(UPDATED) BREAKING NEWS: Vision Vancouver’s Version of McCarthyism–The MOST Vicious, Despicable Political Party in British Columbia’s History
In what must be the most outrageous offense that Vision Vancouver captains at City Hall have committed to thus far, I am quite floored to learn that they have a media ‘hit list’.
Provided to me by a Vision hierarch that is VERY close to completely bolting from their party, the below is a list of reporters and commentators, presumably in ascending order of how much we are hated by the Mayor and his despicable crew.
Below, is the list and then some comment from the source, with follow-up from me.
But first, to be fair, since this is an EXTREMELY damning indictment of the way Vision Vancouver will STOP AT NOTHING TO HURT their critics, I thought I would furnish them an opportunity to provide a statement.
From: A.G. (Alex) Tsakumis
Subject: McCarthyism and Vision Vancouver
Date: August 31, 2010 12:05:52 PM PDT (CA)
To: Kevin Quinlan
Kevin:
I am in possession of a list of reporters and commentators, who are apparently on a Vision hit list…of sorts. It is a list of reporters that you and the Mayor’s people allegedly consider “offside”.
Specifically, will you confirm or deny that such a list exists and that you and the Mayor’s office had nothing to do with it?
You are ON THE RECORD.
As you can appreciate, this is an EXTREMELY serious matter as my Vision source claims that the list came from your bailiwick–that YOU helped author it. And that it has been circulated among some Vision hierarchs. It’s one thing not to like what people are writing or reporting about Gregor or your party, but to TARGET reporters is absolutely disgusting. What are you going to do to us?
The source is confidential but may be willing to go on the record. He has a long track record with Vision Vancouver and has evidently given up on you and the party.
I need an answer as immediately as possible. If I do not hear from you, I will simply go with my source.
Thank you
Alex G. Tsakumis
Now for the list:
1. Mike Klassen (citycaucus.com)
2. Alex Tsakumis (alexgtsakumis.com)
3. Daniel Fontaine (citycaucus.com)
4. Marisa Thomas (Global TV)
5. Wayne Moriarty (The Province)
6. Christy Clark (CKNW)
7. Jill Bennett (CKNW)
8. Janet Brown (CKNW)
9. Jeff Lee (The Vancouver Sun)
10. Harvey Oberfeld (harveyoberfeld.ca)
11. Charlie Smith (The Georgia Straight)
12. Bob Mackin (24 hours)
13. Mike Howell (The Courier)
14. Mark Hasiuk (The Courier)
15. Geoff Dembicki (The Tyee)
“There is a huge witch hunt on at the Hall and within Departments as to the source of continued leaks–you are a prime target so watch yourself. I am told that they are figuring out if they can fire (getting Legal to figure this out) with cause and no severance as an example to chill everyone else out.. It is on going and I am told that after Labour Day they will be stepping up monitoring as well as setting traps “to nail the poor f@#kers to the cross’. The list above is what they came up with. Alex, as you know, you and I will not always agree on our politics, but this is not the party Larry (Campbell) put together so I’m out. I held on as long as I can. These people are more radical than you think they are and they will stop at nothing to hurt you and your family. I know you have little children but they will one day become big children and smear campaigns by people with powerful, monied crazies can last a long time. They can spin any old lie and make it stick so long as they have people like Frances (Bula) selling their journalistic integrity. They plan on leaking embarrassing stories to their friends in the press so if I were you I would watch my back. Maybe you should also get your lawyers ready. I’m sorry to do this to you but for now I want my name out of it. If they start to injure people personally I may be forced to confront them publically but I can not go back and help no matter what. As far as I’m concerned they are the most nasty bunch of hooligans to make it to the Hall. Please take care of yourself. They are coming for you and the others. Give me a call next week and we’ll have a that drink I keep threatening you with. This whole list thing makes me sick to my stomach.”
My friends, this kind of McCarthyism is such an affront to journalists everywhere, that even those I disagree with on this list; I would stand in front of them before such a disgusting, disgraceful attack. The producers, editors and publishers of these news outlets should be outraged.
The source, by the way, is a long-time friend of Vision Vancouver and has completely given up on them. And not just for what they are shoving down the throats of Vancouverites, but for the way they are running roughshod over due process.
Of course, the “hooligans” at City Hall, doing the Mayor’s bidding will claim that this is all fiction–just like they did during the Ark Tsisserev scandal…
Well, the source sat in front of me this afternoon with a tape going. I will let you know if he’s willing to reveal more, and if he’s willing to go public. He may.
My friends, this is EXACTLY as I have told you all along. Robertson Chief of Staff Mike Magee, through American nouveau hippie inheritors and social change totalitarians, aided and abetted by like-minded Penny Ballem and Geoff Meggs, are on their way to destroying this city.
But destroying the lives and careers of reporters and commentators because they don’t blindly follow the Vision songsheet?
The others on the list can speak for themselves. But I have one line for the vicious bastards at City Hall on this witch-hunt…
BRING IT ON!
Psst, Mike…you don’t really want me to take the gloves off, do you?
Remember Sam?
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NOTE TO READERS: There is more to this story. I will have an update tomorrow.
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UPDATE: Late this afternoon, Kevin Quinlan of the Mayor’s Office has replied and denied the existence of a list, describing it as “delusional.” I will feature his reply in a separate post tomorrow and also tell you why based on his fantastic track record of shamelessly lying through scandal, I wouldn’t believe him no matter what he said. All tomorrow…until then.
Sounds very Nixonesque. I’m sure that the 15 people on the list will be quite unhappy being tagged and it certainly doesn’t help Vision’s future media relations. In fact, it could result in even worse coverage of VV than before.
Another Dumb and Dumber VV moment. What a bunch of goofballs!
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This is the most outrageous thing I’ve seen in politics ever. I’ve worked in Victoria, Ottawa and rubbed elbows with some of the finest organizers and operatives in the country. NEVER, I repeat, NEVER have Is seen this kind of thing. My source for this is a veteran of the political game and he looked down right SCARED!
Well, I PROMISE you one thing…I will give them two for every one I get…and I will absolutely take the gloves off if they come after me or my family on a personal basis. Without hesitation.
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Hi Alex,
UNBELIEVABLE! Do the words “your screwed” sound familiar?
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Yup…heard it before.
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Alex this is your best Vision story yet.
Congratulations on this revelation. I dealt with Quinlan when I was helping Al DeGenova try to win the nomination. Kevin is a little pig who hates everyone unless they pray at Gregor’s feet.
Well done big man.
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Oh I’m quite partial to the Ark Tsisserev story to be honest. But this is definitely a good one–no doubt. Thx for the compliment. Much appreciated.
BTW, if memory serves me correctly, Quinlan is quite tall… LOL!
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Well, mon ami, you are the p’tit gar who will cut him down to siaze, mais oui??
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D’ accord…
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Hey Alex you really need to get on to twitter. Your story has gone viral. I got it from about a dozen different people. What a great scoop! Jeff Lee from the Sun says he needs to work harder to get higher up and Bob Mackin at 24 is depressed he didn’t make the top ten.
Those are some of the comments going on right now. I don’t know how you do it but you sure get the hottest stories. Congrats!
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I know, I know…I’ve heard this before and as recently as about two minutes ago. lots of friends encouraging me to get back on. I just find it too creepy. “Followers’?! Agh! Jim Jones had followers. I want readers.,,I don’t know, I’ll think about it.
Thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated.
And I’ll happily explain why top notch reporters like Jeff and Bob are grouped in with the rest of us. The Dembicki angle had me stumped too, until I did a little research. All that tomorrow, stay tuned…
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Again…nicely done Alex. But your “Revelations” are making me a little nervous. Are there still discussions being held about extending the municipal council terms to 4 years?
In meantime…can’t wait for the Update tomorrow!
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Yes, and Vision is desperately trying to turn the page. And I’ll SHOW you how tomorrow…stay tuned. These people are on the run as they should be.
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Global TV reported tonight that Penny Ballem wants $4 million cut from the Fire Department’s budget. First, they destroy the electrical inspection system in the City, now they go after the fire department. And for what? So Gregor can move his office and use untendered consultants?
Vision has now lost all credibility as far as I can tell. No wonder they’re going after the media; they think they’re above us all – and can do whatever they want, without being held accountable for their actions.
Most insulting of all was that Penny Ballem, who evidently has little understanding of public administration (Hint, Penny – you’re supposed to act in the publics’ interest, not Vision’s or your own), is again the spokesperson for the City. Gregor, the spoiled child mayor, apparently only comes out when there’s a good photo op.
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Yes gasp old buddy, this is precisely what she’s asking for. And, yes again, she has no clue what she’s doing.
Wait till I show you tomorrow just precisely how these people shamelessly shovel the horse manure.
Great to hear from you as always.
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To me it doesn’t make sense, if you build higher buildings with greater density, wouldn’t you need to increase the fire department budget to accommodate both issues?
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Sure, but that’s because your brain works and you’re not a liar.
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Of course, they want to cut the VFP’s budget! His Arrogance, Mayor Red Light needs ever more money for ever more bike lanes (bike lanes are sacred, doncha know…)
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Wait for it. I just heard that Commercial Drive is up for the nest one. These people with Vision Vancouver are CRAZIES. Certifiable…
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They denied Ark Tsisserev was fired without cause, until they had to ‘fess up. They denied the Beatty Street murals were painted over because of the Olympics… until FOI documents showed it was all about the Olympics. Does the tradition continue?
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God, let me help…they denied that the Hornby bike lane was a fait accompli (work has started well before the consultation process is even half way through). They denied that STIR was a way for rewarding pals. They denied they were overspending on the Olympics (can anyone say ‘Oglov’) they denied they were behind the Vision blogosphere whore who is the prime suspect in the targeting of Mike Klassen.
Tradition? Damn right. A tradition of deceit and extravagance. A culture of entitlement and privilege. And from whom? A bunch of crazed radical loons.
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Alex, I have been reliably advised that Engineering had survey crews out surveying Hornby Street for the Bike Lane in August & as well has electrical crews starting to rewire the traffic lights for the BL. The latter work was not completed for unstated reasons but. it was after various people brought this info out.
This is before Council has approved this project [I am told by staff, the earliest will be 22 Sep]. I understand they are trying to get around irritating roadblocks such as ‘approved budgets & expenditures’ via taking money from already approved accounts in the relevant departments. Perhaps it’s time to get some actual documentation of these unethical practices so the Province can send in a public accounts auditor.
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Of course. I’ve already been alerted by the engineering guys. Your information is accurate.
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‘Brad’ described this as ‘Nixonesque’ and while I know what he means, Nixon was 100 times smarter than the mayor. He (unlike the mayor) was never the architect of Watergate. He was the victim of over-zealous aides and his own loyalty to subordinates that didn’t deserve it.
For all his faults, Nixon was one of America’s best Presidents, particularly in foreign policy. He played the China card with a brilliance that later enabled President Reagan to capitalize on it leading to the collapse of the USSR.
The mayor isn’t fit to stand in Nixon’s shadow.
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Complete agreement. I understood what he meant too. (Brad’s a great guy and terrific commenter). Nixon was a super President, who tried to butt-cover subordinates that were as you state, overzealous.
One of my favorite lat night pastimes, is to shake a Ketel One straight up and put on the ‘Frost Nixon Tapes’. I learn something every time. Fascinating viewing. It’s like watching ‘The Godfather’. No matter how many times you see it, there’s always something new and amazing about what Brando did.
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I believe Will Rogers once said that it was easy being a humourist when you have the entire government working for you.
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Too bad they don’t make cops like you anymore my friend…very good!
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Penny needs to be fired as does the Vision crew at the next election.
Power has clearly corrupted the mayor and his gang.
The problem is who is the alternative, surely not the NPA and clearly not COPE. So we are in a serious hard place.
The solution is to form a Vancouver Voters Association who will vet candidates as individuals. A V V A will have to put a policy paper on the table that is based on electing candidates who are committed to the public interests not the interest of their parties and monied supporters. Clearly, a V VA would not support candidates who are supported by developers or unions. Clearly a V VA could not support candidates who have no programs to end homelessness( beyond opening shelters), fight crime and drug and alcohol abuse and other serious problems such small business taxes.
In short we need new people to run and we need to get ride of these municipal parties and the hacks or is it ________hacks Gregor, who are running this city into the ground.
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A new party like that James will only split much of the vote with the NPA, since that’s precisely what they used to be when they were vibrant. Good to hear from you as always. Take care.
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So will NPA ever be “vibrant” again? Given current players looks unlikley. (Susan for mayor). I have to agree with James we need new blood with no one pulling their strings.
Downside split the vote and more vision? Scarey but is the bet worth it to get some real government in Vancouver? I think so.
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I can’t agree with that. Unfortunately, I know better. Elections are won on numbers: Dollars and voters. Neither of those can be split next election…if so, there can be no further question that Vision will sail back in should this come to pass. No, one vehicle must be chosen. I already know COPE will challenge them, so their flank is split. If the NPA splits too, they’re done. Although, in a four way race, Gregor Robertson loses. He’s lost independents with his radicalism and COPE too.
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The Thought of The Day
“I’ve never fancied a List I was not on! Well, there is one though… David Letterman’s Top Ten.”
After reading your list, twice, I for one Alex, feel deeply insulted.
It’s completely, utterly, totally uncivilized. Thinking about it, what was the chance of suggesting only yesterday that in the eventuality of them coming after me, it would be a very upsetting experience if they would go for anything but an Untendered Contract!?
But noooo,apparently I am not good enough for them Hollyhockers. You lucky buggers!
Anyway, if the List is True and I hope it is, for satirical purposes of course, and if we could only find out who was the Gianormous Brain behind it, I only think it’s fair to ask this person two burning questions.
ONE
‘Where do you see yourself, say in five years from now?’ If your answer happens to be ‘On parole’ you would be right pal and good for you!
TWO
As witness to history in the making here in Vancouver:
“Have you no decency, Asshole?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqQD4dzVkwk
Now, I’m going to copy / paste your title: ‘Vision Vancouver’s Version of McCarthyism–The MOST Vicious, Despicable Political Party in British Columbia’s History’ PERIOD
I’m telling you Alex, with these Vision characters I could never run out of material. Amazing! These people are the best example of why some animals eat their young. Nuff’ said.
We live in Vancouver and this keeps us busy.
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Priceless…
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I’ll second Alex on this one. Priceless. The Video clip is a match made in …America, where all these Vision sponsors are from. Tell you what Gliss, start your own blog and I guarantee you’ll make Top Ten on any List. They probably have you already, only they don’t know who you are. Gawd, I’d love to know who you are, and shake your hand.
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Honestly, I would pay a monthly fee to read that kind of brilliance.
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You must be very upset only number 2 .
Alex you need to try harder.
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Oh believe me. If I didn’t get one more story on them, I’ve already amassed a whole file folder of stories on Vision Vancouver that could keep me busy until the next municipal election.
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You must be upset you didnt top the list. Haha.
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I think it’s personal. They REALLY HATE Mike for some reason. Truth be told I don’t exclusively cover the City Hall. I do many stories on the nutbar policies of Vision, but Mike and Daniel have been prolific in causing them grief. I’ve had a few bigger stories, but citycaucus.com is really the go to site for most local news stories. I’ve got provincial, federal, international and human interest stories that I do, too, so I think that’s why Mike was number one. But when I decipher the list for you later today, you’ll see why they ranked everyone as they did.
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It’s funny actually. On some recent blog stream at the Georgia Straight, I was referred to as an “NPA blogger”
And yet, if a list was compiled by the NPA under Sam, I would have been number one, for the unmasking of his foolishness. The left can’t help themselves, I guess.
They clearly HATE Mike, and that’s really dumb. But it tells you about their mental state…
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What do you think of Christy Clark being on the list.
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I think it’s obvious. They are desperately afraid of her. If she ran she’d KILL Gregor and Vision. They might get Louie and Deal back on. That’s it. Christy has done a SUPERB job holding Vision’s feet to the fire.
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I was a little disappointed that you were number two. They cannot even get the hit list right!! You are the one who is exposing the innards of Vision for what they truly are, accurately, timely and without reservation.
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Oh well. In the next sic months, I’ll try harder…
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The only thing I’m surprised about is that it took so long for someone to leak something conclusive enough to allow you to write this. I believe that the “Media Hit List” is only a part of the Mayor’s, City Mangler’s and V.V’s much longer Official Enemies List comprised not only of you Media Types but also of “employees of questionable loyalty” and regular citizens who get persistent about trying to get things fixed that V.V. has neglected, screwed up or let fall apart.
You Media Types are grown-up, in the business, can deal with this and should expect a certain amout of it, especially from people with something to hide.
City employees who do the real work of keeping the city functioning derive job satisfaction and much of their quality of life by doing the right things the best they can. Many must be very unhappy under this Regime.
Regular citizens who try to do a civic duty by expending hours of their time to help make this a better place do not deserve to be ignored or treated like hostile agents. People who were neutral or supportive of V.V. two years ago now want to see them gone.
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And that last line is what’s killing them and thus they’ve gone crazy town on the media. They’ve lost neutral and independent voters because of the extremism. As media, we’re targets because we won’t accept their lies and have exposed the inanity. So now they’re going to come at us personally. Great. Bring it on. Always good to hear from you Gary. Appreciate your pithy comment.
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There’s no way Klassen beats you out for #1, Alex, you are by far the most dangerous commentator in town — Vision can’t even get their hit list right!
But what the heck is Harvey Oberfeld doing in the top ten? He rarely blogs about civic politics.
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Too funny! Harv’s position will be explained. He has done some doozies on Vision, that’s why. They monitor everything.
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Incredible. The best, most explosive piece of journalism I’ve read by far Alex . Kudos to you man! Bob M. @ 24 Hours had a great one in today’s paper. The plot thickens, something smells really bad in this city. You call it McCarthyism, I call it a Commietalism! Bed bugs with money. I hope they’ll get what they indubitably deserve.
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Many thx Higgy baby (man I loved Magnum PI). You can bet on Vision getting what they have EARNED in spades.
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Hi Alex, it amazes me how similar (ideologically) the policies of the present City Hall & US administrations are, constantly ignoring the public interests pursuing instead their failed theories, instead of concentrating on the urgent problems facing them.
If the Mayor REALLY wants to reduce the use of cars for commuting, trying to increase cycling is a waste of time & money, he should co-ordinate with Translink, to provide a more efficient bus service, where buses would run continuously (downtown) and ALL drivers properly trained into smooth driving, without sudden acceleration or braking, some do it extremely well and fast.
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The only way to reduce hot air emissions is to boot these guys from office.
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I am not talking about a new party Alex. I am talking about an association that supports candidates that commit to policies and programs that are in the public interests and reject candidates that accept developer’s money, union money and support candidates who have sound programs that deal with the many things Vision, Mini Vision or should I say Cope, and the NPA have not successfully addressed such as business taxes, the drug problems in this city, a lack of consultation at city hall, the over 15 city gangs, poverty and homelessness, political corruption, sexual crimes against women, insignficent numbers of police officers, to name a few.
With the right numbers this association with voting power could vet candidates. There is much more to this idea but be clear I am not talking about another party in this city.
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Thx for the clarification.
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The who in regards to the mistrust at city hall is Mike Magee who is a rude, arrogant, bully who is attempting to run the city and who is a mean spirited sob. His selection as the deamer’s main man at city hall shows once again that his dity mouthship lacks sound judgement.
Get rid of Magee, Meggs, Louie and the rest of this gang and get rid of the NPA ,people and let;s search for new people to run this city.
Any takers?
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I’m actually flattered to be be on ANY political hate list, four years after I retired … except for my pontifications on my tiny little blog Keeping it Real. And I intend to put it all in context …. by letting my readers know tomorrow a few other much better hate “lists” I suspect I made it on over my working career. LOL!
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