Pointing Out the Lies, Telling Truth

As your President I deal with serious issues every day facing the largest statewide law enforcement organization in the state and our more than 18,000 members. Right now there can be no greater focus than this upcoming legislative session and what happens to your hard earned retirement. Every single day I stay in touch with the CLEAT lobby team as we navigate the choppy waters of political endorsements and plan our strategy for 2013. It is critical that CLEAT stay focused on what really matters – your retirement, and not allow those who have no plan for the future to distract from keeping our eyes on the real prize.

However, sometimes we have to pause and point out when someone is lying about CLEAT. The people telling these lies are also pushing that other state organization and it seems that their lies have picked up recently to the point where a response is necessary. Consider the most recent round of deceits:

LIE #1: Just last week rumor started in one Texas city that CLEAT has endorsed President Barrack Obama. Now, that would be funny if it weren’t so desperate, petty and sad. Of course, CLEAT hasn’t endorsed anyone for President and won’t be endorsing anyone for this office. Texas is currently a Republican state, law enforcement officers generally reflect the most conservative political viewpoints, and our endorsement process is all about state legislative races and putting our support in areas where we work to affect the outcome that benefits you and your family.

LIE #2. In this same city another rumor started that CLEAT is affiliated with organized labor. The fact is that CLEAT was affiliated with the Communication Workers back in the 1990’s but dropped the affiliation many years ago. Whoever started this silly rumor clearly hasn’t been paying attention.

LIE #3. A rumor in this lying game broke out in another city where the liars are claiming CLEAT is broke financially. Here are the facts that show CLEAT’s AAA financial condition: a cash reserve of more than $1 million; real estate holdings worth more almost $4 million (with a building completely paid for); and an annual operating budget of almost $7 million And then there’s the CLEAT Executive Director challenge: 3 years ago he challenged any person, member or non-member, to review all of CLEAT’s finances but at the end of the review, agree to sign an affidavit attesting to CLEAT’s excellent financial condition – in more than 3 years not one person has taken up this challenge.

LIE #4. Another lie in this same city is that one of CLEAT’s leaders is being indicted for embezzling money. The lie about embezzlement is ludicrous and outrageous. CLEAT has strict internal budget controls, a diligent Finance Committee, and an annual audit to insure the most rigid compliance with financial standards by our leaders and staff. Whoever the sleaze ball is who has the audacity to put out this rumor is a pitiful human being who doesn’t deserve to be a police officer or work for any organization that conducts itself with integrity

CLEAT is run by real law enforcement officers who are elected by real law enforcement officers. Our reputation was made on telling the truth. Here’s how CLEAT views lying: