I had planned to embark on a full-scale rant about Tom DeLay’s arrogance in blowing off tonight’s debate in Clear Lake. My stepson Adam has clearly outdone me on this one, so rather than try to compete, I’m going to turn the proceedings over to him. I think you’ll agree that Adam really needs to start his own weblog….
An Open Letter to Tom DeLay
Mr. DeLay,
I am writing to express my disappointment that you will not be attending the public forum event hosted by the Clear Lake Debate Club.
I find your reasons, lack of Morrison name recognition and lack of media coverage, to be unconvincing. If Morrison has low name recognition and you are so far ahead in the polls, why not stop on by and let the citizens of the Clear Lake area meet with you? You can’t lose, right? And since you are so convinced that no media will be there, you can shout “I am a fish” 400 times, do a little dance and pass out, and you’ll be no worse off, right? Exactly: even your excuses don’t jive, how could you possibly be expected to talk about issues for a whole two hours?
Your attitude toward this event is a microcosm of your attitude toward politics: every decision you make is calculated to provide you with the highest political utility. We all know that there is more to politics than winning. There is such a thing as doing something that would genuinely benefit public discourse, and your decision to back out of your commitment shows where your true priorities lie.
Moreover, I find your blatant attempt to blame your decision on the voters (“I’ve been doing this for 20 years and you show up to a forum where there are more candidates at the forum than constituents.” Galveston Daily News, 10/16/04) abhorrent and slimy. In addition, it contradicts the next sentence in your sound byte (“I’d much rather be out with constituents, meeting them and going to events.” Galveston Daily News, 10/16/04). If you would rather be out meeting with constituents and going to events, why not this event? Why not these constituents? Do you have some scheduling conflict? Will you be at some other event during this time block? Do you plan to invite your Clear Lake constituents to your house for tea and crumpets?
What you have done is not only a crushing blow to the hard work of motivated high school students, it is a slap in the face to the Clear Lake community. You don’t care about what we’ve got to say? You don’t think Morrison is a legitimate contender? Your attitude disgusts and offends me, and I will consider it an honor to vote against you on November 2.
-Adam Scruggs
As will I. Is it any wonder why I’m so proud of him??
