Citizens Journal Editor’s note:- The local News-leader published a letter by a “John Smith” attacking civic organization Citizens Defending Freedom. Michael Miller sent us and the News Leader this response. In order to better understand Michael Miller’s response, it would be helpful to see the March 1 letter that inspired it. We invoke Fair Use for running this too, below the response.
By Michael Miller, 3-2-24
To the Editor of the News-Leader:
It was with sadness that I read the “ letter to the editor” posted in the online News Leader on 3/1/24.
“CDF: they don’t practice what they preach”. Was this an editorial disguised as a letter? In the printed edition, the ”letter” was signed by “John Smith”, of “Nassau County”, with the News Leader logo immediately below. Given the vitriolic content of the letter, it is not surprising that the author chose to remain anonymous. It is disturbing that the newspaper didn’t suggest to the writer to re-state his case without the crude and insulting personal attacks. Insult, name-calling, and innuendo against two men who I know personally and deeply respect are not an effective way to advocate for whatever it is you do stand for.
We are faced, on many levels with government that if not corrupt or misguided is inefficient at best. Frequently it wanders off the path, and away from the best interests of its constituents. This is true throughout the history of governance. So it has long been the duty of concerned, patriotic citizens, to monitor the activities of their government as a watchdog for us. They demand transparency and accountability. They voice their concerns and attempt to influence representatives to repent from corrupt or misguided trajectories. They put in many hours of hard work on behalf of those of us who while concerned are not able or willing to take on this job ourselves.
These, “John Smith”, are the ones that you denigrate and insult. You did not state the principles that you advocate, or why. You chose to smear men who deserve better. You attacked a civic organization that is doing important to work reign in excessive spending and misguided policies. CDF is an organization that practices exactly what they preach. A lobbying group? Of course it is a lobbying group. All efforts to influence the direction of government are lobbying. The issue is what is being lobbied for.
Your diatribe includes such gems as, “continuous attacks on local government and school systems”, “extending its tentacles into local government”, “eat away our rights provided under the constitution”.
I ask, what right have you been deprived of by CDF?
As to “secrets”, there are no secrets. Everything CDF advocates is clearly stated in their mission, and by the actions and statements they make. All the things you attack CDF for are legitimate, important efforts that reflect my preference for honest, transparent, government that operates with frugality, integrity, and responsiveness to the electorate; government in accordance with the original principles upon which the nation was founded.
Particularly sordid is your underhanded implication that Jack Knocke is “consumed with sexual content”– how “creepy” this is. The creepy obsession is with those who do not voice strong condemnation of the content infiltrating our children’s education. Perhaps you, “John Smith” would benefit by a look in the mirror to examine your defense of inappropriate, unnatural sexual content being offered to your children.
For the rest of us, I suggest becoming a member, supporting and participating in the important business of CDF who are doing admirable work on our behalf.
Michael Miller
Fernandina Beach
Here’s a more readable copy. We see that News-Leader has now dropped the “John Smith”, made it into their own article and dropped the paywall on this one, too 🙂 :
https://www.fbnewsleader.com/columns-newsletter/cdf-they-dont-practice-what-they-preach
Michael Miller, A Co-Founder of Citizens Journal Florida, is a fierce defender of Liberty. The retired Fire Lieutenant/EMT from NY has been in FB for 10 years. He is a local sailing captain and instructor, and active in Christian ministries. He dabbles in theatre, photography, geopolitics, markets and writing. Look for his writing here and at: https://firesail.substack.com/
The views expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Citizens Journal Florida
