2 letters to the editor criticize Joe Mullins' hyperbole and DC trip

Here's what your neighbors are talking about today.


  • By
  • | 11:50 a.m. January 13, 2021
  • Palm Coast Observer
  • Opinion
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Mullins' hyperbole is dangerous

Dear Editor:

Although unfortunately, we have become somewhat desensitized to the continual shenanigans by Commissioner Joe Mullins, in light of the recent events in Washington, D.C., it’s worth noting a new low. 

During one of Mullins’ recent radio broadcasts, replete with partisan political rants, he actually suggested the “beheading” of liberals. Whether or not that was hyperbole, it’s dangerous. And, in a sad irony, particularly dangerous when viewed through the lens of the recent Capitol building riots, because Mullins soon after these remarks boarded a bus, along with reportedly over 160 Trump supporters, and headed for Washington to participate in the Jan. 6 protest.

It’s notable that Mullins’ "beheading" rhetoric seems even more incendiary than what was communicated in Washington that allegedly incited the violence. 

Mullins’ remarks, which seemed so serious and concerning to many, were brought to the attention of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, which has regrettably expressed no interest in addressing them. 

Bob Gordon

Palm Coast

Editor’s Note: Sheriff Rick Staly wrote in an email to Gordon: “We do not monitor commissioners’ and most private Facebook posts or radio broadcasts unless there is a criminal predicate.”

 

Mullins is among those bearing responsibility for Capitol riot

Dear Editor:

It has been reported that Flagler County Commissioner Joe Mullins and diverse others traveled to, and participated in, the “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6.

The events that transpired on that day are clearly etched in the minds of all Americans.

Mr. Mullins has attempted to show that the Flagler County participants were not directly involved in the assault and that, at the first signs of violence, they retreated from the area of the Capital and returned home to Florida. While this is commendable, there are issues with Mr. Mullins and the others participation that need to be addressed and called out.

Mr. Mullins and the others have a right to dissent, even if the basis of their dissent was the lies and wild conspiracy theories that led directly to this attempt to thwart the will of the America electorate.

By continuing to support and advance these false, unsubstantiated claims, Mr. Mullins, and all the others who have supported these claims, bear significant responsibility for the riot and its aftermath. Their assault on our institutions of Democracy have been and continue to be unwarranted.

The Flagler County contingent may not have crossed the line between dissent and open insurrection, but they certainly are material contributors to the events. 

Mr. Mullins, in recent statements has said it is "time to heal and to unite."  I say, as a concerned citizen that his mea culpa is too little and too late. The time to heal and unite came following the certification of the election by the various state legislatures.

Mr. Mullins is asking, for himself and the others who participated in promoting these claims, for a free pass for the seditious actions. The time for coddling these hometown anarchists is past.

Mr. Mullins, and any elected officials who have embraced the lies of President Trump and his allies, and this includes U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz (who supported these claims up to the point that the riot took place) need to be censured for the expression of their views in this matter and held accountable for their role in the disgraceful behavior of those Trump supporters who sought to force a change that can only be described as treasonous activity.

Joseph Farrell

Palm Coast

 

Send letters to [email protected].

 

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