The King's View

Linda McMahon's Wrestling World of Death

2012-01-25T08:15:00.000-05:00

Nancy & Chris Benoit; former Linda McMahon employees
who died in a horrific double murder, and suicide
RIP, victims of drugs and work-related pressure

On January 11, 2012, U.S. Senate Candidate Christopher Shays issued a press release which included comments regarding Linda McMahon's Pro Wrestling business, "Let’s think about it: She’s got over 41 people 50 years and younger who’ve died in her jobs. That’s quite a job record that she’s created." Of course, those in the McMahon camp do what they do best whenever questions are raised about McMahon's so-called business background - and that's to read from the script they've been provided, and change the subject.

What amazes The King and his Court, is that Linda McMahon is the first to repeat the same line over and over, "I've created 500 jobs" and then when you go to ask her specifics about her line of business - she runs like Hell, or has no comment. No comment?

Most voters in Connecticut don't understand the wrestling business. It seems to The King that the target audience of wrestling shows are meant to appeal to those who are ages 8 - 16 and collect action figures, and immature adults who thrive on yelling, violence, and sexual innuendo. If you think about Mrs. McMahon's industry as a product - it's not one that parents want to see on their shelves, or beaming into their living rooms every Monday night.

Sure, all television has components of violence, even the news - but Linda McMahon's product is violence. And unfortunately, her product is also Death.

As everyone knows, the McMahon's pockets run deep. There are a number of critics, who, over the years, have provided insight into what goes on behind the curtain - but many of them have been silenced by enforcement of legal contracts which forbid them to talk about what goes on behind the scenes. As a result, not many people are talking. And the fact remains that the industry is very small - everyone knows everyone, and no one wants to be blackballed in the industry.

When it comes to the horrific tales of wrestling performer deaths who've been under the employ of the McMahons - the numbers are staggering. One of the best sources for this information comes from the website: Concussion Inc. owned by Irvin Muchnick. Muchnick is the author of the best sellers Chris & Nancy: The True Story of the Benoit Murder-Suicide and Pro Wrestling’s Cocktail of Death, Wrestling Babylon: Piledriving Tales of Drugs, Sex, Death, and Scandal, and other written ventures. His expertise includes researching and reporting on concussion related injuries including those in the National Football League, and professional and amateur sports. To be clear, Irv Muchnick is NOT politically motivated nor is he a resident of Connecticut.

Included on Mr. Muchnick's site are some interesting stories, such as:

The auction of a chair used on an employee that may have contributed to their death and full text of comments he supplied a blogger.

Tweeter David Bixenspan of the Bleacher Report posted the following on Twitter yesterday:

Even if you stick to the wrestlers who died while working for the company, WWE is still being misleading.
Rick McGraw is missing since I guess he wasn't "under contract" in spite of wrestling for the company full time.
Eddy Guerrero's death certificate has steroids listed as a contributing cause to his heart disease
Similarly, Brian Pillman's death certificate has cocaine listed as a contributing cause to his heart disease.
The accident was of course Owen Hart, where they were pretty clearly negligent and settled a wrongful death case.
The issue is if WWE encourages or ignores certain habits while the wrestlers are in the company, not if they died working there.
WWE may like to pretend it's about to deaths while in the company, but it's not, and even then, they distort that # & what it means

In 2010, writers at The King's View were aware of some of the facts involving the WWE and wrestler deaths, and we noted that they never seemed to get a fair hearing by Connecticut's media. The Hartford Courant has done a huge disservice by Connecticut residents by failing to use journalistic resources to investigate, or even report on the serious allegations and claims about Professional Wrestling deaths of active and former employees of the WWE.

One section of Mr. Muchnick's site deals specifically with the 2010 death of Lance Cade. This death occurred during the same period as when Linda McMahon was last running for Senate. The lack of reporting on this matter implies a direct cover-up by our media who appear to have intentionally ignored or blacked out this story. To this day the Media still refuses to press McMahon on her business practices or on WWE employee-related death matters (with the exception of The Day which covered this story with input from Chris Benoit's father). They barely mention the steroid hearings which involved WWE and Linda's husband, Vince McMahon. Why? And why were there no questions about it during the debate between herself and Senator Blumenthal?

There are some that suggest a number of interesting conspiracy theories connected to the McMahon Media Black-Out. One rumor involves a prominent paid lobbyist firm which is coercing or paying The Courant not to report on various matters (perhaps more on that issue at a later date), and there is another theory that claims that secretly, liberal writers at The Hartford Courant and other media outlets are praying to God or Athena (or whatever) and manipulating the news so that Linda McMahon becomes the Republican Candidate - because they know she will get blown out again no matter who she runs against. While the former seems a tad far-fetched, the later is plausible given where she sits in the polls, and the absence of the mention of the other three Republican candidates (Brian K. Hill, Kie Westby and Christopher Shays) in last week's Sunday Courant cover story regarding certain candidates humble beginnings.

I want to be clear that I am not accusing the McMahons of intentionally causing harm or death of any of their employees - that would be a lie. But there is a lot information out there that suggests that something just isn't right. If the best you can do when asked about employee deaths is to argue about the number, well that suggests that something really is amiss. Facts show that the WWE didn't even establish a Health and Wellness program for their employees until February 2007 after the media caught wind of the drug abuse scandals. And the policy is still under scrutiny for allowing performers to work with injuries.

It's time for the Connecticut Media to stop seeking ad dollars from the McMahon camp and step up to the plate and let their reporters do their jobs. And I don't mean positioning a blogger as part of the "clipping service" to post and retweet other people's thoughts all day - but reinstate useful journalism in an unbiased fashion.

Connecticut's BEST JOURNALIST Ann Nyberg is clearly right about one thing - the state of journalism is in decline these days. The reporting on the 2010 and 2012 campaigns are a clear example.

Before ending, I have to ask why some of our most respected CTGOP Leaders would align themselves with a candidate who's made a living creating and distributing violent and pornographic trash. Many of the same people who purport to support traditional family values seem to have turned a blind eye to the impact of televised shows featuring near-naked girls rolling around on a wrestling mat (a form of "soft porn" as the former Congressman mentioned) and dozens of steroid injected men running around in tights? Does this industry make you really proud to stand next to Linda McMahon? As a Mayor of a big city, is it worth embarrassing yourself or killing your reputation for a promoter of such filth? Does it make sense that Connecticut would send a Pro Wrestling Promoter to Washington on its behalf? Really? Is she the best and brightest that Connecticut has to offer? We thing NOT!

And when you look at the staggering numbers of those who've passed away under her employ, Senator Markley and Mayor Moccia - what do you say? She was just unlucky? Perhaps the 500 jobs she's actually referring to in her ads include steroid runners, medical staff, hospital professionals, defense attornies, grave diggers, and funeral directors. Don't believe me, look at the list in the bottom of this article, and note the ages. Who should be held accountable?

As an aside - isn't it ironic that the same very people who are screaming and yelling about online gambling (just another vice) don't see anything wrong with Pro Wrestling as a product? Well, maybe its because they aren't getting a personal pay-off or a "donation" placed in their pocket to overlook the obvious. Hypocritical? You bet.

We can do better than Linda McMahon. And if our Convention Delegates are already bought and paid for - that's fine - the people of Connecticut, won't be!

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

Disclaimer: This entry and others will be modified/updated at a future date. All entries are for the sole purpose of entertainment.

REPORT: Dean-Visconti Resolutions sent to Sub-Committee

2012-01-24T19:40:00.034-05:00

Here is a quick update for those who've been following the Dean-Visconti Ethics Resolutions saga --

It was decided that there would be neither a full-fledged debate or a call for an up-or-down vote this evening. Instead, the Resolutions will be sent to a sub-committee for study and/or possible modification. The Committee will either accept or amend the Resolutions and forward them with their recommendation to the entire body for approval or rejection.

The Sub-Committee will be chaired by State Central Member Michael Vitali (Wallingford). Given his reputation, Vitali is expected to be a fair and impartial arbiter.

The King would also like to recognize State Central Members Mr. Scott Veley and Mr. Mark Pappa for their courage and fortitude to present these Resolutions despite "pressure" not to do so. And we would be remiss to not state our appreciation to CT Republican State Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr., who stuck his neck out to make sure that the Resolutions would get a fair-hearing in Committee. We believe that Chairman Labriola has a vested interest in running an impartial State Convention for both members and voters of Connecticut.

It's The King's View that the individuals selected to serve on this Committee should be left to study and review the Resolutions in detail without undue pressure and criticism from outside forces. After weighing the pros and cons, we pray they will come to the logical conclusion that the Resolutions should be passed not just for the good of the Connecticut Republican Party but more importantly - to better our political process in Connecticut.

I AM,

THE KING

Comments on the Week's Activity

2012-01-21T17:22:00.007-05:00

This blog has been published under different owners, incantations, writers, and publishing services since 1996. During those years, there have been a lot of battles won and lost - and being Republican - I'd have to say mostly lost. You can always tell when you're winning because when your positions have merit and it's impacting the outcome of the game - the opposition almost always turns from the subject at hand to attack the opinion writers. This week we saw one of the most disgraceful attacks on a political activist in recent memory - the unacceptable personal attack on Joseph Visconti. Our opponents have demonstrated their weakness of character. And from what I have seen and heard, their actions have caused considerable damage to themselves. This is the case even in the eyes of the mainstream press.

To set the record straight, there are a few things that need to be said about Mr. Visconti:

-- When the CTGOP was nearly broke and ready to close it's doors this past summer, Mr. Visconti (along with M. Clark) organized a fundraiser "Good Luck Back" to raise cash so that Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr. and his staff could have a headquarters from which to work from on behalf of Connecticut Republicans. Don't believe it? Ask Jerry.

-- Despite lacking full-time employment (construction jobs are in the tank), Mr. Visconti attended multiple fundraisers to support a great number of candidates, and helped Party-build - despite his financial situation, and due injury to himself

-- Mr. Visconti volunteered to assist over a dozen candidates across multiple districts and towns by attending events, helping with campaigns, and advertising through the use of his truck (in fact, he ran the truck into the ground doing so). He accepted only nominal contributions for gasoline reimbursement as part of the billboard hauling cost.

-- At the end of the Legislative Session when Democrats were forcing the Bathroom Bill on the books, Mr. Visconti went to the LOB and fought alongside the few activists willing to lobby against the bill. Where was everyone else?

-- Mr. Visconti has recently worked to solicit donations to support both the Family Institute of Connecticut, and the Connecticut Republican Party Straw Poll.

-- Despite false claims by his detractors, Mr. Visconti has neither asked for, nor taken one red cent for any of the work that he has done for the organizations mentioned above, including the Good Luck Back Fundraiser. Unlike so many others, he didn't barge into Chairman Labriola's office under false pretenses offering his services while at the same time demanding a piece of the action. In fact, he is one of the few people who has consistently offered to support the CTGOP and has stood by Chairman Labriola, Jr. through a tough start up period   Instead of supporting Labriola like they should, many discontented individuals scheme hard and long about how to undermine him. Trying to plant a wedge between Labriola and Visconti is just another of those failed schemes.

--And also, if you didn't know, Mr. Visconti after being denied the opportunity to run as a Republican in West Hartford - collected signatures, forced a primary, and ultimately became an elected Town Councilman for our Town of West Hartford! He did this all while dealing with a tough divorce, raising children as a single parent, and making bi-weekly trips to New York so his father could receive cancer treatments.   Mr. Visconti doesn't have a selfish bone in his body. Later, after no one had the guts to run against John Larson, Visconti took up the challenge while juggling all of the above, and sadly having to say a final good-bye to his father. Mr. Visconti kept it all together, and unlike Linda McMahon and others, he didn't give up the ship and file for bankruptcy (like he could of) - or cut and run.

-- Sure, Visconti has challenged the status quo. He's taken unpopular positions on Blue Back Square (which BTW is for sale), and on conservative issues, and has helped to champion cleaning up the existence of PATRONAGE within our withering Party via the Dean-Visconti Resolutions. Based on this act alone, we can understand why some feel so threatened. Why else would insiders and certain Candidates fight something so simple? This is something that should be a standard and a matter of common sense. If you're a delegate to the State Convention, are you really afraid to wear a badge saying that you've been paid by or are employed by your Candidate of choice? You'd think you'd be more than willing to wear a badge and brag about it? Heck, lobbyists wear badges, what's the big deal?

But to sink to the lowest level possible by posting (and distributing) personal information about a non-candidate's financial life and family history is by far the most heinous act seen in some time.  Believe me, I get a couple emails a week that tell of tales about candidate and non- candidate indiscretions, family issues, arrests, settlements, suspected crimes, and other such things. But I don't print these types of stories or approve these comments because - there are limits. I think we learned this week how some people plainly don't know any better - they represent the very worst in our society and are merely bottom feeders.

The simple fact is that what is driving some of these surrogates to act goes well beyond politics - the unwritten story is really about lies and jealousy. Hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn? Oh, yeah... Bingo!  The political component is just a vehicle to take revenge and the politicians are well aware of exactly what strings to pull to solicit a response.   And it conveniently serves both the personal goal and the political aim to diminish a critic. It was poorly executed because it backfired! We'll leave that there for now.

About two dozen of you have written to me out of anger and surprise about what you've seen transpire. Frankly, some of the names blew me away (hush hush). Of course, we have to realize that when it comes to rocking the boat where money and power are concerned - there are always dangers and the expectation that some people will stop at nothing especially when millions of dollars are at risk.

But just because someone has tens of millions of dollars to blow in their quest for power and position doesn't mean that they are any less accountable for their behavior, product, voting record, candidate contributions, and political positions, etc. Of course, these candidates rarely get involved directly, instead they send their surrogates to do their dirty work - whether it be a volunteer, paid staffer, or a pretend newspaper reporter, they are all of the same ilk - temporary, and unprincipled. They are just like a giddy schoolchild looking for praise and a gold star from their teacher - pick me, pick me!

We at The King's View accept that over the last year or so we have hit a few tender spots and exposed incredible dysfunction within the Connecticut's Republican establishment. The question people often ask me is why? Why do we bring down fire and rain on our own? And why now?

Before I begin, I'm going to start by saying that whatever rationale I provide, it will never-ever be acceptable to those who consider themselves the keepers of the the established Connecticut Republican Orthodoxy (a.k.a. and using the term humorously - "The Establishment"). Here is OUR RATIONALE:

-- The treatment of former Congressman Rob Simmons at the 2010 State Convention by Linda McMahon, Chris Healy and McMahon surrogates was unacceptable. Vote fixing, payments to delegates and RTCs and other forms of patronage damaged the integrity of the process.  Now we are seeing the whole thing starting all over again - a concentrated effort to stock the Convention with paid-for delegates, and make Chris Shays and Brian Hill receive less than 15% so they have to go out and collect signatures.

- We do not support candidates who give or gave donations to Democrats unless they were Democrats or Independents at the time of contribution and later switched Party. "Business consideration" is not a reason to help unseat a sitting Republican, or donate to Democrats. As a rule, Democrats do not give to Republican Candidates citing the same ridiculous reason. (Note: Lisa Wilson-Foley gave money to John Larson during this time - what a pal).

- We support the overhaul and removal of all deadwood leaders in the Party, and those who only participate solely for personal profit and business reasons. Many of those in CTGOP positions only seek to expand their personal wealth and have long since given up on advancing Republican ideology/policies. These people are happy to give the public impression that "they tried." Well, that's not enough.

- We are sick of losing. The last time Connecticut Republicans held the StateHouse was decades ago. The endless second place finish is appalling, and the fact that some are satisfied willing to see Connecticut gerrymandered in a manner where it doesn't impact their district is disgraceful.

- We continue to see Connecticut Leaders support poorly qualified candidates, or candidates they know can't win in exchange for financial contributions to their campaigns, businesses or Town Committees. The fact that these Leaders have supplied their endorsements proves they have lost the plot. Many of these people have lost ALL INTEGRITY.

- We see a organized effort to undermine Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr. by those who were part of the political alliance that previous lost or sought power. And we also see their ongoing effort to belittle him behind his back, and so forth. It is a daunting task to look out into a crowd and know that a little less than half the people in the gallery have a dagger with your name on it (figuratively speaking of course). To be VERY clear, there are also many GOOD people on the other side of the equation trying to help and get things done.

- We see disrespect and mistreatment of Tea Party Patriots by some elements of the CTGOP, notably those in Fairfield County. Certain campaigns have worked very hard to divide Tea Party members and pit them against each other. Eventually, these issues will come to light.

- For years, Connecticut Republican leaders have surrendered on social issues. We have not. And we will continue to beat that drum until Social Conservatives have a seat at the table. One leader said "We don't do Guns, Gays, or God." If we don't - who will? We can see how taking progressive positions on social issues has really helped us at the polls. We're not talking about becoming insensitive or hateful towards various groups - we ask Republican Representatives to stick up for basic traditional principles - such as traditional marriage, and keeping perverts out of our public bathrooms. Too much to ask?

- On the other side of the equation, we see weak leadership by our Capitol minority leaders who more often then not capitulate to Democrats in the name of progress and collaboration. Taxes are high, jobs are scarce, and businesses are leaving. The jobs bill was a disgrace.

For the most part of our tenure at The King's View we have focused on the State of Calmity owned by the Democratic Party. Their crimes against Connecticut and its residents are a disgrace. But you can't mount much of an offense with the watered-down version of Republicanism sold here. The real version which has been successful in the overwhelming majority of the other 49 States is not welcome by our Capitol Leaders and a great portion of our State Party Leadership (Jerry Labriola, Jr. not included - he is the real deal). Before we ever get to compete toe-to-toe with our mortal enemies, we set ourselves up for disaster. If we were a basketball team, we'd be considered self-checked.

Avon Native and Public Relations expert Ed Candels once told me, "If you always do what you've always done, you always get what you've always got." We are experts at that.

There are those who would disagree with The King's View, and that's perfectly fine. This blog is about a set of opinions on a variety of topics important to The King, not anyone else. For someone or some group to get bent out of shape about what's written in these pages is pretty pathetic. The King's View is not state enforced, mandatory reading (although it should be). My favorite insults are: "you're a nobody", "no one reads your blog" and "no one cares what you think." Ok, Good. Then what the hell are you doing commenting about it then? Amazing!

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

Disclaimer: This entry and others will be modified/updated at a future date. All entries are for the sole purpose of entertainment

The Curse of Chris Healy!

2012-01-19T23:49:00.007-05:00

King Tutankhamen

Not every piece at The King's View is going to be of the stoic, tedious political variety. You'll have to go to The Hartford Courant and read one of Kevin Rennie's columns if you're looking only for that. :) We've been urged to throw in a bit of humor now and then to keep the setting light. After all, humor is the music of the soul. And we could all use a bit of laughter to get us through the winter blues...

3500 years ago in Ancient Egypt there lived a Pharaoh named Tutankhamun. The boy-king came to power at the age of 7 after his father, Akhenaten, was forced to abdicate his throne by Egyptian high priests after an uprising over his family's attempted force-conversion of Egypt to monotheism - specifically, worship of the God Aten. Guided by his step-mother, Nefertiti, Tutankhamum ruled Egypt until his untimely death at the age of 18. Theories abound that the cause of death was suspicious, but scholars believe that he simply died of infection resulting from a broken leg, combined with leiomyomata.

Tutankhamen was buried in the Land of the Pharaohs along side other noble Kings and Queens. As with the ritual of the time, a curse was installed by use of the magnetic placement (N/S/E/W) of the four magick bricks in accordance with Chapter 151 of The Book of the Dead (The Shabti figure "workman", the Torch, the Jackal, and the Djed Pillar). The words: "Death will come to those who disturb the sleep of the Pharaoh" were inscribed in hieroglyphics on the Wall of Tut's Tomb.

Despite several unsuccessful attempts at tomb robbing over the centuries, the tomb remained sealed until discovered by Lord Howard Carter on February 23, 1923. Upon opening the tomb, the curse was released, and the God Osris took revenge on dozens of those involved in descretion of the tomb (extending further misfortune to family, friends, and even pets) . History shows that six years after the opening of the tomb, twelve of the original excavation team were dead. And only one survived up to 1939.

Origin of the Healy Curse

The old bridge now referred as
"Healy's Bridge" still stands today

The story has been related to me as follows: Once upon a time, a young Chris Healy grew up a boy of privileged means. At the age of 23, he went to work on a pivotal Congressional Campaign. On election night, he was charged with the important responsibility of delivering a box of absentee ballots that a campaign worker had found outside of a polling place lying in a dumpster. He was directed to take the box from the polling place to the Town Hall for tallying. Given the location of the precinct, the ballots were considered favorable to his candidate, and would likely be the critical element that would win the election for his candidate .

Feeling proud and confident, young Healy began his journey. But instead of taking the main road to the town center, he opted to take a short cut by way of the old train trestle that crossed the winding river. In his haste, he ran and lost his footing in-between two planks, and tripped. Healy watched as the box of ballots flew high into the air and slowly and steadily zig-zagged to the water below. A saddened Healy continued to the Town Hall knowing that he may have accidently sealed his candidate's fate.

Upon arriving at the Registrar's Office, he was met by elderly Egyptian woman who had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the ballots. When poor Healy related his story, her dark eyes narrowed and she abruptly flew into a angry rage. The woman waved her hands in the air and screamed at Healy alternating between English and Arabic. She gestured at him, pacing to and fro for twenty minutes while a drained Healy looked on through his coke-bottled glasses.

Suddenly, she stopped. She then looked him squarely in the eye, and moved toward him stopping at nose length. She raised her golden cane so that the handle baring the image of the Egyptian God Horus stared upon him. The woman breathed on him, and in a heavy accent chanted, "As a direct descendant of the royal family of Queen Nefertiti, King Akhenten, and King Tutankhamen, I set your fate! From this day forward, you are cursed. Any campaign you oversee, will crumble. Your plans will run-afoul. And men will laugh. " Trembling, young Healy put his head down, and walked out in the November frost. He never to returned to that town again.

The Healy Curse Today

CANDIDATES TAKE HEED!
The appearance of this Pharaoh on
your doorstep will bring doom!

As readers are aware, there is no question about the lingering effects of the dreaded Healy Curse. One doesn't have to look much further then the results of last few years to see that the curse as alive and well. From a sympatheic perspective, we sense this must be painful. Can you imagine the personal horror associated with knowing that everything you touch turns to dust? Seeing the fear in people's eyes because they know you have the reverse-Midas touch?

For those who don't believe, let us provide some evidence.

In 2006, Healy managed Rob Simmons re-election campaign to failure. Simmons lost by a mere 88 votes - certainly an avoidable loss caused by a strategic blunder in the Mansfield-Storrs area.

As Chairman, the Connecticut Republican Party lost a favorable Republican Congressional District, seeing an overall reduction from six seats to five.

2008: Under his Chairmanship all Federal offices were lost to Democrats.

2010: All federal offices remained Democrat while National Republicans recaptured the House of Representatives, and picked up U.S. Senate seats.

2010: Connecticut's Governorship turned Democrat after a failed get out the vote strategy. Democrats took most State Offices, and kept majorities in the StateHouse and State Senate.

In 2010, the Connecticut Republican Party nearly went bankrupt, and the Party torn asunder by corruption through vote purchasing, profiteering, and cronyism during the State Convention and the US. Senate Race.

Also in 2010, his short lived campaign for Republican National Chairman failed, then he jumped on board to support Gentry Collins, where he publicly assailed the eventual RNC Chairmanship winner Reince Priebus.

2011: Healy joins Tim Pawlenty Presidential Campaign. After a few months, it folds.

2011: Healy runs Middletown Mayor Sebastian Guiliano's re-election campaign. Guiliano loses re-election.

2012: Healy named head of Rick Perry's Connecticut Presidential team. Perry drops out.

2012: Healy takes over Lisa Wilson-Foley's campaign. Result?? TBD. (But you know where I'd put my money if I were a gambling man.)

I've only highlighted a few examples from the Healy Curse. I'm sure there are many more fine examples that can be highlighted by our readers. It makes you really wonder why so many people follow this guy given his track record. Why allow him to set up a shadow State Chairmanship knowing that the result will always be the same?

Dr. Hawass is frightened for the public

In fact, the Healy Curse has become so well known, that Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt has publicly expressed concern about the situation. In a recent letter to CTGOP Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr., he wrote, "A Curse of this magnitude should not be taken lightly. Perhaps it would be better if Healy himself were shipped to Cairo to be made a permanent part of our exhibit. He would make a fine addition to our collection of artifacts."

In closing, my dear candidates - local, state, or federal - if you see Pharaoh Healy headed toward your campaign office - lock the door, turn out the lights, and grab your protective amulet. Else, your campaign may suffer the consequences of the deadly Healy Curse!

Be Warned! Be on your guard!

I AM

THE KING

Have a great Weekend! Enjoy the snow!

Disclaimer: This entry and others will be modified/updated at a future date. All entries are for the sole purpose of entertainment. No Egyptians were hurt during the creation of this piece. All rights reserved, except those with curses and infectious diseases.

CTGOP Ethics Resolution Creators Punished!

2012-01-17T21:46:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wondered how Connecticut Republicans who defy the will of State Party insiders are treated? Have you ever wanted to know how long-time conservative activists who've worked their hearts out to bring transparency and ethics to our processes are dealt with? Have you ever been curious about just how far Connecticut's Republican leaders would go to manipulate local politics in an attempt to punish whose who challenge the established order of things in order to affirm their power and control?

Well, this little story might shed some daylight on just that. This piece is meant to serve as cautionary tale for Republican activists who seek to change the status quo.

As you are well aware, in November of last year, two former Connecticut Republican candidates - Martha Dean, and Joseph Visconti created a set of resolutions to be entertained by Connecticut Republican State Central members which would require that delegates who are paid directly or indirectly by a campaign or its vendors would be required to wear a badge indicating their paid association with the sponsoring candidate. The concept was meant to address the clear corruption evident at at the 2010 Connecticut State Republican Convention which saw Linda McMahon collude with paid delegates and RTCs to win the U.S. Senate nomination over Rob Simmons.

The resolutions, known publicly as the Dean-Visconti Resolutions, were presented out to State Central Members in December and were expected to be debated and voted on this month. The goal being to address the appearance of a conflict of interest ahead of delegate section prior this year's GOP State Convention.

It's has come to The King's attention that over the last week, insiders representing Lisa Wilson-Foley, and possibly Linda McMahon (with assistance of former State Chairman Chris Healy - a lead staffer for Wilson-Foley) have actively campaigned against the resolutions, and have tried to make backroom deals to punish those responsible for both creating, and presenting the resolutions up for consideration. One does not need to be a rocket-scientist to recognize the dotted lines between the 2010, and this year's set of antagonists since the players have remained the same; only a few of the roles have changed. As a matter of record, The King has received communication from several RTC members which claim that Wilson-Foley, McMahon, and Healy have openly expressed their opposition to the resolutions, and their desire to make sure that "they go nowhere."

I will only address those things which are public and leave the sordid details of private conversations, and actions taken outside of the public purview alone - at least for the time being.

Last week West Hartford Republicans held their caucus to select Republican Town Committee Members to serve a 2-year term. Former West Hartford Town Councilman and former First District Congressional Candidate Joseph Visconti was one of the individuals up for nomination for the WHRTC. Long-time manipulators of WHRTC went out of their way to ensure that Visconti failed to be elected to the RTC. As a matter of controversy, an employee of Wilson-Foley's campaign who only within the past few months moved to Connecticut (from Pennsylvania), and who has no service or accomplishment in West Hartford was intentionally selected by West Hartford insiders to serve on the RTC over Mr. Visconti. The fact that Mr. Visconti has devoted years to helping West Hartford Republicans get elected, himself served with distinction, and has been a generous attendee at WHRTC Fundraisers made no difference; the fix was in. The act of bouncing him from selection was out of pure spite, and a ploy unleashed in tag-team fashion between Lisa Wilson-Foley's campaign and Linda McMahon's camp to ensure that a McMahon activist was placed on the RTC. (The connection between the Wilson-Foley camp and McMahon camp is well-documented - as even apparent on opensecrets.org).

Second and clearly not a coincidence, former 2-time CT Attorney General Candidate Martha Dean, attended the Avon Republican Town Committee Caucus last evening to seek election to Avon's RTC. As most people are aware, Dean has been a regular attendee, and a consistent financial supporter of Avon Republicans for many years. Using numbers as their weapon, Martha Dean was intentionally blocked by Lisa Wilson-Foley's supporters from being elected to Avon's RTC (information provided by witnesses to the travesty). For Godsake, this is how we treat a stalwart defender of constitutional rights, and one of the few Connecticut activists willing to stand up publicly to challenge the liberal agenda of the far left? Ms. Dean has worked tirelessly to help Republicans across the state including even those with far more moderate positions than herself. This treatment is beyond outrageous!

The evidence is crystal clear to those willing to see it. Visconti and Dean have been intentionally marginalized through the collusion of those who have long abandoned Republican ideals. If you don't like an idea, eliminate the opposition - this is surely not in the mission statement of the Party of Lincoln that most of us have come to believe in.

How will this effect the resolutions, or the State Convention. I guess we don't yet know. But the public should understand that the requirement to become a Republican State Convention Delegate doesn't necessarily include being an RTC member, however - it's clear that RTC members are usually given first preference during the selection process. The underlying reason for excluding both Visconti and Dean is to make their appointment to the State Convention Rules Committee nearly impossible, and their appointment as a delegate more complicated.

We humbly suggest that both West Hartford and Avon RTCs revisit was has transpired this past week, and reflect on the public ramifications of punishing loyal, hard-working, conservative activists to satisfy the goals of two multi-millionaire nominees who are using RTCs to advance their personal ambitions for public power and prestige.

We call on West Hartford RTC Chairman Peter Martin, and Avon RTC Chairman Brian J. Ladouceur to correct this gross injustice and find Mr. Visconti and Ms. Dean spots on their respective RTCs - which they so justly deserve. Allow them to contribute and serve on behalf of the many ethical Republican constituents that they represent. We ask you to rise above the corruption, and help them and Dean-Visconti restore respectability to the CTGOP which is long overdue.

I AM

THE KING

Disclaimer: This entry and others will be modified/updated at a future date. All entries are for the sole purpose of entertainment

Lisa Wilson-Foley's donations to Chris Murphy

2012-01-13T12:00:00.000-05:00

Do voters in CT-5
really know what Lisa
Wilson-Foley stands for?

Given that Chris Murphy is the odds on favorite to win the Connecticut Democrat Party's U.S. Senate nomination sometime over the next few months, we found this tidbit (courtesy of NewsMeat.com) interesting as Republicans battle it out to determine who will be their candidate to represent them in Connecticut's 5th Congressional District race. The information below clearly shows that Wilson-Foley gave five grand to Democrat Chris Murphy, which was used to help unseat then-incumbent Republican Congresswoman Nancy Johnson.

Granted, this seems like ancient history (and we know its been previously reported), but what we find problematic in all of it is that Lisa Wilson-Foley has given donations to at least two prominent Democrats - John Larson and Christopher Murphy. Much like Linda McMahon's strategy, Wilson-Foley seems to have hedged her bets, so what does that say for her principle? Whether or not these contributions were truly ideological or not, is not known, but one thing is clear - like many would-be politicians, she has placed self-interest ahead of the public-interest which is an attribute voters want to see less of from their public servants in 2012 (at least on the Republican side).

Wilson-Foley has made a grand fortune from the healthcare industry which is not troubling, per se. Up to now and as a private citizen, she has earned her money honestly and no one can take that away from her. However, this nation is in an ideological war over the decision about whether or not we will devote 1/6th of our GDP to President Obama's National Healthcare scheme. Wilson-Foley has previously made statements supporting national healthcare, although lately and since becoming a candidate - she's made statements against it.

Much like her rationale to send cash to competing politicians on both sides of the aisle, would she also sell her vote to the highest bidder? Or to the one who would see her the largest personal profit? We just don't know.

Foley, Lisa Avon, CT 06001 Blue Fox Enterprises/President	MURPHY, CHRISTOPHER SCOTT MR. (D) House (CT 05) COMMITTEE TO ELECT CHRIS MURPHY	$2,300 primary	06/25/07
Foley, Lisa Avon, CT 06001 Blue Fox Enterprises/President	MURPHY, CHRISTOPHER SCOTT MR. (D) House (CT 05) COMMITTEE TO ELECT CHRIS MURPHY	$2,100 primary	03/30/06
Foley, Lisa Avon, CT 06001 Blue Fox Enterprises/President	MURPHY, CHRISTOPHER SCOTT MR. (D) House (CT 05) COMMITTEE TO ELECT CHRIS MURPHY	$700 general	03/30/06

And please don't get cranky with me for publishing these figures. I don't have some personal vendetta against Lisa Wilson-Foley - although her significant financial contribution to help unseat an incumbent Congressional Republican is distressing. It's critically important for voters in CT-5 to understand who and what they are voting for. Generally speaking, what's most consistent about Lisa Wilson-Foley is her lack of consistency on politics and policies - and that is very troubling to both voters and insiders, alike.

The fact that she was one of the first Republicans in CT-5 to announce her candidacy, and the fact that so many Republicans have subsequently decided to jump into the race speaks volumes about Republican concerns with how she would represent constituent in Washington. Everyone knows she would become an immediate magnet for healthcare lobbyists.

Congressional District 5 has a lot of good candidates for Republicans to choose from. We just aren't sure that Lisa Wilson-Foley is one of them. It's The King's View that Republicans are best to sort this situation out before Chris Donovan and the Democrats do.

I AM

THE KING

Disclaimer: This entry and others will be modified/updated at a future date. All entries are for the sole purpose of entertainment

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? Or How About $20?

2012-01-09T16:04:00.005-05:00

One of the most annoying aspects of the campaign season (as if it's really seasonal) is the endless amount of junk mail, (and now thanks to the advent of social media) tweets, posts, and email asking for donations from political candidates, PACs, and Political Parties. Given the scarcity of disposable income, an 8-9% unemployment rate, rising taxes, and the stress of having to make ends meet, being asked to cough up greenbacks to help support another person's crusade seems a bit presumptuous, if not downright frustrating. And the language in some of the fundraising correspondence I've received is not just misleading, it's dishonest. The world will not be swallowed up into a black hole by Satan if so and so doesn't get a donation from me. Sorry we aren't that gullible.

Now before some of my friends in the GOP start getting uppity, this isn't a piece urging voters to not donate to Republican candidates, but rather a reasonable look at what they'd be getting for their buck, if anything. This piece is written from a voter's perspective, not a candidate trying to beat the clock to show progress against their competition on a ledger. That's not our problem.

Donating to the State Party:

First let's start with the State Party - the Connecticut State Republican Party. Most of us have seen several fundraising schemes distributed over the last few months from our friends at CTGOP. The first was an invitation to join the CTGOP 2012 Club. (contributors where asked to send in a check for $20.12). I'm not quite sure what happened to this or how many people joined, but I haven't seen anything more about it recently - so I'm going to assume that this idea has been shelved. There's been banter about a foul-up involving the 2012 Club - but I'm going to leave that go for now since it seems it's neither here nor there.

The latest scheme involves paying $20 to participate in an online Presidential straw poll. Last week you may have seen my tweet: "Does anyone have $20 I can borrow? I want to vote in this #CTGOP online presidential straw poll. This isn't a form of online gambling, is it?". Of course, the day that the correspondence came out about the online poll, former Governor John G. Rowland was ranting on WTIC 1080 about the dangers associated with online gambling, so I found the timing mildly amusing and thought I'd poke fun at the idea. The tweet was retweeted by a few other tweeters, and a few people got a little steamed at me for my unique sense of humor. What am I going to do with you people?

Look, having thought about it, the online poll for $20 isn't the worst idea, but it isn't the best idea either. The timing of this is a little odd given all of the controversy surrounding reports that Senate Candidate and Pro-Wrestling Mogul Linda McMahon has sent donations to several RTCs and may be purchasing convention delegate votes, while an ethics resolution is pending review at State Central Headquarters. The fact that CTGOP would go down the road of selling (poll) votes to raise funds is disappointing. As one reader pointed out, this fundraiser was created by people who who want to intentionally thumb their noses at those trying very hard to eliminate the impression that Connecticut's Republican Party is for sale.  Alas - the point is well-taken, but there is little that can be done at this point. It's The King's View that a little more caution might have been in order before shoveling more controversy atop of existing controversy.

The bigger question is whether it makes sense to give money to the Connecticut Republican Party, at all. If you were to consider yourself an investment banker, and Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr. walked into your office and asked you to invest in the CTGOP, what would be the first question you would ask him? Why, you'd ask for a WRITTEN BUSINESS PLAN which would contain a list of specific goals, a high level outline of how goals would be achieved along with a detailed roadmap showing how he would get there. You'd also expect to see a detailed budget of how the money would be spent. Business 101. Not very complicated, right?

The simple fact is that right now no such plan exists. And I've been getting a lot of heat for supporting the new Chairman for so long and giving him a free pass, and putting the blame for disorder on former Chairman Chris Healy. Well, the six month honeymoon is over, and like President Obama - the statute of limitations on the blame game has expired. I'm not going to go out of my way to hammer the new Chairman, but I can't defend him at this point if there isn't a strategic plan, and our coffers are nearly empty. And I would not be inclined to mail him $20 without knowing that he and his staff, or the 72 members of State Central had a formal plan in place. And there is no secret plan hidden under a floorboard in New Britain, and a verbal barrage of impromptu thoughts doesn't cut it. The only plan that is acceptable is one that is formally written down and has been vetted, and approved by State Central members. Anything else is simply unacceptable. Anything else is lip service.

Before I move on, let me point out that you don't need funds to create a plan. Anyone who tells you that is a liar. You only need utilize the depth of experience from within the Party membership to assemble a plan. So cut the excuses - pick a weekend, pick a team, and have a working session and get it done. No plan is going to fall out of the sky. After you get a good plan together, then you can pester people for money. For now dear Republicans, keep your $20 in your pocket.

If someone from the Connecticut State Party asks, "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? Or $20?"

You reply: "Brother, Can You Get Off the Dime?"

Donating to Political Candidates:

I've always believed that if you were going to donate money in politics - then you should do so by donating to the candidate of your choice, directly. Not to a PAC working on behalf of your candidate, but ONLY to your candidate of choice. If you decide to donate to a PAC for specific purposes - that's fine, just keep in mind that your money may be merged into a fund and used for all kinds of purposes unrelated, or even contrary to your desires! Fact is that tracing PAC money expenditures is pretty tricky. I happen to think that a lot of these consultant firms, PACS, and so-called think tanks are full of people who've created a phony business around themselves so they don't have to work for a living like the rest of us. Scam City!

In The King's View, there are really two reasons to donate to a candidate - 1) they are actively running and you believe they can win, or they can make the opposition spend their money (else it will end up in the coffers of another GOP candidate's opponent, or opposition PAC), or 2) to help a previous candidate clear their campaign debt. Too often people in the first category are promised big things from Party hacks who encouraged them to run in the first place, and end up in the later category having overextended themselves and find that they're left holding the bag. Not everyone can write massive checks to themselves like Linda McMahon and Tom Foley, which is why I become incensed when people of means put out a fundraising letter ripping their primary opponent for carrying a campaign debt that they could have helped to reduce, in part or whole. Fact, it's even more amusing to me to see how frugal some of our richest candidates have been when its come to donating to Connecticut Republican campaigns at all (see http://www.opensecrets.org). They'll drop $600 bucks on a big dinner in New York, but could care less about anyone else, unless it comes with a favor attached. Simply amazing. Now mapping who donates to who and why is another story for another day.

I'll have to say that a candidate like CT-5 House of Representative Candidate Mark Greenberg sets the standard in terms of generosity to fellow Republican Candidates. That in itself shows that Greenberg cares more about Republican Party goals instead of selfish ambition for promotion and power. There are some CTGOP candidates who haven't shelled out a single penny to ANY candidate, yet I bet you'll see an email begging constituents and RTC members for their hard earned cash so they can fund their campaign.

I also suggest that if you get a campaign fundraising solicitation from a candidate that is full of negative bullet points about their opposition, that you don't donate to their campaign. If you reward negative campaigning with cash, you're opt to end up encouraging more negative campaigning, and never see anything tangible about what the solicitor plans to do if elected.

And by the way - millionaires and billionaires don't need a penny from you - how do you think they became millionaires and billionaires?

I want to make one more point on the topic of donation solicitation when it comes to being asked to donate to either local, state, or federal campaigns which voters should remember - if you can't afford to donate, then don't. Don't be guilted into sending in money that you need to manage your own life. As one person told me: "You can't save the world if you can't pay the bills."  And a decent candidate will accept that, they WON'T keep badgering you for a smaller increment, or suggest a payment plan. That is bollocks!   All you need do is VOTE. There is no obligation to donate just because you care more about the political process than the guy down the street. Personally, some candidates could better use volunteers rather than cash - the value of hardworking individuals - making calls, folding fliers, and going door to door is invaluable!

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

(Composed by Jay Gorney; version recorded by Al Jolson, 1932)

In summary, I'd say think twice about the whole business of sending donations. Give to those deserving of your hard earned cash. And don't give to anyone or any group that claims it needs money to get itself organized. Ideology doesn't require cash, it requires smarts, conviction, and dedication. Money can't buy those aspects.

In closing, here are a few of The King's Rules for donating to PACs , Candidates, and Political Parties and Groups:

Validate that the political correspondence comes from a legitimate organization, and/or candidate. You can do this buy calling the campaign directly or contact the Secretary of State's Office.

If the soliciting brochure contains more bullets and information about the sender's opponent, rather than the sender than throw the brochure in the trash. Or better yet call the sender and tell them you tore up their brochure because it tells them nothing about how they are going to solve the economy, jobs problem, energy, etc.

If the fundraising correspondence is written by anyone other than the candidate themselves, than throw the correspondence in the trash. There is nothing worse than being bullied by someone from another district, state, or political office telling you who to vote for. You can make your own mind up without someone half a continent away telling you what to do.

If you have a question about where a candidate stands on an issue before you donate, call their campaign and ask. If they don't know, ask them to find out. If they don't want to tell you or they give you a cryptic answer - don't donate.

If it's a political party, call the party and ask them exactly how your money will be spent. If you like what you hear then donate, if you hear some broad answer like "use the money to defeat democrats" or some boring sales pitch with few specifics, then hang up. Also, be aware that only a percentage of what you donate will go to the CTGOP, as in previous years, individuals working to help collect money are getting a HANDSOME percentage of the cut. That part of it is the single most dishonest part of the transaction - what the rest of us in the real world refer to as - the hidden fees.

If its a PAC, use the internet to find out where they distribute their fundraising dollars to. This information is public. If the dollars go to lobbying firms unrecognizable to you, then don't donate. Donating to the wrong PAC could mean putting money in the hands of the wrong candidates or the wrong special interest group. Also, find out who is running the PAC and what their true agenda is.

All things being equal, if you have to decide between giving to a federal candidate, state candidate, or local candidate, always give to the local candidate first. God Bless your neighbor for putting his neck on the line and trying to make a difference locally.

Lastly, if you give, expect nothing in return from the candidate or organization except the right to say that you gave. Donating to candidates should be seen as a selfless act with no strings attached. The only thing you should expect is that you'll wind up on someones public report, and that you can bet your bottom dollar that you'll become a magnet for future political solicitations.

I AM

THE KING

This original blog post can be found on www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

Disclaimer: This entry and others will be modified/updated at a future date. All entries are for the sole purpose of entertainment

Congressional Candidate Donation Oddities

2012-01-06T23:00:00.033-05:00

In fairness to everyone, we aught to look at who else in the current CT GOP field has given to Democrats and Democrat PACs in recent memory. (Source: www.opensecrets.org - covering federal campaigns):

Lisa Wilson Foley: (5th Congressional District Candidate)

WILSON-FOLEY, LISA SIMSBURY,CT 06070	COMPLEX CARE	5/29/96	$1,000	DNC Services Corp
WILSON-FOLEY, LISA SIMSBURY,CT 06070	BLUE FOX RUN	10/17/98	$1,000	Larson, John B (D)
WILSON-FOLEY, LISA SIMSBURY,CT 06070	BLUE FOX ENTERPRISES/OWNER	3/30/04	$1,000	Larson, John B (D)
WILSON-FOLEY, LISA SIMSBURY,CT 06070	HEALTH MARKET	10/10/95	$250	Emily's List

Other Searches:

Justin Bernier (5th Congressional District Candidate): No controverisal donations reported

Andrew Roraback (5th Congressional District Candidate): No controverisal donations reported

Michael McDonald (1st Congressional District Candidate): No controverisal donations

Daria Novak (2nd Congressional District Candidate): No controverisal donations reported

Christopher Coutu (2nd Congressional District Candidate): No controverisal donations reported

Wayne Winsley (3nd Congressional District Candidate): No controversial donations

Dan Debicella (4th Congressional District Candidate): No controverisal donations

Rob Merkle (4th Congressional District Candidate): No controverisal donations

Will Gregory (4th Congressional District Candidate): No donations

Not exactly an exciting post. Oh, well - not every post is going to shake the rafters. There's nothing really exciting about Lisa Wilson-Foley contributing to two of Democrat John Larson's campaigns - is there? Well, unless I suppose you were Larson's Republican opponent, I guess.

If Republicans in the 5th Congressional District were looking for reasons to disqualify a candidate in an overcrowded field - perhaps giving money to one of Congress' biggest liberals just might be a good one. Does anyone know if Wilson-Foley ever explained why she forked over cash to liberal Democrat John Larson?

I AM

THE KING

This original blog post can be found on www.thekingsview.blogpost.com

Disclaimer: This entry and others will be modified/updated at a future date. All entries are for the sole purpose of entertainment

Validating Linda's McMahon's Political Donations

2012-01-03T22:33:00.001-05:00

Let me start by stating that it's a well accepted principle that every American has a right to support, petition, and donate to the political candidate, or political action committee of their choice. However, when it comes to political candidates who are vying to represent a select Political Party, or a segment of the population as their government representative then we should agree that their donations should be subject to extra scrutiny since the money trail helps to provide voters with an insight into who they've supported in previous elections, and to what ideological positions they may be inclined in the future.

The Connecticut Mirror published an article back a few months ago which drew attention to the fact that Linda McMahon donated money to prominent Democrats and Democrat Organizations between 1990 and 2006. I thought that I'd take a look at http://www.opensecrets.org and review which individuals and PACs she donated to, and the results are noteworthy. Granted, this isn't news, but it's particularly remarkable that Linda McMahon gave donations to then-incumbent Christopher Shays' opponent - Democrat Stephanie Hunter Sanchez - not once, but twice. By most political standards, that's treason - unless, of course - she wasn't a registered Republican at the time.

To be fair, I'm not massaging the data to make it look like Linda has only given to the Democratic National Committee and Rahm Emmanuel, I'm providing the complete picture of who's she's donated to - and there is quite a mix. The basic point that should be made is that in 2010, Connecticut's Media never pressed Linda McMahon on her donations to liberal candidates or organizations, or asked her tough ideological questions. I believe that had Rob Simmons gone the distance and primaried, as he should of, Linda McMahon might have been forced to be more forthcoming on her background, positions, voting record and so forth. The 2010 Convention and her nomination was the biggest Coup d'etat in Connecticut history - and barely a shot was fired.

Sadly, this time around, many of Connecticut's so-called "Republican Leaders" have signed on to back McMahon - without an inkling about who she is, or what she stands for. On its merits, it seems a little disingenuous for RTC Chairman and State Senators to jump the gun and force sell a candidate that both we - and they - know so little about. The strategy "say only what you need to" and "deflect and redirect" might work on the Face the State with Dennis House but it won't work in direct debate against Chris Shays or Brian K. Hill. Connecticut Republicans are best served by open public debate, and knowing what their candidates' stand for - repeating the unconfirmed claim that Linda (all by herself) created 500 jobs - is as tired as it is old. We need more then canned, scripted performances.

It's worth repeating - so little is known about the real Linda McMahon. In 2010, McMahon received a free pass on her political ideology, positions (gay rights, abortion, foreign policy, spending theory, free markets, or even any specific Connecticut-related policy position). And even today - when the media does try to reach out to her, they don't get Linda on the phone, they get a carefully crafted email from her handlers with her name on it. Whether this is due to the fact that she is unable to answer tough questions, or still sees herself as a protected WWE celebrity is not known. But whatever it is, such limited access to someone who claims to want to represent the people in Washington - is a bit troubling. Hate to say it, but I've had an easier time reaching these so-called career politicians she's always going on about. Enough with the listening tours, it's high time for you start talking, and start answering questions of value to the People of Connecticut.

Here are Linda's donations to Democrats between 1990-2006:
<><><> <>

MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831		10/28/92	$5,000	Connecticut Republican Campaign Cmte
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC./CEO	9/25/06	$1,500	Its My Party Too PAC
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC./CEO	10/18/06	$1,000	Shays, Christopher (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831		7/6/92	$1,000	Johnson, Brook (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC./CEO	11/23/05	$1,000	Shays, Christopher (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC./CEO	11/30/05	$1,000	Shays, Christopher (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WORLD WRESTING FEDE	9/22/92	$1,000	Johnson, Brook (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WORLD WRESTING FEDE	9/10/92	$1,000	Johnson, Brook (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWF/CEO	10/27/00	$1,000	Sanchez, Stephanie Hunter (D)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	HOMEMAKER	7/9/02	$1,000	Stephen, John A (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWFE/COO	5/8/01	$1,000	Murray, Kevin (D)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC	7/26/04	$1,000	Thune, John (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC./CEO	8/24/04	$1,000	National Federation of Republican Women
MCMAHON, LINDA STAMFORD,CT 06902	WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION/CEO	4/14/04	$1,000	Emanuel, Rahm (D)
MCMAHON, LINDA SANDY HOOLE,CT 06482	WWE INC./PUBLIC RELATIONS	8/24/04	$1,000	National Federation of Republican Women

<><><><>

MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831		10/28/92	$5,000	Connecticut Republican Campaign Cmte
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC./CEO	9/25/06	$1,500	Its My Party Too PAC
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC./CEO	10/18/06	$1,000	Shays, Christopher (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831		7/6/92	$1,000	Johnson, Brook (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC./CEO	11/23/05	$1,000	Shays, Christopher (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC./CEO	11/30/05	$1,000	Shays, Christopher (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WORLD WRESTING FEDE	9/22/92	$1,000	Johnson, Brook (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WORLD WRESTING FEDE	9/10/92	$1,000	Johnson, Brook (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWF/CEO	10/27/00	$1,000	Sanchez, Stephanie Hunter (D)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	HOMEMAKER	7/9/02	$1,000	Stephen, John A (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWFE/COO	5/8/01	$1,000	Murray, Kevin (D)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC	7/26/04	$1,000	Thune, John (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC./CEO	8/24/04	$1,000	National Federation of Republican Women
MCMAHON, LINDA STAMFORD,CT 06902	WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION/CEO	4/14/04	$1,000	Emanuel, Rahm (D)
MCMAHON, LINDA SANDY HOOLE,CT 06482	WWE INC./PUBLIC RELATIONS	8/24/04	$1,000	National Federation of Republican Women
MCMAHON, LINDA STAMFORD,CT 06902	WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION/CEO	12/19/05	$1,000	Emanuel, Rahm (D)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC/CEO	10/26/06	$1,000	Lieberman, Joe (I)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC/CEO	11/7/06	$1,000	Lieberman, Joe (I)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWF/CEO	9/4/02	$500	Sanchez, Stephanie Hunter (D)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC./CEO	6/7/06	$500	Johnson, Nancy L (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	WWE INC./CEO	9/8/06	$250	Republican Majority for Choice
MCMAHON, LINDA GREENWICH,CT 06831	TITAN SPORTS	8/15/90	$250	Santorum, Rick (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA E GREENWICH,CT 06831	WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT INC./	9/29/06	$10,000	Democratic Congressional Campaign Cmte (D)
MCMAHON, LINDA E GREENWICH,CT 06831	WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION	9/7/00	$5,000	Connecticut Republican Campaign Cmte (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA E GREENWICH,CT 06831	WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT INC./	5/22/06	$5,000	Forward Together PAC (D)
MCMAHON, LINDA E GREENWICH,CT 06831	WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION/EXECUTIV	10/4/01	$1,000	Connecticut Republican Campaign Cmte (R)
MCMAHON, LINDA E GREENWICH,CT 06831	WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION/CEO	8/18/04	$500	Sanchez, Stephanie Hunter (D)

For reference, here are links to candidates/PACS:

Forward Together (D)

Democrat Stephanie Hunter Sanchez (opponent of Christopher Shays, 2000, 2002)

Republican Majority for Choice

It's My Party Too

By the way, I did a search of Christopher Shays' donations and I found a measily, $310 donation to a Republican National Organization. The worst you can say about Shays might be - that he's cheap. And maybe that's good thing!

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

Disclaimer: This entry and others will be modified/updated at a future date. All entries are for the sole purpose of entertainment

2012: The Look Ahead

2012-01-01T20:28:00.001-05:00

The future is hard to see

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had the chance to get out and enjoy themselves with friends and family over the Christmas holiday, and found a nice place to raise a glass of sparkly and ring in the new year.  From The King's perspective, this past holiday season was clearly more about enjoying the moment and the people we really care about - I'd say, even more so than in previous years.  This holiday season served as a sort of escape from the reality of the hardships of our present day situations - which sad to say - we will all be returning to in a day or so.   So hopefully, you've all made the most of it, and take some great memories with you into 2012.

I'm not a socialite. I can't stand crowds of people, or large public gatherings. It's just not my thing. There is nothing worse than a room full of unacquainted people wearing name tags, gawking at each other with phony smiles while offering each other their germ-covered hands. For me, there is something nauseating about a room full of strangers making small talk about nothing. I'm past the age of wanting to meet new people and make new friends.  I guess I would make a horrific politician. But I was finished from political consideration when I mentioned I don't believe in winning through patronage or collusion.

However, I do enjoy gathering with small group of people to chat, nurse a cocktail, and enjoy meaningful conversation. Last night I was lucky to share the moment with a bunch of friends in West Hartford Town. We watched the various bands on TV, and cheered the return of Dick Clark - who in The King's View is modern day heroic figure who sets the best example of personal perseverance to overcome disability from stroke that the world has to offer - kudos to ABC for bringing him back every year.  God Bless Dick Clark.

So we frolicked and laughed over personal stories of daily lunacy. We counted down with Mr. Clark, sort of missed the ball dropping (did they even show it?) and sang the one line of Auld Lang Syne that we all could remember - or knew. Then shortly after the celebrated stroke of midnight, a friend of mine burst my bubble of excitement. He grabbed me by the arm, and spoke into my ear in a serious tone: "Why are you so excited about 2012? You know, it's going to be **itty year. Ringing in 2013 will be something really worth celebrating!" I sort of waived him off, but deep down I knew he was right. But at this moment, contemplating the act of mourning for our nation for additional 365 more days wasn't something I wanted to think about. I took another sip from my drink.

Seems that most people agree that 2011 was a year that most of us would simply like to forget. To describe last year as dismal is the ultimate understatement. Unfortunately for us, watching a ball drop in Times Square, or flipping a page on a calendar won't automatically re-energize the national economy, or disperse the dark clouds that float above Catastrophic Connecticut. In the final analysis, all the players are the same, most of our candidates are shallow and uninspiring, attitudes remain indifferent, and in all likelihood - things will likely worsen, not improve on the whole.

With that rather glum look on things, I thought I'd borrow Merlyn's crystal ball and try my hand at predicting the future. Merlyn warned me that forecasting future events is always difficult because the future is constantly in motion; hence other magic and unforetold variables are always introduced at a later date which cannot be accounted for today. These predictions are only a snapshot in time given the current state of things, other factors not yet introduced into the equation will certainly alter future events as they appear today.

Remember, as is The King so is the Land. - Merlyn

(Note: Predictions made are not endorsements of support for any course of action, outcome, or person mentioned):

Mitt Romney will win the Republican Nomination, and unseat Barack Obama to become the 45th President of the United States. The margin of victory will be larger than expected

Linda McMahon will become the CTGOPs endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate but will lose to Christopher Shays in the Primary after Shay's receives the endorsements of Joseph Lieberman, Rob Simmons, and Lowell Weicker setting the stage for a permanent divide within the CTGOP. The end of the road for McMahon will come after media revelations of payoffs to convention delegates and prominent Republican insiders are exposed, a shady personal business scandal is uncovered, and a morbid performance during her debate against Mr. Shays.
Another World Wrestling Entertainment employee working for Linda McMahon will pass away due to drug related use. Linda McMahon will distance herself from the death.
Based on integrity alone, G-Man Mike Clark should be the shoe-in candidate in the 5th Connecticut Congressional District, however at this point in time, Merlyn's crystal ball shows Andrew Roraback winning the Republican nomination.
Infighting and bad feelings within a broken Connecticut Republican Party will guarantee that Democrats capture all five Congressional seats, and the U.S. Senate Seat.
Jerry Labriola, Jr. will be unfairly blamed for the entire CTGOPs electoral failure, and will resign from the Chairmanship. He will be replaced by a prominent Republican woman in Connecticut politics who currently holds political office. Labriola's leaving may be in 2012 or 2013.
Connecticut Democrats will pass an anti-Death Penalty Bill, and Governor Dan Malloy will sign it into law knowing that citizen outrage will be as short-lived as it was with the income tax.
Connecticut Democrats will follow Mayor John Destefano's media trial balloon and will pass legislation extending voting rights to undocumented residents. The legislation will eventually be overturned by The Supreme Court.
Four major companies, and several minor companies will announce plans close up shop in Connecticut and move south and west for better business climates.
North Korea's new dictator Kim Jong un will engage in a murderous witch hunt of disloyal followers, and will be assassinated by his own military.
The Supreme Court will overturn Obamacare, but only in part, setting up further complications around a collapsing American health care system.
Iran will collapse from within, but implications will be disastrous and will give rise to an eventual takeover by religious zealots within the country.
Vladimir Putin will re-emerge as Russia's leader, and will start a mini-Cold War with the West
Great Britain's liberal policies in refusing to deal with Islamic Fundamentalism on its own soil will spell trouble, possibly dangerous calamity for the Summer Olympics.

Other Assorted Predictions:

The world will not end in 2012 as predicted by the Mayans, but to many it will seem like it has - particularly after Connecticut taxes are filed on March 17th.

If you see these items combined,
you'll likely find Joe Markely close behind

The three giant spaceships detected by SETI will not arrive in December 2012 as reported, they will turn-around upon hearing that we are out of Dylythium Crystals. As a result, Joe Markley will have to seek an alternative route back home. He'll be seen on moonlit night, on a hilltop in Southington trying to communicate with aliens using a Speak-n-Spell, record player, round saw blade, coffee can, coat hanger, and wires. As with most things - he will fail.
CTGOP will close it's doors in New Britain due to bankruptcy, and erect tents where Hartford's Occupy Movement once stood. The result will be a stand-off between Tea Party members and the Police which eventually turns bloody. The majority of the Party including its Chairman remains neutral watching events unfold on television. The Police win. After the event, the Chairman sends a hand-written note by carrier pigeon to the Hartford Courant expressing outrage - and demanding the Party be reimbursed by HPD for the damaged tents.
CBS will air a special 9 week Survivor Show beginning in September which will be shot in an Al Queda training camp in sunny Saudi Arabia and feature contestants: Larry Cafero, Tom Foley, Daria Novak, Peter Schiff, Bill Aniskovich, Joe Visconti, Doug Hageman, Tom Scott, and Chris Healy against Pedro Segarra, Chris Donovan, Nancy DiNardo, Rosa DeLauro, Jim Himes, Martin Looney, John Destefano, Beth Bye, and Bruce Zalaski (free on bond). Spoiler alert: The winner will be the audience. As scripted, none of the contestants survive except Joe Visconti who steals a camel after killing two terroritsts with his guitar, and makes way for the Peninsula. But he is ultimately disqualified for leaving the compound.
Kevin Rennie will write at least 4 columns that include taking a cheap shot at former Governor John G. Rowland. (Yeah, I know. Not really comic, but likely true)
Mark Boughton will be arrested for shoplifting a bright yellow suit, boots, and a big yellow hat from L.L. Bean. He will try to put the blame on a monkey named "George" who is nowhere to be found when authorities arrive. Rick Green will be the first to publish the story because he'll be hiding in the bushes outside of Danbury Fair Mall on the day of the crime. But he will later recant the story not trusting the credibility of the evidence, telling friends, "I can't believe my own eyes."

Simmons discusses evidence of a
cover-up with special agent Scully
in his new TV Series

Rob Simmons will land a part in the upcoming Reality Television Show: X Files: The CTGOP Convention. Simmons will play himself (unbeknownst to him) working along side special agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully looking for a connection between the 2010 Connecticut Republican Convention, a government cover-up, and an alien conspiracy involving Linda McMahon, and George Soros. In the opening sequence, Simmons asks Mulder: "If coincidences are coincidences, why do they feel so damn contrived?"
And last but not least - Chris Healy will run another Republican's campaign into the ground which will spawn the global conspiracy theory that he is truly a Democratic operative being paid by Nancy DiNardo. Healy will move to Utah and embrace Mormonism. He will also have several guest appearances on the Simmons X-Files show; he'll play the mirror role of original Smoking Man and following Rob Simmons around and offering him bits of cryptic advice throughout the series to throw him off in his quest for the truth.

Believe all of what you read at your own peril. The Truth is out there!

I AM

THE KING

This original entry can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

Disclaimer: This entry and others will be modified/updated at a future date. All entries are for the sole purpose of entertainment.

A Look Back at 2011

2011-12-26T12:01:00.021-05:00

Nutmeggers might attend First Night
Festivities but there isn't much to
celebrate given CT realities

For most of us, seeing 2011 come to a close is a huge relief.

I can't remember a year that seemed to contain as many hardships or negative situations as this single year.  Many of my friends lost their jobs, and some even lost their homes or filed for bankruptcy due to our miserable economy which seemed only to worsen as the days went by. At least one person I know, lost their home due to the Tropical Storm, dozens more saw extensive property damage from either the tropical storm flooding, or the early snowstorm.

Along with near double-digit unemployment courtesy of our inept political figures, we saw a real hardening of people's attitudes. Without a doubt, people have become bitter, angry, short-tempered, and pessimistic about every little thing. And I'm not talking about natural tongue and cheek pessimism (as you read in this column), but a kind of societal mental fatigue radiating pure doom and gloom. Friends I know seem to have trouble making small talk because they are either preoccupied with their personal plights, or have become depressed wholesale - it's no wonder drug companies are making millions. People who I used to look to for optimism or advice to help me look at the bright side, seem to have none to offer. Worse, among my circle of friends and acquaintances, the stress of life in general tipped several couples to file for divorce - adding complexity to an already difficult situation.

From an overall career perspective, I've found people are less satisfied in their careers now then as seen in past years, but the notion of simply running out and finding a new job if you don't like your current one is a thing of the past. The sky is the limit has been replaced with "You're lucky to have a job." As the economy squeezes corporations, companies have moved to the disgraceful strategy of overseas outsourcing, and opportunities for promotablility, or bonuses in the workplace have disappeared. The glass ceiling - the one where you could look up and allegedly see others being rewarded - has been replaced with a concrete barrier. In 2011, I've seen more demotions, and early exits than anything else. And tuition reimbursement? Stock rewards? That's a thing of the past too. And customer service? It's hard to get a guy making 50 cents an hour in India to understand the inconvenience of having your $1500 television burn out. Yes, ma'am, I understand. I apologize for your difficulty. Bulls***!

Politically, we are in a quagmire so deep that we cannot even begin to see the light, never mind crawl out of the hole. President Obama is a buffoon. And to think that people still make fun of President George W. Bush after watching months and months of Obama idiocy is unreal. Everything Barack says or does makes things worse; the stock market tumbles at his every utterance. He takes credit for things that have nothing to do with him - like killing tyrants, and places blame on everyone else preceding him or opposing him for things such as - double-digit unemployment. He's is a liar, a snark, a cheat, and an arrogant incompetent. His audacity knows no bounds. The sooner he is gone, the better off we'll all be - and he can take Joe Biden back to the asylum he came from. Even Democrats watching their 401ks shrink seem to understand this. Unlike Bill Clinton, who I believe truly cared about America - this President doesn't give a damn about anyone but himself. You think Jimmy Carter is an annoying ex-President, oh just wait. This guy is going be obnoxious to the point of public ridicule.

In Connecticut, we've elected an anti-business Governor named Dan Malloy who is a shill for unions and public employees. As more jobs move out of Connecticut, and people cannot make ends meet, he (and his Democrat friends) have decided to raise taxes on the few that still have a few measily dollars coming in - playing a sort of shell game with the little disposable income that remains on the table. Our decline will continue because the proven formula for actual revenue generation will never be considered as an option; it would mean going against their embraced political ideology - tax and spend, and spread the pain (a.k.a sacrifice). And it's - that simple. This past year is just the beginning of what we can expect for the next three years. There is a reason his popularity rating as Governor is the lowest among his peers across the country.

Our CTGOP politicians are no help, in fact - they are the Governor's best ally. They offer no tangible alternatives, and have all but given up on playing the role of opposition. At the end of the day, they sign on to the Governor's plans with the hope of being able to profit slightly from giving the appearance of being part of the pretended solution. And they even go as far as to hold press conferences about it, leaving Republican voters sick to their stomachs. They are an embarrassing lot more interested in lining their own pockets with cash, and favors, instead of standing on principle. And they wonder why people don't come out and vote? It's because they don't have anyone to believe in. The truth is that in 2011 we gained a little more than we lost - none of which can be attributed to the State Party, whatesoever. A last minute email from Connecticut Republican Headquarters urging party members to vote was nothing short of pathetic. And the Connecticut Democrat's redistricting scheme in 2012 will ensure that we lose even more no matter how hard we work.

Internally, Connecticut's Republican Party is a disaster.  It's true that in 2011, we elected a new Chairman and I'm sure he means well, but he's inherited a collection of do-nothings who thrive on the status quo; many are more concerned with finding ways to get him to quit or be removed in favor of the lovable old guard instead of lending a hand to turn the ship around. The level of their treachery is so great, that they no longer hide it in public.

You would have thought that 2011 would have been a year to reflect on Connecticut Republican failures during the 2010 cycle affected the Party, and would have provided us a chance to make real ethical changes to how we conduct business. The not-so-distant memory of nominating uninspiring and unqualified candidates, like Tom Foley and Linda McMahon, and the negative implications of rigging political conventions and allowing candidates to make donations to RTCs, or purchase votes through indirect and direct means, are fresh in the public mind. Nope. We've learned so little from the 2010 Convention, that we've apparently opted repeat the entire controversy again - accept it will be done on a much larger scale.

Different this time, is that the media is hot on the trail of our pay-to-play scandals and the unprecedented level of in-your-face cronyism is now public. Hammering a square peg in a round hole is likely to have embarrassing results for our Republican Party. Sad to say, after such high hopes - this will likely be Chairman Jerry Labriola's legacy. There is no free pass by playing neutral on buying votes or rigging Conventions. Either he stands up and opposes it, or he sits quietly and allows it to happen. Funny how he thinks playing Caesar will exonerate him from implication. Where have we seen this before? I'm sure Linda will find someone more than willing to play the role of Pontius Pilate for the right price - it's just a matter of who. The Resolutions to bring ethics to a rigged Convention sought by a few brave souls will be thrawted by a loophole, or by parlimentary procedures.

Linda McMahon will win her rigged convention and not even Superman can stop this run-away train going over the cliff - Joe Markley, Jerry Labriola, and Mark Boughton - all waving and cheering enthusiastically from the windows as it plunges to the bottom of the canyon - what fools! And we expect the deep divisions that already divide the Party will grow larger, and an independent candidacy of someone screwed out of a spot on the ballot will add to the drama. The United States Senate Seat is the Democrat Party's to lose.  No matter how she's packaged, -a millionaire pro-wrestling promoter with baggage and no experience is still a millionaire pro-wrestling promoter with baggage and no experience. Why people would sell their hard-earned reputations for this whatever-she-is is beyond me. I guess, souls can be bought cheaply these days.

Despite warnings, the die is likely cast, and 2012 will be another banner year for Connecticut Democrats even if Barack Obama is rejected by voters in November. If Republicans edge out a win, it will likely be a consolation prize either in Connecticut's 4th or 5th Congressional District - that's if Republicans don't massacre each other first through the primary season.

So I started this column by stating how glad I am that 2011 has come and gone. With the exception of a highly anticipated GOP take-over of the White House a year from now, I'm afraid there isn't much to get excited about. I expect another year of Dannel, power-outages, outsourcing, and CTGOP Strategies of Surrender.

Love your children, take a nice vacation if you can afford it, take enjoyment from the small things in life, and pray for a miracle. From this Monarch's position, the Party is long over.

As for The King - I'll be moving on to more interesting topics. I wish my Connecticut allies well.

I AM,

THE KING

This original blog entry can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-24T10:12:00.001-05:00

King's Castle celebrates Christmas

On behalf of The King and his Court, we would like to extend a Very Merry Christmas to all readers! God Bless you and keep you.

As we enjoy the gifts delivered by Old Saint Nick, and enjoy feasts of abundance with our families and friends, let us also remember our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who's birthday we celebrate - indeed Christ is the Reason for the Season! Let's us also remember those who have departed this life, and those who are serving abroad and on bases state-side and abroad.

May you enjoy your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to the fullest!

I AM,

THE KING

Getting ready to receive honored guests
(Watch out for the Eggnog - I hear it's spiked!)

McMahon Staffer plays the Allah card...

2011-12-21T20:23:00.002-05:00

If I hadn't heard it with my own ears, I guess I wouldn't have believed it.

After consulting with a few people about whether or not I should print this, I've opted to do so with the hope that a certain campaign will CLEAN UP THEIR ACTS moving forward!

I attended a political event a few days ago, and one of Linda McMahon's campaign staffers (no, I'm not going to print her name here) was asked what she thought of Brian K. Hill's entry into the U.S. Senate Race. The McMahon staffer went on a sarcastic tirade about this and that (mostly making comments about Hill's "inexperience" - go figure on that one), and then in the end made the trite comment... "and he's [Hill] a Muslim anyway." My jaw dropped to the floor. The other people standing around just sort of went silent.

Now, I honestly don't know if Brian K. Hill is a Muslim or not. In truth, I've never had the chance to talk with him about his personal lifestyle choices or religious preference. So if Brian is a Muslim - well good for him - I guess. But I have to say it's a pretty low brow for one of Linda McMahon's paid staffers to make such a bizarre public comment. I hear this comment made quite often about President Barack Obama, whom I have little love for - and I have to say it's a bit of an annoyance because there are a thousand and one other points you can make about Obama's policies that will help you win over most Republicans and Independents. Furthermore, as I've written previously - the derogatory comments about Mitt Romney's Mormon Faith is equally disgraceful (especially when made by fellow Republicans).

I guess my point is that this person who berated Mr. Hill isn't a just another silly blogger, or a comedian, or night-time talk show host - no, she's a representative of Linda McMahon's campaign (and therefore, Linda herself). If I were Linda I would make an effort to tell her employees to stop this kind of shameful campaigning. There isn't any reason for it anyway - as she seems to be out in front - at least for now.

Brian K. Hill's faith is his own business. With apologies to him for bringing this out, I hope that smarter minds prevail and we can keep candidate's religion preference out of bounds for criticism or discussion. Now to be very clear - I'm not saying that I have reason to believe that Linda McMahon is running around discouraging people from supporting Brian Hill because he's a Muslim - that would be pretty extreme. And Linda is too smart a cookie for that (although I wouldn't put it past some of her campaign staff). But if she doesn't do something about this - she's likely to create another fire that she can't put out.

Let's keep the campaigns issue-focused if we can, people. And let's make sure paid staffers keep their opinions to themselves. "...And he's a Muslim anyway" doesn't belong in the conversation. And let me also tell you this - if the staffer's name finds its way into the press, it's not coming from me. And if it does become a story in the future, don't say I didn't warn you because the Connecticut media will be all over it like flies on honey. Linda McMahon as a religious bigot won't win her any points in the Nutmeg State.

Let's get our people to think twice before making personal comments like this, particularly in public. Let's not make Chris Murphy's road to the Senate any easier!
I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

The King's Christmas List

2011-12-19T19:16:00.034-05:00

Don't kid yourselves. All politicians
belong on the Naughty List!

With Christmas only 7 days away we thought we'd make a few suggestions for what Santa Claus might bring some of our friends and foes on Christmas Day. Obviously, this is tongue and cheek, so don't get too cranky... you might want to take a big gulp of that Christmas Punch before reading on, and perhaps take the hidden advice given.

The King's Christmas List:

Chris Donovan: A copy of the novel: Conflict of Interest by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg. (As if you didn't know the ending.)

Jerry Labriola, Jr.: FIFA 2012 for his PlayStation 2, and a set of balls to replace the ones he missing (you figure that one out). Last chance to get it out of neutral, Jerry!

Chris Healy: A steady job shoveling snow in far away Antarctica, where he can't ruin the chances of additional Connecticut Republicans from getting elected.

DeStefano aught to be careful what he
asks for when it comes to his illegal
immigrant voting scheme

Mayor John DeStefano: The influx of 500,000 new illegal aliens into New Haven to advance his illegal immigrant voting scheme - and all the trouble that comes with them. I mean what's another 500,000 in the bread line - between friends? May they all set up a Shanty Town on his lawn.

Christopher Shays: At least a C rating from the NRA, a divorce from the gay-rights crowd, and a well-stoked fire under his rear. Are you actually running for Senate or what?

This fool can't even handle a power
outage, and he fancies himself fit
for the White House?. Dream on!

Governor Dan Malloy: A bullet proof vest to keep him safe from his own fringe Union and State Employee constituency, who he gave just about everything except the kitchen sink during budget negotiations, and who still want more. Food for Thought: You might want to position Nancy Wyman in front of you during future press conferences (instead of next to you).

"Firebrand" Joe Visconti: A new pick-up truck. How does that rust-bucket pass emissions?

It's pretty clear that President
Obama doesn't have a clue
what he's doing

President Obama: A Clue. A Clue about anything. And a better copy of Microsoft Powerpoint for those hard to edit Birth Certificate documents. C'mon man, 162 edits?

Coach Jim Calhoun: A UConn Husky Basketball team free of petty thieves, boozers, and criminals. Would be nice have a year without seeing UConn's reputation tarnished in the national media over player misconduct. Maybe its high time to conduct criminal background checks on all your recruits.

Coach Gino Auriemma: A large bottle of humility, and the sense to understand that winning in an uncompetitive Woman's NCAA Division is nowhere close to winning in the NCAA Men's Division. Stop whining about your pay - you're lucky to have the salary you take given your written and verbal communication skills make you sound like a two-bit hoodlum from some back alley in a Hartford Ghetto. Maybe we could get you into an English Class as part of your compensation so as not to further embarrass the University.

Let it be said that CT Sen
Joe Markley sold his soul
for a WWE Action Figure

Linda McMahon: The courage to step into the squared circle and come out from hiding behind her handlers and conduct a set of meaningful, unscripted interviews. And the fortitude to stop replying to the media by carefully worded emails, and the guts to answer legitimate questions about her company's role in the deaths of her employees, and ongoing pay-offs to RTCs and convention delegates.

Lisa Wilson-Foley: A massive scandal to bring some life to her faltering campaign (talk to Chris Healy, he can help you generate notoriety). And maybe a fourth campaign director.

Don't worry Nancy,
its hard to stay fit
these days

Nancy DiNardo: A treadmill, and a year-long pass to Curves.

Joe Markley: A new beret that doesn't make you look like a artsy French Partisan. You need to be careful or Peter Wolfgang's FIC might suspect you as queer in drag.

The Coutu-burg campaign is ready
to take flight... or maybe not.

Chris Coutu: A year's supply of Bubblelicious Chewing Gum for his long days in Hartford, and his very own MetLife blimp so everyone in the Second Congressional District can see his name in capital letters - all at once. Oh, the humanity!

Martha Dean: A one-way ticket to deep space for her lunatic ex-husband.
Justin Bernier: Another fictional military installation deal to broker - perhaps Fort Griswold needs saving?

Write me in. Doesn't
matter for what.

Rob Simmons: A write-in campaign so he run commercials claiming he's still on the ballot. Doesn't matter what ballot, does it?

The First Congressional District: A Republican challenger to John Larson. Any takers? And we are taking note of all those cowards unwilling to run because it's an Obama re-election campaign year (betting African-American will come out in hordes to support O) but who will suddenly and miraculously emerge from their bunkers in 2013.

John Larson: A new home renovation by Harry James.

Chris Murphy: Another new DC-based girlfriend. (Contact Herman Cain for details.)

Tom Foley: A three-year course at Toastmasters to improve his public speaking skills and give the apparence that he has (at least) a phony level of enthusiasm. And a copy of the video Da-Da-Da by Trio. Santa can also send him a Bibb - which he could always sell at a later date.

Pedro will paint the town -
er.. Pink, literally

Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra: 10,000 gallons of pink paint to re-color the parallel lines on every street in Hartford. This could be a great job for Corey Brinson.

Mark Greenberg: A Super Siren with Mic Yellow Horn Bike Bicycle and a soap-box to stand on so he can be heard.

Mike ("G-Man") Clark: Campaign shirts with an FBI logo on the back, and a new ease-dropping device to spy on the other campaigns in the Fifth Congressional District.

Susan Bysiewicz: Let's see... a four leaf clover, a bird to poop on her, a rainbow, a shooting star, a ladybug to land on her, a meeting with a cow (other than Nancy Dinardo), Bats nesting in her home, cats sitting on her front porch, her initials in a spider web, her hands and feet to tingle, having a day wear she puts her clothes on backwards, a meeting with snake, a fairy Godmother with a working wand, a step-stool, and a miracle - to give her a snowballs chance in Hell of winning the Democrat Nomination.

When they say let Larry
Cafero work his magic -
they aren't kidding!

Larry Cafero: A new magic eight ball for the Governor-wannabe so he can he can claim a point of reference for his decision-making process. This will be useful when it comes to explaining why he caves in to Democrats - all the time.

Rick Green: The strength to write a column that is critical of his Democrat pals this coming year ... or maybe two or three to balance out the 50 or so anti-Republican entries he'll likely post this year.

Rosa DeLaura: A truck-load of Luvs Diapers and a new broom-stick. (Ok, that was all too easy, I admit it)

Rosa DeLauro - that's no
ordinary broom-stick mind you.

Joe Courtney: More blush and eyeliner for his next photo-op. Crikey, Man! Or Ma'am!

Jim Himes: 10,000 more followers on Twitter than Chris Murphy (not including Murphy's love interests).

The Hartford Courant: A parent company that isn't bankrupt.

Kevin Rennie: Honest to Goodness Democrat Party affiliation, and therapy. (Still beating up on former Governor John Rowland I see - good grief! Four paragraphs and Rowland managed to find his way into your column. Let it go. Let it go.)

Yosemite Scott at your service

Tom Scott: An Anger Mangement Class run by Yosemite Sam. A copy of Napoleon's Autobiography so he can run Linda's campaign as successfully as he ran others. (Pay special attention to the Battle of Waterloo - if you get that far

Justin Clark: A stocking full of coal.

THE KING: A Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy and Enjoyable New Year for all my readers! And bright orange jumpsuits and hand-cuffs for most of the people on this list - see you in 2012!

If you didn't make this list, you should feel relieved. But don't worry, there's always time for me to get to you at some point during the new year.

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

A Word About Endorsements

2011-12-15T08:34:00.000-05:00

Americans are used to the annoyance of being told what to buy and who to support by celebrities and sports figures alike. When I was five, I remember watching Legendary Yankee Shortstop Phil Rizzuto beam into our living room each night telling us to call the Money Store toll-free - Holy Cow!. Nothing much has changed since then, particularly around Christmastime when we seem to be subjected to a barrage of product endorsements from unlikely characters who wouldn't otherwise give us the time of day. Would you really buy a car from Brad Davis? Well, maybe.

Campaign season is no different, except that it takes hypocrisy to a whole new level. National Campaigns like those of Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, and Newt Gingrich spend a tremendous amount of time pandering to fellow politicians, whom they personally detest, for their public support - in exchange for God knows what. (And you'll notice I didn't mention Ron Paul; that's because no one is foolish enough to completely destroy their political careers by hitching their reputation to that raving lunatic). The simple fact is that all endorsements at the National level are merely fodder for the latest media cycle. For the most part, these endorsements don't amount to a hill of beans with voters because they're forgotten hours after they're touted. And besides, who cares if some politician who lives 100 miles away from me supports Newt Gingrich - chances are they always did! The public is going to vote for or against a candidate based on either their known perception of them, or the importance of the values or positions they hold - and not because some creep on the take tells them to!

Which brings me to the reason for this blog post. Linda McMahon has already spent an enormous amount of time and money seeking endorsements from around the Nutmeg State (sometimes going as far to buy them through donations to RTCs and such) . Last week, she boasted that she has 100 Republican Leaders supporting her nomination. Well, I've got news for you lady - first, these people you've listed are not Republican Leaders. They may hold fancy titles, and through self-promotion, and the buddy-system found their way onto caucuses and committees, but they are in no way - Leaders. They don't avail themselves to the public, let alone attend their own Town Committee Meetings. You have to be present to be even considered a Leader.

Second, I see a lot of names on your list of 100 people who are lazy, unemployed, unmotivated, and unaccomplished - some can barely pay their own bills! (And at least one in the Northeast Part of the State is a well-known pervert who parents should keep away from their Children!!) So why would I take the advice of people who cannot even run their own lives, never mind trying to tell me who to vote for? Given that, if aware, most voters will be less-inclined to support her nomination after seeing these endorsements flying around. I mean, what the hell do they know? And does Linda even know anything about these people? And would she hire them at WWE? My guess is "No". But, she might throw them some cash for a favor or two.

The truth is that to the general public most of the people on Linda's list are unknowns - RTC members, State Central Members, and a few local politicians whose names barely resonate beyond the members-only club of Republican State Central, or their self-built perches. Take The King's challenge - print off the latest list of 10 new endorsements that Linda is bragging about into work, and read them to any colleague sitting near you, and ask how many s/he's ever heard of. 20 to 1 is that no one has heard of any of them.

Well King, then why do politicians seek Endorsements?

From the standpoint of the political game, it makes a lot of sense. It helps to keep the Candidate's name in the news by giving the appearance of them gaining support. It's simply a Public Relations stunt that comes with the territory. And moreover, it's a lot like playing the game Monopoly - where you try to buy up all the land, utilities, and so forth in order to block people out of contention and win the game. All of this leads to a lopsided Convention where those bought and paid for, or granted favors will support Linda, thus giving the impression that she is fully supported by the Republican Party.

But the reality is far from the truth. A win by Linda McMahon at the Convention is only evidence that those who play dirty CTGOP inside baseball support Linda. Whether she will actually represent Connecticut Republicans against either Democrats Chris Murphy or Susan Bysiewicz will be decided by voters at the Connecticut Republican Primary next year. And we have seen in the past where the outcome of Conventions are not the same as the outcome on Primary Day.

Given that Linda McMahon's own internal poll numbers show that she barely reaches 38%, and that her negatives are high among women and Independents, I like the chances of another single candidate knocking her off her pretended pedestal. Although, even The King admits that a three or four way race, certainly guarantees her the nod, and further guarantees a Democrat U.S. Senator from Connecticut.

Which brings us to the question - if EVERYONE including Linda knows that she can't muster more than 38-40% of the vote in a General Election, then why are people fawning all over her to endorse her? Well, that's a tale of money and politics - and that's a story for another day. In the meantime, those who have given their endorsement to Linda, aught to be concerned about the downside of hitching their reputations to a candidate who is about to find themselves at the center of a very controversial set of issues in 2012. They may have wished to have kept their mouths shut when it's all said and done. More to come...

I AM

THE KING

This original entry can be read at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

This entry may be modified at a future date.

Justin Bernier's Latest Fundraising Letter: Truth or Exaggeration?

2011-12-11T12:20:00.002-05:00

I don't mind when candidates promote themselves and talk about their accomplishments. If they have done certain things that merit our applause and support, then I'm all for them putting that front and center as a part of their campaign. As we know, people find many reasons to support or reject candidates which aren't limited solely to their position on issues. Whether we like it or not, personality, race, and character play a role in decision-making at voting time. Honesty, a rare attribute in any politician these day, is another criteria which matters to the public.

Below is a letter from 5th Connecticut District Candidate Justin Bernier which pauses me to ask two simple questions - first, is it true that during 2005 while serving as a Legislative Aide in the United States House of Representives, Justin Bernier managed the campaign to save the Groton Submarine Base, and then later in 2007-2009, during his tenure as a cabinet official (unsure about this title) under Governor Jodi Rell that he BROKERED an historic agreement with the Navy to keep the Groton Submarine Base in Connecticut?

Many have always believed that this was the work of Rob Simmons during 2005.

This fundraising from Justin Bernier sparked my interest

I want to make it very clear that I'm not writing this piece to attack one candidate; this is not some ploy to embarrass Justin Bernier on behalf of one of his rivals in the 5th District Congressional Race. I'm just asking the questions out of interest, and because Rob Simmons has always been considered the savior of the Groton Submarine base.

If anyone can shed additional light on this matter, in support of, or against these claims to set the record straight, please feel free to comment.

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be viewed at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

This piece may be updated at a later date.

Support CT Republican Delegate Integrity - Sign the Resolution Petition

2011-12-10T18:32:00.000-05:00

Looks like the effort to give the recommended Connecticut Republican Party resolutions more more publicity, and more steam continues. I applaud those activists who are trying to clean up our CTGOP and Connecticut politics.

This is a link I received in my inbox asking people to SIGN THE PETITION:

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/support-delegate-integrity.html

Again, here are the proposed resolutions that under consideration:

PROPOSED CT GOP STATE CENTRAL RESOLUTIONS

Concerning delegates and integrity of process at 2012 State GOP Convention

RESOLVED, that prior to selecting delegates to the State Convention, Town Committees shall ask appropriate questions of potential delegates concerning their paid involvement or business affiliation with any candidate’s campaign;

RESOLVED, that Town Committees should endeavor to avoid the appearance of impropriety by selecting delegates to the State Convention who are not on a campaign’s payroll or in a vendor or other business relationship with any candidate’s campaign; and

RESOLVED, that prior to selecting delegates to the State Convention, Town Committees shall obtain the commitment of any prospective delegate to wear (if selected as a delegate) an appropriate disclosure, to be decided upon by the State Convention’s Rules Committee, in a conspicuous place at all times during the State Convention, which disclosure will identify the delegate as on the payroll of a specific campaign or in a vendor or other business relationship with a specific campaign.

Why not get involved and sign the petition! Let's get behind those who are working to make a big difference right here in the Nutmeg State by putting integrity and ethics before politics!

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

A Word about today's Komisarjevsky Verdict

2011-12-09T23:54:00.000-05:00

It's taken over four long years to finally reach this point.

I'm pleased with the result of today's verdict; even somewhat surprised that things came out the way they did - handing murderer Joshua Komisarjevsky the death penalty on all six counts seems miraculous - particularly given the extremely stoic, and unemotional nature of this Jury - in comparison to the Steven Hayes Jury. There were few breakdowns of emotion when they viewed the horrific crime scene photos, and no angry glances over at the Defendant by members of this group of twelve. Reporters found this Jury hard to read, but not necessarily less engaged than the last.

The antics of Komisarjevsky's Attorney Jeremiah Donovan didn't help matters. His endless campaign against Petit Foundation pins diminished his stature in the eyes of the Jurors and the Public. His multi-baseless attempts at calling for mistrials, and his distasteful and crude comments about the Hawke-Petit Family, and references to their supporters as the Petit Posey has permanently damaged his reputation beyond repair. He started off on the wrong foot by breaking a court gag order and then trying to bully Judge John Blue which didn't endear him to the Court, or anyone else for that matter. He ended his tenure by bad-mouthing the Uncle of Komisarjevsky during the post trial press conference - an act of pure stupidity. Donovan is a broken man, bitter, and alone. If there was ever a living person who more resembled A Christmas Carol's old Ebenezer Scrooge - it's Jeremiah Donovan.

Critics of the Death Penalty have always made the claim that this trial was really about putting the State on trial. We, who support the Death Penalty couldn't agree more. Every mother and father, sister and brother, aunt and uncle, grandmother and grandfather in Connecticut watched this trial with trepidation and fear. As much as we could, we put ourselves in the shoes of the Petit-Hawke family. We all asked the same question - if this had happened to us, would the system we hold so dear, deliver justice on our behalf? Would our fellow citizens have the courage to make the right choice for us? For all of us?

The answer is Yes.

And don't think every con and would-be villain didn't take note of the results of these two trials. Maybe we don't know where the State would draw the line in the sand, but we do know that at least Connecticut isn't a free-pass zone for murderers. We can thank State Prosecutors Michael Dearington and his assistant Gary Nicholson for that.

For those of us who've been steadfast supporters of the Petit-Chapman family since 2007, it's been a journey that started with sadness and ends with sadness. To this end critics of the process are correct - handing Hayes and Komisarjevsky the sentence they deserve will not bring Jennifer, Hayley, or Michaela back to life, or patch the pain. But the decision to execute two evil monsters does bring a sense of closure that we've sought for a long time. This has always been about justice for the Petits, not blood-thirsty revenge as the simplistic anti-death penalty crowd would have you believe.

I want to leave you with one final thought. Sure, the trial is over, and the media circus has headed home for the holidays. While all of us will gather with friends and family this Christmas - singing carols and opening presents, Dr. William Petit and his family are stuck with the vision of what could have been. Beyond today's verdict we are still left with an empty pit in our stomachs. This whole four year journey will not be simply shelved and forgotten; we will keep the Petit women in our hearts and minds for decades to come.

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be read at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

This entry will be revised at a future date.

State Central Meeting Follow up, Brian K. Hill, Kie Westby take a stand for Ethics

2011-12-08T19:24:00.002-05:00

Several of you have emailed to ask what happened with the three Resolutions when presented at the Connecticut Republican State Central Meeting last Tuesday. Sometimes, we tend to forget that these meetings, and what happens in them aren't made public - as they should be. This is another example CTGOPs image problem with its constituency - fear of transparency.

The meeting was well attended with several people turned away from dinner due to lack of seating availability. After much attention was spent recognizing past Republican Candidates, it was time for the motion to be presented. Just as 9th District's Mark Pappa was about to present the Resolution, another State Central Member - Dennis Cleary rose from his seat and attempted to abruptly table the remainder of the meeting so that the Resolutions could not be presented. Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr. kindly asked Cleary to remove his motion so that, in fairness, the Resolutions could be presented to the State Central Committee.

Mark Pappa presented out the Resolutions in positive and respectful manner giving a brief explanation of their importance to the Party's image state-wide. As expected, the Resolutions were tabled, and will be discussed and possibly amended or voted on at the next State Central Meeting in January (meeting date not yet scheduled).

I've received several emails from sources who claim that Cleary is an operative working with others who wish to see the Resolutions squashed, and not debated at all. Some of whom are already on the take. Whether Mr. Cleary is on the take or has relatives working on campaigns as some have suggested is a matter of speculation. If others have questions about this - I would respectfully ask that they contact Cleary directly.

We should note that before the resolutions were presented, two U.S. Senate Candidates spoke in favor of the adoption of them in front of the State Central audience: Brian K. Hill of Windsor, and Kie Westby of Southbury. Both men highlighted the importance of the CTGOP cleaning up its act, and underscored the negative image of our Party given the perception that delegates were bought and paid for in 2010. Both Hill and Westby have made it clear that these kind of corrupt practices resonate well beyond the Convention Hall, and are represented in the vote tally on Election Day.

Brian Hill also took the issue a step further - by informing the media that he supports the resolutions. The article that this appeared in the Hartford Courant is reprinted below (without permission but referenced accordingly):

Brian K. Hill: Republican Party Rules Change Proposal "A New Beginning for the CT GOP"

By DANIELA ALTIMARI

State Republicans won't take up a proposed rules change that seeks to discourage paid delegates from participating in the party's nominating convention for at least another month.
U.S. Sen. candidate Brian K. Hill weighed in on the plan this week, saying it could signal a new era of openness for the party and a fresh chance for "non-establishment candidates" such as himself.
"I agree that changes should be made to ensure a fair and open nomination process free of conflicts of interests,'' Hill told me in an email yesterday.

"It is essential to have public trust in what we do, and we cannot afford to take any chances with the integrity of the Nomination process,'' he added. "I'm also happy that our new CT GOP Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr is setting high ethical standards to level the playing field for non-establishment candidates. Connecticut voters should take note that Republicans are trying to make sure that the 2012 party nominations are not party politics as usual. This is a new beginning for the CT GOP, and hopefully a new beginning for state politics."

The proposal would require delegates that are on a candidate's payroll to disclose the arrangement--perhaps by wearing a badge on the convention floor, under the terms of the proposed rules change. Supporters say it would help the party heal the wounds of the 2010 convention.

The Online Guide to Partial Transparency

2011-12-05T22:15:00.000-05:00

My last column prompted a number of emails and questions about the process of donations and transparency. Putting aside the issues and concerns which are soon to be discussed and debated within the CTGOP, I thought it made good sense as a public service to direct voters to three online websites that are meant to provide disclosure on expenditures, and donations on each federal campaign.

The first is the website http://fec.gov . This website starts with split-screen navigation where you can either look at donations/expenditures on the Presidential Campaigns by State and District, or House and Senate Races by State and District. You can look at any candidate's expenditures and see how money is being categorized via expense (and sometimes by employee if the amount is significant enough). The site includes historical data from previous elections. Linda McMahon's campaign is an interesting one to peruse because you can really get a sense for how one can easily blow through $50 million dollars if they're not careful.

The second webpage is http://www.opensecrets.org/ which allows you to view donor information by zip code, state, candidate, etc. The Outside Spending Section is one of the most interesting parts of this site.

The third webpage is http://www.followthemoney.org . This website focuses on money and influence on state politics. It's mission statement reads: The National Institute on Money in State Politics is the only nonpartisan, nonprofit organization revealing the influence of campaign money on state-level elections and public policy in all 50 states

None of these sites will tell you where the hidden payoffs and favors go, but they are interesting sites, nonetheless. For example, using fec.gov - and looking at any candidate's Operating Expenditures you can easily see how large sums of money are categorized in a general manner (z.B. Political Strategy Consulting) under purpose and are being paid to consulting firms in a lump sum; note that these expenditures are not required to be broken down further (i.e. the money trail ends). Why the reporting accountability stops there is probably not a mystery given who writes these laws.

Happy Hunting!

I AM,

THE KING

This original blog entry can be viewed at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

A Bold Move to End CTGOP Convention Corruption

2011-12-03T21:07:00.001-05:00

Every once in a while a bit of good news is delivered to The King's Castle. This is one of those rare times where I find myself cheering wildly for a few brave souls who are trying to make a positive difference within our self-beleaguered Connecticut Republican Party; the goal to end corruption within our Party is a noble one, well worth the effort, and well worth making it a point of public record here.

You didn't need a magnifying glass
to see the connection between dollars
and delegates during the 2010 CT
Republican State Convention.

I'm hopeful that this body of work is not news to any of Republican State Central Members, who I'm told, have been mulling around these suggestions for some time. The fact that this body of work was only made known to me formally in the last couple days or so suggests that its ready for public consumption. My thanks to Joe Visconti for keeping me in the loop, and sending the latest drafts my way.

In this entry I want to focus on what is being proposed rather than take everyone down the long dark path of historical record. The resolutions being recommended deserve a fair hearing on their own merit without creating additional divisions within the Party by naming names of naysayers, and dissenters at this point, or going off on a hypothetical tangent about who might benefit most from their approval. And honestly, since the proposed resolutions would apply to all those involved in the upcoming State Convention Process - it is The King's View that everyone would be placed on the same level playing field; giving no one candidate advantage over the other. Those opting out would be subject to intense criticism and scrutiny; doing so at their own peril.

One of the chief reasons the public hates politics is because there is the assumption that politicians tend to care more about taking care of themselves (and each other) rather than the constituents they serve. Whether money is the root of all evil is a matter of conjecture, but it certainly seems to find it's way into the pockets of many of our politicians, whether elected to formal office, or as representatives to commissions and committees on our behalf. And to be fair, no political party owns the high ground on this issue, as reward and patronage have been with us since time immemorial.

While stopping the transfer of all cash or favors from one hand to another would be a Fool's Errand, we can at least create a window of transparency that allows the public to make it's own judgements as to what is above bar, and what is collusion, or patronage. These resolutions were drafted by former CT Attorney General Republican Candidate Martha Dean, Esq, and former CT 1st District Republican Congressional Candidate Joe Visconti, and are being co-sponsored for presentation to Republican State Central by two courageous State Central Representatives - Scott Veley (District 6; Kensington) and Mark Pappa (District 9; Newington). God Bless you guys for sticking your necks out as Change Champions!

Without further ado, here are the proposed resolutions in current draft form:

PROPOSED CTGOP STATE CENTRAL RESOLUTIONS

Concerning delegates and integrity of process at 2012 State GOP Convention

RESOLVED, that prior to selecting delegates to the State Convention, Town Committees shall ask appropriate questions of potential delegates concerning their paid involvement or business affiliation with any candidate’s campaign;

RESOLVED, that Town Committees should endeavor to avoid the appearance of impropriety by selecting delegates to the State Convention who are not on a campaign’s payroll or in a vendor or other business relationship with any candidate’s campaign; and

RESOLVED, that prior to selecting delegates to the State Convention, Town Committees shall obtain the commitment of any prospective delegate to wear (if selected as a delegate) an appropriate disclosure, to be decided upon by the State Convention’s Rules Committee, in a conspicuous place at all times during the State Convention, which disclosure will identify the delegate as on the payroll of a specific campaign or in a vendor or other business relationship with a specific campaign.

All historic movements require a starting point. The approval of these resolutions would be a giant first step to move not just the CTGOP, but all of Connecticut Politics toward more ethical way of conducting the People's business. A process free of pressure from outside influences trading rewards for favors would purify decisions made by trusted representatives and renew confidence in the public trust.

You would have suspect that anyone unwilling to support the resolutions proposed must have something to hide. Further, anyone arguing that they would not support these resolutions because they would not be legally enforceable are merely looking for an excuse to hide behind a technicality so that they can conduct business as usual. Obviously, a bylaw change, which would be enforceable, is a better overall solution, but given that the effort required to change the bylaws would take months of preparation, it is not feasible that it would be adapted prior to the 2012 State Convention. These resolutions are about what can be done to make the process more ethical today.

And the best thing we can hope for is a roll-call vote to let the public know who is in favor of transparency, and ending improprieties, and who isn't.

So, who will have the courage to support the Dean-Visconti Resolutions, and who will fight for the status quo? Only time will tell. Based on what I've been told, the resolutions will be entered/have been entered on the December State Central agenda, and would need to be voted on in a subsequent meeting - perhaps, January at the earliest.

Let's hope that Republican State Central Members do the right thing and vote to pass these historic resolutions.
In the meantime, are there any takers in the Democrat Party who would dare challenge their members to approve a similar set of resolutions?

RTCs, State Central, Convention, etc.

Although this column is favored by political insiders and hobbyists, it occurred to me that some people reading this piece may not understand what I'm talking about when I mention Republican State Central or State Convention, etc. As it stands, I know that many registered Republicans aren't even aware that Republican Town Committees (RTCs)exist, or that RTCs chose representatives to represent them at a State Central Committee, and also chose a slate of delegates to represent them at a State Convention where candidates are voted on, and formally nominated by the Party.

For starters, if you're a registered Republican and may be interested in joining your Republican Town Committee, you might want to inquire soon. As it happens, in January of 2012, towns and cities are mandated by Connecticut State Law to select Republican Town Committee Members. Some towns have an open process which is conducted by Caucus, and some towns have a closed process where members of the Town Committee select a nominating committee and draft a slate of RTC candidates of Republicans to be voted on. Some towns permit only a set number of RTC members, while others seem to have an unlimited number of members - as determined by their by-laws. Above all else, the purpose of the RTC is to draft candidates, get local Republicans elected, and raise funds to support local elections. A side role is to discuss local issues and strategize or discuss how to approach them.

Second, RTCs send delegates to Caucus to select State Central Committee members who are supposed to meet a certain number of times a year, and act as a liaison between RTCs and the State Party. While there are many questions regarding the benefit and productivity of the current organization, State Central helps to draft candidates for federal office, and has responsibility for holding a State Convention, and nominating a set of candidates for federal office, and state offices. State Central members have the added benefit of voting at the State Convention as Super-Delegates - meaning their vote counts twice - this is as obnoxious in theory as it is in practice (mainly because most serving are hardly worth half a vote given the state of things IMHO).

Third, RTCs also have the added responsibility of selecting delegates to send to the State Convention to participate in the nomination of federal and state candidates. Each town has a set allocation as determined by State Bylaws.

One of the big beefs that the public has is that they complain that they don't know who makes decisions on their behalf within the Connecticut Republican Party. Fact is that I would guess that 99% of registered Republicans couldn't tell you who their State Central member is, or who is representing them as a delegate at the State Convention. There has always been a particularly political manner in which delegates for the State Convention are chosen. Sometimes it's by tenure, but often the decision is reserved by the Chairman alone to determine who s/he wants to attend given his knowledge of how they will vote. This kind of decision-making is all about why the resolutions above are being suggested - if you take it a step further.

RTCs may receive cash donations from candidates as an indirect payment for votes, or even Chairman or individuals could receive cash or favors from third party vendors which go undocumented and unaccounted for; meaning individual payoffs can be masked within the current reporting process. Just looking at what occurred before and during the 2010 Connecticut State Republican Convention, you will understand the urgency around adopting these resolutions; the splintering our State Party began during that unfortunate period, and old wounds in many districts are still not healed, and fresh in the minds of delegates, and voters alike. It's clear, that the antics from that convention affected the results of the 2010 General Election here in Connecticut.

Given the obvious opportunity for shenanigans, and payoffs, and greater division within the already fragile CTGOP - if certain situations were to reoccur at the 2012 Convention, it's critical that steps are taken to ensure fair play. The three resolutions above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to moving toward a more ethical and transparent system. And now you can understand just why they are so important.

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be read at http://www.thekingview.blogspot.com

For Godsakes - just say Merry Christmas

2011-11-28T21:20:00.001-05:00

ACLU Christmas
Alert System

For the last ten years, Conservatives have alleged a great conspiracy against Christmas by The Left. When I first heard this claim, I mistook it for overzealous activism by my friends on the religious right - after all, who would really want to expunge Christmas from American Culture?  Well, who indeed.

Christmas has been celebrated in America since the 1700s. Pockets of Dutch, German and English immigrants brought with them the story of St. Nicholas, and gift-giving which was practiced along side the annual December 25th Christian reading of the Nativity Story and birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas was made a formal holiday in Southern states like Alabama in 1836, and Louisiana and Arkansas in 1838, Connecticut in 1845, and as its popularity finally took root in hold-out States - eventually it was made a formal federal holiday through an Act of Congress signed by President Ulysses S. Grant on June 26, 1870.

There is no set doctrine as to what it takes to convert a regional tradition into a widespread national holiday. But notwithstanding, Christmas has been part of Americana for over 300 years. The truth is that there are so few holidays on our calendar and the appetite for adding additional ones is so small that the likelihood of it happening again, at least in the near future - is rather dim. The latest attempt to manufacture a holiday can be found in the largely racist practice of Kwanzaa; some time ago I called this holiday what it truly is - a charade. That blog entry is here if you are inclined to learn about Kwanzaa's true origins.

There has been an intense effort by many to change our widely accepted practice of referring to the Christmas Season as the Holiday Season. Christians who practice attending Church services, gift-giving, decorating trees, and so forth make up 85% of the American population (a Rasmussen's Poll claims its as high as 92%). The other 15% include Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Pagans, Atheists and other groups - many of which don't care one way or another about Christmas. Within this small minority viewpoint live those who wish to upset the normal balance of things and spread discontent - those few who go out of their way to intentionally run against the established tide of our traditional Christmas celebrations.

Over the years several members of the aforementioned groups have formed alliances with left-leaning organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and have conspired with liberal judges to remove Nativity Scenes from public greens, and Christian religious symbols from public sight during Christmastime. These horrific stories almost always make the news circuits each year, and are great examples of how a small minority of lunatics can make hell for the majority in some circumstances.

Many cities have been pressured to change their approach to Christmas simply out of fear of being sued by the ACLU and others. This liberal groups know that few towns and cities can afford the costs associated with defending an alleged first amendment rights case, so they sometimes surrender before the first shot is fired.  Unfortunately, the spineless action of caving in to mere pressure and legal threats has led to towns responding in knee-jerk fashion to a tyrannical few who may or may not have had the financial where-with-all to even file a suit in the first place. Whatever the reason, towns and cities surrendering Christmas prematurely have led to a backlash and outrage by citizens across the Country; most whom don't want to see their Christmas Holiday watered down to an all-inclusive, meaningless Happy Holidays (which if you think about it - is so generic a phraseology that could be used at any time for any holiday).

There is hope that some Jurisdictions are taking a stand and fighting back against the ACLU and its villainy. For example, earlier this year in neighboring Cranston, Rhode Island, the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that religious Christmas displays at Cranston City Hall did not violate the Establishment Clause of the Constitution. This is great news for towns and cities looking to find a legal precedent that illustrates that its not a given that if the ACLU sues you, that you automatically lose. And more important - it sends a strong message that whether liberals like it or not - Christmas is here to stay, and WE THE PEOPLE are willing to fight for it!

What's also unfortunate is that in non-public situations - like office parties and luncheons, and such, corporations have also adopted the inclusive language such as "holiday" this and that. Usually, the planning of these events are coordinated by the less productive members of the staff who are more interested in advancing their social justice agenda and changing our culture rather than actually working to impact the bottom line. These people are the ones who buy wholesale into the whole politically correct theme of inclusion, and waste company time and money to make sure that no one is offended by anything. My view is let them be offended! Jesus is the reason for the season - whether they like it or not. While no one is going to stand up at the Office Christmas Party and starting reading from The Holy Bible, I have to ask - what's wrong with giving Christ his due by calling the celebration what is really is, I mean - people already celebrate Christmas as Christmas at home, don't they? Why put on a false face in the office when everyone complains about having to do so?

What's the point of putting a mask over Christmas just so that Abdul, or Jacob, or Rachel, or Kumar don't get their panties in a ruffle? The King says - pay homage to the King of Kings - for if it weren't for Christ dying on the cross, or Santa coming down the Chimney - they wouldn't be looking at a free holiday off with pay.

So the next time, someone greets you with a Happy Holidays, you tell them - Happy Holidays yourself - I'm unafraid to say Merry Christmas. And when it comes to the company party - bring in a batch of the best tasting Christmas Cookies - not forgetting to be sure that Christmas Lingo be frosted on.

And if someone pushes the point by telling you they don't believe - just look at them and say, "Well at least we know who'll be getting a lump of coal this year, don't we." And then just walk away.

Enjoy your Christmas Season, and stick up for Christ (and Santa), you know they'd do the same for you.

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be viewed at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

Changes may be made to this version a few days upon original printing.

Give Connecticut Legislators a Raise!

2011-11-21T18:01:00.665-05:00

No. I haven't gone off the deep end. Read on.

The current Republican class in
Connecticut's GA are Replicans one
and all. Where are our leaders?

As I travel around the Nutmeg State politicking, I sometimes run into a bright, passionate individual who strikes me as the perfect candidate for state-wide political office.  Perhaps its their depth of knowledge on a particular set of issues or their impressive communication style, or maybe its their background as an effective leader in a business setting, local government post, or even as a member of a non-partisan commission. My belief is that Republicans should always be in recruitment mode - looking for talented people to run for office. And given the capitulate pool of Replicans (not a spelling error) representing us in the General Assembly these days - you'd have to agree that we could really use some new blood. Many of the career incumbents who skip off to Hartford have long-forgotten the noble reason why they got involved in politics in the first place.

Sometimes, I'm bold to make the suggestion to a potential recruit - and most people respond by looking at me as though I have six heads, or worse - as if I had just insulted them. I recognize there is good reason for this - first, many politicians from both sides of the aisle have the reputation of being some of the most corrupt people in the world, and second - the usual profile of one holding elected office is usually a character not high up on the moral rung of the ladder. Although in fairness, there are exceptions to this well-accepted stereotype.

Occasionally, I'll encounter a person who'll absorb my suggestion - stop for a moment, raise their eye-brows, grin, and stare off into space pondering the notion. I can see the wheels of their imagination turning - their mind's eye depicts them sitting upon Pharaoh's golden throne while servants fan them, and bring them an abundance of food and drink. That fantasy is only upstaged them envisioning Princes from foreign lands bowing before them while placing overflowing bags of cash at their feet. Then suddenly - the illusion fades to handcuffs, a witness chair, and then darkness within a prison cell. They awake from their daydream, and utter a "no thanks" and quickly head for the nearest exit.

People often voice frustration at the level of incompetence in the CT State Legislature. It's a place where very little actually gets done unless someone owes you a favor and you're being paid off for patronage. One of the main problems with attracting better-qualified talent to Connecticut's General Assembly lies in the poor compensation provided those who serve. It's The King's view that most people worth their salt cannot afford to run for the General Assembly because it doesn't pay enough for them to make honest living, pay their bills, or raise a family.

For those of you who don't know, elected officials who serve in the Connecticut General Assembly earn a meager $28,000 per year as outlined in Section 2-8a of the Connecticut's Statutes (majority/minority leaders and other officers are paid slightly more) plus a stipend of roughly $5,000 for transportation reimbursement. Even though the job is not full time, year round - perhaps it should be - you'd think that these people would make at least as much as educators do - enough to make the job appear to be a serious one.

When you compare Connecticut with some of our neighbors you see that New Jersey Legislators make $49,000 a year, New York Legislators make $79,500, Massachusetts Legislators make $58,237, and Pennsylvania Legislators make $73,613 per year. So even on it's own merit, my argument isn't too far fetched. The idea that you get what you pay for certainly is a factor to consider.

It's probably not surprising to you that many of the people who sit in our General Assembly seem to be of a particular make-up:  1) Wealthy spouses of millionaires who see politics as mere hobby and a social outlet, or 2) Greedy trial attorneys who have the luxury of billing clients in hourly blocks day and night, and enjoy a little part time gig on the side to support their drinking habit, or 3) Twenty-somethings who are recent career college grads and ideologues - sort of like my old West Hartford friend - Jonathan Harris - who started his political career while living in his mother's basement, and who moved up the ladder of political opportunity as the circumstances allowed for it. Which goes to show you that you don't need to be the sharpest tool in the box, only the craftiest.  And lastly, 4) Single drifters like Joe Markley, who's in and out of as many jobs as he is States - only happy to get the $28K, and anything else he can find with his Radio Shack Metal Detector. Seems like he found a treasure trove with Linda McMillions. What can I say - Busway Joe is on a roll.

Begin Segway: What irks me about Joe Markley as a State Legislator is that he's a self-promoting opportunist.  When it comes to the real issues concerning Connecticut, Shoeless Joe has completely lost the plot. First he sues the Department of Public Utility Control over an alleged hidden tax issue - and loses, then he holds a big rally, and trains down to the House of Representatives to try and block the Busway - and Legislators wouldn't even see him, and he loses. So what's next? Well The King predicts that next he'll be scheming up a big plan to try and stop the Jackson Labs project. I mean why not? - sure, he'll lose but he'll get his name in the paper, play the role of Public Savior - and all while taking credit for voting Yea on Malloy's Union Jobs Bill. How much are all these side adventures costing taxpayers, anyway? Fact is - it's just more malarkey from Joe Markley.
End Segway... Grrr!

Back to the main point....

I guess if you live at home or in an apartment, and you don't have the same financial obligations as the rest of us regular working stiffs, you don't think twice about going on a spending spree with other people's money.  Sending the Rep from either the Harris or Markley category above to the G.A. is sort of ironic if you think about it - how do people who've never strived to really be anything, or have anything - end up making decisions for those of us who do? Sort of bizarre. Sort of outrageous.

So what would happen if Connecticut adjusted State Legislators' salaries upward, and extended the session so that Legislators would have more time to think and work together collaboratively to create better, more productive solutions? Did you ever think of what the ramifications might be?

Well for beginners, if salaries were adjusted so that the starting salary was 60K or more, you would certainly attract a better caliber of candidate on both sides of the aisle. It's funny if you think about it - most voters believe that being a member of the CT General Assembly is a step-up from serving as a Mayor or First Selectman of a town - even though the pay for serving as First Selectman in some towns is actually much higher than that of someone serving in the State House. My belief is if you raised the salary - you would instantly put better qualified and experienced publicly elected servants (including a few First Selectman) in play for a number of seats around the state.

Second, you would expand the pool of talent to include people who may be willing to take a few years off from the private sector, or be willing to make a partial sacrifice - such as small business owner who might otherwise lose everything if he were elected to the General Assembly at today's salary - because he couldn't afford to keep his own lights on. Connecticut's General Assembly could use a more diverse pool of representation - which means fewer attorneys, and wealthy land barons, and far more businessmen and businesswomen among their ranks. Having the perspective of people who suffer or benefit first hand from decisions made at the State Level would be valuable asset to have at the LOB to help get us out of the current crisis.

Both Democrats and Republicans
have been caught taking more
than their share from the cooie jar

Third, there would be less people with their hands in the cookie jar because there would be more capable individuals, self-reliant, and less dependent on a Union safety net - during, and at the end of service. There would be less of an appetite for cronyism as there would be fewer bottom-feeders promised post-service payoffs by Union Organizations, and lobbying firms. Think about it - the average person who makes a measly $28K needs patronage income to exist - for without it - they couldn't survive financially. Doesn't it make you wonder exactly how some do?

I'm sure a few people are steaming about the thought of rewarding the current group of Legislators with a massive pay increase. Don't get me wrong - that is NOT my suggestion. And I don't blame you for your skepticism - for between Governor Malloy, the Democrat-owned Assembly, and so-little opposition from Republicans - save perhaps Chris Coutu who probably voted against the Jobs Bill because he slipped on a banana peel on the way into the Chamber - they don't deserve even the smallest pay raise based on their record of failure. I'd argue that the pay increase could be tied to next year's election. The big opposition to this would come from Democrats who as we know - hate competition.

If Connecticut State Legislators truly cared about Connecticut, they would upgrade their roles from a part-time hobbyist, to full time Legislator. They would go from a rushed, shot-gun approach to solving Connecticut's issues, to a body of quasi-professional, fully-committed solution architects - and really work to improve Connecticut's economy and our resident's well-being. Clearly, the current approach isn't working, and it's time to end this charade and make a real change.

I AM

THE KING

The original blog entry can be viewed at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

This entry may be updated at a latter date.

Occupy Plymouth Rock!

2011-11-20T09:39:00.000-05:00

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I had to share this timely cartoon.

According to historical record, the Pilgrims celebrated A Feast of Thanksgiving at Plimoth Plantation (now Plymouth Massachusetts) in 1621. For those of you who are still suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder from your plight of having to deal with an inconvenient power outage two weeks ago, this is a good time to take heart and be assured that any inconvenience you suffered was probably about 1/1000 that of the daily hardship endured by our brave ancestors. In comparison, our temporary self-pity over lack of television, or a fully-charged cell phone is rather minute.

The Occupy Wall Street crowd is a step beyond this: unimaginative, lazy, tired, whiny, and ironic. These sorts would have likely been the first to perish after one cold winter at Plimoth Plantation. Of course, that's if they survived the proper whippings they would have been administered by Governor Bradford and his Council. Yeah, back then there wasn't patience for the welfare mindset that so many of our fellow citizens have come to adhere to in this century.

While you're sitting at the Thanksgiving table eating turkey and stuffing, remember that even though it's been a rough year - there are so many basic things to be truly thankful for - life, family, a few pennies in the bank, and food on the table. These are things that most of us have earned through hard work and self-determination. And you can also be thankful that you and your kids didn't turnout to be anything like the indolent fools in the Occupy crowd. That in itself is a blessing worth getting on your hands and knees to praise the Lord for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I AM

THE KING

This original post can be seen at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

Connecticut's New York-Bound Commuters Should Be Careful Tomorrow

2011-11-16T22:44:00.004-05:00

If you're heading into downtown New York City tomorrow - be warned - there's likely to be a serious situation in the Financial District due to a massive Occupy Wall Street March that's set for tomorrow. It's reported by New York authorities that there will be tens of thousands of lunatics entering the city to take part in a day of mass anarchy and destruction. The word is out on Twitter, and Phone Messaging that a flash mob is planned for tomorrow morning.

Criminals and anarchists gather on
the Brooklyn Bridge

If you haven't figured it out already, the Occupy Wall Street crowd (and their sister affiliate groups which have propped up all over - including Hartford) stand for absolutely nothing. Collectively they embody the very worst that America has to offer - spoiled rotten kids, Marxists, and criminals. The so-called impromptu camps that sprang up over the course of the last two months have been feigned to be the work of a spontaneous grass roots element, but in reality (and admittedly) they've sprung up through the support and encouragement of evil men like George Soros and like-minded socialists. There is no goal in mind for the OWS participants except for the willful destruction of personal property and the vetting of pointless anger against a society that doesn't coddle the lazy, or incompetent.

"What did you want me to do? Take
action or something? I've got an
image to protect, here."

If there is anyone to be blamed for the degree to which these camps have grown, you have to point the finger at New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Instead of shutting down this madness a month ago, he took an liberal stand of looking the other way praying that the protesters (if you can even call them that) would get tired and simply go home; by his lack of action and failure to enforce laws and city ordinances, he's allowed these lunatics to rule the streets of New York and emboldened their resolve, undeterred by Police who've been under strict orders to do almost nothing. Furthermore, his failure to act has led to women to being sexually abused in make-shift camps, and men to defecate in streets. Brilliant! A far cry from the leadership and standard set by former New York Mayor Rudi Guiliani.

In truth, Bloomberg is a spineless coward. His only concern is his personal public image - which he believed would be damaged if he took action and shut down the anarchists. He said he didn't want to appear to strong-arm residents of New York. So instead he miscalculated, he did nothing and oversaw a massive financial loss to both large and small businesses; the losses reported to be in the millions. He took the easy path and was rewarded with nothing.

So now he has a real problem on his hands. By allowing the OWS crowd to become comfortable, set up bases of operation, and network - they've been able to attract thousands more members to their cause, and the problem has compounded itself twenty-fold. One Occupy protester said of tomorrow's protest, "We plan to burn down the city." How quaint.

Finally, the Police have been given permission to move in and disperse the crowds. Over the last two days, CNN and other media outlets have complained about being blocked out of several areas by New York Police where OWS movement was originally camped out. As a practical matter, the Police didn't want the news media inflaming the situation as they begun to dismantle the OWS camps. What every OWS protester wants is the mainstream media to take video and slice it to make the NYPD look like tyrants and bullies - tearing down tents and using brutal force on OWS protesters. And tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar that the news media will sensationalize every minute of the chaos to help fuel the anarchy, and expand the story. You can guarantee that any Officer who loses his cool for a split second will forever be shown in a repeated loop, over and over, during the next 10 days on network television.

What people need to understand is that the OWS crowd is not innocent group of people trying to merely make a difference in the world. They are lawbreakers and maniacs who hate America, Capitalism, and our Democratic way of life. They have no message, and they have no goal except to destroy everything in their path, and spread their message of misery and hate.

If you have to venture into New York City tomorrow. Be safe.

I AM

THE KING

This original blog post can be located at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com