OK DEBRANSKI, SHOW US YOUR STUFF

The $5,300,000 budget cuts have been set as a priority for discussion at the School Board retreat set for Feb. 2 in the Black Box Theater at King’s Fork High School.   Debranski beat out Skeeter for Chairman of the school board just in time for a face-off with fate and the Governor who knows what must be done, what can be done, and should be done. Like most businesses in the country costs go up and results go down. We have seen the top administrator retire, a sharp young man replace him, a new School Board Chairman, and over five million less money. How many changes does it require to change direction of Truancy, discipline, and student comportment?

WHAT HAPPENED

Only three came to the city budget meeting looking for money and apparently no one from the SCCA. Was it a case of shame or has a deal already been made to escape public view? No one showed for the second meeting. Is this a new approach, just write us a letter and we will decide what we can do? C'mon Anne Seward, tell us. John Wass was correct to complain about lack of access to Suffolk waters. Norfolk does a much better job on its lakes in Suffolk. Mr. Wass also slipped in this sentence for the SCCA, “We need to keep the funding there, it takes time to get something like that going.” It took a long time to get JefCom going but time came to pull the plug.

Two reps from “ForKids Suffolk House, homeless shelter, had a good reason to be there and braved the stormy weather to plead their case. They pointed out that each sheltered child was promoted to the next grade level; that is an important accomplishment. They received no local funding last year. You figure why would the city build the King’s Fork Safety Center, an impressive complex, if they can’t fund the operation of it? One last question, if we just hired a new city water manager, what happened to the old one?

GETTING EVEN

Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their day exciting. Well, for example, the other day my wife and I went into town shopping. We were in a store five minutes. When we came out, there was a cop writing a parking ticket on a car with an Obama bumper sticker.  We went over and said, "Come on man, how about giving a senior citizen a break?" He ignored us and finished writing the ticket so I called him a fat bully. He glared at me and started writing one for worn tires. Then my wife called him a sorehead. He calmly finished the second ticket, put it on the windshield with the first and wrote out a third. We figured that was

enough and went to our car parked across the street. We try to have a little fun each day, important at our age.

AIRPORT SCREENERS SAVING LIVES

Department of Homeland Security Airport Passenger Screening
TSA Report – 2010 Daily Average Results  ______________________________________
 
Terrorist Plots Discovered        0
Transvestites                          133
Hernias                                1,485
Enlarged Prostates             8,249
Breast Implants              159,351

And you think airport searches are frivolous. 

EASY COMPANY COMMANDER DIES

Prayers and condolences to this true American hero’s family.

PHILADELPHIA – Even as Parkinson’s disease began taking its toll on Dick Winters, who led his “Band of Brothers” through some of World War II’s fiercest European battles, the unassuming hero refused, as always, to let his men down.

Friends accompanied him to public events, subtly clearing a path through the adoring crowds for the living legend, whose Easy Company’s achievements were documented by a book and HBO miniseries. His gait had grown unsteady, and he did not want to be seen stumbling.

Winters “didn’t want the members of Easy Company to know,” William Jackson said Monday of his longtime friend, who died last week at age 92. “Right up to the end, he was the company commander.”

An intensely private and humble man, Winters had asked that news of his death be withheld until after his funeral, Jackson said. Winters lived in Hershey, Pa., but died in an assisted-living center in neighboring Palmyra.

The men Winters led through harrowing circumstances and under fire from the German army never let the toll of time dull their own admiration for their commander.

“When he said `Let’s go,’ he was right in the front,” William Guarnere, 88, and dubbed “Wild Bill” by his comrades, said Sunday night from his south Philadelphia home. “He was never in the back. A leader personified.”

WORSE THAN WE THOUGHT

Although the curtain went up revealing SCCA finances the reps will be in line tonight at Council chambers with palms upward pleading for one more chance, or suggesting losing money is perfectly normal. The  $22,000,000 for restoring the building may be forgivable but is the $450,000 annual boost? Ask first how many and who benefits. It only took them eleven months to lose $815,000 last year.  With THIRTY charity orgs in Suffolk needing money, and far more deserving for what they do, I wonder how SCCA supporters prep their minds to plead for rare dollars, or how they feel being in the same room with those who really benefit society.  

Executive director Paul Lasakow said the center probably would end the year "in a modest cash-loss position," but that the trend line was "up and near the break-even point."  Oh sure, but they will ask for $450,000 again.

STREETCARS AND TAXIS COMING BACK

It’s a pleasure to think back to a year living in Bremen, Germany after the war. Although the large city was heavily bombed you could get nearly everywhere on a streetcar. If you knew the connections it was jump on jump off or change cars even back in 1945. Take a streetcar to the airport or train station, see the world and never own a car. If you did there was the Autobahn on which you could zoom to any of several other countries in a day.

 

Today, in Hampton Roads we are considering a passenger train from Norfolk to Richmond, necessary due to automobiles jamming roads and wasting now precious gasoline. Let’s not mention poor planning and funding, or the fact that politicians would fear elections if they added to the gasoline tax. Sure, the driving public would have raised a fuss but what are they doing now?

It is true that high-speed trains no longer are if frequent stops are added but it makes little sense for Suffolkians to take a train to downtown Norfolk for a train ride to Richmond. Let Norfolk riders get up early, beat the tunnel traffic and head west to the stop at Bowers Hill. Windsor and Suffolk riders can be at Bowers Hill in 30 minutes and all riders play poker all the way to Richmond in order to recover price of the fare.

HOW DID WE GET SO SCREWED UP

If we lie to Congress it’s a felony, if they lie to us it’s politics. If we dislike a black person we’re racists and if a black dislikes whites, its their first Amendment rights; the government spends millions to rehabilitate criminals and do almost nothing for the victims; in public Schools you can teach that homosexuality is OK, but you better not use the word God in the process; you can kill an unborn child, but is wrong to kill a mass murderer; we don’t burn books in America, now we rewrite them; we got rid of socialists and communists by renaming them progressives; we are unable to close our borders with Mexico, but have no problem protecting the 38 parallel in Korea; if you protest against President Obama’s policies you’re a terrorist, but if you burned an American flag or George Bush effigy it was your First Amendment right.

You can have pornography on your TV or Internet but you better not put a nativity scene in a public park during Christmas; we have eliminated all criminals in America, they are now called sick people; we can use a human fetus for medical research but it is wrong to use an animal. We take money from those who work hard for it, and give it to those who don’t want to work.

HALF A LOAF??

Our blabbermouth President had to steal the General’s limelight again by announcing the current agreement about JefCon, that’s right, con. They spent 373 million to get what was imperative for military success and then backed down when Obama realized the amount of debt he created overnight. About half of the 3700 employees in Suffolk/Norfolk will be conned if they get walking papers, those of lesser importance and skills. It looks like Warner is skilled in horse-trading but him pointing out that DOD’s 60 million piddling cost of the broken leases is of no consequence to the DOD.

But is there another shoe to drop? Will we still lose an economic boom when they free the hawsers and tugs push a carrier out into the current as the band plays nautical music and sailors wave goodbye Norfolk, hello Florida? Half a loaf of carrier isn’t seaworthy so it is all or nothing in that case. The loss of a carrier and half of Jefcon could even put a dent in Hampton Roads Regional plans, let alone sales tax losses. Landlords will face a quandary when buyers or renters pack up, but bridge and tunnel traffic remains the same. 

Our mayor will sit down with General Odierno but I’m afraid that will only serve to put the sod back on the fresh grave.    

MAD AS HELL

Monday on the news it was reported that the staffers (spoiled children)  of Congress family members are EXEMPT from having to pay back student loans. There is a proposed Amendment to the Constitution that seeks to take away the special privileges Congress keeps voting itself. Read on: Governors of 35 states have filed suit against the Federal Government for imposing unlawful burdens upon them. It only takes 38 (of the 50) States to convene a Constitutional Convention.

This will take less than thirty seconds to read. If you agree, please pass it on.  For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform... in all of its forms. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law. I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop. If each person that receives this will forward it on to 20 people, in three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message.

Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution: "Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States."

GOOD NEWS, ANOTHER INDICATOR DOWN

The crime rate in Suffolk is down about nine percent and the credit goes to what or whom? The NAACP realized their responsibility a few months ago. The new NAACP officers are younger and surely will follow through. We have added new police officers under the guidance of an experienced new tough police chief. Older cops are capitalizing on what they know about the population hopeful the courts will back their efforts to correct a longstanding problem. The local gangs know the focus is on them, that Suffolk has had enough of petty crimes and intend to keep the cleanup ball rolling. All the above are hopefully contributing to a lowered crime rate. On the other hand, and we hope not, it just might be the unusual cold weather lowering outdoor activity. Time and sensible record keeping will tell. 

NOT MUCH CHANGED DOWNTOWN

For the first time in three years I attended a political function, this one the installation of new and used Council members. Mike Duman was the only fresh face in the Council proving that status quo in Suffolk is acceptable. I did meet an able rep of the group opposed to FourFarms, I believe her name is Morgan and she moved smoothly among the decision makers. My feeling is that few, if any, will go against the Planning Commission eight to zero vote, or her faultless argument. I enjoyed meeting and visiting with the Suffolk leaders like Jeff Gardy who pulled off a second victory in his borough and should receive a trophy. I renewed friendship with the Commonwealth guys, a good bunch, personable with great staying power. I met the handsome young and sharp next in line City Manager and attractive Lady George whom I thought was two different women with coincidental names. Of course my buddy Andy Damiani, Mr. Suffolk was there. We both need canes now, two war vets, Mutt and Jeff with wobbly knees making it difficult to carry a plate of ham biscuits, napkin, plastic cup of punch, small fork, cane and no place to sit. I managed to spill a shrimp with hot sauce on my sweater and watch it bounce off to a young woman’s slacks. I met our new Police Chief and he appears formidable but friendly and I decided never to get under his skin. There were others, mostly retired city employees like Jim Vacalis who helped me with planning problems thirty years ago. I thank Mayor Linda Johnson who provided dialogue during Suffolk’s ”Holiday” parade. She often used the words, “Merry Christmas.” a term fast fading from the American language. One last item, I learned that Market Street was once Spring Street, known for the many underground streams and springs in that area, perhaps the reason City Hall is falling apart.

WE WISH OBAMA WOULD SAY THE SAME

        Prime Minister Julia Gillard -  Australia – said “Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. Separately, Gillard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying she supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote:

    

    “'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It.

    I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians. This country has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!'

    

    'Most Australians (but not me) believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture. We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'

    

    'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE  RIGHT TO LEAVE. If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'

ANOTHER COMMENT BECOMES A POST

A major problem with the SCCA is that it grossly fails in its "culture" mission for Suffolk. Look in any Sunday paper, and the reader will find hundreds of show, concerts, programs, plays, etc. throughout Tidewater EXCEPT in Suffolk. Rather than become part of the "culture" scene and including many of programs shared throughout Tidewater, the somewhat limited intellect of the SCCA top two or three has caused Suffolk to be 100% excluded from the annual Virginia Art Festival shows favored every year by young children up to senior citizens.

Instead, The SCCA attemps to hide its almost 100% lack of acceptance in the Suffolk community by (1) blaming the local "hicks" who don't know what is best for themselves, (2) dropping most popular programs and relying on local talent productions and church shows that have failed to be popular at the SCCA and are best continued in the community through churches and schools, whose track record in this arena (including local Little Theater productions) make the SCCA look pathetic and quite properly should demand to know why the SCCA staff continues to seek a $450,000 annual subsidy from the City over and above the many incomes (annual memberships, rents, classes, sponsorships, major donations, restaurant profits, gift shop) that are also mysteriously included in a bottomless hole and never really accounted for, especially if its true as your other comments have recently said that many tickets sales and much sponsorship publicity is given away to hype up the dwindling lack of interest. Anyone with a computer can check the ticket sales and spot the obvious "blocking out" of sections to try to hype up the appearance.

The problem here is the failure of an arrogant few to be supported by our citizens who are being forced to be accused of "anti-culture" lifestyles when they actually just simply resenr the secrecy, mismanagement, and arrogance of a few hand-picked board members and highly paid staff with little accountability other than as as "gofers" for misplaced elitism.

The SCCA can be saved at about a small percentage of the subsidy it now demands (and then brags to call its budget "almost even") by just getting a big old broom (some would say "mop").

What is there to lose by correcting this albatross. We presently have no symphony, no opera. no modern dance, no full ballet, no plays, second rate bands that our young people don't want even though they spend millions on concerts in nearby communities every year, a restaurant that has flopped and yet is arrogantly defended by the SCCA to avoid the animosity created in the community by making this "restaurant" (and some say one florist and one wine vendor) exclusively required for use by any groups seeking to rent the SCCA.

Suffolk doesn't hate "culture" but it does hate what a few divas and primadonnas are doing to conceal poor judgment here and to nitpick the activities of now its second executive director.

We need the "culture" of all of the program areas noted above, but a bowling alley or a movie theater should hardly be treated as a threat to anyone's perverse definition of "culture" that we should be required to like to the exclusion of what is popular and prevalent in virtually every local Tidewater area than ours.

Anonymous January 2, 2011 3:43 PM

VOLUNTARY VERSUS INVOLUNTARY

It is interesting that more people show up at the annual city budget meeting with pleas for SCCA funding than do persons involved with SNH Toys For Tots, and guess who gets the most every time. You do your own comparison of citizens who can afford to patronize the Culture Center and those kids, also citizens, that don’t find much under a Christmas tree if they have one. In one instance the dollars given are a voluntary act, the donor decides how much to give to unfortunate kids. The SCCA contribution is determined by SCCA request and a city council decision as to how much of already collected tax dollars to take. It is difficult to determine the income of SCCA users but easy to calculate incomes of those who are given toys paid for by volunteers. Toys for Tots set a goal and hope the necessary contributions arrive on time. SCCA can depend on those 8 members of Council determining what is best for us 83,000. The toy estimate of $45,000 was short by $14,000 but 5160 kids were apparently satisfied. Cultural recipients are decidedly less, based on ticket sales. I understand that one can avail them of culture every day while certain kids are very pleased by what happens at least one day a year.