JUST AS WE THOUGHT

Just as we thought, just as we thought, just as we freaking thought.

English Only has finally disclosed their finances to Metro. They, "raised," $84,467.76 for their campaign against humanity. How much of that actually came from Nashvillians? *$1967.76. The other $82,500 came from the now notorious ProEnglish group from Arlington, Virginia.

Eric Crafton knew that he had virtually no local financial support when he forced Metro into a $300,000-$500,000 spending spree for his special election. In the past, he has championed himself as a guardian of the taxpayers' pocketbooks. He droned on and on about how the city was trying to block the voters from a chance to have their voice heard. But it is now obvious that, in recent months, Eric Crafton lost his way. Maybe it was ego. Maybe the wrong people got his ear. Maybe he just couldn't see the forest for the trees.

But it is painfully obvious that Eric Crafton drifted very far from the type of public servant that he fancies himself to be. He insisted that the city spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for an election that he was convinced that three-quarters of Nashvillians supported. But when it came down to it, he fell 30% below his prediction with less than $2000 of local support to show for it. That is a staggering failure. Crafton wasn't fighting for the voters. He was fighting for himself, for his political aspirations and for a rogue group from Virginia.

Some will argue that ProEnglish's tag as a hate group or claims of its ties to racism are unfair. They aren't. But even if they were--why is some organization from Virginia getting more say over what Nashvillians vote on than Nashvillians? Thank goodness that Eric Crafton attached failing amendment #2 to failing amendment #1--it sort helped of drive the point home--Crafton, please stop. Now.

After it was revealed, back in August, that hate groups had been connected to Mr.Crafton's movement, I said that Eric Crafton should resign his position as a Metro Councilman. If he had any honor, responsibility or common sense, he would do just that. But after the last two years, that is obviously hoping for way too much.

*update: take another $100 off that $1967 of local contributions. I found this document from News 2 over at Enclave. Apparently one of the contributors was from Memphis.

update 2: Apparently Lee Beaman, of the 'auto dealership-eyesore taking up precious land fronting Broadway' fame also donated $6000. Places not to go, places not go.