McKay Apology Not Enough

[GopherM]

I know that politics and honesty have little in common these days, however, I was truly amazed this Sunday when I read in the Washington Post of St. Mary’s County Commission President Thomas McKay’s apology over his inaccurate biography. Things get confusing in campaign years, but I can not believe Mr. McKay’s claim that he did not review the information released in news stories or the content of his official campaign website. It was his sole responsibility to ensure the information released was a true and honest representation of his credentials and qualifications. Should we believe that inaccurate information by an opponent would not have immediately been detected and contradicted to protect Mr. McKay’s position in the campaign?



It was published in various articles, election guides and on his official website that Mr. McKay had received a degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland in 1979. During an interview with the Washington Post, Mr. McKay confirmed that he had instead received his bachelor’s degree in 2001 through a program for nontraditional students. The registrar from University College confirmed that Mr. McKay enrolled in the program in 2001 but never received a degree. Only then did Mr. McKay admit to the incorrect information. In the article he apologizes “for originally saying that he had a degree from University College, saying he ‘panicked’ when pressed on details of his educational background.” He also stated he took full responsibility for the incorrect information but only after he explained earlier in the article that an administrative assistant in the county commissioners office was responsible for incorrectly editing his biography. Mr. McKay goes on to say, “I was just stunned that this had happened, and I misspoke.” Let us be honest here, he did not misspeak. He provided a completely dishonest confirmation of incorrect, and at times contradictory personal qualifications and academic credentials, panicked, laid the blame on an administrative assistant and finally took full responsibility.



I believe that anyone that has anything written about them (or by them) in any publication that they are aware of is going to read it word-for-word and probably more than once. That is the appropriate time to note the errors and make an effort to correct them. Why should we believe that a person would make a good state senator when they would panic over such a simple thing as an incorrectly reported academic background? Our candidates will be confronted much more stress and scrutiny when they move from the local arena to the state level. I don't want poor judgment and decisions based on panic and representing me.

[FromTexas (Premo)]

Is this Dyson's October Surprise? Weak.

[ponchie]

You have wonder why he would "panic" when being pressed about his education. Doesn't seem like much of an issue to panic about unless you're getting caught not telling the truth. Panicking isn't much of an excuse of you are running for the Senate office. I wasn't going to vote, now I am.

[Dougstermd (Premo)]

Originally Posted by ponchie

You have wonder why he would "panic" when being pressed about his education. Doesn't seem like much of an issue to panic about unless you're getting caught not telling the truth. Panicking isn't much of an excuse of you are running for the Senate office. I wasn't going to vote, now I am.

i got my masters from John hopkins in mechanical engineering

anybody got a position for me

oops i panicked when I thought about putting food on the table

[BS Gal (Premo)]

I have to respect Dyson for not mud-slinging. There is SOOO much mud to sling regarding McKay's past.

[gumby]

Originally Posted by BS Gal

I have to respect Dyson for not mud-slinging. There is SOOO much mud to sling regarding McKay's past.

McKay is an idiot who doesn't realize it.

[aps45819 (Premo)]

Originally Posted by gumby

McKay is an idiot who hopes you don't realize it.

:fixed:

[MMDad]

This is the only race I can't decide who to vote for.

Dyson was a Consciencious Objector during Nam, then turns around and poses in front of the base, acting like he suddenly supports the military. Sorry, but once you renounce the military, you can't use it again. Also, he told me he would vote one way on an issue, then six months later he switched his vote. I don't trust him one iota.

McKay seems like such a stupid, good old boy, lying loser that I can't vote for him either.

I don't know who I'll vote for. Maybe I'll vote party line. Maybe I'll just not vote for either of them. Who knows?

[FromTexas (Premo)]

Originally Posted by MMDad

This is the only race I can't decide who to vote for.

Dyson was a Consciencious Objector during Nam, then turns around and poses in front of the base, acting like he suddenly supports the military. Sorry, but once you renounce the military, you can't use it again. Also, he told me he would vote one way on an issue, then six months later he switched his vote. I don't trust him one iota.

McKay seems like such a stupid, good old boy, lying loser that I can't vote for him either.

I don't know who I'll vote for. Maybe I'll vote party line. Maybe I'll just not vote for either of them. Who knows?

Write In... Make it somebody fictional, so they know its a protest vote.

[MMDad]

Originally Posted by FromTexas

Write In... Make it somebody fictional, so they know its a protest vote.

In Maryland write-ins must register as candidates by November 1, or the vote is not counted. The only person who would see the "protest vote" would be a low level election judge who would have a list of registered candidates then shiatcan my vote.

I might vote for the Green party goober against Hoyer though since that vote will at least be counted. I don't want Warner, but it would be nice to make a statement.