Regier 'crisis' falters when facts known [Anti-Jeb writer matures; defends Jeb's new DCF chief!]

The Orlando Sentinel ^ | August 20, 2002 | Mike Thomas

[summer]

Tuesday, August 20, 2002

SENTINEL COLUMNIST



Mike Thomas

Regier 'crisis' falters when facts known

Published August 20, 2002

The attacks against Jeb Bush's choice to head the state's child-welfare department, Jerry Regier, show what you get by mixing an incomplete news story and nasty politics.

Excerpt:
It began last week when The Miami Herald wrote this story:

The man named Thursday by Gov. Jeb Bush to head Florida's notoriously inept child welfare agency is an evangelical Christian who views spanking that causes "bruises or welts" as acceptable punishment…..

All the ingredients were present for a juicy controversy.

There was a Christian conservative portrayed in a way that panders to our worst fears about extremist beliefs.

…

And lastly, there was a political campaign in which Democrats are getting desperate in their increasingly futile battle against Jeb Bush.

There is only one problem in all this: Regier says he did not write the offending words, did not agree with them and eventually left the group that produced the report because he disagreed with its views. This not only comes from Regier, who has a solid reputation as a straight-arrow, but also from the man whose name is on the report with Regier's -- George Rekers, a University of South Carolina professor....

There is no evidence his religious beliefs have affected his government work or any other evidence he ever believed, espoused or pushed those extremist views. All we have seen is vague sniping from liberal critics.

This feeds into complaints of media bias against Christian conservatives....

To read the complete column, click HERE.

Mike Thomas can be reached at 407-420-5525 or mthomas@orlandosentinel.com.

Copyright © 2002, Orlando Sentinel

[summer]

Hi Paul, I agree with what you said - the lie is out there. Nevertheless, letters like Joe Brower's will surely open some eyes.

[summer]

"Troubled" is a kind word.

I think this Mr. regier has a lot of guts to want to take this job -- as such a decision seems to be akin to stepping into quicksand. Thanks for your post, js1138. Nice to hear from you. :)

[summer]

regier = Regier

[summer]

Thanks for posting this, summer. Here in Maryland, I read, in today's Washington Times, about the disgusting attacks on this man by the Miami Herald and by Florida 'Rats.

My pleasure, and thanks for your post, Bigg Red.

BTW, I have not seen this Washington Times article yet several have mentioned it. If anyone can post a link to it on this thread, please do. Thanks.

[Bigg Red]

Sorry, I can't give you a link to the Washington Times story about the smearing of Rieger because I read it in the hard copy, which I have delivered each day.

[Truth Addict]

I think Mike Thomas is undergoing a real change.

It just may be that he is honest enough to recognize that when his liberal compatriots use outright lies and innuendo to attack their opponents, it may be time to rethink which side is more honorable. It really does appear that he is beginning to question all that liberal dogma that he himself has been spouting for many years.

I applaud his newfound fair minded approach, and hope that he continues down that road.

[JoeSixPack1]

ROFL!!! :-) I read the posted. Thank you, summer.

[Real Cynic No More]

bump for Jeb!

[MeekOneGOP]

Bush bump !

Florida Gov. Jeb Bush jokes with brother George W. Bush as the president stepped off Air Force One in Orlando March 21.

Photo by Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel.

[summer]

Re your post #27 - ROFL!!! :-) I read the posted. Thank you, summer.

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!! Thank YOU, Joe! :)!

[arthurus]

Do we need another Christian whose Christian values and beliefs will not in any way affect his conduct of his career? How is such a person a Christian, anyway?

[windchime]

Thanks, Summer. The story was breathtaking, a real shocker! It's refreshing to have a journalist take a step back to see, and then report, the big picture truthfully.

The voucher story was great, too. Thomas seems just plain perplexed that some voters are supporting the candidates that oppose the voucher system that they want.

I hope he keeps up the good work.

[windchime]

Super letter!

[summer]

I thought you might be interested in this post. Of course, I realize I could be wrong. :)

[summer]

FYI. I thought you might enjoy this post; of course, I realize I could be wrong. :)

[Terriergal]

Thanks for the ping!

Ping to Cyrano, Tennessee_Bob, shaggy eel, Diamond

[summer]

Thanks for pinging those people, Terriergal! :)

[summer]

Re your post #32 - Thanks, Summer....I hope he keeps up the good work.

My pleasure. BTTT! :)

[summer]

Re your post #31 - Maybe this online statement from Mr. Regier himself will answer your questions, arthurus. :)

[summer]

Thanks for posting that photo. I think that is one of the silliest photos I have ever seen of Gov Bush! (Except for the one of him wearing a birthday hat at an elementary school - LOL...)