Signal Tribune Newspaper

Submitted by Kelly Nielsen

I recently heard a to-the-point phrase yielding so much impact that it instantly became a new personal guideline for my life.
The significance of the expression was not foreign to me, but it’s simplicity and potency will forever affect me.
“Silence equals acceptance” were the words she spoke. Wise words shared from a long-time friend.
Everyone repeat after me, “Silence equals acceptance, Silence equals acceptance, Silence equals acceptance.”
It’s alright to sit back quietly and go with the flow, as long as you are prepared to accept the good as well as the bad.
Let me continue on to the focus of this commentary. I have several points to make and the silence is killing me.
“No job is finished until the paperwork is done.”
A familiar expression to most adults, everyone except for the Honorable California State Congresswoman Laura Richardson, formerly known as California State Assemblywoman Laura Richardson, formerly known as Long Beach Councilwoman Laura Richardson Batts, formerly known as Mrs. Anthony Richardson Batts, formerly known as Laura Richardson.
Ms. Richardson seems to have a problem with paperwork. She doesn’t like to do it when it’s supposed to be done. Especially annoying are those nasty little financial disclosure forms, and those past-due notices.
Curiosity directed me to Congresswoman Richardson’s website. Her website states that at the age of six she had already decided her career choice would be in public service. That sounds as ridiculous as me declaring at six years of age my ambition to be a slumlord.
If I were to properly rewrite little Laura’s six-year-old declaration, it would read, “I want to grow up and be an opportunist, I want to sweet talk people into loaning me money, and let my ambition blind me to my responsibilities. I want to be a User. I want to climb the ladder of success three steps at a time and be above the rules that govern ordinary citizens.
Congratulations Laura, you have achieved your childhood dream, and along the way you have made some noteworthy accomplishments.
Laura has a unique record-setting distinction for having served in three political offices in one year. You say “distinction”, I say “stinky.”
Having served in three levels of California government in one year does not impress me at all. It sounds like Laura is definitely on the fast track to political failure.
It should be mandatory for anyone holding political office to complete at least one term, and then, if they wish, they can pursue higher offices.
Laura also has the distinction of three home foreclosures.
You can read more about Laura Richardson’s dramatic rise in political office and her achievements in the L.A. Times, the Daily Breeze, The Washington Post, The Long Beach Press Telegram, The Sacramento Capitol Weekly, or you can surf the web for “Laura Richardson” or listen to John and Ken on KFI AM 640 on the radio.
Shame, shame shame.
It’s hard to put all the shame on Congresswoman Laura Richardson. She has had help along the way.
Shame on any ethics committees that are responsible for checks and balances that have overlooked her wrongdoings.
Shame on supporting party constituents, for looking past the facts and throwing a Washington D.C. fundraiser with her as the guest of honor to bail her out of her financial woes.
Shame on any financial institution for claiming that the treatment they gave her is like the treatment they would give anyone facing foreclosure and writing off nearly $200,000 on her Sacramento home debt.
Shame on Laura for not paying her bills to those smaller businesses that have helped her.
Shame on Laura for continuing to claim ignorance of the rules of each office she has held.
And worst of all, shame on Laura for not keeping up her lawn at her Sacramento home. I read the neighbors were embarrassed.
So in the end, can you blame someone for using their talents to succeed in life, or for pursuing their life dream? You bet you can. I don’t believe Laura is a bad person. She’s just not good enough to be a servant for the public.
Life is tough. The road to achieving your dreams is how you will ultimately be remembered.
Laura hasn’t been in the game long enough for anyone to miss her.
With complete respect to Juanita Millender-McDonald, whom Laura replaced after her passing, if Ms. Richardson hasn’t learned, she too is completely replaceable. She should have some self-respect for her legacy and childhood dream.
I applaud Peter Mathews, Nick Dibs, or anyone else that may stand in opposition to Laura at the next election. I applaud their non-silence.

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