Russell Moore: Mirthless Myrth York

Monday, August 04, 2014

Russell J. Moore, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™

 

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The Rhode Island Progressive Democrats should be renamed The Regressive Democrats.

The actions of the progressives, who go around acting holier than thou, certainly haven't matched their big talk over the last year or so.

That's why it wasn't surprising to see Myrth York step down from the Brett Smiley campaign late last week so that she could leverage her money to influence the race for Mayor of Providence in a more effective way- a move that would make the Koch brothers blush.

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This wasn't the first time the rhetoric of the so-called and self-proclaimed progressives haven't matched up with their actions.

Fake Talk

Earlier this March, Sam Bell, the Rhode Island Progressive Democrat Coordinator, told me that he saw no issue with the Rhode Island Interscholastic League charging $9 for people to enter the high school basketball championship games. Keep in mind, many of the parents were from inner city schools like Classical, Hope, and Central who can't easily afford to go around dropping sawbucks in to see their kids play. Meanwhile, the non-profit's executive director earns a salary upwards of $90,000 and collects a pension worth $70,000 at the same time. 

Apparently, gouging low-income and middle class folks who wish to see their children, grandchildren, and friends compete in sporting events is progressive, according to Mr. Bell.

Then, on July 22, I learned that the Rhode Island Progressive Democrats endorsed a slate of candidates for the Rhode Island General Assembly. A few were actually good selections- even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and then-- but the lion-share of their candidates are people who can't compromise and therefore will accomplish very little if they somehow do win.

Universal Arbiters of Truth

Further, their press release began "being a real Democrat in the General Assembly is not easy". As if they're somehow the universal arbiters of truth. They think they get the final word on who is and isn't a Democrat. Can you imagine the nerve?

But the worst part about that fiasco was the fact that some of the people who weren't endorsed by the group were never even given a chance to appear before the group to make their case. So much for transparency.

Do as we say..not as

Which brings me to Myrth York, one of Rhode Island's most famous losers. York fashions herself as this champion of the progressive cause. Yet she is now making a move that is more fitting for former Enron executive John Arnold than someone who claims to advocate for good government. 

York has told various media outlets that she still vehemently supports Smiley, but is stepping aside and will continue to be involved in the race. So all indications point to the fact that she'll be forming an "independent expenditure group" which will be used as a vehicle to attack Smiley's opponents.

All that will do is allow York to circumvent the state law that prevents individuals from donating more than $1,000 to each perspective candidate in an election.

Lurking in the shadows

This independent group, according to state law, won't be able to coordinate with the Smiley campaign, which is why York had to step down. But the group will surely be able to attack his opponents. And nobody will be able to discern who is actually funding the group because the donations can be kept secret. I'm not sure if there's anything more cowardly than attacking someone but being afraid to show your face while doing so.

I've heard nothing but complaints from the progressives over the last few years about the Citizens United decision by the US Supreme Court, which allows for these independent expenditure groups to make operate in the shadows and influence elections with their negativity. York herself has signed a petition asking that the decision be overturned in previous years.

All about the money

I couldn't agree more. I've written before that America needs real campaign finance reform like blood. But it's hard to take progressives like York seriously when one of their champions is apparently starting her own independent negative group.

The news broke on Saturday that mayoral candidates Michael Solomon and Jorge Elorza signed a pledge to limit outside money into the race. Smiley refused. What a surprise!

None of this is to say that the progressives don't promote some good ideas. Make no mistake about it: the views of the progressive democrats overlap with my own in several areas- particularly on gay marriage, the need for transparency in government, and civil liberties.

Idealistic? Or Power Hungry?

I can live with our disagreements on the economic issues. If those folks want to deny the laws of economics that's their own folly.

But it gets really frustrating see people contradict their own stated beliefs. It calls into question whether they're really idealistic, or just interested in power for its own sake. I'm starting to think it's the latter.

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A native Rhode Islander, Russell J. Moore is a graduate of Providence College and St. Raphael Academy. He worked as a news reporter for 7 years (2004-2010), 5 of which with The Warwick Beacon, focusing on government. He continues to keep a close eye on the inner workings of Rhode Islands state and local governments.

 

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