Finding myself an unwilling participant viewing the public humiliation and destruction of the Snohomish County executive, his career, wife, and family, I am appalled at the media feeding frenzy I am witnessing over allegations of wrongdoing. I must ask why this surfaced right before the election.
It reminds me of two books I recently read about Karl Rove and his rise to power while guiding George W. Bush through his political campaigns. The point the authors make is that Rove’s strategy involved two fundamental principles:
1. You can’t defend against negative publicity, particularly if leveled right before the vote, before your opponent can respond or clear his name.
2. Win at all costs. Destruction of your opponent, or anyone in your way, is the goal. The authors cite numerous innocent people whose political lives, reputations, marriages and self-worth are shattered, in what Rove calls collateral damage, to achieve victory.
I will not comment on Mr. Reardon’s personal activities, as they are none of my business, nor the public’s, unless some illegal practices are disclosed, of which he claims to be innocent. But this disembowelment of people and their families in the media without proof must stop. And if these charges prove false, to the people responsible for “leaking” this information I say: This is a coward’s attack from someone without personal integrity. Someone not worthy to be a public servant, nor to work for one. Whomever the investigation leads back to, I would sincerely hope they are removed from office if this is found to be politically motivated.
My sympathies are extended to the Reardon family for having to suffer through a very private matter under the magnifying glass of a voyeuristic public and a predatory press.
Elizabeth Diedrick
Arlington
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