THE GUFFEY AFFAIR, Part1 - Scottsboro, Alabama - December 20, 2020 Announcement of Special Call Meeting of the Jackson County Commission on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 Regarding Resignation - *Allegations by County Employees and Citizens - UPDATE - December 21, 2020 -Jackson County Commission Press Release - UPDATE 2 - DECEMBER 21, 2020 - Local and Regional News Stories Regarding Inappropriate Surveillance of Courthouse Employee(s) - UPDATE 3 -DECEMBER 22, 2020 - Analysis of Press Release - Red Herring Regarding Security Cameras, Law Enforcement's Right of Defense From a Gunman - Special Call Meeting Video, Resignation of Chairman Tim Guffey - UPDATE 4 - UPDATE 4 - December 23, 2020 - Another Deceptive Press Release, Questions - Does This Press Release Indicate Fraud by Public Officials, Conspiracy, Theft by Deception Regarding Guffey's Pay, Benefits?? - UPDATE 5 - December 26, 2020 - Claimed Resignation Document - Video Short, Effective Immediately Has New Meaning and Resignation Replay, Short Version - UPDATE 6 - DECEMBER 30, 2020 - UTILIZING PUBLIC OFFICE FOR PERSONAL GAIN, NO APPROVAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE OR MEDICAL LEAVE, PERSONAL USE OF OFFICE - AG Opinion 95-00182 When Is A Resignation Effective.

 

Jackson County Courthouse, North Entrance, photo by G. Morgan

Article reviewed and edited with changes, on December 27, 2020 and December 29, 2020 - WAAY News Story and Documents added; December 30, 2020 Update and edit, Jan. 7, 2021 Vice-Chair Statement added (7 Updates and edits).

THE GUFFEY AFFAIR

A developing political story and *allegations of unethical/unlawful conduct regarding the Chair of the Jackson County Commission

Tim Guffey, former/current?? Chairperson of the Jackson County Commission. (photo by G. Morgan)

 U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT Scottsboro, Al. - December 23, 2020 (AP Wire) "County Commission Chair Quits After Investigation Revealed . . . improper video surveillance at the courthouse in Scottsboro . . . commission voted to accept the resignation [effective immediately]  . . . but a statement read during the meeting didn't reveal a reason for his departure." 

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alabama/articles/2020-12-23/county-commission-chair-quits-after-investigation-revealed  

 Special Call Meeting Video at Bottom of Page, with  UPDATE 3 - December 22, 2020 - Resignation of Commission Chair Tim Guffey, Vice Chair Assumes Chair Responsibilities Until Alabama Governor Kay Ivey Appoints Replacement 

Special Called Meeting Notice posted Friday December 18, 2020

STATEMENT READ BY VICE-CHAIR JASON VENABLE 

ON DECEMBER 22, 2020 REGARDING TIM GUFFEY'S RESIGNATION AS CHAIRMAN OF THE JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSION

The motion was made and seconded, the Resignation Motion was unanimously accepted.

Jackson County Commissioners as of November 12, 2020 (photo by Jackson county Commission, Fair Use for non-profit news reporting) Commissioners left to right with email: Danny Rich, District 1 - dannyrich@jcch.net ; Kevin McBride, District 4 -  kevinmcbride@jcch.net ;Tim Guffey, Chairman -  timguffey@jcch.net ; AJ Buckner, District 3 - ajbuckner@jcch.net ; Jason Venable, District 2 - jasonvenable@jcch.net

Information Report and Request for Clarification Sent to the Jackson County Commission on Facebook after No-productive Results on Friday, December 18, 2020 

Jackson County Commission Link: https://www.facebook.com/JCCommissionAL

December 20, 2020 - Reference Special Called Meeting Notice by Commission Vice-Chair Jason Venable. Meeting to be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 3:30PM in the commission board room, Jackson County Courthouse, reference: "accepting a resignation and related administrative matters." 

 Any comment as to the *allegations by Jackson County employees and Jackson County citizens expressing concerns over audio and video "spy cameras" being placed in female office spaces and the commission office by an unknown private contractor?

 Information received indicates a referral to ALEA, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, for investigation of this or other matters. The *allegations claim involvement of Commission Chair Tim Guffey, an elected public official.

Answer to inquiry from the Jackson County Commission on Facebook, quote: "Please refer all questions to the County Attorney, John Porter 256-574-5156"

 So there is no confusion, I'm reporting to the Jackson County Commission information I'm receiving, and requesting clarification about these serious matters for the purpose of transparency and either confirming *allegations or dispelling rumors. My visit to the Jackson County Commission office Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 produced no comprehensive results or clarifications other than referring to the notice of the Special Call Meeting referenced above. *(Allegation definition - a statement, made without giving proof, that someone has done something wrong or illegal: Cambridge English Dictionary)

UPDATE - DECEMBER 21, 2020

PRESS RELEASE – DECEMBER 21, 2020

 Jackson County Commission

 The four District Commissioners of the Jackson County Commission have been advised that an investigation is underway by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency involving an allegation of inappropriate surveillance of a Jackson County Employee at the Jackson County Courthouse. The Commissioners take this allegation very seriously and are providing full cooperation with the investigation. As part of the Courthouse Security Plan, after several serious incidents at the Courthouse involving firearms, a number of surveillance cameras and sound systems were installed in public locations and common areas at the Courthouse. The camera at the secured entrance to the Courthouse proved invaluable in determining the sequence of events that led to a Sheriff’s Deputy having to use his firearm to defend himself against an aggressive armed patron. Neither these Commissioners nor the Courthouse Security Committee were aware of the placement of the particular camera involved in the present investigation. The Commissioners first became aware of the location of this camera on Tuesday, December 15 and took steps the same day to have the devise removed. Until the investigation is complete, the Commissioners will have no comment on whether or not the installation of this camera was warranted for legitimate security purposes. 

UPDATE 3 - DECEMBER 22, 2020 - ANALYSIS OF PRESS RELEASE

RED HERRING ISSUES - SUBTERUGE REGARDING SECURITY CAMERAS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT'S RIGHT TO DEFEND THEMSELVES FROM A GUNMAN

Red Herring image from blacklabellogic.com, fair use for non-profit news reporting, commentary and education

The Press Release is deceptive. The cameras and monitors related to the Jackson County Courthouse security, safety and law enforcement defending themselves have no bearing on the alleged misconduct or criminal conduct of an elected public official in this case, allegedly utilizing a "spy camera" and a computer interface to "observe" female employees. The escort of a female employee off of the Jackson County Courthouse property last week is related, according to Jackson County employee sources. This issue involves sexual harassment, creation of a hostile work environment, and alleged criminal conduct. A criminal investigation is necessary, a coverup or deception is inappropriate and not conducive to being a good steward of our resources for the county's citizens, and maintaining a professional, effective county government work environment.

There are other relative issues which must not be overlooked. 1) Security - The entire Jackson County Courthouse should be "swept" for eaves dropping devices, "spy cameras," audio listening devices; all computer equipment should be inspected for malware, spyware, hacked audio-video interfaces on installed computer systems, to include "program shells" or interfaces designed for eavesdropping. If the suspected party is spying on one, was he spying on others? Who installed the mysterious "spy camera," who paid for the eavesdropping equipment, who owns the equipment???  Responsible public officials, do you know for a fact that other "spy cameras" or interfaces do not exist? Questions which require answers and elimination of the risk regarding unknown audio/video recording equipment, "spy cameras," computer interfaces or malware. This deceptive "Press Release" does not help matters.

2) Sexual Harassment/Creation of a Hostile Work Environment. Every female employee should be professionally interviewed to determine if sexual harassment, inappropriate sexual advances and/or sexual misconduct occurred between one or more elected officials and employed/appointed female personnel. According to Jackson County employee reports, the dismissal of the female employee last week, escorted off of courthouse property, is related to the current situation and pending investigation. How much will sexual harassment and creation of a hostile work environment cost the citizens of Jackson County? How many more alleged sexual trysts or acts of jealousy are occurring, or have occurred, as a result of public officials misconduct in OUR courthouse??  

UPDATE 2 - DECEMBER 21, 2020 - Local and Regional News Stories Regarding Inappropriate Surveillance of Courthouse Employee(s)   

"In the Boro" - My video of this event, after meeting chat and interview attempts at bottom of page.

Jackson County Commission's Live Facebook Video of  Guffey Resignation Meeting- https://www.facebook.com/JCCommissionAL/videos/734286453859622 

Scottsboro, Al.The Clarion: https://www.theclarion.org/?p=3764&fbclid=IwAR3Y9DaycEy9wA98RaBybxj5uXdqqLxCJm5eCwO6OIWh0FaHglgqDQf9W9o

Clarions Story on Facebook Link- https://www.facebook.com/theclarionnewspaper

Scottsboro, Al. Jackson County Sentinel:    http://jcsentinel.com/feature_story/article_e67f858a-43cc-11eb-ac4b-abe3c70fdfc6.html?fbclid=IwAR21ZdV_G2U4u6bVyp-gZnYfJ0NPs1e4XZF91v_7Yon7KCVnj77VljzIbqA

Sentinel's Facebook Video link: https://www.facebook.com/jcsentinel/videos/832239754017268

                   WAFF-TV News, Huntsville, Al:   https://www.waff.com/2020/12/21/district-commissioners-announce-inappropriate-surveillance-allegation-investigation-jackson-county-employee/

Guffey Resigns- https://www.waff.com/2020/12/22/jackson-county-chairman-resigns/

WAAY-TV News, Huntsville, Al:   https://www.waaytv.com/content/news/State-investigating-inappropriate-surveillance-claim-at-Jackson-County-Courthouse-573448161.html

Guffey Resigns- https://www.waaytv.com/content/news/Jackson-County-Commission-chairman-resigns-573459881.html

Story by WAAY News, Press Release and Guffey's Resignation -  https://www.waaytv.com/content/news/Jackson-County-Commission-chairman-resigns-573459881.html

WHNT-TV News, Huntsville, Al: https://whnt.com/news/state-investigating-allegations-of-inappropriate-surveillance-at-jackson-county-courthouse/ 

Guffey Resigns- https://whnt.com/news/northeast-alabama/jackson-county-commission-chairman-resigns/ 

Al.Com By Ben Benton Chattanooga Times Free Press, (TNS) Tribune Media Services   https://www.al.com/news/2020/12/alabama-investigating-secret-surveillance-of-courthouse-employee.html

UDATE 4 - December 23, 2020 - Another deceptive Press Release (image below)

From the Comptrollers Office State of Alabama - 0100 Chart of Accounts

 23 - Administrative Leave - Salaries and wages for an employee while on approved administrative leave.

Posted to Jackson county Commission’s Facebook site in reply to their Press Release of December 23, 2020, image posted below. Mr. Guffey is an elected political official who has resigned "effective immediately" and approved by the Jackson County Commission by unanimous vote. Guffey is not an employee and there was no approval for administrative leave.

Guffey's alleged resignation letter (image below) does not coincide with the statement made by the Commission Vice Chair, Guffey's resignation "effective immediately," was approved by the commission. Jackson County Commission's live streamed video, an official record of the meeting, at approximately 1 minute 45 seconds, and recorded by multiple press and media entities (linked above), statement of Vice Chair Jason Venable as to the resignation of Guffey: "The Chairman of the Jackson County Commission has tendered his resignation to Gov. Kay Ivey. Effective *immediately the chairman's duties will end." The read statement goes on further to say: "In order for the administration of the county to continue without interruption, until the Governor appoints a replacement Chair, the functions of the Chairman will be assumed by the Vice Chairman, and we should each pledge both the time and effort to make sure the county offices continue to serve the needs of the citizens until a new chairman can be named." The vote to accept the resignation of Guffey was taken and to appoint the Vice Chair to assume the duties of the chairman until the Governor appoints a new chairman, the vote to accept the resignation "effectively immediately" and appoint the Vice Chair to assume the duties of chairman until Governor Ivey appoints a replacement was unanimous.  The resignation effective *immediately does not mean 2 weeks, 4 months or the next election cycle, "*immediately" is NOW, which is the commission meeting after the vote to accept the resignation. At no time did the commission approve Administrative Leave with or without pay as stated in the December 23, 2020 Press Release. The Commission in their vote did not approve the resignation effective date of April 11, 2020. The statement regarding Guffey's resignation was read on December 22, 2020 at approximately 3:30 PM.

Public Officials, if you continue to pay Guffey or continue any benefits, other than legally accrued benefits which may be cashed in as allowed by law. You should be asking yourself, are you committing or conspiring to commit fraud, theft of public funds by deception (Code of Alabama 13A-8-1; 13A-8-2; 13A-8-2.1). Definition of "immediate"- adjective, Merriam Webster - 1a: occurring, acting, or accomplished without loss or interval of time : INSTANT. b(1): near to or related to the present. (2): of or relating to the here and now : CURRENT. Definition of *"immediately" adverb - 1: without interval of time : STRAIGHTWAY 

(Click on image to expand view.)

Guffey's alleged resignation letter was not read into the record in the meeting and it contradicts the meeting record as stated on video (Guffey's alleged letter of resignation below.). The December 23 Press Release, post Guffey's resignation "Effective Immediately." There was no stated approval in the commission meeting on December 22, 2020 for this alleged resignation saying Guffey will be receiving pay and benefits until April 11, 2021, while sitting at home, there was no approval for administrative leave. If not fraud and theft by deception, as a minimum, commissioners conspired to deceive the citizens of Jackson County Alabama regarding Guffey's resignation. The Press Release on December 23, 2020 is not reflective of the recorded official action stating Guffey's resignation is effective immediately.  

Video Short - Effective Immediately Has New Meaning, No Mention, No Statement as to Administrative Leave - Paying Guffey to do nothing for 4 months.

WAFF Interview and link to Guffey's alleged resignation letter. A contradiction from the Jackson County Commission meeting video stating Guffey's ". . . resignation is effective *immediately. . ." NOT APRIL 11,  2021 for medical reasons was not approved or mentioned, commented on in any form or fashion.

https://www.waff.com/2020/12/23/former-jackson-county-chairman-addresses-surveillance-investigation-claims-resignation-due-health-issues/ 

Is this a scheme to commit fraud, theft by deception regarding Guffey's pay and benefits?? (Code of Alabama 13A-8-1; 13A-8-2; 13A-8-2.1) The action described in the WAFF News article was not approved by the Jackson County Commission as reflected in the official video of this proceeding. Who prepared the Press Release? Guffey goes home, does no work, and the citizens are going to pay him to do nothing as an elected public official for 4 months. Merry Christmas Citizens of Jackson County - our political officials are now stealing our money right under our noses, and conspire to do so as evidenced in the Press Release and Guffey's statement to WAFF TV News.

The issue with Courthouse Security Cameras goes back to 2009, Ms. Bias was the Commission Chair at that time. Security upgrades were accomplished by Ms. Bias, Commission Chair Hodges and Commission Chair Ashmore. Guffey wanted to hire a private security firm to provide Courthouse Security which was objected to by not only the Security Committee, which included the sitting Judges, Sheriff, Chief Deputy, the Jail Supervisor and other county elected officials, including the Commission, the privatization scheme was rejected. 

Links going back to 2009 regarding Courthouse Security and security systems including camera systems: https://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Jackson%20County%20Courthouse%20Security

THE GUFFEY AFFAIR - ETHICS ISSUES, AG OPINION

UPDATE

UPDATE 6 - DECEMBER 30, 2020 - UTILIZING PUBLIC OFFICE FOR PERSONAL GAIN

PERSONAL USE OF OFFICE – Section 36-25-5(a) states: "No public official or public employee shall use or cause to be used his or her official position or office to obtain personal gain for himself or herself, or family member of the public employee or family member of the public official, or any business with which the person is associated unless the use and gain are otherwise specifically authorized by law. Personal gain is achieved when the public official, public employee, or a family member thereof receives, obtains, exerts control over, or otherwise converts to personal use the object constituting such personal gain.” Take note of (b) and (c) of COA 36-25-5.

There was no approval for administrative or medical leave.

 

 CONFLICT OF INTEREST – Section 36-25-9(c) states: "No member of any county or municipal agency, board, or commission shall vote or participate in any matter in which the member or family member of the member has any financial gain or interest." Guffey can't declare himself on any leave status benefiting himself. There was no approval of administrative or medical leave, by the approval authority, the Jackson County Commission.

When is a resignation effective?

Attorney Generals Opinion: 95-00182 Commission Chair Vacating Office - It appears, that once the governor accepts the resignation the vacancy may be filled. What is the bearing on Guffey's requested resignation date? To remain in office for 4 months once a resignation has been submitted and accepted by the County Commission, to receive pay, is that a conflict of interest, Guffey's self declaration, since there was no approval of administrative leave or medical leave by the Jackson county Commission.

https://www.alabamaag.gov/Documents/opin/9500182.pdf

 Video of the Tuesday, December 22, 2020 Special Called Commission Meeting.

Resignation Video Short Version - "Effective Immediately" Has New Meaning for Unscrupulous Politicians

Scottsboro Alabama - May 10, 2019 - Good News for Jackson County Tax Payers - Secret Advisory Board for Historical Documents Display – GOP Evangelical Wing Political Stunt

Jackson County Courthouse, south side, photo by G. Morgan

Good News for Jackson County Tax Payers - Secret Advisory Board for Historical Documents Display – GOP Evangelical Wing Political Stunt.

When Special Interest Groups attempt to use religious beliefs deceitfully to gain political power, including facilitating religious hatred of Muslims in deceitful schemes of religious discrimination to gain power, it is time to draw the line in the sand. We are a nation of laws, a nation where law is king, not the President or the malicious intents of a political party led by an unprosecuted criminal liar and con-man.

Recently the Jackson county Commission appointed a Historical Documents Advisory Board to make recommendations to the Jackson County Commission as to funding, and what historical documents which are to be placed on county property. Additionally there is no indication this board will meet in the public venue, at this point their meetings will be conducted in secret. In reality, this is an excuse by a right wing extremist Political Action Committee, 10 Commandments PAC, founded by the evangelical wing of the Republican Party, to erect religious statuary on government property which has no bearing on any religious freedom, it is an attempt by GOP politicians to be recognized and elected by deceit.

There is a catch, County Commission members and so called Historical Documents Board members, best take note, who will pay if you are sued in Federal Court if you place religious icons or religious documents on county government property?. After consulting with ATTORNEYS on this matter, YOU, personally commission members and advisory board members will pay, quote: ". . . the amendment specifies that no public funds can be used to defend its constitutionality." Best find you that 3rd Party that will pay for your hypocrisy and trickery before you act. Article explaining the Constitutional Amendment:  https://www.alabamapolicy.org/2018/09/07/understanding-constitutional-amendment-one-the-ten-commandments-and-religious-freedom/

By the way GOP evangelical hypocrites, you might want to communicate to our President the 10 Commandments apply to him, reference stealing, adultery, bearing false witness, etc.

Local history of this action over the past 5 years, including the Liberty Institute Letter and the Cease and Desist Letter. https://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Ten%20Commandment%20Displays

Scottsboro City Council Meeting, Work Session and Regular Session March 14, 2016

Scottsboro City Hall (photo by G. Morgan)

AGENDA

(Click on image for an expanded view.)

VIDEO Work Session Part 1

VIDEO Work Session Part 2

VIDEO Regular Session

Regular City Council Meeting Video and Mr. Smith, Old Time Political Appointee and Now Elected Political Official - Connection to Threats and Harassment on al.com's Scottsboro forum?

Council Member Smith boasted about his 3 terms as an elected official in a previous City council meeting. He also boasted about how he had never been arrested, many have tried. My question is what the hades does that have to do with anything? (photo by G. Morgan)

Potter said, "Why don't you run for mayor," when I told him I thought his behavior was disgusting for harassing and discriminating against city employees. Smith came to his defense. 

March 14, 2016 Scottsboro City Council Regular Session. Citizen presentation, Council Member Smith states I write lies. I say Council Member Smith is not being truthful. Mr. Smith I never said anything about you or anyone else being a "redneck," that is your word. There have been several employees and public officials who have provided me with information regarding corruption. I bring the information forward, discuss it, including here, in the City Council Chambers, you and others do not like a citizen standing up to a corrupt political machine.  A liar I'm not; but Mr. Keith Smith - ex 20year plus police chief appointed official,  now pompous, self righteous, deceitful elitist "redneck" (Your word Keith, I never said anything of the sort, until now, repeating you.) political official. 

How is your golf swing Keith? Mayor Deason sure knew where to find you didn't he - at the golf course!? 

You attempted to fire one of your employees while Police Chief because he followed the instructions of your boss and his to investigate you. You took retaliatory action against your Police Captain because he followed the orders of the Mayor. How revealing Mr. Smith, you do not handle internal investigations about your conduct very well. The personnel board voted against you, for good reason; and now here you are as a political official. 

Many citizens told me, during my political run against you, that they owed you, primarily for your letting them or their children off on legal infractions of the law. Is that true, I think so, as I trust the people who told me these things.

Smith made other untruthful allegations that I had destroyed many lives. Mr. Smith is deceitful and facilitates hatred in the community against citizens who do not agree with his political positions and quest for power and control. This pattern fits threats and harassment made against me on al.com's Scottsboro forum.

Ten Commandment Display/Historical Documents Display - Agreement with the Liberty Institute for Legal Services Released - November 17, 2014 County Commission Work Session

Photo by G. Morgan of the Jackson County Commission immediately after swearing in of the new commissioners - Commissioners from left to Right - Commissioner Venable, Commissioner Ledwell, Chair of the Commission Matthew Hodges, Commissioner Guffey, Commissioner Miller

All articles on this blog regarding the County Commission Ten commandments Issue are listed at the end of this article.

Secrecy - Documents Released by County Commission Chair

The commission has participated in secret meetings to discuss the issue about the Ten Commandments. Reasonable members of the commission have stated this secrecy will not occur in the future. The commission held a secret meeting with the Liberty Institute to facilitate an agreement for legal representation. I requested verbally that the agreement between the commission and the Liberty Institute be released, the county attorney stated it was not a releasable document. I submitted an official public documents request earlier in the month, the agreement document was released by the Commission Chair last week. 

AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES BETWEEN THE JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSION & THE LIBERTY INSTITUTE 

(click on image for an expanded view)

The document has been signed by both parties according to the Commission Chair.

Video in which Mr. Guffey made his statement that the Ten Commandments are one of the founding documents of our nation, He further states if the Commandments were removed our nation "would be a totally different country..." He says, "We have gotten away from what this country was founded on. If we want to return our country back to what made her great we must start at the local level. It is time for the majority to make a stand on what made this country great." 

PROBLEMS in Mr. Guffey's Ideology

Apparently Mr. Guffey does not realize we are not a Democracy, the majority do not rule; in a Republic we are a government of laws. A Democracy is a rabble of lawless individuals wishing to impose their wishes on the minority. Is it the intentions of Mr. Guffey and the Alabama Republican Party to return us to a time of Jim Crow?

 The Ten Commandments are not part of the founding documents of this nation and never have been. Members of our county commission were elected to represent the people and conduct the peoples BUSINESS of Jackson County on the County Commission and support the Constitution of the United States and the State of Alabama. Commissioners were not elected to determine what made our nation great or interject the political platform of the Alabama Republican Party. Relating to the Ten Commandments issue, it is a scheme and ruse of trickery to support hidden political agendas relating to National Health Care and Immigration Reform.

Republican Party purpose: Issue in the legislature - http://blog.al.com/wire/2014/02/things_i_learned_during_the_al.html  The issue did not pass in the 2014 Alabama Legislative session. Republican theocrats have resolved to bring the issue back up at the next session in 2015. More on the strategy - the maskirovka, why: Shrewd political strategy - for the promise of tax cuts for the rich is hardly an effective platform for rallying the Republican Party base in a midterm election year. The promise of the Ten Commandments, however, is how you get a person without healthcare to vote for the party whose platform is based on repealing the Affordable Care Act.  Read More at: http://www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/how-hyper-religious-political-stunts-republicans-keeps-their-voters-captive

 This right wing extremist theocratic ideology is a dangerous ideology which stands to diminish our county, state and nation.  I am offended that one of our county's elected officials thinks our nation needs to return to a time when we were great. What time does Mr. Guffey wish to return us to, a time of Jim Crow when  ignorance was perpetrated by racists and fascist like extremist in political power who murdered minority peoples and burned crosses as a sign of racial & religious purity as the psychopathic Ku Klux Klan leadership saw it; maybe Mr. Guffey wishes to return us to a time before our first Black President was elected?  

Secret meeting between the Commission and Liberty Institute


All articles on this blog about the Ten Commandments issue before the Jackson County Commission:  http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Ten%20Commandment%20Displays


November 17, 2014 County Commission Work Session

VIDEO

The Benghazi Story Discloses Lies and Secrecy

DISCLOSURES OF DECEIT - THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION

Post by Joe Pags.

CBS Retraction Video, this video does not retract the actual deceit from the President or the Secretary of State. It does not retract the disclosure that the attack was a planned event and that the State Department and all involved were informed the attack on the Benghazi compound was imminent.

Coupled with the current problems with negligence and ignoring of serious security issues regarding the White House, a serious disconnect by Obama administration officials and real world threat scenarios surface.

SECRECY PROTECTS NEGLIGENT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/secret-service-stumbled-after-gunman-hit-white-house-residence-in-2011/2014/09/27/d176b6ac-442a-11e4-b437-1a7368204804_story.html
Unfortunately, secrecy is often used to protect negligence and failure of our government officials; this applies to all levels of government, national to local.

Town Hall Meeting with U.S. Representative Mo Brooks, or as some may call it, Bash President Obama Republican Rally

 Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter introduces 5th District Congressman Mo Brooks, Republican from Huntsville.

 Congressman Brooks stated he was a Fiscal Conservative and believes our nation will be subservient to China if the debt situation does not change. He stated we are supplying China with the means to destroy us by virtue of our debt payment to them.

 Congressman Brooks assessment of our financial plight was right and wrong. He was right, our debt is the problem, his figures are correct. He was wrong on blaming our financial crisis on the Democrats and President Obama. There are solutions, Brooks did not have them. His solution was to create dissension and division in support of the Republican Party. At the bottom of the page I list the solution to our problems. Our debt problem is related to our growing energy crisis and problems. Washington politicians, Brooks included, have no meaningful solutions.

Congressman Brooks ranted on for most of the meeting about how our economy was crashing and if the Democrats continued on with their programs such as health care and socialism we would surely be subservient to the Chinese. The crowd of about 50, including 5 staffers, applauded loudly in sync with Brooks as he continued on with periodic episodes of Obama bashing mixed with economic doom and gloom.

 Brooks blamed most of our problems concerning the Southwest Asian Wars on the current administration. He failed to mention any Republican responsibility related to the current war,  instead he took the road of 'blame the Democrats and Obama.'

The Congressman did not realize or failed to mention it was the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000 of the 106th Congress, a Republican Congress ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/106th_United_States_Congress ), which allowed the Mortgage crisis and economic downturn which began about 2006, culminating in a financial meltdown in 2008 under President Bush, it was President Bush who began the TARP program bailouts.

 2011's 30 year outlook according to Mr. Brooks. When the TVA debt situation was brought forward his tune changed from a devout Fiscal Conservative to a devout Republican Socialist. Telling all how nuclear power and the TVA was going to save us from an era with no power. Sheer pro-nuclear propaganda right out of the nuclear lobby's play book.

 Congressman Brooks stated the Democrats and President Obama's Health Care Plans and other entitlement programs are breaking the United States. The crowd of mostly over 65-80%, continued to applaud loudly, apparently not realizing their Social Security and Medicare would come to a halt if the radical Republicans had their way. As the crowd applauded with fervor to the Obama bashing, I decided to boo the festivities, as there was entirely to much President Obama and Democrat bashing. Although I do not agree with all of our President's policies, he is our President. To base ones political policy and platform on bashing Democrats and President Obama does not produce results, it produces  division of the populace. Brooks' political strategy utilizes the principles of ideological propaganda as a communicative technique.

When asked about Bellefonte the Congressman stated he supported nuclear power. He told the crowd of Republican supporters the shutting down of coal facilities, due to the environmentalists and the EPA, nuclear power must be brought on line. Not true pointed out Ms. Gretel Johnston of Scottsboro, Ms. Johnston told how Energy Efficiency technology could produce the power needed. Brooks replied, "Oh, you mean the efficient energy light bulbs." Ms. Johnston explained some of  the Energy Efficiency measures which would supply over 300,000 jobs in the Southeast, including Jackson County, if a serious plan was implemented.

I informed the Congressman about TVA's tremendous debt to which I was heckled by a Chamber of Commerce staff member and a Goose Pond Colony staff member, obviously they were Republicans not interested in facts and attempted to interrupt my presentation. When the Congressman was asked if he supported TVA socialism and extending TVA's $30 billion dollar debt limit his reply was maybe, maybe not, depends on how it was worded by those asking. Apparently the Congressman is not as Fiscally Conservative as his presentation appears.

TVA's Financials: "TVA- SEC Form 10-Q Quarterly Report May 3, 2011, page 49, debt- $24.125 billion; interest on debt- $25.832 billion; long term total obligations including debt, interest on debt, fuel contracts, leases and power commitments $68.868 billion dollars." Total debt and debt interest- $49.9 billion!  http://investor.shareholder.com/tva/secfiling.cfm?filingID=1376986-11-36

Turn about is fair play, but not in the eyes of the Scottsboro Police who were there to obviously keep in line any comments against Brooks and the Republican extremist ideology. When a Republican supporter decided to bash Ms. Johnston and myself for our presentation, I spoke up in protest. The Police Chief, came over and stated to me, "don't interrupt, wait until you are recognized to speak." However, the Police Chief said nothing to the hecklers from the Chamber of Commerce and Goose Pond Colony who attempted to interrupt my presentation.

The town hall meeting was informative, informing true listeners of how far right wing the Neu Republikans have moved. Real solutions to the debt crisis are not in the Republicans political strategy book. Bash Democrats and our President was the outcome of the meeting.for the explicit purpose of rallying additional Republican support.

Solutions:  Jobs, put Americans to work, stop the political deceit and pandering, it is dividing our nation. Political bickering and name calling does not support solutions but supports the political party, we need solutions not furtherance of individual and party political agendas. A comprehensive Sustainable Energy Plan for the United States is the tool for resolving many of the problems facing our nation. It will bring jobs and secure our energy future from dependance on foreign energy sources which have led us into wars costing thousands of American lives and trillions of dollars.

The Neu-Republikan Party's Tea Party

Racism, Deceit and Fascism is the Neu-Republikan Party's Tea Party strategy of right wing extremism.

The Neu-Republikan Party-Sieg Heil??

"Republican U.S. House candidate Rich Iott is pictured wearing a Nazi uniform for his participation in re-enactments of the Nazi’s 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking.  http://blogs.clarionledger.com/jmitchell/2010/10/15/congressional-candidate-takes-part-in-nazi-reenactments/

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The Republicans goal is to support their corporate money providers at any cost, even if it results in the destruction of local environments or the world. There will be a growing riff between in the Democrat and Republican Party. http://www.politicususa.com/en/gop-morality
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The Republicans have stated their policy is no compromise on any issue. http://www.tnr.com/blog/jonathan-cohn/78740/boehner-no-compromise
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They will do anything to gain power to include bashing the heads of protesters and the press who ask unwanted questions. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20001591-504083.html http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1010/43778.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txU55iFG9UA
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One of my big concerns with the Republicans is the mixing of religious doctrine and politics for political gain. http://christiancitizens.org/ ( The old Christian Coalition) History demonstrates this religious-political mix results in a destruction of liberty for citizens. In this ad campaign which has showed up in many Alabama Press publications today is mostly one big fat lie in describing Democrat candidates. I guess lying is an acceptable trait of these so called Christians. http://www.christiancitizens.org/alabama_coalition-christian_voting_guide.html
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The Republicans practice a political strategy of racism to gain votes, "The Southern Strategy,"  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/22/michael-steele-for-decade_n_547702.html
the Southern Strategy exposed. http://scottsborostories.blogspot.com/2010/09/republicans-southern-strategy-racism.html

UPDATE August 4, 2012: Is "political conservatism" a form of insanity? "A meta-analysis culled from 88 samples in 12 countries, and with an N of 22,818, revealed that “several psychological variables predicted political conservatism.”Which variables exactly?In order of predictive power:Death anxiety, system instability, dogmatism/intolerance of ambiguity, closed-mindedness, low tolerance of uncertainty, high needs for order, structure, and closure, low integrative complexity, fear of threat and loss, and low self-esteem.The researchers conclude, a little chillingly, that “the core ideology of conservatism stresses resistance to change and a justification of inequality.”"  http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/genius-and-madness/200809/is-political-conservatism-mild-form-insanity 

Is political ultra-conservatism indicative of mental illness? "Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley essentially confirmed this view with an meta-analysis of scores of academic studies on conservative political attitudes last year. In the study, "Political Conservatism as Motivated Social Cognition," the Berkeley researchers found (Berkley link} common psychological factors linked to political conservatism include: fear and aggression, dogmatism and intolerance of ambiguity, uncertainty avoidance, need for cognitive closure, and terror management that causes conservatives to shun and even punish outsiders and those who threaten the status of their cherished world views..." http://reason.com/archives/2004/10/20/pathologizing-conservatism  "Terror management" as a behavior is not conducive to facilitating communications in any environment.
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Saturday's Scottsboro Daily Sentinel--Facts and Deceit of Politicians and Bureaucrats

Click on image for an expanded view.

Bloomberg Business Week Report: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9HNERU00.htm

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/aug/20/tva-move-ahead-bellefonte-nuclear-reactor/

VOTERS of Scottsboro the TVA and your City Government are deceiving you.

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#1- The City Audit was released in Mid July. The Mayor and the City Council have refused to release the audit to the public due to the truth of its disclosures. The audit reveals a Government Fund deficit of $2,863,144; a General Fund Deficit of $826,844. Scottsboro politicians over spent. The facts are in the audit of which city officials refuse to release. They seem to think the political incumbents reelection is more important than telling the truth or being open and honest with you the citizen. See page 8B of the Daily Sentinel. I bought a political ad so you the citizen would know the truth concerning the audit. (see picture above)
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#2- As much as I would like to see Bellefonte happen deceiving the populace is not warranted. The TVA deceives you fellow citizens and our local political gentry falls right in line with the deceit. Build the plant but stop the deceit. Why can't government officials be honest with the citizens?

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There is a terrible culture of political deceit in our nation!

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Currently, you are paying 10.2 cents per kilowatt hour for residential power in Scottsboro. Mr. Kilgore states "we believe we will be able to produce power for less than 5 cents per kilowatt hour when it goes on line." http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=9dedee45faf32736 Prove your figures Kilgore! Mayor, since you state, "we stand ready to help TVA provide low cost electricity," prove Kilgore's statement! How in the hades are you going to lower the cost of nuclear power when the costs of construction are sky rocketing? (When the Daily Sentinel article in today's paper becomes available online I will post a link.)

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Current costs of nuclear power with the TVA are at best 11 cents per KW hr. If it were not for coal fired power generation the citizens of the TVA region would be paying as a minimum 50% higher electric costs.

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Currently there are 17 states whose power costs are less than the TVA area, under 10 cents per kw hr of use for residential costs, 17 fellow citizens. http://www.eia.doe.gov/electricity/epm/table5_6_a.html
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See this report, "The Staggering Costs of Nuclear Power," it reflects the costs will be around 25 to 30 cents per kilowatt hour, triple current U.S. electricity rates. http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/01/nuclear_power.html
Quote from the above report, "Many U.S. utilities are diversifying through a combination of aggressive load reduction incentives to customers, better grid management, and a mixture of renewable energy sources supplying zero-fuel-cost kWh’s, backed by the KW capacity of natural gas turbines where needed. Some U.S. utilities, primarily in the South, often have less aggressive load reduction programs, and view their region as deficient in renewable energy resources. These utilities are now exploring new nuclear power."

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This is the problem I have with the TVA and our local government. Both have a history of deceit, particularly when the deceit benefits themselves. The proof of the deceit is present when you examine the facts.

The Truth About Nuclear Power Expansion. Political greed and payoffs, a Presidential connection.

Bellefonte Nuclear Power Plant, $5 billion spent and not one kilowatt of nuclear power produced. The TVA completed and published a study in 1997 that Combined Cycle Natural Gas was the most economical means of producing power at Bellefonte. A 800mega-watt plant would cost under $900 million dollars. Bringing a gas line in from Marion County Tn. would cast another $150 million dollars. The completion of the nuclear plant at Bellefonte is estimated to cost between $3 and $5 billion. New nuclear construction per reactor unit will cost between $8 and $10 billion.

As the story below relates the nuclear power industry has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on political payoffs and propaganda.

Nuclear Links disclosing the deception of Bellefonte: http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Bellefonte%20Nuclear%20Plant

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An article from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). http://www.ucsusa.org/news/media_alerts/nuclear-industry-spent-millions-to-sell-congress-on-new-reactors-0343.html?utm_source=SP&utm_medium=head&utm_campaign=NuclearSell-02-03-09head

(The article from UCS} "Nuclear Industry Spent Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Over the Last Decade to Sell Public, Congress on New Reactors, New Investigation Finds: (The propaganda, payoffs and treachery of the nuclear industry continues. They care not for the safety and risk thrown upon the public, their concern is money for their industry's bottom line.)

The nuclear industry claims that there is increased public support for nuclear power as a solution to climate change, and some members of Congress are arguing that massive incentives for new nuclear reactors are critical to passing a climate and energy bill. Today, the Obama administration is expected to propose tripling the amount of loan guarantees to the industry to $54 billion and there are proposals in Congress to add billions more through a new "clean" energy fund and other incentives to support nuclear power expansion. (I'll add, the nuclear industry is far from clean, it is deadly to the workers who manufacture nuclear fuels.)

Where did all this support for new nuclear reactors come from? Let's follow the money.

Growing support for new nuclear power comes after an extensive decade-long campaign in which companies and unions related to the industry have spent more than $640 million on lobbying and campaign contributions from 1999 through 2009, according to a new analysis by former Los Angeles Times reporter Judy Pasternak, now with the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University. (See below investigative reports link.) In the first three quarters of 2009 alone, the nuclear energy industry spent $84 million lobbying Congress.

"In many ways, the nuclear power industry's efforts to win support are a textbook case of how the influence game is played in Washington," Pasternak reports. "Besides the money spent on lobbying and campaign contributions, the industry, led by the NEI [Nuclear Energy Institute], has created a network of allies who give speeches, quote one another approvingly and showcase one another on their Web sites. The effect is an echo chamber of support for nuclear power."

Two of the industry's celebrity spokespeople, former EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman and former Greenpeace activist Patrick Moore, have been stumping around the country, writing op-eds, and appearing on TV to extoll the virtues of nuclear power as the co-directors of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition, but they rarely, if ever, mention that the NEI created the coalition and is its sole funder. "

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THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE

An investigative report, Nuclear Energy Lobby, Deep Pockets, $645 million spent by lobbyists: http://investigativereportingworkshop.org/investigations/nuclear-energy-lobbying-push/story/nuclear-energy-working-hard-win-support/

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President Obama's connection to nuclear energy--Exelon Energy--big campaign contributions: http://investigativereportingworkshop.org/investigations/nuclear-energy-lobbying-push/multimedia/exelons-links-president-obama/ Hundreds of thousands of dollars to his campaign funds, millions of dollars to nuclear lobbys in supporting deceit that radioactive nuclear power is safe, cheap, clean, reliable, it is none of the above. Money buys propaganda and politicians. The nuclear industry has Washington politicians in their back pocket in support of the nuclear deception.

More from UCS: http://www.ucsusa.org/

Political Strategy, Media and Propaganda/ Maskirovka in Action

The new face of the Republican Party exposed, deceit, extremism, propaganda.

The TVA is directly connected to local political deceit. In their efforts to build and spend 10's of billions of dollars on new nuclear construction the TVA is waging a propaganda campaign of unprecedented proportions. To include directly intervening in the local political process to garner support.

What seems to be internet trolls are sometimes not trolls at all. But an intentional effort to disrupt for the purpose of political control of discussion forums. This current technique is being utilized on "al.com's Scottsboro forum."

Intelligence and Propaganda. The old Soviet/Russian technique of the Political Maskirovka is being utilized by the Republican Party on local discussion forums and political action within rural areas of Alabama.
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Forum notes and tactics. On "al.com's" Scottsboro forum an interesting communication trend has developed. Previously censorship was utilized as a tool to eliminate unwanted political discussion. Advanced techniques of political propaganda are now being utilized.

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One person or group names utilized on the same page for the purpose of disruption. 9 names, same pattern of word usage, same theme in their speech. The names: kosmocramer, thebanditt, HarbourTown, indianplaya, takemeback2yesteryear, 1sttofight, statelottery, joepepitone, androsteve.
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This is my theory on the situation based on observation, consistent trends of communicative action by the individual or group, interviews and intelligence gathering: All names above used on this forum page initiated by the same person or group of people working in a coordinated attempt to disrupt speech within this forum. This effort has been occurring since the forum was reinstated approximately 5 years ago. However, the effort has dramatically increased within the past year.
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All have several common factors. 1) Right wing extremist oriented; 2) intentional attacks; 3) bigoted expression; 4)intentional disruption; 5) pander to those who support right wing extremism; 6) high probability of political motivation by the Republican Party; 7) high probability supported and coordinated by media and Republican Party political staff for the sole purpose of preventing open discussion of political topics.
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In this case, it seems if you do not support the radical ideology of right wing extremism of the Republican Party an attempt is made to radically alter the use of the forum for communications and discussion.
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An increase of right wing extremist speech has been noted as follows: 1) discussion of the TVA's nuclear plant construction at Bellefonte; 2)since the election of President Obama; 3) creation of the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center.
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A change in tactics. Censorship as a tool for suppression of political speech previously utilized has waned for the use of more advanced communicative propaganda techniques.
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Word from Huntsville has it the Huntsville Times will stop covering news items in Jackson, Marshall and Dekalb Counties in a couple of months via closure of the Times Bureau in northeast Alabama. This makes me wonder about the influence of the Republican Party in this deal?
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Northeast Alabama is a strong Blue Dog Democrat area. It seems the Republicans have to resort to surreptitious tactics, such as DR. Griffith's party switch and formation of "hidden" rural political groups to gain political ground.
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It has been discovered that the Council of Conservative Citizens (CCC), http://alcofcc.wordpress.com/ has become involved in various positions within the Republican Party as well as having leadership support in media outlets. The CCC is a group which supports right wing extremist ideology and racism.

The Internet Troll and Politics or Internet Troll Manifesto

After reading a comment about Internet trolls on the Huntsville Forum of al.com, http://www.al.com/forums/huntsville/index.ssf , titled: "21135. Best way to handle trolls?" I decided to write a reply which is listed below.

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21135.2. Some say ignore them, and they will go away, that is questionable advice. In some instances if you ignore them they will invite their troll friends and before you know it, a community of trolls will exist. My suggestion is track them, then attack them, plant a time integrated logic worm into their cognitive analysis device. They will wonder what happened, within a short period of time they should become an accepted member of the group. If this doesn't work you may need to employ one of several professional "troll interdiction and capture devices." Only a professional should utilize "troll interdiction and capture devices." Inexperienced usage of the device and techniques could result in permanent damage to the user or his or her equipment. (humor intended)
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KNOW THY TROLL. It is important to recognize the means and ways of troll techniques as described below.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELTA1U6F704&feature=fvw
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This ideological and religious troll challenges the common perception of what it means to be a troll in the 21st century. http://www.corrupt.org/act/interviews/weev
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Thesis papers exist on trolls, such as this very informative thesis from Amy Dhalia, University of Texas School of Sociology, http://www.io.com/~zikzak/troll_thesis.html
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Troll Control logic: http://www.cracked.com/article_16765_5-ways-stop-trolls-from-killing-internet.html
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This is what trolls do: http://www.ehow.com/how_2064125_become-internet-troll.html Knowing about the troll and leading the troll into a logic trap, or in the case of "thebandit," you lead him into a jail cell that has his name on it is how you stop trolls. Never, ever ignore the troll, they could be another Ted Kosinski.
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In the corporate/political/governmental world there are those who act as trolls for a living, they are called Media Specialists, Administrative Assistants or Press Secretary; in some political circles or in the rare case they are the politician themselves. Such as this case of the Weasel Troll. http://topics.treehugger.com/topic/Parker_Griffith
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This trolls last words on his blog about trolls: "So how do you kill a troll? You quit feeding it." Typical comment of a political troll attacking a hard working voter tired of political B.S. http://underthepowerlines.com/dealing-with-political-trolls.htm