Some have forgotten who and what motivated that ugliness, why ideologues plotted and conspired to destroy our markets, government, and way of life. The enemy is within the gates, behind your screens, and waiting to subjugate you. Never yield, no quarter, vote this November. 2/2
25 years ago I was out cutting grass in rural North Carolina when I got told about terrorists flying planes into buildings. It brought a nation together in humility. We saw the ugliness of the hate directed at our freedoms. We joined hands and said we would never forget. 1/2
@RepTimMooreNC Never forget, those that would try to destroy us from without failed on 9/11 to accomplish their goals, they are now trying to destroy us from within.
25 years ago, our country and our world changed forever.
Today, we remember and honor the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, the heroes who ran toward danger, the families of the fallen, and those who took up arms to serve in our armed forces.
After that day, Americans stood united by a shared love of country and neighbor. We must stand strong and continue to be that shining city on a hill.
Beautiful day in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock!
This area has made a remarkable recovery with many businesses back open. Be sure to visit and support these great folks soon!
If you haven’t heard, and even if you have, Jimmy Kimmel said this about Markwayne Mullin, former Senator from Oklahoma, and our newest Secretary of Homeland Security:
“We have a plumber now protecting us from terrorism.”
Apparently, there has been some backlash. Plumbers were offended, obviously, as were parents of plumbers, spouses of plumbers, children of plumbers, and millions of people who have had a plumber show up when they needed one. Comedians were also offended, (the funny ones, anyway,) along with a surprising number of terrorists - especially those with access to hot and cold running water. However, in spite of the ensuing kerfuffle, @jimmykimmel doubled down.
“I’m not upset that the head of Homeland Security was a plumber,” he said, “I’m upset that he isn’t still a plumber." He further elucidated by adding, "I wouldn't put a plumber in charge of Homeland Security for the same reason I wouldn't call a five-star general to pull a rat out of my toilet, OK? We all have our areas of expertise.”
Being offended is always a choice, and I don’t choose to be offended by a joke, even one that comes at the expense of the skilled tradespeople my foundation tries to elevate. But I am a tad butt hurt by the suggestion that skilled workers should never evolve into something new, and that competence is somehow limited to one vocation. Obviously, expertise and skill are important. If I need a new kidney, I’d prefer a doctor do the surgery, not a late-night talk show host. But if the doctor in question used to host a talk show, why would I hold that against him?
Ten years ago, during one of the presidential debates, @MarcoRubio answered a workforce-related question by arguing that America needed to get shop class back into high schools. He concluded by saying, “What our country needs are more welders and fewer philosophers.” A lot of people on this page commented that Rubio and I were singing from the same hymnal, but in fact, we weren’t. At least not entirely. Because I don’t think the current shortage of welders has anything to do with an overabundance of philosophers. In fact, I think it’s a mistake to promote one vocation at the expense of the other. What we really need in this country, are more welders who can talk intelligently about Aristotle, and more philosophers who can run an even bead. More Generals, in other words, who can fix their own toilets, and more plumbers who can hold a powerful government job.
This is what Mullin did. He was a private citizen who mastered an essential skill and then turned that skill into a multi-million-dollar company that employed a lot of people and served a lot of customers. That gave him the freedom to do other things with his life, including a career in public service which got him into Congress, where he’s spent the last eleven years doing whatever Congressmen do. Now, he has a very consequential position in the Cabinet of the current administration.
Is that not the embodiment of the American Dream? I get that Jimmy Kimmel might have a problem with Mullin’s politics, but what possible objection could he have about the trajectory of his career, or his desire to do more than one thing with his life?
The only sensible thing to do in the wake of a moment this tone deaf, is remind America that the skills gap is wide, and getting wider. The shortage of skilled tradespeople is now headline news and closing it is nothing less than a matter of national security. This year, my foundation has set aside $10 million dollars to help train the next generation of plumbers, and lots of other essential workers. I'm talking about hundreds of thousands of AI-proof, six figure jobs that don't require a four-year degree, waiting to be filled. The money is currently available to anyone who wants to master a useful skill at https://t.co/uolhGspFtN. Apply today.
As for those of you genuinely offended by Kimmel's comments, consider expressing your disappointment with a modest donation to mikeroweWORKS. Our work ethic scholarship is making a real difference, and your money will be well spent, I promise. The donate button is big and red and hard to miss, at https://t.co/uolhGspFtN
I’d love to chat but I’ve gotta pull a rat out of my toilet…
$6.1 MILLION FOR NC-14 just passed the Senate and is headed to the President’s desk!
I’m proud to have fought for these critical investments that will support law enforcement, improve water and sewer infrastructure, and strengthen public safety across our district.
On Dec 15, US Rep. Tim Moore introduced HR 6639, the SALAMANDER Act, a bill that would expedite the permitting process for the US Army Corps of Engineers for recovery work following a natural disaster. US Rep. Chuck Edwards is a cosponsor.
#ncpol
https://t.co/Qre3fOJkEJ
Tonight, our nation is mourning the loss of a true patriot — U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, one of the National Guardsmen targeted in yesterday’s horrific attack in Washington, D.C.
Please join me in praying for her family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
Devastating news out of Concord — my office is closely monitoring the situation.
We’re praying for the victims and for the safety of everyone involved. Thank you to law enforcement and first responders for their swift action and bravery tonight.
@RepTimMooreNC Mary was a close friend and co-worker of one of my former students.
I honor and respect the work these young men and women do every day all across our nation. They deal with things most of us will never see and do it boldly. They are true heroes. Prayers for the Jolly family.
This morning, I took to the House Floor to honor the life and heroism of Gaston County EMS Paramedic Mary Jolly, who tragically passed away while helping others.
Her courage and selflessness reflect the very best of our community.