011, with YOUR money READ HERE.

The Woodmen Center was a losing proposition from the beginning. Using tax dollars to put gyms out of business or damage them financially is a cardinal sin. But the public bought the “snake oil” hook, line, and sinker. Did the residents have a choice in the matter? I think not as the vote was shoved through with very little public disclosure.

The promise of affordable memberships and the water park bringing business was a sales gimmick.  Prior to building of the Center, I questioned a, now retired, department head as to how it is that the population he intended to serve couldn’t afford a membership and most likely wouldn’t be able to get there. He said they would have scholarships and the River Walk would be built making it easier for travel by bike or walking. I asked where the scholarships would come from and why he thought he could depend on a trail that wasn’t even funded as a travel route from east Kinston. He could not answer the question.

Now there is also a lawsuit pending against the Woodmen after a near drowning. Losing money hand over fist and facing a lawsuit of this magnitude, no wonder they want to “Gift” the facility to local government (Click HERE). Will our elected leaders make the same mistake again and fall for the Bling? From reading some news quotes, sounds as if our freshman Mayor and some others in leadership are leaning that way. It’s not YOUR money to lose, Mayor! This is a terrible deal for the City and County. Do the right thing!Image result for BAD CONTRACT

As we say in my profession ~ “You start out wrong and keep going wrong and you wind up wrong!” 

Kinston City Council and Lenoir County Commissioners must hold Woodmen to this contract.The Woodmen Organization can bear the financial burden in fulfilling their obligations. If it takes a lawsuit to persuade them to do the right thing, then so be it.

The taxpayers CAN NOT support this Center without more hidden fees and/or increased taxes. Kinston and Lenoir County have one of the highest combined tax rates in the state of North Carolina. Ironically, we are one of the poorest counties in the State. Those residents already bearing the brunt of the fiscal responsibility in this County are done with inadequate leadership. We will NOT further subsidize incompetence. Tell them to do the right thing!

ACTION ITEMS!

Read the original agreement by clicking HERE

  1. Contact your City Council Members and County Commissioners and tell them NOT to take the “GIFT” from the Woodmen of the World organization. Tell them to stick to the original agreement no matter what. We don’t want the inevitable debt!
  2. Links for contacting City Council Members are HERE
  3. Links for contacting County Commissioners are HERE

You can stay abreast of developments by visiting the Woodmen Infomation for Kinston-Lenoir Citizens Facebook Page by clicking HERE.

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Wait For The Kill Shot

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I am writing this piece while listening to testimony from US Attorney General Jeff Sessions before a Congressional panel comprised primarily of liberal Democrats with venomous preconceived notions and a dishonorable planned outcome.

The itinerary, it seems, is to establish or expose fodder to feed a false media narrative thereby discrediting him and this administration. Anything to further obstruct the Trump agenda is their goal. Of course, Mr. Sessions is doing his job quite well, no matter the political narrative and jockeying you might hear on the MSM or read in the papers.

Enter Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Oh my! What a disrespectful nasty woman she is. Jackson tried to bring racial divisiveness into her questioning but was abruptly blocked by AG Sessions since her questions didn’t make a damned bit of sense. She and the others did their best to entrap the AG but she’s just not that smart and neither are they.

They went from topic to topic in an attempt to assault his integrity and/or push for a pledge of his allegiance to review their own special interests perhaps to throw him off balance. Russian espionage, legalization of marijuana, pedophilia, FBI Director Comey, the Clintons, and so on. All over the map. Of course, none of this tripe is good for moving America forward. They are obstructionists in every sense of the word. It was a real dog and pony show.

I say give the man a chance. There is good reason why certain information has not been revealed and a reason why the Clinton Uranium deal has not been investigated. Are you tired of corruption? Me too. I believe POTUS Trump will allow AG Jeff Sessions to do his job. He is the best at what he does. Timing is everything.

“Mr. Sessions knows something every good hunter knows. If you want to take down your game, you wait for the kill shot. Wounding the animal puts no meat in the cooler.”

I’m a pretty good judge of character. Having had the privilege of breaking bread with AG Sessions and discussing issues of the day face to face I can think of no one with a higher moral setting and integrity. He will do the right thing or he won’t do it at all.

Don’t Vote With Your Feelings

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“All politics is local”

Municipal races are in full swing and early voting is underway in many cities and towns. I enjoy this time of year but as a grassroots activist of the conservative variety it still surprises and amazes me when I hear why residents vote for a particular candidate.

In small town politics, my home town included,  it has been my observation that most residents vote, not on the candidate’s qualifications or ability to lead, but rather on candidate popularity, race, and/or party affiliation. Many get their marching orders at the polls.

In general, the liberal mentality is emotionally based, while conservatives tend to see things in a more pragmatic manner. It’s important to work together to serve all residents fairly, but if your tax base is low, the budget needs to reflect that reality. Conservatives tend to promote living within their means while simultaneously serving all residents equally.

prag·mat·ic

/praɡˈmadik/

adjective

  • 1.dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations:“a pragmatic approach to politics”synonyms:practical, matter-of-fact, sensible, down-to-earth, commonsensical, … moreantonyms:impractical

Powered by Oxford Dictionaries

 

When you elect a Mayor, City or Town Councilman or other public servant, you are electing them to make decisions for you for the next four(4) years or whatever that term may be.

Feelings don’t really matter. Electing qualified individuals that will make fair decisions with your money is what really matters.

Regardless of what they campaign on, non-qualified candidates have no business playing Monopoly with tax dollars. 

What does “All politics is local” mean? It means you are affected the most by local politics, not by what is does at the State and Federal level. Think about it.

Just something to chew on. Vote Responsibly!

To Win ~ Get Them On The Battlefield!

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President Trump is my President. I proclaim that proudly and loudly and if you live in these United States of America he is also your President. But the mainstream media (MSM) doesn’t like your President and neither do some big political figures (mostly of the Democratic variety) and are threatened by President Trump’s very existence, much less the fact he is their President too!

Nothing about President Trump is conventional! He is a genius business magnate unafraid of obstacles. He has a reputation for getting the job done.

The left’s modus operandi is the same old trickery they’ve always used…… create chaos and confusion where there is none diverting attention away from the important matters and swaying popular opinion. It is also designed to keep our President from achieving his agenda.

Donald J. Trump was elected in a decisive victory by electoral college votes. My wife and I were at the Republican National Convention, where she was a Delegate pledged to Trump from day one. We also attended the Inauguration January 20th and other functions. There were many protesters, some paid. They couldn’t win the election fair and square so they are on the prowl, vicious and vindictive!  

I keep having visions of flesh eating zombies, the way these people behave!

These liberal progressive Democrats will do anything it takes to bring President Trump down. Because he is a populist, some first time voters expected immediate results when he took office. You know, just repeal Obamacare by mandate, shut down the EPA, the IRS, destroy ISIS in one week, kick all the Democrats out of Washington…. Drain The Swamp! Nothing happens RIGHT NOW! But it will happen.

If you listen to the wanna be pundits they’ll try to convince you President Trump needs to stop egging on  the liberals with midnight tweets and rogue statements. I disagree!

In order to defeat the enemy you must first identify the enemy. Once identified you lure them onto the battlefield for the kill. Trump is exposing his enemies so he can eliminate the obstacles to achieving his campaign promises. He’s just a whole lot smarter than these liberal nut jobs and they really hate that.

So it is our job as conservatives, assuming you are one, to counter the media hype and that of lying politicians. They all have motives mostly centered around power and money. 

Because, guess what, they are all getting paid to lie! Donald Trump threatens their livelihood and their lifestyle! Status quo is their goal, whereas Donald Trump’s is the opposite.  Trump wants to strengthen the economy and get Americans back to work. 

The shameful display that Rep. Al Green (D) LINKED put up in in the House chambers yesterday demanding the impeachment of our President  is only a diversionary tactic! Another one, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D), aka “Fauxcahontas” wouldn’t know the truth if it came up an shook her hand! She’s been smoking the peace pipe too long and she’s being paid by special interest groups to push their agenda. They are the enemy!

Fire the Director of the FBI? Oh my! That takes cojones, amigo! But it shouldn’t if Comey is not to be trusted. These bureaucrats think they are untouchable.

MSNBC, NBC, CBS, ABC, and CNN are all paid to lie to the public. MSM wants to control the narrative and they do to a degree. They twist it like Playdough into the shape they want you to see. This is how they make a their money! They are threatened by President Donald J. Trump and his administration.

Hang on because it is going to get worse.

“Never surrender your rights, never give up, never shut up, and keep getting up!” ~ John Nix and the Daily News Fix

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The Wizard and Those Darned Flying Monkeys!

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ozThis political cycle reminds me of the movie, The Wizard of Oz… that scene when the identity of the Wizard is revealed… “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. I am the Great and Powerful Oz”.  Well we all know who the political Wizard is…..the Main Stream Media(MSM) and establishment politicians. The curtain has been pulled back.

Donald J. Trump is the ONLY candidate to have fearlessly looked them all in the eye and expose them for what they are…. what they engage in is nothing more than political prostitution! They are profiting from our losses. Playing poker with our lives!

hillarymelting

If Hillary Clinton is elevated to the office of the Presidency of these united States of America we can hang it up folks! The media and establishment politicians would rather usher in the crony Clinton machine so as to not disturb their current balance of power and level of comfort. 

Meanwhile “We The People”, the taxpayers and the workers, people of all race and religion, will continue to suffer. There will be no other chance to right this wrong.

The citizens of this country have become nothing more than game pieces, Pawns, on the crony special interest PAC funded chessboard.

Hillary Clinton is desperate. She understands her 30-year record of accomplishing nothing doesn’t compare to her opponent who has a lifetime of success in business, tells it like it is, and is owned by no one! So she’ll stop at nothing to win. Her record shows she will lie, cheat, pay others to lie for her, and possibly even worse. She let Americans die in Benghazi. More is to be revealed. She has much to hide!

I believe Donald J. Trump’s sole motive is to Make America Great Again, he knows how to do it, and he will listen to the people not politicians.

Trump has nothing more to gain than that. Sure he has an undeniable ego. He also has the success to along with it. As far as anyone knows, all accusations against him are hollow, strategically timed falsehoods designed to elevate Clinton in the polls during these last days prior to November 8th.  End effect…. Status Quo.  End result? ….the end of our Republic!

Hillary Clinton has accomplished NOTHING of good in 30 years. She has so much baggage no one can even keep up with it. She has some nerve calling anyone a racist when she has reportedly called members of the White House staff “ni%$%ers” and her “mentor is past KKK leader and Senator Robert Byrd(D). But the MSM continues to draw fire away from her past and criminal record. They are her protectors. Ask yourself why?

Is the American electorate really this stupid? By the way, I still hate those flying monkeys. Give me the Ruby Slippers instead!flying-monkeys

They Are Coming For Your Ballot!

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After cyber attacks on a few state election board websites the Obama administration may be forcing it’s hand in a big way. This is quite dangerous for all Americans and not to be taken lightly. The federal government has no jurisdiction over election proceedings. This duty is left to our sovereign states. But what do you know, right? The Obama regime has issued the following statement:

“We should carefully consider whether our election system, our election process, is critical infrastructure like the financial sector, like the power grid,”… “There’s a vital national interest in our election process, so I do think we need to consider whether it should be considered by my department and others critical infrastructure,” said Homeland Security Sec. Jeh Johnson

hack the vote

The key words here are “critical infrastucture”…. they are trying to make the case that the states can’t pull off just one more election without help from the federal government. So Obama, the caped crusader, and his Democratic regime are rushing in to “save” the nation from “those bad old hackers” in the name of Cyber security.  This comes two months before the most crucial and defining general election in the history of our nation.

Opinion? For DHS to come in and say “this is what we’re going to do” could be seen as police state activity.

In fact it, the general perception is the Obama regime will do anything to help Hillary win in November…. even forcing control over and rigging this election!

The only legal way the feds could step in and take over election process would be at a state’s request or Congress pass a law. But since there is no time for that and this rogue administration does not respect the law any more than they do you or me, expect another forthcoming “executive order”.

bitch hillary 1

We’ve watched an unqualified vindictive POTUS drive this country into the ground over the last 8 years. If you’ve had enough of the incompetence, his globalist approach to immigration and refugee resettlement, his unwillingness to call out radical Islamic, his repetitive lies…… well you ain’t seen nothing yet. Let Hillary Clinton win this election and we are DONE for as a sovereign nation. Your 1st and 2nd Amendment Rights will be taken. She has already made that promise. This is going to be a real gun fight, friends.

Hillary’s Poor Judgement

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Just a few days before the most recent Weinergate episode we noted that Huma Abedin, Hillary Clinton’s top advisor, was still married to Anthony Weiner. But that wasn’t the main point, only one of them. Here are the facts:

  • Abedin is a Muslim with family ties to terrorist groups
  • Her husband is a sexual deviant
  • She influences much of Hillary’s decisions daily
  • If Hillary Clinton wins the White House Abedin will be running the show

Advisor

Weiner made headlines in recent years for “sexting” women while serving as Congressman to New York’s 9th District. He recently was caught in the act again while sexting a picture of himself with Abedin’s 3 year old son beside him in bed while his wife was doing her thing with Hillary.

This story is not news to most readers here. But what we’ve found particularly interesting is how the media has spun this whole thing. MSNBC, CNN and other leftist media outlets have tried to show compassion for Huma and fend off any idea that national security issues could have been compromised during Clinton’s stint as Secretary of State. But isn’t it likely there could  have been some “pillow talk” going on between Huma and the infamous Weiner? They also minimize the fact she is Muslim with family ties to terrorist organizations.

The right leaning media outlets chastised Weiner’s actions and Huma’s judgement for staying in the marriage while simultaneously questioning a possible breach of national security with fast and loose Anthony Wiener who may  have been a little too close to the situation during Hillary’s tenure. These outlets are questioning a national security breach.

Huma and Weiner

Hmmm… I smell a forthcoming book deal for the Weiner.

There’s one question the Daily News Fix has heard no one ask. 

Shouldn’t we all question Hillary Clinton’s judgement for keeping Huma employed as her top aide when Huma’s personal life choices are so poor?

The day AFTER this latest “sexting” story broke Huma Abedin chose to announce she would separate from Weiner, roughly 73 days prior to the general election. We call this damage control.

Hillary-Clinton-unhappy-200x200

We conclude that both Hillary Clinton and Huma Abedin have extremely poor judgement, as is evidenced in the facts laid out above. They are both dangerous and will put American lives at risk. Hillary Clinton is #AntiAmerican while Huma has too much baggage with her terrorist family ties and loose cannon husband. We can’t afford the likes of Hillary in White House nor can we afford Huma Abedin running the show for her.

Reports From the Republican National Convention 2016

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Here are three links for submitted and published newspaper columns leading up to and during the RNC 2016. The convention was an awesome experience. Donald J. Trump was nominated as the Republican nominee along with Indiana Governor, Mike Pence as his Vice-Presidential running mate.

 2016-Trump-Pence

Sunday, July 17, 2016

July 20, 2016

July 22, 2016

Because I attended the entire Convention I can remark that it was a positive experience and the first big step in unifying the Republican Party in support of our nominee, Donald J. Trump.  I am a Republican and County Chairman, so I supported ALL the candidates throughout the primary. Since the primary ended and Trump emerged as nominee, I have and will support him in winning the Presidency in November.

Ted-Cruz-downcast-200x200There are some holdouts, however, as we saw at the Convention. While I respect everyone’s opinion and right to support Cruz or Kasich, it is past time to support the nominee. Cruz’s speech at the Convention was counterproductive and selfish. The friction between him and Trump has been no secret, but as an alternative, he could have offered his support in a statement such as,

“I have to decided to offer my assistance to OUR nominee, Donald J. Trump, in beating Hillary Clinton in November and ask you to do the same. It is time to put ALL differences aside, turn the other cheek, and win in November. Otherwise, our country will be unrecognizable in four years.” – (what he could have said but didn’t)

But instead Cruz pontificated for 23 minutes touting his values and his father’s struggles, “freedom”, and “liberty”. As for the wide majority of Delegates, Alternate Delegates and Guests I spoke with “disappointment” was an understatement. What, really, will his inability to “put his pride aside” do to move our nation forward or unify as a party? The answer is NOTHING… it was a selfish move.

Donald-Trump-Strong-200x200

Overall the convention was well organized(seamless) and our Delegation was shown tremendous hospitality by the event staff, residents of Cleveland, the Secret Service, and all Law Enforcement. There was little trouble, even with protesters. Michele and I can’t wait to go back 2020 and we highly recommend the experience. I’ll start putting my change in the jar now and maybe I’ll have enough saved in four years!

It’s time to put your game face on folks! We must win this election. The stakes are too high and there will be no forgiveness once Hillary takes the White House. I’m telling you, we will be doomed.

Be sure to watch Dinesh D’souza’s “Hillary’s America” coming soon to theater near you. Click HERE for preview.hillarys-america-movie-private-showing-51

 

The Business End Of The Sausage Machine

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NC House Bill 2 (HB2) has made a media splash when the North Carolina Legislature countered government overreach dictated by Charlotte’s City Council… their “use whichever bathroom you ID with…” ordinance.  The ordinance was a gross violation of the morals and ethics of the people of North Carolina in so many ways there have been reverberations felt all over the country… and the bathroom floor is still shaking!transgenderthumb

Fascist Government Mandates seem to be quite the trend these days, a tone set by the POTUS, Obama. At first larger corporations were coming out of the woodwork in support of transgenders and their rights. Musicians (if you can call some of them musicians) boycotted North Carolina. However, once a clear message had been sent by the NC Legislature, a representative voice of the people of North Carolina, that these corporations threatening to boycott our State could simply take their business elsewhere, Obama and the Feds launched a separate assault threatening to take away North Carolina education dollars. The general public doesn’t know, but the Feds only contribute about 15% – 20% to our education funding….. only with strings attached, like dangling a carrot in front of a donkey. One example?…. Common Core standards/mandates/decrees.

We don’t take the funding and we aren’t beholden to the Feds or their silly games.  

The liberal progressives will try other forms of blackmail of course. North Carolina launched a lawsuit a week ago against these federal bullies just hours before the Feds launched their own against North Carolina and our Governor.  media-bias-obama

But…ALL of this is just a smoke screen, a diversion in a critical election year.  Those acquiring their “news” from progressive mainstream media to include CBS, NBC, ABC, MSNBC, the NY Times, Charlotte Observer, Winston-Salem Journal, or the News and Observer (just to name a few) are getting the story spun to fit an agenda set by donor dollars. Yes, even FOX has a conservative image to uphold.  These media outlets care about one thing, selling a story…. and we need to remember that.

tranny-at-urinal_400

Most often what comes out of the business end of the sausage machine is a propagandized tie-died remnant of the truth.

Remember, these news outlets depend on advertising dollars to survive and can’t afford to tick off the wrong people…. their existence depends on it. They are bought and sold!

Because of the fissure created when the HB2 firecracker went off, Obama is doing what Obamas do best, issuing more decrees, creating division, and inciting riot …. this time he wants ALL publicly funded schools across the country to comply with his gender neutral bathroom decree.

His ammo? He will unilaterally withhold federal education dollars, the only illegal leverage he has. It’s our belief the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) should be defunded and shut down, the authority and responsibility given back to the States to educate our children.  

Remember this…. North Carolina is a pivotal state in 2016 with the Number 1 Governor’s race and Number 1 Senate race in the country. We are 6th in the nation in delegate count with 72!  We are a threat to Obama’s agenda, Roy Cooper’s agenda, Rev. Wm. Barber’s agenda, and to Hillary’s agenda. The mortar attacks we are experiencing now are only the beginning of what is to come. We should take it very personally!

When Donald Trump is elected as next President of the United States of America he will address the unconstitutional decrees and mandates by simply reversing them.  But until then, until we have a real leader to stand up for the working class, the people that drive this country’s economy, the monkey business will continue. Until we have a real leader to stand up to the corruption in Congress and most importantly the bureaucrats that are holding us all hostage, the monkey business will continue. marsupialsWe need a new zookeeper ….yesterday!

30 Pieces Of Silver

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We are republishing last week’s February 28th, 2016 column originally published in the Kinston Free Press which highlights the difference between the Democrat Party Platform and the Republican Party Platform.  Both publish their Platforms online so it should be no secret but many do not know where their party stands on the issues. It’s intent was a gut check…. what do you stand for?
 fighting mascots
It is my belief that we should should associate ourselves with and register with the political party that most closely resembles our core values. I am Pro-life, believe in limited government, capitalism, lower taxes, preservation of the 1st and 2nd amendment, and the right for every American to work hard and keep what they earn. More government means less liberty. I am a Republican. I associate with every word in the Republican Platform.
Truth Twain
You may call yourself a “moderate thinking” Democrat but if you support the Democrat Party and vote Democrat you support that Platform.
It doesn’t matter what you call yourself.  Just align yourself with the Party that most closely resembles your values. 
By John Nix / Columnist
Posted Feb. 28, 2016 at 12:01 AM

Lenoir County is fairly conservative even though seventy-six percent of the population align themselves with the liberal Democratic party. You have heard the false narrative, “There’s not much difference between the Democrats and Republicans.” There may be politicians on both sides of the fence that will sell themselves for “thirty pieces of silver.” However, there are many more elected officials ethically bound to do the “will of the people.” Party platforms of Democrats and Republicans contrast sharply.

On abortion, Democrats believe a woman should have the “right to choose” and have taxpayer-funded abortions on demand. Republicans believe the unborn are human beings with rights and oppose partial birth and taxpayer-funded abortions as Planned Parenthood provides. Over one million children are slaughtered through abortion each year in the United States.

On gun control, Democrats do not honor the Second Amendment but believe more regulation is needed to “control” gun sales. Republicans understand the Second Amendment is designed to protect our First Amendment rights to include freedom of religion, freedom of speech and of the press, to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Over-regulating weapons infringes on our God-given right to defend ourselves and our families. In the U.S., around eight thousand people per year die by gunfire, yet one million children are murdered through abortion. Gun control is not about saving lives, it is only about control as the numbers prove.

On the economy, Democrats believe government regulation is necessary to “level the playing field,” stifling growth with taxation in the process. Republicans believe in promoting free markets to produce more growth, jobs and a higher standard of living.

On welfare, Democrats believe welfare is necessary to protect the poor. Republicans believe it is more compassionate and effective to encourage self-reliance. The welfare system enslaves minorities, is highly abused and creates a generational cycle of dependency.

On education, Democrats are against parental choice and believe in increased tax funding for public education. Republicans believe parents should have the right to choose a charter school or private school education. Federal overreach with intrusive agendas like “Common Core” only rob students of their critical thinking skills while taking parents out of the equation. Our children are not property of the state.

On immigration, Democrats believe in blanket amnesty and funding for higher education of illegal aliens who came here as children. Republicans believe in legal immigration only, oppose amnesty and support increased border security. Our borders are a national security issue the current administration refuses to effectively address.

On taxes, Democrats believe in raising taxes on wealthy Americans to support a more intrusive over-regulating government. Republicans promote lower taxes, smaller government, and believe in free market capitalism. Republicans understand higher taxes and more regulations put a stranglehold on economic growth.

 On healthcare, Democrats believe government should control all aspects of healthcare while Republicans understand socialized medicine results in high costs and poor quality healthcare. It is not the role of the government to mandate how the private sector delivers medical treatment.

On global warming, Democrats theorize the earth is heating rapidly caused by the burning of fossil fuels like oil and coal. Consequently they have introduced “green energy” mandates which drive up fuel prices. Republicans understand the heating and cooling of the earth is a natural process. Regulating carbon will not help the environment and will only increase fuel costs.

On religion, Democrats believe all references of God in public and government spaces should be removed. Republicans understand our Constitution affords all Americans freedom Of religion, not freedom From religion.

On same-sex marriage, Democrats believe this should be legal. Republicans oppose same-sex marriage and believe marriage should be between one man and one woman.

These are only a few core beliefs found in each party’s platform. You should align yourself with those core beliefs which most closely reflect your political beliefs. One-party rule has hurt Lenoir County for the last century and a half. Are you surprised you have been honoring a political party that goes against your religious, moral or ethical convictions? Consider supporting a more balanced political landscape by registering and voting Republican.

John Nix is the co-founder and partner at Matrix East, PLLC. He’s also the president of the CSS Neuse Foundation and the lead plaintiff in the Nix, et al v. Eric Holder case, for the reversal of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. The opinions of the guest columnist are not necessarily those of The Free Press.