Yesterday, I spent a couple of hours at the library community room along with about 75 others. The occasion was “Meet Your New ROV: Clint Curtis” sponsored by none other than Patrick H. Jones, former BOS blight. And introducing him, the election-denying huckster of national renown, Dr. Frank.
Forgive me, but I must set the stage with a brief description of the fashion apparel worn at this not-exactly red carpet event. First and foremost, the newly minted Registrar of Voters himself arrived in a doppelgänger blue suit and red tie. And I give him credit: this Floridian wore it better. The Gallardo Bros looked as thuggish as possible for men in bermudas. Jon Knight dressed for the occasion in shorts and a t-shirt inscribed, “We the People are Pissed.” Lori Bridgeford’s chest proclaimed “Blessed, Blessed, Blessed” and Patty Plumb sported a flag serape. Of course there was also a Maga hat or two, but for me, the most memorable award goes to the gentleman from Bethel with a shirt that stated simply “NO JESUS NO PEACE”.
The atmosphere smelled of victory laced with grievance and dolloped with a hope for vengeance. The 2020 election was stolen but now their man is in the gilded Oval Office and the “golden nugget” has fallen into Shasta County’s lap—that would be Clint Curtis as introduced by Dr. Frank.
The introduction went on for almost 45 minutes during which Dr. Frank preached to his choir. All that was lacking were the hosannas. It was as close as I’m ever going to get to a White Christian Nationalist Ho-Down. One peculiar note: this group really, really believes that there is wide-spread child trafficking and it’s directly connected to election fraud.
So, finally CC himself speaks and he proves himself one slick-talking attorney that knows how to play to an audience. His plans include making the State pay Shasta County back for the postage cost on all those ballots over all those years. He is also going to save money by having new ballots printed locally thus saving over $2 a ballot as they will only cost $.17. Furthermore, volunteer precinct captains will “clean the rolls” as CC says that last year they had 2000 more ballots cast than there were voters. In fact, there was terrible fraud and corruption last year. (Not so genial disparagement meted out to Toller and Francescut.) When an audience member asked whether he would fire the corrupt employees, he responded that in the interest of total transparency all walls would come down and everything would be videotaped and maybe these employees will look for other jobs as they might not want to be seen on camera. Finally, the big reveal: he will put on a mock election in 90 days.
But of greatest concern to me are his ultimate plans which hinge on a presidential command that will require Voter ID. Yes. I know that’s not normally accomplished by executive branch edict, but, hey, these are crazy times.
And you can kiss your mail-in ballot goodbye.
