Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard called for censure instead of impeachment. Dec. 18 she was absent on the floor of the House until vote time when she voted “present” on the articles of impeachment against Donald Trump. These things, along with her behavior of the last few years, show that she clearly is not trying to represent the constituents of Hawaii. I believe she is now disqualified for any statewide or federal elected position.
Let me remind you of the highlights, though not all her transgressions:
There was the trip to Syria where she wasn’t going to meet with Assad, but oops, she did meet with Assad, it turned out. To this day, she defends his brutal attacks on his own people and falsely stating that the U.S. entered Syria with the goal of regime change.
She rushed into Trump Tower after the election, giving legitimacy to Donald Trump, while most Democratic Party members and many Republicans were still questioning the validity of the election. The rumors were that she was jockeying for the Secretary of State position, but that was never verified.
Since then, she has spent much more time attacking fellow Democrats than she has Republicans or Donald Trump.
When Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono was undergoing cancer treatment, there was public reporting that Tulsi was already considering a run for Hirono’s Senate seat. Hirono’s recovery kyboshed that, but it didn’t stop Tulsi from publicly criticizing Hirono’s targeted questioning of one of Donald Trump’s judicial appointees.
When the Mueller Report was released, Tulsi immediately put out a video, when she obviously hadn’t read the report, saying there was no collusion, rather it was time for the country to move on. (If you’ve read the report, it doesn’t say that, and it documents very serious evidence of Trump campaign coordination with the Russian attack on our election and 10 documented instances of obstruction of justice by Trump.)
Early in this primary election, she said the primary was “rigged” against her, despite the Democratic Party clearly outlining its guidelines for debates, etc., in advance. “Rigged” is a word that Trump started using in the 2016 election.
During one interview, she responded to a reporter, “That’s fake news.” This is another attack-on-journalism phrase originated by Donald Trump.
Kamala Harris was in the top three of the Democratic primary candidates this year until Tulsi attacked her record during the debate. Politifact.org labeled the attack on Ms. Harris as “misleading.” Since that time, Kamala tanked in the polls and subsequently had to withdraw from the race.
She publicly attacked Hillary Clinton over a story that the New York Times misquoted. Hillary beat Donald Trump by 32 points in Hawaii in 2016 but Hillary receives Tulsi’s criticism while Trump rarely does.
While our Sens. Schatz and Hirono have fought against the blatant crimes and abuses of the Trump administration, Tulsi has appeared on Fox News weekly, often on the show of white nationalist Tucker Carlson. She criticizes more Democratic media for not inviting her on, not wanting to hear “her voice,” while those in the more-left-leaning media say that she ignores their invitations. She’d rather be on Fox News attacking the Democratic Party.
There’s more, but these are the highlights. Hawaii is a bright blue state and we deserve representation as such. If you analyze all of these, there really are only three possible reasons for Tulsi’s behavior:
1) She’s a DINO — a Democrat in name only — and really hasn’t abandoned her father’s far-right political career positions;
2) She’s some type of witting or unwitting Russian asset, determined to run a third-party presidential campaign that will again split the Democratic vote like Jill Stein did in 2016;
3) She’s just so wildly ambitious and attention-hungry that she’ll do anything to set herself apart and get national attention as quickly as possible through whatever means necessary.
None of these is sound representation of Hawaii.
If she runs third-party, she deserves our disdain. If she late files to run for re-election, we must not allow her to succeed. She has failed to represent the people of Hawaii consistently and is disqualified from any statewide office. She’s no longer qualified for federal office, at least not as a Democrat.
Tulsi obviously has another master than her constituents in Hawaii. If it’s just her ego or something more nefarious, it really doesn’t matter. We deserve better.
•••
Jason Blake is a resident of Lihue.
Tulsi is hands down the best candidate for president.
You will never change my mind.
#TULSI2020
Tgi smear article
Do you just want to get even with those democrats you dislike? Or do you feel Tulsi is an inspiration to some people. She obviously goes for the non-traditional family and for the easy going republican of some sort. You have the time, we have the event to make it the way you like it. And so forth. We have the show for you.
Thank you for speaking out on the abomination that is Tulsi Gabbard, Jason. She is a self-serving charlatan who has no business representing the state of Hawaii, or anyone else, in any capacity.
Trash hit piece with lazy smears Jason Blake. Russian asset? Get real- why dont u scrubs try fair honest reporting for a change,
Maybe because hes not a reporter? Its an opinion piece as clearly stated at the top. I bet you forward all those chainmail about “Unless you repost this, you are giving Instagram permission to use your pictures” too
You are a devisive idiot , trump did nothing wrong . Talk about bidens kid if you want truth not tribalism
Tulsi may not be a puppet as you wish she was. What she is a representative that speaks the truth. She is against war, she is against Fake news and see things a bit different than every other democrat puppet in congress.
I had hopes for Tulsi, despite her family’s history of Republican dedication. She has disappointed many of us who she’s supposed to be representing. Politicians…
Some people can’t see the forest for the trees.
First of all, what qualifies you to tell us what Hawaii needs? Second, all your opinions fall right in line with The NY Times and the Hillary Camp. Tulsi is not running in a third party, she is not a Russian asset like Hillary made up and ambitious? All politicians are ambitious and egotistical. And in my opinion her meeting with Assad is played out.. it’s painted like she supports the guy when really she was just working on diplomatic options. She hates wars, maybe you live wars and that’s why she scares you so much.
It appears that Democrats are cannibals, they eat their own.
Step out of line and you get smacked down and torn to pieces by your own party.
No progressivism allowed.
Hateful.
Your good at writing, but have to say feels like mainland style Gossipy Propaganda with Far Left Agenda hard at work .- We are not a Far Left State we have better values than that as the Blue State we are.
I cant help but ask who inspired you to write this article?
Folks, It is always smart to do research on all sides…just to be sure before passing judgement on anyone right?
wow. I am born and raised on Kauai and veteran of military. Tulsi is the most calm and collected and sensible of all democrats running for presidency and compared to iur other Hawaii Democrats. She has a sensible vision. Just because she is not “Orange Man Bad” all the extremely left democrats are attacking her along with people like you. Do your research and keep open minded but just because “Orange man bad” is not on her Agenda and the rest of the pay for play democrats are attacking her doesnt mean that she does not represent Hawaii principles. I think she exemplifies Hawaii and the Aloha spirit. but this article is your opinion mr blake and clearly you grew up in Hawaii and know of Hawaii values and think that Crazy Mazie and the rest of them are the perfect examples of representation of Hawaii.
“‘Orange man bad’ is not on her agenda…”
Yet, she seemed quite quick to DENOUNCE “Orange Man” by saying he was unfit for office once he praised her for her misstep.
Seems “Orange man bad” is only on her agenda when it suits her. She clearly doesn’t believe it enough to actually do what is right when given a clear opportunity to do so, and that is exactly why SHE is unfit for office. As I said before, she is a charlatan.
I watched most of the impeachment process right up to and including the vote. They show the votes and there is one “present”. What the heck, what Democrat did that? To my shock and embarrassment then anger when i find it is my representative! I felt cheated! Bye bye Tulsi
I doubt very much Hawaii is as homogeneous, politically or otherwise as you seem to want to make it out. What drives me crazy, and I don’t think I am alone here, is the “Gleichschaltung” thinking that democratic party seems to want to pursue at the cost of true democracy. Quite ironic too, to want no diversity in thought in the name of diversity in name only.
Jason Blake may work against Tulsi Gabbard and support her opponents, but at least Tulsi is not some brain-washed locked in step Democrat that jumps in servitude to the DNC wishes and demands. I admire her independence and courage to step forward and attempt to defuse the Syrian war by discussing issues with Assad rather than just attacking his regime however brutal it may be the case.
There were more Democrats attacking Tulsi than John McCain who met with ISIS terrorists and gave them weapons. So in essence Democrats supported these extremists who are emerging in European countries and fulfilling their attacks against the West. Tulsi is against the military industrial complex that includes major business making huge profits from various wars which taxpayers pay for. She is against this while both Democrats and Republican benefit from.
Oooh, Tulsi’s a Ruskie agent!
Oooh, Tulsi’s a secret right-wing operative!
Oooh, Tulsi appeared on Fox News!
Oooh, Jason Blake has just entertained readers of the Garden Island with his latest conspiracy theory!
Is Jason Blake really…. Jason Bourne??? Oooh!!!
Wow. So at least we all know that Jason Blake is a rabid Trump hater, and that anyone that doesn’t have a foaming at the mouth hatred for Trump, and doesn’t support warmongers, is somehow unfit. Jason doesn’t care that he is attacking a female veteran who has the audacity to think independently of corporate millionaire democrats like Ed Case.
Someones gotta posts this trash on the gi site- was that jason too? News flash- there are plenty people in this state that dont overlook the dnc coruption- u guys automaticly assume if your a certain race you have to vote for someone no matter how crooked they are- bidens,clintons- fbi the list goes on- WAKE UP Hawaii – Vote for someone that goes againt the grain of the bs
I posted a comment, have no idea where it went but i was pissed after following the whole impeachment process to see the one”present” and find out it is my representative,,,, not. Embarrassed, shocked and as far as i am concerned new Hampshire can have her. Bye bye Tulsi.
Excellent and articulate article, whosh…. way over the heads of the ignorant impotus followers!
Mahalo and keep looking up….
Excellent? I guess NAZI propaganda was excellent too, of which the mainstream media is the modern day equivalent. So sad the amount of brainwashing these days. Time to leave the Democrat Plantation.
Tulsi was in the Chris Butler Cult, also known as the The Science of Identity Foundation. I don’t know of any departure announcement on her part and she’s referred to Butler, aka Jagad Guru, as her Guru. I’d bet her phone records have a call to him prior to this vote. Don’t underestimate the wealth, power and resources of this organization internationally. This group is closer to Scientology than the suicidal or sex driven cults you may recall. Chris Butler, now around 69 yrs old, calls each and every shot. Crazy Chris Butler competes with fellow Islamaphobe, Crazy donald trump for International Narcissist of the year honors. You can easily research every single bit of this and more but don’t talk about it in Kailua!
Full disclosure I despise the Democrat party.
I’m also trained to consider all options.
I won’t vote for Tulsi. However of all the Democrats
running for office, she makes the most sense and represents
what I think most working Hawaiian Democrats really believe
in. She is definitely not a “Party” hack like our present Senators.
Aloha.
Amen.
I am quite thankful that Gabbard will not be getting the Democratic nomination, and her political career will hopefully be over when this is all done.
I hadn’t a clue,Democratic politicians are Puppets? WOWZ!
Jason, my musical genius friend, as you know I wholeheartedly disagree with this point of view. You did a brilliant job summarizing all of the smear-campaign talking points of the billionaire-funded DNC. They are terrified of Tulsi because she resigned from her position as a co-chair when she realized how Hillary and Wasserman-Shultz really were rigging the primaries against Bernie. Currently 30% of our country is completely blind to the crimes and misdemeanors being committed by the President, and another 30% is completely blind to the nearly equal crimes and misdemeanors committed by the Clintons. The remaining 40% of us want nothing to do with systemic corruption and there are several candidates in the race who represent us. I suggest you rethink your list of Tulsi offenses from the point of view of “lead with Aloha,” which is her campaign motto. What would a loving and fearless congress person do about Syria? About the Keystone Pipeline? About Trump taking office? About a country on the verge of a civil war because of a hyper-partisan impeachment effort? Tulsi is absolutely consistent about aloha and all it represents. Maybe newcomers like you and me need to reconsider who and what she really represents?
Well said.
One major fact to counter your arguments about who Tulsi represents: In the 2016 primaries 70% of the democrats in Hawaii chose Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton. Because of that (and her inside knowledge of how the DNC was rigging the primaries), Tulsi switched her superdelegate vote from Hillary to Bernie. She was the only superdelegate in Hawaii who decided to represent the will of the people of Hawaii. The rest of them chose to keep the money they received from the Hillary Victory Fund and vote against the will of the people of Hawaii. They all lost my vote forever.
Where was the real corruption? It is in the DNC and every other superdelegate in Hawaii who proved that their vote could be purchased. You are giving voice to their outrage at Tulsi the whistle-blower. That makes you a part of the problem, a voice of the corrupt establishment, and not part of the solution.
Another well said.
When the DNC rigged the primary against Bernie it was a turning point for me.
In the beginning I was a Tulsi supporter with reservation, because of her family’s strong Republican history. Today, I realize one thing about Tulsi:. She is articulate and can talk a good story. That’s all she does, is talk a good story. Her record speaks for itself.
Glad to see not all Hawaiian’s are brainwashed lefty whiners. Tulsi is by far the best you got.
One thing is for sure, when this whole thing blows over, Tulsi ain’t gonna represent Hawaii anymore. Hawaii’s Sarah Palin.
I had hopes for Tulsi as she is well spoken. But to me, there is something off. There was no reason not to vote for impeachment. She claimed to have read the 658 page indictment and so did I. Either she cannot understand legal language or she was pulling a political stunt. I support Jason in his comments and I am appalled at the venomous name-calling, and slurs made toward him and Democrats. Sounds like these people learn what they know from Fox News or our president’s nasty, childish tweets. Isn’t it a little hypocritical to talk about aloha?
No lectures from you or other Democrats, Martha, we on the right learned all we know from Democrats like Mad Maxine Waters and Crazy Mazie Hirono whose rhetoric know no bounds when it comes to demonizing Republicans. Enjoy a taste of your own medicine.
Tulsi has gone on Joe Rogan twice, so thats about 5 hours of discussion that will allow you to judge her for yourself. Learn about why she is suing google, maybe you learn something new.
If you had read the Mueller Report, you would know that the Russian’s inserted that myth into the Facebook and Twitter accounts that they hacked. So you fell for the lie along with Tulsi and reinforce what the indicted Russian said, “Americans are the most gullible of all people.” Russians are laughing at us! The facts are in the report. Doesn’t anyone READ anymore? We seem to be living in a world where angry emotions fed by social media is so much easier than making the effort to read actual documented sources. Or is that just for the “intellectuals” that people seem to hate these days?
I think it was a big turning point for a lot of young political idealists, progressives and visionaries. Before the DNC rigged the primaries with superdelegates and the Hillary Victory Fund, it was still possible to believe that democrats represented us common people. Since that turning point in history, it is clear to me and millions of other voters that, just like Republicans, the DNC represents the interests of the very wealthy, and especially those who profit from ongoing wars, disease and suffering.
Tulsi and Bernie both see this clearly and speak against it. Warren speaks against it but is also war hawk. Biden and Buttigieg are the corporate democrats who bow to financial powers and hope that we won’t see the truth. We are fortunate on Kauai to have many local leaders who see the big picture and do their best to speak up for what is right and good.
Tulsi Gabbard has represented us well and has greatly enhanced the stature of Hawaii while presenting our spirit of Aloha to the world of Politics! The political science prof always used to say that “Politics is war in slow motion.” Some truth there. But that doesn’t explain the rise of outrage and smears we see in this column and in our media as portrayed at the satire site BabylonBee. An early advisor to Facebook says that the social media learned early that encouraging outrage and anger in members increased both their time on-line and revenue for social media. So perhaps we have all been manipulated more toward outrage and less toward peaceful solutions by our new social media tools. The author of Zucked, Roger McNamee, thinks so [available in library].
Liberty, Equality, Aloha
Kilauea
The real issue hear is the country is being taken over by the far right. This group that against diversity, immigration, equal rights and in favor of disenfranchising Democratic voters with voter ID laws specifically aimed at that.
We are getting hoodwinked by the far right and Fox News whose main support is to the country’s billionaires.
I absolutely agree with the “Liberty,Equality,Aloha” comment – social media has become a cruel tool for pitting people against one another. I do not participate in Facebook or Twitter for that reason. But our President uses Twitter to call people names, Facebook is used to spread conspiracy theories (like Hillary’s lost emails), books like “Clinton Cash” full of innuendo but no facts, even the Republican’s 128 page impeachment rebuttal footnoted Tweets and Facebook items as supporting evidence!! Is “opinion”going to fly in court now?? We have gone off the rails. The founding fathers never anticipated that millions would be fed a daily diet of mud-slinging which is swallowed whole. It’s called “gaslighting”. Get people to distrust the sources that have actual credibility. It works well in fascist countries. Here Trump just calls the facts “Fake News”. I know there are people out there like me who are worried about the way everything gets turned around; while Trump people think we’re just criticizing him. Will we ever “make America think again” by reading, vetting their sources and educating themselves?
I am not all that fooled by Tulsi she is still a full on leftist but compared to crazy Daisy and the rest of our socialist HI Dems she certainly looks like she has it more together than the rest of the Dem presidential party. Trump 2020