The INDsider -> Leslie Turk FRI, JAN 16 5:14AM by Leslie Turk

What Durel meant to say

You have to wonder what local Dems think of this - especially those who took part in another "No Party Party" fund-raiser for Republican City-Parish President Joey Durel in December. Along with local Republicans, attorney Glenn Armentor and a handful of other Dems hosted the party - and took a lot of heat for it - because they believe Durel has the community's best interests at heart, regardless of party affiliation. And while it's pretty undeniable Durel has a "Lafayette first" bipartisan attitude when it comes to local politics, his quote in Wednesday's Town Talk (a story that also ran in today's Daily Advertiser) left many readers wondering if he also has a "country first" (think McCain-Palin slogan) mindset.

All of us - Republicans, Dems, indies - are holding on to every thread of hope that the incoming president can help turn the nation's economy around. Take U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany, for example. "I think it's important to recognize that this is a historic event," Boustany told the newspaper in that same story. "The country is excited about the inauguration, and I think it's a good thing. We need to do everything we can to fight the cynicism about politics." Durel, in contrast, had this to say about our new president. "I hope he is successful in some things and messes up in others."

And that's how the story ends.

Seriously?

In a phone interview with the INDsider this morning, Durel insists he actually ended the quote by saying, "I hope he fails miserably on others," but that the reporter cut it short. He explains that he hopes Obama fails on issues like eliminating the secret vote for unionization and raising taxes on the rich.

Durel says he hasn't received any phone calls or flak from the comment. "I was disappointed to see the way she [ended it], but I didn't think it was that big a deal," he says. "It doesn't sound very intelligent maybe."

On that final quote, I can definitely agree. So what do you think?

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written by Steve May , January 16, 2009 - 02:50 pm

Not sure whatÃ¢â?¬â?¢s got some folks so worked up about Mr. DurelÃ¢â?¬â?¢s comment about hoping our incoming president does well on some of his efforts and fails on others. IÃ¢â?¬â?¢d suggest before we get too indignant about the Mayor PresidentÃ¢â?¬â?¢s insights we do deep breathing exercises. Many of us are aware of the second coming status awarded President-elect Barack Obama by some of his more ardent supporters. And, yes, a clear majority of Americans (count me in) are much more than ready to unload the buffoon that currently occupies the White House. But President-elect Obama is about to undertake one of the most radical political agendas in our nationÃ¢â?¬â?¢s history in an effort to deliver us from economic catastrophe. Most of us, Democrats, Republicans, and independents, possibly even hizzoner, Mr. Durel, wish him Godspeed in that effort. But who but ObamaÃ¢â?¬â?¢s most ardent supporters believe heÃ¢â?¬â?¢s entitled to unquestionable papal decree status. I donÃ¢â?¬â?¢t. Why should he?

I can easily see DurelÃ¢â?¬â?¢s point about hoping Obama fails miserably on some of his agenda - from income tax changes and nationalized health care to Ã¢â?¬Å?donÃ¢â?¬â?¢t ask, donÃ¢â?¬â?¢t tellÃ¢â?¬Â and gays in the military, to pro-choice legislation and Supreme Court nominees. Not that Durel supports or opposes all those issues. Christ, he's a Republican, so why wouldnÃ¢â?¬â?¢t he hope Obama fails miserably on some of his agenda? Personally, I support a lot of the president-elect's plans, but heÃ¢â?¬â?¢s sure not the Pope.

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written by pat Juneau , January 17, 2009 - 09:50 am

I think Joey Durel is like most area Republicans "if it's Republican it's good if it's Democrat it's bad".

Ok.....so.
written by Lucius Fontenot , January 19, 2009 - 10:18 am

It wasn't the most eloquent statement but I give him points for being honest and then not sticking with his statement.

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written by Lucius Fontenot , January 19, 2009 - 10:19 am

EDIT: I meant to say, "and then sticking with his statement."

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