Newsgroups: bit.listserv.politics
Date:         Thu, 30 Jul 1992 13:12:06 EDT
From:         Tim Johnson <ST402711@BROWNVM.BITNET>
Subject:      Mr. Johnson meets the press.

  "Mr. Johnson, how do you respond to these accusations levelled
by the Kerry campaign concerning a (and I quote) 'disturbingly
anti-American tendency with regard to the consumption of alcohol,
specifically beer.' "

  "It is quite clear that Kerry campaign is resorting to desperate
tactics, now, as they find their popularity sinking.  I would like
to say that I think it is a shame that they have to sink to
negative campaigning at all, but to do so in such callous disregard
for the facts is a low moment in the political process.  I will
reaffirm that we, on the JohnsoN/OlsoN ticket not only have
consistently gone on record as having supported the right of
every American to good beer ("A six-pack in every fridge") but
that we fully support and promote the grass-roots American
microbrewery efforts.  In fact, as has been noted, we participate
directly in the process.  We stand on our record as brewers,
and challenge the Kerry campaign to offer similar tangible proof
of their commitment."

  "A follow up question, if I may:  What motivation do you think
the Kerry campaign could have for asserting that you are 'anti-
American' in your beer policies, when in fact it is well known
that you brew your own beer, here, in America, with 100% American
malt and hops?"

  "Well, as tempting as it may be to regard such comments as
malicious, I suspect instead that the Kerry campaign is once
again acting without having been properly informed of the facts.
Beyond that I refuse to speculate, for, as we have noted, we
consider every American's mental health to be their own business."

  "Mr Johnson, you and Mr Olson have been accused of being
'unconscionably frivolous.'  How do you respond to such charges."

  "I prefer to let my running mate, Gary, speak for himself
on this issue; but, as far as I am concerned, I have nothing
to hide.  I am indeed a card carrying member of the AFLU
(American Frivolous Liberties Union).  Frivolous is not a
dirty word, and I find the Kerry campaign's efforts to create
some sort of stigma about frivolousness a cheap tactic."

  "Is it true, as the Kerry campaign has asserted, that your
call for a 'logic czar' is an attempt to control logic?"

  "Well, Tom, I think that such charges speak more loudly than
anything I could say now as to the need for such a position.
As we have said any number of times in the past, the role of the
Logic Czar is to promote and encourage the use of logic...and
to protect against its abuse.  We believe that the more people
who use logic, the better - but misuse of logic, especially as
we have seen in recent times (consider the Wilfred Brimley defense)
calls for tough action.  And if I may amplify on the subject of
bureaucracy - the cabinet position of Secretary of History is a
position which exists, but which simply has been neglected by
previous administrations, and which the Kerry campaign seems intent
on neglecting as well.  We all know the doom of those who choose
to neglect their history - and the Kerry campaign's lack of familiarity
with such important issues as beach-combing for rights, Stimelyism,
and the ilk should leave no doubt in anyone's mind that they, of all
candidates, need concern themselves with finding a strong Secretary
of History.  Humor Czar, by the way, is not a position we have ever
endorsed.  Unlike bad logic, bad humor *should* be tolerated."

  "Would you be willing to discuss reports of a major
endorsement in the works for your campaign?"

  "I'm sorry, I cannot comment on that at this time."

  "Speaking of your running mate, Gary, I was wondering if you had
any remarks about these pictures of him and a companion on a
yacht -"

  "Um, I think we are out of time, here."