Can You Blame the Guy?
Newly minted Coloradan, Jess Knox, executive director of the union backed and funded Protect Colorado’s Future, agreed to two televised debates on Amendment 47 (aka Right to Work) and Amendment 49 (aka Ethical Standards), which was to be hosted by KBDI channel 12. As Face the State reports, despite his previous confirmation, Jess did not show up, stating a crummy reason for his withdrawal at the zero hour. My first thought upon hearing the news was, ‘can you blame the guy?’ He was scheduled to debate two formidable opponents (Kelley Harp and I), on two 30 minute shows, all while being asked to defend two completely irrational, economy killing amendments in Amendments 53 and 55, corporate fraud and just cause respectively. As far as I can tell, Jess had three options when faced with the debate challenge. I will rank them in order from best idea to worst idea:
- 1. Decline the invitation from the start, citing just mildly ridiculous reasons.
- 2. Accept the invitation, then cop out at the last minute citing extremely ridiculous reasons.
- 3. Accept the invitation, go on the shows, and get completely crushed trying to defend the undefendable.
Our friend Jess Knox didn’t choose the worst approach, but he definitely could have chosen better. The sad thing is, this is par for the course for Jess and his organization. They claim that these amendments take away First Amendment rights and leave firefighters, nurses, policemen and the like without a voice. But when given the opportunity to provide the voice, Jess cops out at the last minute. What are you afraid of Jess?
If you are willing to reconsider, the offer is still on the table. Let’s talk Jess. You pick the time and place and I’ll be there.
[...] a side note, it’s funny how “No-Show Knox” likes to chime in against 49 only when there’s no one around to respond. This is the guy [...]
28 Oct 2008 at 12:39 am