The 'anarchist' on the public dole

Once upon a time a self-proclaimed anarchist entered the world of local politics.

In fact, two years and two weeks ago (on June 17, 2010), I predicted he would.

Naturally, the anarchist quickly denied any interest in local politics. (Remember, class, by definition, "anarchists" oppose all things related to government.)

In fact, he did so in print in the late spring of 2010. As the old ballplayer used to say, "You could look it up."

Of course, an anarchist cannot serve both masters – those of public servant and proponent of a state of disorder, void of any form of government.

When the self-proclaimed anarchist – who enjoys the support of the Republican Party, but perhaps not quite as much as he once did, judging by the weekly foot traffic from South High Street to my desk – says he "hates a lot of government institutions" and names, specifically, the EPA and the Department of Labor, he leaves out a few other branches of government.

The self-proclaimed anarchist apparently holds less hatred for such government agencies as:

• Those which can and have provided him with tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funding for his personal enterprises;

• Those which can and have lowered his property taxes;

• Those which can and have provided rental income for his property; and,

• Those which can and have provided a taxpayer-funded salary for him.

Anarchists just ain't what they used to be.

You can read all about the self-proclaimed anarchist – who has no problem with government when it serves his personal interests – at: http://614columbus.com/article/hollywood-to-hillsboro-5389/

(Be forewarned, it is a profanity-laced interview.)

There, maybe this half-hearted column will satisfy the Republican establishment who continue to ask me to write something, while they themselves remain either too afraid or too feckless.

Maybe this is good public representation or, as always, maybe citizens and taxpayers should just laugh it off – in much the same manner as previous insulting comments about Americans with disabilities, threats against citizens, etc.

Frankly, after more than four decades as a part of this community, I think we can do better. I know we can.

By the way, how do you like being used as a springboard?

Rory Ryan is publisher of The Highland County Press.