Thursday, November 13, 2008

Bortz calls critics “morons”

Posted by The Dean of Cincinnati

Photo courtesy of here.

There are several reasons to be offended that Chris Bortz recently called his critics “morons”—but here’s something I haven’t seen anyone discuss:  the word “moron” was originally a psychological term referring to a type of mental retardation, and in modern polite society it is considered offensive.  (Don’t believe me?  Then read this, or this, or this, or this.) I expect more class from public officials.  This is like Chris Bortz calling his critics a bunch of “retards,” or something.

I encourage everyone to read the full text of Kevin Osborne’s article.  In short, Bortz supports a rate increase from Duke Energy so the City can get a few million dollars to develop their pie-in-the-sky downtown choo-choo train.

In other words, faced with hard economic times, worsening market conditions, and the ever-increasing price of natural gas, Chris Bortz wants all of us to pay more for our energy bill so some downtown parcels can benefit from having a permanent choo-choo track laid in the street.  And he is using words like “moronic” to classify all those who would dare disagree with his corporate-friendly policy.

I find his use of language telling.  This is not the first time Bortz has fired off offensive language to insult critics.  It seems to show what kind of regard he has for people who would dare oppose his corporatist policies.

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steve carr says:
13 Nov 2008  at  11:50 am | #

Not commenting on the Bortz context, I was completely unaware of the etymology of this word. I recoil every time I hear someone use “retard” as a derrogatory statement, chosing to use “moron,” ignorant of its roots. Now I’m all the wiser.

Eponym says:
13 Nov 2008  at  01:27 pm | #

While we are getting into the etymology of words, “pie in the sky” is parody of a Ira Sankey hymn, mocking the Christian belief that our sufferings will be rewarded in heaven.  Some in modern polite society might find that offensive.

says:
13 Nov 2008  at  01:33 pm | #

This is the same public servant that called you an “imbecil” (he ironically spelled it wrong because he is a, well...) for questioning whether or not he supported PR.

(Bortz lied and said he did support PR and then campaigned hard against it. He must believe he can’t get just over 10% of the voting population to rank him number 1,2 or 3. Why is he in the Charter Party other than to hide his Republican lapel pin?)

Bortz has a bad record of lashing out and calling people who question his policy positions nasty names. He also has trouble recognizing his own conflicts of interest. Bortz wants us to pay more for energy so his beloved Towne Properties can make a profit off of those parcels of land along the trolley line. Is there any wonder why Bortz supportz this bad deal?

How much corporate welfare has been handed out to Towne Properties anyway? Can you say conflict of interest boys and girls? Apparently Chris Bortz can’t.

says:
13 Nov 2008  at  01:44 pm | #

Your use of the word choo-choo train makes you look like a moron.

Seriously, when faced with tough economic times, where the private sector can’t keep up, the answer is for the only sector that can afford to invest to invest.  That sector being government.  Public works helped bring us out of the great depression, and public works will help bring us out of this current deep recession. 

Your “argument” about what Bortz wants isn’t even colorably accurate.  His statement was to the effect that it would be moronic for the city to be forced to eat a rate hike while at the same time turning down the offer of more money.  If the rate hike is coming, then taking those private funds as part of a quid pro quo for the hike makes fiscal sense.

I think its a problem when the “critics” are insulted but are actually thinking critically.  HOWEVER, where the “critics” arguments have been rehashed and torn apart 100s of times, its not beyond the pale to suggest some “critical neurons” may not be firing properly.

Douglas Fir says:
13 Nov 2008  at  02:03 pm | #

When are you going to understand that having a strong downtown urban area only helps the surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs?

I’ll say not realizing that is pretty moronic, wouldnt you?

Pie in the sky choo choo train?  Honestly?  Go listen to 700 wlw a little more and when you’re done, turn on FoxNews...i mean, fair and balanced right?

Randy Simes says:
13 Nov 2008  at  02:55 pm | #

It should be noted that the negotiations were for a reduced rate hike.  The difference in wording is minimal, but very important.  I wonder why you chose to omit that part of the story.  The rate hike was going to happen regardless and the City sat down (as a major customer) and renegotiated the rate hike to a lower amount for the City and its citizens.  This negotiation also included several other items that fit with both the goals of Duke Energy and the City of Cincinnati.

As for the moron part...seems like a stretch at best and a weak attempt to smear Chris Bortz.  I wonder if you’re as equally critical for those who use “moron” in everyday language.  If you have a problem with the use of the word then fine, just be equitable in your criticisms of those who use it.

says:
13 Nov 2008  at  08:55 pm | #

I don’t know too much about Bortz.  But I do know a thing or two about elected officials who shoot off their mouth and make reckless comments. Understandably a gaffe here and there can happen. But when an “official” makes calculated, repeated comments/insults against their constituents, certain communities, or critics, possibly their days in office are numbered.

Also, I think the word choo choo train illustrates just how ridiculous some people think the idea is of bringing a choo choo train for 3 miles of track in a city that is morally and financially bankrupt!

Lefty says:
13 Nov 2008  at  09:07 pm | #

Bortz is an elitist pig who doesn’t give two craps about the poor and homeless.

anon says:
13 Nov 2008  at  11:23 pm | #

Frankly, I’m tired of people being so hyper-sensitive to the use of language.  Language evolves.  The meaning changes over time.  Referencing an old, out dated meaning or history is ridiculous.  We all know what the imbecil meant.  The same with the word “retarded”.  Used in most senses it is not an offensive term.

Attack bortz on his position - not his words - his position is retarded.

says:
13 Nov 2008  at  11:49 pm | #

Bortz is a public servant and calling people that are critical of his position “morons” is unprofessional and inappropriate.

Comet blugrass lover says:
14 Nov 2008  at  08:31 am | #

Keep in mind that Bortz is up for reelection next year. Anyone want to take bets on how much he “loans” his campaign?

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