Barnstable Commissioner: Is Civil War Preferable To Socialism?

BARNSTABLE, MA — "Would a civil war be preferable to allowing radical socialists to take over American society and the United States government?" that's the question Barnstable County Commissioner Ronald Beaty is being criticized for asking. Beaty, a Republican from West Barnstable who's in the midst of a re-election bid, posted the question as a poll on his Facebook page.

The Facebook post generated more than 70 comments, some of which local officials perceived as advocating violence.

"Yes, a war would give us a chance to execute the enemies of our country," one of the replies read.

"Necessary vs. preferable," another wrote. "I would never prefer to have Americans killing Americans, however it may be necessary at some point."

Beaty, in an op-ed on Patch, said he has nothing to apologize for and he has a right to post the poll and ask the question.

"As I have stated in the past, in this country, we have something called the United States Constitution, which includes our First Amendment Right to Freedom of Speech," Beaty said. "I happen to be an elected public official who frequently asks questions, and chooses to exercise that God-given Right from time to time. Moreover, in speaking my mind, I am not politically correct and hope others will speak their minds in an equally candid fashion as well."

But some public officials said Beaty's question was troubling and could fuel violence, the Cape Cod Times reported.

State Rep. Timothy Whelan, R-Brewster, told the Times he found the comments "deeply troubling and unbecoming of any elective office." County Administrator John Yuntis Jr. said Beaty's comments were unnecessary.

"Within 36 hours of two hate crimes against religious groups by unstable persons, it's hardly the time to call for violent responses," Yuntis told the Times.

Beaty said he will not resign and will continue forward with his re-election campaign.

"Since I have done nothing wrong, then I have absolutely nothing to apologize for, and most assuredly will not consider resigning from my position as Barnstable County Commissioner," Beaty wrote on Patch. "Unlike a majority of elected public officials in Massachusetts, I am no 'rubber stamp politician' for the various special interest groups who control them. I am a candid and transparent individual who works for the voters, taxpayers and citizens of Cape Cod and Barnstable County."

This wasn't the first time there's been controversy after comments Beaty made. Several Cape officials called for Beaty to resign in Februrary after he took to Twitter to ask if gay politicians are too "self-absorbed" and "self-centered" to represent all their constituents.