The "fringe" of Ohio
Cincinnati Beacon commenter "Reginald Van Gleason IV" had this to say about my open letter to Ted Strickland:
There is so much irony and hypocrisy in this letter I don't know where to start, but I'll try. Apparently it bothers people when their candidate is asked to leave a race... Who would have thought?
First his claim that Fitrakis is a fringe candidate means that these values are found on the fringes of Ohio:
Peace
Ending the exploitation of Ohio workers
Clean and fair elections
Prosecuting criminals
A Fair media
Promoting alternative energy
Secondly, in his mean-spirited and unfounded comments, it is also important to notice the way he automatically tries to make me look like a weed-smoking, wing-nut idiot. Instead of arguing anything of substance he tells me to "put down the bong" and refers to me as "son." Not only indicating that he is an ageist, his tone obviously expresses his belief that anyone who is younger than he is incapable of engaging him in discourse, but he also expresses that because I support a candidate like Bob Fitrakis I must be a stoner who has lost touch with reality. If you feel that is the case, refer to the above list and tell me that you disagree with the values that apparently make a person crazy.
It's obvious that RGV is one of many Democratic Party hacks hiding behind a pseudonym over at the Cincinnati Beacon. In true Democractic fashion he is working around the clock to make sure anyone who doesn't support the Democratic Party looks crazy; Republican, progressive independent, or otherwise. His comments show us in vivid detail why the Green Party was born, there's clearly no place left for progressive ideals in a party that keeps fleeing to the right in feeble hopes of luring people to their "stand for nothing" side. Anyone who dares to believe in the values the party was founded upon should quit seeking a home in the new Democratic Party, which is merely a generic Republican Party without the teeth or political savvy.
I'll keep voting on the issues while RGV, like nearly every other Democrat, keeps compromising principles for politics.
Pull your head out of your ass son. Fitrakis is a fringe candidate and does not have a chance of being elected in Ohio. The only potential spoiler effect is that persons such as yourself who lack any connection to reality will vote for Fitrakis and take votes away from Strickland, who currently leads Blackwell in the polls. You will in effect be casting a vote for Blackwell, and will be helping to elect a radical right wing theocratic demagogue, whoÃ’s corrupt actions help Bush steal the Ohio vote.
Wake up; if you are hitting the bong stop it and sober up. Get real.
There is so much irony and hypocrisy in this letter I don't know where to start, but I'll try. Apparently it bothers people when their candidate is asked to leave a race... Who would have thought?
First his claim that Fitrakis is a fringe candidate means that these values are found on the fringes of Ohio:
Ending the exploitation of Ohio workers
Clean and fair elections
Prosecuting criminals
A Fair media
Promoting alternative energy
Secondly, in his mean-spirited and unfounded comments, it is also important to notice the way he automatically tries to make me look like a weed-smoking, wing-nut idiot. Instead of arguing anything of substance he tells me to "put down the bong" and refers to me as "son." Not only indicating that he is an ageist, his tone obviously expresses his belief that anyone who is younger than he is incapable of engaging him in discourse, but he also expresses that because I support a candidate like Bob Fitrakis I must be a stoner who has lost touch with reality. If you feel that is the case, refer to the above list and tell me that you disagree with the values that apparently make a person crazy.
It's obvious that RGV is one of many Democratic Party hacks hiding behind a pseudonym over at the Cincinnati Beacon. In true Democractic fashion he is working around the clock to make sure anyone who doesn't support the Democratic Party looks crazy; Republican, progressive independent, or otherwise. His comments show us in vivid detail why the Green Party was born, there's clearly no place left for progressive ideals in a party that keeps fleeing to the right in feeble hopes of luring people to their "stand for nothing" side. Anyone who dares to believe in the values the party was founded upon should quit seeking a home in the new Democratic Party, which is merely a generic Republican Party without the teeth or political savvy.
I'll keep voting on the issues while RGV, like nearly every other Democrat, keeps compromising principles for politics.
That's a good response. I would also add that the commenter's premise (that fringe candidates have no chance of being elected) is wrong. Americans have elected fringe candidates as Presidents, Senators, Representatives, Governors, and state legislators.
An individual's "fringiness" should depend on how much he/she deviates from the ideological center, not how much he/she deviates from the status quo. They are different.
Posted by WestEnder | 3:00 PM
Good comeback Andrew. I dont understand why he feels the need to outwardly insult you and not stick to the issue at hand. I've always said attack the issue, not the person. In attacking you personally he only distances himself from the argument at hand. Maybe he's the one that needs to grow up. By the way... the onion rings were pretty shitty at the catskeller, i shoulda listened
Posted by Nate And Trav's Blog | 8:57 PM
If only people listened to me about everything Trav, there would be a lot less "I told you sos" to go around. At least you can admit you were wrong -- even if it is only about onion rings.
People resort to baseless personal attacks when they're wrong, they think it's slick, but it never is.
Posted by Andrew Warner | 9:06 PM
I totally understand the frustration with "Republican-lite" dems.
I admire much of what Mr. Fitrakis has written, the work he's done for progressives, and his ideals.
But Strickland is a viable candidate who has also done work for progressives, and has some admirable ideals of his own.
Until I see any hard facts, I cannot believe Fitrakis will get more than a few percent of the vote. And that will be from the left side of the political spectrum. Nonetheless, he's free to run, and those voters must follow their conscience.
Posted by grandpaboy | 10:40 PM
*picks up bong*
Posted by Eric | 10:22 AM
Really this shows just how much conviction and belief alot of Democrats have for their own party. "Vote Democrat. Why? Just because." And that's really about the best you get.
I think alot of people view elections the same way they view the World Series or the Superbowl. Playoffs- then the big game. Only difference is that when it comes to elections; we are talking about our lives- not some damn trophy! RGV is the one who needs to grow up and start getting serious about American democracy.
Posted by CM Edwards | 12:25 PM