Todd Epp and reliable sources

Todd Epp has joined in with those who are attacking me for not disclosing my source on the Kranz post. So let me remind us about what Todd posted on October 17:

I have obtained information from a reliable source who has proved accurate in the past that this past weekend, approximately 70 of South Dakota’s anti-choice "leaders" attended a summit at the Community Bible Church in Pierre to plan their next attack on abortion rights in South Dakota.

So why didn’t Pat Powers jump all over Epp like he has with me? And I have not forgotten how fond both Epp and Powers were of the anonymous SDBWM who relentlessly attacked me personally. Both claimed to know who the person was, but decided to keep it secret.

I am started to think that Pat Powers believes that I am bad for the South Dakota GOP. He pretty much came right out and said it last week by comparing me to the MAINstream coalition. And now Lee Schoenbeck jumps in on Power’s web site and sides with him and against me. This is all getting me to think about my current political status. If I have to walk in lock-step with the powers that are in the SD GOP, then I am done. Perhaps I should go back to being an Independent and see how that changes the District 20 Senate race in 2008.

I was an Independent when I volunteered to help John Thune in 2002. I did so because he stood up for our gun rights as the Democrats went on the attack in the wake of the Columbine school shootings. I was stunned when Dave Kranz quoted Tony Dean’s vicious attacks toward NRA members as we considered John Thune a no-brainer over Tim Johnson on the gun issue. Yet Tony Dean called us zealots, liars, and extremists as he promoted Tim Johnson as being strong on the Second Amendment.

I remember how proud I was to be standing with fellow NRA members at Gary’s Gun Shop as we endorsed John Thune. Dave Kranz showed up and I gave him my analysis of Johnson and Thune in regard to the gun issue. I was shocked the next day when I read his coverage in the Argus Leader. I spent much of the day putting together the details of Johnson’s 1999 and 2000 gun votes that included support of Rosie O’Donnell’s anti-gun Million Mom March. And I sent it to both Kranz and Tony Dean. Kranz did not report any of it. When Charlton Heston came to Sioux Falls, the Argus Leader continued with Tony Dean’s rant against the NRA and did not include coverage of Johnson’s voting record.

After the 2002 election I joined the Republican Party and started Sibby Online in order to bring attention to items that were not being covered by the State’s largest newspaper. I decided it was time to pick a side and fight. And as the Kranz post showed, I made history. Yes, it was in a small way, but I proved that anybody can make a difference if they only would try.

Since then it seems to have been a constant wave of attacks directed toward me and thjose that I fought along side of as the South Dakota Blogosphere expanded. I really only want to deal with issues, but it seems that all too often we end up with personal attacks being fueled by many who remain anonymous. And these people want me to name names so that they can have even more victims. And Pat Powers thinks that I should, even though he doesn’t think Todd Epp has to disclose his source in the post I mentioned at the top. Kranz doesn't name names all the time neither. Where would Watergate gone without Deep Throat? Common folk who blow the whistle on the powers end up attacked if their identities are not protected.

Today, I am beginning to understand why most people want to stay away from the political arena. It is a place where the truth doesn’t matter. It is a place where there are two sets of rules. One set for the common folks, and none for the ruling elites.

I am sorry for being such a downer today. For me this was suppose to be about the truth, not about destroying Dave Kranz.

Comments

[bill fleming]

Sibby, "Deepthroat" (Mark Felt) gave Woodward and Bernstein facts that could be verified by other sources. That's the step you're missing.

Plus, you have to accept the consequences of your actions, you know? If you stand next to a fire and throw a gallon of gasoline on it, it will blow up in your face sometimes.

You gotta "know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em."

Good luck with your deliberations on party affiliation. A lot of Repubs are going Independent these days. Some Dems too. There's no shame in that.

Oh, and cheer up, man. This too shall pass.

[How do you know my source is not backed up and Epp's is? How does anybody know. All I do know is that I am very sick and tired of the gotcha politics. I know I have been guilty, that is why I am sad...I think. Hopefully this will all be a positive transition.]

[Lee Schoenbeck]

Steve - I didn't attack you, or anybody for that matter (except a few pheasants over the weekend) and I answered your question at the DWU forum.:) Lee

[Sibby's response: So it was another Lee Schoenbeck, or perhaps an anonymous person commented on Powers web site last night?]

[bill fleming]

I don't know anything, Sibby, as usual. But I appreciate your mood, brother. Hang in there.

[Sibby's response: Bill, I consider you one of the master "gotcha" political gurus.]

[bill fleming]

Yeah, I can be as ornery as the next guy, I suppose. But I'd gladly hang up my pistols any day if we could all figure out a way to get on the same page about making America America again.

[Sibby's response: Yeah Bill, You will stab me in the back the next chance you will get.]