"Don't You Dare Think Different!" Beshear administration adopts modified Apple ad campaign as its motto

As a Macintosh computer user for more than 30 years, I've seen various Apple advertising campaigns and slogans over the decades. One that stands out is the "Think Different" slogan that was heavily used from 1997 to around 2002, and still makes its way onto Apple packaging from time to time.

Conceived when the personal computer was becoming an integral part of everyday life, the slogan coincided with the advent of the iMac household computer that was intended to be a substitute for the Windows-based PCs that were gaining in popularity.

Now, it would be entirely appropriate for the administration of Gov. Andy Beshear to modify that hoary Apple tag line and apply it to its own philosophy.

"Don't You Dare Think Different!"

Shortly before this column went live yesterday with a critique of the way the administration has railed against those who would dare to challenge the governor's response to the "kung flu" Wuhan China virus,  news broke that another rally to oppose Beshear's edicts is being planned for this weekend. The event is being organized by Dr. Frank Simon, a well-known Louisville religious leader and Christian activist.

This certainly didn't go over well with Dear Leader's camp. Consider this statement from his mouthpiece, Crystal Staley:

“This is another attempt to create fear and terror.” She added, “Holding another event just six days after shows his true intentions. Gov. Beshear will not back down or be bullied. All elected officials should condemn this rally and its organizer.”

Staley, like most of the governor's key staffers, came over with him from the attorney general's office. She must have a selective memory. Has she forgotten that her boss grabbed a megaphone and addressed a Capitol rally attended and organized by educators who staged an illegal sickout in order to be able to go to Frankfort? Is she really saying that it was OK for her boss to protest against former Gov. Matt Bevin, but it's not OK for anyone else to criticize her boss?

It's becoming increasingly apparent that this administration does not like it when people publicly express disagreement with its actions. Indeed, they seem incredulous that anyone would question or defy what they are doing. How dare anyone not appreciate them and their actions? They continue to accuse Republicans of pandering to extremists and inciting bad behavior without any evidence whatsoever, as if the mere act of speaking out in opposition to the governor's actions is throwing red meat to a hungry, angry mob.

There's lots to be upset about, from the way the state has ordered businesses closed and put people out of work to the way the broken unemployment system has been addressed. The executive branch has acted unilaterally in most cases; only when legislators started complaining about a plan to close a handful of state parks to keep them in reserve in case quarantine internment camps were necessary did Beshear act in a bipartisan, cross-branch manner.

People want to be able to express that unhappiness. But the administration does not seem to want to hear their pleas.

Dr. Simon has long been a thorn in the side of liberals. His vocal pro-life, pro-Christian stances have long angered Democrats. He's a lightning rod for criticism, but he's indicated that this weekend's event will be a prayer rally and acts that might be perceived as hostile or intimidating will not be welcome.

But still, it's painfully obvious that this administration doesn't like being told its emperor has no clothes. The citizenry dare not "think different." That's all the more reason to keep fighting, keep rallying, keep protesting, and to make sure the voices of opposition are heard as patriots struggle to get Kentucky and America back on its feet.

Dissent for me but not for thee: Democrats can't accept disagreement with their policies

During the George W. Bush administration, then-Sen. Hillary Clinton went on a famous unhinged screeching rant about political dissent. "I'm sick and tired of people who say that if you debate and disagree with this administration, somehow you're not patriotic. We need to stand up and say we're Americans, and we have the right to debate and disagree with any administration," she screamed. (Listen, if you dare, but don't turn the sound up too loud.)

Now, more than a decade later, it appears Democrats don't believe that Republicans have the right to challenge their policies.

Prior to a controversial rally held on the Capitol grounds in Frankfort on Sunday, May 24, at least three other events had been held by those opposed to the way Gov. Andy Beshear has responded to the coronavirus/COVID-19 (otherwise known as the "kung flu" Wuhan Chinese virus) situation. At some of those rallies, a handful of Republican legislators were in attendance, and some of them spoke.

There was nothing controversial in their remarks. Nothing incendiary. Not an inappropriate word. They spoke the truth. And the truth is that the business shutdowns ordered by the governor have caused major problems for thousands of Kentuckians. Businesses have been closed, and a number of them are permanently closed. Workers have lost their jobs, again many on a permanent basis, and many are having problems getting their unemployment benefits. Some estimates place our unemployment rate at 40 percent, which is said to be tops in the nation. As a result of these closures and layoffs, the state is starving for tax revenue to fund essential services. 

This state is in trouble. It didn't have to be that way. But we're in this situation due to the orders of one official, and those who disagree with his decisions have every right to make their views known. And up until last Sunday, they had done so in a rational and respectful manner.

No elected officials were in attendance at the May 24 rally that resulted in the protest moving to the grounds of the Governor's Mansion, or of the hanging of Gov. Beshear in effigy on the Capitol lawn. The political candidates who attended the rally had no idea that the effigy incident would take place, and most of the attendees had already left when that occurred.

But that didn't stop Beshear from casting blame for the incident on the legislators who had spoken at previous rallies. "You cannot fan the flames and then condemn the fire," he said on Tuesday.

Oh, really? How is offering legitimate criticism of your policies and decisions that have wrecked the state's economy fanning flames? Do you expect the people who have been harmed by your executive orders to just sit idly, silently by while their livelihoods and life's dreams evaporate? Are they supposed to say, "Thank you sir, may I have another?" How can you not expect people to be upset? Are you that out of touch and tone-deaf?

The hanging in effigy was over the top, to be sure, but it's not unprecedented in American history. And there's no fence around the Governor's Mansion, such as there is at the White House, to keep the public away. The governor and his family may not have been there at the time, but even if they were, that's not private property. It's a government building.

Most of the governor's ire, and that of leading Democrats, seems to be pointed at State. Rep. Savannah Maddox, who's a rising star in Kentucky conservative circles. She addressed the crowd during one of the earlier rallies and has emerged as one of the leading critics of the economic ramifications of the "kung flu" response. But since Democrats can't abide any criticism of the governor, since he's nobly trying to save lives, they've turned on Maddox, demanding that Republican leadership censure her.

One thing they've seized on is a tweet she sent long before she was elected. In that post, she noted that many didn't regard Barack Obama as a true black because his father was from Africa and hadn't experienced the racial segregation and discrimination that American blacks have endured for years. For that, they've branded her a racist.

Funny thing. She was echoing some the exact same criticisms levied by blacks such as Al Sharpton back during the 2008 presidential campaign. A black columnist for the Los Angeles Times named David Ehrenstein pointed this out, using the phrase "magic Negro" (something falsely attributed to Rush Limbaugh since he promoted a parody song called "Barack the Magic Negro" that was set to the tune of "Puff the Magic Dragon.") As in many cases, no one cares who has the initial thought, but don't anyone else dare repeat it, or you're a racist or a bigot.

Beshear, Lt. Gov. Jackie Coleman, and House Democrats are trying to turn the protests into a partisan thing, but that's another falsehood. Beshear has taken most of his shutdown cues from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, and there have been a number of protests in the Buckeye State as well, some boosted by Republican legislators or legislative candidates. The opposition to the economic strangulation is based not on party affiliation, but a recognition that sometimes the medicine is worse than the illness. But it seems that for some, the end justifies the means. Who cares how many lives are ruined if just one is saved?

This might be a good time to remind liberals, though, that their hands aren't clean when it comes to protests. What group regularly dresses up in vagina costumes or those ridiculous pink "pussy" hats and listens to speeches like Ashley Judd's infamous "I'm a nasty woman" remarks? They're the ones who want to call out Republicans for their rallies? Kentucky females should be inspired by Maddox and repulsed by Judd.

And, who was it who grabbed a megaphone and addressed teachers during a raucus (and illegal) sickout protest inside the Capitol last winter? That would be then-Attorney General Andy Beshear. Has he forgotten his own actions of just a little more than a year ago?

House Democrats are criticizing Maddox for having her picture made at an earlier date with one of the protestors who hanged Beshear in effigy. Where were they when Gov. Beshear posed with a group of cross-dressers who are part of an organization that mocks people of faith? The same governor who proclaims that his faith dictates that he wear a mask in public to protect others while he allowed abortion clinics to run wide-open as he closed down other medical facilities by fiat? Remember, for two months, a woman couldn't get her eyes examined for glasses or have her teeth cleaned, but she could kill her unborn baby.

The complaints by Beshear's gangsters ring hollow. Maddox, Kim King, David Hale, Stan Lee, and other legislators who attended or spoke at rallies prior to May 24 said nothing provocative or out of line. And none of them were participants in the controversial events on Memorial Day weekend.

"Dissent for me, but not for thee." That seems to be the new slogan of the Beshearites. It's perfectly fine for them to protest things they don't like, but no else else can dare to question their leader.

The temperature just took a huge dip in hell, because Hillary Clinton actually said something of merit. We do have a right to debate and disagree with any administration. Particularly one that's acted with indifference as it's laid waste to Kentucky's economy and the lives and livelihoods of its residents. Stand strong, Savannah Maddox. Keep fighting for Kentuckians. You're on the side of the angels.

Chasing down rumors in the age of stenography

As someone with two degrees in journalism, and someone who worked as a newspaper reporter and editor for nearly 15 years, I believe I'm as well-qualified as anyone to critique the news industry. Even before my ideological awakening in the 1990s, the biases inherent in most news coverage were apparent. Once I became aware of what to look for, it's even more obvious.

When you look at the way the mainstream press treats Democrats and liberals, as opposed to Republicans and conservatives, how can you not conclude that the mainstream press plays favorites and has an agenda? The ongoing coronavirus situation has provided ample proof.

Even before the "kung flu" Wuhan Chinese virus became a factor, it was noticeable. Contrast how the Washington press corp treated Barack Obama and the way it treats Donald Trump. Or in Kentucky, look at how Ernie Fletcher and Matt Bevin were scrutinized vs. the coverage of Steve and Andy Beshear.

For several weeks, with only a few exceptions, Gov. Andy Beshear has conducted a daily briefing and press conference. He gets free air time all across Kentucky on multiple television stations. A handful of reporters are present. After the governor leads everyone in a ritualistic chant of "We will get through this; we will get through this together," rah-rahs and praises those who are taking his orders and recommendations to heart, gives a briefing on new COVID-19 cases, and has staffers give updates on connected issues such as unemployment filings, he takes questions from the smattering of reporters in the room. There's always a deferential air from the press corps. There are no raised voices, no hostility, no "gotcha" questions -- no hard questions at all, really. The assembled "journalists" are really acting as little more than stenographers, relaying the governor's message unchallenged.

When you see members of the press adding phrases like "Stay Home" or putting cute little mask emojis in their Twitter handles, or urging viewers to "stay healthy at home" when they sign out of newscasts, you know they aren't interested in questioning the government, but instead acting as adjunct press secretaries.

Contrast that with the briefings and press conferences held by President Trump. Reporters are hostile. They're antagonistic. They shout and yell. They raise questions on subjects totally unrelated to the coronavirus. They do not behave in a respectful manner. The White House correspondents certainly don't act like their Frankfort counterparts. Is it possible that the political party of the executive has something to do with it?

Remember how former Gov. Bevin was treated by the press? He certainly didn't get the respect that Andy Beshear is getting. Even now, with Bevin out of office, reporters seem to take a perverse joy in attacking him.

Since Gov. Beshear ordered businesses closed, instituted travel bans and prohibitions on gatherings, criticized other states for not closing up shop the way we've been made to do, and told Kentuckians to stay home unless absolutely necessary, at least three troublesome rumors have circulated. One of them seems to have some evidence to back it up, but the other two are merely speculation at this point. You'd think a competent and attentive press corps would ask him to address them, but so far nothing from the Joe Sonkas or Daniel Desrochers or Phil Pendletons of the world.

The first incident happened a few weeks ago, when various reports circulated that a state police detail took Beshear's daughter from the Governor's Mansion in Frankfort to a friend's house on Brownsboro Road in Louisville for a play date. This was at the height of the "Healthy at Home" edict when people were being told not to interact with others outside their households for social reasons. Indeed, the noncompliance reporting logs are full of entries of children from different households playing together.

The second incident centers on the controversial Memorial Day weekend rallies at the Capitol and Governor's Mansion. Even as protestors approached the mansion, it was being said that the governor and his family were not home at the time. Rumors swirled that they were vacationing in Florida; this after he had been frequently urging Kentuckians not to travel out of state to places that had reopened at a faster pace. Beshear stated in his briefing Tuesday, the first one after the incident, that his family was not home at the time, but he didn't say where they were, and no reporter bothered to ask where they were.

Finally, late last week, the state unveiled plans for restarting youth sports activities. Like most of the guidelines for reopening, they are limited with onerous restrictions. Included in the rules for youth baseball were admonishments against the popular travel baseball and softball teams that go to other cities, counties, and even states. Some intrepid online sleuth found out that not only is Beshear's son a member of a traveling baseball team based out of Louisville, but the squad is scheduled to play in Indiana later this summer.

Surely, with these rumors floating hot and heavy over social media, the press would ask the governor about them, right? Nope. Instead, they recently chased down an unfounded and unsubstantiated rumor that Bevin had fathered a child with one of his former staff members -- a rumor that was pushed (if not started) by the members of the pro-Beshear, anti-Bevin KY 120 United teachers group. This is the group, remember, that organized the illegal teacher sickouts to protest the efforts to preserve educators' pensions.

If the governor is constantly saying, "you can't be doing that," yet is doing the things he says others shouldn't do, would it not be incumbent upon the press to ask about those things? If reporters heard, and wrote about, the Bevin affair, surely they've heard the rumors about Beshear's hypocritical acts. Which is more newsworthy? A scurrilous personal rumor about a former elected official, or the possibility of the current governor adopting a "do as I say not as I do" philosophy?

But as long as the press corps acts as stenographers for the governor, answers won't be forthcoming. It may take citizen journalists filing open records requests for details about travel records to determine if state personnel took the governor's daughter to Louisville to play with a friend, or if a state aircraft and personnel were used to fly the governor's family to Florida. And even then, the press can't be counted on to do anything with the information others may obtain. During the Ernie Fletcher administration, bloggers uncovered evidence showing bias in the prosecution of him and his aides. Evidence of a compromised grand jury was known by the journalists of the time, yet they did nothing to bring that news to a wide audience. Only those of us who kept up with things through alternative sources knew.

In the meantime, we can expect the mainstream media to cheerlead for and relay every word uttered by Gov. Beshear and his staffers without question, while at the same time challenging everything said and done by President Trump and his administration. In this day and age of what everyone calls "the new normal," the old normal perseveres when it shouldn't.