Conspiracies are Income to Some
Conspiracy theories are no longer popular with only those who enjoy being part of an “exclusive group” of individuals who “know the truth” - they’ve now become a cash cow for many as well. The most well known example of this scheme that predates the last few years is Alex Jones and his darling InfoWars. In between his nonsense about Obama smelling like sulphur (because he’s a demon, you know) and chemicals turning frogs gay, you may be greeted with an infomercial about his COVID-curing nutritional products. (Fun fact: They don’t cure COVID)
Now, that grift has gone mainstream. Every tweet, every attacking retweet, every mention of expelling or being expelled, is an opportunity to fundraise for elected officials. Similarly, nearly every mention of a stolen election is usually followed by some ask for a contribution.
As somebody who has worked in campaigns, I get it. Effective fundraisers use every opportunity to ask for dollars, but I’ve always believed that it isn’t worthwhile to deceive potential donors, no matter the short-term benefit. Perhaps this is an issue for those doing the donating, but when you’re donating to a sham “legal fund” or donating to some effort that you think will overturn an election, do they think about where that money goes three, six, or twelve months from their donation?
Sorry to break it to you, your $5 contribution will make zero difference on whether the House of Representatives does or does not expel Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Reuters covered this a few months ago regarding donations to help Trump in his election lawsuits. The truth is, unless you were donating massive sums, not a dime went to any sort of legal fund.
Unfortunately, examples such as the one above aren’t the worst of the bunch. The worst are the PACs that have been setup, use the same messaging, and have no relation to the effort they are fundraising for whatsoever. Most of the time, those funds rarely are even used to impact elections in any meaningful sense. Instead, a group of clever politicos end up pocketing the money as “consulting” expenses, or the money goes to something completely different.
This makes it tougher for those that run legitimate campaigns and legitimate efforts to fundraise. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “I already donated to _____, which said they are doing the same thing!” Sorry, no, they’re not, and we don’t even know who runs that.
Don’t confuse this with PACs and independent expenditure campaigns that actually do thing. I’ve worked with many of them and they kick butt while spending money wisely. What I do suggest is that people be more cognizant of the groups they are donating to and what it goes to. If they’re saying the money goes to some sort of legal effort, look into if it really does, or if it goes into a black hole. Food for thought.
A Smiling Child
I live just a couple blocks from an elementary school in Brighton - so many mornings I’m confronted with a fleet of rushing vehicles attempting to siphon themselves to designated drop-offs. No matter how many architects you hire, rarely does a morning drop-off routine execute with any precision. Within each car is at least one parent and at least one child - a child who is most likely blissfully ignorant to the anxiety that their parent is feeling trying to drop them off and get to work on time.
Many children who live nearby also walk, and on this specific morning, a young boy, probably no older than 8 or 9, was waiting at the corner as my car approached. I stopped, looked at him, and waved to him to go ahead and cross the intersection.
The boy began frantically and enthusiastically waving his arms for me to go ahead instead. I only get that enthusiastic about anything when it involves carbohydrates - and never before noon.
Once he stopped, he gave me the biggest smile in the whole world. Just feet away, parents were probably uttering obscenities under their breath as the line slowed to a crawl, putting their schedules in peril.
For just a moment, nothing else mattered. I smiled back - probably the biggest smile I’ve given a stranger in awhile - and waved thank you as I went ahead. He waved back.
I don’t know who you are, kid, but don’t let this world take away that smile.
Virtue Signaling Meets Governing
The Colorado Senate Democrats have been putting out some interesting tweets that hint to the vaccine rollout in Colorado being a failure (to at least some degree).
Just take a look at some of these quotes - what conclusion do you reach?
“Colorado's vaccine rollout has been confusing & it continues to change…” (Source)
“Health disparities have widened during the pandemic, leading to disproportionate access to the #COVID19 vaccine for those most marginalized.” (Source)
“Health disparities have become exacerbated since the start of the pandemic, especially since Colorado started distributing the #COVID19 vaccine.” (Source)
The conclusion any person could reach is that this is an attack on whoever is administering the vaccine, no?
The issue with that hypothesis? Governor Jared Polis is in charge (and he’s a Democrat too). In addition, both chambers of the legislature are under control of Democrats, along with every statewide office.
I have yet to see a reporter ask the Governor, “Senate Democrats say your vaccine rollout is confusing, continues to change, and has led to disproportionate access to the vaccine, how do you respond?” but I imagine that’s because that’ not what the Democrats are trying to do.
What they’re trying to do is have it both ways.
Pander with virtue signaling while ignoring the fact that their party has complete control over state government. If the vaccine rollout has been confusing or if access hasn’t been equal, why aren’t they pushing their own party’s Governor to fix it?
I don’t have a strong opinion on vaccine distribution. Yes, it’s been confusing, but I’m willing to chalk that up to uncertainty with supply, etc, that makes it impossible to implement a comprehensive, permanent plan. As for disparity, it seems the key reason that minority communities aren’t getting the vaccine is due to their own skepticism about it (rooted in some terrifying and legitimate precedent).
Therefore, the issue isn’t with access, but perhaps with communication and outreach in those communities. But I digress.
I won’t pretend to have all the answers, but this is the issue with virtue signaling while your party is in full control.
Healing the Political Divide
I was honored to be interviewed for a Denver7 story about healing the political divide in our nation. The story aired last night. I have enough thoughts on this issue to fill a treatise, but it really boils down to recognizing our common humanity. That’s it. Love each other. You don’t have to sacrifice a single principle in an effort to acknowledge your political opponent’s humanity.
“Somebody has to be the adult here. Somebody has to say, you know what, we're not going to play this game anymore,” Naumann said. “I don’t know that those leaders have stepped up yet and, hopefully, we do because as it gets worse and worse, the stakes will get higher and higher.”
Side note: Meghan Lopez - the reporter who did this story - is one of Colorado’s best. If you’re interested in following good reporters, here’s her Twitter.
What Will Your Babysitter’s Mother Say About You?
If you didn’t see it, I wrote a piece about how political discourse in the United States has devolved to the point of prodding the mother of your childhood babysitter in an effort to advance a (dumb, confusing) point. I’d love your thoughts on the matter.
Love your neighbor. If that fails, make sure to at least love the babysitter.
Other Things of Note
Elected Officials and Social Media
A hammer isn’t the right tool for every project. Likewise, social media is usually the wrong tool for elected officials to demonstrate their competence.
Former Colorado Senate Majority Leader Mark Hillman (R) wrote an op-ed in Colorado Politics about elected officials, social media, and how tweets aren’t accomplishments. As a social media nut myself (and a communications professional), I have to remind myself of this sometimes. Regardless, Hillman is a friend and his words are wise. Give it a read.
Matt Welch on Maher
My best friend* Matt Welch (of Reason Magazine and The Fifth Column) is going to be on Real Time with Bill Maher on Friday. If you have the means, tune in. Welch is a voice of reason (heh) that I thoroughly enjoy listening to. I’m sure he’ll blow minds and inspire millions.
*as I explained about Matt’s co-host on The Fifth Column, Kmele, Matt also doesn’t know he’s my best friend yet, but after a year or two of him, Kmele, and Matt Moynihan in my ear, every week, on my drive to and from work, they get that title, whether they like it or not.
Kevin Faulconer for Governor
I was a part of the consulting team* that helped Kevin Faulconer win the race for San Diego Mayor after Bob Filner resigned in disgrace. Yesterday, he officially announced he will challenge Gavin Newsom (either in a recall or regular election) to become the next Governor of California.
I don’t always agree with what Faulconer did as Mayor, but there are a few reasons I support his candidacy. First of all, Kevin is a good guy. That may not seem like much, but I have worked with hundreds of elected officials and Faulconer is a genuinely good person who is humble and gracious. Secondly, he has experience leading. That matters. He can work with those across the aisle, he knows who to hire, he knows how not to screw up. Third, he has the right message. Stick to the issues, speak directly to Californians, and don’t fall into the conspiracy-spinning, Trumpian nonsense. You can’t win in California if you do.
I could expand upon this, but he speaks for himself. Go follow him on Twitter, check out his website, and keep an eye on the papers. If you’re in California, consider giving him your vote. He’ll be an excellent Governor.
*I was a young kid in politics when I was a part of Revolvis Consulting. I claim no credit for his victory. My biggest contribution was the design of an LGBT-themed rally sign that was prominently displayed during the campaign. Regardless, it was an awesome experience that I am thankful for.
(Digital) Vintage Tie Museum
On a non-political note, my drug deal—ahem—vintage clothing dealer, Benny Reese of Reese’s Vintage Pieces (Pomona, CA) has a new Instagram page dedicated to his massive collection of vintage ties, which spans the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Give it a look and a follow if you’re interested in seeing just how lame ties have gotten in the last half a century. Many are for sale if you want to look as cool as me!
Speaking of Vintage…
Here’s what I wore today. 1960s green tweed sport coat (sourced locally), 1950s/1960s tie, some modern pants and a modern shirt. Topped it off with a William F. Buckley pin from his New York City mayoral campaign in 1965.
I need a haircut.