A letter to the Times, an explanation

Someone suggested I explain my recent actions and objections to the local GOP blatantly abusing the Hall County Sheriff's Office's name for political gain.

The GOP used Facebook and the internet to publicize a 'public event' on private property. I objected to the language of the announcement as it read, "We are very excited to announce that we will be hosting a Community Day on Saturday, May 19th in conjunction with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office!"

The GOP used a banner which I have attached as a picture. It also used the phrase, "in conjunction with." I have other pictures of the announcement as it appeared on the party's webpage.

Although I feel strongly that the gun safety message trumps any partisan political point of view, the HCSO would not give its name to a street party.

I felt shock and outrage. Hall County's government abuses our 1st Responders with below standard wages and has, in my opinion, raided their pension benefits. No county Law Enforcement employee should be forced to sue his County Commission. Not even 1st Lt. Brad Rounds who, in the Times coverage of the lawsuit, would retire with a monthly pension of $389 after a career covering parts of four decades.

For the deceptive political ad, I took the issue to the County Commission. Looking back at the Times article of May 9th, you did reach out to the GOP on the issue. They did not at that point remove or change the ad. As I had expected, they resisted, continuing to use the HCSO as a co-hosting, in conjunction with, as a full sponsor of the candidate showcase.

I did characterize Matt Smith's response in the Times article as the 'denials of a slightly pregnant virgin.' Never was that comment directed at any county official or member of the Sheriff's office.

I continued to press the issue with the County, the Sheriff, and the Times until the false advertisement was removed and a new ad posted by the GOP.

The GOP never had a right to run such an ad. This GOP event seems very similar to another GOP event held in August of 2014. At that 'public' event, held on private property in Dawsonville, a citizen journalist, Nydia Tisdale, was arrested by a Law Enforcement officer. She faced a court trial for no better reason than acting within the 2nd Amendment's protections for journalists. For what some call a misunderstanding, Ms. Tisdale bears forever a criminal record with a conviction for obstruction.

Given this example, I feel justified in approaching the County and the Sheriff to clean up the GOP's language.

Update

After a couples days, the Hall County GOP'ers have reworded their advertising. It no longer mentions hosting in conjunction with the Hall County Sheriff's Office.

I'm going with this theory.

The GOP made a mistake, bragging about HCSO.

The HCSO wasn't aware of the language labeling the office as hosting a partisan political event.

Someone brought the issue to the Sheriff or another leader within the department.

That person, or the Sheriff contacted the right people and clarified a need for separation between law enforcement and the outcomes of local elections.

Who ever took the high road and behaved like an adult needs a pat on the back.

Since we'll never know, a well done to the HCSO and it's leadership.