So James Olsen, known for many things political but most recently candidate for the state House of Representatives this year and in 2010, sends out this email with the message:
Friends — I received this link in the email- Democrat Donkey Game. Oh, so true. You will recognize many of the Donkey gamers from around the area.
While his statement that he “received this link in the email” might be technically true, I wouldn’t blame if you suspect he knew it was coming.
In 2010 a guy in Colorado got wind of Olsen and did three anti-Olsen videos. The other two have a robot dancing in underwear. The following one has production problems, but it’s short and you get the point.
Olsen always reminds me of Jeff Dunham’s puppet, Walter.
I don’t know what has happened here, Steven, but I did not post the above comment today, March 19th, as it looks like, but several days ago on a different blog entry than this. You must have recycled your post here or added to it. You may have just had the first video up at the time with no commentary.
The second video is unattributed. James Olsen is not the only person who is anti union and feels unions have exceeded their usefulness and have more power than they ought to, but I am quite sure he never said the phrases attributed to him in this video. If so, you need to document them.
So is that how journalism is done these days? Use an unattributed source to slander a citizen you don’t happen to like? We have seen that kind of thing a lot lately. Criticize Rush Limbaugh for calling a woman a slut who then apologizes, but conveniently ignore Bill Maher when he calls Sarah Palin something equivalently disgusting and does not.
That’s called hypocrisy, Steven. Hiding behind a blog should not mean you get to ignore journalistic ethics, even though that term is becoming an oxymoron. The Sun is still paying for your space and paying your salary to write in it. That does not give you the right to slander someone with these juvenile tactics. You owe Olsen an apology.
@Marvin,
Actually, both videos are unattributed. Olsen said he received the one he posted via e-mail, then he posted it on his own YouTube account. I posted the second one to provide context, to show that he has been the subject of these kind of tactics.
And on your first point, I don’t know how that happened, either. This post was brand new yesterday.
Steven Gardner
Kitsap Sun
@Marvin,
Besides, Mr. Olsen received exactly what he wanted. I posted the video he emailed to me and others.
Steven Gardner
Kitsap Sun
LOL! I don’t think this is “hypocrisy.” I think this is called “equal time.”
Now, I know I shouldn’t feed the trolls, Marvin, but maybe I’ll give you just a bite. As for “James Olsen is not the only person who is anti union … ,” well, all the rest of those people weren’t stupid enough to send the link to the first video to a reporter, either. If one would prefer not to have one’s business in the public eye, one should probably not send one’s business to someone who’s job it is to put things in the public eye.
No, Steve Gardner doesn’t owe Olsen an apology. Gotta love the First Amendment.
[Disclaimer: I worked with Steve at the Sun, albeit in a different department, years ago. But even if I hadn’t, my opinion would be exactly the same.]
I agree with “Radar”. Very well said.
RIGHTeous Mr. Olson insults half the populace by using the snarky term “Democrat Donkey Gamers”. Talk about juvenile tactics to slander people. Hypocrite. Not any more suited for public office than those he slanders.
Emilie
Port Orchard, WA
The email Olsen received was probably from Mary Dombrowski.*
I think you played fair with Olsen and with your readers, Steve.
Dombrowski is Olsen’s wife.
Steve — thanks. The pro-public-sector union videos posted against me were embarrassing. Talk about off-the-shelf crap, that stuff is lame. I call your avid readers to the YouTube (or Google search) “Rolfes in the Land of Oz.” Apparently AFSME or ALF-CIO does not like any questions about public-sector union.
Steve — you do a lot of posting on your site. I guess that helps.
I received a version of “Democrat Donkey Party Games” that appears to be in High Definition. You can almost hear the breathing of the characters in the video. Check it out.
http://vimeo.com/38827272
El Steve — this is one video the public-sector union gang does not like — and there are others — but the opening makes it clear politicians and public-sector unions are putting the “death squeeze” to citizens. This is “Rolfes in the Land of Oz.”
Washington State Representative Rolfes – in the Land of Oz
You might check out “Olsen Manifiesto Open Letter to EMSCME”
Here is Rolfes in the Land of Oz featuring guest appearance from Jim Sommerhauser and Sherry Appleton. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmxLjT6l_d8&feature=related
With apologies, here is the Manifesto link where I challenged AFSCME for their destructive stranglehold. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KePn2MSk6fk&feature=relmfu
I still am intrigued by politics,and will always remain supportive of civility and ideas that if put into action will have a better community for all of us. But I find this kind of lame actually . Even you Steve have no excuse for being allowed to be part of this .
Thanks for at least keeping some of the Character Counts folks off this to make it a total production in juvenile behavior.
We have a crisis in this nation , our state is unable to pay its bills . We actually have the mentally ill being taken off our safety net in this county and state . We have Planned parenthood and other special interests actually getting increases in funding . We still have districts getting pork and favors while so many people are hurting and our state reps refuse to honest attemts to do anything but make sure their win politically with a minimum of risk in regards to budget cuts or increased taxes. Bi Partsianship is out the window , if you think about it the bypartsianship used to pass gay marriage was held up to be shown as an example of boldness and integrity , the bi partsianship that passed the recent Senate Budget was held up to be hatefull and politics as usual .
If nothing else a serious dialogue needs to be had on budget cuts and new tax reform . We get silly use of blogs and no coverage of the real issues being spoken about . Radar your concern for feeding the Trolls is inconsistent with your kind of Love for the First amendment . Just because it is allowed to be said young man does not mean it is beneficial. Phelps uses the First Amendment to attack homosexuals , obviously passing on his reetoric from your logic is loving the First Amendment . I think I will give you a pass on your support of Phelps videos on Steve’s Blog and just suggest you did not think before you commented . Defending a friend is something that deserves a pass . ;0)
I wish I could be a democrat . If anything else so I could run for office and have a chance to win and realy attempt to help the people in this state . James, Democrats are not evil or deserving less of an honest attempt at dialogue then anyone else .
Mick — nice comments from you.
As a candidate for the House, 23rd LD, Position 2, I have endeavored to raise important issues about public-union pension, religious freedom, WSF reform, Martin Luther King, and the need for jobs, jobs and more public-sector jobs. I have used the media from our area newspapers to speak to my potential constituents in a positive fashion. The issues raised in the Video “Democrat Donkey Party Game” are valid issues. I have also published my latest campaign video “Restore Kitsap- Restore Washington” as meaningful issues before the voters. Again, Mick, you can wax about being a Dem and being electable, that seems to me like a shortcut.
Watch YouTube: (search Restore Kitsap ~ Restore Washington) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc4QulWBPVI&feature=relmfu
Also, the 23rd LegDistrict Republican Caucus is forming and having a meeting at Silverdale Civic Center tomorrow at 1230 hrs. Time to vote out the Donkey Party.
See you there Steve G.
Mick, I am viewing this entire incident as a “jump the shark” moment for the Kitsap Sun.
Given the breadth of disdain for my decision to post these videos, I guess I have to explain why I did it.
If James Olsen were not a candidate, this probably never would have been posted. He is. To me that makes a difference.
Second, the first video had all the markings of a Mary Dombrowski production. Dombrowski is Olsen’s wife. Olsen said he received the video in his email, which is probably technically true. Since I didn’t see proof that Dombrowski made it, though, I couldn’t say it was hers.
I thought it appropriate to show one unique way Olsen appears to be campaigning for office. In doing so, I remembered the other video from 2010, which is parallel to the one Olsen linked.
Again, if Olsen were not running for office, I wouldn’t care. But this is not only a campaign video, it’s unique. His email certainly seemed to be an endorsement of it.
Olsen not only thanked me here for posting it, just a couple hours ago he thanked me again. I asked him if Dombrowski made the video and he wouldn’t say. Dombrowski was there and she confirmed that she did. In fact, she said, her name is one of the tags on the YouTube site.
Jump the shark? Fine. Nice knowing you.
Steven Gardner
Kitsap Sun
Steve – thank you for the Kitsap Sun coverage of the 23rd LDRC meeting today and good article about Mr. Tibbs and Ms. Simpson announcing for candidacy to Kitsap Commission.
Can’t figure out what the dust up over “Democrat Donkey Party Game” is all about. It is a very creative video featuring our current and past legislators. The MO of this party has been written about repeatedly in your paper in LTE and columns. It is important to make sure the past is not forgotten especially since several of the characters in the video must stand election this fall. Funny business is funny business. And remember Moxie Media and the leads I gave you on that one.
And yes, I am a candidate. While this video sets the stage, I think my campaign video YouTube/Google “Restore Kitsap~Restore Washington” speaks more closely to my campaign issue: jobs, jobs, private-sector jobs.
I missed it where someone accused you of “jumping the shark.” I didn’t realize we were at April First. Again, thank you Reporter Steve for aiming for fairness. I appreciate it.
Gentle Readers of Kitsap Blog and Followers of Steve Gardner:
James M. Olsen referenced campaign video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc4QulWBPVI&feature=relmfu
But you can see the same video in HD Vimeo (minus the cute Thompson Twins music (copyright issues) http://vimeo.com/36979328.
Hope springs eternal.
v/r JMO
Good job Steven. I don’t know what “jump the shark” means unless its some new method for swimmers to avoid shark attacks…a good idea in any ocean.
I’m surprised that anyone complains when you do your job as a reporter and report the news.
That Mr. Olsen apparently muddied the where did the video really come from makes me wonder what else he would be less than frank about if he won the office.
If his wife made it, he should be upfront and say she did and what a fine job she did.
To dance around truth seems unsettling in a potential political Representative of the people, by the people.
Reporters report just as you did…
Sharon, your praise of Gardner for doing his job is seconded here. Reporting here in Kitsap is a relatively rare bird.
As to your projection into the case and your “wonder” what the Good Mr. Olsen muddling the “where” of the video, that is plain partisan silliness from you again. If you praise Mr. Gardner for his reporting, I assume you accept his facts presented. Read them again. The facts laid down by Gardner are correct and his quotes are true. I muddied no waters with my forwarding of this very funny video to local reporters. The video in question is identified as part of a series of works and there was nothing “secret” or muddied.
And you can bet you last nickelthat when I am in office, I will speak frankly and openly. I am a man of the highest standards and I have always comported myself accordingly. The fact you are offended by the video is your business, but you will not pull me into your web of doubt and despair.
Sharon O: here is my statement about my campaign. Like it or hate it, this is what I believe land I make no apologies for those beliefs.
YouTube/Vimeo: Restore Kitsap ~ Restore Washington http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc4QulWBPVI&feature=relmfu
“…James Olsen, known for many things political but most recently candidate for the state House of Representatives this year and in 2010, sends out this email with the message:
Friends — I received this link in the email- Democrat Donkey Game. Oh, so true. You will recognize many of the Donkey gamers from around the area.
While his statement that he “received this link in the email” might be technically true, I wouldn’t blame if you suspect he knew it was coming.”
James Olson… I hope whoever gets the job is a straightforward sort swimming a forward steady pace for the taxpayer without the need for dramatic wordy silliness.
I don’t care about the video/s beyond the apparent fact your wife made it and is likely not the seeming surprise in the mail video you infer. Your approach seems to muddy waters.
Jim says, “You can almost hear the breathing of the characters in the video.” No, that would be Mary Dombrowski, Jim’s wife, and the videos maker (she of the silly voices).
Steve Gardner, you are my hero. I am against any candidate who uses the local media to pollute the print editions and online content of the local media (Kitsap Sun, Bainbridge Island Review, etc) to spout their campaign rhetoric in the guise of “letters to the editor.” Character absolutely counts. Olsen has proven himself to be a bigot, racist, liar, and poor neighbor. This is just one more example of Olsen using the system. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Just say NO to JMO.
Olsen says if elected he will “endeavor to raise important issues…about Martin Luther King.” What the heck would that be and how does Martin Luther King relate to the 23rd District? I do hope that Olsen is not going to channel the great man, as if he’s some kind of medium, and then start speaking for King, as he did in his public outrage over the Martin Luther King Day pro-life rally that was held at the state capital.
I received an email link to another YouTube video concerning James Olsen, titled, ‘GOP Caucus worker can’t stand scrutiny’. It was filmed at the recent Republican Caucus on Bainbridge Island, and there are a couple of interesting things about it. First off, Mary Dombrowski (Shout What You Hear), posted a ‘doctored’ version of the same video, complete with Dombrowski’s trademark spooky music and sound effects (as well as her own narration), in an attempt to draw any scrutiny of James away. In the original video, Jim is asked about the ballots under his arm, and all you can hear, is him telling the camera-operator to, “Turn it off. Turn it off. Turn it off”.
If you happen to search out the video, ‘GOP caucus worker can’t stand scrutiny’, be advised that “Bainbridge Blotter” is my account name from my YouTube postings of some of my Police Blotter videos from BITV. The disparaging remarks made by “Shout What You Hear” about the other person in the video, come from…well, let’s just ask Jim (Thucidies) who made those remarks.
Olsen says:
“As to your projection into the case and your “wonder” what the Good Mr. Olsen muddling the “where” of the video, that is plain partisan silliness from you again. If you praise Mr. Gardner for his reporting, I assume you accept his facts presented. Read them again. The facts laid down by Gardner are correct and his quotes are true. I muddied no waters with my forwarding of this very funny video to local reporters. The video in question is identified as part of a series of works and there was nothing “secret” or muddied.”
Olsen SPAMMED the video to at least 5 local newspapers’ facebook pages. He forwarded it to Garner saying that he got it in his email inbox. As Homer Simpson would say… “DOH” Olsen’s WIFE sent it!
“And you can bet you last nickelthat [sic] when I am in office,”
That, hopefully will never happen.
“I will speak frankly and openly. I am a man of the highest standards and I have always comported myself accordingly.”
Sorry, I need to get a paper towel because I just sprayed my coffee all over my computer I laughed so hard.
“The fact you are offended by the video is your business, but you will not pull me into your web of doubt and despair.”
The video is poorly produced, illegally uses LICENSED content and is so grossly edited that it could cause seizures. It is offensive.
Mr. Olsen. KING of SPAM. Ingredients: nothing of substance. Move along.
James M. Olsen Says:
March 22nd, 2012 at 6:01 pm
Gentle Readers of Kitsap Blog and Followers of Steve Gardner:
James M. Olsen referenced campaign video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc4QulWBPVI&feature=relmfu
But you can see the same video in HD Vimeo (minus the cute Thompson Twins music (copyright issues) http://vimeo.com/36979328.
HELL, YES copyright issues! That’s why I personally informed the artists that their music was being used illegally and without attribution. I wonder if permission was granted for the rest of Olsen’s videos and music….
The rest of the world, sans Olsen and Dombrowski, can thank me later.
Good point, Ms. Perry. I doubt that it’s the first time he’s done that. Good of you to notify the copyright owners.
“I doubt that it’s the first time…”
In fact, in Mr. Olsen’s continuously advertised video, ‘Deceit and Deception: Bainbridge Mayoral Recall’, from 3 or 4 years ago, he uses clips from the movie ‘Network’ (without permission). Of course, he does say that it is used as “allegory”, a word he uses a lot. Like when he said he was going to be “allegorically stuffing the straw-poll ballot box” at the recent Republican Caucus (search the video, ‘GOP caucus worker can’t stand scrutiny’, or check out his FaceBook page where he made the “stuffing the straw-poll ballot box” statement.
Boy, Ali Perry and John Haydon, of the disgraced bItV, are really in fever-swamp land. John Haydon’s thin skin is really in full outbreak. Haydon apparently does not understand PR or media, Fair Use, or stealing of property. I can’t help him. Hey, John, how goes BITV? Are you still defending the disgraced phony BITV? The erratic director and his non-funny crime activities?
Under ObamaCare therapy will be cheap, John and Ali. Hold on comrades. Help is on the way.
Here is another Jasper Jr. video for you, Jim. Or should I refer to you as Thucidies? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUvXVZm1pj0
And look, Jim. Here is your Caucus video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM09lCU9Xsg&feature=related
Couldn’t forget this old favorite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ42EIHS4Io&list=UUAy9Z3_qaT6OlvcouQAL9BQ&index=9&feature=plcp
So, Jim. Are you finally admitting that you have been stealing your own signs all these years and making false reports? You should be ashamed of yourself.
“I am a man of the highest standards and I have always comported myself accordingly.” James m. Olsen
LOL.
Highest standards? Olsen? Seriously? He questions the mental state of any who contest him, associates himself with the likes of the racist misogynist Robert Tilden Medley, spams the local papers with his papers in lieu of now banned presence in the comments section, and then he makes fun of women’s name? Olsen the fellow who is a historical revisionist and who believes the Japanese on our island were all spies and that it was right for them to be interred and forfeit their jobs, their homes, and their lives? Olsen who got served a restraining order to prevent entering a local middle school as a result of his rabid pursuit of said revised history? Olsen who was not permitted entry into membership at the local American Legion post despite his self-declared “stellar service” in the military (reserves)? Olsen who ran on the Republican ticket and accused elected officials of “toking” illegal substances? Olsen who called his fellow islanders “louse” and “braindead gonadless losers” on the Bainbridge Review’s Facebook comments section and on Twitter? Olsen who calls local private citizens “Mochi eaters”, “PNK Comrades” and yet compares himself to Martin Luther King, Jr? Olsen who actively campaigned against a levy for our local schools with the slogan, “Vote No 4 Kids!” and called a local mother of toddlers “Readender”? Olsen who is not forthright in his financial disclosures with the state election commission? Olsen who can’t even get elected to the sewer commission’s district 2 position #2? That Olsen?
Oh, you are right, Miss Perry, there is nothing to see here but a pompous narcissistic blow hard who obviously does not recognize that character does count in our elected officials. He also apparently does not realize that what he print online actually does get indexed and lives on in posterity with the help of tools like Google. Thank goodness for that and screen captures! We can share his hate and thuggery with the rest of the world!
Just Sayin’ – RC
Actually The Fonz was more entertaining.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpraJYnbVtE
It is sad how Americans are attacking Americans. Is it too late to get rid of priority to a political party? Is it too late to unite behind the US and WA state constitution? Does anyone here honestly think they can write a better one? Do any of the people on this site realize they are promoting the death of freedom by their riducule of each other and the lack of tolerance so often loudly proclaimed but never practiced? I was at one of those meetings where Mr. Olsen was treated terribly rude and he was polite wishing only to participate and to get what he sees happening also addressed. What is wrong with that? Do you hope the same happens to you, whoever you are and whatever you believe? We, Americans, had better seek out ways of focusing on what we agree with and how to solve our issues w/o this obedeience to a deliberate plan to divide and conquer, ending the only free country that has ever existed in all of man’s history. It is nothing to be wisecracking over or to demean others. It is the most serious issue of the day. We have lost our rights and so many of us have resorted to blame the “other side.” Well blame yourself too then because the “sides” strategy is the problem, neither of them are right, only the constitution can save us. Vote Ron Paul 2012 and help us restore some sanity and some harmony. Please stop perpetuating our certain demise. Wake up.
Ron Paul…another doddering old cranky fool…racist, misogynist, and out of touch. Hey! Perhaps that is who Olsen is channeling? Now we know!
“I was at one of those meetings where Mr. Olsen was treated terribly rude…”
Colleen,
While rudeness is always rude (and I am against it), perhaps Mr. Olsen’s reputation preceded him at this event (his secret personality is well known, at least on Bainbridge Island, although I know not of which event you speak), and he was just receiving some very well deserved payback. As one of many people whom Mr. Olsen has screwed with personally (I have copies of letters and statements he has made about me containing less than truthful things, not to mention the dozens and dozens of anonymous posts, since identified, calling me and others criminals, drug user’s etc. etc), I’m surprised he is treated with anything less than ridicule and rudeness. But I do agree with you that the blame game is pretty pointless. The main thing is, especially after seeing this ridiculous Donkey video (and goodness gracious, all the others!!), we must do all we can to make sure that Drew Hansen is elected as our Representative in the 23rd District, and, forgive me if this is rude, keep Mr. O regulated to the side of the road where his barkings can do no harm other than to further alienate his neighbors and blight our public right of ways.
Colleen your a Ron Paul supporter. Ha , you never cease to amaze me . You rebel . ;0) Must say I like half his stuff , but his other half appear to be totally out of the loop in regards to foreign policy especially. Also he does seem to have some very loud conspiratoral followers, not that he believes in some of the 9/11 conspiacy theories himself and such . But would love to discuss it with you sometime , kind to have conversations around here . Did he speak at the last GOP presidental convention ?
@ Mick, this Colleen does not support Ron Paul for President because of how extreme his foreign policy is. I do enjoy some of his domestic ideas and think he makes a great Senator to help balance out the pool.
We have a weak Republican field at the Presidential level, because for far too long, Republicans have passed weak candidates through the ranks from the local level all the way to the top. They has passed them along simply because they were a warm, willing and manageable body that was eager to campaign on things supporters wanted to hear or even worse because they were NOT the incumbent.
It is still going on. I look at several of the local Republican candidates that currently meet this criteria and I am really saddened that this once Grand Party has lost so, so much at a time when this country needs what it once was the most.
Colleen SMIDT
Whoops did not notice the name difference , sorry to both . But yes Colleen Smidt I do notice the way republicans and democrats differ greatly in polished cadidates in our local politics anyway . But maybe just being the devils advocate on this one , that is also a good thing . Having someone too slick can have its drawbacks too . President Obama is a good example , a great speaker , truly comes off as someone w is truthful and concerned . But look how often he speaks to the issues of theincreased population that has entered into poverty under his administration . Never . He concentratedon his Partys issues , not the economy . The lackuster economy , housing sales at all time low , boomers retiring at 62 becase the lost their jobs and can’t wait till 65 to get their SS. Would not we both want , democrat or republican a guy in there who would say yikes people are hurting under these policies , we need to try something else . No , it would be political suicide if politicians did that for their party and he would loose trust and support of his party . Thats our problem, we have professional politcians representing power , maybe we need a few folks in there more like the average guy , who cares more about his country then winning the next election cycle. I gave up on the republicans too, just spinning my wheels . I wish I had charisma and could speak better , but its a shame that is what is more important these days . Or in the case of political coverage , itsmore important attracting the gotcha game and reporting on it then the real issues .
@Mick, It’s ok, That has happened before when multiple “Colleen’s are posting at the same time.
Yes I agree on the slick issue but I was not talking about wanting slick, just well rounded, proven civic participants that have more than a 5 minute history of boots on the ground experience working issues they care about, from the citizen side, through the public agency they are now wanting an elected seat to steward.
Is it really too much to ask, that potential candidates have spent some time doing their homework by attending many official meetings, providing written and spoken testimony as a citizen to their elected officials they now criticize or have participated in or around volunteer citizen advisory committees?
One of the biggest disconnects voters complain about is how they feel that many elected officials are disconnected from the citizens and do not appreciate or respect the citizen part of the process. This applies to both parties.
How then can a candidate for a local elected position having not participated at all or at only the most minimal levels since they decided to run and not having worked the citizen process then realistically go on to represent citizens and respect or protect that process? It is egotistically mind-numbing.
It is very possible to win a political race, to receive guidance from the American Legislative Exchange Council and become one of the admired legislators of our time. See Sister Angel for a study example. Check the number of legislative issues put forward during her tenure.
It is also possible to develop an agenda that questions the decisions made by those elected to a position. If one attends public meetings with a closed or rarely opened mind. one might consider oneself electable without ever intending to represent the majority.