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.