Common Sense

Another blog covering the TX-17 race, Right of Texas, has been posting pictures of a supposed Chet Edwards intern with a very blasphemous t-shirt and a “desecrated flag” behind him.

RoT ran this early this weekend, and I only became aware of it last night. Instead of just jumping to conclusions, I was waiting for a response from the Edwards campaign.

In the meantime, RoT also ran this post which claims that this intern, a Baylor student who drinks a lot (goodness knows there aren’t a hell of a lot of them in Waco) named Justin Mueller, posted the picture on his blog as an “art project” on the anniversary of 9/11.

The communications director of the Edwards campaign, Jessica Schafer, was kind enough to forward this email to me that was sent to RoT after the campaign became aware that he was posting these picture claiming it was a Chet intern.

Right of Texas:

I check your blog from time to time and I know you spend a lot of time following the race in TX-17.  I also realize you do not support Congressman Edwards and differ with him on certain issues, and I respect that.

I am concerned, however, about recent information that has been posted on your blog that is completely inaccurate.  The individual you have pictured is not and has never been an intern of this campaign, period.

The photo of the individual with the desecrated American flag and offensive t-shirt is revolting and in direct conflict with the values of Chet Edwards and our campaign.     He has volunteered sporadically, and given his actions, he has been told that he is not welcomed in our campaign again.  Chet’s position on the desecration of the flag is clear and unambiguous:  he has repeatedly co-sponsored and voted for a Constitutional Amendment that prohibits the desecration of the American flag and has been honored by the American Legion for doing so.  Furthermore, anyone who would desecrate the American flag would not be welcomed in our campaign at all.

I hope this clears up any confusion on this matter.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Best regards,

Chris Turner

Campaign Manager

Chet Edwards for Congress

I can vouch for the amendments part. I pointed out in my July 4th posts that I disagreed with Congressman Edwards about the freedom and the symbol that is the American flag.

I emailed RoT just a few moments ago and will add any comments as an addendum to this post.

One thing’s for sure… in an era of lowered expectations such as this, we can all be glad that this “intern” wasn’t wearing a tell-tale blue dress.