The Disgrace is In
Feb 24th, 2008 by Dave
Disgraced piece of human garbage and former state representative John Atkins declared himself a Democratic candidate for his old job this morning on Maria Evans’ WGMD show. Check it out at the WGMD Blog. And congratulations to the Delaware Dems on your new recruit.
Dave: I thought I had read the Dems don’t want him. Can Atkins run as a Dem if they don’t want him? Or, have the Dems changed their minds?
They can’t stop him. They can only hope to contain him.
Al’s right, Hube. But I’m sure his primary opponent (whoever that ends up being) will remind voters that the Republicans tossed him and that the local Democrats didn’t want him, either. I’ll be surprised if he survives a primary.
Thanks for the info, guys.
Please don’t give us Nancy Wagner. There’s a legislator whose unethical behavior covers every day for years. If her behavior were only confined to one night of drunkenness, we’d all be better off.
It’s nice to know you’re an Atkins apologist, Dana. He’ll be plenty happy in your party, I’m sure.
But it’s such a great title: “One Night of Drunkenness: The John Atkins Story.” Celia might be working on it already.
Here’s the part I can’t figure out and nobody else seems to be asking: why would Atkins go through all of this abuse (aka, joining a party that has already said publicly they don’t want him) to become a Democrat? Why couldn’t he have run as an Independent? That’s the part I don’t get…
He covers that in the interview, as an independent he said he would have no pull for his constituents.
Well, Dave, your fellow blogger here on FSP, Frank Knotts, is terribly sorry Atkins is leaving the GOP. I heard him say so on the Evans podcast. In fact, your GOP writer here on your blog said that if he lived in the 41st district he would seriously consider voting for the Dem John Atkins. For Frank to say something like that (to vote for a Dem) I figure that either Hastings must be one awful, lazy-assed politician (as callers to the program suggested) or Knotts knows that some people exaggerated what happened w/ Atkins (you know, like the kind of stuff the AG’s office shrugged off as a waste of their time) or both.
Speaking of what really happened, the troubling thought I have been having lately is the sources for the entire Atkins story: a suicidal drunk bankrupt phony, a media person who thought he could get special leverage over people of influence by showing how he could bring people down, and a political opportunist who consistently fails to condemn politicos of his party who cheat the people of DE but will tell outright lies about people of the other party (say, someone like me) but who probably calculated that the Atkins story was sensational enough to allow him to kick Atkins to the curb to increase his own rep.
It’s funny how time and facts focus events clearer than they were before.
You’re really off the reservation, Dana. If you don’t understand what was wrong with flashing the ID card, you need some remedial courses in good government. And there’s a difference between doing something once and getting caught once.
Al, thanks for the lesson, but I believe I might have been the 1st person or one of the 1st to condemn Atkins use of the card, as in the day after that aspect of the story broke:
http://delawarewatch.blogspot.com/2006/12/is-delaware-state-rep-john-atkins.html
Now it could be, as Jason Scott says of me, that I am too much of a social worker at heart. But it’s not exactly an arcane theory to believe that too much booze can effect a man’s judgment as, say, when he uses a Leg ID card inappropriately. But that’s me. It might very well be a weakness: I do believe in 2nd chances.
But what’s unforgivable is when a stone sober Nancy Wagner writes her hubby a job into the state budget year after year and you don’t see the so-called good government Repubs calling for her being ousted from the state house like they did for Atkins.
Now that’s what I call “off the reservation.”
Dana’s original point: We don’t want Wagner or Lofink. Please keep them.
Tell the New Journal to stop identifying them as Democrats. We have our own problems to work out without adopting yours.
Dana -
Dave will never ever, ever criticize a Republican unless it is a Republic running as a Democrat whose name is John Atkins.
I think that has been well established. It ain’t happening.
Talk about disgrace. ON WGMD right now caller after caller have been calling in condemning Dave Burris for calling Atkins “a piece of human garbage.”
LOL
Dana — News flash. John Atkins is a piece of human garbage, and he has always had people lined up to call into WGMD. Apparently people need a refresher course in why John Atkins is a human piece of garbage.
Really? Did Atkins have Sen. Bunting lined up?
[…] Delaware State Senator George Bunting (D) has called on former Sussex Republican Chair, and blogger-wanna-be-governor Dave Burris to publicly apologize to John Atkins and his family for referring to Atkins as a “disgraced piece of human garbage”. […]
No. Bunting was on for another reason.
Interesting, Dana. You don’t live in the WGMD calling area. Where oh where are you getting your information? I don’t think we have to look far.
Dave, the empire of liberty is about to become a steamroller when Obama gets into office.
By that I mean all this corruption needs to go from the local to national level.
[…] 25, 2008 Dave Burris, owner of the Delaware Politics blog and former Sussex County Republican chair, has referred to Democratic state representative […]
Dave, are your trying to suggest that WGMD cannot be live streamed?
Is that the new bullshit you are trying to suggest now that you are being unmasked?
It’s a conspiracy when people many people criticize the high & mighty Dave Burris?
Dana, are you trying to suggest that you live-stream WGMD every day, or did you just happen to be listening today and then run to other blogs to proclaim the news that Atkins’ minions didn’t approve of what I did? Guess what, sport? They didn’t approve last time, either. But you did.
But that was before I took on your beloved unions and you started to slander me and insinuate that I’m a racist because I asked if you were being paid to shill for Bullock, even though his skin color never came up until you thought you could smear me with it.
Dana: How aware are you of Atkins’ politics beyond his Big Night? They don’t match yours at all, and in fact you would normally be among the loudest critics of his retrograde brand of conservatism. Given how many people he lied to — that night, in the immediate aftermath and in the days that followed — why are you so convinced this was an aberration and not a window into his character?
It doesn’t matter Al. The enemy of Dana’s enemy is Dana’s friend.
Anything he can do to try and take me down at this point - making things up, lying down with Atkins, whatever - is fair game. He is obsessed, and you know how Dana gets when he is obsessed.
“Dana: How aware are you of Atkins’ politics beyond his Big Night? They don’t match yours at all, and in fact you would normally be among the loudest critics of his retrograde brand of conservatism.”
That’s it? I’m not supposed to be fair toward someone simply because their politics don’t agree w/ mine? I wouldn’t vote for Atkins because of his brand of conservatism, but I’m not going to abide the schlock about him when I know much of the real story that was never told.
Sorry, that’s the FSP way. Not mine
“when I know much of the real story that was never told.”
Do tell, Dana. Tell the REAL story about a situation that you were not at all present for or involved in. Produce or shut your worthless mouth.
It’s a neat trick how you move your mouth, but the only voice I hear is Atkins’.
Very nice, Dana. You attacked my statement and didn’t answer my question. Try again:
Given how many people he lied to — that night, in the immediate aftermath and in the days that followed — why are you so convinced this was an aberration and not a window into his character?
Dear Lord: Just how many times does the man have to apologize for his one night of stupidity? Dave, you are very cruel indeed. I suppose that you are perfect!!!! If that is the case, please share that information with all of us.
Linda, everybody could have overlooked the stupid night. We’ve all had them. It was the weaseling, the lying, they lack of integrity he showed in the aftermath. Character does matter. All he had to do was stand up and be a man. Instead, tried to con us. It’s like the difference between having a car accident, and having a car accident then trying to flee the scene. One is excusable, the other not.
Holy crap! Some of you are making me feel like we should be treating John as a victim of his own consequence! I guess you get that when you are treated like a rock n roll star.
Dave,
I do believe WGMD now streams its broadcasts. Could that be how Dana had been listening in?
Don, I too was very pissed at his behavior that night, especially about flashing his ID card, avoiding the citation, getting back in his car and driving, trying to get the Millsboro police not to file a report, etc. All of it was very poor judgement. However, my point is this: He cannot undo what has happened. He has apologized to the point where it is sickening. If he is indeed a good local representative, then please let him be just that. That is my only concern. The people of his district if they see fit, will re-elect him and perhaps he can continue doing his job.
Linda, you have a forgiving heart. That’s a good thing. I am not from his district, but geez there has to be other people there to fill the spot. You say “if he is a good rep, let him be that”. Remember the guy was removed from the Legislature by his own Party- declared unfit. that don’t happen to many good reps. At some point you just gotta let it go. I mentioned character, a person of character would be forever shamed by this. This guy just wants to resume his career like nothing happened. Nuts, if you ask me. Not sure why you would be so loyal.
Don, he is NOT my rep. I just think the man has “served his time”, is ready to get on with his life and job, and most people are not willing to let him do just that. I have NO loyalty toward him. I just think he is a human being who made a huge mistake and will probably pay for it the rest of his life. I can handle that, but the name calling is ridiculous, that is what upsets me the most. Granted, that night in Ocean City, he did EVERYTHING wrong, from start to finish. I was just trying to make a point that I was sick of hearing him apologize all the time, enough is enough!!!
“but the only voice I hear is Atkins’.”
You don’t know who talks to me, Dave.
Why are you desperately trying to insinuate otherwise?
Linda — If you read the post, you’ll see that my beef with Atkins has nothing to do with the events of that night. My beef with Atkins is with the smear campaign he has conducted against me since he left office. If you can point to where he’s apologized for that, I’d appreciate it.
Sorry Dave, I do know absolutely nothing about the unkind things John has said about you. Perhaps you can refresh my memory and then I might change my opinion about the matter and thanks
Click here, Linda, for the rundown.
Dave are you shore about this? Did John Atkins really smear you that bad? I believe calling John Atkins , “Human Garbage” & “Complete idiot” will make you look bad in political arena. I like to see ole-fashion scrapping between you, Dave Burris & John Atkins. May the better man get the living daylights out of them.
Okay Dave, so what? Do two wrongs ever make a right? How come this was not discussed on the radio station? Perhaps I did not hear it? Sounds very juvenile on both your parts. You both need to grow up!!!! I still think your comment was cruel, he never called you “garbage”. Perhaps you both should have a “debate” on the radio, maybe this will clear the air about the both of you.
Linda — I don’t care about the radio station. The radio station decided to share my opinion with everyone. I didn’t send out a press release. Why they decided that my opinion was worth sharing I’ll never know.
“How come this was not discussed on the radio station? Perhaps I did not hear it?”
Because WGMD is John Atkins Radio, and they are not interested in both sides of a story. Had they been interested in my side, or in asking why I said what I said, they could have called me and asked. But no one did. I didn’t hear about it until it was over.
Nor do I care, “Roy” how I look in the “political arena.” Like I said, I gave my opinion. I didn’t ask for it to be broadcast on the radio station. My opinion hasn’t changed, nor do I expect it to anytime in the near future.
“Dave are you shore about this? Did John Atkins really smear you that bad?”
I heard it with my own ears.
Linda…calling people and telling them that Dave can’t hold a job, that his wife is leaving him, and that he is stealing from the committee isn’t as bad as what Dave did? Please. I don’t condone what either side did, but I can tell you this, if I was the recipient of what Atkins did, I would have been far worse than what Dave did here. Atkins made it way personal.
As far as “…not on the radio station…” I think it’s apparent Dave wouldn’t get a fair shake on WGMD.
My comment is a little out of sequence…my connection timed out…sorry about that…
BTW, what I say is my opinion only. Apparently another blogger thinks Dave is using me to speak for him…not a chance, ever. Neither of us would allow that.
” I think it’s apparent Dave wouldn’t get a fair shake on WGMD.”
I’d love to have Dave on with me, and I swear I would only shake him if he fell asleep while we were on the air….
Maria would be fair, but I don’t reward WGMD for stunts like this. Sorry, Maria.
I admire you Dave and respect your work for the GOP, but encourage you to make amends with Sen. Bunting as quickly as possible. Dave if you want to satirize Ati-kins ok, but please learn from Steven Colbert.
Linda is leaving the blog–cannot stand any more of this juvenile behavior. Hope all ends well. Bye
You listen to WGMD and you call this juvenile? Now that’s funny.
Bye.
Dear Linda as a marginal Juvenile, I resemble that comment.
“Reward WGMD,” Dave? Come on, you’re not earning yourself any points by continuing to massage your ego as if it’s some prize to be bestowed upon others!
Well I’m a little late to the party, but since I was metioned earlier let me make my views clear.
Yes I said on WGMD that if I lived in the 41st District I “might “consider voting for John Atkins. This after being one of his biggist critics on the station at the time of his downfall. At that time I called for him to resign from his seat. Not because he was a bad legislator, but because of the things he had done that night and had recieved no punishment for. I felt there had to be some consequence for his actions. I also said at the time that if he resigned , that he should then wait out the special election, but then he should run and let the people of his district decide.
That being said , let us look at what has happened. He was forced to resign, which for the most part has forever tarnished his reputation. There will never be a story written about him that does not include that night, and the fact that he was forced out.
Now as to me saying that I would rather him to have primaried Mr. Hasting, has nothing to do with Mr. Hastings, I have nothing against Mr. Hastings. But at a time when the Republican Party is bleeding out conservative voters, can we afford to lose another conservative candidate , which I believe we can all agree Mr. Atkins was and is, at least until he has to begin to play party politics with the Dems. . Also the tough part for Mr. Hastings is how do you as a Republican run against a Democrat who has a more conservative record then you do? Though this is premature , first Mr. Atkins must convince liberal Democrats that he can represent them and beat out the supported Democrat candidate in their primary, not an easy job in its self.
As for what Dave said , that is his opinion, I couldn’t possibly no as much of the back story as Dave does, so I say at least Dave has the guts to speak his mind and put his name to it and not hide behind some made up name.
Dave for what it’s worth , a little advise though, I do not believe that Mr. Atkins should be allowed to use that night to his advantage, which he may be able to do if he can portray himself as the victim, which you run the risk of making him with the harse rhetoric. Condemn him for his actions and point out his mistakes, and let the people decide.
“Come on, you’re not earning yourself any points by continuing to massage your ego as if it’s some prize to be bestowed upon others!”
Matthews — WGMD has gotten multiple days of radio out of my personal opinion, which I shared on my blog. I didn’t issue a press release. Just my personal opinion on my personal blog. And that has become earth-shattering news worthy of multiple days of coverage. Just my opinion.
You’ve said things about public officials that put what I said to shame. So have Jason, Dana, DV, Nancy, almost every blogger. But my fairly mild opinion is now the talk of the town.
Explain that to me.
“Dave for what it’s worth , a little advise though, I do not believe that Mr. Atkins should be allowed to use that night to his advantage, which he may be able to do if he can portray himself as the victim, which you run the risk of making him with the harse rhetoric.”
This is why I’m sorry for what I said.
…and I’ve been attacked by the likes of Dan Gaffney, as well, Dave. The difference between me and you is that I don’t give a damn and I don’t act as if my ego’s taken a huge blow. In fact, I relish in the glow of Dan Gaffney’s rage and others who go off on me.
MMatthews: difference here is Atkins has indeed done his part to discredit Dave (the rumors of theft, divorce, and job loss). You and (who is) Dan Gaffney got into major bitch slapping. That’s a huge difference. Dave has been put into the position of defending himself. You had a much more fun time. Speaking of which, what’s his issue? No parties to send minors to these days?
I don’t know R.Smitty, Dave better have proof of these rumors that John Atkins said about him; for example - another witness or tape recording. Maria Evans offered Dave Burris to be interviewd on her show. Dave said,”I don’t reward WGMD stunts like that” Please be a real man, Dave & go on WGMD to debate with John Atkins. Hiding behind this blog makes someone complete coward, Dave Burris. Dave are you afraid to go WGMD because you believe that their one-sided(favoring John Atkins). I’m calling you out on this: YOUR SCARED DAVE BURRIS!! YOUR SCARED TO BE HUMILATED IN SHAME!! Maria Evans controls the content on her broadcasts; I believe she will give you a fair shake, Dave. I believe real men debate their honor being ruined by another through gossip & smear. I believe your not a “REAL MAN” , Dave. Let the public judge on this.
Roy,
I love how you jihadis cover your tracks with fear and loathing. Radical extremist.
Roy — I’m not giving John Atkins another minute of free air time out of this. I have all the witnesses I need. But no one cares. I’ve gotten no phone calls or emails criticizing what I did, but I’ve gotten a whole lot of people saying “Right On. Tell it like it is.” So whoever you are, I don’t give a rat’s ass what you think. John Atkins is going to have to find some other way to play the victim now.
By the way, I don’t get upset by toothless wonders like you challenging my manhood. None at all. Go learn how to spell.
And by the way, Roy, going on a radio show and debating is not how I was raised to defend my honor.
Dave, you sound just like that New Yorker on WGMD in the afternoon, aka Bill Colley. He always refers to someone as being “toothless” (and includes everybody from the same neighborhood) whenever he disagrees with them. Yesterday some listener pissed him off about something, the listener being from Rehoboth was told by Mr. Colley to get back in bed with his boyfriend. I cannot believe he can get away with this rudeness. Maybe WGMD is looking for the new local Michael Savage.