GOP leadership is out of touch
Advertisement
Text size: small | medium | large
Joe Keady
Published: August 5, 2008
I’m an independent and letters such as Delegate Frederick’s are laughable, regardless of which party they are from. Does he think the party faithful are total fools? If it looks like a duck and quacks like a
duck, don’t you suppose the intelligent voter, GOP or Dem, sees a duck? “…a package of innovative solutions to the transportation problems…” that “…(did not involve a single new dollar in tax
increases).” Increased fees aren’t taxes? Sure sounds like a duck. I can’t accept such euphemisms without question. The idea a stream of new money comes without increasing taxes or raising fees is
illogical. Funding comes from increases in taxes or cuts in services; it’s a zero sum game. Using euphemisms is only an attempt to cover up reality.
Leaders not knowing what the future holds don’t tie their own hands by signing pledges not to raise taxes when it might be the only realistic option. It isn’t rocket science; passing a minimum increase in
the gas tax to pay for the roads provides a logical funding method. In case the political “leaders” missed it, this results in users paying for the miles traveled, including truckers and out-of-staters just
passing through. No one wants more taxes, but when it is more fair and equitable AND gets the desired results, increases are easier to accept. As a businessman, Delegate Frederick understands
marketing and its use to sell products; the need for a minimal tax increase to solve major transportation problems in the commonwealth is the product.
Leadership requires the gumption to resolve a problem rather than stonewalling and opting out of doing anything. Competent politicians work with their and opposing parties to accomplish results for their
constituents. Leaders do what is right for the people rather that what is politically expedient for the party. Delegates represent constituents, which includes more than just party members in their district.
Solutions that limit the tax to local users don’t seem fair, except to a political party hack.
Mr. Chairman, it appears the GOP leadership in Virginia really is out of touch.
JOE KEADY
Dumfries
Page 1 of 1
Post a Comment
The commenting period has ended or commenting has been deactivated for this article.
Can't find what you're looking for? Try our quick search:
Reader Reactions
Posted by ( jVA ) on August 10, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Hey mmarin, thanks for the comments.
“I dislike lumping people into large groupings such that saying that low income or elderly voters trend democrat. I think people vote for themselves based on how they feel they should be governed. “
Maybe, but I’m not trying to lump anybody or making any generalizations. Its just a statistical fact that elderly and lower incoming voters tend to vote democrat. No doubt there are individual exceptions to that, but it doesn’t change the larger trend.
I’m not really disagreeing with your thoughts in general on identity theft, cigarette boxes, etc; I just disagree about the motivations of Jeff Frederick (as did the editorial in the Washington Post). It seems either a little naive or a little disingenuous to claim his aims were totally altruistic. He has a job to do as the GOP chair. And high voter registration/turnout is statistically not good for the GOP.
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( mmarin ) on August 09, 2008 at 11:16 am
jVa,
I think we can agree that it’s a campaign strategy and tactic.
I dislike lumping people into large groupings such that saying that low income or elderly voters trend democrat. I think people vote for themselves based on how they feel they should be governed. Or, at least I hope that’s how they do it rather than voting on just party affiliation.
Mr. Frederick may have come out not smelling like roses on the quote but the general idea is sound. Identity theft can occur anytime you provide someone with your identity information and it’s either misused, mishandled, lost or stolen.
It just seems to me that in your words those that lack the maens or ability to enroll themselves into the system in a more traditional sense should be given a fair warning as to what may happen. If we can put a warning on a cigarette box I don’t see the difference in warning those poor and disadvantaged persons that thier data may be misused.
Personally, the more people that vote the better. Getting people to understand what government is and does is paramount in our society. My only hope is that people just don’t vote a D or R ticket based on false hopes and impracticle promises.
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( jVA ) on August 08, 2008 at 8:43 am
I don’t begrudge you if you’re ok with his tactics (and voter supression is a GOP tactic). I’m not even arguing that its not a legitimate stategy. Republicans do generally win when voter turnout is low. But you’re not going to sell me that Jeff Frederick as the VA GOP Chair is just out there trying to help protect Virginians from identity theft.
“I think what the Hon. Jeff Frederick is saying is; register to vote at the county office or at the DMV. “
I’m sure you’re right. Because the people who have spare time to drive to the DMV or have a car to get to a county office are less likely to low income and elderly voters who trend Democrat.
This isn’t a security issue. This is campaign strategy. Admire him for it if you want - but at least be honest.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/03/AR2008080301430.html
“there is not even a whiff of evidence that identity theft is taking place in Virginia under the guise of registration campaigns. Mr. Frederick’s message amounts to a classic attempt to suppress votes. “
“Asked for proof of identity theft in voter registration drives, [Frederick] told us, “I bet it exists somewhere.“ “
My favorite part! “I bet it exists somewhere.“ That guy is awesome!
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( mmarin ) on August 07, 2008 at 3:52 pm
As a security professional I always discourage people from disclosing personal information about themselves to untrusted persons. Even ‘trusted’ entities are suspect. I have a job because companies and government can’t be trusted with our personal information.
Drive around any neighborhood with a WiFi enabled laptop and if you see a WEP enabled hotspot you can break into it in 3-5 mins with the right tools.
I think what the Hon. Jeff Frederick is saying is; register to vote at the county office or at the DMV. Atleast it’s a safer alternative than to give out yer personal information to someone you just met because he has a sticker on his shirt.
Personally, I don’t even show my ID when I go vote. In Virginia you can sign an Affirmation of Identity as long as you are on the voter roles.
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( MikeHodge ) on August 06, 2008 at 8:50 am
Well stated Joe!
Report Inappropriate Comment
Posted by ( jVA ) on August 06, 2008 at 8:48 am
Jeff Frederick is one of the most skilled Republicans in Virginia. He has clearly mastered every trick and slimey strategy in the GOP playbook.
My personal favorite was his attempt last month to discourage people from registering to vote by telling them they were putting themselves at risk of identity theft. Now that’s skill! He’s like the LeBron James of voter suppression. If you keep voter turnout and registration low, Republicans win almost every time.
Jeff Frederick: Shining Knight of Democracy.
Report Inappropriate Comment