Gordon Klingenschmitt (license plates, office, jobs)

[bluescreen73]

Dr. Chaps's town hall was apparently nothing more than a pat-himself-on-the-back session where he bragged up all the great things he's done and announced he's running for Bill Cadman's State Senate seat. Got a kick out of the Denver Post's headline regarding the meeting. They'll probably change it in short order, but I got a screenshot of it.

[Terytee]

Did this forum de-volve into a republican bashing online community for us hate-filled loons?

I thought attacks weren't allowed on this forum? They sure seem okay in a political context.

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by Terytee

Did this forum de-volve into a republican bashing online community for us hate-filled loons?

I thought attacks weren't allowed on this forum? They sure seem okay in a political context.

I don't have a problem with most Republicans (or Democrats for that matter), but Congressman Klingenschmitt is all kinds of special. I'd be ashamed of the man were I in his district. He's completely wackadoodle.

[Carrera32]

Tery - As I scrolled back through the posts, I haven't seen any personal attacks against any of the forum posters in this thread. I think the posts about K. are legitimate commentary on a public political figure. While my politics are left of center, I have no interest in Republican bashing (I've actually voted for some of them), but when an elected official, who is as hate-filled as this guy is, very publicly espouses those views, I think he's fair game for commentary from those of us who strongly disagree with him. I don't for a minute believe that most Republicans share K's views but when DelGrasso reinstated him to his committee post after what amounts to a minor 'time out' I have to wonder.

[Terytee]

This is a city-data forum, not a political forum.

To be fair, you're right; there were not personal attacks, but grouping people together in one swoop is also an attack.

One poster wrote:

Did his constituents know what they were getting into when they elected him? YES. The voters who elected him are just as complicit in Klingenschmitt's insensitivity and stupidity as he is.

Are these posts tolerated when the posts or threads are inline with the political view of the moderators?

[Carrera32]

A significant part of the city-data forum is, in fact, political. The forum isn't an arm of the chamber of commerce or visitor center. There are many threads that touch on local politics. The political climate in this city and county affects every decision made by our elected officials, which, in turn, affect the quality of life, business environment, and priorities of our local government. People who query this forum want to know more than just where they can find an affordable apartment or a dog park. For example, a recent active thread focuses on Suthers for mayor. There was a very civil and respectful (with one minor exception) exchange of impressions on him and his opponent, Makepeace. The decision we make on who's going to be our mayor will impact every aspect of our lives for the next four years or more. Personally, I think that's very important and we should be commenting and voicing our respective opinions so that we can make informed decisions on our civic future.

I agree that K is a product of the voters who overwhelmingly elected him. As I've previously posted, K has never been shy about promulgating his societal views. He literally broadcasts them via his radio show and other public venues. The people who voted him into office had no excuse for not knowing those views. There was a primary and he won over another conservative, so it isn't like he was the only conservative choice. The fact that they didn't choose his conservative opponent speaks volumes. In the general election, he won a mandate. The only reasonable conclusion to draw from the election is that the majority of voters in his district agree with his views. Now we're all stuck with him. He's a lawmaker and the bills he authors/supports, if enacted, will affect his constituents and all of us in the region. K's most recent dust up made national news and did not reflect well on our community, which, in some quarters, is already negatively stereotyped. All he did was reinforce those stereotypes. He deserved to be called out in whatever forum is available (whether the moderator agrees with his politics or not).

[Mike from back east]

As moderator, I would hate ANY politician who behaves like GK, and would pillory his ass in a New York Minute.

[mbalmedpoet]

As much as we don't really like to discuss politics, you can't escape it in everyday life. In a place like city-data where people are looking for places to move, politics are a huge part of this. What these people do, or don't do affects state and municipal laws. Other people tend to want to move to where they would fit in and feel comfortable, have an easier time finding friends. So yes, politics, even though they are a "hot button" are a necessary evil on here.

[bluescreen73]

The voters of El Paso County did the rest of the state a solid and ended the bigot's time in the Colorado legislature. Klingenschmitt lost his state senate primary race by a wide margin yesterday.

[Kar54]

Good riddance. One more COS/EPCO embarrassment gone.