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Here’s some more responses to reader comments.
Reader Eric Christen’s Own Blog wrote:
Barbarians at the Gate … THIS BLOG WAS CREATED TO SPEAK TO THE ISSUES OF INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM, AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM, FAITH AND FAMILY. THE BARBARIANS ARE THOSE THAT HAVE STOOD BEFORE THE GATES OF MODERNITY AND FREEDOM THROUGHOUT HISTORY. FROM ISLAM AT THE GATES OF VIENNA TO LEFT-WING DECONSTRUCTIONISTS IN THE HALLS OF ACADEMIA THESE FORCES HAVE ALWAYS NEEDED TO BE COUNTERED BY POLISH KINGS. TODAY IS NO DIFFERENT. FROM 100 MILLION KILLED AT COMMUNISIM’S SECULAR ALTAR TO MODERN ISLOMFACISIM, THE NEED IS GREAT INDEED. ” Eric Cristen link Did he really say “Polishe Kings”…..
Remember here folks, focus. As for the “polish king” reference, I am of course referring to Prince Jon who road in at the last moment and saved Western Civilization from the Islamic attackers. It’s good history and would make a great movie. Sorry you don’t seem to know that part of your own history.
Reader Anthony wrote:
While the debates will always remain between the ABC and the labor unions, let’s not loose sight of a third party that seems to be getting away without any blame… The City “Leaders” of Chula Vista. How can you, Mrs. Mayor, sit back and allow two opposing labor concerns rob your City, and more importantly your Citizens, of a potential $1B project and the tax revenues that would follow. The damages caused by your lack of leadership will extend FAR beyond the Gaylord project. Can you say “Oceanside Chargers”?
Chula Vista’s elected officials had no idea what to expect from the unions. While they may be blamed for naiveté, they are hardly the ones to blame for this debacle.
Reader geralyn wrote:
I hope everyone involved including union members read the “truth” behind what failed in the Gaylord deal. Even Chula Vista leaders of the fire fighters union have stated the tactics by the Electrical union is driving away jobs, and if they acted in this manner their union members would remove them from representing them. The reality is the electrical union does not have the depth of to cover all the work that forcasted for the region. Gaylord had agreed that all contractors would pay prevailing wages therefore there would have been no difference in payscale between union and non union contractors. The black mail tactics of unions must be stopped. Members of the unions that are using these tactics should take action to stop this type of unscrupulous behavior.
Correct. Blame rests with local construction labor leaders, period.
Reader Rich wrote:
Eric, you need to address your quotes in The Star News if you want to hold onto any credibility. Please explain. Did you really say that you would punish Gaylord? Why? And you say others are projecting onto you. Here is your chance to explain it all. Why would you threaten Gaylord if you are only trying to help Chula Vista? Simple question Eric, please answer.
I answered the quotes from the Star News earlier (see above.) Not sure what the problem is with them.
Reader Mr. Lincoln wrote:
“Author Philip Dick once wrote “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.” … Horatio Alger can continue his character assassination of Mr. Christen … and rusyrius can continue being right-on-the-money with every posting. A spade is a spade… greedy unions, with their enviro cronies, killed this deal. Wake up people! Stay away from the LEMMONade and organic Kool Aid.
Thanks, and I agree. The personal attacks from the unions on this site and others does not serve their members or issue(s) well. It shows an intellectual bankruptcy and desperation that does nothing to add tot he conversation.
Reader 2 cent jack wrote:
Eric, you still haven’t explained the email sent by Gaylord’s Lee Babcock disclosing your threats of a lawsuit should Gaylord sign a PLA. Come on, be honest, you play the game just like the unions and the environmental organizations. Problem here is that Gaylord wanted out, and needed someone to blame. The environmentalists would have been the likely target, but their issues were harder to fight by the proponent of such a huge project. Labor was the easy scapegoat. What about the fact that Gaylord had a near-final PLA with the Unions until Babcock was fired and Westbrook conviced Colin Reed to change his mind? Where is the honor in that whole part of the preliminary negotiations. Gaylord expected the community to roll over as others have done, and when they didn’t, the company bluffed. Now their bluff is called, so they mess up the cards and leave the table
It was not my email to Gaylord. You union guys need to get your talking points straight. It was Steve Friar’s supposed comments and what he supposedly said is not extortion it was a secondhand quote made by a guy (Lee Babcock) who was let go by Gaylord for being in “over his head.” Is this all you have, second hand sources repeating things they have heard the content of, which, even if true, is harmless? Goodness.
Reader Patrick wrote:
After reading news, comments and other information I see a deal made with labor and Gaylord, then the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and Eric Christen threaten Gaylord with law suites. The ABC and Eric backed them in a corner making them into the bad guy no matter what they did. Mayor Cox was then elected and didn’t do anything to help the the project move forward. I expected some leadership but none came. The media from the Union Tribune was clearly one sided when full articles of Eric were printed and others were edited to a few words. One was from the president of the union that negotiated the original PLA
If Eric Christen (or is it Steve Friar?) was responsible for Gaylord “being backed into a corner” and forcing them to “leave”, why then did Gaylord in their good bye letter mention nothing of us but blamed the unions for blackmail?
Reader Rich wrote:
Eric – heard you on the Hedgecock show last night-you seem to be ethically challanged. At one point you want Gaylord to come back to the table for the good of Chula Vista however, now that they have and are again talking with the unions then you start your name calling and claiming extortion. You seem to enjoy hidding behind a veneer of “for the good of” at the same time stirring up the pot. At this point let those with calm voices who actually live here work behind the scenes with Gaylord. Gaylord doesn’t need you to speak for them as I’m sure they have a professional
You better believe I am stirring up the pot. Judging by your and other union bosses responses here today, it is working VERY well.
Reader Al wrote:
Eric, again you dance with the truth. There was an email sent to the port by a Gaylord Executive talking about how a partner of yours (Steve Friar) threatened to sue if Gaylord reached any deal with unions. You know Steve, you and he started a group to fight PLAâ??s? This was printed a few weeks ago in the Star-News. Please, deny it so I can share it and prove your credibility (or lack of!). Anyone want a PDF of this document from the Port? Send a request to ww569@hotmail.com
I do not dance (very well). As for “truth”, your “smoking gun” email is just not what you desperately want it to be. Sorry.
Reader whosblackmailingwhom wrote:
“From: “Babcock, Lee””
Everyone knows. Facts can be confusing things but try to deal with them.
Reader Rich wrote:
Eric, you need to address your quotes in The Star News if you want to hold onto any credibility. Please explain. Did you really say that you would punish Gaylord? Why? And you say others are projecting onto you. Here is your chance to explain it all. Why would you threaten Gaylord if you are only trying to help Chula Vista? Simple question Eric, please answer
I did address them (see above).
— ERIC CHRISTEN