Comrade Bumpkin
Recollecting Nemasket had a post the other day about a communist scare in Middleboro back in 1919 or so. Just recently we had Obama being branded a Marxist traitor and now we have the latest local commie – me.
If you read my last column, you know I was in Ireland recently attending to my mother-in-law who is dying of cancer. I was without Internet access and while I was gone I was taken to task on another blog for not publishing a comment. The tongue lashing was given by Suo Mynona who also claims to be SaveTheGreenSchool.
We’ll forget for now that all comments were published when I returned, most were anonymous, and had content that seemed insignificant. The post describes me as “similar to communists” and floats a bunch of other sinister sounding stuff. I have to admit, that there was a bit of a resemblance to Stalin before I trimmed my moustache. I’m fairly use to this sort of stuff from pro-casino types who don’t like the fact that I was completely right about the casino being a bad deal for Middlboro.
For the record, I publish every comment on my blog whether it agrees with me or not, unless it’s content is likely to cause trouble for me. The local pro-casino types are always on the lookout to find something on my blog to blow out of proportion and make a big deal out of.
This guy is one of my biggest fans and spends a copious amount of time pouring over every column, blog, and even comment I publish. It’s all very flattering in some ways, but kind of creepy in another. In preparation for this post, I went through several dozen of his posts. Let me tell you, that’s 30 minutes I’ll never get back. It was basically poorly written and repetitive – cycling over the same three or four things. Over, and over, and over, and over. This person takes me to task on a blog I don’t even read, demanding explanations for vague innuendo.
This sort of thing comes with the territory when you put your name out there and take a position on something. There were rumors that I was going to sue the town which is ridiculous because the last time I checked stupidity was not an actionable offense. There have been other far worse accusations and innuendos and this sort of thing is nothing new.
I hate to point out irony, but the poster said he would call me “for information if I was going to shoot off my mouth. You should try the same.”. If the poster had called me, or sent me an email, he would have known that I was out of the country and unable to post his comment.
Themocracy
Comrade,
I get confused with all these web id's. Isn't this the same person who spoke at open CPA meetings about why he was against the plan? I don't recall you or anyone telling him to stop or be quiet. I don't recall you having a gavel.
Maybe he is a confused man?
I agree with the previous caller, I went to the meetings and heard the man speak. He was treated with respect. I never heard anyone try to quiet him.
I hope he would explain what he is talking about.
BB,
Since the casino is now DEAD, they pro forces need someone to blame and a person to direct their anger towards!
Sad to say, they picked you.
Bumpkin,
I am in no way defending or siding with comrade suo…savethe…whatever… because he or she obviously needs a new hobby, but I'm going to have to disagree with you about something you've said in this post. You and I had a similar, though less weird exchange back in February on a blog post of mine entitled Follow the Yellow Brick Road:
It went as follows:
YOU: I don't publish any comment that I think will cause more trouble than it's content warrants. I probably publish 90-95% of the ones I get.
I don't think any blogger publishes every comment they get.
ME: In talking w/anti friends, and from my own experience, I think your actual percentage is much lower, Bumpkin, and gives a false sense of what people who respond to this issue are thinking. I only mention it in the spirit of "honest disagreement". I know that some of my comments to your blog, as well as those of others which you haven't published, weren't meant to 'cause trouble'. But they definitely disagreed with you at times.
Actually, my percentage hovers around 99.7%. I don't usually publish the names of private citizens unless they are related to the issue, certainly not addresses, sensitive information, excessive profanity, and of course, , psychotic rants and death threats… oh and there's a whole collection of our on-line community's feelings for Mrs. Bond, which I've never published.
But most people who visit this blog have figured that out.
YOU: I never refuse to publish a comment based on whether or not it disagrees with my opinion.
If a comment is insulting or has a tone that is going to detract from the discussion – in my estimation – then it doesn't get published. Honest disagreement – fine.
By all means if I fail to publish a comment of yours, take it up with me via email and I'll explain why – or publish it yourself on your own blog.
Given the casino jobs report that came out today, discussions about what comments I do or don't publish seems like an enormous waste of brain cycles to me.
Short version is: Any comment that contains anything that is over my personal line doesn't get in.
————————-
Once source of frustration expressed in this exchange, as I recall, stemmed from the fact that most of the comments that supposedly crossed your personal line and were never published, were about Adam Bond.
And yet, when I found myself being dissed in a comment on your blog, that apparently passed your smell test.
But frankly, I only mention it in the first place because, like I said, it wasn't just me – a few of us – people you know and like – had been talking and it came up about how you didn't publish a lot of our comments.
Obviously, I'm not pro-casino, nor are my friends, and I wouldn't be inclined to send you an e-mail like the one comrade sumo… greenschool… whatever over it, but at least for myself and others, your somewhat fluid comment policy has created some noticeable reader frustration in the past, and perhaps still does.
Meanwhile, welcome back, and my sincerest sympathy over the health of your mother-in-law. Simply a terrible thing to be going through – and to have to get a message like the one in your blog.
(and p.s. you know, you really kind of do look a little like Stalin…)
Dasvidanya,
Gladys
See – I *will* publish any comment.
Now where's that "delete comment" button gone ….
Fellow Comrad,
I appreciate that you had the courage to confront this issue in the manner you have.
I posted a comment regarding the lack of transparency of the issues and meetings about the ladder truck last year.
Those comments were attibuted to you when Suo Mynona (anonymous spelled backwards) posted some where else. A friend with whom I had discussed my personal feelings recognized the comment as mine and sent Suo Mynona's comments to me. I am personally offended.
I don't have the courage to stand up and speak in public. I certainly would cry with the attacks by a few of the members of the Board of Selectmen, like Steve Spartaro's "Cheap Seats" comments, or Marcia Brunelle's "sick and tired of this crap" comment, or Pat Roger "people of a certain caliber" comment. In my way of thinking, the 3 of them can do what they want to recreate their image, but those comments will be remembered by me forever and I won't vote for them. Those comments revealed a hidden contempt for voters like me.
It is only that I can post anonymously that I can share my personal beliefs. When I commented about the "Arrogants" in this town, Suo Mynona was among those the comment was aimed at.
I appreciate your courage but I also think that it shouldn't be needed. When you raise an issue and ask questions, why should you be attacked?
Not long ago, Suo Mynona posted a comment my friend sent wondering if now peace could be restored in the town. He apparently means that no dissension will be voiced because it seems as long as you agree with him or nod to his arrogance, all is right with his world.
It must be wonderful to believe that only his opinion is valid. It must be assuring to convince yourself that yours is the only opinion that matters. I can only imagine being in that place because the opinions of others sometimes makes more sense than mine when I take the time to listen.
As I have grown older and hopefully, wiser, I have come to recognize that sometimes people who aren't very smart need to criticize those they don't agree with because they can't hear anything other than their own opinions echo inside their heads.
As a footnote, that anonymous blogger needs to come out of his closet that seems to inhibit his thinking.
Tovarich Bumpkin:
Zdasveteye! Sorry, I've met and talked with you, and you're hardly very Stalinesque.
Suo Rasputinovich has an unhealthy fixation with you based on his own party line. Not to worry. Nobody with a brain is listening to someone with paranoid McCarthy propaganda.
BTW, don't apologize for using comment moderation when necessary. You have the perfect right to print what you deem inappropriate. I'm not going to worry about you unless you start burning books and retreat deep into Siberia.
Nostrovaya!
Looks like Suo/dal/STGS' iddy biddy feelings were hurt when he was banned from a forum for trying to incite others. Now he's throwing spitballs at you for taking a stand after giving him repeated warnings. Pitiful to see a grown man acting like a 5 year old. Suo, time to trade your knickers for some big boy pants.
Creepy for sure! Creepy and weird! Make a pledge to this out of kilter individual? I think not. could you imagine having this guy on the BOS? Oh wait…..he was. Scary!
Anon 5:48 – It's true that Suo was booted from my forum but not for "trying to incite others". He was a disruptive presence that brought nothing constructive to the table and I was of the opinion that he was just there to cause trouble.
Anon 5:56 – I wouldn't ask anybody to withdraw support for the Green School effort and that's certainly not the intent of the post.
Adolescent behavior from an adult male is always a disappointment.
This particular adult male needs to examine the last election results that reveal voters are no longer inclined to tolerate this trash and the inclination is growing.
So far, I have yet to see informed comment emanating from this person.
Beyond that, what I see is someone who beats his chest, yells that we don't need to consider what happened in the past, yet can't stop itemizing the past regarding others.
I watched this person on the Planning Board and on the BOS and can compose a list of uninformed comments he truly wouldn't want to hear. A little humility is needed. He's not what he believes he is.
Posters.
I don't want this to turn in to a bashing session.
Restraint please.
Correction:
I'm not withdrawing support. I had just been considering making a pledge. I've decided against doing so not because the project is worthwhile. I am uncomfortable with the individual orchestrating it. There are many worthwhile projects to get behind. Why should I trust someone with a skewed thinking process?
It really didn't take a lot of insight to figure out something was up when you weren't posting ANY comments to any of your blog posts for several days.
I'm very sorry to hear about your mother in law's illness. Town issues really pale in comparison to watching someone struggle with cancer. My thoughts are with your wife and her family.
My friend, many of us have quietly endured the barbs of others because of our casino opposition. We have been treated disrespectfully or gavelled to silence and prevented from even asking questions.
What is baffling is that one of those who supported this treatment still hasn't seen the proverbial handwriting on the wall.
This isn't about bashing. It's more about insisting that it's time to grow up and behave like adults.
The casino that some supported is not coming. Bumpkin and others were right all along.
To those who supported the casino that isn't coming: it's time to accept reality. You were hoodwinked by slick international investors who couldn't give a damn about you, your community, your casino or any Tribe or any heritage. They've destroyed communities around the world and screwed more people than you could imagine, unless you've done your homework. You can't expect to sleep with dogs and not wake up with fleas.
Oh dear! You seem to have gotten yourself tangled up with someone who is jealous of you. Maybe he could try some counseling.
Is this the same guy who stood up at a BOS meeting and spoke against CPA with a wad of dollar bills in his hand? The same guy who lamented the financial plight of residents as his reasoning for opposing CPA?
Is this the same guy who is taking pledges to save the Green School? The same guy, who not knowing MY financial situation, singled me out on a blog to practically demand I make a pledge to his cause?
I thought he was a jerk when I saw him in action at the BOS meeting. I think he is a bigger jerk than I ever imagined now.
I think his biggest motive behind his efforts to save the Green School is so when it is all said and done he can stand up and say, "Look what I did". I think he wants to feed his own ego and arrogance under the guise of a community project.
Bumpkin-
You write a meaty blog and a good column. Perhaps someone is a little bit jealous about your success. It's just so childish that someone is taking your words and phrases out of context and twisting them to mean something other than you intended. This is exactly why so many of us remain anonymous. It's just not worth being hassled.
Not to "gang up" on you, but I have to agree w/Gladys.
I never have said or written anything about either side, pro or anti, or any individual that could be considered nasty, not tasteful,ect.. But I did for the first time make a comment on your blog, (some time ago), and referenced a new friend of yours, Mr. Bond. Now, being brought up to conduct myself as a "lady" at all times I honestly did not speak of him making any derogatory remarks, but I did use his own words in a stituation that did not showcase him as a gentleman and used his own words against him. You did publish the comment about the subject matter that was being discussed but w/that part missing, and yes, it was part of the subject matter and helped to make my point, (again, nicely). I was not offended, just disapointed in you.
Please take this as only a learning experience for you, not everyone has to agree w/you all the time or any of your friends as long as it's done tastefully. I do agree w/you most of the time, but the one time I did't showcase your friend in a good light, you chose to not "submit." Worse, you only published what you wanted, I would have felt better about this if you had not published my comment at all. It was not distasteful in the least so why?
I should have emailed and asked this question directly to you, didn't realize this can be a procedure, I was and still am new at leaving comments.
As Vic use to say, the public can be tough on you when your in the public eye all the time, no matter who you are.
I will send Suomynona, Nlocnil, $50in one dollar bills for the Green School, if he would just grow up.
NEWS FLASH – Hey Cnil, it is not about you.
I would never refuse to publish something because Adam is my "friend".
In future, if I fail to publish a comment, or alter an anonymous one, send me email and I'll explain why. Without seeing the exact comments we're talking about, I can't say why they weren't published other than the reasons I already gave.
I think I have a pretty strong body of posts that have been highly critical of Adam, his role in the casino drama, the deal he negotiated, his dealings with SRPEDD and Calter, etc. I have also softened the tone when the guy did something good – like go after the DEP over Rockland, open up BOS meetings for public comment, etc.
Bump, I was just trying to point out that a more consistent comment publishing policy eases reader frustration. No one likes to take the time to comment on something only to have it unpublished or published only after editing. Perhaps if you put something on your front page to inform readers that their comments may in certain circumstances be edited, or not published at all if they concerned someone with whom you are working with on certain community issues, or whose policies and actions you currently admire, or if the comment took a harsh tone towards someone you did not want to offend, readers would at least know they were forewarned. And sometimes that's enough.
No offense, Gladys,but this really has much less to do with the comments Bumpkin does/doesn't publish, than the way he's being constantly harassed by this Suo/LA character. He spends all his time pouring over every word BB publishes, takes multiple phrases out of context, then makes them appear nefarious. After recently learning that this man was a former Middleboro Selectman, I'm rather distressed by his unbalanced, obsessive behaviors. He has a long history of writing on unsavory forums. I mean what kind of people associate themselves with a blog titled, "****** ****** Confirmed Liar"? This is definitely a man I would campaign against should he ever run for public office again.
BTW, I completely agree with SmokingOwl's comments.
This is about a personal vendetta, pure and simple. Suo—grow up and move on.
Hey BB -
I'm glad you posted this blog. I've known (and ignored) Suo for many years. If I hadn't seen your blog, I wouldn't have evidence that the man is still not worth listening to. Thanks for the reminder.
Despite that, I've heard Suo's intelligence questioned and, unfortunately, I must defend him.
This man is not stupid. He just doesn't know anything.
The real tragedy is that it appears he is too lazy to learn anything beyond his own opinions.
What a shame. We really do need a few more intelligent people to discuss and offer suggestions for fixing the problems in our town. He could have been an asset, but now he's just an ….. you get the gist.
Communist? I thought you were a racist.
Can't these people get together and decide on ONE label??? Then they could officially go on record, and we can go back to ignoring them.
Anon 10:50,
No offense taken. I'm certainly not defending this person who is obsessed with Bumpkin – heck, not by a long shot. Bumpkin knows well that I have had similar issues with a small percentage of my readers.
My point was about comment moderation, and how it can be made to seem more fair to more readers across the board.
I didn't bring this up to bash Suo…whoever or Bumpkin… just to bring up a point about comment moderation and how inconsistency can cause frustration.
Someone who is as obsessed with Bumpkin as this Suo…person probably wouldn't respond to a fair and balance comment moderation anyway, as I have discovered on my own blog with various crazy-scary people in the past two years.
Still, there were certain times when it's helped. Some people just want to get something off their chest – to be heard. It didn't mean that they were right, or that I let them think that I thought they were right.
I suppose it's just part of the baggage that comes with blogging. Still – I think bloggers need to be responsible in how we handle it. Even Dan Kennedy over at Media Nation has had to take another look at his comment moderation policy lately.
I used to comment quite frequently on this particular blog, but then became unsure of which comments, at which time, would be acceptable, so needless to say, I stopped commenting as much. And I and know other people who've said the same. I think that's a shame because this blog and it's author are very interesting and very often on the mark with casino/slots/Mashpee Wampanoag observations.
For the record, I think Bumpkin has been positively heroic in what he has tried to do at Nemasket to keep it civil. It's a sad statement that this forum isn't used as much as it should be by the good folks of Middleboro.
…And that some people can't find their own way to help their community, or their causes without stalking bloggers. Jeesh! Get a life!
Gladys and Bumpkin-
I have to hand it to you Blogfathers for your willingness to stand up publicly and be counted. It takes a lot of chutzpah to brave the criticism, harassment, and stalking.
I HATE having to post anonymously, but I just couldn't deal with my family's name being callously bantied about the internet just for expressing an opinion. Otherwise civilized people become mean spirited chameleons when they enter cyberspace, as you've both experienced.
I comend you both for calling it as you see it despite the hazards. Illegitimi non carborandum!
Smoking Owl,
I mostly agree with what you wrote except that the over inflated ego wants to be able to convince himself that we don't need the CPA, never have, never will.
He ignores that the Registry fees that would have come to Mboro and have been paid by Mboro transactions were re-distributed to towns that have CPA. Many of those towns have received grant money when they were available.
Even if Mboro never spent the money, it could have sat in a bank account waiting for a worthy project such as this.
This obsession with the messenger cheated the town out of something that made sense.
Instead of opposing CPA, wasn't this person on the BOS when the trash fee was forced on us? For $216 a year, maybe he should do something to get rid of that.
Part of my point is that this guy harps on non-events over and over and over – for what reason I don't know – trying to make me look bad. I was forwarded this comment from today. Suo was asked why he wouldn't meet me in person and hash this out. He said:
I had asked him out for coffee twice in the past. Never got a response.
It is non sense which has been the point all along.
This is bull and I can prove it.
On May 19th, I sent email making a pledge to the Green School effort. This led an exchange of emails during which I offered to set up a web site and agreed to work with the principals in any way I could. At 9:31PM, I got an email that included an invitation for coffee:
Better yet, you and I (redacted) over a cup of coffee at the Cafe Milano
At 11:26 PM(May 19), I replied and included this response to the coffee suggestion.
Anytime. I generally work from home on Mon/Tues and have very flexible hours. Most mornings are good, Thursdays are just bad and other evenings are hit or miss depending on kid's sports and lots of other junk that comes up day-to-day. I like to keep weekends free for the family but could manage a Sat/Sun. My wife is pres of the local groups redacted- you get the idea – lots of things vying for limited time.
I received a reply to this email at 12:28 AM(May 20), so I know it was received. The reply didn't mention anything about coffee – only discussing another part of the mail.
I don't recall any other invitations to meet for coffee – which is not to say that there weren't any – I just don't remember any others.
I have proven, repeatedly, that I will meet with anyone anytime – often to the horror of my anti-casino buddies. This "bumpkin won't meet with me" is pure malarky, I can prove it, and it's just more of the same campaign to make me look bad for reasons unknown.
Pure Bull.
My children attend the public schools so I can't post my name for fear of retaliation as many others have witnesed.
From a distance this issue seems to be a regurgitation of the 'old guard' who grew up in the 'boro and aren't teribly worldly or well educated. They ruled for years and their words were golden.
They forgot to close the gates and allowed others in who see feet of clay.
A certain moderator of superficial substance fans flames of a nonexistent fire with great relish.
We have more important things to address than those mutually stroking egos and accomplishing little of significance.
Its always interesting to watch what dysfunction attracts to itself.
So let me get this straight.
You donated money to this guy, offered to make a web site and wrote a blog promoting his cause. Now I'm supposed to believe that you won't meet him for coffee?
Sorry GreenSchool, that doesn't add up. Is Bumpkin lying about this email he's talking about?
This is becoming tedious trying to explain the moral certitude of a petty person who posts anonymously but is readily identifiable by the content. He is frequently factually incorrect and those who rally 'round fail to notice because they revel in unjustified criticism of a mob mentality because it's more convenient than the difficult task of independent thinking.
A sad commentary of a certain component that exists, but not worthy of additional consideration.
It's time to move on to more important tasks.
How ironic that this guy is working to save a school. Perhaps he needs a refresher course in humility and civility.
Now Revol Nikpmub is talking about a coffee invitation from a year and a half ago. Good thing he's not obsessed with you.
Indeed.
I guess to appease him, in addition to promoting his cause, I also have to invent a time machine, go back a year and half, and reply to an invitation I probably answered already – just like the last one.
people who post anonymously on Topix and use Bible quotes to condemn the conduct of others. Many of our friends choose to live their lives guided by their religious convictions and we don't judge each other because who is to know which of us is right in our beliefs. It's called "Tolerance" which this individual seems to lack. The Bible quote I live by is judge not, lest ye be judged.All I see is an obsession.
Bumpkinski,
I never figured you to be a commie. I always thought you were a DAEHDAED!
You know what they say, better DEAD than RED!
Now put those Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger records away! You're already subversive enough!
Revol Nikpmub?
Now that's funny!
This person had a reputation when he was a kid of being a school bully and using people for what they could do for him say, like someone who might volunteer to do a web site.
Arrested development, I say.
This whole episode sounds like fuzzy thinking on Revol Nikpmub's part.