Former State Senator Ernie Newton responds to assertions made in a book by casino mogul Richard “Skip” Bronson that Newton had his hand out in exchange for supporting Bronson’s state gaming proposal about 20 years ago. Newton was then a member of the State House. (See prior OIB post.) Newton is seeking a political comeback for his old State Senate seat after completing a prison sentence for 2005 charges unrelated to Bronson’s claim in the book War on the Shore. From Newton:
“This is absolutely false, but unfortunately not surprising. When I decided to subject myself to public scrutiny again by running for office, I understood this kind of stuff comes with it.
There are going to be plenty of people trying to tear me and my campaign down–and we know facts aren’t necessarily required. This campaign has never been about me–it’s about this community and raising the awareness of its need. The chorus of our voices will elevate that discussion while the long overdue redemption and opportunity for our community is placed in highest priority.”
So what does Bronson have to gain by this claim? If Newton thinks this information is a lie, perhaps he should sue for defamation of character. Otherwise I’d be inclined to believe Bronson.
Matthew 7
Do Not Judge
1 Judge not, that you be not judged.
2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?
4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?
5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
6 Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
Since we are into biblical quotes, why not start with the commandment “Thou shalt not steal?”
Fluckarella,
It’s Monday, church and preaching are over for the week, let “Moses” continue to be lost.
The day of the week is less important than the fact a person’s attention to their religious faith and precepts is a 24/7 matter. If your passion and dedication are left in a so-called “holy place” that you visit once a week, more or less, and do not reach out in action more than words to those around you as community, then the holy words have failed to connect the mind, heart and body in service to others. Time will tell.
*** These claims and counter-responses have nothing to do with religion, no? If nothing to gain nor nothing to lose is at the heart of the matter concerning this book, then it seems mere “silence would be golden” in situations where truth can be hurtful. *** MOVING ON! ***
Newton is a poverty pimp, plain and simple.