This blog printed on 100% recycled electrons.
Remember the story about the knife-point robbery at the Madison VFW in the wee hours Sunday? Evidently, the Madison PD has decided the claim was bogus. They have charged Jean McCarty, 55, of Madison with grand theft and false reporting. Says MPD, "It was learned through the course of the investigation that McCarty had fabricated the story of being robbed at knife point while closing the bar early Sunday morning."
Jean McCarty is the VFW manager and is one of the directors of the Licensed Beverage Dealers of South Dakota. She's also a fan of the South Dakota 9-12/Glenn Beck Fan Club. I'll bet she's wishing for smaller government right now.
Update 2010.08.03: McCarty pleads guilty to one count of grand theft, gets out of the false reporting charge, gets 180 days in jail and $1000 in fines. McCarty avoids four years in the penitentiary on the conditions that she pay restitution, seek mental health counseling, accept random searches, and stay away from the VFW, drugs, alcohol, and gambling.
Sioux Falls is hostile towards bicyclists and peds
-
After riding E-Bike for 4 years I decided this year I would try to ride
almost everyday this winter, not quite but I am averaging 6 days a week so
far. Stu...
4 hours ago
Good story, but I think that last comment was a bit uncalled for, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteNot at all, Matt: if the cops had me in the clink, I'd be wishing for less government, too!
ReplyDeleteCory,
ReplyDeleteJust because you think one way doesn’t mean everyone thinks that way. If the allegations ore true, then Jean needs to pay her debt to society after due process has been correctly implemented. As a 9-12er I will also point out that the alleged act is also a violation of God’s law in regard to coveting another’s property and then lying in order to steal it. Fortunately, there is the grace of God’s salvation for those who will repent of their sins.
And Cory, you are promoting those same violations of God’s Natural Laws by coveting the property of those in the coal and oil energy industries by using the lies of man-made global warming to steal their money. If you want wind energy, the free-market allows you to buy a windmill and disconnect your house from the grid that supplies energy from the coal fueled power plants. Why don’t you do that instead of coveting money that is not yours? Why are you expecting our man-made laws to differ from God’s laws? If you read the Declaration of Independence you should understand that America’s laws are to be the same as God’s Natural Law. That is why this 9-12 activist believes Cap & Trade is wrong…just as wrong as lying about a burglary so that one can take money from another.
Steve,
ReplyDeleteIf the Declaration of Independance is based on God's laws, then why do we have the 1st Amendment to the Constitution?
And no matter what you think is right in your world, when you are a defendant in a criminal case, God's laws don't matter, only the South Dakota Codified Laws. Bottom line, God doesn't send you to jail, the judge does.
What happens later is between you and St. Peter.
I really liked your article.
ReplyDeleteThat is, right up until the point where you gratuitously made use of "guilt by association" regarding the accused's support of the Madison 9-12 group and limited government.
Using your leap of "logic", should your readers also assume that you cheat on your taxes ?
It sure seems like cheating on your taxes is a pre-requisite for many who support and work in the Obama administration (i.e. Tom Daschle, Tim Geithner, Charlie Rangel, etc..).
I guess your readers have to also assume you're a cheater, since you've made it abundantly clear that you're a sycophant and supporter of many of the Obama administration's blatantly socialist "policies".
If you in fact are not a tax cheat, the only other logical conclusion is that you use misuse and abuse debate techniques and twist facts to attempt to discredit those who disagree with you politically.
It is said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone".
I can only assume based on your disparaging judgments, and futile smear attempt of the 9-12, that your life is pure as the wind-driven snow.
For your sake, I hope so, because from now on, if you get so much as a speeding ticket, you can rest assured that you'll be shown for the hypocrite you are.
Steve: it seems like the only time I hear this forgiveness talk is when you are discussing one of your friends who transgresses. Am I just missing something, or do we not hear this discussion of forgiveness so prominently in discussions of, for example, illegal immigrants?
ReplyDeleteDean: so what's new? I'm used to that scrutiny. And you really read a lot of "logic" into one phrase, didn't you? I make none of the claims you ascribe to me. I note the clear irony that an apparent supporter of less government now finds herself at the hands of the state. I also mentioned the accused individuals public activities, as would other news outlets, for context.
Lot of passion raised by Steve and Dean to avoid talking about an actual crime, an apparent theft and scam.
[And Dean, help me out: do I know you from Animal House?
ReplyDeleteI fail to see the reason for the comparison of 9.12 participants who wish less government interference in our lives, to a person arrested for a felony; unless it was simply to demean those citizens who wish to see less gov't growth, less taxes, and more personal responsibility.
ReplyDeleteIt was the latter, of course, and anyone can see that. It has also made you appear much smaller in the eyes of many of your readers. Many of your posts are great regarding Madison and our area, but when your bias shows through as openly as it does here, I'm sorry, but it is you who lose. And you should be better than that.
Apparently the grinch has stolen people's sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteAnd with Linda McIntyre's nonnie comment, Bill Ayers has finally left the building. Yahoo!
ReplyDeleteAnd Linda, I find your choice to lecture me about the choice and meaning of my words surprising, given that I still haven't heard your alternative explanation for your question about Native Americans and South Dakota's status as a welfare state.
chirp chirp chirp...
"Lot of passion raised by Steve and Dean to avoid talking about an actual crime, an apparent theft and scam."
ReplyDeleteI addressed teh actual crime with this:
"If the allegations ore true, then Jean needs to pay her debt to society after due process has been correctly implemented."
Do you have a reading comprehnsion porblem Cory? Dean is simply echoing back your own logic. How does teh left shoe feel on the left foot?
Or is your problem one of being a con artist? It is you that has failed to address the con being perpetrated by teh global warming crowd. If youexpect Nonnie to face your questions, then you need to face questions posed to you.
And have you ordered your windmill yet? Or do you expect somebody else to pay for it for you?
Mark,
ReplyDeleteThe Constitution was to set up a system of governemtn that would implement the Natural Law philosophy from the declaration. The first amendemnt was to protect religious freedom. That was turned on its head starting in 1947 after FDR tranformed the Supreme Court from a Natural Law based court, to one controlled by the Progressive Movement, who wants America to be a nation controlled by men, not by the Law.
I read exactly the amount of "logic" into your remarks that they contained, which was precious little, if any.
ReplyDeleteTo paraphrase our peerless leader, "LET ME BE CLEAR"- What she did was wrong, and as such, she will be held accountable under the law.
What you did, however, was a clear attempt to slander a group of individuals who believe differently than you do politically.
You might as well have thrown in casual references to her support (or membership) in the democrat, republican, or libertarian party as opposed to her membership in any other group.
Her political party affiliation should be fair game too, so why stop at smearing the 9-12 ? By all means, make hay while the sun shines brother !
While you're at it, why not disparage all FEMALES, since she's obviously a member of that group as well.
P.S. As of 4 hours ago, you're on "double-secret" probation.
[Hang on, "Dean", this is all fun and cute, but I'm going to need some verification that you're a real person and not just a cute pseudonym. Give us some verification (or call me -- 256-4737), or I'll have to pull the plug. Nothing personal -- just making sure we're all being up front with each other.]
ReplyDeleteWhen Steve starts spouting Natural Law, it's a sure sign we're trying to change the topic. A member of an anti-government group has been arrested and charged with a crime. That has nothing to do with Natural Law or most of anything else about which Steve would rather pretend to obfuscatory expertise.
ReplyDeleteOur mystery "Dean" is right: there was precious little "logic" in the original statement, aside from the argument he would prefer to have. I still think it's at notably ironic that someone who doesn't like government is probably now wishing where was even less government. Those darn police.
But gee, Dean and Steve, do you feel slandered? Someone from your little club is arrested for a crime, I mention this fact, and you go all ape? If your skins are that thin, you'll never be able to organize an effective political action group, let alone win an election.
But o.k., I'll bite: what political party does McCarty belong to? Tell me. I'll post it, even if she's a Democrat. Heck, show me her registered Democrat card, and I'll front-page it as an example of a real live Democrat following Glenn Beck. Bring that on!
Female -- I thought I already mentioned that, with the pronoun?
Cory,
ReplyDeleteJean McCarty is also a fan of "Robot Chicken", "Sons of Anarchy", "Mad Men" and the Chigago Bears. However, making those associations wouldn't be helpful to your progressive political agenda.
Jean is not just a fan, but a member of the Madison 9.12 Project. I know you are expecting the obligatory, "The Madison 9.12 Project does not condone the actions of..." I do not need to say this. Nor am I going to give you that satisfaction. I will, however, say this. The 9 principles and 12 values that the 9.12 Project espouses are lofty aspirations. I too, on occasion, fall short of those aspirations. I am human. I none the less, I try to be more than I am... I try each day to be a better person.
Jean has expressed to me her angst in disappointing me as a friend, and as a member of our group. She seems to be truly sorry for what she has done. I have forgiven her. She will have to pay the penalty for her crimes, but I forgive her. If, one day, she chooses again to pursue our groups 9 principles and 12 values, I will welcome her back to our group with open arms. Everyone in our group has made, and will make mistakes.
I really wish you understood the 9.12 project. We are common people coming together, regardless of political parties, to try to return our nation to the constitutional, democratic-republic it was intended to be.
I know you like to paint us as a Republican movement. That is not the case. The Republicans wish they could get ahead of this movement. They wish they could take credit for this upheaval. This movement is a non-partisan grassroots movement. To illustrate that point... did you know that Jean is a registered Democrat? Did you know that in the Madison group alone, of the ones who chose to share, we have at least 7 registered Democrats? Did you know that the Sioux Falls 9.12 Project was founded by 2 Democrats and 1 Republican? John Adams said it best, "Facts are stubborn things..."
I realize you are a local blogger, but I assume you aspire to be taken seriously as a journalist. Using news stories as personal attacks and smear campaigns are not the path to that destination. You alienate your potential audience when you do those things. I see in you great potential. Please try to live up to that potential.
Jason Lee Bjorklund
Leader/Madison 9.12 Project
"Apparently the grinch has stolen people's sense of humor."
ReplyDeleteSo Erin, do you and Cory usually laugh when there is an increase in Madison's crime rate?
Cory,
ReplyDeleteI just read another one of your comments.
"Heck, show me her registered Democrat card, and I'll front-page it as an example of a real live Democrat following Glenn Beck. Bring that on!"
Please have some taste. Her political affiliation does not need to be in a news story.
Jason Lee Bjorklund
"But gee, Dean and Steve, do you feel slandered?"
ReplyDeleteNo Cory, I am just trying to help a lost person face truth. And since you hate Natural Law, you also hate America since that ws teh America our founding fathers created.
You changed the subject when you made the false accusation that limted government is the same as anti-government. The anarchists are the ones that are committing acts of violence at Copenhagen. The anarchists are on your side on this issue. So do you want to accept the violent acts of the environmental protestors at Copenhagen as your own?
I doubt that you would, but that will not stop you from expecting people you disagree to do what you refuse to do.
Admit that you were illogical, apologize, and then let us move on to restoring this country to the one our founding fathers created...one based on Natural Law.
Jason: then why did you put that political affiliation in the news?
ReplyDeleteShe's a Dem? Really? I've never seen her at a Dems meeting. I'd love to talk with her about her political views, do a feature story about how one reconciles being a Democrat and supporting the mostly conservative, mostly Republican-enabling agenda of the Glenn Beck Fan Club.
Cory,
ReplyDeleteI didn't "put it in the news". The news is on the "front" page. I said it in the comment section, while trying to have a civil discussion with the blog's author. It was also a part of a larger point. The 9.12 Project is a non-partisan movement.
I think Jean would prefer if you left her alone. I'll bet a DQ Blizzard you will not get an interview out of her. You must report the relevant, public details of the case. That is your (part-time) job. I would not begrudge you that. In fact, I would expect that of you. The fact that she was the manager of the VFW is central to the news story. The fact that she served as a director for the Licensed Beverage Dealers of South Dakota is at best ancillary, but perhaps relevant to the story. Since she isn't a politician or a preacher, associations beyond those are irrelevant.
I am seeing a bunch of squawking about the joke in here. I know of no man that can honestly accuse me of not having a sense of humor! Let's be honest here though... it wasn't very funny. It didn't even make sense. You were implying that under less government the force of law would be diminished. Under anarchy perhaps, but we both know that is not what 9.12ers believe in. If Jean were to have committed her crimes in the 1790's, when we had MUCH less government, rule of law would likely be more harsh to her then than any court will likely be now. I could tell you a couple of real, derogatory zingers you could have used in this story. My deranged mind actually sees some humor in this story. But I'd likely see them as the headlines in your postings tomorrow. :-p
Jason Bjorklund
Mark,
ReplyDeleteYou are not making sense.
You might as well have said, "If the sky is supposed to be blue, why do we have the moon?"
The Declaration of Independence, written in 1776, was born of Natural Law/God's Law. That is why you have phrases such as, "... to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them...", "... they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights...", "...appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world...", and "...with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence..."
The US Constitution was written in 1787. The Bill of Rights was added in 1791. The First Amendment states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." The purpose of this amendment was that the Federal Government could not establish Catholicism (nor any other religion) as the national religion as King James did with the Church of England. The phrase, "...nor prohibit the free exercise thereof...", should be self-explanitory.
I assume by your first paragraph you are implying the "separation of church and state" argument. That phrase is nowhere to be found in our founding documents. The phrase is from a 1802 letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptist Association. The "wall of separation" simply referred to the inability of a national legislature to establish a national religion. In legal proceedings, it should carry the same legal force of law as an opinion letter from George W. Bush.
Did you know the first money Congress ever spent was to pay a preacher to say a prayer before the start of the legislative day? Did you know that when Congress wasn't assembled, local churches were allowed use of the Capital (and other Federal buildings) to hold mass? Our founding fathers absolutely believed God should be in our hearts and our government, they just weren't allowed to pick the flavor.
The laws that Jean will be tried on are God's Laws. "Thou shall not steal." and "Thou shall not bear false witness." The state of South Dakota just codified them and set a penalty. Because she violated God's Laws a judge will likely fine her and send her to jail.
Your last sentence was correct. "What happens later is between you and St. Peter."
At any rate, I heard you are no longer working at the Madsion PD. Congratulations on your new business. I wish you success in your new profession. Nothing could make me happier.
Jason Bjorklund
Cory, being in favor of less gov't interference in our lives, more power in the states vs the federal gov't which is the way the founding fathers intended it, less gov't spending, less taxes, is NOT anti-gov't. Anti-gov't is anarchy. Anyone who believes in the principles of the 9.12 group is the exact opposite of an anarchist.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone who is interested, following are the 9 principles and 12 values of the 9.12 project. Not exactly anti-gov't.
The 9 principles:
1. America is good.
2. I believe in God and He is the center of my life.
3. I must always try to be a better person than I was yesterday.
4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.
5. If you break the law, you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.
6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.
7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.
8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.
9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.
The 12 values: Honesty, reverence, hope, thrift, humility, charity, sincerity, moderation, hard work, courage, personal responsibility, gratitude.
"exact opposite of anarchy"? Wrong, Linda. The Glenn Beck club doesn't advocate anarchy, but in your group's rhetoric, I hear a lot more talk about operating without government than with it. Wasn't your whole little meeting last week about dealing with the collapse of civilization and surviving without government? You seem to relish the prospect o Washington disappearing. You can sing in the shower with Glenn's happy little principles, but in practice, your bucket of boilerplate rhetoric would lead to something closer to anarchy than strict regulation.
ReplyDelete"You can sing in the shower with Glenn's happy little principles, but in practice, your bucket of boilerplate rhetoric would lead to something closer to anarchy than strict regulation."
ReplyDeleteNo Cory, "strict regulation, which is boilerplate rhetoric for a communist state, and anarchy are both far from a limited government that is operating under Natural Law. The chaos created by anarchy will cause a government to bring order by implemented the strict regulations of a communist state. A limited government based on Natural Law provides control through the people who follow a moral standard that is as orderly as the world God created.
So anarchy will lead to a communist state while a constitutional republic based on Natural Law prevents both anarchy and the totalitarian state.
You are welcome to come to our meetings and see what actually is discussed and the context it is discussed in, but that would require an open mind. It seems that you reslish irresponsible bised rhetoric instead. Being prepared for any event, including a simple mugging or such, has nothing to do with being anti-govt or promoting anarchy, if that is what you were referring to. We also discussed events occurring at the present time across the globe. If you want to argue your case, you are welcome to attend, as is anyone interested in politics from either political party or independent or libertarian etc.
ReplyDeleteLinda, have you forgotten that I have attended one of your meetings? I listened with an open mind, hoping to find some nucleus of ideas that could turn into a practical citizens movement to reform government. Instead I heard a mishmash of anti-government tropes and undigested philosophy (plus a lot fo singing in the shower) that offered no practical roadmap for governing. I have an open mind, but I can also recognize things for what they are. In this case, that means recognizing the 9-12 movement as a group of people with ill-formed grievances and no plan for effective political action, let alone governing.
ReplyDeleteOh, by the way, Jason, did Jean authorize you to essentially convict her here on the blog? you'll note that my original post chose language carefully to reflect that she has been arrested, not that she commited the crime. The way you portray it, it sounds like Jean is ready to plead guilty and throw herself on the mercy of the court. Is that the case?
Criticize us all you want, Cory. The people attending tea parties, 9.12 meetings, and so forth do have grievances, true - excessive gov't spending, excessive taxation and more to come, indebting our children and grandchildren, the fed gov't taking over things it has no business or constitutional authority to do. If you like the above type politics, that's fine. That's what this nation is about, debate on issues. If you don't like our ideals, that's fine too. A lot of citizens do and are waking up and doing something to effect change. We aren't going to stop just because we are criticized by people who don't or refuse to understand the principles we believe in.
ReplyDelete"you'll note that my original post chose language carefully"
ReplyDeleteYes Cory, it is you that is using boilerplate rhetoric to convict those who you disagree with. Thanks for proofing Nonnie's point that you don't have an open mind. You have yet to address Austrian Economics and Natural Law and why we should not restore those princples or why those would not reform government. Back up your charges with some sound logic, instead of boilerplate rhetoric, and stop acccusing others for stuff that you yourself is guilty of.
Steve, sometimes I feel like you're the little brother who just repeats everything the big brother says to be silly. What boilerplate rhetoric did I use in the original post? I reported facts about an event in Madison, noted an ironic political affiliation, and then mentioned the rhetoric used by folks with that political affiliation in this context. I wait for your explanation of what a heist and scam at the local VFW have to do with Natural Law and Austrian economics.
ReplyDeleteCory I was addressing this statement you made:
ReplyDelete"I heard a mishmash of anti-government tropes and undigested philosophy (plus a lot fo singing in the shower) that offered no practical roadmap for governing."
But it seems at least you have admitted that the 912 group's activities has nothing to do with the alleged crime at the VFW. I see nothing in the facebook link you used that points to a 912 conspiracy to rip off the VFW.
So now that is cleared up, how about restoring Natural Law and its Austrian economics application to fix what is wriong in America?
Says Steve: "I see nothing in the facebook link you used that points to a 912 conspiracy to rip off the VFW."
ReplyDeleteNeither did I, which is why I said no such thing. Stick with reality, please.
Cory,
ReplyDeleteSo do you now agree that bringing that up in your post was off topic?
“What boilerplate rhetoric did I use in the original post?”
ReplyDeleteCory, we have been over this several times on this thread already. You said:
“I'll bet she's wishing for smaller government right now.”
You boilerplate rhetoric about the 9.21 group being “anti-government” and against its criminal prosecution is false. Nonnie presented you with our principles that include this:
“5. If you break the law, you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.”
I have basically said the same thing early on, and we refuse to be labeled as anarchists. Again, we are for “good government”, specifically a Constitutional Republic based on the Natural Law legal foundation. That is exactly what the founding fathers created. The ending of your post was irresponsible. Why not admit it and apologize?
After happening across this discussion, I see many arguments that I agree and disagree with. The only thing that I am going to post is that commenting on someone's political, or political group, affiliation or patronage is not news. All that those who include these comments in a 'story' are trying to do is add political spin to a subject that has no political weight. This is a tactic that is used time and time again by those who have strong beliefs about politics, and how things should be run, to smear the other side and make their ideas look better. No offense Cory. You are very intelligent, and you deliver a lot of material to everyone in the local area. I just didn't think that your strong beliefs would push you to use a non-political event to try and smear a group of people that are doing what they believe is right. They are trying to come up with solutions to some of the many problems that our country now faces. As a politically involved person like yourself, I would think that you would applaud such actions because people are actually trying to use the power that is granted to them in the constitution. Whether people use this power in line with what you think or feel or against it, it is still admirable that they are trying.
ReplyDeleteSean Hughes
Cory,
ReplyDeleteI love your phrasing, "...essentially convict..."? You had to use the word "essentially", because I did not "convict" her. Fortunately, in America hearsay is not admissible in court as evidence. Secondly, you assume the said "crimes" are the ones she has been accused of. (A preposition at the end of a sentence... am I guilty of crimes against the English language?)
Do you burn more calories in one hour with bicycling at a high speed or rapidly jumping to conclusions?
Even though Jean didn't live up to some of our principles and values... I'll bet you a DQ Blizzard that in the coming months, she will live up to our 5th principle.
Jason Bjorklund
Come on, Jason, you have to admit, your original comment would certainly require some explaining in court, explaining that, if I were Jean's lawyer, I'd really rather not have to contort myself around. I don't have any personal axe to grind; it just struck me that your words seemed to do more to sink any case Jean might make than anything I've said.
ReplyDeleteSibby: I heard all sorts of anti-government talk at the Madison Glenn Beck picnic at the end of August But my comment above simply spoke of "smaller government." So now for your next trick, are you going to claim that the Glenn Beck club doesn't favor smaller government? Please, spare me the "black is white" talk.
Cory,
ReplyDeleteIt is very sad to see somebody as smart as you unable to comprehend truth. Unable to comprehend Natural Law. Unable to understand what it was our founding fathers created. And then to see your anger & hatred directed at those who are trying to help you out.