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Tag Archives: Tony Messenger

21st Century American Exceptionalism

17 Friday Sep 2021

Posted by Michael Bersin in social media

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Afghanistan, Congress, dave Helling, Matt Rosendale, Montana, social media, Tony Messenger, Twitter

Yesterday, from a member (r) of Congress:

Matt Rosendale @RepRosendale
Today I learned that 75 refugees from Afghanistan will be arriving in Montana. I strongly oppose the resettlement of these Afghan nationals in Montana.
12:25 PM · Sep 16, 2021

Montana definitely has the empty space.

Tony Messenger @tonymess
This is so incredibly unAmerican.
[….]
8:32 PM · Sep 16, 2021

Dave Helling @dhellingkc
Replying to @tonymess
Aug. 16: “We can’t leave our Afghan partners behind!!”
Sept 16: “Not in my backyard!!”
9:00 PM · Sep 16, 2021

Anything to agitate the right wingnut republican base.

The party of death.

04 Wednesday Aug 2021

Posted by Michael Bersin in Missouri General Assembly

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

anti-mask, anti-vaccine, Corona virus, COVID-19, General Assembly, missouri, pandemic, Rick Brattin, right wingnut, social media, Tony Lovasco, Tony Messenger, Twitter

Rick Brattin (r) [2013 file photo].

Sen. Rick Brattin Pushes for Special Session to Stop Vaccine Mandates
August 4, 2021

JEFFERSON CITY — Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, sent a letter to the governor this week urging him to call an extraordinary session of the Missouri Senate and House to consider legislation to protect Missourians from COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

“It’s become clear that some businesses and institutions around this state are dead set on forcing the vaccine on Missourians against their will,” Sen. Brattin said. “The people of Missouri can and should decide for themselves if taking a drug that even the FDA hasn’t fully approved is what is best for them and their families. Employers shouldn’t make that decision, nor should big business, and certainly not politicians.”

The letter comes in response to a number of health care facilities and other businesses forcing workers to be vaccinated by a specified date or be fired from their jobs. Senator Brattin was joined by several of his colleagues in the Senate, who also signed the letter, asking the governor to “call an extraordinary session at your earliest convenience so the General Assembly can take any and all appropriate steps to protect Missouri workers from vaccine mandates.”

“Forcing anyone to take an experimental drug is wrong. It violates some our most basic rights as Americans and Missourians,” Sen. Brattin said. “We need to do something about it, and we need to do it now before people are forced out of their jobs. It’s our job as the elected representatives of the people to safeguard the freedom and liberty of the people we work for, and I can’t think of anything more urgent and important than protecting them from forced vaccination.”

Senator Brattin represents the 31st Senatorial District, covering Barton, Bates, Cass, Henry and Vernon counties. Senator Brattin resides in Harrisonville [….]

A comment:

Tony Messenger @tonymess
Party of Death.
[….]
9:17 PM · Aug 4, 2021

A response from Tony Lovasco (r):

Rep. Tony Lovasco (MO-64) @tonylovasco
I happen to disagree with them on this issue, but this is a ridiculous and unproductive comment.

Maybe try rebutting their points rather than attacking an entire group of people.

If you really want more Republicans to change their tune on vaccines, this is not helping.
9:35 PM · Aug 4, 2021

Representative Tony Lovasco, a Republican, represents St. Charles and Lincoln Counties (District 64) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2018.
[….]

“…If you really want more Republicans to change their tune on vaccines, this is not helping.”

Science and math hasn’t worked. Neither has objective reality nor empathy. What will it take? An engraved invitation? Flowery language? Just asking. It’s your party. A lot of people are dying.

A response to Tony Lovasco (r):

Tony Messenger @tonymess
I am glad you disagree with them.
9:36 PM · Aug 4, 2021

Don’t pick a fight with people who buy electrons by the petabyte – part the infinity

09 Friday Jul 2021

Posted by Michael Bersin in meta, social media, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Attorney General, Eric Schmitt, meta, missouri, social media, Tony Messenger, Twitter

Pass the popcorn.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt (r), in yet another flailing attempt at some type of political relevance:

Eric Schmitt @Eric_Schmitt
[Why are you so obsessed with me?]
[Tony Messenger @tonymess
Your daily reminder that @Eric_Schmitt fake-sued St. Louis County because it took #COVID19 seriously….]
8:55 PM · Jul 8, 2021

Uh.

Tony Messenger @tonymess
Replying to @Eric_Schmitt
[Good Government Matters.]
9:02 PM · Jul 8, 2021

For the Internets win! In seven minutes.

But wait, there’s more:

Replying to @Eric_Schmitt
Interesting @tonymess that @AGEricSchmitt is surprised we are trying to figure out what his job is.

Support Trump?
Protect Missourians?
Work on @Eric_Schmitt political career?
All of the above?

@tonymess how much did that lawsuit cost us?

Replying to @Eric_Schmitt
Yes. Why would he be concerned with an Attorney General misusing state funds to further his political career?

Replying to @Eric_Schmitt
Why are you so obsessed with: fake lawsuits that cost tax payers money? Overturning votes from other states? Working on a promotion when you aren’t doing your current job adequately? Twitter disputes like the orange oaf?

Replying to @Eric_Schmitt
If you hankered for amicus briefs (or else BBQ sent from the Chiefs), then this AG’s your guy, although folks wonder why a high office is used for pet beefs that the majority doesn’t share; seems that democracy’s ain’t Schmitt’s care.
[….]

Replying to @Eric_Schmitt
Because you’re suppose to work for the people of this state… but you continue to waste our tax dollars with frivolous laws suits

Replying to @Eric_Schmitt
Stopped developing at 15 yo

Replying to @Eric_Schmitt
Because you are a damn public servant – we are supposed to pay attention to you. You are screwing the people of Missouri. Do your damn job and stop grandstanding for higher office.

Replying to @Eric_Schmitt
If you are paying someone to write these tweets you should sue them to get that money back. Would be way more productive than most of your other dumbass lawsuits.

Heh. We see what you did there.

Replying to @Eric_Schmitt
Obsessed? Why are you a public servant?

Replying to @Eric_Schmitt
Doesn’t get much more pathetic than Eric here

Replying to @Eric_Schmitt
Hilarious! You’re just the Attorney General of Missouri wasting tax payer money and time with frivolous, political lawsuits that you LOSE every time. But, keep up with the jokes.

Replying to @Eric_Schmitt
You kidding me man? You are a joke.

Apparently so.

Sen. Josh Hawley (r): ain’t the brightest elitist on campus

05 Friday Jul 2019

Posted by Michael Bersin in Josh Hawley, social media, US Senate

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

elitism, Josh Hawley, missouri, Nike, pearl clutching, social media, Tony Messenger

Josh Hawley (r) [2016 file photo].

This morning, via Twitter:

Tony Messenger @tonymess
Is there anything more peak 2019 politics than @HawleyMO going on anti-Nike and anti-Big Tech rants and then posting a picture of his kid on @Twitter wearing @Nike shoes?
11:38 AM – 5 Jul 2019

Some of the responses:

Not until next week, when he goes all in on Steak-n-Shake for some offense with a mouth full of skinny fries and a (vanilla) milkshake mustache.

@HawleyMO is a fool, and a tool of dark money.

@HawleyMO is still here? He’s been on the job for 6 months. Isn’t it time for him to start looking for a new job?

Something, something, ladder.

Yep, and the tough-talking Arizona governor was photographed wearing Nikes yesterday. Their favorite shoe is Nike Hypocrisy.

It is because is fake outrage. Just something to give the base something to be mad about. Without outrage the base doesn’t pay attention.

Our Junior Senator has nothing to say.

He is the epitome of hypocrisy.

Typical Hawley!

Now this is funny.

HB 573 and SB 259: Let the army of lobbyists go forth…

12 Tuesday Mar 2019

Posted by Michael Bersin in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House, Missouri Senate, social media

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Dean Dohrman, Gary Romine, General Assembly, HB 573, KTRS, Lobbyists, missouri, Missouri Ethics Commission, SB 259, social media, Title IX, Tony Messenger, Twitter

…in a mighty wind.

Title IX is a right wingnut issue these days. Who? Why?

The sponsor of HB 573, Dean Dohrman (r), at a university homecoming parade in 2017:

Representative Dean Dohrman (r).

Bet they reconsider the invitation for the next one?

Who’s paying for all of this? Why are they paying for this? They’re not particularly transparent:

It’s not a “coalition” until you show everyone else who is in it.

At the Missouri Ethics Commission:

Kingdom Principles, Inc. – Active
612 E. Capitol Avenue
Jefferson City, MO 65101
[….]

Associated Lobbyists
Active
Lobbyist From To
Alsager, Matthew Dennis 02/27/2018 Present
Bernskoetter, Brian 03/12/2019 Present
Berry, Dave 03/08/2019 Present
Brown, Travis Howard 03/08/2019 Present
Brunnert, Zachary ‘Zach’ 03/07/2019 Present
Clarkston, Heath 03/05/2019 Present
Dempsey, Tom 03/08/2019 Present
Dozier, Cheryl Lynne 03/07/2019 Present
Flotron, Francis ‘Franc’ E. 03/07/2019 Present
Harness, Kathryn 03/07/2019 Present
Harris, James 03/07/2019 Present
Hemphill, Deanna Lynn 03/08/2019 Present
Hirschman, Janet 03/07/2019 Present
King, Tracy 03/08/2019 Present
Lakin, Joe 03/10/2019 Present
McCracken, David 03/07/2019 Present
McIntosh, Richard 02/27/2019 Present
Nelson, Doug 03/05/2019 Present
Robbins, Thomas 03/12/2019 Present
Schaefer, Kurt 03/05/2019 Present
Schlosser, Lynne 03/08/2019 Present
Stouffer, Bill 03/07/2019 Present
Zamkus, Jason Matthew 03/07/2019 Present

That’s going to cost a lot of money.

Associated Lobbyists
Inactive
Lobbyist From To
Iman, Kyna 03/07/2019 03/08/2019

That was a short association.

Meanwhile:

550 KTRS St. Louis @550KTRS
Why is dark money in Missouri attempting to raise support for legislation that would weaken #TitleIX regulations? @tonymess explains, discusses with @McGrawMilhaven:

Why is a dark money group attempting to pass legislation that will weaken Title IX regulations on college campuses in Missouri? Metro columnist Tony Messenger discusses this disturbing situation.

10:12 AM – 12 Mar 2019

Yeah, about that “emergency clause”.

Previously:

HB 573: Why? Who? (March 9, 2019)

SB 259: Really? For what purpose? (March 11, 2019)

“Hello, Eric, is that you?”

14 Monday May 2018

Posted by Michael Bersin in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Governor, Missouri House, Missouri Senate, social media

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Eric Greitens, governor, investigation, missouri, Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight, phone, social media, Tony Messenger, Twitter

This afternoon, from Tony Messenger, via Twitter:

Tony Messenger @tonymess
Is there a section at department stores marked “burner phone” that I’ve missed? Or does it come with your Outsider Politician Starter Kit?
3:34 PM – 14 May 2018

Ouch. Phone home.

Welcome to Eric Greitens’ (r) Missouri…

30 Friday Jun 2017

Posted by Michael Bersin in Missouri Governor, social media

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Eric Greitens, Friday News Dump, governor, missouri, social media, Tony Messenger, Twitter

Perfect timing.

Erics Greitens (r) [2016 file photo].


Tony Messenger, via Twitter:

Tony Messenger‏ @tonymess
You know who cuts health care for seniors, K-12 funding and hurts workers on holiday weekend news dump? Career politicians. @EricGreitens
6:14 PM – 30 Jun 2017

Bingo.

They won’t because they’re vindictive and petty

24 Friday Mar 2017

Posted by Michael Bersin in Missouri General Assembly, social media

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

ACA, General Assembly, Medicaid expansion, missouri, Obamacare, social media, Tony Messenger, Twitter

This afternoon from Tony Messenger, via Twitter:

Tony Messenger‏ @tonymess
Dear #moleg: The only reason you didn’t expand Medicaid was in ridiculous gambit to make #Obamacare fail. You lost. Now do the right thing.
3:34 PM – 24 Mar 2017

Not a chance. Lucy, Charlie Brown, football. I rest my case.

The empire strikes back

28 Saturday Feb 2015

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

anti-semitism, John Hancock, missouri, Republican Party, Tom Schweich, Tony Messenger

If you’re interested, Missouri GOP Chair John Hancock is now issuing the expected and inevitable statements denying Tom Schweich’s posthumous accusations that he spearheaded an anti-Semitic whisper campaign in order to derail Schweich’s gubernatorial candidacy in favor of the Rex Sinquefield-blessed Catherine Hanaway. Not a surprising move, although his terminology in an email sent to folks identified as “party-leaders” is interesting:

Many of you on this committee are aware of the issue, as it came up in several of our conversations during the past few months,” Hancock wrote, as quoted by the Post-Dispatch. “While those who know me understand I would never denigrate anyone’s faith, Tom had mistakenly believed that I had attacked his religion.”

This left me scratching my head. Nothing that I’ve read implied that Hancock had ever attacked Schweich’s religion. According to reports, Schweich was an Episcopalian and nobody to my knowledge is accusing Hancock of slandering Episcopalians. What folks are saying is that Hancock was falsely asserting that Schweich, who had a Jewish grandfather, was himself Jewish. And that Hancock was doing it in those Republican circles where that might make Schweich persona non grata – at least as far as raising money to finance his race against Hanaway.

There’s a difference. Maybe Hancock doesn’t understand that, or maybe he’s just a sloppy kind of guy when it comes to explaining himself. But what Schweich accused him of wasn’t attacking his religion, but of practicing the dirtiest type of very dirty politics. An accusation that derives a certain credibility from the fact that we all know Republicans are good at doing just that – as I pointed out earlier.

That impression is reinforced by Hancock’s efforts to discredit the motives of Post-Dispatch columnist Tony Messenger who had been made privy to what was on Schweich’s mind during his last weeks of life:

“Now, some political opponents-particularly liberal Post-Dispatch columnist Tony Messenger-are using this tragic incident as an opportunity to criticize me and to smear the Missouri Republican Party,” Hancock wrote, as quoted by the newspaper. “These attacks are not only disgusting; they are wrong.”

Hoowee! Hancock evidentaly belongs to that school of conservative thought that seeks to answer any accusation of wrongdoing by evoking that rightwing bugaboo – those damn “liberals.” Count on them to be “disgusting and wrong.”

Wrong in what sense, though? Does wrong here mean inaccurate or morally culpable? Does Hancock think Messenger made up Schweich’s claims? By his own admission, lots of folks knew that Schweich was getting hot under the collar about what he considered an underhanded and nasty effort to knock him out of the race for the governor’s mansion. So what’s disgusting and wrong, in either sense, about telling folks about the beliefs that had been driving Schweich prior to his death, especially since Messenger correctly ensured that his account of what Schweich said neither affirmed or denied the accusations. If, based on past experience, we’re inclined to take Schweich seriously, the onus should fall on those of Mr. Hancock’s partisans who paved the way for us.

By many accounts Schweich was a highly-strung individual; maybe he was magnifying a few garden-variety incidents of who knows what. But by all the same accounts, he was also a man of integrity who refused to countenance what he considered bad behavior; it is probably undeniable that if he had not taken an even more decisive action yesterday, he would have been making those accusations public himself. How is it wrong – or even “liberal” – for Tony Messenger to act as Schweich’s proxy? Wasn’t Messenger just practicing honest journalism?  Doesn’t Tom Schweich, whose last phone call seems to have been an effort to arrange an interview on the subject, deserve a little respectful and honest journalism on the day of his death?

 

Tony Messenger on State Auditor Tom Schweich

27 Friday Feb 2015

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

missouri, State Auditor, Tome Schweich, Tony Messenger

State Auditor Tom Schweich [2013 file photo].

This evening:

Messenger: From voicemail to voicemail: The short political life and times of Tom Schweich

[….]

Had I not ignored his phone call to me at 9:41 Thursday morning – I was doing a thing at my kids’ school district – I might have been the last person to talk to the man who wanted to be governor. It made for a chilling day in which I decided to do something I’ve never done before as a reporter: reveal the contents of off-the-record conversations with a source. That source is now dead. I believe it’s what he would have wanted.

I have no idea why Schweich killed himself. But for the past several days he had been confiding in me that he planned to accuse the chairman of the Missouri Republican Party, John Hancock, with leading a “whisper campaign” among donors that he, Schweich, was Jewish.

He wasn’t, which is to say that he attended an Episcopal church, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t proud of his Jewish heritage, passed down from his grandfather.

[….]

Go. Read the whole thing.

Previously:

State Auditor Tom Schweich (1960-2015) (February 26, 2015)

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