DOES THE HERALD MAIL LOVE TO HATE THE TEA PARTY?

    I am writing in response to the Apr 2^nd Letter to the Editor that was published in the Herald Mail, titled “Of course the tea party is biased against the president” by Rodney Guessford. See http://tinyurl.com/hmandteaparty . This is just one of the many op-eds, editorials, and Feedback column anti-TEA Party comments that I have had to refute since the campaign season has started to heat up. However, I have only been able to provide rebuttals mostly on-line. The HM either does not print my op-eds or op-eds written by TEA Party members, or they hold them and print them long after they have lost relevance. Not all Feedback column rebuttals make it to print. The editorial columnists do not respond nor do they provide a printed public forum for rebuttals. The number of syndicated editorial columns are equal in number for both sides of the public narrative, but the local columnists are either Liberal or Liberal-leaning Republicans, and of course the HM publishes their own Liberal opinions on a regular basis. If the Herald Mail wanted to be fair, they would provide the local TEA Party a column. Even though the national media is trying to convince us that the TEA Party is dead, it has proven to be--and continues to be--relevant nationally and locally since its inception five years ago. It is time to give us a voice.

“…It’s no more biased than the people in this county, especially the tea partiers. Tea party is so biased on their side that they make up stuff, because they have no ideas and no plans.”

    Mr. Guessford and I started an on-line debate on March 27^th when he first made the Feedback statement, “…It’s no more biased than the people in this county, especially the tea partiers. Tea party is so biased on their side that they make up stuff, because they have no ideas and no plans.” I assumed that he was making that accusation against the only TEA Party in this county, the Hagerstown TEA Party (HTP), and I challenged him to provide evidence. He still has not been able to provide any. I don’t think that he has a clear understanding of the movement nor has any knowledge about the local group, but before, I attempt to provide both, I will respond to his letter.

    In his latest Letter to the Editor (HM prints his letters), Mr. G stated that the TEA Party is biased against the president. I personally am 100 percent against his policies. I think it would be safe to say that most Conservatives are against most of his policies. He uses some of the signage at TEA Party rallies as evidence that we are biased against the president personally. He just falls short of saying we are racists. The TEA Party has no control over who wanders into one of their rallies. If you want to find a nut in a crowd you will find one. Depending on how large the crowd is you may find many. Has he ever seen a union rally, a civil rights rally, or a gay pride parade? There are always people there who do not reflect the integrity or the spirit of the group at large. It can’t be helped, but the Liberal media has used it in an effort to discredit the TEA Party.

"Well, the last I looked, Hawaii was still our 50th state."

    He believes that all TEA Party members think BHO is not an American citizen and asks the rhetorical question, Is Hawaii still our 50th state? Yes, Hawaii is a state, but can somebody tell our president that we only have 50 states. See mistakes are also made, but only the TEA Party’s are fodder for a media frenzy. All political parties have their characters and bad actors, and the Democratic Party has had their share, but only the TEA Party’s get the negative press coverage.

"The tea party’s always saying we want our country back. Back from where?"

    We want our country back to a time when our Constitution was the firm foundation that protected our freedoms and made us the envy of the world; when people took responsibility for themselves, their families, and their healthcare; when the church and the community provided “social services;” when the Welfare program was a temporary safety net and not a generational lifestyle of dependency; when our national budget wasn’t burdened with entitlements for almost half of the country, indefinitely, and growing; when you had to earn the privilege to become an American citizen, you didn’t brake our laws by entering our country illegally and then burden the American taxpayer with social services meant for our citizens; when things were made in America by American workers; when corporations were never too big to fail; when the government didn’t pick winners and losers; when you were free to say what you want, own the gun that you want, and your privacy was protected; and when America stood by their allies and were feared and respected by their enemies. It has nothing to do with wanting black segregation and "gays back in the closet."

The truth about the TEA Party

   The TEA Party is NOT a nationwide organization led by some central governing body. It is a nationwide (becoming world-wide) grassroots movement. Each group, actually each member, is independent. For instance, the HTP has a Board of Directors, but they are not managed by a larger entity, nor do they attempt to manage their membership. The board just provides enough structure to provide independent like-minded citizens opportunities to meet and network, participate in political activism (locally, in Annapolis, and in D.C.), and stay informed and educated on current events and the political process. We prefer to call our members Conservatives because they may actually be registered Republicans, Libertarians, Independent Constitutionalists, and yes even Democrats.  We don’t all agree on everything, so we limit our mission to things that we all agree are important: protecting our Constitution and our freedoms, fiscal responsibility, free markets, and Capitalism. As a group, we DO NOT get involved in social issues. Social issues are not addressed or promoted at TEA Party meetings, at our events, or on our social media. Members are free to participate and/or promote social issues as individuals.

    As I have told Mr. G on-line, I will be happy to discuss or debate issues. I hope that I don’t have to waste any more time clearing up misconceptions based on negative stereotypes developed from a hatred of anyone who doesn’t agree with him or others like him. Unfortunately, I think it will be an on-going daily battle. This battle should be fought fairly on a level battleground. E-mail Jake Womer (jakew@herald-mail.com) and respectfully tell him that the TEA Party deserves a voice. Love us or hate us, many of us are HM customers, we are a part of the community....and we are here to stay.

* I need to aknowledge that the HM article published about our Meet the Candidates for County Commissioner held last night (4/3/14) was positive and fair. It is the first time that there was not one negative implication or something that would make the public wonder if we are a legitimate organization. The attendance was a little understated, but usually the media grossly underestimates the turnout at our events. I don't think it was intentional. I just think it was a wrong guesstimate. We had seating for 100 and there were not many empty seats.

We promote patriotism, capitalism and free markets as well as personal and fiscal responsibility. We believe it is important to preserve and uphold the Constitution of the United States as well as the freedom and liberties granted to us by our Creator.

THE REPUBLICANS HAVE SOLD THEIR SOUL TO PROGRESSIVE POLITICS...NOT THE TEA PARTY

     I am writing in response to two things: The Herald Mail, Oct 6
Op-ed, entitled  "Republicans have sold their souls to the TEA Party", written by Rodney A. Guessford (http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/opinion/letters/letters-to-the-editor---oct/article_a8b1f28a-2d39-11e3-aff7-001a4bcf6878.html#user-comment-area); and to an email that I received from a respected, elected local Republican. The first is just a hysterical Liberal and I will address his rant, and the second was a call for a concerted response from local Republicans against Senator Cardin's email where he blames the Republican Party for the government shutdown.

The Republican platform is no longer solid ground to stand on. It is a shifting, weakened structure providing no security for those who wish to defend its ideals.

    Mr. Guessford begins by confessing that he was a registered Republican until Ford pardoned Nixon. Well I guess we can thank him for the disaster named Jimmy Carter. In the spirit of full disclosure, I have been a registered Republican since Reagan's 2nd election. Yes, you can also thank me for Jimmy Carter. I was a kid; what did I know? I do appreciate his statement that the Republican Party is no longer Republican. I agree. I agree in the sense that the Republican platform used to mean something. It used to be that you could read down the list of Republican platform issues and by the time you got to the end you knew if you were a Republican or not. Not so anymore. The Republican platform is no longer solid ground to stand on. It is a shifting, weakened structure providing no security for those who wish to defend its ideals. Those who try to defend it are ostracized by many (not all) of the establishment Rs. They will turn on you,  join the Ds against you, and try to demean you, marginalize you, and ruin you if they can.

THE TEA PARTY WAS A GIFT TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY

    Mr. Guessford, the TEA Party was a gift to the Republican Party. They would not have the majority in the House without them. The TEA Party are the true Republicans who stand firmly on the Conservative principles that define the Republican platform. You either do not understand the TEA Party or you are deliberately lying about them. The TP wants fair, clean elections where we know that those who are voting are who they say they are and that they legally have a right to vote. This means cleaning up the voter rolls and requiring a free easy-to-obtain photo ID. If that scares you sir I would suggest that you never try to cash a check because they will ask for your ID to make sure that you are who you say you are and that you are not trying to obtain money that does not belong to you. The TP has an "all of the above" approach to energy. The more that we depend on our own resources and not those of our enemies the more secure we will be. If that scares you sir take a trip down memory lane to the Oil Crisis in the 70s and those same enemies have become alot more sophisticated in their hatred toward us. The TP does not take a stand on abortion or any social issue, although as individuals many are against abortion at any time for any reason. However, no TP person wants to see starving children (hysteria or hyperbole). They also do not want to see generations of families dependent on government handouts. The TP wants to create jobs so that these individuals can support themselves and climb out of the safety net called Food Stamps and Welfare. Does that idea scare you? Why?

WHY WOULD THEY REJECT THE VERY MOVEMENT THAT RESCUED THEM IN THE 2010 ELECTION? I CAN ONLY SPECULATE, BUT MY BET IS PROGRESSIVISM.

 
    From what I have observed studying nationally and locally-grown Republicans, the reasons for stiff-arming the TEA Party are varied. Many fear losing control of the message. For some it's all about power. Some fear being personally attacked because the Liberals carry out ruthless attacks that no one but the very brave can withstand.  I think that many Rs would rather defend their standing, their celebrity, their salaries, or perceived power rather than the Republican principles that they were elected to defend. Of course there are those that never had principles and only want to be politicians in the limelight. I think for the most part they have been infected with Progressivism, which is typically a part of the Democratic/Socialist political philosophy, but there are also Republicans who try to stand stand with one foot in Progressivism and the other on the Republican platform. It doesn't work. It becomes messy, and it's embarrassing to watch.  If establishment Rs had embraced the TEA Party they would have regained control of the Senate and the presidency. They did not, so they only have the House, which the TEA Party gave to them on the proverbial silver platter.
 

THE TEA PARTY ARE THE REAGAN REPUBLICANS!

     Mr. Guessford, the TEA Party are the Reagan Republicans in principle (actually it also consists of registered Democrats, Libertarians, and Independents). They are the ones who bravely defend the Republican Platform and its Conservative principles. Locally, we are blessed with a Republican delegation that stands courageously against a one-party state government that is taxing and regulating us out of business, oppressing our rural counties, and infringing on our 2nd Amendment rights. Our county commissioners are all Republicans. A few stand firmly on Conservative principles. Some not so much.
     As I said to the the local elected Republican concerned about Senator Cardin's email:  For sure he is spouting the divisive rhetoric of this administration. They follow Saul Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals" religiously. This claim that Republicans change the rules, etc...is quite rich considering the questionable actions that were needed in order to pass this bad law against the will of the people. But the uninformed, including the Republicans, gobble this stuff up. It is like water off of a duck's back to me. He is a Progressive Liberal acting like a Progressive Liberal. No shocker here. What does bother me are the Republicans who do not stand up to them or support those that do. I have been a loyal Republican most of my adult life, but I feel completely alienated by my party. Cardin is being true to his Party. I understand that, but who will be true to ours and fight for our principles? Or does it even matter anymore?

SENATOR SHANK PERCEIVES TWO MARYLANDS

   I attended the Post-Legislative Forum for the Western Maryland delegation the other evening. As expected, since I try to stay informed about what goes on in Annapolis, there wasn't anything new revealed. However, I found it interesting and quite refreshing to hear Senator Chris Shank honestly state:

They don't even pretend anymore that there is One Maryland [a MD slogan from several years ago]. There are two different states.

He went on to say that "West Maryland" as in "West Virginia" begins at Frederick County [minus Senator Ron Young]. He gave an example where he read an article in the Montgomery County Gazette entitled, Montgomery Leaders Celebrate 2013 Annapolis Session, where their delegation was celebrating the victorious session. The article states:

Maryland’s gas tax increase, repeal of the death penalty and sweeping gun control legislation were cause to beat the drum Wednesday in Montgomery County.

They clearly see the world differently and speak another language. Our delegation, except for maybe Delegate Donoghue and Senator Young, all voted against all of these bills...as they should. We elected this delegation to speak for we-the-people of our districts and we expected their votes to represent our beliefs.  Needless to say, this room on this night did not have the feel of a celebration. 
   I found his forthrightness to be especially brave and commendable because Senator Shank was recently applauded in a Herald-Mail op-ed for "representing the county well in his new role." To paraphrase the op-ed, it stated that he was ineffective as a delegate but that he is now more effective as a senator because he isn't causing as much trouble.This is highly unusual for Senator Shank to be spoken of in any way but with disdain by this newspaper. Senator Shank could have rested in the open arms of this Liberal newspaper and those who are in their camp. He could have decided to go along to get along as our senator in the past was known to do. He may have even brought home more pork next session and used it for his re-election campaign as other senators past and present do. But no, Senator Shank represents the people who elected him. He didn't take the political bait. He said:

I don't have a solution for you. I want to be positive, but I am not going to sugar-coat it for you. We are a minority in Annapolis. They don't even look our way unless they need something. They don't even pretend anymore. There are two Marylands.

   The gun-control issue is a prime example of the differences between the two Maryland states. He said that this issue created the most passion than any other issue past or present. He received approximately 10,000 emails and hundreds of phone calls asking him to vote against the bill, most coming from Washington County. I personally witnessed the turnout at the hearings that often went way into the night with people wanting to testify against the bill. There were people lined up from the hearing room all the way downstairs and out the door! Yet, the majority went along with Martin O'Malley's agenda. Our delegation did not, except for Senator Young.
   During the Q&A part of the meeting, a man stood up and asked what we all have been asking ourselves since the last presidential election and then maybe even more so after this horrific legislative session: 

Why should I vote? We are powerless.

   I thought that I would hate to be the one expected to answer that question. I thought this is going to be painful to watch. Not so. The delegation spoke without hesitation, beginning with Senator Shank:

During the gun-control debate I had several military veterans who said to me, "Do not make my service in vain and do not make me a criminal." Continue to vote to honor and support them. We have to exercise our right--our obligation--to vote, to run petition drives, and use the courts to fight for our rights and our freedoms.

   Senator Edwards said:

Many times in history one vote has made a difference. We have to let the opposition know that we are there. Many people died so that we can vote. 

Delegate Parrott said: 

We in the delegation feel the same way sometimes. We see  those typically on the other side come to us and say, "I agree, but we have to vote with the leadership." Our votes encourage them. Who knows they may be in leadership one day and vote with us.  One vote can make a difference. They scramble in Annapolis for that one vote!

Delegate Serafini said:

There are consequences if they don't vote with the leadership. They will take your chairmanship, move your office...petty stuff. 

    It is clear to me that there are indeed two Marylands. In fact Maryland looks like a microcosm of our country. The United States is deeply divided with each side having a different perspective and speaking a different language. For now it looks like the Conservatives are a helpless, hopeless minority. But I'm old enough to remember when it was the reverse. I used to think that one campaign could turn everything around. I wonder if this time though there has been permanent damage to our rights, our Constitution, our monetary system, and to our system of economics to be able to turn it around again. One thing I do know...we have to keep fighting and we have to keep voting, just as our delegation so aptly explained. 
   Many (not just a few as in other times) are talking about secession on the state level and the national level. Is that crazy talk? Is that extreme? Can it be done peaceably?  I guess that's a topic for another time.  

IS THE HERALD MAIL HOLDING A GRUDGE AGAINST THE CITY OF HAGERSTOWN?

 The Herald Mail was a huge proponent for the new stadium to be built partly on property that they own. 

   The Herald Mail published an editorial in their newspaper today that was in my opinion harsh and unproductive, criticizing the current Hagerstown mayor and council for the "loss of the BOE," among other things. I have written several posts that questioned the city, mostly during the last administration and almost entirely about the proposed new Suns stadium that was to be located on Summit Avenue and W. Baltimore Street. The Herald Mail was a huge proponent for the new stadium to be built partly on property that they own. You can imagine their disappointment when the voters decided in the recent election that they did not want a stadium at that location and they did not want the taxpayer to almost exclusively pay for it. It seems that they may be carrying a grudge.  

"If, like a scorned lover, the city is looking for reasons why the school board was hesitant to commit, it need only cast a glance into last week’s mirror." 

   The editorial begins by blaming the new administration for the Board of Education deciding to relocate outside of the city limits. The mayor and three of the five council members were newly elected only five months ago. The BOE has been talking with previous administrations about relocating downtown since February of 2000. They began talks with the most recent past administration two years ago, commissioning a task force established by the Greater Hagerstown Committee to explore possible locations downtown. Apparently, it took GHC two years to present a report. By then it seems it was too little too late. How can they expect this administration to do in 5 months what previous administrations did not do in 13 years or even the last two years? If they erred at all it was having confidence in the groundwork laid by the outgoing elected officials and the GHC, and assuming that the BOE was communicating honestly with them and truly interested in downtown. Just look at the facts:

Feb 12: The GHC presents their report after be commissioned two years ago.

Feb 19: Mayor and council make their pitch to the school board to relocate downtown.

Feb 19 (3 hours later): The school board voted unanimously to enter into a purchase agreement to explore buying the former Allegheny Energy headquarters off of Downsville Pike for its administrative offices.

The school board did not communicate to the city that it was seriously looking elsewhere, and did not even give them the courtesy of letting them know that they were ready to sign an agreement with Allegheny Energy. At this point I think everyone knew that the board had no intentions of moving downtown. The BOE then asked for hard figures. I am not sure how much more they wanted in addition to what GHC provided in their report. The mayor became visibly angry with me when I asked him that question at a meeting of the Citizens for the Protection of Washington County. In hindsight, I understand why he did. 
  
   The Herald Mail editorial went on to say,   

"Yet individual council members seem more concerned about justifying questionable actions of the past. Councilman Kristin Aleshire in particular has taken to public message boards trying to explain why the decision to let the Suns stadium proposal die was not really a mistake."

   I think this quote is very telling about what really motivated this scathing editorial. They obviously think that not building a stadium on property that they own needs justification. They show no respect for the community or the taxpayers who did not want it. Just a reminder: the mayor and council are elected to represent the people who elect them. They are not crowned; they are elected. 

"...the problem is that not enough people are profiting [in Hagerstown]."

     The editorial then mocks the city for signing a non-binding agreement with Sora to allow them to develop a plan and seek private and public funding on behalf of the city. It is non-binding because you can bet that they would be writing editorials about how it was unethical to make Sora exclusive without giving other developers the chance to bid on the master plan wholly or on individual projects within the plan. They further mocked them for developing a task force of individuals who have nothing to gain and who have had experience in P3s to advise them in their possible partnership with Sora. They imply that the city is afraid that Sora, or anyone else, will make money in this town. Actually, they are making sure that Sora or anyone else, including the Herald Mail, does not profit at the expense of the taxpayer. They are doing their jobs! 

   Finally, they use a small unrelated matter to somehow prove that this administration is unwelcoming to businesses. They refer to the task force that was formed and reported to the mayor and council regarding a dog park for downtown. It is a dog park not a business. The mayor and council want a dog park and one will be approved. It is simply the location that is in question and certainly the city has a right, no a duty, to question the data provided, and based on that data deliberate and decide on a location that the community will appreciate and that will not become a burden to any of its citizens.

Get over it!

   This mayor and council listened to the voters and decided not to build a stadium on Herald Mail property. If the Herald Mail has a grudge about losing out on the possible sale of their property for a stadium, it is misplaced. Their issue is with the community and the taxpayer who support their business. That is not a good idea, so I suggest that they get over it!