Let me be the first to say that it is utterly irresponsible for our congressman to speak in front of some right wing nuts today when he can't be bothered to speak to his voting base when he up for re-election. It's mid-week and he should be working.

Secondly, has Foy's organization filed with the state? I can't find any campaign filing information either at the state level or recently at the Federal level.

I checked with Gallegly's office. He had a prior commitment and told the organizers he would not be attending. The Star was wrong. Again.

Ernie,

Call his office and ask for his public schedule. His office doesn't give it out which might be the source of the problem.

This an astroturf event set up by people like Newt Gingrich, the Koch family, Richard Mellon Scaife, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and other corporatist wing nuts. Their aim is to try and keep Obama from changing existing, Bush tax laws that favor the rich and corporations. The last thing they want to see is a return to a more progressive taxation that would raise the tax on the rich, corporations and the inheritance of the WalMart family, among others. They're using FOX and other willing media conglomerates to pretend it's an actual grassroots movement. This is not even remotely grassroots.

If the founders of this country and the participants in the real Tea Party were here today, they would collectively vomit, then they would start attacking the multi-nationals. People aren't taught and they don't bother to learn their own history. The Real Boston Tea Party was a calculated act of vandalism against the British East India Company, a royally chartered corporation. The vast majority of the people attending these "protests" are good people. It's simply disgusting how these decent, well-meaning people are being misused and misinformed by the Corporate Media and the right. The "leaders" like Gingrich, Limbaugh, Mellon Scaife, Glenn Beck, Boehner, and even Elton Gallegly are like the board members and mercenaries of the British East India Company. They bear no resemblance to the people who jumped on a ship and dumped 90,000 pounds of corporate tea overboard in protest. For them to pose as these patriots is very nearly sacrilege.

My guess is that most of the people at these made up, corporate-sponsored "tea parties" think Samuel Adams is a beer. An interesting question is, where were these folks when the current tax laws were forced through Congress by Bush--8 years ago? We're still operating under Bush's tax laws until Obama's new budget is implemented. What these folks don't realize and what they are not told by their corporate handlers is that they are going to be receiving tax cuts when Obama's budget is implemented.

Obviously, a lot of the people who are showing up to these things don't realize they are being cynically manipulated by the corporations and the trust-fund inheritors who do not want to see their taxes raised. The people behind this farce are using true populist outrage over the bailouts of the financial sector and our casino capitalism of the last 28 years. They are distorting and mutilating this populism and misinforming and lying to the people. While it's tempting to mock the people out plodding on the street corners at the behest of the corporations, I feel saddened by the whole sordid affair. These poor people have been conned into thinking that they are taking part in something like the Boston Tea Party. A friend told me a story about his grandmother who asked him to fashion signs for her to carry today. Being a good grandson, he did as he was asked. It makes me very angry that people like Boehner and our own Elton Gallegly are abusing these people in this way. Why are they teabagging their own people. The founders would not be proud of these teabaggers.

I agree - the originators of the Boston tea party would vomit with the bastardization of event.

Well, will you listen to this. Self-proclaimed conservative Republican, Katie Teague, calling citizens concerned with government taxation and spending practices "right wing nut jobs."

I think we all know who the nut job is around here...

See Brian, this blog got distracted from a really big story. We had four thousand people at the Tea Party Event. We had no counter demonstrators. You know what we covered? We covered that fact that we don't want small businesses attacked. We don't want to be taxed by State and Federal government so that our first day to actually make money for ourselves was April 13th. We don't want to force all money makers to leave this state for Nevada, Delaware, and Florida. We want our creative force to create jobs. We don't want the President to give our money to government job creations. I could go into some pretty good criticisms of the red tape involved with government jobs. No one can think or make decisions themselves. They always have someone above them to decide. So, it takes 4 people to screw in 1 lightbulb. Not their fault, it is the fault of the way government has been set up. In private industry, we would have 1 person screw in a lightbulb. We had great speakers of all persuasions. I know for a fact we had Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and Independents. I had Americans of all persuasions. I had Latinos, Blacks, Asians, and Flesh-Colored Americans. We all agreed that we are Americans. We also agreed that our melting pot creates our own cultural greatness. We also agreed that we speak English, because we are Americans. We can also speak Spanish, Irish, African, German, French, etc. But our group of Americans has a language that unifies...English. We also agreed that we do not appreciate our President stating that we are arrogant, and that we have not given Europe the leading role they deserve. We were in agreement that all the historical events out there would state that America has lead. And, any so called "arrogance" would only come out of frustration from the lack of other countries not wishing to step up to the table of helping us with Hurricane reliefe (i.e. Nicaragua), Sunami relief, earthquake relief, relief from Evil leaders kidnapping, raping, killing and starving people in their countries.
So, if this newspaper really wants to report the news, I guess that the reporters you sent will actually cover some of the truths set forth, instead of commenting on artificial turf. How about rising to the occasion. Maybe you would actually have people reading what was written.

Artsurfer,

This isn't a newspaper, this is a blog.

I write a blog which is a mixture of opinion and reporting. It is commentary on the news. I don't send reporters and I wasn't sent by anyone.

What event had 4,000 people?

What's the point of keeping up the charade that the tea parties don't have an ideological persuasion? If you are conservative and support Republican principles be proud of it.

Artsurfer,

"In private industry, we would have 1 person screw in a lightbulb."

Seriously. You're touting that old, hack-kneed bromide about private business being more efficient--now. I won't even take you over the hurdles on this one, it's not worth the effort. Suffice it to say that private business is what we are bailing out. On second thought, maybe private business is really efficient... at stealing money. Let's not even bring up the state of our private health care in this country.

By the way, what wattage is that light bulb? Is it one of those little 30 watt jobs with the pointed head, because those can be tricky.

If people were truly concerned with taxes and spending, they would have been up in arms a long time ago and protested many years ago. They certainly should NOT accept the money wasting practices of their local representatives. Audra Strickland's worthless attempt at religious/school legislation is a classic example of wasted tax money. And her chief of Staff - Joel Angeles - has wasted a ton of money.

Mitt Romney, etc. bailed from speaking at these events for a reason. They knew who was organizing and pimping. It was done by the AFA and various radio hosts interested in creating an event.

The good nature of many ordinary citizens were taken advantage - they did the dirty work of many an elected official.

Thanks, but I will stay out of the wind and demand that tax money not be wasted by lawmakers and those who are employed by the government. Those are my "true colors".

Sean, dia duit, how is your Irish? Have you spent any time studying your familial history or the history of Ireland? If not, you should as there some wonderful lessons to learn? I know a lot of people seem very interested in whether these tea parties represent a grassroots movement or not but have you ever considered the possibility that you’re wrong? What if the majority of the people who attended these rallies are regular, everyday Americans that are tired of Democrat versus Republican politics? Could it be that there really is a genuine movement happening here? If there is, the Democrats and Republicans will never admit it. Indeed, they will discredit it, just like they are doing now. Are some Republicans and right-wing groups taking advantage of the situation? Yes, but please don’t think for a moment that the Democrats are any better. The days of the Kennedy Democrat are long over. In my opinion, politicians no longer serve this country, rather only themselves. You seem to recognize that there is a real movement here but then you say that they are being fooled. If this is the case, why don’t you help them understand?

Slan,

Martin

Martin, this event was promoted by Republicans (I know because I am one). It was heavily promoted by the far right (I know because I'm pro-life and pro-gun). It wasn't really promoted by Dems (I know because I have alot of Dem friends). So it was a right-wing nut kind of thing with two purposes: One was to slap Obama and two was to try to galvanize the forces as the GOP continues to suffer voter registration losses.

The original Tea Party was based on taxation without representation. This tea party is a media sound bite and kind of embarrassing because stupid tax wasters of both persuasions get re-elected thanks to safe districts.

Katie, you are about the millionth person that I have heard raise this silly issue about where were these protests when Bush was President. First, sorry, I did not know there was some statute of limitations on common sense. Second, you have no idea what these folks did or didn't protest. Third, you cannot change the past, only the future -- people learn from their mistakes. We made enough mistakes with respect to Bush. And, I would be very happy if we voted out each and every professional politician.

Martin

Katie, if people feel strongly enough to go out to a tea party (or you insert name protest) then it's a good thing. At least, they're getting involved. I think it's incredibly arrogant to call every person that attended these events an extremist or insane (as a L.A. Times Editorial did today). I might suggest that I have observed this type of arrogance before. Yes, it was in the Bush Administration and his name was Dick Cheney.

It isn't silly - where were the protests? What is silly is the co-opting of the name for the sake of beating up Obama. I know exactly what the purpose of the parties were - read freerepublic.com or flashreport.org.

I'm one of the few Republicans who still support Bush and will admit it publicly. So I can ask - where were the protesters then?

I think it is very duplitious to beat up on Obama over taxes yet give local lawmakers a free pass - especially in California where the Republicans held everyone hostage for a long, long time over the budget.

Don't get me started on the lack of support on parental notification when it comes to abortion - no "pro-life" lawmakers there.

Martin,

You are so interested in having a nonpartisan political system, something that has never existed in the USA, that you refuse to listen to partisans who clearly state their events are partisan.

I see many anti-obama signs in the news coverage. I see complaints over socialism, the stimulus, and I see signs comparing Obama to Hitler.

But I don't see much being critical of Republicans.

The speakers lining the stages are all conservative partisans. How did you miss that fact?

If it was a nonpartisan event they wouldn't have asked someone that called Michelle Obama trash to speak.

Ya got it wrong again......

http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/43082652.html

Both the LA Times and the local paper said that the "Tea Parties" were organized by conservative organizations. The above the fold story front page story in the LA Times today says it all:

Republicans stage 'tea party' protests against Obama
Thousands of demonstrators in Southern California and elsewhere in the nation demand lower taxes and less government spending. But some GOP pollsters warn that the tactic could backfire.
By Michael Finnegan and Janet Hook

April 16, 2009

Reporting from Washington and Santa Ana — Republicans sought to ignite a popular revolt against President Obama on Wednesday by staging "tea party" protests across the nation to demand lower taxes and less government spending -- but the tactic carried risk for the party.

If you didn't cover the event, why did you make comments like you did cover it? I am talking about the Ventura County Tea Party Event. And yes, I believe people there are not only comfortable with their ideals, but pretty proud of them. But, we feel comraderie with other people there who don't agree with everything we wear on our sleeve. We definitely had all types of people. If you had covered it like you said you would previously, you would have spoken with people who said they originally voted one way, and now that they actually see what "yes we can" means, they have not only started speaking against this "yes we can", but they were in heavy attendance. You just can't perceive that not only one persuasion of people wants National autonomy, more of their money to spend themselves. We want to donate our own money to help others, not have government give it to Acorn, and other totally liberal venues. If you want to really speak out against a group, why not spend some time checking out that federally funded "radically liberal group". You can't have it both ways, Brian. If you are going to keep putting out words that tend to put one group in a bad light, how about equal time for other groups. Let Acorn defend themselves for a change. But as for me...I will tell you for the last time, "This Tea Party Event will not end, and it is all inclusive, and with every decision and tax and spending done by the current administration we are gathering more from every following". We will get our government back to what it should be. Our government should provide necessary services, not take over everything, and protect people from responsibility "cradle to grave". Who knows, Brian, maybe you will be at the next Tea Party. After all, the government wants your money also.

This is what the paper said before the event:

"If you hate taxes, you'll have plenty of opportunities to say so Wednesday.

House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, will headline the Bakersfield Tea Party tax protest at the Liberty Bell 4:30 p.m. Wednesday."

This is what they said afterwards:

"Boehner and McCarthy were present at the Bakersfield tea party but were not invited to speak.

"We wanted to go to show support, we wanted to go listen, and that's exactly what we did," said McCarthy.

Boehner praised the event and said Congress will listen to what the voters have to say."

The news article was wrong, but the point remains it wasn't a broad spectrum of ideological support, it was different types of conservatives.

Art,

I attended the event in Simi Valley. I never said I was attended the event in Ventura.

What's the phone number for the local ACORN office? Do they have a website? Which groups in Ventura County have ever been in trouble for voter registration problems?

I find it very disturbing that a political party is promoting anger, hate, unrest and prejudice. They are trying to divide our once great country and in the process destroying what we once had.
A party that puts party, dirty politics, anything to win over the survival of our
country. They have lost all creditbility and
trust. And are fueling the extremists and
those who follow blindly.

Wow, how unAmerican...representatives of the people of America actually going to a "People's event" to show support, and listen to what the voters had to say. Pardon me, but isn't that what we vote these people in to do? They weren't being paid. They were doing this to actually better represent the people in their country. And KatieC. You don't even make a clear statement... What political party is promoting anger, hate, unrest, and prejudice? Are you talking about Obama's candidate, Janet Napolitano, who just released an FBI report stating that Homecoming G.I.'s, Christians, Pro Life people, and others were now on a list of possible terrorist cells? If so, I would say that that is pretty hateful. And so far, she has only deeply apologized to the homecoming G.I.'s. The rest of us are waiting...

artsurfer,

There has been numerous attacks by right wing terrorists over the last few decades. There has also been some by left wing terrorists, although most of it was during the Vietnam Anti-war movement.

If you were explaining to law enforcement officials what to be looking for what would you describe to them?

It isn't strange for law enforcement to publish materials describing the habits, clothes, and other factors around street gang life. Why should right wing terrorist groups be any different?

But don't use this as an opportunity to say I am not fair to conservatives or groups like yours. I never said the Tea Parties were run by the same right wing groups or ideology the FBI was describing.

The Tea Parties I saw were mostly concerned Americans expressing their views in a serious and peaceful way.

Katiec, thank you, your post has proved my point that this whole Republican v. Democrat thing is irrelevant. After I read your post, I honestly had no idea which party you were referring to as committing "dirty politics." At any given moment in American history, either party would fit your description.

since you are apparently limited in confidence of your verbage, i will only say...the teaparty went to the full length to obey the law. they got permits, they contacted the law prior to the event. Don't people that are the "usual suspects" try to keep out of the site of the law? The law enforcement officials had our phone numbers. The government officials were there, and had been in constant contact with us. I wasn't old enough for the View Nam era Anti War movement. But, actually, my husband was spit on by some of you. I bet he could tell law enforcement officials who to look for. So, if you are too young to talk about Viet Nam, maybe you should talk about Afghanistan, or Iraq. Or how about that President Obama going to Turkey, and saying that we are no longer a Judeo Christian Country. How about commenting on that. He says that while in an Islamic country that currently holds the Greek Orthodox leader under house arrest. Meaning, in case you didn't know, that he can't leave the country. Simply because he is Greek Orthodox, and not Islamic. Too bad President doesn't do his research before he goes to other countries and spills his guts.

since you are apparently limited in confidence of your verbage, i will only say...the teaparty went to the full length to obey the law. they got permits, they contacted the law prior to the event. Don't people that are the "usual suspects" try to keep out of the site of the law? The law enforcement officials had our phone numbers. The government officials were there, and had been in constant contact with us. I wasn't old enough for the View Nam era Anti War movement. But, actually, my husband was spit on by some of you. I bet he could tell law enforcement officials who to look for. So, if you are too young to talk about Viet Nam, maybe you should talk about Afghanistan, or Iraq. Or how about that President Obama going to Turkey, and saying that we are no longer a Judeo Christian Country. How about commenting on that. He says that while in an Islamic country that currently holds the Greek Orthodox leader under house arrest. Meaning, in case you didn't know, that he can't leave the country. Simply because he is Greek Orthodox, and not Islamic. Too bad President doesn't do his research before he goes to other countries and spills his guts.

Art,

Stop making things up it just shows you have a weak argument. President Bush went out of his way to say that Turkey could be a great partner of ours in the war on terror because although a majority of their population is Muslim, it is a secular state according to their constitution.

He never said America has changed and we are no longer a country where a majority of people are Christian, he meant we are a secular nation with a separation between church and state. He didn't throw Judeo-Christian in there.

Obviously we are a nation where a majority of people consider themselves Christian. I don't see anyone denying that fact. But we are a nation of laws flowing from a constitution.

Both Turkey and the USA are secular nations with constitutions. How well we follow them is up to us.

It starts with you telling the truth and not twisting the presidents thoughts to push your agenda.

We were never a Christian nation, although obviously the USA has always been populated by a majority of people that are Christians. There is a major difference between a theocracy and a Constitutional republic like ours.

I am not sure what I made up. I have done a lot of historical reading, and can actually read almost word for word writings around the time of Josephus, that gave very exact ways to have society organized in a legal way. You can also look it up. Those are some of the writings that inspired the writings of the Constitution. Talk to one of the local Greek Orthodox churches locally to see if I am right about the leader in Turkey. Just because Turkey is Islamic doesn't mean leaders haven't tried to align with them. So, tell me where the lie was. And, what is my agenda. Stop using redundant statements. Maybe try reading the total writings of Thomas Jefferson instead of simply reading portions. That will tell you the real mentality of the early leaders. Yes, we are not a theocracy. So, I guess I don't need you telling me that I am twisting truths, or pushing agendas. I still have the freedoms to put forth my ideas.

Art,

I am glad you brought up Thomas Jefferson. He is often considered a deist and that he helped create a separation between church and state in America. I don't see you going after him for any of that stuff.

You made up that Barack Obama said: we are no longer a Judeo Christian Country.

He never said such a thing. What he was saying is that in America, even though we are largely Christian, we have religious freedom and no particular religion or denomination governs us.

He was echoing the same thoughts of many going back to Thomas Jefferson.

until you read the full writings of Thomas Jefferson, I am done with the conversation. I have read his writings. Give me quotes of a complete letter. Because partial quotes mean nothing. I thank you for your verbage. I am turning off my computer. I will say before I do that we are a Judeo Christian nation. We have the freedoms endowed by the words written by our forefathers. We do not have the restraints demanded by Islamic law. But, we let them worship here freely. Unlike the reverse. Search it out. Be honest in your search, and then respond to if we are a Judeo Christian Country. Yes, we have people trying to erode that from our history. But truthfully, the reason Obama said that in Turkey was to try to endear himself to those in Turkey. This will probably be my last response to the blog. But, Lars, have a good night.

Artsurfer,

The Tea Parties consist of the AFA, Republicans, and the people in America that just figured out that things are screwed up.

If the right-wing Republicans are real Christians they wouldn't have tortured and killed people. Christian are supposed to ask for forgivenenss not debate wether they are wrong. Our Nation is suffering from eight years of Republican sin. These game show false prophet ministers are evil.

Right-wing conservative Repubican Christians are ignoring their sins and judging others and deciding the punishment. History has shown this approach hasn't worked well in the past.

That's why we started the United States.

Dear Nobody; If you could redo your blog to make actual sense, I could probably reply in a better manner. If you want to discuss who attended the tea parties, you have to do one of two things...guess and make statements out of ignorance, or ask someone who was there. Since I was there, I can answer who was there. Yes, there were people who relate to the A.F.A. (which is simply a website which gives out information) Yes, there were Republicans. I think that is still a legal group, and still allowed to gather. And yes, there were people in America that just figured out that things are screwed up. I also talked with Libertarians. Last time I looked, they were allowed to gather. Yes, there were Latinos. Y si, ellos puedan ir a los fiestas de te tambien. Y tambien muchos hispanos me hablan para decir estan muy enojado con los taxes como los otros. And, yes there were Jews. Jews still allowed to gather? Yes, think so. In reference to the "real Christians wouldn't have tortured and killed people". A bit vague wouldn't you say? If you are talking about "an eye for an eye"? Or, are you saying that you are offering to house a terrorist, in the same way that people adopt a pet from the pound. Then we will not have to worry about "killing or torturing them." And, can you please quote the Biblical scripture that says Christians (and I am correcting your verbage) are supposed to ask forgiveness and not debate whether they are wrong. And, can you clarify what you mean by that. That is almost an unanswerable sentence. Now, I happen to know some Christians that are Democrats. Are they absolved from any blame in your blog? And to end, I didn't know you started the United States...I kind of thought the first groups were Pilgrims.

Thanks to all of you for reading and commenting on my blog.

Thomas Jefferson believed in the moral teachings of Christ, but he did not believe in what he called the "hocus pocus," the unprovable and unbelievable. He was a strict advocate of the separation of church and state.

"I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man" is written on the Jefferson Memorial.

He wrote this in reference to ministers who preached from the pulpit against him in his race against John Adams.

Artsurfer,

You are like talking to Owen Paun? Duh...

I could care less who gathers.

Yes Christians have to admit they are sinners and ask for forgiveness. The right-wing Republican Christians support torture by supporting leaders who torture and by not speaking up.

Lastly, how do you know you saw Jews at the tea party? Where they Orthodox Jews and you could tell by looking at them or were you going around asking people if they were Jewish? This part of your "story" sounds interesting.

Well, this will be my last response, because since you again made no sense, I will respond to the question about the Jews being at the tea party. Since I was helping with the event, people felt compelled to tell me a bit about themselves. People actually felt comfortable telling me that they were Jewish. In terms of supporting leaders who torture, I guess it is which side of captivity or mayhem you lie. I think the recently held captive was glad his captors were killed. I was glad they were taken out. I am not going to ask forgiveness for that. Actually, according to the Bible, there is judgment, and there is forgiveness. If I feel compelled to speak up against something, I do. Maybe some people didn't speak up against "torture" of enemy combatants, because they actually felt water boarding was acceptable in that instance. Maybe they felt keeping our country safe was worth that type of effort to prevent further violence against our country by these people who vow to ruin our country by whatever means necessary. I guess you haven't seen the work of some of these radicals, aside from 911 Towers, and planes. I have seen how these radicals treat children, and women. It is horrendus. I have seen children having to walk 10 miles to a United Nations tent city at night so they would not be stolen to be forced to fight with these people, or the young girls having to be stolen to be raped. Young people with eyes so full of sadness that they could not smile, nor respond except with a stare. I have known people forced to fight with the Sandinistas of old, being kidnapped on the way to school. The people who are causing these atrocities are the ones we are trying to prevent their power. If the means is not by asking them to stop, I say "go for it". Until you start getting some first hand knowledge about things you reference, you will certainly not be very convincing. Maybe you should have gone to the Tea Party. Then you could speak from experience. But when all you do is try to put labels on everyone, or suspect that they may be at fault for something that you can't give first hand knowledge to, your argument is not worth noticing to me. So, I do hope your day is good, but this Christian is done trying to shed light on your empty statements.

Thomas Jefferson was also considered an "extremist," much like the Tea Party protesters at the County Government Center on Wednesday.

Absolute heresy to equate Thomas Jefferson with the brain-dead sheep at the Tea Parties

Uhhh, hello? Washington and Jefferson were the original extremists. It only becomes heresy when the left-wing media and nuts like "delusional" dislike the new Proposition 13 revolt that has begun in earnest. Deal with it!

The whole Prop 13/Jaris scare tactic is quite the money maker for Landslide Communications - which is owned by a Jim Lacy in Anahiem. How coincidental that a Jim Lacy is posting....

http://www.landslidecommunications.com/

Look at "About Us" and some of the slate mailers. Why I see Jim Lacy's name and Prop 13 stuff all over the place.

"People actually felt comfortable telling me that they were Jewish"

This is an incredibly obnoxious observation/comment.

Checking with the California SOS website, $100,000's have been paid to Jim Lacy and Landslide Communications on the "Saving Prop 13" PAC. They even got some of Elton's money in this last election.

Link to follow, but Jim Lacy and his companies have made hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars off of Prop 13 and other scare tactic mailers.

Artsurfer,

I think it's wonderful the AFA provided a kosher plate for their Jewish participants. I am sure your arm still hurts from pouring all the Manishevitz.

I have seen more than enough Republican hiding. They hide behind religion, family, our military. Every institution they have hidden behind they have damaged. Why would I want to go to a "tea party" to see more?

It is impossible to talk about fixing our problems unless we acknowledging the mistakes that were made. The tea party is not about fixing problems it's about transfering blame.

I have seen all the misery you speak of right here in the United States. Our children here have been raped by religious radicals. Are children here are kidnapped to fight in gang wars.

Who is coming here to save us from people like you?

These protesters have once again been bamboozled by big tax party donors into fighting AGAINST plans to reduce taxes FOR 95% of taxpayers. Do any of them realize they're fighting AGAINST their own self interests so that the big spenders behind the movement can keep paying 0% tax?

So, Republicans hide behind religion, family, and the military, huh? The next thing you'll be saying is they cling to their guns and bibles. Oh, never mind, I think somebody already said that.

Katie, as an aside, that was a tongue-in-cheek comment about people feeling comfortable talking about their backgrounds, comparing it to talking about yourself to someone who would attack as your blog. And yes, not nobody, i agree totally with your final blog. We are behind religion, family, and military. We also cling to our guns and Bibles.

Landslide Communications, Inc. is a legitimate political marketing firm that works for a number of varied interests in the political arena (not just anti-tax organizations). So, stop with the empty hyperbole, Katie. It sounds like more sour grapes from our famous ranter!

Tea Time, it is in very bad form to pimp for your business without revealing your interests - don't defend the indefensible or personally attack me for pointing out what should have been pointed out by the poster himself.

I looked at the California SOS links provided by $$$$$ and lots of money has been paid to Mr. Lacy - of course, he doesn't want his earnings jeoprodized.

What is it you have against free market system, Katie? I know you dislike all Republicans in Ventura County, but that doesn't give you cause to target a particular business.

Tea Time, you are all wet in attacking Republican Katie Teague.

Word

Tea Time,
Would you object to a discount porn store opening up in your neighborhood? Of course you would. Then why shouldn't Katie or anyone else have the right to decide what sorts of businesses are objectionable to them and then use the system to do somehing about it?

The point is this business does nothing to harm Katie. The only thing it does, in her limited view of things, is promote candidates and causes that she objects to. Well, boo-hoo...

Isn't that enough of an reason for Katie to justify her personal objection?

I don't object to the business - I object to the business owner trying to hide his connection in his posts and his actions. Big difference - it is all about personal integrity.

I guess I'm getting tired of being lectured by the likes of Katie Teague. When she can stand up and admit her motivations in opposing this business, which are purely political and designed to castigate a party that she has long ago abandoned due to her own sour grapes and angry/resentful attitude, then I will be willing to talk to her about personal integrity.

Tea Time,
I heard Mike Gibson bought his personal integrity at Walmart.

Yeah, I bet he's grinning with satisfaction though after the City Council's dumb action last night to help shoe-horn Walmart into the abandoned Kmart store on Victoria.

I know I'll be watching those campaign contribution filings to be sure he reports every penny he receives from Walmart in this fall's election.

Sorry never heard of this guy.

City Council candidates are extremely limited in what they can expect in contributions per interest group. $275 tops.

This is the guy whose old man is loaded, right? I think he has vowed to spend up to $50,000 of his own (i.e., Daddy's) cash on his campaign for city council.

He is a short-timer in Ventura (less than 5 years), so he doesn't really know what's what in the community. Sounds like he just wants to buy his way into office.

And...he's got an ego the size of his Daddy's bank vault.

I'm sure he'll be relying on Boss Hogg Osborn and Phony Tony to prop up his campaign too. God knows it can't stand on its own merits.

The state of Gibson's wallet and/or his daddy's wallet is probably being advertised by Gibson so don't take it to the bank. And no, he has nothing to do with Gibson guitars.

Maybe he can get his buddy, Dean Kunicki, to send some developer cash his way too. These guys all make me sick.

If Mike Gibson affiliates himself with people like Tony Strickland, Mike Osborn, and Dean Kunicki, he can forget about my vote.

Unfortunately, I think this guy actually may stand a chance in the city council election with all the negatives that the incumbents have working against them -- 911 fee, lost investment funds, budget problems, library problems, Nazi code enforcers, half-cent sales tax measure, building height measure, Walmart measure, etc., etc.

Mike Gibson is awesome! He is the one person who is willing and able to shake up the Ventura establishment mindset to challenge all the city council followers to think differently and contest the status quo. I think he'll do well in the upcoming election.

Mike Gibson's wife is the brains of the family. She just wants him out of the house.

Vote Walmart,

I'm interested in hearing what your position on Walmart is. If you can get your mind off of Mike Gibson for a second, that is...

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