Why would local Republicans back a dude who pepper sprayed police?

Enough is enough is enough.

My name is Jeff Pearlman.

I was reluctant, initially, to actually lead with that. Not because I’m shy, but because politics can be dirty and ugly. Plus, I’ve been a journalist for more than three decades, and I feed my family via my career as an author. So is it wise to begin a new political endeavor with my name? Maybe, maybe not.

But, truly, I don’t give a shit. Because, more than anything, I am simultaneously mad and determined. Mad, because the Republican Party of my father (Stan Pearlman¹ was a Reagan voter) has left us, and in its place is this creepy Trump-obedient circus tent of public servants who somehow forgot that they represent the United States of America, not the whims of an aspiring authoritarian. And determined, because—like you, I’m guessing—I love this country and I love this state and I love Orange County. And I am willing to fight for it.

Hence, The Truth OC.

•••

In case you haven’t noticed, journalism (as a profession) is struggling. Back in 1994, upon graduating from the University of Delaware, I started my career as a reporter for The (Nashville) Tennessean. Our downtown office was bustling; occupied by hundreds of writers and photographers and editors determined to cover the city. Hell, there were actually two Nashville dailies at the time—The Tennessean and the Banner. Spirits were high and media was rolling. After 2 1/2 years in Dixie, I returned to my New York homeland to become a writer for Sports Illustrated. Again, this was the heyday of print, and the magazine would spare no dime in pursuit of stories. You traveled everywhere. You picked up bills. You were granted up-close access. It was glorious.

Alas, that was then. Nowadays, those dwindling newspapers that exist are bare-boned, carved out and largely staffed by inexperienced, low-paid hustlers trying their best but overwhelmed by the tidal wave we all endure. Truth be told, while the employees of joints like the Orange County Register and Los Angeles Times do their absolute best, local and regional coverage is as poor as I’ve ever seen it. The ball is dropped time after time after time. It’s no one’s fault. It just … is.

Which is why I’m starting The Truth OC. I am a SoCal-based journalist, and writing and reporting and truth-seeking … well, those are parts of my DNA. I am also a Democrat who has been horrified by what this nation is quickly becoming. Having written a book about a long-ago football league Donald Trump ruined, I’ve long been aware of his callousness; his indifference; his cruelty; his conniving ways. As I’ve long maintained, Trump is the mid-1980s Times Square huckster, trying to con tourists with a shell game atop a cardboard box. How others don’t see it … well, it’s beyond me.

And what gets me—like, what truly gets me—is how, even out here in savvy, educated, (largely) informed Orange County, people have fallen for his garbage. It reminds me of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” where one soul after another is consumed, overwhelmed, hallowed.

So, to hell with it—I’m starting The Truth OC to bring the heat. To raise awareness to the craziness of (much of) the local GOP. To remind people that there is a better way. A saner way. A more American way.

Which leads me to our opening topic.

This …

What you are looking at is a flyer, brought forth by the Republican Club of Laguna Woods.

Look at it.

Look at it twice.

The organization, which is supported and backed and fed by myriad Orange County Republican office holders and officials, has decided to welcome Jeffrey Scott Brown to speak at its March 7 meeting. And if you’re thinking, “Well, on the flyer Jeffrey Scott Brown looks to be a cheerful ol’ chap …” let’s dig a little deeper.

On Jan. 6, 2021, Brown used stolen police pepper spray against officers at the U.S. Capitol. According to NBC News, Brown “was handed pepper spray that another man had taken from a police bag, and then he sprayed police officers with the irritant as the officers were trying to hold a line, officials said.” Brown, the article said, “was found guilty of seven counts, including assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcements officers using a dangerous weapon; and interfering with a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder, both felonies.” One can read his entire case right here.

Brown was sentenced to 54 months in prison, but—of course—was set free earlier this year when Trump pardoned all the morons who believed his lies about a rigged election let the rioters go.

Heck, here’s a lovely video about Brown’s exploits …

And maybe you’re thinking, “Wait! The flyer says Brown is a good guy! A great guy! The best guy! Look! He was an Eagle Scout! He has a passion for outdoor sports! He’s a pilot!”

Eh, um, well … in December of 2020, perhaps as a pre-pepper spraying law enforcement workout, Brown hit up Tustin’s very own Costco, climbed atop a table and began shouting down customers in some sort of Mt. Kookacrazy anti-mask diatribe.

Here’s the photo …

And even better, here’s the video …

Yes, bruh is cray-cray.

And I wanna make something clear: I don’t give a shit about Jeffrey Scott Brown. Sincerely. He’s clearly been infected by the MAGA brain worm, and I suppose that’s his right. But explain to me this: You’re Patricia Micone, president of the Republican Club of Laguna Woods. You’re 77-years old. You remember the GOP of Ford, of Reagan, of the Bushes. You remember fighting for, oh, lower taxes, maybe issues involving abortion or, oh, relations with Iran and Russia. Hell, on your Facebook page you literally have this as one of your images …

And now your group is excitedly having Jeffrey Scott Brown—A MAN WHO MACED POLICE OFFICERS!!!!!!!—come to the ol’ clubhouse and talk. You don’t care that he went after law enforcement. You don’t care that he hurt people. You don’t care that Jan. 6 is one of the shameful days in modern American history. You simply no longer care, because … hmm. Jesus, I don’t know why.

But, I assure you, in the days, weeks, months and years to follow, I will be using this platform to draw attention to this level of inanity. To bring light to the nonsense. To expose the lunatics and, hopefully, help pave the way.

Please join me.

— Jeff Pearlman

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1. RIP