Ian Blair Hamilton, Myocum
Your article regarding Crs Duncan Dey and Sarah Ndiaye’s relationship with John Anderson made me think about another political personality in the international scene.
This one displays many of the same behaviours as John ‘Fast Buck$’ that were mentioned: misogyny, mean-spiritedness, bullying, singling people out, using his body to dominate, remember the Hilary Clinton debate?), verbally aggressive, refusing to pronounce opposition politicians’ names correctly (remember Kamala Harris?), ongoing ‘threatening’ behaviour.
Finally, like the other politician, it appears Mr Buck$ resorts to similar obfuscations when cornered.
‘Mr Anderson denied “picking” on Cr Ndiaye but continued to mispronounce her name during the interview and said she had “a big mouth”,’ and…
‘When Mr Anderson heard other women at both meetings had described his behaviour towards Cr Ndiaye as threatening, he called them girls and said they should respect their elders.’
I too have observed Fast Buck$’ ‘Pilgrims’ Progress’ over the many, many years since his first ‘Pink Paper’ attacking then Cr Mike Watterson. At the time I supported his brazen, upfront style because, I suppose, he was doing what I was scared to do.
But over the years I have observed his ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ descend into something that seems to yield no positive value except for his own self-gratification.
No matter who is on Council, no matter what party or group they represent, Mr Buck$ tears them down.
I also remember when I helped him into the role as a councillor with my vote only to see him apparently incapable of collaborating with anyone on Council without being abrasive and confrontational.
I reluctantly conclude, after watching local politics, that he singlehandedly – like his US counterpart – contributed more to the divisive nature of local politics than any other personage.
I still wonder why The Echo has, over many years, given him more space than any other local ‘politician’.
People change. This one has had his day
The Echo gives space when astute comments are made to expose cronyism, lack of due process, corruption, bungling, ignorance, personalities affecting their roles, and Fast Bucks is good at commentary, exposing and calling things out. I am not measuring how much air time anyone gets as another reader seems to. Years ago John Anderson withdrew from commenting, as you do when embattled and constantly slammed for speaking out. I would personally have given up if the vindictive mis-use of Council policies used against him, had been done to me on my own land. They created witch hunts and fined him over the measliest thing. Then a letter in the paper appeared one day where he stated that he had till then, given up on being involved, but something had arisen that he could not let go unchallenged . Its like he can’t let things alone, but like a red rag to a bull, because he knows how it should be conducted, and it’s not, he just states it clearly, chapter and verse, of Council procedures that are being contravened.
If only more people would get involved in issues when they see things that need to be exposed. He has done all of us a service with his understanding of Council procedures and constantly speaking out when things were not right. All the while fighting his own demons. We make concessions for others when they go thru stuff, why can’t we be a bit more gracious to a senioir citizen, who may have hints of dementia, who knows? Kicking a dog when its down, is callous. And Im not justifying rudeness or bad behaviour, just saying he never was one for social skills, and yes, such a flaw, brings many a person undone. I just dont like the way the flaw gets focus to the detriment of his past efforts.
In fighting the [email protected][email protected] Fast Bucks has become what he is fighting. Say no more and send him love and understanding…..!?