Dirty Politics: Another Game Changer

Sorry there is not a graphic for this post but for some reason, Google is not allowing me to upload a photo. One thing I've learned to day is that politics is a dirty game that magically seems to get dirtier. For those of you that do not subscribe to the Lumberton Informer Facebook page, I updated the status after I received an anonymous email that contained documents about the LVFD (Lumberton Volunteer Fire Department). As I was printing out the documents, I was updating my page. I was saying I was going to post the results after I read over the documents, but that one statment has seemed to cause a ripple effect I had never intended. When I received the documents, I had a deja vu moment. I was immediately taken back to the time when I literally stumbled upon information about former chief, Dennis Hobson. I was leaving home and I stepped on a packet and it contained paperwork about Hobson's arrest records and pending cases regarding civil lawsuit brought against Hobson and other Meredian Police officers. Now, those that read the blog knew what the posting of this information led to. I was threatened, at gun point, by a uniform officer. I was then targeted by this officer and the former city clerk, Stephanie C. Mullings. Together, they found some antiquated law to have me ticketed, and towed for parking in my designated parking area. After Judge Stewart, allegedly, signed a warrant for failure to pay what I considred an illegal ticket, I was jailed overnight because Stephanie and Hobson made certain that they didn't serve the warrant until after city hall closed; making sure I didn't have time to pay the ticket to avoid being arrested. Cleaverly underhanded, but hey, that's what they were about. So, for those of you that bombard my inbox or facebook wall, asking why I dislike (well they said hate) Stephanie, well here you go. As I stated, I don't hate her, but I will not let her or anyone else forget that she was complicit in this set of events. But that's neither here nor there, and I'm certain that I would never get an apology from either of them. Besides, that's not what this post was about. I posted the fact that I was going to blog about the documentation I received and it, pardon the pun, seem to create a fire storm. I went on about how I received the information and I made a joke about how it really didn't matter since people say I am the only reader of this blog. So, for those of you that wonder if I think of others when blogging; the answer is not. Time and time again, I have been told that no one reads this blog and since I am an audience of one, I find it difficult to offend myself. Now, the fact that things stated in this blog has led me to get threatened, from officers and civilians, it has caused by car to get egged and I was even put out of a church because of this blog. So I guess freedom of speech is not really free. I am amazed at the level of discomfort that if felt when the truth is spoken without bias and without apology. There were times when I thought about throwing in the towel but I refuse to capitualte to pressure. If my words angered you to the point of egging my car, making veiled threats and even getting to the point of trying to can my gifts (attempting to make me place my lamp under a bushel) and even pushing me out of a congregation. Really. But I come to realize that what others say about me is more of a reflection of them than it is of me. Besides, if so-called Christians can't stand the flame of truth, then I don't know who can. Again, I have drifted off subject. I never intended for the post to lead any candidate to withdraw from the race. The election is slated for June 4, 2013 and the political area is changing. So far, there are at least two candidates that either have or planning on withdrawing from the race. I think everyone that went through the trouble of gathering a petition and qualifying for the election should remain in the race, but it is not my decision. I generally don't reqret posting what I post but if my words has caused someone to give up on something they're passionate about, then I truly regret every posting the status update. I have always been opinated and outspoken and will continue to do so. Now, this race is not about the LVFD and there will not be any expose about the LVFD. If a person wins or loses an election, it should be based on their record, not anything else. Please note: I will read, review and post at an appropritate time. However, I am taken aback when there's a reference that a person at Frank Lee Homes, indicating that the person is black, refused to join the LVFD because they will not risk their lives for nothing. Now, let's be clear, the City of Lumberton pays all the bills, expenseses for the Lumberton Volunteer Fire Department, including but not limited to the $1,000/month stipend. This is in addition to the disablity insurance and other fees. So, if you want others to play fair, you should extend the same courtesy. As I stated, I hope all that have entered the race to stay until the end. I dare to enter this race despite the great scruity I have endured. I have the ability to separate the facts from fiction. I can read a person and still be fair after all is over. Unfortunatley, not everyone is able to set aside personal differences for professional advancement. At one point, I thought of editing my blog and facebook pages due to the upcoming election and I realized that I would be hypocritical by doing so. I am voice in this world and I will be heard; despite the naysayers. To those that say I should pander to individuals for a vote, I say, if my realness offend you, then I am not the candidate for you. I will be fair in all my decisions and I will not go in with a personal agenda. I will go, I shall go, I'll see what the end is gonna be and I wish the others will have the fortitude to do the same. The race is not given to the swift but to those that can endure to the end. I have endured a lot and I give thanks to God that I have not allowed myself to be tainted by the people I have known for most of my life. I don't take my responsiblity lightly and again, I hope all that entered the race, would see their campaign to the end.