WHERE DOES BULLYING END

Louisville, KY - Most that read the headline will automatically assume this article will address the bullying against children, or groups such as the gay community. Sorry to disappoint you.

No I want to ask the business and community leaders one question, where does bullying end?

We are now spending millions each year promoting an anti bullying message in regards to our children but leadership requires that one lead by example. This is where we fail.

During the Jim King case I defended, and won, hundreds of these leaders would write and offer information of other alleged improprieties by King and his daughter, sitting Judge Katie King. When I filed charges against former Councilwoman Judy Green the same rule applied.

It seemed everyone had a new story to tell and the mantra was contact Springston with info and he will do the work for us. In short they wanted to hide out of fear of being bullied by the elected establishment.

We are not talking about average citizens here folks. We are talking about recognized community leaders, business owners, and those who seemingly have power and influence. None of whom contribute any money or resources whatsoever to aid in the fight. Why not? Is it not in their best interests to do so?

Of course it is but I understand that they will suffer needlessly if they are associated in any way with someone who dares take on the political establishment. I'm not alone many fight the fight everyday in their own way.

I can and would never give their names because I believe in confidentiality as anyone who has ever read one story here can attest. Sources deserve to be protected so we can get at the truth and they always will be protected here as they know.

But now with Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin's current debacle, these leaders are once again calling  wanting me to fight the fight for them. I will do so as it is the right thing to do but we have to ask ourselves one question.

Why would they call me?

Those with the resources and time to do the hard work feel as though they can't. Why?

Because they are scared of repercussions from the elected. The elected leaders bully them into silence. From threats of IPL investigations, to zoning problems for developers, the list is long and endless. Harass anyone who stands against the elected status quo into compliance. I have been told  so many examples it would make you sick.

Instilling that fear is how the bullies win at all levels. Including our government bullies. Bullying is bullying.

It doesn't matter whether the bullying involves a child or an adult. When you allow others to control you out of fear you are empowering the bully.

What message does that send to the bully? What example does that set for our kids?

The message clearly is that, "if you have something to lose let others control you, that is an acceptable behavior."

And that is the fundamental problem. Our own government leaders wear you down through harassment and intimidation. All with their unlimited resources that is our tax money.

Is there a price for standing up against bullies? You bet. I pay the price everyday.

My non fear of bullies has cost me a great deal both personally and professionally. From the standard not so subtle IPL visits sent as a warning, to the phone calls threatening me and my family, and much worse. It has cost me income and my standard of living.

Sorry folks but the reality is nothing in life is free. There are repercussions for our actions.

Is it worth it? You bet. So why would I be OK with that?

Because it's important to hold OUR elected leaders accountable.

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin.

The words by Franklin ring true more today than ever. What are we sacrificing for our own benefit. Temporary safety from those that would oppress us? Our own elected leaders?

As a veteran I took an oath to stand against all enemies foreign and domestic. I believe when we adult leaders cower in fear instead of standing up for what is right, then we have allowed the enemy to come into our house.

When it involves fear of our own elected leaders then that enemy is a domestic one.

Recently, a friend reminded me of Socrates with his comments to a previous article at Louisville Politics. "Socrates said that the highest role of a citizen philosopher was to be a “gadfly.” By that, he meant that the proper function of citizenship was to be a constant irritant to those in power."

During his defense when on trial for his life, Socrates, according to Plato's writings, pointed out that dissent, like the gadfly, was easy to swat, but the cost to society of silencing individuals who were irritating could be very high. "If you kill a man like me, you will injure yourselves more than you will injure me," because his role was that of a gadfly, "to sting people and whip them into a fury, all in the service of truth."

In modern and local politics, gadfly is a term used to describe someone who persistently challenges people in positions of power, the status quo or a popular position.

I agree and unless we continually hold the powerful elected accountable then we cannot move forward.

While we consistently preach the message of no more bullies to our kids, when does that message resonate with the messenger itself?

How can we sit idly by and allow ourselves to cower in fear to our ELECTED government?

Socrates also stated, "I only know that I know nothing."

I agree with this in many areas but I do know one thing from practical experience. As a child I was bullied. I was a little guy compared to today, and an easy target accordingly, but I found out one thing.

When I finally chose to quit being victimized and stood up for the first time against a bully something strange happened.

The rest disappeared.

I learned my lesson. Standing up for one's self makes a difference. As an adult today I have learned that it not only makes a difference in my life it does in others as well. Ask Jim King and Judy Green if the costs of their arrogance and attempts at bullying were worth it. In a few weeks ask Barbara Shanklin the same thing.

Bullying takes all shapes, forms, and sizes. It knows no boundaries to age, race, color, or religion. Or government.

The only allegiance a bully has is to himself. He must oppress you to feel better about himself. His power reinforces his well being. The same is true of our elected. In a sense it is also reflective of those who choose to hide from bullies for fear of losing something. Whether it be money or status.

Standing up to these bullies makes a difference in people's lives. Not just your own. It is a positive to the majority of the people that these elected leaders are supposed to serve. That's what happens when you stand up for truth, ethics, morals, and values.

I have received too much mail to count thanking me for my efforts in gaining accountability against the elected leaders who abuse our trust. To each of you my sincerest thanks.

I am one man, one voice, who has the courage to move forward and force accountability from those that would abuse our public trust, our money, and our values.

But I am left to wonder. If one man can accomplish so much, what would happen if others joined forces and stood up as one?

I will continue rising up until the day I die. It is that simple. Each of us deserves to be heard and recognized. That has always been the intent of the MyViewMatters mantra. Empower yourself and others will follow.

In the meantime, I will continue to be the voice for each of you until you feel it is safe to do so on your own. All of us deserve a voice. For you business leaders I will gain accountability for you. All you have to do is contact me and ask.

But I have to admit.

It sure would be nice to have some help along the way.............

Listen daily from 7-8pm at The Ed Springston Show. Also visit Louisville Politics for more details and in depth coverage of local political and news issues.

CONSTABLE DAVID WHITLOCK INDICTED

For those of you who have been paying attention to this case today current Constable, and convicted felon, David Whitlock has been indicted on charges of second-degree assault and first-degree wanton endangerment largely brought about because of Louisville KY News once again.

We were among the first to run with the story on Whitlock's illegal dealings. We were the first to expose pictures of his illegalities and his own criminality.

I personally took the evidence I had acquired to Metro Councilman Kelly Downard and worked with Councilman David James to ensure there would be accountability. They then took the evidence to Commonwealth Attorney Dave Stengel that aided in bringing about these charges.

The charges against Whitlock currently are small potatoes in the grand scheme of things and I find it fails in holding Whitlock accountable for all his misdeeds.

In fact check this out for all the info on David Whitlock.

Whether holding corrupt officials accountable such as convicted felons David Whitlock or John Flood, from elected Council members such as Jim King or Judy Green, from MSD and beyond, I have led the fight and the charges that exposed these people and issues to we the people.

All without any mainstream recognition or support. All on my dime not theirs.

Louisvillians if you want the real truth and want to get involved in the changes THIS is where you go to. MVM and Louisville KY News will continue to do the hard work necessary to ensure we get an accountable government, community, and leadership. Thanks for your support.

To each of you I have but 3 words.

You are welcome.........


Listen daily from 7-8pm at The Ed Springston Show. Also visit Louisville Politics for more details and in depth coverage of local political and news issues.

BYE BYE JUDY GREEN

What more can be said about this train wreck called Louisville Metro Council Member Judy Green? Well plenty actually.It seems while Judy has been playing the medical card, with no proof to back up her claims, even going so far as to say she may have to show up at Monday's hearing with an oxygen machine, she has had no problem breathing apparently while boxing up her stuff in her Council office and removing it.

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/2011309080028

Meanwhile, she has been working behind the scenes trying to get support to keep her district unchanged so she can run for office again later contacting every African American on the Council for support. From what I understand the only one showing that support is Mary Woolridge.

Yep peas in a pod but that is a story for another day.

Additionally, after saying she would never resign the County Attorney's office mysteriously had to issue a ruling saying the Council could continue with the hearings even IF Judy Green resigned.

We call that fishing folks.

Why would O'Connell have to even consider that right now unless something came to his attention from Green or others wanting clarification. None of it matters anyway.

No matter the outcome Green will continue the legal challenges because quite frankly she has nothing left to her. After stating over and over again about all the stuff she knows on everyone she has mysteriously remained quiet about the alleged info.

After being subpoenaed for records she could not produce them.

The plan was to resign late in the game so she would not be impeached and therefore be able to run in 2012 for her seat. Then of course, I told the world on my radio show, MyViewMatters Radio that Green would be out of a job anyway after redistricting because the new district alignment would certainly put her in Cheri Bryant-Hamilton or David Tandy's District thus, for all intents and purposes, ending her Council career as no one would vote against either in favor of Green.

Wonder why redistricting became so important to her when she was supposedly off for medical reasons? Any wonder why she is now reportedly emptying her office? Do we wonder further if anyone has been checking what she is removing?

With her history we do not know and that in itself is alarming. I can't believe no freeze order or anything else has been put in place on removing potential evidence from that office.

Then of course after all this time and Green and her friend Denise Bentley practically begging for support, only 40 people showed up last night to listen to the racist taunts by Green and her followers.

Indications are that 7 were speakers so the number of actual listeners is even lower.

Continuing to use the race card Green, and those few so called Reverends that benefit from her, are still trying to divide the community for their own gain. Thank God no one is listening.

While Green has used racism to attack throughout this ordeal, let's not forget who she is taking it out on. Phillip Bailey prominent reporter for WFPL, Ray Barker, known as Sir Friendly C who filed the original charge against the Green Clean team, and Barbara Shanklin, one of the most well known politicians in Louisville.

Oh yeah all are African American too.

So who exactly is being the racist here Judy Green?

You and your husband are.

On top of all that, as a good faith gesture, I use that term loosely we are paying her after all.

Green should have attended the Metro Council meeting last night. 
We pay for her representation and what does she do? She arranges and attends a "rally" in one more weak effort to keep her job.

One more example of taxpayers being screwed by you.

Um Judy, just exactly what does that boneheaded decision show to any of us taxpayers? You skip what we are paying you to do for your own personal benefit once again? Considering the weak turnout, once again you do not have the support you continue to want to believe you have.

You have never shown any remorse or taken any responsibility whatsoever for your actions and decisions. Hell most people in this community are forgiving by nature. We have had to be because of all the garbage the so called leaders we elect continue to pull.

You have not given anyone a single reason to work towards forgiveness instead deciding to forge ahead and blame everyone but yourself.

So here are a couple of easy questions for you.

Who has been robbing the taxpayers blind Judy Green?

You have.

Louisville Attorney James Green himself lost his law license due to theft charges years ago and perhaps that is where Judy learned the game from. I don't know.

Who has steadfastly declined to do the right thing?

You have.

Who has stated they don't have to pay back over $350,000 in defaulted student loans?

You have.

I could go on but you get the point. This lies squarely on the shoulders of Judy Green and no one else. Don't continue acting like the victim when you yourself are the perpetrator. It is called responsibility. Though you may not know what that word means look it up.

The only color involved here is the color Green. Money. Moolah, and your abuse of our good faith and our wallets.

From my perspective it is the single most reason Judy Green needs to go and not soon enough.

Judy Green, THE LATEST........

We are now being told that Councilwoman Judy Green has voluntarily checked herself into an unnamed hospital with an unnamed "serious" illness that will linger for possibly weeks. So what is it then drug/alcohol abuse? Depression? Or is it perhaps a way to stall the hearing for an even longer time so she can collect some more paychecks before she resigns right before the hearing due to a "medical condition" that she believes will help her save face after promising not to resign.

Why are we the taxpayers paying her a salary at all, especially in lieu of the fact that she cannot perform her elected duties if she is hospitalized for an extended time. If it is mental that raises even more alarms.

The game from the outset has been to delay for as long as possible.

With the help of former U of L player and current 6th man to Judy Green, her attorney Derwin Webb should be accused of aiding and abetting in my opinion.

Looks like a page right out of Green's friend Councilwoman Mary Woolridge's playbook to many people. You may recall that Mary Woolridge went missing for a few months (March-July) using the same excuse. Private illness, assumed name at an undisclosed hospital etc.

Rumors abound that Woolridge was in rehab though no one has substantiated the rumor. Perhaps she is teaching Green how to get paid without really trying on our tax dime. As if Green needed any advice there.

I for one am sick and tired of elected members getting paid with our tax dollars and hiding behind the "undisclosed" and "unnamed" mystery illness garbage.

IF Judy Green has a serious illness I hope she is getting help I sincerely do, but her record of fraudulent activity and lies and deceit don't make me believe it for one second. Stay tuned on this one........

While many of us have been complaining about EMS for a long time now it seems we now may have one clue why they are messed up. Besides the obvious Abramson screwing them up so much before he left office. Jake Payne has a nice story on it here:
http://thevillevoice.com/2011/08/15/pondering-emergency-medical-services-issues/

Senator Rand Paul made a visit to Kentucky yesterday and spoke to veterans with the VFW. I have to admit I thought he handled it well:
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20110816/NEWS01/308160055/Rand-Paul-pledges-work-protect-military-funding?odyssey=modmostcom

All this and more will be talked about tonight on the MyViewMatters Radio Show at 7 pm. Check it out at www.blogtalkradio.com/myviewmatters

Until next time.........