Rep. Joe Knollenberg's CoS Goes Nuts On Constituent Activist
By Nicole Belle Sunday Oct 14, 2007 2:02pmYou know, this legislatin' thing would be fun if it wasn't for those pesky constituents...
Bruce Fealk, a blogger and political activist in Michigan, has apparently been a thorn in the side of Joe Knollenberg (R-Of Course), who is currently running for re-election. At a recent stop to do a little meet and greet with the common people, Fealk asked Knollenberg about his votes for keeping troops in Iraq and against SCHIP. Knollenberg's tactic is to simply ignore Fealk.
But Knollenberg's Chief of Staff Trent Wisecup is not quite so diplomatic...in fact, he lets loose with a barrage of insults that show just how nasty and dismissive he views anyone not toeing the Republican line...either that, or he's just overdosed on Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. You just know this is exactly what most of these politicos are thinking, only Trent's not smart enough to clam up in front of a camera.
Sadly, Knollenberg appears to be happily indifferent to his constituency, and when questioned, resorted to the same kind of ad hominem attacks like his CoS.
The scarecrows adorning Main Street in this affluent Detroit suburb are symbolic of the frightening times ahead for Rep. Joe Knollenberg and other Republicans as they prepare to block a broad expansion of children's health insurance this week.[..]
Few Republicans have more to fear than Knollenberg, a former insurance agent whose nearly 15-year grip on Michigan's 9th Congressional District has never been as weak. His customary double-digit victories shrunk to 5 percentage points in 2006. Now, he's saddled with an increasingly unpopular war and president. Being perceived as voting against kids doesn't help.[..]
When Knollenberg ventured inside Lytle Pharmacy on Saturday to shake hands, Fealk was waiting. "When are you going to end the war, Joe?" said Fealk, wearing a white T-shirt that read, "ENOUGH."[..]
Knollenberg will have none of that. Although the bill coming back to the House on Thursday won support from 45 Republicans last month, he calls it "the Pelosi health care bill" after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. It's "a pile of loose parts that depends on 22 million new smokers in America to pay for taxpayer-funded health benefits for illegal immigrants," he says.
But wait! It gets better! Trent Wisecup then emails the Politico to tell them what is "pro-" and "anti-" American. Guess where on the spectrum Wisecup places MoveOn? We have provided a "Contact Congress" widget on the right margin...you may want to consider sending a (polite, please) email to Rep. Knollenberg about the fascist working for him. (h/t Brandon)
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First?
Mr. Wisenheimer there is blinded by his own stupidity, it appears.
Here's a primer that every schoolkid should see. It's as relevant as ever, despite being made 60 years ago.
What a nut. Where does one even come up with the insane comment, "You hate America, you want Toyota to win!"?
I just don't understand, Republican or Democrat, who exactly is stupid enough to buy spin crap like the Pelosi health care bill. This is why so few people turn out to vote. Both sides behaving worse than the morons on the Jerry Springer show. Obviously, they all think it's workin' for 'em. It's like a worst-case-scenario elementary school playground.
www.theskinofmyteeth.com
David B.
ROFL!!! The first thing he says is "you're anti-American".
BWAHAHAHAH!
that was hysterical. Toyota?
So, according to Trent, Drugbaugh is not an American because he's a political activist.
And the rethuglican talking points never rest! Every thing he said
while up in Fealk's face is being directly fed into his brain through
a FuxNooz remote control. A what pathetic chump.
Hear me ROAR! RAWRRRRRRRRRRR
I was waiting for the white stuff to start coming out of his mouth :)
Seriously, how much had this guy had to drink before he went on this batshit crazy rant? If he wasn't drunk, then he's just batshit crazy.
Good.
The country will be seeing alot of these videos.
Get right in their faces and expose them.
Confront Sean Hannity and all the other propagandists and hypocrites too. Get them all on tape... Including local fake christian front groups who still support bush and cheney.
I am sorry but the "activist" was really obnoxious and I completely understand why the chief of staff lost his cool. Hanging out outside the guys house? Come on ! get an appointment or write a letter but this guy with the camera is no better than a celebrity stalker or papprazi ....
I do however think the response from the chief of staff was repugnant no matter how annoyed he was by the questions .....Dont impune anyones love of country ever ...we all love this country ...only some of us are blind in that love ....
This man and his views of what America is and should be scares me more than any terrorist!
Imagine that, smokers actually having to pay higher taxes to make sure poor children have health insurance!
Those political anti-American hacks are at it again!!
Check out his Romney connection.
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2006/03/major_shakeup_in_romneys_w...
"I'm speaking for Joe..."
Which means he's another Republican who is completely mesmerized by the "Democrats are anti-American terrorist sympathizers" rhetoric.
Which means he's not fit for office.
Trent Wisecup= Brownshirt, exhibit A.
This is the guy's chief of staff? His manner is that of a ten year old.
Taranto said Republicans never question Democrats' patriotism.
Excellent! He showed these guys as the jerks they really are. What slime-balls. Would be great if some of this made the nightly news (except Faux news who would spin it totally in the opposite direction).
To clear up, Dr. Matt: I think you're confusing a few of Mr. Wisecup's terms.
Drugbaugh is an American because he wants America to win. But because he's a "political activist" then he's NOT a citizen.
Important distinction.
I agree with Scott WB. The activist guy has obviously been antagonizing this campaign for some weeks, and going beyond the bounds of common sense. The guys wife is not fair game, nor are his neighbors.
Sure, "Trent" went ape, but I don't think it's the unqualified score that this website think it is. If we pursure our politcal goals like we're a bunch of 7th graders, who will take us serious.
I think most non-political people would watch this and think the activist was a nut, and the campaign guy just simply got frustrated. Is this the best we can do on the left; employing the tactics of Bill O'reilly will makes us just as credible as he is.
pissed off patricia @ 16:
I would say less than ten. Five is more like it. Sigh...
navyswan @ 3:
The Big 3 are doing just fine kicking their own ass through their myopia and addiction to short term profits. Why do they need Toyota and others to do that for them?
I emailed Joe asking why all the Americans that disagree with him are terrorist living traitors. I placed the text on my blog. and David B. I linked that video.
If we use congressional approval ratings, then more than 245 million Americans are terrorist loving traitors.
If Trent wants war on Iran so much, will he enlist?
Why are most Americans terrorist loving traitors?
IanToronto @ 21:
Sometimes you have to wonder if people like the CoS guy are mentally disabled.
I was offering her ice cream!
I was offering her ice cream!
I was offering her ice cream!
I was offering her ice cream!
I was offering her ice cream!
Is this who you want as your spokesman? He was obnoxious, and provoked a semi-obnoxious response. The congressman did answer his questions. They weren't good answers, nor were the ones vidcam guy wanted, but this kind of asinine, third-rate street theater shouldn't be posted on a major blog. I may agree with vidcam guy, but I sure don't want him as a spokesman for the cause.
Phil @ 20:
Pardon me , but bullshit.
"Playing nice" is why Democrats have been shit on for more than 20 years...the American public knows these guys are whack-jobs, but because the MSM is complicit in obscuring their disconnect, the public tends to forget by the time the vote comes around. We need to keep hammering these guys, exposing their hypocrisy and anti-Americanism every chance we get, even if it means "getting all up in their faces"; confront them in the grocery store, at the Post Office, in the park, wherever they go. They have chosen to be "public" figures...if their lap-dogs like Malkin and O'Reilly can do it, then we should, too, if only to show them the other side of the coin.
I'm glad he has the guts to ask hardball questions. The blinded person who didn't answer any questions was quick to label Fealk as unamerican. I'm guessing knollenberg won't see another day in office.
Typical Yankee reich-winger. His strategy is just to loudly denounce critics as "anti-American." What an asshole.
J Grant @ 25:
Is he a spokesman? Trent Wisecup qualifies as a spokesman for Joe Knollenberg. He's bona fide and on the payroll.
Bruce Fealk does represent you?
What a sorry S.O.B!!! This what the Bush loving Republicans want America to be. SHUT YOUR MOUTH BOY!!! THERE IS NO FREE SPEECH!!! DO AS I SAY...YOU HAVE NO RIGHTS!!!
Discussing the camera guy...do we know enough of the back story to judge either guy? Do we know if the rep was purposefully not addressing this guys questions after moderate appeals? Do we know if he had and the camera really is a loon? I don't. So I reserve judgement. The only thing I do know is that the COS seemed like more of a knuckle-dragger, fo' sho'.
"Do you want Iran to win!?!"
Since when are we fighting Iran? I thought we were fighting Al Qaeda and "Islamofacists" and they just happen to be in Iraq.
Last time I checked we had not declared war on Iran, much to Holy Joe's chagrin.
Hang on! Hang on! Hang on!
Am I the only one who heard that jack say "Do you want us to lose in IRAN?"
I am finding myself agreeing with those here who say the vid guy was out of bounds when he was taping this. I wouldn't want a camera guy following me around everywhere I went and I'm sure what I would say to him wouldn't be pleasant, but it wouldn't be insane either. As soon as the Chief of Staff began making those crazy accusations, he showed his true colors and lack of intelligence. His depth of understanding about how to deal with the public was woefully lacking.
I LOVE these guys!
I assume we're paying this guy, right? Where do I go to chip in?
;-)
I would have done this guy right then and there in front of everybody. It's hard to find teeth on the floor in a crowded store. Hey that might make a good lyric.
Sorry...
I'm talking about the Republican idiot. We're paying him, right?
So...some of you are saying the dems would be better? In what way? No wars, less wars, only certain type wars, what? Be specific.
ps. Rest of the world hates you both, repugs and dems.
J Grant @ 25:
How do you figure that Bruce Fealk is a spokesman for anyone other than himself? That's a strawman if ever I heard one...we show a video and suddenly he speaks for everyone? Really? I think that Bruce's repeating of giving Knollenberg's wife an ice cream is to counter the accusation of "stalking and harassing".
If you want to know more about Bruce Fealk, I provided links to the blogs to which he contributes. He certainly is more vocal than many, but he has the right to expect to speak to his elected representative without being told that he is anti-American. That attitude is unacceptable.
spit take @ 19:
I stand corrected. I'll have to update my reich-wing-lopedia.
J Grant @ 25:
You're anti-America!
You're anti-America!
You're anti-America!
You're anti-America!
You're anti-America!
You're anti-America!
Is this who you want as your spokesman?
what an absolute republican putrid bully
yes... and another one we will never forget....
A former CIA official confronts Rumsfeld.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1FTmuhynaw
Confront and Expose them.
and keep an eye on those media companies and their content packages
http://blog.coloradodems.org/2007/06/05/concerns-over-comcast-tv/
"Goes nuts"? Sorry. Don't see it.
Nicole Belle @ 39:
Excellent retort, Nicole. I have long documented that reich-wingers think they speak for the majority and/or the masses.
Wow! This video really shows this CoS as a bully. I hope this video is circulated and viewed widely. Would LOVE to debate the guy. He can't do anything except hurl character assassinations and give "the evil eye," a skill honed to an art form by Condoleeza Rice. Th anger in his face is unbelievable. He is clearly not temperamentally suited to be a front person for a congressman.
In the near future such confrontations will end with Fealk in handcuffs and prison. And probably worse. The vicious little goose-stepper even alluded to this. And he can't wait - you can see it in his eyes.
Renholder @ 32:
Iran is the just latest talking point. They need to convince the myopic reich-wing worshipers that Iran is a real threat and that we are actually already at war with them. Sadly, 22% of America believes this non-sense.
J Grant at 25, you are entirely correct.
the videotaping activist indeed overstepped his bounds. The congressman's answer was not what he wanted to hear, but he did answer.
I have no sympathy for people whose activism turn into harassing self-righteousness, as this person's truly has. He cannot and should not be used as an example of what the 'left' looks like. He's far far left, and not representative.
However, that doesn't make him anti-American. Why is it that when people on the left take advantage of their rights (speech, assembly, search,etc), people on the right call them anti-American?
I wonder if someone can find information on the harassment that supposedly happened with the congressman's wife/neighbors? Or anything, really, that this activist has done wrt the congressman. It would add more context to the situation.
Nicole Belle @ 39:
That was where he crossed the line.
He could've simply detailed the problems he had with Bruce Fealk and the video would've had no traction. Bruce Fealk could've edited out the rant against his own behavior, but didn't.
The difference her is that Bruce is private citizen and a voter. If he has been a demonstratable nuisance, I think we would've heard about criminal charges.
But Trent and Joe are public figures making life and death decisions concerning our nation and our planet. They are working in a capacity that demands accountability and transparency. If they believe that support for waging war on Iran, is the defining line for patriotism in the US, then I sure want to know that. I thank Bruce for sharing their views with us.
This nut defending the right wing hack is your sterotypical warmongering 'American assh**e'- The kind of jerk who insists that America- and Americans are superior to all others on the planet...Thank goodness for the yank asking the questions- he reveals the American right has no understanding- or respect for the concept of freedom.
Blue Buddha @ 2:
Here's a primer that every schoolkid should see. It's as relevant as ever, despite being made 60 years ago.
------------------------
Dear Blue Buddha, please repost this link far and wide.
is it on You Tube? i'll look for it there and pass it around some.
Linda @ 46:
Of course he's not but lets talk about the issues. Or hey, lets just watch Springer-type 'entertainment'.
The Reality @ 38:
By European standards, both the Democratic and Republican parties are right wing parties- The Democrats are right wing, the Republcias ultra right wing...All this talk of the democrats being 'liberal' is absurd...If there was anything liberal about the democrats, they would be proud, not ashamed to use the term socialism.
Iran to win? Toyota to be GM? Huh??? Is that what people like him think? Well, outsourcing by Repubs may just have done that....Wonder how GM compares to Toyota. Was it me or was that guy trying to keep his chaw from coming out of his mouth while he scolded the cameraman?
I live in Michigan (land of blue lakes and blue voters). Last November Sen. Stabenow (D) and Governor Granholm (D) won landslide reelections with 58% & 57% of the popular vote respectively. In our U.S. Congressional Districts statewide, democrats recieved nearly 57% of the popular vote, yet the GOP won 9 of our 15 U.S. House seats. You read that right, its not a typo. In Michigan, 42.7% of the people (republicans of course) elected 60% of our House delegation. And this moron has the nerve to call anyone fascists. If it wasn't for gerrymandering and voter suppression, these clowns would be a 35% party in Washington.
Oh, and in our state Senate in Lansing, the GOP won 21 of 38 seats with 46.5% of the popular vote!
This man was treating Fealks like he was a total idiot. All he did was ask a question of the Congressman who immediately dismissed him. Why didn't he just answer it instead of allowing his chief of staff to step in and start flinging insults and act like a little General Patton? Not a very good way to treat your constituents. This sort of thing is happening more and more. Why would politicians so blatantly insult their constituents while making rounds on their home turf? Why would a republican do that when they know the kind of trouble the GOP is in? Do they know something that the People don't? Maybe they know that when push comes to shove, like this election cycle is becoming, that our votes don't really matter anyway? That those who currently hold an office or is seeking an office know it's all a con designed to keep up the illusion we still live in a democracy to keep us 'idiots' happy?
The anger on that chief of staff is hilarious! What a douche bag.
Proof once again that the GOP is made up of a bunch of LUNATICS.
"You're not a citizen."?!?!?!?!?!?!
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you a quintessential example of today's Republican Party.
I will say one thing. The cameraman was acting like a severe smart-ass with a man who clearly had no sense of humor or brain and this tends to shut people down and you lose your audience.
LOL! Wisecup needs to get a grip. Him trying to "define" American is emotional clap trap which is why the republicans have been failing for 6.5 years.
Knollenberg is going to get fired in 2008. We his constiutents think he's been doing a shitty job.
The Reality @ 53:
That's the best we can get from Republicans. They are backed into a corner by their own failures and freaking out.
To be fair, if The Capitolist is any guide, most constituents are FUCKING CRAZY.
Ricky Bones @ 60:
Trent Wisecup is his audience?
Jonnablu @ 13:
Excuse me, but why should smokers have to be taxed to death because we enjoy something we know is unhealthy anyway? Drunk driving kills more people than smoking...maybe you should cough up another $2.50 in taxes on the next beer you toss down your throat! Not defending a stupid habit like smoking, but taxing smokers for every hair-brained program that comes along isn't right either!
J Grant @ 25:
Kids pokes bear with sharp stick. Will Bear maul kid. I agree . . . nothing to look at here except a really hostile bear and a dim witted kid.
navyswan @ 3:
Aren't some --if not most-- of the Toyotas we buy in the U.S. made in America? By Americans? Who get 401Ks? My Toyota has a little Indiana sticker on it.
Darth_Romney @ 65:
Meanwhile back at the Federal Reserve, the printing presses begin to break down because they are over-heating.
E Ryno @ 66:
Will the bear continue to make decisions concerning the future of our nation and the well being of your family? Stay tuned....
WOW! I hope this makes Olbermann's!!! I have called Knollenberg's office on several occasions. They are clueless about anything relevant. The part of Oakland County they were in is IN THE TANK right now. Most of the people in this area have lost their white collar jobs and are living off of their savings or dipping into their retirement money early. Houses won't sell and people are actually suicidal over the situation. My calls to Knollenberg's office have responses to the effect of "we have to take care of the car dealerships and protect the auto industry". The auto industry is dying and this state keeps being held hostage because of it. Most average Michigan people on the street can not understand WHY the "Big 3" won't make cars that consumers really want. I believe GM (or Ford?) makes most of the ethanol fueled vehicles sold to Brazil. Watch the move "Who Killed the Electric Car". The people who had electric cars loved them!! A Michigan company (Ovonic) developed a battery that would hold a charge for 300 miles - but GM acquired part ownership of the patent - and then it went to Chevron!!
Thank you Bruce for your courage in standing up to these people. STIFLING DISSENT is their main objective. What happened to citizens in the elected official's district having a say??
Phil @ 20:
This comment is exactly what is wrong with Republicans and their apologists. They want everyone to be silent. Fealk never harassed Joe's wife or any of his neighbor's. He was never belligerent when asking his representative questions. Simple writing letters to your Sen. or Rep. that are often ignored is not what democracy is about. Getting off your but and meeting these politicians face to face is every citizens right. No matter how much Republicans want to make public discourse and open debate illegal, no one can stop it.
Joe could have had a serious discussion in the proverbial public square with someone who disagreed with him. He could have explained his position on his support for the war and his reasons for voting against SCHIP. He then could have politely listened to Fealk's counter argument. Both men having a civil discussion on some serious issues in front of a unfiltered audience. Joe after all was in the store campaigning. Therefor he is fair game to be asked questions. No matter what questions they are or by who.
But that isn't what happened is it? Joe played dumb, and tried to move on hoping to find someone who was just happy to shake his hand. This left his attack dog to make an ass out of himself by trying to block the camera and when that wasn't working to then turn into the raving loony so many Republicans think represents serious discussion. "you hate America", you want Toyota to win", "you hate the troops", "your harassing us" ect... This is exactly why no one takes Republicans seriously anymore. They all seem to act like 8 year olds. Shrill and childish name calling, smearing, and fake tough guy syndrome won't get them anywhere anymore. Everyone is tired of that act. It's time for Republicans to turn the page and become adults. Adults who can debate issues with fact, reason, truth , and common sense. Adults who aren't afraid of debate, but welcome it as a means to inform and be informed.
As far as O'reilly and his toothless gotcha' police. Bill goes after private citizens who say or write things that he doesn't understand or he doesn't agree with. There is a big difference between Bill harassing a private citizen and a private citizen publicly confronting their Representative. The first one is called intimidation, the second is called Democracy.
1) Wisecup's politics are shitty.
2) Fealk is an asshole.
3) Wisecup whups his ass.
Come on, kiddies
Did anyone else notice that Trent's eye was wiggling around as if on meth during his ridiculous and embarassing attempt to justify his misguided understanding of law, justice, and his own political existence?
Accusing Bruce of having a political agenda and using this argument to reinforce why Bruce should not be allowed to question those in power, is the stupidest, most desperate and ironic series of statements I've heard in a long while.
And the "do you want Iran to win" blubbering is proof positive that whatever chip the administration is planting in these people's heads is working.
"Do you want Iran to win?" - Trent Wisecup
Is the contest to see has the most bat-crazy government?
Sorry, but that was embarrassing. Unless Fealk has razor sharp wit & the ability to cut that doofus down to size when he starts hurling insults, this is a pointless exercise.
Darth_Romney @ 65:
I say tax the churches...Why should institutions that encourage people to pray to the sky and to a fictional diety get off tax free?
Jaden @ 9:
Hopefully the white stuff comes out after the brown stuff that he is spitting out now. Or will it change color? Is there such a thing as white shit?
Dissent is as American as Apple Pie... squelching dissent is as Nazi as your Chief of Staff's behavior. Congressman Knollenberg, think about it.
gfm975 @ 78:
I agree..but the radical right will always say 'freedom of speech is important, BUT........."
Usually anything that question's their party line is seen as nothing short of heresy....
Right wingers have zero understanding-or respect for freedom of speech
pissed off patricia @ 16:
How about a five year old?? I remember when I was five. Got into an arguement with another five year old. "My daddy can beat up your daddy" was all we could argue about - and we stood about 2-3 feet apart. Kids!!
Trent!! Chief of Staff!! Five year old boy!!
BDM @ 75:
It didn't seem pointless to me. He got Trent to express his feelings and talk about the things that he and Joe believe in.
Why should he have been cut down and prevented from expressing himself?
They don't come more left than me, but I think they're both wrong -- I'm all for pinning down politicos, but this kind of thing borders on harassment.
And then, the Chief of Staff -- golly, how is asking for answers wanting "Iran to win"? Are we at war with Iran? News to me.
He'd have won the face-off if he just kept it to the harassment points, which held at least SOME weight.
I'd call it a draw. Of losers.
Weaseldog @ 81:
Because otherwise it's two guys going, "I know you are but what am I?".
Do you think if every congress man and senator was stalked like this relentlessly that they might have changed their position on the war?
I'm not sure that I like his tactics either but being stalked by a journalist is a small price to pay for voting for the deaths of 3800, no hundreds of thousands of people.
If this guy was a war criminal, would you be against the journalists tactics?
curtilingus @ 84:
All I'm saying is that if you know you're going into a hostile situation, you should be prepared. Fealk had no retorts at hand even though he has had confrontations with these guys in the past. It was like that John Stossel interview with the "wrestler."
Seems like the congressman puts the kindly front end of a GOP political machine that includes his chief of staff with some serious right wing nut opinions. Keep waiting for someone to laugh when a right winger asked why we hate the troops. They are so rediculous, you sometimes forget that they are serious.
However, showing up at someones house with free icecream for his wife isn't cool, its creepy. Repeatedly asking someone the same thing is probably really annoying to, but thats the congressmans job.
i think that trent needs to vent more against the prez than the blogger.
it is the war and occupation in iraq that has allowed iran to become emboldened
it is the prez and his repug thugs who wish to expand "free trade" and further destroy the manufacturing sector of our great country.
as for those who dont like the bloggers tactics....you have a better idea?
Don't know the history of Bruce Fealk and his activism, however I believe that trent wiseass needs some lessons in diplomacy - or he should just keep his mouth shut. He truly embarrassed himself.
As for the congressman - he should go cheney himself.
Is Bruce Fealk Peter's son Chris from the T.V. show Family Guy?
BDM @ 85:
I personally know people like Trent. Talking points and witty repartee mean nothing to them. If Fealk had pushed him intelligent retorts, then Mr Wisecup may well have beaten the crap out of him. I think he stopped short of that line.
Standards must have been set extremely low for applicants for this Congressman's "Chief of Staff."
If I had been there and if he interfered with my right to question my Congressman in public, I would arrest the crackpot and jail him--after he got out of the hospital.
The Congressman would do well to fire that idiot before he causes him big trouble in the future--which he is certain to do.
I didn't know America was at war with Toyota.
Phil @ 20:
Scott WB @ 12:
Kinda curious how you know what Trent Wisecup is saying about Mr. Fealk approached some sort of truth, objective or otherwise, when based upon his rant it would probably be safe to assume that just about anything out of his mouth was untrue.
But then again, in these rather Orwellian times just speaking to your elected representative can be twisted somehow into harassment.
LOL!!! Ha! HA! Oh! My! God! Where do these people come from??!! Where??!! Is he for real??!!
Toyota??!! WTF??!!
So if you are for Children's Healthcare you are a terrorist supporting anti-american activist who wants to send all our jobs overseas? Talk about pot and kettle.
So according to Wisecup if you are a political activist you are no a citizen? So Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Fredrick Douglas, Martin Luther King, Susan Anthony, weren't citizens?
Do you really think this confrontation plays so well?
The activist/questioner comes off as obnoxious, whatever the reaction he's provoked.
A lose/lose scenario...
WHAT IS THERE ABOUT JANE FONDA'S 'LOOK AT ME HUMPING THE COMMIE TANK MOMENT' THAT WE FAIL TO UNDERSTAND!!!
i'd say they're both a couple of dicks.
"Let the battle for the definition of what it means to be a true American be joined"?? What is this, the Lord of the freakin' Rings?
"You are Anti-American.. You are against our troops and want them to lose..."
Wow...
That guy is a total freak...
Yeah The TROOPS aka the Sgt's and Privates... planed and decided all on their own to invade Iraq.. so obviously being against the war and the killing and deaths of Iraqis and the total destruction of their country and our shared human history is anti american...
Of course Wars OF Aggression are Pro-American... right?
he also makes the most childish, simplistic republican argument in the world -- that anyone would WANT our troops to lose!
LOL! I mean, just making that argument deserves a punch in the face. No one wants our troops to die, and to simplify it into winning and losing is incredibly simplistic. Of course, it seems that's all that seems to work for the lizard brains out there...
In the end, I don't see how Fealk's behavior changes WiseCup's message.
And if Fealk has been as much of a jerk as Wisecup insists he is, I don't really care. Fealk isn't helping to govern our nation. He isn't leading us into an ever expanding war.
If Fealk hadn't done this, would we know that Joe intends to bring us into a war with Iran and that he considers anyone that disagrees with this idea, to be a traitor and an enemy?
If a Representative believes that I am a traitor and an enemy to America, on the ground that I disagree with them on some of their policy decisions, then I want to know that.
wobbly @ 96:
you compare questioning your congressman and saying "i brought her ice cream" to fonda and her visit to nam? you are truly an idiot and progressives deserve the government that is here
but what i really think is that you are another concern troll paid by mellon scaithe to come on here and just cause trouble
why do you hate america?
Can someone find out who is the Democrat running against this bozo? I would like to make a campaign contribution.
Trent Wisecup (can you make up a name like that? lol) looks like this after meeting Bruce Fealk
http://www.lepconnie.com/pics/lep/bts/lep1bts007.jpg
Mark Holton of Pee Wee fame hehe
What a transparent ploy: "You hate America!"
That chief of staff is one class-A buttwipe.
So typical of the repugs to use that "hate America" line.
Fealk was a jerk, but Knollenberg deserves it. He's been a douchebag for twenty years.
where is the line between political discourse and just plain heckling drawn?
Let me get this right.
The Congressman is a Demo and yet his chief of staff spouts out Repub talking points.
Seems to me that Repubs are find all kinds of places to hide. If the don't suddenly become Libertarian Independents they become Blue Dog Demos.
The rats are jumping ship.
Fealk is an average Joe, asking questions. Wisecup is supposed to be a professional CoS for a member of Congress. Kollenberg ran away. Wisecup was totally unprofessional. I would expect them to be able to handle a "simpleton" like Fealk more easily than that. Once on video, Fealk would have then had nothing to post. Wisecup handed Fealk the video for all to see. Thanks Trent. You're a hack. And an amateur one at that.
This video makes both sides look really silly.
Fealk does seem like a pain in the ass.
He's not really helping our cause, if he can't improve his style and create a little class.
The woman at the counter had a right to talk to her douche-bag congressman as anybody. Fealk was over zealous, IMHO.
Yet, that stupid "Great "White-Boy" North" chief of staff really fell into the gottcha trap. I bet he's slapping his forehead for spilling the beans about what his boss really represents, and then he's going back home with a six-pack of Old Milwaukee crying the blues.
Indeed. They're both idiots. I'd love to see street activists who know what they're talking about, because they're in short supply.
Avenger @ 109:
Actually, it just makes two individuals look one way or another. Has any 'side' picked either guy as spokesmodel?
Wisecup is a total tool.
Toyotas are built in Kentucky.
Nothing wrong with what Bruce Fealk did, unless you aren't a fan of the First Amendment.
Looks like good ole Joe is going to have to fight to keep his seat in 2008. I guess voting against kids health care and voting to extend the war forever will have consequences.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Knollenberg
Oh this guy is a republican too. nuff said
The Fiberglass Nun @ 76:
I have absolutely no problem with that...tax the colleges and universities, too, since they're obviously about profit now too! Let's start with James Dobson and Liberty University...as well as Oral Roberts college. (Seriously, what kind of asshole would attend a college set up by the likes of Jerry Falwell or Oral Roberts?)
So two jerks one camera. Big deal.
sundog @ 107:
Oh I see the Congressman is a Republican. Ouch. Seems I've got mixed up by speed reading another blog. My bad. ( I still stand about the rats jumping ship and where they're hiding. )
Sorry, but Toyotas are better than GM.
Did he say "don't you want us to win in Iran?"
Win what?
Facists facists everywhere, with not a thought to think.
Human @ 115:
YEP.
Blue Buddha @ 2:
Thanks for the link Blue....reminds me of the "American Values" I used to find almost everywhere.
Phil @ 20:
I agree. If we run around with our video cams and tape every move someone makes while continously asking the same question over and over and over again, and then trying to snare the elected official's wife in the process, then it plays into the hands of those who want all those against the war or against a certain point of view kept far away from any speech or appearance. Why play into the numbnuts hands that way? It gives the neocon base even more support from their base because it looks like THEY are the ones being harrassed.
Now, this doesn't mean I think it's wrong to show up with video cameras at public functions and ask pertinent questions. We NEED to do that. Just don't do it with the SAME GUY day after day after day, repeating the same question over and over again, then following the guy around a freaking store. Just because the guy is in a public setting doesn't mean he has to reply to your every question. Let him try to dodge and weave a few times and let their non-response speak for itself.
Besides making yourself the center of attention I think it also it makes you look stupid.
And leave the families out of it. We ddin't elect the family and the family didn't vote on any matters of legislation.
All that said, Mr. Chief of Staff Boy certainly didn't do his boss any favors by looking like he was ready to foam at the mouth.
The video doesn't play here or at YouTube. I did read what his list of being un-American is. I think he left a few off though.
It's un-American to sanction torture, it's un-American to not abide by the laws of the land and Constitution, it's un-American to illegally spy on Americans. Need I continue? Faced with some picketing during election time, from people that want answers, I think the above are FAR FAR BIGGER ISSUES. As I haven't seen the video, I can comment on what was done or said. I do think political campaigners had best get ready for a bit of flack and a loss of privacy. (part of what made America great OR the New Fabric of America-- either way, that IS America. Get used to it or leave it??)
Darth_Romney @ 65:
Give smokers a break. They already pay far too much tax. If they all quit, suddenly, revenues would go way down. Besides, it's legal. I say, if money is needed, stop the illegal invasion and illegal occupation of other countries. There'd be enough for universal health insurance and social security-- both. (PS I smoked for 30 years and quit two months ago.)
kudos to Bruce Fealk for confronting the mouth-breather
Alright. . . I'm sick of this concern troll bullshit.
This country is about to slip completely out of our control people. The Washington bubble is so thick that the citizens are like flies buzzing around our politicians heads while they throw a big private party. All public appearances are scripted like a TV commercial, crowds are controlled, facts are manipulated and politicians hide behind form letters, staffers, and the troops. The media is asking no questions. . .citizens are being arrested, tazered, maced and dragged away because they are pushing for answers and accountability. Corporations in charge of all our communications are having special acts of congress written to exempt them from the law, others with political loyalties are raising small armies of mercinaries armed to the teeth who are now patrolling American streets during disasters and holding American soldiers on the ground at gunpoint in Iraq. Our tax money is a big ATM for businesses who are padding campaigns and serving the war service industry. . . our president is fighting the constitution.
I could go on and on listing all the ways our country is about to be taken from us and you people are whining about a rude guy with a camera? We need Shay's fucking rebellion about now and you want us to be nice and polite with polticians rotten to the core who are dragging us all down?
You are not the solution. You are part of the problem. You people need to go write your 100th letter to your congressman and wring your hands somewhere else.
sorry. . . but I'm pissed
OK-- video finally played. Fealk is a bit much for me. I'd want to ingore him too. Right idea, wrong presentation.
(C&L) "Knollenberg’s tactic is to simply ignore Fealk. But Knollenberg’s Chief of Staff Trent Wisecup is not quite so diplomatic..."
But Wisecup is just one big "f"-ing-word moronic GOON. I hate guys like him. He's a disservice to any politician, and to all Americans with brains.
Wow! This guy is a walking personification of a brown-shirt. He could have given the Brown Shirts lessons on proper brown-shirting. If he gets fired, it's going to be hard for someone else to fill those jack boots.
I am a pretty reasonable person, but I am getting tired of the notion that progressives, liberals, etc should not be confrontational -- that we should ask the opposition to try sit and discuss policy differences over tea and try to arrive at some compromise. Sorry folks, that;s why we are in the f*kd up mess we are in. In 2000 while the Republicans started the Brooks Brothers Riots, the Dems sat around saying "We need to wait for a decision", "We don't want to appear power hungry or too aggressive". Sorry, but cowardice and passivity haven't served the progressive cause well in the past seven years, and it's not going to start serving it now. Yes, I find Fealk a little obnoxious -- I am sure ever member of congress represents some obnoxious people. So What? Fealk is a constituent and citizen, Knollenberg and his staff are suppose to work for those citizens. Let Knollenberg say, 'I disagree with you. I want to keep troops in Iraq for the next 20 years' and 'No, I don't think SCHIP is a good use of public money, unlike the war in Iraq'. But to attack a citizen speaking out on important issues of today as anti-american is the height of jingoistic fascism. And to suggest that Fealk should simply be 'nicer' or 'more compromising' is the equivalent of telling him to go sit in a corner like a child, and not bother the serious adults. It's repugnant.
These are tough times. And if people cannot handle getting there feathers a little ruffled then they can hide in their huts and claim ignorance when history looks back on them. It's long past time that progressives stepped up and demanded answers of their representatives and didn't stand by and wait for another Lieberman-esque compromise. What will it take for progressives to be more concerned about the offense they are receiving then one they are possibly giving? Loss of the 4th amendment? (check) Loss of Habeas Corpus? (check) Rampant militarism? (check) Unfettered Corruption in their government? (check) Unchecked Governmental Surveillance? (check)
Sorry, I certainly wouldn't want to appear disagreeable. I'll just go back to my tea and my restrained finger wagging.
Plisko @ 125:
Yup!!! I keep saying, sharpen the guillotine. It's time for the mob to speak. I'm not American (and I live in Korea) so I keep writing letters. Hope you appreciate that? Am I deluded to think it helps? (I don't think so.)
I would have asked about Iran...
Im curious how we could go into Iran...
Troop levels are shot from occupying Afghanistan and Iraq, right?
I would have asked about Iran...
They want to enter Iran as well?
Irans footprint is larger than Iraq and Afghanistan COMBINED.
It's an impossible feat. Explain your way out of that box.
That would put us in a desperate situation, and that situation
is described as one of the 'okay' reasons to use the 'usable nukes' we have developed
during this Admin.
See the chain of events yet?
I write letters too. . . I just think it is way past time to be polite and orderly. Peaceful. . yes. . . annoying. . you bet. . . orderly and cooperative as they push you around or ignore you? Hell no!
Hold on - I thought Niedermeyer was fragged by his own troops in Vietnam....?
If a son of a bitch like that ever got in my face he would be on his ass. God damn I hate those fucking republican scumbags!
[...] Watch Video [...]
Navy Vet @ 26:
But he didn't do it well. He did it very, very badly. Repeating general peace-nick whines over and over does NOTHING.
A short note on that Toyota bullshit: If Ford, GM and Chrysler had bothered trying to make more fuel-efficient fleets the past 20 years instead of going whole hog into the giant-SUV market (Expedition, Escalade, Excursion, etc.), they would deserve more support from car buyers. I drive a Honda because there was (when I was shopping for a car) no GM, Ford or Chrysler small car of comparable quality. At least, that's what two car guides told me. I'd love to make my next car a GM or Ford, but I'd be surprised if either of those two auto makers has bothered to design a high-quality small car.
Just thought that had to be said.
Dr. Matt @ 5:
I swear the ReThugs read off of each others notes. Wash, rinse, repeat...
Plisko @ 125:
Well said. Crimes and misdemeanors. So the guy with the camera is irritating; on a scale of one to ten, how irritating is he compared to the obliteration of American democracy?
Mike @ 134:
Uhm. . it did nothing? It got the douchebag to show his true colors to the world. That's worth 1000 proper methods that would still get nowhere. Maybe that is the more importaint goal because you know these people are not going to debate the issues no matter how polite you are or how good your questions are. If you know you are going to be blown off no matter what you do then your only good option left is to provoke them into revealing who they really are. Thank goodness there were no cops there to tazer him before the ugly face of these people came out.
Don't you think Toyota is going to be more than a little pissed off? So would Phillip Morris but hey, their lobbyist have been reduced to nothing.
Knollenberg's position is that Fealk hates America, wants to see GM go down the tubes, and wants America to lose a non-existent war against Iran. All because he questions Knollenberg on not supporting SCHIP and questions him on Iraq.
These Repugs love confirming that they have no grasp on reality.
Blue Buddha @ 2:
Hey, when they recite the Pledge of Allegience in that 1946 film, they don't say "under God"! What kinda godless country were we?
Navy Vet @ 26:
Then are we better than Malkin outside the bushes of the young child who defended schip? I fail to see how. Hanging around people's houses is bull, don't care who's side you're on.
Scott @ 141:
What Country Is This?
Steve,
Plisko.
Right on.
I would love a shot at directly asking my MI Rep (McCotter) the same. Some of you are freaking annoying...he shouldn't represent the left shit. Really, just STFU. You piss me off more than the Knollenbergs freak...
Seriously, why are some of you such total pussies? Do you not recognize that we have no journalism going on in our country? Do you understand it falls to our responsibility as citizens to ask/demand changes in policies that are in violation of our constitution? (illegal war for instance?)
You seriously take at face value the crap this clown spews about harrassment? What hasn't the right lied about? You honestly think he has recieved anything but a form letter from the Knollenberg office in response to his calls/letters.
If you are not totally okay with this little line of direct questioning, then I would submit that you are totally okay with whiting out a good portion of the 1st amendment.
This is an effective tactic. The more the better. These slimy bastards are stumbling around like dazed boxers, we need to provide as many opportunities (e.g. Mackacka Moments) as possible for them to finish themselves off--best done by getting them to spout out (in anger if necessary) what they reallybelieve.
Pro Toyota?
We are at war with Toyota?
Get Out of Toyota Now!
That guy is an ass munch
This is useless gotcha crap - the same Bill O'Reilly's thugs use on Bill Moyers. Put a camera in someone's face, ask them leading questions that are meant to incriminate, feel superior when the person loses their patience or fumbles. Brilliant! How cathartic! How useless. I don't agree with the congressman's politics, but I understand the campaign manager's frustration. Very few human beings could do anything but appear evasive, some would grab the camera. Does that mean we are "winning" the debate?
Them gahd damn Toyotas. They are everywhere! Make it stop! America has to win! Kill the Toyotas!
Seriously, why are some of you such total pussies? Do you not recognize that we have no journalism going on in our country? Do you understand it falls to our responsibility as citizens to ask/demand changes in policies that are in violation of our constitution? (illegal war for instance?)
Damn right! I second it!
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