Holy smokescreen
Michael Kountouris
My goodness — 68 comments on The Humboldt Herald blog regarding Hank Sims' ruminations about whether or not Larry Glass changed his mind about filing charges against developer Rob Arkley in the Avalon incident.
Although Heraldo sagely acknowledges the powers of "the all-knowing Times-Standard editor Rich Somerville," delving into this debate would be like engaging in a Clintonian exercise into what the meaning of the word "change" is. The entire episode seems to be related to the councilperson's fear of being accused of apostasy by the high priests of the Church of the Anti-Arkley. Mustn't let even the tiniest waverings undermine the faith.
Of course, the pro-Arkley religion has its rites and rituals as well, only it's more like a Polynesian cargo cult.
I was reminded of the religious struggle going on in the Republican presidential race, which doesn't mean much to the average voter but to many fundamentalists and Mormons it's what the election is all about. Remember when a wide-eyed Mike Huckabee, a former Baptist minister who has studied theology, asked a New York Times reporter whether it was true that Mormons believe Jesus and Satan were brothers. That's always my first source for theistic analysis — journalists.
Actually, I believe the scriptures show Satan was Jesus' ne'er-do-well brother-in-law, and not actually a blood relative. Makes, me wonder, though, if Glass and Arkley might be related...
Comments
Great post Rich
Posted by: He Said | January 11, 2008 10:55 AM
If He Said said it, I believe it.
Posted by: Rich Somerville | January 11, 2008 11:07 AM
"The entire episode seems to be related to the councilperson's fear of being accused of apostasy by the high priests of the Church of the Anti-Arkley"
Another attempt to diminish Larry Glass? Shame on you. That has been Arkleyville's tactic ever since the great event.
If Arkley threatened to destroy Glass or so much as touched him, Glass did exactly the right thing. I know, we all wish the local zillionaire did not behave this way, but what should we allow it?
Posted by: Maybe I am one of "them" | January 11, 2008 12:07 PM
Actually, "Them," it was an attempt to diminish the high priests behind Larry. If you are one of them, did I succeed?
Posted by: Rich Somerville | January 11, 2008 04:05 PM
I'm not really one of them, but I have known Larry thirty years and don't know of any high priests or anyone else particularly "behind" him. What you see is pretty much what you get with Larry Glass, in my judgement.
Posted by: Maybe | January 11, 2008 07:49 PM
"Maybe": I would agree with that.
Posted by: Rich Somerville | January 11, 2008 08:04 PM
Larry Glass for sure has friends and people he consultants with, and others who he relies on for advice. But he is his own man, and anyone who knows him well sees him for what he is...hard working, honest, listening to his constituents (the citizens of Eureka), and with high integrity. It it bothersome to see someone suggest that there are a bunch of high priests operating in secrecy behind the scenes pulling some strings. The Larry I know ia above all of that.
Posted by: Another Voice | January 12, 2008 10:31 AM
More evidence that a sense of humor is a rare commodity in Humboldt County politics, especially on this topic. It's a joke... Of course there are no high priests. More like trolls.
Posted by: Rich Somerville | January 12, 2008 03:30 PM
I recognize when you are being factitious Rick, and you are correct it is very difficult to do so here in Humboldt County where so many people think everything is a conspiracy but I kind of agree with those that think this situation where a prominent citizen allegedly physically assaulted (the "pushes") and threatening a public official is just not a good subject for humor. Toying with it just seems to "stir the pot".
And oh yes the trolls...so far they have been mercifully absent from all the new T-S blogs, which is why I have been spending more time over here with all of them. Lets hope they remain that way though that may be wishful thinking.
Posted by: Hayduke | January 12, 2008 06:00 PM
Unfortunately, I see humor in everything — especially in Humboldt County. Plus, stirring the pot is my business — or fate, if you will.
Posted by: Rich Somerville | January 12, 2008 07:15 PM
if you smell hot tar, run!
Posted by: Anonymous | January 13, 2008 05:45 PM
what is funny about a person threatening a city councilman? the thing that makes me chuckle about is the way that people want to divide everyone into "pro-arkley" and "anti-arkley"....is every single person who values democracy, fairness and human decency "anti-arkley"?.....i personally have never said a bad thing about rob arkley before the glass incident....now, since i am a concerned citizen, i guess i am a "high priest" who is "anti-arkley".......
Posted by: theotherme | January 14, 2008 06:19 PM
"cargo cult" now that's clever...
Posted by: Brian Morrissey | January 17, 2008 08:45 AM