Bruce C Lou

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Bruce Lou completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lou's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-202963-2024-01-20\" id=\"heading-bio-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-202963-2024-01-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-202963-2024-01-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy name is Bruce Lou. I was born and raised in the Bay Area to immigrant parents. I believe in hard work, family values, and the American dream. I am a business owner, UC Berkeley graduate, and Jeopardy! champion.\r\n<p><br/>\r\nI’ve watched as the United States has declined in the past two decades. We have failed to guarantee the American dream for ordinary people, yet we have devolved into a society hyper-focused on pushing certain ideologies rather than finding real solutions. We as a country are more divided than ever and our elected leaders seem to fuel division and hostility towards each other for politics sake.\r\n</p><p><br/>\r\nI am a young, passionate leader who represents the generation that will one day inherit this country. As a political newcomer, I am a fresh voice as opposed to Washington insiders who only have their own interests at heart. I am running as your common-sense candidate who will find sensible, practical solutions to the problems that we face. I put people above politics.\r\n</p><p><br/>\n</p>\nMy goal is to restore to America the values that I grew up with, and let people believe in the promise of this country that my parents came here for once again.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-202963-2024-01-20\" id=\"heading-key-message-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-202963-2024-01-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease 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?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-202963-2024-01-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Protect our fundamental freedoms. I believe in limited government that interferes as little as possible in our lives while maintaining peace and safety. I believe that the primary job of the government should be to preserve the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, not be an all-encompassing nanny state. I support free speech, property rights, and lower government spending and taxation. While the government must provide certain basic services, I believe that people should be given as many choices as possible on how to live their lives as they see fit with as little government interference as possible.</li><li>All citizens must be treated equally under the law. When some groups are privileged over others, giving some more rights than others based on their identity, that violates the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause. Whether this manifests itself in additional aid, unfair admissions and hiring practices, or unequal enforcement of the law, this is unconstitutional and morally repugnant. Certain groups do not get a free pass due to either historical injustices or because of existing socioeconomic inequality.</li><li>Politicians need to be held accountable for their actions. We now have a permanent class of politicians who are both unaware of the daily realities of life that common people face and indifferent to the fate of this country and its citizens. They live in a bubble and suffer no consequences for the decisions they make that impact millions. I propose term limits on Congress, voter-decided salaries, and a ban on insider trading. Additionally, politicians can be held accountable via consequences such as pay reductions when the economy goes into lockdown or crashes, stricter public disclosures on financial or business ties, and jail time for corruption or other betrayals of trust of the people.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-202963-2024-01-20\" id=\"heading1-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-202963-2024-01-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-202963-2024-01-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI care deeply about public safety. Especially here in San Francisco, crime is rampant, homelessness is omnipresent, and the drug crisis is out of control. A safe environment for people to live in is a prerequisite for a productive society.<br/><br/>\n<p>The federal government can play a big role in solving these problems. We can fund police departments so they are equipped to deal with incidents that endanger public safety. Federal courts can prosecute criminal leaders and destroy organized crime rings at the top level. We can fight drug cartels poisoning our citizens through increased border security and federal agencies that stop the flow of drugs at the source.<br/><br/>\r\nI am also passionate about education for its role in shaping the values and ideals that the next generation will carry forward, thus shaping the future of our society.<br/><br/>\r\nIn particular, I believe that education needs to be practical, instead of ideological. I believe that education should teach facts and critical thinking skills so that students can reach their own independent conclusions after evaluating the facts, and synthesize information to create their own theories. Students should not only be allowed to question their conclusions, but encouraged to.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nRegrettably, schools nowadays teach students conclusions, and those who question the underlying processes or reasoning encounter repercussions. This has led to a generation of students who can’t think for themselves and rely on other people telling them the answer.<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-202963-2024-01-20\" id=\"heading2-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-202963-2024-01-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-202963-2024-01-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIntegrity—means that representatives should have strong moral principles. Representatives will inevitably come under pressure, both from the opposition as well as from temptations like bribes. Representatives need to stand strong for their constituents' needs as well as against corruption. <br/><br/>\n<p>Competence—representatives need to be able to get things done. Representatives need to be intelligent and of good judgment. We should not elect people who are unskilled and unknowledgeable.<br/><br/>\n</p>\nCourage—inevitably, representatives will need to make a decision that is hard and requires sacrifice. The ability to withstand that pressure and make the right choice, even if it may result in criticism or setback, is crucial.<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-202963-2024-01-20\" id=\"heading3-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-202963-2024-01-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-202963-2024-01-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI would like to be remembered as someone who positively changed the lives of people. I would like the history books to remember me kindly. If I was known as the man who reformed the education system, or eliminated homelessness, I would think that would be an incredible legacy. <br/><br/>\r\n“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” -Pericles<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-202963-2024-01-20\" id=\"heading4-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-202963-2024-01-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-202963-2024-01-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy first job was a history coach. I was a fresh high school graduate, but since I had won the National History Bowl earlier that year, I taught high schoolers the study of history and coached them to their own title in history competition.<br/>\r\nI still have this job—it’s evolved into an elite history competition consulting service. I’ve evolved this humble venture into a business, have coached many students who’ve won a combined ten national titles, and it’s been going strong for almost a decade now. <br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-202963-2024-01-20\" id=\"heading5-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-202963-2024-01-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-202963-2024-01-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tA man is stranded on a desert island at sea. He prays to God for help.<br/><br/>\n<p>“God, I’ve been a faithful worshiper for years. Please save me as I have honored you well for my whole life.”<br/><br/>\r\nGod answers affirmatively with a thunderclap from the heavens.<br/><br/>\r\nAfter an hour, a speedboat passes by. There’s a man holding out a life buoy on it.<br/><br/>\r\n“Hey man, you look like you need some help! Jump on, I’m heading to shore!”<br/><br/>\r\nThe man replies that he appreciates it but he will put his faith in God to save him.<br/><br/>\r\nThe boat leaves, but a helicopter spots him soon after and throws down a ladder. <br/><br/>\r\nThe man uses sign language to signal to the helicopter that he appreciates it but will continue to put his faith in God.<br/><br/>\r\nAfter the helicopter leaves, improbably, a pack of dolphins swims up to the island, and offers its back to the man, as if to say, “Get on. I will take you to safety.”<br/><br/>\r\nThe man shakes his head once again and points skyward.<br/><br/>\r\nThe island has no water, so the man perishes soon after.<br/><br/>\r\nWhen he gets to heaven he is furious.<br/><br/>\r\n“Why didn’t you save me, God? I trusted you, and you betrayed my faith!”<br/><br/>\r\nGod answers, “What do you mean? I sent you the boat, the helicopter, the dolphins, but you didn’t take any of them, and here you are…”<br/><br/>\n</p>\nMoral of the story: Even though we can put our faith in God and fate, the opportunities that are offered to us are the help that is sent to us. We need to make the most of those opportunities.<br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-202963-2024-01-20\" id=\"heading6-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-202963-2024-01-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-202963-2024-01-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAbraham Lincoln once said, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” Lincoln knew a thing or two about internal division destroying the country, as he faced a country tearing itself apart during the Civil War.<br/><br/>\n<p>The hostility that continues to worsen as people refuse to even have civil discourse with each other will be what ultimately destroys this country. If we are unable to see each other as fellow Americans and peacefully compromise to find solutions, we will be left without a nation at all. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nAmerica is a nation blessed with great natural and human resources. The only existential threat that we face is ourselves. <br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-202963-2024-01-20\" id=\"heading7-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-202963-2024-01-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-202963-2024-01-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tWithout term limits, we have created a class of career politicians separated from the reality of how Americans live. They live in a bubble and only seek to further their own interests, and put their petty rivalries ahead of the welfare of the people. The ancient Romans had term limits because they understood this reality. We should enact term limits to make sure that politicians represent the people, and then once again become ordinary citizens. In short, term limits are a necessity for the protection of the people. <br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-202963-2024-01-20\" id=\"heading8-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-202963-2024-01-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-202963-2024-01-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe only government without compromise is a dictatorship. Compromise is not only necessary, but desirable. Compromise is how we can achieve solutions that help the most number of people. With compromise, we can find the middle ground that works with this huge, diverse country. <br/></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-202963-2024-01-20\" id=\"heading9-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-202963-2024-01-20\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-202963-2024-01-20\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-202963-2024-01-20\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCalifornia Republican Party<br/>\n<p>San Francisco Republican Party<br/>\r\nLog Cabin Republicans of San Francisco<br/>\r\nCalifornia Republican Assembly (CRA), San Francisco Peninsula Chapter<br/>\r\nEqual Rights for All PAC (ERFA PAC)<br/>\r\nBusiness and Housing Network (BAHN)<br/>\n</p>\nSilicon Valley Chinese Association (SVCA)\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nBruce Lou completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lou's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. My name is Bruce Lou. I was born and raised in the Bay Area to immigrant parents. I believe in hard work, family values, and the American dream. I am a business owner, UC Berkeley graduate, and Jeopardy! champion. I’ve watched as the United States has declined in the past two decades. We have failed to guarantee the American dream for ordinary people, yet we have devolved into a society hyper-focused on pushing certain ideologies rather than finding real solutions. We as a country are more divided than ever and our elected leaders seem to fuel division and hostility towards each other for politics sake. I am a young, passionate leader who represents the generation that will one day inherit this country. As a political newcomer, I am a fresh voice as opposed to Washington insiders who only have their own interests at heart. I am running as your common-sense candidate who will find sensible, practical solutions to the problems that we face. I put people above politics. My goal is to restore to America the values that I grew up with, and let people believe in the promise of this country that my parents came here for once again. 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? Protect our fundamental freedoms. I believe in limited government that interferes as little as possible in our lives while maintaining peace and safety. I believe that the primary job of the government should be to preserve the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, not be an all-encompassing nanny state. I support free speech, property rights, and lower government spending and taxation. While the government must provide certain basic services, I believe that people should be given as many choices as possible on how to live their lives as they see fit with as little government interference as possible. All citizens must be treated equally under the law. When some groups are privileged over others, giving some more rights than others based on their identity, that violates the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause. Whether this manifests itself in additional aid, unfair admissions and hiring practices, or unequal enforcement of the law, this is unconstitutional and morally repugnant. Certain groups do not get a free pass due to either historical injustices or because of existing socioeconomic inequality. Politicians need to be held accountable for their actions. We now have a permanent class of politicians who are both unaware of the daily realities of life that common people face and indifferent to the fate of this country and its citizens. They live in a bubble and suffer no consequences for the decisions they make that impact millions. I propose term limits on Congress, voter-decided salaries, and a ban on insider trading. Additionally, politicians can be held accountable via consequences such as pay reductions when the economy goes into lockdown or crashes, stricter public disclosures on financial or business ties, and jail time for corruption or other betrayals of trust of the people. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I care deeply about public safety. Especially here in San Francisco, crime is rampant, homelessness is omnipresent, and the drug crisis is out of control. A safe environment for people to live in is a prerequisite for a productive society. The federal government can play a big role in solving these problems. We can fund police departments so they are equipped to deal with incidents that endanger public safety. Federal courts can prosecute criminal leaders and destroy organized crime rings at the top level. We can fight drug cartels poisoning our citizens through increased border security and federal agencies that stop the flow of drugs at the source. I am also passionate about education for its role in shaping the values and ideals that the next generation will carry forward, thus shaping the future of our society. In particular, I believe that education needs to be practical, instead of ideological. I believe that education should teach facts and critical thinking skills so that students can reach their own independent conclusions after evaluating the facts, and synthesize information to create their own theories. Students should not only be allowed to question their conclusions, but encouraged to. Regrettably, schools nowadays teach students conclusions, and those who question the underlying processes or reasoning encounter repercussions. This has led to a generation of students who can’t think for themselves and rely on other people telling them the answer. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Integrity—means that representatives should have strong moral principles. Representatives will inevitably come under pressure, both from the opposition as well as from temptations like bribes. Representatives need to stand strong for their constituents' needs as well as against corruption. Competence—representatives need to be able to get things done. Representatives need to be intelligent and of good judgment. We should not elect people who are unskilled and unknowledgeable. Courage—inevitably, representatives will need to make a decision that is hard and requires sacrifice. The ability to withstand that pressure and make the right choice, even if it may result in criticism or setback, is crucial. What legacy would you like to leave? I would like to be remembered as someone who positively changed the lives of people. I would like the history books to remember me kindly. If I was known as the man who reformed the education system, or eliminated homelessness, I would think that would be an incredible legacy. “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” -Pericles What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My first job was a history coach. I was a fresh high school graduate, but since I had won the National History Bowl earlier that year, I taught high schoolers the study of history and coached them to their own title in history competition. I still have this job—it’s evolved into an elite history competition consulting service. I’ve evolved this humble venture into a business, have coached many students who’ve won a combined ten national titles, and it’s been going strong for almost a decade now. What is your favorite book? Why? A man is stranded on a desert island at sea. He prays to God for help. “God, I’ve been a faithful worshiper for years. Please save me as I have honored you well for my whole life.” God answers affirmatively with a thunderclap from the heavens. After an hour, a speedboat passes by. There’s a man holding out a life buoy on it. “Hey man, you look like you need some help! Jump on, I’m heading to shore!” The man replies that he appreciates it but he will put his faith in God to save him. The boat leaves, but a helicopter spots him soon after and throws down a ladder. The man uses sign language to signal to the helicopter that he appreciates it but will continue to put his faith in God. After the helicopter leaves, improbably, a pack of dolphins swims up to the island, and offers its back to the man, as if to say, “Get on. I will take you to safety.” The man shakes his head once again and points skyward. The island has no water, so the man perishes soon after. When he gets to heaven he is furious. “Why didn’t you save me, God? I trusted you, and you betrayed my faith!” God answers, “What do you mean? I sent you the boat, the helicopter, the dolphins, but you didn’t take any of them, and here you are…” Moral of the story: Even though we can put our faith in God and fate, the opportunities that are offered to us are the help that is sent to us. We need to make the most of those opportunities. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? Abraham Lincoln once said, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” Lincoln knew a thing or two about internal division destroying the country, as he faced a country tearing itself apart during the Civil War. The hostility that continues to worsen as people refuse to even have civil discourse with each other will be what ultimately destroys this country. If we are unable to see each other as fellow Americans and peacefully compromise to find solutions, we will be left without a nation at all. America is a nation blessed with great natural and human resources. The only existential threat that we face is ourselves. What are your thoughts on term limits? Without term limits, we have created a class of career politicians separated from the reality of how Americans live. They live in a bubble and only seek to further their own interests, and put their petty rivalries ahead of the welfare of the people. The ancient Romans had term limits because they understood this reality. We should enact term limits to make sure that politicians represent the people, and then once again become ordinary citizens. In short, term limits are a necessity for the protection of the people. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? The only government without compromise is a dictatorship. Compromise is not only necessary, but desirable. Compromise is how we can achieve solutions that help the most number of people. With compromise, we can find the middle ground that works with this huge, diverse country. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? California Republican Party San Francisco Republican Party Log Cabin Republicans of San Francisco California Republican Assembly (CRA), San Francisco Peninsula Chapter Equal Rights for All PAC (ERFA PAC) Business and Housing Network (BAHN) Silicon Valley Chinese Association (SVCA)\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Lou’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>Protecting Constitutional Freedoms</b><br/>\nOur fundamental freedoms have been constantly encroached on—the government has the power to spy on us, detain us, search us, all in violation of the Constitution.\n</p><p>Bruce advocates for a smaller, more limited government that preserves and respects our fundamental Constitutional rights, rather than violating them.\n</p><p><b>Reduce Government Spending and Taxation</b><br/>\nGovernment is way too bloated, and our tax dollars seemingly go into a black hole of spending. We are spending more and more every year, for a government that does everything except protect our freedoms.\n</p><p>Bruce would slash government spending and attempt to reduce the tax burden as much as possible to create a more limited, restrained federal government.\n</p><p><b>Law and Order</b><br/>\nSociety must be made safe for citizens, and criminals must face consequences for their actions.\n</p><p>Bruce supports funding police departments and a fair justice system that assigns appropriate punishments for crimes.\n</p><p><b>Stop Hate Crimes</b><br/>\nHate crimes, particularly against Asians, are a nationwide problem that seems to go frustratingly ignored and unchecked. Bruce will back bills that apply hate crime enhancements to hate crimes against Asians consistently and that the perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.\n</p><p><b>Stop Discriminatory Admissions and Hiring</b><br/>\nBruce believes that people should be judged by their accomplishments rather than by the color of their skin. Admissions that prioritize applicants based on their race are fundamentally unfair and un-American.\n</p><p>Bruce proposes that all universities that take federal funding must allow their admissions processes to be observable and auditable by third-party media outlets.\n</p><p><b>Fight the Drug Epidemic</b><br/>\nBruce believes that the drug epidemic is a matter of national security. We need to crack down on drug distribution networks and go after the high-level individuals responsible for distributing drugs. Bruce would utilize the RICO act to arrest kingpins to get rid of the problem at the source.\n</p><p><b>Secure the Border</b><br/>\nThe border crisis brings millions of illegal immigrants into the United States that bring gang violence, drugs, and human trafficking within our borders. A porous border is not a border. We have a duty to all citizens and legal immigrants to stem the tide of illegal immigrants.\n</p><p>Bruce Lou would advocate for a strong border and the end of sanctuary cities.\n</p><p><b>Education</b><br/>\nEducation is the bedrock of democracy. A good education system is an investment into the next generation of voters and citizens.\n</p><p>Bruce wants to reform the education system to promote practical education, and promote school choice to allow parents to choose how and where their children are taught.\n</p><p><b>Defend Property Rights</b><br/>\nBruce supports property rights and the rights of homeowners. Bruce does not support rent control and supports laws such as California Prop 13. He believes that the Death Tax portion of Prop 19 ought to be repealed.\n</p><p>Bruce would fight against all federal bills that would restrict the rights of property owners.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_2-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-2\">[2]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Bruce Lou’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-3\">[3]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Lou’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ Protecting Constitutional Freedoms Our fundamental freedoms have been constantly encroached on—the government has the power to spy on us, detain us, search us, all in violation of the Constitution. Bruce advocates for a smaller, more limited government that preserves and respects our fundamental Constitutional rights, rather than violating them. Reduce Government Spending and Taxation Government is way too bloated, and our tax dollars seemingly go into a black hole of spending. We are spending more and more every year, for a government that does everything except protect our freedoms. Bruce would slash government spending and attempt to reduce the tax burden as much as possible to create a more limited, restrained federal government. Law and Order Society must be made safe for citizens, and criminals must face consequences for their actions. Bruce supports funding police departments and a fair justice system that assigns appropriate punishments for crimes. Stop Hate Crimes Hate crimes, particularly against Asians, are a nationwide problem that seems to go frustratingly ignored and unchecked. Bruce will back bills that apply hate crime enhancements to hate crimes against Asians consistently and that the perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Stop Discriminatory Admissions and Hiring Bruce believes that people should be judged by their accomplishments rather than by the color of their skin. Admissions that prioritize applicants based on their race are fundamentally unfair and un-American. Bruce proposes that all universities that take federal funding must allow their admissions processes to be observable and auditable by third-party media outlets. Fight the Drug Epidemic Bruce believes that the drug epidemic is a matter of national security. We need to crack down on drug distribution networks and go after the high-level individuals responsible for distributing drugs. Bruce would utilize the RICO act to arrest kingpins to get rid of the problem at the source. Secure the Border The border crisis brings millions of illegal immigrants into the United States that bring gang violence, drugs, and human trafficking within our borders. A porous border is not a border. We have a duty to all citizens and legal immigrants to stem the tide of illegal immigrants. Bruce Lou would advocate for a strong border and the end of sanctuary cities. Education Education is the bedrock of democracy. A good education system is an investment into the next generation of voters and citizens. Bruce wants to reform the education system to promote practical education, and promote school choice to allow parents to choose how and where their children are taught. Defend Property Rights Bruce supports property rights and the rights of homeowners. Bruce does not support rent control and supports laws such as California Prop 13. He believes that the Death Tax portion of Prop 19 ought to be repealed. Bruce would fight against all federal bills that would restrict the rights of property owners. [2] ” —Bruce Lou’s campaign website (2024) [3]"}]