To the Editor: Republican Chairman Contradectory

To the Editor:

I was taken aback when I read the mud-slinging letter of Republican Chairman David Matthews, coming on the heals of a conversation that I had with him just about a week before. At a public event, he came and introduced himself to me. He presented himself in person to be amicable, yet claimed a certain naiveté when it came to politics. He told me he was intent on running a campaign based on the issues affecting the city of New Albany, so when he went public with this dirty politics letter just days later, I had to wonder about his intent.

Mr. Matthews is the third republican chairman in Floyd County in as many years. The revolving door of chairmen is bound to be the cause of disorganization on their side. He also told me he had to hit the ground running and had a lot to learn.

Let me use this opportunity for just such a teaching moment.

Lesson 1: Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
Mr. Matthews was asked to be chairman of his party only after a terrible tragedy for which his predecessor is being prosecuted. In Clark County, the Republican party chairman resigned in disgrace because of a pending criminal investigation for Criminal Deviate Conduct after he allegedly sexually assaulted another man at a Republican party event. That was the same chairman who used mud slinging attacks for other Republicans.

Under what moral authority is Mr. Matthews wagging a finger at another person? His letter was certainly the first self-righteous stone, but I believe he has some serious self-reflecting to do about the party that he represents.

Lesson 2: Before removing the splinter from your brother’s eye, remove the plank from your own.

The Republican party has some serious house cleaning to do before they ever start to lecture others about morality. Here are some examples.

The Bush and his Republican administration is one of the leaders in cronyism and dirty tricks: Alberto Gonzales resigned under investigation; “you’re doing a heck of a job, Brownie” and the Katrina fiasco; the search for WMD’s that never existed; Karl Rove and the “Swift Boating” of honorable veterans who served their country with dignity.

Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay was indicted on charges of conspiring to violate campaign finance laws.

Republican Representative Mark Foley resigned amid reports that he had sent sexually explicit Internet messages to at least one underage male former page.

Republican U.S. senator Larry Craig was supposed to resign over his now famous arrest and conviction stemming from airport bathroom sex sting in Minneapolis.

Republican representative Dan Burton of Indiana’s 6th district, an outspoken critic of President Clinton, admitted he had an extramarital affair and fathered a child out of wedlock.

I will be the first to admit that the Democratic party has faults. I have my own personal shortcomings. However, it appears to me that the Republicans have cultivated a culture of corruption that needs fundamental change. These are transgressions at the highest level. It is up to the Republican leaders to set the example of their rhetoric. “Family values” means more than preaching to others about what you want them to do. Leading by example is much more effective. The example they are setting right now belongs in the tabloids of Hollywood and Malibu, California.

Lesson 3: Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
In the end, we are all human. We make mistakes. We ask to be forgiven. Then we dust ourselves off and get up and try again.

I am a Democrat because this is the party for me that recognizes the human condition. We all need dusting off sometimes. Sometimes we need a hand in getting back up.

As long as I am Chairman, I will support the Democratic mission of supporting working families, speaking for those without a voice, and promoting human dignity for all.

Doug England is also that kind of man. He has never stopped working for the people of New Albany. Even in the face of defeat, he never left New Albany. On the contrary, he worked even harder in revitalizing this town with his own time, talent and treasure. He has invested in business and done the work on boards and committees that have kept New Albany moving in the right direction.

Doug continues to want to discuss the real issues of New Albany. He is running a positive campaign based on ideas and progress. He has also asked the Republicans and Randy Hubbard to do the same. Mr. Hubbard has stated that he doesn’t have time to do this during the campaign, and has refused to debate Doug England at any time during this fall.

My questions, then, are:

What is Mr. Hubbard doing during his campaign for mayor if he doesn’t have time to debate the real issues?

If Mr. Matthews has started with mudsling from the start, is this what we can expect during the whole campaign? Do you think that the people of New Albany want or deserve this?

Why are the Republicans starting out with dirty campaigning so early? Is there something they want to divert our attention from?

Finally, I will end with this advice, Mr. Chairman. You seemed to have so desperately wanted my opinion when you spoke to me in person, so I will give it to you now:

Low- level people talk about other people. Mid-level people talk about events. High-level people talk about ideas.

I am eager to hear some more ideas. I haven’t from your side as of yet.

Randy Stumler
Floyd County Democratic Chairman