Sufficiently descriptive language long ago failed to keep up with the immorality of Joe Mullins. Every time you think this smut of a man has plumbed the last possible depths of depravity–every time you think he couldn’t outdo wishing his opponents Auschwitz-bound trains or ISIStolic beheadings or other forms of bigotry-juiced extermination–this Bible-thumping thug of many talons finds a way yet again to outsmut himself.
In his latest social mierda hurl advertising his radio infomercial he pretends to propose a discussion about sexual predators and domestic violence abusers. For illustration, he features a screenshot of Bill Cosby over one article, and the image of Flagler Beach City Commissioner Eric Cooley’s mugshot over another.
Mullins’s stunt is defamation by false light. From a glass house.
A jury found Bill Cosby guilty of drugging and molesting a woman in a case that featured many other women who testified against him for the same, if uncharged, crime. In all, as NBC news reports, “Sixty women have accused Cosby, 83, of a variety of offenses, including groping, sexual assault and rape as far back as the 1960s.” The statute of limitations had passed for all of them but one, who got him convicted. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned the conviction–not on evidentiary grounds, but on due process grounds: one prosecutor had previously decided not to file charges, the next decided to do so, something the court called a “coercive bait and switch.” Due process is nothing to be trifled with. The decision was correct, even if the outcome was not just.
Cooley was accused of domestic violence in July 2018. The state attorney filed the misdemeanor charge in August and dropped it two months later. It isn’t excusing him to say that due process matters here, too. But of course it does. And voters have excused him. They had a chance to vote him out last March. They stuck with him. The city commission had its own chance to deny him the chairmanship. It did not, for good reason: His record on the commission–and off, for that matter, even before he was elected–has been among the most commendable of local elected officials. County commissioners could learn a few things from him, starting with doing their homework.
But the point of Mullins’s attack–the crux of its depravity–is the equivalency: Cosby, rapist, predator. Cooley, domestic abuser. Same.
No. Not by a mile. Not by a universe. Set aside Cosby and Cooley for a moment. Never mind that while the two issues do at times intersect, the equivalency fails as obviously as if he were to say that–for example–if some county commissioners are idiots, as some clearly are, then all county commissioners are idiots, as most clearly are not. You’re better off examining predators and domestic abusers (or idiots) singly if bringing light to an issue is your aim. But this isn’t about bringing light to anything. It’s the opposite.
Mullins’s infomercial is a political gutter. He smears. He props up his smallness by debasing others. And he does so with blinders to his own personal rot. If it’s depraved equivalencies he’s comfortable with, his inclusion of Cooley in that posting is no different than if Cooley were to do the same on his page and imply that Mullins is a whoremonger, just because the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigated the allegation that he was (as it did last year). Never mind that the FDLE found no grounds to pursue. Never mind that even I defended the dolt against the smear. We live in a time–and a community–where, with the likes of Alan Lowe, Victor Barbosa and Mullins, allegation is all: Accuse the mayor or the city manager of being corrupt. Claim they’re under investigation. Repeat. Again. And again. And again. It’ll stick. It’ll invent a narrative, no matter how false, how slanderous, how ironically reflective of corrupt thinking. Why not, if it gets you elected and runs others off?
Mullins is spraying the same filth on Cooley, as he does on anyone who scratches his insecurities’ scabs. He runs on venom. His infomercials have nothing to do either with information or advertising, other than that they are 28-minute ads for himself that he pays for. He designs them as radio’s equivalent of straw men. He sets up a target then bludgeons it at will. Fact, evidence, truth, ethics, scruples: none of that interferes. In the eternal words of Teddy Roosevelt (referring to William Jennings Bryan), he then proceeds to make “a blithering ass” of himself, but at other people’s expense.
Cooley, primarily a local business owner (he owns the 7-Eleven in Flagler Beach), has been one of a small handful of elected officials who have called out Mullins for years, and the only one to do so as consistently as he does publicly. He did so recently, defending the city’s decision not to hold July 4 fireworks and the traditional parade. Mullins called Cooley and his colleagues “cowards” and implied, on zero evidence, that the city had misappropriated money for fireworks (it has not).
But this latest Mullins attack is on Cooley the person, the business owner, the community member. And for it to appear over the WNZF logo implicates WNZF and Flagler Broadcasting–and all of us in local media, not just those of us associated with WNZF. If the association between Cosby and Cooley is defamatory, the fact that it seeks cover behind the WNZF logo soils the radio station’s brand and what it stands for. As I wrote WNZF’s David Ayres, we cannot in media be abettors of the irresponsible and unethical. We must uphold mutually defensible standards. This is not defensible. He agreed. But even if the infomercial itself doesn’t replicate the defamation (Mullins doesn’t want to lose his broadcasting perch), the damage, once again, is done. And Mullins’s commission colleagues, once again, will keep their know-nothing kissers shut.
Pierre Tristam is FlaglerLive’s editor. Reach him by email here.
John says
Pierre, I am surprise at you for calling Flagler Counties biggest disgrace a smut “man”, Joe Mullin is not a man by any means. He is the biggest embarrassment to Flagler County. He is little person that thrives on attention any way he can get. The County Commissioners are too coward to have him removed so they will continue to allow him to get away with all his threats, insults and off the wall statements. They are as much to blame as he is for actually behaving the way he does. He never grew up and at his age never will.
Mike Cocchiola says
I am without words. Pierre has said it all far more graphically and truthfully than I or anyone else can hope to do.
Tim Mcauliffe says
Mullins is a walking advertisement why people shouldn’t do drugs. It seems there is often a residual effect even years after giving drugs up.
Mullins is living proof of that.
Rebecca Brogan says
As an addict/alcoholic (sober for 8 yrs now) I believe that in one respect you are correct: depending upon how long a person is in active addiction, as well as what drugs are being abused, a person may very well suffer from the effects of their addiction years after getting sober. Alcohol, when abused long enough, is known for causing a condition known as “wet brain”, an ailment very similar to dementia/Alzheimers.
Any addict who has works their recovery, remains humble and 100% accountable for all their shitty behavior during active addiction, and makes a sincere effort to make amends whenever possible, will become an empathetic, deeply connected individual who can and will be a vital part of their community. It will be a daily struggle to not allow our addict mindset to dictate our behavior once we’re sober, contributing members of society. If we can accomplish all of that then there really is no limit to what we can contribute to our community. Where Joe is concerned, I dont think he’s ever really gotten sober. Yeah, he may not pack his nasal cavities with white powder or choke down dozens of pills on a daily basis, but make no mistake, he has simply traded in a drug addiction for addictions that don’t violate the law. He’s a vile, repugnant and hateful man~child who has never put in the actual work it takes to become a contributing member of society. He gives those of us that have put in the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to truly change, a bad name. No, Joe Mullins is a charlatan that uses his “faith” as a weapon to rationalize his deplorable behavior towards anyone that doesn’t agree with him. Don’t let his words fool you. He’s no more sober today than he was at the height of his using days; He’s never taken a true moral inventory in his life, and bc of that he has nothing positive to contribute.
Steve says
Congratulations on your 8 years sobriety, also for your credible sobering analysis of said despicable man/child
RitaMae says
The scary part in all of this is his influence on the 2 players that represent our city council, Danko and Barbossa. And if Lowe gets in as Mayor, he will be a puppet to the voting wishes of Mullins and Danko. This is an important election for all the citizens of Palm Coast. Think about that before you vote.
Steve says
Lil FPC Napoleon Syndrome joey has got his whitey tighties in a wad because a local FB Elected Official calls him out for his brazen Lies and Embellishments, Alternate Realities of Truth or Facts, and his crass classless takedowns in Public of any one or Group that dare disagree with ongoing fantasy whether the Big Lie or some other farout Conspiracy. This guy is a skeemer and the sole Modus Operandi is create havoc in your Community. Its what He does to bring attention to himself. Vote Accordingly.
Brian Ford says
That is a great picture accompanying this article. People of Flagler County, Flagler Beach and Palm Coast; we have to show Joe Mullins and other ‘politicians’ like Mullins the door. These are people who are not making our communities better. These are not people who are helping all of our communities citizens. These are people seeking to bolster their ego’s by holding an elected office, gaining a title, and helping themselves and their friends. The people of Flagler County, Flagler Beach and Palm Coast have to stop looking at media reports about events past the county borders (in Tallahassee and Washington) and vote for people who will serve this county and all it’s citizens. We need to elect people to public office from School Board to County Commission who express a desire to do the hard work for everyone who resides here, and work with others to make Flagler County, Palm Coast and Flagler Beach better.
Wow says
Hey Palm Coast elected him. What does that say about Palm Coast? Obviously they think this nutjob represents them well? What a nasty hateful man.
Algernon says
Actually, Mullins was elected by a County vote, not by Palm Coast City. To outsiders, we all share the shame.
Algernon says
Actually, Mullins was elected by Flagler County, not Palm Coast City.
Eric says
This guy just sucks. Plain and simple.
JC says
I have never seen so much vile trash in the almost 40 years that my family has lived in Flagler County. Joe Mullins is a disgrace to all. I think it’s time to call out the Other Commissioners that still support this ignorant, racist, homophobic, idiot…. He is turning our community into a cesspool of hate and divisions. It is time for him to go….well past it, actually!
Pissed in PC says
It’s past time to remove Mullins! It’s time for a defamation lawsuit, it’s past time to turn off WNZF and it’s other call letters. Only until we the citizens show that this isn’t tolerated anymore that this will stop! Is there not someone in his district that has the balls or the boobs to stand up and run against this scourge on society and run his fat azz out of this county? One day he’s gonna go against the wrong person and he’s gonna either learn the hard way or pay out lots of money. I’m sick of this trash in this county between Lowe, Danko, Mullins, Barbosa and the other political shills stealing the money and not doing the job! It’s past time to fight fire with fire and get these idiots out!
Jane Gentile-Youd says
To Pissed in Palm Coast
The Supervisor of Elections website shows that a 19 year female Flagler County resident has filed to run in 2022 to take Joe’s seat away from him and return it to ‘us’
Pissed in PC says
Excellent! Time for change and fresh faces.
Merrill S Shapiro says
It is beneath the dignity of our Flagler County Commission to suffer this man’s presence. Let’s not simply wring our hands. Let’s marshall our families, our friends, our neighbors, those with whom we worship, to drive him out of office. He’ll be on our ballots in November next year. He’s counting on our forgetting about this reprehensible behavior. Let’s all rise to the occasion and send him packing.
Had enough says
Can Mullins sink any lower? What does this say about his followers?
Pissed in PC says
They’re brainless, soulless, nasty deplorables that need to be shipped out too! Clean the gutter trash out of Flagler!
Bruno says
As you can see from the above comments his actions has given Flagler County a black eye ,I attend most Flagler Beach meetings & a few meetings ago his name came out during commissions comments and Eric passed on unleashing on him . Eric had class and in my time has done his duties as a commissioner and business man for Flagler Beach
Concerned Citizen says
Mullins continues to be an ass and yet still remains in office. Thank you voters. Your the ones responsible for this mess. And are too afraid to do anything about it.
I tend to feel more sympathy towards Cooley’s victim.
That young lady got beat on then had to leave town. Cooley got off those charges because of the good ol boy network. The same one that has protected all commisioners in this county when they do wrong. And the voters of Flagler Beach showed they condone that behavior and allowed him to return for a second term. He didn’t make a mistake. He was beating on a woman and got caught!! Where is the justice for her?
I’m sorry but when you become an elected official you take an oath to do your job. And it holds you to higher standards. And you aren’t supposed to run around getting arrested on DV charges. And any man that commits DV is not much of a man anyway.
I don’t want to hear about it being a mistake. It wasn’t a mistake. He made a poor choice and got away with it. And I know that wasn’t the first eposode for that.
Stay away from Flagler beach. You will either get beat up or run over. And it will somehow manage to be your fault!!
BF says
I’m one of Eric’s neighbors. The incident was a domestic disturbance around a relationship breakup. There was some raised voices and shouting and Flagler Beach PD were called and quickly quieted the situation. While an allegation of domestic violence was made the charges were later dropped. Not by any ‘old boys’ but by Florida State Prosecutors. Eric’s been a great neighbor who runs a good local business. Many other people would have walked away from public service given those events. Eric didn’t. He doesn’t wrap himself in a flag or try to appeal to other (failed) politicians followers. Through his service he demonstrates that he cares about Flagler Beach and wants to make it a better place for everyone.
Gerald says
Thank you for great printing Flagler live.com. Yes it’s time Joe it’s Time. Gotta go Joe.
John says
“I’m sick of this trash in this county between Lowe, Danko, Mullins, Barbosa and the other political shills stealing the money and not doing the job! It’s past time to fight fire with fire and get these idiots out!” Comment from Pissed in PC.
I totally agree with Pissed in PC statement above regarding the trash the taxpayers have had to endure in Flagler County. Get these con artist out of Flagler County. Come on people there has to be better choices when you go vote and it isn’t these con artists.
The trash continues to grow in this County and enough is enough. The County Commissioners are a joke and have not courage to get rid of the losers on their committee, they all need to be replaced because of that.
The City of PC continues to get losers to run our city, it is a joke on all us taxpayers and it has gotten real old to say the least.
Trailer Bob says
I don’t know what more anyone of us could say.
But one thing is sure…he is insane.
I doubt he will win another term.
Fool me once, shame on you…fool me twice, shame on me.
Thank you FlaglerLive for keeping us informed of the lunacy.
Steve says
From a fellow Nutmegger, let them say what they want about NE Carpetbaggers but this guy wouldnt have lasted a Month in CT. just sayin
Barry says
I find it hard to believe that anyone can forgive someone for beating on a women, goes to show people’s heads are stuck up their butts and maybe Cooley should start redeeming himself by staying off of some social media sites stirring the pot and talking s@@t about people, he is one of the few commissioners who you will see on controversial sites sticking his head out into sensitive conversations then when someone confronts him he becomes defensive.
Motherworry says
What troubles me more than the BS that runs from Mullins mouth is this. I’m troubled by those who for whatever reason voted for this clown. Those who support him with his never ending noise, he has a never ending spiel of nothing. He contributes nothing, yet he was elected by a bunch of people who seem to feel that he speaks for them. Who the heck wants to see young kids exposed to his type of nonsense and the language and signs of his supporters in downtown Flagler Beach. Voters should smarten the hell up. This guy, like other losers will say anything in an attempt to relevant.
Deb says
Mullins is a walking advertisement for all things that are wrong with this country.
Mary Fusco says
This man is a fool. Everyone who disagrees with him on his “personal” political page is blocked. Since he cannot block people on his so called Commissioners page he simply hides the comments so it looks like everyone is agreeing with him. If a so called Politician is firm in his beliefs, he should not have to hide or block comments. Food for thought.
Happening now says
Mullins voted in promises made by him to represent western Bunnell. The former did the same thing. Except for the bridges widen, nothing. Bunnell has the highest acreage in the state, , these people need a good grocery store and clothing. It’s a dog and pony show, for sure.
My opinion says
I happen to be having breakfast at a local restaurant on Thursday, 6-24. In walked Mr Mullins and Mr Cameron at approximately 9am. Since my group was 1 table away from these gentlemen, their conversation was easily overheard. In my opinion they were definitely discussing city and or county business. My seat was directly facing Mr Mullins. He continually looked at me as if I was intruding on their conversation.
I do not know if this is a violation of any laws but knowing all the BS that is going on in this county and with these 2 gentlemen I have great concern.
I generally do not get involved with these situations but with all that I have read regarding these people I felt the need to say something. I have been at other public places where Mr. Mullins has shown disrespect to those around him and with a smile on his face.
FlaglerLive says
It is not a violation of Sunshine: one is a commissioner, the other is (was) the administrator, they can talk at will—as long as another commissioner from the same board isn’t present, outside of a noticed meeting.
Not a County Commissioner fan says
Mullins is such a joke. He criticizes Flagler Beach for not having fourth festivities yet he was supposed to be part of the Palm Coast program and was a no show. Heard he skipped because of a Trump rally. As of this past January Trump was out as President. Did he not hear? Left town when he should have been present in his own??!!
James M. Mejuto says
Lowe, Danko, Barbosa and Mullins . . . notice a pattern here, folks?
We have only ourselves to blame for electing those scoundrels to office without completely
vetting them.
These four and many others are incapable of appreciating the broad responsibility we elect
them to but choose to reveal their true identity, their true motives after election.
Tristam’s insightful article points out from Flagler Beach to Palm Coast, politicians’ are genuine
desantis Republicans resistant to understand people’s rights to a better economy and lifestyle.
We the people have a lot to feel guilty :
There are more democrats than republicans but yet we always find ourselves behind the eight-ball !
James says
I don’t even pay any attention to the little boy Mullin; he is the lowest of lowest not worth my time or energy. He is a little boy craving attention from anyone that will give it to him because then it makes him feel important which we all know is not true. Sad his parents never gave him the attention he needed as a child. And I would bet in grade school he was the class clown.