Richard Allen Rowe

Rowe's professional experience includes working as a truck driver, mechanic, carpenter, and general contractor.[1]

State legislative candidacy

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Richard is a truck driver and mechanic, born and raised in the Ocala National Forest. A powerhouse progressive and LBGT, who's seen the worst sides of life, and fights with fury and passion, so no one else has to live the things he has.

We're running on a unique Industrial Progressive platform, engineered to flip districts like 23. Our platform emphasizing sweeping Industrial Reforms designed to reallocate economic power from global corporations to small business and local communities. This message of Opportunity for all resonates deeply across the political spectrum. Richard has been described by many Trump supporters as "the only Democrat I'd ever vote for."

Along with that, Richard's platform includes comprehensive initiatives for eliminating corruption and corporate influence, environmental protection, green energy, complete Justice System overhaul, Medicare for All, and an end to oppressive power structures both economically and socially.

Richard's platform on gun licensing and registration has support among many gun owners, and his reproductive rights program is groundbreaking popular on both sides of the isle.

Richard Rowe is a different kind of Democrat: a fighting progressive with broad appeal, the background, platform and personality to flip seemingly impossible districts like ours.

Because pretty words and talking points arent enough. We need bold, fearless fighters with unique ideas, who never back down from a battle. Richard Rowe is that person.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

It's time to take America back from corporate interests, corrupt politicians and the endless greed destroying our nation.The Earth is dying, Democracy is disintegrating and there is no justice in our "Justice" SystemAmerica is broken. The world is broken. And it's going to take a mechanic to fix it.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

- Economic Opportunity for All

- Returning America to a local, small-business-based economy

- Undoing the damage caused by decades of political corruption

- Restoring the Earth to a sustainable state, so future generation don't die paying for our mistakes.

- Pursuing technological solutions to social, economic and environmental problems. Up to and including Geo-engineering.

- Medicare for All. Period.

- Standing up for those who need a champion. Fighting the battles they cannot, and winning on their behalf.

- Ending America's failed War on Drugs. Because all it's ever done is destroy lives and create organized crime. Both here, and abroad.

- Complete overhaul of our joke of a "Justice" System. From bottom to top. From courthouses to street cops, judges to prosecutors. It's time to bring accountability, responsibility and JUSTICE, to those who have sleazed by for so long without.

- Empowering our educators and unions, placing them in the places of honor they've so long been denied.

- Going to war against election fraud, and moving America into the 21st century with secure, convenient voting systems. There is a technological solution to voter suppression.

- Gun control utilizing a five-class licensing and registration system, which preserves rights and keeps weapons out of the hands of psychopaths.

- Securing women's rights forever, WHILE drastically reducing abortion...through subsidization of Male birth control.

Outside of fiction?

Ben Franklin - Diplomat, inventor, writer and all around baller

Andrew Carnegie - Hardworking Industrialist who changed America, and gave me this: "Spend the first third of life learning everything you can, the second making everything you can, and the last third giving it away."

Alexander the Great - Earth's first LGBT hero, and unstoppable conqueror of all that lay before him.

My Mom - A 30-year Union President, who taught me what it meant to go to war with those in power. On behalf of those without.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Innes

The Prince, Nikkoli Machiavelli

The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith

Geoff John's run on Green Lantern

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Strength, and the will to fight for what's right. To the death if need be.

Putting the needs of others first, and sacrificing whatever need be for them.

Motivation, true and personal.

The ability to solve difficult problems, and the willingness to do whatever it takes for results.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Will, determination, self sacrifice, a sense of duty, the kind of hard nosed pragmatism opponents fear, and the wrath to see it through.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Fidelity to the electorate. Never betraying those who trusted you with power.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Save the world. Obviously.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Challenger Disaster. I watched the shuttle explode at 5 years old from the field next to my house.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Delivering pizzas at 13 years old. Then night watchman at the Eckerd Camp for Boys through most of High School.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Green Lantern Blackest Night - Hope is the foundation of will, and will conquers fear.

DC's Injustice - Every hero is a villain in the waiting.

Art of Racing in the Rain - Life is chaos. Never fear the slide...learn to control it.

Jurassic Park, anything by Michael Crichton - Reason required?

The Dune Series - Fear is the mind killer, which brings total oblivion.

The Howard Hughes biography - Because he was a legend. And tragedy.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Either "Like a Prayer" by Madonna, something by Smokey Robinson or "Rap God" by Eminem

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

There hasn't been a moment that wasn't.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

The House is obviously more local and responsive. In theory. In practice, our districts are so gerrymandered, processes and politicians so corrupt...I'm not sure it matters.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Not necessarily. It depends on whether they bring something useful to the table, or they're just Establishment insiders looking to join the Tallahassee Diner's Club.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

At present, the Plague. Intermediate, Election Fraud committed by public officials. Further, the economic devastation wrought by corporate interests, and our hilariously unequal economic system. Further on, being eaten by sharks when our state goes underwater, after burning into a toxic ash heap.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

Depends on the governor. If it's a Progressive, hopefully close and cooperative. If Ron DeSantis, scorched Earth.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Well...yeah. obviously. If they're on your side. If not, same answer as DeSantis. Scorched Earth.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Population

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

My policy priorities should make that clear.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

If they were smart, they'd put me in charge.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Teddy Roosevelt. But not sure that counts.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Maybe. Maybe not. Just tell Rick Scott not to get too cozy in my office.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I've lived those stories. I've lived in abandoned trailers, digging through dumpsters for food. I've ripped my own teeth out with channel locks in abandoned buildings. I've fixed my own cars, started from nothing, lost everything and rebuilt again. Using nothing but hard work, determination, hope and hatred in my heart. Hatred for the system that destroys our lives...economic, legal and cultural. Hope for some reason to keep trying for a better tomorrow.

I dont ask for other people's stories. Because I was there. Their stories are mine, as well.

Congressional candidacy

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a Progressive. But more than that, I'm the Industry Guy. The small business, mechanic, truck driver, opportunity-for-all and innovation Guy. The guy sitting at Charlie Horse with beer and laptop writing policy papers. Maybe, next to you.

A lifetime independent (till recently), born and raised in the Ocala National Forest, I like to think of myself as a "conservative-adjacent classical Progressive." I'm a gun enthusiast and former Pro-Life Evangelical who understands the issues and perspectives from that side. I've worked my entire life since 13 years old...sometimes doing well, others while homeless and living in the woods.

Our campaign carries a powerful new message under the Umbrella of "Industrial Reform," which aims to take back America from corrupt corporate interests, and restore us to a sustainable small business "Carriage Economy." We will build this new land on green energy, economic opportunity, clean government, secure elections, healthcare and justice for all. We will pursue smart, tech-based solutions to difficult problems, aimed at preserving American liberties while lifting those in need.

Lastly: I'm here for the fight. I'm not in this race to move up in the party; I don't care about parties. I'm here to win. To crush, dominate and decimate all who stand in the way of making our home everything I know it can be. Friend or foe. I don't care. So join the Industrial Progressives, get out of our way, or get crushed. It's all the same to me.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

America's Economy is in a consumerist death spiral, a game we're destined to lose to China. Industrial Reform is the solution.Justice, opportunity and healthcare are human rights. Democracy, clean elections and true representation are American rights.It takes greater strength to lift another than to hold them down. A powerful nation is one of opportunity, not oppression.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

THE PRIME DIRECTIVE - Industrial Progressives do not, under any circumstances, take money from big corporate donors, or PACs to which they contribute.

Saving Capitalism from Itself - Capitalism does not exist in nature. It must be created, regulated and maintained to survive in a global economy. Otherwise, competition will die, innovation will cease and the whole system will eat itself alive.

Harnessing the Power of Industry to Serve Humanity - Capitalism is a big, stupid horse. Let it run wild, it'll stomp your crops, destroy the farm and ultimately die of starvation. Industrial Progressives work to harness and direct the power of industry to solve problems.

Technological Solutions for Human Problems - Be it guns, abortion, election security or climate change...we've got the tech for that. Industrial Progressives are about maximizing personal freedom and opportunity, preserving rights and thinking outside the law to deliver the best solutions for everyone.

Industrial Reform - A massive slate of regulatory strategies and tax plans meant to shift power from Wall Street to Main Street.

End Corruption and Election Fraud - Nothing matters more than this.

Green New Jobs - New industry happens when we make it happen. Florida is perfectly positioned to become a clean energy colossus.

Medicare for All - It'll save $2 trillion over ten years, provide better insurance than you can buy today and cover everyone in the country.

Dismantle the Injustice Machine

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I'v e always looked up to innovators, inventors and industrialists. Intellectuals and adventurers, people who weren't afraid to push limits and do what it took to succeed.

My first major influence has to be Ben Franklin; genius, writer, inventor, diplomat and overall shameless raconteur. If I could follow in any one person's example, it would be Ben Franklin's. Followed closely by Howard Hughes.

Following them, Thomas Jefferson and Nikola Tesla. Whitney, Curie, Ford and Carnegie, Einstein, Bohr, Lindbergh, Von Braun and Armstrong. Those are just the Americans; some born, others adopted to our nation. I could name any number of other classical scientists and inventors going back through Da Vinci to Archimedes and Hero of Alexandria.

I've always loved technology and innovators, pioneers and builders. The people who did it, the writers who wrote about it. Which is why Ben Franklin came first.

Also a fan of notable military commanders like Patton, Rommel, Yamamoto, Eisenhower, Lee (my great-grandfather), Napoleon, Hannibal Barca, Saladin, Alexander the Great ect. The usuals. Actually started writing a book on the revival of siege technology for counter-terrorism purposes. Perhaps the result of growing up under the approach line of Pine Castle Bomb Range, running out to spot fighters and bombers like some people do birds...I've always had a twisted sort of love for the mechanisms, strategy and tactics of warfare. Which is odd coming from someone who hates the Military Industrial Complex. But it's always been an interest. It's not always those on the right side of history who bear our fascination.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Re-Forge America - Richard Rowe, an Introduction

http://anx.media/politics/re-forge-america-richard-rowe-an-introduction-2/

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INDUSTRIAL PROGRESSIVES - 200 Years of Driving Society

http://anx.media/politics/industrial-progressives-200-years-of-driving-society/

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Small Business Progressives - Saving Capitalism from Itself

http://anx.media/politics/small-business-progressives-saving-capitalism-from-itself/

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The Dignity of Work - A Salute to the People Who Built America

http://anx.media/politics/the-dignity-of-work-a-salute-to-the-people-who-built-america/

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Industrial Reform (Part 1) - "Carriage Industry," The Cheap Crap Game, and How Consumerism is Engineered to Fail

http://anx.media/politics/industrial-reform-part-1-carriage-industry-the-cheap-crap-game-and-how-consumerism-is-engineered-to-fail/

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The Rowe Corporate Tax Plan - Opportunity for all and the Myth of Corporate Parity.

http://anx.media/politics/the-rowe-corporate-tax-plan-opportunity-for-all-the-myth-of-corporate-parity-and-saving-capitalism-from-itself/

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The Boomer Bust - America's Impending Economic Apocalypse

http://anx.media/politics/the-boomer-bust-americas-coming-economic-apocalypse/

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Engineering Earth - Solving Climate Change Forever, Today

http://anx.media/politics/engineering-earth-solving-climate-change-forever-today/

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Obviously, the ability to lie and shill for money to corporate donors and lobbyists. Being an insider is always great, and toeing whatever line the media prefers is an advantage. These are the truths of our times.

But, ideally? Honesty, integrity and a sincere sense of duty to humanity and the people we represent. One who is driven not by a desire for power or money, but through a sense of obligation (even guilt) for what happens if they DON'T run. An ideal candidate should feel responsible for the evils of the world, for their lack of action and initiative. Should understand that within each of us lay the power to change the world...but with that power comes responsibility. So says Uncle Ben.

An ideal candidate is one who looks at all that's gone wrong, and wakes up in a sweat thinking "If only I had been there." One who has nothing to lose and nothing to gain, apart from the fulfillment of duty. One who feels the failure of inaction, sees it in the suffering of everyone they should have saved. But didn't. This drive, this incorruptible need to serve...this lay at the heart of all who should be trusted with power.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Depends on how you define "success." If you mean someone who's going to spend decades leeching off the taxpayer dollar, accomplishing nothing, then that's not me. But if you mean the ability to gather and wield power to achieve personal goals, irrespective of opposition...that's another discussion.

Because I am ruthless. Driven. Single-minded and cold-blooded. Loyal to no one and nothing but those who trust me, and willing to do anything it takes, to anyone, to achieve my goals. There is nothing more important to me in this life, no amount of money or personal gain, that is more important than this endeavor.

I have sacrificed much just to be here, and will sacrifice anything or anyone else necessary to accomplish my goals. This is the purpose of my life. I cannot be bought or negotiated with, have nothing to lose and nothing to gain that anyone can offer. I grew up reading Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Lao Tzu and Musashi. I am calculating, deliberate and strategic. I can be merciless, cruel and a tad sadistic. I believe in threat, intimidation, retribution and making examples of people who get in the way.

So, pretty well suited for politics.

Again, it depends on how you define "successful." But if you're measuring success by results, then there is absolutely nothing I will not do to achieve them.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To hold sacred the trust bestowed by others, understanding it is a thing rarely bestowed and ever rarer deserved. To act in the best interests of those who bestowed that trust, even if it isn't always the popular thing to do. Which is the difference between a leader and a demagogue. A demagogue tells the people what they want to hear, and always plays toward them. A leader forges forward, and gives others a reason to follow.

Sometimes, that means being the bad guy. It means doing things you don't always feel good about. But personal moral sacrifice is one thing we must be prepared for, if it serves the interests of the trust we are bestowed. The core responsibility of any representative, of anyone in power, is to honor the trust they were granted, and prove their worthiness of it through action.

Personally? Four Nobels and a Pulitzer. For symmetry. But on a larger scale? To save the world.

I would like to restore America to its rightful rulers; the people. I want to help usher in a new golden era of peace and prosperity, of opportunity and equality. To see the world as I die the future it can be, rather than the past it has been.

I want every American to wake up every day, seeing potential in the light of every sunrise. Never having to feel the things I have, or live the life I've lived. I want future generations to live in hope and happiness, looking back on our time as the darkest era in America's history. And this, the moment it all turned around.

I want to leave my home, Florida, as a shining beacon of hope and progress not just for America...but for all the world. A beautiful place, Eden's Metropolis. I want our home to SHINE, a blue-green jewel in the crown of humanity's achievements. I want children to play in the back yards of happy homes, and their parents to look on knowing they leave a better world behind. I want that they should feel the hope we are now denied, and the certainty that their endeavors amount to something worth caring about.

I want fireflies dancing in clean air, and whippoorwills to sing through the perfume of night blooming jasmine. Christmas lights and music, joy in life for one and all. I want young families to gaze into the stars, knowing that what may be lay always within reach. If they but grasp it. So that children may ask their parents from warm beds "What can I be?" And their mother answers, honestly: "Anything."

This is the dream that was America. This is the world that could be. And if I leave any legacy behind, I pray it should be this.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Challenger Disaster, and I was 5 years old at the time. We have a clear view of Cape Canaveral launches from the field by my house. Challenger was the first one I remember. I clearly recall watching it burst into flame and break up, but didn't know at the time that that wasn't supposed to happen. Found out a few minutes later on the news I'd just watched seven people die.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I've worked steadily since I was 13 years old. Most often two jobs at once, including through High School.

First serious job was as a nightwatchman at the Eckerd Camp for Boys. Full time, 10pm-6am while taking Honors classes in highschool and working a few other jobs in between. Most of the money went into my car, a black 1980 Buick Grand National. Worked on the car at night at Eckerd Camp, where I stayed until a year out of highschool.

Following that, decided not to go to college on the basis of cost. Had scholarships to a few universities, but couldn't afford the cost of living there. Specifically in Boca Raton, studying aeronautic engineering ant Embry-Riddle. So, became a semi-professional street racer running out of Moss Bluff. "Semi-professional" meaning I made just enough money racing and building cars to stay ahead of the costs of my own. Did a lot of straight line, also some Open Road around the 314a and Forest circuits.

Did a lot of partying, wanted to see America while I was still alive to do it. So, got my Class A CDL and went over the road the day I turned 21. Been working as a driver, mechanic, carpenter, general contractor and political/technical writer ever since.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Objectively? Probably "Jurassic Park." Read it over 50 times when I was a kid, and memorized every word. So, you'd probably have to say that. Otherwise, in terms of influence? Either the "Tao te Ching" by Lao Tzu, or "Go Rin no Sho" by Musashi. Also a big fan of the Howard Hughes biography, and a huge number of comic books. Especially Jonathan Hickman's Avengers/New Avengers run, and Goeff Johns' Green Lantern. Which was especially relevant to me while homeless, and fighting for a reason to go on. From Green Lantern I learned that Fear is the enemy of Will, and Hope is the foundation of all.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Eddie Brock, Venom.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"Die Young," by Kesha. Probably before that, something by Flo Rida, Then "Runaround Sue" by Dion and Billy Joel's "The Longest Time."

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

I don't know that it is, in a global sense. Obviously, the House is based on many pre-existing institutions going back to Athens. So, we can hardly say it's "unique" historically or globally.

But, in America, I think the House is the most responsive branch of government. Only because our election cycles are so short; every 2 years instead of every four or six. In that sense, because House reps are effectively always campaigning, we have to stay tuned in very closely to the needs of our constituents.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Depends on what you mean by "beneficial" and "experience."

If by "experience," you mean one is a political insider crawling on spiderwebs of interweaving obligations to public and private entities...then yes. That can be very "beneficial" to getting elected. It's how most politicians maintain power.

But that "experience" isn't necessarily a good thing if your goal is to benefit the people who actually VOTED for you. It is helpful to have some experience in government or leadership positions, at least insofar as navigating the bureaucracy goes. Otherwise, no. Our political institutions and the corrupt political structure occupying them have done nothing but serve themselves, at the expense of America's people. If it were up to me, I'd fire every damned one of them, burn D.C. to the ground and start over from the ashes.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Political corruption, corporate oligarchy, voter suppression and election fraud are our biggest problems right now. Because those are the roadblocks standing between us and solving every other problem. Money is the root of all evil, and there's far too much money in our government today. Not just government, but the corporate media entities which serve as propaganda arms for that same corrupt enterprise.

Otherwise, and apart from the obvious rise of global fascism, the biggest problem we face over the next decade will be impending economic collapse. I've written extensively on the effects of the "Boomer Bust," but America is facing absolute economic devastation over the next decade. The catalyst will be the passing of a generation which currently possesses all the money, and from which very little downward wealth transfer will occur. The Boomer Bust will drop us into an economic cataclysm making 2009 look like a fart in the wind.

Even greater, our current big-corporate consumerist economic model; as is, this model will all but guarantee we will never recover from the Boomer Bust, and what remains of America's current economic power will shift to China and other nations like it. We MUST enact Industrial Reforms, and broaden the base of our economic power to local and small business. It's the only way America will survive to see 2030.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Small Business, Science and Technology, The Select Committee on Climate Crisis, Energy and Commerce would be the most productive. But Oversight, Ethics, Budget and Taxation would be the most fun.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Sounds about right. We have Senate for the longer game.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

We need them. Badly. And they need to be both cumulative and retroactive to current members. With the exception of Bernie Sanders, nobody who's been in D.C. longer than 30 years needs to be there. That's true for Supreme Court Justices as well. We need to clean house, and cumulative, retroactive term limits are how we do it.

I would also be in favor of age limits on government office. Every major company in the world has a maximum retirement age, and the same should be true for American politicians. First, because the world is moving too quickly to rely on the biases and experience of people who are constantly reliving the Cold War. Second, because entrenched power systems aren't a solution. They're part of the problem.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Speaker of the House. Or General Vice-Overlord. Pick your title.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to