When we think about political corruption, the images of greedy corporations like big tobacco and the NRA come to mind, but what would you say if you knew that your local policians were in the pocket of Big Fireworks?
It turns out that’s exactly what’s happened in Austin, Texas, where local State Representative Jason Isaac is vocally and openly encouraging his constituents to get out there and blow some sh*t up in the interest of his bangin’ buddies in the fireworks industry.
In an email released by Isaac’s official campaign site, the rep. tells his supporters that shooting of fireworks isn’t just fun – it’s their patriotic duty!
After sharing an anecdote about how 1776 John Adams said that independence should be celebrated with “bonfires and illuminations,” Isaac said that that was damn sure a reference to some sparklers, black cats, and roman candles.
“Safe and responsible fireworks use yields an invaluable, unquantifiable benefit: bringing communities together and reminding us that, despite our differences, we share the same heritage and values.”
Isaac’s email was rife with American spirit and pro-firework propaganda because he has received a tidy $60,000 donation in 2014 and 2015 from Chester Davis, CEO of American Fireworks. For a member of the House, that is not a small sum.
This is a more innocent version of the usual campaign corruption we see every day. This close relationship with the fireworks industry is training wheels for corruption and we can no doubt expect to see Isaac graduating to bigger and better deals in the future – they grow up so fast!
P.S., if you ask me, Isaac could have saved himself some time and just attached the scene from “Joe Dirt” where he visits a lackluster firework stand. That guy knew a thing or two about the patriotic imperative of fireworks.
Watch.
