If not now, then WHEN? If not you, then WHO?

In 2022, I was the oldest freshman ever elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. People often ask me, WHY?

Why would a happily retired, financially secure businessman, who had spent years enjoying time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, suddenly give up that life of peace and leisure to step into the chaos of politics?

The seed that was planted in me began in 2020, during the "mask mandate."

As the former owner of a respiratory business, I knew that paper masks stamped, "Made in China," could not prevent the spread of flu or any other virus.

Americans were being forced into compliance, not because of science, but through fear. "Land of the Free? Home of the Brave?

The riots, the looting, the tearing down of historic monuments, the burning of government properties following the death of George Floyd, seeing law enforcement vilified; the country I loved, the country I served during my USAF years seemed to be falling apart.

Then came the unusual Presidental election in November. My concern grew. By the time the events at the Capitol happened on January 6, 2021, my blood pressure and emotions had reached dangerous levels.

My wife, Linda, finally told me, "Turn off the television. Stop feeding the anger." She was right! So, I did, but I didn't stop searching for answers.

I turned to books. The first was by Trey Goudy, "It Doesn't Hurt to Ask." I was reminded of the power of stepping forward with courage.

Next, I read "If You Can Keep It" by Eric Metaxas. Could Americans preserve our fragile republic over time?

In December, I read "I, Citizen" by Tony Woodlief. That made me see clearly how far we, as citizens have drifted from our responsibility and away from self-governance, the thing that makes America "exceptional."

By July 2021, the conviction in my heart was strong. I began calling, writing, and visiting friends and neighbors asking them to step forward and run for something, anything, school board, county council, anything. It didn't matter.

I just knew we needed leaders with backbone, men and women willing to put principle over politics.

In December 2021, my statehouse representative was indicted. I went and talked with him. I believed and still believe that he was possibly innocent of the charges against him, but when I heard who was running for his seat, I was concerned. I had met the potential candidate.

I really liked her but was concerned about how strongly I felt she could represent my values. I doubled down on trying to find someone else to run.

One morning, sitting in my recliner with a cup of coffee, music softly playing, I found myself staring at a quote I had been using to challenge others: "If not now, then when? If not you, then who?"

It hit me like a lightning bolt!

God was speaking to me directly. "It's not someone else's call. It's yours." Joe, It's NOW! Joe, it's YOU!

In March 2022, at the age of 76, I filed to run for the South Carolina House of Representatives.

I knew no one in Newberry County.

I had never run a political campaign.

I didn't even know where to buy yard signs!

By every measure of worldly wisdom, I should not be running for office.

But I knew one thing with absolute certainty: I was in the center of God's will for my life.

That conviction gave me the courage to take the first step.

That first step--reluctant, frightened, but faithful, is what began my journey in politics.