Losing all focus and apparently abandoning the previous day’s fight against alleged oppression at the Bel Air Independence Day parade, Del. Pat McDonough and a handful of his supporters have launched an oppressive act of their own – attempting to silence and control this local news web site for daring to call them an “angry mob.”
Yesterday The Dagger used the term “angry mob” to refer to the mad crowd who supported Del. McDonough’s fight, online and in person, to carry his “Speak English” signs in the Bel Air July 4th parade.
Del. McDonough himself referred to them as a “vitriolic” “crowd,” yet he was horrified that we would use such a vile term as “angry mob” to describe his supporters.
McDonough was further incensed that we would dare accuse him of inciting that “angry mob.” He asserts he was merely informing his constituency about the situation.
In a newsletter sent out by the “Pat McDonough Leadership Team” at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Del. McDonough urged those on his email list that, “If you feel that you should not be referred to as an ‘angry mob,’ let Mr. Goodman know your opinion.”
Dear Friends,
I am sending you an article written by the editor of the Harford County Dagger in which he refers to people about being passionate regarding the free speech issue. The article speaks for itself.
If you feel that you should not be referred to as an “angry mob,” let Mr. Goodman know your opinion. Here is Brian Goodman’s e-mail address:
tellus@daggerpress.com
Thank you once again. Delegate Pat McDonough
McDonough then reprints (without permission, but don’t sweat it) The Dagger’s story from yesterday, with his own personal take.
Call it self-fulfilling prophecy, but 12 hours later the angry mob the Delegate claims doesn’t exist, and most certainly didn’t incite, materialized on our doorstep.
The letters came raining down – some from as far away as the Netherlands, yet most predictably from Eastern Baltimore County.
Nearly every letter chastises The Dagger for trying to quell free speech by “defending” the “oppressive” actions of the Bel Air Independence Day Committee. Few, if any, make mention of Del. McDonough’s attempts to oppress our free speech and right to use the phrase “angry mob” to describe an angry mob.
You know you’re having a good day when total strangers alternately refer to you as both a doctor and a Stormtrooper.
As Thomas Jefferson is often misattributed as having said, “A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.”
Do these emailers belong to the 51 or the 49?
Because The Dagger is a free and open medium working to break down the very barriers many of these freedom fighters oppose, we have decided to publish these letters – unedited and untouched as they were received.
Without further ado, I proudly present to you, The Angry Mob That Wasn’t:
Dear Sir,
I would like to object to being referred to as part of an angry mob. Although the angry part is true enough, as the people representing me fail to listen to what I have to say, I am a peaceful citizen of the United States, exercising my rights in a peaceful and orderly manner. I find your efforts to silence disagreement despicable!
Sincerely, Patricia Ward
You should be ashamed of yourself. Americans believe in free speech and the Cconstitution. We are living in America.
Beatrice Leipold
Not angry…
Just disappointed in the fact that people can’t display opposing views.Just because I may not agree with someone,doesn’t make me angry. Our country was founded on people fighting for the right of free speech for everyone. What better thing for Independence Day celebrations than for people to voice their passion as long as it is not offensive or violent? Phyllis A Chenowith
Mr. Goodman,
I do not think that the alleged “angry mob” that was supposed to be stirred up was any angrier than the NOW mob, the NAMBLA mob, the pro-death (Planned Parenthood) mob, the NAACP mob, the Brady bunch, or any other free speaking “mob” do you?
Objectively speaking of course with tolerance that is.
Thank you,
Roger Sampson
Such Controvery over such a basic right…. it’s truly amazing.
I wonder, if in your attempt to chastize Delegate McDonough for refusing to be herded like sheep as most politicians, you yourself have overstepped the line of Policitical Correctness?! I am insulted at being labelled part of an “Angry Mob” for being in the position to challenge an issue that is clearly unbalanced. The term Angry Mob paints an ugly picture in most minds, and clearly does not reflect the situation which occurred.
It seems to me that unfortunately,in many eyes “freedom of speech” is only acceptable when the message expressed is in harmony with liberal ideations. For instance, if an “I love Ehrlich” sign is against parade rules and must be abolished, what about those choosing to have Pro Obama signs? Are you saying these should be abolished from the parade as well? And wouldn’t that be anti-American? What about those who promote alternative lifestyles or who disagree with current legislation? Their expressions should be silenced and erased from the landscape as well?
Once again the liberal’s perception is not only distorted, but seeks to distort the rest of us, too! How sad! How ashamed you should be for allowing yourself to be herded like little sheep, afraid to see the forest for the trees. And how dare you insult ordinary citizens who are not afaid to stand up for the Constitution by referring to them repeatedly as an “Angry Mob.” Perhaps in the future you can find a more politically correct reference that makes everyone happy.
Heather Patti
Wow isn’t it amazing how the press only cares about free speech when it pertains to them or there agenda. Clearly the signs were not a violation of free speech and everyone present loved the signs accept for a few thought control police trying to make us all politically correct. As for the angry mob the citizens were not angry but the people trying to stop the free speech were very angry. The people don’t like it when others try to tell them what to do. If I recall I’ve heard the term “We the people” somewhere before. Do We the people have to become an angry mob and rebel before SOME of our elected officials pay attention to our opinions.
Thomas Elliott
Mr. Goodman,
I find it insulting and degrading for you to refer to people who disagree an “Angry Mob”. If you are a true journalist I suggest that you report on the event with facts and not editorialize as to your opinion. Your article contained some points of fact. Why do you feel it necessary to characterize people who obviously disagree with your point of view as an angry mob? Do you think that by characterizing people in this way they will somehow back down from their passions? I for one, hope not. I have read Delegate McDonough’s emails regarding the event. I chose not to respond to the parade incident because I was not there to witness the event. Now after reading your article I will join the fight for free speech at the parade. Thanks for “inciting” me.
Elizabeth Reider
Mr. Goodman
The parade should NOT restrict free speech! Obviously you haven’t read the Constitution lately. You can get one free from the Heritage Foundation. You might want to look into it! Calling parade goers who agree w/Delegate McDonough an ANGRY MOB is childish. The contract needs to be amended.
C. Atkas
Because of your email address, I will assume that you are a supposed journalist? Well journalism died in 2008. The field of professional journalism is now up there with the oldest profession of prostitution. Prostitutes sell their bodies for money, whereas journalists sell their souls to the Democrat party.
What part of the First Amendment do you people in Bel Air not understand?
John Hannan
Dear Mr. Goodman,
Please think first.
Am I part of an angry mob? I jeered and yelled at both O’Malley and Kratovil. The people around me offered support. Does that constitute a mob? Is the constitution dead at the beginning of the parade route? IS the rule of law lost because Mike Blum says so?
You need to rethink your ideals. Your job depends on free speech. You may not like what Pat has said, but as the saying goes – You should defend his right to say it. What are you going to do when some government thug tells you, you can’t print this or that? What if they tear up your notes on a slightly controversial idea you might have?
In effect, by defending Mike Blum and the parade contract, you are sealing your own doom a a little bit more.
Have fun. You are a soon to be unemployed journalist by your own hand.
Joe Corral
Abingdon, MD
Mr. Goodman,
Offering subjective opinions when reporting news is inconsistent. Such articles are “Commentary”, not objective reporting.
You do not have a high opinion of the public when you offer stories that are in fact, not fact, but your opinion; churned out by your biases. The public knows the difference.
Perhaps you believe, in a narcissistic way, that people get your paper for your opinion. You would be wrong. They want real news, and when they get a steady diet of nonsense, they leave.
The primary reason newspapers are failing today is that news (actually Commentary) cannot be gleaned from non objective sources such as yours.
Watching most newspapers in like watching a racecar event. Hurry up and turn left.
Please, you embarrass yourself; try to have some journalistic discipline.
Don DeWar
Dear Mr. Goodman:
I suppose you believe that people carrying signs and protesting high taxes at Tea Party’s are also an ‘angry mob’. It is your way of thinking that will eventually strip the American people of their basic right of free speech. Please go back and re-read the Constitution and maybe you will reconsider your stance on this issue. My family and our friends we have talked to about this incident completely support Delegate McDonough’s position, and hopefully this letter, and communication from others, will at least stop and make you and Mr. Blum ponder about the lack of discretion exhibited in this ‘Independence’ Day Parade.
Sandra Clisham
Parkton
OK here we go Mr. Goodman.
Call us what you will but…………If I remember correctly the “TEA” party attendees were referred to as possible terrorists although there was not one report of any violence. Because we don’t sit back and silently let others try and take over this great country, which by the way belongs to the citizens, not the government, we are assigned negative names to keep others from joining our defense of our rights.
Those of us who believe that Pat McDonough has our best interest at heart will write to you. Pat speaks for our rights because we can’t and wouldn’t be heard even if we could. I believe in Pat.
We are not an “angry mob”, but we are angry. Angry about how the regular citizens are having our rights taken away, overlooked, and denied.
Pat believes in us. He speaks and acts on our behalf. So when Pat is attacked, those of us whom he protects will certainly come to his defense just as he comes to ours.
Stop trying to deny our rights. Expressing an opinion on such matters is your right, but personal attacks on Pat and name calling of a group who has those same rights will cause us to speak up.
Cheryl Fuller
Why don’t you get some intellegent writer’s for your paper.To refer to people in a parade as a ANGRY MOB is stupid and will be addressed.
Regards,
Bernie a supporter for Del Pat Mcdonough
alberto gorin
netherlandsfrom the second world war the veterans build rebuild europe to there images
liberty and freedom
and personal opnion
be civill be politewe have tea partys parades where we express oure feeling to todays event to obama and the gongress
we are allow to clear message buty be civill be polite
no violents as G8 not beat some one up
as salute to israel in new york
as me doing airborn walkday waving with my 2 flags from israel and the U.Sif some one comes allomg grab all sighns away grab flags away
and stop us from express a personal opnion than he violate a free country
we are not in chinia either iran either under arab world
this the U.S free speach freedom liberty and to express personal opnion
if pat doing this for 6 years sudden you grab his signs away your a dictator
you violate alllllll consultation
if your am sory to say grab away from kids most little kids your a coward
they can t see this U.S this our right to have a personal opnion
pat can say as so do ibut be civill and be polite we do can express when we taxses goes up job los
eccnomic goes down hand over to dictators embrace to arab world
our friend israel
this the united states
UNLESSSSSSS
a sign would carry the follow
i do this am member of no curse club
you sucking asssssss go tell middle finger up
than grab that away ban him or here
if sign say.no taxses no iligal etc that freedom of speach
As a 65yr. old grandmother of 3, I do not consider myself part of an angry mob. I will tell you this. Next year , if any parade participant is not allowed to carry their signs, we will leave the sidewalks with our signs and march with them .After all, it is a parade. I dare anyone to approach us! We are informed citizens and know our rights……..Darlinda Ruzek, Bel Air
Mr. Goodman,
Angry, YES! Mob, NO!
It is about time the bias press and the dictatorship of the government got the message. We are tired of the way things are with government. I applaud Delegate McDonough and any others who took the opportunity to express their concerns. Many of us are not at all happy with the so called “Change”.
All political leaders need to take the time to actually read the U.S. Constitution and comprehend its true meaning and intent.
Nothing wrong with campaigning for English to be our National Language. Nothing wrong with denying illegal aliens access to our benefits at our expense. Nothing wrong with prosecuting those who would hire them. Nothing wrong with being able to place a call with out having to press 1 for English in the United States of America to speak to our own government offices. NO amnesty, NO drivers license, NO free medical attention, No Social Security hand outs, No citizenship to children born here to illegals. Take a ride through Fells Point early morning and check for green cards of those who wait in the traffic island to be picked up for day labor. Stop the contractors from hiring any of them without proper papers.Had the mainstream news media been honest and unbiased in reporting, we would not have a fake for President. You want to dig into something, get the truth about Obama and leave the citizens to practice their right to free speech. Did you publish any articles about V.P. Biden and his blunders? Or a President that does not know how many states make up this Nation. The press is quick to say he created 450,000 jobs, but ignore his change is causing the rising unemployment rate. (Soon to be at 10%) The business failures of the small business world. The Trillions in debt that will never be covered. More tax and spend. With the job rate still plummeting, who will be left to pay these taxes? Who will pay my utility bills with the new increases soon to come?
We all know the auto industry is in trouble because of the Union demands and the benefits no being paid out. So instead of reducing that cost that the auto manufacturers are drowning in, the government thinks it can run the industry better.
Health care…..Medicare/Medicaid are screwed up and loosing billions. Good job government! Why should we believe another government health care system will work?The housing bubble burst……all started with Carter and was escalated under Clinton. But you in the press are blaming Bush. I would also remind you, it was McCain who brought up the impending crisis. No one would listen.
On education, our kids don’t have text books, they are not being taught the accurate history of the world, most have little or no understanding of our government. (And are allowed to vote at age 18!!!) Crime in our schools, cops necessary in the hallways, kids who have no respect for teachers. So school is so much better off without GOD or parent and teacher control? Thank you for being so liberal as to make the world a worse place to live in. Even Dr. Spock changed his attitude about “spare the rod and spoil the child”.
You and those who think like you are causing severe damage to this country and our way of life. Free Speech? How about publishing the truth about the “Fairness Doctrine”, which is nothing less than censorship of those who tell us the real & complete facts!!!
Our leaders need to take a reality test. How much more in taxes can we afford? The heavier the burden, the less we are able to do for ourselves. Example: a middle income family pays between 25 & 33% in State & Federal taxes. That means an average of a day and a half of a five day work week goes to the government. Gee! I thought the government was supposed to work for us.
Now, are you getting the picture? We are fed up! This new government is the straw on the camels back. We have every right to express our views in a peaceful manner. The Bel Air rule opposes the First amendment. The only disruption was Mr. Blum making an issue of a peaceful right to free speech. Let’s be honest, his objection was only because the messages were opposing the views of those Mr. Blum supports.
We need fresh blood in government. It’s time to clean house. (On either side of the isle.) Time to get back to basics.
Richard Hague
Parkville, MD
Hail Brian, Hail Censorship:
Are you saying that free speech exists only for progressive-liberal-fascist-media Storm Troopers but not for the folks who disagree with the Brown Shirts?
Didn’t your fellow socialist-roaders (Hitler, Mussolini, Lenin, and Mao) use the same tactics to silence the non-socialistic opposition? Of course they did, but you are not one of them, you are just an innocent “Progressive” independent non-affiliated-leftwing-liberal-fascist reporter who is always “fair and balanced.” (I just wanted to birth this innate bullshit before you had a verbal miscarriage.)
I bet you tell the naive that you are “registered” as an independent. But I bet you are among the 85 percent of the biased media that votes a straight dirty Democratic liberal-fascist ticket?
Did you learn the art of “cover-up” from watching the three stooges— Brokaw, Jennings, and Rather—all graduates of Goebbels’s School of Advanced Socialistic Spin, Censorship, and Hatred?
Isn’t it great that the Internet is bankrupting newspapers? Soon you will be a recipient of one of the stimulus-handouts from the Fuhrer. It couldn’t happen to a better liberal-fascist progressive. Justice you know?
Best of Bad Luck to You and Your Fellow Storm Trooper
Concerned Citizen
Mr. Goodman
What do you have against freedom of speech?
You expect to have it but not everyone else – that is a double standard.
Don’t you understand that The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, not a bunch of bureaucrats who write rules which contradict it tenets?
Don’t you understand that no matter what a contact says, you cannot sign away your legal rights?
What is your problem?
Greg Coale
Dear Mr.Goodman,
I was shocked,as outraged of your response to the unbelievable,unconstitutional behavior of Mr. Blum at the Belair 4th of July Parade! you should be ashamed of yourself sir! I don’t live in Bel Air,but know many people who do,and I can tell you,that they are all outraged over this terrible behavior of Mr. Blum. this Man should never run anything ever again! I would urge everyone in Belair,and Harford County to vote against anyone who supports this violation of 1st amendment rights!
You are a Disgrace sir, for calling these people,who stood up for their rights an angry mob! go to China,or Iran! you will do well there! you are a disgrace,as is Mr. Blum!
Patrick W. Feuerhardt
Your the only ANGRY MOB here!!!!!
Pamela Hamburg
Hi Dr. Goodman,
I have read about the controversy surrounding the 4th of july parade. I am just letting you know that I am dissapointed in your characterization of people by calling them an “angry mob.” Could it be that they have a different political opinion than you? You should not show such bias.
Andrew
Angry mob? Angry yes, very.. Not a mob at least not yet huh..we like to be able to have freedom of speech.. If you allow certain people to go around calling each other mf this and mf that, than I should be able to say “God bless America” and I don’t like Obama!!
And Now The Little Mind At The Dagger Newspaper Needs PRAYER That Someday He Will Grow Up ! : ( …………………………….
Poor Little One ! : ( ANGRY ? MOB ? = He’s Even Smaller Now ! : (
Brian Goodman
Editor of the Dagger,Dear Mr. Goodman,
Frankly I DO NOT consider myself a participant in what you are describing as “the angry mob” – that Delegate McDonough (one of the FEW outstanding advocates for businesses and citizens, currently serving us in the Maryland General Assembly) was largely responsible for “inciting.” I was INFORMED about the regrettable and inappropriate course of events, I was NOT, as you suggested, INCITED. I did conclude that the offense to Patriotic Expression and Free Speech was worthy of the comment which I elected to share with your publication. In that I have no knowledge of what the other statements you might have received said, I would suggest that certainly Delegate McDonough has the right to refine his position.
I would have to point out, many “partisans” these days have demonstrated their disrespect for our Constitution and for that matter the Maryland constitution, by engaging in a variety of tactics to cut off freedom of assembly, freedom of speech and freedom of the air waves. In this case the “contract” in question contains ambiguous language which the Parade Committee evidently elected to try to employ to cut off messages they disagreed with … confiscating signage and advising parade observers to put away or otherwise hide the signage they had with them.
I believe signs advocating “(we) speak English,” “Support the Constitution,” “Support the Tea Parties,” and “Cut Taxes,” demonstrate Patriotic reminders wholly appropriate for a Bel Air – 4th of July “Patriotism, Then and Now.” parade. I think parade observers signs indicating their support for a potential candidate for Governor are acceptable!
I am very disappointed to find The Blade would contribute to this ensuing fray in such a dismissive fashion. I would hope you will further research and consider what your more appropriate coverage of this issue should in fact be .
Sincerely,
Jean G. Turner
I guess you and Mr. Blum feel that if you have some sort of contract it all over. In the Soviet union and the Third Reich they had all sorts of laws and contracts but they would not have been legal here.
What makes you think you can write a binding contract in violation of the Constitution of the United States Of America? Do you and Mr Blum feel that your verbage supersedes the law.
I guess so from you article. Good luck and I only wish I could have been there to be part of the “angry mob”.
Spear Lancaster
I’m very let down after reading your article, You call yourself a Journalist. I’m A hard working tax paying
true American, NOT a member of a angry MOB. Comments like that are why newspapers are going
under across the USA. Get a clue Americans want balanced journalism. You should be ashamed !!!!!Ed
It seems ridiculous that you would call American grassroots people who are espressing themselves, using free speech, :” an angry mob.” “Angry mob’ implies that the persons are in a highly volitile, emotional state. That was not the case. For years, Americans have been getting very concerned about their political officials. What has been simmering under their skins has now reached a boiling point. They were finally expressing themselves with posters-not rallying carrying rocks, sticks, and guns. They were angry-They were not an “angry mob” with all that implies. SHAME ON YOU FOR DISTORTING THE TRUTH.
The shame is really on the politicans who lie and manipulate the truth.Linda B. DIetz
I am not part of an angry mob as you stated !! I am an American citizen that believes in the Constitution and free speech,looks like you need to apologize to the American public for calling them an ” angry Mob “. even though we have free speech, you must be held accountable for what you say !!
Respectfully
Charles Cuzzart
It was a nation of angry mobs that over 200 years ago gained the freedoms we now enjoy including the right to free speech which is of course how you earn your living.
Paul Hollenstein
Hi I am writing as a member of the “angry mob”, and to be honest Yes I am angry, I am angry that my rights continue to be systematically stripped from me, and while I do not like or condone the manner in which Del. Mcdonnough conveys this issue he is the only one out there speaking right now. I was present for the incident, and did in fact hear Mr. Blum call Mr. Mcdonnough a fat bastard in front of the parade goers. Mr. Mcdonnough did not respond in kind, Seems like an angry response to me, but not by those who are being called on this issue. I personally could care less about the political posturing taking place along party lines. This incident underscores a true danger that has been going on in this country for the last few years now. Where do we allow free speech , and expression, when public money is used, I did not see private security officers patrolling the crowd, I did not see private ems stations set up along the parade rout, I as a long time Harford county resident and emergency responder in the town of Bel-air, know that a significant amount of PUBLIC TAX MONEY is spent by the committee . This then moves the perview of this event from a private function to a joint municipal venture subjecting it to the same rule of law governing all legal contracts.
The basic tenement of any contract is that it is invalid if it violated the rule of law. The constitution is that rule.
Mr. Blum showed poor judgment, He tried to embarrass the opposing political party in public, and it back fired on him. this could have been handled post parade, like it has been every other year.
Brian Goodman:
Our constitution says that the government may not make any law abridging free speech. Mr. McDonough did not incite a hate mob. Their response was a natural one to an injustice. The fact is that people on the left side of the spectrum do not believe in free speech by those who hold opposing opinions from themselves. Every effort made by Democrats is made to silence opposition. There is no attempt from liberals to promote honest discussion and debate, which is what our founding fathers intended.
I am extremely interested in learning more about the days events. I do know I long for the days of accurate reporting without the author trying to win a Pulitzer Prize for their editorial flare. In todays world of kool-aid mentality and liberal pervasiveness among the members of the press it is all but impossible for any citizen to get” just the facts “. I expect a more balanced report from the local press or have they also signed onto the deceptions propagated by the currant idiocy of the Washington elite.
matt says
“Your the only ANGRY MOB here!!!!!”
I think that says it all, folks.
Dell says
Brian-
You just need a better thesaurus…
How about an “outraged crowd?”
Or a “cross rabble?”
Maybe a “furious mass?”
“Infuriated throng?”
“Irritated horde?”
If anybody needs me, I’ll be over here rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic…
Steve says
I love how a parade rule, whether right or wrong, has turned into a Republican vs. Democrat issue. Actually, I’m surprised it took so long. Is the rule “unconstitutional”? maybe. Was Mr. Blum’s actions in taking away signs from children out of line? probably.
You can’t simply remove the politicians from the parade. They’ll just find ways to team up with businesses participating in the parade and put their signs everywhere.
Guess it would be better just the cancel the thing altogether. Then everybody loses, in the name of free speech…
Frank says
This one is good:
Why don’t you get some intellegent writer’s for your paper.To refer to people in a parade as a ANGRY MOB is stupid and will be addressed.
Regards,
Bernie a supporter for Del Pat Mcdonough
First, you spelled intelligent wrong. Second, writers, not writer’s. Third, an angry mom, not a. Fourth, it was a descriptor of spectators, not those in the parade. Fifth, as another email author stated, you were angry (and possibly of right)… and a mob is a collection of people with an agenda. Would you rather be just angry?
Sixth “and will be addressed.” Sounds like a threat. The kind of thing an angry mob says.
Larry says
Confrontation leads to headlines and headlines lead to political viability. This is about attention, not about free speech. If it were about free speech then maybe someone should point out the irony in Pat McDonough complaining that a blog was opinionated because it didn’t 100% tote his line. Gosh that damn blog’s perspective is not the right speech so it shouldn’t be printed. Ay carumba! (Pun at the end intended).
Steve says
Also, I would love to hear the thoughts of the pro-McDonough crowd on here about this recent incident. After all, they were just putting up a sign in a public place.
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.35e6de86c42195197709b1c0d130410c.a41&show_article=1
Frank says
And normally I’m not going to grade someone’s opinion on how well it is articulated, but if you call someone stupid and unintelligent you’ve opened up to it.
As a note “the Blade” is run by volunteer journalists, so no one will be losing a job in presenting the issues with their own free speech. You might note that the Dagger is the only media source to actually cover the “angry mob” with more than a piecemeal article, and that all of your right to free speech has found an open venue for expression.
HDGReader says
Pat’s angry mob should be pleased. The Aegis and The Record wouldn’t give them this much exposure, much less print all of their typo-laden rants.
Scott says
I love this! Del. Pat McDonough, “Oh no he didn’t, no one inadvertently hurts my image and gets away with it! How dare he call us an angry mob. Here’s his email address – Go mob him!” Epic.
Listen I wasn’t there, but from what I can see most of these letters advocate not to fall into a herd mentality. Sadly I don’t believe I’ve ever witnessed a more stunning case of “the herd” than this menagerie.
Reading these emails was really eye-opening, and almost embarrassing at times. By the end I wasn’t even sure whether to feel pity for the people or for their cause. Even worse were those which exuded an air of smug confidence: “I will assume you are a supposed journalist; Your little mind at the Dagger Newspaper; you are a soon to be unemployed journalist; Please, you embarrass yourself.” Seriously? Wow. Sounds to me like these people are venting all of their pent-up frustrations onto the editor because they have no other outlet.
I’m not faulting the responders for being passionate in what they believe in, it is just some seriously misdiagnosed and misplaced vehemence.
“Journalism died in 2008. The field of professional journalism is now up there with the oldest profession of prostitution.” Lol, fail.
Tom Glover says
I find it unfortunate that folks who may not have the best command of the English language are criticized on this forum. I make many mistakes myself in this area on a daily basis.
I saw Patrick McGrady criticized in just such a way on another thread. It’s not necessarily the way the message is worded; it’s the message itself I want to hear. No matter your point of view I want to hear it. I would hate to see anyone not post because they are afraid they may be criticized for improper use of the English language. I would say with the state of American education there are precious few who feel totally secure in that regard.
Ryan says
“I would hate to see anyone not post because they are afraid they may be criticized for improper use of the English language.”
Really? In a debate revolving around a sign that said Speak English?
juls says
Good grief! This whole thing is officially out of hand. Lets pour all of this energy into something productive.
Frank says
As I said, normally your proficiency with English shouldn’t matter much, but when you question the intelligence of others you bring yourself into question. Especially when these were e-mails, and therefore subject to spell check. It’s the message, not the wording that should matter– so long as your message isn’t “you stupid n nut as smurt is I be”
Then again, Ryan has a good point.
Blue says
As I stated in an earlier post, McDonough is talking out of both sides of his mouth. He wants it both ways. It’s ok for him to have an opinion, but god help anyone else if they do. Del. McDonough, you have once again proven to your constituents that you are truly an ignorant man. And while you’re on your (see, I know the proper usage) Speak English crusade, you might want to help your poor Uncle Sven from the Netherlands with a few lessons. The only part I understood was “middle finger up” which I’m sure he learned from his nephew Patty Boy McDonough. To the he rest of the email writers: wow what an angry bunch you seem to be. Oops, there I go again generalizing a bunch of angry letter writers by calling them an angry bunch. My bad. Take me to court Uncle Sven and Patty McD!
Phil Dirt says
Brian wrote: “Del. Pat McDonough and a handful of his supporters have launched an oppressive act of their own – attempting to silence and control this local news web site for daring to call them an “angry mob.”
Uh, isn’t that more than just a bit ridiculous? “Attempting to silence and control this local news web site”? A little prone to exaggeration, aren’t we?
Rather Aegis-like, if you ask me.
Oh, the irony.
Scott says
“Good grief! This whole thing is officially out of hand. Lets pour all of this energy into something productive.”
Unfortunately they already tried something ‘productive’ on their side by sending unsolicited letters of anger and criticism courtesy of one bewildered McDonough.
“Brian wrote: “Del. Pat McDonough and a handful of his supporters have launched an oppressive act of their own – attempting to silence and control this local news web site for daring to call them an “angry mob.”
Uh, isn’t that more than just a bit ridiculous? “Attempting to silence and control this local news web site”? A little prone to exaggeration, aren’t we?”
How so? Have you even read these letters at all – they happen to be more than a bit ridiculous. If their Delegate is anything like these people (which I am pretty well convined of), then they’d certainly seek more than just silence and control.
Phil Dirt says
And the baseless exaggerations continue…
HDGReader says
I think the bulk of the baseless exaggerations are coming from McDonough and his loyal supporters.
Mike says
I wonder if all the supporters of Delegate McDonough would be screaming foul if it were the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, the Communist Party, or the Klan who were “silenced” by the parade committee? Let’s be honest, nobody who goes to a parade wants to go to a political rally. Just because some may agree with his decisive stance on English proficiency and other issues, you must consider the whole picture. Do people really want to go to a parade and be bombarded by political and incisive signs, slogans, and speeches? Consider what will happen to our patriotic parades when they are filled with politically charged groups rather than Americans setting aside our differences for a day to celebrate our country’s origins.
ForestHillResident says
So what have we learned here this week .
a) McDonough is more interested in maximizing the number of times his name appears in print than he is in any kind of principled, civil debate or thoughtful, inclusive leadership.
b) I’m kind of understanding why the Harford County delegation to the state is in shambles. Prior to this week I was inclined to lay this issue at the feet of the current chair, McComas. Still if McDonough is this much of a clown and Impallaria and Stiffler are enabling this nonsense to go on, it’s no wonder that there are problems in the delegation and it clearly ain’t McComas.
c) McDonough desperately wants to be seen as a central figure in the Tea Party (aka Ron Paul for President) organization.
d) McDonough at least has enough clout within the Tea Party organization to organize and energize minor letter writing campaign.
e) Ergo, We should all skeptical of of what this Tea Party movement will ever be able to accomplish if McDonough is truly representative of their leadership.
f) Extrapolating further -> If this is how nutty the Tea Party gets over a few campaign signs being taken out of a parade imagine the hilarious wind-bag protests we can look forward to seeing be spewn across the internet when Ron Paul isn’t invited to any of the 2012 presidential election debates.
No personal offense to McDonough intended, I just learned from listening to Rush Limbaugh back in the early 90’s that we can learn a lot about politicians by scrutinizing their deeds and actions over time.
Tami says
Brian
To be taken to task and criticized by Delegate “Speak English” McDonough may well be the highest praise you will ever receive. Bask in it.
Phil Dirt says
Brian, you still haven’t explained your statement about how “Del. Pat McDonough and a handful of his supporters have launched an oppressive act of their own – attempting to silence and control this local news web site for daring to call them an “angry mob.””
Silence and control.
Obviously, they must have committed some heinous acts well beyond writing letters to you.
Please tell us – legal injunctions? cease-and-desist orders? death threats? Molotov cocktails?
Or is it sensational exaggeration? Empty hyperbole? Yellow journalism? (once the Aegis gets in your blood, its there to stay…)
As they say, “Enquiring minds want to know.”
HIRAM LODGEPOLE says
Brian…’this too shall pass…”
remember this my friend…i too worked for the Aegis…and it was referred to then as ‘the Gospel according to Saint John (II and III)..”
and i was proud of my work…
you too, will suffer the slings and arrows…
keep this in mind…folks can’t stand a prick…especially when the ‘prick’ is right!!!
this line has served me well…and i can put head to pillow at night, after prayers and giving thanks for getting through the day…and sleep well…
may this forever be true for you as well…
kathy g. says
If the signs carried are not hateful or crude, they should be allowed. Politicians SHOULD be at these events shaking hands, kissing babies and introducing themselves to the people they represent. Most people know the latest IDOL contestant but have no idea who represents them in government.
This is an INDEPENDENCE DAY celebration. The signs & their carriers are OK.
Braveheart says
ForestHillResident
Please take this for what its worth as I have been part of the Tea Party Movement and agree with many of their principals such as fiscal responsibility, small government, states rights, rule of the Constitution, and a much smaller Federal Government.;
I feel that you may hit the nail on the head with politicians latching on to a successful movement. I think we should all be vigilant of this in all parties and call them out especially when it seems to be a sudden shift in core values.
I personally heard Mr. McDonough explain his side of the parade story, He apparently has had the “speak english” sign in the parade for the past 4 or 5 years. Why did Mr. Blum decide this was the year to “enforce” removal of political signs? I find Mr. Blum’s actions at least somewhat suspicious.
I personally need to spend a little more time understanding all the facts surrounding the parade but I feel at this time Mr. Blum may have violated rights to Freedom of Speech. I understand that he also removed a “Support the Constitution” sign. That should trouble everyone.
I will be the first to abandon the Tea Party Movement if I feel it becomes a tool for reelecting a bunch of political hacks that simply want to latch on to the hard work of a group of concerned citizens that want nothing more but to preserve the true values of our Founding Fathers.
MDC says
To: DaggerPress,
I like your style, at least in the way you handled this article’s controversy.
Thank Pat for getting me interested in this issue and poll, which resulted in me and I’m sure others discovering daggerpress.com.
Keep up the fine work.
MDC
Bill says
Discount your poll numbers and comments..McDonough sent out emails to his supporters to attack Brian and vote his way in the poll…..for a guy who proclaims democracy he operates more and more like a socialist
Joseph Caruso says
Bill –
How is McDonough acting improperly? He is simply asking people that agree with his position to promote their agreement. People can make up their own minds, post in forums what they want and vote in a poll however they choose.
I don’t think McDonough can force anyone to do anything against their will?
Joe
Cdev says
Del. McDonough is acting improperly since he was allowed to be in the parade because he was elected to represent me and other people in my geographical area. That said he is claiming his constituents as a bunch of other people who do not live in this geographical area. For which he will be fired come election day!
Joseph Caruso says
Cdev -You state –
“Del. McDonough is acting improperly since he was allowed to be in the parade because he was elected to represent me and other people in my geographical area. That said he is claiming his constituents as a bunch of other people who do not live in this geographical area. For which he will be fired come election day!”
How do you know that McDonough isn’t doing exactly what the his constituency wants him to do and what the State and Federal Constitutions compel him to do?
Joe
Cdev says
Because a survey (admittedly not random) of about 35 town house owners in his district who are registered with 4 different parties all believe we will not vote for him because he is wasting our time cattering to people from, Howard County, Waldorf, Baltimore City, Owings Mills and other areas NOT in his district! Additionally we all know of at least one other person who livees in this district and not on our court who feel the same way regardless of our take on the 4th of July Parade rules we all agree he is failing to represent our views in the House of Delegates and is caterting to special interest groups not in our district! Joe do you live in his district?
Joseph Caruso says
Cdev – What are these views of yours that conflict with McDonough’s positions?
Joe
P.S. I do not live in McDonough’s district and I routinely support folks outside my district with whom I agree. And at least I have the courage to NOT be an anonymous poster like you.
Cdev says
Sorry that I do not like people beating door but C is my first initial and dev are the first 3 letters of my last name.
I disagree with McDonoughs position on the speak english for one. I voted for him because I saw a person who had no trouble telling the minority opinion even if he would get flack for it. I think our state needs those people. Evewn if they lose in the end he said what needed to be said. I agree with re-regulating utilities. My big problem is that he is now catering to a large population of people not in his district and neglect his actual constituents in favor of his new found friends who do not actually live in this district. He has even gotten non-responsive to his real constiuents who disagree with him in a civil manner. Before he took the time or at least staffed out a nice letter explaining his thoughts. Now he does not do this and I for one am sick of it!
HIRAM LODGEPOLE says
Gather round good folks, all ye freedom-loving, flag-waving Americans of all races, creeds, colors and beliefs, and let us revisit a celebration of the highest order – America’s Independence Day Fourth of July High Holy Glad To Be Here and How’s About You Birthday Party – locally, we’re talking about the festivities surrounding Bel Air’s contribution to patriotism.
Civic lessons be damned, this year’s day long celebration darn near brought the County Seat to the brink of destruction. It rained on the parade alright, but to borrow the words of an old-time patriot, you certainly didn’t need a weatherman to see which way the wind blew.
Pancakes and Horseshoes aside, trouble was brewing in the air as soon as the sun rose on this holiest of days to be an American. Forget ‘America the Beautiful’ renditions, this was one helluva shit-storm and everyone got in on the act. The high drama was building and by the time the parade got underway, all the battle lines were drawn.
Michael Blum, the parade organizer and chairman, knew there was gonna be trouble, but he was determined to keep the peace so he had the National Guard on speed dial just in case. Seems there were rumors of dissent from all angles. Tea Party Folks were sipping on their chamomile and proud of their organized protest…’Give the Country back,’ they said, and they sat in circles singing Kum Bye Ya and getting folks to sign petitions.
“This country is run by carpetbaggers and riff-raff and we gotta get in on the action,” said one of the organizers. “Taxation Without Obligation,” read one of the signs they hoisted and everyone was pleased with how the protests were going. Mr. Blum herded these lemmings into a 100’ X 150’ parking lot and had his Nat’l Guard snipers ready to shoot at the first sign of trouble.
Meanwhile, the parade floats were assembling and getting ready for their rolling caravan down Main Street, well, actually, Main Street South as heading due north would have been a bit too patriotic. Heading south seemed more prophetic, and they all bowed their heads and said a prayer to Thomas Jefferson as they began their march.
Lady Mud Wrestlers left over from the Farm Fair, Vegetarians for a Balanced Budget, Laid Off County Workers for a Shoe Shine and a Quarter, and Politicos Not In Your Back Yard – they were all there…in between, the little league champions, the high school marching band, the volunteer firemen and veterans…you know, the true Fourth of July American representatives.
Things got rolling big time about halfway through the parade as Governor Martin O’Malley rolled by waving and kissing the blarney. Out of nowhere, a crowd of indigents jumped up and began throwing tomatoes at the High Governor and shouting slurs not for prime time any other day of the year much less the Fourth. A group of O’Malley supporters took up the cause and soon placards waved and shouted words rolled. Mothers moved quickly to cover the eyes and ears of their young ones and the band played on.
While the melee ensued, around the corner so as to appear out of nowhere, Dels. Pat McDonough and Rick Impallaria ran smack dab into the parade line and began running around in circles and shouting a Patriot’s Creed that proved to be nothing more than a diatribe against all their enemies they had written the night before. Parade organizer, Michael Blum tried to break them up, but got hit over the head by one of Impallaria’s signs that read, ‘Give Patriotism Back,’ and ended up stumbling around in circles with the two Delegates. The crowd started to get a chuckle and thought the circus had rolled into town.
Fallout from the whole shebang is likely to ripple the waters for some time to come. Already, they are talking about holding parades on each of the streets going both ways so as to accommodate all the different factions. Planning Director Carol Deibel is thinking about proposing a re-design of Main Street, perhaps a bridge too far. With a 2% raise though, she thinks she can do it.
After all this falderal, yours truly, Hiram and Lemuel, a couple of ‘level-heads’, went up to the Mason-Dixon Annual Volunteer Firemen’s Parade and Fair….the folks stood when the United States Marine detachment paraded by…they stood and saluted when the Color Guard was presented….no doubt there were just as many beer drinking rednecks at the Delta parade as there were at Bel Air’s…difference is, folks are a little more tuned in to respect for one another and the rules up near the Mason-Dixon Line….
You see, this great country was founded by the hard work and sweat of those who believed in independence. We fought to be free and won the right to build this country…and banding together is the essence of that independence. That’s why we go at it 364 days out of the year…well, maybe some of us slow down during the holidays and all, but on this one high watermark of celebrating our nation’s independence it would be wise to put away the placards and just keep your opinions to yourself or tucked in the backseat of your pants. Extend a hand to the person standing next to you at the parade next year and wish ‘em a Happy Fourth!
Just a note of comparison between the only two parades me and my buds attended this year….next year, might well be one less…then again, maybe not…..
Things have changed….and the older we get, the more they change…not always for the good…Like Sheriff Bell says in “No Country For Old Men,” Signs and wonders…but I think once you stop hearing ‘Sir’ and ‘Ma’am the rest is soon to follow.’”
We’ve lost that loving feeling. Not all of us, some of us….the ones’ who still have it…we do the best we can.
This country’s hard on people…
Hiram and Lemuel
Dell says
Yeah, What HIRAM said…
Dave Yensan says
Hiram did a magnificent job of reporting. We can now understand why he’s not writing for the Aegis.
Lindsey says
You know, Brian, I don’t think half of these letter writers understand what “The Dagger” is. If their comments about “unemployment” or “commentary” are anything to go by.
Joseph Caruso says
Lindsey –
I don’t know what you mean by your post?
I fully understand what “The Dagger” is.
Joe
Chris Capello says
McDonough is nothing; clearly just your run of the mill, ol’ boy, backwoods, racist. The fast paced evolution of our global economies, and melding societies, almost require an individual to at the very least be ‘Bi-Lingual’, preferably, multi-lingual.
The days of the closed minded, unsophisticated politicians like Mcdonough, need to be ended in November. Send him back home to watch his John Wayne movies, and drift into senility with his thought of the good ol’ days.
Our children need to be brought up in a completely open society; free from any bias’s regarding the language another individual is speaking. We must begin with the first tiny step; removing the venomous rhetoric spewed by closed minded individuals in OUR elected offices; and we can begin by VOTING McDONOUGH OUT! of office on November 2, 2010.
voter says
It would seem that WE (the majority) have chosen OUR elected officials. Mr. McDonough will win re-election without difficulty. The other seat may be in play.