Bob Vander Plaats and Independence

It has been a week since the 2010 Iowa GOP State Convention.

A week where the winners (Terry Branstad and Kim Reynolds) and their devoted supporters continue their verbal and written assaults on the loser (Bob Vander Plaats) and his also devoted supporters.

Like clock work more stories are posted on the Terry Branstad blog site that pretends to be the place where Republicans can get their news. Many of these stories and the comments that follow are really character assassinations. It is evident that when some my fellow Iowans do not like what someone says or believes they take their precious time to sit hour after hour to post in order to out do each other with vile comments. Iowans like Danny Carroll, Bill Salier, and Steve Deace all get copious amounts of typing time as their names are repeatedly dredged in the gutter of unkind and unflattering words and opinions.

There must be a great amount of pleasure that is obtained in winners that still focus so much time to harangue on the losers. I had mistakenly thought that winners celebrate and savor the victory. Obviously this is not the game plan for Terry Branstad and his supporters. Winning was not enough. There is more skin to scalp and more hearts to hurt or turn to stone.

I was an early and happy supporter of Bob Vander Plaats. The events I attended were times of learning about his vision for Iowa and I liked what I heard. I noted kindness, respect, appreciation, and a host of other great qualities that I believed would be a welcome change for the leadership that is so needed in Iowa.

When I read that I am a part of a cult and that Iowans that I admire and respect are treated in such horrid ways I know it is time to declare Independence.

As pointed out in this comment posted on the Terry Branstad blog site Iowa citizens like me can’t think for ourselves. We have been “brainwashed”.

Just took a look at Deace’s blog. This man is Jim Jones without the Kool Aid. His followers have been brainwashed exactly like the followers of Jim Jones.

As July 4, 2010 approaches and Americans celebrate our Independence I urge Iowans to seek freedom from the influence or control of others.

Say no to being brainwashed or influenced by Iowans who have nothing better to do than trash the good names of fellow patriots.

Say no to being pulled under a big tent where you will once again be under the influence of the elite and power hungry members of the Republican Party.

Say no to professional bloggers who assist in trashing and bashing and give free reign so that many others can trash and bash, as well.

I am too old to be naïve that any words I would write would change the hearts and minds of people who make extreme comments like the one I have shared about Jim Jones. Yet, I pledge to not kill myself because I read the awesome words on Steve Deace’s blog. I have too much heart and effort to give to local candidates and too little time to read words of hate.

Independence!