THE POLITICS OF PERSONAL DESTRUCTION
/THE POLITICS OF PERSONAL DESTRUCTION
By: Joel E. Gordon
"Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light" - George Washington
What could Brett Kavanaugh and myself have in common? It is the attacks on our character and reputations just for our willingness to offer ourselves to public service. So many have been subjected to attacks in an attempt to make those with different political views or interests become targeted victims of the politics of personal destruction.
In my case, was I shocked to learn that untruths were being told about me on behalf of the establishment candidate? Absolutely not ... disappointed but not surprised
Here’s my response to the initial rumor being spread about me and my past employment:
Rumor Alert: No I was not fired or terminated from my appointed position as Chief of Police for the city of Kingwood in 1995!
Here is an excerpt from my published book (copyright 2014) Still Seeking Justice: One Officer's Story:
"then… I was actively working with The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) on Kingwood becoming the smallest police department to be nationally certified. Almost simultaneously the news was out that a recent City Council election resulted in a return to the previous political regime and ultimate reinstatement of the Chief of Police that I replaced."
"I was offered a position as an officer... This was unacceptable to me so I gave them what they seemingly wanted, my resignation."
"I was now a victim of the “good ole’ boy” network. The newly elected mayor and certain council members made it clear to me that they were looking for a “yes” man. Having been privy to much confidential information as a result of my task force affiliation... I will factually tell you that once I was gone, the Mayor and Council quickly succeeded in contributing to the demise of the regional drug task force. The loss of the task force resulted in a large increase in criminal activity, such as burglaries, over the years since aborted. The drug problem grew to include increased heroin abuse throughout North Central West Virginia, something I had hoped I had left behind in the Baltimore of the 1980’s."
When political adversaries, whether on the federal, state or local level spread false, exaggerated or unsubstantiated rumors about an individual or a campaign, it only serves to energize the base while angering many others. Nobody wants to see a campaign for someone's willingness to offer themselves to public service turn into a mud-slinging contest.
Personally, I would NEVER use any unsubstantiated or false information by presenting accusations of improprieties as being factual in an attempt to sway the outcome of an election.
The reality is that it is those of us seeking progress and positive change versus certain establishment political figures (commonly known as the mob or the swamp). On my local level, some political operatives who have had status quo influence for decades mistakenly thought that they got rid of my chief deputy designate Terry Queen and myself many years ago when they succeeded in the abolishment of our Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force of which I was once vice-chairman and Terry Queen was unit commander. Sorry not sorry... WE ARE HERE - better, stronger and more knowledgeable than ever and willing to work to take our county back by enforcing the law without fear or favor.
Socrates has been quoted to have said “When debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers.” Unfortunately, there are always those who have unwavering support for entrenched politicians. I just don’t get why they run campaigns using the same playbook of personal destruction however unsuccessful history shows such a course of action can be. Have they no concept of a possible damaging boomerang effect?
Although seemingly taking the low road by promoting an untrue story about me, my problem isn't necessarily with individuals who have been reported to have repeated falsehoods about me on behalf of an establishment candidate being endorsed. In fact, it is the people and certain members of law enforcement who have issues that need to be resolved, and as a serious candidate for a leadership position as sheriff they are now looking to me for answers. After all, the sheriff is the only law enforcement official, being elected to his or her position, who answers directly to the people.
While other untruths and misrepresentations are reportedly being composed and disseminated about me, I look forward to better days ahead with inspiration from those who have successfully gone before me. We will continue on with our solution- and idea-based campaign. I want to take the Preston County West Virginia Sheriff's Office to new levels of professionalism. Our goal is to be the envy of law enforcement agencies both in state and nationally. Leadership with integrity and commitment to truth will be an excellent way to begin on our journey.
