To All,
As 2009 draws to a close and we embark on a new decade we would like to thank our volunteers and everyone else who made this a very successful year at Where to Turn.
Special thanks to Senators Savino and Lanza, Assemlymen Cusick, Tobacco and Titone, District Attorney Daniel Donovan, Councilmen Oddo, Ignizio and Mitchell, the Richmond County Bank Foundation and the Staten Island Bank Foundation for their ongoing support of our programs
Here are a few highlights.
Overall
Our two websites have attracted over 400,000 visitors and we continue to serve a distribution of over 10,000 on a daily basis.
The site is updated every day with articles of interest and our calendar lists upcoming events for any participating organization.
We continue to share information from numerous sources and allow all of our followers to form their own opinions on topics of interest.
We have links to over 800 support organizations and weekly update grant, employment and volunteer opportunities.
In the past year we have expanded our partnerships with the NYPD, the Mayor’s CAU, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the DA’s Office and both the Criminal and Family Courts, South Beach Psychiatric, Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries, the NRPA, the NY Blood Center and many local community and civic groups.
In 2009 over 2,500 volunteers participated in our programs including representatives from almost every school on Staten Island and we have provided volunteers and support for numerous other not for profits on Staten Island.
9/11 Support
We have posted updates to our site every day in 2009. We have also partnered with Arnie Korotkin and will continue to post 9/11 articles of interest on a daily basis.
We have kept pressure on our elected officials with letters and OP ED’s addressing everything from the continued lack of support for suffering survivors of 9/11, to the upcoming trials as well as the issue of the remains in Fresh Kills.
We continue to work on plans for the Hearts and Hands Memorial.
Preliminary designs are complete and we have commitments from most of the elected officials on Staten Island.
We have over 8,000 supporters following the memorial on Facebook and hope to begin construction in 2010.
We are trying to get “Extreme Makeover” involved in the project for a 10th Anniversary show.
Community Programs
Graffiti Cleanups
Working with the 122 and 123 precincts we completed over 350 cleanups with our court ordered participants.
Scott LoBaido also completed 51 American Flag Murals through our Flags Across Staten Island Program
Court Referrals
Working with the Criminal and Family Courts on Staten Island nearly 120 juveniles were sentenced to community service for non violent crimes and referred to Where to Turn. We coordinated
weekend activities and these juveniles performed nearly 3,500 hours of community service on Staten Island.
Information Forums
Over 100 local not for profits and nearly 1,000 students attended the two volunteer information forums that we held this year with the help of the Parks Department and South Beach Psychiatric.
Snow Shoveling for Seniors
Over 600 students participated in 2009 and shoveled for 650 seniors free of charge.
Re-Gifting for a Good Cause/Toy Drive
We collected over 2,500 items and toys most of which were redistributed to needy families on Staten Island. The remaining novelty items were sold at our yearly Blood Drive/Flea Market where we also collected nearly 100 pints of blood.
Academic All County Awards
In 2009 we once again partnered with St. John’s University and honored all graduating high school seniors on Staten Island who participated in a varsity sport while maintaining a 90 or above GPA in their junior and senior years.
Prom Dresses for All
We collected over 100 prom dresses which will be dry cleaned and made available to high school girls who are not able to afford them so that they might be able to attend their proms in 2010.
Park and Beach Cleanups
Partnering with the NRPA and the Department of Parks and Recreation we participated in over 20 park and beach cleanups in 2009
Restoration of the Asbury Methodist Cemetery
In the fall of 2009 we began the restoration with weekly cleanups which resulted in the clearing of half the property of 25 years of overgrowth. Our goal is to complete the cleanup in the spring and possibly convert some of the unused space into an urban garden while converting the exterior into the first dog walker’s park on Staten Island.
Looking Ahead to 2010
With the current state of the economy and the fiscal condition of New York we do realize that everyone is going to have to do more with less in 2010.
Our goal is to work with our elected officials and other not for profits to better coordinate and align our various projects.
By working together we have a better chance of getting things done.
We plan to expand our outreach and supply volunteers to more programs outside of Where to Turn.
We plan to hold forums to get input from Staten Islanders to help us prioritize our efforts.
We hope to expand our Crisis Relief Network and get more organizations and schools to participate and post on our website.
We will continue to act as a voice for those in need from 9/11 families to senior citizens.
We will continue to work with at risk students giving them opportunities to better themselves through innovative programs.
We hope to double the amount of volunteers participating in our programs.
But most importantly we will continue to listen to the concerns of those in need and create new programs to address those needs.
We will also add programs that have worked in other areas such as “Pedals for Progress” where we will begin collecting used bicycles. These bikes will be restored and shipped to third world countries
where they are the primary form of transportation. Since 1981 this program has shipped over 125,000 bikes and kept them out of our waste stream.
We hope that others will use our programs as templates and use them in other areas of the country.
In addition we will be continuing with 3 capital projects for which we will require significant funding.
Hearts and Hands Memorial – Creating a permanent home for the United in Memory 9/11 Victims Memorial Quilt by restoring abandoned buildings at the Sea View Campus.
Restoration of the Asbury Methodist Cemetery - Restoring the cemetery to its original condition. Majority of cost will be restoring the stone wall along Richmond Ave.
Restoration of TV studio at South Beach Psychiatric – Updating an outdated facility and create a working space for students to learn TV production skills.
We once again would like to thank all of you who have helped us in the past and hope that even more of you will become involved as we move into this new decade.
Check out our website at www.where-to-turn.org as we look forward to your feedback.
Happy New Year
Dennis McKeon
718-966-6531
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Fear of Flying.......The Government's Solution
Much is being made of the latest attempt of terrorism.
Once again the government is stating that all is well and that their security procedures that are in place are adequate.
What else do you expect them to say?
The fact of the matter is that if history has proven anything it is that our government has become almost 100% reactive and has become all about money.
Here is a little history lesson.
After 9/11 the government was in a panic but it was not solely related to terrorism.
Their major concern was not for the victims but a fear that law suits would bankrupt the airlines and send our economy into a nosedive.
To prevent this from happening the government did two things.
They created the Victims Compensation Fund to circumvent the lawsuits and in typical government fashion they created a new Agency the TSA to deal with transportation security.
Now they already had the Office of Homeland Security but that wasn’t good enough.
We needed this new Transportation Security Administration with a budget of over $1.3 billion and were told:
The events of September 11th underscore the importance of transportation security as part of America’s homeland security. There is a realization that protecting airports, bridges, highways, seaports, mass transportation, and the Nation’s transportation infrastructure in general is vital to protecting the Nation against acts of terrorism. During 2002, the Transportation Security Administration will become operational and the first steps towards an increased Federal role in transportation security will be taken. In 2003, TSA will continue implementing an aggressive, comprehensive aviation security program. The 2003 budget for TSA totals--the first full year of funding for the new agency--$4.8 billion, an increase of over $3.5 billion from current 2002 funding levels. The budget reflects estimated fee collections of $2.2 billion raised through a combination of passenger and air carrier fees authorized by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act.
Passenger Screening: Although TSA will take over the screener contracts in 2002, these contracts will be replaced by Federal screener personnel by November 19, 2002. As a result, the budget includes the costs of well over 30,000 airport security personnel, including screeners, law enforcement personnel, and screener supervisors.
Cargo Screening: Explosive detection systems must be in place to screen all checked baggage by December 31, 2002. The 2003 budget includes funding for equipment purchases, installation, and maintenance, more than three times the level of funds currently available in 2002.
Federal Air Marshals: The 2003 budget is the first year reflecting full funding of a greatly expanded Federal Air Marshal (FAM) program. The number of FAMs is classified information and, therefore, is not included in public documents. Following September 11th, law enforcement officers from other Government agencies were loaned to the Department of Transportation and trained as FAMs, which allowed the program to quickly expand. These loaned law enforcement personnel will be replaced before the end of 2002 with permanent FAM staff, and the number of FAMs significantly increased.
Transportation Network Security: Language is included in the 2003 budget that allows for the transfer of resources from the other modal budgets to the TSA budget, as necessary, to perform the security functions identified in the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. The resources currently residing in the other modal budgets are being identified and will, as appropriate, be transferred to TSA as soon as practical.
Here are a few things that the first audit of the TSA turned up.
There were serious questions raised about how over $300 million was spent by a firms contracted by the newly formed Transportation Security Administration.
$5.4 Million for 9 months salaries for executives of a firm that received a contract before it was incorporated and has subsequently gone out of business.
$8,100 for elevator operators at the Marriott Marquis Hotel
$125,000 rental fee for six magnetometers that could have been purchased for about $5,000 apiece
$4.4 Million for no show fees for exams not taken by potential candidates
$28,000 for coffee at the Sheraton Hotel in Reston
Now this audit took place in 2005 and as with most government audits we never found out if any of these items were addressed.
We also have not heard anything of subsequent audits.
What we have learned is that since 9/11 the TSA’s budget has ballooned to over $6 billion.
In 2009
• It devotes nearly $6 billion to the multi-layered, risk-based aviation security system.
o $3 billion for over 48,000 Transportation Security Officers and technologies to screen passengers and their baggage for weapons and explosives.
o $1.2 billion to recapitalize checked baggage screening devices and accelerate deployment of inline systems that will increase baggage throughput up to 300 percent. The Budget proposes a temporary, four-year surcharge in the passenger security fee of $0.50 per enplanement with a maximum increase of $1.00 per one-way trip. The additional fee collections of $426 million would be deposited in the Aviation Security Capital Fund to accelerate the deployment of optimal checked baggage screening systems and address the need to recapitalize existing equipment deployed immediately after September 11, 2001.
o $128 million for enhancements at passenger checkpoints to improve the detection of prohibited items, especially weapons and explosives, through the use of additional sensors, such as whole body imaging, liquid bottle scanners, automated explosive sampling, and cast and prosthesis scanners. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will continue to provide specialized training in the detection of suspicious behaviors, fraudulent documents, and improvised explosive devices.
o Nearly $100 million for air cargo security inspectors, canine teams, and the Certified Shipper Program to achieve 100-percent screening of passenger air cargo in 2010.
• Enhances security assessments. Funds security assessments on more than 2.4 million individuals in the Nation’s transportation system, including commercial HAZMAT drivers, airport and port workers, and international airline flight crews. In addition, TSA will continuously vet 13 million individuals who have already undergone a security assessment. These assessments will be based on terrorism and criminal information from the U.S. intelligence community and FBI databases. And, TSA will assume the watch list matching of over two million airline passengers daily with the implementation of Secure Flight.
• Addresses surface transportation vulnerabilities. $37 million for surface transportation security, including funding for nearly 100 inspectors to conduct risk-based assessments in the largest mass transit and rail systems.
Over $6 Billion and still a terrorist walks on a plane with explosives.
So what will happen now?
While the fear level is high the government will request additional funding.
Requirements will be written so that only certain companies will be able to be granted contracts.
We will hire more bureaucrats add more levels of government and spend, spend, spend.
But we will not adequately address any of the issues such as proper salaries and training for screeners.
It is almost impossible to separate salaries from technologies in the current budget.
We need to change that now.
We have an opportunity to change that now.
The government was reactive after 9/11 but for all the wrong reasons.
The government has been inactive since (except for spending)
We have a chance to be proactive moving forward.
And it starts with the basics.
Now there’s a real solution.
Once again the government is stating that all is well and that their security procedures that are in place are adequate.
What else do you expect them to say?
The fact of the matter is that if history has proven anything it is that our government has become almost 100% reactive and has become all about money.
Here is a little history lesson.
After 9/11 the government was in a panic but it was not solely related to terrorism.
Their major concern was not for the victims but a fear that law suits would bankrupt the airlines and send our economy into a nosedive.
To prevent this from happening the government did two things.
They created the Victims Compensation Fund to circumvent the lawsuits and in typical government fashion they created a new Agency the TSA to deal with transportation security.
Now they already had the Office of Homeland Security but that wasn’t good enough.
We needed this new Transportation Security Administration with a budget of over $1.3 billion and were told:
The events of September 11th underscore the importance of transportation security as part of America’s homeland security. There is a realization that protecting airports, bridges, highways, seaports, mass transportation, and the Nation’s transportation infrastructure in general is vital to protecting the Nation against acts of terrorism. During 2002, the Transportation Security Administration will become operational and the first steps towards an increased Federal role in transportation security will be taken. In 2003, TSA will continue implementing an aggressive, comprehensive aviation security program. The 2003 budget for TSA totals--the first full year of funding for the new agency--$4.8 billion, an increase of over $3.5 billion from current 2002 funding levels. The budget reflects estimated fee collections of $2.2 billion raised through a combination of passenger and air carrier fees authorized by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act.
Passenger Screening: Although TSA will take over the screener contracts in 2002, these contracts will be replaced by Federal screener personnel by November 19, 2002. As a result, the budget includes the costs of well over 30,000 airport security personnel, including screeners, law enforcement personnel, and screener supervisors.
Cargo Screening: Explosive detection systems must be in place to screen all checked baggage by December 31, 2002. The 2003 budget includes funding for equipment purchases, installation, and maintenance, more than three times the level of funds currently available in 2002.
Federal Air Marshals: The 2003 budget is the first year reflecting full funding of a greatly expanded Federal Air Marshal (FAM) program. The number of FAMs is classified information and, therefore, is not included in public documents. Following September 11th, law enforcement officers from other Government agencies were loaned to the Department of Transportation and trained as FAMs, which allowed the program to quickly expand. These loaned law enforcement personnel will be replaced before the end of 2002 with permanent FAM staff, and the number of FAMs significantly increased.
Transportation Network Security: Language is included in the 2003 budget that allows for the transfer of resources from the other modal budgets to the TSA budget, as necessary, to perform the security functions identified in the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. The resources currently residing in the other modal budgets are being identified and will, as appropriate, be transferred to TSA as soon as practical.
Here are a few things that the first audit of the TSA turned up.
There were serious questions raised about how over $300 million was spent by a firms contracted by the newly formed Transportation Security Administration.
$5.4 Million for 9 months salaries for executives of a firm that received a contract before it was incorporated and has subsequently gone out of business.
$8,100 for elevator operators at the Marriott Marquis Hotel
$125,000 rental fee for six magnetometers that could have been purchased for about $5,000 apiece
$4.4 Million for no show fees for exams not taken by potential candidates
$28,000 for coffee at the Sheraton Hotel in Reston
Now this audit took place in 2005 and as with most government audits we never found out if any of these items were addressed.
We also have not heard anything of subsequent audits.
What we have learned is that since 9/11 the TSA’s budget has ballooned to over $6 billion.
In 2009
• It devotes nearly $6 billion to the multi-layered, risk-based aviation security system.
o $3 billion for over 48,000 Transportation Security Officers and technologies to screen passengers and their baggage for weapons and explosives.
o $1.2 billion to recapitalize checked baggage screening devices and accelerate deployment of inline systems that will increase baggage throughput up to 300 percent. The Budget proposes a temporary, four-year surcharge in the passenger security fee of $0.50 per enplanement with a maximum increase of $1.00 per one-way trip. The additional fee collections of $426 million would be deposited in the Aviation Security Capital Fund to accelerate the deployment of optimal checked baggage screening systems and address the need to recapitalize existing equipment deployed immediately after September 11, 2001.
o $128 million for enhancements at passenger checkpoints to improve the detection of prohibited items, especially weapons and explosives, through the use of additional sensors, such as whole body imaging, liquid bottle scanners, automated explosive sampling, and cast and prosthesis scanners. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will continue to provide specialized training in the detection of suspicious behaviors, fraudulent documents, and improvised explosive devices.
o Nearly $100 million for air cargo security inspectors, canine teams, and the Certified Shipper Program to achieve 100-percent screening of passenger air cargo in 2010.
• Enhances security assessments. Funds security assessments on more than 2.4 million individuals in the Nation’s transportation system, including commercial HAZMAT drivers, airport and port workers, and international airline flight crews. In addition, TSA will continuously vet 13 million individuals who have already undergone a security assessment. These assessments will be based on terrorism and criminal information from the U.S. intelligence community and FBI databases. And, TSA will assume the watch list matching of over two million airline passengers daily with the implementation of Secure Flight.
• Addresses surface transportation vulnerabilities. $37 million for surface transportation security, including funding for nearly 100 inspectors to conduct risk-based assessments in the largest mass transit and rail systems.
Over $6 Billion and still a terrorist walks on a plane with explosives.
So what will happen now?
While the fear level is high the government will request additional funding.
Requirements will be written so that only certain companies will be able to be granted contracts.
We will hire more bureaucrats add more levels of government and spend, spend, spend.
But we will not adequately address any of the issues such as proper salaries and training for screeners.
It is almost impossible to separate salaries from technologies in the current budget.
We need to change that now.
We have an opportunity to change that now.
The government was reactive after 9/11 but for all the wrong reasons.
The government has been inactive since (except for spending)
We have a chance to be proactive moving forward.
And it starts with the basics.
Now there’s a real solution.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Health Care Bought at the Expense of Dying 9/11 Victims
Another 9/11 hero will not live to see the New Year.
As all the Senators lined the pockets of their pork projects in the name of Health Care they all continue to turn a blind eye to all those who continue to die because of 9/11.
$300 Million to Louisiana for disaster relief after they misappropriated nearly $1 Billion in Katrina aid.
Nebraska gets free Medicare and the list goes on and on.
And the list of our honored dead continues to grow.
It is a disgrace and Pelosi and Reid and all the rest should be held accountable for stone walling 9/11 Health Care while they bought votes just to get a Christmas vote on National Health Care to make it look like they actually care.
Everyone needs to remember this come next election.
Dennis
9/11 Hero Dies of Cancer on Christmas Day
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/911-Hero-Dies-of-Cancer-on-Christmas-Day-80139487.html
"Services for FF Jim Ryan Ladder 167 will be held at:
Brueggmanns Funeral Home
522 Larkfield Road
East Northport, NY 11731
Tel: 631-368-1235
Wake/Viewing:
Sunday 2-5pm & 7-9pm
Monday 2-5pm & 7-9pm
Funeral on Tuesday 11am at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church
4 Trescott Path
Fort Salonga, NY 11768
R.I.P. 5-5-5-5"
As all the Senators lined the pockets of their pork projects in the name of Health Care they all continue to turn a blind eye to all those who continue to die because of 9/11.
$300 Million to Louisiana for disaster relief after they misappropriated nearly $1 Billion in Katrina aid.
Nebraska gets free Medicare and the list goes on and on.
And the list of our honored dead continues to grow.
It is a disgrace and Pelosi and Reid and all the rest should be held accountable for stone walling 9/11 Health Care while they bought votes just to get a Christmas vote on National Health Care to make it look like they actually care.
Everyone needs to remember this come next election.
Dennis
9/11 Hero Dies of Cancer on Christmas Day
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/911-Hero-Dies-of-Cancer-on-Christmas-Day-80139487.html
"Services for FF Jim Ryan Ladder 167 will be held at:
Brueggmanns Funeral Home
522 Larkfield Road
East Northport, NY 11731
Tel: 631-368-1235
Wake/Viewing:
Sunday 2-5pm & 7-9pm
Monday 2-5pm & 7-9pm
Funeral on Tuesday 11am at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church
4 Trescott Path
Fort Salonga, NY 11768
R.I.P. 5-5-5-5"
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Our Most Troubled Authority is Not Alone
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority or as we like to refer to them as our Most Troubled Authority is now going to reduce service for its riders and eliminate free service for school kids.
So let me get this straight
The MTA is totally mismanaged
Its executives continue to make exorbitant salaries
Its Board Members are still allowed to ride for free using their EZ passes.
Hundreds of its employees are supplied with agency cars
And even more of its employees get free service as part of their job.
So with all this going on they decide to go after the school kids.
This after asking for yet another bailout from the government.
And we will bail them out, not hold them responsible and they will continue to lose money with no oversight and no accountability.
And if this wasn’t enough they are not alone.
We have an alphabet of Authorities and Agencies that do the same thing year after year.
If you could believe the financials that they provide they lose millions in investments and real estate deals.
Why are Authorities and Agencies involved in investments and real estate in the first place?
And what are they going to do about this?
Practically nothing.
Even though Albany is enacting some type of legislation everyone knows it is too little too late.
Until we do away with all the agencies and authorities we will always be the ones left holding the bag.
We will continue to pay more for less service and our kids will walk while these millionaire board members and executives will continue to enjoy their free rides in more ways than we can even imagine.
It is time that we step up and say enough is enough.
Tomorrow we look at the LMDC.
Dennis
So let me get this straight
The MTA is totally mismanaged
Its executives continue to make exorbitant salaries
Its Board Members are still allowed to ride for free using their EZ passes.
Hundreds of its employees are supplied with agency cars
And even more of its employees get free service as part of their job.
So with all this going on they decide to go after the school kids.
This after asking for yet another bailout from the government.
And we will bail them out, not hold them responsible and they will continue to lose money with no oversight and no accountability.
And if this wasn’t enough they are not alone.
We have an alphabet of Authorities and Agencies that do the same thing year after year.
If you could believe the financials that they provide they lose millions in investments and real estate deals.
Why are Authorities and Agencies involved in investments and real estate in the first place?
And what are they going to do about this?
Practically nothing.
Even though Albany is enacting some type of legislation everyone knows it is too little too late.
Until we do away with all the agencies and authorities we will always be the ones left holding the bag.
We will continue to pay more for less service and our kids will walk while these millionaire board members and executives will continue to enjoy their free rides in more ways than we can even imagine.
It is time that we step up and say enough is enough.
Tomorrow we look at the LMDC.
Dennis
Sunday, December 13, 2009
WE NEED A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
To All,
Over the past 8 years we have done many things that people said could not be done.
I now ask you for one more favor.
Please read the e-mail below.
Kerry is a good friend of mine who has done countless great things for our community.
Let’s try for a Christmas miracle and get him a donor.
Please pass this on to all your distributions and list serves.
Let’s blanket the country through Facebook and other social media outlets.
“Those who don’t believe in miracles, don’t believe in themselves”
I believe in miracles and I believe in you.
Let’s do this for Kerry
Dennis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Everyone.......
It's easier to do an e-mail blast like this, rather then to try to explain it over the telephone, and break down every time I have to tell this story..........as it stands right now, I am not eligible for a Liver Transplant, as I do not have "Liver Disease", I have "liver cancer", which does not fit the criteria for a liver transplant from the national transplant organization ......... How I made it through life without a liver disease, amaze's even me !
Since my liver is in perfect condition, and working, I cannot get on the liver transplant list, I have to find my own Donor..... Problem #2:....... Me being of Irish decent, I have O Positive blood type, the hardest to find. So I have to ask one of you for a donation of a piece of your liver ............
The type of cancer I have is extremely aggressive : hepacellular carcinoma...... 20 months ago, it grew from 3 centimeters to half my liver in two week's time........It's growing fast again, I go in to Mount Sinai on Tuesday for what is called an Hepatic Arterial Chemoembolization (whew, big word!) .......
What that is, is this.... they will put a fiber optic tube in to my liver through my groin area, in to my liver, they will burn the cancer, radiate it, then encapsulate it in a chemo to keep it from spreading into my bloodstream, if the cancer gets into my blood, I am dead.......period
This will last about 2 months, then the cancer will start to break through it, and I will have to have it done again, and again...
So, I need to ask all of you, to consider giving me a piece of your liver..... an e-mail is a little impersonal , but it has been so hard on me, saying this over and over on the telephone to those of you I have spoken with so far.....that I have to do it this way, Vicky walks around crying every time I make a phone call, and it just adds to the difficulty in explaining the situation
You would be in the hospital for 3 days, and would have to take it easy for one week........your missing piece will grow back within 30 days........ Since our blood type is so hard to get a donor from, the surgeon will also use a small piece of your liver, and implant it in an yet, unknown baby. You will save two live's ...........
You can be any type "O" blood, Plus or Minus, and must be younger then 55 years old............The donation does not have to be from a family member, it can be from anyone with "O" Type blood
I have CC'ed some of my friends at the Natural Resources Protective Association and some of our compatriots in this e-mail, as it really is difficult explaining this time and time again. So I had to inform them about this, In this e-mail too ......
Thanks........
Kerry
Mr. Kerry Sullivan
718 720-5951
kerrysull@aol.com
www.facebook.com/kerrysull
Over the past 8 years we have done many things that people said could not be done.
I now ask you for one more favor.
Please read the e-mail below.
Kerry is a good friend of mine who has done countless great things for our community.
Let’s try for a Christmas miracle and get him a donor.
Please pass this on to all your distributions and list serves.
Let’s blanket the country through Facebook and other social media outlets.
“Those who don’t believe in miracles, don’t believe in themselves”
I believe in miracles and I believe in you.
Let’s do this for Kerry
Dennis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Everyone.......
It's easier to do an e-mail blast like this, rather then to try to explain it over the telephone, and break down every time I have to tell this story..........as it stands right now, I am not eligible for a Liver Transplant, as I do not have "Liver Disease", I have "liver cancer", which does not fit the criteria for a liver transplant from the national transplant organization ......... How I made it through life without a liver disease, amaze's even me !
Since my liver is in perfect condition, and working, I cannot get on the liver transplant list, I have to find my own Donor..... Problem #2:....... Me being of Irish decent, I have O Positive blood type, the hardest to find. So I have to ask one of you for a donation of a piece of your liver ............
The type of cancer I have is extremely aggressive : hepacellular carcinoma...... 20 months ago, it grew from 3 centimeters to half my liver in two week's time........It's growing fast again, I go in to Mount Sinai on Tuesday for what is called an Hepatic Arterial Chemoembolization (whew, big word!) .......
What that is, is this.... they will put a fiber optic tube in to my liver through my groin area, in to my liver, they will burn the cancer, radiate it, then encapsulate it in a chemo to keep it from spreading into my bloodstream, if the cancer gets into my blood, I am dead.......period
This will last about 2 months, then the cancer will start to break through it, and I will have to have it done again, and again...
So, I need to ask all of you, to consider giving me a piece of your liver..... an e-mail is a little impersonal , but it has been so hard on me, saying this over and over on the telephone to those of you I have spoken with so far.....that I have to do it this way, Vicky walks around crying every time I make a phone call, and it just adds to the difficulty in explaining the situation
You would be in the hospital for 3 days, and would have to take it easy for one week........your missing piece will grow back within 30 days........ Since our blood type is so hard to get a donor from, the surgeon will also use a small piece of your liver, and implant it in an yet, unknown baby. You will save two live's ...........
You can be any type "O" blood, Plus or Minus, and must be younger then 55 years old............The donation does not have to be from a family member, it can be from anyone with "O" Type blood
I have CC'ed some of my friends at the Natural Resources Protective Association and some of our compatriots in this e-mail, as it really is difficult explaining this time and time again. So I had to inform them about this, In this e-mail too ......
Thanks........
Kerry
Mr. Kerry Sullivan
718 720-5951
kerrysull@aol.com
www.facebook.com/kerrysull
Thursday, December 10, 2009
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE...WHAT CAN BE DONE
I have the consolation of having added nothing to my private fortune
during my public service, and of retiring with hands clean as they are
empty
Thomas Jefferson
I wonder how many of our friends in Albany and Washington would be able
to make the same claim.
Not many I am sure.
This will continue to be the case as long as we allow our
representatives to have outside interests with economic consequences.
Government should not be a part time job.
There should also be some type of Common Sense requirement for those to
hold office.
Right now we have the JAMES ZADROGA 9/11 HEALTH & COMPENSATION BILL stuck in committee
with no one even ooking at it but Congress has time to look at bill that would require
the NCAA to have a playoff for the national football championship,
Am I the only one who sees something wrong with this picture?
Also we basically allow Congress to buy Health Care votes by giving
Louisiana anywhere from $100 million to $300 million in disaster
recovery aid.
Now I do not begrudge the victims in Louisiana but this is the state at
misappropriated nearly $1 billion in disaster aid after Katrina.
How about getting some of that money back before they get anything else?
But we will continue to toss good money after bad and while local grass
root organizations that actually do some good struggle to survive
billions will go to phantom not for profits or shell organizations under
ACORN.
This will not change until we get some accountability in place.
It will also not change until you get the aid to the people who need it
and not into the pockets of middleman and political cronies.
It was just announced that $150 million will be coming to New York.
I ask Senator Schumer and Congressman McMahon to make sure that this
money goes to what it was allocated.
I ask them to set up workshops to help organizations like CERT who at
the local level actually get things done get some of this money.
Don't let the money be spent on garbage trucks and executive salaries or no show
jobs like it was after 9/11.
We should use some of the money to document what was done in New York at
the local level after 9/11.
Had it not been for these local efforts and all of the volunteers God
only knows where we would be now.
Many of these volunteers are now dying and being denied medical
benefits.
Possibly we could use some of this money to help them out.
Taking care of those who took care of us in our time of need would only
promote the same response if this ever happens again.
Thomas Jefferson also said "We in America do not have government by the
majority. We have government by the majority who participate."
Participation begins at the local level and needs to be fostered.
We need to make sure that it is.
during my public service, and of retiring with hands clean as they are
empty
Thomas Jefferson
I wonder how many of our friends in Albany and Washington would be able
to make the same claim.
Not many I am sure.
This will continue to be the case as long as we allow our
representatives to have outside interests with economic consequences.
Government should not be a part time job.
There should also be some type of Common Sense requirement for those to
hold office.
Right now we have the JAMES ZADROGA 9/11 HEALTH & COMPENSATION BILL stuck in committee
with no one even ooking at it but Congress has time to look at bill that would require
the NCAA to have a playoff for the national football championship,
Am I the only one who sees something wrong with this picture?
Also we basically allow Congress to buy Health Care votes by giving
Louisiana anywhere from $100 million to $300 million in disaster
recovery aid.
Now I do not begrudge the victims in Louisiana but this is the state at
misappropriated nearly $1 billion in disaster aid after Katrina.
How about getting some of that money back before they get anything else?
But we will continue to toss good money after bad and while local grass
root organizations that actually do some good struggle to survive
billions will go to phantom not for profits or shell organizations under
ACORN.
This will not change until we get some accountability in place.
It will also not change until you get the aid to the people who need it
and not into the pockets of middleman and political cronies.
It was just announced that $150 million will be coming to New York.
I ask Senator Schumer and Congressman McMahon to make sure that this
money goes to what it was allocated.
I ask them to set up workshops to help organizations like CERT who at
the local level actually get things done get some of this money.
Don't let the money be spent on garbage trucks and executive salaries or no show
jobs like it was after 9/11.
We should use some of the money to document what was done in New York at
the local level after 9/11.
Had it not been for these local efforts and all of the volunteers God
only knows where we would be now.
Many of these volunteers are now dying and being denied medical
benefits.
Possibly we could use some of this money to help them out.
Taking care of those who took care of us in our time of need would only
promote the same response if this ever happens again.
Thomas Jefferson also said "We in America do not have government by the
majority. We have government by the majority who participate."
Participation begins at the local level and needs to be fostered.
We need to make sure that it is.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
“A GAMBLER’S CHRISTMAS”
“A GAMBLER’S CHRISTMAS”
T’was the night before Christmas when all through the house
The only sound heard came from my mouse
While the stockings where hung from the chimney with care
They were all empty barren and bare
My youngest was nestled all snug in his bed
While the piles of bills rose above my head
His mother and sister along with Aunt Bea
Were on they’re way back from a trip to AC
My other son James was locked in a gaze
As Chris Moneymaker considered a raise
Not even a Yule Log on our TV set
As he watched Phil Ivey check the last bet
The World Series of Poker on every TV
Had replaced all the classics that we used to see
No Frosty or Rudolph or Charlie Brown’s tree
Just Texas Hold'em on four channels not three
As I clicked all around to find my next site
To play online poker and cover last night
All the games that I lost both college and pro
Outside of my window it started to snow
I thought of the call I received just last night
From my dear old mom who had missed the last flight
It appears the she didn’t notice the time
While playing the slots where she lost her last dime
And the letter I got from my brother Bob
Letting me know that he just lost his job.
He had gone out to lunch and didn’t come back
Losing his pay check again at the track
I closed my eyes but I couldn’t sleep
Thinking of promises I wouldn’t keep
And Johnny would wake tomorrow to see
Not one single present under the tree
And I would have to think of a really good lie
To explain why Santa had passed us by
I would explain it was just a mistake
While thinking of even more bets I could make
But as if by magic I saw my way out
And I started to leap and dance about
For from the radio I heard a voice scream
“The New Christmas Lottery A Dollar and a Dream”
Although many of you may think that the poem above is an exaggeration it is a lot closer to the truth they you may believe.
Gambling is becoming more of the norm then the exception to the rule.
Families are losing their houses because of compulsive gambling.
Seniors on a fixed income are losing their life’s savings on repeated trips to Atlantic City and other casinos.
You cannot turn on the TV without seeing one version of a poker match or another.
Children in their teens and younger are playing at on line sites and losing real money.
Texas Hold’em tournaments are sponsored by schools and churches and teenagers are playing with alarming regularity.
Nights at the Races and Casino Nights are now regular events.
And the worst offender is New York State.
They spend millions a year advertising to lure more innocent people in with promises of millions.
Gambling is now at epidemic levels especially with teens and seniors.
Recent studies indicate that more than 70 percent of youth between the ages of 10 and 17 gambled in the past year, up from 45 percent in 1988. Almost one in three high school students gamble on a regular basis, according to the National Academy of Sciences.
Researchers at Pennsylvania State College of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania surveyed 843 elderly people 65 years and older and discovered that 70 percent had been involved in at least one gambling activity in the past year and 11 percent fit the criteria of at-risk gamblers: they had recently laid down more than $100 on a single bet and/or they had bet more than they could afford to lose.
We would like to work with Gambler’s Anonymous next year and develop some seminars to address these issues. We will offer these to both schools as well as senior groups.
Anyone wishing to participate can contact us at info@where-to-turn.org.
In the meantime we need to get the Government out of the recruitment business.
If people want to gamble that is their prerogative but we do not need to be barraged with lottery ads.
The state should get out of the gambling business all together. Just look what a great job they did with OTB. I never heard of a bookie losing money.
If they need to keep the lottery they should at least cut the advertising. The reduced cost would probably compensate for the lost revenue from new gamblers.
If you know of someone with a gambling problem call 1-800-GAMBLER
Dennis
BETTING THEIR LIVES Kids as young as 8 are getting caught up in the new spin on an old problem
http://www.parentsknow.com/newarticle.cfm?colid=7281
T’was the night before Christmas when all through the house
The only sound heard came from my mouse
While the stockings where hung from the chimney with care
They were all empty barren and bare
My youngest was nestled all snug in his bed
While the piles of bills rose above my head
His mother and sister along with Aunt Bea
Were on they’re way back from a trip to AC
My other son James was locked in a gaze
As Chris Moneymaker considered a raise
Not even a Yule Log on our TV set
As he watched Phil Ivey check the last bet
The World Series of Poker on every TV
Had replaced all the classics that we used to see
No Frosty or Rudolph or Charlie Brown’s tree
Just Texas Hold'em on four channels not three
As I clicked all around to find my next site
To play online poker and cover last night
All the games that I lost both college and pro
Outside of my window it started to snow
I thought of the call I received just last night
From my dear old mom who had missed the last flight
It appears the she didn’t notice the time
While playing the slots where she lost her last dime
And the letter I got from my brother Bob
Letting me know that he just lost his job.
He had gone out to lunch and didn’t come back
Losing his pay check again at the track
I closed my eyes but I couldn’t sleep
Thinking of promises I wouldn’t keep
And Johnny would wake tomorrow to see
Not one single present under the tree
And I would have to think of a really good lie
To explain why Santa had passed us by
I would explain it was just a mistake
While thinking of even more bets I could make
But as if by magic I saw my way out
And I started to leap and dance about
For from the radio I heard a voice scream
“The New Christmas Lottery A Dollar and a Dream”
Although many of you may think that the poem above is an exaggeration it is a lot closer to the truth they you may believe.
Gambling is becoming more of the norm then the exception to the rule.
Families are losing their houses because of compulsive gambling.
Seniors on a fixed income are losing their life’s savings on repeated trips to Atlantic City and other casinos.
You cannot turn on the TV without seeing one version of a poker match or another.
Children in their teens and younger are playing at on line sites and losing real money.
Texas Hold’em tournaments are sponsored by schools and churches and teenagers are playing with alarming regularity.
Nights at the Races and Casino Nights are now regular events.
And the worst offender is New York State.
They spend millions a year advertising to lure more innocent people in with promises of millions.
Gambling is now at epidemic levels especially with teens and seniors.
Recent studies indicate that more than 70 percent of youth between the ages of 10 and 17 gambled in the past year, up from 45 percent in 1988. Almost one in three high school students gamble on a regular basis, according to the National Academy of Sciences.
Researchers at Pennsylvania State College of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania surveyed 843 elderly people 65 years and older and discovered that 70 percent had been involved in at least one gambling activity in the past year and 11 percent fit the criteria of at-risk gamblers: they had recently laid down more than $100 on a single bet and/or they had bet more than they could afford to lose.
We would like to work with Gambler’s Anonymous next year and develop some seminars to address these issues. We will offer these to both schools as well as senior groups.
Anyone wishing to participate can contact us at info@where-to-turn.org.
In the meantime we need to get the Government out of the recruitment business.
If people want to gamble that is their prerogative but we do not need to be barraged with lottery ads.
The state should get out of the gambling business all together. Just look what a great job they did with OTB. I never heard of a bookie losing money.
If they need to keep the lottery they should at least cut the advertising. The reduced cost would probably compensate for the lost revenue from new gamblers.
If you know of someone with a gambling problem call 1-800-GAMBLER
Dennis
BETTING THEIR LIVES Kids as young as 8 are getting caught up in the new spin on an old problem
http://www.parentsknow.com/newarticle.cfm?colid=7281
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Terrorist Trials and 9/11 Health Care
Saturday there will be a rally in New York City to voice the concerns of many individuals who feel that the trials of the 9/11 terrorists belong in a military tribunal and not in Federal court in NY.
We support this effort for many good reasons (see below) but are very concerned that once again 9/11 is being used as a tool to support political agendas.
We are also concerned that political groups are making statements as if they speak for all the 9/11 families.
The fact of the matter is that there is not one 9/11 opinion.
If 9/11 showed us anything it was that this vicious attack did not discriminate and people of all faiths, nationalities and ways of life were killed.
The great thing about America is that we are allowed to voice our opinion.
We have a government that allows us this right, along with the many other rights which were were also attacked on 9/11.
We must never forget this.
While we may feel that our opinion is correct we must not assume that it is the only opinion that warrants consideration.
While I applaud the effort to try to get the government to change its position on this matter I do not want to see this as a way to use 9/11 to promote political agendas as has happened in the past.
Arguments should be presented and evaluated on their merits and not on what side of the political fence we may find ourselves.
That being said (and this is just my opinion)
I believe that these terrorists are war criminals and should be treated as such.
They were arrested by the military and should be tried by the military.
I am very concerned that legal maneuvers will be deployed in criminal court by the defense that the accused were not properly advised of their Miranda rights required in criminal court and that this ploy may be used to get the charges dismissed.
I am also concerned that through discovery the defense may demand that all documents relating to 9/11 be made public and that this could detrimental to national security.
As for the location of the trial I do not feel that it should take place in New York City.
Although the city was the most directly impacted in the country we cannot afford what it will take to secure downtown Manhattan.
This trial may last for years and cost and security issues do not warrant it taking place in New York.
We also do not need to give these terrorists a platform to promote their Anti American doctrines blocks away from where they killed nearly 3,000 people.
A more logical location would be Shanksville Pennsylvania.
We should construct a courthouse in the area where United Airlines flight 93 crashed, away from any major city.
This area would be easily secured at a fraction of the cost of a trial in NYC and when the trial completes the building could be used as a museum/memorial to those who died there on 9/11.
This location would work for either a military or criminal venue.
Again this is just my opinion.
On a topic that is just as important, I am concerned that while everyone is concentrating on this issue we are losing site of the fact that people continue to die as a result of 9/11 as the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act continues to be ignored in committee.
Even though this bill had enough votes to pass it has been placed in committee and will not even be considered until the current Health Care Bill is sorted out.
People continue to die as a result of illnesses they contracted because of 9/11 and the government refuses to move this bill forward because of the political football that National Health Care has become.
The first question I would ask of any elected official that might show up on Saturday is what are they doing to get this bill out of committee and onto the floor for a vote.
If they can afford to spend hundreds of millions in pork to buy Congressional votes on National Health Care they can certainly do something for those with 9/11 related illnesses.
This bill would provide medical care to many of those who are now sick because the EPA, an agency of the government, told them that there were no concerns as to the quality of the air after 9/11 even though they knew that what they were reporting was inaccurate.
So on Saturday I hope that those who are sick and those who continue to die as a result of 9/11 are not forgotten.
And I hope that we are able to convince the current Commander in Chief that these terrorists need to be tried in military tribunals.
Dennis McKeon
We support this effort for many good reasons (see below) but are very concerned that once again 9/11 is being used as a tool to support political agendas.
We are also concerned that political groups are making statements as if they speak for all the 9/11 families.
The fact of the matter is that there is not one 9/11 opinion.
If 9/11 showed us anything it was that this vicious attack did not discriminate and people of all faiths, nationalities and ways of life were killed.
The great thing about America is that we are allowed to voice our opinion.
We have a government that allows us this right, along with the many other rights which were were also attacked on 9/11.
We must never forget this.
While we may feel that our opinion is correct we must not assume that it is the only opinion that warrants consideration.
While I applaud the effort to try to get the government to change its position on this matter I do not want to see this as a way to use 9/11 to promote political agendas as has happened in the past.
Arguments should be presented and evaluated on their merits and not on what side of the political fence we may find ourselves.
That being said (and this is just my opinion)
I believe that these terrorists are war criminals and should be treated as such.
They were arrested by the military and should be tried by the military.
I am very concerned that legal maneuvers will be deployed in criminal court by the defense that the accused were not properly advised of their Miranda rights required in criminal court and that this ploy may be used to get the charges dismissed.
I am also concerned that through discovery the defense may demand that all documents relating to 9/11 be made public and that this could detrimental to national security.
As for the location of the trial I do not feel that it should take place in New York City.
Although the city was the most directly impacted in the country we cannot afford what it will take to secure downtown Manhattan.
This trial may last for years and cost and security issues do not warrant it taking place in New York.
We also do not need to give these terrorists a platform to promote their Anti American doctrines blocks away from where they killed nearly 3,000 people.
A more logical location would be Shanksville Pennsylvania.
We should construct a courthouse in the area where United Airlines flight 93 crashed, away from any major city.
This area would be easily secured at a fraction of the cost of a trial in NYC and when the trial completes the building could be used as a museum/memorial to those who died there on 9/11.
This location would work for either a military or criminal venue.
Again this is just my opinion.
On a topic that is just as important, I am concerned that while everyone is concentrating on this issue we are losing site of the fact that people continue to die as a result of 9/11 as the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act continues to be ignored in committee.
Even though this bill had enough votes to pass it has been placed in committee and will not even be considered until the current Health Care Bill is sorted out.
People continue to die as a result of illnesses they contracted because of 9/11 and the government refuses to move this bill forward because of the political football that National Health Care has become.
The first question I would ask of any elected official that might show up on Saturday is what are they doing to get this bill out of committee and onto the floor for a vote.
If they can afford to spend hundreds of millions in pork to buy Congressional votes on National Health Care they can certainly do something for those with 9/11 related illnesses.
This bill would provide medical care to many of those who are now sick because the EPA, an agency of the government, told them that there were no concerns as to the quality of the air after 9/11 even though they knew that what they were reporting was inaccurate.
So on Saturday I hope that those who are sick and those who continue to die as a result of 9/11 are not forgotten.
And I hope that we are able to convince the current Commander in Chief that these terrorists need to be tried in military tribunals.
Dennis McKeon
Sunday, November 22, 2009
MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY.........MONEY
“Follow the Money”
Whenever you watch a cop show on TV they always say the way to solve a crime is to follow the money.
Maybe the current Administration should so heed this advice.
It was reported this week that the Federal government as part of its $797 billion stimulus package had no clue as to where some of the money went or why it went where it did.
The 4th, 22nd, 35th and 40th congressional districts in New Mexico received funds when New Mexico only has 3 congressional districts.
At the same time Arizona’s 15th Congressional District received over $750,000. Only problem is that Arizona does not have a 15th congressional district.
And the list goes on and on.
Hell this is a crime so maybe somebody should be following the money.
“He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money”
Benjamin Franklin
To be politically correct we must say he or she but if we continue to allow Senators and Representatives to sell off their votes on bills we might as well just close up shop.
One needs only to look at how the state of Louisiana voted on the Health Care Bill to see the latest example of how much $100 to $300 billion in state aid can influence how one votes.
It reminds me of a story I heard about Winston Churchill.
He once asked a woman if she would sleep with him for 100,000 pounds and she said she would think about it.
He then asked her if she would sleep with him for 10 pounds and she replied “No, what do you think I am a prostitute”
To which he answered “We have already determined that, I am just negotiating the price”
Sounds eerily similar to what our government has become at all levels.
“My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income”
Errol Flynn
This one is for our friends in New York but could also apply to those in Washington.
For too long we have allowed our elected officials in Albany to hold second jobs which basically makes them susceptible to the interests of their other employees.
Their argument is that they cannot afford to live on the $100,000 to $150,000 salaries and need these second jobs.
My answer is that there are thousands of New Yorkers who would be willing to live on half what you make.
And if you haven’t noticed they could probably do a better job.
Representation should not be a part time job and this goes for our friends on the City Council as well.
As for our friends in Washington, too many of them have so much money that they have no clue as to how to manage a budget on a fixed income.
Maybe if we had some more middle class representation in Washington our needs would actually be considered and our deficit would not be in the trillions and heading for I don’t even know what comes after trillions but I am sure we will find a number.
“If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a conclusion”.
George Bernard Shaw
Finally to everyone in government, stop treating us like fools.
If we have learned anything over the course of the last 233 years is that the government is great at playing with numbers.
They have experts that won’t admit where in a Recession until we are in a Depression.
And when those experts are proven wrong they bring in another group who try to tell us that the numbers were misinterpreted or misrepresented.
To them we say we are the only ones being misrepresented and in the next round of elections we are going to make sure that changes.
We don’t need the same experts who buried Wall Street who are now working for the Administration telling us that the stimulus package is working when unemployment is now over 10%.
And we don’t need government to continue to grow when we can’t even afford what we have now.
We were promised “Change” but for many the only change we have is what is left in our pockets.
Anyway we all know that it has always been about the money.
And the majority of those who put you in office will not allow you to continue to tax and spend when we are losing our jobs and our homes.
So to our elected officials we say
If you don’t know what we want and need from our government, here’s a clue.
F_SC_L R_SP_NS_B_L_T_
Why don’t you take some of that stimulus money and buy a few vowels?
Whenever you watch a cop show on TV they always say the way to solve a crime is to follow the money.
Maybe the current Administration should so heed this advice.
It was reported this week that the Federal government as part of its $797 billion stimulus package had no clue as to where some of the money went or why it went where it did.
The 4th, 22nd, 35th and 40th congressional districts in New Mexico received funds when New Mexico only has 3 congressional districts.
At the same time Arizona’s 15th Congressional District received over $750,000. Only problem is that Arizona does not have a 15th congressional district.
And the list goes on and on.
Hell this is a crime so maybe somebody should be following the money.
“He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money”
Benjamin Franklin
To be politically correct we must say he or she but if we continue to allow Senators and Representatives to sell off their votes on bills we might as well just close up shop.
One needs only to look at how the state of Louisiana voted on the Health Care Bill to see the latest example of how much $100 to $300 billion in state aid can influence how one votes.
It reminds me of a story I heard about Winston Churchill.
He once asked a woman if she would sleep with him for 100,000 pounds and she said she would think about it.
He then asked her if she would sleep with him for 10 pounds and she replied “No, what do you think I am a prostitute”
To which he answered “We have already determined that, I am just negotiating the price”
Sounds eerily similar to what our government has become at all levels.
“My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income”
Errol Flynn
This one is for our friends in New York but could also apply to those in Washington.
For too long we have allowed our elected officials in Albany to hold second jobs which basically makes them susceptible to the interests of their other employees.
Their argument is that they cannot afford to live on the $100,000 to $150,000 salaries and need these second jobs.
My answer is that there are thousands of New Yorkers who would be willing to live on half what you make.
And if you haven’t noticed they could probably do a better job.
Representation should not be a part time job and this goes for our friends on the City Council as well.
As for our friends in Washington, too many of them have so much money that they have no clue as to how to manage a budget on a fixed income.
Maybe if we had some more middle class representation in Washington our needs would actually be considered and our deficit would not be in the trillions and heading for I don’t even know what comes after trillions but I am sure we will find a number.
“If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a conclusion”.
George Bernard Shaw
Finally to everyone in government, stop treating us like fools.
If we have learned anything over the course of the last 233 years is that the government is great at playing with numbers.
They have experts that won’t admit where in a Recession until we are in a Depression.
And when those experts are proven wrong they bring in another group who try to tell us that the numbers were misinterpreted or misrepresented.
To them we say we are the only ones being misrepresented and in the next round of elections we are going to make sure that changes.
We don’t need the same experts who buried Wall Street who are now working for the Administration telling us that the stimulus package is working when unemployment is now over 10%.
And we don’t need government to continue to grow when we can’t even afford what we have now.
We were promised “Change” but for many the only change we have is what is left in our pockets.
Anyway we all know that it has always been about the money.
And the majority of those who put you in office will not allow you to continue to tax and spend when we are losing our jobs and our homes.
So to our elected officials we say
If you don’t know what we want and need from our government, here’s a clue.
F_SC_L R_SP_NS_B_L_T_
Why don’t you take some of that stimulus money and buy a few vowels?
Saturday, November 21, 2009
HEARTS AND HANDS MOVING FORWARD
To All,
Attached please find a link to some preliminary drawings of the Hearts and Hands 9/11 Memorial at Seaview.
We are currently scheduling the clearing out of the garden area and the interior of the rotunda.
We will be sending out letters to our local officials as a follow up to our meetings and to get their commitment of support.
We are aware that government money will be tight but we will be moving forward.
We will be finalizing our discussions with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and hope to schedule a meeting with them at the site.
We are also planning a meeting with members of the Board of Directors of Seaview to get them more involved in the project.
We are also looking for benefactors as we will need to raise at least $1 million in donations next year.
If you have any connections with corporations please make them aware of our plans.
At this time we are asking for your support.
If you are able a tax deductible donation would be greatly appreciated.
Contributions at any level would be greatly appreciated.
If that is not possible we ask you to spread the word about this memorial or should I say your memorial.
Help us spread the word to everyone as to what we are planning.
A memorial for the 9/11 families, for the responders, and for everyone that still feels the pain of that tragic day and feels as we do that those who died on 9/11 and those who continue to die as a result of 9/11 deserve a personal memorial that remembers who they were and who they continue to be in our hearts.
Please join us in giving all of them what they deserve.
To learn more about the memorial go to
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/index.php?c=21
Donations can be made by check payable to
Where to Turn
150-L Greaves Lane # 312
Staten Island NY 10308
or through this Facebook Cause
Thank you in advance for your support
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at 718-966-6531 or info@where-to-turn.org
Dennis
Attached please find a link to some preliminary drawings of the Hearts and Hands 9/11 Memorial at Seaview.
We are currently scheduling the clearing out of the garden area and the interior of the rotunda.
We will be sending out letters to our local officials as a follow up to our meetings and to get their commitment of support.
We are aware that government money will be tight but we will be moving forward.
We will be finalizing our discussions with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and hope to schedule a meeting with them at the site.
We are also planning a meeting with members of the Board of Directors of Seaview to get them more involved in the project.
We are also looking for benefactors as we will need to raise at least $1 million in donations next year.
If you have any connections with corporations please make them aware of our plans.
At this time we are asking for your support.
If you are able a tax deductible donation would be greatly appreciated.
Contributions at any level would be greatly appreciated.
If that is not possible we ask you to spread the word about this memorial or should I say your memorial.
Help us spread the word to everyone as to what we are planning.
A memorial for the 9/11 families, for the responders, and for everyone that still feels the pain of that tragic day and feels as we do that those who died on 9/11 and those who continue to die as a result of 9/11 deserve a personal memorial that remembers who they were and who they continue to be in our hearts.
Please join us in giving all of them what they deserve.
To learn more about the memorial go to
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/index.php?c=21
Donations can be made by check payable to
Where to Turn
150-L Greaves Lane # 312
Staten Island NY 10308
or through this Facebook Cause
Thank you in advance for your support
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at 718-966-6531 or info@where-to-turn.org
Dennis
Thursday, November 19, 2009
For Too Long We Have Delegated "Authority"
Word from Albany is that the Governor and the legislators are finally going to do something about the Authorities.
We can only hope.
Since these autonomous agencies were first created by Robert Moses back in the 1930’s as a way to circumvent local government they have been nothing but a cash cow for those involved.
Decades of mismanagement caused by executive ranks filled with unqualified employees who got their jobs solely based on their political connections have cost New York hundreds of billions of dollars.
And while no one seems to have any control of the authorities it is always the taxpayer that has to bail them out time and time again.
The PA, the MTA, the TBA the list goes on and on we have basically given them the authority to steal taxpayer money by not having any system of checks and balances in place to control them.
We couldn’t even require the PA to rebuild Ground Zero according to NYC Building and Fire codes, but that’s another story.
Although we have very little faith in Albany this would be a great way to show that they are actually attempting to bring back at least a little fiscal responsibility.
But if they are going to do it they need to do it right.
There is currently no need for any of these Authorities and they should be disbanded altogether.
Like a cancer they have spread to areas far outside the scope of what they were created to handle.
Has anyone even asked why the Port Authority is in the real estate business and what did the World Trade Center ever have to do with the ports of NY and NJ?
It is time to shut them down and make all of the high paid executives get some real jobs.
And while we are at it the Mayor should do the same with the myriad of agencies that have been created at the city level that use the Authorities as their role models.
Agencies like the LMDC that spends over $4 million a year with little or nothing to show for it.
An agency that has spent nearly a billion dollars on the dismantling of a single building that still stands at Ground Zero.
This is where we need to begin and we have been calling for this for the past 8 years.
Time and time again they have proven that they are not able to handle the authority that was delegated to them.
It is time we took it back.
Dennis
Related posts
GREAT WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=42846
The Government Needs a Twelve Step Program
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=46623
THE ABC'S OF BUDGET CUTS SHOULD NOT INCLUDE FDNY
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=46216
We can only hope.
Since these autonomous agencies were first created by Robert Moses back in the 1930’s as a way to circumvent local government they have been nothing but a cash cow for those involved.
Decades of mismanagement caused by executive ranks filled with unqualified employees who got their jobs solely based on their political connections have cost New York hundreds of billions of dollars.
And while no one seems to have any control of the authorities it is always the taxpayer that has to bail them out time and time again.
The PA, the MTA, the TBA the list goes on and on we have basically given them the authority to steal taxpayer money by not having any system of checks and balances in place to control them.
We couldn’t even require the PA to rebuild Ground Zero according to NYC Building and Fire codes, but that’s another story.
Although we have very little faith in Albany this would be a great way to show that they are actually attempting to bring back at least a little fiscal responsibility.
But if they are going to do it they need to do it right.
There is currently no need for any of these Authorities and they should be disbanded altogether.
Like a cancer they have spread to areas far outside the scope of what they were created to handle.
Has anyone even asked why the Port Authority is in the real estate business and what did the World Trade Center ever have to do with the ports of NY and NJ?
It is time to shut them down and make all of the high paid executives get some real jobs.
And while we are at it the Mayor should do the same with the myriad of agencies that have been created at the city level that use the Authorities as their role models.
Agencies like the LMDC that spends over $4 million a year with little or nothing to show for it.
An agency that has spent nearly a billion dollars on the dismantling of a single building that still stands at Ground Zero.
This is where we need to begin and we have been calling for this for the past 8 years.
Time and time again they have proven that they are not able to handle the authority that was delegated to them.
It is time we took it back.
Dennis
Related posts
GREAT WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=42846
The Government Needs a Twelve Step Program
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=46623
THE ABC'S OF BUDGET CUTS SHOULD NOT INCLUDE FDNY
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=46216
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Unfortunately It's Not A Joke
What is the difference between winning the NYS Lottery
and
Finding an honest politician?
At least you have a chance at winning the lottery.
The Daily News reported today that 14 state lawmakers left Albany
because of criminal or unethical conduct in the past decade.
10 of them in the past 5 years.
These numbers taken from a new report by the Citizens Union of the City
of New York do not even include Eliot Spitzer or Alan Hevesi.
So over 10% of the 139 office holders that we elected to represent us
have been forced to leave office.
And this number doesn't even include those currently under
investigation.
But here's the kicker.
All of these people were caught by law enforcement.
Not one of them by the so called state ethic watchdogs that are
currently in place.
Makes you feel real good about who is minding the hen house and how many
more have yet to be discovered.
I wonder how many of these are still collecting pensions paid for with
our tax payer money.
I also wonder how many dollars of campaign funds went towards defending
these people while they were fighting the charges.
And you wonder why New York is in such dire straits.
If we are ever going to get back on track we have to start holding these
guys responsible.
So once again I propose our "Political Pre-Nup"
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43838
And I once again issue this public appeal to all elected officials to
step forward and voluntarily sign on.
But I won't hold my breath.
And the sad part about it is that this is just the tip of the iceberg
and things are just as bad if not worse at the national level.
Take it from somebody who knew:
"Sure there are dishonest men in local government”
”But there are dishonest men in national government too"
Richard M. Nixon
and
Finding an honest politician?
At least you have a chance at winning the lottery.
The Daily News reported today that 14 state lawmakers left Albany
because of criminal or unethical conduct in the past decade.
10 of them in the past 5 years.
These numbers taken from a new report by the Citizens Union of the City
of New York do not even include Eliot Spitzer or Alan Hevesi.
So over 10% of the 139 office holders that we elected to represent us
have been forced to leave office.
And this number doesn't even include those currently under
investigation.
But here's the kicker.
All of these people were caught by law enforcement.
Not one of them by the so called state ethic watchdogs that are
currently in place.
Makes you feel real good about who is minding the hen house and how many
more have yet to be discovered.
I wonder how many of these are still collecting pensions paid for with
our tax payer money.
I also wonder how many dollars of campaign funds went towards defending
these people while they were fighting the charges.
And you wonder why New York is in such dire straits.
If we are ever going to get back on track we have to start holding these
guys responsible.
So once again I propose our "Political Pre-Nup"
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43838
And I once again issue this public appeal to all elected officials to
step forward and voluntarily sign on.
But I won't hold my breath.
And the sad part about it is that this is just the tip of the iceberg
and things are just as bad if not worse at the national level.
Take it from somebody who knew:
"Sure there are dishonest men in local government”
”But there are dishonest men in national government too"
Richard M. Nixon
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The Carny is Back at Coney Island
The media spin machine was once again running overtime as almost all media outlets praised the so called “renaissance” that was previewed at Coney Island last week.
The mayor and his usual list of suspects were there in full force telling everyone what a wonderful thing this was going to be for the neighborhood and the economy of Coney Island.
I was very glad that I was not there but if I was I would have definitely checked to make sure that I still had my wallet before I left.
This was just the latest example of the shell game that is constantly being perpetrated upon the residents of NYC.
While everyone would agree that for years Coney Island has been neglected and needs to be redeveloped no one wants to admit that this current plan revolves around one thing that was never mentioned in any of the speeches.
“Gambling”
If anyone believes that the developers do not have that on their minds then they have been taken over by the spell of our three card monte politicians.
Even in its hey day Coney Island was only a summer destination.
The only way that this plan will make it into a “resort destination” is if gambling is brought into the mix.
And you don’t have to be a mind reader to know that the luxury hotels planning to be built adjacent to the site are not being built for people coming to ride the Cyclone.
But once again the rich will get richer and more and more people will lose their homes and pensions chasing that dollar and a dream that will undoubtedly be coming soon to Coney Island.
This will be just another grasp to raise city and state revenues to cover a deficit created by over 30 years of mismanagement by our elected officials.
With the deficit where it stands now they will look more and more into short term “fixes” and to them gambling will be the best bet.
Just the fact that the state spends hundreds of millions a year on advertising on lottery and other ads is proof positive of their overall plans.
People will gamble if they want to but why do they need to try to drag new victims into this scam everyday.
And the people of Coney Island will just be the next set of victims.
Just take a look at the neighborhoods that surround Atlantic City to see how much that did to revitalize and rehabilitate the neighborhood.
And the sad part about it is that the state has already proven they are totally incompetent when it comes to gambling.
Just look at the great job that they did with OTB.
And when OTB goes belly up New York taxpayers will be left on the hook for billions in pensions (better then many city employees) that were arranged for the politically connected people that were able to get jobs at the local OTB offices.
While back on the beach according to the mayor and the other elected officials the future looks great for Coney Island.
And he will be saying the same thing when they sell Governor’s Island to a group of Native Americans for a quick infusion of a couple of billion to cover the next deficit.
So to the people of New York and in particular the residents of Coney Island I leave you with the immortal words of P.T. Barnum “There’s a sucker born every minute”
DENNIS MCKEON
Related Posts
THEY ARE GAMBLING WITH OUR FUTURE
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=45712
THE GROWING GAMBLING PROBLEM IN AMERICA
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=41184
LETTER TO SI ELECTED OFFICIALS RE: YOUTH AND SENIOR GAMBLING
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=41194
WHY ISN'T THE INQUIRY LIGHT FLASHING?
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43322
The mayor and his usual list of suspects were there in full force telling everyone what a wonderful thing this was going to be for the neighborhood and the economy of Coney Island.
I was very glad that I was not there but if I was I would have definitely checked to make sure that I still had my wallet before I left.
This was just the latest example of the shell game that is constantly being perpetrated upon the residents of NYC.
While everyone would agree that for years Coney Island has been neglected and needs to be redeveloped no one wants to admit that this current plan revolves around one thing that was never mentioned in any of the speeches.
“Gambling”
If anyone believes that the developers do not have that on their minds then they have been taken over by the spell of our three card monte politicians.
Even in its hey day Coney Island was only a summer destination.
The only way that this plan will make it into a “resort destination” is if gambling is brought into the mix.
And you don’t have to be a mind reader to know that the luxury hotels planning to be built adjacent to the site are not being built for people coming to ride the Cyclone.
But once again the rich will get richer and more and more people will lose their homes and pensions chasing that dollar and a dream that will undoubtedly be coming soon to Coney Island.
This will be just another grasp to raise city and state revenues to cover a deficit created by over 30 years of mismanagement by our elected officials.
With the deficit where it stands now they will look more and more into short term “fixes” and to them gambling will be the best bet.
Just the fact that the state spends hundreds of millions a year on advertising on lottery and other ads is proof positive of their overall plans.
People will gamble if they want to but why do they need to try to drag new victims into this scam everyday.
And the people of Coney Island will just be the next set of victims.
Just take a look at the neighborhoods that surround Atlantic City to see how much that did to revitalize and rehabilitate the neighborhood.
And the sad part about it is that the state has already proven they are totally incompetent when it comes to gambling.
Just look at the great job that they did with OTB.
And when OTB goes belly up New York taxpayers will be left on the hook for billions in pensions (better then many city employees) that were arranged for the politically connected people that were able to get jobs at the local OTB offices.
While back on the beach according to the mayor and the other elected officials the future looks great for Coney Island.
And he will be saying the same thing when they sell Governor’s Island to a group of Native Americans for a quick infusion of a couple of billion to cover the next deficit.
So to the people of New York and in particular the residents of Coney Island I leave you with the immortal words of P.T. Barnum “There’s a sucker born every minute”
DENNIS MCKEON
Related Posts
THEY ARE GAMBLING WITH OUR FUTURE
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=45712
THE GROWING GAMBLING PROBLEM IN AMERICA
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=41184
LETTER TO SI ELECTED OFFICIALS RE: YOUTH AND SENIOR GAMBLING
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=41194
WHY ISN'T THE INQUIRY LIGHT FLASHING?
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43322
Friday, November 13, 2009
Lose Weight…Feed the Hungry…Get Healthy...."Take a Load Off"
Lose Weight…Feed the Hungry…Get Healthy
Want to feel better about yourself both physically and mentally.
Well here’s your chance
Join the “Take a Load Off” program today.
With the holidays coming we all know that we are going to eat and party a little too much.
Come January 1 we are going to be another belt hole wider or another dress size larger.
And we are all going to make that same New Year’s resolution to lose weight.
Well Where to Turn is going to give you a way to drop a few pounds and help out some of those less fortunate.
While food pantries are usually well restocked during the holidays it is the cold winter months when many of them run short.
During the coldest days of winter many just don’t have the food to meet the need.
This is where the “Take a Load Off” program comes into play.
Each person who joins the program pledges to lose a specific amount of weight.
They also donate a dollar match to the amount of weight they pledge to lose.
So if you want to lose 20 pounds you donate $20.
Where to Turn will reach out to get corporate sponsorship to match every dollar collected.
All donations are 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
100% of all the money collected will go towards re-stocking local food pantries and get food to those who really need it.
We will run the program quarterly so you have 3 months to meet your goal.
At the end of the quarter we will see how each of you has done and start a new class.
You lose weight, help feed the hungry and get healthy at the same time.
Our first class will begin on January 1.
It will be called “A Ton of Fun” as we will try to lose a collective 2,000 pounds and raise $4,000
You can register by credit card through our Facebook page at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/397970/38137363?m=5c768c22&ref=mf
You can also register through Where to Turn at info@where-to-turn.org
Donations can be made by check made payable to Where to Turn 150-L Greaves Lane Staten Island, NY 10308
If you have any questions feel free to call us at 718-966-6531.
I have kicked off the program with a commitment to lose 25 pounds.
Also the South Beach Civic Association has donated $100 to match the first 100 pounds
I hope you will follow suit.
Dennis
Want to feel better about yourself both physically and mentally.
Well here’s your chance
Join the “Take a Load Off” program today.
With the holidays coming we all know that we are going to eat and party a little too much.
Come January 1 we are going to be another belt hole wider or another dress size larger.
And we are all going to make that same New Year’s resolution to lose weight.
Well Where to Turn is going to give you a way to drop a few pounds and help out some of those less fortunate.
While food pantries are usually well restocked during the holidays it is the cold winter months when many of them run short.
During the coldest days of winter many just don’t have the food to meet the need.
This is where the “Take a Load Off” program comes into play.
Each person who joins the program pledges to lose a specific amount of weight.
They also donate a dollar match to the amount of weight they pledge to lose.
So if you want to lose 20 pounds you donate $20.
Where to Turn will reach out to get corporate sponsorship to match every dollar collected.
All donations are 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
100% of all the money collected will go towards re-stocking local food pantries and get food to those who really need it.
We will run the program quarterly so you have 3 months to meet your goal.
At the end of the quarter we will see how each of you has done and start a new class.
You lose weight, help feed the hungry and get healthy at the same time.
Our first class will begin on January 1.
It will be called “A Ton of Fun” as we will try to lose a collective 2,000 pounds and raise $4,000
You can register by credit card through our Facebook page at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/397970/38137363?m=5c768c22&ref=mf
You can also register through Where to Turn at info@where-to-turn.org
Donations can be made by check made payable to Where to Turn 150-L Greaves Lane Staten Island, NY 10308
If you have any questions feel free to call us at 718-966-6531.
I have kicked off the program with a commitment to lose 25 pounds.
Also the South Beach Civic Association has donated $100 to match the first 100 pounds
I hope you will follow suit.
Dennis
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Wake Up America....There Is No Such Thing As A Free Lunch
I am so excited.
I just found out that I do not have to work anymore.
You see I got this e-mail from Nigeria from someone I don’t know and they are going to transfer $23 million into my account.
At about the same time I got another one informing me that I won the Canadian lottery for another $15 Million.
I am glad that I got these e-mails because I was just about to take a work at home job offer and make $2,500 a week stuffing envelopes.
But now I won’t have to and I will have a lot more time on my hands.
Considering I am going to have all this free time and all this money I am sure that I will be real popular with the ladies.
But I am not concerned because I just ordered pills that are a combination of Viagra and Cialis with some natural ingredients.
They guarantee that I will be a stud in bed, satisfy endless women and at the same time clean out my colon and allow me to lose 30 pounds in 3 days.
Yeah Right……..In My Dreams
But this is no different than the way our government continues to treat us on a regular basis.
They are going to provide Health Care to every man women and child (legal or not).
A program that is going to cost trillions of dollars and they are going to do this with no significant tax increases.
They implemented a stimulus package that was supposed to stimulate the economy.
It appears to only have stimulated the bonuses of the executives of the bailed out companies.
And after paying out these bonuses some of these companies are still going belly up.
And if you hadn’t noticed the national unemployment rate just rose above 10%
Doesn’t sound like much of a stimulus package to me.
But we continue to play the fools and believe these people.
And we continue to pump millions into their campaigns so that they can make their lobbyists and lawyers rich.
I have lost track of how many elected officials have been indicted and convicted over the past 10 years.
And many of them continue to collect their paychecks while they fight the charges with campaign funds.
In many cases they keep their taxpayer paid pensions even if convicted.
But we continue to allow this to go on.
We allow state after state to legalize more and more types of gambling and more and more citizens particularly seniors are losing their paychecks or pensions on all sorts of state sponsored lotteries.
They want to bring slots to the race tracks and don’t be too surprised if they wind up selling Governor’s Island to some Native American entity to open a casino closer to home for all those people chasing that dollar for a dream.
And the government allows it to go on and they can’t even do that right.
Just look at what they did with OTB.
But I digress.
What it all comes down to is too many people want to believe the promises that they are fed during every election.
They want to believe in these no substance solutions just like they want to believe in the e-mails they receive every day.
We need to wake up.
We need to see legislation while it is in committee before it is voted on.
We need to know if our representatives are actually representing us.
And we need to vote them out if they are not.
If we don’t we might as well wait for that next e-mail from our new friend in Nigeria.
Dennis
I just found out that I do not have to work anymore.
You see I got this e-mail from Nigeria from someone I don’t know and they are going to transfer $23 million into my account.
At about the same time I got another one informing me that I won the Canadian lottery for another $15 Million.
I am glad that I got these e-mails because I was just about to take a work at home job offer and make $2,500 a week stuffing envelopes.
But now I won’t have to and I will have a lot more time on my hands.
Considering I am going to have all this free time and all this money I am sure that I will be real popular with the ladies.
But I am not concerned because I just ordered pills that are a combination of Viagra and Cialis with some natural ingredients.
They guarantee that I will be a stud in bed, satisfy endless women and at the same time clean out my colon and allow me to lose 30 pounds in 3 days.
Yeah Right……..In My Dreams
But this is no different than the way our government continues to treat us on a regular basis.
They are going to provide Health Care to every man women and child (legal or not).
A program that is going to cost trillions of dollars and they are going to do this with no significant tax increases.
They implemented a stimulus package that was supposed to stimulate the economy.
It appears to only have stimulated the bonuses of the executives of the bailed out companies.
And after paying out these bonuses some of these companies are still going belly up.
And if you hadn’t noticed the national unemployment rate just rose above 10%
Doesn’t sound like much of a stimulus package to me.
But we continue to play the fools and believe these people.
And we continue to pump millions into their campaigns so that they can make their lobbyists and lawyers rich.
I have lost track of how many elected officials have been indicted and convicted over the past 10 years.
And many of them continue to collect their paychecks while they fight the charges with campaign funds.
In many cases they keep their taxpayer paid pensions even if convicted.
But we continue to allow this to go on.
We allow state after state to legalize more and more types of gambling and more and more citizens particularly seniors are losing their paychecks or pensions on all sorts of state sponsored lotteries.
They want to bring slots to the race tracks and don’t be too surprised if they wind up selling Governor’s Island to some Native American entity to open a casino closer to home for all those people chasing that dollar for a dream.
And the government allows it to go on and they can’t even do that right.
Just look at what they did with OTB.
But I digress.
What it all comes down to is too many people want to believe the promises that they are fed during every election.
They want to believe in these no substance solutions just like they want to believe in the e-mails they receive every day.
We need to wake up.
We need to see legislation while it is in committee before it is voted on.
We need to know if our representatives are actually representing us.
And we need to vote them out if they are not.
If we don’t we might as well wait for that next e-mail from our new friend in Nigeria.
Dennis
BY THE NUMBERS
Everyday people complain about how bad things are yet on Staten Island where we have over 200,000 voters and only about 75,000 voted last Tuesday.
So the next time you want to complain first ask yourself if you were one of the 125,000 Staten Island Registered voters who didn’t vote.
Just if you weren’t paying attention
Bloomberg spent over $100 million and got 557,000 votes. That’s about $175 a vote.
Alex Zablocki spent $17,000 and got 157,000 votes. That’s about $9.25 a vote.
But here’s the real shame.
Alex filed 30,000 signatures to get on the ballot while Bloomberg only filed 21,000.
But Alex was excluded from all the debates because his campaign didn’t raise enough money.
And you still think we don’t need campaign finance reform.
By the way these candidates keep building up their campaign war chests with millions and wind up spending it on lawyers when they get caught.
Great system we have here.
We should require that 90% of all excess funds be either set aside for community projects or returned after each election.
But we know that will never happen.
So why don’t we try this.
Ban the use of campaign funds for legal costs.
Any excess campaign funds after an election must be used to repay any matching funds that were received.
And here’s an easy one.
We give the candidates one week to take down all their signs.
We ask organizations to set up sign collections after the week grace period.
We then charge their campaigns $10 a sign that is turned in.
We set up collection sites and reimburse the organizations for the signs they collect.
We would probably raise enough money to stock a food pantry every year.
We know none of these will ever be implemented but we will keep trying.
Dennis
So the next time you want to complain first ask yourself if you were one of the 125,000 Staten Island Registered voters who didn’t vote.
Just if you weren’t paying attention
Bloomberg spent over $100 million and got 557,000 votes. That’s about $175 a vote.
Alex Zablocki spent $17,000 and got 157,000 votes. That’s about $9.25 a vote.
But here’s the real shame.
Alex filed 30,000 signatures to get on the ballot while Bloomberg only filed 21,000.
But Alex was excluded from all the debates because his campaign didn’t raise enough money.
And you still think we don’t need campaign finance reform.
By the way these candidates keep building up their campaign war chests with millions and wind up spending it on lawyers when they get caught.
Great system we have here.
We should require that 90% of all excess funds be either set aside for community projects or returned after each election.
But we know that will never happen.
So why don’t we try this.
Ban the use of campaign funds for legal costs.
Any excess campaign funds after an election must be used to repay any matching funds that were received.
And here’s an easy one.
We give the candidates one week to take down all their signs.
We ask organizations to set up sign collections after the week grace period.
We then charge their campaigns $10 a sign that is turned in.
We set up collection sites and reimburse the organizations for the signs they collect.
We would probably raise enough money to stock a food pantry every year.
We know none of these will ever be implemented but we will keep trying.
Dennis
Sunday, November 1, 2009
IT'S NOT ONLY IF YOU VOTE.... IT'S HOW YOU VOTE THAT COUNTS
So now that we have come to the end of campaigns that have been going on forever.
The candidates will pull out all of their dirt tricks over the next 24 hours in a last ditch effort to sway our decisions.
And then it will be up to us to decide.
Unfortunately many of us will not even bother.
Some will look at the polls and decide their candidate doesn’t have a chance so they will not bother to vote.
Others will think just the opposite and feel that their candidate is so far ahead that their vote is not necessary
What’s worse is that many of us will just enter the voting both and just vote straight down our party line.
This has become standard practice with many Americans.
It has also contributed to the current state of our nation as well as the condition of our states and cities.
On Staten Island decisions will be made for the City Council and Borough President and city wide we will be deciding on a mayor.
Decisions such as these will be being made all over the country.
But again many will not vote and others will be selecting candidates for no other reason than the fact that they are on the same party line as their choice for president.
This is the real problem facing America today.
We need to be more involved and voting is just a part of that responsibility.
We need to know who we are voting for and we are not going to get that information from advertisements, lawn signs or mailings.
Have you ever once gotten information from any candidates stating what promises they didn’t deliver on?
I haven’t
So on Election Day do us all a favor.
Take a little time and put some thought into what candidates you are selecting.
They will have a job for the next few years.
Let’s make sure that they will work to assure that we can say the same.
I have said it before and I will say it again “We need representatives not politicians” at every level of government.
On Election Day we can make a difference.
Let’s see if we will.
Dennis
The candidates will pull out all of their dirt tricks over the next 24 hours in a last ditch effort to sway our decisions.
And then it will be up to us to decide.
Unfortunately many of us will not even bother.
Some will look at the polls and decide their candidate doesn’t have a chance so they will not bother to vote.
Others will think just the opposite and feel that their candidate is so far ahead that their vote is not necessary
What’s worse is that many of us will just enter the voting both and just vote straight down our party line.
This has become standard practice with many Americans.
It has also contributed to the current state of our nation as well as the condition of our states and cities.
On Staten Island decisions will be made for the City Council and Borough President and city wide we will be deciding on a mayor.
Decisions such as these will be being made all over the country.
But again many will not vote and others will be selecting candidates for no other reason than the fact that they are on the same party line as their choice for president.
This is the real problem facing America today.
We need to be more involved and voting is just a part of that responsibility.
We need to know who we are voting for and we are not going to get that information from advertisements, lawn signs or mailings.
Have you ever once gotten information from any candidates stating what promises they didn’t deliver on?
I haven’t
So on Election Day do us all a favor.
Take a little time and put some thought into what candidates you are selecting.
They will have a job for the next few years.
Let’s make sure that they will work to assure that we can say the same.
I have said it before and I will say it again “We need representatives not politicians” at every level of government.
On Election Day we can make a difference.
Let’s see if we will.
Dennis
Saturday, October 31, 2009
ONCE AGAIN CALLING FOR A POLITICAL PRE-NUP
The Washington Post has reported that more than 30 lawmakers and a few staff members were under scrutiny, including nearly half the members of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee.
The sad part of this story is that any of these Representatives if indicted will be able to use campaign funds to pay their legal fees.
So taxpayers not only pay their salaries but also have to foot the bill for their legal costs when they get caught stealing from the public.
Is that why you contribute to campaigns?
And it is not only at the Federal level.
The Associated Press has reported that former NY State Senate Leader Joe Bruno has already spent $633,000 in campaign funds on criminal lawyers.
Question: When is the madness going to stop?
Answer: Only when we hold these elected officials responsible for their actions.
We once again call for a political pre-nup which we would ask each candidate to sign.
This pre-nup would state that if they are forced from their positions due to illegal or improper behavior they will give up any claim to any pensions or benefits that they may be entitled to. And they agree to pay back any monies that may have been illegally gained without dispute. We could also add that they would agree not to use any campaign funds for legal defense.
See post below from 7/13/08 when we first requested this.
It's Time For A Political Pre-Nup
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43838
We are still looking for at least one candidate to voluntarily sign one but we are not too optimistic.
A great commentary on our political process.
We would love to have the media ask any of the candidates on the record if they would be willing to do this.
In the meantime we would at least like someone to introduce some legitimate campaign finance legislation which would prohibit the use of campaign funds for legal expenses. It should also limit the amount a candidate can carry over after the election.
Wouldn’t you agree it’s time has come.
Names Leaked in House Ethics Probes
http://news.aol.com/article/congressional-ethics-probe-targets/744598?icid=main|main|dl4|link4|http://news.aol.com/article/congressional-ethics-probe-targets/744598
The sad part of this story is that any of these Representatives if indicted will be able to use campaign funds to pay their legal fees.
So taxpayers not only pay their salaries but also have to foot the bill for their legal costs when they get caught stealing from the public.
Is that why you contribute to campaigns?
And it is not only at the Federal level.
The Associated Press has reported that former NY State Senate Leader Joe Bruno has already spent $633,000 in campaign funds on criminal lawyers.
Question: When is the madness going to stop?
Answer: Only when we hold these elected officials responsible for their actions.
We once again call for a political pre-nup which we would ask each candidate to sign.
This pre-nup would state that if they are forced from their positions due to illegal or improper behavior they will give up any claim to any pensions or benefits that they may be entitled to. And they agree to pay back any monies that may have been illegally gained without dispute. We could also add that they would agree not to use any campaign funds for legal defense.
See post below from 7/13/08 when we first requested this.
It's Time For A Political Pre-Nup
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43838
We are still looking for at least one candidate to voluntarily sign one but we are not too optimistic.
A great commentary on our political process.
We would love to have the media ask any of the candidates on the record if they would be willing to do this.
In the meantime we would at least like someone to introduce some legitimate campaign finance legislation which would prohibit the use of campaign funds for legal expenses. It should also limit the amount a candidate can carry over after the election.
Wouldn’t you agree it’s time has come.
Names Leaked in House Ethics Probes
http://news.aol.com/article/congressional-ethics-probe-targets/744598?icid=main|main|dl4|link4|http://news.aol.com/article/congressional-ethics-probe-targets/744598
Sunday, October 25, 2009
PUTTING "US" BACK INTO USA
Each year we have candidates running for office promising what they are going to do for “us”.
They constantly state that they are running “for us” and will “work for us”
I am going to take a page out of Bill Clinton’s playbook and ask how do they define “us”?
Because the entire political process seems to have very little to do with “us”.
This includes the candidates, the media and the elected officials once they take office.
Here are a few examples
In New York they asked “us” in a referendum if we wanted term limits.
We said yes.
But “they” said to hell with “us” and did away with them any way.
In Congress the majority of Representatives back the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009.
But Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi who doesn’t represent any of “us” is holding the bill hostage and refuses to put it up for a vote even though there are enough votes to pass it.
Now how is that representing “us”?
And the media is even worse.
The Obama administration refuses to even acknowledge the Fox Network because “they” don’t agree with the administration’s policies.
MSNBC and CNN reports are almost always pro administration.
These are supposed to be news networks and are supposed to be reporting facts not opinions.
Are we not entitled to the facts?
Aren’t we smart enough to form our own opinions?
Again I ask what about “us”?
The same can be said of almost any newspaper or radio outlet.
What ever happened to “all the news that’s fit to print” or “we report you decide”?
If they really cared about “us” these would be more than just catch phrases.
Well it is time that we demand that they all start representing “us”
And we are made up of many races, many religions, many political opinions and many life styles.
And they have been elected to represent “us”
And we can begin with Nancy Pelosi.
We need to let her know that her house is in California and not Washington DC.
And while she may control that one she does not control the one on Capital Hill.
And until we change the name of it to the House of Nancy Pelosi or the House of Bohner it is still the House of Representatives.
And they better start representing “us”…all of “us” and not just their personal agendas.
And this goes for all our elected officials from the President on down to our local representatives.
And to all the media outlets as well.
As the old adage goes “there is no I in team” and the last time I looked there is no I in USA either.
But there is an “US”
And if they don’t start listing to “us” and representing “us” we will find someone who will.
And we will put the “US” back into USA.
They constantly state that they are running “for us” and will “work for us”
I am going to take a page out of Bill Clinton’s playbook and ask how do they define “us”?
Because the entire political process seems to have very little to do with “us”.
This includes the candidates, the media and the elected officials once they take office.
Here are a few examples
In New York they asked “us” in a referendum if we wanted term limits.
We said yes.
But “they” said to hell with “us” and did away with them any way.
In Congress the majority of Representatives back the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009.
But Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi who doesn’t represent any of “us” is holding the bill hostage and refuses to put it up for a vote even though there are enough votes to pass it.
Now how is that representing “us”?
And the media is even worse.
The Obama administration refuses to even acknowledge the Fox Network because “they” don’t agree with the administration’s policies.
MSNBC and CNN reports are almost always pro administration.
These are supposed to be news networks and are supposed to be reporting facts not opinions.
Are we not entitled to the facts?
Aren’t we smart enough to form our own opinions?
Again I ask what about “us”?
The same can be said of almost any newspaper or radio outlet.
What ever happened to “all the news that’s fit to print” or “we report you decide”?
If they really cared about “us” these would be more than just catch phrases.
Well it is time that we demand that they all start representing “us”
And we are made up of many races, many religions, many political opinions and many life styles.
And they have been elected to represent “us”
And we can begin with Nancy Pelosi.
We need to let her know that her house is in California and not Washington DC.
And while she may control that one she does not control the one on Capital Hill.
And until we change the name of it to the House of Nancy Pelosi or the House of Bohner it is still the House of Representatives.
And they better start representing “us”…all of “us” and not just their personal agendas.
And this goes for all our elected officials from the President on down to our local representatives.
And to all the media outlets as well.
As the old adage goes “there is no I in team” and the last time I looked there is no I in USA either.
But there is an “US”
And if they don’t start listing to “us” and representing “us” we will find someone who will.
And we will put the “US” back into USA.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
NANCY PELOSI HOLDS THE ZADROGA BILL HOSTAGE
Just a heads up of what is going on with your leadership in Washington.
Even though there are enough votes committed Speaker of the House Pelosi will not allow the Zadroga bill to be put up for a vote until the Health Care Bill is resolved.
How too faced can you be?
If Health Care is so important why would you deny it to those who got sick risking their lives saving victims of the worst attack in the history of America?
Call your Representative and demand that they do not allow this to continue.
They are playing political Russian roulette with the lives of our loved ones while pushing their own agendas.
We need to stand up and be heard.
Too many have died already while Congress begins to look more and more like the NYS Senate.
You cannot continue to remain silent.
Also join the rally on Saturday
Coalition of 9/11 Organizations Press Conference 10/24/09
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=49882
Even though there are enough votes committed Speaker of the House Pelosi will not allow the Zadroga bill to be put up for a vote until the Health Care Bill is resolved.
How too faced can you be?
If Health Care is so important why would you deny it to those who got sick risking their lives saving victims of the worst attack in the history of America?
Call your Representative and demand that they do not allow this to continue.
They are playing political Russian roulette with the lives of our loved ones while pushing their own agendas.
We need to stand up and be heard.
Too many have died already while Congress begins to look more and more like the NYS Senate.
You cannot continue to remain silent.
Also join the rally on Saturday
Coalition of 9/11 Organizations Press Conference 10/24/09
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=49882
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
AND WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE HAPPY
To All
Got this E-Update from the LMDC today
Eight and a half years later.
At a cost of over $300 Million (do you know how many sick victims could have been treated with this money?)
Corruption, kickbacks and under the table deals.
The improper removal of victims’ remains
The death of 2 NYC firefighters
And we are supposed to be happy that they are finally getting this done.
This building will always stand as an example of all that has been wrong at Ground Zero.
But we keep on dumping millions into the LMDC and LMCCC
Some things never change
Dear Community Member,
Yesterday, the NYC Department of Buildings issued permits to demolish the remaining 26 floors of the former Deutsche Bank Building at 130 Liberty Street. The General Contractor, Bovis Lend Lease, and its subcontractor, LVI/Mizzochi, are now mobilizing the equipment necessary for the work to begin. Demolition is expected to begin Monday, November 2nd.
Got this E-Update from the LMDC today
Eight and a half years later.
At a cost of over $300 Million (do you know how many sick victims could have been treated with this money?)
Corruption, kickbacks and under the table deals.
The improper removal of victims’ remains
The death of 2 NYC firefighters
And we are supposed to be happy that they are finally getting this done.
This building will always stand as an example of all that has been wrong at Ground Zero.
But we keep on dumping millions into the LMDC and LMCCC
Some things never change
Dear Community Member,
Yesterday, the NYC Department of Buildings issued permits to demolish the remaining 26 floors of the former Deutsche Bank Building at 130 Liberty Street. The General Contractor, Bovis Lend Lease, and its subcontractor, LVI/Mizzochi, are now mobilizing the equipment necessary for the work to begin. Demolition is expected to begin Monday, November 2nd.
MAYBE IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE
As our country tries to recover from one of the worst economic downturns in its history many people are living day to day.
Foreclosures are still near all time highs.
Unemployment numbers are staggering.
Retirement is no longer a possibility for many.
Everyone is just trying to survive.
Well not everyone.
As it appears that our candidates are recession proof.
While the country’s economy crashed and burned last year’s presidential candidates raised more money than ever before.
And it’s not just at the top.
Just this week two fundraising events pulled in over $5 million for the Democratic Party in New York alone.
Similar events are doing the same for the Republicans and all the other parties all across the nation.
We may not have money for health care or for our schools but we continue to fork over the bucks to any Tom, Dick or Mary running for office.
And what do they do with this money?
They fill our mailboxes with campaign literature telling us all the great things they have done if they are in office or promising the great things that they will do if they get into office.
They fill the airways with ads (fact checking optional) bashing their opponents
If truth in advertising applied 90% of them would be in jail.
On the other hand they wouldn’t because they can also use these same campaign funds to hire the best lawyers to keep them out.
One of our esteemed Congressmen has spent over $500,000 of campaign funds to pay for legal fees over the past year.
And I am sure that one of our NYS Senators will be doing the same over the next few months.
Is this what you really want to do with your money?
Campaign reform is a joke and there is nothing we can do about big business and their pay to play policies.
There is also nothing we can do about the lobbyists who continue to buy and sell elected officials like they were penny stocks.
But there is something we can do at least at our level.
The next time you are thinking about writing a check out for a campaign maybe think about giving at least part of it to a local charity.
The next time you are going to spend hundreds of dollars to attend a campaign dinner think about going to an event like the Poor Peoples Dinner or a fundraiser for a local not for profit instead.
The next time you are going to spend hundreds of dollars for a handshake or a photo op with a candidate think about the sick first responders that these same people continue to ignore and write a check to the Fealgood Foundation or some other organization that is actually doing some good.
The bottom line is that if an elected official has done a good job his record should speak for itself.
And if it doesn’t vote for the other guy.
There is no reason why these candidates should be allowed to build up millions in campaign war chests for future elections while some of us can’t even afford to put food on the table.
The process has gotten so bad that we allow candidates to collect matching funds even after they have dropped out of races.
So until if and when we actually get some campaign finance reform in place maybe we can do our part by redistributing the campaign wealth.
They say “you get what you pay for” and if history shows us anything it is that we have gotten very little return on our investments when it comes to campaign contributions.
Maybe it is time for a change.
Foreclosures are still near all time highs.
Unemployment numbers are staggering.
Retirement is no longer a possibility for many.
Everyone is just trying to survive.
Well not everyone.
As it appears that our candidates are recession proof.
While the country’s economy crashed and burned last year’s presidential candidates raised more money than ever before.
And it’s not just at the top.
Just this week two fundraising events pulled in over $5 million for the Democratic Party in New York alone.
Similar events are doing the same for the Republicans and all the other parties all across the nation.
We may not have money for health care or for our schools but we continue to fork over the bucks to any Tom, Dick or Mary running for office.
And what do they do with this money?
They fill our mailboxes with campaign literature telling us all the great things they have done if they are in office or promising the great things that they will do if they get into office.
They fill the airways with ads (fact checking optional) bashing their opponents
If truth in advertising applied 90% of them would be in jail.
On the other hand they wouldn’t because they can also use these same campaign funds to hire the best lawyers to keep them out.
One of our esteemed Congressmen has spent over $500,000 of campaign funds to pay for legal fees over the past year.
And I am sure that one of our NYS Senators will be doing the same over the next few months.
Is this what you really want to do with your money?
Campaign reform is a joke and there is nothing we can do about big business and their pay to play policies.
There is also nothing we can do about the lobbyists who continue to buy and sell elected officials like they were penny stocks.
But there is something we can do at least at our level.
The next time you are thinking about writing a check out for a campaign maybe think about giving at least part of it to a local charity.
The next time you are going to spend hundreds of dollars to attend a campaign dinner think about going to an event like the Poor Peoples Dinner or a fundraiser for a local not for profit instead.
The next time you are going to spend hundreds of dollars for a handshake or a photo op with a candidate think about the sick first responders that these same people continue to ignore and write a check to the Fealgood Foundation or some other organization that is actually doing some good.
The bottom line is that if an elected official has done a good job his record should speak for itself.
And if it doesn’t vote for the other guy.
There is no reason why these candidates should be allowed to build up millions in campaign war chests for future elections while some of us can’t even afford to put food on the table.
The process has gotten so bad that we allow candidates to collect matching funds even after they have dropped out of races.
So until if and when we actually get some campaign finance reform in place maybe we can do our part by redistributing the campaign wealth.
They say “you get what you pay for” and if history shows us anything it is that we have gotten very little return on our investments when it comes to campaign contributions.
Maybe it is time for a change.
Monday, October 12, 2009
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?
The city settles claims with accused drug dealers but fights every claim by 9/11 victims.
3 more 9/11 victims died this week from illnesses related to 9/11 and the WTC Captive Insurance Fund continues to fight every claim.
But when it comes to criminals what does the mayor have to say?
"The city gets sued 200 times a week," Bloomberg told the Daily News. "We take as many cases to trial as we possibly can, but we would [go] bankrupt if we tried to defend every one of them."
There is something wrong with this picture.
Three heroes of 9/11 die of cancer in five days
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/10/12/2009-10-12_3_heroes_of_911_die_of_cancer_in_5_days.html#ixzz0TmIszS4a
Mayor Michael Bloomberg defends city legal settlements to drug gang
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/10/12/2009-10-12_mike_defends_city_payouts_to_drug_gang.html#ixzz0TmJRkhg3
3 more 9/11 victims died this week from illnesses related to 9/11 and the WTC Captive Insurance Fund continues to fight every claim.
But when it comes to criminals what does the mayor have to say?
"The city gets sued 200 times a week," Bloomberg told the Daily News. "We take as many cases to trial as we possibly can, but we would [go] bankrupt if we tried to defend every one of them."
There is something wrong with this picture.
Three heroes of 9/11 die of cancer in five days
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/10/12/2009-10-12_3_heroes_of_911_die_of_cancer_in_5_days.html#ixzz0TmIszS4a
Mayor Michael Bloomberg defends city legal settlements to drug gang
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/10/12/2009-10-12_mike_defends_city_payouts_to_drug_gang.html#ixzz0TmJRkhg3
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Rich Get Richer While the Sick Get Sicker
Over the past eight years more and more people have become seriously ill
as the result of the aftermath of 9/11.
Now let's see how the government and the courts have handled this.
Even though the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New
York found that former EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman's
falsely reassuring and misleading statements of safety after the
September 11, 2001 attacks were "without question conscience-shocking."
The court also found the facts "support an allegation of a violation of
the substantive due process right to be free from official government
policies that increase the risk of bodily harm" by Whitman's
misstatements regarding the air quality of the affected area.
The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stated that she could not be held
liable for her actions.
Why you might ask?
Well the Appeals Court stated that legal remedies are not always
available for every instance of arguably deficient governmental
performance.
So a representative of the government knowingly deceives the public and
puts them at risk but they cannot be held responsible.
If you think that's bad it only gets worse.
In what looked like an act of good faith the federal government gives
NYC a billion dollars to help settle claims for people taken ill as a
result of 9/11.
And what does NYC do?
It gives a contract to the WTC Captive Insurance Corp not to settle
these claims but to fight every one of them in court.
So instead of settling these claims with the money provided, over $300
million has gone to pay lawyers to fight the claims.
This not for profit is also permitted to invest these funds and manages
to lose another couple of hundred million.
And it gets worse.
NYC then uses these funds to fight not only health claims but also to
fight the case brought by 9/11 family members seeking to have remains
relocated from the Fresh Kills Landfill.
So NYC is just using this fund as its own personal checking account to
do with it what it pleases.
Over half a billion spent or lost and less than $500,000 paid to sick
victims.
As victims lose their life savings paying medical bills these lawyers
laugh all the way to the bank.
As the NYC paid lawyers rack up their billable hours people continue to
die.
Teddy Roosevelt once said "Justice consists not in being neutral between
right and wrong, but in finding out the right and upholding it, wherever
found, against the wrong".
Apparently not in New York where the rich get richer while the sick get
sicker.
as the result of the aftermath of 9/11.
Now let's see how the government and the courts have handled this.
Even though the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New
York found that former EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman's
falsely reassuring and misleading statements of safety after the
September 11, 2001 attacks were "without question conscience-shocking."
The court also found the facts "support an allegation of a violation of
the substantive due process right to be free from official government
policies that increase the risk of bodily harm" by Whitman's
misstatements regarding the air quality of the affected area.
The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stated that she could not be held
liable for her actions.
Why you might ask?
Well the Appeals Court stated that legal remedies are not always
available for every instance of arguably deficient governmental
performance.
So a representative of the government knowingly deceives the public and
puts them at risk but they cannot be held responsible.
If you think that's bad it only gets worse.
In what looked like an act of good faith the federal government gives
NYC a billion dollars to help settle claims for people taken ill as a
result of 9/11.
And what does NYC do?
It gives a contract to the WTC Captive Insurance Corp not to settle
these claims but to fight every one of them in court.
So instead of settling these claims with the money provided, over $300
million has gone to pay lawyers to fight the claims.
This not for profit is also permitted to invest these funds and manages
to lose another couple of hundred million.
And it gets worse.
NYC then uses these funds to fight not only health claims but also to
fight the case brought by 9/11 family members seeking to have remains
relocated from the Fresh Kills Landfill.
So NYC is just using this fund as its own personal checking account to
do with it what it pleases.
Over half a billion spent or lost and less than $500,000 paid to sick
victims.
As victims lose their life savings paying medical bills these lawyers
laugh all the way to the bank.
As the NYC paid lawyers rack up their billable hours people continue to
die.
Teddy Roosevelt once said "Justice consists not in being neutral between
right and wrong, but in finding out the right and upholding it, wherever
found, against the wrong".
Apparently not in New York where the rich get richer while the sick get
sicker.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
VICTIMS ARE THE ONES BEING HELD CAPTIVE
To All,
Please take a moment and look at the information below.
A Registered Not For Profit that has spent over $300 Million in Federal Funds and distributed less than 1% of the funds to satisfy health claims.
If we weren’t dealing with peoples lives here I would say it was like watching a re-make of the Rain Maker.
But here is the even bigger disgrace.
I have been told from very good sources that even though they are a registered not for profit they refuse to open their books.
We really need someone to step forward and get this information
Under the Freedom of Information Act we should be able to see exactly how they are spending tax payer money that was ear marked to help pay for victims’ health benefits.
We have bits and pieces (see below) but nothing since 2008
We need to know
How much has been paid in salaries and administrative costs
We need to know how much was spent on entertainment (lunches, dinners etc)
Finally we need to know how much they have lost through bad investments.
Until we can get an independent audit we need to make sure that not another dollar is spent unless it goes towards helping victims.
If we can’t get our elected officials to do it our only option may be the courts.
WTC CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.
Current Entity Name:
WTC CAPTIVE INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.
Initial DOS Filing Date:
JULY 01, 2004
County:
NEW YORK
Jurisdiction:
NEW YORK
Entity Type:
DOMESTIC NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION
Current Entity Status:
ACTIVE
Monday, October 5, 2009
It's Time For The Return of the Special Master
To All,
Almost a year ago we posted the pieces below.
At that time over $200 Million had been spent on lawyers fighting health claims related to 9/11.
Also at the time Judge Hellerstein said he was going to step up efforts in settling claims.
So here we are almost a year later and we are no better off.
And we still can’t get a full accountability from the WTC Captive Insurance Company so we don’t know how many more millions have been spent on lawyers and salaries or on bad investments.
Most of our investigation was prompted by the reporting of Sue Edelman of the NY Post who seems to be one of the few reporters that feels the plight of 9/11 victims is important enough to report on days other than 9/11.
We apologize because we actually thought that we could take the word of those in power a truth at least in this circumstance.
Again we were wrong.
There was a small article in today’s Post once again by Sue.
In it she reminds us that Kenneth Feinberg has already volunteered to oversee these cases as he did the Victim’s Compensation Fund.
Although we had our problems with Mr. Feinberg at the beginning we found that overall he did a very good job under almost unworkable conditions.
In my meetings with Mr. Feinberg he was open to at least listen and I do believe he did the best he could for the victim’s families.
It is time to ask him to do the same and take over and mediate the settlements in these 9/11 health related cases.
It is also time for a complete independent audit of the WTC Captive Insurance Company.
Enough is enough.
The longer we delay the more people die.
This does not have to be.
Since we cannot get anywhere with the mayor and this is federal money we need our Senators and Representatives to step up and get this done.
They need to hear from you.
They need to hear from you today.
The Rich Get Richer and the Sick Continue to Suffer
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=46070
The Rich Get Richer Part II
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=46079
The Rich Get Richer Part III
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=46091
Almost a year ago we posted the pieces below.
At that time over $200 Million had been spent on lawyers fighting health claims related to 9/11.
Also at the time Judge Hellerstein said he was going to step up efforts in settling claims.
So here we are almost a year later and we are no better off.
And we still can’t get a full accountability from the WTC Captive Insurance Company so we don’t know how many more millions have been spent on lawyers and salaries or on bad investments.
Most of our investigation was prompted by the reporting of Sue Edelman of the NY Post who seems to be one of the few reporters that feels the plight of 9/11 victims is important enough to report on days other than 9/11.
We apologize because we actually thought that we could take the word of those in power a truth at least in this circumstance.
Again we were wrong.
There was a small article in today’s Post once again by Sue.
In it she reminds us that Kenneth Feinberg has already volunteered to oversee these cases as he did the Victim’s Compensation Fund.
Although we had our problems with Mr. Feinberg at the beginning we found that overall he did a very good job under almost unworkable conditions.
In my meetings with Mr. Feinberg he was open to at least listen and I do believe he did the best he could for the victim’s families.
It is time to ask him to do the same and take over and mediate the settlements in these 9/11 health related cases.
It is also time for a complete independent audit of the WTC Captive Insurance Company.
Enough is enough.
The longer we delay the more people die.
This does not have to be.
Since we cannot get anywhere with the mayor and this is federal money we need our Senators and Representatives to step up and get this done.
They need to hear from you.
They need to hear from you today.
The Rich Get Richer and the Sick Continue to Suffer
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=46070
The Rich Get Richer Part II
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=46079
The Rich Get Richer Part III
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=46091
Friday, September 25, 2009
WE CAN BEGIN ON NOVEMBER 3
Our generation was always accused of watching too much TV.
And it appears that our elected officials think we still do and find the
need to be on all of the time.
It seems that every time you turn on the TV the president is on.
And not just on the news channels.
Letterman, GMA...the list goes on and on.
I wouldn't be surprised if he turns up on Dancing with the Stars or has
a guest spot on Desperate Housewives.
And he is not the only one.
It seems that our Governors, Senators, Congressmen right on down the
line spend as much time in the studios as they do in their offices.
No wonder nothing gets done.
If they feel this need maybe we should require them all to appear on
"Are You Smarter Then a 5th Grader" we might just find out why the
country is in the shape it is.
As both sides try to force their versions of the so called Health Care
Plan down our throats little else is getting any attention.
Whatever happened to reducing the troop size in Iraq?
Whatever happened to all the promises made to our injured veterans after
the Walter Reed scandal?
What about the freeze on bailout bonuses?
Or all of the other promises made during last year's campaign.
And closer to home almost every campaign ad paints the opponent as
either a criminal or a liar.
We have a president who worked with a governor in one of the
historically corrupt states in America telling our governor not to run.
We have appointed a Lt. Governor who used to run the MTA.
The former head of the same MTA that has mismanaged their finances for
years at the expense of NY taxpayers is next in line to be governor.
We have a state senate that is laughing stock of the entire country with
most of its current or former leaders on trial or at least accused of
crimes.
And we have people dying every day as a result of not being able to get
proper treatment for illnesses resulting from 9/11.
These are the same people that came to help after 9/11 or went back to
work when they were assured by the government that the air quality was
safe even though the EPA knew it was not.
And most of those in power only seem to remember them one day every
year.
And it's just not right.
But we allow it to go on.
We laugh with the president on Letterman.
We see nothing wrong with the endless parade of elected officials
involved in scandals or illegal activities.
To borrow a phrase from Pink Floyd when it comes to politics we have all
become "Comfortably Numb"
And those in power continue to take advantage.
If our country is to survive we need to break out of this apathetic
malaise.
We need to take back our government by making sure that those in office
remember they work for us.
In the words of Aristotle 2300 years ago... If liberty and equality, as
is thought by some are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be
best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the
utmost.
We can begin on November 3.
And it appears that our elected officials think we still do and find the
need to be on all of the time.
It seems that every time you turn on the TV the president is on.
And not just on the news channels.
Letterman, GMA...the list goes on and on.
I wouldn't be surprised if he turns up on Dancing with the Stars or has
a guest spot on Desperate Housewives.
And he is not the only one.
It seems that our Governors, Senators, Congressmen right on down the
line spend as much time in the studios as they do in their offices.
No wonder nothing gets done.
If they feel this need maybe we should require them all to appear on
"Are You Smarter Then a 5th Grader" we might just find out why the
country is in the shape it is.
As both sides try to force their versions of the so called Health Care
Plan down our throats little else is getting any attention.
Whatever happened to reducing the troop size in Iraq?
Whatever happened to all the promises made to our injured veterans after
the Walter Reed scandal?
What about the freeze on bailout bonuses?
Or all of the other promises made during last year's campaign.
And closer to home almost every campaign ad paints the opponent as
either a criminal or a liar.
We have a president who worked with a governor in one of the
historically corrupt states in America telling our governor not to run.
We have appointed a Lt. Governor who used to run the MTA.
The former head of the same MTA that has mismanaged their finances for
years at the expense of NY taxpayers is next in line to be governor.
We have a state senate that is laughing stock of the entire country with
most of its current or former leaders on trial or at least accused of
crimes.
And we have people dying every day as a result of not being able to get
proper treatment for illnesses resulting from 9/11.
These are the same people that came to help after 9/11 or went back to
work when they were assured by the government that the air quality was
safe even though the EPA knew it was not.
And most of those in power only seem to remember them one day every
year.
And it's just not right.
But we allow it to go on.
We laugh with the president on Letterman.
We see nothing wrong with the endless parade of elected officials
involved in scandals or illegal activities.
To borrow a phrase from Pink Floyd when it comes to politics we have all
become "Comfortably Numb"
And those in power continue to take advantage.
If our country is to survive we need to break out of this apathetic
malaise.
We need to take back our government by making sure that those in office
remember they work for us.
In the words of Aristotle 2300 years ago... If liberty and equality, as
is thought by some are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be
best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the
utmost.
We can begin on November 3.
Monday, September 21, 2009
WITH APOLOGIES TO THE ROLLING STONES
YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT
Legitimate representation at all levels of government.
Representatives that actually care about your wants and needs
Fiscal responsibility in our government
YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT
A judicial system that is based on the law and not political patronage.
Elected officials that don’t change the rules to suit their needs.
Tax dollars going towards needed improvements and not pork.
YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT
A Social Security System that will be around when you retire.
A government run by the will of the people and not lobbyists
Accountability and not endless bailouts
BUT IF YOU TRY SOMETIME
Get out and vote
Not for your party’s candidate
But for the best candidate.
YOU JUST MIGHT FIND
Elected Officials tend to listen when they fear they may be replaced.
Your vote actually makes a difference if you actually cast it
Change is possible and not just a catch phrase
YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED
Your Government back
A government of the people, by the people, for the people
A government for all and not a select few.
Legitimate representation at all levels of government.
Representatives that actually care about your wants and needs
Fiscal responsibility in our government
YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT
A judicial system that is based on the law and not political patronage.
Elected officials that don’t change the rules to suit their needs.
Tax dollars going towards needed improvements and not pork.
YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT
A Social Security System that will be around when you retire.
A government run by the will of the people and not lobbyists
Accountability and not endless bailouts
BUT IF YOU TRY SOMETIME
Get out and vote
Not for your party’s candidate
But for the best candidate.
YOU JUST MIGHT FIND
Elected Officials tend to listen when they fear they may be replaced.
Your vote actually makes a difference if you actually cast it
Change is possible and not just a catch phrase
YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED
Your Government back
A government of the people, by the people, for the people
A government for all and not a select few.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
EIGHT YEARS LATER
9/11/2009 is only a week away and unfortunately for many it will be just another day.
We have already had a movie poking fun at the attacks and more recently we had a game maker who thought it was a good idea to remake space invaders and use the World Trade Center as the target of the attacks.
Needless to say we have come a long way from the “Never Forget” attitude that followed the attacks.
We have elected officials from other states telling us we need to get past the event and move on.
And of course we will always have those who feel too much has already been done to support the victims of the attacks.
The $64,000 question is why?
Maybe it’s the economy.
Maybe it’s the fact that thousands of additional sons and daughters have died in a seemingly never ending war.
Or maybe it’s the fact that after eight years and billions of dollars spent all we still have is a huge hole in the ground at the site.
Whatever the reason, the fact is that there are those who wake up every day hoping that the whole thing was only a bad dream.
For those that have forgotten close your eyes for a few moments.
The complete darkness that you experience is what many family members have experienced every day since 2001.
Experienced because:
Eight years later and the victims’ list grows every day as people die because they put their faith in Christie Whitman, when as a representative of our government, she assured them that the quality of the air was fine at Ground Zero.
Eight years later and the city continues to pay millions to lawyers instead of covering the medical bills for those in need.
Eight years later and the judicial system continues to deny any legitimate claim against deficient governmental performance or any action against foreign countries that have proven ties to funding the attacks.
Eight years later and thousands of remains are still not identified.
Eight years later hundreds of millions have been spent to dismantle a building that still stands after taking two additional lives but no money can be found to remove human remains from a landfill.
All of this after eight years.
So while complete closure will never come, addressing these issues will surely go a long way towards easing the pain.
Lest we Forget
Dennis
We have already had a movie poking fun at the attacks and more recently we had a game maker who thought it was a good idea to remake space invaders and use the World Trade Center as the target of the attacks.
Needless to say we have come a long way from the “Never Forget” attitude that followed the attacks.
We have elected officials from other states telling us we need to get past the event and move on.
And of course we will always have those who feel too much has already been done to support the victims of the attacks.
The $64,000 question is why?
Maybe it’s the economy.
Maybe it’s the fact that thousands of additional sons and daughters have died in a seemingly never ending war.
Or maybe it’s the fact that after eight years and billions of dollars spent all we still have is a huge hole in the ground at the site.
Whatever the reason, the fact is that there are those who wake up every day hoping that the whole thing was only a bad dream.
For those that have forgotten close your eyes for a few moments.
The complete darkness that you experience is what many family members have experienced every day since 2001.
Experienced because:
Eight years later and the victims’ list grows every day as people die because they put their faith in Christie Whitman, when as a representative of our government, she assured them that the quality of the air was fine at Ground Zero.
Eight years later and the city continues to pay millions to lawyers instead of covering the medical bills for those in need.
Eight years later and the judicial system continues to deny any legitimate claim against deficient governmental performance or any action against foreign countries that have proven ties to funding the attacks.
Eight years later and thousands of remains are still not identified.
Eight years later hundreds of millions have been spent to dismantle a building that still stands after taking two additional lives but no money can be found to remove human remains from a landfill.
All of this after eight years.
So while complete closure will never come, addressing these issues will surely go a long way towards easing the pain.
Lest we Forget
Dennis
Friday, August 21, 2009
"Branches of Government" vs "Family Trees"
Somebody in Albany needs to explain to our elected officials that the term "branches of government" does not give them the right to treat their offices as family trees to employ their relatives.
But this is not going to happen because instead of cleaning house and kicking their buts out we send them right back in and give them bigger positions of authority.
And we only have ourselves to blame.
We blindly follow party lines and now have governments at every level that would even embarrass the Cincinnati Bengals.
It doesn't matter if the candidate is a thief, a liar or in some cases a convicted felon as long as he or she is my party's candidate they get my vote.
When is the madness going to stop?
When candidates run and there are large grass root efforts supporting them they beat their chests and say this is what Democracy is all about.
Letting the people be heard.
When the same people protest policy they are ignored or even worse branded puppets of that every present right or left wing conspiracy.
Government spends what they don't have.
They build what we don't need.
And now the government is into everything from banking to selling cars.
Speaking of selling cars I have met some used car salesmen who wouldn't steep to the level of some of these people running our government.
But we keep sending them back.
Am I the only one who thinks that our government is starting to look like the NBA or NHL the revolving door of hiring just recycles the same old coaches no matter how bad their records are?
If the last few months have shown anything it is that you spending money does not necessarily bring about change.
The bankers are still getting their bonuses.
There is more pork in Washington than on a pig farm. (so much with doing away with earmarks)
And I haven't seen too many lobbyists on the unemployment line.
But we allow it to continue.
And the only way to make it stop is for us to make intelligent decisions when we enter the voting booth.
For the candidates are the only ones enjoying their political parties.
Once they are elected too many of them forget to let the rest of us enjoy the benefits.
The benefits of a government "of the people" "by the people" and "for the people"
But this is not going to happen because instead of cleaning house and kicking their buts out we send them right back in and give them bigger positions of authority.
And we only have ourselves to blame.
We blindly follow party lines and now have governments at every level that would even embarrass the Cincinnati Bengals.
It doesn't matter if the candidate is a thief, a liar or in some cases a convicted felon as long as he or she is my party's candidate they get my vote.
When is the madness going to stop?
When candidates run and there are large grass root efforts supporting them they beat their chests and say this is what Democracy is all about.
Letting the people be heard.
When the same people protest policy they are ignored or even worse branded puppets of that every present right or left wing conspiracy.
Government spends what they don't have.
They build what we don't need.
And now the government is into everything from banking to selling cars.
Speaking of selling cars I have met some used car salesmen who wouldn't steep to the level of some of these people running our government.
But we keep sending them back.
Am I the only one who thinks that our government is starting to look like the NBA or NHL the revolving door of hiring just recycles the same old coaches no matter how bad their records are?
If the last few months have shown anything it is that you spending money does not necessarily bring about change.
The bankers are still getting their bonuses.
There is more pork in Washington than on a pig farm. (so much with doing away with earmarks)
And I haven't seen too many lobbyists on the unemployment line.
But we allow it to continue.
And the only way to make it stop is for us to make intelligent decisions when we enter the voting booth.
For the candidates are the only ones enjoying their political parties.
Once they are elected too many of them forget to let the rest of us enjoy the benefits.
The benefits of a government "of the people" "by the people" and "for the people"
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Cash For Clunkers and Other Items
I don’t know what the big deal is about the Cash for Clunkers Program.
It appears to me that we have had a Cash for Clunkers Program for as long as I can remember.
Year after year billions of dollars are contributed to campaigns and nine out of ten times we wind up with clunkers.
At least with the car program you can turn in your clunker and get something back.
With our elected officials once they are in we are stuck with them for at least four years even if they don’t show up for work.
One only has to look at Albany over the past six months to see what a bad joke this whole process has become.
Or take a peak across the river in New Jersey where it appears that more elected officials go to jail than go to work.
Maybe they should just move the Legislature to Rahway Prison and just cut out the middle man.
Save us some time and the taxpayers some money.
Speaking of money the federal government continues to allow bailed out banks to pay their execs millions in bonuses.
I guess this could be considered Cash for Clunkers II
The banks and financial institutions insist they need to pay these bonuses to keep the top financial minds in their executive offices.
The same execs that bankrupted them in the first place.
And it appears that more and more of these execs are taking these bonuses and walking out the door shortly after anyway.
And it appears that the only thing being stimulated by these programs is the amount of money being spent by the federal government.
They are more concerned about bailing out businesses then they are about social security.
But why not? They are not in the social security program anyway so why should they care.
Same thing with health care, they want to spend billions on this new program but asked if as elected officials they would be participating in it and we get a responding no comment.
Sometimes silence speaks volumes.
And as more and more people get further into debt, maxing out their credit cards more and more states are turning to legalized gambling instead of doing something about the usury laws that allow these credit card companies to treat their customers worse then some loan sharks.
And speaking of gambling New York cannot even do that right.
Illegal bookies have never had a problem turning a profit but we have OTB on the verge of bankruptcy. Can anybody say bailout?
Only in New York.
To be continued…….
It appears to me that we have had a Cash for Clunkers Program for as long as I can remember.
Year after year billions of dollars are contributed to campaigns and nine out of ten times we wind up with clunkers.
At least with the car program you can turn in your clunker and get something back.
With our elected officials once they are in we are stuck with them for at least four years even if they don’t show up for work.
One only has to look at Albany over the past six months to see what a bad joke this whole process has become.
Or take a peak across the river in New Jersey where it appears that more elected officials go to jail than go to work.
Maybe they should just move the Legislature to Rahway Prison and just cut out the middle man.
Save us some time and the taxpayers some money.
Speaking of money the federal government continues to allow bailed out banks to pay their execs millions in bonuses.
I guess this could be considered Cash for Clunkers II
The banks and financial institutions insist they need to pay these bonuses to keep the top financial minds in their executive offices.
The same execs that bankrupted them in the first place.
And it appears that more and more of these execs are taking these bonuses and walking out the door shortly after anyway.
And it appears that the only thing being stimulated by these programs is the amount of money being spent by the federal government.
They are more concerned about bailing out businesses then they are about social security.
But why not? They are not in the social security program anyway so why should they care.
Same thing with health care, they want to spend billions on this new program but asked if as elected officials they would be participating in it and we get a responding no comment.
Sometimes silence speaks volumes.
And as more and more people get further into debt, maxing out their credit cards more and more states are turning to legalized gambling instead of doing something about the usury laws that allow these credit card companies to treat their customers worse then some loan sharks.
And speaking of gambling New York cannot even do that right.
Illegal bookies have never had a problem turning a profit but we have OTB on the verge of bankruptcy. Can anybody say bailout?
Only in New York.
To be continued…….
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