Impeach Obama Movement Draws Scorn, Support in Safety Harbor
Members of the LaRouche Political Action Committee set up outside the Main Street post office to draw support for their movement.
One day after the city of Safety Harbor welcomed its new mayor to office, a political protest hit town that had little to do with local government.
Chris Sare and Kevin Pearl, members of the LaRouch PAC, are in the middle of a tour of southern states aimed at drawing attention to what they consider President Obama's unconstitutional practices in hopes of getting the newly rel-elected leader impeached.
The pair set a table outside of the Safety Harbor Post Office on Main Street Tuesday afternoon, where they were greeted with a mixture of support and ridicule.
"I drove here as part of an organized campaign to impeach Obama," Sare, who lives in New Jersey, said. "We're part of the LaRouch PAC, which is a bipartisan fight to impeach the president."
According to Sare the organization has roughly 400 members, and they are currently blanketing the country, setting up about 50 tables a day in hopes of drawing support to their movement.
While some people stopped and signed the petitions or donated money to their cause, other residents were not nearly as welcoming.
"They can do it, it's their First Amendment rights, but I don't want them in my town," Bobby Saltzman, who got into a shouting match with Sare, said. "Not in my backyard."
Others were happy to show their support for the movement.
"Where do I sign up?" Safety Harbor resident Michael Hassett asked. "This is like a breath of sunshine out here today."
Hassett said he was a longtime Democrat who voted for Obama in the first election.
But his own research, the LaRouch organization and continued displeasure with Obama's policies began to change his political viewpoints, to the point where he is now a registered Republican.
"I spent 15 years looking into this stuff," he said, "and when you learn your party is doing the same things your opponents are, it's a slow awakening."
Hassett's support drew the ire of one passer-by, who got into an extended shouting match with the 38-year-old right in front of the post office.
"I'm a Nazi fascist clown?" he shouted back at the man. "Welcome to America. Because this is America, you have the right to call me that here."
The incident occurred shortly after a Pinellas County Sheriffs deputy showed up after receiving a complaint about a disturbance.
After checking Sare's identification and telling Saltzman to quiet down, Deputy Mata left the group alone.
"We received a complaint and I checked it out with code enforcement and everything they're doing is according to code," the deputy said. "As far as I'm concerned, they're okay."
Sale and Pearl, who lives in Baltimore, planned to remain at the location for the rest of the day and stay with fellow supporters in town overnight before heading to their next stop somewhere in Florida tomorrow.
When asked if they had encountered anything similar to what happened in Safety Harbor at any of the other dozen or so stops they've made, Pearl said not even close.
"This is definitely the liveliest it's been. We thought this was a sleepy town."
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Robert "Bobby" Saltzman
6:40 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013
They can do it, it's their First Amendment rights, but I don't want them in my town,"
Bobby Saltzman, who got into a shouting match with Sare, said. "Not in my backyard."
They are blaming Obama for the wars, something about 9/11 he knew about it., all made up stuff they push it out, so I'll push back. If they were saying Impeach Congress that did nothing for two years and has the lowest approval rating ever, then I would have given them some credit. But they weren’t there impeaching Bush when he destroyed our economy by building a house of cards that fell apart as he high tailed out of town. I see right through groups like this, veiled and wrapped in the Constitution they spread misinformation. Why they picked Safety Harbor is beyond me, but I bet they didn’t count on me either…
ps: Officer Mata asked me to “tune it down” .. not, “quiet down”…
Jeffrey Rosenfield
6:42 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Thank you for clarifying, Bobby.
Also, they said they chose Safety Harbor randomly, as they are travelling to varies cities and towns throughout the South. Although by them saying they are staying with supporters in town, that might be one reason they chose the Harbor.
Robert "Bobby" Saltzman
7:05 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Well i for one are gald they are "randomly" moving on...may they never darken our streets again....
rrrssswww
10:48 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Bush ruined our economy??? Unemployment was under 5% when he was in office. The National Debt was'nt double didget trillions either ooh we are so much better off now
Robert "Bobby" Saltzman
5:38 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
You keep believing that. It was a house of cards..the jobs were low pay and when you learn the difference between debt and deficit come on back we can debate. Two wars and who knows what else on the credit card.
Look at the pics there is one of the President with a Hitler moustache, They dissed the President I dissed them..they have moved on I wish them well..not really I hope they run into someone a bit more angry then I was...
David Conkle
8:19 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Actually, the national debt was double digit trillions when President G.W. Bush left office. And much of this debt was due to tax cuts for the wealthiest among us and the two unfunded wars. Economically speaking, no other President before in history has passed on to his replacement an economy in such dire straights. You're certainly entiteled to your own opinion, however, not your own version of the facts, dude.
Harborite
4:49 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
I also was shocked when I went downtown to the post office and saw these two men talking political nonsense with large "Impeach Obama" signs. I talked briefly to the men and they tried to tell me some crazy conspiracy theories about Pres. Obama, 9/11, Benghazi, etc. I told them that they needed some mental health help. I could not believe that these men drove from New Jersey to come to little Safety Harbor to spread their irrational anti-Obama conspiracy theories. It didn't appear to me that there were many Lyndon LaRouche supporters in Safety Harbor. Let's hope that these guys drive back to New Jersey as soon as possible with their obnoxious signs and crazy conspiracy theories.
Against O
4:47 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Obama is intentionally destroying the USA as the Democratic Republic it is. He wants a Socialist Democracy for America so that we could be more like Europe. Intelligent people know this by his mandates and regulations. WAKE UP AMERICA.
Charlie
6:58 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Google (LaRouche Movement) and read the Wiki Encyclopedia article how and when this nutty group started.
It began in the 1960s by radical leftist students.
In the 70s and 80s they ALL ran as Democrats.
It seems anymore, if anyone ever disagrees with Obama, on anything, they are labelled tyrants and troublemakers.
The LaRouche PAC today, dislikes Republicans and Democrats and are organized around the world.
This past Summer in my hometown of Michigan, population 12,000, they also were outside our small Post Office. It made the news in all of the neighboring larger cities on TV and print.
Today's leftwing radical press jumps immediately on any story, that is deemed harmful, to their great leader.
We have a very sad state of reporting today, in our so-called Free Press.
Desi
7:03 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
How did I miss this? Oh, I know. I was at work so I can pay for all the Obama entitlements. No free phone for this gal.
Also, may God Bless our soldiers who are serving under this President. Benghazi will not go away!
Robert "Bobby" Saltzman
7:53 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
I can pay for all the Obama entitlements
What specifcally are the entitlements you refer to? My SS or Medicare? Or the deadbeats that use the ER as a primary phisican that we all pay for. Be my guest and join these loony tunes.
Harborite
8:28 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Desi, You are actually working to pay for two wars that Pres. Bush started and didn't pay for while he simultaneously gave tax breaks for millionaires. You have to keep working to pay for all of the corporate welfare given by Republicans to business interests that give millions of dollars to their campaigns. You're working to pay for corporate entitlements like big tax breaks for billion dollar companies in Big Oil Businesses, Agribusinesses, and the Defense Industry. It's not because of "Obama entitlements" that you go to work every day. Its also interesting to see that you blame Pres. Obama for everything and you make comments like "Benghazi will not go away!". You need to expand your news sources beyond Fox News.
Desi
2:23 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
SS and Medicare are not entitlements. If you worked and paid into them then you deserve them when you retire. I am talking about welfare. It should have term limits along with the politicans. There are jobs out there but why work when it is so easy not to. I believe in helping the ones who help themselves. If they need some assistance then fine but for a limited period not generations! The fraud is getting way out of hand and this admistration is encouraging it.
I have worked since I was in high school and had 2 full time jobs starting out my career. If I can do it so can anyone else. No one is beneath flipping burgers! But this generation would rather take then work for anything. SS better not run out when I retire in 10 years because I worked for it!
Jeffrey Rosenfield
8:17 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
I appreciate everyone keeping the comments intelectual and respectful. Thank you.
H Jurection
8:40 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The two unfunded wars account for only 1.2 trillion dollars over 10 years, that is Obama's deficit in one year. True the debt exploded under Bush, but that was because more baby-boomers than any other president before him began drawing social security. That was a balloon in the making for 60 years. And even with that rapid increase in debt it pales in comparison to what Obama, Reid and Pelosi have pushed through in four years. The bailouts and green energy initiatives were a bust admit it. Obama constantly oversteps his bounds through executive orders, and lies to the public repeatedly. "It is absolutely not a tax" when referring to the affordable healthcare act. Well it it is a tax according to the Supreme Court and now he embraces as such. The point of this group is that our rights as citizens are being trampled on by this administration. Impeachment may not happen and there may not even be grounds for it yet. But if this group can educate people who have the right to vote, and expose a view other than the one presented by the many liberals regurgitating talking points, like the ones Mr. Saltzman cites, then I support them on any street corner including the ones in my hometown.
H Jurection
8:45 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Oh yeah, and the Bush era tax cuts were tax cuts for everyone, not just the wealthy. Now that the payroll tax cut that he implemented has expired ask the "not wealthy" people what they think of his tax initiatives. It is a spending problem, not a revenue problem. And I will give you that no president, no congress, no senate has done right by the American people in decades on that one...
Robert "Bobby" Saltzman
9:31 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Grrrrrrrrr.............not a good day to encourage me to shoot my mouth off.. my silence will speak volumes....don't call the Fire Dept the smoke you see rising over the houses is really steam coming out of ears...
H Jurection
10:15 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Bobby, I do not blame you for being mad, you should be. Every citizen should be mad. But speechless? I don't know... We are 16 trillion in debt with annual $1.2 + trillion deficits and the best the federal government can do is find 200 billion in new taxes? That still leaves a trillion dollars unfunded every year. And ironically most of these new taxes will be paid for by the "middle class" through the payroll tax increases, excise taxes on medical supply companies, and reduced FSA exemptions. These are the same people Obama swore to prop up in order to gain their votes. Not to mention that the Obamacare mandate will likely result in a Florida state budget increase of $20 billion. That money has to come from somewhere since states can't just print money like the federal government, so look forward to higher taxes and fees on everything in your backyard, and maybe even a state income tax. Regardless the problem is not just him, but he certainly does not help matters by avoiding the common sense fact that this country can not spend what it does. Talk about a house of cards.
Christine Petellat
11:42 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Look at all of this LOVE for the United States of America!!! I'm not being facetious either. Each of you love our country enough to get into heated discussions (in person or online) to also do more follow up and research on what op-posers say or do. Very proud of my Harborite neighbors !!!! Now as far as this Larouch Pac, I was downtown yesterday for a late breakfast with my Grandson and also spotted these fools. I tried to avoid it but of course 3yr olds love Sheriff cars. Anyway my problem is this... Why did they have a photo of Our President that had been altered to resemble Hitler? That I DO have a serious problem with. I would have the same issue if it was any former or current President, including G.W. Bush. If that was done in Iraq, Iran, N Korea, etc. many of you would say-bomb them!! How come defacing or completely degrading the President of the United States is ok? Freedom of speech is one thing but if they were burning a Flag would that had been different?? Or were they really any different than Westboro? I support freedom of speech but I wish that didn't mean I had to explain ignorance, disrespect, or lack of morals to a 3yr old. Oh and by the way I am really over this "Sleepy Town" statement. I also heard it the other day speaking of Clearwater Beach. If the Tampa Bay area or parts of Florida are such Sleepy Towns; why do we matter so much during elections?? HHMMMM?? Going back to sleep now, wake me when the next fool speaks their mind...
Desi
2:52 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Harborite, Who else would I blame for Bengazi? Bush? I actually have 2 brothers-in-law serving in DC.Maybe you should watch FOX a little more. At least you would see some reporting:) And Obama did not take donations from big guys? Pleeeeeeeease - LOL. I guess we will have to agree to disagree on this subject plus.
My favorite quote of 2012 from Thomas Sowell. "I have never understood why is it greed to want keep the money you've earned, but not greed to want to take somebody else's money."
Green with envy is not a pretty color. Most of the millionaires started their corporations with nothing but hard work. They produce products and jobs. And now it seems most people are against them because they are not them. My parents always told me to treat people like you want to be treated and remember: there will always be someone with more than you and someone with less. Work hard and be proud. Do not envy:)
Michael
2:59 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Jeffrey, Minus the more descriptive adjectives for Bobby, he is still a socialist.
Jeffrey Rosenfield
3:06 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
As mentioned before, I appreciate everybody's passion and input on this important subject. Like Christine said, it's great to see so much love and passion for our country and our political system. But I must remind everyone to please keep the comments clean and respectful. Thank you!
Michael
3:14 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Jeffrey, My comment was meant to cleanse Bobby of his hateful talk about people he doesn't agree with and you certainly blunted my point. As displayed on the sidewalk his passion or tyraid goes well beyond reasonable.
Robert "Bobby" Saltzman
3:35 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Hellelujah.... I have ben clensed..washed in the blood of a lamb...I feel so..so...freeeeee!!!!!
Those monkey stick desreved no respect from me...they were touting how they were going to "give it" to both parties yet all it was about Obama did this, Obama did that..a Picture of the President made up like Hitler??? Give me a break. you want to be associated with them be my guest..remember the adgae.."you lie with dogs you get up with fleas"..
Michael
3:36 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
As much as I disagree with the extreme LaRouche group on this issue they have it right. The occupier was elected on lies and deception and as we see by the radical extreme socialists like Bobby, David and Harborite he keeps fooling some of the people all of the time.
David Conkle
5:11 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Michael, I find your comments in regards to Bobby, Harborite and myself to be, not only offensive, but also, most defamatory. At least Bobby and I are brave enough to use our real names and publicly stand behind our positions or opinions, while you stand behind a curtain of anonynomy and cowardice to express yours.
David Conkle
3:55 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
In response to Desi, welfare as you call it does have term limits. Under the Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) proposed by Newt Gringrich and signed into law by President Clinton a person can now only be on "welfare" for a period of two-years and once during their lifetime. Sure there are those that abuse the system. To lump all that are going through hard times in with the very small percentage of abusers of the system is unfair. Are you saying that you are not your brother's keeper and that you don't believe in loving your neighbors as thyself then?
Michael
11:18 am on Friday, January 11, 2013
Seek Help.
Desi
4:12 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
David, You are correct Clinton did sign the two year period but Obama just waived it this year.
David Conkle
5:16 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Desi, there you go again. The administration, at the request of several Republican Governors waived the requirement to work provision for these states so the states could utilize their own requirements in regards to getting welfare recipients job training etc. to facilitate getting these people jobs. Before you believe the lies, Desi, perhaps you should invest sometime in fact checking.
Desi
4:15 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Also, I did not lump everyone going thru hard times. I have no problem assisting people in need. I have a problem that the majority make it a career for generations.
rrrssswww
8:14 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
STEAM OUT OF EARS The National Debt rose 4.899 Trillion dollars in 8 years under George W. Bush Under The Liberals Messiah Obama The National Debt rose 4.939 Trillion dollars in his first 3 years So do liberals use different math? maybe 1+1 =0 in Liberal Land
Robert "Bobby" Saltzman
9:31 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
so your're saying because the national debt is the highest it has ever been it's ok to portray the President as Hitler?And you should realize that the Congess spends the $$ not the President. He bent over backwards and got spit on by congress for four years...over 300 filabusters!!! Give me a break!!! According to you and your friends from yesterday, it all his fault oh boo hoo let's impeach him...bunch of sour grape losers...now my Brooklyn can come out "fegedabudit"
ps Conservitive math don't compute to me....
Christine Petellat
3:11 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
I didn't call everyone on here "fools" David. I commended and praised ALL comments in this blog. I was calling the people holding the Hitler photo, yelling, and standing in front of the U.S. Post office "fools " I was sure to re-read my comment and do not see how you thought that I did, but I apologize for you thinking that. Of course if it was a simple mis-understanding then more apologies should follow.
Ronald Reagan
3:42 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Desi, don't bother arguing with these liberal idiots. No matter how much you show them the facts they never admit wrong. Liberals will worship Obama until he drives the final nail in this countries coffin....
Michael
11:23 am on Friday, January 11, 2013
Yeah, They think socialism is the same as patriotism. Can't admit anything but their weak mind agenda.
Desi
8:15 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Ronald, I am not arguing just discussing and enjoying what the lefties come back with:) By the way - calling them liberals is a compliment. They are lefties. Liberals are open minded. I am married to one! Was a demo for 41 years but did not vote Obama in either election. He is a recently retired journalist who is totalling disgusted with the profession. There is no accountability anymore reporting facts or just plain reporting. That is why most lefties have no clue what is going on - They only hear what is given to them or shall I say not given to them. It is getting scary out there and sometimes I want to shut the door on everything but that will not make it go away. I will not give up on my country and I thank the good Lord everyday there are still people who want to fight for our freedom and rights.
Melissa J. Dallago
8:35 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
I can see both sides of the liberal and conservative argument here, and I agree with Jeff's prior statements that it is nice to see such a lively debate and dialogue in the Harbor!
David Conkle
8:46 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Desi, is it alright then that we label you as a righty as opposed to a conservative who is close minded and only listens to Faux News's Republican propaganda machine for their talking points and marching orders? To use a bit of psychology, what you appear to be doing here is "projecting" your fears and insecurities onto others in an attempt to make yourself feel better about your own life. Thank you for recognizing people like myself that love our country and continue daily in the fight for our freedoms and rights though.
Desi
7:23 am on Friday, January 11, 2013
David or should I call you Dr David of Psychology? You may label me anyway you that pleases you.. You do not know me but seem to want to analize me thru comments. Hint: I am a fiscal conservative: not so much on social issues. I believe your body is your own and no one should tell you what to do with it - also, you should be able to marry or be happy with anyone that pleases you.
It is about fiscal responsibility. Without it a person will loose their business, a person will loose their home, and We The People will loose our country. You should only spend what you have and/or what you can pay back. Not a cent more.
David Conkle
9:17 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
When one looks up the terms conservative and liberal in the Rodget's 21st Century Thesaurus they are likely to find some interesting synonyms.
For example, synonyms for conservative include: bitter-ender, bourgeois, controlled, die-hard, fearful, fogyish, fuddy-duddy, guarded, in a rut, inflexible, obstinate, obstructionist, old guard, reactionary, redneck, right-wing, sober, stick in the mud, timid, unchanging, uncreative, un-daring, unimaginative and white bread.
On the other hand, synonyms for liberal include: advanced, avant-garde, broad-minded, enlightened, flexible, free, high-minded, humanitarian, indulgent, intelligent, interested, latitudinarian, libertarian, magnanimous, rational, reasonable, receptive, tolerant, unbiased, unbigoted, understanding, unprejudiced.
At the end of the day, perhaps one needs to ask the question, how do I wish to be defined?
Joe Willi
11:48 am on Friday, January 11, 2013
Joe Willi
Not from your town...but it sounds like a caring involved community! (very nice!)
I looked up the term Conservative (as used in the social/political arena) in an antique 1849 Webster's American Dictionary I have (written much closer to the period and mindset that this great nation was founded upon) we find this definition:
Conservative: "One who aims to preserve from ruin, innovation, injury, or radical change; one who wishes to maintain an institution, or form of government, in its present state."
Liberal is defined as: "One who advocates greater freedom from restraint, especially in political institutions."
Today I could use either of these terms (as defined above) to describe myself and I assume all of you could too.
We all love our country...although we may differ as to the "causes" of the problems. Most of us agree that the debt cannot continue, we don't want more government control, we want less taxes, less waste, we want low unemployment, we want people to live happy productive lives.
We should perhaps point the finger of blame less and instead demand that Washington (all branches) gets their act together (regardless of party) and start using the common sense we use in our own lives(less spending, balanced budget amendment, etc) to fix the countries problems.
Perhaps if the politicians won't reach across the isle...WE should. Then THEY would have to as well.
After all...WE THE PEOPLE...are ALL of US.
Christine Petellat
9:24 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Thank you David, for a few things.... I didn't know that there has been an issue with "censorship" I am very glad that you brought that to my attention. I do not agree or support that in anyway. I may not agree with every word that anyone may post here but I do learn or gain insight to different issues. I have gone through previous posts and I do see a pattern. Shame on you editor. Again thank you Dave, my eyes are more open now.
Laura Kepner
9:59 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Hey, neighbors, did it bother anyone else that the sign addressed its Safety Harbor readers as STUPID? I'd not even stop to check out what the man was trying to convey if I'd walked by and saw that sign. Also, I think it is horribly disrespectful to the memory of all those who died under and who fought against the Hitler regime, for anyone to use his image in comparison to ANY American president, no matter what their (or your) politics are. Passion over left/right politics are fine. In fact, it can be healthy, but please, read a bit more about WWII if you ever think it's okay to refer to someone as a Nazi. Had I walked by this protest/petition I might have stopped to ask a few questions (out of curiosity) had the men running the show not seemed completely looney to me.
Also, if you believe your words are being censored, read the editorial guidelines for the publication or forum you are using. There is a huge difference between censorship and "editing." Publications must comply with libel laws. Try stating your idea without name calling or profanity and I bet it will be allowed. Patch is owned by AOL. They have guidelines. What Jeff does seems very fair and respectful and I applaud his reporting.
Harborite
11:22 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Laura, I also couldn't believe my eyes when I saw these two men in front of the post office with their giant signs including one in which they put a Hitler mustache on Pres. Obama. I talked briefly to them, but it was like talking to brainwashed members of a cult. I told them that they needed help for their mental health issues and they said that it was Pres. Obama who had the mental health issues. I also told them that I considered their photo making fun of Pres. Obama with a Hitler mustache to be racist. They just laughed and said "Yea, right". So I just walked away. These guys have been doing this all over the country in order to get publicity for their cause. There was no chance to rationalize with them. I'm sure that they are in another city today spreading their message of hate and their crazy political conspiracy theories. The First Amendment does protect even crazy people like these two from New Jersey. Let's just hope that they continue to exercise their First Amendment rights somewhere else.
Melissa J. Dallago
10:35 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Thank you Laura, finally a voice of reason! Our editor is doing a wonderful, honest job trying to moderate between infantile name calling and personal attacks on the people posting on this website and those people who are simply trying to share their opinions. As I have said before, I chose to take the high road most of the time because the low road is so crowded, but now is the time that this childishness must stop! We should all watch what we say when we post here. (Refer to my blog on Tolerance) and for those of you who feel "censored" should maybe consider going elsewhere!
Christine Petellat
11:42 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Yes Laura Thank You. I was just as upset about the Hitler reference. I still feel that what was wrong with demonstration still has not been addressed here(other than a few) It becomes a Political argument of personal beliefs, and hateful degradation of others personal belief and opinions. Like I said in my first post "Look at all of this LOVE for the United States of America!!! I'm not being facetious either. Each of you love our country enough to get into heated discussions (in person or online) to also do more follow up and research on what op-posers say or do. Very proud of my Harborite neighbors" Now it would be nice if we ALL could stop the mean, degrading, and foul comments so that Jeff does not need to "censor" ANY comments. I always try to read, or if bothered by, re-read posts with a "smile" it truly makes a difference.
Wendy Gilmore
12:10 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Wow! Bobby, I take back my comments about you a few weeks ago (which were all in fun by the way). You are now my hero!
I saw the sign in town yesterday too. I was instantly put off by the sign calling everyone reading it, Stupid. My life is hard enough without dealing with some person or persons who think that anyone who does not agree with them is stupid. I just crossed the road and went on to Starbucks. No time for hate.
Jason Bartolone
12:55 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Thanks, everyone, for the thoughtful discussion around this topic. We reserve the right to moderate comments according to our Terms of Service (http://safetyharbor.patch.com/terms), but we appreciate and welcome the community conversation!
Tom
1:09 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Hello fellow citizens of Safety Harbor! Normally I don't bother posting anything on the internet because, as Laura stated above, "the low road is so crowded" by people posting trash anonymously (yeah you "Ronald Reagan", btw, what are you doing looking at bestiality cartoons and posting at 3:46 am, can't let your neighbors know huh?). However, that's me in the photos and I'm proud to say I let those clowns know what I think about them spewing their hate speech on Main Street in my town. Just because they've taken off their pointy hoods and bedsheets doesn't mean they get a free pass. I have first amendment rights as well and feel it is my duty as a citizen to call out these wingnuts and confront them when they defile the streets of my home town with their hatred and bile. To those of you who signed their petition, didn't your mama ever teach you to understand something before you sign it? And if you did understand it, then why don't you climb under the bed with Glenn Beck and wait for the black helicopters while the adults try to figure out how to unwind this mess W got us into. Thanks to Mr. Saltzmann for also standing up and having the brass to sign his name to his comments. Btw, when I asked the little guy if he was a resident of our town, he said no, so he lied either to me or to the Patch reporter. The reporter didn't bother to take my views or, for that matter, to get a release for my photograph. Shoddy journalism I think, but hey, its just the internet.
Jeffrey Rosenfield
1:25 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Tom, I assume you are the gentleman who was having the discussion with Mr. Hassett? If so I am sorry I didn't get your point of view on this issue. I was one person trying to cover a multi-angle story, attempting to interview the LaRouche people, Mr. Saltzman, the Pinellas County Sheriff deputy, Mr. Hassett...It was during this time that the shouting match between you and Mr. Hassett began. needless to say I wasn't going to jump in the middle of it and start asking questions. When it was over, you left the scene to find the police officer, and to my knowledge you did not return. I appreciate you commenting here and expressing your side of the story. Next time a situation like that arises, I will be sure to try to interview everyone involved. Thank you.
Tom
1:44 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Yes, that was me and I understand your point, however, I was just around the corner filing a police report with the sheriff's deputy after Mr. Haslett threatened to "erase me from the sidewalk" and was easily found. Neverless, I understand the situation was a bit chaotic. Btw, it is because of this threat that my wife has prohibited me from posting my full name. I wouldn't put it past Mr. Haslett or his ilk to "exercise his second amendment rights" as retribution for making a fool of him in public.
Cristine Reidy Kreplick
1:53 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
It's awesome to see all of this passion. I think that Patch is doing a great job of bringing to light issues that might be missed by the general public. I served my 4 years to make sure we all have the freedom of speech that I treasure. I just want to point out that if we do not like the policies on this site, there are many other avenues to discuss your issues. You could invite others to your own Facebook page for instance and go crazy! But there are guidelines there too. You could create your own website or blog and voice away! I don't believe it is censorship here, I think they have the right to do as they decide on their site. They have that freedom.
Harborite
2:17 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
The scariest thing about this story is that these two crazy guys have supporters here in Safety Harbor who not only invited them here, but gave them a place to stay overnight. It's hard to believe that someone who lives in our little city would invite these lunatics to Safety Harbor to spread their lunacy and hate for our President in such a repulsive manner. Since I'm sure that this local person is probably reading the Patch about all of the controversy that he or she started by inviting the LaRouche supporters here, I invite them to post a response as to why they support LaRouche PAC. I would also like them to explain to us why they brought such hate and political insanity to our little city this week.
Robert "Bobby" Saltzman
2:43 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
The headline reads: "Impeach Obama Movement Draws Scorn, Support in Safety Harbor"
I do believe it has drawn more scorn than support. I said my piece and won't back down or retract any of my comments, no matter what names they call me. I was ticked that they were hiding their hate under the first amendment, and the American flag. Here they were spewing hate and lies and my son is in in Afghanistan so they can do it. Ok they can do it. but that don't mean I have to like it. Anyone else want to call me and enema mouth, libby, lefty, socialist be my guest.
Harborite
3:13 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Bobby, Those people who use personal attacks on you or try to give you a label like "liberal" or "socialist", and then feel justified in dismissing what you have to say, are unpatriotic right wing extremists raised on Rush Limbaugh and right wing radio. I've been called many of these things too by uneducated extremists who don't even know what a liberal or a socialist is. Keep talking and posting your opinions on the Patch. We always enjoy reading what you have to say about all of the happenings here in the Harbor.
Tom
3:13 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Bob, I do believe the children are under the bed with Glenn Beck cuz a Coast Guard helicopter just flew over my house. I would just want to thank you for your family's service and sacrifice and understand a little better your passion and courage. It may seem corny to some but I believe the sentiment isn't expressed often enough. I would also like to thank the unknown young man who stepped up to my shoulder when Mr. Hassett was claiming he was "defending the constitution for me" and said "be careful with that defending the constituion talk, pal, I served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I don't take that talk lightly". Bob, your son's voice was heard on the streets of Safety Harbor yesterday. Mr. Hassett looked stunned, the young man walked off and I made a police report regarding Mr. Hassett's earlier remarks. God Bless America. Again, my Warmest Regards for You and Yours.
a corporate wife
5:01 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
It pains me to hear you were threatened, Tom. I'm glad your wife encouraged you not to use your last name. I would have encouraged the same.
Tom
3:27 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
A Note on the Christianity Defense: In one of the pics you'll notice Mr. Hasslett pulling down the collar of his shirt in order to display the inked tattoo on his chest and proclaiming "but, I'm a Christian!" No you're not; the Ku Klux Klan, the Aryan Nation and the American Nazi Party all claim to be Christian organizations and they ain't either. Christians don't preach hate. Case closed.
a corporate wife
4:57 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
For what it's worth: I think any political group who operates from a premise of danger or fear and who tries to appeal to a population's baser instincts of anger and revenge is a political group not worth a great amount of anybody's time, especially mine. But I'll defend that group's right to exist and make noise in whatever legal manner they want, even if they end up looking foolish. That's America. I have one question for Jeff: According to your article, "the organization has roughly 400 members, and they are currently blanketing the country, setting up about 50 tables a day in hopes of drawing support to their movement." Is it the group's contention that their 400 members make a "blanket"? Forgive me, but that number brings to mind something more akin to a paper doily. :)
David Conkle
5:12 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
I would like to take the opportunity to publically apologize to Jeff Rosenfield for accusing him of censoring an earlier posting and other comments of animosity that I directed towards him. My bad! Seems there was a "ghost in the machine" and the posting did not come to him for approval. I believe in Jeff's honesty, and completely understand his viewpoint that we need to have discussion on the Patch in a civil manner with out using offensive, defamatory, obscene or profane language. If I have offended any other posters through my comments, I also sincerely apologize. Let's all attempt to raise the level of social discourse in the forums that Patch provides and be part of the solution as opposed to part of the problem. Thank you for listening.
Jeffrey Rosenfield
6:32 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Thank you David. I appreciate your apology. And I checked for that comment and it is nowhere in our system, so it truly must have fallen victim to the computer gremlins!
Michael
1:08 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
Joe, Well written, but about 1818 a guy by the name of Marx was born. He was not happy with the way things were, so he changed them forever. Took liberalism, bastardized into socialism and communism. That way of thinking has been creeping into our society ever since. As displayed by the obnoxious rant of who you replied to. Socialists act like if you do nothing you can eventually get your own way. Kinda of like a 3 yr old who refuses to eat something they don't like. Compromise to a socialist is a four letter word. Socialists won't admit what they are. They hide behind more embraceable names like liberal. Kinda like the occupier, who I would love to see impeached for failing to keep his oath of office.
David Conkle
7:59 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
Yet, you hide behind your first name. It is Michael, right? Your anonymity is easyly hidden behind. Are you ashamed to use your real identity? Are you afraid what people will say after reading your thoughts and words? Come out, come out of the darkness, Michael. It's really quite nice out here in the simmering and bright light!
Harborite
2:32 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
Michael, Capitalism is a great economic system that I fully support. However, an unregulated free market capitalistic system over time tends to produce extremes of wealth concentrated in a small percentage of the population with a large percentage of the population remaining in poverty. The economic inequality of the 19th century, created by the Industrial Revolution, is what inspired Karl Marx to create his socialistic ideas. Extremes of wealth and poverty create an unstable and dangerous society. Social programs that eliminate the extremes of wealth and poverty create a more just and stable society. "Socialistic" government programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid have prevented our elderly from dying homeless in our streets and have given them health care at the end of their lives. Do you intend to collect Social Security or Medicare? If you do, then you believe in socialism. Have you ever collected unemployment compensation, disability, attended a state college, applied for student aid, used the G.I Bill, or used any program that the taxpayers have subsidized? Do you believe that FEMA should help Floridians if a hurricane hits us? If you do, then you believe in socialism. I am tired of people calling someone a "socialist" in order to feel justified in dismissing what they have to say. Virtually everyone in society has benefited from our "socialistic" programs that have made our society a more fair and just place to live.
Michael
2:52 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
Sounds like you made my point. You don't know how to separate your fair thinking from the reality of the word broke.
Harborite
4:25 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
Michael, Are you actually declaring that I made your point and somehow you won the argument? Wow. First, you called me a "socialist". Then I made a long argument on how we have an American system of free market capitalism with "socialistic" government programs that we all benefit from like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. You then fail to answer any of my points directly and proceed to declare victory in the argument. Did you think you won because I'm a "Socialist" and therefore you don't have to listen to my argument?
Tom
5:17 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
I think I detect the stench of McCarthyism again, just as I did on Wednesday. Have you crawled back out from under your rock Mr. Hassett? Harborite, your post was well reasoned and makes a number of good points. You are, however, arguing with an ignoramus. Some may wonder why I have not engaged in a debate wiith these clowns, as you have tried, but I find it a waste of time and prefer to ridicule their ignorant naivete as I believe it to be more effective in a public forum such as this. I hold degrees in Political Science and History from the University of Michigan and enjoy political discourse with rational, intelligent people, particularly when they disagree with my views. However, when they don't know the difference between the debt and the deficit; between Friedrich Engalls and Karl Marx; between a communist, a socialist and a liberal; and misspell simple 4 letter words (its "lose" not "loose" Desi) they simply don't have the intellectual capacity to make an intelligent point. So lets just call them out for being the silly clowns that they are and tell them to climb back under the bed with Glenn Beck and Lyndon Larouche and save our breath for the adults in the room. The helicopters are coming, the helicopters are coming!!!!!
David Conkle
8:07 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
Here, here! Well said, Tom and well written as well. Well, that was most enjoyable to read. Thanks for clearing the air good sir! It was getting rather stuffy and stale in this forum anyway. Hip hip hooray, Tom for Mayor! Yeeaahh!
David Conkle
8:27 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
The helicopters are coming, are you sure? How many are there? Are they gunships? Quick! Get under the bed. Did you deficate on yourself again MR. BECK? Just a little bit, I swear!
Tom
12:43 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013
A CAUTIONARY TALE: Where I grew up, Opening Day of deer hunting season is a bigger deal than Christmas and nearly every boy who is big enough to tote a gun learns how to handle one. So when a group of guys started going out on weekends and playing Army in the woods up in the Thumb, nobody paid much attention and they were shrugged off with a half-smile by pretty much everybody, even when they made the local news with their half-baked political views and comical "field exercises". I was working a sales territory in the region at the time calling on auto dealerships and met a number of everyday guys proudly procaiming their patriotism through their membership in this group, the "Michigan Militia". Then there was an explosion in Oklahoma City and suddenly none of these guys wanted to talk about the Michigan Militia anymore. The next week, while driving my regular sales route through the bean and beet fields to the next town, I had to navigate through a HUGE crime scene investigation. It was the farm where Timothy McVeigh (and others) had built the bomb, and I had been driving past it for a year. I never met McVeigh, but I met many who had, and I learned that you should never just shrug off with a half smile the kooks that live among us.
-Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty
-All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing
Harborite
2:21 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013
Congratulations to you Tom, and to Bobby Saltzman for standing up to these delusional conspiracy-loving extremists. They were filled with hate and were degrading our President on Main Street with their picture of Pres. Obama with a Hitler mustache. I agree with you that extremists are dangerous people and it is dangerous to just ignore them. Timothy McVeigh is a great example of someone who was filled with extreme hate for the federal government. As you said, people didn't take him seriously until he blew up the Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The hate that the LaRouche followers have toward our president and our federal government is also very scary and it could result someday in another Timothy McVeigh type bombing. All Americans need to be constantly vigilant against political extremism wherever it exists. We must stand up to extremists like the Lyndon LaRouche supporters who came to spread their message of hate in Safety Harbor.
Tom
11:15 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013
A quick background on Mr. Hassett for those of you who apparently find him cute and funny on Facebook:
Criminal record-check
Skinhead-check
Heavily tattooed-check
Pit bull owner-check
Threatens violence on public streets-check
Threatens violence on social media-check
Financially supports extremist groups-check
Taxpayer-Nope
Still think he's funny? Do you have children around this clown?
David Conkle
12:14 pm on Sunday, January 13, 2013
Sounds like the good citizens of Safety Harbor should have tar and feathered Mr. Hasslett and ran him out of town on a rail. Still bothers me that we apparently have individuals in our town that support the lies, hate and irrational conspiracy theories that this group espouses. Madness, I say, downright madness!
Dee Dokumaci
2:45 am on Sunday, January 13, 2013
I have been out of the political arena for a while just to keep my sanity but after completely reading this heated discussion I feel a need to say something while I am not a huge fan of President Obama for my own reasons which are not important but I feel it is disrespectful to make him look like Hitler which is an outrageous lie to portray him as such a horrible figure in history & I applaud Bobby my pal for standing up to these individuals who are hiding behind their freedom of speech causing trouble in a relatively close knit community as our Safety Harbor especially in front of our post office as Safety Harbor residents & business owners we all need to ignore the view of what these people represent but also to keep a safe watch so we can take precautions to keep our Safety Harbor community safe from any kind of evil, wishing all of you a blessed Sunday:)
To my pal Bobby, I look forward to your visit :)
Desi
7:16 am on Sunday, January 13, 2013
Dee, I agree with you regarding the Hitler reference.
rrrssswww
2:49 pm on Monday, January 14, 2013
I LOVE IT!!! Those darn Liberals its always the same when there protesting calling Bush stupid a murderer saying he took down the towers its there first ammendment right. When concervatives protest there a crazy mob who shouldnt be in anyones town displaying there beliefs or views What a Joke
rrrssswww
3:12 pm on Monday, January 14, 2013
These Hitler signs are not new Bush Hitler signs were at anti war protests and bush protests all 8yrs he was in office The only thing new is the media has chosen to pay attention now
rrrssswww
3:15 pm on Monday, January 14, 2013
When Socialized Health Care is here no one will be able to afford to make signs so problem solved