Thank You!

The Dave Edwards for Congress campaign would like to thank everyone who voted on Tuesday!  We are proud of the 11,000+ people that sent a loud message to Washington and to the establishment. For the first time in 10 years, a candidate outside of the system received over 10,000 votes. We believe this number will continue to grow over the next two years.

Each vote represented a threefold message.  First, the federal government must only perform its Constitutional responsibilities. Second, power and control must be restored to the people and the States. Third, more individuals are caring about the positions of the individual candidate, not a party label or the amount of money that was raised.

We applaud the 11,000+ people that had the courage to choose a candidate based on his principles, not a party label. Unfortunately, almost half of the voters did vote a straight party ticket. We must continue to educate others that a party label does not equal a candidate being the best representative of our Constitutional and conservative values.

We also encourage you to not live in fear of splitting the conservative vote and helping a liberal get elected. It is simply not true in the 4th Congressional District. Based on the numbers, our campaign's claim that splitting the Conservative vote would not result in a liberal being elected was again proven correct. You must realize that you have the freedom and liberty to vote for the best candidate.

Thank you to the many supporters and volunteers who helped throughout this campaign. We have much to be proud of and we hope you will continue to hold all our elected officials accountable.

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Published on November 5, 2010 at 1:35 pm |

Go Vote for Dave Edwards!

Get out and vote!  A vote for Dave is a vote for the Constitution.  Also, every vote for Dave Edwards makes our message to Washington even louder!  Join us for the election night victory party starting at 7:00 pm at BiGrani's Brew on Wade Hampton in Taylors across from Denny's. 

Dave Edwards supporters at the day before the election sign wave. 

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on November 1, 2010 at 10:19 pm |

Dave Edwards on the Tea Party

During the WYFF 4 debate, the candidates running in the 4th District were asked about the Tea Party.  Here is how Dave Edwards responded to the question:

"I believe the Tea Party has been here all along. It's just gotten to the point where we as common Americans have gotten frustrated that we're not being represented properly by Congress.  We've reached the point where we've been pushed to the max and so we're reacting and coming out in force. I'm very thankful that I've been able to speak and interact with many of those who are here in Greenville, Spartanburg, Union and Laurens county who are part of the Tea Party movement.  I'm just like you all in the sense that I've gotten fed up with what's happening in DC.  We have two different parties bickering over who's right instead of what's right for you, me and our country.  We do have to send a message, a very loud and clear message.  The Tea Party has been awakened. The common American has been awakened.  We are becoming more and more aware of what the Federal Government is doing. It's time for us to make a difference, to stand up and say we want our Constitutional and conservative values to be represented."

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on November 1, 2010 at 10:34 am |

Dave Edwards interview on the Bob McLain Show

Here are a few clips of the Dave Edwards interview on the Bob McLain Show WORD 106.3 FM 1330 AM.

Added by the Webmater - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on November 1, 2010 at 10:31 am |

Statement of Support from Conservative Veterans

This letter is to notify all Veteran voters and the public that we have found Dave Edwards to be the only true conservative running for Congress in the 4th district of South Carolina.

The Conservative Veterans Coalition is not a political organization, but will rate candidates as to where they stand on issues effecting U.S. Veterans and to what their plan is to address Veterans problems.

We invite all Veterans in this district to vote and to vote smart. We thank Mr. Edwards for being open with us and listening to what is causing so many of our Veterans hardships that Congress can change.


Frank Brown
Co-founder
Conservative Veterans Coalition

http://www.cvcoalition.com

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on October 29, 2010 at 11:17 pm |

Dave Edwards WYFF 4 Debate Closing Statement

Dave Edwards talks about how conservative and Constitutional the 4th District is and compares himself to the other candidates in his closing statement at the WYFF 4 Debate.

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress - Opponent: Trey Gowdy

Published on October 19, 2010 at 10:35 am |

Dave Edwards for Congress Campaign Rally

Supporters and those wanting to meet Dave Edwards packed out BiGranni's on 10-18-10.  Many people met Dave for the first time.  Dave encouraged everyone to keep spreading the word to their friends and family.

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress,  Opponent: Trey Gowdy

Published on October 18, 2010 at 11:48 pm |

New Dave Edwards for Congress Radio Ad

Dave Edwards for Congress has recorded a new radio ad that will run from now until election day.  Please consider donating to the campaign to keep it on the air as much as possible.  The ad will run on WORD 106.3 FM. 

You can donate towards the ad here:

http://www.daveedwards4congress.com/contribute

You can listen to the ad at this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVs1GOTm9vw

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on October 15, 2010 at 11:12 pm |

Greenville News Coverage of Debate

Here are excerpts from the Greenville News coverage of last nights Congressional Debate:

4th District Hopefuls Talk Economy

3 candidates differ on government's role in regulation, creating jobs

By Ben Szobody Staff Writer

Congressional candidates competing to replace U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis debated Tuesday how to climb out of the economic doldrums, the importance of the tea party and the future of Social Security.
...
Constitution Party candidate Dave Edwards, a Taylors real estate businessman, told WYFF moderator Michael Cogdill that the first thing he would do in Congress is make a list of unconstitutional agencies and programs in order to work toward their elimination.
...
There were few pointed criticisms among the candidates aside from Edwards' closing remarks, in which he said that Gowdy helped elect both Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic former Sen. Fritz Hollings and spent time in Washington this week meeting lobbyist and raising cash.

Gowdy didn't respond in his closing remarks that followed...
...
Edwards said the federal government never creates jobs, and that scaling back government burdens on businesses will help them thrive. 
...
Edwards identified himself with the tea party, which he said has always existed and reflects a frustration that common Americans aren't represented as they awaken to what government is doing.


Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on October 13, 2010 at 3:46 pm |

Eliza Rose

My wife and I are excited to let you know that our daughter, Eliza Rose, has been born. She was born this past weekend at Labors of Love. She weighed a healthy 7lbs 6oz and was 20.5 inches long. Mother and baby are doing well. Here are a few photos:

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on October 12, 2010 at 8:39 pm |

Trey Gowdy Criticized by Washington Times for DC Lobbyist Trip

The Washington Times has reported in their article Political 'Outsiders' Coming in for Cash that Trey Gowdy was in Washington DC last week to raise money from a number of lobbyists and special interest groups.  Without even being elected, his actions are showing that he is ready to represent lobbyists and special interest groups, not the people of the 4th District.

In a statement released today, Dave Edwards said "His actions speak louder than his words and this is a clear reflection that he will continue politics as usual. The 4th District needs someone to represent them, not lobbyists.”

The Washington Times article says "Mr. Gowdy's spokesman said that of the three fundraising events scheduled this week, only one is a true fundraiser..." Yet the invitation to one of the other parties clearly says "Make Checks Payable To: Trey Gowdy for Congress."

The website politicalpartytime.org has the following invitation for one of the events:

For: Trey Gowdy (R, SC-04)

Hosted by: Independent Community Bankers of America PAC Mortgage Bankers of America PAC

When: Oct. 7th, 2010 (10 a.m. - 11 a.m.)

Where: Capitol Hill Club - 300 First Street SE

Type of Event: Coffee

Contribution Information: $1,000 PAC; $500 Individual

Make Checks Payable To: Trey Gowdy for Congress - PO Box 3324 Spartanburg, SC 29304

Here are a few other quotes from the Washington Times article:

"I may not be able to totally change Washington by myself, but Washington will never change me," Mr. Gowdy has said on the campaign stump."

"This week, Mr. Gowdy  is scheduled to trod the well-worn Washington fundraiser circuit, where lobbyists and political insiders trade campaign contributions for a chance to schmooze lawmakers and candidates whom they'll later try to lobby."

"The hosts of the other event for Mr. Gowdy are listed as the Independent Community Bankers of America PAC and the Mortgage Bankers of America PAC. On what he described as the coffee meet and greet events, Mr. Ramsey said, “I am sure there will be checks involved" but added that the events weren't major fundraisers." -- Jim McElhatton, The Washington Times

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on October 11, 2010 at 11:09 pm |

Dave Edwards to Debate Trey Gowdy Live on Channel 4

Dave Edwards will be debating Trey Gowdy and Paul Corden in the WYFF debate on Tuesday October 12, at 7:30 on Channel 4.  You can submit questions to the candidates at: http://www.wyff4.com/politics/25213137/detail.html

The debate will be live and commercial free.

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on October 5, 2010 at 3:46 pm |

Differences Between Dave Edwards and Trey Gowdy Added to Website

The Dave Edwards for Congress campaign has published a new page on the website called "Differences" that can be found at http://www.daveedwards4congress.com/differences.  The page gives 13 areas for voters to see what makes Dave Edwards different than Trey Gowdy.  

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on September 30, 2010 at 4:23 pm |

Dave Edwards Facebook Ad Reaches One Million Impressions

The Dave Edwards for Congress Facebook ad has received over 1,000,000 impressions since the beginning of August.  The ads have been targeted to those who live in the 4th District of South Carolina, are over 18, and have conservative interests. 

Here is an example of the ad:

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on September 29, 2010 at 2:08 pm |

Do You Want the Green Police?

I believe it is very important that we take care of the environment and the resources God has given to us; however, my primary opponent and I differ significantly in our approach to encouraging people to take care of the environment.

I believe that through personal responsibility and the increase and protection of personal property we can develop a culture of good stewardship. Stewardship is an outward manifestation of gratitude. Our gratitude can be increased by encouraging outdoor activities and understanding the impact of our actions. I believe it is our responsibility to be prudent, productive, and efficient stewards of God's natural resources. This requires a proper and continuing dynamic balance between development and conservation, between use and preservation.

My primary opponent, Trey Gowdy, believes in a top-down method. He would like to promote stewardship through “aggressive prosecution of environmental crimes.” It is not a surprise that a lawyer believes we need to have more litigation and lawsuits. This is seeking to create a culture of legal action, not a culture of true environmental stewards.

If you want to have the Green Police, I am not the candidate for you. On the other hand, if you believe in personal responsibility and a bottom-up approach, I would appreciate your vote on November 2nd.

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on September 28, 2010 at 11:22 pm |

Dave Edwards News Coverage from Greer Event

Fox Carolina reported on the event in Downtown Greer on Saturday the 25th.  Here is a clip from that report:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czr5XoWEbAA

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on September 27, 2010 at 8:38 am |

Dave Edwards to Speak at Greer Chamber Event

The Greer Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring an event called "Greer's Election Selection."  The candidates for many offices including the 4th District Congressional race will be given the chance to give a 5 minute stump speech.  The event starts at 6:00 pm and the candidates start at 7:00 pm.

Cost is $20 at the door and it will be held on Trade St. in Downtown Greer.  For more information go to http://www.greerchamber.com.

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on September 25, 2010 at 8:49 am |

Dave Edwards Meets New Supporters

The music and coffee event with local harpist Prentiss Kendall, sponsored by Dave Edwards for Congress, was a great success.  Approximately 60 people were in attendance and many people got the chance to meet Dave Edwards for the fist time and hear him speak.  Dave spent time after the event answering questions and talking to voters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9anuSJUlrXk

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on September 24, 2010 at 11:55 pm |

Evening of Relaxing Music and Coffee

The Dave Edwards for Congress Campaign is sponsoring "An Evening with Prentiss Kendall" on Friday September 24 at 7:00.  The event will take place at BiGranni's Coffee on Wade Hampton Blvd in Taylors across from Denny's.  Admission is free and there will be light refreshments as well as specialty coffees for sale by BiGranni's.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

Printiss Kendall is a local harpist and the following is taken from the about page of her website:

...has completed Bachelor of Arts Degree in Harp Performance. Miss Kendall has competed and won in many competitions including first place in the string solo category of the National Competition for Christian Schools and the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools Competition. She has also been a finalist in both the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra and the Bob Jones University Commencement competitions. She has served as soloist with the Greenville County Youth Orchestra on five occasions including a monumental performance with the GCYO and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra.   Since then she has been soloist with the Bob Jones University Chamber  orchestra, and she was also featured in a formal concert series in North Carolina. http://prentisskendall.com

Dave Edwards will be in attendance to give a quick word to the crowd and meet anyone who would like to come.  Please make plans to attend!

Added by The Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on September 23, 2010 at 2:22 pm |

More Representation for Private or Public Workers?

In the conservative magazine, The Weekly Standard, there is an article called The Privileged Public Sector by Andrew Ferguson. He provides some interesting information about the compensation of government versus private employees.

One point he makes is that “Over the last decade, the average federal salary has risen 33 percent faster than the inflation rate. When total compensation is measured—salary plus benefits like health insurance and pension guarantees—government workers have seen an increase of more than 36 percent, adjusted for inflation. Over the same period, private workers got an 8.8 percent increase.”

Ferguson also cites two economists, Andrew Biggs and Jason Richwine, as stating: “Private employees must work 13.5 months to earn what a comparable federal worker makes in 12.”

No wonder “the quit rate in private industry last year was 19.1 percent—that is, one out of five private employees quit his job in 2009. In the federal government the quit rate was 2.3 [percent]—that is, hardly anybody leaves Club Fed until they retire.”

Based on information like this, do you think we need to be creating more incentives for individuals to enter the government workforce?

Most of us who work as small business owners or in the private sector would argue that we don’t need to create more incentives. We pay the taxes that fund these government positions and programs, and we would prefer to see a leaner, more efficient government.

My opponent, Trey Gowdy, believes that incentivizing college students to be national service workers is a “good exchange.” However, I believe the government is big enough and we need more workers added to the private sector, not to government.  On that basis, I ask you to consider who will be the best representative for the private sector-a small business owner, or another member of “Club Fed”?

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on September 23, 2010 at 10:36 am |

Dave Edwards on Taking Action

Dave Edwards shows the simple tools found at the "Take Action" page of the website:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqv842LhuY0

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Opponent: Trey Gowdy - Seat Currently Held by: Bob Inglis.

Published on September 21, 2010 at 12:13 am |

Dave Edwards Speaks to Spartanburg Tea Party

Dave Edwards appeared with the other candidates Tuesday night in Spartanburg to address the Tea Party and take questions. 

The Spartanburg Herald Journal has an article on the event: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20100915/NEWS/100919832/1002/SPORTS04?p=1&tc=pg

Highlights from the article:

On Dave Edwards: "...talked about the need for bottom-up governance, as opposed to top-down. He's a small-business owner and former accountant who lives in Taylors."

On Trey Gowdy: "...was asked about a $1,000 contribution he made to Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham in 2008.

Gowdy said he made the contribution because Graham was the Republican nominee that year. He was answered with, "We don't need more Republicanism. We need more conservatism" from the audience, and criticism of Graham's support of Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan and belief in global warming."

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on September 16, 2010 at 9:52 am |

Dave Edwards to Speak at Spartanburg Tea Party

Dave Edwards will be speaking at the Spartanburg Tea Party’s (STP) monthly meeting on Tuesday September 14 at 7:00 PM at the Westside Library.  Trey Gowdy and Rick Mahler will also be speaking and taking questions from the audience. 

From the Spartanburg Tea Party web site:

“We want to give voters the opportunity to ask these candidates the questions that they may not be asked by media or debate moderators,” notes Spartanburg Tea Party organizer Karen Martin. “Everyone is welcome to attend our meeting and join in the questioning.”

The Westside Library, located at 525 Oak Grove Road, Spartanburg.

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on September 13, 2010 at 8:15 pm |

Trey Gowdy Donation to Lindsey Graham

In 2007, Trey Gowdy donated $1,000 to Lindsey Graham. This was during the time that Lindsey Graham fought to pass a "comprehensive immigration" bill giving Graham the nickname "Grahamnesty."

Dave Edwards issued the following statement concerning the Gowdy to Graham donation: "This is troubling for voters in the 4th District. Financial contributions show your support for positions and policies. Maybe we can forgive his $1,000 donation to Democrat Senator Fritz Hollings, but not a more recent one to Lindsey Graham. These donations reflect where Trey Gowdy stands. South Carolina deserves a better Constitutional and conservative candidate."

Ready for a better option?  Vote Dave Edwards for Congress.

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on September 13, 2010 at 11:11 am |

Dave Edwards for Congress Radio Ad

We have radio ads running at least twice a day for the campaign and Dr. Ed Panosian was very kind to donate his voice.  We can run these ads for around $25/day.  If you are interested in donating money for more air time, please visit our donation page here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHcQE4cLGIg

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Opponent: Trey Gowdy - Seat Currently Held by: Bob Inglis.

Published on September 8, 2010 at 4:02 pm |

Dave Edwards on Signs

A quick word from Dave Edwards after a long night of putting out yard signs. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib8Bf5zqa-w

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on September 4, 2010 at 12:12 pm |

Dave Edwards on Small Business

Dave Edwards talks about small business and jobs in the Upstate of South Carolina as well as one of the differences between himself and Trey Gowdy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_b4TFxDxL0

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on September 2, 2010 at 11:05 am |

Reserved to the States or to the People

Do We Still Have Boundaries?

"I consider the fundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground that 'all powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people.' To take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specially drawn around the powers of Congress, is to take possessoin of a boundless field of power, no longer susceptible of any definition....The states can best govern our home concerns and the general government our foreign ones. I wish, therefore... never to see all offices transferred to Washington, where, further withdrawn from the eyes of the people, they may more secretly be bought and sold at market." - Thomas Jefferson

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on August 31, 2010 at 1:55 pm |

Monday Night Campaign Meeting at BiGranni's Coffee

Come join us every Monday night at 7:00 at BiGranni's Coffee on Wade Hampton across from Denny's! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH8y0iIWVuY

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on August 23, 2010 at 11:55 pm |

Federal Spending

As a former accountant and small business owner, I know how to control my spending, cut waste, and make a profit.  Here is a great video from the Heritage Foundation on federal spending:

 

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on August 19, 2010 at 12:35 pm |

Cordoba Mosque at Ground Zero (Part 2)

The Constitution and Shariah law are incompatible.  Basically, the political strategy is to try and keep the incompatibility a secret. This will be ruinous to our Constitutional liberties. Let us examine the facts:

*Muslims and liberals want to build a mosque in a building hit by the landing gear of a plane that collided with the Twin Towers.  They want this 13 story building two blocks from Ground Zero from which they are still exhuming remains of victims.

*Cordoba House plans to open on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. 

Who is Feisal Abdul Rauf?

*The mosque's leader, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, refuses to declare Hamas a terrorist organization.  He explained that "the issue of terrorism is a very complex question."  When pressed further he responded "I am a peace builder.  I will not allow anybody to put me in a position where I am seen by any party in the world as an adversary or as an enemy."

*According to former federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy, Rauf is a prominent member of the Perdana Group, which sponsored the flotilla violence in Israel.

*In 2006, Rauf organized a Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow conference in Copenhagen where he hosted such radical Muslims as Yasir Qadhi

*On September 30th 2001, on 60 Minutes, Rauf suggested that Muslim terrorists did kill thousands on 9/11, but "United States policies were an accessory to the crime that happened."

*Speaking to Islamic media in March of this year, Rauf, speaking of the phrase "Religious Dialogue," says:

"This phrase is inaccurate. Religious dialogue as customarily understood is a set of events with discussions in large hotels that result in nothing. Religions do not dialogue and dialogue is not present in the attitudes of the followers, regardless of being Muslim or Christian. The image of Muslims in the West is complex which needs to be remedied."

*In May, Rauf said, "Throughout my discussions with contemporary Muslim theologians, it is clear an Islamic state can be established in more than just a single form or mold. It can be established through a kingdom or a democracy. The important issue is to establish the general fundamentals of Sharia that are required [For Muslims] to govern. It is known that there are sets of standards that are accepted by [Muslim] scholars to organize the relationships between government and the governed [emphasis added]."

*Rauf leads "The Shariah Index Project," which charts the “Islamic-ness” of countries, and provides a way for Muslims to check “Islamification” progress.

*What is the meaning of Cordoba?

The Cordoba center is named for Cordoba Spain which was the capital of a Western Islamic Caliphate and the place where a Christian cathedral was converted into a mosque.  According to Fredrick Schweitzer and Marvin Perry's book "Anti-Semitism: myth and hate from antiquity to the present" Cordoba was the site of Muslim initiated pogroms that killed thousands of Jews and subjugated Christians and Jews both to second class status and repeated persecution.

* Cordoba is a perceived metaphor for Islamic victory in the West.

Who is funding the project?

*Rauf claimed to American news outlets that the 100 million dollar mosque would be funded by American Muslims alone.  However, when speaking with a London-based Arabic paper "Asharq AlAwsat," Rauf asserted that the funds would be collected by American Muslims along with donations from Arab and Islamic countries.

*Rauf founded The American Society for Muslim Advancement.  This is the group spearheading the Cordoba Initiative.  The ASMA is funded by The Saudi Arabian Xenel Corporation.  Xenel is implicated on the "Golden Chain" list.  The list includes 20 or so top Saudi Business men.  Xenel CEO Abdullah Alireza sits on the board of DMI, a bank in Switzerland.  He is accompanied on the twelve member board by Osama Bin Laden's half brother.  DMI is a defendant in a lawsuit brought by the families of 9/11 victims.  They are accused of having "conspired with Al Qaeda and the other defendants to carry out terrorist attacks."

*The Center for American Islamic Relations has condemned the Jewish Anti-Defamation League's opposition to the Cordoba Mosque and asked them to retract their opposition. The deputy leader of the Islamic Extremist Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, Mohammed Habib, confirms a relationship between CAIR and the Egyptian Brotherhood.

*CAIR has its origins in the U.S. Hamas infrastructure.

According to the Left, what are we to believe?

  • Sharia-advancing-Islamists, who don't allow religious freedom in Islamic nations, are motivated to build a mosque near Ground Zero by an uncharacteristic ecumenical spirit of religious dialogue.
  • Ground Zero is the only place where the aims of Muslim outreach can occur.
  • Opponents--who do allow the Muslims the right to worship at any of the many mosques in NY-- are bigoted racists bent only on the oppression of Muslims.  However, a Muslim imam who freely associates with radicalized Muslims and who refuses to condemn Hamas as a terrorist organization is a pillar in the temple of multiculturalism.

Cordoba House's nearness to Ground Zero is less critical to a mission of interfaith outreach and more critical to a triumphalist memorial at the expense of the tragic victims that died on 9/11.  The attack on 9/11 was a national attack.  Therefore, this is a national issue. One on which the President and Congress have been largely silent.  We ought not to allow the 10th anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11 to be marred by a morale booster to terrorists and what amounts to an “end zone dance” by progressive West-hating elites.

Added by Zach Franzen - Dave Edwards for Congress Campaign

Published on August 12, 2010 at 8:29 am |

Cordoba Mosque at Ground Zero (Part 1)

Those looking for an example of the amazing alliance between West-hating secular-Leftists and West-Hating Muslim-Supremacists should pick up a newspaper.  Within its pages you will find that the greatest indicator of bigotry is an unfashionable curiosity about the financing, mission, and sensitivity of the Cordoba Mosque and Cultural Center.

Ironically, secularists who believe that a nativity scene is a violation of Church and State also find that the first amendment grants a right to build a mosque anywhere you want!  Also, in order to distract from legitimate questions, journalists increasingly write belligerent and intellectually bankrupt statements like this one by Hamdan Azhar in the Christian Science Monitor:

"The entire controversy has in large part been fabricated and perpetuated by Islamophobic extremists who make money by fomenting suspicion and intolerance toward the 'other.'" (“Ground Zero Mosque: Islamophobic extremists are fueling the controversy” - CSMonitor.com)

Maybe we should learn a lesson or two from the tolerant response by Muslims when the Salvation Army decided to build a Youth Camp in Mecca.  Oh wait, that never happened!  Why? Because non-Muslims can't build camps in Mecca.  In fact non-Muslims can’t even enter the city! (talk about intolerance toward the "other")

Tragically, the civic authorities in NYC are unwilling to withstand the name-calling tactics of Pro-Sharia intimidation groups.  They failed to give the Burlington Coat Factory building landmark status even though less culturally significant and architecturally similar buildings have previously received such status. Politicians like Mayor Bloomberg display a tendency Alexander Solzhenitsyn once described well: "The timid civilized world has found nothing with which to oppose the onslaught of a sudden revival of barbarity, except concessions and smiles."

Like progressivism, Islam advances most speedily on the wheels of deceit.  Whereas Islamists authorize deceit by Muslim scholarship, Progressives authorize deceit through leftist scholarship.

Here's how it happens in Progressive thought:

1.  Truth gives way to truths. 

2.  Truths in turn become preference statements.

3.  These in turn become manipulation tools.

4.  When language lacks the power to be truthful, it must settle for being useful.

5.  Voila, dishonesty wheels!  Let's roll!

 An obligation to truthfulness instead becomes an opportunity to say what is expedient in order to get what you want, which is why Sherilynn Dodd, Dean of Sarah Lawrence College in New York, can manage aggressively dishonest spin like this:

"The name Cordoba House…is particularly fitting -- an evocation of the rich interactions of Christians, Muslims and Jews in Medieval Spain.  Medieval Spain was not often a paradise of tolerance and peace. But where peoples lived together, the understanding spawned by that coexistence gave the lie to the notion that Muslims, Jews and Christians must by nature be opposed, and created a more cohesive, fecund, peaceful and plural society." (Nothing New about Mosques in New York - CNN.com) 

Apparently, Ms. Dodd’s expertise on "minorities in pluralistic societies" doesn't include the fact that some of those rich interactions included organized killings of thousands of Jews, and the perpetual 2nd class "dhimmi" status of Jews and Christians under sharia.

As the late critic Leslie Fielder remarked,

“The final conclusion would seem to be that whereas other civilizations have been brought down by attacks of barbarians from without, ours had the unique distinction of training its own destroyers at its own educational institutions and providing them with facilities for propagating their destructive ideology far and wide, all at the public expense."

Islam abolishes truth somewhat more directly than the leftists, they both disguise their deceitful ends by fictitious means.  The Quran writes Muslims a blank dishonesty check that they can cash whenever they feel the need to hide their motives.

"Anyone who, after accepting faith in Allah, utters Unbelief, except under compulsion, his heart remaining firm in Faith - but such as open their breast to Unbelief, on them is Wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a dreadful Penalty." Surah 16: 106

Basically, you can deny Allah externally as long you don't deny Allah internally.  Put another way, the ends (Sharia in America) justify the means (pretending to want interfaith dialogue).  This is called Taqiyya.

Cordoba House is not yet open, but it is already encouraging interfaith dialogue.  Here’s how the dialogue goes:

Cordoba Promoters: We want to heal wounds caused by 9/11 by building a memorial mosque near the ruins of a terrorist attack.

Jews, Christians, Hindu’s & agnostics: Please don't.  A mosque here pours salt in the wound and will cause more harm than good.  Please build it somewhere else in Manhattan.

Cordoba Promoters: Shut up!

[End of Interfaith Dialogue]

The only mutual understanding that the Cordoba mosque has brought about thus far is between Islam and the media.  Their shared love for power and their hatred for the West seems to overcome their seemingly incompatible social priorities.

Decades before the Huffington Post, Malcolm Muggeridge wrote:

"The media in themselves have no power, any more than nuclear weapons have; both have power only to the extent that they can influence and exploit the weaknesses and wretchedness of men--their carnality which makes them vulnerable to the pornographer, their greed and vanity which delivers them into the hands of the advertiser, their credulity which makes them so susceptible to the fraudulent prospectuses of ideologues and politicians; above all, their arrogance, which induces them to fall so readily for any agitator or agitation, revolutionary or counter-revolutionary, which brings to their nostrils the acrid scent of power."

Added by Zach Franzen - Dave Edwards for Congress Campaign

Published on August 8, 2010 at 3:17 pm |

Repeal Obamacare

Dave Edwards tells a story of how Obamacare is already affecting families.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEScI_SCmnQ

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on August 6, 2010 at 2:01 pm |

The Threat from Islam

There are elements of our Government willing to accept on unsupported authority that terrorists are merely politically-motivated criminals and that Islamic allegiances are inconsequential.  They are, however, unwilling to accept the great amount of evidence linking Islam with Terrorism.  Such politically expedient self-deception is extremely dangerous, and intentional ignorance of any such enemy will have devastating consequences for our nation and our way of life.

Last November, Nidal Hasan walked into a crowded medical processing center, shouted "Allahu Akbar!" and opened fire, killing fourteen people, including an unborn child, and wounding thirty others.  Nidal Hasan was a Major in the United States Army, who vocally believes that America has teamed up with the Jews in order to keep Muslims poor, oppressed, and unhappy.  He made business cards that labeled him a soldier of Allah.  In 2007, he gave a PowerPoint presentation entitled The Koranic World View As It Relates to Muslims in the U.S. Military. The presentation consisted of fifty slides. On one slide, Hasan describes the presentation's objectives as identifying "what the Koran inculcates in the minds of Muslims and the potential implications this may have for the U.S. military." This was not a man seeking to fly under the radar, but a pro-Islamic psychiatrist clearly articulating his beliefs. Yet neither the Department of Defense nor the Department of Justice wanted to raise suspicions against him. They preferred 14 people dead to honestly examining the connections between his Islamic belief and his move toward terrorist action.

I own and have read sections of the Quran, attended Friday prayers at a mosque, gone to Islamic seminars, conducted personal academic research, visited Muslim countries, and lived for a decade and a half in a country which shares its border with Indonesia—the largest Muslim population in the world. What I say here is not out of ignorance or prejudice.

I see two distinct and very different Islamic threats. There is, of course, the obvious physical threat of continuing Islamic terrorism, which remains of utmost concern. However, perhaps even more dangerous and holding the potential to be ultimately far more destructive than the first, is the very well-organized, “under the radar” effort by Islam to undermine and destroy the American system from the inside. This potential has been thoroughly documented by individuals like Andrew McCarthy, who was one of America’s top federal prosecutors. McCarthy was “decorated with the Justice Department’s highest honors” and was directly involved in the prosecution of the original (1993) World Trade Center truck bombers. He also “helped launch the 9/11 investigation.” McCarthy perceptively explains:

“It is called jihad by dawa…Dawa is the missionary work by which Islam is spread. But don’t be fooled by the term ‘missionary.’ Dawa no more resembles the Western connotation of ‘missionary work’ than Islam resembles the Western notion of religion. Just as Islamism aspires to domination rather than a place at our ecumenical table, dawa is not mere proselytism…Islamists have shrewdly adapted to the enemy’s—to America’s, to the West’s—incoherent posture of obsessing over terrorism while turning a blind eye to terrorism’s animating ideology. U.S. experts stubbornly maintain, regardless of the evidence, that Muslim hostility to the West is a result of poverty, Israel, resentment, Israel, misinformation, Israel, or whatever other excuse we are using this week. Meantime, the Brotherhood methodically proceeds with its grand jihad-by-sabotage, and the unabashed (Muslim leader) Qaradawi openly proclaims, ‘We will conquer Europe, we will conquer America, not through the sword but through dawa.”  

It is already happening in Great Britain, and such efforts are already well under way here in America. The CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) and a number of other Muslim groups and individuals are already working with and influencing U.S. government departments and policies, with a view to moving America in a very different and extremely ominous direction. Like Great Britain, there is a very real possibility of future legal changes and accommodations to Sharia law in our country. Sharia law is contrary to our Constitutional liberties and freedoms.

I am an unapologetic advocate of the U.S. Constitution, and I unreservedly support freedom of religion. However, I also recognize the grave danger Islam currently poses to the United State of America. While there are obviously many law-abiding Muslims, I am fully convinced that Islam is at its core not a religion of peace. I am committed to exposing and opposing the dangers of Islam, doing everything I can to protect America’s Constitutional liberties.

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on August 5, 2010 at 9:40 pm |

Conservatism Is “Show Me”, Not “Trust Me”

Each day we must stand up for our conservative and Constitutional principles at the local, state, and federal level. The conservative battle over ideas must continue because conservatism is based on a shared set of principles, not a shared set of personalities. The least conservative idea for a candidate to say is “trust me”. This falls outside the scope of conservatism.

Ronald Reagan was correct in stating, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

The preference for principle over personality also explains the gap between conservative celebrities and liberal celebrities.  Conservatives become celebrities based upon their policy analysis, while liberals analyze policy from the platform of their celebrity.  It explains Nancy Pelosi's exasperating remark "But we have to pass the healthcare bill so that you can find out what is in it", and it explains the broader liberal desire to pass legislation without close scrutiny.

Every campaign has four resources: money, time, people, and ideas. Our money is tight, supporters are growing, and time is short. Our greatest resource is our ideas. I have plenty to share.

I, like many of you, prefer “show me” to “trust me.” Consequently, voters can know clearly where I stand on twenty-two major issues.

Take a look here

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on August 3, 2010 at 10:21 am |

Are You Frustrated?

As I go door-to-door, I normally introduce myself by saying "Hi, I'm Dave Edwards and I'm running for Congress." I did this at one home and instantly I was ordered to leave the property. I respected the request and did so immediately. I understand their frustration, however, I would encourage all of us to channel that frustration into helping elect a representative for the fourth district who will be guided by the Constitution.

I am sharing part of a letter I sent to them with you because some of you may be feeling the same way. I hope all of us will change our focus and seek to make a positive impact with our vote on November 2, 2010.
 
...I have become greatly concerned about the direction of our country. It seems that you are also frustrated with what many politicians have done to us. Among other issues, they are taking away our money, liberties, and disregarding our Constitution.

I am a small-business owner, not a politician. This is my first time running for any elected office. I am doing it as an ordinary citizen who wants to bring the power back to the people. For this to be accomplished I must have the support of friends and neighbors.

I was stopping by to introduce myself because all of us need to channel our frustration and anger into electing a representative who will be guided by the Constitution, seek to restore our liberties, and bring the power back to the people and States.

We can still bring this country back. However, it can only be done with help from people like you.

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on July 29, 2010 at 9:09 am |

Visting the People that I Want to Represent

Yesterday I took some time to go visit people that I want to represent. I was down in Laurens country because three precincts are a part of the fourth district.

Several voters lived down roads like the one below. One of those voters made this comment while we talked: “You sure came a long way.” My response: “I seek to represent the whole fourth district, not certain areas.”

I am doing a tour of the fourth district by car, bicycle, and foot. Look for me, stop me, and ask me questions. I would like to meet you.

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on July 23, 2010 at 8:01 am |

Thoughts from a 4th District Voter:

The following was written as a letter-to-the editor by a supporter of the campaign and appeared in the Times Examiner.

Question: What do you call it when the 4th District of South Carolina votes Bob Inglis out of office? Answer: A great start!

I’ll admit that I am glad to see Bob go, but I’m reminded that the right to criticize must accompany a heart willing to help. Showing a man that is in error is no substitute for putting him in possession of truth.

In these challenging times it is not enough to say, “This is where I stand,” but more importantly, to say, “This is where we must go!” Leadership is the ability to generate, communicate and maintain commonality of purpose.

For that reason I am supporting Dave Edwards for the 4th Congressional District of South Carolina. Without apology, I am a free-market capitalist and recognize that our economy is driven by small business. Dave is a small business owner. If we expect Congress to understand and be favorable to small business we need business people to represent us, not lawyers. Although Dave is the candidate of the Constitution Party, he has demonstrated that his loyalty is to the Constitution, not to a political party. A vote for Dave Edwards is a vote to restore us to a Constitutional republic and a vote to reverse the Marxist direction we are now moving in. A vote for self-reliance and not for the ever increasing nanny-state. A vote for representation for all of us in the 4th District of SC, and not a vote for special interests, the global elite and centralized government.

Dave Edwards, like the rest of us, is not perfect and not without faults. But Dave Edwards has shown himself to be a man consecrated without reservation to God, Country, Family, and the people of the 4th District of South Carolina.

He needs and deserves your vote, your support, and your prayers.

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on July 22, 2010 at 10:04 am |

July 19th Monday Meeting at BiGranni's Coffee

We had a great turn out tonight at BiGranni's!  Come on out at 7:00 next week to discuss the Constitution and the 4th District and support a great new small business!

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on July 19, 2010 at 10:50 pm |

The Peaceful Enjoyment of Liberty

"Let the American youth never forget, that they possess a noble inheritance, bought by the toils, and sufferings, and blood of their ancestors...transmitting to their latest posterity all the substantial blessings of life, the peaceful enjoyment of liberty, property, religion, and independence." Joseph Story


Added by Dave Edwards

Published on July 19, 2010 at 10:00 am |

1,000 Bumper Stickers

The Dave Edwards for Congress campaign has a goal of 1,000 bumper stickers out by August 20th!  This is the first big phase in spreading the word about Dave and victory in November and there is a very easy way that you can be a part of it.


How can you help?  Please consider purchasing just one bumper sticker from our store for $3.49.  Just $3.49!  That simple purchase can be worth hundreds of dollars in advertising when on your car.  Why do we ask you to purchase them instead of handing them out? We depend on our supporters and those who long for citizen government to get the message out.  We don't have hundreds of thousands of dollars in establishment money at our disposal because we are just ordinary people who care about the Constitution.

Want to put them on your friends cars as well?  You can purchase a pack of 10 or a pack of 50 at a discounted rate. 

With just 3 1/2 months left until election day there is no time to delay!  Pass this message on to your friends and family who love liberty and the Constitution and together we can send the real voice of the 4th District to Washington this November.

Thank you for your support!

The Dave Edwards for Congress Campaign

 

Published on July 16, 2010 at 11:22 am |

Similarities Between the BP Oil Spill and the Arizona Law

Dave Edwards and Zach Franzen discuss similarities between the BP oil spill and the Arizona Law.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYHrU5wC0c8

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on July 1, 2010 at 7:14 am |

Educate Your Friends

In South Carolina's district four, there are approximately 422,000 registered voters. In this past primary run-off only about 77,000 came out to vote. What causes such a low turnout? I believe there are two reasons:
 
1. The voter has given up on trying to influence the government.
2. There is not a candidate available that they can support.
 
This past weekend I talked with an individual who was an example of the second reason. However, after she was informed that I was running for Congress she got excited because she thought I might be someone that she could actively support and vote for in November. The key to this change in her was having the knowledge that I was running for South Carolina's fourth congressional seat. Citizens are wanting and looking for a candidate who will be a Constitutional voice for them in Washington. Your family, friends, and neighbors deserve to know of their choices for November. Would you help to educate?
 
1. Join our Facebook page and then share it with your friends.
2. Follow the campaign on Twitter
3. Email the website link, www.daveedwards4congress.com, to 20 of your friends.
Added by Dave Edwards

Published on June 30, 2010 at 4:28 pm |

Victory for the Constitution with McDonald v. City of Chicago

The Supreme Court's ruling to uphold the Second Amendment to the Constitution in the case of McDonald v. City of Chicago is a major victory for the Constitution and the 2nd Amendment.  Five of the justices ruled to uphold the Constitution.  The scary thing is that 4 justices ruled against the Constitution. 

Supreme Court justices are not appointed to make laws but to apply the laws that are already there.  "...the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Pretty simple. You don't have to be a professor from Harvard Law School to understand that. Sadly, the newest member of the Supreme Court voted against the 2nd Amendment in McDonald v. City of Chicago.  Either she doesn't understand those simple words in the Constitution or she has no desire to uphold the Constitution.  Even sadder is the fact that she was confirmed by one of our own Senators from South Carolina. The 4th District has had enough of Lindsey Graham type representatives who go along with this. We need representatives with the courage to be Constitutional. Send a powerful message to Washington this November.  Send Dave Edwards to Congress and you will be sending the voice of the 4th District.  A voice for the Constitution. Simply put, this November, vote the 4th District into Congress.

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress.

Published on June 29, 2010 at 3:30 pm |

Is the Arizona Law Constitutional?

Dave Edwards and Zach Franzen discuss objections to the Arizona Law and whether or not it is Constitutional.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byRElG-t-rk

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on June 26, 2010 at 8:11 am |

CATO Institue on the Federal Election Commission

From the CATO Institute: "The so-called Citizens United case offers the Supreme Court a chance to severely curtail the free speech abuses of the Federal Election Commission. John Samples, Director of the Cato Institute's Center for Representative Government, Institute for Justice Senior Attorney Steve Simpson and George Mason University law professor Allison Hayward weigh in."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeGlzEavpTM

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on June 23, 2010 at 11:50 am |

Third Party - A Great Option in South Carolina's 4th District

Dave Edwards and Zach Franzen discuss the 4th District of South Carolina.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5OAqWrT7Lc

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on June 19, 2010 at 7:11 pm |

Dave Edwards Offers Answers to Congressional District 4 Voters

Congressional candidate Dave Edwards offers a productive way for voters to channel their frustrations and advocate a leaner, Constitutional government.

Greenville, SC, June 17, 2010 --(PR.com)-- District 4 Congressional candidate Dave Edwards addressed key questions Monday night at a meeting of the Greenville Tea Party.

Among the topics was a legitimate question: “Is a vote for a third party candidate a vote for a liberal Democrat?” Dave Edwards noted that this may sometimes be the case, but not in South Carolina's fourth district. Based on last mid-term elections, Dave said third party votes “won't swell the ranks of liberal Democrats.” He added that by splitting the conservative vote in two, the Democrats essentially take third place.” He concluded that the Tea Party and other third party groups are safe to challenge a Republican candidate who does not champion Constitutional and conservative values as aggressively as the people he represents.

Dave also addressed meeting attendees about whether they “wanted to send a message to Washington” to return the government to the people and to Constitutional ideas? As Dave mentioned, the success of his campaign serves a big notice for change to Washington and would help bind the Republican Party to the will of the people. It offers South Carolinians a productive way to focus their frustrations and choose a leaner, Constitutional government.

Also in attendance at the meeting was candidate for Attorney General Alan Wilson.

Dave Edwards is currently running against incumbent Bob Inglis (R) for the US House of Representatives—SC District 4. Dave’s position on November’s ballot has been guaranteed and he is positioned to give voters the opportunity for a Constitutional and conservative representative.

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on June 17, 2010 at 11:47 pm |

For Legal Immigration - Against Amnesty

The United States was established on principles that support the welcoming of new residents to its shores to learn and embrace American civic culture and political institutions through the processes of immigration and naturalization. Over the past several decades, however, immigration policy has become skewed, falsely presented as an uncompromising decision between unfettered immigration and none at all. Recently, the Obama Administration has begun to call for granting amnesty to the some 10.8 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. as part of a comprehensive immigration reform bill. The Heritage Foundation instead proposes a phased approach to immigration reform centered on border security, interior enforcement, and legal immigration processes. -The Heritage Foundation

The Heritage Foundation is exactly right when it recognizes that the debate has been skewed to a "decision between unfettered immigration and none at all."  Establishment politicians play politics with our national security. Instead of securing our borders they keep pushing for amnesty in an attempt to produce more voters.  Although most Americans do not want amnesty, the establishment will be pushing for it again soon and we need to be ready.  Career politicians make bad decisions when they see the potential for new voters and they can't resist.  Concerned citizens, like Dave Edwards, who run for office out of a concern for their country and the Constitution make their decisions based on what is Constitutional. This is how we bring government back to the people and how we hold Congress accountable to the Constitution.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to "establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization."    Amnesty ignores the rules of naturalization that Congress has established.  The rules of naturalization include being able to "read, write, and speak English and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government (civics)" as well as being "a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States." This is legal immigration.

Embracing legal immigration is the right thing to do.  Embracing amnesty and continuing with the status quo of unsecured borders is the wrong thing to do.  It is as simple as that. 

The Heritage Foundation offers great resources on effective ways to secure our borders.  Here is a link to that resource page: http://www.heritage.org/Research/Reports/2010/06/Border-Security-The-Heritage-Foundation-Recommendations

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on June 16, 2010 at 1:17 pm |

A Doctor's Take on the Health Care Legislation

Several essentials must be understood before a comprehensive repair of our broken health care system can be accomplished.  The first and preeminent, is that our federal government has no constitutional jurisdiction to govern the delivery of healthcare to a free populace.  What has been an enslaving entitlement over half a century has now become the instrument of deceptive coercion, forcing once-free Americans into an elitest idealism that mocks their liberties and freedoms and sacrifices them for the apparent convenience and "rights" already guaranteed by our Constitution.  Many reasons account for this, including our failure to know and understand history--but that discussion is for another time.  

The second factor in this conundrum is the oppressive regulatory stranglehold the taxation of our goods and services has upon us.  Unless some comprehensive tax reform occurs, the domestics of our cultural and societal operations will morph into regimented, totalitarian despotism.

Thirdly, but of primary importance, is the insidious and subtle attack upon the patient/physician relationship that will turn into the overt and dominant control of medical decision-making.  If medical practitioners continue to forfeit autonomy for license and acquiesce their responsibility for patient protection to ensure "a job", the esthetic  of a free-enterprise medical masterpiece will be shredded into a mongrelized tabloid of a pernicious and political tyranny from which only revolution will free it.  Unless this health care reform legislation is repealed, I believe medicine in America with its advantages, qualities, and unequaled excellence will die; and with it our country will die.  This country, that has been in history, the most blessed, powerful, and prosperous will be a memory of the judgment of the righteous God who warns of the consequences of denial of His authority and of departure from His absolutes.

Added by a Friend of Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on June 14, 2010 at 9:56 am |

The Free Exercise of Industry

"To take from one, because it is thought his own industry and that of his fathers acquired too much, in order to spare others, who, or whose fathers, have not excercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association, the guarantee to everyone the free exercise of his industry and the fruits acquired by it." Thomas Jefferson

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on June 11, 2010 at 9:48 pm |

Come Meet Dave

Dave Edwards will be at BiGrani's Brew - 2520 Wade Hampton Blvd Greenville, SC (across from Denny's) this Saturday, June 12th at 9:00 AM.  Come out and have coffee with Dave and get to know your other option for Congress.

Added by the Webmaster - Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on June 9, 2010 at 10:39 am |

A Call to Action

"Our children's future depends on our citizenship today, just as our own freedom is a result of American lives sacrificed in the past on battlefields far from home.

Maybe you can't get away to walk through those fields of crosses at Normandy. But perhaps there is a military cemetery not too far from where you live. Sometime before election day, you might take a walk down those long rows of crosses.

Look at the dates of birth and death. Notice how old they were -- or rather, how young they were -- when their lives were snuffed out. Then go home and look into the mirror and say that you don't have time to keep up with issues that affect the future of this country. Say that you find this stuff boring or that you have other things to do.

Say that looking yourself straight in the eye -- if you can."

Taken from an article entitled A Voters Duty by Thomas Sowell

We must be involved if we want to protect, defend, and advance our Constitutional liberties. Go here to see how you can help.

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on June 8, 2010 at 1:36 pm |

The Spending Trend is Not Sustainable

Two recent articles highlight the danger of Washington's conventional economic wisdom.

This one from USA TODAY suggests that Americans are receiving less pay from work and more pay from the government (Private pay shrinks to historic lows as gov't payouts rise - USATODAY.com).  

"Paychecks from private business shrank to their smallest share of personal income in U.S. history during the first quarter of this year."

"... At the same time, government-provided benefits — from Social Security, unemployment insurance, food stamps and other programs — rose to a record high during the first three months of 2010."  

Donald Grimes, an economist from the University of Michigan concludes "The trend is not sustainable."
Another study published this week highlights the problem.  Recent research from Harvard Business School finds that government spending diminishes private business (Stimulus Surprise: Companies Retrench When Government Spends — HBS Working Knowledge).

The report finds that government projects hurt private business in three ways.  First, government frequently takes on projects that the private sector was already planning.  Secondly, government hires away workers from the private sector.  Third, government creates uncertainty in the marketplace.  In other words, the stimulus is a suppressant.

The report finds that states receive more federal funds if they are represented by a powerful Senator.  If a Senator is chair of one of the top-three congressional committees the state receives a 40 to 50 percent increase in earmark spending.

 Joshua Coval, one of the co-authors of the study, comments, "It was an enormous surprise, at least to us, to learn that the average firm in the chairman's state did not benefit at all from the increase in spending.  Indeed, the firms significantly cut physical and R&D spending, reduce employment, and experience lower sales."

He concludes, "Our findings suggest that they [policymakers] should revisit their belief that federal spending can stimulate private economic development.  It is important to note that our research ignores all costs associated with paying for the spending such as higher taxes or increased borrowing."

Basically, he's saying that stimulus dollars poison private industry and this study doesn't even account for the additional negative effects of borrowing/ tax collection.

The study stands in stark contradiction to Christina Romer, head of the White House Council of Economic Advisors, who suggested today that "It would be a mistake for the U.S. to rapidly wind down fiscal stimulus measures to bring down the deficit."

The White House Council of Economic advisors basically tells us that the "economy garden" should be planted with weeds in order to stimulate "business flowers."

Added by a friend of Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on June 6, 2010 at 11:27 pm |

The Foundation of the Constitution

"I consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground that 'all powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people.' To take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specially drawn around the powers of Congress, is to take possession of a boundless field of power, not longer susceptible of any definition....The states can best govern our home concerns and the general government our foreign ones. I wish, therefore... never to see all offices transferred to Washington, where, further withdrawn from the eyes of the people, they may more secretly be bought and sold at market." Thomas Jefferson

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on June 5, 2010 at 8:16 am |

Does The Constitution Matter?

Video Clip from Hillsdale College Professor Dr. David Bobb.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BbD_3PtGAI&feature=player_embedded

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on June 2, 2010 at 11:35 am |

Protecting Our Borders

Cal Thomas recently wrote a great article on the problem of illegal immigration:

http://www.calthomas.com/index.php?news=2899

He correctly recognizes that both political parties are at fault for the problem.  They see new voters to maintain their power or they see cheap labor.  Either way, the establishment's failure to act is why states are forced to take matters into their own hands to protect their citizens.

It's time to try something new. This November 2nd, you have a choice: continue with the status quo or vote Dave Edwards for Congress.  Neither party is going to start giving us representatives who care most about protecting those they represent until a loud message is sent. The message is that we are not going to take it anymore. We are not going to accept representatives who put their own interests over the interests of those they represent and the Constitution.

The last paragraph in the Cal Thomas article is the best, "The Arizona legislature and Governor Brewer have correctly chosen to slow the flow. They realize a state and a nation unwilling to protect their borders cannot hope to preserve qualities that have made this country what it is but won't be for much longer if we permit this illegal invasion to continue."

Added by the Webmaster ~ Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on June 1, 2010 at 3:52 pm |

Government Spending Not So Stimulating

It seems that many in Congress believe that we can spend our way out of a recession.  This has already been proven as a failed strategy during the Great Depression as well as in the 1990's when Japan tried to stimulate their economy. In spite of the evidence, our Congress continues to spend us into generational debt. 

This article found on WSJ online lays it out pretty well.  My favorite line is "Congress cannot create new purchasing power out of thin air. If it funds new spending with taxes, it is simply redistributing existing purchasing power (while decreasing incentives to produce income and output)."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703481004574646551469288292.html

Another WSJ online article quotes Bob Inglis telling the SC Governor to “for goodness sake, take the money.” referring to the money coming from Obama’s $787 billion stimulus bill. 

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/06/24/inglis-to-gop-lose-stinking-rot-of-self-righteousness/

Does this sound like a principled Constitutionalist or principled compromise?  This is what we can continue to expect from the Republican establishment in the Upstate of South Carolina until a message is sent.  Third Parties exist to knock one of the big two parties into alignment with American people.  Send Dave Edwards to Congress out of your love for the Constitution and you'll send a powerful corrective knock to the Republican party.

Added by the Webmaster  Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on May 29, 2010 at 10:41 am |

Memorial Day-A Time to Remember

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country. I encourage you to take time to remember.

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/7ST4Nva-ShI&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1;

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on May 28, 2010 at 3:13 pm |

The Tyranny of Obamacare

Repeal of Obamacare MUST happen. This video from the Heritage Foundation breaks it down for us.

http://www.youtube.com/v/sQp-NQMZh54&hl=en_US&fs=1&

Added by the Webmaster, Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on May 27, 2010 at 8:47 am |

The AAPS - A Great Resource on the Issues of Health Care

From their website - The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons - AAPS - is a non-partisan professional association of physicians in all types of practices and specialties across the country.
 
Since 1943, AAPS has been dedicated to the highest ethical standards of the Oath of Hippocrates and to preserving the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship and the practice of private medicine.
 
Our motto, "omnia pro aegroto" means "all for the patient."

I have benefited greatly from the resources available on this website and would like to share this information with you that addresses the following question:

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on May 26, 2010 at 11:09 am |

Does Bob Inglis Funnel Everything Through The Constitution?

Dave Edwards believes that every issue we face today must be funneled through the Constitution by those who represent us.  How does our current Representative do when it comes to funneling issues through the Constitution?  In the video below, Chris Matthews of MSNBC is interviewing Bob Inglis on the health care debate and Inglis says that the "individual mandate makes sense."  In other words, Inglis is in favor of the Federal Government telling you that you MUST purchase something or be penalized.  Where in the Constitution is the Federal Government given that authority?  Sound more like tyranny or freedom?

I first heard Inglis push this idea of an "individual mandate" at a town hall meeting that I attended last Fall.  This same meeting was my first exposure to the passion Dave Edwards has for the Constitution.  After Inglis made his remarks about the "individual mandate," Dave stood up at the question and answer time and asked Inglis a few simple questions:

1. Have you read the Constitution this year?

2. Where does it say that Congress has the right to handle things like health care?

Inglis didn't really have good answers for either of these questions but I was immediately impressed by Dave's passion for the Constitution and his willingness to take a stand on principle.

Added by the Webmaster, Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on May 25, 2010 at 1:32 pm |

Arizona Immigration Law-SB 1070

Are the steps taken by the State of Arizona right or wrong?

The Constitution of the United States lays out the responsibilities and obligations of the federal and State governments. Although we have many personal preferences on choices that arise, all issues must be funneled through the Constitution. Several parts of the Constitution could potentially apply to Arizona’s situation; however, its actions primarily flow out of Constitutional amendments nine and ten.

Arizona is being inundated by illegal immigrants, smugglers, drug traffickers, and other groups. These individuals have caused much harm, injury, death, and strain on the border patrol officials, ranchers, local law enforcement, average citizens, the State of Arizona and others. The federal government has had many years to enforce the current laws and protect our citizens within the border States, including Arizona. The federal government has failed.

The border States have petitioned the federal government many times to fulfill its Constitutional duty to secure the southern border, yet it has not.  Now Arizona, as a sovereign State, is taking steps which are allowed by the Constitution to protect its border, its citizens, and America.

Unlike many others, I have taken the time to read this bill, Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act -SB-1070, before offering my opinion on the matter. I support the actions Arizona is taking to secure its border and safeguard its citizens.

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on May 24, 2010 at 8:07 am |

Bob Inglis' Watch

Our financial mess has happened on Bob Inglis' watch. His votes for the "tightest budgets" has continued to send our country in the wrong financial direction.
 
Here is some excellent information from the Heritage Foundation about the financial situation that Bob Inglis and Congress has created: http://www.heritage.org/BudgetChartBook/contents
 
It is time for an individual with an accounting background to be handling our financial situation.
 
Added by Dave Edwards

Published on May 19, 2010 at 10:41 am |

Dave Edwards at Constitution Party

This past Saturday Dave Edwards was able to speak at the Constitution Party's state convention. Check out the press release here: http://www.pr.com/press-release/234820
Added by the Webmaster ~ Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on May 17, 2010 at 11:51 pm |

Inalienable Right to Life

This video is a great reminder that the weakest among us need their inalienable right to life protected.  We need leaders who will be bold in protecting life and not just satisfied with the status quo.

http://www.youtube.com/v/aOA6JhN14Cc&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1

Added by the Webmaster, Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on May 12, 2010 at 10:33 am |

A Leader Who Inspires

"Honor, justice, and humanity, forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive from us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt of resigning succeeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably awaits them if we basely entail hereditary bondage on them." Thomas Jefferson
 
We should be concerned about Bob Inglis' failure to defend our Constitution, our rights, and our liberties. We need a leader (representative) who inspires, not one that is inspired by those who lead.
Added by Dave Edwards

Published on May 7, 2010 at 10:29 am |

National Day of Prayer

Cal Thomas puts things into perspective for us on this National Day of Prayer.  He poses a great question when he asks "Did all of these — and other — prayer-requesting presidents engage in an unconstitutional act?" (referring to Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, etc.).  You would think that out of anyone, George Washington would understand the Constitution.  We need leaders in Congress like Dave Edwards that not only understand what the Constitution allows but are bound by it.

http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/thomas042210.php3

Provided by the Webmaster  Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on May 6, 2010 at 10:44 am |

Wisdom from Franklin

"I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. In my youth I travelled much, and I observed in different countries, that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer." Benjamin Franklin
 
Our current representative, Bob Inglis, and I would agree that we should help those in need. However, Bob Inglis has shown through his votes for funding and programs that he believes it is the role of the federal government to provide this help. I believe it is an unconsitutional role and individuals and states are better suited to help those near to them. My position lines up with Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers.

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on May 5, 2010 at 3:15 pm |

Carbon Tax - Bad Idea

Here is a great article from the Heritage Foundation on the Carbon Tax proposed by our current represenative, Bob Inglis. The article explains how a Carbon Tax will hurt the economy.

http://blog.heritage.org/2009/05/14/a-carbon-tax-is-an-economy-killer-too/

Provided by the Webmaster Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on May 4, 2010 at 8:20 am |

The Constitution and the Supreme Court

The following article provides some good advice and thoughts on how the Constitution applies to the Supreme Court:
 
by Robert Lowry Clinton-National Review Online.

Added by Dave Edwards

Published on May 3, 2010 at 11:20 am |

Wisdom from Jefferson

"On every question of construction carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text or invented against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed."

Thomas Jefferson

Published on May 1, 2010 at 9:23 am |

Third Party?

We're running third party, but we're not naive.  A two party system is a reality of American politics.  There hasn't been a successful third party since the Republicans ousted the Whigs in the mid 1800s and we don't anticipate a third party tidal wave any time soon.  Furthermore, we take very seriously a third party's tendency to cannibalize Republican votes and swell the ranks of liberal Democrats.  So, you might wonder, what's our angle?
First, let's address a legitimate concern that sometimes sounds like this: a vote for a third party candidate is a vote for a Democrat.  Is this true?  Sometimes.  But not in South Carolina's fourth district.  We won't swell the ranks of liberal Democrats because if you split the Republican vote in two, the Democrats take third place (based on the last midterm election).  We are safe to challenge a Republican candidate who doesn't champion conservative values as aggressively as the people he represents.
Secondly, a third party challenger can help our two party system be more effective.  Traditionally, third parties knock one of the two main parties into alignment with the American people.  The votes they receive are protest votes.  In other words, third parties gain the most and the two parties lose the most when people are angry.  In case you haven't noticed, folks are mad.  Contrary to the caricatures, the anger isn't reckless.  It's focused on clear frustrations.
One: People are angry that conservative values are present to win elections and absent to govern the country.
Two: People are angry that both parties focus more on who's right than what's right.
Three:  People are angry when Republicans lay a foundation for government spending and people are even angrier that Democrats build a skyscraper of debt on top of it.
Fourth: People are angry that their constitutional perspectives are underrepresented by their representatives.
Our campaign's success will serve a notice to Washington and help bind the Republican party to the will of the people.  We offer citizens in the fourth district a productive way to channel their frustrations and reform the Republican party.  We also offer South Carolinians advocacy for a leaner more effective government.  In short, this November we offer voters a choice. 
Added by a friend of Dave Edwards for Congress

Published on May 1, 2010 at 9:21 am |

Stopping Intrusion from the Federal Government

Great article from Walter E. Williams on one of the new ways the Federal Government will be interfering in our lives and overstepping the powers given to it in the Constitution.

 

http://www.creators.com/opinion/walter-williams/salt-tyrants.html

 

Added by the Webmaster Dave Edwards for Congress

 

Published on April 29, 2010 at 10:34 am |

Wisdom from Alexander Hamilton

"The present Constitution is the standard to which we are to cling. Under its banner, bona fide must we combat our political foes--rejecting all changes but through the channel itself provides for amendments." Alexander Hamilton
 
It is very important to have the Constitution as the standard when considering the role of the federal government in our country today. We must hold our representatives accountable to the Constitution. Unfortunately, our current representative, Bob Inglis, has in many ways disregarded the Constitutional boundaries of the federal government. Bob Inglis has continued to fund and expand the federal government through his votes and policy decisions. Now is the time to elect a representative to South Carolina's fourth district who still wants the Constitution to guide his votes, policy decisions, and the federal government.

Published on April 28, 2010 at 9:23 am |

Spending Video from Heritage Foundation

Check out this great video on spending from the Heritage Foundation.

http://www.youtube.com/v/7yJRci2pARk&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&border=1

Published on April 27, 2010 at 12:41 pm |

Samuel Adams Quote

"...If you love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom, go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands, which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!"  Samuel Adams

Published on March 11, 2010 at 7:26 pm |

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