51st Congressional District candidate Hilaire “Fuji” Shioura

RACE TO THE CAPITOL On March 5 voters will choose among four candidates running to represent the 51st Congressional District. Featured in this week’s Q and A is No Party Preference/Independent candidate Hilaire “Fuji” Shioura.

Hilaire “Fuji” Shioura

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY YOU ARE RUNNING FOR CONGRESS.

As a committed educator and small business owner, I am running for Congress in California’s 51st District with a vision for transformative change. My campaign is grounded in key issues: ensuring safer schools, protecting parental rights, fostering a diverse and inclusive community, reshaping military spending to better support families and veterans, and reforming immi¬gration to safeguard immigrant families. My focus areas include the economy, education, election integrity, healthcare, national security, and resolving the Gaza genocide.

WHAT ARE, IN ORDER, THE COUNTRY’S TOP 3 SPENDING PRIORITIES?

I prioritize safer schools, parental rights in education, and reallocating military funds for better support of families and veterans. I advocate for a pro-military but anti-war stance and am committed to improving our immigration system.

WHERE DO YOU STAND ON FUNDING FOR AID TO UKRAINE IN THEIR WAR AGAINST RUSSIA?

I oppose funding for Ukraine in the conflict with Russia, seeing it as avoidable and a financial strain on U.S. taxpayers. I believe the European Union should shoulder this responsibility. I am critical of U.S. involve-ment in wars like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, and believe in truthfulness with voters and the military.

SHOULD ISRAEL CONTINUE ITS WAR WITH HAMAS WITHOUT RESTRICTION AND SHOULD AID TO ISRAEL BE PRIORITIZED OVER AID TO UKRAINE?

I see Israel’s current state as precarious and support an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. I oppose U.S. military or financial aid to Israel, especially when it contributes to violations of international law. My stance is and international legal stand based on upholding domestic dards and protecting human rights.

SHOULD PRESIDENT BIDEN BE IMPEACHED?

Yes. My reasons for considering President Biden’s impeachment include his unauthorized military actions, failure to se-cure the southern border, and actions contributing to global de-dollarization. I see these as high crimes and misdemeanors under the U.S. Constitution.

WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THE CONTINUANCE OF SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE PROGRAMS AND WHY?

As the sole anti-war candidate, I stand out by advocating for Medicare and Social Security funding, unlike my opponents. I believe military expenditures often come at the expense of domestic welfare programs.

WHERE DO YOU STAND ON STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS AND WHY?

I support universal education and student loan forgiveness, viewing education as a key to a productive workforce and economic freedom.

WITH THE OVERTURN OF ROE VS. WADE BY THE SUPREME COURT, WHERE DO YOU STAND ON ABORTION AND WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS AND WHY? DO YOU BELIEVE THESE DECISIONS SHOULD BE LEFT TO THE STATES TO DECIDE, OR DO YOU BELIEVE THAT A NATIONAL POLICY SHOULD BE CREATED AND WHY?

Regarding Roe v. Wade, I believe states should regulate abortion and women’s reproductive rights, respecting federalism, and the diversity of state populations.

HOW DO THINK THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION IS DOING WITH FOREIGN POLICY? WHAT ARE YOUR SOLUTIONS IN DEALING WITH FOREIGN CONFLICTS, CREATING BENEFICIAL TRADE, AND FORGING FOREIGN ALLIES?

I propose a foreign policy focused on peace, prosperity, and security, modernizing education, government, and urban environ-ments, and fostering anti-war, pro-business, and pro-diplomacy initiatives. I am committed to resolving foreign conflicts and enhancing trade and alliances. The USA and China can become mutually reliable and profitable economic partners in trade and commerce, thereby preventing unnecessary and avoidable war with China that other politicians, both Democratic and Re-publican, are instigating and planning for without the consent of Congress.

WHERE DO YOU STAND ON IMMIGRATION AND MIGRANTS SEEKING ASYLUM? WHAT PROPOSALS DO YOU HAVE ON REFORMING IMMIGRATION POLICY?

On immigration, I support legal immigration and propose processing asylum applications through my external platform, www.immigration.email. I advocate for immunity for U.S. Border patrol agents within 100 miles of the border to effectively enforce laws and assess asylum eligibility. I emphasize supporting legal immigration and the role of the U.S. Border Patrol.

WHERE DO YOU STAND ON LGBTQ+ RIGHTS AND WHY? WHAT POLICIES WOULD YOU SUPPORT OR NOT SUPPORT WHEN IT COMES TO SAME SEX MARRIAGE, GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION IN EDUCATION, AND OTHER LGBT ISSUES?

I believe adults should have the freedom to marry regardless of LGBTQ+ preference but oppose LGBTQ+ indoctrination involving minors. I advocate for cameras in classrooms to ensure parental involvement and prioritize the mental health of minors and academic achievement.

WHAT POLICIES AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL DO YOU BELIEVE CAN BE IMPLEMENTED TO HELP CONTROL CRIME ACROSS THE NATION? IS GUN CONTROL PART OF THE SOLUTION? WHY OR WHY NOT?

To enhance national crime control, I focus on upholding Second Amendment rights, increasing police numbers, and hiring more school resource officers. This approach aims to ensure community and school safety while respecting gun ownership rights.

WHERE DO YOU STAND ON ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE FOR ALL? WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE SOLUTIONS THAT ARE WORKING, AND NOT WORKING, AND WHY? WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE ANSWER TO HEALTHCARE INEQUITY?

I view healthcare as a human right, advocating for affordable care, addressing disparities, and emphasizing preventive measures. I propose universal healthcare coverage and efficient cost management.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE SOLUTIONS TO THE FEDERAL BUDGET DEFICIT WHICH IS RISING AND SEEMS TO BE ON AN UNSUSTAINABLE LONG-TERM TRAJECTORY? HOW CAN THE U.S. REGAIN FISCAL SECURITY?

To address the federal budget deficit, my approach involves reducing military spending, enhancing benefits for military members and veterans, and investing in sustainable industries. I focus on boosting revenue, reducing waste, and ensuring long-term fiscal balance.

OUR LEGISLATIVE BODIES ARE POLARIZED. WHAT SOLUTIONS DO YOU HAVE TO FIND COMMON GROUND? WILL YOU BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION IN DEPOLARIZING CONGRESS ON MOST ISSUES, OR PART OF THE PROBLEM?

As an independent candidate, I promote bipartisan dialogue and have created www.democrat.republican for this purpose. I aim to depolarize Congress and focus on unified solutions.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CAPITOL RIOTS INVESTIGATION? DO YOU BELIEVE THAT ANYONE INVOLVED SHOULD BE CONVICTED IF FOUND GUILTY OF CRIMES? DO YOU BELIEVE AN ACTING PRESIDENT HAS IMMUNITY OVER THEIR ACTIONS WHILE STILL IN OFFICE? WHY OR WHY NOT?

Regarding the Capitol riots, I advocate for ceasing further charges against rioters to facilitate national healing, emphasizing restorative justice and reconciliation.

WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?

I am committed to prioritizing domestic issues, upholding constitutional rights, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. I represent a balanced approach to address the high cost of living, crime, border issues, homeless-ness, inflation, and school safety. I uniquely understand the needs of school choice, immigration legal system, and a non-interventionist military policy. I am the only candidate that is an experienced educator that understands what is really happening in our elementary, middle, and high schools; where are my students, your kids are not learning, are unsafe, and exposed to dangerous and inappropriate content and influences. Vote for me to have cameras in our classrooms so you and the parents can genuinely participate in your kids’ educational journey. Help me make universal school vouchers a reality throughout California to help make class sizes smaller, expand school choice, and fund more charter schools. Vote for me to protect our Constitutional rights in California and nationwide.