By ACLU of WV
This weekend, I made an appearance on the show "Decision Makers." The show is hosted, as many who read this blog know, by West Virginia media mogul Bray Carey. What was supposed to be a 'debate' between myself and Executive Director of the WV Family Policy Council turned into a deabte between me and Mr. Carey, and despite his needling, I feel our side was well represented. Admittedly, Dys was repeatedly tossed softball question after softball question and more or less regurgitated his standard talking points. Other than that, it was almost as if he wasn't even there. I have friends who have done this show before, so I had an idea of what to expect. I knew Mr. Carey would be more aggressive with our position but managed to get our points in. Granted, sometimes I had to talk right over him in order to make our points, but that is just fine with me. I thought it went well, and will go back if asked. Some things I would like to clarify: - The proponents of this legislation do not want a special election, and it is downright disingenuous for them to suggest so. Their goal is to put this on the general midterm ballot so they can drive out voters for candidates in what has been documented already as a purely partisan political manuever.
- The cost of the last special election in West Virginia was 1.67 million dollars. They know this and the fact that the state would never shell out that kind $$$ for something this ridiculous.
- Majorities are not hard to come by. That's why individual rights should never depend on them, ever. How about a referendum on your individual right to counsel? How about an up or down vote on a woman's right to choose or your right to a trial by jury? Tribunals, after all, would save the taxpayers a great deal of money.
The show is interesting to watch. I highly recommend Senator Dan Foster's (D-Kanawha) discussion on municipal pension debt that was featured during the first session. Our debate is on the third segment. There is also a link to additional footage a little further down the page. |
