In the last few days, we have seen the worst that politics has to offer us: Bad sportsmanship and hypocrisy in some of the worst ways.
For the first, our prime example is a wonderful article on JaxObserver titled “Dan Quiggle is No Marco Rubio” (http://www.jaxobserver.com/2009/09/18/dan-quiggle-is-no-marco-rubio/) by Donna Barrow. On Tuesday, September 15, John Thrasher won the District 8 State Senate race, beating Dan Quiggle, Art Graham, and Stan Jordan for the seat. Ms. Barrow jumped on the Thrasher bandwagon not based on principles, but simply to be along on the ride with the candidate being backed by the establishment (and thus with the best chance to win). Never mind that Ms. Barrow, in order to be part of the Duval Country Republican Executive Committee, and everyone else involved in the REC who supported Thrasher, would have signed an oath stating, “I, _______, hereby swear and affirm that during my term of office I will not actively, publicly, or financially support the election of any candidate other than the Republican candidate in a partisan unitary, general or special election, or a Registered Republican in non-partisan elections, other than Judicial races governed under Florida Statute 105, if there is a registered Republican running for the same office, unless the county executive committee has taken an affirmative vote to endorse one Republican over another per Rule 8(B).”
Did you catch all of that? For the record, I recall no such vote within the Duval County Republican Executive Committee. In other words, all such actions to support Thrasher over the other candidates, especially within any leadership positions of the DCREC, went against their own oath to the party. You can clearly see that she was indeed working actively for the Thrasher campaign, against other Republicans, posting to her Facebook page, in clear violation of her oath. (In light of the RPOF’s attempted purge of members such as John Stevens and Will Pitts based on technicalities, it’s worth noting these violations.)
I find it interesting that Ms. Barrow continuously talked about how conservative Thrasher was (and he himself tried to convince us of the same) in light of all of his lucrative spending. How is that “conservative?” Thrasher is, at best, “moderate,” which we all know just means he’s left of center in an effort to appease voters who will never vote Republican anyway.
I also find it absolutely hilarious that she attacks Mr. Quiggle’s “lack of experience” while being a supporter of Sarah Palin. So, a woman who hadn’t even been through one term as governor was qualified to possibly be president? How, then, can you complain about anyone else’s “lack of experience?” Quiggle has experience fighting the battles that matter. Sarah Palin quit in her first term as governor. I think we can all see what’s going on here. It’s the very hypocrisy I mentioned above.
Let’s explore that subject of hypocrisy just a bit further. Last night, at the Dvual County Republican Executive Committee meeting, Representative Ander Crenshaw made an appearance. While talking about “conservative values” he went on to say that “no Republicans” voted for the stimulus package. Well, Mr. Crenshaw, you should be reminded that eight Republicans did indeed vote for that bill. And, it’s also worth noting that a good number of Republicans voted for the bailout bill passed in 2008, under President George W. Bush, a similar bill which they were happy to vote for because the man in charge at the time was a Republican. Neither vote was based on principle, just party lines.
At the Duval County REC, we voted in a “Statement of Principles” which we’ve taken to reading at each meeting (http://www.jaxgop.org/index-2.html). I agree with these principles – especially as they are the principles which attracted me to the Republican Liberty Caucus – but I believe that if we have elected officials present, we should have them recite those principles along with the rest of us, and, most importantly, we should hold those elected officials to those principles. No free passes because they happen to be Republicans. In fact, we should hold them to more scrutiny.
It’s time for Republicans to stand up and be principled leaders. This means no horrid examples of poor sportsmanship, no hypocrisy, and holding our officials accountable. If we can’t show civility, discipline, and principles within our own party, then how can we ask the American people to give us their trust in running the nation?
Erik Setzer, 2009
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September 24th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Just a thought but if “in your face tactics” is “kooky politics,” then what was NOT in your face tactics about the American Revolution and the founding of this country?
I’m just a little confused…
Please do me a favor and help me understand the difference.
September 24th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Ms. Canon is mistaken. I am confident that I am much further up her black list than fourth from the bottom.
I will be on public access with the Concerned Taxpayers of Duval County for the month of October (I am a VP) with some comments that should further me up that list of hers.
Ms. Canon, the next time you care to make comments regarding my “kookiness” do so to my face instead of on the internet like a coward.
September 24th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
I applaud Cindy for calling you Kristi! That is fantastic. GOPGAL – get a grip. We are working towards a principled Republican Party. Our work takes us in many directions. RLC folks knock on doors for candidates (like Kristi did for Dan…over 1,700 doors!) RLC folks drive to Tallahassee to speak in favor of tax limiting legislation or to fight for lower taxes. RLC folks show up for town hall meetings to fight property tax increases and to encourage City government to tighten its spending belt. RLC folks work to promote Second Amendment rights by working with local gun clubs and gun shops. We are even promoting the Appleseed Event on October 10-11 at Ancient City Gun Range (St. Augustine). RLC folks have written countless letters to legislators on issues such as healthcare, cap and trade, free market solutions, etc. RLC folks attend rallies to fix the fiscal and monetary problems of our great country. RLC folks educate the public on their Constitutional rights and what pieces of legislation are taking those rights away.
So – yes, maybe RLC folks don’t knock on doors every weekend to sign up new Republicans, but we work hard to promote Constitutional / conservative principles. Many RLCers have spent their time and treasure in this effort. Imagine working WITH the RLC instead of against it?? Imagine partnering up and standing on principles – holding elected officials accountable instead of giving them a pass based on an “R”. The RLC has a reputation that is spreading across the country for being principled and for actively pursuing those principles. Maybe some see it as “in your face.” But we are making things happen and the public is quickly beginning to see that the RLC not only has principles, but actively supports them. That earns us trust, respect and is the reason that we are spreading like wildfire.
Join us!
September 24th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
I just spoke to Cindy Graves who is the Duval State Committee Woman and she asked me to tell everyone that she said that she is unaware of any black list of any kind and she would like this GOPGAL to contact her.
She said there is not an ounce of truth in this statement… so that means that this GOPGAL/Beth Cannon is either lying or she will be calling Cindy a liar- and since Cindy has picked up the phone as a honest person to express this. If GOPGAL would like to talk to me or any of the rest of us please let us know, if not, stop hiding behind a screen name in order to spout lies that cannot be confirmed.
September 24th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Wow, while browsing though these posts it seems that Beth Cannon should be on some black list for the GOP. Apparently she has more in common with liberal democrats than conservative republicans. Not to mention I wonder how many folks on this “GOP black list” she has actually met and truly understands their views and concerns about the continuous encroachment of government. I wonder if she has even taken into consideration that the men and women on her “list” have families, loved ones and businesses whose futures they are concerned about? That doesn’t sound crazy, kooky and conspiratorial to me. That sounds like a normal, freedom loving American who has a hard time accepting the government takeover of our banking, automobile, insurance industries and now attempting to take over our health care. If you would have mentioned these actual occurrences 5 years ago, I’m sure you would have been labeled a Kook and conspiracy theorist as well. Is the fact that Massachusetts is or has already passed a mandatory vaccination law a conspiracy too? What will you do, Beth, if law enforcement tries to impose a untested vaccination upon you and your family, will you then be labeled a conspiracy theorist? My suggestion to Beth would be to simply ask people logical questions and allow for them to answer before she decides for herself that RLC folks are “Kooks”. She will certainly find that the RLC stands up for principals that are in line with MOST conservatives. Sadly, Beth, you probably wouldn’t know that; because you have only listened to “what you’ve heard” more than likely from those who are afraid of loosing their power and elected positions within the GOP leadership. When someone vehemently attacks another and tries to discredit them by calling them names like Kook, Conspiratorial, etc. simply shows me their inability to truly define who they are opposing. This is a lot like immature high school cliques. The popular, well known, kids are against the smart, nerdy ones. The question is; who ends up being the successful ones later in life? Well history has shown, the ones who held to principal, truth and justice always come out on top. What side are you on, Beth? The side of Principal, truth and justice or the side of the name calling jocks?
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Louis Rose is way higher on the list than you! In fact he’s number 1! The helicopter permanently flies over his house.
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Well, I’m slightly let down, now. I went outside to look for the helicopters and all I rated were two suited guys with shades in a black Cadillac talking into their collars. I thought I’d be slightly higher by now.
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I thought you conspiracy nuts would like a good black helicopter scheme? LOL
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Maybe you are right. Maybe the rumors I have heard are all false. I just think it is more believable than to think they will welcome you with open arms. However, rumors are only rumors so take them for what they are, hearsay. I just choose to believe them.
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Oh! So *now* I’m supposed to believe there’s an “infiltrator” but their information is laughably off-base and based off of open public postings. Ah. Okay. That’s comforting.
Please, continue. You’re only either digging yourself or the RPOF further. Either way, it’s all fun for me, I’m going to go pick up some popcorn at the store tonight so I can properly enjoy this.
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Believe what you want but the RPOF would not be paying someone to infiltrate your group if they didn’t think you were doing something seriously wrong! Don’t let the attention flatter you look how much attention 19 terrorist created. The RLC seems to me to be a political terrorist group. Small but destructive.
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Uh huh. So you’re saying that Republican leadership in Duval County is deceptive, and full of liars, who lie in front of the entire assembly? Is that it?
I think I’ll pass on believing that.
If there was a folder, I’d find that hilarious, since it means that:
a) someone has nothing better to do all day.
b) we’ve made enough of an impact to be that important (contrary to your claims otherwise).
I’d also feel happy to know that the DHS aren’t the only guys watching me closely! Granted, they’re pretty nice about what they do, and actually treat people with respect.
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Erik, trust me when I say your name is on the “list.” Some people may throw you a bone once in a while to appear to be fair, but there is a folder with your name on it with countless documents in it. I believe it is clear that you violated the rules of the party as well as your oath. This is not just my opinion but the opinion of many people I talk to. In the end I think you will see that I was right.
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Well, Ms. Cannon, I must applaud you for openly admitting to not knowing anything about Duval County politics and being willing to openly fabricate information to back your comments. See, if you were even remotely as involved as you would have people believe, you would either have been at Monday night’s REC meeting, or would have known someone who was. At that meeting, I stood at the podium and led the reading of the RPODC Statement of Principles. I was supposed to last month (as was mentioned twice at that meeting), but work detained me. Now, I could be wrong, but it doesn’t seem like you would invite someone on your “blacklist” to come before your august body and lead them in something so important, does it? No, of course you wouldn’t. And yet, there I was.
I have to admit, I find this latest twist very amusing, and I’m glad that your boldness – and rashness – has openly displayed your libelous nature for all to see.
But let’s just clear a couple more facts.
You do not speak for even the majority of voters, much less the “vast majority,” and I doubt you speak for more than a half-dozen closed-minded individuals.
Also, there were perhaps a dozen people at the RLC’s first meeting last year. During the July meeting this year, we had over 100 people in attendance. That suggests pretty solid growth to me.
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:59 pm
The RLC is an “in your face” group. They add nothing but distraction to the process. We (meaning the vast majority of voters) reject you because we (meaning the vast majority of voters)think your tactics (in your face all or nothing politics) is destructive.
Anyone associated with the RLC becomes “black listed” as a kook who should not be taken seriously.
As for your comment that you are a “growing grassroots organization.” That is simply not true. How many people did you have at your first meeting? How many people did you have at your last meeting? You are not growing at all.
You are trying to take credit for the anti-big government feelings which has grown stronger and stronger. That is not coming from the RLC (while you may share that opinion of gov’t) that is coming from the DCREC and other normal Republicans. The RLC is anything but normal!
The “black list” is well known in Duval GOP circles and you will go NOWHERE while you are on this list! Start giving something to the GOP besides a headache!
GOP Black List:
Louis Rose
Jon Anderson
Kimberly Wells
Kristi Dunn
Will Pitts
Savannah Poole
Terry Howard
Cliff Johnson
Michael Wahlman
Erik Setzer
Sarah Lovett
John Stevens
Buck Wright
Charlie Sheppard
Victor Wilhelm
Cal Heseman
Dave Shields
Marcus Reeder
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Crenshaw himself voted for the first TARP bailout under Bush. Then he voted against the second one under Obama. To me that shows he does not think for himself or stand up for conservative values, just goes along with what the party wants. Principles always before Party!
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:54 am
Just to add to what Erik said, as a precinct committee person I was told I could NOT speak for Dan Quiggle-
Meanwhile our leadership was not only speaking for John Thrasher but was on his payroll!!
Interesting that Donna did not disclose her paid position on John Thrasher campaign in this attack piece on Dan.
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:11 am
http://www.jaxobserver.com/2009/09/18/dan-quiggle-is-no-marco-rubio/comment-page-1/#comment-3041
“Thank God the RPOF plans to remove every single member of the RLC in these grievance meetings. I cannot wait to see who will join the list of banned crazy people! I have been assured that by 2012 you all will be gone!” – ‘gopgal’
So… “gopgal.” What you are telling all of us, everyone reading this article, is that anyone who joins the RLC is going to be removed in a grievance? So you’re admitting that grievances will be created not based on any real facts, but simply fabricated in order to remove members of an organization so as to make the establishment members of the party more comfortable with their position? This is how the party works now? You silence voices of dissent by removing them from the party?
Thank you for openly admitting to what we all knew. The grievances were a sham, created by people to oust those whom they disagree with.
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:36 am
I remember Einstein (great guy) once defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
You know, like electing the same guys over and over and expecting them to suddenly become more conservative and get more appeal from the masses.
And yet, we continue to elect the same Republicans because of “experience” and use that as a reason to recycle them through the system.
So, in short, the Republican Party is doing the same thing over and over again.
So you tell me who’s “crazy.”
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Beth,
Your statement that we are all crazy is based on what exactly? I would be willing to bet that you know very few of us, if any at all. You are spouting rhetoric coming from a party that does not like or tolerate accountability.
My question for you is, are you satisfied with the Republican Party? Do you think that things are going exactly as they should? Do you believe we have value-driven men in office?
Do you believe that the winners of these local elections are always the best candidates? Do you believe in Party over Principals? If not what are you doing to change that?
September 22nd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Thanks Beth for the substantive and constructive comment…
So – losing elections automatically means you are wrong?
Does that means Obama was right and McCain was wrong?
“We reject?”
Who is we? The RLC is a growing grassroots organization. Who exactly is “rejecting the RLC”? The RPOF? statists? liberals? RINOs?
“kooky politics”
That tells everyone a lot.
“how you conduct yourselves”
That tells everyone a lot
“You are ALL crazy!”
That tells everyone a lot.
September 22nd, 2009 at 3:19 pm
How many election does the RLC have to lose before they get it? We reject you kooky politics. No, not the positions you take but how you conduct yourselves. You are ALL crazy!