Contrary to Popular Opinion, I Don’t Hate Democrats Nor Do I Love Republicans!
While making some vague attempt to exercise yesterday, I ran into a political friend of mine. We talked about the usual stuff, local matters, a state-related proposal or two and a national issue. We were wrapping up our conversation when a he mentioned to me a Democratic-elected official who commented to him that “I don’t know if could be in the same room with Abdul, he hates Democrats!”
My friend was surprised at the statement and asked the official why they thought I hated Democrats? The official told them I was always beating up Democrats on my show when it came to crime and the city’s finances. My buddy to his credit asked the best question, “Was he wrong or did he ever lie?” The official sat there quietly after that.
There is a perception out there in some Marion County democratic circles that I hate Democrats and love Republicans. They are half right. I like and dislike some Democrats and like and dislike some Republicans. There are Democrats in this town I would go to the wall for and some Republicans I would line up against, and vice versa.
If it seems I’ve been hard on Marion County Democrats lately it’s because they’ve dropping the ball lately; crime, the budget, asking for 75-percent raises, personal behavior etc. But more importantly they are in charge! As they proudly stated at their slating meeting last Saturday, they control all but one countywide office. And as Peter Parker says, “with great power comes great responsibility.” And this is the price of leadership when you’re in charge.
It is interesting to note that a couple years ago when I was, and still am, the biggest proponent of consolidation and the human rights ordinance I was the Democrats’ hero and was referred to by a very prominent county Republican as a “pimple on an elephant’s ass.” So the more things change, the more they stay the same.
My job I to keep people honest, give credit where it is due and scorn where it is appropriate. If some people think they’ve been feeling a lot of heat lately, then maybe they should check what they’re cooking in the kitchen.
