Pennsylvania mayor's anti-Obama Facebook posts spark outrage
Technically Incorrect: Charles Wasko, mayor of West York, says he isn't interested in being politically correct.
Technically Incorrect offers a slightly twisted take on the tech that's taken over our lives.
One of Wasko's posts.
Recent times have suggested leadership and statesmanship are being redefined.
Decorum and diplomacy are being replaced by rudeness and ranting.
Perhaps, therefore, it shouldn't be surprising that an elected official's Facebook page is adorned with images and words that some might describe as appalling, disgraceful or stunningly ignorant.
Charles Wasko, mayor of West York in Pennsylvania, posted an image of orangutans in a wheelbarrow, together with the considered caption: "Aww...Moving Day at the Whitehouse has finally arrived."
"Not soon enough," opined the mayor.
That was in June.
Another from February, noticed by Talking Points Memo, featured Clint Eastwood in his role in "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly." Eastwood is clutching a noose. The caption to it: "Barry, This rope is for you. You wanna bring that empty chair over here."
Wasko didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
On Facebook, however, he insisted: "Sorry, But I will not be politically correct, I say what is on my mind and what I believe in, I say what people think but are afraid to upset the liberal media and crooked politicians....there will be more to come from me."
That's something to look forward to.
Some of his fellow council members are sickened. Brian Wilson, for example, told the York Daily Record that he intends to ask the mayor to resign at an upcoming council meeting on Monday. Another council member, Shelley Metzler told the Record: "I would punch him in the mouth if I could get away with it."
The only way Wasko can be removed from office is either by a court or by committing a crime.
It seems that he's built of sterner stuff than resignation, although you must decide that stuff's composition.
Some might see his rope post as suggesting President Barack Obama's lynching. Is that sort of thing at least against Facebook's opaque rules? The company didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
In the meantime, Wasko continues to use his Facebook page to think aloud.
One of his latest images, posted September 26, shows coffins bearing American flags. The caption: "Would the suppressed millionaire, NFL quarterback, who would not stand for the National Anthem please point out which of these guys are black so that we can remove the offensive flag."
To this, Duane R. Gross posted in reply: "This is pathetic and in bad taste as a Mayor. You are in office to serve all your [constituents] NOT JUST THE WHITE ONES."
The disturbance continues.