Does the word
misanthrope properly describe toady congressional candidate Gus Bilirakis? His anti-social tendencies and confrontation-avoiding practices have been remarked upon time and again by the media during his campaigning -- both during the primaries and
the general election campaign.
He's absolutely fine when money or Washington insiders are around, but the general populous or his opponents? Well...
I'll let the video, recorded yesterday, do the talking. More after the flip.
Now, for full disclosure --
Gus has a vision and hearing impairment. Me too for that matter. That's why I don't run for public office. Not because I can't function, or don't think disabled people should hold office -- but because the voters deserve a representative who can talk about the issues or debate the issues outside of a bubble or fixed environment. To serve the public you must be open to the public -- be that your political supporter or your political rival.
Bilirakis has a lengthy record of not being able to accommodate opponents (and the voters) in a forum or debate format (see the above video for examples). Someone who is not open to deal with the voters or speak in front of the constituency shouldn't be a representative in the US Congress.
Phyllis Busansky does not treat her age as an embarrassing hassle like Gus treats his disabilities. She has been open to talking to those on both sides of the fray while Gus hides from it.
And because Gus cannot and will not satisfy the public with an open dialog, he comes off very much like the empty suits we are tired of in FL-09.
He's not Greg House M.D. -- cranky, mean but brilliant. He's stumbled into his fathers footsteps and expects to be crowned successor to his dad's throne. Help stop Gus -- help support Phyllis.