Listen to “Back From Vacation” on Spreaker.
Some thoughts post-vacation…
Personal experience has shown me that when you love what you do, returning from vacation is far easier than when you don’t.
And re-entering the opinion space feels incomplete without a review of what transpired while away.
“BPJ” won an event at the state track meet. No, it isn’t right. But some have made it personal – about the child. Maybe you’ve seen the social media posts referring to Pepper-Jackson as “it?” Don’t do that. Life is difficult enough for children without adults targeting them, especially a child in circumstances like BPJ’s. Pepper-Jackson is a human being — a creation of God, and one of value, and one deserving of love and grace. Yes, it’s a fallen world and that brings consequence with it, but we can be truthful – adhering to what is just – and loving at the same time. Against such, there is no law.
Some want to blame the SSAC. Hogwash. Blame the Fourth Circuit, not the SSAC. It is highly likely the Supreme Court will reverse the Fourth Circuit’s decision to countermand West Virginia law on this matter. Patience is difficult. Personal experience proves that too. But difficult as it may be, have faith in the system. It works, and ultimately it will work again.
The Greenbrier saga continues.
A deal is never done until both parties sign the paperwork. Never. Justice wants to keep what he has. Omni wants it for itself. Not unusual at all. Things worth having have always been sought after by those who don’t have them and fought for by those who do. But until the money is repaid in full, this dispute will persist – and likely intensify. One has to wonder if Mr. Justice regrets opening the Pandora’s Box that is debt?
The public is interested for obvious reasons. Omni knows that, and so do the Justices. This battle is as much about public opinion as it is about finance and law. Public opinion can be used as leverage in negotiations and even in court proceedings. Why do you think the Justices brought in a public relations consultant?
As the dispute becomes more personal, expect both sides to dig in deeper and push harder through every available avenue. Every single one.
Just as war has been described as a continuation of politics by other means, business can sometimes be viewed the same way. What fascinates me most is that we may not yet know the full roster of warriors – or influencers – in this fight.
Maybe we soon will. Maybe we never will. But my gut tells me there are additional interested parties involved at some level.
NEWS from Brad McElhinny: Court grants Justice family a delay to pursue financing proposal for The Greenbrier
ANALYSIS: Latest order in Greenbrier Case
Meanwhile, the governor’s press office took another shot at West Virginia Watch reporter Amelia Knisley last week. Pointless.
A piece she wrote on TANF cuts notes that the governor is “mulling over” providing $16 million to Star Academy, a for-profit organization.
Knisley also reported that “Star Academy CEO John Alvanida donated nearly $42,000 to Morrisey’s campaign and affiliated political action committees,” as first reported by The Wall Street Journal in April.
Lars Daleside, Morrisey’s communications director and known on X as the “Stranded Viking,” called the piece “completely manufactured.”
What, exactly, was manufactured?
Which facts are in dispute?
Knisley draws no conclusions. She simply provides information. Perhaps the administration would prefer some of that information remain in the background, but that is not their decision to make. More importantly, they surely know it.
Don’t want bad optics related to donors? Don’t take the money. Or publicly disavow the political organization that took it. Easy enough.
Responding with outrage – as opposed to a measured counter narrative – when a reporter does his or her job leaves one to conclude, as Hamlet’s Gertrude did, “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”
Not a Shakespeare fan? No worries.
It simply means that someone may be denying something so strongly, so repeatedly, or so dramatically that others begin to suspect the opposite may be true.
No conclusions here. A solid faith in the people and their wisdom renders such moot. They should and will draw their conclusions accordingly.
It’s good to be back with you!