Saturday, March 13, 2010

Republican Town Committee Meeting for March 23, @ 7 pm 5th. floor city hall



Dear New Britain Republican Town Committee member,

This is to inform you that two former City Council candidates will be vying for leadership positions within the New Britain Republican Town Committee at the March 23 meeting.

Dwight Blint will be seeking the chairmanship and Jamie Giantonio will be seeking the vice chairmanship. We are now asking for your support.

If we are successful, we hope you will give us your energy, your ideas and your continued commitment to our conservative ideals. Our goals are to use our marketing, communications and strategic development skills to:

Help raise the profile of the NBRTC and its candidates Boost the committee’s community outreach and fundraising efforts Confront and correct the false and misleading assertions often made by our opponents at public meetings and in the media

We believe that with the implementation of an aggressive and effective strategy, an increasing number of local residents will repudiate the tax-and-spend policies of the past, and come to understand that our city’s long term viability depends solely on its ability to:

Cut taxes
Shrink government
Reduce spending on city services and education Spur economic development Attract and retain the middle class

Jamie has a great passion for New Britain. He and his wife are lifelong residents, and their families have deep roots here and within the NBRTC. Dwight is a relative newcomer; however, he has been a volunteer supporting Mayor Tim Stewart and the Republican slate of candidates for the past five years. His wife’s family is originally from New Britain and has strong connections to the city and the Republican Party. Both Jamie and Dwight ran for City Council last year.

As many of you know, national polls are showing that 2010 is shaping up to be a great year for Republicans. We think that with the right preparation, the NBRTC and the City of New Britain can benefit from this renaissance.

We hope that you will allow us the privilege of leading the local Republican Party during this very exciting time. Please attend the March 23 NBRTC meeting at City Hall. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m.

We look forward to working with you. If you have any questions, please contact us directly.

Sincerely,

Dwight F. Blint Jamie Giantonio
dwightblint@gmail.com jamieg14@yahoo.com
(860) 223-3793 (860) 225-4391

65 comments:

Anonymous said...

Didn't Dwight Blint run as an Independent at the last election? How is it he is now seeking to be Chairman of the RTC?

Cut funding to education? Since when is that a "Republican" trait?

The last thing we need is more RINOs (Republican In Name Only) in our camp.

Lou Salvio said...

Sounds good to me!

Anonymous said...

Since Paul Carver is resigning his position as Chairman and Cindy Faienza is resigning as co-chair, it's good to see two fresh faces to replace them.

Anonymous said...

Dwight and Jamie are two very good choices, as long as Dwight has become a Republican and not a RINO.

Last I knew, he was an Independent and supported many of Obama's initiatives.

Please come forth and define the potential new chair of the RTC as a solid Republican. I can't wait

Dwight Blint said...

I have never advocated for the cutting of educational funds. However, I have called for the proper oversight of spending, in all areas. I have also said that we should adequately fund programs that are effective and cut feel-good liberal initiatives that accomplish nothing.

I am also a registered Republican.

Thanks for questions.

p.s. if you have any additional concerns, please feel free to contact me at dwightblint@gmail.com

independent voter said...

Dwight Blint said...I am also a registered Republican.

How long have yo been a registered republican?

To Anonymous said...

Last you knew...you obviously know nothing.

It is clear, you're a Dem trying to stir the pot. Good luck with that.

Anonymous said...

Dwight Blint,

You should NOT start your campaign for chairman of RTC by telling a LIE. YOUR statement "I have never advocated the cutting of educational funds." YOUR statement (IF YOU REALLY WROTE IT ) was "reduce taxes and Funding o services for education." I think your speaking with a forked tongue.


What exactly do you know about education? Have you ever looked at a school or city budget?

During the last campaign YOU didn't impress me at all

Active for last five years ! Doing what? I hardly saw you in this last campaign.

If you advocate OBAMA ? HIT the road we do ot need your attitude.

Anonymous said...

How long has Dwight been a Republican? How long has he been a RTC member? What experience does Dwight have? Did he ever chair any other committee?

Would Dwight recommend that if a good Republican showed interest for a certain office that the RTC nominate that candidate to run rather than overlooking that candidate and putting an Independent or even a Democrat on the ticket?

What does it mean to “Reduce spending on city services and education” if it doesn’t mean to cut funding?

One has to wonder why no one else is interested in being the Chairman of this important committee. Could it be that most members are sick of all the games that the Stewart administration plays?

Anonymous said...

Lou Salvio said ???????????????????

This cannot be Lou. He has NEVER made so short a statement in his LIFE.

Erin you should know better.!!!!!

Anonymous said...

It seems there are many who queston Blint's ability to lead the RTC. Too bad that thep;eople who have the political expertise refuse to take the reins. If Blint becomes chair, tht committee will be going you know where in a had basket.

Anonymous said...

Sometime during the last four months since the election, Blint became a Republican and a member of the NBRTC. It should be a matter on record. Peter Gostin would know.

You Republicans are pathetic that you cannot find a good leader in your own ranks. You have to go for a neophite.

You need someone like Mike Wanik.

Jamie Giantonio said...

As Dwight mentioned, the statement about "cutting funding to services and education" was more of a call for increased scrutiny and oversight. We are not saying to reduce funding, but if we can make sure the money is spent correctly and responsibly we can ultimately reduce the burden on the taxpayers.

Onto the question of Dwight’s “Republican-ness", I view Dwight and I as very similar: people who were registered independents (him until recently, me until 1.5 years ago) who leaned toward the Republican way of thinking. We both decided the way to best serve our community was to become members of the RTC. After some discussions we decided to put our names out there for the leadership positions. If people support us and we win, great: if not, we are still going to be around to try and keep things in New Britain moving forward. All you armchair quarterback Republican’s, if you don’t think we are the right choices, then I urge you to throw your hat in the ring.

I actually am glad to see all the comments from Republican’s, whether they are supporting us or not, people are interested enough to comment. As this past election showed, we are on a path to making things better and more balanced politically here in New Britain. The most important thing, no matter who the chair and vice chair are after the 23rd, is that we all work together. To quote the letter Dwight and I (wrote) sent, we need to work together to: Help raise the profile of the NBRTC and its candidates, Boost the committee’s community outreach and fundraising efforts.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Giantonnio, did the two of you really write that letter? It was all in the third person. I don't believe that either of you wrote it!

Anonymous said...

I have lost all respect for the RTC. Carver should have been booted out of there years ago as a do nothing opportunist. Then, we have people running for office who are not Republicans. Now, the worst insult is putting up RINOs. Are they looking for jobs, too?

Anonymous said...

I simply cannot understand whats going on with the republicans, It is obvious to me and anyone else that read, what Giantomeo supposedly wrote.

This letter was written by someone else that writes like she talks. There are little phrases used over and over. Certainly NOT good writing.

ERIN keep your nose out. All you are doing is making it worse

Do a little mind searching and realize that Blint did run as an Independent with on your fathers slate. And using Lou Salvio name- - that's disgusting. And it is LOW CLASS politics.

To Jamie said...

Jamie, the negative comments here are all coming from a single person making multiple posts - I know who it is.

Erin Stewart said...

Excuse me - but ERIN hasn't even commented on this damn blog - I have a life unlike many of you so keep my name out of it and if you still have a problem you know where to find me so take it up with me face to face there. Jerk. Hide behind the anonymity, right? I think the New Britain GOP needs new people like Dwight and Jamie, finally new faces that are willing to put in the time and dedication that our party needs. The dems obvi don't like it because Dwight and Jamie are a threat to their sorry excuse for a town committee, the old GOP's aren't going to like it, because face it, old people don't like change. I look forward to working with our new chairmen. oh and back to the anonymous blogger who thinks I should "keep my nose out of it" - acting like a child is a hard habit to break, I know, I was once there, but I promise eventually you'll grow out of it. Unless your name begins with a J, R, or G ;o)

xoxo
-the actual Erin

Erin Stewart said...

Also - I didn't even write that letter. But thank you for the kind compliments, i'll take them. LOL

NB Voter said...

From where I stand, no matter who the Republicans select as their new chairperson, he/she would be better than the Democrat's current chairman/dictator.
Dwight Blint, go for it!!

Mary C. said...

Erin Stewart said...
Excuse me - but ERIN hasn't even commented on this damn blog - I have a life unlike many of you so keep my name out of it and if you still have a problem you know where to find me so take it up with me face to face there. Jerk. Hide behind the anonymity, right? I think the New Britain GOP needs new people like Dwight and Jamie, finally new faces that are willing to put in the time and dedication that our party needs. The dems obvi don't like it because Dwight and Jamie are a threat to their sorry excuse for a town committee, the old GOP's aren't going to like it, because face it, old people don't like change. I look forward to working with our new chairmen. oh and back to the anonymous blogger who thinks I should "keep my nose out of it" - acting like a child is a hard habit to break, I know, I was once there, but I promise eventually you'll grow out of it. Unless your name begins with a J, R, or G ;o)

xoxo
-the actual Erin
March 14, 2010 7:37 PM

Bravo, Erin...you want to vie for the chairmanship?

Jamie Giantonio said...

Sorry to disappoint, but Dwight and I did write that letter. Erin had no knowledge of it until it hit her inbox. I am all for discussion and dialog, but know what you are talking about before you say things.

As for the “3rd person”- if you read it again- you will see phrases such as “We believe“ and “We hope” and “We look forward”….a simple Google search on writing styles will tell you this is first person. The only part that was 3rd person was the one paragraph where we talk about ourselves, kind of difficult to write in first person when talking about 2 people.

And RINO?? Ask around- I bet I have done more work on the Stewart campaigns over the years that most everyone on this board. I believe in the direction that Mayor Stewart has us moving in, thus the reason I ran for Alderman, and I am running for RTC Vice-Chair.

Anonymous said...

dwight blint for RTC chair is a joke
this man talks a good game and we all
buy it?give me a break.

Anonymous said...

Dwight is a relative newcomer; however, he has been a volunteer supporting Mayor Tim Stewart and the Republican slate of candidates for the past five years. His wife’s family is originally from New Britain and has strong connections to the city and the Republican Party. Both Jamie and Dwight ran for City Council last year.

So he put his name in the hat and ran this past election and now he feels he should be chair?

Anonymous said...

Erin Stewart should go for the Republican Town Committee chairmanship....she's a real go getter!!
Like father, like daughter.

Anonymous said...

It times for an injection of young blood. The old timers are just afraid of change. But what have they been doing? You guys'll have my support.

Anonymous said...

This is the second time that I have read references to Blint's wife's family having ties to the republican party. They are democrats. There are no ties. It is made up!

Blint will win because no one else wants it and he is looking for a job like so many before him. He is all about himself.

No problem with Jamie. Watch your back. jamie.

Good luck said...

Dwight and Jamie both already have great private sector jobs. They want nothing more than to help defeat the looney Democrats running the City Council and to get more Republican candidates elected. We should be glad that these two very capable young men have stepped forward and are willing to volunteer their time.

Anonymous said...

Love the comments about "old people". That might turn some people off! Oh well, just goes to show that a lot of the "younger" generaltion has no respect for those that are older. My parents would kill me if I said that!

Republican Voter said...

I am a registered Republican voter and I agree that new leadership is needed.

All I know about Dwight Blint is that he was a reporter for the Hartford Courant, so at least he has experience that will help him deal with the media.

Could it be that the Democrats are scared that the RTC will have some good solid leadership and new positive direction while their own party is staying on course with one of the most extreme and radical liberals in town?

independent voter said...

Anonymous said...
How long has Dwight been a Republican? How long has he been a RTC member? What experience does Dwight have? Did he ever chair any other committee?
-----------------
All legitimate questions.
-----------------
To Anonymous said...
Last you knew...you obviously know nothing.

It is clear, you're a Dem trying to stir the pot. Good luck with that.
-----------------
Sorry but some republicans want to know!
----------------
Anonymous said...

One has to wonder why no one else is interested in being the Chairman of this important committee.
-----------------
Again a legitimate concern.

-----------------

Anonymous said...

You need someone like Mike Wanik.

Mike would make an interesting choice.
----------------
Jamie Giantonio said...
we need to work together to: Help raise the profile of the NBRTC and its candidates, Boost the committee’s community outreach and fundraising efforts.
----------------
Agreed. Nothing-personal guys just think that there are others with more experience.
----------------
To Jamie said...
Jamie, the negative comments here are all coming from a single person making multiple posts - I know who it is.
----------------
That’s not true.
----------------
Republican Voter said...
I am a registered Republican voter and I agree that new leadership is needed.

All I know about Dwight Blint is that he was a reporter for the Hartford Courant, so at least he has experience that will help him deal with the media.

Could it be that the Democrats are scared that the RTC will have some good solid leadership and new positive direction while their own party is staying on course with one of the most extreme and radical liberals in town?
--------------------------
How is being a reporter going to Help Mr. Blint chair the RTC?

----------------------------------

Why is it when someone questions something in the New Britain RTC they are attacked? Is this any better than the way Mr. McNamara runs the DTC? Come on guys people have concerns, Instead of attacking dissenters answer the questions.

Lou Salvio said...

To: " Anonymous said...
Lou Salvio said ???????????????????

This cannot be Lou. He has NEVER made so short a statement in his LIFE.

Erin you should know better.!!!!!

March 14, 2010 9:41 AM"

Whoever you are, Sir/Maam; you give credence to understanding why it is that some "animals" devour their own young.

Jamie Giantonio said...

Independent voter- Dwight and I both included our emails and phone numbers on the letter that was published, if you or anyone else have questions that you would like answered please contact us. Only issue is to contact us people would have to drop the ability to be anonymous!
Posted here again:
Dwight F. Blint (860) 223-3793
dwightblint@gmail.com
Jamie Giantonio (860) 225-4391 jamieg14@yahoo.com

Or please feel free to ask any questions here of me and i will answer. I am sure Dwight will do the same.

Also people, lets show some class here, discussion and debate are welcome: name calling and trashing people is not. Grow up, if not, at least have the guts to put your name on the post.

Anonymous said...

I agree that Erin Stewart would be a great choice! She has many of the same good leadership qualities we all have come to know and respect in her father.

I guess the acorn (small "A" in this case!) doesn't fall far from the tree after all!

Anonymous said...

Nothing-personal guys just think that there are others with more experience.

Yes, everyone knows what you think. You've said it 1,000 times.


My question is what do you mean by experience - do you just mean "older." How many town committee members have experience running the town commitee? We've had many "experienced" people lead the town committee and where has that gotten us? How much outreach and marketing have been done in the past years? How much have we raised? How many voters have we signed up? How much does the general public know about our candidates?

Additionally, this is a democracy. You and those "experienced" people are free to put your names in the hat - no one is stopping you.

Personally, I am glad Dwight and Jamie have volunteered. We should be encouraging more participation and stiffling it.

Anonymous said...

Indepedent voter, Dwight and Jamie included their contact information on their letter. Any town committee member with a concern or question is free to and encouraged to contact them.

Your multiple posts is an obvious attempt to cause trouble. We are all wondering what you're so afraid of.

Anonymous said...

We are all wondering what you're so afraid of.

Sounds like the Democrats are the trouble makers.

Independent Voter said...

First and foremost lets understand that this is a political blog. You may choose to post your name that is fine I choose not to.

I thought it was interesting that two relative newcomers to the Republican Party are running for chair and vice chair.

I have not made any negative statements about either Jamie or Dwight.

I must say that Jamie and Dwight have both been very open to answering any questions that have been brought up and yes the members of the town committee will vote them up or down.

Funny thing about Frank’s blog is that people often want to pigeonhole you into what they believe you are. If anyone has read any of the previous post I have posted on Franks blog and at the Heralds comment area they would realize that I am far from a democrat and rest assured that I view liberalism/socialism with a wary eye (both are detrimental to our society)

As a conservative that has been an unaffiliated voter for over twenty years I find potential new leadership at the NBRTC interesting.

Sooo...

As far as experience goes I have only one question left.

Dwight if you have only been a member of the town committee for less than 5 months why should you be supported for such a high-ranking position? And how will you convince me that it is time for me to join the local Republican Party?

Nicholas Mercier said...

Dwight and Jamie would probably do a stand-up job as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. For the record they wouldn't even have to be members of the RTC to hold those positions.

I think far too many people are placing an emphasis on how long Jamie and Dwight may have been registered Republicans. I have been a registered Republican my entire life, that does not make me innately more qualified to lead the Republican Town Committee.

Instead of blameless name calling and finger pointing why don't we focus on the matter of electing competent individuals who can represent and propel the Town Committee forward, whoever they may be.

Anonymous said...

Why are some so quick to annoint
Mr Blint as the chosen one? Mike Wanik or Don Gregory both would make a great choice and I believe Julie
Swan would be a great choice also.

Anonymous said...

Why are some so quick to annoint
Mr Blint as the chosen one? Mike Wanik or Don Gregory both would make a great choice and I believe Julie
Swan would be a great choice also.



What skills do you think the people you mentioned offer that Jamie or Dwight lack?

Both Jamie and Dwight seem to have pretty good heads on their shoulders and good corporate jobs. Do you know anything about their careers, communications, marketing, technology skills, etc. Do you know how many people they supervise at work or the kinds of projects they have led?

How do you plan to judge their performance to past leadership? What has the past leadership done that you fear these two will be unable to accomplish?

Have you called or e-mailed them to share your concerns? Will any answer they give you suffice?

Or are you just trying to weaken the NBRTC by stiring infighting?

Anonymous said...

Was Mark Fortin asked ?

Anonymous said...

Do not lump Jamie and Dwight together. Other than being suspicious as brand new Republicans and very close friends of the mayor, they cannot be painted with the same brush.

Anonymous said...

Everyone is commenting about Dwight and Jamie running. WHO ELSE WANTS TO RUN? WHERE ARE YOU IF YOU WANT TO RUN? I'm sure the NBRTC would welcome ANY candidate, but I don't see any stepping up to the plate! Right now, I'VE only seen a letter (no matter who wrote it) from Dwight and Jamie. I'm sure if Mark, Julie, Don Gregory would want to run, they would be welcomed with open arms from the older members. And I'm sure if they want to run, they would have made that known (unless they are planning to that night). I think we would all like to see an energetic person run for Chair. They will need the energy, this year we have a chance! Let's not EAT OUR OWN! Let's support who we have with enthusiasim!

Anonymous said...

I think Kevin Nodell would make
a good chair and Jamie a good vice
chair

Anonymous said...

Dwight is a relative newcomer; however, he has been a volunteer supporting Mayor Tim Stewart and the Republican slate of candidates for the past five years.

How come I never heard about him
before this past election ?

Anonymous said...

Dwight is a relative newcomer; however, he has been a volunteer supporting Mayor Tim Stewart and the Republican slate of candidates for the past five years.

How come I never heard about him
before this past election ?

Because he was working behind the scenes. He became visible because of his candidacy for the city council campaign during the last city election

Anonymous said...

If Dwight Blint cared that much about being a Republican, why did he wait until after the election? He ran on the Stewart slate as a independent and came in DEAD LAST!
What are his core principles? Jamie is Pete Steele's son in law. No nepotism there!

Mike Wanik,please forget the useless CPOA and run for Chairman of the NBRTC. We need you.

Jamie Giantonio said...

what exactly is this supposed to mean : Do not lump Jamie and Dwight together. Other than being suspicious as brand new Republicans and very close friends of the mayor, they cannot be painted with the same brush.

Anonymous said...

Mike Wanik Chair
Jamie V Chair

Now that's a winning ticket,Let Dwight pay his dues first!

Nicholas Mercier said...

I am sure there are others who would be just as qualified as Jamie or Dwight to serve as NBRTC Chairperson. However, I have not heard from a single one of them about their intent to seek the office.

A with regards to those who post by monikers and anonymous - you may choose to do so, but if you do I will choose to think your opinion is worthless. There is no reason to hide behind anonymity unless you are speaking from hatred or cowardice, especially when you are making ad hominem attacks on two people who simply announced their intentions to seek office on the NBRTC.

Anonymous said...

4 Chairperson Positions Vacant at New Britain North/Oak Streets NRZ....

NRZ Chairperson, Richard Marzi

NRZ Vice-Chairperson, Catherine Spano

NRZ Secretary, Elena Trueworthy

NRZ Public Safety Subcommittee Chairperson,____________________

NRZ Housing Subcommittee
Chairperson,____________________

NRZ Economic Development Subcommittee Chairperson,____________________

NRZ Human Services Subcommittee Chairperson,____________________

PS: At the forth coming Democrats political Kick-off Rally at Pulaski Democratic Club at 89 Grove Street, Disk Jockey Richard "Rick" Marzi will be generating his DJ Music sounds at said Rally from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23rd.

Also $20.10 is the suggested donation - proceeds will benefit the NB-DTC voter registration and Get Out The Vote Activities.

independent voter said...

The U.S. Supreme Court has recognized the importance of ensuring that average citizens have the right to use false names and publish anonymously. In its 1960 decision in Talley v. California, the Supreme Court ruled that a law forbidding individuals from distributing handbills without identifying their identity unconstitutionally infringed on the First Amendment’s guarantee to free speech.




Our founding fathers thought highly of speaking anonymously.
Many of America’s founding fathers used false names when publishing their ideas about the future of American democracy. In fact, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay used the name “Publius” when writing the Federalist Papers, a series of articles in support of the ratification of the recently drafted Constitution.
In fact nonymous pamphlets, leaflets, brochures and even books played an important role in the progress of mankind. Persecuted groups and sects from time to time throughout history have been able to criticize oppressive practices and laws either anonymously or not at all.
Before the Revolutionary War colonial patriots frequently had to conceal their authorship or distribution of literature that easily could have brought down on them prosecutions by English-controlled courts. . . . It is plain that anonymity has sometimes been assumed for the most constructive purposes.
Many of America’s founding fathers used false names when publishing their ideas about the future of American democracy. In fact, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay used the name “Publius” when writing the Federalist Papers, a series of articles in support of the ratification of the recently drafted Constitution.

The right to free speech includes the right to speak with anonymity. And nowhere is free speech exercised more prolifically than on the worldwide web. The Internet has become a critical forum for individuals to freely share information and express their ideas. Like the historical public square, which has slowly been crowded out by shopping malls and parking lots, the Internet is an open forum that provides its users with a worldwide stage. It not only allows “John Doe” to express his disfavor with a local zoning ordinance, it also allows people all over the nation and the world to have a voice.

Anonymous said...

Town Committee Re-Elects Leaders, Welcomes 18 New Members

The Democratic Town Committee held its organizational meeting March 4th, re-electing leaders and welcoming 18 new members to the 52-member party committee.

John McNamara, a member since 1986, was re-elected to a ninth term as Town Chair. Robert Sanchez, a member of the Board of Education, was elected to a third term as Vice Chair. Officers elected include John Valengavich, Treasurer; Ray Matyszyk, Assistant Treasurer; Rosemary Klotz, Recording Secretary, ,and; Peter Spano, Corresponding Secretary.

New district members of the committee include Lidia Agramonte-Gomez, Laura Woodie, Michael Dagata, Nereida Claudio, Pernell Young, Mike Platosz, Elrick George, Emmanuel Sanchez, Stephanie Podewell, Jaclyn Falkowski, Andrzej Lesniak, Yvette Ghannam, Earl Proulx, Teresa Sapieha-Yanchak, Todd Szabo, Zulma Garcia, Peruse Khachoyan and Richard Reyes. The DTC will elect assembly district leaders and fill committee positions at the March 25th and April meetings.

Anonymous said...

Mike Wanik would be an excellent choice for the GOP chairmanship, although he is not a member of the GOP Town Committee; but then, neither is/was Paul Carver when chairman. However, the CPOA may need him more--Ann Mikulak is getting on in years and is getting tired of the position of CPOA president. Mike Wanik is young, and energetic enough to breathe fresh air into the CPOA.

independent voter said...

Looks like the socialist bent of the DTC remains intact

Anonymous said...

Why would the DTC post their new member? Who knows any of them? These are the people under John McNamara's direction who are nominating candidates for the BOE and the Common Council?

No wonder that we have inferior candidates on both entities.

What do we have to do to make John Mcnamara go away to another town and wreak havoc there?

Anonymous said...

Mike Wanik for chair!!!!!!!!
Jamie For vice chair!!!!!!!!!!

Nicholas Mercier said...

To Independent Voter:

Likening the use of anonymity to create dramatic works for freedom by the founding fathers to baseless attacks made by internet cowards who stoop so low as to attack someone's physical figure is laughable. While there is plenty of worth in having the right to publish your own content anonymously it is often abused on the internet. Using the guise of anonymity to say things that are libelous or insulting to good taste is a cowardly act. And while works such as the Federalist Papers may have been written from semi-anonymity the Constitution itself was not, nor was most of the great works of history.

Furthermore if you would read the dissenting opinion of Talley v. California you'd find that there are already laws which require newspapers to publish the names of their editors, publishers and owners. Lobbyists are required to divulge their identities. And furthermore "several States have corrupt practice acts outlawing, inter alia, the distribution of anonymous publications with reference to political candidates." This last one, in my opinion, bears distinct relevance to this situation.

Furthermore, the cases in which the court cited primarily for supporting freedom of anonymous speech were in cases of political oppression and physical risk. That is not the case here. Here anonymity is being used to simply protect the identities of those who are too cowardly to sign their names to their comments.

Independent voter said...

Nichola Mercier said...

Likening the use of anonymity to create dramatic works for freedom by the founding fathers to baseless attacks made by internet cowards who stoop so low as to attack someone's physical figure is laughable.........And while works such as the Federalist Papers may have been written from semi-anonymity the Constitution itself was not, nor was most of the great works of history.
..........Here anonymity is being used to simply protect the identities of those who are too cowardly to sign their names to their comments.

---------------------------------

I have never attacked anyone on this site or any site based on personal appearances. Please refrain from lumping me in with those who do.

And you are in fact correct there are laws against anonymously defaming someone on line. But it is a far stretch to insinuate that those laws are intended to keep someone from posting ones dissatisfaction with what seems like an apparent attempt to fast track party leadership positions through without debate.

All I have asked for is discussion. And I still cannot see why some have an issue with that.

As far as the federalist papers and Constitution go my point is/was that they were written and published anonymously. Even though the authors had great respect and appeal. Ever since the founding period, lawyers, judges, politicians, and scholars have used The Federalist to guide their decisions about issues of government. . Not bad for anonymous writings.

And lets be frank with each other here, As exemplified by the backlash for even questioning Dwight and Jamie’s “fit“ as leaders of the NBRTC it seems there is a price to pay for speaking out.

Anonymously yours

Anonymous said...

For the record I would also like to say that I also feel that using Anonymous post to denigrate someone is in fact cowardly and despicable

To Independent said...

A true leader steps forward and says “I’ll do it” when no one else wants the job.

That's all Dwight and Jamie are guilty of. Instead of questioning their experience or fitness, wouldn't it be more productive for you to step forward them. But I guess, it's easier to sit in the cheap seats and criticize.

And neither of them have criticize anyone for asking questions. In fact, they have encouraged people to call and write them.

Independent Voter said...

The Republican town committee is set to choose its leaders. I think that if it is their intention to engage citizens and to attract new members that it is important to stand for something. As the last election demonstrated, lukewarm conservatism doesn’t sell. A candidate or a party that doesn’t give citizens a reason to follow them should not be surprised when they don’t.
Most independents are looking for a party that stands for what they stand for.
At this point in American politics it is important to understand the extent of the assault on conservative ideals. I encourage all members of the Republican Party to take up Dwight and Jamie on the offer they extended to you and to contact them. I also have heard some interesting names thrown around and urge them to truly consider throwing their hats into the ring. Not because I don’t like Dwight or Jamie but because a better defined party regardless of who prevails would be the result.
Good luck all

Liberty, according to my metaphysics is a self-determining power in an intellectual agent. It implies thought and choice and power.
John Adams

Nicholas Mercier said...

To Independent Voter:

Since you fail to sign your name to your posts there is no way for us to be sure you aren't the same person who has attacked and insulted people. That is the huge problem with anonymity on sites like this. You have no credibility if you simply post anonymously. Anyone who desired to could hijack your handle and use it for nefarious posting. At least when I use my name I know that if others attempt to impersonate me I have grounds for legal recourse, and by defending the use of anonymity you are defending all who use it. So you are grouping yourself with those who degrade and insult others behind a mask of anonymity.

You are perfectly right that you have a choice to post anonymously. However, when you do so you must accept the consequences of your actions. Among those is the fact that you will be associated with people who use anonymity to hide the source of their vitriol and the fact that many others, myself included, will have to consider your comments in the most skeptical and cynical of lights.

Anonymous said...

Another missed opportunity

The answer to independent voter when he asked Dwight what he would do to bring more people into the Republican Party should have been along these lines…

Dear Independent Voter,

Thank you for your question. The answer I am quick to give because it is what burns hottest in my heart!

What I would do first is make sure that our committee knows the importance of the values and beliefs which we as Republicans stand for. I will very clearly state these and have dialog as to why others believe these values and what they mean to them. I will assure everyone that I will not allow anyone to belittle them for their opinions and ideas and explain how they can count on me to be a neutral party to all discussions and will only voice my opinion when there is a tie or to make a tie in any given vote.

I would make sure that every member of the committee feels welcomed and needed. No member would ever hear me say an ill word about another member understanding that this would only serve to divide our party and on the same note I would not allow one member say a negative word about another member in my presence without respectfully asking them not to weaken our party by passing along gossip or speaking idle words.

I would get everyone motivated by giving them the respect they deserve and would never ask anyone to do anything that I myself wouldn’t do. Also I would never ask them to do more than they can handle and would pair them up with people who are also willing and able to help.

No one group or person would have more say than the other and every member would be equal, one with another. We would be a committee united as One. I would make it very clear that “clicks” would not be tolerated since “clicks” are counter productive to the Republican cause.

I would ask those of the more mature age to mentor those who are younger and would encourage the younger members to listen intently to the advice of the more mature members explaining that in experience comes wisdom. I would encourage more activities that are more social in nature understanding that those who enjoy each others company get more good done in our community than those who are always at odds with each other.

I promise that as the chairman of the Republican Party of New Britain, CT to behave myself at all times with respect. When I speak, the words will be such that others will hear them and respect them. The Democrat Committee Chairman will stand in such contrast to me that he will feel ashamed of himself and the foolishness he stands for and others will clearly see the ways of his follies.

Independent Voter, since you already believe in our values as you have so clearly stated to Alderman Salvio, I am willing to bet you would fit right into our committee.

Since I have answered your question, would you be so kind as to answer one question of mine? How would you like to join the Republican Party and also join the Republican Town Committee? I have been reading the posts that you have made here and also on the Herald’s Blogs and we can use more people like you on our committee. Only thing is you would need to leave your anonymity at the door.

Sincerely yours,

Me

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