Friday, August 12, 2005

Nodler case: Some people don't have a clue

As I read the commentary on the Joplin Globe's followup to Ron Davis' scoop on Gary Nodler receiving free movie tickets, including on the day when he had his meltdown with the caregiver for some developmentally disabled adults, I am amazed at some people's lack of understanding about why those free tickets are so important to this story.
Some of the readers said the Globe was making too big of a deal about Nodler getting to see the movie for free as a senatorial perk. These are the same people who thought the seemingly small amount of gifts that our state senators and representatives receive from lobbyists was not worth mentioning in another recent Globe article.
It's the mindset of our legislators that makes this story newsworthy.
Gary Nodler, Steve Hunter, and some of our other elected officials have come to expect these things, which they only receive because they were elected to represent us. These people can afford movie tickets. They can afford to buy their own meals and their own beverages. But once they start getting used to the idea that they are entitled to these things they lose contact with the people who sent them to Jefferson City or to Washington. They aren't meeting every day with people who struggle to have money to get from one paycheck to the next, or pray that they will not get sick because they cannot afford to pay the high premiums for medical insurance.
The people our elected legislators are meeting with are the well-to-do lobbyists representing well-to-do people in businesses and organizations. Those are the ones who have access to the people we elect every single day. We can't afford to take our senator or our Congressmen out to dinner and buy them drinks or take them on an all-expense paid fun trip to a casino or to a ballgame.
And then for Nodler to lose his temper with a 20-year-old caregiver, a college student, and attempt to wield his considerable state power to cause her problems, is an indictment of his character.
He is a public official and public officials cannot throw tantrums in public, especially when it concerns a personal issue. If Gary Nodler had a public argument with someone who was trying to steal money from the taxpayers, or if he lost his temper with someone who moved his factory from Missouri to Asia, there is not a single one of us that wouldn't be standing right behind him.
Unfortunately, this case is not about our senator losing his composure as he fights for southwest Missourians. It's all about Gary Nodler putting Gary Nodler first.
That is why this story is so important.

7 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:16 PM

    I've had many requests to create an anti-Nodler site... Much like the one we created for Kevin Wilson (whatwouldkevindo.com). I think I might just do it for free considering how worthless this guy is. And some people have already offered up cash to advertise the site on Google and on the radio...

    Also, NeoshoForums.com should have an audio tape tomorrow or Sunday of Gary "melting-down" at a meeting regarding Moark only two days before this movie-theatre-outburst. It should be interesting (and fun) to say the least!

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  2. Anonymous10:09 PM

    It is time for Nodler to resign.

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  3. Anonymous6:11 AM

    Kind of makes one wonder if Gary is not having a mental breakdown.

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  4. Anonymous6:45 AM

    It appears that our state representatives/senators, e.g., Nodler, Hunter, and yes, Stevenson have come to expect as an "entitlement" all of these free perks.

    FYI: These three and other area reps were eating dinner at Jim Bob's on Thursday night. I wonder who footed the bill for that meeting of the "minds?" I can only imagine what the topics of discussion were; 101 ways to live off those who elected me; Entitlements: The best kept secrets of politicians.

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  5. Anonymous12:13 PM

    People, educate yourselves a bit. Democrats receive these perks also. In fact a recent poll showed that they are more commonly abused or loaned out more often by the Democratic party. Truth.

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  6. Obviously, Democrats do receive campaign contributions and gifts from lobbyists and free perks. I will offer my readers this guarantee, if any Democrats are ever elected from this area, I will be right on top of those areas, the same way I have been for our area Republican legislators.

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  7. Anonymous11:44 PM

    Gary Nodler is typical of the reich wing mindset, totally self absorbed, self righteous, and oblivious to the plight of the common man.
    Grant D. Shepherd

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