THIS IS HOW TO FIX CONGRESS

Congressional Reform Act of 2010
1. Term Limits: 12 years only, one of the possible options below. A. Two Six year Senate terms B. Six Two year House terms C.One Six year Senate term and three two-Year House terms
2. No Tenure, No Pension: A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office. 3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security: All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, Congress participates with the American people. 4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans. 5. Congress will no longer vote them a pay raise, pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%. 6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people. 7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American people. 8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void effective 1/1/11. The American people did not make this contract with congressmen, congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work. Author Unknown

Should Local and State Governments Cut More Positions?

Under the headline "Nobody Gets Fired Except Governors In Recessions," Joe Mysak writes in his column for Bloomberg News (12/30) that "any expectation that state and local governments would use the worst fiscal crisis since the Great Depression to reduce their biggest expenditures is proving to be wishful thinking." While companies have cut slightly more than six percent of their jobs since December 2007, local and state governments have cut only "132,000 positions – 0.66 percent" since August 2008, the month they stopped adding jobs. Of the two, local governments have cut 117,000 positions out of 14.6 million workers, while states have cut 15,000 of their 5.2 million workers, according to sources he cites. Mysak concludes, "Hearing state and local officials talk about reducing headcount is like listening to an 8-year-old announce he's going to bed. You don't believe it."


Is the same logic, or rather illogic being applied to our own little slice of Heaven known as Suffolk? It will be interesting to see if the “Empire” on Market Street is trimmed at all this budget cycle to save us all and perhaps reduce taxes. With everyone trying to do more with less, why is it that the employment levels and resulting costs within our local government seem safe and the rest of us have to pay top rates? In a service organization like government, personnel cost are the number one expense in the budget and the most rational place to look for at least some cuts, one would think... While no one likes to see another lose a job, especially in this economy, we all know that there just are not the rivers of honey flowing that we saw in the mid-2000’s growth boom. Given the fact that revenues are falling and taxes are just to high for the economic realities of the day in this hard economy, it may be time to trim positions and finally lower taxes. And please don't play the game that our mil-rate is so low. It is all relative to basis values and the argument does nothing for actual costs to the citizen, especially with all the new fees they always seem to tack on each year... If you don't spend it, you don't need to tax for it, simple.

We were all told last year that “Suffolk has a lean and hard budget”. Then we find out that this” lean and hard budget” really had so much fat in it, that it could absorb all the revenue cuts the economy could throw its way and still have a surplus for rainy-day funds and bonuses of well over $3,500,000.00… What will we see in the coming budget, show or substance?

If you use the budget sheers properly and early on, you don't have to use the AX, later...

Roger A. Leonard, MPA
Suffolk…

HOW TRUE IT IS

A gentleman wrote in the SNH that he believes the U. S. Senate is a “house of ill repute.”

Thomas R. Lord Sr. went on to suggest the vote on Health Care in the Senate was proof that body of government is a house of prostitution with a Madame in charge. Pretty strong language…I wish I had written it. He is right on especially when he points out if we were guilty of buying votes we’d be in the slammer because it constitutes a felony.

I figure Mr. Lord is a courageous patriot. What say you?

CLARIFICATION

Over on the right side of Inside is Bob's Corner where just for the heck of it I write an occasional column as I did in the SNH for about 15 years. I finished my story of World War II but like Forest Gump I still felt like running. Well my, I thought humorous, article this morning about dogs has already suffered an attack, one lady emphatically wrote that she likes dogs just as they are. I figure I must point out the truth. My wife and I have buried, over many years, Jaboff, Jigger, Skipper, Tina, another doxy, Sandy, and several cats. Our pet cemetery here in Suffolk is loaded with animals of all sorts, that belonged to us or our kids who live in the area. My oldest brother was the first Director of Leader Dogs For The Blind, headquartered in Rochester, Michigan. At that facility, when we left that state there were 14 trainers and over a hundred dogs in training. That school was started in the forties.And is sponsored by Lions Clubs all over the country. There were constant rejects and we found homes for many of them. We have known and loved animals since our marriage 64 years ago. But I would redesign the noisy pets.

LET US HEAR THE CITY'S DEFENSE

In a recent post IS team member Debra Wahlstrom charged the city with using a worthless report form used to judge RFPs submitted to the city. In this case the charge was for the way Obici restoration RFPs were treated by the city administration. The charges were further substantiated by comments, three in fact, pointing out the city's useless report form, perhaps a deliberate way to escape conversation with the those who submit RFPs. If true these are serious charges. We hope youu are following that Post and comments. They are worth a read and could be very important whenever a resident deals with the city. We would like to hear from the city officials. We know that more than 45,000 computers have logged on to IS.

We have already heard from you that whomever wrote the comments to Wahlstrom's Post should be a member of the IS team. Great idea unless he is of more value unnamed. We thank him for his revealing comments.

Was the Scoring Tool Fair?

In a December 21, 2009 editorial in the Suffolk News Herald, the city’s Director of Media and Communications gave the folks at the Suffolk News Herald a hand-slap. Ouch! I read the editorial and then decided to look at the Request for Proposals for the Obici House Renovation and Reuse. I wanted to answer the question: Was the actual RFP a fair tool?

To answer my question, I studied the scoring tool included in the RFP to determine its effectiveness as a fair tool for evaluating proposals. Why is this important? The scoring tool is what is used to award the points for each proposal – it is the place where all of the work done by firms is finally scored for merit. The scoring tool is the most important part of the RFP. So here goes.


The scoring “matrix” for the Obici House Renovation and Reuse proposal was included with the RFP handout. You see, the purpose of an evaluation tool is to ensure a valid, reliable, and bias-free evaluation of proposals while awarding points to projects. A valid scoring tool simply means that the tool evaluates what you wanted to evaluate. I would expect to see actual statements from the proposal included in the tool. A reliable scoring tool means that if you put the proposals in front of two or more people for scoring, the scores will be similar. A bias-free tool means that the scoring will be fair – no matter what persons, organization, or entity turned in a proposal. Each firm has an equal chance from the scoring side of the evaluation.

The first thing I want to do is to address the top part of the evaluation matrix – which is not really a matrix. This is simply a scoring guide. I want to commend the city for including a scoring guide in the proposal packet. That is evidence of working toward a fair process in terms of scoring the proposals. But, the scoring guide isn’t yet a valid, reliable, or bias-free scoring tool. Let me show you why.



In order to get an Outstanding, a firm must achieve 8-10 points. There is nothing in this scoring tool that tells firm members what has to be achieved in order to receive those points. What does a firm have to have in the proposal in order to get an 8? What makes it a 9? What makes it a 10? How does someone who is scoring the proposals know to give a firm an 8, 9, or 10? What makes an 8 different from a 9?

In the 4-7 Points category, a firm meets expectations and is fully qualified and has adequate experience. Why wouldn’t that be an outstanding in terms of points? What would make a firm lose points here? What is different in a proposal that receives a 4 from one that receives a 7?

In the 1-3 points category, a firm will have minimal experience. What designates minimal experience? Also what does “less than expectations” mean? What does”less than desired level/insufficient documentation” mean? What gives a firm a score point of 1? A score point of 2? A score point of 3?

In the 0 Points category, what does “not documented” mean? The whole proposal is not documented? A part of the proposal or section is not documented?

These areas do not correspond on a one-to-one basis from the proposal – as they should. Each entity (e.g., city, firms submitting a proposal) should know EXACTLY each score point looks like in each area being evaluated. The scoring tool is not yet valid because there is no connection between the tool and the requirements in the RFP.

For example, look at number 1 below: Obici House Renovation, Restoration and Re-Use Plan and Property Management Program to include Architectural and Historical Preservation. What does a firm have to specifically do from the RFP requirements to get a score of 10? A 9? An 8? Since the information about how a firm achieves each score point is not there, the scoring system is flawed. A firm trying to use this tool to guide its work cannot tell what it specifically needs to do to achieve a level 8, 9, or 10 – or any other level for that matter. There is nothing that aligns the overall score system to the RFP requirements.



Another thing I’d like to address with this score system is that the way it is designed; everything counts the same. A firm can earn just as many points for having a complete proposal as it does for the actual proposal ideas. A scoring tool is also a communication tool – communicating to firms what is most important to pay attention to because it’s most important to the city. The scoring tool does not do this at all. Again, the scoring tool is not aligned to the requirements of the RFP. Even if the information is included elsewhere in the RFP, if the scoring tool is not adequate and aligned, it is a flawed tool.

A high-quality and effective scoring guide will include an actual matrix, which clearly shows how each point can be attained. A high-quality scoring tool will also align to whatever it is the city is specifically looking for in its proposals. Without this, the scoring tool is arbitrary and open to the scoring whims of the scorers. Additionally, the scoring tool will reflect the weight the city places on the items it is scoring.

Now to answer my own question – was the actual RFP itself fair to those who used it to develop their proposals? I’d have to say no for the following reasons: (1.) the RFP includes an inadequate scoring tool making it an unreliable tool that is open to bias, (2.) The scoring tool is not aligned with the requirements in the RFP making it not valid, and (3.) The scoring tool does not reflect the weight of items in the RFP further impacting its validity.

I can offer a simple and easy solution. In the next version of the RFP (or any other RFP), simply create a valid and reliable scoring tool that can fairly be used by the city and firms responding to RFPs.

GLAD TO REMAIN OLD FASHIONED

I can’t speak for team members of “IS” but I’m reasonably sure they would join me as I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Sure, it is the “holiday” season, but what have always kept this season sacred and happy are Christmas and the giving of gifts…an idea established more than two thousand years ago. I pay no attention to ACLU, progressives, liberals, activists, and politically correct followers; their work to derail my thinking has had no effect. I suspect the same is still true for the majority of Americans who give short shrift to their attempts to change the nation. It would be a sad and dismal existence if they all had their way. Bravo the Christmas tree, bravo Jesus Christ.

OBAMA EXTENDING HAND TO CONSERVATIVES

Obama and less than half the country’s reps claim a victory with Health Care even though the surviving bill is a tattered remnant of the original. And he had on his team the three most powerfully positioned Liberals, Nancy, Joe, Harry, and a large majority in both houses. We understand why Obama forced this on the citizens and there are those that will pay a price for it. All can see the Democrat poll lines heading south and Obama is now concerned by the enormity of his self made national debt. His attention has not been on creating jobs or the economy and fingers are eagerly pointing at his early mistakes.

It is hard to understand why Obama needs help tackling the debt when he already has more seized power than all prior Presidents plus the House and Senate. two-dozen Czars, a Cabinet of All-stars, and a partridge in a pear tree. But for the very first time he is extending his hand to Conservatives to serve on a debt reduction committee. Would it not be wise for them to decline the “generous” offer? If they take part and his reduction effort fails, we know who gets the blame.

A Good Idea

This is an idea I brought up during the 2008 mayoral campaign as a solution for reducing the burden of costs on citizens. The more effectively and efficiently we run our city and our school system, the more money citizens can keep in their own wallets. Hence, I was thrilled to see the article in the newspaper noting that Isle of Wight is looking into this. Read the article, IOW officials get advice, by Charlie Passut (Suffolk News Herald).

I still think it’s time to look at this idea in Suffolk. Here’s the basic concept. We currently run and manage many duplicate services – one complete set for the school distict and another set for the city. Citizens pay for two of so many of the services we have. What if we consolidated these services where we can? I know, I know – it does make common sense.

It is likely that we can share services for just about every area except personnel. What do you think? Would you support the idea of our city and school district looking for ways to consolidate services? Is this a thumbs up or a thumbs down for you? Tell us what you think – let’s put some ideas on the table.

A SECOND CHANCE

Calling all parents: The city school system wants to know how it can improve.
The division is offering a Web-based survey that asks parents to rate things such as classroom instruction, discipline, facilities, food services, homework, teacher quality, technology and transportation. The division offered a similar questionnaire in 2007 and is looking to compare the results. Pass codes for the survey were mailed home, but participation has been low, spokeswoman Bethanne Bradshaw said.
Good idea but perhaps insufficient coverage; you must have a child in school for your comments to be read. So here we offer another chance for parents to speak up. If your child passed through the system you may be in a better position to evaluate.

THIS WILL WAKE YOU UP

American optimism will be tested next year as Government workers increase but national unemployment remains double digit. Our living standards are dipping, like the dollar, but oil price will rise. Obama has taken control of profit making businesses…mortgage, energy, automotive, health care, banking, and insurance. There is nothing that is untaxed.

Federal, State and Local Governments employ twenty five million Americans. Nine million are collecting weekly unemployment (99 weeks). Every month two million more file for it leaving only 108 million working, down 7.5 million.

When Bush exited, the national debt was 5.8 trillion but is already 7 trillion, projected to be 21 trillion in ten years. But neither total includes the government’s promises for Social Security and Medicare (we have already borrowed 100 trillion from those two funds. And that, dear readers, is the good news.

SUFFOLK CAPITAL SPENDING IN MILLIONS

You can READ ALL ABOUT IT in the Suffolk News Herald this morning. Don’t be frightened, it covers 10 years, about eighty million. Right now we’d just like to see the details on this one. “During the next five years, about 12 percent of the five-year spending plan is dedicated to transportation. About $23 million is earmarked in the plan for roadway and intersection construction.”

If this is for the Highway 58 road widening to help out CenterPoint we’d like to be able to read the details, soon.

OH MY GOODNESS

The Suffolk Sun recently published salaries of various high-ranking Public School administrators. No comment here about the size of the compensation because the benefit package is not included. Those can easily run to an additional twenty five percent and cause you to suck in your breath. We are a bit curious why the figures were published; was it to tease those out of work and struggling to come up with tax dollars? Or did the Sun writer just figure we should know, journalism at it’s best. One might, considering the graduation rate and test score reports, think the comp on the high side. Or might the Sun writer thinks they are low and is about to build a case for comp improvement? Our reaction is, what do all these people do and would a computer program replace about half of these “bureaucrats,” a name given to all employees with titles that mean nothing to the lay reader? Attaching names may or may not help the cause…and note that a purchasing agent makes as much a high school principal. We will leave it up to our readers to comment. Maybe next will be city staff, police, and fire department wages. We have heard much about the combo city/police spokesperson.

FACTS FROM LIMBAUGH

I think the vast differences in compensation between victims of the September 11
casualty and those who die serving our country in Uniform are profound.No one is really talking about it either, because you just don't criticize anything having to do with September 11. Well, I can't let the numbers pass by because it say something really disturbing about the entitlement mentality of this country. If you lost a family member in the September 11 attack, you're going to get an average of $1,185,000. The range is a minimum guarantee of $250,000, all the way up to $4.7 million. If you are a surviving family member of an American soldier killed in action, the first check you get is a $6,000 direct death benefit, half of which is taxable.

Next, you get $1,750 for burial costs. If you are the surviving spouse, you get
$833 a month until you remarry. And there's a payment of $211 per month for each
child under 18. When the child hits 18, those payments come to a screeching halt.

THE KING IS DEAD BY HIS OWN HAND

How did he look heavenward to his dad, a man that had devoted his life to his son, and say how sorry he was for being unable to deal with fame and glory his father provided? How could he hug his mother and explain that there was just too much money in his life. No words have been created to lessen the pain and embarrassment suffered by the mother of his children. How does he face Arnold Palmer and say "I can no longer compete with you, sir, you are too far above me." Try to imagine the first time he returns to a PGA tour and stands on the first tee as they announce who he is. When the starter raises the "Quiet" sign, will the fans show respect? Although he has been a generous young man giving to various charities, a madame suggests a weekend with one of her girls could cost as much as $60,000...therefore money meant nothing. Add up what was spent on pleasure during the years of his debility, and what good it may have provided. The emotional damage to his family may come close to the amount of damage he caused the game of golf.

HEALTH BILL EVILS YOU HAVEN'T READ

Dr. Stephen Fraser practicing in Indiana has read the proposed Health Bill and I will provide his notations a little at a time. Worth your read.


Page 22 of the HC Bill: Mandates that the Govt will audit books of all employers that self-insure!!

Page 30 Sec 123 of HC bill: THERE WILL BE A GOVT COMMITTEE that decides what treatments/benefits you get.

Page 29 lines 4-16 in the HC bill: YOUR HEALTH CARE IS RATIONED!!!

Page 42 of HC Bill: The Health Choices Commissioner will choose your benefits for you. You have no choice.

Page 50 Section 152 in HC bill: Health Care will be provided to ALL non-US citizens, illegal or otherwise.

Page 58 HC Bill: Govt will have real-time access to individuals' finances and a 'National ID Health card' will be issued!

Page 59 HC Bill lines 21-24: Govt will have direct access to your bank accounts for elective funds transfer.

Page 65 Sec 164: Is a payoff subsidized plan for retirees and their families in unions & community organizations: (ACORN).

More Secret Meetings

I keep hoping to see examples of an open and transparent council in Suffolk. Would anyone help explain why two of the agenda items for the December 16th work session will be held behind closed doors? Why is it important that the update on the Fairgrounds Redevelopment and Revitalization Project be held in secret? Why is it important that discussion related to the Obici House be held in secret? I just want to better understand the rationale here.

AN UPDATE FROM OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma law passed, 37 to 9, had a few liberals in the mix, an amendment to place the Ten Commandments on the front entrance to the state capitol. The feds in D.C., along with the ACLU, said it would be a mistake. Guess what.......... Oklahoma did it anyway. Oklahoma recently passed a law in the state to incarcerate all illegal immigrants, and ship them back to where they came from unless they want to get a green card and become an American citizen. They all scattered. HB 1804. Hope we didn't send any of them to your state. This was against the advice of the Federal Government, and the ACLU, they said it would be a mistake. Guess what........... Oklahoma did it anyway.
Recently they passed a law to include DNA samples from any and all illegals to the Oklahoma database, for criminal investigative purposes. Pelosi said it was unconstitutional. SB 1102 guess what........ Oklahoma did it anyway.

When will Virginia have the courage?

What will they do when the time comes?

Detroit Area Municipal Officials Take Pay Cuts.
The Detroit Free Press (12/7, Hall) reports, "Some municipal officials in metro Detroit are taking voluntary pay cuts to help their communities weather the economic storm, and more could follow suit. Livonia's mayor and council members were among 31 city employees who agreed to take a 5% pay cut Tuesday," and "combined with voluntary furloughs by 69 other employees, the city hopes to save a little more than $67,000 last fiscal year and about $213,000 this fiscal year." Meanwhile, "Grosse Pointe City Manager Peter Dame is taking a $5,381 pay cut plus trims in perks with the fiscal year starting July 1. In Milford, planning commission and zoning board authority members halted $25-per-meeting stipends this year, saving about $4,000, village officials said." These "municipal officials making voluntary cuts are joining Oakland, Macomb and Wayne county officials."


Will our locals take such a cut when or if our budget tightens, to relieve some of the pain the tax-payers are feeling? While no one likes to get less, there is a good case that just having a job is a big deal these days... What have you to say?

Roger A. Leonard, MPA
Suffolk...

SORRY CHARLEY NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME

MR. PRESIDENT WILL YOU AND YOUR FAMILY GIVE UP YOUR CURRENT HEALTH CARE PROGRAM AND JOIN THE NEW 'UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAM' THAT THE REST OF US WILL BE ON ?" THERE WAS A STONEY SILENCE AS OBAMA IGNORED THE QUESTION AND CHOSE NOT TO ANSWER IT! IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF SENATORS WERE ASKED THE SAME QUESTION AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS."WE WILL THINK ABOUT IT." AND THEY DID. IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY ON THE NEWS THAT THE "KENNEDY HEALTH CARE BILL" WAS WRITTEN INTO THE NEW HEALTH CARE REFORM INITIATIVE ENSURING THAT CONGRESS WILL BE 100% EXEMPT !
SO, THIS GREAT NEW HEALTH CARE PLAN THAT IS GOOD FOR YOU AND I... IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR OBAMA, HIS FAMILY OR CONGRESS. WE (THE AMERICAN PUBLIC) NEED TO STOP THIS PROPOSED DEBACLE ASAP !!!! THIS IS TOTALLY WRONG !

Snopes states this is mostly false. Not all false, mostly. Go to Snopes and see for yourself

WHO CAN BE TRUSTED

If scientists in this world cannot be trusted then who can? Those brainy ones who have been fudging facts about global warming are still insisting they are right. A believer is Obama who will spend more millions of our money to get to Copenhagen. At least our simpleton, Al Gore, except for making millions, has cancelled his ticket to avoid having the liar label pinned on him. Too late, Al, you have lied to the degree that Bill Clinton is embarrassed to know you. I’d guess you had a money motive for all that malarkey you’ve been spreading for two years…blaming pitiful mankind for the evils of Mother Nature. Perhaps she will find a way to get more than even with you, at least an exploding gall bladder. That would keep you busy for a little while.

CITY ASSUMES NEW STATUS

The citizens group for saving Obici House has been nose-thumbed by the oversalaried city spokesperson, and assistant city manager. Firstly came a bid from the serious group, followed by a flat unexplained rejection, followed by a serious attempt to again pick up the thread and meet with said city officials, somewhat agreed to, followed by, this time, with a punch in the nose "NO." This indicates the Market Sreet lords have have put on bigger britches and feel our city is now above the level where city officials really have to listen or engage in conversation with taxpayers. You know, we used to call it "work something out.

ASK THOSE WHO LIVE THERE

“For residents of Suffolk, the only consensus to be had on hunting regulations was that they should be consistent across the city,” said Deputy City Manager Patrick Roberts in Wednesday’s City Council meeting. He, and it matters not his personal experience with hunting and guns, chaired the public input meeting to get opinions on Suffolk proposed rifle regulations. The magic word is “consistency” as applied across the city and differences between local and state laws. Councilman Barlow summed it nicely, “It’s nice to have it all the same, but the city’s not the same all over,” Of course the chief concern is the use of rifles that can kill at much longer distances than the shotgun. So why not ask just those folks who live near or in hunting areas what they prefer from the standpoint of safety? And ask rifle enthusiasts why they can’t get by with the blunderbuss shotgun. How much more advantage do they want?

BILL COSBY, WILL BE A WRITE –IN CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT

HERE IS MY PLATFORM:
Any use of the phrase: 'Press 1 for English' is immediately banned. English is the official language; speak it or wait outside of our borders until you can. We will immediately go into a two-year isolationist attitude in order to straighten out the greedy big business posture in this country. America will allow NO imports, and we'll do no exports. We will use the 'Wal-Mart's policy, 'If we ain't got it, you don't need it.' We'll make it here and sell it here! When imports are allowed, there will be a 100% import tax on it coming in here. All retired military personnel will be required to man one of the many observation towers located on the southern border of the United States (six month tour). They will be under strict orders not to fire on SOUTHBOUND aliens. Social Security will immediately return to its original state. If you didn't put nuttin in, you ain't gettin nuttin out. Neither the President nor any other politician will be able to touch it. Welfare...Checks will be handed out on Fridays, at the end of the 40-hour school week, the successful completion of a urinalysis test for drugs, and passing grades. Professional Athletes…Steroids? The FIRST time you check positive you're banned from sports...for life. Crime...We will adopt the Turkish method, i.e., the first time you steal, you lose your right hand. There are no more 'life sentences'. If convicted of murder, you will be put to death by the same method you chose for the victim you killed: gun, knife, strangulation, etc. One export of ours will be allowed: wheat, because the world needs to eat. However, a bushel of wheat will be the exact price of a barrel of oil. All foreign aid, using American taxpayer money, will immediately cease and the saved money will help to pay off the national debt and, ultimately, lower our taxes. When disasters occur around the world, we'll ask The American People if they want to donate to a disaster fund, and each citizen can make the decision as to whether, or not, it's a worthy cause. The Pledge of Allegiance will be said every day at school and every day in Congress. The National Anthem will be played at all appropriate ceremonies, sporting events, outings, etc. My apology is offered if I've stepped on anyone's toes...nevertheless GOD BLESS AMERICA!

EXCERPTS FROM 95 YEAR OLD SAILOR LETTER

I am amazed, angry and determined not to see my country die before I do, but you seem hell bent not to grant me that wish. I can't figure out what country you are the president of. You fly around the world telling our friends and enemies despicable lies like: " We're no longer a Christian nation." “America is arrogant." Your wife even announced to the world, “America is mean-spirited." "Tell her to try preaching that nonsense to twenty three generations of our war dead buried all over the globe who died for no other reason than to free a whole lot of strangers from tyranny and hopelessness. I'd say shame on the both of you, but I don't think you like America, nor do I see an ounce of gratefulness in anything you do, for the obvious gifts this country has given you. To be without shame or gratefulness is a dangerous thing for a man sitting in the White House.

Shape up and start acting like an American. If you don't, I'll do what I can to see you get shipped out of that fancy rental on Pennsylvania Avenue. You were elected to lead not to bow, apologize and kiss the hands of murderers and corrupt leaders who still treat their people like slaves.

Harold B.Estes

NOT A HAPPY DAY TUESDAY FOR SOME

Always wanted to eat at the Oysterette in downtown Suffolk. Back when it opened Andy Damiani and I did a Round Table Talk show there. As much as I love oysters I left when the show was taped. Before noon the air was so thick with first and second hand cigarette smoke I could not find Andy. Customers in there were either smoking or choking. It’s a cute little place and oyster lovers will suffer anything for a fresh batch. So whom do we thank for the statewide law that now reads, “No Smoking Under Risk Of A $25 Fine Even For Customers.” The odds are that all complying eateries will see more and healthier customers. I gave up the habit, now very expensive, 39 years ago. It's sad to see the addicted leave a non-smoking establishment after a meal and frantically light up...like taking a pill to stop a painful heart attack. Tuesday is it; the ashtrays will be stored away; it’s outdoors for you addicts. The majority, 78/22, finally won. Thanks to a few courageous politicians.

ABOUT THIS OBICI BATTLE

"When it comes to our history, we should commit ourselves to finding a solution that not only protects our past, but is economically viable.
Both sides of this debate — both the city and the Citizens for the Preservation of Obici House — have very smart people working for them. And, it would be the biggest shame of all if these smart people couldn’t find the right answer."

This found in the SNH. Does this mean that both sides really do have smart people?

TWO EXCELLENT CITIZEN COMPLAINTS

Linda Bunch, curator at our local museum decried the amount of paperwork and fees necessary to sponsor a local charitable event on city property. “It is a shame that the city of Suffolk wants a larger and larger share, before the event even takes place.” Right on, she is. “And if that’s not bad enough, you have to go to several different City offices to acquire your folder full of forms and receipts. It is a shame that the city of Suffolk wants a larger and larger share, before the event even takes place.” But Linda, that’s the way bureaucrats fujnction.

And Carol Lynne Shotton wrote, “ The Suffolk City Council continues to show its disdain for our city’s historical landmarks and heritage by slamming the door in the faces of a group of concerned and well-intentioned citizens attempting to save the Obici House.” A Well-written comment but the city second in command insists otherwise. So who’s right?

Discovered in the SNH

I'M THANKFUL THIS THANKSGIVING

I am thankful I am not a progressive liberal, did not vote for Obama, have had twenty-three years of retirement, and if one must get old I’m glad I lived through nearly 85 years without socialism hanging around my neck. Younger folks will have it tough unless they can summon the majority of the population to oust those radicals who adopt change without contemplating the damage they are inflicting on our subsequent generations. It is frightening that enough high government officials may foist upon us a health reform plan that will break us. Many will come to regret their actions.

Our kids and grandkids in military uniforms have little power to organize and attack the bureaucrats in DC…it appears non-combatant civilians will again decide how they fight and where, as in Vietnam. I’m thankful we have soldiers duty bound to do the job and joyful I don’t have to join them. I did my time and I pray for them. I remember being eighteen in California on Thanksgiving Day when a limousine pulled to the curb and a lady in the backseat asked my buddy and I if we would join her for Thanksgiving dinner. Two lonely privates said, “Yes Mam.“ I hope your day turned out as well as ours.

Happy Thanksgiving

CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

Our country Doctors, Obama, Reid, and Pelosi, are operating where no operation is needed. They are systematically severing this country's arteries. They are about to remove the very core of this nation's being, the heart of our Republic, they are about to remove the Constitution of the United States. If any of these Health Care Bills should be passed, if the Cap and Trade Bill should be passed, if the Environmental Treaty should be signed in Copenhagen, this Constitutional Republic will in fact lose consciousness, slip off into a deep coma, and expire right before our eyes. In essence, the Obama operation will be a success, but the United States (patient) will fail. It is imperative that we stop this administration from succeeding in this operational endeavor. Pray as hard and as often as you can that our Lord will open the eyes of our legislator's before it is too late. Obama is overloading the system, and We The People can just barely keep up with the amount of trash the White House is dumping on every citizen's front yard. Even skeptics must see that there is an agenda to this. No one, and I mean no one can make this many errors in judgement. This is a matter of life and death for our nation. Call your representatives, email them, and write them. These massive Bills put before congress and the senate must be stopped, our future, and the health of our country depends on it. Make no mistake, Obama and the progressives are operating on the heart of our nation, they, if successful, will rebuild and fundamentally change our country. Obama promised he would, and he is doing it, one illegal unconstitutional law at a time. Written by We The People

THIS COMMENT WORTH BEING A POST - YOU DECIDE

I was born here and Im tired of the attacks on the downtown area.I prefer to support my "neighbors" in the east, west and south. I only hear the complaint that all of the growth is being pushed,steered, directed and offered tax breaks by the council and mayor to the north portions of the of the city. Downtown has been ignored like the Obici properties and its time for ALL Suffolkinas to see that the ignoring stops.The northern tax payers have reaped the benefits of the downtown being ignored including the south, east and west Its time to stop complaining about the cultural arts center, the fairground projects,crime or any other project that is presented from within or from outside sources. Why wasnt there a pitch for Centerpoint to be built up north or out to the east. It would have been closer to the Port of Hampton Roads. The condition of downtown is no different than the Obici estate, its been ignored by choice and politics.Zoning is changed to appease someone else's interest not the city's.We were a city of 12,000 and now we are 80,000 + and will be growing as we should. Its time to support the city as a whole.Im sorry but the financial institutions run by some good folks are not inclined to provide funds for any small business owner in the downtown area. I know first hand, there have been some discussions with an attorney hired to speak and inquire on ones behalf.The spokesperson employed was not from Suffolk which could have been good but also bad. (Something about maybe the network) The question was why not consider up north. The reply was why? The city leaders are they so embarrassed that they can't admit they have neglected downtown or the Obici property. They cant admit nor can the previous leaders that the old city is a plight that they created. The real estate moguls cant admit they are as guilty. When was the ciy as a whole offered to any business who was considering Suffolk. The conflicts of interest there are none? None have been created? I am not against growth. It is known that the northern folks only want it for their part and want the real hub of the city to as they say "wish for it to die"
It is clear that city adminstratos over the last 15 years have the same thinking.Why not just hire someone to come in and have a controlled burn or just implode every structure. It would be much faster to kill it off.
Bigots? Look no further than Market Street and North Suffolk they are bigoted towards downtown and its residents.If I had a bussiness downtown it and others are already being boycotted. So there is nothing new other than you are promoting it. So who is the bigot now? And you question who the adult with a small mind is? Blood boiling? I will leave you and your own bigot mentality and the entire debate the following thought. "Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt".

From a citizen

THREE TIMES AS MANY DOLLARS ??

In a column that appeared in Thursday’s News-Herald, the Retail Alliance reported, “For every $100 spent at an independent business, $45 is returned directly to the area economy — more than three times the return gained from dollars spent at a national chain.” It is the local economy that supports local schools, hires local people and offers benefits to local families. If this is true would someone out there please explain how this magic works? Maybe the person who wrote the column. It might affect the way we shop.

CITY BRAINSTORMS WAYS TO FUND ROADS

The City Council on Wednesday discussed new ways to pay for local road projects as state funding becomes increasingly scarce. One idea was to build a reserve fund using only the extra tax revenue the city rapes, I mean reaps, each year from “new” home and business construction. This from the fertile mind of Anne Seward, the city's budget director. I found this info in a local paper. The description, “brainstorm,” was determined by the reporter, not city officials who rarely have one. What is so unique about using tax dollars to improve roads even if you narrow it down to “new taxes on new construction only?" I think the concept was to obtain and label a piggy bank. Other thoughts were on a Parr with that one with little chance of creating serious money. But Joe Barlow’s made sense, don’t improve the roads because slow traffic can mean less accidents. I don’t see any real money there unless Joe meant less law suits. Assuming citizens can contribute ideas, why not just send an email to Obama?

A TOAST TO MY FRIEND WHO WENT THROUGH HELL

He was pressed into service June, 1941 and left behind a close family, a growing marine construction business with his dad, and a special girl friend. After many months of training as an engineer they were issued winter clothes and then discovered they were headed for the tropics. Luckily, just before he left for Angel Island, Ft. McDowell and the Philippines, his mother and girl friend visited him. During the war in the Pacific he was declared missing. The next time they saw Bub was four years later in 1945 and it was at Mayo Army Hospital, Galesburg, Illinois where he was being debriefed, certified sane, and treated for stomach ulcers and malnutrition. His girl friend had waited for him, just knowing he was alive somewhere, and they were happily married for sixty-seven years, she died recently. His father had kept the business going, so Bub had a job when he was finally healed. He and Trig raised five children who turned out to be fine adults. In turn, to Bub’s delight, they produced many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Now Bub considers himself 'ancient' at 94. All those kids spoil him in every way. Life finally was good; but his hard road in the Bataan Death March to Mukden is never forgotten. May he live to be a hundred.

IT'S HAPPENING, YOU WILL BE POWERLESS

WASHINGTON—In an effort to cut condiment expenses and address the gluttony, waste, and utter lack of self-restraint exhibited by Americans, officials from the fast food industry announced Monday a new policy prohibiting all customers from dispensing their own ketchup.

"We thought our patrons were responsible enough to handle a self-service ketchup pump," said McDonald's CEO James A. Skinner, who claimed that fast food industry leaders were partially to blame for overestimating the maturity of the American public. "However, after watching the way you disgusting people behave when entrusted with a little independence, it's clear that we made a terrible mistake."

"Unlimited access to ketchup is a privilege," Skinner continued, "not a right."

NORTH SUFFOLK GETS ANOTHER ONE

The distance between north and south in our 430 square miles isn’t that great, maybe ten miles, but for some magic reason all new businesses plop down in the vicinity of Harbor View. It’s almost as if there’s a wall running across the city. Downtown gets bedrooms and south of that farms. This week another part of the nation’s defense system pops up in Harbor View. Cobham, producer of various sophisticated military and civil systems, will open doors in 2010 and may add 200 hundred employees over time.
It makes one wonder what would happen if zoning allowed one big defense business to build out in the farmland of our south. Would we see similar growth down there, stores, theatres, gas stations, another hub of defense works?
Cobham will produce advanced composite products for the aerospace and defense industry, with a focus on high-volume production of advanced aircraft engine components, aircraft and rotorcraft structural products, unmanned aerial vehicle components and missile and munitions products for the U.S. defense industry. With all that military stuff up north you’d think we were getting ready for another war. If true, North Suffolk may already be in someone’s bombsite.

SO WHY DON'T YOU ALL JUST RESIGN

The U.S. Post Service was established in 1775. You have had 234 years to get it right and it is broke. Social Security was established in 1935. You have had 74 years to get it right and it is broke. Fannie Mae was established in 1938. You have had 71 years to get it right and it is broke. War on Poverty started in 1964. You have had 45 years to get it right; $1 trillion of our money is confiscated each year and transferred to "the poor" and they only want more. Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965. You have had 44 years to get it right and they are broke. Freddie Mac was established in 1970. You have had 39 years to get it right and it is broke. The Department of Energy was created in 1977 to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. It has ballooned to 16,000 employees with a budget of $24 billion a year and we import more oil than ever before. You had 32 years to get it right and it is an abysmal failure.

You have FAILED in every "government service" you shoved down our throats while overspending our tax dollars AND YOU WANT AMERICANS TO BELIEVE YOU CAN BE TRUSTED WITH A GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM??

ITS BEEN THREE YEARS, TIME TO CLASS IT UP

In an attempt to upgrade comments to our Posts we offer the following. Misspelled words indicate our Public School education system is lacking, just as does poor grammar and words out of context. Former teachers expect more…some of the comments we receive are an embarrassment to them. It appears we have finally eliminated such words as “hacks,” and “crap,” course words at best, both unnecessary. Our objective is to stimulate intelligent discussion and in most cases that is what we see. One-liners are out…they are usually too cute or sarcastic and seldom offer a solution to a problem nor add much of significance…although there might be exceptions. We would like to be a class act. Over 43,000 computers have logged on and we want them to stay with us if only for a different slant on the news..

HOW FIRST LADY CREATES JOBS

In my own life, in my own small way, I have tried to give back to this country that has given me so much," she said. "See, that's why I left a job at a big law firm for a career in public service, "... Michelle Obama. No, she does not get paid to serve as the First Lady and she doesn't perform any official duties. But this hasn't deterred her from hiring an unprecedented number of staffers to cater to her every whim and to satisfy her every request in the midst of the Great Recession.
Just think, Mary Lincoln was taken to task for purchasing china for the White House during the Civil War. And Mamie Eisenhower had to shell out the salary for her personal secretary from her husband's salary.

Total Personal Staff members for other first ladies paid by taxpayers: Mamie Eisenhower : 1, Jackie Kennedy: 1, Roseline Carter: 1, Barbara Bush: 1, Hilary Clinton: 3, Laura Bush: 1, Michele Obama: 22

There has NEVER been anyone in the White House at any time that has created such an army of staffers whose sole duties is the facilitation of the First Lady's social life. One wonders why she needs so much help, at taxpayer expense.

Note: This does not include makeup artist Ingrid Grimes-Miles, 49, and "First Hairstylist" Johnny Wright, 31, both of whom traveled aboard Air Force One to Europe .

Copyright 2009 Canada Free Press.Com
canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/12652

Checked by Snopes and they say the numbers for past first ladies are higher.

When was that a good idea?

Another Closed Session

Another closed session for the redistibution of Suffolk taxpayer income and property. During her campaign, the mayor declared that she would like to make sure that the property at Lone Star Lakes is divided. (This was stated at the Pow Wow held late last summer.) This likely looks like the beginning of that promise.

I also believe we should hear what is going on with ReEnergy.

In an open and transparent government, closed meetings are held ONLY for things that HAVE to be closed. I continue to believe our Council looks for ways to KEEP things closed. I am one who would appreciate hearing the conversation of our council members. How about you?

OBICI HOUSE BLUES

The few bids that came in to the city fathers must have been a slap in their faces judging by their reaction to the bidders. And they will get no reason why their attemts, apparently feeble, were not accepted so we have a right to guess. Was it because the city deciders did not want the likes of what they proposed? Does the city want to own and restore? Does the city really want it demolished? Is there another bidder more favored by those in charge at city hall? Weren't the bidders plans up to snuff? It seems to us that good manners would have provided an inkling of why the snub. It's not like they submitted the bids on a napkin...time and expense had to be involved if bidders wanted to be taken seriously. Based upon media coverage of the frosty turndown our "leaders" don't look good.

DO NOT DUMB DOWN HUNTING GUN LAWS

On three sides of our home are natural woods that allow deer access to our flowers and shrubs year around. Attempts to run them off are fruitless so we expect year around Bambi’s plus their parents and relatives to survive on our efforts to beautify. What we don’t expect are hounds traipsing through attempting to deliver meat to their owner hunters who have been known to park nearby so we know “who turned the dogs loose.” Some years ago that happened too often and could have been dangerous.

Up in Michigan as a guest of a hunting club I witnessed an incident where a hunter blew the heart out of a game warden we had invited to join us for supper, a 12 gauge lead slug will kill an elephant. The shooter insisted he heard and saw a buck in a cedar thicket. That’s where the warden had just parked his blue Chevrolet. Suffolk gun laws are about right and, hopefully, enforced. Just as important would be to educate and test for understanding before a hunting license is issued. We are careful who gets a driver’s license.

NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN

The mayor cut a new ribbon up in North Suffolk, a neighboring principality, and it is already expanding its workforce. Applied Technical Systems Inc., located in the Harbor View Professional Center, specializes in data and intelligence analysis, skill sets that have a special level of pertinence for the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense and other government agencies tasked with finding and keeping an eye on America’s enemies. Perhaps the Army will put its skills to good use, especially the officers running Fort Hood and the Federal government bureaucrats that determine policy. The current crop of brass appears to be immune to pertinent information that should slap them awake to the danger walking around the place like a time bomb.

Ethical Conduct is not just for the "Tone-Deaf"...

With such huge amounts of money being spent by "The Government" at all levels; it raises the question of motives for those who vote for, or against a project or a proposal. As Suffolk moves into even higher levels of growth and spending than seen in the past, it begs the question of just how these decisions are made and for who's benefit? Other communities have noted problems, and Suffolk has heard many local rumors, but what are the facts? Who is paying for what and is it having any influence? The following is of some interest on the subject and may even be of some application to our own situation here in Suffolk:


Dallas City Council Approves Ethics Measures To Increase Transparency.
The Dallas Morning News (11/10, Bush) reports, "The Dallas City Council passed its most sweeping ethics changes in nearly a decade Monday in an attempt to clear a cloud that spread over City Hall with the corruption conviction of former Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill." The four measures, which "passed with little opposition," are "intended to bring more transparency to City Hall, particularly in development deals and the big money that comes with them." The ethics package would require "people who make or spend more than $200 to influence city officials...to register as lobbyists," with some exceptions, along with a number of other lobbying rules. The package will also require two council members "to second any motion on a significant zoning case before it can be brought for a vote of the full council," and require all council members to "disclose all gifts greater than $50 and any gifts with a total worth of more than $100 from a single source."

With a strong interest in accountability, transparency, and Open Government defined by our first ever "Elected Mayor"; now is the time to look at how confidence can be maintained in what is done on Market Street by both the Administration and our Elected Officials. There is a council code of ethics, but does it go far enough? I believe it does not, and should be strengthened. More disclosure must be demanded and I strongly support a reporting standard similar to that adopted by Dallas. Specifically, those who give money and gifts beyond a certain level to Suffolk decision makers, must register as lobbyists, which is what they are... Then we all know what is what and who is who... What do you think? Any problems going on under the present system?

Roger A. Leonard, MPA
Suffolk...

PROMISES PROMISES

If a purchase proposal presented to the Southeastern Public Service Authority by a New York-based company this week is accepted we continue to get free access to dumping. So says ReEnergy HOLDINGS LLC that upped the ante and answered hanging questions. The company was one of two that submitted bids of 240 million to buy SPSA’s assets. Wheelabrator Technologies Inc., a New Hampshire-based company also has an offer of $150 million to purchase SPSA’s incinerator in Portsmouth. The Authority’s board of directors members put a final decision on hold in order to consider ReEnergy’s offer. The company would pay $240 million for SPSA’s assets and has promised tens of millions of dollars in improvements to the Authority’s infrastructure. Does that mean it will still be free dumping for citizens of Suffolk?

GOOD NEWS OR WHAT

Revenues from many local taxes are beating expectations. That’s good. Just ninety days into the fiscal year the city is projecting revenues to exceed expenses by about $823,000. And the city expects more money than it budgeted for nearly all taxes on restaurants, hotels and sales, and increased tax revenue because the population is expanding. Many local businesses know there is a recession, not surprising is that the downtown Hilton Garden revenue was down 27 percent from a year before; while new hotels in North Suffolk expect record lodging taxes. The city lost 81 businesses last year; that did not help the tax picture. Sales tax was down in the first quarter this year but receipts were better this September than they were for that month the two previous years. "This is good news for the retail recovery," Treasurer Williams said. Good news for the rest of us would be a few cents off the assessment rate per hundred.

IT AINT OVER YET

But tonight the Democrats stabbed the nation in the back making Pelosi the heroine. Of course there is still the Senate. If this bureaucratic bill passes and is signed into law it will speed the ruination of democracy, but the end of the Democratic party come the next two elections. Either way it goes you had better study up on how to live during the coming short period of Socialism.

OBAMA GUILTY OF CONSERVATISM

But a different kind…he has thrown in with Al Gore to conserve the woods and forests, and stop harvesting the seas. We must ration energy, exact strict control on human activity; preserving the planet must come before the interests of mankind. Author Paul Johnson said that many of his supporters, they read the book, “The Sea Around Us” by Rachel Carson, would prefer a pristine world in which mankind remained primitive or did not exist at all. He states their faith is a substitute for religion, the worship of earth and all its manifestations. And wow, is it ever costing you.

ONE MAN CAN DO A TERRIBLE AMOUNT OF DAMANGE

They say the professor at the military base in Texas was a Muslim, but perhaps in name only. They say he was not a terrorist but he certainly killed like one, bringing down over forty persons by himself. That’s the object of any terrorist anywhere, efficiency. And who would have suspected: an educated man in a high place, respected until that moment when his motive became tragically obvious. Do you suppose this could be happening in Washington, one man seemingly bent on the destruction of our nation, foolishly spending our currency to the point it may become worthless? In a few months we seem to have turned one hundred eighty degrees, now soundly headed in the direction of socialism. Exactly as the professor in Texas did...I believe one man has bamboozled millions of innocent people.

OBAMA "NO U TURN" SIGN IGNORED

Perhaps the magic words this morning, the day after the election, are Virginia, Jersey, brick wall, about face, and surprise. This has got to keep the leftists awake for a few nights but today we will only hear them say those two victories mean nothing. And locally, the size of campaign signs mean something. Tea party members will certainly be emboldened and incumbents across the nation will rethink what they have been doing. It was a great night for conservatism.

IT IS NO WONDER THEY COME ACROSS

If you cross into N Korea illegally you get 12 yrs hard labor.
If you cross into Iran illegally you're detained indefinitely.
BUT, if you cross into the US illegally you get:

1. A driver's license
2. A Social Security card
3. Welfare
4. Food stamps
5. FREE health care

WHY DON'T I GET THIS?

Good Luck to All Candidates

I'd like to extend a sincere "good luck" to all candidates tomorrow - from the Governor's race on down. Candidates from both parties and our Independent candidates are running because they believe they can make a difference in our state, district, and local communities. Thanks to all for participating in the political process and for putting in the time, money, and effort to campaign.

THERE IS NO END TO IT

An employer friend got a call from a man enquiring about a job, and at the end of the conversation the man left his phone number. The employer asked if this was a new cell phone number and the man replied, “Yes this is my Obama phone." When asked what an "Obama phone" was the man said cheerfully that welfare recipients are now eligible to receive (1) a FREE new phone and (2) approx. 70 minutes of FREE minutes every month.

Don’t believe it? Click on safelinkwireless.com/ and cooperate with the smiling lady pictured there. TAX PAYER MONEY IS BEING REDISTRIBUTED TO WELFARE RECIPIENTS FOR FREE CELL PHONES. This program was started earlier this year. Are you surprised?

AN EXCELLENT MOVE

SPSA can only benefit by removing politicians and politics from control of SPSA decisions. It looks like America is slowly waking up to the fact that people with responsible business experience are far superior to small town politicos whose effort can be mainly directed toward reelection and grasping for earmarks benefiting their particular borough. SPSA may still be headed for demolition but has a better chance at survival under the guidance of persons used to
facing problems of personnel, marketing and competition. We hope the new faces on the board will get cooperation and the support of both political parties and all city administrations.

WE HOPE YOU ARE FOLLOWING THIS

October 30. An excellent opinion piece by Meghan Brinkley can be read in the Suffolk News Herald. The title is "Fox news stands up to the president." Makes you wonder what goes on in the Administration
minds. What idiot could convince Obama to stoop to such pettiness? Or.....

IT IS NONE OF OUR BUSINESS BUT

What are your thoughts about the group of Suffolk Citizens bidding for restoration of the Obici House as a place for fine dining. There perhaps is a connection between those who play golf and those whom fine dine and might make complete sense. Or would you prefer some other group unconnected to golf to make it their private building? "IS" is not that interested but we know some of you are...we have heard the muttering. Only because of the generosity of Mr. Obici toward Suffolk do we offer this opportunity for comment. It seems to us that Mrs. Obici has already been slighted enough and wish she had a voice in the matter. Maybe your opinion will help deciders decide. Who knows?

NOBODY TALKING DOWN AT CITY HALL

Remember back in August when the fire at the Red Thread and beyond was happening? What you did not know was that it was a Keystone Cop event with flummoxed firemen, amateur electricians, and God intervening by not allowing strong winds. Believe it or not the nearest fire hydrant had no water. Another on Main had about five gallons and pooped out. Fortunately another on Main saved the day and perhaps a few buildings. On top of all that they couldn’t shut off the electricity or get to the switches to get power back to many nearby buildings. An attempt to get inside the Red Thread, hopefully to shut off the power, was thwarted because someone had changed the lock and a man who had the right key did not. ApparentlyAndy Damiani offered a crowbar but just then a man tried his key for the hell and it worked. The huge plates on the sidewalk, and entrance to underground electric cutoffs were too heavy to lift without a forklift, not one was handy. Both the City Manager and Debbie George, according to onlookers were running around like headless chickens, doing their best to help and save the city from embarrassment. We heard today that reporters from the local papers would write about the comedy but as yet can’t find anyone at City Hall that will talk. The city knows there are old water mains that could lead to fire hydrant problems. The fire was in August but it took to October to dig up the one by Red Thread. Testing others would be good for some of that surplus $$.

IN TEXAS IT CAN BACKFIRE

Victoria, Texas is a town about 80 miles west of Houston. Local Hispanic leaders there, in opposition to pending Immigration Legislation, boycotted all Caucasian owned businesses last month as a demonstration of their economic impact on the community. The Hispanic community, noting revenue in Caucasian owned businesses was down 19%, declared the boycott a success. But those business owners also declared the boycott a success, pointing out that shoplifting was reduced by 77%, and money orders sent out of the country were down by 97 percent.. Shoppers reported they could actually hear English being spoken throughout the community for the first time in recent memory, and customers paid for purchases with real money, not government debit cards or food stamps.

Excerpt from their local paper.

TWO TRILLION LIES

That is part of the title of the opinion piece in the Suffolk News Herald this morning, Oct 28. It is a pretty strong admonishment of our President. Worth a read.

THE MAJORITY OF CITIZENS COULDN'T CARE LESS

At the heart of the American idea is the deep distrust and suspicion the founders of our nation had for government, distrust and suspicion not shared as much by today's Americans. Some of the founders' distrust is seen in our Constitution's language such as Congress shall not: abridge, infringe, deny, disparage, violate and deny. If the founders did not believe Congress would abuse our God-given rights, they would not have provided those protections. After all, one would not expect to find a Bill of Rights in Heaven; it would be an affront to God. Other founder distrust for government is found in the Constitution's separation of powers, checks and balances and the several anti-majoritarian provisions such as the Electoral College and the requirement that three-quarters of state legislatures ratify changes in the Constitution. The three branches of our federal government are no longer bound by the Constitution as the framers envisioned and what is worse is American ignorance and acceptance of such rogue behavior. Look at the current debate over government involvement in health, business bailouts and stimulus packages. The debate centers around questions as whether such involvement is a good idea or a bad idea and whether one program is more costly than another. Those questions are entirely irrelevant to what should be debated, namely: Is such government involvement in our lives permissible under the U.S. Constitution? That question is not part of the debate. The American people, along with our elected representatives, whether they're Republicans or Democrats, care less about what is and what is not permissible under our Constitution. They think Congress has the right to do anything upon which they can secure a majority vote, whether they have the constitutional or moral authority to do so or not." --George Mason economics professor Walter E. Williams

Why won't Sheriff Issacs speak to the press?

Here’s the story as I understand it. Wavy’s reporter, Kay Young, has contacted both Raleigh Issacs and Jay Clason to get the scoop about why each wants to be sheriff. Jay Clayson shared his thoughts with Ms. Young, but Ms. Young has yet to get responses from Sheriff Issacs. According to the write-up, Mr. Issacs has chosen NOT TO respond because Ms. Young indicated that she would like to get his perception on “allegations from some of his constituents that he used his position to help a relative in legal trouble.” In fact, he hung up on her.

Ms. Young wanted to give Sheriff Issacs an opportunity to clear up the issue and the related allegations that are out and about. Sheriff Issacs doesn’t want to talk about it. I do think with the election coming up that it is an appropriate time for Sheriff Issacs to finally address this with constituents. Put the issue to rest. Mr. Issacs may not feel he needs to respond to the press, but I hope he feels he needs to be accountable and responsible to his constituents and that’s us.

IT IS TIME YOU HEARD THIS

Hidden 1,000 feet beneath the surface of the Rocky Mountains lies the largest untapped oil reserve in the world. It is more than 2 TRILLION barrels. On August 8, 2005 President Bush mandated its extraction. In three and a half years of high oil prices none has been extracted. With this motherload of oil why are we still fighting over off-shore drilling? We have more oil inside our borders, than all the other proven reserves on earth, 8-times as much oil as Saudi Arabia. HOW can this BE? HOW can we NOT BE extracting this? Because the environmentalists and others have blocked all efforts to help America become independent of foreign oil! Again, we are letting a small group of people dictate our lives and our economy.....WHY? James Bartis, lead researcher with the study says we've got more oil in this very compact area than the entire Middle East -more than 2 TRILLION barrels untapped. That's more than all the proven oil reserves of crude oil in the world today, reports The Denver Post. Don't think 'OPEC' will drop its price - even with this find? Think again! It's all about the competitive marketplace, - it has to. Think OPEC just might be funding the environmentalists? Got your attention/ire up yet? Hope so! . http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1911

AND WHERE DID THOSE DOLLARS COME FROM

SUFFOLK The Economic Development Authority will give $824,400 in public funds to help the city land a defense supplier. EDA board members approved the economic development incentive grant last week but did not identify the amount during the public vote. The city released the resolution Thursday in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

OBAMA SENDS HIS LOVE

City Council members voted to accept a $741,100 energy efficiency conservation block grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. $100,000 of that money will be used to provide new energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment and lighting at the old Nansemond County courthouse, soon to be renovated into the new Visitors Center, (at a cost of $855,000 to us ). And will be used to replace the existing heating and cooling equipment at the human resources building. Jones said. “This is a major capital project that needs to be done, and now it gets done with no local tax dollars.” Baloney, Mr. Jones is in error as those WILL BE someone’s local taxes down the road. Like maybe our kids. But City Hall believes there is such a thing as free money.

PRETTY CONCISE

A conservative that doesn't like guns doesn't buy one. If a liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed. If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat. If a liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone. If a conservative sees a foreign threat, he thinks about how to defeat his enemy. A liberal wonders how to surrender gracefully and still look good. A conservative homosexual quietly leads his life. A liberal homosexual demands legislated respect. A black or Hispanic conservative sees himself as independently successful. Liberal counterparts see themselves as victims in need of government protection. A down and out conservative thinks about how to better his situation. A liberal wonders who will take care of him. If a conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels.Liberals demand that those they don't like be shut down. If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church. A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced. (Unless it's a foreign religion, of course!) A conservative deciding he needs health care goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it. A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his. If a conservative slips and falls in a store, he gets up, laughs and is embarrassed. A liberal grabs his neck, moans like he's in labor and then sues. So why do liberals think they're more tolerant than conservatives?! From a reader.

IS THERE NO LIMIT TO STIMULUS

We thought cash for clunkers was the ultimate waste of taxpayer money, but as usual we were too optimistic. Thanks to the federal tax credit to buy high-mileage cars that was part of President Obama's stimulus plan, Uncle Sam is now paying Americans to buy that great necessity of modern life, the golf cart.
The federal credit provides from $4,200 to $5,500 for the purchase of an electric vehicle, and when it is combined with similar incentive plans in many states the tax credits can pay for nearly the entire cost of a golf cart. Even in states that don't have their own tax rebate plans, the federal credit is generous enough to pay for half or even two-thirds of the average sticker price of a cart, which is typically in the range of $8,000 to $10,000. The purchase of some models could be absolutely free.. From Virginia News Source

ONE-TIME BONUS FOR CITY EMPLOYEES

We’re not supposed to call it a bonus. Councilman Brown wants us to call this an “employee performance one-time supplement.” Vice-mayor Milteer mentioned that providing this will help morale and activity in the family go up. Mayor Johnson applauded staff for turning off lights, not idling cars, turning the air conditioning up and turning the heat down. She mentioned that the family has to take care of one another. Obviously all Council members will vote to approve the bonus since employees have done such an outstanding job. They’ve saved us money. They’ve been more efficient. They’ve done their job better. Johnson tried to tie the work of firefighters and saving streets to some sort of efficiency. I tie this to the incredible work ethic of our firefighters.

A couple of thoughts here. First of all – where are the citizens in this “family?” We’re just not feeling it. And why is it okay to take money from one family member and decide that another family member needs it more? And why hasn’t Council talked about giving the money BACK to the citizens from whom it was taken? Perhaps helping the budget crunch in our Constitutional offices would be a good use of the money.

We DO need to recognize employees, but a bonus is not necessarily the only way. How about making sure there is a cost-of-living raise in salaries for our employees? This would let them know that even in tough times we value the job they do enough to make a commitment in the budget – and not just when a surplus is available.

Bulk Refuse Coming Back - But Just for a Short While

Suffolk’s Council took time to address the bulk refuse issue at its work session today. Several members indicated that they are glad it is back in place. Councilman Parr let us know that if Council knew there would have been a surplus, then the bulk refuse service would never have been taken away.

Gardy patted all on the back for following the new city law. Barlow mentioned that the refuse program just wasn’t understood. Brown wanted to make sure we all know that the dates for the reestablishment of the service is December 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Milteer reminded all that there are still a number of folks who don’t have city trashcans. (I believe this was to have been addressed for Milteer by city staff many months ago when he previously brought this issue up.)

I don’t buy that bulk refuse would have been left in if staff knew there was a surplus. City Council CHOSE TO STOP THIS SERVICE when they chose to fund things that are not essential to the management of the city (e.g., Peanut Fest and other nonprofit organizations).

As I remind people all the time, I think that things like Peanut Fest are valuable contributions to our city, but I don't think it's necessarily our citizen dollars that should pay for this. This is a city service that was REMOVED while available dollars were used for other things.

FYI: Mr. Neilson indicated that if you have bulk refuse put out before December 1st, it will be picked up.

What say you?

ARE WE BEING SPUN

To All: A commenter gave us the correct address.

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227

Take a look at this article and then ask yourself just what the well guarded City Credit Rating really means...? This article verifies the fact that the three main bond-rating agencies have a conflict of interest that puts profit before accuracy. So aren't City pronouncements about our "swell" bond ratings possible fiction?

Does this show that the trips by Staff and the Council to New York are nothing less than show to keep up the idea that all is well? And whatever happenned to telephones?

AND WE ONLY WANT A LITTLE BITTY BRIDGE BY COMPARISON

A homeowner I know at the far end of Corolla on the OuterBanks says they don't want the 569 million bridge. Or paying the $12.toll each way. More evidence, he said, is that there are endless homes up for sale. Some can't finish paying for one, or sell one, and it is bad for business according to those who own one to rent out. The price tag boggeles the mind. The officials will consider that but in Virginia we can't replace one. Does this mean the rich get richer?

MORE OF OUR DOLLARS BEING GIVEN AWAY

Found this in the news but what is it all about?

"A business development that appeared stalled for months might be moving forward.
The Economic Development Authority voted this week to give an incentive grant to Sparta Inc.
Despite the public vote, the resolution did not identify the size of the grant, which is funded with local tax dollars. City staff and the council appointed EDA board members declined to discuss details. Jack Eure, a lawyer and EDA board member, said the vote followed a closed meeting in which some "tough questions" were asked, but the matter is "pretty sensitive."

Open and Transparent

FURTHER PROOF OF BRILLIANCE

So who dreamed this up, and will Council go along? The city is “carefully considering blowing two million of our “surplus” tax dollars on city employee bonuses and to reinstate bulk trash pickup with another half million. Funny how public pressure can reverse a call for charging fees for trash pickup…can the same pressure stop the seven from “giving” our dollars away instead of returning it to the rightful owners or reducing debt? And just how will spending over $400,000 help fight gangs...maybe give the gangs a few bucks to behave? If you have better ideas for this surplus you best show up next Wednesday and speak your piece. Get this; one million would go only to “classified service city employees,” whatever they are, and Council Appointees who officials believe caused the surplus by cutting costs. Senior citizens will get no SOCIAL SECURITY inflation adjustments this year; they could use a few dollars from the city. Most every family in Suffolk has had to find ways to cut costs; where is their reward?

EXCERPTS FROM TWO OBAMA BOOKS

Everyone of voting age should get and read these two books written by Obama.
From Dreams of My Father: 'I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites.'
From Dreams of My Father: 'I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mothers race.
From Dreams of My Father: 'There was something about her that made me wary, a little too sure of herself, maybe and white.
From Dreams of My Father: 'It remained necessary to prove which side you were on, to show your loyalty to the black masses, to strike out and name names.'
From Dreams of My Father: 'I never emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa, that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself: the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, Dubois, Mandela.
And FINALLY, and most scary!
From Audacity of Hope: 'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.'

PEANUT FEST TO BE RENAMED ???

Suffolk officials want a new motto, perhaps because Obama is changing everything. Even the crop production in Suffolk is changing. Rex Cotton, a fit name for his job, reports that peanuts are down to 1400 acres. That's peanuts for a city with 50,000 acres of good farmland that once supplied Mr. Obici with a fine crop of money. Corn is a piddling 9600 acres. Cotton for Haynes underwear is down to 11,000 while soybeans bounded to 23,000 acres providing much nutrition for the deer herd. I guess the good news is that zero acres of tobacco were planted and that could mean kids are wising up to the destructive nature of the plant. Rex will agree that there is no official count of acreage devoted to marijuana but it pops up here and there.

KEEN INTEREST IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

After a public hearing at city hall on the issuance of up to $27 million in bonds drew no speakers at Wednesday’s city council meeting, the council voted unanimously to approve the move and incur the debt. Nowadays $27,000,000 is too small a number to cause concern. Obviously we now trust our Council to do the right thing.

BARCLAY PRODS AIRPORT PROGRESS

City Council members appear to be waking up to the fact that creating an airport authority to govern the Suffolk Executive Airport could get its growth off dead stop. Suffolk Executive Airport currently is merely an ancillary utility of the city. If an authority were established the airport would be chartered as an independent authority by the Virginia General Assembly. An authority would have more autonomy in the airport’s operations than the commission currently has. Thanks to Councilman Robert Barclay IV, who has experience in such matters, for initiating the discussion. Supporting Barclay was dependable Curtiss Milteer who said there has been no major progress in the last 65 years. At the airport commission’s last meeting a unanimous vote supported the creation of an airport authority. That should do it.

TIME FOR YOUR ACTION NO COMMENTS NEEDED

Jean Cunningham, the Democrat Chairwomen of the Virginia State Board of Elections, appointed by the Democratic Governor, is claiming that she has the legal basis to raise massive barriers to prevent military personnel currently in combat from voting in the November election, she has testified in Federal Court that she is only required to send military personnel an absentee ballot “the day before an election.” She is doing all she can to disenfranchise military personnel currently in combat from voting. In the last election thousands of votes were never counted and her actions helped Obama win the election in the State of Virginia. A similar action is taking place in New Jersey. If you know of any active or retired military personnel residing in Virginia and New Jersey, or civilian residents in Virginia or New Jersey, please pass this on and ask them to do all they can to oppose these actions. Time is not on the side of military personnel in combat who hope to vote in the November elections; these premeditated and mean spirited actions by Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey should be brought to the attention of all Americans; military personnel in combat defending our right to free and fair elections should not be prevented from voting-------it’s outrageous! Respectfully, Joe Gecan

POTENTIAL GOOD NEWS ABOUT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Our Public School system wants citizen volunteers to assist in the Key Communicator Network, that provides the superintendent feedback about the schools and their administration. Suffolk Public Schools Public Information Officer Bethanne Bradshaw suggested that volunteers agree to receive monthly email messages from Dr. Liverman and to contact him with any questions, news, or opinions from themselves, peers or associates. We are assuming this is a new method of enjoining parents, and others, in an attempt to improve our schools with direct conversation between “volunteers and Dr. Liverman. He insists he wants the feedback.
For more information about the Key Communicators Network, call Bradshaw at 925-6752 or email her at betbradshaw@spsk12.net

SOME SAID GEORGE BUSH WAS LESS THAN INTELLIGENT

George W. Bush did not use a TelePrompTer. In eight years he did not spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to take Laura Bush to a play in NYC. He did not reduce your retirement plan's holdings of GM stock by 90% and give the unions a majority stake in GM. He did not make a joke at the expense of the Special Olympics. He did not give the Queen of England an iPod containing videos of his speeches. George never bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia. He did not, during his visit to Austria, make reference to the non-existent "Austrian” language. George did not fill his cabinet and circle of advisers with people who can’t keep current in their income taxes. George was not so Spanish illiterate as to refer to "Cinco de Cuatro" in front of the Mexican ambassador when it was the 5th of May (Cinco de Mayo). George did not burn 9,000 gallons of jet fuel to go plant a single tree on Earth Day. He did not fail to send relief aid to flood victims throughout the Midwest where more people were killed or made homeless than in New Orleans. Obama ordered the firing of the CEO of a major corporation, even though he had no constitutional authority to do so. George did not double a national debt in one year that had taken more than two centuries to accumulate. So, tell me again, what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant and impressive?

From an anonymous reader

EXCERPT FROM BEN STEIN

Why is President Obama in such a hurry to get his socialized medicine bill passed? Because he and his cunning circle realize some basic truths: The American people voted for a pig in a poke in 2008. They believed he was somehow better and different from other ultra-leftists and took him on faith. They ignored his anti-white writings in his books. They ignored his quiet acceptance of hysterical anti-American diatribes by his minister, Jeremiah Wright. They ignored his refusal to explain years at a time of his life as a student. They ignored his ultra-left record as a "community organizer," Illinois state legislator, and Senator. The American people ignored his total zero of an academic record as a student and teacher, his complete lack of scholarship when he was being touted as a scholar. Now, the American people are waking up to the truth. Obama is a super likeable super leftist, not a fan of this country, too cozy with the terrorist leaders in the Middle East, all the way into active destruction of our interests and our allies and our future. The American people have already awakened to the truth that the stimulus bill -- a great idea in theory -- was really an immense bribe to Democrat interest groups, and in no way an effort to help all Americans. The American people already know that Mr. Obama's plan to lower health costs while expanding coverage and bureaucracy is a myth, a promise of something that never was and never will be -- a bureaucracy lowering costs in a free society. Either the costs go up or the free society goes away. Mr. Obama knows Americans are getting wise and will stop him if he delays at all in taking away our freedoms. There is his urgency and our opportunity. Once freedom is lost, America is lost.

Ben Stein is a writer, actor, economist, and lawyer living in Beverly Hills and Malibu.

"IS" ENDORSES GB

A touch back in time we were admonished for not endorsing Raleigh Issacs perpetual run for the gold...we thought we had. No mistake this time, IS endorses Glenn Beck in his attempt to keep Obama out of an additional presidential race. If you are not watching this 5 pm upstart on Fox Cable it's because you have a job. His anti-progressive-liberal-socialist formula will cause you to wonder how big his bodyguard is. His goal is quite simple: eliminate at least half of congress and make certain Obama will not make idiots of voters a second time. IS encourages comment defense of the current administrations handiwork with the economy, health care, and lower Public School kid brain washing. Let's hear from the Governor, for example.

FINALLY A SENSIBLE STIMULUS PACKAGE

Dear Mr. President: Please find below my suggestion for fixing America 's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan. You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan: There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations: 1) They MUST retire.. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed. 2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed. 3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed. It can't get any easier than that! If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes... If you think this would work, please forward to everyone you know. From Petersburg Florida Times

SPSA DOOMED

Good old SPSA, under new management, is on its way out. They look a bit like a drowning man pleading for someone to throw a life preserver. And it could happen soon if they are bought out. Apparently a buyer does not necessarily honor the old contract that gives Suffolk free dumping privilege. So it appears that, without argument, Suffolk must acquiesce and ponder what we must individually pay to keep the streets clean. While $14 per month seems not so bad, it adds to $168 per year and for some that’s hard to swallow. Apparently that $168 covers what city fathers recently deduced was a user fee for large items. It is already obvious that determination was a boo-boo. (THE CITIZENS REVOLTED)And forget opting out of the new charge, they don’t want you dumping on your own property even if you have a thousand acres. They would also fear neighbors pooling their garbage. So it is just another tax and you are used to that.

The new Saturday hours are less convenient 8 to 12, used to be until 4 pm.

OBAMA STRIKES AGAIN

We can be sure our Police Department will find good ways to sop up up the $386,450 Federal Grant and already state a portion will buy a spanking new police boat. Lord knows we have plenty of water surface to watch over, scattered though it may be. But there may still be juridiction matters to conclude…three large lakes belong to Norfolk and another to Portsmouth. When there was more money around I could depend on seeing Norfolk cops drive by my dock on lake Western Branch…I was ticketed more than once. They were good guys but now they are gone and I wonder: “Who do you call” when I see a boat in distress. Once I was told to phone the Coast Guard but I figured it would be too expensive for them to fly in with that monster chopper. Will Suffolk brass allow Suffolk police on unowned lakes?

TOO MANY FALLING STARS

A great opinion article in the Suffolk News Herald Monday, September 23, by Grady Bryant provides a new perspective on local Public Schools and just how far behind our students could be because of our system. Plug in Suffolknewsherald.com and go to Opinion. Read it and be surprised.

DEB, YOU FORGOT SOMETHING

Debbie George had a great opinion piece in the SNH this morning pointing out the "not to be sniffed at" growth in our city, downtown and other locations. She cited projects requiring millions to upgrade facilities necessary to improving life in Suffolk and credited our City Council for its great thinking. She might have added thanks to the tax payers.

We are up to here with City new motto suggestions. We'd like someone to be serious; we just might please the committee with a good one, one that will last. Set aside your humor and tongue in cheek offerings. You could become famous.

WELL THAT FIGURES

City officials on Wednesday announced a preliminary surplus of an estimated $3 million to $5 million on the books as of June 30. The preliminary figure in the last fiscal year came as a result of saving on various expenses where feasible. “It didn’t come without a lot of hard work,” Mayor Linda T. Johnson said, praising city staff. The figure is the early estimate of an audit that will be completed in October, Finance Director Dale Walker told the city council on Wednesday. That figure, Walker said, is a snapshot of the city’s position on June 30. Council members almost immediately began thinking of ways to use the excess money.

SOUNDS VERY GOOD BUT HOW TOUGH IS IT

All of Suffolk’s public elementary, middle and high schools have been fully accredited under the state’s Standard of Learning guidelines, according to the Virginia Department of Education. Accreditation is awarded to schools that meet or exceed state objectives on Standards of Learning tests and other statewide assessments in the four core academic areas — English, math, history and science. At least 70 percent of students in middle and high schools must pass the SOL tests in order for their schools to be accredited. In elementary schools, 75 percent of students must pass their English SOLs; 70 percent must pass math, and grade-five history and science; and 50 percent must pass grade-three science and history tests.

Would this serve as an example of "dumbing down?"

JOIN THE BATTLE

I knew it would happen and finally a sizzling comment criticizing Inside Suffolk for deviating from the original stated position that our forum would be Suffolk city government. In so many words “get back to Suffolk problems and leave state and national subjects for others.” Sorry; but for now we have we decided that progressive liberals attempting to redistribute the wealth of our country in favor of the less ambitious citizens is at least as important to combat as reduced recycling, Taste of Suffolk, Christmas parades, and tricky Family Transfers. National issues are currently the most important local issue there can possibly be. You and your children's life style depend upon how awake you are as to what is happening right before your eyes, whether or not you are paying attention. If you are unaware of the dangerous changes being considered we strongly suggest you tune in immediately...your voice can be heard.

The Mayor Remembers Frank Batten

If you’re like me, you’ve never heard our mayor mention Frank Batten before this evening. At an opportune time during the Council Meeting, our mayor brought out the newspaper from last Friday and read to us. She wanted to expound on a quote by Mr. Batton where he provided some of the purposes of a paper. One of those stated . . . “a news report should never be influenced by the owner or a group . . .” Hmmmm, to whom is she referring?

BY NOW YOU KNOW

Mr. Obama is a very intellectual, charming individual. He is not to be underestimated. He is a cool customer who doesn't show his emotions. It's very hard to know what's behind the mask. The taking down of the Clinton dynasty by a political neophyte was an amazing accomplishment. The Clintons still do not understand what hit them. Obama was in the perfect place at the perfect time. Obama has political skills comparable to Reagan and Clinton. He has a way of making you think he's on your side, agreeing with your position, while doing the opposite. Pay no attention to what he SAYS; rather, watch what he DOES! Obama has a ruthless quest for power. He did not come to Washington to make something out of himself, but rather to change everything, including dismantling capitalism. He can't be straightforward on his ambitions, as the public would not go along. He has a heavy hand, and wants to level the playing field with income redistribution and punishment to the achievers of society. He would like to model the USA to Great Britain or Canada. Charles Krauthammer