Coonskin Caps and A Constitutional Republican:
An Interview with Michael LaPierre, Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives,
South Carolina, District 4
by Andrea Hillman
“So, what’s up with that coonskin cap of yours? Are you trying to channel Davy Crockett?”
Michael J. LaPierre, candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, grinned and seemed to appreciate my attempt at humor. Frankly, when I first saw a photo of LaPierre sporting it, I silently chuckled my sympathies to Calie, his bride of 37 years. However, the answer to my question was interesting, and I soon learned his cap is not a kitschy bid for attention: LaPierre is sending a message to South Carolina’s District 4 voters. The coonskin cap is a visual representation of the style of leadership LaPierre intends to bring to Washington; a style of leadership that would affect South Carolina and all Americans.
Most of us know of Davy Crockett, the American frontiersman whose name became synonymous with coonskin caps, but LaPierre educated me further: Davy Crockett was the epitome of the “citizen representative.” Crockett was not a man of wealth, nor was he groomed from his youth to pursue seats of political power. Rather, Crockett was a “regular” man, a man of vision and an unquenchable love for this country. As a “citizen representative,” he was beholden to none and free to represent authentically and with transparency. This is the kind of leadership Michael LaPierre wants to take to Washington.
Since giving his life to Christ on a baseball field, LaPierre has intentionally sought to live according to Christian ideals as did most of our Founding Fathers. He has earned a reputation as a man with courage of conviction and an unswerving belief in the exceptionalism of our Constitutional Republic.
LaPierre believes enemies of our Constitution are working tirelessly to undermine the historical foundations constructed by our forebears. He sees the political corruption, election fraud, “insurrection at our southern borders,” institutionalized Marxism, and doctrines diametrically opposed to our American principles, such as Critical Race Theory. He will work in opposition to all these destructive influences, and he will not take “baby steps” to accomplish the goal.
LaPierre is currently writing a bill entitled the “Truth in Education Act.” This bill would seek to reject the institutionalized indoctrination of America’s youth and make education the focus of all classrooms. His planned follow-up bill will be the “Education Practice Exchange.” This bill is a bid to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and place the responsibility of education back in state, local, and parental hands. As the father of homeschooled children, LaPierre is very concerned about the trajectory of the educational system in this country.
Though not a career politician, LaPierre believes he is thoroughly qualified to become the next Representative in Washington for District 4. As the son of a deputy-sheriff who often took on the leadership responsibility for various organizations in their community, he was taught the value of public service since childhood. His own appreciation of challenging work and diligence earned him a baseball scholarship to the prestigious Brown University where he majored in Political Science.
While attending Brown, LaPierre would occasionally debate America’s own John F. Kennedy, Jr., in their dorm hall. It was an interesting opportunity to sit in class with JFK, Jr. while the professor discussed the Cuban Missile Crisis! Though the two young men never came to a political consensus, LaPierre learned to appreciate the sincerity of opponents who worked to lay out a well-considered position. Now, however, the Democratic platform appears to be hijacked by radical Marxism, further widening the yawning gap of division in our country. Even now, LaPierre is actively working to unify conservatives in SC. “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” –Mark 3:25.
The ability to actively listen and consider the views of allies and competitors alike served him well in his future endeavors. LaPierre has worked as a professional, minor-league baseball player, he received a master’s degree in business and entrepreneurship from Clemson and rose through the corporate ranks of UPS. He is also the author of six books, including “The Christian Leader’s Worldview.”
His most recent title, “The Elephant Brief: An Unwelcome Government and Secular Presence” is a work for the times we live in. It is a clarion call to Christian-conservatives, not only of South Carolina, but across this nation: Lay down your creature comforts and join the fight to save America! We cannot expect a handful of men in Washington to win this culture war on our behalf. All Christians must step out of the shadows and do their part. Christian men and women of vision and courage must get involved because the “silent majority,” while silent, may no longer be the majority. We must get back to basics to win the hearts and minds of the people as our ancestors once did.
Looking to his opponent, LaPierre is deeply concerned by William Timmons’ track record. Timmons’ 2020 report card at govtrack.us reveals he was not present for 149 of 1,222 roll call votes. That total amounts to 12.2% which is dismal when compared to the median of 2.1%. In fact, according to LaPierre, it puts Timmons in the unenviable position of having the 3rd worst absenteeism record in the U.S. House. How will conservatives gain ground if our Representatives do not show up to make our voices heard?
In fairness, this level of absenteeism could evolve for a good reason, such as a family tragedy; however, when taken in conjunction with his voting record, it paints a concerning picture that demands an explanation. LaPierre states Timmons revealed his support of the “Infrastructure Bill” to him at a meeting. Timmons still has time to reconsider his position as the vote for that bill is scheduled for September 27th. Hopefully, Representative Timmons will be present and vote a resounding “NO.”
To learn more about Michael LaPierre, visit lapierreforhouse.com. There, you will find more information concerning his background, key issues, platform, and why he believes he is the best candidate to help solve the problems of South Carolina and America during these troubled times.
As we all know, campaigns are ridiculously expensive, and never more so than now. Contribute to the Michael LaPierre campaign here and consider supporting him in person as he formally announces his candidacy on September 25, 2021, at:
The Beacon Drive-In Restaurant in Spartanburg, SC, at 3 PM, and
Denny’s Wade Hampton, Greenville, SC, at 5 PM.
To preserve what remains of our vanishing Christian heritage in America, please remember to actively and intentionally support conservative-Christian candidates wherever they may be found.
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Andrea Hillman is a contributing writer and journalist for Blue Ridge 
Christian News, as well as creator and news aggregator for The Christian Persecution Report. She enjoys a wide variety of artistic endeavors, world travel, and has recently discovered she has a green thumb. You can read more of her work here. Please reach out to her at thechristianpersecutionreport@gmail.com, at The Christian Persecution Report page on Facebook, or on LinkedIn.
