PWCRC RINOs

by James Simpson
Potomac News
Friday, May 14, 2004

There was once a rhinoceros who thought he was as strong and noble as any elephant, and therefore had a right to join the elephant herd. When confronted by other elephants, he described his obvious similarities. For instance, he lived in the same community as the elephant, and was a warm blooded mammal. In fact, he pointed out that even his skin was of a similar color and texture as that of the elephant's skin. It was clear, at least to him, that he deserved to join the elephant herd. However the elephants, being as smart as they are, pointed out to the rhino that it takes more than similarities in appearance to actually be an elephant.

The elephants state that many other mammals lived in the same community, but that didn't necessarily make them elephants. And they added that although a rhinoceros' skin was similar in appearance, it was far more sensitive than an elephant's skin. So sensitive, in fact, that even the tiniest insects could irritate him.

Try as he could, the rhinoceros just wasn't able to convince any of the elephants that he was one of them, as they were far too smart. This greatly angered the rhinoceros, for it was his greatest desire to be an elephant and join their herd. He desired this because elephants traveled in large groups, and this he knew was very beneficial when it came to safely dining on the best grasses and drinking at the best watering holes. You see, it wasn't as much that he admired them for their intelligence as it was that he could benefit from just belonging to the herd.

Does this sound similar? Well it should, as we have a few rhinoceroses in Prince William County. Of course, the difference between those that live here and the one mentioned in the story above is the spelling. Ours are called RINO's - Republicans In Name Only.

When one compares a conservative Republican and a liberal Republican, they may look similar (both having an "R" next to their name, etc.), but that is where the similarity ends. When it comes down to the real differences - there are many, and they are significant.

In the case of liberal Republicans, oops ... I mean RINO's, their "skin" becomes irritated when one points out that an increase in taxes does not conform to one of the foundations of the Republican platform - fiscal conservancy. In fact, Prince William's head RINO (Chairman Sean Connaughton) is really an excellent example of the difference between a RINO and a true Republican.

Consider the following:

Chairman Connaughton accused the Young Republicans of stuffing the ballot box in their straw poll at the April PWC Republican Committee meeting. Yet, he sees nothing wrong with offering to pay for memberships of folks who would otherwise not have joined or participated in the Republican Committee meeting last month.

Chairman Connaughton claims on his website (under Controlling Growth) that he is "protecting open space, the environment and archeological sites." Yet a look at his profile as an attorney with Troutman Sanders LLP, Washington, DC states the following: "[Connaughton] Lead a multi-faceted team in the successful pursuit of a regulatory solution to a clients' major investment in assets which did not meet new environmental standards. This entailed the use of legal, economic and environmental tools and specialists to convince a federal agency to issue regulations allowing the client to operate under a dormant statutory exemption. The effort included Congressional lobbying to prevent legislative efforts to eliminate the exemption."

And who can ignore the constant patting of his own back for "lowering taxes," the title of another plank of his platform on seanconnaughton.com, for the citizens of Prince William County. In reality his vote has resulted in an increase in taxes every single year since his election to the position of Chairman.

Yet another example of his anti-conservative positions came to light this past week when the Potomac News reported that he, and fellow RINO Marty Nohe, came out in favor of a plan to create a "redevelopment authority." This anti-property-rights organization would not only have the power to take property from individuals, but the authority to issue bonds without the approval of voters.

I can only image that the developers who are drooling at the prospect of getting their hands on other citizens' property on Route 1 are going to contribute well to his campaign for Lt. Governor. I guess we shall see.

I don't understand all the anger at the last PWCRC meeting. If folks were really all that interested in joining they should have sent in their applications and money sooner, as I did. I cared enough to find out what the deadlines were and made sure my application and check were sent in in enough time to vote at that meeting. Of course, I am also a true conservative (or classical liberal - look it up) that my interest was not to hijack the Party to promote a progressive, collectivist agenda.

I must say that anytime I attend a meeting with the likes of Chairman Connaughton, Senator Chichestrer, and/or Representative Davis, I can't help but feel an overwhelming need to go home and take a bath afterwards. Frankly, there just isn't enough soap.

Chairman Connaughton really needs to examine the platform of the Democratic Party and consider changing his alignment so his votes are more in tune with his beliefs.

James Simpson lives in Lake Ridge.