Authenticity Hoax

If you've ever considered taking on the political establishment, the recent Sund-Barnes standoff merits study.  Two individuals came forward and competed with low-budget tenacity, building campaign organizations, raising money and defining themselves in the public arena.

Immersing oneself in such a soul-sucking battle has its costs, as one attempts to flatter CD3's most hyperpartisan 100 Democrats--the reserve army of the unenjoyed.  You submit your self-description to them, they smile at you, you wait while they interview your opponent--and then they issue their mind-numbingly stupid 'endorsement.'

You and I would never affix our names to a repulsive document such as this, though more than a dozen people did, among them, yes, sadly.  What a cheerless comment on their integrity; let this be a reminder to all of us--and to avoid casually self-besmirching is such a tawdry fashion.

While every sentence therein showers shame on its coarse authormob, I'd be most embarrassed about this part:

Brian Barnes radiates authenticity. He has the integrity, and the core values that will inspire voters across the political spectrum. He is honest, he looks at issues with an open mind, and he is not beholden to any special interests.

I mean, please.  Brian Barnes radiates authenticity?  What an odd attack upon Sharon Sund--and what an unjustified one.

I didn't attend the convention--and have wondered whether hard feelings remain among Sund supporters.  Hack propaganda initially announced that--after Barnes first-ballot endorsement--peace and love reigned immediately.  Though I see Ms. Sund's website hasn't been updated in any way.  I have my doubts.

After the activist's passing, Barnes posted an exceptionally tasteless statement, particularly if one imagines hearing it through Sund ears: 

When Jackie decides to help, she’s so much more than just an activist; she’s a mentor, coach, advisor and a dear trusted friend.

In other words, at this delicate post-convention moment, Barnes was reminding all parties that in his boring recent ego-clash with Sund, the deceased saw moral purity beating within his breast alone.

It would have been such an opportune time for Barnes to have attempted to quietly expunge the noxious document; it says a lot about Barnes that he went the opposite route, amplifying the very qualities that ought best be forgotten.