Chatham Chatlist Highlights» gentlemen’s club

Mayor Voller’s post is not a hoax

Chatlist Moderator — Sat, 09 May 2009 02:14:47 +0000

Date: Fri, 01 May 2009 12:26:58 -0400
From: Cindy Moore
Subject: that one is NOT a hoax

The one about the gentleman’s club may be a hoax but did everyone read on down about the comments from Mayor Voller and listing Steve’s name?????

that one is NOT a hoax and has had A LOT of comments……not all supportive

Pray!

We think the gentlemen’s club post is a hoax

Chatlist Moderator — Sat, 09 May 2009 02:13:21 +0000

Date: Fri, 1 May 2009 11:41:28 -0400
From: Lynn Richardson
Subject: we think this is a hoax

Sharon and others, an associate in my office, Chatham County Planning Department, has looked into this posting and we think this is a hoax.

I suppose it could become a reality in the future that Chatham County or the Town of Pittsboro could receive an application such as this, but this posting seems to be bogus.

Have a good day, Lynn Richardson

Does Mr. Voller have a problem with people who have a different opinion?

Chatlist Moderator — Sat, 09 May 2009 02:12:08 +0000

Date: Fri, 1 May 2009 11:18:19 -0400 (EDT)
From: Sharon Thomas
Subject: Randy Voller’s Post

Mr. Voller – Do you have a problem with people having a different opinion than you?

Today, I read a post in the Chatlist that a gentlemans club is waiting to come to Chatham County if this passes. Is this the way to better the quality of life in Chatham County? Believe it or not, there are people who object to Liquor by the Drink and the effects that it will have .

“VOTE AGAINST LIQUOR BY THE DRINK” on May 5th

Sharon Thomas

Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:42:48 -0400
From: Randy Voller
Subject: Official Opposition has surfaced to the “mixed beverage referendum in Chatham County

Apparently the Sandy Creek Creek Baptist Association Against Liquor by the Drink formed on April 24, 2009 and today ( 4/29/09 ) filed with the Chatham County Board of Elections.

The treasurer is Steve Moore and the mailing address is 2430 Silk Hope Gums
Spring Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
The phone number listed is 919-542-4974

Best Regards,
Mayor Randy Voller, Chair of Positive Revenue Options

Jeffrey Starkweather goes ballistic over the fake gentlemen’s club press release

Chatlist Moderator — Sat, 09 May 2009 01:55:56 +0000

Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:06:08 -0400
From: Jeffrey Starkweather
Subject: Anonymous gentleman’s club post was a sick joke

I was sickened to read on the “family oriented” Chatham Chatlist the pornographic spoof posted on Wednesday by an anonymous poster, “Anna Lyst” , entitled ” Gentleman’s Club plans to move into Chatham County if liquor by the drink is approved.”

This was a feeble attempt at satire and it was clear to me from the title of this post that some opponents of the May 5th mixed-beverage referendum will go to any length to spread false
fears among chatlist readers in hopes misleading them into voting against the referendum. Since I did not care much for the Sopranos’ extremely violent television series I was not aware of the obvious references to that TV show, such as the fact that Silvio Dante was a Mafia character in the Sopranos who ran a strip club.

I was also informed that one reader actually called the number listed on this chatlist post as the contact information for this supposed gentleman’s club and discovered it was a porn site. Thus, any minor reading this chatlist post now has the number of a telephone sex line. Nice move “Anna Lyst.”

This poster’s real identity should be publicly exposed by the Chatlist Moderator and he or she should be permanently banned from the chatlist.

Mayor Randy Voller, chair of Positive Revenue Options (PRO), the pro business mixed-drink referendum committee that includes the Chatham County Chamber of Commerce, and I had contacted the League of Women Voters some time back to see if the League would host a public forum/debate on the referendum. With all the false rumors and fears we had heard expressed by both we felt it was important that the public judge for iself the factual support for the views of the supporters and opponents of this referendum. The League agreed to host but could not find an opponent willing to debate us in public. I also understand when the local newspaper were writing stories on the referendum they had a hard time finding opponents willing to speak. We even posted our frustration on this chatlist and none of the chatlist readers came forward to debate us in public, including “Anna Lyst.”

To be blunt about anonymous poster “Anna Lyst.” He or she is simple a unprincipled “coward.” If you want to be part of a public debate about issues in Chatham then you should at least be willing to come forward publicly and make positive arguments for your position, not rely on pornographic spoofs.

As to the substance, PRO has on several occasions pointed out the false fear about honky-tonks joints being located in rural communities or quiet neighborhoods. If Chatham were to have such joints they would already be there with the less expensive beer and wine licenses currently available. Before a mixed-beverage license is allowed, the State ABC Board requires criminal and background checks on owners, managers and bartenders. Thirty per cent of the total sales must be from food. The license is $1,000 a year, in addition to the $400 each for beer and wine. And local governments can essentially veto a location of such a restaurant in a community by demonstrating that it will be “detrimental” to
its character and safety.

Beyond these regulations, those areas of the county that are zoned have a further protection because most of the zoning in rural areas in residential-agriculture and it would require a
rezoning to commercial to locate a restaurant there. The county commissioners have pretty much unfettered authority to deny or grant a rezoning request. Residents living in unzoned areas of the county may want to petition the commissioners now for zoning.

Finally, I believe this damaging and disgusting anonymous post is a perfect example why anonymous posts should not be allowed on the Chatlist. They allow irresponsible posters such as “Anna Lyst” to broadcast false facts and rumors and to personally attack people without being held accountable.

Jeffrey Starkweather
PRO Campaign Advisor
Chatham County Economic Development Board

A few responses to the previous Chatlist

Chatlist Moderator — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:34:34 +0000

Date: Mon, 04 May 2009 16:32:23 -0400
From: CrYpTiK
Subject: A few responses to the previous Chatlist

A few responses to the previous Chatlist, bottom-posted for chronological happy times. All offensive and caustic, of course.
——————– ——————–
Date: Sun, 3 May 2009 07:41:48 EDT
From: Kathie Russell
Subject: AnyLyst crap

I’m not too sure you are right in this, Gene, since at least two posters on this chatlist digest have admitted being influenced by the hoax posting.

I’d contend that if people are intellectually irresponsible enough to be influenced by such a “hoax posting” into changing their opinions solely on the merits of that one individual blurb, perhaps they shouldn’t vote in the first place. Critical thinking, it seems, is severely lacking in America today, and I for one am grateful that the Anna Lyst post revealed to many on the Chatlist just how easily their thoughts can be swayed when they choose to take everything spoken by everyone as gospel. Secondarily, it also helped to spark discussion on the use of government powers to force one group’s chosen morality onto others, yet another topic which is sorely in need of more public discourse. One even said she would like a drink but after reading the bogus post, she realized she didn’t want liquor by the drink here. How many others who did not post a response read it and, not understanding it was fiction, were
horrified into a casting a “no” vote? Not everyone gets cable, I have never seen the Sopranos. I knew the post was fake but I never heard of Silvio Dante. Don’t be too sure this post didn’t earn some “no” votes in this election.

Such easily swayed people are not intellectually responsible enough to be voting in the first place. Because they can, however, it is our job to educate them and help them to grow to the point that they can analyze all of the facts before settling on an opinion instead of being a mindless sock puppet come time to make an informed decision. If you choose to allow anonymous posting, fine. But if that’s the case, you should screen the posts so that blatant crap like that doesn’t get out there. Failing that, you should print a formal notice that the post was fraudulent. Otherwise, you just may be influencing the election in an extremely unfair and undemocratic way.

The fake name attached to it should have been the first hint it wasn’t a real post. ”Anna Lyst” = analyst…I think that makes it fairly clear that the message is to be taken with a grain of salt. Much as how I use the moniker “CrYpTiK” to post leads the reader to perhaps view my posting in a more critical fashion, so the faux nom de plume about Tony’s Cabaret should have invoked some doubt as well. The difference between “Anna” and myself is that I take on a handle in lieu of my real name because people are extremely poor at separating a person from that person’s opinions, particularly when dealing with emotionally charged topics. I don’t feel like being on the other end of a figurative flamethrower “in real life” just because I’m willing to go against popular views. I feel that my consistent appearance on this Chatlist differentiates me from one-shot anonymous posters such as “Anna” and that I am living proof that a more open and unedited discussion on controversial topics can be enabled by the shroud of anonymity.
——————– ——————–
Date: Sun, 3 May 2009 21:10:53 -0400
From: Hollie Smith
Subject: More Official Opposition to LBD surfaces in Chatham County

Looks like Randy Voller and Jeffrey Starkweather of Positive Revenue Options face more official opposition

Apparently several more groups have formed and filed with the Chatham Board of Election.

* Moncure Muslims Against Mixed Beverages Association

* Atheists Against Alcohol by the Drink Association

Religion-Rooted Zealotry Against Other People Doing What Said Zealots Want To Force Them Not To Do By Authority Of God Or Lack Thereof Association.

You’re right, I guess that title’s a bit lofty. Explains the more “well-meaning” names they chose, I suppose. When a drunk driver coming home from Chapel Hill runs over a car full of your children one fine evening, just remember that you folks had the chance to vote to let people social-drink closer to home, okay? Don’t cry on my shoulder when forcing your morals onto others harms your own. Thanks in advance for being so considerate. Sincerely, me.

We are not all sophisticated enough to tease truth from fiction

Chatlist Moderator — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:31:22 +0000

Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 13:47:03 -0400
From: Claire Kane
Subject: phony posting

Unfortunately, I need to weigh in and disagree that we are all sophisticated enough to tease truth from fiction when an undeclared hoax post makes the listand it is NOT April Fools Day.

Many people choose to skim the chatlist most of the time rather than skip it. I do miss some days – but most get a quick look.

I my case, “skim” means that I may not read closely enough to catch subtleties and I don’t read every post. So I especially appreciate topic lines that clearly describe the message contents.

In the case of Anna Lyst, I went by too fast to get the pun. And guess what? SAD TO SAY, the fears and phony plans expressed in this tongue-in-cheek article were not any more outrageous than the dirty tricks and fear-mongering that characterized serious attempts to confuse the facts in Chatham County during other election cycles. I will leave other’s to get to the bottom of that. In my case, I skimmed this one and registered a: “Something-doesn’t-smell-right.-It’s-too-unbelievable!-But:-whatever!” andkept skimming the rest of the chatlist. Once it was brought to my attention,also by chatlist posts, I realized my error. Of course – it’s a fake. But you all had to spell it out for me.

I betcha I am not the only one that goes through the chatlist that way.

So to get the facts, for the sake of those of us who would like a more prosperous community, (where some day, maybe we can even come to work every day instead of leaving town!), please visit http://www.chathamvote4mixedbeverages.org/ and get facts on all aspects of this issue.

And do take the time, even out of a busy day, to make sure to cast your
vote.

Sincerely,

Claire Kane

Only a JOKE?! Is the Chatham Chatlist becoming the Onion?

Chatlist Moderator — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:13:24 +0000

Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 08:39:23 -0400
From: Kachergis
Subject: Only a JOKE?! Is the Chatlist becoming the Onion?

Those who posted the misinformation about the “Gentlemen’s Club” and then came back a few days later saying “it was only a joke” remind me of a young school child who has committed some misdeed trying to squirm out from under their guilt saying, “I was only kidding.”

Yes I was fooled by the original post (briefly), and I know that others were too. Gene can run the Chatham Chatlist however he wishes but once again, we all have to recognize that anonymous posts have little credibility. Freedom of speech/freedom of expression is great, but you have to know that you won’t be warmly received if you wear a mask into a bank or a store, or yell “fire” when there is none in a crowded theater, even if you are only joking.

Karl G. Kachergis

Funny Chatlist fiction about gentlemen’s club

Chatlist Moderator — Mon, 04 May 2009 05:14:00 +0000

Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:51:35 -0400
From: John Bonitz john.bonitz@gmail.com
Subject: FUNNY FICTION Re: liquor by the drink

Dear Neighbors,

I awoke this morning to a piece of Chatlist fiction that was at first shocking, then quite funny!

Perhaps others read the salacious ‘news’ of a New Jersey company seeking to open a ‘gentlemens club’ here in Chatham? The so-called ‘press release’ began by saying this would happen “if liquor by the drink is approved.”

I’ve seen a few sketchy press releases in my days, but this one takes the cake! It was totally laughable! The first thing that set-off my skeptic-alarm was the idea that a New Jersey business would pick tiny little Chatham County to build a strip-tease joint! Fayetteville, maybe. But Chatham?!? No way.

Sure enough, the email address of the sender was faked, and so was the address for the supposed New Jersey company:

http://www.rolosoft.com/software/email-check/wa/lite/validate.aspx
Email Date checked Status
alystnc@gmail.com 4/30/2009 2:30:43 PM Not valid
dsilvio4637@gmail.com 4/30/2009 2:31:40 PM Not valid

Then I checked with a friend who knows a lot about county planning ordinances. I was assured that our zoning does not allow either ‘gentlemens clubs’ or adult book stores.

The funniest part of this story is the origin of “Tony’s Cabaret.” A quick google search delivered a half dozen literary references to this fictional establishment, including one novel called “Northwoods Pulp” by Thomas Sparrow. Suffice it to say, the use of ‘gentlemens club’ in this novel gave me new perspectives on the phrase. (Don’t look it up if you’re offended by tawdry language.)

I’d just like to thank the anonymous author of this funny piece of fiction for brightening my day with a laugh! Such blatant fear-mongering about liquor-by-the-drink actually helps more than hurts. I thank you for it!

I support the liquor-by-the-drink referendum because our county must have more tax revenue to meet the demands of new residential development (thanks to Bunkey and gang!). I am also in favor of allowing existing restaurants more options to boost sales. If an adult wants to spend money on a liquor drink with dinner, and a licensed bartender is serving, why should we prevent it? I am also assured by the studies showing that drinking and driving is no higher in wet counties than in dry counties. http://chathamvote4mixedbeverages.org/ Finally, I am confident that it will help our community.

I voted early. You can too! http://www.chathamnc.org/Index.aspx?page=872

Y’all go vote in favor of this referendum!

John Bonitz
Pittsboro, NC

Gentlemen’s Club taps into public fears on MANY different levels

Chatlist Moderator — Mon, 04 May 2009 05:11:14 +0000

Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:41:29 -0400
From: julia kennedy
Subject: Re: Non-existant Gentlemens Club

Re: Non-existant Gentlemens Club

Although deserving points for creative writing, the author of this “Press Release” is obviously using a ridiculous idea to lend credence to the No LBD movement by tapping into public fears on MANY different levels.

Only the truly gullible will be fooled by this transparent attempt to turn the vote by using this bizarre platform. Does anyone else remember “Weapons of Mass Destruction”?

Julia Kennedy

Bada Bing! The Sopranos are coming to Chatham County!

Chatlist Moderator — Mon, 04 May 2009 05:09:27 +0000

Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:26:54 +0000
From: Joan
Subject: Bada Bing! The Sopranos are coming to Chatham County!

Anna -

Great post! I always wondered what was going to happen to Tony and his family after the fadeout of the last episode of the Sopranos. Now I know, they are on their way to Chatham.

Wonder where they are going to live – Governors Club? Briar Chapel? Chapel Ridge? The Preserve?

Joan