Why did you decide to run in the 8th.

This country was founded on the ideals of equality, liberty, and justice for all. These are ideals as grand as any nation could set for itself, but they are not so easily attained. This is why America has always been a work in progress; a diverse society of people aspiring to fulfill this dream. This is the "promise" of America. It is this promise that gives us our national values and provides our moral compass.

The conservative philosophies of Robin Hayes, this administration, and others are bringing this nation and the 8th district to its knees. Unfair trade legislation, needless war, lack of healthcare and poor nutrition, the erosion of social services and educational opportunities and quality jobs are a fraction of the concerns that need to be addressed for the 8th district and the nation.

Because of these philosophies, our people live in fear. Fear of war and retaliation, fear of losing our jobs, fear of rising healthcare cost and fear of recession, depression and the devaluation of our dollar. This needs to change.

The people of the 8th district have had conservative government for too long and now have an opportunity to vote in their best interest and put progressive democratic values in place that will serve the people.

I am running because I believe that it is up to each one of us to be the power for change we hope to see in the world as we work towards fulfilling the promise of America.

Did you support Larry Kissell's run against Hayes in the last election, if so, how?

As you may know, I was one of four Democrats who ran in the primary for NC-08 in the last cycle. After Mr. Kissell won the primary, I supported him in many ways. I made both financial and in-kind contributions to his campaign (in-kind in the form of video-taping campaign events), and encouraged my supporters to vote for him. I also volunteered for his campaign by helping with GOTV phone calls & canvassing events, etc.

Please explain his positions on immigration rights, women's rights and gay rights.

The issue of human rights is also one I am concerned about, and it relates back to the “promise” of America.

Immigrants’ rights

Most immigrants are motivated to come to the US for the same reasons that motivated many of our ancestors to come here, to better themselves and their families.

It is in our security interest to know who is in our country and why, but the more difficult we make it for people to come out into the open, the less likely that they will do so. I support the formation of a policy that would create the means for immigrants working here to do so legally, with a path to earn citizenship for those law-abiding hard-working immigrants who wish to become citizens.

On moral grounds, I do not support the breaking up of families, or forced deportation of immigrants. One very important consideration is that many families with one or more parent with undocumented status have children who are legal US citizens.

Women’s rights

My wife Rebecca and I have both been very active in the area of supporting woman’s rights. Rebecca is an activist with NOW (National Organization of Women), and we have both been involved in the fight to protect a woman’s right to make decisions over her own body. I fully support a woman’s right to choose, and support education and options over “abstinence only” programs.

Gay rights

I believe that everyone in America deserves equal rights, regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, etc. I believe that gay couples deserve the legal right to marry, in order to share in the legal rights afforded to all married couples. For example, should gay couples be denied the right to make medical or end-of-life decisions for their long-tem partner; should their kids be denied health care by one parent’s insurance company? I say absolutely not; they should be afforded the same rights as all other Americans in this regard.

Lastly on the human rights issue, let me say that I oppose the direction this administration has taken us over the last six years. I absolutely reject torture; I strongly support the Geneva Conventions as the guiding rule for treatment of any and all detainees, and I will work hard in Congress to help America retains it’s moral high ground on this issue.

Where do you stand on the FISA bill that proposes immunity for telecom companies?

I’m totally against the retroactive immunity for telecom companies proposed in the newest version of FISA; if they didn’t do anything illegal as the Bush administration claims, why would they need immunity?

Can you explain your position on this administration's intrusion on our civil liberties?

Our civil liberties have been under attack; warrentless wiretaps, the trampling of Habeas Corpus, The Patriot Act, The Military Commissions Act, voting rights violations, free speech rights violations, etc and so on. The Bush Administration has worked to undermine our rights at every turn, and in the process has trampled our constitution. I believe that our civil liberties are the cornerstone of America’s foundation, and it will be a priority for me to restore and strengthen our civil liberties.

How do you differ from the current administration in terms of veterans affairs and issues?

Thanks, although I did not serve in combat, I have strong respect for those who do so. I believe that Congress has an undeniable obligation to insure that all Veterans receive proper care when they return; and I’ve been saddened and disgusted by what returning Iraq Veterans have been facing here at home.

I also have strong feelings about the Iraq War; I helped found a local Veterans for Peace Chapter here in Charlotte, of which I’m an active member. I want the Iraq debacle to end as soon as possible, and will work to make bringing the troops home a top priority once elected.

I believe that answers the early questions. If I've missed something please re-submit.

Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.