
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Over more than fifty years of political activism, I thought I had seen every vulgar attempt to grab the cameras – some clever, some obvious and some shameful. ; But I have never seen campaign stunt-ery to descend to such a despicable low level as that of former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">O’Rourke is the Democrat candidate for governor who will be facing off with incumbent Texas Governor Greg Abbott in the November midterm election.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In the wake of the horrific killing of 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas, Abbott was holding a formal press briefing – along with other officials. ; This was not a campaign event – but a sad and solemn report of the latest details of the grim event. ; It was an opportunity for members of the news media to ask relevant questions. ; As would be expected, there were a lot of reporters and cameras in the room.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">O’Rourke was drawn to those cameras like a moth to a bright light on a dark night.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After strategizing his actions with aides, O’Rourke walked to the front of the room – between the panel of presenters and the cameras – and exploded in mock rage at his political opponent. ; It was a typical O’Rourke performance. ; Yelling at Abbot. ; Accusing him of complicity in the deaths of those children.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some say that O’Rourke was speaking truth to power. ; That interpretation comes only from those too politically biased to have any interest in truth – or human decency. ; No … he was spewing campaign rhetoric at a very sad non-political event. ; He was prancing and pandering before the news media to insert himself into the story – and he succeeded. ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a>O’Rourke was not there to offer ideas or solutions to America’s dreadful mass shooter problem – or to provide any relevant information. ; No. ; No. ; No. ; He was there to grandstand – body shaking and hands and arms flying in erratic gestures. ; In many ways, it was typical O’Rourke exaggeration of words and gestures – but this time on steroids.</a></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The unhinged former congressman continued his ranting for the benefit of the press outside the hall. In a pathetic show of self-aggrandizement, he claimed to be moved by the highest moral principles – even using his own children as verbal props. ; If you recall O’Rourke’s previous claim – during an ego-driven run for President – when he announced to the world that he was born to be President, then you will understand the level of his self-importance.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In witnessing his performance, I was shocked that even O’Rourke – with his messianic ego – would descend to such human depravity as to march his political parade over the bodies of young children.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin did not let O’Rourke’s crass gambit pass without comment. ; He could be clearly heard saying, “I can’t believe you’re a sick son of a bitch who would come to a deal like this to make a political issue.” ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There was a time when O’Rourke could have made his criticisms of Abbott – but maybe not a time that would have had so much of the national and international press in attendance. ; And after all, drawing attention to himself and his campaign was his primary purpose. ; The subject of the meeting was incidental, and the deaths of those children was just a public relations hook.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What next for O’Rourke – political speeches interrupting the funerals? ; A photo op at the impromptu memorial in front of the school? ; Maybe a speech from inside the blood stained fourth grade room where most of the victims died? ;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Outrageous? ; Of course, such campaign stunts would be outrageous to most folks. ; But after watching O’Rourke’s stunt at the Abbott press conference, I do not know the limits of O’Rourke’s sense of outrage. ; But I can say for certain that they are very low, indeed.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So, there ‘tis.</p>

O’Rourke is a disgrace to humanity
