More stupidity from Frank Nicely and Ortagus responds condemning his apparent anti-Semitism.

by Mark Moore, The New York Post, April 20, 2022 - ... “I don’t think Trump cares one way or the other,” Niceley told NBC News last month about the possibility of Ortagus being removed from the ballot. “I think Jared Kushner — he’s Jewish, she’s Jewish — I think Jared will be upset. Ivanka [Trump] will be upset. I don’t think Trump cares.” ....

“Anti-Semitism is the oldest and one of the most vile forms of hatred on this earth, and Senator Niceley should be ashamed of his repeated anti-Semitic rhetoric,” Ortagus tweeted Tuesday. “I am incredibly proud to call myself a part of the Jewish people.” (read it all)

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Senator Frank Nicely uses Hitler as an example of a homeless person who 'went on to lead a life that got him in the history books' while pushing to criminalize camping on public property

Senator Frank Nicely

by Rod Williams, April 16, 2022 - What? Senator Frank Nicely used Hitler as an example of someone who once lived on the streets as a homeless person and went on to achieve success. 

This was said in a debate over a bill that would levy a $50 fine for camping on public property that is not designated for camping.  

This is what the Senator said:

I wanted to give you a little history on homelessness.  In1910, Hitler decided to live on the streets for a while. So for two years, Hitler lived on the streets and practiced his oratory, and his body language, and how to connect with citizens and then went on to lead a life that got him in the history books.

So, all these people — it's not a dead end, they can come out of this, these homeless camps, and have a productive life or in Hitler's case, a very unproductive life.

I have met Senator Frank Nicely and have seen him at events, but I don't know him. I doubt he is a Nazi, I assume he is just stupid.  This is simply not acceptable. Everyone, I guess has some positive traits.  One could probably find something inspirational or admirable in the life of Jeffery Dahmer, Charles Manson,  Mao Ze Dong, or Fidel Castro.  Hitler also loved dogs and was a patron of the arts, but I would not use Hitler as an example if I were arguing for supporting the local dog shelter or if I was raising money to support the symphony. Surely, Senator Nicely could have come up with a better example of someone who lived on the streets, overcame homelessness, and went on to achieve success. 

This story is making national news and is an embarrassment. For more see link, link, and link. 

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The Wall Street Journal is a “typical liberal Yankee rag” says State Senator Frank Niceley

Senator Frank Niceley

by Rod Williams, August 4, 2022 -I would venture to guess that Tennessee State Senator Frank Niceley has never actually read The Wall Streat Journal. 

As reported in the Tennessee Star: "Tennessee State Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains), the Senate sponsor of the new legislation that establishes a residency requirement for candidates to qualify to run for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, said The Wall Street Journal is a “typical liberal Yankee rag” for its criticisms of the new measure that passed the state’s General Assembly with broad bipartisan support."

As Republicans become less conservative and more populist-nationalist I see more and more of this celebration of their ignorance. There is almost a pride in being ignorant.  I have seen Reason, WSJ, and National Review denounced as "liberal." Words are losing their meaning. It is a popular position among some "conservatives" to denounce "elites," or thinking people, or credentialed educated people as neo-cons, RINOs, or "liberals." I never did think, I was a liberal, but maybe I am. I guess I am a William F. Buckley, Barry Goldwater, Ronald Reagan liberal.

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Frank Niceley and ten other Carr primary supporters endorse Lamar Alexander

 

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State Sen. Frank Niceley endorces Joe Carr

Almost everybody has already endorsed Lamar Alexander.  Joe Carr yesterday was endorsed by Senator Frank Niceley.

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The Courage to Stand Alone Makes Duncan Outstanding on Farm Bill

Frank Nicely said, What?, June 21, 2013 -  

I am at liberty to vote as my conscience and judgment dictates to be right, without the yoke of any party on me… Look at my arms, you will find no party hand-cuff on them. ” ― David Crockett 

These words of Congressman David “Davy” Crockett sadly are more folklore than reality in Congress today.  It is a rare occurrence when a member of the majority party votes against the Speaker of the House.  Thursday, Congressman Jimmy Duncan stood alone as the only Republican among Tennessee’s seven GOP members voting against the near $1 trilliion Farm Bill.

The Senate passed the bill a few days earlier by a wide margin.  Speaker Boehner announced his support.  In fact, the majority of Rep. Duncan’s GOP House Caucus was behind the bill. Still Conservatives, myself included, railed against the pork laden subsidies for corporate farming and anemic curbs on food stamps that account for 80% of the legislation’s costs, with little or nothing to assist small farmers. (link)

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Sen. Nicely proposes change in selecting US Senate nominees.

Sen. Frank Niceley has introduced legislation that would change the way U.S. Senate candidates are nominated. Instead of party primaries, each of the party's legislative caucuses would nominate a candidate to run for Senate in an open meeting. Under his bill (SB471), the House and Senate Republican joint caucus would choose the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate and the House and Senate Democratic joint caucus would choose the Democratic nominee.

This would be constitutional. The Constitution does not require party primaries and  the Courts have given the states a wide latitude in how candidates are nominated.

I like this proposal. I for one do not think that greater direct democracy makes for a better republic. Should the State legislature pick the nominee for Senate, then once elected the Senator would likely be more inclined to consider the impact on his State before voting for unfunded mandates and other legislation that burdens the state. He would be more likely to seek the advice of members of his party who are serving in the State legislature. Who gets elected to the State legislature would become more important to voters. While subtle, this would be a slight strengthening of State influence. It would also save a lot of money.

Last election, the Democrats nominated Mark Clayton, a fringe right-wing candidate who had no credentials or experience. He beat Bob Corker in Memphis and came close in Nashville. It was an embarrassment for the Democrats. Not that I mind Democrats being embarrassed, but it was also an embarrassment for the people of Tennessee. I think it would be better for the democratic process to have a qualified mainstream candidate who is representative of his party present a challenge to our nominee than to give our nominee a free ride. Democracy is strengthened when people have real choices. Mark Clayton would not have happened if the House and Senate Democratic Caucus was picking the nominee.

Actually, I would like to see the 17th Amendment abolished and have the State Legislature select our Senators as was the case from our founding until 1913. The 17th Amendment was a shift in the balance of power between the State and the Federal government and resulted in the diminished importance of the States. Since I doubt the 17th Amendment will be repealed anytime soon, then a bill like Senator Niceley's is the next best thing we can hope for.

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