Evil Andy Harris … Right Wing Andy Harris

That appears to be the theme of the last two issues of the Daily Times.  Today’s lead editorial simply shows what we have always know – the DT doesn’t think much of real conservatives and REALLY doesn’t like a strong conservative like Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD).  Yesterday’s front page, above the fold, “news” article is what I find most disturbing.  It belonged on the op-ed page as well.

Today’s well written, if wrong headed, editorial (we assume by Susan Parker) contains a couple of factual errors.  The op-ed states:

Harris' key votes in the House of Representatives have not deviated from the Republican Party line, nor has any significant vote cast by Harris gone against the majority vote.

Harris just voted against the John Boehner / Harry Reid / Barack Obama spending compromise.  ANY TIME that a Speaker has to look outside his own party to get a key piece of legislation passed (I think Susan would agree that keeping the government open is of import), that is a significant vote.  Frank Kratovil was given a pass on the ObamaCare vote; which was passed with only Democrat votes in the House.  Kratovil can NEVER claim the political courage that Harris has shown in that one vote.

We would also argue with the DT’s portrayal of either Wayne Gilchrest or Frank Kratovil as “moderates”.  However, we will agree to disagree on the DT’s all to typical, liberal definition of the w ord.

Probably our biggest complaint is the piece’s title – “Unremarkable First 100 Days”.  I would argue that Harris’ first 100 days have been quite remarkable.  First of all, he has been faithful to his campaign promises.  The DT admits this and ANY TIME that can be said about a politician it’s pretty remarkable.  In addition, Harris has held firm against an onslaught of opposition to putting this country on sound fiscal footing.  This opposition has come from the White House, the Senate, House Democrats, and from some of his own House GOP colleagues.  He should be applauded, not castigated or ridiculed.  Yet, this is precisely what the Daily Times has chosen to do under the guise of “news”.

Thursday’s front page article by Gannett’s Nicole Gaudiano is little more than a long op-ed wrapped up with a bow that says “NEWS”.  It isn’t.

Here’s the lead:

After 100 days in office, Republican Rep. Andy Harris shows no signs of moving to the center, as his predecessors did.

Really Ms. Gaudiano?  Was Frank Kratovil “moving to the center” when he voted for Obama’s massive PORKULUS bill?  Was he “moving to the center” when he voted for Obama’s budget?  Was he “moving to the center” every other time he voted to appropriate spending that has driven us down the path to a potential financial tsunami?

This a an old, tried and true trick used by the left leaning media.  If you are a liberal, but don’t carry a Communist Party membership card, then you are a “moderate”.  If you believe in outrageous concepts like a limited federal government and a sane fiscal policy you are a “right winger” and want to starve babies and kill old people.

A grand example of where some of this tax money is going is a quote by Adam Hoffman of Salisbury University’s Institute of Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE):

"He's made no attempt to move toward the middle," Hoffman said. "His votes seem to reflect that sort of rightward tilt. It remains to be seen whether Harris' voting and positioning and connecting with the far right base (emphasis mine) is going to be a winning strategy in two years."

I guess we can all grasp Mr. Hoffman’s definition of “middle”:  Frank Kratovil came to the Eastern Shore and told his constituents that he was a “Blue Dog” and then turned around and voted for TRILLIONS in spending.  Harris told the voters of Maryland’s First District that he was going to vote to REDUCE government spending and has actually done it.  SHAME on Andy Harris!  That’s really “far right”.

Is Andy Harris perfect?  By no means.  When he has been wrong, we have pointed it out.  However, when we have done so, we haven’t claimed that it was “news”.  It’s opinion and portrayed as such.  While I don’t agree with today’s DT editorial, I respect their right to their opinion.  When opinion is disguised as “news”, as in the case of Gaudiano’s piece, then it is Gannett and the Daily Times who should be ashamed.

It is ironic that I did a radio interview a few days ago where I mentioned that I had seen a vast improvement in the Daily Times over the last 18 – 24 months; particularly when it came to their mixing of opinion into news pieces.  I sincerely hope that they aren’t choosing to go back down that dark road.