Toledo Talk - Ben Does Maggie

From JJFad's workspace

Ben Does Maggie

So, I've grown to like listening to Maggie Thurber's show at the 6 o'clock hour on WSPD. It was accidental that I turned on her show one night, but I enjoyed her articulate and unassuming posture on topics much more than Brian Wilson.

Now down to the dirt. I voted for Ben Konop in the last election. More of a "let's give the kid a go"-type vote than a vote based on following any planks in his platform. That being said, I can't believe the audacity of this kid to think that he can shun Maggie. Does he have any obligation to appear on her show? Arguable, but not really. However, I like a elected official who can take the fire and say they did what they did because it was something they believed in.

I believe it was Konop who was the center of a dating game on an FM station? If so, then I question where his obligations lie. Is Konop still a college frat boy who thinks with his wang-wang, or is he a man who can maintain posture in questioning? His reply to Maggie's request for an interview was condescending, in least:

"Maggie- as we discussed, in my opninon your show is not a news show and in my opinion you are not a journalist. Thus, I have no obligation to the public to appear on your show. You certainly have the right to your opinions and perspective as do I. A healthy debate is good for our community and democracy. Best regards, Ben"

A healthy debate is good? So when do we get that debate? When you're prancing around trying to find a date? When Ben finds someone who is willing to be more agreeable? When we debate if the color of your tie was Gentle Air Blue or Sky Blue?

Maybe something will happen when the people of Toledo believe that their representatives should make themselves accessible to a radio host that deals with the issues of Toledo? Perhaps a visit to Mr. Nope's blog (http://apps.co.lucas.oh.us/lcblog/default.aspx?OfficialID=1) with requests for his appearance will help.

I've never met Maggie, am not a friend or family member. I'm just the average Toledoan who thinks that people in public office should have the balls to sit and chat about the choices they make and the office they hold.

created by JJFad on Feb 02, 2008 at 12:06:10 am Comments: 22

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Comments ... #

Good for Ben. WSPD likes to misrepresent the facts.

As far as healthy debate, I once heard Brain Wilson and Fraud LeFaker explain (and I'm paraphrasing) "if you don't agree with our position, then you just haven't studied the issue." Nice platform for having a healthy debate.

posted by Chris99 on Feb 02, 2008 at 12:27:21 am     #

Brian and Fred don't represent Maggie, nor does WSPD. Maybe if Maggie had positioned herself as a possible mate then she would get an interview?

posted by JJFad on Feb 02, 2008 at 12:29:57 am     #

And exactly what facts have they misrepresented? Just wondering...

posted by JJFad on Feb 02, 2008 at 12:30:43 am     #

Seems like you could have came up with a better title for this thread.

posted by Darkseid on Feb 02, 2008 at 01:30:02 am     #

Radio is a leading cause of deaf.

posted by charlatan on Feb 02, 2008 at 02:42:33 am     #

"I've never met Maggie"

I have and found her to be bright, kind, principled, and very, very gracious.

I have never met Ben, but I understand he is Michigan alum so he can’t be all bad.

posted by Offshore on Feb 02, 2008 at 07:10:30 am     #

Does anyone else find it the least bit odd that Mr. Konop took advantage of free air time on WSPD to promote his ideas to the public when he was campaigning for office.... but now that he has been elected, he has no use for that radio station, nor its listeners?

posted by braincramp on Feb 02, 2008 at 09:09:13 am     #

Good point braincramp - I'd like to have someone from ben's camp - seeing as ben has once again proven to be completely nutless - point out just what opinions Maggie has put forth that would earn Benie's denial to be on her show?

posted by billy on Feb 02, 2008 at 10:01:46 am     #

I don't think it is so much a Maggie isssue as it is a WSPD issue. They are vicious towards Ben and I do not blame him one bit. When you know NOTHING you say or do is ever good enough for them and they will only slam you time and time again what's the point? And as much as I like Maggie, something tells me she would have her "feet held to the fire" (to quote Fred LaFakers overly used statement) to really abuse Ben if he ever did appear.

Fred makes me sick.

posted by Ryan on Feb 02, 2008 at 10:08:20 am     #

Chris99 -

Do you care to back your statement up with anything factual? Even you admit that the closest you've come so far is to paraprhase....

Ben seems to be more show than go. So far he seems quick to jump at a media opportunity, only to later learn that he didn't have all the facts. One example is the "Cellphones for seniors" program he was so proud of, only to later find that a number of groups in town do the same thing!

Ben certainly wouldn't want to go on WSPD, as his lack of experience and knowledge would be highlighted. His recent comments about Jim Hartung's raise only gave him less credibility. he felt Hartung shouldn't accept the raise, but Ben "needed" his. After all he has school loans to pay off! (Something I highly doubt, btw) Meanwhile Ben lives in a loft downtown and accepts the property tax break. Maybe an apartment in South Toledo and a roommate are in order. And oh, give up the $3 coffees you drink every day! Get a Mister Coffee and a travel mug. Just for starters....

The few times that I've actually witnessed him in person, I've noticed that Pete and Tina seem to keep him on a short leash, probably because he tends to engage mouth before brain.

Besides, I get a very elitist vibe from him. He was a supporter of John Edwards, so I'm not surprised. I get the feeling that Ben's real goal is to wait out Marcy Kaptur, and get back to DC as quickly as he can. I get the vibe that he thinks he's too good for Toledo, so why expose his failings on the biggest talk station in town?????

posted by MoveToTheBurbs on Feb 02, 2008 at 10:53:18 am     #

I don't dislike Maggie or Ben.

I don't see the "entertainment value" in discussing which elected officials refuse to be guests or interviewed by a particular media outlet. Sometimes it sounds a little like whining.

That being said, I do understand that an elected official cannot refuse to permit certain members to attend their press conferences especially when those press conferences happen on public property. Their (the elected officials) refusals sound a little like whining.

So, that being said, if Maggie has "press credentials" and she really wants to hold Ben Konop accountable she might consider attending his upcoming press conferences.

posted by corky on Feb 02, 2008 at 11:58:02 am     #

I am not even a huge fan of Konop, but I will say that I find it ironic that he is now being chastised on here for living in a downtown "loft". He lives in a 2 bedroom apartment and put 148 thousand of his monies where his mouth is supporting downtown. I bet if he would have bought in south Toledo with a roommate as suggested he would have had his balls busted for that too.

Please.

posted by Ryan on Feb 02, 2008 at 10:20:34 pm     #

The fact is Maggie is not WSPD and WSPD is not Maggie. If Ben can campaign on WSPD, then surely he can have an open debate. If Maggie flies off the handle and starts trying to murder his character, then I'll gladly respect Ben for not indulging her. However, I find fault when politicians refuse to answer tough questions. This is the problem with Congress, Senate, State and local governments. Many politicians feel they can dismiss inquiry into their political decisions. Ben is a representative of ME. If he wants the votes, then he needs to debate.
I only have a lack of respect for Ben at this moment because he is unwilling to defend anything that he does. If he went on the show, I could likely change my mind. I am open to hearing his point of view, and he may change my point of view. I am discouraged by his lack of discourse at this point, as I only see him being Mr. Happy to garner votes from dating contestants.

posted by JJFad on Feb 02, 2008 at 10:56:39 pm     #

And this is not just a Konop issue. I feel Marcy Kaptur has dodged debates because she knows that she will be re-elected because of her name. Weber debated with Kaptur and she won the seat. However, she has given little effort to let others who are pursuant of her seat debate her in a public forum... so I won't vote for her. Politicians need to be open to debate, whether it be a local radio host or a challenger.

posted by JJFad on Feb 02, 2008 at 11:02:52 pm     #

I agree with you JJFad that there are many elected officials who are avoiding the tough questions. That being said, I still don't believe that an elected official is obligated to be a guest on a particular news/opinion show.

Although I don't always agree with her positions, I find her to be very articulate if note gracious. That being said, if she is truly committed to holding his feet to the fire she could attend his press conferences and ask him the tough questions there.

I'm even thinking that she wouldn't need "press credentials" to do so she probably could do this as a private citizen. I'm not letting him off the hook, but I'm also not letting Maggie off the hook either.

I get turned off when the members of the media evaluate their coverage of an event and try to pass that off as news. I look at this similarly.

posted by corky on Feb 02, 2008 at 11:25:08 pm     #

I think he should go on her show.

It'd probably be a relatively healthy debate/discussion.

The other WSPDers are large bags of wind, but Thurber is civil and reasonable.

BTW, off topic, I've noticed she's stopped posting on here and Swampbubbles of late (last several weeks). Wonder what that's about.

posted by McCaskey on Feb 03, 2008 at 12:24:43 pm     #

I don't see why he should have to go on the show of an ex-politician who was convicted of ethics violations, myself. I think Corky is right though in that she should attend his press conferences and ask him questions as a citizen.

posted by jhostetler on Feb 03, 2008 at 03:02:13 pm     #

You make a fair point about her ethics violations but in my mind that just gives him more room to manuever during any kind of discussion with her. Really, what does he have to lose? In anything gets overly personal, he holds the cards. I think she'd stick to straight topics anyway.

Healthy discussions on issues between sensible people from different parties are a good thing.

posted by McCaskey on Feb 03, 2008 at 05:03:56 pm     #

"BTW, off topic, I've noticed she's stopped posting on here and Swampbubbles of late (last several weeks). Wonder what that's about."

I've missed you too, McCaskey...

Some family issues have taken priority and there just hasn't been the time to spend on line. This is the first time I've had a chance to read TT or SB ... thanks for noticing.

And I'm not so fond of the title of this thread either...LOL.

I now have press credentials and may go to some of the press conferences elected officials have. However, just because you're there and you ask a question doesn't mean it's going to be answered. Further, I'm of the opinion that having a discussion over 60 minutes is much more valuable and informative than me asking a question at a press conference and then 'reporting' it over the air. I'm not a journalist - remember?

At least he finally responded to the invitation, even if it was no...sort of...

posted by MaggieThurber on Feb 03, 2008 at 10:11:40 pm     #

Family first...always.

Glad you have the right priorities and hope all is well or at least getting better.

But, you know, it's a big election year and we need good commentary, insight, and opinion, so personally I hope you can check in more often.

And, as I said, I think Konop should have done your show.

posted by McCaskey on Feb 03, 2008 at 11:47:34 pm     #

@Darkseid

I thought the exact same thing when I clicked the thread. But thats the point of a title, eh? To grab your attention, hahaha.

posted by Reinhart on Feb 04, 2008 at 11:04:45 am     #

It sure got mine. I'll never tell about the picture I formed in my head. ;^D

posted by Darkseid on Feb 04, 2008 at 05:14:52 pm     #