Irvine Councilman Steven Choi (Picture Courtesy of the O.C. Register)
While most of us continue to be amazed that the Democratic Party of Orange County (DPOC) would be so politically tone-deaf as to believe that bringing in the hated House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as their keynote speaker at last week’s Truman Awards Dinner was a good idea, the blue boys at the Liberal OC blog are lambasting Irvine Councilman Steven Choi for protesting at the event.
Choi appeared in the picture above, in the O.C. Register, and was not identified by name. The Register’s photo caption was “A protester wearing a satirical rendering of Nancy Pelosi as Joseph Stalin walks through the Hilton Irvine before House Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivers a keynote address to the Democratic Party of Orange County’s 15th Annual Harry Truman Awards ceremony Friday night.”
I hardly think that Choi meant to imply that Pelosi is a mass murderer. Clearly his message was that Pelosi is a socialist. It is hard to argue with that given her beliefs. Her latest stupidity is an effort to impose a global tax on financial transactions. Just what we need to help our economy recover! Not.
Irvine Councilman Steven Choi and Assemblyman Chuck DeVore
Kudos to Choi for his creative protest. Irvine Republicans are generally a lame bunch but at least Choi is taking the fight to the liberals. And, as we have stated before, the Pelosi appearance is bound to hurt the campaign of Choi’s fellow Council Member, Beth Krom, who is the Democrat opposing Republican Congressman John Campbell.
Choi is running for Assemblyman Chuck DeVore’s seat in the 70th Assembly District. DeVore is terming out in 2010 and he is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Barbara Boxer. I have a feeling that the Liberal OC is going after Choi primarily because he is a candidate for the Assembly. Click here to see Choi’s Assembly campaign website.
Choi isn’t the first minority that the bloggers at the Liberal OC have attacked. They habitually go after minority candidates . They recently published the home address of independent congressional candidate Ceci Iglesias. They also have ripped one of their own, Anaheim Councilwoman and Supervisorial candidate Lorri Galloway, who is a Filipina. And they have yet to tell their readers that Republican Supervisor Janet Nguyen is co-chairing the campaign of the Republican carpetbagger, Sue Perez, who is challenging Democratic State Senator Lou Correa.
UPDATE: Adam Probolsky is now ripping his fellow Republican, Choi, according to the O.C. Register. It turns out that Choi dumped Probolsky off the Irvine Planning Commission last year. Good move Choi!
Oh Steven… :/
Art,
I dont understand why you think Pelosi is going to hurt any dems or even Krom for coming to oc for the truman dinner. She is the speaker of the house so getting her to be the keynote is quite an accomplishment. I would be more interested in how much money was raised from the event and how much of it is going into Melahats pockets as she bolts for the exit.
As far as his form of protest; personally I find it pretty lame for an elected official to behave in such a way. I would expect better decorum from a city council member for the speaker of the house. A picture taped to his back with such imagery? Please how did we get to a point where this type of reality tv show behavior has become the norm for our electeds?
Paul,
Choi has to win a GOP primary that will feature a lot of other candidates. So he has to do silly stuff. I bet this stunt will get him GOP votes. Pelosi is HATED by most Republicans.
And don’t forget that before Agran went corporate he was once arrested at a Democratic convention…which is worse than sporting a cartoon on your blazer.
What was Larry Agran arrested for? I dont know him that well.
Paul, according to Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Agran
In 1992, Agran unsuccessfully sought the Democratic Party nomination for President. Agran was generally ignored by the media during his candidacy, a topic heavily covered in the 1995 documentary Spin. The media did not report his polling numbers even as he met or exceeded the support of other candidates such as Jerry Brown. Party officials excluded him from most debates on various grounds, even having him arrested when he interrupted to ask to participate. Even when he managed to join the other candidates in a forum, his ideas went unreported.
Choi is really an odd ball. He should be replaced in the upcoming elections, i would think.
Paul,
Agran was arrested in 1992, when his own party officials called the police after he disrupted a televised debate.
Here is an excerpt from the L.A. Times about the arrest:
Agran, who ran in the Democratic presidential primary, was arrested last March after, as the debate began, he stood up and shouted a request to be seated on the dais with then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton and former California Gov. Edmund G. (Jerry) Brown Jr. He was charged with trespassing and disturbing the peace.
Red,
Agran was once considered to be the oddball.
After he was arrested he changed his ways and sold out to corporate interests.
Is Choi a bit quirky? Certainly. But he is right about Pelosi. She is despised by most Americans. Her politics are anything but mainstream.
If the Dems continue to go after Choi they will risk alienating Asian voters in Irvine…
Art, I find it very interesting that an Irvine Mayor could try and contend with big party candidates in a national election for the Presidency. I’d call that brash determination. And his arrest? Well, both of our sources agreed – he was an irritant, an inconvenience and the cowardly Dem’s had him officiall ejected. ~Shrug~ Typical politics, imo.
As for Choi, you reference “Asians” and how they will vote. Do you have any idea what Choi’s origin of ethnicity is? How about Kang? Are they both just “Asians”? Do you have an idea of how the “Asian” breakdown manifests in Irvine? “Asians” have distinct racial divides and loyalties. But maybe you know about that?
Choi’s gimmick at the fundraiser was that- a gimmick. His own record is much more unsavory than just that one moment. I don’t think he’ll see another term, and it has nothing to do with the democrats or this ONE particular instance. It has to do with the ability of voters to view city council meetings on TV and online and it has to do with an informed electorate – no matter what ethnicity the candidate is. It might be simple in Santa Ana to have simple, unthoughtful loyalties based on skin or languages spoken. But it is somewhat different in neighboring cities where there are actual functioning governments.
Choi’s a self-serving, tacky council member who is not a good representative for Irvine. The elections will bear this out, if I am right.
Red,
I would call Agran’s presidential campaign an astounding act of hubris. It almost destroyed his political career.
As for my reference to “Asians,” did you know that your city of Irvine lists them that way on their demographics page? I know they are not a cohesive mass. Your own city appears to have no clue. I did find another website which stated that Koreans rank just behind ethnic Chinese, in your city, in terms of Asian voters.
Nothing by the way unites disparate minorities like a racist attack on one of them. That is where this liberal attack on Choi is headed.
I would submit that Agran’s run for President was an even worse gimmick than what Choi did. Choi was respectful at the Truman dinner. He protested silently by using a graphic representation of Pelosi. Good for him.
This is all about restraining Choi’s right to free speech. Typical of liberals that…
This is all about restraining Choi’s right to free speech. Typical of liberals that…
WHAT!!??? When I saw that bit, I had to rush back to the story. But I can’t find anywhere that he was ejected from the event; that he’s being sued by the DPOC; that a mob of liberal bloggers jumped on Choi and ripped the sign off his back. Didn’t happen!
You forced me to go and read Dan C’s column, and actually it was just about right. You oughtta know the difference between criticizing somebody and restraining their right to free speech.
Choi’s little sign on his back was truly lame-ass in any case. Pelosi Stalin? I’m not sure why rightwingers hate her so much, I guess it’s that she’s a powerful woman and pretty unflappable. I was very impatient the first couple years of her speakership for her refusal to investigate and impeach Bush and Cheney, and very feeble efforts to get out of Iraq. But how in the hell is she Stalin? Just because she’s fighting so hard to get us a public option in healthcare?
Anyway I think the LOC’s position on freedom of speech isn’t far from mine – give an idiot like Choi enough rope so he can hang himself.
Vern,
The Lib OC’s overreaction to Choi’s silent protest speaks volumes. They are clearly rabid over something that is not a big deal.
Don’t they realize that most Americans despise Pelosi?
What Choi did might annoy you Democrats, but this will help him in the GOP primary for the 70th AD.
Similarly, the taint of Pelosi will hurt Beth Krom in her campaign against John Campbell.
Pelosi is perhaps the least popular House Speaker in the history of this country. She is leading her party to doom in the 2010 mid-term elections.
For the blue boys to say that Choi was insinuating that Pelosi is a mass murderer is just stupid. Clearly he was ripping her for being a socialist.
And I would submit that Choi’s silent protest was a lot better than Larry Agran’s boorish behavior that got him arrested in 1992, when he verbally accosted his party officials while trying to crash a televised debate between real candidates. Agran was a joke of a presidential candidate.
Did you know that Choi got more votes than Agran in last year’s Irvine Council elections? That is why the blue boys are going after him…
Well, I just lost my temper when you claimed anyone was trying to “restrict his freedom of speech.” People throw around that accusation too easily, and it’s just obviously not true.
vern your not sure why we hate pelosi PERHAPS SHE IS AGAINST EVERYTHING WE BELIVE IN . SHE IS A VERY FAR LEFT LOON .
I’m not surprised to see the Great One hate ANY Democrat. But really, the rest of you, Nancy is not all that far left. I wish the Speaker were maybe Kucinich, or Barbara Lee, or Marcy Kaptur, or Alan Grayson, or Louise Slaughter, or Eric Massa. Or even Henry Waxman. Now THOSE are fighting progressives!
Hey, I’m glad the Great One’s here, he’s one of the folks who whines about having his freedom of speech abridged just because smart people (when they have the time) point out how dumb and wrong his comments are.
First he comes and comments on Art’s blog, which Art kindly allows us to do – he doesn’t have to. Then we approve his comments which we also don’t have to do. Then some of us use our own freedom of speech to counter and ridicule his babblings, and he thinks we’re restricting his freedom of speech. AND THIS GUY IS FROM pinche CUBA! Obviously he’s forgotten what it’s like to REALLY have your freedom of speech restricted.
Back to topic, people here or at the LOC or anywhere else pointing out how stupid and wrong Stephen Choi’s little protest was are so far from touching his First Amendment rights that… you can’t even see us from there, even with Sarah Palin’s binoculars.
Vern,
I disagree. The Liberal OC is clearly attacking Choi because he dared speak his mind. Prevatt is even comparing him to the guy who sent out the infamous Obama watermelon email.
Choi has a right to disagree with Pelosi. The Liberal OC may disagree but trying to make the case that he is equivalent to a racist is a real stretch.
Choi is a decent guy who dislikes Pelosi. His opinion is shared by most Americans.
And wait until the 2010 mid-term elections. Pelosi is leading your party to a disastrous end.
Okay okay okay! But nobody is trying to restrict Choi’s Freedom of Speech, are they? That’s my main point. Let’s save that old chestnut for when it really happens, don’t you think?
Vern, that guy’s from Cuba? I had him pegged for a Lilliputian.
The only problem i had; was the fact that he wore Nanny P on his back.
Nanny is where she is today,because her husbands money put her there. Ms Nanny is a great example of not electing people based their wealth; but based on: values, history, and loyality to the people of this country.
What a great polityical stunt!
No Doubt Choi has relized the American dream, Coming from Korea and raising kids who have become doctors!
But, he failed out on what many call the “A**HOLE” test. He, like the cheezy Assemblyman he wishes to suceedeed a cheap stunt to make it.
This guy is another joke.
This guy is another joke
Shall we say Nanny P. is a major disaster then?
I don’t like bagging on people, but man, is she ever a raving lunatic!
Has anyone noticed her mad eyes?
Michelle,
The House is full of lunies. Personally, I think Michele Bachmann has Pelosi beat by a mile. How about that shouter, Wilson? Jean Schmidt is quite the case, too.
Maybe there’s a LOT more crazy in the House than we like to think about! 😉
don’t forget OC’s very own Sarah Palin, Jr. LOL
“The House is full of lunies”
and Pelosi is Leader of the Lunies!
LOL 🙂
For those casting stones at Steven Choi, you obviously don’t know him. Steven is a self-made man, having emigrated to the United States from Korea. He went to school and is now a self-employed businessman. For many years he has given back to his community, first serving on the Irvine School District Board and now the Irvine City Council. Contrary to some of the comments, Steven is a very intelligent person and his greatest shortcoming is that he trusts everyone, being naive to cut throat politics.
Steven along with Christina Shea is part of the conservative minority on the Irvine City Council. They push for open and transparent government, fiscal responsibility and good business practices, both at the City and in managing the Great Park. The Council majority however, hasn’t a clue to what those things even mean much less practice them. For years Choi/Shea have been battered by the Agranistas (Larry Agran, Beth Krom and Suhkee Kang, at every turn of the road. Yet, they continue to fight the good fight, hoping someday the Irvine voters will wake up, smell the Java and realize what is going on in their city.
In the 2008 City Council election, Steven Choi received the second highest number of votes, winning a four year seat. Larry Agran the king pin of the Agranistas came in third, getting a two year seat. Agran will have to run again in 2010.
On the protest, while not having discussed it with Steven, I do not believe he went there with the intent to wear a picture portraying Nancy Pelosi to be what she actually is, a Socialist with a hard slant to Marxism. A number of people at the gathering were wearing identical pictures and likely one of them placed it on his back. Steven is to be commended for taking the time to join fellow conservatives, show up and voice their disapproval at what is happening in Washington D. C. Frankly, I feel guilty for not being there myself. Whether Steven is successful in his attempt to move on to the Assembly, remains to be seen. I don’t think there is any question that we need fresh blood up there? From a personal note, I hope that Steven stays here in Irvine and continues to represent me on the City Council.
“The House is full of lunies”
and Pelosi is Leader of the Lunies!
If myself and Ms. JIT.. disagree 99% of the time on all other matters, but agree on the fact that Nanny P is a lunatic; then its safe to say most likely she is!
🙂
Michelle,
The House is full of lunies. Personally, I think Michele Bachmann has Pelosi beat by a mile. How about that shouter, Wilson? Jean Schmidt is quite the case, too.
Maybe there’s a LOT more crazy in the House than we like to think about!
I am truly sorry to offend, I do think Nanny P. might of had a wee bit too much of the hash in the old days. I think not only did she burn her bra’s, but her brain too..:)
Have a lovely day folks, you guys make boring days, a little less boring:)
And Mr. Choi, if you read this; keep up the good work and don’t let the lunatics drag you down their nutty path. Stay resilient and stick to your principles.
LTPAR,
I guess thats what bothers me, Why would Dr. Choi, be so stupid to pull this Sarah Palinesqe trick.
If the guy had anything to say he should use his platform.
He’s like the sneaky kid clamoring for attention. From what I understand he’s a real ZERO in the social department. I too hope that Steven stays in Irvine…..AND NEVER LEAVES!
Michelle,
Speaker Pelosi scares the shit out of people like you. For good reason, for the first time in years, some sense of responsibility has been brought to this position. I know Newt was a real winner as was the exterminator, or the boy loving Wrestling coach.
What exactly is it that you don’t like? Helping the poor? The uninsured? Exercising Congresses mandated powers?
WTF?
Plus I still think you are fifty two year old white guy in Morrison Park!
Speaker Nanny P. is a woman that has never wanted a day in her life. Nanny grew up in a time of racial unrest and political and racial injustice which she has never got over.
Pelosi, like so many American’s are obsessed with the lie called.. Social injustice. The Nannies of the world believe that people who work hard should give to those that don’t. Its quite simple in their eyes, the poor are poor, because some how society did not give them a fair shake. Nanny P. and her Social injustice wack jobs have made Illegal Immigrants the new victims of American society. It does not matter if Illegal Aliens do not assimulate or learn the language. In Nannies eyes these are her folk and she will look after them. After all they are her peasants and she is the Robin Hood and congress are her merry men/women.
What exactly is it that you don’t like? Helping the poor? The uninsured? Exercising Congresses mandated powers?
Have you ever asked yourself, who are the poor in America? Why are the Poor? It matters!
Should we help those in need in countries that really have the underserved and vulnerable or should we squander money on people that dont give a F*&). Sorry, call me mean, but i would rather give to a family living in a hut, to a family with two cars and matching blackberries. I would rather congress leave the charity giving to the American people.
Have you asked yourself who is the California Endowment/health foundations, who give billions to corrupt groups, such as ACORN, when they could use the billions to insure all the poor and unisured in california, encluding helping our third world neighbours.
I am glad you think of me as a man, it is a compliment. Where is Morrison Park? Is it a hang out for the brave and the bold?
Hi five to Steven Choi who despite all the hipe from the media for his public display of the Dems views. What I find funny is that I actually fought for our country that we may all express our different opinions freely and openly. What are the Dems really afraid of “the truth” ???