Marjorie Greene talks COVID ahead of run-off
Election 2020, Politics July 24, 2020
Marjorie Greene is eyeing the seat for the 14th Congressional District and standing on the platform of working for the people, holding China accountable and making certain America doesn’t shut down again. Voting precincts open August 11, and early voting is underway now. In the Georgia primary, Greene had more than twice the votes as her opponent, John Cowan, but fell short of the required votes needed for a straight victory.
Thoughts on COVID-19 and the pandemic
Obtaining reliable information about COVID-19 is one of the biggest concerns in America, said Greene. Citing 400 labs which reported a 100-percent positive test results for the novel coronavirus as well as listing unrelated deaths as COVID-19, Greene said it is critical to have the correct information.
“One hundred-percent positive–what kind of funny business is that? You can’t have 100-percent positive statistically. Is it a faulty test or is it on purpose?”
“People want the truth because these numbers are shutting our country down,” said Greene, pointing to California, which recently shut down as their COVID-19 numbers appeared to drastically increase. “When you are looking at shutting down at this level, you have to have accurate information.”
Marjorie Taylor Greene said the effects of the pandemic has made her concerned for children since schools and activities have been closed.
The business owner went on to say two issues concerned her most about the pandemic.
“From an economic standpoint, this has been devastating to people who make a living,” she said. “Even more upsetting now is the impact this will have on our kids.”
Schools shut down in March and many schools are delaying their start dates or going completely virtual.
“We don’t know how (our kids) will be affected. The children needing special education services are not receiving those services like they should. We don’t know what is happening to kids at home -how many hours are they left at home because their parents have to work? There are many children in abusive homes.”
VISIT MARJORIE GREENE'S FACEBOOK.
It’s not just the learning environment of school that’s affected, she said, but all areas outside of school as well, including sports and other activities halted by the virus.
“It’s affecting all of us, it’s affecting our entire country,” she continued.
Mask or no mask
Marjorie Greene worked at Chatsworth’s Biscuit Box. Small business is critical to the economy and she said she will fight for Americans.
“I”m a big believer in freedom. I don’t believe in a mask mandate or a mandated vaccine,” she said, but added she also supports a businesses right to refuse services to those not complying the company’s mask policy as long as it’s consistent.
“If businesses can refuse services for those who don’t wear a mask, they can refuse to bake a cake if it violates their beliefs. I support the freedome we have and I want us to continue to have it. I fear for an America where we don’t have that (freedom,” she said.
Greene said that she generally does not mask, but will when she is visiting groups of people who might be considered high-risk.
Handling the next pandemic
Marjorie Greene says China is an enemy of America and should be dealt with.
“It’s tough to criticize the decisions made in the beginning,” said Greene. “It’s easy to say you should have done this. However, it feels like we’ve opened Pandora’s box on what we should be doing.”
Greene said that this isn’t the first virus to hit American hard, but it is the first one to cause a country-wide shut down.
“The Democrats have used this to push their socialist policies,” she said. “They’ve used it to close schools and shut down jobs. They have a dug a fox hole and going to dig in until they get their way.”
Greene said she encourages conservatives, also know as the “silent majority,” to not be silent.
“The silent majority needs to be very vocal now,” she said. “The left is working hard for Antifa and BLM. We need a strong conservative in government.”
Response to China
Greene has stood on an “America first” platform since announcing her candidacy.
“We need to hold them accountable,” she said firmly. “They need to be held to the highest standard of accountability.”
She commends Trump for working hard on this front and said she agrees with his plan to block the Chinese Communist Party from coming in. She points to the Chinese consulate in Houston, Texas that Trump recently closed after years of evidence pointed to rampant spying.
“They are our enemy. They allowed this virus to be sent to our country. That’s an attack on American and we are reeling from it,” she said. “They need to be accountable to the highest letter of for policy. We can’t let them think they defeated America like this.”
Marjorie Greene said reliable information pertaining to COVID-19 is what Americans want.
Working with Democrats
‘In my opinion, the Democrats only one interest that is getting President Trump out of office. They are coming out of the people,” she said. “They are the anti-American party.”
She points to Democrats calling for open borders, but closing schools, and wanting to give full health care to illegal immigrants, fully fund abortions, and backing terrorist groups like Antifa and BLM.
“They are waging war on Trump and the American people,” she said. “They are making it impossible to work with them.”
In fact, she said, the Democrat party is moving past socialism to communism.
“That’s unfortunate. Congress should work together for the American people,” she said. “My focus will be working for people. I will stand up to the radical left. We have too many spineless Republicans and the American people are losing.”
The Battle for the 14th
The run-off campaign season has seen it’s share of mudslinging but Greene said there is a “very big difference” between her and her opponent. She points to her list of endorsements as proof she is the candidate who will work for the people. Her endorsements include Congressman Jim Jordan, House Freedom Fund, RIGHT WOMEN PAC, Congressman Andy Biggs, Charlie Kirk, Gun Owners of America, National Association for Gun Rights PAC, and Law Enforcement Today, and achieving 100-percent on the National Right to Work survey.
VIEW CONTRIBUTORS TO MARJORIE GREENE'S CAMPAIGN.
“I’m a fighter, a true conservative,” she said. “I’ll fight for the people and support President Trump.”
LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON THE 9TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, READ FYN'S COVERAGE HERE.
Writers note: Multiple attempts to reach John Cowan and his campaign were unsuccessful.
Georgia 14th candidates talk about immigration
Election 2020 June 2, 2020One issue that voters in the Northwestern Georgia district feel passionately about is immigration. Here is what the candidates for Georgia’s 14th Congressional seat have to say about immigration and securing our border. The following snap-shot is compiled from candidate interviews and their websites.
Kevin Cooke
Kevin Cooke said the wall is a compete federal issue.
“There has never been a country or people who has existed for the long term that has not controlled their borders. If you can’t control who is coming in or out of your own country then there is a sound argument that you won’t be a country for long. Constitutional authority is given to the federal government to control the situation both for legal and illegal immigration. I’m a firm supporter of Trump with regards to his border wall. We need to find the best way to physically and financially do that.
“It’s a combination of options for securing our border. Our border patrol is the best place to begin as far as where to begin with the wall. They could tell us where we need the wall, drones, sensors. We have so many technologies at our disposal. There may be places where a literal wall is not the best answer. We definitely need to address that and a number of tools we can use. but traditionally, walls have worked,” said Cooke.
.To see Kevin Cooke’s interview, watch here.
Marjorie Greene
Marjorie Green said she believes “very much” in a border wall.
“Our borders must be secure and it should be fully funded. Border patrol needs to be fully funded and ICE needs to be fully funded and allowed to function. We need to end sanctuary cities. Pelosi wants sanctuary cities fully funded so they give the illegal immigrants everything. It’s like a beacon of light. They know if they can get across the border and to a sanctuary city, they’ve made it.
“We need to change the Flores Agreement that allows minors to come in with a parent, but this has led to an increase in human trafficking because people have figured out that they can take a child, not even theirs across the border.
“Do you know who the real dreamers are? Our children are the real dreamers. We can’t turn a blind eye to DACA. It’s not fair to those who have come in legally,” said Greene.
To see Marjorie Green’s interview, watch here.
John Barge
John Barge said it’s time to build the wall to stifle illegal immigration. According to his website, “No more excuses, no more second chances-it’s time to build the wall and end the culture of corruption in Washington.”
He believe securing the border is protecting citizens and is a federal issue.
To see John Barge’s interview, watch here.
Clay Fuller
According to Clayton Fuller’s website, “Illegal immigration is out of control in America. For too long, politicians in Washington have refused to take action to stop people from illegally entering the United States. This has put our nation’s schools, hospitals, and various public services under strain. Our asylum process is constantly abused and is in need of overhaul. I support the construction of President Trump’s border wall and will work to deport everyone who is illegally inside our country.”
To hear what Kate Fuller has to say about her husband, Clayton, watch here.
Bill Hembree
Bill Hembree has seen first-hand where America stands on a global stage and he has a fierce desire to protect the identity of America, according to his website. Other countries see the USA as a place to go for unlimited opportunity — the demise and dilution of our country’s values damages our position on a global scale.
“One of the reasons I backed Trump in 2016, I was getting concerned about what was happening to our country. Only a few lawmakers backed him. We felt it was critical to have someone of his caliber running our country,” said Hembree.
He believes in ending birthright citizenship and chain migration.
“The system needs to be overhauled. In my world, DACA kids shouldn’t get leniency. I’ve stopped them from getting HOPE scholarship. We have a system, it needs to be followed. I do not believe there should be amnesty for those students,” said Hembree.
To see Bill Hembree’s interview, watch here.
Ben Bullock
“We have to stop the inflow of undocumented immigrants. Its an absolute tragedy to see how many come through. They aren’t paying taxes and they are pulling resources from society without giving back.
“It’s much more than a wall. It’s better technology and filling up the tunnels. The oil and gas industry can tell what is under the ground and we could use that same technology to find the tunnels and either fill them up or blow them up.
“It’s also national security issue. It can be easily breached by people who want to do me harm,” said Ben Bullock.
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To see Ben Bullock’s interview, watch here.
Andy Gunther
“The United States, as with all countries has a right to maintain sovereignty. Our country also has a fundamental responsibility to keep us safe, to protect the states from invasion. That is not an option. It is specifically enumerated in Article Four of our Constitution.
“As your congressman I will work hard to initiate and support measures to secure our border with a physical barrier called a wall, that will be augmented with other technology, and of course agents that physically patrol our borders.
“It’s a responsibility in the Constitution. The country has the right to defend itself and without tight borders, we are’t doing that,” said Andy Gunther.
To see Andy Gunther’s interview, watch here.
John Cowan
Cowan said he has seen the devastation open borders have had on both sides and stands firmly with President Donald Trump on building the wall.
“I’ve been on three separate mission trips on both sides of the border,” he said. “We spread the word and we work. It’s created a humanitarian crisis on the other side because all the people congregate there, waiting to get over the border.”
He said they remain there once they are ejected from the United States.
“The wall is a humanitarian thing. It will tell people they can’t jump the border so they won’t travel thousands of miles to get through or pay someone to get them through.”
To see John Cowan’s interview, watch here.
Kevin Van Ausdal (Democrat)
Kevin Van Ausdal believes the wall is going in the wrong direction.
It’s expensive and eco-damaging. It’s easy to go through the wall, over the wall, under the wall. Most illegals are here because they came legally and their visas expired. We can do this with technology. It’s a smart wall, using drones and cameras to monitor the border,” he said.
“We’ve got DACAs and dreamers that need t be addressed. We need to expand immigration courts and visas. Part of the problem is businesses can’t get educated workers and visas would allow them to do that. They want to be Americans too, so we benefit them and they benefit us.
To see Kevin Van Ausdal’s interview, watch here.
Georgia’s 14th Congressional candidates talk hot topics
Business, Election 2020 May 18, 2020
Georgis’a 14th Congressional race is now in the hands of voters as early voting begins today. The candidates were unable to hit the traditional campaign trail due the global pandemic and guidelines that crippled gathering in large crowds, making hand-to-hand contact ill-advised and face masks all the fashion rage.
Still, candidates found ways to connect, including interviews via Zoom with FYN’s Susan Kirkland. Hear what they had to say on abortion, gun control, immigration, the 10th amendment and taxes.
The videos are posted on FYN’s Youtube channel or you can click the link below to hear what they have to say.
The Republican Candidates:
The Democrat Candidate:
*Clayton Fuller is on orders with the Alabama National Guard. Service members on orders are prohibited from campaigning.
Want to know what the 9th district candidates are saying? Read here.
Unprecedented challenge: Guardsman speaks of deployment
Featured Stories March 17, 2020
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga.–Unprecedented challenge is how Clay Fuller described the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent activation of his Air National Guard unit. Fuller will deploy with the 187th Fighter Wing –a unit made famous by the Tuskegee Airmen, in Montgomery, Alabama. He is a major Deputy Staff Judge Advocate with the unit, which boasts of the nickname “The Red Tails.”
While he wishes the country wasn’t facing the COVID-19, he said this is why he and his fellow airmen, soldiers, and seamen have trained.
“When you are in the Guard, you train and you exercise and then, when you get a real-world situation, you kind of live for it,” he said.
Clay Fuller, Air National Guardsman and candidate for the Republican primary in the 14th Congressional District, leaves behind his wife, Kate, and two children after his Air National Guard Unit was activated.
Fuller commissioned as an officer into the active duty Air Force in 2010. While this is his first deployment, it’s not his first challenge. In 2013, he was diagnosed with cancer, forcing him out of the rotation for deployment. Instead, he found himself at Walter Reed Medical Center, in Virginia.
Talking to a crowd in Dalton, he told them the experience showed him the perils of a one-payer health system.
He left active duty in 2014 and has been cancer-free for seven years. He wanted to continue serving though and began looking into Reserve and National Guard options.
“With the cancer, not many would consider me. I was blessed (the 187th) needed an experienced JAG. Its great to be a part of their mission,” said Fuller.
Fuller serves as a Judge Advocate General, JAG for short, which is the legal branch of the military. His job is to advise the command on the legal parameters of their deployment and how the authority structure looks between the military and civilian law enforcement and because of the medical nature of this deployment, the medical field.
“The Guard has a unique role in domestic situations,” he explained. “The police have more authority, but we are here to help with things they can’t deal with.”
Legally, active duty troops cannot be used for domestic situations, but the National Guard is a state-force that can be used for domestic situations such as hurricanes and now, pandemics.
“We got the news this weekend,” he said, adding that his commander called him and the rest of the unit to duty, as opposed to Governor Kay Ivey or President Donald Trump.
“We’re trying to see where the hotspots are going to be,” he said. “We’ll go where we are needed.”
Family
While Fuller enjoys serving his country and community — he works as prosecutor for Dade County, and he has trained for deployment, it does have it’s drawbacks. One is leaving his family for an unknown about of time.
“It’s indefinite. The President has said this may be the new normal through summer,” he said.
Clay Fuller, shown here with wife, Kate, daughter Tallulah, and son, Callum, has been called to active duty with the Alabama Air National Guard.
Fuller has been married for 10 years to Kate. Together they have a daughter, Tallulah, 9, and son, Callum, 3.
While his wife knew deployment was a possibility, explaining it to the children was hard. He added the kids were upset, but understood.
“We’re telling them everything is okay, we’ll get through it,” he said, adding his son has asked when he’ll come home. “It’s just a big question mark, but I tell him we’ll talk about it on the phone when I call.”
Martial law
The pandemic has brought concerns of martial law, but Fuller said it’s not something they are concerned with.
“Right now, we are focused on the federal resources coming into the state,” he said. “We’re making sure the medical and law enforcement personnel have what they need.”
Campaign
One challenge Fuller faces that few, if any of his fellow airmen are facing with this deployment is how to travel the campaign trail while deployed.
Fuller announced his candidacy for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, currently held by Rep. Tom Graves, who announced his retirement in November 2019.
“We have a number of people who will step up and continue to spread the word,” said Fuller.
He said he has confidence in his team to meet people on his behalf while he fights “the greatest challenge” the country has faced.
“It’s challenging for me personally, and my family, but this is why we train. We want to keep us safe and keep us contained,” he said. “I ended up where I’m supposed to be.”
To see how the Coronavirus is impacting other families in the FYN coverage area, click here.
Whitfield GOP hosts candidates for Georgias 14th
Business March 11, 2020
Whitfield GOP hosted candidates seeking to garner the most votes in the party’s primary election. Voters in the May 19th primary election will have to choose between nine Republican candidates who all support President Donald Trump, believe in the Second Amendment, support pro-life and want to battle socialism.
“We’re very fortunate,” said Dianne Putnam, chairman for the Whitfield County Republican Party which hosted a candidate forum on Tuesday night.
Each candidate was given five minutes to speak to the audience of about 150. The audience was encouraged to talk to each candidate individually before and after the event.
Three candidates were unable to attend. Representatives for John Barge said he had a scheduling conflict. Kevin Cooke, who represents the eighth district in the Georgia State House, was wrapping up legislation at the House. A spokesman for John Cowan said he had a family conflict and was unable to attend.
All candidates or their stand-ins voiced support for Trump, voiced concerns about illegal immigration, and touched on Second Amendment and pro-life.
Where candidates differed were backgrounds and experience.
Matt Laughridge
Matt Laughridge
Matt Laughridge said he business experience sets him apart.
“I know what its like to sign the front of the check and the back of the check,” he told the Whitfield GOP. “What we need is someone is going to fight everyday against socialist democrats.”
Laughridge said he believes and will fight for shrinking the federal government, term limits, and finishing the wall.
“Handouts don’t work. I see it every day in my business. It drives down the economy.”
Marjorie Greene
Marjorie Greene
Candidate Marjorie Green said she is a political outsider who never considered running for Congress but was inspired by Trump after doing events for him and going to Congress as an independent lobbyist to voice concerns over policies.
She told the Whitfield GOP she was concerned over the Democrats policies to open borders, take over healthcare, and implement costly policies such as the Green New Deal.
“The Green New Deal is $93-trillion, Medicare for al is $54-trillion. I can’t unsee the future ahead for my children,” she said. “These policies are destructive to our country and our children.”
Bill Hembree
Bill Hembree
Candidate Bill Hembree the Whitfield GOP he was challenged by former President Ronald Reagan when he was just 17-years-old to go into public service. He met Reagan at an entrepreneur rally and was inspired by the presidents “eternal optimism.”
He was elected into the Georgia House of Representatives at age 26 and started an insurance business.
“The Democrats are trying to destroy what we’re doing. I believe in freedom. We are one nation under God and I will protect and defend the Constitution.”
Kevin Cooke
Kevin Cooke was not present but his spokesperson said Cooke has experience as he is currently serving in the Georgia State House, representing
Kevin Cooke
district 17, Haralson and Carroll counties.
“He has a record for standing up to even Republicans when they wanted to increase the size of government,” he said.
Cooke currently works for Shorter University as Associate Athletic Director, is a farmer, small businessman and was formerly a law enforcement officer and Southern gospel singer.
Ben Bullock
Ben Bullock
Candidate Ben Bullock told the Whitfield GOP his experience as a veteran, primarily working in counter intelligence would give him experience very few in Washington have.
“Only 18% of our representatives are veterans,” he said. Bullock worked at the Pentagon where he supported the Secretary of Defense.
“I want to focus on national security,” he said, adding that economic development, infrastructure, and protecting existing businesses were also important.
John Barge
John Barge
John Barge was represented by his campaign manager at the Whitfield GOP who cited Barge’s tenure as State School Superintendent and his willingness to stand up to the federal government as reason to consider him for the 14th district. Barge served in the position between 2011-2015, taking the helm shortly after Georgia schools were recognized as coming in first in the “Race to the Top” campaign.
“The result was the federal government told Georgia they were going to change everything, from the curriculum to how it was taught and they threatened to with hold funding if it wasn’t followed,” he said.
Barge tried discussing the matter through emails and phone calls before heading to Washington, D.C.
“He told them if they with held the money, we’d deal with it. It wasn’t worth letting the federal government have control. They didn’t withhold any of the money. We need someone who can stop the madness and tell them no.”
Clayton Fuller
Clayton Fuller
Candidate Clayton Fuller was selected by Trump and his administration to work on national security. The former prosecutor and veteran said he understands what the President faces because he attended the national security meetings and had to defend the President’s decisions in them.
He also said his experience as a cancer survivor, while in service, showed him that a one-payer system isn’t the best system for medical care.
“It almost killed me,” he said.
John Cowan
John Cowan
Candidate John Cowan was not available, but his spokesperson said Cowan was inspired to run after talking to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson.
“Carson saw the quality of man he was,” said his spokesman.
Andy Gunther
Andy Gunther
Candidate Andy Gunther said his experience and training as an Army Ranger gives him the tenacity needed to go to Washington, D.C. He said he was a Constitutional Conservatist, believing the Constitution is as important now as when it was first written.
“I believe the first ten amendments were to put a limit on the government, not us,” he said.
He spoke of needing to break America’s dependency on China, something he’s been championing for since 2004.