The Deception of Michael Quinn Sullivan

In the ever-evolving landscape of Ken Paxton's impeachment, the words of legendary comedian WC Fields ring true: "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit." This astute observation highlights the disturbing reality that deception can be wielded as a potent weapon to manipulate public perception. In our in-depth investigation, we turn our attention to one of The Enterprise's extremities, Texas Scorecard, to shed light on their gaslighting tactics.

At the heart of our exploration lies a stark revelation - the brazen deceit of Texans. The Enterprise has created a smoke-and-mirrors façade, weaving together poorly crafted narratives to present a illusion about how the House General Investigating Committee handled the impeachment investigation of Attorney General Ken Paxton compared to others.

Michael Quinn Sullivan: Purveyor of False Narratives

Over the past four days, Michael Quinn Sullivan, the publisher of Texas Scorecard, has been peddling claims that the House GI investigation into Paxton was conducted in secret and unfair.

However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that Sullivan is knowingly engaging in gaslighting, banking on his audience's susceptibility to manipulation.

The Investigation Chronicles

During the 88th legislative session, the Texas House General Investigating Committee was focused on two primary cases, referred to as "Matter A" and "Matter B". The committee took precautions to maintain confidentiality by using aliases to protect the identities of the individuals involved. Initially, the popular assumption was that "Matter A" pertained to Representative Jolanda Jones, as evidenced by screenshots of tweets.

In the case of "Matter B", it became apparent that Bryan Slaton was under scrutiny, especially after the Committee announced their investigation following the release of allegations about his affair with a teenage staffer. Curiously, this investigation was initiated shortly after an Airbnb meeting, where Texas Scorecard's axis of allies conspired to shield Slaton from accountability.

Examining the Timelines

A closer look at the timelines of the respective investigations reveals intriguing details.

Bryan Slaton's Investigation

Around April 5

• Multiple complaints regarding Bryan Slaton's conduct were received by the House GI.
• Coincidentally, during the same timeframe, Texas Scorecard's allies held a clandestine Airbnb meeting where Slaton confessed his wrongdoing and strategies were devised to evade accountability.

May 5

• The House GI released its report on "Matter B", pertaining to Slaton.

May 7

• Two days later, House GI Chairman Andrew Murr expressed his intention to present the resolution for Slaton's expulsion

May 9

• Bryan Slaton was expelled by the Texas House of Representatives.

Ken Paxton's Investigation

Around February 10, 2023

• House GI opened an investigation, labeled "Matter A".

May 25

• The House GI report on this investigation was made public.

May 27

• Ken Paxton was impeached by the Texas House of Representatives on May 27.

Comparing Similarities and Contrasts

While there are commonalities between "Matter A" and "Matter B", there are also distinct differences.

Similarities

Both investigations followed a similar pattern:

• The use of aliases
• Taking action, expulsion or impeachment, within 48 hours of report presentation.
• No disputes regarding the veracity of the evidence within the General Investigation Committee's reports.

Differences

• It was apparent from the start who was being investigated, while "Matter A" initially led to mistaken assumptions, with many speculating about a different member of the legislature rather than Attorney General Ken Paxton.
• No concerns were raised about the investigation process or the lack of witness interviews or public hearings in "Matter B" related to Bryan Slaton. However, in "Matter A", which involved Ken Paxton, Texas Scorecard's allies expressed outrage, alleging an unfair process, despite the timelines mirroring the investigation into Slaton.
  • The Enterprise, which includes Texas Scorecard's axis of allies, invested significant resources in spreading advertising and text messages riddled with baseless criticisms of Paxton's impeachment. Moreover, The Enterprise's efforts to suppress witnesses and obstruct the investigation were more apparent in "Matter A" than in "Matter B".

"All five male employees of Slaton obstructed the committee's investigation by refusing to meet with the independent investigator for an interview at her request."
- House General Investigating
Committee Report on Bryan Slaton

The Enterprise Picked Favorites

When one examines the similarities and differences between the investigations, a pertinent question arises: What happened to the principles professed by organizations within The Enterprise, like Texas Scorecard?

If they truly operate based on principles, why didn't they raise process issues with the same vigor during the investigation into Bryan Slaton as they did with Ken Paxton? Interestingly, in neither matter has The Enterprise or Texas Scorecard's allies refuted the evidence presented by the House GI committee, which formed the basis for their recommendations. This raises doubts about their selective outrage and suggests that their support for Paxton stems from their own vested interests rather than a genuine concern for principles.

The House GI Report and Troubling Questions

The House GI committee's report prior to Ken Paxton's impeachment presented compelling evidence of Paxton actively obstructing investigations into one of his donors in exchange for personal benefits, including $20,000 worth of countertops for his kitchen.

This revelation prompts a critical question: If $20,000 incentivized Paxton to intervene in the investigation of Nate Paul, what potential gain could financial benefactors hope to achieve by contributing a staggering $750,000 to Paxton?

The Emergence of a Theory on The Enterprise's Frustration Amidst the Paxton Impeachment

It is plausible to theorize that The Enterprise's behavior before, during, and after the Paxton Impeachment goes beyond protecting their financial investment in Ken Paxton. While their support for Paxton may be driven by vested interests, their vehement opposition and deceptive tactics could also stem from a sense of frustration. The Enterprise might have been caught off guard and ill-prepared for the investigation, unable to leverage their unlimited financial resources to obtain inside information from the GI Committee. This lack of knowledge and foresight may have led to a sense of being blindsided.

Furthermore, observably clear anxiety of The Enterprise over the possible loss of a statewide elected official they've heavily invested in financially, adds to their attempts to maintain control. The fear of losing the perks that come with their investment in Ken Paxton could be driving their relentless efforts to distort reality and deceive Texans.

The Enterprise could be realizing their constructed web of deceit is at risk of unraveling, and they will stop at nothing to maintain their grip on power.

The Enterprise's Betrayal through Texas Scorecard's False Narratives

The recurring pattern of dishonesty and deceit perpetrated by The Enterprise, through its publication Texas Scorecard, demands our attention and scrutiny. Through a series of articles, their true intentions have come to light, revealing a deliberate campaign of misinformation and manipulation.

This brazen display of dishonesty exposes their ploy to exploit their audience's vulnerability to critical thinking and rationality. By masquerading false information as credible reporting, Texas Scorecard and The Enterprise betray the very individuals they purport to champion.

A revealing incident occurred during the Paxton impeachment when Tony Tinderholt inadvertently disclosed how The Enterprise manipulates Texans, further highlighting their deceptive tactics.

"I believe perception is truth to the person who perceives it. So, if someone perceives something, it's true to them, whether it's truth or not."
- Representative Tony Tinderholt

Sullivan Bluffs With Bluster

During his interview with Brandon Waltens, Sullivan praised Paxton's lawyer, Tony Buzbee, for his strong performance in "dismantling" the Texas House's case against Paxton.

However, it is crucial to highlight that during the discussion on the statewide show "State of Texas," it was pointed out that Buzbee's remarks did not directly address the substantive allegations against Paxton. This serves as another glaring example of how certain individuals, in their attempt to distort reality, conveniently avoid addressing the core issues at hand.

Revealing Micro-Expressions

During a telling instance, Michael Quinn Sullivan, the publisher of Texas Scorecard, inadvertently betrayed his true sentiments. A slow-motion analysis of the video footage, available above around the 0:24 timestamp, unveils a fleeting micro-expression—a subtle half-smile—playing across Sullivan's face.

Renowned expert Paul Ekman, on whom the TV show "Lie to Me" was based, explains that such emblematic slips can unveil concealed emotions and information.

"Sometimes when people believe they should not or cannot reveal something they are thinking, emblematic slips occur. These slips reveal information the person wants to conceal, often without their knowledge that they are doing so."
- Dr. Paul Ekman, "Concealed Emotions"

This revealing slip, whether expressing approval or contempt towards members of the Texas House, provides valuable insight into Sullivan's true intentions. It offers a glimpse into his underlying motives and sheds light on the stance he may hold regarding the primaries or certain members of the Texas House.

Decoding The Enterprise's Orchestration of Deception

In the face of mounting evidence, it becomes abundantly clear that The Enterprise, with their publication Texas Scorecard, operates within a realm of deceit and manipulation. While proudly proclaiming moral superiority and an unwavering dedication to their cause, they craft a web of lies that ensnares their network of followers, leaving them trapped in a distorted reality.

The audacity of their actions is truly sinister. They prey upon the trust and vulnerability of their audience, exploiting their genuine desire for truth and justice. They exploit their followers' loyalty, luring them into a labyrinth of misinformation where moral superiority masks a dangerous game of manipulation.

Even with a poorly concocted façade, The Enterprise presents themselves as champions of the people, claiming to fight for justice and accountability. Yet, behind closed doors, they orchestrate a symphony of deceit, pulling the strings to further their own agenda. They wrap themselves in a cloak of righteousness, all the while weaving a tangled web of half-truths and fabrications to suit their narrative.

Their ability to maintain this façade is alarming. They distort the truth, obscuring facts and manufacturing controversy where there is none. Their deceptions are an affront to the very principles they claim to uphold.

The Enterprise's network of deception runs deep, with Texas Scorecard serving as one of their trusted mouthpieces. Through this platform, they disseminate their twisted version of reality, perpetuating a cycle of confusion and disinformation. They exploit the trust placed in them by their followers, using it as a weapon to control and manipulate, all while proclaiming themselves as beacons of righteousness.

Texans should not allow them to continue their reign of manipulation, preying upon the vulnerable and disseminating falsehoods under the guise of moral superiority.

It is up to every Texan to break free from their web of deception and reclaim the power of independent thought. We must remain vigilant, questioning the narratives presented to us and seeking veracity in an age of rampant misinformation. Only then can we dismantle the foundation of deceit upon which The Enterprise has built their empire.