Dirty, Rotten Scoundrels
Politics can be an ugly business to be in. At the best of times it is unpleasant, and at the worst of times, it's personal. Mean-spirited criticism never did anything positive for anyone. It hurts the person it's directed to, and shows to everyone else how petty and small-minded the assailant is.
Recently, Pete Ashdown, the owner of my ISP, announced he was going to run as a Democrat against Orrin Hatch in the next election. Personally, I think it's great that someone wants to get involved in politics because they feel they can make a difference. I've probably had enough political involvement to last me the rest of my life.
Just this morning, I learned that someone sent out an e-mail to "Republican activists" asking them to discontinue their service and "sign up with another provider." The logic in this? "...it still is not a good idea to support a Republican challenger like this Democrat XMission owner by using his services." A local station has a copy of the e-mail on their website. You can check out my quotes to see that I'm not taking anything out of context.
So, who's this guy who's launched the personal attack on Pete Ashdown? His name is Rich Kuchinsky. He's listed on the Salt Lake County Republican Party website as a member of the state central committee. By virtue of his position in the party his personal actions have the appearance of being those of the organization. As a Republican, I am appaled by this behavior. This recommendation is certainly not representative of what I feel the Republican party's values are.
According to the report, "Leaders of the Republican Party" do not condone this man's actions. Good for them. The report didn't say if it was state or national party leaders who disapprove of this, but I hope that both do, and that they take action on this disgusting attack. Trying to deprive anyone of his livelyhood simply because their politics and opinions disagree with yours, (and that's exactly what was recommended in the e-mail) is an attitude that should not have place in the United States.
The State Republican committee should issue a formal apology to Pete Ashdown and Rich Kuchinsky should be removed from the committee.
Recently, Pete Ashdown, the owner of my ISP, announced he was going to run as a Democrat against Orrin Hatch in the next election. Personally, I think it's great that someone wants to get involved in politics because they feel they can make a difference. I've probably had enough political involvement to last me the rest of my life.
Just this morning, I learned that someone sent out an e-mail to "Republican activists" asking them to discontinue their service and "sign up with another provider." The logic in this? "...it still is not a good idea to support a Republican challenger like this Democrat XMission owner by using his services." A local station has a copy of the e-mail on their website. You can check out my quotes to see that I'm not taking anything out of context.
So, who's this guy who's launched the personal attack on Pete Ashdown? His name is Rich Kuchinsky. He's listed on the Salt Lake County Republican Party website as a member of the state central committee. By virtue of his position in the party his personal actions have the appearance of being those of the organization. As a Republican, I am appaled by this behavior. This recommendation is certainly not representative of what I feel the Republican party's values are.
According to the report, "Leaders of the Republican Party" do not condone this man's actions. Good for them. The report didn't say if it was state or national party leaders who disapprove of this, but I hope that both do, and that they take action on this disgusting attack. Trying to deprive anyone of his livelyhood simply because their politics and opinions disagree with yours, (and that's exactly what was recommended in the e-mail) is an attitude that should not have place in the United States.
The State Republican committee should issue a formal apology to Pete Ashdown and Rich Kuchinsky should be removed from the committee.
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