moremonmouthmusings
JIM_PURCELL said...
Say Bill:Seeing as you're so community-minded...here's a suggestion (since you're having so much fun with the "air bath" thing). How about you and I have a charity sporting event for Deborah or perhaps Middletown Helps Its Own or something like that. We can do something that would be striking... and maybe a little different. Maybe we could do something that neither of us have done before... like, say...boxing. That's pretty fun to watch for the crowd. And, since you're having so much fun with me and my physical condition, then it shouldn't be too much of a problem for yo uto decide about. I have a friend, Buddy Amato, in West Keansburg, who has the insurance and a dojo (complete with a ring and equipment...if you like) and we can sell tickets and raise a few bucks for our favorite causes (for me, I'd probably donate whatever to Keansburg Pop Warner). Heck, I know that someone like yourself (probably strapping and very athletic) will probably have a lot of fun and walk away with a great big "W"...right? Not to mention the satisfaction of proving something very decisive.If you want to wear a mask...feel free...I promise not to look. I mean, we're talking about a controlled, referee'd charity event. Surely, since you've been laughing so hard at the "air bath" thing that should be no big deal. Or, I guess, you might want to hide your "secret identity" a little more closely? Maybe you don't want to show up because someone might recognize you. I'd understand. So, still laughing "Billy"?I'm game if you are "Bill." So, you name the time, I got the place and there's a lot of kids out there that can benefit from you walking away with some charity money. You know what...just to kick things off...I'll pledge $200 of my own money. I mean, it's not a lot, but for a guy like you that should be pocket change.Think about it and give me a buzz. Can't wait to hear from you, Mr. Secretary. Remember, good causes deserve our best efforts...right?
6:46 PM
William H Seward said...
Jim,For someone who throws insults around as much as you do, its ironic that you are so sensitive to my jeering. I suggest you tone down the insults and now you want to throw punches!Sorry if you were offended by my "worse visual" comment, but it wasn't meant to poke fun at your physical condition. Even if you were a hunk, you've got to admit that you and I in a circle jerk is a worse visual image than either you or Ben Franklin taking an air bath.I accept your challenge, but a need some time to train, and for the weather to break because I suggest that we do this in the true Olympian tradition and in honour of air baths, naked. Between us we could probably get the permits to do so out at Sandy Hook. The potential money we could raise would be much greater if we did it this way, especially if you promoted the event in your paper.I'd be surprised if each member of the Middletown Township Committee didn't donate $1000 each. Peter Carton would probably donate $10,000. This could be a really unifying event. Fred Nieman, Bill Dowd and Vic Scudary would all be united behind us. Both Judy Stanley-Coleman and Jim Wassell would contribute. Judge Coleman could be the referee. I won't even wear a mask and I don't care if you look.Terry and Serena could take turns holding the cards between rounds, assuming we last beyond one round.You could have Director Bill be in your corner. I'll try to get Jennifer or Amy. I think I'd fight harder for Jen, but Amy would be more motivated to inspire me.Like you said, good causes deserve our best efforts, so if we are going to do this, lets make sure we raise as much as possible. If you accept my conditions I'll match your personal contribution 10-1 and you can choose which charities get the money.Give me a call. I'm closer than you think. One of your staff met me face to face this month. If you call me today I'll give $200 to Keansburg Pop Warner.
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You know, sport is under-rated. Balance is an important thing. I think sport is a unifying force that is something that should not be dreaded, but embraced.
I don't really enjoy "dainty" people who are all thought and no action. This very aspect of character lends itself to limited exerpiences and shades one's outlook, in general.
Leadership is something that is revealed in sport, as is character. Now, with that said, I am not of the opinion that this is comedy. Rather, I see this as a possibility to raise some community awareness about our favorite charities, in my case Keansburg Pop Warner, an organization that could use a financial hand. In your case, it could be something else that is equally as worthy.
This isn't about insults...it's about raising money and having a good time. Who wins or loses is less important than doing something fun for the right reasons and raising some money for some good causes...and if poeple have fun with it so be it.
So, no jokes...let's do it and have fun and make a difference. Sport is something to enjoy. If you do not like boxing, then pick another one...raquetball (which isn't fun to watch)...or something kinda neat.
I would suggest softball in the spring, but I've put those on before and haven't raised much money. No...the one on one aspect of an event is much more entertaining. I can get a local band and we can do it at Buddy's place and we would probably sell the joint out (on a day he's not holding class). I sign a waiver, as do you, and then we do it. I promise it won't be a "mean" thing,
I just bring it up because your comment makes a reasonable catalyst for a charity "grudge match." Hey, if it's there then use it.
People are so timid these days, it makes me ill on occasion. People are afraid to put on sweats and interact on a physical level. What results from this is a highly intelligent cast of people who really can't get a lot done physically. The net: All talk and no action.
So, I'll try and guess who you are. But, think about this. Maybe we'll invite Abe if he wants. We're talking fun here...not mean.
I just like sports and charity. I'm open for whatever.
Darn Jim,
You took so much of the fun out of this with such a mature response!
The truth is I would be happy to raise money with you. I have too many people who depend on me for their livelihoods to risk getting hurt in a boxing match, but I will give this some thought. 10 years ago I would have accepted very quickly.
In the meantime, don't try too hard to guess who I am. Despite the fact that we have met on more than one occassion, and as I said recently on one of the blogs, your reaction when you find out who I am will be, "Who?"
$200 for Keanburg Pop Warner is on its way to you.
I think I know who you are "Bill." If it's whom I'm thinking we discussed overseas housing codes and the problem with not cleaning up a bunch of old rocks.
I do literally dozens of meeting a month, with both sides of the aisle so it didn't pop up in my head immediately.
Am I right? And, if I am, the Seward thing is good and I'd keep it because you really couldn't "come out" (only an accidental joke...no derision intended). Doesn't it make you feel uncomfortable that you can't say what you want in public? You know you can't. Even under Dowd you could have. It does sort of prove my point. And, if I am a bit derisive in my posts to people...well, that's what I do, isn't it? It's sort of my rap anyway, for right or wrong, so I wade into it and don't fight the tide (since it's going to come in anyway).
All the other small area papers would never dream of putting on the carnival we do sometimes. But, it gets attention, to the reporting of our staffers and the editorials of myself and Gordon and the others. If I have to put on a clown suit, so be it. I'm in the business of pushing ink. I sell a lot more ink because I am not shy about putting on a show...more accurately expressing opinion and not being afraid of it. Bit of the barker in me. You should know better than all the discourse about "objective media." I have never tampered with my reporters' perspectives. I don't even slant my own stories (news wise). When I discuss this whole "point of view" stuff I am strictly discussing editorial content(literally, the editorial I write... and it is frequenty ponderous) and I translate discussion into action on occasion. Why not? If one identifies a problem they should go about fixing it. Being a publisher is not the same as being a reporter. Publishers can be eccentric and travel outside of just writing news (like my predecessor Matt Gill). I think an event is still very good and viable if you are who I think you are. But, I would send a stand in because you're recognizable... way too recognizable.
By the by, you said harsh things about Courier after you know what Sal owns? Why not hit them? OK, not as fun and he might send "boys" over. You should use this persona to get things done. And, this "other joe" stuff: you know these things for what they are. You can't be surprised. It's at least as bad as what used to be done in the "bad old days" but the scale is grander...as are the paydays for the bad guys. So, someone has to say something...being quiet in the corner isn't going to get anything accomplsihed. You...of all people...should be barking loudest. You know the stakes about the great Biblical "invader from the north" (in the Bible, the invader is always coming from the north).
But, even though I bark a bit more than a Booth back in the day (well, a lot more)... he did basically the same thing I'm doing back in the 70s and 80s (to a much lesser degree with far less controversy)and it worked out for him. I have more competition today! He did a lot of good along the way too. And, he sold ink...above all he sold ink. I'm selling a lot more ink than he did because I bark a bit louder.
I think we also talked about Sandy Hook. And, if you are this person...I'll give a call. But, be ready to make out a check for Keansburg Pop Warner. And, put a can in your office. The kids could use a hand all the time. They don't come from an advantaged community and sports is what keeps some kids on the straight and narrow.
I know boxing and baseball were all important to me growing up (lol). Sports taught me a lot about getting a bloody nose and getting back up...or shelled in the 9th inning and holding your head up after a best effort. It also taught me how to win, which can be more important than anythign else.
If you decide to do this...we should give the crowd a show. It's what entertainment is all about. No one hears what anyone says unless they are looking. Send a stand in. An event could be about fun and awareness about good stuff...promise. That would be unlike the county GOP...sending people to take photos and headshots and meet in small dark backrooms. I'm telling you...THEY'RE doing the cheap theater! It's positively cheesy!
I won't reveal any names because I also don't reveal things about people "off the record." Even if I didn't like someone, which is not the case in this matter I think, I wouldn't betray a confidence. So, don't worry about me flapping my gums. I think this is a good place for dialogue, though, and you should keep it.
"Seward"? I would have gone with Hamilton.
Sorry Jim,
I am not who you're thinking of.
I'm not gay, and I don't have a problem speaking my mind in public. Would I if I was gay? I'd like to think not, but who knows?
I find it amusing that you readily admit your own derisiveness, but have a problem with mine.
I don't think I've really been that harsh on The Courier. I didn't have a problem with you exposing Kryrillo's or Clifton's election reports. Though I think you made more of it than it is. The lack of ink you gave your friends'real problems, compared to the amount of ink you gave to Joe K and Rob is what bothered me.
I was also offended that you called Tony "The Rat" That implies that you had a bigger problem with his cooperating with the authorities than you did with his corrupt activities. You may excuse this by thinking that Tony seduced otherwise law abiding officials, but I don't buy it. I knew Tony was bad news within an hour of meeting him. I warned elected officials who listen to me to stay clear of him. I and my elected friends declined his invitation to the famous party in AC. Was it WC Fields who said you can't sucker an honest man? That Tony was dirty was obvious to anyone that didn't want or need anything from him, especially in 03 and 04 before it all hit the fan.
I think you've gone over the top with Amy. Like Joe K and Rob, there is very little real news there. You can say she's a hypocrite because she was on the Board for 15 years before she became a reformer, but you and I know that she would have had no voice at all if she acted as a reformer earlier. Your beloved Harry, who I think was dirty but not guilty of what he was accused of, would have buried her long ago.
Ask yourself this...Would you have covered Amy's calls for reform differently if she had not challenged Big Joe? I think the answer is obvious.
Joe would still be in the Assembly if he had handled the Town Center issue differently and if he hadn't endorsed Democrats in a Middletown municipal election. But hey, Joe is Joe and he couldn't do that. He was an honest politician who spoke his mind. The first time I met Joe was in Trenton. I was lobbying against I bill I was opposed to. I introduced myself, told him I lived in his district and wanted his help to defeat the bill. Without hestiation he told me to go home I was wasting my time and that the bill was going to pass because the leadership made a deal and he walked away from me. That's Joe. When his right he's right and consequences be damned...much like yourself.
I don't have a problem with the tabloid nature of your carnival, though Jacobsen gives you a run for your money in that regard. I have no problem with you selling papers and I think you would sell more of them if you weren't so obviously driven by personal or political agendas.
Moving on...we're not going to have a boxing match. My stand in
would hurt you, badly, and you would probably hurt me. Like I said yesterday, too many people depend on me for me to be out commission, even for a week.
I'm thinking fishing, golf or softball. Between us we'll come up with a great event and raise alot of money. In the meantime, you'll have my $200 for Keansburg Pop Warner very soon.
I picked Seward as a pseudonym because he was contemporary of Abe, in fact Seward was the expected to get the Presidential nomination that Lincoln got. He was against a war with the South, preferring to negotiate. He became an ardent supporter of the war when it became inevitable.
I stuck with it because I got your attention. If you knew my identity I doubt you would have engaged as you did. So far, I think we're both better off because of this engagement.
Hamilton wouldn't be bad either. I've been a banker, and if I figure out how to make this blog thing work maybe I'll be a web publisher. Or maybe I'll buy The Courier when Joe is ready to sell it, but there will be no bloody duals with you, either in the ring or on the cliff.
Bill:
I wasn't referring to "gay." Jeez, it wasn't even a joke. It was a clarification so you didn't think I was trying for a veiled meaning. So, not a lebgitmate gripe, Bill. Made it clear...no derision there and no other agenda.
But, you said:
"Though I think you made more of it than it is. The lack of ink you gave your friends'real problems, compared to the amount of ink you gave to Joe K and Rob is what bothered me."
answer: I've put more ink on the guys than anyone else. I painted them across my front page on multiple occasions. I didn't write about people out of my area...why would I? I've written what has been out there. If you found more elsewhere in local papers let me know. You can't because it's not there.We've done our job. Measure it and you'll see I'm right. And no, I don't count reporting the same story five different ways with no new information.
You said:
"I warned elected officials who listen to me to stay clear of him. I and my elected friends declined his invitation to the famous party in AC."
answer: I did the same and I didn't go. I knew his deal the moment I met him was shady. But, that was me being "judgmental." I had no idea how deep it went or what he was really all about. I had a sense of something wrong. I warned people too. I was told I was "paranoid" (which really only applies if you are wrong). I do believe good people were suckered into things. That doesn't mean there should be any additional dole of empathy. No, what is wrong is wrong. If someone did it, they deserve a full measure. If someone died before trial, I'm not going to hike up a dead man. I never have and never will. It's been my story since Day 1. All I am saying is that, for those not yet found guilty, let us allow the court to decide that before we find a yard arm to hang them from.
you also said:
"I think you've gone over the top with Amy. Like Joe K and Rob, there is very little real news there."
i respond:
Amy hasn't generated anything we haven't put out there. There's more news with Joe K. we haven't but are developing; we have a process and need to prove every statement we make (first-person interviews (measure credibility and get at least 2 sources) and documentation). More to come on him. Robbie's situation with the train station is not yet entirely clear either. I think the revelation about the PAC money was strong. Jeez, how can that be pardoned as a consequence of ignorance?
you said:
"Ask yourself this...Would you have covered Amy's calls for reform differently if she had not challenged Big Joe? I think the answer is obvious."
answer:
If you know the folks over in freehold, you know her "reforms" were a witch hunt designed to get political enemies (who did not agree that the stuff against Ed was substantive) and for the media (you know who). Monmouth is one of the best places to live in the US and has been for a long time. Even with the Malcolms and Peters, the Niemanns and the nonsense...it wasn't some shabby county. It was selected Top 10 in the US at some point. And, being in office 15 years and THEN becoming a reformer. No...THAT is nonsense.
you said:
"I don't have a problem with the tabloid nature of your carnival, though Jacobsen gives you a run for your money in that regard."
i respond:
I was once adversarial with Dan, via a publication I had called "Vox." He kicked the hell out of me and won. I concede defeat and have adapted some tactics from him that I put in my playbook and put a different spin on them. I have nothing but respect for him. But, lately, I think my carnival has been doing pretty good. After the thumping he gave me, I'm not saying I have anything on him. I just try like hell. He won, I lost and I tried my hardest. He didn't give and inch and neither did I...he just beat me. Anyone who cannot acknowledge defeat, does not deserve to claim victory.
You said:
"I have no problem with you selling papers and I think you would sell more of them if you weren't so obviously driven by personal or political agendas."
I respond:
Bill, I've always admitted what I'm driven by editorially (and I'm neither a rich kid nor from this area). My background is dramatically different than the demographic, so it gives me a different view of things. If life expereince is an "agenda" then I have a different one than kids that had their lives dropped on their laps from birth. My thing is, show me where I've lied (in editorials) or where my reporters have (in news stories), show me where I've stated something false or where my reporters have manufactured quotes or documents. Short of that, what do I have to apologize for? Nothing.
You said:
"I'm thinking fishing, golf or softball. Between us we'll come up with a great event and raise alot of money. In the meantime, you'll have my $200 for Keansburg Pop Warner very soon."
I respond:
I can't fish, I'm just OK at golf but pretty good at softball and have a team. Thank you for the Pop Warner thing, just send it into those folks, they're in the book and they can use the money. They're doing good work. Check it out and see sometime.
You said:
"Hamilton wouldn't be bad either. I've been a banker, and if I figure out how to make this blog thing work maybe I'll be a web publisher. Or maybe I'll buy The Courier when Joe is ready to sell it, but there will be no bloody duals with you, either in the ring or on the cliff."
I respond:
Your blog can be big. A suggestion: I'd revisit one piece of format. Start your own threads up top. Pick broad subjects and put out a bit of an essay...make it matter or people won't care. Don't use just responses between you and I. Take a stand on something you BELIEVE in and then go for it. Let THEM respond to you. They will. You have the stuff of which cult followings are made...just like Abe. As for Courier, you'd have to be out and out RICH if Joe ever did decide to sell it. Atlanticville went for $1M several years ago. Courier is bigger and has a LOT more circulation than the Atlanticville GM purchased some years back (more than 2X). Yeah, I'll take a little credit there; I work my ass off with our team and it is a team (loyalty, hard work, etc. good poeple). I don't know a lot of mega rich people. But if you're one of them, you'll have to wait at least a good while (years). Meanwhile, I have no agenda, I will NEVER work in news again. I will NEVER be a public figure again once I leave Courier. And, I have no plans of leaving Courier. After this, it's 9-5, pet the dog, go golfing in Fla once or twice a year and take up watercolors (as if I have oil and acrylic down).
I give you a lot of credit for stating your mind. But, I do believe you aren't comfortable with stating who you are and not because of me. I have always enjoyed discussion and...yes ...even arguments where they accomplish something. I've never picked a fight... or not allowed someone to walk away from one (editorially speaking or in sport or life). Likewise, I will be damned if I ever walk away from one (that's just me). I do believe some of that is there with you and I do not believe you are shy about taking garbage and will give back at least as much as you take. I DO believe there's a problem with vendettas, but I think I've been pretty transparent. I'm not the one hiding from questions...if that means anything in your mind or anyone elses'. So, I'll just put this out there about the storylines I've let go on the folks you are talking about: When I found out about these things, it wasn't at my direction. My reporters found whatever and asked me if they could run whatever storylines you are talking about, after consulting with our editor (who approved them to come see me). I gave my permission, WITHOUT asking Joe (I'm not a lapdog and he doesn't want one anyway). Joe had NOTHING to do with the Joe K. stuff, the Robby stuff or the Amy stuff. To my credit, it was me who reported on the "No Show" secretary thing (notably BEFORE the whole post Romeo debacle (no vendetta there, right?). I found that out about "No Show" because Harry gave it to me at Perkins. I don't mind saying that now, it's sort of academic. He gave me a lead and I followed up on it and that story stood on strong legs. The stuff the kids did...well, I wouldn't let anyone let anything go that was going to lose in a court. One thing I know (actually two): defamation and libel. A story is no good to anyone if it's wrong. Mine aren't or I would have been rang up a long time ago. I wouldn't hold my breath about me screwing up on letting a bad piece out. I kill good stories all the time...because there isn't enough confirmation of facts.
As for reputation: The last award I got was from the US Congress for my work with Mr. Minervini. At the time, I was a Republican and Minervini a Democrat, and I received the award from Minervini's former mentor, Frank Pallone. His agenda was... none...we knocked it out of the park (actually me and our now editor, respectively). There's the recognition from the Army, the NAACP, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the NJ Library Assn. and the DoD, among others. I'm not an ego maniac here...I get tired of hearing the credibility thing. If someone's got something on the wall that beats something from Congress, I'm more than happy to hear the criticism and take it seriously. That would mean something from the Senate or the President. No, I think I have a handle on the "getting it right" in storylines.
Jim,
A more in depth repsonse to follow.
But after first read, I just wanted to be clear that I never questioned the veracity of any of your stories. What I've questioned, pretty clearly I thought, was the motivations for going after the stories you did. Perhaps you at a disadvantage publishing a paper owned by Big Joe. Given the controvery around him, perhaps its inevitable that your motives will be questioned.
If you really have more on Joe K and can nail it..go for it. I like Joe, but if he's dirty he should be exposed and prosecuted.
I already mailed you the check for Pop Warner. I'm sure you will get it to them.
More tomorrow.
Jim said:
"To my credit, it was me who reported on the "No Show" secretary thing (notably BEFORE the whole post Romeo debacle (no vendetta there, right?). I found that out about "No Show" because Harry gave it to me at Perkins."
Not to beat a dead horse but this statement supports my point that you are doing your friends bidding.
Let me be clearer, even if you are not doing your friends bidding, there is a PERCEPTION that you are. I don't think you would deny that, and I don't think you would deny that your defending against the perception has been ineffective, or that the perception reduces your crediblity in the eyes of both the informed and casual reader. So, even if you've got your facts straight, you lose crediblity by going after those who are enemies of those known to be your friends...Big Joe, Harry, Ed, O'Grady... The informed reader reads your stuff about Amy, Joe K and Rob and says to himself.."So what, and I wonder what The Courier would find if they did some digging on Jim's friends"
I'm not saying your should not have run with the No show secretary story. You source for the story proves my point that Amy could not have been a reformer eariler...Harry would have buried her. If her reform was really a power play to get rid of Ed, well that's politics, and it worked. Nothing unusal or illegal there, and there was and is a need to reform the way we do business in the county. You didn't like it because Ed's your friend. If you can point out to me where you've done digging and exposed a scandal involving a friend of yours, I'll shut up on the matter.
The Seward pseudonym really did start as a lark to play in Abe's sandbox. Thanks to you(credit given on my "masthead") maybe it will evolve into a "cult following" ala Abe. I really didn't expect you to engage me the way you have, and I don't think you would have if you didn't think I was a prominent politico. I'll take your advise and clean up the presentation of the blog and take some stands for other to react to once I've learned how the software works.
Coming out would not hurt me personally but it would limit the good that "Seward" can do, now that there's something of a buzz. I'll only come out to those who have the integrity and resolve of Woodward and Burnstein and when doing so will foward the action.
Regarding buying The Courier, I don't expect it will be for sale any time soon, but you never know. I wouldn't call my self "mega rich" If I was I'd be playing in a much bigger sandbox. However, all successful business people have at sometime realised that there is no scarcity of money. When the time comes, if it fits with my objectives I'll give it a shot. I think it would be fun and I know it could make a difference.
Well said, sir. By the way, as a writer, I don't "grade" myself on these blogs. But, they do give me ideas. I truly haven't had this many by way of directions in a long time.
I agree about the perception. It is inevitable. I disagree with some of your points, but agree with many others.
JIM_PURCELL said...
Well said, sir. By the way, as a writer, I don't "grade" myself on these blogs. But, they do give me ideas. I truly haven't had this many by way of directions in a long time.
I agree about the perception. It is inevitable. I disagree with some of your points, but agree with many others.
See what I mean? I finally convince you I'm not a prominent politico and all I get from you is four sentences! :-)
Given the recent past, the perception was probably inevitable. But you can change that perception and use your paper to really make a difference.
Start by getting out of politics. You say you don't want an office, and that you've found a replacement as chair in UB. You don't have (m)any friends in power any longer. So, give up politics and stick to journalism. Of course its your right to be politically active but the cost is the perceived credibilty of your paper.
You'd be doing yourself, your publication and your young staff a huge favor. Stick to journalism and be free to go after anyone.
Dear Bill:
It would be very wrong to say that all of my friends are in the lock-up. No, I have been involved through the years and very frequently in several places in this state and in other states (Tennessee, Texas and North Carolina). Both parties, on various levels, are well aware of my work and for many years. Republicans say "well, you're really a Republican" and Democrats say, "Well, I always knew you were a Democrat." In fact, I was very much a "Reagan Republican," which is a little "county" and a little "rock 'n roll." The problem: The GOP became all about the "country."
Locally, Republicans have been fighting little "proxy skirmishes" with other branches of the party in this county for years. So, I got a chance to work with Democrats extensively during my tenure countywide (which was broken by stays in Hudson and Middlesex counties, as well as Ocean). I also did thius stuff in those places.
In this county, I worked very closely with Konopka on his first campaign, which was a proxy fight between the Betz people and Morrell's people. This was my first one in Monmouth. I guess it worked. But, it was a classic case of winning the battle and not the war. There have been many other campaigns in Monmouth, though I have tried for them NOT to be in Courier's circulation area.
Republicans fight each other through General Elections all the time. And, Courier was formerly one of several "unoffical" GOP outlets that included several other weeklies and a daily in our area.
In this county, I'm basically 21 for 29 insofar as campaigns. The overall numbers get larger as one expands to "Overall NJ Stats" and "Lifetime Stats." But, basically, this is far from the "end of the line" unless I want it otherwise. However, after I transition from Courier, it will most certainly be the end of public life in its entirety. I simply have no want of it anymore; Done. And, I believe I have good reason for involvement in helping good candidates who will not rape the towns they are from. It is naive to believe that the vast majority of lawmakers, on any level, are doing their work for the "good of their community." To believe otherwise is not to know the truth. Politics is about money...pure and simple. I am the brokest guy in the game...so it wasn't for the money, simply consult my checking account or my wife. I did it because, in terms of compensation, I am a complete and utter moron. And, I have heard as much more than once. Yet, I sleep with myself fine and can look myself in the mirror without faltering. This cannot be said by most of the goons that sit in office today, who are equipped with a conscience (and there are damn few of those).
What I find disturbing has been the number of "professionals" in the campaign market that give wonderful presentations about "winning"...but have done so in great rarity or with great assistance. Doing campaigns for money, one should either be all but perfect or someone's idiot cousin. Unfortunately for both parties, it is usually the latter and not the former.
Want to know who the "bad guys" are? Ask your friend if he has a foreign account, if he says "No," then find out the truth. Another question...why do you THINK some party leaders are in Central America all the time? For the water or the food? Please, use your head, it's really not hard if you put together the most reasonable explanatino with the most reasonable causation: Linear logic.
Things are not as they appear at all time and I am not nearly the "local product" that is perceived. I like to fight (but for good reasons). I took a stand because this is something aggregiosuly wrong, not a mild thing.
This is the truth. Someone can't do this stuff for a long time without credibility. "Credibility" is the ability for someone to be believed. Voters here are getting played. As you probably guessed by this time, I am absolutely not joking in my belief of this. No one goes to the extremes I do for fun. Simply put...it isn't.
You seem like a good guy, Bill. I offer proof, first-person evidence and primary documentation; not bullshit. What are you getting from the "other side," with the exception of long sentences that begin with "Hey guy..."?
Believe what is fact and not nonsense from the watercooler. I have utterly no respect for people who do this thing anymore...which is a reason I am getting out. And, by the by, newspaper people are generally not better, just better liars. I suppose I wasn't very good at that either.
"It is naive to believe that the vast majority of lawmakers, on any level, are doing their work for the "good of their community." To believe otherwise is not to know the truth. Politics is about money...pure and simple."
I'm with you there, and it disgusts me as it does you.
"Want to know who the "bad guys" are? Ask your friend if he has a foreign account, if he says "No," then find out the truth. Another question...why do you THINK some party leaders are in Central America all the time? For the water or the food? Please, use your head, it's really not hard if you put together the most reasonable explanatino with the most reasonable causation: Linear logic."
That sounds like the basis for an award winning series of investigative reports. But given that statement, I'm curious about all that went on "under your nose" that you apparently missed or just didn't want to believe.
"I am the brokest guy in the game...so it wasn't for the money, simply consult my checking account or my wife. I did it because, in terms of compensation, I am a complete and utter moron."
Last week I would have been tempted to take the moron comment out of context. :-) The truth is you could make ALOT of money and make a MUCH bigger difference if you stuck to journalism.
"You seem like a good guy" You're not so bad yourself, once you get beyond the gruff and derisiveness.
" I offer proof, first-person evidence and primary documentation; not bullshit. What are you getting from the "other side," with the exception of long sentences that begin with "Hey guy..."?"
Again, I never questioned that or expected better from the "other side" All along I've been saying I want better from you, and something tells me I, and all of your readers, will be getting it.
"I have utterly no respect for people who do this thing anymore...which is a reason I am getting out. And, by the by, newspaper people are generally not better, just better liars. I suppose I wasn't very good at that either."
Don't get out just yet. You're not finished. If you do, you'll find that the boredom of 9-5, walking the dog and fishing is Florida is worse to live with than the anger and frustration you deal with now.
Bill,
I am as guilty as YOU are and every other member of the old Republican Club for not WANTING to see the excesses.
I had friends, and so did you. I played golf with them, went out on the odd and occasional night and knew them well enough to know who their wives' fathers were and what they wanted to do with the rest of their days. But, I stopped short of knowing a lot, as most of us did.
If I were to question all of my acquaintances in politics about their affairs, I would soon not have anywhere to go on Saturday night.
But, all joking aside, I had no idea about this level of nonsesne. I knew what anyone hanging around the club knew. I was mostly called on for consultation during campaigns for strategy and tactics. Afterward, I ate some stale chicken and went on my way. I didn't stay...maybe on purpose. Believe me...if there was a way anyone could bag me on ANYTHING... I would have been.
But, they didn't because I'm a moron who just believed in this SH+T for the sake of Republicanism. Yeah, idiotic ideology. "The Republic" and everything that means. Sounds sort of ridiculous now.
You know more than you're admitting to, Bill. Only difference is I believe I'm being a tad more straightforward. You know a but too much to be a "civilian." I wanted to believe these guys were OK and they weren't.
That doesn't mean I'm giving up on ANYONE who chooses to take their chances against a jury of their peers. THAT, sir, is my definiatino of character. If they lose, I will still be a friend, but advocate for the strongest possible sentence. And, if they are in my area, I will publicize it to the high heaven, and that is my promise.
But, I stand by everything I said before. And, frankly, I knew Harry and Bob and will be damned if anyone speaks poorly of them in my presence. Whatever the government said, "guilt" is proved i na court of law and not newspapers. Even I know that.
"I am as guilty as YOU are and every other member of the old Republican Club for not WANTING to see the excesses. "
"I had friends, and so did you"
"You know more than you're admitting to, Bill. Only difference is I believe I'm being a tad more straightforward. You know a but too much to be a "civilian." "
You're getting colder.
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