Rep. Joe Knollenberg's CoS Goes Nuts On Constituent Activist
By Nicole Belle Sunday Oct 14, 2007 2:02pmYou know, this legislatin' thing would be fun if it wasn't for those pesky constituents...
Bruce Fealk, a blogger and political activist in Michigan, has apparently been a thorn in the side of Joe Knollenberg (R-Of Course), who is currently running for re-election. At a recent stop to do a little meet and greet with the common people, Fealk asked Knollenberg about his votes for keeping troops in Iraq and against SCHIP. Knollenberg's tactic is to simply ignore Fealk.
But Knollenberg's Chief of Staff Trent Wisecup is not quite so diplomatic...in fact, he lets loose with a barrage of insults that show just how nasty and dismissive he views anyone not toeing the Republican line...either that, or he's just overdosed on Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. You just know this is exactly what most of these politicos are thinking, only Trent's not smart enough to clam up in front of a camera.
Sadly, Knollenberg appears to be happily indifferent to his constituency, and when questioned, resorted to the same kind of ad hominem attacks like his CoS.
The scarecrows adorning Main Street in this affluent Detroit suburb are symbolic of the frightening times ahead for Rep. Joe Knollenberg and other Republicans as they prepare to block a broad expansion of children's health insurance this week.[..]
Few Republicans have more to fear than Knollenberg, a former insurance agent whose nearly 15-year grip on Michigan's 9th Congressional District has never been as weak. His customary double-digit victories shrunk to 5 percentage points in 2006. Now, he's saddled with an increasingly unpopular war and president. Being perceived as voting against kids doesn't help.[..]
When Knollenberg ventured inside Lytle Pharmacy on Saturday to shake hands, Fealk was waiting. "When are you going to end the war, Joe?" said Fealk, wearing a white T-shirt that read, "ENOUGH."[..]
Knollenberg will have none of that. Although the bill coming back to the House on Thursday won support from 45 Republicans last month, he calls it "the Pelosi health care bill" after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. It's "a pile of loose parts that depends on 22 million new smokers in America to pay for taxpayer-funded health benefits for illegal immigrants," he says.
But wait! It gets better! Trent Wisecup then emails the Politico to tell them what is "pro-" and "anti-" American. Guess where on the spectrum Wisecup places MoveOn? We have provided a "Contact Congress" widget on the right margin...you may want to consider sending a (polite, please) email to Rep. Knollenberg about the fascist working for him. (h/t Brandon)
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First?
Mr. Wisenheimer there is blinded by his own stupidity, it appears.
Here's a primer that every schoolkid should see. It's as relevant as ever, despite being made 60 years ago.
What a nut. Where does one even come up with the insane comment, "You hate America, you want Toyota to win!"?
I just don't understand, Republican or Democrat, who exactly is stupid enough to buy spin crap like the Pelosi health care bill. This is why so few people turn out to vote. Both sides behaving worse than the morons on the Jerry Springer show. Obviously, they all think it's workin' for 'em. It's like a worst-case-scenario elementary school playground.
www.theskinofmyteeth.com
David B.
ROFL!!! The first thing he says is "you're anti-American".
BWAHAHAHAH!
that was hysterical. Toyota?
So, according to Trent, Drugbaugh is not an American because he's a political activist.
And the rethuglican talking points never rest! Every thing he said
while up in Fealk's face is being directly fed into his brain through
a FuxNooz remote control. A what pathetic chump.
Hear me ROAR! RAWRRRRRRRRRRR
I was waiting for the white stuff to start coming out of his mouth :)
Seriously, how much had this guy had to drink before he went on this batshit crazy rant? If he wasn't drunk, then he's just batshit crazy.
Good.
The country will be seeing alot of these videos.
Get right in their faces and expose them.
Confront Sean Hannity and all the other propagandists and hypocrites too. Get them all on tape... Including local fake christian front groups who still support bush and cheney.
I am sorry but the "activist" was really obnoxious and I completely understand why the chief of staff lost his cool. Hanging out outside the guys house? Come on ! get an appointment or write a letter but this guy with the camera is no better than a celebrity stalker or papprazi ....
I do however think the response from the chief of staff was repugnant no matter how annoyed he was by the questions .....Dont impune anyones love of country ever ...we all love this country ...only some of us are blind in that love ....
This man and his views of what America is and should be scares me more than any terrorist!
Imagine that, smokers actually having to pay higher taxes to make sure poor children have health insurance!
Those political anti-American hacks are at it again!!
Check out his Romney connection.
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2006/03/major_shakeup_in_romneys_w...
"I'm speaking for Joe..."
Which means he's another Republican who is completely mesmerized by the "Democrats are anti-American terrorist sympathizers" rhetoric.
Which means he's not fit for office.
Trent Wisecup= Brownshirt, exhibit A.
This is the guy's chief of staff? His manner is that of a ten year old.
Taranto said Republicans never question Democrats' patriotism.
Excellent! He showed these guys as the jerks they really are. What slime-balls. Would be great if some of this made the nightly news (except Faux news who would spin it totally in the opposite direction).
To clear up, Dr. Matt: I think you're confusing a few of Mr. Wisecup's terms.
Drugbaugh is an American because he wants America to win. But because he's a "political activist" then he's NOT a citizen.
Important distinction.
I agree with Scott WB. The activist guy has obviously been antagonizing this campaign for some weeks, and going beyond the bounds of common sense. The guys wife is not fair game, nor are his neighbors.
Sure, "Trent" went ape, but I don't think it's the unqualified score that this website think it is. If we pursure our politcal goals like we're a bunch of 7th graders, who will take us serious.
I think most non-political people would watch this and think the activist was a nut, and the campaign guy just simply got frustrated. Is this the best we can do on the left; employing the tactics of Bill O'reilly will makes us just as credible as he is.
pissed off patricia @ 16:
I would say less than ten. Five is more like it. Sigh...
navyswan @ 3:
The Big 3 are doing just fine kicking their own ass through their myopia and addiction to short term profits. Why do they need Toyota and others to do that for them?
I emailed Joe asking why all the Americans that disagree with him are terrorist living traitors. I placed the text on my blog. and David B. I linked that video.
If we use congressional approval ratings, then more than 245 million Americans are terrorist loving traitors.
If Trent wants war on Iran so much, will he enlist?
Why are most Americans terrorist loving traitors?
IanToronto @ 21:
Sometimes you have to wonder if people like the CoS guy are mentally disabled.
I was offering her ice cream!
I was offering her ice cream!
I was offering her ice cream!
I was offering her ice cream!
I was offering her ice cream!
Is this who you want as your spokesman? He was obnoxious, and provoked a semi-obnoxious response. The congressman did answer his questions. They weren't good answers, nor were the ones vidcam guy wanted, but this kind of asinine, third-rate street theater shouldn't be posted on a major blog. I may agree with vidcam guy, but I sure don't want him as a spokesman for the cause.
Phil @ 20:
Pardon me , but bullshit.
"Playing nice" is why Democrats have been shit on for more than 20 years...the American public knows these guys are whack-jobs, but because the MSM is complicit in obscuring their disconnect, the public tends to forget by the time the vote comes around. We need to keep hammering these guys, exposing their hypocrisy and anti-Americanism every chance we get, even if it means "getting all up in their faces"; confront them in the grocery store, at the Post Office, in the park, wherever they go. They have chosen to be "public" figures...if their lap-dogs like Malkin and O'Reilly can do it, then we should, too, if only to show them the other side of the coin.
I'm glad he has the guts to ask hardball questions. The blinded person who didn't answer any questions was quick to label Fealk as unamerican. I'm guessing knollenberg won't see another day in office.
Typical Yankee reich-winger. His strategy is just to loudly denounce critics as "anti-American." What an asshole.
J Grant @ 25:
Is he a spokesman? Trent Wisecup qualifies as a spokesman for Joe Knollenberg. He's bona fide and on the payroll.
Bruce Fealk does represent you?
What a sorry S.O.B!!! This what the Bush loving Republicans want America to be. SHUT YOUR MOUTH BOY!!! THERE IS NO FREE SPEECH!!! DO AS I SAY...YOU HAVE NO RIGHTS!!!
Discussing the camera guy...do we know enough of the back story to judge either guy? Do we know if the rep was purposefully not addressing this guys questions after moderate appeals? Do we know if he had and the camera really is a loon? I don't. So I reserve judgement. The only thing I do know is that the COS seemed like more of a knuckle-dragger, fo' sho'.
"Do you want Iran to win!?!"
Since when are we fighting Iran? I thought we were fighting Al Qaeda and "Islamofacists" and they just happen to be in Iraq.
Last time I checked we had not declared war on Iran, much to Holy Joe's chagrin.
Hang on! Hang on! Hang on!
Am I the only one who heard that jack say "Do you want us to lose in IRAN?"
I am finding myself agreeing with those here who say the vid guy was out of bounds when he was taping this. I wouldn't want a camera guy following me around everywhere I went and I'm sure what I would say to him wouldn't be pleasant, but it wouldn't be insane either. As soon as the Chief of Staff began making those crazy accusations, he showed his true colors and lack of intelligence. His depth of understanding about how to deal with the public was woefully lacking.
I LOVE these guys!
I assume we're paying this guy, right? Where do I go to chip in?
;-)
I would have done this guy right then and there in front of everybody. It's hard to find teeth on the floor in a crowded store. Hey that might make a good lyric.
Sorry...
I'm talking about the Republican idiot. We're paying him, right?
So...some of you are saying the dems would be better? In what way? No wars, less wars, only certain type wars, what? Be specific.
ps. Rest of the world hates you both, repugs and dems.
J Grant @ 25:
How do you figure that Bruce Fealk is a spokesman for anyone other than himself? That's a strawman if ever I heard one...we show a video and suddenly he speaks for everyone? Really? I think that Bruce's repeating of giving Knollenberg's wife an ice cream is to counter the accusation of "stalking and harassing".
If you want to know more about Bruce Fealk, I provided links to the blogs to which he contributes. He certainly is more vocal than many, but he has the right to expect to speak to his elected representative without being told that he is anti-American. That attitude is unacceptable.
spit take @ 19:
I stand corrected. I'll have to update my reich-wing-lopedia.
J Grant @ 25:
You're anti-America!
You're anti-America!
You're anti-America!
You're anti-America!
You're anti-America!
You're anti-America!
Is this who you want as your spokesman?
what an absolute republican putrid bully
yes... and another one we will never forget....
A former CIA official confronts Rumsfeld.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1FTmuhynaw
Confront and Expose them.
and keep an eye on those media companies and their content packages
http://blog.coloradodems.org/2007/06/05/concerns-over-comcast-tv/
"Goes nuts"? Sorry. Don't see it.
Nicole Belle @ 39:
Excellent retort, Nicole. I have long documented that reich-wingers think they speak for the majority and/or the masses.
Wow! This video really shows this CoS as a bully. I hope this video is circulated and viewed widely. Would LOVE to debate the guy. He can't do anything except hurl character assassinations and give "the evil eye," a skill honed to an art form by Condoleeza Rice. Th anger in his face is unbelievable. He is clearly not temperamentally suited to be a front person for a congressman.
In the near future such confrontations will end with Fealk in handcuffs and prison. And probably worse. The vicious little goose-stepper even alluded to this. And he can't wait - you can see it in his eyes.
Renholder @ 32:
Iran is the just latest talking point. They need to convince the myopic reich-wing worshipers that Iran is a real threat and that we are actually already at war with them. Sadly, 22% of America believes this non-sense.
J Grant at 25, you are entirely correct.
the videotaping activist indeed overstepped his bounds. The congressman's answer was not what he wanted to hear, but he did answer.
I have no sympathy for people whose activism turn into harassing self-righteousness, as this person's truly has. He cannot and should not be used as an example of what the 'left' looks like. He's far far left, and not representative.
However, that doesn't make him anti-American. Why is it that when people on the left take advantage of their rights (speech, assembly, search,etc), people on the right call them anti-American?
I wonder if someone can find information on the harassment that supposedly happened with the congressman's wife/neighbors? Or anything, really, that this activist has done wrt the congressman. It would add more context to the situation.
Nicole Belle @ 39:
That was where he crossed the line.
He could've simply detailed the problems he had with Bruce Fealk and the video would've had no traction. Bruce Fealk could've edited out the rant against his own behavior, but didn't.
The difference her is that Bruce is private citizen and a voter. If he has been a demonstratable nuisance, I think we would've heard about criminal charges.
But Trent and Joe are public figures making life and death decisions concerning our nation and our planet. They are working in a capacity that demands accountability and transparency. If they believe that support for waging war on Iran, is the defining line for patriotism in the US, then I sure want to know that. I thank Bruce for sharing their views with us.
This nut defending the right wing hack is your sterotypical warmongering 'American assh**e'- The kind of jerk who insists that America- and Americans are superior to all others on the planet...Thank goodness for the yank asking the questions- he reveals the American right has no understanding- or respect for the concept of freedom.
Blue Buddha @ 2:
Here's a primer that every schoolkid should see. It's as relevant as ever, despite being made 60 years ago.
------------------------
Dear Blue Buddha, please repost this link far and wide.
is it on You Tube? i'll look for it there and pass it around some.
Linda @ 46:
Of course he's not but lets talk about the issues. Or hey, lets just watch Springer-type 'entertainment'.
The Reality @ 38:
By European standards, both the Democratic and Republican parties are right wing parties- The Democrats are right wing, the Republcias ultra right wing...All this talk of the democrats being 'liberal' is absurd...If there was anything liberal about the democrats, they would be proud, not ashamed to use the term socialism.
Iran to win? Toyota to be GM? Huh??? Is that what people like him think? Well, outsourcing by Repubs may just have done that....Wonder how GM compares to Toyota. Was it me or was that guy trying to keep his chaw from coming out of his mouth while he scolded the cameraman?
I live in Michigan (land of blue lakes and blue voters). Last November Sen. Stabenow (D) and Governor Granholm (D) won landslide reelections with 58% & 57% of the popular vote respectively. In our U.S. Congressional Districts statewide, democrats recieved nearly 57% of the popular vote, yet the GOP won 9 of our 15 U.S. House seats. You read that right, its not a typo. In Michigan, 42.7% of the people (republicans of course) elected 60% of our House delegation. And this moron has the nerve to call anyone fascists. If it wasn't for gerrymandering and voter suppression, these clowns would be a 35% party in Washington.
Oh, and in our state Senate in Lansing, the GOP won 21 of 38 seats with 46.5% of the popular vote!
This man was treating Fealks like he was a total idiot. All he did was ask a question of the Congressman who immediately dismissed him. Why didn't he just answer it instead of allowing his chief of staff to step in and start flinging insults and act like a little General Patton? Not a very good way to treat your constituents. This sort of thing is happening more and more. Why would politicians so blatantly insult their constituents while making rounds on their home turf? Why would a republican do that when they know the kind of trouble the GOP is in? Do they know something that the People don't? Maybe they know that when push comes to shove, like this election cycle is becoming, that our votes don't really matter anyway? That those who currently hold an office or is seeking an office know it's all a con designed to keep up the illusion we still live in a democracy to keep us 'idiots' happy?
The anger on that chief of staff is hilarious! What a douche bag.
Proof once again that the GOP is made up of a bunch of LUNATICS.
"You're not a citizen."?!?!?!?!?!?!
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you a quintessential example of today's Republican Party.
I will say one thing. The cameraman was acting like a severe smart-ass with a man who clearly had no sense of humor or brain and this tends to shut people down and you lose your audience.
LOL! Wisecup needs to get a grip. Him trying to "define" American is emotional clap trap which is why the republicans have been failing for 6.5 years.
Knollenberg is going to get fired in 2008. We his constiutents think he's been doing a shitty job.
The Reality @ 53:
That's the best we can get from Republicans. They are backed into a corner by their own failures and freaking out.
To be fair, if The Capitolist is any guide, most constituents are FUCKING CRAZY.
Ricky Bones @ 60:
Trent Wisecup is his audience?
Jonnablu @ 13:
Excuse me, but why should smokers have to be taxed to death because we enjoy something we know is unhealthy anyway? Drunk driving kills more people than smoking...maybe you should cough up another $2.50 in taxes on the next beer you toss down your throat! Not defending a stupid habit like smoking, but taxing smokers for every hair-brained program that comes along isn't right either!
J Grant @ 25:
Kids pokes bear with sharp stick. Will Bear maul kid. I agree . . . nothing to look at here except a really hostile bear and a dim witted kid.
navyswan @ 3:
Aren't some --if not most-- of the Toyotas we buy in the U.S. made in America? By Americans? Who get 401Ks? My Toyota has a little Indiana sticker on it.
Darth_Romney @ 65:
Meanwhile back at the Federal Reserve, the printing presses begin to break down because they are over-heating.
E Ryno @ 66:
Will the bear continue to make decisions concerning the future of our nation and the well being of your family? Stay tuned....
WOW! I hope this makes Olbermann's!!! I have called Knollenberg's office on several occasions. They are clueless about anything relevant. The part of Oakland County they were in is IN THE TANK right now. Most of the people in this area have lost their white collar jobs and are living off of their savings or dipping into their retirement money early. Houses won't sell and people are actually suicidal over the situation. My calls to Knollenberg's office have responses to the effect of "we have to take care of the car dealerships and protect the auto industry". The auto industry is dying and this state keeps being held hostage because of it. Most average Michigan people on the street can not understand WHY the "Big 3" won't make cars that consumers really want. I believe GM (or Ford?) makes most of the ethanol fueled vehicles sold to Brazil. Watch the move "Who Killed the Electric Car". The people who had electric cars loved them!! A Michigan company (Ovonic) developed a battery that would hold a charge for 300 miles - but GM acquired part ownership of the patent - and then it went to Chevron!!
Thank you Bruce for your courage in standing up to these people. STIFLING DISSENT is their main objective. What happened to citizens in the elected official's district having a say??
Phil @ 20:
This comment is exactly what is wrong with Republicans and their apologists. They want everyone to be silent. Fealk never harassed Joe's wife or any of his neighbor's. He was never belligerent when asking his representative questions. Simple writing letters to your Sen. or Rep. that are often ignored is not what democracy is about. Getting off your but and meeting these politicians face to face is every citizens right. No matter how much Republicans want to make public discourse and open debate illegal, no one can stop it.
Joe could have had a serious discussion in the proverbial public square with someone who disagreed with him. He could have explained his position on his support for the war and his reasons for voting against SCHIP. He then could have politely listened to Fealk's counter argument. Both men having a civil discussion on some serious issues in front of a unfiltered audience. Joe after all was in the store campaigning. Therefor he is fair game to be asked questions. No matter what questions they are or by who.
But that isn't what happened is it? Joe played dumb, and tried to move on hoping to find someone who was just happy to shake his hand. This left his attack dog to make an ass out of himself by trying to block the camera and when that wasn't working to then turn into the raving loony so many Republicans think represents serious discussion. "you hate America", you want Toyota to win", "you hate the troops", "your harassing us" ect... This is exactly why no one takes Republicans seriously anymore. They all seem to act like 8 year olds. Shrill and childish name calling, smearing, and fake tough guy syndrome won't get them anywhere anymore. Everyone is tired of that act. It's time for Republicans to turn the page and become adults. Adults who can debate issues with fact, reason, truth , and common sense. Adults who aren't afraid of debate, but welcome it as a means to inform and be informed.
As far as O'reilly and his toothless gotcha' police. Bill goes after private citizens who say or write things that he doesn't understand or he doesn't agree with. There is a big difference between Bill harassing a private citizen and a private citizen publicly confronting their Representative. The first one is called intimidation, the second is called Democracy.
1) Wisecup's politics are shitty.
2) Fealk is an asshole.
3) Wisecup whups his ass.
Come on, kiddies
Did anyone else notice that Trent's eye was wiggling around as if on meth during his ridiculous and embarassing attempt to justify his misguided understanding of law, justice, and his own political existence?
Accusing Bruce of having a political agenda and using this argument to reinforce why Bruce should not be allowed to question those in power, is the stupidest, most desperate and ironic series of statements I've heard in a long while.
And the "do you want Iran to win" blubbering is proof positive that whatever chip the administration is planting in these people's heads is working.
"Do you want Iran to win?" - Trent Wisecup
Is the contest to see has the most bat-crazy government?
Sorry, but that was embarrassing. Unless Fealk has razor sharp wit & the ability to cut that doofus down to size when he starts hurling insults, this is a pointless exercise.
Darth_Romney @ 65:
I say tax the churches...Why should institutions that encourage people to pray to the sky and to a fictional diety get off tax free?
Jaden @ 9:
Hopefully the white stuff comes out after the brown stuff that he is spitting out now. Or will it change color? Is there such a thing as white shit?
Dissent is as American as Apple Pie... squelching dissent is as Nazi as your Chief of Staff's behavior. Congressman Knollenberg, think about it.
gfm975 @ 78:
I agree..but the radical right will always say 'freedom of speech is important, BUT........."
Usually anything that question's their party line is seen as nothing short of heresy....
Right wingers have zero understanding-or respect for freedom of speech
pissed off patricia @ 16:
How about a five year old?? I remember when I was five. Got into an arguement with another five year old. "My daddy can beat up your daddy" was all we could argue about - and we stood about 2-3 feet apart. Kids!!
Trent!! Chief of Staff!! Five year old boy!!
BDM @ 75:
It didn't seem pointless to me. He got Trent to express his feelings and talk about the things that he and Joe believe in.
Why should he have been cut down and prevented from expressing himself?
They don't come more left than me, but I think they're both wrong -- I'm all for pinning down politicos, but this kind of thing borders on harassment.
And then, the Chief of Staff -- golly, how is asking for answers wanting "Iran to win"? Are we at war with Iran? News to me.
He'd have won the face-off if he just kept it to the harassment points, which held at least SOME weight.
I'd call it a draw. Of losers.
Weaseldog @ 81:
Because otherwise it's two guys going, "I know you are but what am I?".
Do you think if every congress man and senator was stalked like this relentlessly that they might have changed their position on the war?
I'm not sure that I like his tactics either but being stalked by a journalist is a small price to pay for voting for the deaths of 3800, no hundreds of thousands of people.
If this guy was a war criminal, would you be against the journalists tactics?