Some folks have nothing better to do than to make mountains out of molehills, especially when it comes to honest mistakes made by first-time candidates. Such is the case here. Bobby Mathieson’s career in law enforcement spans 30 years – he served as a Virginia Beach police officer for 26 years, nine months, to be exact – and he rightfully uses his badge in his literature. The Virginia Beach badge includes in its center the seal of the city, which is trademarked. As such, it cannot be used without permission.
Of course, somebody out there brought to the attention of the City Clerk that Mathieson was using the seal without permission. A letter was issued – which Mathieson has not even received – requesting that the badge either be removed or the city seal obscured.
The copy of the badge you see in this post was just obtained from Mathieson’s website. So even though he hasn’t gotten the letter, the Mathieson campaign has already complied. End of story.
Somebody must be really nervous about the Mathieson campaign. Keep on doing what you’re doing, Bobby. You’re gonna win this thing!
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VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
I am not confident that any of this should be associated with Welch. Regardless of politics we are ethically challenged to provide evidence that he took part in any of this before we lump his name into it. If so, shame on him, if not people should stick with debating Brian. If anyone has any info linking Welch seeking the removal of the seal and use of the badge than by all means have at it, otherwise he gets a pass in my book.
Well, J. Scott, if his campaign operative did it, then he did it. And we know Brian played some part in this, just by looking at his statements above. It’s really not too hard to connect the dots. And there’s always that FOIA request.
Brian is pushing this story, hard, because he just doesn’t understand that it’s inappropriate to criticize a retired police officer for displaying the badge he was awarded as thanks for his service.
Brian doesn’t understand this, the same way Welch doesn’t understand this, because he has no accomplishments of his own. They’re both just failures.
And the other shoe drops: This is a portion of a comment from “Sui Juris” on the Bearing Drift site:
“Additionally, in all likelihood the, ‘it has been brought to my attention’ portion of the letter was probably politically motivated by opposition zealots not connected to the campaign to discredit candidate character.”
“It was a cheap shot and not indicative of the demeanor and character of the candidate or the candidate’s campaign staff.”
As Sui Juris recognizes, the City DID authorize the use of the seal, by putting it on the badge. They awarded that badge to Mathieson, to whom it belongs to use as he sees fit, absent any rules to the contrary. Trust me, if there were rules to the contrary, we’d have heard about them by now.
The rest of that stuff about “opposition zealots not connected to the campaign” and “cheap shot” and “not indicative of the character of the candidate” is just Welch backing away from Brian’s foolish faux pas, post haste. Actually, I think it’s perfectly consistent with what we know to be “Doctor” Welch’s character, which is anything but “impeccable.” I wonder if a consultation with a Stolle or two convinced Welch of the depth of the seriousness of insulting a retired police officer in this manner?
Brilliant retorts, folks. Democratic arguments highlighted by “shut up”, “little wee-wee”, and “poop.”
No wonder folks avoid the blogosphere.
Note Brian’s scrupulous avoidance of the substantive issues discussed above. Does that reflect on Welch? You bet it does.
Both the City Seal and the Seal of the Commonwealth are displayed on the front page of this website:
http://www.kenstolle.com/
Is Brian going to report this crime wave? Or do these supposed rules not apply to Republicans?
The Seal of the Commonwealth is on this website, too, but its on a flag. Is that somehow different than a badge? Exactly how?
http://www.chrisstolle.com/
http://www.terriesuit.com/
Yes, that’s the Seal of the Commonwealth behind Terrie Suit. Better take a plea, Terrie, or Brian will have you thrown in jail.
http://www.saliaquinto.com/
At least Sal Iaquinto has the good sense to show the front of the Capitol building, not the Seal of the Commonwealth. But wait, look closely, about 2/3 down the front page. Isn’t that a City Seal on that firetruck? Better blur it out, Sal, or Brian will be coming for you.
http://www.delegatebobtata.com/
Be sure to go to this website, and click on “Virginia State Legislature.” There you will find ….
the trademarked Seal of the Commonwealth!
But Bob gets a pass, ‘coz he’s from U.Va.
“Sweatin’Like Nixon – August 18, 2007
I do hope someone gets Brian some grammar check software. The contraction for “you are” is “you’re” not “your”.”
Hey Nixon, YOU’RE an idiot. Brian didn’t make the error you claim. (Perhaps you’re confusing him with J. Scott, who made the blunder in the 2nd comment.)
Lie much? Perhaps you’d better just STHU and stop looking stupid. I’d suggest some software to help you out, but Anti-Moron 1.0 is still in beta testing.
Overall, this thread is a hilarious example of how two-faced and hypocritical left wingnuts are when it comes to what they’ll get outraged about and what they’ll claim is no big deal. This was an inappropriate and possibly illegal use of the seal by a political candidate. He had no right to present his candidacy to the voters in a way that implied an endorsement by the city. Had a Republican done this, your lefty outrage would be macaca-esque.
Of course, I’ll never expect you to admit that. I doubt any of you have the character to ever admit you were wrong about anything.
So, you’ll be calling for an indictment of the five Republicans listed above, no doubt. Won’t hold my breath.
And yes, I left out the apostrophe on “it’s” above, I. Publius. But that’s because my computer never works too well after I have the bad judgement to look at Bearing Drift.
Please let us know when you’ve contacted the Commonwealth’s Attorney (a Republican) about the five examples of this so-called illegal conduct by Republicans.
BTW, it’s “judgment.” Only one e. And it should be “after I’ve had…”
You’re welcome.
The point that you’re missing, spotter, is that 1) it’s a minor infraction, but an infraction nonetheless; and 2) I would expect ANY political candidate — regardless of party — to make the changes necessary.
You want to post a blog entry about those candidates using a seal inappropriately? Be my guest. If you’re right, I certainly won’t attack you for being right. All that was necessary from Mathieson’s supporters would’ve been to say, “Yep, you’re right, Brian. That was a no-no… but now it’s fixed. TTFN.”
Instead, VJP and everyone else here has flown off the handle in a ridiculous attempt to smear Brian for bringing it up.
Y’all should’ve learned something from Allen last year. When you make a simple mistake, it’s best to just own it and move on. Gnashing of teeth and wailing and moaning only prolongs the agony.
1. The “e” is optional. Check your dictionary, if you have one.
2. That’s exactly what Mathieson said, and did. Brian was the one beating the breathless “we broke the story” “Bobby Mathieson should follow the law” “law and order candidate” drum, not me. As I explained above, with reference to the Code, I’m not convinced it is illegal.
3. Brian smears himself, constantly, as explained above. No help from anyone else is necessary. I imagine that it’s past his bedtime, now, and you’re filling in as the resident troll.
4. If it is a violation of the law, as Brian claims, I will expect him to be leading the charge against the five Republicans listed. After all, harrumph, harrumph, etc.
5. I found five Republicans doing the same thing Brian accused Mathieson of doing in just six tries. It’s quite likely there are more. Five bucks for each additional candidate with a City Seal or a Seal of the Commonwealth on their website by midnight tomorrow. Just check any list of Republicans, I’m sure you’ll be able to find some.