A proof of the Banditos theorem and a little rejoicing at others' misfortune

As many of you know, I'm from the small town of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma just southeast of Tulsa. I tend from time to time to reflect on some of the local Tulsa politics just to show that major cities don't have the market cornered on corruption. While I've spent most of the comments complaining about the corrupt political scheme (see here), the results of the city council recall elections on Tuesday give me reason for hope.

So why is this a proof of the Banditos theorem you ask? Quite frankly this was one of the most transparent smear campaigns ever, and broke several of the cardinal rules for successful political movements. After I go through this it will be clear that not only is the world 'full of stupid people' but I think Tulsa maybe over its quota. During this process the following tactical blunders occurred:

1. Never attack a politician at a point of his highest popularity with his constituents who you expect to vote him out.
2. Always at least make an attempt to appear credible.
3. If it's a local issue don't hire people from Washington DC or East Lansing Michigan to telephone voters of Tulsa regarding your cause.
4. Never make it blatantly obvious that city councilors from other districts are involved, or if you must, pick four without their own set of recallable offenses.
5. The recall signatures should be collected by people of the affected districts or at least the same town (right Mr. Benjamin).
6. Have legitimate reasons for a recall effort. Requiring that the Chamber of Commerce, a non-government agency, have an oversight committee to spend tax dollars may not work. Living in a district other than the one you represent and doing so even before you were elected, that might be different. Right, Councilor Sullivan?

I'll stop the list at six although it could go on to about fifty. So it is with sincerity that I heartily congratulate Chris Medlock and Jim Mautino on successfully retaining their council seats. As you can see the political powers that be and good old boy networks had a grand design, but their attempts to treat the voters like idiots only showed the own stupidity.

While I should close with the Refreshments song lyrics for a coherent post, Seether provides me with a slightly more appropriate summary.

'Self-made millionaires
Won't take ideas
From all the little Plebeians
Just suffocate with smiles
And force-fed lies
And close your mind to reality'
Seether -- Simplest Mistake