Who Was That Masked Man?

The wisest people from years gone by have cautioned us about discussing politics, religion, and war. It’s sound advice, but those who know me can attest that I never have been one to heed the wisdom of others, especially when the topic is the absurd behavior of an elected official who is running for an even more powerful office than the one he now holds.

Yep, I’m referring to the antics of state rep. Stacey Campfield at the UT-South Carolina football game. According to news reports, Campfield was wearing a mask despite announcements before and during the game that doing so was not allowed. Officials at the game said his behavior was bothersome, and he was escorted out of the game.

The representative’s acts should wave a red flag to voters. First, Campfield seems to be defying the rules set by the university. This individual who represents thousands and is charged with enacting laws that will serve the common good seems to think he can pick and choose which laws and rules to obey.

Campfield’s mask was one like some Mexican wrestlers wear. What’s that about? Mexican wrestling is characterized by rapid sequences of holds and moves, as well as high-flying moves. Campfield’s tenure in state government has also been sprinkled with some “high-flying moves.” He tried to introduce a bill that would prevent the mention of anything other than heterosexuality in schools. He then dredged up a bill that would require death certificates for abortions. Another bill attempted to limit which citizens are allowed to buy lottery tickets. All of them are “show” with no go. What seems even more bizarre is these bills have been introduced when such pressing matters as funding the state budget with less money and improving education with fewer resources are on the table.

For some reason, Campfield must not think he’s on the same playing field as the rest of us. He evaded process servers for a lawsuit over a case involving the return of a security deposit to a renter. His failure to address 47 code violations resulted in one of his properties being declared as "unfit for human habitation" and condemned.

Campfield represents a huge chunk of Knox County that includes part of Ball Camp, Ridgedale, Cedar Bluff, Rocky Hill, and Bearden. He is running now to replace Tim Burchett, a tireless worker and popular politician, in the state senate. Campfield has done little to represent his constituents and more to embarrass them with his submissions that gain state and national coverage. Still, he’s been successful in elections. His latest run-in at a UT football game might be one that lands him against the ropes of the political ring. Voters have the opportunity to put a choke hold on this politicians outrageous agenda and to body slam him out of state government. Down for the count, Campfield can return to Knoxville to manage his properties. Who knows? Perhaps he’ll begin a career as Knoxville’s answer to Nature Boy Rick Flair.