(Huntington Mayor Steve Williams recently honored by Rainbow Pride of West Virginia)
Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and founder of Free State Patriot
November 24, 2018
It would seem Mayor Steve Williams would like for Huntington, West Virginia, historically one of the most conservative cities in the Mountain State, to become the East Coast distributor for progressivism and liberal ideology.
In prelude to this column, understand that in a 2015 Herald-Dispatch opinion piece, regarding the mayor, I wrote, “I’ve always considered Mayor Williams an honorable man, with a successful track record, committed to making Huntington a better place to live.”
The column was meant to offer a calm voice of reason during the 2015 controversy involving allegations by my brother, former City Councilman Scott Caserta, regarding the legality of a payout of nearly $34,000 to former Huntington Police Chief Skip Holbrook for accrued sick leave.
My position, at that time, was unpopular with many, including my brother, with whom I’ve spent the last few years rebuilding a relationship I inadvertently compromised by offering perspective that I felt Mayor Williams was attempting to “do the right thing” even if his action was ultimately a mistake.
Now, I’m not naïve enough to think that one executes leadership without facing the challenge of difficult decisions and the realization that not everyone will be pleased. But the majority of the people must benefit. When the effectual results of a leader’s decisions do not ultimately improve the peace and prosperity of those they serve, the people have the right and yes, the responsibility, to offer dissent.
Consider this column a clarion call for the citizens of Huntington, WV. to rise and take an active role in protecting our city from progressive demise.
I’m going to attempt to give this information all the honor and dignity it deserves. I have no doubt, there are good people involved.
But while God called us to love all people, He didn’t call us to enable or condone their miss-steps or their attempts to disingenuously influence others, especially the most susceptible among us – our youth.
I’ve spent much of my adult life studying liberalism and the progressive movement. I understand the power of progressivism and the tenaciousness of liberals. Most liberals understand the steps in their movement aren’t taken in large strides, but “baby steps”.
The film industry wasn’t able to thrust adult content into prime time television overnight. They strategically tested the networks by inserting lascivious content and gradually desensitizing viewers. Understand, they began with poisoning programming designed for younger viewers.
A perfect example would be when Disney renamed “ABC Family” to “Freeform” hoping the name would reflect the “edgier” content it added to its programming.
Liberals can be the most patient of “visionaries”, understanding that in a few years, these “children” will be adults who will want an even “edgier” product, one with even more “shock and awe”.
I recall, growing up, the movie, “The Exorcist”, was terrifying in its portrayal of demonic activity. Today, the shock factor of such a movie is minimal compared to the progressive evolution of modern-day fright films. As a baby boomer, I admittedly can’t watch modern-day shockers. But movie moguls realize millennials and “next gen” folks demand this level of intensity. Hence, progressivism.
It saddens me greatly that I feel the very same progressive movement is being propagated by Mayor Williams and “supporting cast” dark state members in our community
In April 2018, Mayor Steve Williams was honored by Rainbow Pride of West Virginia as part of “The Power of One”. The group’s website read as follows:
“Under Mayor Williams’ leadership, Huntington City government has embraced diversity and has actively sought inclusiveness for its employees and its residents. Williams formed citizen-based LGBTQ and Diversity advisory committees. Working together they formed the “Open to All” diversity campaign pledging to maintain a welcoming and safe environment for all.”
I reiterate, God forgive and deliver me if I have a single racist or bigoted bone in my body. But I believe a portion of Mayor Williams’ path to “inclusiveness” includes an intentional attempt by progressives to indoctrinate our children to an alternative lifestyle contrary to God’s Word. And we should be infuriated at this covert influencing of our children’s lives by exposing them to an event obviously marketed by Huntington city leaders.
“Drag Queen Story Time” is coming to Pullman Square in December. The reading of the book entitled, “Jacob’s New Dress” entices children of all ages with “free admission, cookies and hot chocolate” and is promoted as introducing “children to the idea that all people are worthy of love and respect and in all clothes.”
Another book, entitled “And Tango Makes Three” focuses on the “contemporary, philosophical issue: What constitutes a family?
One can only assume that readers, “Jade” and “Gisselle”, are men dressed as women, with a mission to challenge the Biblical definition of family under the guise of promoting love and respect for everyone.
The liberal argument here is that anyone not subscribing to the progressive, inclusive definition of a family, couldn’t possibly be operating in love and respect, but from hate and intolerance.
The Christian conservative argument is we can love and respect all people without condoning or promoting a lifestyle which conflicts with our religious beliefs.
How do you suppose Rainbow Pride of West Virginia members would respond if I wanted to join their event and request equal time reading from God’s Holy Word?
I am officially making the request. This is an official request to the Mayor’s office as well as to Rainbow Pride officials. Let’s see if “inclusiveness” leans both directions.
Citizens of Huntington: It’s time to become equally as tenacious about having our voices heard above the fray as those who would fundamentally change our city. We do not have to surmise what would become of our city if we allow Mayor Williams and our city’s dark state to continue down this road of destruction. All one need do is look at the city of San Francisco, where illicit behavior and filth abound.
We must get informed and speak out against progressivism in our city. Our children rely upon us to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. They also rely upon us to protect them from those who would prey upon their innocence.
God give us the wisdom and desire to prevail. Convict our hearts should we step out of your will. Empower and embolden us in its pursuit.
Let “the Power of One” emanate from the “One God Almighty”.
Free State Patriot 
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