Bob McDonnell, hypocrite (Bubby - 6/27/2006 11:16:55 AM)
For those of you missed it, there was quite a lively exchange in VA political blogoshpere yesterday regarding the new Political Director for VA College Republicans. It started out by highlighting a Republican press release which infers the new Political Director believes Democrats are Communists - or John Kerry is - or the only way to stop Communists is with George Bush. Not very clear or current - just a bunch of misguiding trash talk. The post quickly morphed into a wide ranging discussion about privacy regarding publicly posted information, the self admitted illegal underage drinking of the new Political Director, and her internship with law enforcement guru Attorney General Bob McDonnell.
But it gets even better. Not Gretchen Bulova (NGB from now on) didn't like the way Raising Kaine had dealt with "privacy regarding public info" and college drinking. Aside from the discussion on RK, NGB also put up a post asking if RK had gone too far. And this post also had lively discussion regarding the topic until...
NGB decided to post an update saying how outrageous it was for RK (Lowell specifically) to use the nickname "Taliban Bob". Well, that really confused the issue as the battle was joined by Republicans and offended Democrats. Which ultimately led to Lowell deciding to give up on the "Taliban Bob" nickname and replace it with something else. IMO, the replacement is MORE offensive, but this seemed to satisfy the masses. Sort of. They then started chasing Josh around badgering him about dropping the nickname.
SUMMARY OVER.
What really happened and why was it so important to the Republicans to change the topic? Read on...
NGB's offense at the way this thing was handled is understandable. Personally, I don't agree with NGB, but I certainly see how s/he could feel that way. And so it became a legitimate discussion on both RK and NLS.
But then the whole "Taliban Bob" thing surfaced. Very odd since this had nothing to do with the discussion. I recall reading one of the comments somewhere (sorry, I can't find it now) by NGB that said s/he received an email pointing out the use of "Taliban Bob" and then brought it up. So the topic changed and became a completely different issue.
But why the Red Herring?
The discussion was starting to grow and this clearly caused concern among the Republicans. What was originally a post pointing out the lunacy of a statement implying that Democrats are Communists had turned into a discussion about hypocrisy and underage drinking. That's not the problem, though. It's the next step that the Republicans didn't want to happen...
Part I about Communists - stupid stuff, good for a laugh or serious angst (see Josh's comments). No real danger to Republicans.
Part II about hypocrisy - good for discussion but the position of CR Political Director isn't worth pursuing. No danger real to Republicans.
Part III about Bob McDonnell - questions surface about why Bob McDonnell has an intern who has publicly admitted to being a law breaker and what he is going to do about it.
Bob McDonnell is not just any politician - he's the Attorney General of Virginia.
Bob McDonnell very much supports law enforcement.
How could he, as a strict law and order guy, possibly justify continuing to have someone who broke and continues (assumption here is mine but not unrealistic) to break the law working for him? If Bob gets asked the question then he is between a rock and hard place because there is no good answer for this.
The MSM media is probably casually watching this whole thing, but if the issue continues to be pushed one of them may become interested in hearing what McDonnell has to say - on the record. Then the Republicans would have a problem.
Cue the Red Herring. Change the Topic. Distract immediately.
Now on the attack and off topic, the Republicans comfortably go after RK, Lowell, Josh, and anyone else who ever called Bob McDonnell by his long running nickname. Wrap it up in patriotism and everyone is safely distracted from the real danger.
Well that Red Herring was tasty, but back on topic...
What does Bob McDonnell have to say about an admitted law breaker interning for him?
Thank you for noting it was an email that sparked the update. I didn't notice Taliban Bob until after a viewer pointed it out to me.
Now we may carry on with the discussion.
I'm curious about the viewer who pointed it out - do you know this person and where they stand politically?
Also curious about your position about McDonnell regarding the issue. While going after the intern may be too much, do you think McDonnell has some explaining to do regarding the issue?
If McDonnell put out the press release, yes, it was poor of him to put a release with that quote in it. I do find that objectionable. I don't think she's a bad person for the quote though. Most Americans don't understand the idea of "political speak", she's young, she's just learning.
I'm not sure what McDonnell could do to fix the press release, but yea, the quote choice was poor.
I'm going to ask this of any of the people who were bothered by the post yesterday. While I understand how people could be upset about yesterday's discussion regarding the intern herself, I think McDonnell is a different ball game and as a law and order Attorney General he does owe us an explanation.
So I'd especially like to hear from the ones who disagreed about yesterday's post to see if the feelings are different regarding McDonnell.
If this young lady were in his office drinking, of course he'd be forced to stop her, but drinking on her own time shouldn't be any of his business unless it somehow affects her job (meaning she's an alcoholic and comes in drunk all the time), which I don't suspect is the case.
There is no elected official who is not a law and order person, it's insane to oppose enforcing laws and run for office. It's political suicide. That said, enforcing this law is not and should not be a high priority. Especially when he didn't even witness the events and there is no way to prove that she was drinking. We can be 99.9% sure but there is no guarentee.
To have an intern on his staff that willfully posted pictures of herself indulging in an illegal activity (underage drinking) leaves AG McDonnell little wiggle room. Ms. Newmann must go.
Welcome to the hard reality of the political side of public service NGB.
This girls name was mentioned in a press release she put her own name out in public, this isn't some poor young woman who has only been to a few meetings, she is a statewide political director.
If you don't want your name/life scrutinized, don't put it on a statewide press release. To suggest that we should not look into her, just because she is young, is akin to suggesting that she should not participate in politics because she is young.
Look, breaking the law, is breaking the law, I'm sure 90% of college students drink before they are 21, but they don't put thier names on Statewide, press releases, and they don't work for the Attorney General.
imho
There was a time when 18 year-olds COULD drink legally and proudly in Virginia. You know why? Because 18 year olds were willing to gather and raise hell. There was open rebellion to the bullshit that passed for "common wisdom". 18 year olds were politically active and dangerous to the status quo. That's how you change politics. You own the game. You don't leave enough room on the table of public discourse for square-goobers like Bob McDonnell to maneuver. He knows it and people like Not Gretchen Bulova need to learn it. You will never appease Bob McDonnell and the religious right. Look at the 2006 Virginia legislative session. These people don't negotiate - they dictate.
The real question remains, as you stated:
What does Bob McDonnell have to say about an admitted law breaker interning for him?
Well anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts about McDonnell. Do you think he should publicly justify his seemingly contridictory positions regarding law enforcement and underage drinking?
Even people who kinda knew they were full of crap and went along anyway, have figured out they are also totally incompetent and too arrogant to govern.
They are talented bull shitters and fear mongerers but they are wretched human beings.
1) true
2) fair
3) relevant
Why the "here we go again"? NGB, you need to wake up.
However, I have figured it out; you are the old Thomas Paine Patriot, relying on OLD conversatinos you and I had before you changed your handle.
So forget it. You have already been dealt with, but under a different guise.
So, for you, my dear troll, I offer these words of encouragement: Good luck in the Senate Race!
And that's all. I will ignore you from this point forward. You are here to rile people up, and it isn't worth my time. I hope others do the same; some people who disagree with the majority here on RK are perfectly wonderful people to debate with, regardless of their party affiliation. You just want to ruffle feathers, and unfortunately, you don't really have any facts or evidence to use to make your case. But anyway, hey...freedom of speech so welcome, welcome.
Also, quoting a famous person does not make you intelligent or witty, but does show your general lack of creativity.
And since you've never answered the basic question of all my posts: Are you going to file a claim on her behalf or are you just bluffing? That's what I thought Lewis. I'd love to see you in a court room. Are you a real attorney as you claim? Basic question Lew...can you answer it?
Lewis your logic is as limp as Limbaugh's.
Lewis A. Armistead Jr. Esq. how are you?
Now, let's go here, where Waldo discusses how Bob McDonnell's former campaign manager is a convicted pedophile.
Finall, a quick trip to January 2003, when the Daily Press reported that McDonnell could not recall if he had ever violated Virginia's "crimes against nature" law. Yes, Virginia has a "crimes against nature" law, and I'm not talking about companies illegally dumping toxic chemicals in the Chesapeake Bay or wahtever.
Anyway, there's much, much more in the wacky world of "Sodomy Bob" McDonnell, if you hop on the "wayback machine." But that's enough for now. Wouldn't want the "wayback machine" to run out of power! :)
It's about a hard line politician who claims to be for law enforcement. It gets back to what we talked briefly about yesterday - what part of the law don't you/they understand? Does McDonnell enforce all the laws or make exceptions for friends, interns, College Republican Political Directors, and the laws he doesn't really agree with?
It's easy to say the underage drinking laws aren't really laws. Everyone drinks - especially in college.
But they are laws. And the Attorney General shouldn't turn the other way just because it's a "soft law".
Many politicians have gotten into hot water by selectively enforcing the law and/or helping their friends. McDonnell should be held to the same criteria as other politicians. The law or individual in question doesn't really matter.
Also, recall why the law was put into place. The drinking age was raised due to federal government restrictions on highway funding if a state drinking age was under 21. Why? Drunk drivers. It was and is an effort to save lives. Is McDonnell, a law and order Attorney General, putting the partying habits of college students above saving lives? Sobering isn't it.
For the record I do believe the laws regarding drinking should be re-examined and re-written to reflect the fact that an 18 year old is an adult. And I don't have a problem with college students having a good time.
I do have a problem if the Attorney General ignores a law for one of his own. That's why I feel he owes us, the people of Virginia, an explanation.
The AG's constitutional role is not that of law enforcement, prosecution, etc. He is in effect an attorney representing the Commonwealth. The office has taken on various things over the years...but in a sense...the AG is like a solicitor general.
He can't prosecute his intern any more than he can prosecute guys for getting bj's in Richmond parks.
A few years ago, a group of prominent families in Richmond allowed their kids to have kegs for a graduation party out in Richmond. The deal was that the parents would allow the kegs...and in return the parents locked up the car keys.
The kids and the parents were arrested under various laws. Ultimately, no one cared. College kids drink.
The drinking aspect of this is not that big of a deal.
One more point: if you don't like NOVA, then kindly stop taking our tax dollars. You ARE aware that NOVA subsidizes the poorer parts of the state, right?
P.S. How can you have "the NOVA thing down," when it's not monolithic as you correctly point out and when it's not the "People's Republic," as you claim it is?
So just keep calling it the People's Republic and take our tax money and spend it on your "roads to nowhere." Within ten years the margins in NOVA alone will make Virginia look like a southern version of Massachusetts.
And, the real economic growth, in terms of population grown and as part of the state's GDP is occuring in rural counties all through the western and southwestern region. Places like Bedford...Rockbridge, Botetourt.
So, from a demographic standpoint, your premise that margins in NOVA alone will be enough to make Virginia like Mass. is misguided. Those margins, if they materialize, will be offset elsewhere.
It's about McDonnell and his position of authority. Sure, according to VA structure he isn't really the top crime fighter. But that doesn't have much to do with the issue of his accountability and/or position on the matter of condoning underage drinking (via looking away) as a high ranking elected state official.
What else would be new?
Now as to Bubby. I was handed my first drink by my daddy. And I was way younger than 18. He taught me to drink responsibly and made it clear he would whip my ass if he caught me acting the fool on spirits. He never found it necessary to deliver on his Calvinist threat. I love that man for his courage and sensibility. We remain drinking buddies.
I do not seek public office. In fact I find the entire electoral process to be deplorable. However, when the public clamors for a sodomizing hillbilly drinker that drives way too fast, and curses like a sailor, I will be their man. I will legalize everything and punish the gluttonous. Greed will become a capital offense. Until then I remain fully employed making light of back-sliding pseudo-christians who would have me believe that they are closer to the hand of God.
That said, Lewis Armistead is a desperate, chin-slapping moron. My father, a good Republican mind you, warned me that when I moved to Virginia I would run into people like this and not to take it seriously as it was most likely a genetic deficiency.
It's obvious that you got his knickers in a twist with something you said, but don't worry. He follows a simple pattern: at first he gets upset, claims outrage, then threatens to sue. Once the threat has been issued he stands there in the middle of the blogjungle thumping his chest in admiration of his own courage, he is then suddenly amazed when the entire shithouse comes crashing down on him as people rush to remind him that his threats are as impotent as his arguments.
This ones got it bad and obviously does not have a job, as he has just spent the last 48 hours responding madly to anyone who will post a comment.
How's law treating you Lewis?
Love you Billy Madison.
The name also rhymes with "toad"...but I've never heard that one before either.
RICHMOND, VA—Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell today joined The Century Council to announce two statewide initiatives to fight underage drinking in Virginia. McDonnell made the announcement with Ralph Blackman of The Century Council at the kickoff event at Thompson Middle School in Richmond.
The first initiative is a new, innovative program developed by The Century Council in partnership with Nickelodeon called, “Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix.†This program recognizes that the key to stopping underage drinking is communication early and often between parents and children. Ask, Listen, Learn provides both kids and parents with information and strategies to help jumpstart the conversation about the dangers of underage drinking, in a format and language designed specifically for them.
The second initiative is a public service announcement (PSA) featuring Attorney General McDonnell that will highlight April, May, and June’s designation as “Prom and Graduation Safety Months.†The PSA will run on radio stations around the Commonwealth, with WRVA-AM and Lite 98 already signing on to air the announcements in the Richmond market.
Speaking about both initiatives, McDonnell noted, “It is so important that we help children to make the right decisions in their lives. As we approach the busy prom and graduation season our children face an exciting, but unfortunately also dangerous, time. By providing them with information, and initiating conversations about the dangers of drinking, we can help prepare children to make the right choices in order to ensure that they have bright and healthy futures.â€
Ralph Blackman of The Century Council remarked, “While alcohol consumption among our nation’s youth has declined over the past 20 years, underage drinking remains unacceptably high. According to the 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 10.8 million Americans between the ages of 12-20 report current consumption. While the prevalence of current alcohol consumption increased with increasing age, the alarming fact is first use of alcohol typically begins around age 12. By 16, 29 percent report current use of alcohol.â€
Ask, Listen, Learn materials will be distributed to middle school principals across the state. Ask, Listen, Learn is unique in that it gives both kids and parents the tools to initiate the conversation about alcohol. The program includes:
A parent’s booklet, detailing how to begin the conversation, sustain the conversation and make an impact on kids. It presents effective questions, data, conversation starters and answers to typical objections kids raise.
A kid’s booklet, with interactive games, trivia cards with questions and answers explaining the facts about alcohol, addressing issues including how to avoid peer pressure, and creative ways to say no. It also includes an Action Against Alcohol Agreement that both kids and parents can sign.
Asklistenlearn.com, produced by Nickelodeon, is a website for kids with information on the dangers of underage drinking including monthly polls, information interactive games and videos, as well as more information on how to say no.
Asklistenlearnparents.com, produced by Nickelodeon, is a website for parents with additional information on how to have the conversation and links to additional national and local resources related to underage drinking.
Television advertising, produced by Nickelodeon, to encourage discussions about the dangers of underage drinking between parents and kids.
To obtain a copy of the PSA or for more information about The Century Council and its programs visit: www.centurycouncil.org.
Seems that you've missed the point. Or, more accurately, boiled it down so much that it does sound kinda silly. But fill in the details and it's not so funny.
BTW, did you get a chance to vote for Webb on primary day? I'll bet you're pleased with the result.
State Sanctioned Enforcement vs Freewill and Personal Choice
I know it'll take a while, but please go back a read all the posts and comments regarding this subject. You'll find a mixed bag of reactions from every end of the political spectrum - including support for your arguments from those "liberals" you disdainfully refer to. And you'll find that there is no longer a focus on this student - it's about a high ranking elected official who should be fair game by anyone's standards.
Not meant for public consumption = invasion of privacy:
A couple of examples of this would be "NSA tracking phone calls and banking records".
Web pages not set on private with information that you may or may not want out there = no invasion of privacy:
An example of this would be placing pictures of yourself on the web...information about yourself on a public forum say a blog or a personal webpage.
So you're equating looking through people's private bank records and phone calls to a college student's public webpage?
Seriously, follow your logic. It doesn't make sense.
Anyone who expects "privacy" on a public site like xuja.com which specifically states that all material is public, plainly did not read the information on this site and hasn't a clue about the WWW.
Were Ms. Newman to have placed any restrictions on the material using options provided by xuja.com, the claim of "privacy" might have some basis in fact.
However, this is not the case and Ms. Newman's deliberate choice to share her enjoyment of alcoholic substances and friends on the world wide web is far different from the violations of American's constitutional rights by the Bush administration under the pretext of "national security".
Once upon a time, conservatives concerned themselves with the intrusion of government into people's lives. Once upon at time, conservatives feared that "big government" would lead to tyranny and serfdom. Alas, "conservatives" today are apologists for tyranny and the destruction of civil liberties -- "brownshirts" as Paul Craig Roberts has quite accurately said.
Oh, and btw...
It's not at all unusual for CR's to party hard. I recall the drunken excesses at CR conventions back in the 80's when Jack Abramoff was the CR Chairman... Seminars about the "evil empire" and "big government" by day and lots of booze at night...