Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Neosho mayor attacks liberals, modern culture and people who would ban AR-15s, but not Girl Scout cookies and pitchforks

During a wide-ranging interview this morning with host Nick Reed on KSGF in Springfield, Neosho Mayor Ben Baker addressed the controversy that has arisen over his statements on a 9-and-under youth baseball team's selling raffle tickets for an AR-15 rifle.

Baker claimed that his friend Levi Patterson, the coach of the team, has been receiving threats and then blamed the media for spreading misinformation and while he was at it also launched broadsides at the following targets:

-People who don't understand firearms

-Elected officials not having First Amendment rights

-Out-of-state liberals who support abortion and Planned Parenthood

-Violence in movies, rap music and video games


-Pets having more rights than people

-The use of drugs to treat students with mental health issues

-People's hypocrisy in wanting to ban guns when they would not try to ban Girl Scout Cookies or pitchforks if they caused a death

Following the issuance of a statement from the Neosho City Attorney Tuesday that made it clear Baker was not speaking for the city, Baker, who is a Republican candidate for the 160th District state representative position currently held by term-limited Rep. Bill Reiboldt, R-Seneca, said he was speaking for himself and that the reaction to the raffle has shocked him.

"This is something that is very common in southwest Missouri and it's very common to raffle off an AR-15."


Baker said the people who opposed this "don't understand firearms for one thing," though he never explained what it was they did not understand. He described the murders of 17 people in Parkland, Florida by a man using an AR-15 rifle as a "horrific thing," but said people go to the "we have to do something now" mindset when these tragedies occur.

Baker, who has not been stopped from talking to anyone in the media about the raffle, claiming that as an elected official "you have no First Amendment rights." He was referring to the criticism that he has received since his statements in which he blamed criticism of the raffle on liberals and his claim that nearly everyone in Neosho thinks the same way he does.

The media attention has caused problems for Levi Patterson, the coach of the 9-and-under baseball team, and his wife, Baker said.

"They're fearing for the safety of their family. It's just wrong."

At that point in the interview, Baker attacked the media.

"They look for the next person they can demonize and drag into the controversy. It just happened to be me and I would rather it be me than the people in my community."

The problems all come from people outside of the community, Baker said, from people who do not understand the way people in these parts think.

"This is southwest Missouri, this is not San Francisco or other parts of the country where they can't ever relate to someone owning a firearm. Most of the outcry has come from people out of state."


Baker said he checked the profiles of the people who were criticizing him. "They're not from this area. They don't have any idea of the culture here. Most of them have pictures of 'I Support Planned Parenthood' or Bernie. There is a faction of the 'resist' crowd that's the extreme left. They'll attack and threaten people's lives in the name of compassion and that just frustrates me."

Baker is also frustrated by the two or three people in this area (nearly everyone else has been gracious, he said) who have that "extreme mentality to get things stirred up with the national news.

"The majority of the people in this community are in support (of the raffle)." Most of them, Baker added, are asking 'How can we buy raffle tickets?' "

In the next portion of the interview, Baker addressed the opponents of the raffle as "hypocritical," saying, "We've killed over 60 million babies in the womb since 1973 and the left is fine with that.

"They're fine with our tax dollars going to Planned Parenthood killing a baby every 90 seconds and then selling their body parts for cash."

After that, Baker aimed at today's culture.

He attacked movies, videos and a music culture that "glamorize violence" and have created a culture where "human life has no value.

"Pets have more rights than people."

Baker added, "It's a culture that blames it on everything except the real problem. I can't buy into the idea that an AR-15 is going to cause trauma to people who see it."

Baker read lyrics from a rap song in which the singer talks about killing people with an AK-47. The culture, he said, "is where they get their ideas to put into action.

"That's the real problem that needs to be looked at."

And then it was the schools, where students with mental problems are evaluated, given some drugs, then placed back into the system.

Finally, Baker addressed the idea that people want to ban guns when there is a mass killing, but don't treat other weapons in the same fashion. He offered an example of a killer luring people with Girl Scout cookies and said no one would think of banning Girl Scout cookies.

Then Baker told a story he had heard from his wife's relatives in California about a man who broke into a house and killed the children, who were there alone, with a pitchfork.

Those children were unable to defend themselves because their parents followed the law and locked up the guns where the children could not get to them.

"I've never heard people say pitchforks are the problem."

(Baker's interview can be heard beginning at about the 2 hour, 30 minute mark.)

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53 comments:

Anonymous said...

Baker does not speak for all members of the Neosho community. The concerns voiced about this raffle were in fact made by residents of Neosho that care very much for their community.

Anonymous said...

I am ashamed that he is our mayor and that he feels it is ok to make these comments. He is always our mayor even when he thinks he is not. This is appalling and he does not represent the City of Neosho with these comments. He is only using his position to further a political career that needs to end....immediately. An elected official does not get to voice an opinion . He need to focus on city business and not stick his nose into other things. If he wants to become an activist then he needs to resign his position immediately.

Anonymous said...

Very objective article.

Jack Andris said...

Folks, I think we need to take a long hard look at this man before we decide to elect him to represent us in the Missouri 160th district. He seems to be narrow minded and lacks the ability or the willingness to see/listen to other views.

Anonymous said...

I'm proud to call him my mayor!

Anonymous said...

I'm personally proud to be from Neosho my entire life. And I'm glad our Mayor is strong in his beliefs and unwavering no matter the response from people. It's refreshing to hear someone speak their beliefs, stand for them, and not worry about hurting feelings. Free speech, right to bear arms...ahhh...the good ol' constitution.

Anonymous said...

11:03 & 11:06 - Thank you for speaking up to make it known not all people from Neosho share the views and opinions of the current mayor. Glad to know residents voice differing comments.

Anonymous said...

Not to quote the POTUS, but this guy is a "loser." Rap music? Video games? Someone needs to update his enemy list.

Anonymous said...

Yet another entitled rebiblican fundajelical looney toon!

Thinks the rules don't apply to him, steps on the city and its voters by using his position as mayor to pimp his run for the legislature.

Elect a few more of these biblical nutters and they will turn the public schools into their biblical madrassas.

Anonymous said...

Speaks his heart, that's what we need people who stand up for what they belive.people of neosho should have checked out what he thought about important issues before he became mayor.

Anonymous said...

He does not speak for me. And I would hope that his sentiments are not shared by the majority of Neosho residents.

Anonymous said...

Very proud to call him mayor!! Glad he isn't caving under the pressure, very refreshing to gave someone with a backbone and who isn't worried about being politically correct all the time, he has my vote for representative!

Anonymous said...

He’s not only mayor but is supposed to be a preacher? If you go to his Facebook page you’ll find nothing but ridiculous extreme right wing views along with petty name calling (. Snowflake?) Way to represent your community and church. Good job representing your Faith!!

Anonymous said...

Another reason to appreciate the Turner Report! Where else could different views be expressed together? It really is effective communication and an exchange of ideas.

Anonymous said...

1:53 Cheers to you and this blog! Throughout these posts I've yet to see one person comment as to why civilians need automatic or semi automatic guns. It's VERY telling!

Anonymous said...

Ahahaha. Very entertaining, both the article and the comments.
Media is the best thing and also the worst. You get your message out there, but some things are best left unsaid, for your own protection, so as not to show everyone your stupidity.
Entertainment at it's finest.

Unknown said...

What a ridiculing tone you have, Randy. I’m disappointed.

Steve Holmes said...

I'm not familiar with this guy. Has he governed Neosho with such strong viewpoints? Or is he like Sarah Palin, someone credited with being a leader willing to work with the opposition until a switch flips when she considers running for higher office?

Anonymous said...

PLEASE can someone comment on why non military -non law enforcement need automatic weapons. Maybe Mr. Baker or one of his fans?

Anonymous said...

How could anyone be anything BUT ridiculing after Mayor Baker made him self look ridiculous in the interview.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like he has a problem with kids with IEPS and that need extra help. Wants to exclude students and not include him. Thank GOD for some medications that help students engage and receive FAPE.

Unknown said...

This man needs to have psychological help and no business whatsoever being in public office! Not my mayor and I am from Neosho and live here and complexity disagree with his statements. Not factual not objective and very disappointing!!!

Anonymous said...

It has got to be something in the water.

Anonymous said...

Haha! He's a mini Trump. Come on Neosho your better than that.

Anonymous said...

This just proves you know nothing about firearms. No one has ever mentioned anything about automatic weapons. For one thing, an automatic firearm is not legal to own without a special permit. An AR-15 is not a fully automatic firearm. It is semiautomatic which means it only fires one round at a time with each pull of the trigger. HUGEe difference.

Unknown said...

It’s NOT an automatic weapon!! And the mayor doesn’t have a problem with special needs kids. If you listened to the interview and took everything he said in context, you’d understand what he was saying. Good grief!

Anonymous said...






Please tell me that someone is running against this nutbag.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, I'm trying to become more educated. So why do you need an AR 15? You didn't say.

Anonymous said...

6:12 - I have asked the same question and haven't received an answer yet. Maybe someone will educate both of us ... Anyone?

Anonymous said...

So, Ben. After you dissed those who think the raffle is a bad idea as "hatred & vitriol" you claimed you weren't talking about the majority of those. That was 2 days ago. Now we are, "...Baker addressed the opponents of the raffle as "hypocritical,...".
One thing is clear, you don't have much respect for people who disagree with you. This has been quite a revelation for me and maybe others. I was hanging my hat on your words that you would represent all of the constituents whether they shared your views or not. I hope you do some serious reflection on how you have handled this.
Side note: You absolutely have the same First Amendment rights as anyone. The public and the media hold elected officials to a higher standard. Once you step into that ring, your words matter more. Which is one reason I have spoken up. You have demeanded a lot more people than you believe.

Anonymous said...

Hey Mayor, what about the fact that near 30% of your city lives in poverty? Over 20% of your adults are not High School graduates, any comments? Only 15% of your city has a bachelors degree, what say you? Crowder College just saw more funding cuts, how do you plan to make this up? How many jobs did the Trump tax cuts create in Neosho?
Hey Neosho, does your Mayor ever talk about things like this? Why does SW MO gets played time and time again by these folks. Rap music is not your immediate problem, you are being robbed by people with ink pens. Your guns will not help.

Anonymous said...

What his Fecebook says:



"Ozark Bible Institute
Dean of Students / Professor of Education · 2011 to present · Neosho, Missouri
However, anything written on my personal page does not necessarily reflect the views of Ozark Christian Schools or Bible Holiness Assembly of God. "

"City of Neosho
Mayor · Neosho, Missouri"

https://web.archive.org/web/20180222041628/https://www.facebook.com/ben.r.baker


Apparently Mayor Baker's facebook page serves as an announcement that what he posts DOES reflect his position as Mayor of Neosho!

Anonymous said...

Ah, so much to say, so little space. But to begin, standing up and speaking your mind is not necessarily a virtue. Hitler stood up and definitely spoke his mind, and how much better everyone would have been if he had sat down and shut up. Stop! I'm not saying this guy is Hitler. I'm just saying that speaking your mind doesn't prove you have good character. But speaking your mind to voice an unpopular opinion is courageous, right? Probably so, but this guy isn't all that brave, since he's pretty much preaching to the Newton County choir. So, really, what's he up to? He's just another politician campaigning in a frenzy and working up a lather to win an election.

Oddly enough, I agree with him about one thing--violence in the media. Seems like every "action" movie and video game has to be more violent than the last one to beat the competition and make more $$$. They do glamorize and normalize violence, and after so much of it, people aren't repelled by it as they once were. (Personally, I wish violence in video games had stopped with Pac-Man eating those little ghosts.) But he pushes his argument too far, and once again, starts sounding nuts. I know for a fact that pets don't have more rights than people because my dog can't vote. And he lost me with the pitchforks and Girl Scout cookies. Really, who would ever expect to find those two nouns in the same sentence?

Also, he needs to do some real research to find out the real facts about the history and the real mission of Planned Parenthood and the real statistics about all the health services they provide for poor people, both men and women. Abortion is way down at the bottom of the list, and Planned Parenthood works harder than anybody to make it go away by preventing unplanned pregnancies.

Harvey Hutchinson said...

Proud of you Ben, hang in there
Planned Parenthood is an abortion ring with a loophole, and sells th body parts for additional profits after the Federal Government shakedown.
Ask them to show you their executive salaries.

Harvey HUTCHINSON 303-522-6622 voice&text

Anonymous said...

Oh, Harvey. If I didn't know otherwise, I would suspect that your comment was written by somebody named Ivan who works at the troll factory in St. Petersburg. Planned Parenthood is not an abortion ring that sells body parts for profit. It is a front for rogue librarians who launder money for the Mafia. I know that's true because I read it on line.

Soni Elrod said...

That’s for sure! What a grandiose picture he has of himself! His interview was so full of misinformation and lies. So embarrassing that this is our mayor!

Anonymous said...

If anyone is still following this post, especially those who support Mr. Baker' s position on the AR 15, could you PLEASE take a few minutes to explain why you need an AR 15. The silence on this particular question is DEAFENING!

Anonymous said...

Neosho has been led by the likes of Howard Birdsong, Jim Cole and Jan Blase. What do you expect?

Anonymous said...

8:21 - Probably safe to extrapolate from the silence there is NO reason a person needs an AR 15. Sure not getting an explanation here ...

Unknown said...

I myself don’t need an AR rifle, but many people hunt with them. And it’s their right to have one. It is not an automatic weapon.

Anonymous said...

The words of Eugene Stoner, the designer of the AR-15 and many other military weapons:

Stoner: There is the advantage that a small or light bullet has over a heavy one when it comes to wound ballistics. … What it amounts to is the fact that bullets are stabilized to fly through the air, and not through water, or a body, which is approximately the same density as the water. And they are stable as long as they are in the air. When they hit something, they immediately go unstable. … If you are talking about .30-caliber [like a bullet used in the M-14], this might remain stable through a human body. … While a little bullet, being it has a low mass, it senses an instability situation faster and reacts much faster. … this is what makes a little bullet pay off so much in wound ballistics.

Perhaps this is why the AR-15 such an effective tool to put rabits and squirrels into your family's stew pot?

Of course when the wounds are inflicted upon schoolchildren and other law abiding citizens the higher severity of the wounds inflicted by this type of round cease to be an advantage for society.

Anonymous said...

Darla, thank you. I was hoping for a little more than it's their right because right now, legally, that's a given. It also used to be people's right to smoke cigarettes virtually anywhere they wanted to. It was later determined not to be in the public's best interest from a public health stand point so smokers no longer have the right to smoke anywhere they want. My point is sometimes you have to rethink certain rights and do what's in the best interest of the public. The AR 15 is increasingly becoming a threat to public health and deserves a second look.

Anonymous said...

Heather Sher, Radiologist at the Trauma Center treating Parkland victims:
"Routine handgun injuries leave entry and exit wounds and linear tracks through the victim's body that are roughly the size of the bullet. If the bullet does not directly hit something crucial like the heart or the aorta, and they do not bleed to death before being transported to our care at a trauma center, chances are, we can save the victim. The bullets fired by an AR-15 are different; they travel at higher velocity and are far more lethal. The damage they cause is a function of the energy they impart as they pass through the body. A typical AR-15 bullet leaves the barrel traveling almost three times faster than, and imparting more than three times the energy of, a typical 9mm bullet from a handgun. An AR-15 rifle outfitted with a magazine cartridge with 50 rounds allows many more lethal bullets to be delivered quickly without reloading." (Excerpt from article: www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/02/what-i-saw-treating-the-victims-from-parkland-should-change-the-debate-on-guns/553937/

Unknown said...

I disagree. If someone wants to kill people, he/she will find a way to do it with or without that gun.

Anonymous said...

It is called sprawl and it is the tumbling effect of the bullet that causes roughly three times the damage to the human body as a high velocity round. Make no mistake, the fact that this is a military weapon cannot be spun away.

Anonymous said...

Darla, you're correct but shouldn't we want to make it less easy for the bad guys to get their hands on these easily available weapons like the AR 15? You really need some better talking points because the ones you're using AREN'T aging well. That's snarky to say but I'm being sincere. Americans are sick and tired of the mass killings and our generation has failed our youth but guess what? They're well on their way to changing these gun laws and I'm damn proud of them. They're using their God given common sense and making a difference. I'm sorry - it seems to threaten you.

Anonymous said...

Many people commenting here just don't understand that the AR-15 is for hunting!

The next time you and your friends see some old tvs and washing machines running loose in the neighborhood then you KNOW you need some military grade stuff to git-r-dun! None of that old time bolt action stuff for my baws!

A few of your buddies and a couple thousand rounds of ammo and them appliances WILL NOT be getting away this time! Besides, everybody with an ounce of common sense knows that junk like washing machines and old tires and broke down pick'em up trucks on cement blocks will get to breeding! Have a party and the next morning you wake up from sleeping it off and the first thing you see is a jackleg scrapper's delight!

Unknown said...

They aren’t “talking points” and it doesn’t threaten me. I try to stick to the subject and not get personal, unlike you. Killers aren’t going to follow the law and only get legal firearms. I’m sure you’ve noticed that heroin and cocaine are illegal but that hasn’t stopped users. Booze used to be illegal but it didn’t stop drinkers. I guess we’re going to have to disagree on the way to stop mass killings. Banning guns won’t do it.

Anonymous said...

Once upon a time Police were not allowed to carry assault rifles simply because they were considered to be a military weapon. The determining factor was not the rate of fire but the simple fact of the damage a sprawling bullet can cause.

Anonymous said...

Darla, thank you for the back and forth. I'm trying to keep an open mind and I hope you will too. Whether it's on tv or the internet I haven't heard anyone explain the necessity of a weapon like the AR 15, in fact I've heard a lot of opposition to it. I apologize if my remarks offended you. Take care.

Anonymous said...

Sorry Darla, I carried an M-16 for years and was trained by DOD experts and Air Force weapons experts. Never once did they suggest that we hunt deer with them. The round does not always leave the body and does extensive internal damage. Maybe its time we start showing pictures of these kids like the abortion activists do. If this happens to my children, I assure you I will show the pictures.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the comments that the AR-15 is used for hunting.
In this case it was used to hunt human beings.
Let that sink in for a minute.

There is absolutely no good reason for anyone to own an AR-15 especially a 19 year old kid.

The law definitely needs to be changed immediately.

Anonymous said...

The reason that Baker was elected as a State Representative was to get him the hell off the Neosho City Council. Rest well in the knowledge that he will only be a one term Representative. We are going to primary him back to his Bible College in two years.