In response to Fel Anthony Amistad, Ph.D.’s recent letter regarding my critique of U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin’s guest perspective, I must clarify a significant misrepresentation. Amistad’s letter falsely claimed that I complained about Mullin using the word “extreme” twice in his op-ed. This is untrue. My point was that Mullin frequently employs the term “extreme” in his talks and social media posts, like a child that learned a new word; to the point that his use of the word has become a running joke with people that follow his posts.
It was quite rude for Amistad to suggest I need glasses when, in fact, it’s his reading comprehension that seems to be lacking. Apparently, having a Ph.D. doesn’t guarantee one can read accurately. Furthermore, his dramatic reaction to my factual observation is an example of the very “extreme” behavior he seems to overlook. Perhaps he should stop his exaggerated pearl clutching over “facts” that are, quite frankly, fabrications. And if Fel has anything else to say to me, I will gladly take this extreme conversation offline and meet him for a cup of coffee to discuss the facts; that is, if he can handle being seen with what Mullin calls an extreme MAGA.
I admire your initiative in suggesting a face-to-face meeting with Fel. However, it’s not likely a meaningful discussion of facts would follow if you met with him.
Three and a half years ago, I tried to set up such a meeting with limited success. The only taker was David Amaral (aka Tafhdyd). We were very far apart politically, but our meetings led to a great friendship. Why? It would sound like a cliché to say there was more we had in common than the things that held us apart, but that cliché would actually describe our meetings… mostly because “winning” political debates was not important.
I continued to try and reach out to others… on both sides of the aisle… with mixed results. Our own Mark Simon hosted a lunchtime meet and greet four months ago for readers with differing opinions. I attended and enjoyed meeting some folks who, like Tafhdyd, had a POV that greatly differed from mine but at the same time it was clear they willingly kept an open mind. However, there were others from that same side of the aisle who proved themselves to be quite intransigent. While I cannot be sure for certain, I think Fel would fall into this latter category. If he accepts your invitation, let us know what happens.
Thanks for your follow up LTE, Ms. Xuereb. I’m quite sure just about all of us understood your point regarding Mr. Mullin. Fel needs to cherry-pick an issue so that he can express his faux outrage and launch personal attacks. Typical behavior from those on the rabid left. I doubt Fel will meet you for a cup of coffee but if he does, perhaps Fel can explain why Mr. Mullin talks the talk about unity but then proceeds to vote Nay on passage of the Laken Riley Act. Why would Mr. Mullin put the interests of invaders to our country over that of American citizens?
TBH, though, instead of offline conversations, I’m rather enjoying the exchange of LTEs between yourself and Mr. Amistad. The Internet is forever whereas offline conversations are not and it’s nice that Mr. Amistad is on record. Perhaps if you do meet, you can submit an LTE detailing your conversation.
Grace, anyone who follows Kevin Mullin on social media understood your comment. He frequently rails on "extreme MAGA" Republicans and expresses no desire to understand or work with constituents who have different opinions. Much of what he posts seems like generic cut and paste Dem talking points with little original thought. I hope residents who voted for Congressman Mullin ask themselves in the next election what he has actually done for us in San Mateo County. You don't have to choose such a mediocre politician just because he has a D next to his name.
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO
personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who
make comments. Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. Don't threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Anyone violating these rules will be issued a
warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be
revoked.
Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.
We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.
A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
(3) comments
Hello, Grace
I admire your initiative in suggesting a face-to-face meeting with Fel. However, it’s not likely a meaningful discussion of facts would follow if you met with him.
Three and a half years ago, I tried to set up such a meeting with limited success. The only taker was David Amaral (aka Tafhdyd). We were very far apart politically, but our meetings led to a great friendship. Why? It would sound like a cliché to say there was more we had in common than the things that held us apart, but that cliché would actually describe our meetings… mostly because “winning” political debates was not important.
I continued to try and reach out to others… on both sides of the aisle… with mixed results. Our own Mark Simon hosted a lunchtime meet and greet four months ago for readers with differing opinions. I attended and enjoyed meeting some folks who, like Tafhdyd, had a POV that greatly differed from mine but at the same time it was clear they willingly kept an open mind. However, there were others from that same side of the aisle who proved themselves to be quite intransigent. While I cannot be sure for certain, I think Fel would fall into this latter category. If he accepts your invitation, let us know what happens.
Thanks for your follow up LTE, Ms. Xuereb. I’m quite sure just about all of us understood your point regarding Mr. Mullin. Fel needs to cherry-pick an issue so that he can express his faux outrage and launch personal attacks. Typical behavior from those on the rabid left. I doubt Fel will meet you for a cup of coffee but if he does, perhaps Fel can explain why Mr. Mullin talks the talk about unity but then proceeds to vote Nay on passage of the Laken Riley Act. Why would Mr. Mullin put the interests of invaders to our country over that of American citizens?
TBH, though, instead of offline conversations, I’m rather enjoying the exchange of LTEs between yourself and Mr. Amistad. The Internet is forever whereas offline conversations are not and it’s nice that Mr. Amistad is on record. Perhaps if you do meet, you can submit an LTE detailing your conversation.
Grace, anyone who follows Kevin Mullin on social media understood your comment. He frequently rails on "extreme MAGA" Republicans and expresses no desire to understand or work with constituents who have different opinions. Much of what he posts seems like generic cut and paste Dem talking points with little original thought. I hope residents who voted for Congressman Mullin ask themselves in the next election what he has actually done for us in San Mateo County. You don't have to choose such a mediocre politician just because he has a D next to his name.
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.