Hell hath no fury
…” comes immediately to mind when I think of Becky Whetstone, a
single mom in San Antonio, Texas. She and her ex both had previous
marriages. As the story goes, this attractive lady just completing
her doctorate degree, was a big help to her lawyer husband.
Hell hath no fury …” comes immediately to mind when I think of Becky Whetstone, a single mom in San Antonio, Texas. She and her ex both had previous marriages. As the story goes, this attractive lady just completing her doctorate degree, was a big help to her lawyer husband.
She writes that she helped him with his work and even invested her funds to help him. Charlie Gonzalez was a popular lawyer-around-town in San Antonio. Then he was placed on the bench and his popularity and political power grew. I understand he was unopposed in his first two races for Congress.
Becky, his ex, reports that upon leaving for Washington on his second term, he informed her that he was filing for divorce and she had no alternative but to accept his terms because of his “power” in the legal community. She reports that, sure enough, she was unable to find any legal service that would defend her against him. While he, she reports, is supported by an army of pro bono (gratis) legal services.
Long story short, it appears that the Honorable Charlie Gonzalez (D), who represents Texas’ 20th Congressional District, has “squashed her like a bug.”
So what does “Battling Becky” do? She opens a web site dedicated to congressional wives who have had similar situations! (www.congressmanswife.com/) Do you suppose San Antonio voters will be interested in that web sight? Here’s the twist.l
Becky Gonzalez has filed as a candidate for the 20th Congressional District against her incumbent ex-husband. In this race, he will not be unopposed! I read her story aloud from the web sight. My secretary summed up the situation in four words, “He is so dead!” From now until November, I suspect you’ll see “Becky Updates” on Fox News!
Interesting story, but why put it here? It illustrates a major change that is taking place. Someone who would normally have no more chance than a “squashed bug” to get her story out, will now become a major contender against a powerful local legal/political system. The existence of the internet and the almost universal public access to it has so broadened the base of media communication that such a thing is possible.
There are millions (literally) of web sites. Who will see her’s? I suspect all the political junkies in and near the 20th Congressional District will see it. As the availability of the story spreads, I don’t doubt there will be many Hispanics and women curious about this lady’s situation.
Typically, the “establishment” will come back like sledge hammers to “squash this bug” again and again. Somehow what is true will always survive such attacks. The more they attack, the more they build her role as the political underdog to the voters. As I said, “Hell hath no fury …”
While availability of news is rapidly expanding, so is availability of disinformation (lies, half truths and spin). Disinformation has been effective because principle and reason has been systematically bred out of our last generation or more. Most public “input” has been filtered through un-American philosophy, taught our teachers in university education departments, reinforced by self-serving union literature, extorted from benevolent foundations, and promoted by what used to be exclusive domination of major news outlets.
2004 promises to be an American patriot’s year. Major black and white issues are taking shape. At the same time the level of voter understanding of the basic issues is growing like Jack’s beanstalk. I predict that many “token” candidates (those in the race who don’t expect to win) will be surprised. By November the race is likely to be one between Democrats and Republicans, rather than between individual candidates. The fundamental issues of liberty and law will be the underlying political battle.
Voters in the South Valley will have some clear local choices. Democrats are saddled with unprincipled candidates. Most have the “advantage” of being incumbents. By November, I am speculating that being an “incumbent Democrat” will not be as big an advantage in the South Valley as it appears now.
Our local Republican club, “Gilroy/Morgan Hill Republican Assembly” offers a monthly opportunity to meet and chat with the men and women who want your vote. We rent a meeting room from Church of the Valley, usually on the first Thursday evening each month at 7:30 p.m.
At our January meeting all of the candidates on your ballot for the six Central Committee seats appeared. They formed a panel in front of those present and were grilled (some might say, “roasted”) for well over an hour. When all the members were ready, we voted on endorsement. The following candidates were endorsed by G/MHRA: Jane Howard, Jeff Parrott, Mark Zappa, Steve Moore, Mike Davis and Donna Courtright.
Over the months ahead, as has been true for several years, those who attend these meetings will have an opportunity for relaxed one-on-one conversations with the people seeking your vote in November. The public is invited. You don’t even have to be a registered Republican.
While we are on the subject, the California Republican Party (CRP) holds two state conventions each year. The next one is to be held at the Hyatt Regency (by 101) in Burlingame on Friday through Sunday, Feb. 20-22. I suspect there will be close to 3,000 people involved. Anyone can walk in off the street and observe without paying a dime. If you wish, you can register as a guest, which will open a few more doors.
My point in mentioning this, is the opportunity you have to meet the people you see on TV or read about in the paper or on the net. I am anxious to do all I can to raise the political sophistication of south county voters.
May I add a personal note as encouragement to those wondering if functional families still exist (in case you missed it in my last column). Fran and I parented three great kids who are building solid families of their own. Last month, they joined in celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. See www.garlic.com/~histbuff/ for an account.
Ben Gilmore is a Morgan Hill businessman. The Board of Contributors is comprised of local writers whose views appear on Tuesdays and Friday.
