Clear Vision, Straight Talk And Bar-B-Que

A while back I received a phone call from Joe Avery, Chairman of the Republican Party in Johnston County. Joe was doing some advance work for Senator Fred Smith and wanted to know if Senator Smith could speak at some churches in our Inner Banks area. I agreed to help.

Christa Good, Matt Dean And Joy Paul Greet Everyone And Provide Name Tags

After setting Fred Smith up to speak in my church, I was a little aprehensive at how it would go. Fred gave a very moving talk, truly a sermon, that spoke eloquently about his commitment to public service and the need for Christians to get involved in public life and give back to their community. The congregation loved the talk and Fred impressed us all. When he finished and sat down, my pastor first responded to his positive feelings about what Fred had said, and then asked if Fred would like to say a few comments about politics, as many who speak at the church ask to do. Fred's response was the beginning of my personal admiration for this man. He said quietly that he would never use the pulpit for politics, no.

Fred Smith Talks With Early Arrivals

Fred Smith, a man with a common name, is not a common politician. In fact he makes the point repeatedly that he is not a politician, he is a businessman, who got into public service to make a difference for his children and their children.

Crowd Starts To Fill Up

I received an invitation to attend his final Bar-B-Que Town Hall Meeting of the current campaign in his home town of Clayton, North Carolina. Though well out of my area, I decided to go.

Wade Stewart Johnston County Commissioner, Served As Master Of Ceremonies

I am gald I did. There was a huge turnout to hear Senator Smith's opinions on the current state of North Carolina.

As Always At Fred's Events - Opened With A Prayer - Here Dr. Allen, from Clayton First Baptist Church

I have developed an interest in following Senator Smith as I believe he is one of the most impressive individuals in our state. I continue to hear rumors that many of our party leaders would like him to run for Governor in two years. He is a man to watch.

Amber Pittman Leads Pleadge Of Allegiance

A local County Commissioner in Johnston County, Wade Stewart, was the Master of Ceremonies for the Bar-B-Que Town Hall Meeting. The meeting was first opened with a prayer and to say grace for the dinner. Then a young lady named Amber Pittman, recently crowned Pumpkin Queen for the area, led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance. We then sang the national anthemn. With opening ceremonies completed, Wade invited everyone to partake of the Bar-B-Que.

Getting Down To Business - The Bar-B-Que!

The Bar-B-Que Was Great

After everyone was well fed, Wade started the Town Hall portion of the meeting. First on the agenda was the introduction of all the various officials and other candidates for public office who had come to see Fred. That included the local candidate for U.S. Congress, Dan Mansell, who gave a very strong endorsement of Fred Smith.

U.S. Congressional Candidate Dan Mansell

Wade then introduced J.H. Langdon, local NC State congressman. Mr. Langdon talked about working with Fred in getting various issues addressed for the local community during their years together in Raleigh. He expressed his great enthusiasm for returning Fred to the NC Senate to finish the things that they both believe in. Congressman Langdon, then introduced Jule Smith, Senator Smith's son, to do the formal introduction of Senator Smith.

Congressman J.H. Langdon Talks About Fred Smith

Jule Smith talked about the way that Fred Smith had helped to teach him his life lessons as a child. It seems clear that Fred was a good father, and a good teacher as well.

Jule Smith Introduces His Father

As he came up Fred took off his coat and, disdaining the dais, walked to the front of the crowd. It is a most telling mannerism. As Fred spoke, it was more like a personal one on one talk than a speech.

Fred Talks About The Issues

Fred speaks about the same issues wherever he goes, creating jobs, improving education, providing affordable healthcare, protecting private property rights, taking Medicaid off the backs of our counties, upholding the rule of law, protecting our borders and protecting traditional values. He uses the themes of clear vision and straight talk as the heart of his solutions, both in business and in public service.

Fred Introduces His Mother

This night, when addressing the issue of protecting our borders, he read a letter he had received that talks about why this is becoming more and more of a concern. In addition to the letter, he mentioned a study recently announced that has calculated the burden placed on citizens by illegal immigration. Each and every illegal immigrant will, during the comming years, take $89,000 more in public welfare than they pay in taxes. They are a huge drain on current citizens, something that never occured during previous periods of immigration in the last two centuries.

Fred Smith Reads Letter On Illegal Immigration Problem

However as the speech ended, Fred returned to what separates him from many other politicians. He spoke of his dreams for the future and the possibilities that exist.

The end of the night was made very special by Fred's wife Ginny Smith, who closed the event by leading us all in singing God Bless America.

Ginny Smith Closes BBQ Town Hall With God Bless America

Thanks for inviting me Fred. It was a great night.



Click on the title for this article to go to Senator Fred Smith's web page for more information about Senator Smith, or click here.