State Sen. Tom Colapietro said he's angry that some "little Republican wussy wimps" are using this blog to attack him personally in comments to which they're unwilling to put their real names.
Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat, said he's happy to debate issues with anybody, but is tired of anonymous attacks that accuse of things he never did, assail his appearance and generally portray him falsely.
"I'm very close to getting a lawyer," the senator said, because he's sick of the way some are so ready to "get personal" instead of calmly and rationally debating issues facing the state.
"They hide behind your blog," Colapietro told me, and "use me as a scapegoat."
"I've never seen nastier people than these Republicans" who attack him anonymously, Colapietro said, adding that he knows who a couple of them are.
He said he's fed up.
"Honestly, I'm a human being. I've got feelings," Colapietro said. "The lies and personal stuff gets to me."
"I don't ever hide from anybody," the 16-year senator said, and he's always ready to address the stands he's taken on issues facing the state.
Colapietro also assailed an Enfield blogger, James Bailey Brislin, who accused him of telling Enfield to "drop dead" because of the senator's opposition to opening the door to Sunday liquor store sales.
He said the blogger, a GOP town committee member in Enfield, listened only to "one little weasel" for his information and got it wrong.
He said the blogger, a GOP town committee member in Enfield, listened only to "one little weasel" for his information and got it wrong.
Colapietro said he is against Sunday liquor sales because the vast majority of package store owners in Connecticut don't want to remain open ever day of the week. They are convinced the extra day of sales would bring in far less revenue than the expense of being open -- while simultaneously taking away the sole day of rest they have.
Colapietro said eight of the nine package stores in Enfield agree with him about keeping the stores closed on Sunday.
He said he feels sorry for some store owners near the state borders who might lose some sales on Sunday, but it's his responsibility to answer to the majority of package store owners across Connecticut.
"My job is to be fair," Colapietro said. "We live in a democracy."
Update: The comments are closed on this post.
For more on Sunday liquor sales, see this Journal Inquirer story today.
In addition, Colapietro said this morning that "the more they keep bashing me, the more I want to run again."
He also said that he probably shouldn't have called one Enfield package store a "weasel," but he's fed up with all the insults hurled at him. He also said he's not really sure how many of the Enfield package stores support his position, adding that he's now sure there are at least two that would like to open on Sunday.
Another update: One of the state's great blogs, Connecticut Local Politics, has taken up the issue. You can argue it out there if you like.
*******Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
34 comments:
Tom, your words, not mine.
"My job is to be fair," Colapietro said. "We live in a democracy."
Then be fair, let the bill come to the floor for a vote. It was sponsored by a Democrat and a Republican. You have a right to have an opinion and a vote as does every member of the Senate.
...and you are very astute if you can determine if I am a Democrat, Independent or Republican. ...and what difference does it make, don't you represent ALL of us? Your words, not mine.
Tom,
Pacifiers are found in aisle 8 at Price Chopper.
Sen.Colapietro: It is indeed unfortunate but some bloggers on this site consistantly make personal attacks on elected officials.They apparently feel this falls under their Freedom of Speech.It is my opinion our forefathers would "roll over in their graves" if they witnessed what some us now consider Freedom of Speech.And No,before the obligatory accusation is made,I was not "put up" to writing this comment.I actually wrote it all on my own!(AND signed my REAL name as well!)
This is not nasty, or personal, but I think Sen. Colapietro should have been at the budget forum or had one of his own, and I think he should take a pay cut like Rep. Hamzy.
2:10 How do you know where they are? Got one?
Tom you have just called people " Wussy Wimps" and a "Weasel." You should practice what you preach.... How do you know they all are Republicans? I thought you were elected to represent the people of the 31st district, not just the package store owners?
Bait taken...so easy to get him fired up....Publicly it make him look foolish. Somewhat like a child. Als when you are a PUBLIC official, you are open game to yourself and comments. Next.....
2:49 I'd get riled up too. You are faceless liars that don't have the courage to say to his face what you say on here.He may be a public figure but he is human, not like you !
I do not understand why this is such a big deal. If the state allows for Liqour sales on Sunday, then it is up to the store owner if he wants to stay open or not. I am a small business owner and I could be open on Sunday if I wanted, but I am not, because it is my choice. Not sure why Tom should be wasting his time on this issue , when the state is facing a multi Billion dollar budget deficit and still no real plan to deal with it. Any Ideas yet Tom?
Tommy baby, I am a democrate and you are an relic long past due. Your style is passe and your childish demeanor is even more insulting. I think you need a lesson from your friends across the isle, as YOU and YOUR PARTY have gotten this state into the budget mess we are in. Grow up and be constructive, or disapear.
Tom should get out of politics if he cant take the heat! Nothing on this Bristol web blog is harassing and Steve makes sure if that. I have feelings too Tom! Stop calling me a Wussy, Wimp and a Weasel.
Call his office and ask if you have the nerve. Also If I were he I wouldn't answer you. And sorry pal you aren't a Democrat. Only republicans like you are like that. Say who you are ya coward.
Nice blog Steve , for venting frustrated republican's. Some reporter!
If you ask me he let you guys off easy . I can think of a lot more names for you wusses.
Hey 4:01 if ya can't take the heat and your feelings are hurt. Too Bad! Can't take it ?
4:35 -- Oh, there are plenty of venting Democrats, too.
But, please, the comments are from readers (with rare exceptions).
I'll take full responsibility for my posts, but the comments are what they are. I have cracked the whip pretty hard, but the level of vitriol is so high among some that I can't prevent some of it from slipping through.
I wish people would try harder to be nice to those with whom they disagree, if only because insults never persuade anyone of your argument. They just anger others.
If you want to convince people of your own position, folks, then write something persuasive and interesting, not just hateful.
So we know Tom reads the Blog and its' comments, so I think it is fair to assume he is also writing comments. Why doesn't he register also??
Tom,
Your job is not to be fair, it is to represent the interests of the 31st district regardless if they are fair to the rest of the state. If you want to represent the whole state then run for statewide office and then you can represent the rest of the state too.
Tom,
To be fair all the negative posts are not just Republicans. You are not fair to assume that Democrats are not "bashing" as you state.
As a public offical you should know better to generalize like you did.
By the way you critize others for name calling and then proceed to name call. Go figure???
Tom, Before getting a lawyer, why don't you go read New York Times v. Sullivan?
Like it or not, being a public official makes you fair game for all takers.
"I'm very close to getting a lawyer," the senator said, because he's sick of the way some are so ready to "get personal" instead of calmly and rationally debating issues facing the state.
"They hide behind your blog," Colapietro told me, and "use me as a scapegoat."
How is it fair to take money out of people's pockets and prevent them from working?
Isnt' fairness letting people decide for themselves?
Tom, how would you like it if you were told that you could work only four days a week up in Hartford, and that your pay would be adjusted accordingly. In your GM days, what would the UAW have said if GM reduced schedules to 32 hours a week.
How is this any different? Isn't this also taking away peoples' opportunity to earn money for themselves? How is that fair?
5:03 says "your job is not to be fair." I guess that's how you and your friends think. Are you the reincarnation of Hitler ??
Senator Colapietro,
We spoke last week in Hartford when Sen. Kissel introduced myself and the "weasel" package store owner you speak of. I believe you and I left on good terms. However, as the Democratic nominee for State Senate this past year in the 7th District, I must speak up for my neighbors - the "wimp" and the "weasel". This issue is very real for lifelong business owners in my district and your assertion that 9 out of 10 package store owners in Enfield are against this is just flat out wrong. I can tell you this because I personally visited these shops during my campaign. Some will be forced to shut down in the very near future if this law doesnt change. This law does not protect mom and pop owners. That can be witnessed by speaking with the mom and pop owners in every corner of this state that support Sunday openings. Name calling and threats of legal action is in no way an acceptable reaction. I would be happy to speak further with you on this case and can be reached at georgecolli4@hotmail.com . As I've learned over the past year, anonymous blog posters are an unfortunate part of being a politician or public figure. Responding by calling people "wussys, wimps or weasels" is uncalled for. This is not a Democrat vs. Republican issue. It is an issue of making CT a friendlier place to live and do business.
Your Fellow Democrat,
George Colli
As is clearly evident by the posts on this and many other blogs, the internet is often a rough playground. People regularly "flame" one another. If you're a public figure who reads the comments about yourself on the internet you better have a thick skin. And Tim, our founding fathers were much rougher in the newspapers of the day. Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr conducted an insult campaign in New York state newspapers (anonymously I might add, although everybody knew who they really were) that resulted in a deadly duel. Finally, good luck finding a lawyer to bring a lawsuit against anonymous blog posters Tom!
I object to being called names on this blog also, Senator. I have not called you anything, and yet you abuse me because of my political affiliation, without knowing anything about me. Do you really hate all Republicans so much? How can you represent us as our senator with such hatred toward us? You might think about resigning if these are your true feelings. Life would be easier for you, and some one else could represent all his/her constituents.
I just want to say that I stand behind what I wrote in my column.
My choice of headline, "Bristol State Senator to Enfield: Drop Dead!", was inspired by the infamous New York Daily News Headline, "Ford to the City: Drop Dead". Ford never uttered the words "drop dead" and neither did Colapietro… that's why the words "Drop Dead" are not in quotes. Anyone who lived through that period or has a background in history would be familiar with that cover… I recall it from a high school U.S. History book.
Moreover, I stand behind the accuracy of the content in my column.
The Carpet City Chronicle is an opinion column published weekly in The Enfield Press, and accurately labeled as "opinion". I am confident that can stand up to scrutiny.
The opinions I expressed are founded in my fundamental belief in unfettered free-enterprise. The fact that this measure is supported by Enfield's entire legislative delegation— including Sen John A. Kissel (R-7) and Reps. Kathy Tallarita (D-57) and Karen Jarmoc (D-58)— is further evidence of its broad appeal.
Moreover, Colapietro's assertion that eight of the nine package stores in Enfield support his position is factually erroneous. Anyone who knows how to count and has seen the reports by Channel 3 and
Channel 30 could tell you that those reports provide positive evidence that at least two Enfield liquor dealers favor Sunday sales. How does that translate into one out of nine liquor dealers supportive of Sunday sales? Only 'fuzzy math' can get you there.
It is very disappointing to see Colapietro refer to an Enfield liquor dealer as "one little weasel". I know the person who he is referring to. The individual in question is a highly-respected businessmen who has run his store for 25+ years. He is a pillar of the Thompsonville neighborhood who is very involved in civic affairs.
Of course, there is a great irony to all of this. The main theme of Steve's story is that Colapietro is upset about perceived incivility on this blog and my supposedly "unfair" criticisms of his anti-competitive stance. Yet, these concerns do not stop him from directing ad hominem attacks at individuals he disagrees with. Is it that there are different rules for politicians? Or is the applicable moral principle, "Do as I say and not as I do"?
How can we ever expect to achieve civility in politics if our elected officials do not lead the way?
Tim G.:
With all due respect, your public image would be better served if you kept YOUR posts anonymous.
Senator "Operator", How do you think Sarah Palin And both President Bush's feel?
In respect to you, I don't insult you personally, but I truely believe you are unqualified to serve as a State Senator. I have a long list of reasons why. And in due time I will publicly state my opinion. How's that sound?
Steve:
I find it distressing that you let a public figure like Senator Colapietro use your forum to make baseless, idol threats.
9:08 I'm not Colapietro but if what you say is true and you can put your name on it I'm all ears. Let's see what caliber you are or are you like the rest? And as far as 9:12 I'm wondering why Steve lets YOU post senseless venom on here.
Gamache and Colapietro, now there's a pair of baulbs...add Ward to the mix and you'd have the trifecta of dumocrats.Tommy boy got an ear full on this one, like his president...he screwed up.
http://journalinquirer.com/articles/2009/02/07/connecticut/doc498ce8491c47f531106312.txt
Looks like those wussy, wimps from Greenwich are getting into the mix now
Okay, folks, this comment section is now closed. Sen. Colapietro correctly pointed out this morning that most of this is now "all about me. It's not about issues."
So everyone's had a chance to weigh in. And that's that.
Rep. Colapietro is absolutely right that people should use their names when posting online.
Anonymity breeds incivility, and those who use their names deserve the respect attendant with having the courage of your convictions.
Those who refuse to risk their identity by backing their opinion with their fail their duty as citizens.
Peace,
Ken Krayeske
http://www.the40yearplan.com/
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