DEDICATED ALUMNUS

Mr. O’Connor is the kind of person you want in your corner promoting your product. One of his favorites appears to be the SCCA that dishes out culture in many different ways. Not popular with everyone in Suffolk the SCCA is the obvious cultural leader, providing local citizens with a headquarters for promoting a more gracious lifestyle. O’Conner shrugs off the notion his contribution to SCCA success exceeds what is expected of any supporter. But you don’t find too many SCCA board members willing, almost daily, to police the grounds picking up wind blown trash. He reminds me of those few members of any organization that hang around long after the oyster roast or public barbecue to wash the pots and pans, the least glamorous contribution.

He states that his motivation is to make certain failure will fail where he is involved. He also said, according to a  SNH article, that he thought it was a joke when he was nominated for an award.

He appears more as a gentle former wrestler than artsy and it is easy to believe he was primarily interested in rescuing his alma mater from possible delmolition. We applaud him.

WE ARE NOT ALONE

I read the Suffolk News Herald in the morning, go right to it from “IS” via our link. I will be a better reader when they don’t try so hard to confuse me with pop up ads. I’m a neophyte when playing in the mysterious world of bits and bytes as it is but these pop-ups jump on my screen without invitation smack in the middle of an interesting paragraph. I desperately click on the ad and different parts of the screen; sometimes they resist removal no matter the amount of button stabbing I do, if I am successful in eliminating one another takes its place…what I was reading goes somewhere and I must go fishing again to find it. The ads are probably effective except for the fact that I’d rather be reading news articles.

This day one by Tracy Agnew grabbed me. The one about the alleged criminal who apparently has mind control over computers where I don’t even have physical control. Certain valuable passages that may have enhanced prosecution of the alleged wrongdoer are missing from the software and no longer available. Of course this is an embarrassment to the force and not easily swept aside or hidden from public view. One hesitates to use the term “Keystone Cops,” because the charged person is still innocent until proven guilty, the evidence collectors had no part in the affair, nor the evidence keepers; it was merely the gods providing me with something to write about.

NEW WAY OF LOOKING AT IT

From Virginia News Source

"VIRGINIA BEACH (November 23, 2010) - - We recently logged a rant about the TSA for its sexual molestation under the guise of national security. I'd personally rather risk being among 3,000 killed in a new terrorist attack in the U.S. than to give up my rights under the Constitution."

"IS" regards that as noble but silly and suggests we think about it...if part of Obama's plan to become a socialist nation is to jam up the government operations any way he can what better way than to impair air transportation. If everyone refused to be searched the new "close up and personal way" air traffic would be stopped until TSA adopted less stringent methods of search and embarrass.  This will happen if a significant amount of Americans stay mad as hell, or  planes will fly half full, and that is not an option.

Of course the airlines could install boarding  machines that bypass personal search but automatically set off any explosive material carried by the boarding passenger.

A THANKSGIVING MESSAGE

America is not a dog and does not require a “because I said so” jurisprudence or legislators who knit laws of such insulting complexity that they are heavier than chains, or a president who acts like, speaks like, and is received like a king. The president is not our teacher, our tutor, our guide or ruler. He does not command us: we command him. We serve neither him nor his vision. It is not his job or his prerogative to redefine custom, law, and beliefs; to appropriate industries; to seize the country, as it were, by the shoulders or by the throat so as to impose by force of theatrical charisma his justice upon 300 million others. It is neither his job nor his prerogative to shift the power of decision away from them, and to him and the acolytes of his choosing.

Is my characterization of unprecedented presumption incorrect? Listen to the words of the leader of President Obama’s transition team and perhaps his next chief–of-staff: “It’s important that President-Elect Obama is prepared to really take power and begin to rule day one.” Or more recently, the latest presidential appointment to avoid confirmation by the Senate - the new head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – who wrote: “President Obama understands the importance of leveling the playing field again.”

“Take power…rule…leveling.” Though this is the model now, this has never been and should never again be the model of the presidency or the character of the American president. No one can say this too strongly, and no one can say it enough until it is remedied. We are not subjects; we are citizens. We fought a war so that we do not have to treat even kings like kings, and, if I may remind you – we won that war.

By Mike Pence, U.S. Representative from Indiana in the monthly Imprimis.

VERY LITTLE LIGHT AT END OF TUNNELS

Every morning except Monday the Suffolk News Herald is scanned to be sure we agree on any news event and usually we do. But here we try to pack all the news into a few paragraphs to save reader time. We have had a link to their paper for years but they have not returned the favor. Take the mess at a Hobson church where the congregation is suffering the same disease as Repubs and Demos, they can’t get along. Twice the pastor has been fired and rehired, the church door sealed with lock and chain, later cut. It looks like a split to me. I experienced that 60 years ago when our church split…do we sing hymns with the organ or a cappella? Two churches a block apart now…that’s when I split.

And our state and local dignitaries believe they have softened Mr. Gates unexplained drive to close JefCom. No change of heart yet but Gates will put our officials on the list to take part in discussions about whether or not to close, or how much to close. Those boys in DC don’t often restudy an issue but the last election put the “whoa” on a lot of stuff.

Then there’s the local teacher who posted true information on the hilarious Facebook and may suffer humiliation and loss of career for what the Board and school administration term stupid remarks. Apparently teachers, unlike other human species, are not allowed to do terrible things like that.

Hot and dry summer not good for farmers, just as Obama has not been good for the nation. Peanuts down 50%, cotton worse, soybeans, forget it. Oh, yes, jobs are also down. Now on top of that comes the colorful caterpillars that turn into something after they destroy the vegetation. To say nothing about the exponential exploding deer herd. I have a six-point buck and eight, probably pregnant, girlfriends eating my landscape attempts. One farmer I know counted 23 deer devouring his soybeans. The end may be near, folks.

SO WHO PAYS

Council still pondering left turn lane to the Children’s Center on Wilroy Road. The childcare facility was awarded a million + in federal stimulus money to expand the Early Head Start program. So City recommends the Center be required to pay for the turn lane but the Director, Tamie Rittenhoouse says the Center can’t afford to use their money and might go out of business. No turn lane compromises safety of the children. The stimulus money would allow a 3000 square foot expansion, increase the parking lot, and allow Head Start to increase to a max of 95 with a staff of 32. But a city traffic engineer is concerned that this would add traffic to an already-busy roadway. A city study states there have been three accidents in the eight years since 2002 caused by vehicles turning left into the Center, and lowering the speed limit may have prevented those..

So who wins? The Center maintains student expansion means more students arriving by bus, making it safer and less traffic but Council won’t allow expansion without a new turn lane. This argument over who pays is called “dueling.”

HAD TO READ IT TWICE

A piece in the SNH written by Leila Roche pictured our grey haired handsome Treasurer smiling as he peeked over a pile of frozen turkeys. My first thought was; "That's great, our Treasurer giving up $28,000 of his salary to buy food to give away for thankgiving." I've always thought Ron was a good guy even though every year he receives the biggest check I write.  But reading deeper into the story I came across the name Leotis Williams, that's the one who gave away two thousand turkeys. That Mr. Williams owns L. W. Lawn Care and MWM Investsments and has been generously giving food away since 1997.

Pretty darn clever, Ron, and excellent timing.

A SIGN OF TOUGHNESS

City Manager Selena Cuffee-Glen said, ”NO” to David Sylvia when he tried to get a $4,000 raise for a NEW employee. Apparently she rightfully thought Sylvia was out of line and he was. If a new hire said yes to the offered salary one would assume the agreement was satisfactory. Does it matter that the replaced employee was paid $6,000 more than the new hire? Sylvia suggested the raise was for exceptional performance after, as the City Manager pointed out, only two months on that job, hardly consistent with the City Compensation Plan.

THE QUESTION IS WHY

The city will celebrate the opening of its Visitor Center today.

A ribbon cutting will be held at 4 p.m. at the center, housed in the Nansemond County Courthouse, 524 N. Main Street, a news release says.

A tour of the center will follow the ceremony.

The center will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Perhaps, now that City Hall has a permanent home, they will tell us how much of our taxes goes to fund this operation,  and how can anyone determine the financial return?

WHAT IS YOUR CALL

With Ann Seward reporting a year ending surplus Council can go on a bit of spending spree, or put it in a shoebox for a rainy day. $1,300,000 will renovate a building for a recreation center at Bennett’s Creek and, equally important, use $450,000 to fix up the Animal Shelter. Both expenditures will make citizens happy.

The economy could be improving as tax receipts to the city are up including real-estate numbers that might be a problem later if the recession further damages the housing and commercial building market. So far so good and the question becomes will Suffolk still come up with the $163 million operating budget, or wish it had not let go of the surplus?

GREAT DAY FOR THE NANSEMOND INDIANS

Mattanock Town passes Council almost unanimously after only eight years of trading blows with Chief Bass and his tribe of positive followers. All Council members figured it was a good fight and everybody wins.  Amazingly no one  spoke in opposition. Perhaps it was fear of being scalped but more likely no one could come up with a valid reason to say, "No," except Bennett.

Now the teepee is in the Nansemond Indian's camp and it is too bad we are facing a winter instead of a spring. Chief Bass told me construction would begin when the ink is dry on the papers yet to be signed.  A log longhouse was the first thing he said would rise on the territory that finally has been returned to its original owners, genuine Native Americans.

The Indian Gods were finally able to pierce enough skulls in local government with the arrow of Common Sense. Mr.Bennett is left spinning in the wind.

REVERSE EMINENT DOMAIN ON 30-DAY HOLD

With a 5 – 3 “NO” our Planning Commission slammed the door again on the Four Farms expansion of our south downtown area. These developers would force growth between White Marsh and Hosier Road to the tune of 462 acres. It would provide 2500 new homes and 164,000 square feet of commercial space. Sounds wonderful when a builder will throw in a new school and connector roads to currently congested traffic but residents of the area don’t want any part of it. Eminent Domain is when governments steal buildings and land to meet their needs. Reverse Eminent Domain is when an all-wise government forces buildings and land on a populace because they think it’s a good idea. Planning Commissions are created to stop bad ideas before they get to Council Chambers where growth is a hallucinogen that fulfills dreams. We invite your comment.

AN HOUR OF YOUR TIME WOULD HELP

If you think about it the meeting in the Council Chambers at 7pm on 11/17 could have been to celebrate seven straight profitable years of operation in Mattanock Town. That is how long they have tried to convince our “Council” the village would be informative and provide the Tourist Bureau validity. Forced to return many times with further proof it could fly they were still met with doubts, or something else, from hard “negotiators,” The question remains: were there doubts in their minds about the success of Indian plans, or did it all hang on the success of restoring an aged bank that has received no attention for years? One local gentleman purchased the building and immediately the “city” chiseled him out of it. What or who prompted this despicable action is still under wraps but we know the sordid details.

The idea suddenly was that the now city owned crumbling “pigeon coup” could rise like the fabled Phoenix and a Black Museum suddenly appear. But a restored bank would not by itself warrant the expense so local geniuses dreamed of doubling the bank’s size and using that space as a Dismal Swamp sample to arouse tourist interest. That idea is as dead as the Swamp but there is still enough demand for a Black Museum although we don’t yet have a White museum. Phoenix will rise but now is the time for Mattanock. The Indians were robbed of their land and locked up on reservations. Back then the Slaves were given freedom and nothing else. Neither group owes the other.  

The Indian village requires no noticeable city expense. A small portion of Lone Star Lakes is all that is required, that and a Yes vote. It is quite possible that an attraction in that area will broaden interest in our huge relatively unused park. There are objections to the Indian Village as there was to replacing the bridge to Driver.  Now is the time to say, “Yes.”

INDIANS FINAL TRY FOR LONE STAR INDIAN VILLAGE 11/17

I asked Chief Barry Bass if there was anything "IS" could do to help convince City Council to give small acerage to Indians tribes so they could build historical authenic Village of Mattanock. Indians do not say much under ordinary circumstances but this is not ordinary. The village will assist those with  interests in early American history as well  as our Tourist Industry that could use a shot  in the arm. The Nansemond Indians have been attempting to sell their idea to Suffolk for more than eight years. The story goes that  Council is finally ready to work WITH them. The chief asks for your support by once again filling Council Chambers with you folks that second the motion. He guarantees, you know these Indians have mysterious  powers, he guarantees the building will support a huge crowd because all city employees will be gone for the day. He expects us there by 7 PM.

R Pocklington   Honorary heap big Potawatomi Indian.  My Indian name "Chishadosh" mean Big Feet.

ANOTHER COMMENT THAT BECAME A POST

We are a nation without a president. " There I said it said it.. we have no president...but the office itself has been hijacked by someone who hates the country and that for which it stands...and loves our enemies. And this hijacker is hiding behind the skirts of those Americans who suffer from self-induced inferiority complexes (because of their race or impoverishment) so as to avoid exposing himself to those who would remove him. He is a ravenous wolf pretending to be an abandoned neighborhood dog. I hope that most Americans will now realize how faulty affirmative action really is. Obama does a disservice to the word "worthless". He'd have to improve considerably to rate that, but as it is now, there's no term in the English language that provides a level lower. The first couple see themselves as some sort of royalty, as do the leaders of every socialist country in existence. Peel away the appearances afforded by the codification of goverment from any socialist enterprise and what you get is nothing more than a criminal gang exploiting citizens for their own benefit.It never fails to amaze this poster that people who espouse more or less socialist agendas seem to grab as much as they can for themselves. These two moochers are just living large at our expense. This is the most classless first couple to ever occupy the white house. They have no dignity. The younger Bush does not engage in tit for tat debates because it is undignified for the President to do so. Of all the things a president and first lady should be is dignified, but these two are just kids in a candy store. They are a painful and expensive embarassment. I belive the term grifter applies to them both.These two are just classless, uncouth, undignified con artists and nothing more. I shudder to think of how much more these two thieves will loot from the Nation in the final 2 years of this disgraceful presidency.We saw how Malcom X was managed when he didn't tout the line that extremists wanted. I think that Obama is beholden to powerful, dangerous interests and he has proven himself incompetent. When these puppet masters decide they need a new front man, they won't be waiting for a new election.

By Anonymous on ENOUGH SAID at 8:52 PM

THE ODDS ARE GOOD YOU KNOW A VETERAN

They come in all sizes, colors, ages, and at one time were young boys or girls...for that matter many still are. I know war veterans ninety plus, some between fifty and sixty, and as young as 35. All of them are victims of too many wars fought for our country or others that needed help. You could say they were "lucky" by the measurement of coming home even if terribly wounded, mind or body. During those terrible times more than a million Americans were robbed of precious life and those close to him or her suffered immeasurably depending upon the closeness of the relationship.  Most veterans are not at all enchanted by sales of goods in their honor and will spend the day like any other...but surely they will remember the moment they lost a buddy, or saw one disappear into the back of a military ambulance. A veteran of any war will not be upset if no one salutes that day but you can bet they will smile if you do.

HATS OFF TO SCHOOL BOARD DECISION

Several members of the Chuckatuck Ruitan Club had the same thoughts about Deran Whitney when he addressed them with an update about our school system... remove the word "interim." His presentation was upbeat, and detailed enough to make us realize he  should have a shot at the position held by Dr. Liverman. Who knows our public school  system better than Deren and what ails it? Our schools soak up $143,046,000 in one year with the help of 2,021 employees. Seventy three percent of the budget is spent on "Instruction."  The one year current price of one student's education  is $10,000.

Our congratulations go to Deren Whitney, Superinendent of Suffolk  Public Schools.

NEW OR USED CITY HALL

You will pay the tab either  way so maybe you have  an  opinion about necessary  costs to make the Market Street stable, they say a few million or so, and let some time go by. If economic  common sense returns to the nation the tax dollars may go farther and be less of a burden to those who now are close to being  strapped, as we used to say. Or does it make more sense to take the big step, find or borrow the money and get on with it? Bond money is relatively cheap and the city debt currently is under control.
 Besides, Mr. Brown survived election musical chairs and occupies a cushioned seat from which he can again move to raise the means.

A certain amount of pride goes with having shiny brand new items like a city hall. I remember a few bad years in depression times like those maybe coming. Then a shiny brand new item was a new pair of tennis shoes. OK, it's not that bad just yet but mortgage or interest payments on a city hall are not much different than on those thousands of repossessed homes all over the country

Surely discussions are underway in rooms we may not know about but here we can kick the can around.
And surely the city Mothers will appreciate your imput.  .   

DUMBING DOWN AGAIN ???

Right there in the Pilot, read it parents. The School Board is considering another way to make students look better on paper...lower the numbers, make passing tests easier on students, easier on teachers, raise parental esteem. Another miracle under development.  Parents feared their children would lose college admissions and scholarships under the stricter scale, which rates 94 as the minimum for an A. Every other local school division has already switched. So will we  unless you decide not to go along. Does it make sense to assure graduation from High School and first year college failure? And do parents really have difficulty with  having  some students do better than others?

School District Proposes a New Grading Scale

 Here we go again.  Another huge decision without appropriate input from a wide variety of staff members.  This proposal isn't really that at all.  It's rather embarrassing that this is the type of work that comes out from the committee lead by a school board member.  I expect more and you should too.  These are decisions that impact virtually every student, teacher, and parent.  Because the decision has a broad impact, it's fair to ask for quality thinking toward making that decision.

I've written a letter to the editor and also the School Board.  I hope they take notice.  I hope you will, too!

Read the letter to the editor.
http://insidesuffolk.community.officelive.com/Documents/LettertotheEditor,GradingPolicy.docx

Read the letter to the School Board.
http://insidesuffolk.community.officelive.com/Documents/Letter,%20School%20Board,%20Grading%20Scale,%2011.07.2010.pdf

See the information on the website for Suffolk Public Schools.  This will change when the district changes its homepage.

http://www.spsk12.net/

WHAT DO YOU THINK

We are considering a requirement that comments to “IS” also include the name of the writer. On February 1st, 2011 we will have offered this opportunity to comment for three years. At this point 56,325 different computers have logged on and we feel the numbers are sufficient to “upgrade.” As always we are interested in your opinion.

There are two ways to accomplish this. Both the Suffolk News Herald and the Pilot require a simple registration. Name and email address. Once registered all that is required to comment is your name. This makes sense for your protection from those that could use your name for an ulterior motive. Having your email address allows us, only us to check the validity of the comment.

The other method is just a requirement the commenter attach his/her name.
 In either case the usual rules would apply as stated on the first page of “IS.”

As monitor of “IS” I get many cheap shots when a reader is upset, not in agreement, or just doesn’t think I’m a nice guy. The most recent was, “You are a sick old man.” Although the writer was partially correct (85+ is chronologically old) I declined publishing it. For all I know he may be older and sicker. I suspect either requirement would improve spelling, grammar, and eliminate pointless one-liners. Spelling and grammar is no problem if a writer’s comment is sincere and apropos. We would appreciate hearing from you on the above two choices.

AN APOLOGY DUE "IS" READERS

FORGIVE  US  FOR THE  JUST  REMOVED  POST WHERE WE  MISSQUOTED  OBAMA'S ATTITUDE  TOWARD  COUNTRY  AND  FLAG.  OUR  FAULT  FOR  NOT CHECKING.  WE HEARD  FROM  SEVERAL  OF  YOU  VERY  QU ICKLY  AND  WE  APOLOGIZE. WE ARE HUMBLED BY OUR MISTAKE...APPARENTLY WE WANTED IT TO BE TRUE.

THE STATUS QUO

There must be something magic about the split single word “status quo” because Suffolk has endured it for what seems decades. In the army we changed socks every day if the enemy gave us time. Mr. Brown will one day slump over on the dais having done what for his borough, race, or people? He, like others, receives token gifts from organized homebuilders and does what with the money? No

need for campaign signs or handouts. He knows he can’t be beat by the average person running against him. Probably the same could be said about Bennett and Curtiss. The folks in their boroughs are content to believe their rep is the key to neighborhood physical improvements and the handy new Social Services building will keep a bright light shining on them until death demands a replacement. There is nothing wrong with that. That’s how politicians stay afloat, give folks just enough and appear to fight expensive projects in other boroughs.

Mr. Varney, a quality gentleman, took on tough old Gardy who still wields enough charm and wit to beat the odds in his bailiwick. Varney was close and many hope he will be around for another challenge. But Gardy is hardly status quo, that requires at least two terms.

Voters will forgive most anything but a lousy dirty trick letter falsely putting down a good man. When that happens there should be an immediate resignation because it reflects on not only the opponent but other folks connected to the letter sender. The word for that kind of activity is “Shame on you.” It’s a different story if one is forced to a last ditch refute by getting out such a letter to defend oneself.

One eye opener was candidate Martin's ability to find financial backers, an average contribution of $400. $20,000 from 50 contributors. Her opponent Duman paid his own expenses.
And it is a shame that one borough was not sensible enough to place a professional on the school board. Oh well, another year of almost the same status standstill.

SORRY, NO SOCIAL SECURITY COLA

You can't make this stuff up and it will make you furious, the most bloated adventure by any American President. The whole Obama family is going, Barack, Michelle, their daughters and friends. We have never seen a president and first lady, and  friends, use taxpayers' money like this. The presidential entourage will have 40 aircraft, including the Air Force One that will ferry the president. There will be six armored cars, including the Barack Mobile, a Cadillac, plus 30 sniffer dogs will be put in service to boost the security arrangements during Obama's visit. They have booked the entire Taj Mahal Hotel, including 570 rooms, plus all banquets and restaurants. Since his security contingent and staff will comprise a huge number, 125 rooms at Taj President have also been booked, apart from 80 to 90 rooms each in Grand Hyatt and The Oberoi hotels. The NCPA, where the President is expected to meet representatives from the business community, has also been entirely booked.

An official said, "Obama's contingent is huge. There are two jumbo jets coming along with Air Force One, which will be flanked by security jets. There will be 30 to 40 secret service agents, who will arrive before him. The President's convoy has 45 cars, including the Lincoln Continental in which the President travels." The picture is of two hundred million dollars, the amount this adventure is estimated to cost per day.       Check it out.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/Barack-and-Michelles-Mumbai-darshan-plans/articleshow/6797379.cms

ALL OVER BUT THE PARTIES.

"From IS," congrats on your victories, you earned them by the old method, getting out the vote. The city Council gained but the school system lost opportunity. Now we can set  aside the  local aspects of government changeover, and there was lilttle of that, to concentrate on what a National sea change means. Pelosi is gone, one of greatest obstacles to recovery, and enough others are relegated to pastures. A combo of Tea Party  organizations and what's left of the Republicans welded and pulled off an historic booting of House delegates. Now if we can just find a way to eliminate the  Department of Energy, the hapless Department of Education, and the painful IRS we could eliminate the national debt Obama has placed like a yoke on our grandchildren. Two years from now we can get Socialism and worried conversation about it out of our hair. All we need to do to become "Exceptional America" again is to hush up the President and put a stop to the arrogance of government. We can save many millions of tax payer dollars by keeping the first lady from traveling, for god's sake lock the Queen in her room like the old kings did. 

I told you Mike would win.

ENOUGH SAID

WHY YOU DON'T WANT TO BE A SUFFOLK COP

http://www.crimemapping.com/    Click on that and you will see exactly where in Suffolk are the areas  of crime and the kinds committed.