Tag Archives: huntington wv

Mark Caserta: It will take every single voter to save Huntington on Nov. 3rd.

8 Oct
Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and editor for Free State Patriot

October 8, 2020

“The devil went down to Georgia. He was looking for a vote to steal. He was in a bind, ‘cause he was way behind and willing to make a deal”.

This parody of the lyrics from Charlie Daniels’ legendary song seems to sum up the angle of most politicians today who seem willing to sell their soul for positional power.

The problem with positional power is that without wisdom and good intent, it’s very dangerous and negatively consequential for those subject to it.  It isn’t often that caring citizens have opportunity to literally save their city from such political embellishment.

 On November 3rd, local voters have an historic opportunity to participate in one of the “greatest comebacks in American history” in the healing of a city “ravaged by ruin.”

For 8 painful, arduous years, the city of Huntington has been on the decline. During that time, we’ve watched our city be overtaken by crime, drugs, and progressive ideology – all of which have a symbiotic relationship. 

What was once referenced as the Jewel City, is now one of the #1 crime and drug overdose cities in the nation.

Now, given the level of dissent among citizens and business owners remaining in Huntington, one would be compelled to expect a landslide victory was on the horizon for the conservative candidate, Scott Marshall Caserta, right?

Oh, but grandma, there’s a the fly in the buttermilk!

Mayor Williams and his complicit minions (which includes our share of fake news outlets) have focused the last 4 years on replacing hard-working, conservative voters who contribute to society, with downtrodden individuals caught in the liberal nets of benevolence and have little choice but to be beholden to the hand that feeds them.

It is a verifiable fact that some addiction facilities have gone outside our city and state to bring in addicts for treatment in Huntington rehab facilities.  I suppose we simply didn’t have enough of our own.  Supplemental to this madness has been an initiative to register the homeless to vote.

One might refer to it as election tampering through attrition.

What lies beneath the “spit shined” exterior of lifetime politicians who would feel emboldened to compromise the very heart of a city and her inhabitants simply to remain in power?

Would anyone who cared about our city and its citizens build an economic model around fewer jobs and a dependency upon government?

Only a liberal thinks that way.

And only a progressive aspiring to reign over disadvantaged subjects powerless to sustain themselves (much less contribute to an economy) would sell the jobs and futures of our citizens, simply to lavish longingly in the spotlight of spurious servitude.

I have nothing personal against Mayor Steve Williams. In fact, I’ve partially supported his decisions in the past, at the chagrin of those dear to me.

But the fact remains, his policies have crippled the city of Huntington in a devastating manner! Our city is now on life support emanating from the few remaining Huntingtonians willing to go down with their sinking ship as they struggle to correct her course.

Liberal larcenists stole the city of Huntington from us nearly 8 years ago.  It’s time to take her back.

But allow me to be perfectly and unapologetically clear.  It will take every single voter with the conviction of saving our city to get off their backsides and vote.  If you don’t vote – we lose – it’s that simple.

Not maybe!  Not if I have time!  Not if I can get off work!  If you don’t vote, you won’t have to worry about work!  It will be gone!

Understand, it will take more than a man to return our city to greatness.  It will take God.

Scott Caserta doesn’t have all the answers.  He will be the first to tell you that.  But He knows a God who does!  And I believe if we humble ourselves and seek God’s Face and Favor, He will heal our land and prosper our people. 

We can return to the city once known as a great place to live, work and raise a family.

The only conservative, Christian choice for mayor of Huntington is Scott Caserta.

Huntington won’t survive another term under our current mayor.  You know where to be on November 3rd. 

If you don’t…then ask someone.

  

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Mark Caserta: Voter registration for the homeless is bad idea for the city of Huntington.

4 Feb

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Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and editor at Free State Patriot

February 4, 2020

 

Liberal Democrats seem willing to do or say absolutely anything to stay in power. Their actions are proving they are willing to compromise the very heart of the city of Huntington, WV. to advance their progressive agenda. Even if it means garnering illegitimate support from voters who will refuse to bite the hand that feeds them.

We’ve witnessed the rapid decay of our fair city under this current administration. The citizens of Huntington have watched from the sidelines as our mayor has marched our city down the field of degeneracy and economic decline.

I’ve written on the city administration’s feckless approach at building an economic model on drug rehabilitation. We know we have rehab facilities in our city that are actively soliciting addicts from outside our city and state to come to Huntington for rehab. Of course, all of this is being done under the guise of compassion.

Of course, the fact that these programs and salaries, supported by your tax dollars provided based on the supply and demand of the rehab process, couldn’t possibly factor into this equation.

In a pig’s eye!

I have no doubt there are a few genuinely concerned individuals in these programs who truly have a heart for the addict. I also have no doubt there are individuals prospering financially as the need for rehab grows in our area.

Everyone wants to see addiction conquered. We just adamantly disagree on the process. Enabling an addict is a poor method of rehab. We have to provide them hope for the future – not needles.

Common sense would also dictate it would behoove these rehab houses to support an administration that would continue to pave the way for the growth of the rehab industry.

Yes, I said industry. And it’s rapidly becoming Huntington’s number one business, if not already.

So, pursuant to acquiring voters willing to support the growth of this industry, there is currently a voter registration initiative for registering the homeless and felons to vote. A homeless person would simply use an “agent’s” address as noted in their flyer promoting the program.

“No address? No problem! Based on the flyer, just ask a staff member of Harmony House and they’ll gladly cut through the red tape of voter legitimacy! Just be sure you pull the lever on the left.

How far will we allow the city of Huntington to decline under liberal rule? As economically productive people are being pushed outside our city limits, we have institutions that are readily replacing them with non-productive, dependents.

And now, we are seeing a valid liberal “quid pro quo”! We’ll provide you all the amenities and benefits of citizenship in return for your allegiance and voter support.

How about the legality of such an offering?  The potential abuse of the process is obvious!

Certainly, there couldn’t possibly be any collaboration with city officials to support this process – could there?

I submit the mayor and the deep state lurking in the shadows of our dilapidating city realize Huntingtonians have had enough of the failing liberal policies under which we’ve incurred the rapid ruin of our city. They realize to win an election, they must build a new voter base. A voter base with no allegiance to the growth of a city, but to an administration that will cuddle and comfort them.

This is an absolute debacle and a slap in the face to the citizens of Huntington.

Folks, it’s time to step up for our city. This behavior is not designed to improve Huntington. It’s designed to dominate it with liberal policies. Our city is dying a slow death. How long before it takes it’s final breath?

Stop the insanity by draining the Huntington swamp.

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Mark Caserta: Grace Food Pantry – An act of love toward our children.

6 Dec

But they need our help…desperately.

Hebrews 13:2 King James Version (KJV)

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

GRACE KIDS PIX

 

December 6, 2019

 

It’s time for God’s people to realize that simply “talking the talk”, versus “walking the walk”, makes us no more valuable to the Kingdom of God, than the very worst among us.

I’m convinced God has placed earthly Angels among us, with the clear assignment of ministering unto His little children.  I believe Connie Miller, of Grace Food Pantry could very well be one of those ministering angels.

As I interviewed Connie while guest-hosting The Tom Roten Morning show on News Radio 800 WVHU, it was difficult to hold back tears.

Connie shared the story of one small boy who only had one pair of socks that he wore every day.  He protected those socks as if they were gold.  He hid them in his backpack for fear someone would take them.

She shared how children would smile and rejoice whenever they saw her coming with a meal.  They knew it belonged to them.  And it may be some time before they get another.

We take far too much for granted in this country.  We have children in our own communities going to bed hungry.  That’s just not acceptable.  And it’s up to us to fix it.

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Connie, a cancer-survivor, herself, has certainly not been overwhelmed with the financial means to fulfill her calling in this benevolent ministry. But without Grace Pantry, many people, including children, would have far less than they really need this time of year.

Connie has tenaciously risen from poverty and is on a mission to feed, cloth and minister to the most vulnerable among us – our children.  And believe me, when I tell you she ministers!

But Connie and her team can’t do this alone.  She needs our help.  Her stories about children in our area going to bed hungry and lacking many of the basics we tend to take for granted are touching, to say the very least.

People are hurting.  And the environment in which Connie and her team are ministering is rapidly changing.  The opioid crisis, addiction and family decay have made her job much more difficult.  She faces challenges in which parents make the choice to cover their addiction rather than choosing to feed their child.

It doesn’t get any sadder than this, my friends.  Won’t you help?  Financial assistance is critical, but Connie will also value your donation of time.

Act now, before it’s too late.

This is a non-profit organization which returns every penny to the ministry. It’s simply an act of love.

GRACE KIDS CLUB

Donations can be mailed to:

Grace Food Pantry

P.O. Box 3007

Huntington, WV. 25702

Or send your tax-deductible contribution to:

  www.paypal.me/gracefoodpantry

Visit their Facebook page at:

 https://www.facebook.com/gracefoodpantry/

Website: www.gracefoodpantry.org

Or simply call Connie at 304-638-1119, to arrange a tour of the facility.

 

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Mark Caserta: Will Huntington become a sanctuary city?

29 Nov

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Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and editor for Free State Patriot

November 29, 2019

 

Have we gone so far astray in politics that we’re willing to accept a culture of lies and deceit from our elected leaders simply to perpetuate their progressive agenda?

It would seem, on both a national and local level, we’ve allowed the evil in the hearts of men to run “amuck” seeking to satiate the desire for power and allegiance from the very people for whom they’ve pledged their servitude. And they do so, fully in the face of the American people. Why?

Because they don’t believe you are smart enough or engaged enough to know the difference. And certainly, they have the complicit liberal media hiding the details behind smoke and mirrors. And it’s no different locally, than nationally.

On a national level, only a complete an utter fool would propose returning to the failing policies of the Democrat past and even go as far as building a campaign platform on socialist tenets. But that’s exactly what liberal Democrats would do if given the votes.

You don’t believe it would adversely impact members of Congress, do you? Reportedly, two-fifths of senators and representatives have become millionaires since elected to office. Trust me, when I tell you, many of our elected officials have secured their financial future. It’s yours that many couldn’t care less about.

See the list of millionaire politicians here: https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/every-member-congress-wealth-one-chart

Don’t you understand? Acquiring a sustainable voter base is the sole premise behind legalizing all forms of immigration! It’s also the singular motivation behind the feigned benevolence for the LGBTQ vote, the college tuition “indebted” vote, the Hispanic vote, the African American vote, and every “disenfranchised” demographic in-between! Democrats just desire to “buy” the vote with every single tax dollar you are willing to give them!

The next time you look at your pay check stub and moan at the percentage of money the government withholds from your family, just know that Democrats are happily wasting it away on everything “but” improving your quality of life.

On a local level, it’s no different.

Our city leaders have the same mindset of the prior presidential administration with regard to bringing back manufacturing jobs to Huntington and the surrounding area, despite taking more of your money! They either don’t believe it’s possible or are clueless as to how to do it! Hence, the focus on building a business model around addiction recovery.

And are you sitting down? Are you aware we have individuals and institutions actively soliciting addicts from other states to come to Huntington, WV for sanctuary and drug rehab? Yes, I said sanctuary. Many of these “rehab” houses have zero accountability for residents – no random drug tests, no curfew, no restrictions. But each new resident represents additional funding from your tax dollars.

Yes, Huntington, WV. is being transformed, through attrition, into a sanctuary city for addicts. And don’t be surprised if we don’t already provide “safe injection” zones behind closed doors.

What’s to keep it from happening with zero accountability policies? We already provide free needles!

We have a model for what transpires under liberal rule! Just look at Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Baltimore to see where we are headed. These models are proven accurate, time and again. How long will it be before Huntington is burdened by the same pestilence and filth enveloping other cities under liberal Democrat rule?

Our nation has been rescued from dying a slow death under liberal rule simply because the American people made it happen by electing Donald Trump. Huntington, sadly, is still dying the same, languishing, slow death.

Huntington, our answer is the same. We must elect leadership who cares more about you than they do getting re-elected or propagating their liberal ideology.

Let’s make it happen in 2020

 

 

 

 

 

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Mark Caserta: Building a city on drug rehab is a disastrous business plan.

26 Oct

COURTHOUSE

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Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and editor for the conservative blog,  “Free State Patriot”

October 26, 2019

 

Anyone who tells you Huntington, WV. is successfully addressing its devastating level of drug addiction via its rehab efforts, is trying to sell something.

To say that Huntington is “spinning its wheels” in dealing with drug abuse is a monumental understatement. We are, indeed, digging ourselves into a trench from which it will be very difficult to escape. And sadly, we have leadership who believes in doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.

In fact, our city leaders are unable to offer any confirmable metric showing any sustainable level of success at reducing opioid addiction within our own city.

It gets worse.

Reliable sources have confirmed we now have rehab facilities actively sourcing addicts outside our city limits, encouraging them to come to Huntington for treatment.

Why? Why bring them to our city – our centers for treatment? Why not help duplicate efforts in their own communities and educate their personnel on providing treatment to their citizens rather than bring them here. And furthermore, what is their incentive to ever leave?

Well, just follow the government money feeding these institutions.

According to a recent information provided by AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans), a national association whose members provide coverage for healthcare and related services, under Mayor Steve Williams’ leadership, “Huntington has become known as the ‘epicenter of the solution’ to the opioid epidemic”

Really? Many informed individuals vehemently disagree!

Huntington has become the epicenter of the “problem” and rapidly becoming the East Coast provider for rehab services! Additionally, we offer a city-sponsored level of enablement incentivizing these people to stay, virtually living a lifestyle supported by taxpayers!

Reportedly, since 2015, the City of Huntington, WV. has acquired $4.8 million in state, federal and philanthropic grants to combat the opioid epidemic.

What do we have to show for it?

Has the Mayor’s Office of Drug Control Policy been effective in utilizing the so-called “harm reduction program”, adult drug court and drug overdose response team to reduce the problem? Or have they simply enabled behaviors and attempted to build an “economic model” on drug rehab?

How do you build an economic model on addiction? What economic future is there for taxpayers in a business that never increases cash flow in a city, and even adversely impacts current business?

city of huntington

Let’s be clear. Until people have hope in this city for a real future, both socially and economically, we are doomed to a perpetuation and ultimate increase in the socio-economic woes we’ve seen grow under the current city administration.

Don’t take my word for it! Listen to what experts have to say!

Per a 2017 report from the National Institute of Drug Abuse, “The brain adapts and responds to the environments and conditions in which a person lives. When we speak of addiction as a chronic disorder of the brain, it thus includes an understanding that some individuals are more susceptible to drug use and addiction than others, not only because of genetic factors but also because of stress and a host of other environmental and social factors in their lives that have made them more vulnerable.”

The report goes on to say that while opioid addiction is an “equal opportunity” problem that can afflict people from all races and walks of life, it has particularly impacted some of the poorest regions of the country, such as Appalachia, where vast numbers of people are living in poverty. These individuals, void of economic hope, are especially at risk for addiction, and subsequent consequences like overdose or the spread of HIV.

Sound familiar?

Bottom line: A population facing increasing economic challenges and increased psychological stress are disproportionately impacted by addiction.

If we ever expect to reduce drug addiction in our city, we must improve the economic model.

Look around you. When was the last time you saw the construction of business that could provide a living wage to the inhabitants of our area? People are hurting. Many of them are working two and three jobs just to make ends meet. Others aren’t even trying. They’re either leaving the area or being engulfed by the quick sand of hopelessness and despair. Yet, we have a city administration which seems oblivious to a solution.

Yes, there is definitely a need for rehabilitation and re-assimilation into society. We all care about people either bound by addiction or languishing in the hopelessness of poverty. But without economic improvement, without jobs, without hope, more and more people will fall into the calamitous abyss of addiction.

The City of Huntington, WV. will never see economic improvement until leadership begins putting people, not political gain, first.  And building a city on rehab, is a disastrous business plan.

 

 

 

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Mark Caserta: Make no mistake! This year’s mayoral election is the most important in Huntington’s history.

24 Sep

Conservative Christians must get engaged and vote – or we will lose our city.

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Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and editor for Free State Patriot

May 14, 2020

 

 

In the city of Huntington, WV. we’ve allowed a minority of liberals to dictate the direction of our city. It’s time to draw the line in the sand. Progressives are rapidly converting our once, thriving community into the East coast hub for substance-abuse rehabilitation, crime and destitution.

Understand, this isn’t about compassion. Anyone with a heart cares about those bound by addiction, buried in poverty or impacted by crime. We are simply in deep disagreement as to how it should be addressed. And conservatives can certainly love people while not condoning their behavior.

This is in stark contrast to liberals, who have proven themselves incapable of this disciplined approach to life. They equate love with an unqualified acceptance of any lifestyle, regardless of the content. They prove it every time they lash out in disagreement immersed in hateful rhetoric.

I’m convinced the only way we are going to begin winning against the progressive movement is to do so at the local level. National change must begin with individual communities rising to the occasion and refusing to be overtaken by failing, enabling liberal policies.

So, are you ready to make a difference?

Several things must happen sequentially for our city to be returned to greatness. The first, arguably, is understanding the progressive movement and its modus operandi. It will be impossible to distinguish qualified leadership until we’re able to discern their heart and genuine intent. We must be able to hear beyond eloquent verbiage, which while “sweet to the ears”, is venomous to the body.

I’ve spent nearly two decades writing about the progressive movement and how it’s destroying our nation. And while it isn’t complicated, it is resilient. The progressive movement relies upon conservatives being either ignorant of the issues or disengaged from the solution. And frankly, they’ve been working diligently in the schools and in the media, to keep us that way.

And sadly, too often, we’ve accommodated them from the sidelines.

Liberals are in the business of creating controversy, very similar to how a pyromaniac starts a fire. First, they require some sort of accelerate to spark a flame. This is usually something by which they can trigger an emotional response by a segment of the population marinated in questionable behavior, usually outside of the Biblical values upon which our country was founded.

Once the flame of contention has been ignited, they are tenacious about “fanning the flame” by striving to be the voice heard above the fray. They understand that while many people in society lack engagement and knowledge about an issue, everyone has emotions. It’s the emotional response they seek to germinate in the soil of contrariety.

It’s a fact that people will respond more often to an emotional stimulation much more than to an intellectual one. Count on liberals to seize upon every opportunity to leverage “identity politics” to rally troops to the far left. They cannot win in the theater of ideas. Truth will never get in the way of a liberal.

Hence, the promulgation and success of the progressive movement.

There are timely examples of how liberals have used this technique. One example is how they’ve converted “illegal immigration” into an emotional issue about separating families at the border. Another would be how “abortion” is all about women’s health. Every time there is a shooting, liberals use emotions, rather than common sense, to suggest taking guns away from law abiding citizens will reduce gun crime. Still another would be how Christian conservatives “hate” the LGBTQ population simply because we don’t condone their behavior or give them additional “protected” status above and beyond the protections we are all allocated by the Constitution.

The list goes on and on.

Liberals have purchased and now “own” terms like “inclusion, acceptance or tolerance.” Sadly, with the complicity of the liberal media, Christian conservatives have allowed them to do so. With identity politics, they’ve also attempted to purchase African-Americans, woman, Hispanics, LGBTQ and illegal aliens.

The only segment of the population liberals have never been able to purchase is Christians.

The liberal infestation is never going to change on the national level, until states, cities and communities stand up against leaders hell-bent on inflicting their liberal policies at the local level.

I can’t think of a better city upon which to build this change than our own city of Huntington. We are better than this!

You may have noticed the recent recognition our city’s leadership has received because they are being portrayed at being at the “forefront” of the fight only against Opioid abuse, and now COVID 19.  Really???

It’s very troubling that anyone feels our administration deserves accolades for what they’ve done to the city of Huntington.  There has been zero accountability and an equal amount of transparency.

And while we keep doing the sames things over and over, and patting ourselves on the back about achieving different results; I submit the results we are achieving are intended.  Mayor Williams and his minions have accomplished everything on their bucket list.

Step outside your door and take off your blinders. Are things really getting better in the city of Huntington? Are their fewer drugs? Is there less crime? Are you making more money? Are you proud of your city? Anyone committed to intellectual honesty knows the answers.

Next steps? Turn the sound down on your television or be more discerning about what you hear. Use our local newspaper to line your bird cage. Begin relying on reliable sources for your information – but there aren’t many.

This upcoming mayoral election is arguably the most important election in our city’s history.  We are at a crossroads – one to further destruction – another to improvement.  You MUST do your homework and vote for the candidate who will be more concerned about our city than asserting and leveraging power over you.

And once you’ve gotten the facts, make sure your voice is heard above the fray. Be diligent, committed and then go to the polls!

Understand, if Christians don’t go to the polls this primary and general election, we will lose.  The progressive movement has been far too successful at indoctrinating a generation of voters who truly have no reference as to what our city or nation can be.

So, it’s up to those who do. We can make a difference, but it will take conservative Christians fulfilling what Christ has commissioned them to do.  Make a difference in this world!

Be resolute, be mindful and be engaged.

Then, go vote!

 

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Mark Caserta: Huntington, WV. must elect a Christian conservative for mayor in 2020

23 Sep

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Scott Caserta is the conservative candidate for mayor of Huntington, WV. in 2020

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Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and editor for Free State Patriot

September 23, 2019

 

Recently, certain political “pundits” have suggested that the fight for John Mandt Jr. and Stewart’s, of which I’ve been a part, will cripple my brother Scott’s chances for winning the 2020 Huntington, WV. mayoral election.

Not a chance, unless we listen to the same political prognosticators who told you Hillary would win in a landslide!

I suppose 5000 signatures on a petition in a little over a week means nothing???

It’s like watching a Trump rally and afterward, saying his approval rating is dropping – right.

Let me ask you; Do you want a candidate who will allow the potential loss of a vote to govern their principles?  Do you want another politician more concerned about winning an election than living up to their promises?

Do you want a candidate who will vote based on which way the wind is blowing, or do you want a candidate who will adhere to principle and be dependable in representing your values and addressing your concerns?  Do you want a fighter, or another wimpy representative?

I’ve had enough of liberal, wimpy politicians.

Haven’t you?

I want a fighter with Christian values, willing to take the fight head on!

This battle isn’t about a “hot dog”, it’s about saving our city from scavenger politicians who want to compromise the heart of Huntington simply to propagate their liberal agenda.

Stop the deep state from prostituting our city for power and money.  Stop listening to people who tell you things are getting better, just to manipulate your vote, as well as get their government grant money.

Look around you…Is this the city you want for your children? Needles, drugs and crime are now common place. Do you feel safe when you walk down the streets of Huntington after dark?

We cannot go on living like this! We must vote for change!

You should get what you pay for! And you pay your hard-earned tax dollars for results, not words!

Don’t allow Huntington, WV. to die a slow, progressive death.

Do we really want rehab to be the #1 business in our region, or would you rather have real jobs, manufacturing and a future for your family, right here in the Tri-State?

Let’s make Huntington, once again, a great place to live and raise a family.

Vote for Scott Caserta for Mayor in 2020!

It’s the right thing to do.

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Mark Caserta: Will “Antifa” target Huntington, WV. next?

2 Sep

Given our current problems, how will our mayor and his administration respond?

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Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and editor for Free State Patriot

September 2, 2019

 

“Antifa”, short for “anti-fascist”, is the name of a left-leaning, anti-racist group that monitors and tracks the activities of local neo-Nazis, white supremacists or anyone who would be considered “supportive” of such racist activity.

In the political sense, the term “fascist” has been used in an anti-authoritarian sense to “emphasize the common ideology of governmental suppression of individual freedom. In recent years, liberals have endeared the notion of attaching the word fascist to the “far right” movement with the intent of portraying them as “oppressive, intolerant and racist.”

Up till now, Antifa has maintained a presence mostly on the West Coast, with activities designed to prevent organizations they’ve determined support any form of racist activity from gaining a platform or a foothold.

It’s come to my attention, that potentially as a result of our region’s enduring support of Donald Trump and the liberal media’s incorrect portrayal of the president as being sympathetic to the white supremacist movement, Antifa may be “testing the waters,” if you will, seeking to pursue growth to areas around the nation heavily supporting the Trump administration.

Recently, an Antifa Facebook page emerged from within our own city of Huntington, WV. and has already begun to share its propaganda using our own city newspaper.

The page is called, “Jewell City Antifa.” Huntington, as you may know, was given the nickname “Jewell City” by steamboat captains who passed through delivering lumber and coal to help fuel the growth of the railroad extension to the West.

It gives one pause to read the “about” section of the group’s page, since it is grammatically incorrect. Call me over-analytical, but I could make many assumptions as to the competencies of such an author. You be the judge. It reads:

“keeping the Fash out of HTown since 2019.”

Now, anti-fascist groups have been around for decades. In the postwar period, antifa groups resurged to fight neo-Nazi groups, particularly in Germany. They have, needless to say, evolved in our modern day, political battleground.

Understand, while Antifa operates on a platform of defeating racism, sexism and homophobia, the groups are also, by and large, socially left, anti-capitalist and against what they consider to be “extreme right-wing ideology.”

President Trump and his supporters would most likely fall into this Antifa profile.

Antifa protestors have typically donned an “all black” look, with black work or military boots, pants, ski masks, gloves and jackets. Gas masks, goggles and shields are sometimes added as accessories, but the look is basic black, no doubt, designed to intimidate.

And they don’t appear to be afraid of violence.

On June 29, violent riots between alt-right groups and Antifa broke out in Portland, Oregon, leaving several people with severe injuries. Portland has since become a hotbed for violent, left-wing groups per multiple reports.

In late August, a crowd of thousands cascaded down Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Berkeley, California, where Trump supporters were gathering under the mission to say “no to Marxism in America.” Reportedly, the march was led by about 100 people dressed in black.

Recently, President Trump reacted to the antics of Antifa.

“Major consideration is being given to naming ANTIFA an ‘ORGANIZATION OF TERROR,’” Trump tweeted. “Portland is being watched very closely. Hopefully the Mayor will be able to properly do his job!”

Given the Huntington’s mayor’s inclusion policy of “open to all”, does Antifa fall under that category? Will he properly do his job?

I submit, this is simply part and parcel of this administration’s failing policies which have contributed to the city of Huntington becoming one of the most dangerous cities in the nation, per capita. Not only do we have transients from multiple zip codes coming to our city for drug rehab, free syringes and the benevolence of liberal Democrats seeking re-election, we now face the potential fostering of a group whose intent could easily be described as threatening to the citizens of Huntington.

Folks, I’m not trying to be an alarmist, but you must take note of what’s coming to fruition in what truly once was the “Jewell City.” Given the status of our infrastructure and the disengagement of our liberal, Democrat leaders, what else could our city possibly endure?

It’s time to stand firm, Huntington. We know this madness isn’t going to end with our mayor and his current administration. It’s up to the citizens of Huntington.

This liberal onslaught ends now.

 

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Mark Caserta: Don’t be fooled by policies of “inclusion” or “compassion”. It’s about power.

6 Jul

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Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and editor for Free State Patriot

July 6, 2019

 

Let’s be very clear about the “newly discovered” progressive policies of empathy and benevolence toward mankind which Democrats have made such an integral portion of their platform.

Can someone please say, “hogwash”!

Additionally, I hate it when I hear people refer to Democrats as the “Democratic” Party. They’ve become the antithesis of Democracy or “government by the people”! They should simply be called the “Democrat” Party! But I digress.

Liberals bank on the fact that way too many Americans are only marginally engaged with the fact versus fiction of politics. If educators and the media did their jobs in educating and reporting the truth, the Democrat Party would be forced into working in the best interest of their constituents.

But, those with their finger on the pulse of the “myocardial infarction” known as “broken government”, know all too well that’s very unlikely to happen.

While I abhor using terms hollow commentators often bandy about in unison like a flock of cawing seagulls by the seashore, I believe I must in this case.

Democrats are very fond of “weaponizing” emotions.

Unlike knowledge, which some people clearly lack, everyone, no matter their level of engagement, has emotions.

And not unlike the scheming, manipulative person who will work harder at playing with a person’s emotions than establishing a relationship based on fact, liberals cling to controversies in which they can solicit and emotional response in influencing the masses.

Illegal immigration is a perfect example of Democrats engendering emotion while subjugating the facts.

If you recall, liberal Democrats, like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer, swore to the American public President Trump’s “crisis at the border” was manufactured for political interest. All it took was a few principled journalists and representatives to visit the border and inundate the airwaves with such overwhelming “fact”, Democrats were forced into telling the truth. And even then, they denied their lack of integrity and action had anything to do with the mess they’ve created.

After having to finally admit there is, indeed, a crisis, as the president and border experts were saying, they now employ the “benevolence argument” that enforcement of the law and protecting the sovereignty of the U.S. is not being “compassionate”.

Liberal journalists are complicit in searching for photos of overstaffed facilities and fatal anomalies simply to claim “migrants” (not illegals) are being mistreated by the Trump administration.

These are not migrants! These people are committing crimes against the U.S. and against humanity. Yet, Democrats personify it in terms of, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

I wish we could add the word, “legally” in the inscription on the Statue of Liberty. But Democrats would have a mental breakdown.

I’m not sure which is worse, the despicable nature of the Democrat lies intended to maintain power or the treasonous manner in which they are intentionally damaging our country.

Liberal loons, like Democrat Congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, fabricate stories about illegals being forced to “drink from toilets” at holding stations, knowing these type stories can never be substantiated.

Canards of this nature are simply designed for an emotional response. Facts be damned.

It’s all about power.

Just as in the state of California, where uncontrolled illegal immigration has resulted in such a leftist political environment, no conservative could ever hope to win a major election or push a conservative agenda – it’s all about getting votes and staying in power.

Understand, progressives pave a way to the ballot box for these folks, knowing they’ll never vote against the “hand that feeds them”, all at the taxpayer’s expense.

California lawmakers have already passed legislation to give illegal aliens a driver’s license.

You can’t make this stuff up.

Please understand, this methodology isn’t proprietary to Washington. The desire for power at the expense of those who would deny it, is a ravenous emotion.

Liberal fanaticism is saturating our great nation, including right here in our own city of Huntington, WV.

Our mayor’s policy of “inclusion”, just as illegal immigration, isn’t complicated. It’s about inciting an emotional reaction from marginally engaged individuals by insinuating the inhabitants of our city are racist, homophobic, xenophobes incapable of loving people whose lifestyle we may not condone. We therefore must pry “open” the heretofore “closed” doors to members of the LGBT community and their promiscuous lifestyles. This includes allowing them to read to our children and begin desensitizing them to the LGBT lifestyle at an early age.

I know I’m strange, but it reminds me of the 1963 hit by “The Roof Top Singers”:

“Walk right in, sit right down: Daddy, let your mind roll on. Everybody’s talkin’ ‘bout a new way of walkin’. Do you want to lose your mind?”

Well, based on the liberal desire to welcome anyone with a pulse to cross into any city in our nation – they already have.

Just don’t forget to come to the courthouse and register to vote – Democrat!

Liberal Democrats know they cannot win in the theater of ideas and truth. In fact, they’re perpetually afraid of the truth making its way to the American people. It would be devastating to their platform, which is based on public ignorance and emotion.

It’s no different here in Huntington where I believe the local media searches desperately for “wins” by our city administration while clouding the truth that our city is dying a slow death.

Terms like “inclusion” and “compassion”, sadly, have become red flags in the political theater. They’re now, the hollowest words in the liberal thesaurus.

What used to be genuine compassion for others, has morphed into policies of “enablement” and “coercion” of those beholding to liberals to vote for the progressive, Democrat agenda.

One could say, we’re witnessing a Democrat, proposed form of “government organized crime.”

Protection and entitlements for those willing to be controlled and conforming.

Not for this patriot.

 

 

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Mark Caserta: Huntington leadership policies on drug abuse not working

22 Jun

huntington, wv

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me

Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and editor for Free State Patriot

June 22, 2019

 

“The highest per capita overdose rate and the highest per capita death rate in the country for opiates is right here in the Southern District of West Virginia. To a certain degree, Huntington has become ground zero, the epicenter of the opioid crisis” – Mike Stuart, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia is quoted as saying on the AddictionCenter website.

Per Addiction-Treatment.com, the United State spends approximately $276 billion every year to deal with substance abuse – with absolutely nothing to show for it!

Folks, believe me when I tell you there is big money in drug rehabilitation. While I’ve no doubt there are sincere samaritans who have a heart for healing, I believe there are sinister members of society who profit by the enterprise.

It’s a disgusting fact, but one in which we must be cautiously cognizant.

Many experts will confirm that our fair city of Huntington, WV. has become a “hub for drug trafficking”. Sadly, our city leadership and local media have failed miserably in bringing light to this disturbing fact.

Drug traffickers traveling to West Virginia bring large amounts of synthetic opiate drugs for distribution. And why not? We’re a nation of supply and demand, and the demand for drugs in our area is huge.

Dealers and addicts travel from Michigan and surrounding states to market their wares in the prominent heroin “flea market” known as Huntington. Reportedly, major drug trafficking organizations have now taken root in the city, some of whom are gang related, with Detroit and Columbus being the main sources of traffickers of heroin into Huntington per my sources.

And the fruits of their labor are all around us!

Our city is laden with increased property crime, visible prostitution, homicides and regular fatal overdoses, all stemming from an industry which is alarmingly growing in our own back yard.

And what does our city leadership do? As far as I can tell, very little, except enable destructive behavior. Our court house policies of reduced first responders, drug rehab and needle exchange seem to do far more to enable the drug culture than prevent it.

Disagree? Look around you.

Our city is a stone’s throw away from becoming the East Coast distributor for liberal, progressive policies of inclusion and temperance. How long will it be before the homeless overtake sections of our city and our streets are laden with disease and pestilence? How long will it be before the scourge of life without purpose begins to suffocate our very existence?

How long will it be before our city takes its last breath?

Overly dramatic? Perhaps. But try telling that to the helpless citizens of Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York who have fallen prey to the whims of progressive activists who spend more time fighting for the rights of illegals than they do our nation’s citizens. Their tax dollars are stripped away at alarming rates to coddle the increasing numbers of the poor and destitute.

But rise in protest and you’re declared a racist, intolerant homophobe. Such is the progressive ideology.

It’s time we demand our city leaders to take another approach, using a rather unique concept to liberals.

It’s called enforcing the law.

A 2018 column in The Hill, by Kahryn Riley, entitled, “Detroit a model when it comes to solving the opioid epidemic” describes steps drug-ridden cities have taken to curb the opioid epidemic.

Detroit and other cities across the nation are now using specialty dockets as an innovative way to respond to the opioid challenge. These “problem-solving courts”, sometimes known as “drug courts”, were pioneered by a trial judge in Hawaii to combat drug addiction and alcoholism among defendants in his courtroom.

Offenders who are caught up in substance abuse often cycle perpetually through the traditional criminal justice system with minimal results. But drug courts seek to end substance abuse by the people who enter them, using “treatment, intensive supervision and drug testing, frequent status hearings before their judge, and graduated incentives and sanctions.” Judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, defense counsel, probation officers and treatment providers collaborate to help participants build accountability and make healthy choices.

As law enforcement agencies work to get drugs off the street, lawyers and judges are doing their part to ensure justice is served for dealers and users. Prosecutors are bringing homicide charges against drug dealers whose wares result in the deaths of their customers.

They’re simply enforcing the laws on the books. And the model is working!

By treating the underlying problem, these courts reduce the rate at which offenders commit additional crimes while simultaneously shrinking the number who are drug-addicted or alcohol-dependent. The model saves money in the long run — and the lives of defendants.

It’s time we lay aside the fruitless efforts of our city leaders which have proven feckless in the fight against drug abuse. Continuing down the same road and expecting different results is simply insanity.

It’s time our leaders get smart and look at how other cities facing similar issues are being successful, if they truly want to solve the problem.

I call upon city leaders to immediately reach out for counsel in helping Huntington overcome this plight that is devastating our city economy and future. Put your service to the citizens of Huntington ahead of your pride.

Our approach to this problem must change. It isn’t working.

 

 

 

 

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