Good GOD. This Governor...

Governor Jim just made it clear (4.00 / 6)

he thinks the entire state is his ribbon.

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by: BP @ Sat Apr 18, 2009 at 14:14:42 PM UTC

I tend to find it pathetic in ths country... (4.00 / 3)

...how often we try to lay claim to things just by virtue of geography.  A man who happens to be a Vermonter is involved in a hostage/high seas drama, and suddenly, he's ours.  NYC is attacked by planes and people in Idaho try to act as though its their tragedy.  

This is yet one more example (and a particularly odious one) of it, but it's all the worse coming from someone in a serious position of power.

Musician, Web Designer, Photographer

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by: JulieWaters @ Sat Apr 18, 2009 at 14:47:46 PM UTC

He (4.00 / 3)

"made it clear that there has to be"?

Or WHAT? Is he going to give him back to the pirates?

Hey, Jim: you're the governor of a state, not a despot in a third world country.

What. An. ASSHOLE.

Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.

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by: kestrel9000 @ Sat Apr 18, 2009 at 14:53:50 PM UTC

Privacy...respect (4.00 / 2)

There's this running story (several pages on-line) in the Free Press, but I think it was from 4/14:

Also unknown is what sort of celebration awaits Richard Phillips when he arrives back in Vermont.

"We're awaiting word on the family on that," said Dennise Casey, spokeswoman for Gov. Jim Douglas. "Mrs. Phillips was very clear that the family needs some room and privacy. The governor wants to assure her he respects that."

http://www.burlingtonfreepress...

The governor could also show some respect in asking the local media to stop its frenzy, no?

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by: JayV @ Sat Apr 18, 2009 at 15:09:21 PM UTC

Well put (4.00 / 3)

When I saw the news clip of the Governor saying essentially the same thing the other night, I felt queasy and struggled to articultate to my wife why.

You've nailed it.

By all accounts it appears that the Phillip's family feels that "we've" had the opportunity and have properly thanked them enough. The Phillip's family issued a public statement reminding us that although they are grateful for their family members safe return, there are other mariners still being held captive by pirates throughout the world. A ticker tape parade, replete with a baton twirling Governor at the front seems a bit disrespectful and unnecessary. That is, unless you're the majorette who's running a perpetual campaign, hoping to shamelessly capitalize on other peoples accomplishments in an effort to get re-elected.  

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by: farjas @ Sat Apr 18, 2009 at 15:12:40 PM UTC

the upside (4.00 / 2)

the Phillips family has a lot of class. Their interest in privacy and distaste for manipulation and media circus represents VT perfectly. Gov Clueless ought to take notice.  

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by: Randolph06 @ Sat Apr 18, 2009 at 16:19:28 PM UTC

Leave the poor people alone, already (4.00 / 3)

Dear Governor,

Captain Phillips volunteered to be held hostage by a bunch of pirates to protect his crew. He has more than earned the right to decide how to celebrate his freedom. You have not. So, please, do us all a favor, and get over yourself.

We can thank the Captain in our hearts, and let him and his family enjoy their time together in peace. There is no better reward for his heroism than respecting his and his family's wishes.

Thanks,
The Entire Rest of the Population of Vermont

Beware the Everyday Brutality of the Averted Gaze

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by: mataliandy @ Sat Apr 18, 2009 at 21:10:25 PM UTC

Yet another example (4.00 / 3)

of Doesless taking credit and hijacking others' deeds to justify his highly paid PR people and his own existence.

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by: annikee @ Sat Apr 18, 2009 at 22:35:40 PM UTC

Spineless Doesless (4.00 / 2)

Phillips has more guts and fortitude in his fingernail than that smarmy unctuous tub-of-goo governor of ours.  

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by: Undamned Yankee @ Sun Apr 19, 2009 at 14:37:24 PM UTC

...oops (4.00 / 2)

Phillips has more guts and fortitude in his fingernail than that smarmy unctuous tub-of-goo governor of ours has in his entire body AND those of his slimy PR organ-grinder monkeys put together.

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by: Undamned Yankee @ Sun Apr 19, 2009 at 14:50:12 PM UTC