Statement Condemning Comments Made by Villa Park Councilwoman Deborah Pauly

The Democratic Party of Orange County (DPOC) strongly condemns the venomous words and threats spoken on 2/13/11 by Villa Park Councilwoman Deborah Pauly, at a rally protesting an ICNA relief event in Yorba Linda. Ms. Pauly also serves as the First Vice President of the Orange County Republican Party.

Councilwoman Pauly characterized the event and those who attended (some with small children) as “sheer, unadulterated evil.” She further threatened the attendees by stating that her US Marine Corps son and other Marines would be willing to “help those terrorists to an early meeting in Paradise.”

The foundation of our democracy lies in the people’s freedom of speech and certainly Ms. Pauly’s reprehensible remarks are included in those rights.

However, the Constitution also provides the right of people to peacefully assemble without threat or intimidation by the government. The Constitution also provides the right of people to exercise their religion without interference by the government by threat or intimidation.

Ms. Pauly was allowed to speak at the rally only because of her official position as an elected councilwoman and as an officer of the Republican Party. So her comments were more than rhetoric by a mere person who chose to inflame and to incite.

As an elected official, Councilwoman Deborah Pauley acted under the color of State law to threaten and intimidate citizens who have constitutional rights, privileges and immunities of assembly and religion. Her actions constitute a misuse of authority and maybe a violation of both federal and state law.

The Democratic Party of Orange County (DPOC) calls upon Councilwoman Pauly to apologize and to retract her threats and for the Orange County Republican Party to publicly state that it does not support anyone who makes such threats.

Please note that the Democratic Party of Orange County (DPOC) is preparing a complaint to be filed with the Federal Bureau of Investigations regarding Councilwoman Pauly’s violation of the attendees constitutional rights under the color of law/authority.

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About Democratic Party of Orange County

Representing over 517, 000 registered Democrats, the Democratic Party is the fastest growing political party in Orange County. We have a proud history of representing and protecting the interests of all Americans.

We believe in:

A healthy economy that creates jobs and promotes a shared success between employers and employees.
A strong, respected America that protects our security when it is threatened, but also emphasizes diplomacy and Democratic values; the foundations of a more peaceful and prosperous world.
Fundamental rights for all Americans, such as: quality healthcare, a world-class education and a clean environment.
Being progressive and adaptive to the challenges of a changing environment, economy and society.

When and Where We Meet:

The Democratic Party of Orange County meets twice a month:
Second Monday of each month: Executive Committee Meeting is held at the DPOC Office, 201 N. Main Street, Mezzanine Level, Santa Ana at 7 pm.
Fourth Monday of each month: Central Committee Meeting is held at the Carpenter’s Union Hall, 1916 N. Chapman Avenue, Orange at 7 pm.

How to Reach Us:

DPOC: gerrieschipske@ocdemocrats.org
Web: www.ocdemocrats.org
Phone: 714 835-5158
Fax: 714 835-3685