Birther Tim’s Big Day: Speaker Jones Now Highest Ranking Birther in Missouri History

Progress Missouri today hails Speaker Tim Jones the highest ranking birther in Missouri history as he prepares to preside over his first regular session of the General Assembly.  

To mark the occasion, Progress Missouri is encouraging Missourians to share their thoughts on this unfortunate moment in Missouri history at www.BirtherTimsBigDay.com.  

“The Speaker’s direct involvement in a federal birther lawsuit and his celebration of discredited birther theories well into 2012 tells Missourians everything they need to know about his judgment and critical thinking skills.” said Sean Soendker Nicholson, Progress Missouri’s Executive Director. “An apology and explanation from the Speaker about his role in the Taitz-led lawsuit and propagating of discredited conspiracy theories is long overdue.”  

Representative Jones was a lead plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against President Barack Obama in 2009 and 2010, alleging that President Obama is an illegal immigrant from Kenya. Jones’ attorney in the suit, Orly Taitz, has celebrated Jones’ rise to power as alleged evidence that their discredited conspiracy theories have mainstream support.  "I can’t be happier!” wrote Taitz on her website about Jones’ new role. “ My client in eligibility case...is now the Speaker of MO House of Representatives!”

Jones persists in his refusal to leave his disgraceful birther theories behind.  On July 17, 2012, Jones personally added the words, “Uh-oh. Here comes the Truth!!” to a Twitter message, and then provided a link sending followers to Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s discredited statement that President Barack Obama's birth certificate is “definitely fraudulent.”   

For more information, please visit: www.BirtherTimsBigDay.com.  

Background:

• Kansas City Star: Jones “ signed on as a party to the original ‘birther’ lawsuit brought against President Barack Obama by Orly Taitz.”
  Rep. Tim Jones worked with Orly Taitz in 2009 to file a federal lawsuit alleging that Obama is an illegal immigrant from Kenya or Indonesia. Other plaintiffs from Missouri included Rep. Casey Guernsey and former Rep. Cynthia Davis. Filings submitted to the court by Taitz on behalf of Rep. Jones and other plaintiffs included forged birth certificates purporting to be official Kenyan documents. The case was dismissed, with the judge in the case calling allegations presented by plaintiffs “baffling.” [Captain Pamela Barnett, et al v. Barack Hussein Obama, et al, Central District of California, Case #: 8:09-cv-00082-DOC-AN; CBS News, 10/29, 09; Talking Points Memo, 11/10/10; Kansas City Star, 8/23/12]
   
• St. Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial Board: “That Mr. Jones is a former supporter of the birther lawsuits filed by Orly Taitz against President Barack Obama says about all you need to know about his level of seriousness.”
  [Post-Dispatch, 5/19/12]
    
• Jones’ birtherism has continued through at least July 17, 2012. Jones personally added the words “Uh-oh. Here comes the Truth!!” to a Twitter message, and a link sending followers to Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s discredited statement that President Barack Obama's birth certificate is “definitely fraudulent.” [@SpeakerTimJones tweet, 12/17/12, still online at twitter.com/SpeakerTimJones/status/225418678420770816]
   
• Attorney Orly Taitz on Jones’ election to Speaker’s role in August 2012:  "I can’t be happier! My client in eligibility case...is now the Speaker of MO House of Representatives!" Taitz’s full post: "I can’t be happier! My client in eligibility case Barnett, Keyes et al v Obama, Timothy Jones, Esq is now the Speaker of MO House of Representatives! Good going and Gods speed to Speaker Timothy Jones, Esq." [OrlyTaitzEsq.com, 8/13/12]
    
• Jones has consistently refused to detail his role in the Taitz-led lawsuit, express any regret for participating or explain why he persists in propagating discredited conspiracy theories. Jones has refused to comment on the lawsuit to numerous outlets, including NPR affiliate KBIA, PoliticMO, Talking Points Memo, and others.