Dancing the Sidestep

Johnny Walker

@KingstonJW on Twitter

One of my favorite movies of all time was a 1982 musical comedy featuring actor Charles Durning as the Governor of Texas. He was only one of many big names, like Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds, but Durning had the singular honor of dramatizing The Sidestep by Carol Hall in political song.

Fellow Texans, I am proudly standing here to humbly see.

I assure you, and I mean it- Now, who says I don't speak out as plain as day?

And, fellow Texans, I'm for progress and the flag- long may it fly.

I'm a poor boy, come to greatness. So, it follows that I cannot tell a lie.

Ooh I love to dance a little sidestep, now they see me now they don't-
I've come and gone and, ooh I love to sweep around the wide step,
cut a little swathe and lead the people on.

32 years after the original 1978 Broadway production of the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, we can look back and smile at the comedic stereotype and appreciate the humor. Less humorous; however, is knowing that at a time when our country is at the crossroads of social, economic, and political upheaval, the lie of the sidestep will likely have major consequences. I’m not talking about big institutional conspiracies like hiding UFO’s or something, but the small individual lies that reflect the health of a politician’s morality and core values; the stupid and unrepentant lies of avarice. Let me give you a few examples of sidestepping liars.

In the hotly contested race between 14-year incumbent Jay Inslee (D) and challenger James Watkins (R) for Washington’s 1^st Congressional District, Jay Inslee had been sidestepping arrangements to debate Watkins throughout the campaign. Inslee finally agreed to a single debate on the evening of October 18th on Bainbridge Island, a Monday night late in the season after mail ballots were on the way, and a ferry too far for most working constituents to take advantage of. Hosted by American Legion Post 172, it would be on his home turf to guarantee the friendliest audience plausible; “neighbors” as he put it. During the event, Inslee sidestepped a question about his probable bid for the 2012 governorship (again) and then further sidestepped into a lie. When asked to explain his absence from a ceremony he sponsored legislation for honoring Bainbridge High School graduate Bud Hawk, World War II veteran and medal of honor recipient, Inslee said he was in Washington DC “fulfilling his constitutional duty.” But it turns out he wasn’t there. According to the Seattle Post Intelligencer, he was at Seattle's Convention Center hobnobbing with Ford Motor Co’s Alan Mulally. Why was it so important to lie about that?

34-year incumbent Norm Dicks (D) of Washington’s 6^th Congressional District did a little sidestepping recently as well. After not showing up to a September 20^th scheduled debate with challenger Doug Cloud (R) in Sequim, his campaign manager told the waiting crowd that Inslee was on his way to Washington DC to cast some important votes. But there was a problem with that. There apparently weren’t votes scheduled for that day or the next, and KOMO news placed Dicks in Everett, WA, attending a Boeing labor rally. Norm Dicks sidestepped into a lie. A debate between the two was finally cemented in Sequim on October 13^th, a Wednesday early afternoon in the cozy town 90 miles from the district’s dense populations centers; another sidestep I have reported on in some detail.

Just to be clear that dancing the sidestep is not a sport constrained to the Pacific Northwest, consider the campaign of Richard Blumenthal (D), Connecticut Attorney General campaigning for the Senate against Linda McMahon (R). You would think that a man of such legal stature would be careful about sidestepping lies but apparently not. Speaking at an event honoring veterans, Blumenthal told the audience he served in Vietnam. But the New York Times reported that just wasn’t so. Instead, Blumenthal received a series of deferments that allowed him to finish studies at Harvard and then he joined the Marine reserve in Washington to avoid deployment to Viet Nam. He also claimed to be captain of the Harvard swim team; not so.

Democrat Warren Buffett, billionaire activist, is quoted to have said this:

“Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. But if you don’t have the first, the other two could kill you.”

Over the decades, a number of politicians have let us down with sidestepping and lies from all parties. Dancing the sidestep is not nearly as funny in reality as it was in the movie. I think Bill O’Reilly would probably call them all pinheads. But I think we should just call them all "retired."

Vote for integrity in 2010. Know your candidates and vote smart. November is coming.

Doug Cloud Prevails in Sequim

by Johnny Walker

@KingstonJW on Twitter

As I rode my bike into the cozy waterfront town of Sequim, Washington, early Wednesday afternoon, I imagined that after 34 years in office and having carefully negotiated the venue, incumbent Congressman Norm Dicks (D) of Washington’s 6^th Congressional District would be feeling pretty confident for this one and only public debate with challenger Doug Cloud (R). Sequim is roughly 90 miles or more from the district’s most dense industrial population centers of Tacoma, University Place and Lakewood, and another hour’s travel from the port cities of Grays Harbor. Even Bremerton is 60 miles. The mid week early afternoon time all but cherry picked a limited audience, mostly senior voters who would remember his years of service. They would be a warm and polite crowd, almost friends who remembered “Norm” as always being there. But such was not the case. Yesterday’s titan of Washington politics crashed harshly against the reality of change and the failure of hope. With stark differences in style and content, Doug Cloud routed Norm Dicks.

The clues were certainly there. Norm Dicks stepped silently onto the stage at Sequim Community Church about 10 minutes before the 2:00 PM debate, sat quietly studying his notes and speaking occasionally with organizers. The League of Woman Voters had coordinated well for the moderated event and it showed. But then “the Cloud” arrived and a spectacle happened. Just moments before starting time, an enthusiastic and almost spontaneous applause erupted in the room as Republican Doug Cloud walked in. It was a rock star moment, and Cloud seemed almost surprised by the clatter; he turned toward the audience extending his palms out, smiled broadly and waved, thanking them from the stage. Game on.

If Norm Dicks had ever been confident coming in to the debate, this moment was his reality check. Staring almost blankly at Cloud, he melted into his chair and worked to ignore the din. This was not going to be easy and it wasn’t for him. Here are some “blog bites” of analysis:

• Doug Cloud ripped into Norm Dicks’ repeated claim of bipartisanship and proposed bipartisan solutions, noting that Dicks has voted with Democrat Nancy Pelosi 99% of the time. After 34 years, why would he change now? It isn’t likely.
• Norm Dicks earned an almost universal groan from the audience when he blamed the “prior administration” for the current deficit. While the Bush administration was culpable, Dicks hides his leadership role in a Democratic Party majority for the past 4 yrs. Norm Dicks was and is part of the problem.
• In consideration of earmarks, Doug Cloud wants Americans to stop relying on sugar daddies in DC, while Norm Dicks has historically used earmarks for patronage, even at some risk of ethics violations. Acknowledging, “Earmarks may have gotten out of control,” Dicks insists Congress should keep this selective power of the purse. Cloud called earmarks “a means of corruption” to buy votes and I agree. Earmark style initiatives should stand on their own merits with transparency.
• Norm Dicks’ approach to job creation is to federally fund infrastructure projects and to attack fraud, waste, and abuse. At first blush, this seems like a good idea but why hasn’t he been doing this all along? With 34 years in office, Dicks has not worked to build sustainable budgets that support critical infrastructure and now wants to use the unemployment crisis to pander temporary jobs. He has failed in his oversight position to proactively manage the money he was entrusted with. Doug Cloud is a bit more pragmatic about “make work jobs,” saying they “make people temporarily happy just long enough to vote.”
• Doug Cloud’s approach to jobs is to reduce taxes and cut federal spending. He has strong positions on how to dismantle and potentially eliminate both the Department of Energy and Education, reassigning necessary functions to other departments while eliminating overhead and putting self governance back in the hands of local citizens. Norm Dicks says this will cut jobs. Dicks is correct that it will cut government jobs but transfer necessary work to the private sector. And because it will allow business to keep more money, they can invest in job creation in viable markets that create wealth. I don’t think Norm Dicks grasps the value of reduced government spending to control the deficit, nor does he understand how to infuse dollars in a private sector that can actually create new jobs without taking it from someone else first. This is fraud, waste, and abuse.
• In a revealing discussion on taxes, Norm Dicks defined tax cuts as the same thing as government expenditures. Think about this a moment; Dicks is saying that not taking your money (taxing) is the same thing as spending it on you. Dicks has trouble reducing the budget because he thinks your money is the government’s already. “You can’t cut taxes without paying for it,” said Dicks. Yes, you can. You can reduce government and give it back to the people, stop spending money that you don’t have and you can stop borrowing .40 on every dollar you want to spend.
• On health care, Cloud was clear on expectations to repeal and replace (I always have to emphasize replace) with Norm Dicks defending the plan that nobody read or fully understands even today. Unintended cost increases, limitations in choice and services are already manifesting regardless of government promises and there is now open talk on rationing. A strong majority of voters now understand this is a bad idea. Does anyone remember Dicks being bipartisan on health care?
• The Second Amendment discussion was equally polarized. Cloud answered the question unequivocally in support of the Second Amendment and articulated why, including the defense against tyranny. Norm Dicks avoided addressing the Second Amendment directly and talked about bolstering budget for the National Guard. He did acknowledge that sportsmen had a right to get a license, but avoided discussion on the individual right to bear arms. He blinked. Don’t trust Dicks with your gun rights.

Of course there was a lot more to the debate and I have only chosen a few snippets here within my time and space.

If the 2008 elections were a time of “hope and change,” then the 2010 elections are an opportunity for “change and deliver.” I haven’t seen a lot of results from hope and change so far has put us even deeper in debt, stolen our liberties, and made us even more reliant on government than ever before. The government has even implied I am a racist for simply questioning their wisdom. This is the Norm Dicks, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi model of governance. It is progressive Obama-ism in the context of transforming America. The transformation has to stop.

After 34 years in office, it is time to say goodbye to Norm Dicks as a revered titan of progressive Washington politics and patronage that has stayed past his time. It is time for Doug Cloud.

Doug Cloud will restore individual liberties and government accountability; he will seek to reduce government spending to sustainable levels and narrow government power to constitutional levels. It is time to restore our house.

Ballots came in the mail today at many Washington homes. The time for change and deliver is now.

Know your candidates and vote. November is coming.

Observations at a Tea Party, Olympia, WA

by Johnny Walker

@KingstonJW on Twitter

It was a comparatively small assembly organized by the Pierce County Tea Party, perhaps under attended due to the competition of customary campaign activity so late in the political season, but for those few hundred who showed up in Olympia yesterday it was as if there were thousands. They were passionate about their beliefs, some calling it “principled”, proud to be there, and eager to hear guest speakers talk about the dangers of a big government that has gotten out of control. And so, for a few hours in the middle of a clear but cool northwest day, it was all grass roots politics on the Capitol steps.

Off to the side near a cluster of small booths, I saw the 6^th Congressional District challenger Doug Cloud (R) and his team welcoming everyone within reach, working hard to get out his conservative message of fiscal responsibility, accountability, the economy and jobs. No sign of incumbent Norm Dicks (D), who has apparently earned a reputation along side so many other Democrat incumbents this year to avoid their challengers. The Campaign for Liberty folks were present, as were some from the Freedom Advocates and Constitution Party of Washington, all with their unique windows to the definition of American liberty. It seemed at the moment that Democrats didn’t like tea very much…

Present among the regional celebrity talent was Keli Carender, nationally known for organizing the first 2009 tax protest in Seattle that later became know as the Tea Party movement. She buoyed the crowd with a morale boosting speech that focused on the values of self-government. She introduced her ideas about how “self governing solves most of the problems.” “Government will steal your life, liberty and property,” said Carender. “If we have no money left because taxes are too high, how do we teach our children to be good neighbors?” Big government “breaks the bonds of civil society…” leading to reliance on government and not each other. “We will be generous, we will be charitable, but we will do it in our own way!” Don’t be surprised to increasingly hear Carender speak and refine her views as time goes on. 2010 is the matter at hand but 2012 is just around the corner.

Across the drive and away from the crowd, I introduced myself to Thomas, a 40-year-old Spanaway man who with a friend was watching and taking photographs from a distance. An African-American, I wanted his thoughts on Tea Party “extremism.” I found Thomas to be an articulate, educated, and self-described historian. Slowly warming up to the unwanted attention, he acknowledged that he didn’t really know if Tea Party activists were extremists or not but was there to check it out. Waving his hand broadly across the crowd, he remarked, “There is nothing there.” That bothered him. “There aren’t any people of color.” In further discussion it seemed as if Thomas wanted to get involved but was constrained by skepticism and what he didn’t know. Describing the U.S. Constitution as a “brilliant” document, he observed it was essentially the same today as it was in 1857 when the United States Supreme Court decided in Dred Scott v. Sanford that no person of African ancestry could claim citizenship in the United States (simplified). What Thomas didn’t explicitly say was clear to me in context; neither he nor his companion could yet tell if the overwhelmingly white Tea Party activists were of same mind with the 1857 court, or not. He only knew they were advocating the same Constitution.

Later, I spoke with Nilda, a 45-year-old Olympia resident and Philippine-American (of color?), who was with her family. “They are full of baloney,” she said about people who accuse the Tea Party of extremism. Neither she nor her husband, Jimmy, could recount any extremism during several Tea Party events.

I asked 57-year-old Michelle from Lacey a more direct question; “Why do you think there aren’t more people of color here?” She didn’t know but told me a story about how she invited an African-American friend to be with her at the rally but had declined. Michelle said her friend “thought she would be tarred and feathered” had she shown up. I trusted the sentiment of her remark more than the letter. Michelle went on to wonder whether or not people were so indoctrinated to focus on color that it was hard to overcome to just be an American.

I sought enlightenment once more leaving the rally, asking Rosemary from Lacey about her background. “I’m an American,” she said. Sweet.

I still find myself thinking, “What does all of this mean?” Does a lack of racial diversity in Tea Party organizations somehow mean they are inherently racist? No, I don’t think that is the case at all. But I do think that the lesson of Thomas and Michelle suggest there could be greater outreach and education that Tea Party values equally apply to all flavors of Americans. While I don’t subscribe to any conclusion that a failure to have leaders and speakers “of color” make Tea Parties racist or extreme, it is probably true that greater inclusion of diversity communicates they aren’t. That might be something worth chewing on.

Know the issues and the candidates before you vote. November is coming.

Photos: top center, family sits together with flags at on the Capitol building steps; Left side descending; author Johnny Walker; Keli Carender aka Liberty Belle speaking to the crowd; Olympia resident, Nilda; Lacey resident, Michelle.

Kitsap Patriots form Tea Party - with Republicans courting Support

Friday the 13^th seemed a bit unlikely for such an auspicious assembly but packed under an open air shed at the waterfront park in Silverdale, Washington, yesterday, more than 250 people gathered to formally “kick off” the Kitsap Patriots Tea Party organization. Sixteen months ago, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D) called the Tea Party an “Astroturf campaign” and many pundits believed that it would fade as quickly as it arrived. Apparently “Tea Partiers” didn’t listen. Complete with pot-luck, children at play, grandparents, music and politicians seeking support, the so-called “radical fringe insurgency” is still growing strong.

It felt somehow appropriate that a local candidate for Kitsap County Commissioner, Abby Burlingame (R), would help open the formal proceeding by singing the national anthem, and she did it so well that I suspect it will earn her votes. I had a great conversation with Abby after the event. A long time Republican, Abby acknowledged that Republicans have history of alienating some people. She says she is working hard to overcome that and sees the Tea Party as a beneficial way to listen and get out her message for sustainable budgets, jobs, and accountability.

Keynote speakers for the evening included American’s for Prosperity’s Kirby Wilbur, Keli “Liberty Belle” Carender, and Bob Williams of the Evergreen Freedom Foundation. Several regional conservative candidates were also present to enlist support and spend time at the podium. Here are a few quotes from the many choice memories.

“We have good news. November is coming!” Kirby Wilbur and others…

Kirby Wilbur: “It was the Tea Party that gave Republicans the courage to say no,” “to oppose Obama,” “to find their way.” “The Tea Party said, “no”, first.”

Keli Carender reading from Palin-style hand notes with great amusement of the crowd. “We rented our house out to politicians… we are kicking out the bad renters” and “moving from the political class back to the people.” “We have to be active; we have to be present.”

Bob Williams: “The Tea Party is a warning shot to Republicans.” “Wake up and get back to basic principles.” “Freedom is the duty of every citizen.”

James Watkins (R) for Congressional District 1: “We can’t afford our government anymore.”

Matthew Burke (R) for Congressional District 1: “I am the radical Republican that believes the Constitution says what it means and means what it says.” “Abolish the failed Department of Education, Fannie and Freddie.”

Dan Griffey (R) for the 35th Legislative District - Pos 2: “The nanny state isn’t working anymore…” “We need to educate not indoctrinate.”

Linda Simpson (R) for the 35th Legislative District - Pos 1: “Government is running like a special interest group.”

Doug Cloud (R) for Congressional District 6: “We’re fighting for the God-given right to self determination.”

James Olsen (R) for 23rd Legislative District - Pos 2: “I am proud to be pro-life. I am proud to be pro-family. I am proud to be pro-military.”

These are just a few of the messages sent by candidates and I have to say, it seems almost unimaginable to me that anyone would think of this kind of assembly something more menacing than a patriotic and a sincere effort to remind politicians that government earns power through the consent of the people. Of course, if you believe in socialism over the republic in which we stand, then I suppose it could scare the hell out of you.

November is coming.

Photos: top left; Abby Burlingame sings the National Anthem, center left to right; Kirby Wilbur, Keli "Liberty Belle" Carender and Bob Williams, lower right; first designed U.S. Navy Jack "Don't Tread On Me" flag.

Picnic Politics on the Kitsap Peninsula

Was it a picnic, a pep talk, or a conservative think tank with some of the most active and influential movers in Kitsap County? Graciously hosted at her beautiful Poulsbo home by Kitsap County Republican Chairman Sandy LaCelle, the KCRP Summer Picnic turned out to be a bit of all three. I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure to be amongst so many conservative movers and shakers since the 2010 Convention in Vancouver.

Some of the honored guests in attendance, pictured and identified clockwise because it is just seems wrong to say “left”, are: “Firefighter” Dan Griffey for Washington State Representative 35^th District; Doug Cloud for Congress, Washington State 6^th District; James Watkins for Congress, Washington State 1^st District; James Olsen for Washington State Representative 23^rd District; and Pete Deboer also for a Washington State Representative spot, 23^rd District. Not pictured here were special guest Kirby Wilbur and other notable personalities.

It didn’t surprise anyone for Kirby Wilbur to show up. As a widely respected personality with a long affection for Kitsap County, children playing in the pool didn’t distract one word during his keynote pep talk.

“Jobs,” he said, and holding up his wallet to emphasize the point, “this is the most important thing in this election.” Kirby implored the diverse crowd to not get distracted with unproductive messaging. “We can’t just say we’re not them; we have to say what we’re going to do about it.” This was a key message because it helped clarify that it just wasn’t about what conservatives were “going to do about it” but what they were doing about it right now. You bet, Coach, it’s pep talk time.

“There is a lot you can do by not doing,” he said. “We can still lose this election!” Kirby went on to warn about the implied progressive mandate as the result of a conservative failure. “If you think it is bad now,” I overheard in the crowd.

Then easing the mood as only Kirby Wilbur can do at a moment like this, he embellished a Churchill quote, “or was it Yoda?” [Personally, I think Yoda smoked cigars and probably said it first... Churchill was a Jedi] “It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what is required,” said Sir Winston Churchill. The point, Kirby emphasized, was that supporters need to have more than just a “yes we can” spirit during the campaign, they need to have done those things required to say, “yes we did” after the votes have been counted.

Kirby also stressed the importance and value of Tea Party organizations and said. “I give credit to the Tea Parties for saying, "Not with my country... not with my country."

Other informative from snippets worth mentioning…

In a short discussion with James Watkins about the financial gap between he and incumbent Jay Inslee, “We can’t outspend them but we can outwork them.” He expects the gap to get much smaller after the primary.

Before meeting James Olsen for the first time, I asked an onlooker what he thought about the first time candidate. “He’s not afraid to open his mouth,” he said. In response, James smiled broadly and quipped, “Truth in power.” I imagine we will be hearing much more about James Olsen.

It was a productive weekend for conservative politics on the Kitsap Peninsula.