.
.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
St. Johns Alumni Assistance Program
In support of those alumni who have lost their jobs in the past six months, St. John's has launched the Alumni Assistance Program which offers a 50% discount on tuition for unemployed alumni who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree. The program includes job search assistance and professional development.
Monday, December 29, 2008
2008.....2009...."Taxation Without Representation"
Looking back at 2008 from a strictly financial point of view things could not have been much worse.
The stock market crash, banks and financial institutions folding and the big 3 auto makers holding on for dear life.
Just when we thought we had seen the worst we had the Madoff Ponzi scheme uncovered and another $50 Billion was lost.
It just seems we can never learn from our mistakes.
Greed was good to a lot of people until the house of cards came crashing down.
And as always the typical response was we will get the government to bail us out.
Once again will we ever learn?
Where were the fiscal watchdogs, where was the SEC?
And why are the guilty never punished?
Top execs still pulling down million dollar salaries and Madoff sitting in his $7 Million penthouse while the rest of us have to worry about paying the bills.
Almost everyone I know has forgotten about retirement as their 401 K’s have lost most of their value.
And these are the people who go to work every day and care for their families.
The ones that will wind up paying for the bailouts with higher taxes and fewer services.
Hundreds of billions and bailouts and we will tax people who don’t drink diet soda.
And if you think our elected officials are going to fix this mess just look at how many of them were either arrested or indicted last year alone.
And almost all of them are still in office.
In New York alone we had a drunk driving Congressman, an Attorney General paying hookers and at least 2 Councilman accused of attacking their girlfriends or co-workers just to name a few.
And while our Governor appears to be deciding on our new Senator looking only at pedigree instead of qualifications at least he is not selling the seat to the highest bidder as they tried to do in Illinois.
Numerous times we have called for a political pre-nup and were are laughed at.
But the fact of the matter is that if these elected officials know that they will not be punished if caught the risk appears to be worth the reward.
We need the good elected officials to make a stand and there are a lot of them.
If just one would stand up and publically take the pre nup it would be a start……JUST ONE
But as corruption and mismanagement run rampant they all turn a blind eye.
And it will appear to be status quo in 2009.
The MTA is already looking into a federal bail out.
Not to hold down the price of tolls or keep current service but to build new stations.
Wouldn’t the money be better spent maintaining current services and tolls?
If you don’t have money to pay the bills on your home you don’t take out a loan to put on an extension.
Don’t those in power see that it is this kind of thinking that has gotten us into our current predicament?
But no they will continue to let the Authorities mismanage their budgets and give sweet deals to the same companies that miss deadlines and overrun their budgets.
Agencies will continue to be top heavy when it comes to salaries and John Q Public will continue to foot the bill.
They will close firehouses and put lives in jeopardy before they will even think about having these execs at these agencies take a salary cut.
Or they will award political patronage with additional staff or grants because they can.
Well if we want 2009 to be any better than 2008 we need to start saying no you can’t
“Taxation Without Representation” was not just a slogan but the foundation on which this country was built.
It’s about time we reminded our elected officials.
The stock market crash, banks and financial institutions folding and the big 3 auto makers holding on for dear life.
Just when we thought we had seen the worst we had the Madoff Ponzi scheme uncovered and another $50 Billion was lost.
It just seems we can never learn from our mistakes.
Greed was good to a lot of people until the house of cards came crashing down.
And as always the typical response was we will get the government to bail us out.
Once again will we ever learn?
Where were the fiscal watchdogs, where was the SEC?
And why are the guilty never punished?
Top execs still pulling down million dollar salaries and Madoff sitting in his $7 Million penthouse while the rest of us have to worry about paying the bills.
Almost everyone I know has forgotten about retirement as their 401 K’s have lost most of their value.
And these are the people who go to work every day and care for their families.
The ones that will wind up paying for the bailouts with higher taxes and fewer services.
Hundreds of billions and bailouts and we will tax people who don’t drink diet soda.
And if you think our elected officials are going to fix this mess just look at how many of them were either arrested or indicted last year alone.
And almost all of them are still in office.
In New York alone we had a drunk driving Congressman, an Attorney General paying hookers and at least 2 Councilman accused of attacking their girlfriends or co-workers just to name a few.
And while our Governor appears to be deciding on our new Senator looking only at pedigree instead of qualifications at least he is not selling the seat to the highest bidder as they tried to do in Illinois.
Numerous times we have called for a political pre-nup and were are laughed at.
But the fact of the matter is that if these elected officials know that they will not be punished if caught the risk appears to be worth the reward.
We need the good elected officials to make a stand and there are a lot of them.
If just one would stand up and publically take the pre nup it would be a start……JUST ONE
But as corruption and mismanagement run rampant they all turn a blind eye.
And it will appear to be status quo in 2009.
The MTA is already looking into a federal bail out.
Not to hold down the price of tolls or keep current service but to build new stations.
Wouldn’t the money be better spent maintaining current services and tolls?
If you don’t have money to pay the bills on your home you don’t take out a loan to put on an extension.
Don’t those in power see that it is this kind of thinking that has gotten us into our current predicament?
But no they will continue to let the Authorities mismanage their budgets and give sweet deals to the same companies that miss deadlines and overrun their budgets.
Agencies will continue to be top heavy when it comes to salaries and John Q Public will continue to foot the bill.
They will close firehouses and put lives in jeopardy before they will even think about having these execs at these agencies take a salary cut.
Or they will award political patronage with additional staff or grants because they can.
Well if we want 2009 to be any better than 2008 we need to start saying no you can’t
“Taxation Without Representation” was not just a slogan but the foundation on which this country was built.
It’s about time we reminded our elected officials.
Friday, December 26, 2008
RE-GIFTING SEASON BEGINS TODAY
Now that all the wrapping paper and boxes are out for recycling we can really see what we got this year.
We are sure that there is something there that’s just not right.
Now you have 3 choices.
You can spend a few hours on the return line (if you have a receipt).
You can toss it in the closet where it will remain until you either run out of room and it winds up in the trash
Or you can give it to us and we will make sure that it either gets to someone who needs it or that it will be put to good use.
Through the Re-Gifting for a Good Cause Program
Clothes and toys will go to needy families
CD’s and DVD’s will go to soldiers in Military Hospitals
Everything else will be sold at a Flea Market and the proceeds will go to fund Where to Turn Programs such as the “Snow Shoveling for Seniors” and the “Changing the Face of Staten Island” Graffiti Removal programs.
Last year we collected over 2,500 items and this season we distributed over 1,200 toys.
Just drop an item off at any of our drop off points listed below.
To learn how you can become a drop off point or get your school or organization more involved contact us at info@where-to-turn.org or visit our website at www.where-to-turn.org
Thank you in advance for your support
Dennis
Re-Gifting Drop Off Locations
Where to Turn
150-L Greaves Lane #312
Staten Island, NY 10308
Senator Andrew Lanza
3845 Richmond Ave 2nd Floor
Staten Island, NY 10312
Assemblywoman Janele Hyer-Spencer
586B Midland Ave.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Assemblyman Michael Cusick
1911 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, NY 10314
Assemblyman Lou Tobacco
4062 Amboy Road
Staten Island, NY 10308
Project Hospitality
100 Park Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10302
Historic Richmond Town
3rd County Courthouse
441 Clarke Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10306
Rabs Country Lanes
1600 Hylan Blvd
Staten Island, NY 10305
A & T Bagels
4300 Amboy Road
Staten Island, NY 10312
Community Board #3
655-218 Rossville Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10309
Dr. Carol Freund
Bethany Commons Building One, Suite 10A
Hazlet, NJ 07733 732-739-1773
(located at Rt.35 and Bethany Road/ across from K-Mart and
Toys-R-Us/Garden State exit 117)
We are sure that there is something there that’s just not right.
Now you have 3 choices.
You can spend a few hours on the return line (if you have a receipt).
You can toss it in the closet where it will remain until you either run out of room and it winds up in the trash
Or you can give it to us and we will make sure that it either gets to someone who needs it or that it will be put to good use.
Through the Re-Gifting for a Good Cause Program
Clothes and toys will go to needy families
CD’s and DVD’s will go to soldiers in Military Hospitals
Everything else will be sold at a Flea Market and the proceeds will go to fund Where to Turn Programs such as the “Snow Shoveling for Seniors” and the “Changing the Face of Staten Island” Graffiti Removal programs.
Last year we collected over 2,500 items and this season we distributed over 1,200 toys.
Just drop an item off at any of our drop off points listed below.
To learn how you can become a drop off point or get your school or organization more involved contact us at info@where-to-turn.org or visit our website at www.where-to-turn.org
Thank you in advance for your support
Dennis
Re-Gifting Drop Off Locations
Where to Turn
150-L Greaves Lane #312
Staten Island, NY 10308
Senator Andrew Lanza
3845 Richmond Ave 2nd Floor
Staten Island, NY 10312
Assemblywoman Janele Hyer-Spencer
586B Midland Ave.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Assemblyman Michael Cusick
1911 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, NY 10314
Assemblyman Lou Tobacco
4062 Amboy Road
Staten Island, NY 10308
Project Hospitality
100 Park Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10302
Historic Richmond Town
3rd County Courthouse
441 Clarke Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10306
Rabs Country Lanes
1600 Hylan Blvd
Staten Island, NY 10305
A & T Bagels
4300 Amboy Road
Staten Island, NY 10312
Community Board #3
655-218 Rossville Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10309
Dr. Carol Freund
Bethany Commons Building One, Suite 10A
Hazlet, NJ 07733 732-739-1773
(located at Rt.35 and Bethany Road/ across from K-Mart and
Toys-R-Us/Garden State exit 117)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Civic and Community Responsibility into 2009
We have always felt that Staten Island was years ahead of the rest of the country in this effort but according to the statistics shared New York ranks as one of the lowest states in citizen involvement and volunteerism.
We at Where to Turn are going to double our efforts in an attempt to rectify this situation.
Through our Where to Turn Community Circle Initiative (http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=80) we will be reaching out to all our local schools civic groups, community boards and elected officials to recruit volunteers into our current programs and support of the volunteer efforts by posting their events.
We have also proposed programs at the National level to both Senator Clinton and Schumer (see below for details)
For a list of all of our Where to Turn Programs go to
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/index.php?c=18
For additional volunteer opportunities go to
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=26
We have already reached out to all of our local elected officials through our Campaigning for our Community Program asking candidates to offer their campaign workers of a day of community work.
We will continue to work with our court ordered offenders through our weekly graffiti cleanups but we will also work with any school to coordinate additional cleanups.
We also will ask all Staten Island Schools to adopt a block in their neighborhood and keep it graffiti and litter free. Where to Turn will supply the paint and supplies.
We are currently recruiting volunteers for this year’s Snow Shoveling for Seniors Program.
Last year we shoveled for over 625 seniors and this year our goal is 750.
Information and applications can be found at
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=42
We will also be planning our Re-Gifting for a Good Cause Flea Market and will need volunteers. We are also asking schools if they can begin supporting the effort by collecting unwanted gifts. We are also looking for some new toys to be distributed over the Holidays. We will arrange pick up at your convenience.
We have also passed on the following to our elected officials
National Recommendations
Proactive Support
Instead of waiting to coordinate efforts after hurricanes hit we recommend that schools and churches in non hurricane regions adopt schools and churches in hurricane regions or regions impacted by other natural disasters.
This will develop a proactive relationship. If a hurricane should hit our local school or church would have a contact at the hurricane impacted school or church and would be able to coordinate the collection of what is needed.
This could also be expanded to community groups and police departments, fire departments etc.
Where to Turn will arrange to cover the shipping costs by recruiting corporate sponsors. The coordination of the shipping will be expedited as all information would already be on file.
Recruiting Retiree Volunteers
Set up a federal or state fund which will support medical benefits to recent retirees who volunteer at least 20 hours a week at not for profits or schools.
This will supply valuable resources while cutting the payrolls of not for profits while provided medical benefits for those who have lost them when they retired.
Where to Turn is ready to coordinate a pilot program on Staten Island.
Volunteerism = Financial Aid
Have Colleges and Universities (especially at the state and city level) offer financial aid based on the amount of community service hours incoming students have accumulated over their pre college years.
Local organizations can be set up to track and document student volunteer hours
Injured Soldiers Benefits
Both candidates spoke of the problem of recruiting and retaining soldiers in the military.
One of the major problems is the pathetic treatment of injured veterans (both mentally and physically) when they return home.
Even though this was newsworthy last year little has been done and the injured vets continue to suffer.
Our proposal is that a certain percentage of each year’s military budget be dedicated to the treatment of returning soldiers.
If we dedicate even 3 to 5 percent we will have more than enough the properly treat the needs of those who have given up.
I believe that last year the only 1/10 of 1% of the total military budget went to veteran benefits. That is a disgrace.
In times of war as the military budget increases we will be able to bank funds to assist vets when they return.
We welcome your participation and suggestions.
Dennis McKeon
Executive Director
150-L Greaves Lane # 312
Staten Island, NY 10308
718-966-6531
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
THANK YOU FOR MAKING A LITTLE CHRISTMAS MAGIC
We just got back from dropping off the last of the toys.
In total we distributed nearly 1,200 toys to needy families and organizations including
Project Hospitality
The Daughters of Africa
New Hope Community Church
Staten Island University Hospital
The Latino Civic Association
The Staten Island Family Service Preventive Program
We would like to once again thank St. Johns, Notre Dame High School, Dr. Costagliola and everyone else who donated the toys.
Through contributions from Chuck Weitzel (The Free Lighting Corp) and the Guarino Family we were also able to distribute $1,500 worth of movie tickets and gift cards.
Through all your efforts we were able to make Christmas just a little bit better for some of those in need.
Thanks again and Merry Christmas to all.
Dennis
P.S. Hope we can count on you to make the Re-Gifting Program as successful (click below for details)
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=56
In total we distributed nearly 1,200 toys to needy families and organizations including
Project Hospitality
The Daughters of Africa
New Hope Community Church
Staten Island University Hospital
The Latino Civic Association
The Staten Island Family Service Preventive Program
We would like to once again thank St. Johns, Notre Dame High School, Dr. Costagliola and everyone else who donated the toys.
Through contributions from Chuck Weitzel (The Free Lighting Corp) and the Guarino Family we were also able to distribute $1,500 worth of movie tickets and gift cards.
Through all your efforts we were able to make Christmas just a little bit better for some of those in need.
Thanks again and Merry Christmas to all.
Dennis
P.S. Hope we can count on you to make the Re-Gifting Program as successful (click below for details)
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=56
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
NYC Council Invite
December 23, 2008
Dear New Yorker,
On behalf of the New York City Council and our Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, I would like to invite you to City Hall on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. to view the historic moment that President-elect Barack Obama is sworn into office. City Hall will open its doors to all New Yorkers on Inauguration Day. Even though we cannot all be in Washington, DC, that day, we may still come together to view this historic event.
Voter turnout in the 2008 election was a record high. Enthusiasm about Obama's election has continued to grow since then, creating significant interest in the inauguration and the work that lies ahead for his administration. Recognizing that during these difficult financial times many New Yorkers may be unable to make the trip to our nation's capital for the inauguration, the Council will open our side of City Hall to the public for this special occasion.
Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. The inaugural ceremony traditionally begins around 10 a.m. and lasts for about two hours. The Council will have big screen televisions set up in the Council Chambers, the Committee Room, and the Rotunda.
All New Yorkers are welcome! Space is limited, though, so please RSVP by January 16th to 212-442-1649 or via email to events@council.nyc.gov.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Christine C. Quinn
Speaker
New York City Council
Dear New Yorker,
On behalf of the New York City Council and our Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, I would like to invite you to City Hall on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. to view the historic moment that President-elect Barack Obama is sworn into office. City Hall will open its doors to all New Yorkers on Inauguration Day. Even though we cannot all be in Washington, DC, that day, we may still come together to view this historic event.
Voter turnout in the 2008 election was a record high. Enthusiasm about Obama's election has continued to grow since then, creating significant interest in the inauguration and the work that lies ahead for his administration. Recognizing that during these difficult financial times many New Yorkers may be unable to make the trip to our nation's capital for the inauguration, the Council will open our side of City Hall to the public for this special occasion.
Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. The inaugural ceremony traditionally begins around 10 a.m. and lasts for about two hours. The Council will have big screen televisions set up in the Council Chambers, the Committee Room, and the Rotunda.
All New Yorkers are welcome! Space is limited, though, so please RSVP by January 16th to 212-442-1649 or via email to events@council.nyc.gov.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Christine C. Quinn
Speaker
New York City Council
Thursday, December 18, 2008
SNOW IS ON ITS WAY....CHECK ON OUR SENIORS....AND OTHERS IN NEED
As you may have heard we will be getting snow tomorrow and again on Sunday.
Our 500 volunteers will be out but there will still be nearly 2,000 seniors who will be without a volunteer.
If you have any seniors on your block please help them out.
I got 25 calls from seniors and another 50 after my presentation at St. Joseph Hill Academy to find volunteers..
If you are out shoveling your walk do theirs as well after all it is Christmas.
Speaking of Christmas we will be distributing toys for the Daughters of Africa and the Staten Island Family Service Preventive Program.
Chuck Weitzel dropped off the check and I went to COSTCO and bought 120 movie tickets.
We will distribute them to the older kids that we don’t have presents for.
We also left a message at Lee’s Tavern to see if Santa needs any additional toys.
We will drop them off if they do and deliver a batch to the hospital between graffiti cleanups.
We will also fill some requests we got for individual families on Sunday.
Please let us know if you know any families in need.
Our 500 volunteers will be out but there will still be nearly 2,000 seniors who will be without a volunteer.
If you have any seniors on your block please help them out.
I got 25 calls from seniors and another 50 after my presentation at St. Joseph Hill Academy to find volunteers..
If you are out shoveling your walk do theirs as well after all it is Christmas.
Speaking of Christmas we will be distributing toys for the Daughters of Africa and the Staten Island Family Service Preventive Program.
Chuck Weitzel dropped off the check and I went to COSTCO and bought 120 movie tickets.
We will distribute them to the older kids that we don’t have presents for.
We also left a message at Lee’s Tavern to see if Santa needs any additional toys.
We will drop them off if they do and deliver a batch to the hospital between graffiti cleanups.
We will also fill some requests we got for individual families on Sunday.
Please let us know if you know any families in need.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
THE ABC'S OF BUDGET CUTS SHOULD NOT INCLUDE FDNY
I attended the rally today as Staten Islanders tried to convince the mayor to save Engine 161 which is vital to the safety of the residents of South Beach and the surrounding areas.
I listened to each speaker give their reasons for keeping the firehouse open.
One after the other they stated one good reason after another.
On the other hand the only reason for closing it according to the Mayor was that the budget could not afford it.
The fact of the matter is that there are a myriad of agencies that should be cut long before we hit the FDNY or the NYPD.
The problem is these services are staffed by hard working New Yorkers while the other agencies are top heavy with politically appointed executives drawing six figure salaries.
God help us if they should lose their jobs.
The bottom line is when it comes to the ABC’s of cost cutting it always appears that the FDNY and the NYPD are the first hit.
How about looking at the rest of the alphabet?
You can start with the LMDC.
This agency created by the city and the state to distribute $3 Billion in federal aid to develop Lower Manhattan
Well one only has to look at the great job they have done at Ground Zero to see how well that went.
And even after the money was distributed and they created another alphabetic agency (the LMDCC) to manage the work which is also being managed by the PA which continues to pay Silverstein $300,000 a day in fines because they keep missing their deadlines the LMDC still exists.
And what is even worse is that we are paying the LMDC salaries to the tune of $4.2 million a year and that doesn’t even include what we are paying for the LMDCC.
Over $4 million a year to an agency that has spent nearly a billion dollars on the dismantling of the Deutsche Bank Building and it still stands and has taken the lives of 2 brave firefighters in the process.
Lets not stop at the LMDC we can go to the TBA which can spend millions on changing names of bridges or the MTA which totally mismanages its operations and investments and comes back to the tax payers to foot the bill.
The list goes on and on.
Does anyone remember the great job they did with OTB? But that’s another story.
When asked why these execs get paid so much we are told that they need to be to pull qualified people from corporate America.
Well there are a lot more execs from corporate America looking for work right now.
Shut down the LMDC, cut the city and state agencies at the executive level and pay the auditors more to eliminate the slush funds and corruption inherent in the system.
That’s where the mayor and governor should start.
Not with Engine 161 because the last time I looked when these agencies don’t do their jobs it costs us money.
When firefighters and police officers can’t do their jobs it costs lives.
It’s as simple as ABC.
Dennis
Please Sign On
Petition to Keep Engine 161 Operational 24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week
http://www.petitiononline.com/Save161/petition.html
I listened to each speaker give their reasons for keeping the firehouse open.
One after the other they stated one good reason after another.
On the other hand the only reason for closing it according to the Mayor was that the budget could not afford it.
The fact of the matter is that there are a myriad of agencies that should be cut long before we hit the FDNY or the NYPD.
The problem is these services are staffed by hard working New Yorkers while the other agencies are top heavy with politically appointed executives drawing six figure salaries.
God help us if they should lose their jobs.
The bottom line is when it comes to the ABC’s of cost cutting it always appears that the FDNY and the NYPD are the first hit.
How about looking at the rest of the alphabet?
You can start with the LMDC.
This agency created by the city and the state to distribute $3 Billion in federal aid to develop Lower Manhattan
Well one only has to look at the great job they have done at Ground Zero to see how well that went.
And even after the money was distributed and they created another alphabetic agency (the LMDCC) to manage the work which is also being managed by the PA which continues to pay Silverstein $300,000 a day in fines because they keep missing their deadlines the LMDC still exists.
And what is even worse is that we are paying the LMDC salaries to the tune of $4.2 million a year and that doesn’t even include what we are paying for the LMDCC.
Over $4 million a year to an agency that has spent nearly a billion dollars on the dismantling of the Deutsche Bank Building and it still stands and has taken the lives of 2 brave firefighters in the process.
Lets not stop at the LMDC we can go to the TBA which can spend millions on changing names of bridges or the MTA which totally mismanages its operations and investments and comes back to the tax payers to foot the bill.
The list goes on and on.
Does anyone remember the great job they did with OTB? But that’s another story.
When asked why these execs get paid so much we are told that they need to be to pull qualified people from corporate America.
Well there are a lot more execs from corporate America looking for work right now.
Shut down the LMDC, cut the city and state agencies at the executive level and pay the auditors more to eliminate the slush funds and corruption inherent in the system.
That’s where the mayor and governor should start.
Not with Engine 161 because the last time I looked when these agencies don’t do their jobs it costs us money.
When firefighters and police officers can’t do their jobs it costs lives.
It’s as simple as ABC.
Dennis
Please Sign On
Petition to Keep Engine 161 Operational 24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week
http://www.petitiononline.com/Save161/petition.html
Friday, December 12, 2008
LET YOUR VOICES BE HEARD
The South Beach Civic Association is holding a rally on this Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 11:00 AM, to protest the night time closing of Engine 161 on McClean Avenue. This is a danger to all.
We really need to get as many people involved as we can.
Those interested in participating can contact South Beach Civic at 718-930-6603 or 347-596-5199.
Thanks for your help.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
SENATE SEATS FOR SALE...WHAT'S NEXT?
So now we have the Governor of Illinois accused of offering Barack Obama's Senate seat to the highest bidder.
We have numerous high ranking officials in both Houses of Congress under investigation for various potentially illegal activities.
And it seems that everyday we hear of another governor, mayor or other elected official being indicted or accused of improper acts.
It appears that things are going to get worse before they get better.
When hundreds of billions are spent on campaigns one can only assume that favors are expected especially from major donors.
Add in additional hundreds of millions that lobbyists spend and you have a system just asking for corruption.
The difference between what a lobbyist provides and what constitutes a bribe seems to be a very gray area.
The government then spends millions more defending the accused and the majority of them get to retire with little or no penalties and get to collect their pensions.
All paid for by the taxpayer.
It has got to stop.
Back in July we posted our request for the establishment of a political pre-nup which would hold elected officials and their staffs liable for their actions. (see below)
We also asked for any elected official to step forward and voluntarily make the commitment to abide by this plan.
Needless to say not even one has done so.
We once again call on our electeds to do the right thing.
Set an example and give us just a little assurance that there is some integrity in politics.
Major league sports have clauses enabling them to get rid of players do to conduct detrimental to their leagues.
Shouldn't our elected officials be required to at least pay for the same rules.
We think so and again call for a "Political Pre-Nup"
We have numerous high ranking officials in both Houses of Congress under investigation for various potentially illegal activities.
And it seems that everyday we hear of another governor, mayor or other elected official being indicted or accused of improper acts.
It appears that things are going to get worse before they get better.
When hundreds of billions are spent on campaigns one can only assume that favors are expected especially from major donors.
Add in additional hundreds of millions that lobbyists spend and you have a system just asking for corruption.
The difference between what a lobbyist provides and what constitutes a bribe seems to be a very gray area.
The government then spends millions more defending the accused and the majority of them get to retire with little or no penalties and get to collect their pensions.
All paid for by the taxpayer.
It has got to stop.
Back in July we posted our request for the establishment of a political pre-nup which would hold elected officials and their staffs liable for their actions. (see below)
We also asked for any elected official to step forward and voluntarily make the commitment to abide by this plan.
Needless to say not even one has done so.
We once again call on our electeds to do the right thing.
Set an example and give us just a little assurance that there is some integrity in politics.
Major league sports have clauses enabling them to get rid of players do to conduct detrimental to their leagues.
Shouldn't our elected officials be required to at least pay for the same rules.
We think so and again call for a "Political Pre-Nup"
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Why Aren't Our Children As Important?
As most of us prepare for the holiday season we have yet another family who will have to instead arrange a funeral for their child.
In Houston a 3 year old was killed, crushed by a falling television.
And this is not an isolated incident.
As the article below indicates one hospital in Houston had 6 tip over deaths in 2006 alone
For the past four years bills have died in Committee that could have prevented these deaths.
First HR Bill 1861 and now it appears HR Bill 4266 (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/thomas) will suffer the same fate as only 11 co-sponsors have signed on.
Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2] - 2/7/2008
Rep Chandler, Ben [KY-6] - 1/16/2008
Rep Cleaver, Emanuel [MO-5] - 2/6/2008
Rep Eshoo, Anna G. [CA-14] - 3/14/2008
Rep Fossella, Vito [NY-13] - 12/19/2007
Rep Graves, Sam [MO-6] - 2/14/2008
Rep LoBiondo, Frank A. [NJ-2] - 12/18/2007
Rep McGovern, James P. [MA-3] - 12/4/2007
Rep Moore, Dennis [KS-3] - 2/25/2008
Rep Price, David E. [NC-4] - 2/25/2008
Rep Skelton, Ike [MO-4] - 3/4/2008
Click link below for full details:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/thomas
So while Congress continues to bail out our banks and auto manufactures and spends months investigating baseball the most innocent and vulnerable of our population continue to be ignored.
And they continue to die because those in office just don’t give a damn.
More and more people are buying flat screen TV’s for their walls and the ones they are replacing wind up in the basement or in a child’s room.
Accidents just waiting to happen.
This bill will make people aware of the potential dangers of TV’s and other types of furniture and give them an opportunity to protect their children.
And unlike the hundreds of billions being spent on bailouts this bill will cost next to nothing.
Unfortunately Congress continues to think our children are not worth it
Please join the nearly 11,000 people who have signed our petition and contact your representative and tell them that we think they are.
Dennis
The HR4266, the Katie Elise & Meghan Agnes Act Petition to U.S. Congress
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?HR1861
For More Information
HR BILL 4266 (FORMERLY HR BILL 1861)
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=33
Link to the Houston Chronicle is below.
This brief article indicates that at this one hospital in Houston they had 6 tip over deaths in just one year (2006).
In Houston a 3 year old was killed, crushed by a falling television.
And this is not an isolated incident.
As the article below indicates one hospital in Houston had 6 tip over deaths in 2006 alone
For the past four years bills have died in Committee that could have prevented these deaths.
First HR Bill 1861 and now it appears HR Bill 4266 (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/thomas) will suffer the same fate as only 11 co-sponsors have signed on.
Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2] - 2/7/2008
Rep Chandler, Ben [KY-6] - 1/16/2008
Rep Cleaver, Emanuel [MO-5] - 2/6/2008
Rep Eshoo, Anna G. [CA-14] - 3/14/2008
Rep Fossella, Vito [NY-13] - 12/19/2007
Rep Graves, Sam [MO-6] - 2/14/2008
Rep LoBiondo, Frank A. [NJ-2] - 12/18/2007
Rep McGovern, James P. [MA-3] - 12/4/2007
Rep Moore, Dennis [KS-3] - 2/25/2008
Rep Price, David E. [NC-4] - 2/25/2008
Rep Skelton, Ike [MO-4] - 3/4/2008
Click link below for full details:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/thomas
So while Congress continues to bail out our banks and auto manufactures and spends months investigating baseball the most innocent and vulnerable of our population continue to be ignored.
And they continue to die because those in office just don’t give a damn.
More and more people are buying flat screen TV’s for their walls and the ones they are replacing wind up in the basement or in a child’s room.
Accidents just waiting to happen.
This bill will make people aware of the potential dangers of TV’s and other types of furniture and give them an opportunity to protect their children.
And unlike the hundreds of billions being spent on bailouts this bill will cost next to nothing.
Unfortunately Congress continues to think our children are not worth it
Please join the nearly 11,000 people who have signed our petition and contact your representative and tell them that we think they are.
Dennis
The HR4266, the Katie Elise & Meghan Agnes Act Petition to U.S. Congress
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?HR1861
For More Information
HR BILL 4266 (FORMERLY HR BILL 1861)
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=33
Link to the Houston Chronicle is below.
This brief article indicates that at this one hospital in Houston they had 6 tip over deaths in just one year (2006).
Saturday, December 6, 2008
“A GAMBLER’S CHRISTMAS”
As I was coming back from getting my newspaper this morning I noticed a group of at least 100 people (Mostly Seniors) waiting for the bus to Atlantic City.
This afternoon there was a group almost double that size waiting in the same spot.
As the economy gets worse more and more people are taking a chance.
And the government continues to try to bring draw more and more into this trap with ads in print on radio and on TV.
More and more seniors and young kids are getting drawn.
Something needs to be done.
This was first published last year and I thought we should share it again.
Take a moment and read it and the articles below.
.
.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Rich Get Richer Part II
We did a little more research on what is going on with World Trade Center Captive Insurance Company.
First of all click on the link below for a press release relating to the company and the mishandling of claims.
Press Release: Status of Compensation for 9/11 Illnesses
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=42103
Our first clue that nothing was going to come of this should have been that it was released on April Fools Day 2008.
As usual with how any 9/11 or WTC issue has been handled the joke was on us.
In response to the concerns addressed in the press release an audit by the Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security found that the World Trade Center Captive Insurance Company did nothing Illegal and has the right to fight every claim.
This is like a scene right out John Grisham's "The Rainmaker" they will continue to deny every claim that comes in.
The only difference is in the book the client wins.
Here we have the Office of Homeland Security stating that it is perfectly legal for this company to use funds designated to help victims to pay legal and administrative fees.
The last time I looked grants and contracts for not for profits had to be justified by the number of people the program serviced.
Only a certain percentage of the grant or contract could be used for legal or administrative fees.
But it appears here that the World Trade Center Captive Insurance Company does not have to play by the same rules.
Over the last four years more than 99% of the costs charged have been administrative and legal.
Not a single dollar has been paid to anyone who suffered from toxic exposure as the only claims paid ($320,000) were for orthopedic injuries.
The company went as far as to try to have all the claims thrown out of court by arguing that the city had blanket immunity because the injuries were a result of a terrorist act.
But that didn't work so now they just litigate every claim.
So by the time they pay all the lawyers and staff, combined with what they continue to lose in the stock market it appears there will be little left to pay any claims.
And with the possible exception of Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein who has demanded that lawyers from both sides turn over information on each case and is pushing for trials and settlements and New York Post reporter Sue Edelman who continues to pursue this story, nothing is done.
And the claims continue to be submitted and at last count there were over 10,000 claims for respiratory and toxic injuries alone.
If they had no intention of paying claims they could have bought a rubber stamp marked "DENIED" for $1.99 and saved hundreds of millions.
The result for the victims would have been the same.
Hopefully the new Administration will take a look at this as it is time for a change.
First of all click on the link below for a press release relating to the company and the mishandling of claims.
Press Release: Status of Compensation for 9/11 Illnesses
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=42103
Our first clue that nothing was going to come of this should have been that it was released on April Fools Day 2008.
As usual with how any 9/11 or WTC issue has been handled the joke was on us.
In response to the concerns addressed in the press release an audit by the Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security found that the World Trade Center Captive Insurance Company did nothing Illegal and has the right to fight every claim.
This is like a scene right out John Grisham's "The Rainmaker" they will continue to deny every claim that comes in.
The only difference is in the book the client wins.
Here we have the Office of Homeland Security stating that it is perfectly legal for this company to use funds designated to help victims to pay legal and administrative fees.
The last time I looked grants and contracts for not for profits had to be justified by the number of people the program serviced.
Only a certain percentage of the grant or contract could be used for legal or administrative fees.
But it appears here that the World Trade Center Captive Insurance Company does not have to play by the same rules.
Over the last four years more than 99% of the costs charged have been administrative and legal.
Not a single dollar has been paid to anyone who suffered from toxic exposure as the only claims paid ($320,000) were for orthopedic injuries.
The company went as far as to try to have all the claims thrown out of court by arguing that the city had blanket immunity because the injuries were a result of a terrorist act.
But that didn't work so now they just litigate every claim.
So by the time they pay all the lawyers and staff, combined with what they continue to lose in the stock market it appears there will be little left to pay any claims.
And with the possible exception of Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein who has demanded that lawyers from both sides turn over information on each case and is pushing for trials and settlements and New York Post reporter Sue Edelman who continues to pursue this story, nothing is done.
And the claims continue to be submitted and at last count there were over 10,000 claims for respiratory and toxic injuries alone.
If they had no intention of paying claims they could have bought a rubber stamp marked "DENIED" for $1.99 and saved hundreds of millions.
The result for the victims would have been the same.
Hopefully the new Administration will take a look at this as it is time for a change.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
The Rich Get Richer and the Sick Continue to Suffer
New York City was granted $1 billion to compensate rescue and cleanup workers who became ill after 9/11.
The WTC Captive Insurance Company was given the task of making sure those suffering were properly compensated.
Instead of distributing these funds to those in need this company decided to invest the money and pay lawyers to fight every claim submitted.
As reported by Sue Edelman in the NY Post they have lost millions in the stock market, while paying lawyer and administrative fees of nearly $200 million since 2004.
Over that same period they have only paid out $320,000 in actual compensation.
Over 10,000 filers have either been denied compensation or received little.
Although it was promised that things would get better after Christine LaSala the president and CEO submitted her resignation in January (after collecting nearly $1.5 million in salary over 4 years) little has changed.
Back in January Rep Carolyn Mahoney said "If the Captive is going to keep refusing sick workers' claims, it would be cheaper just to buy a rubber stamp"
Rep. Jerrold Nadler blasted "a process that has been too slow and cumbersome to help those who need help."
And Manhattan federal judge Alvin Hellerstein said he was going to step up efforts to settle 8,600 claims of respiratory or toxic injuries.
And what has happened over the past 10 months? NOTHING
Since January over $50 million has been paid in lawyer and administrative fees with little compensation paid to any filers.
The fund has lost nearly $7 million in investments between July and September of 2008 alone.
Reporters that I have been in contact with state that getting a full accountability from the WTC Captive Insurance Company is nearly impossible.
A not for profit governed by officials appointed by the mayor and major newspapers get little cooperation when they investigate.
With the current state of the economy God only knows what they have lost since September 30.
It would not surprise me if the Federal government required that the remaining funds be returned as they are not being used for the purpose for which they were granted.
And once again the only ones to make any money would be the lawyers and the administrators appointed by the mayor.
A glaring example of how things have and continue to be mismanaged when it comes to Ground Zero.
The WTC Captive Insurance Company was given the task of making sure those suffering were properly compensated.
Instead of distributing these funds to those in need this company decided to invest the money and pay lawyers to fight every claim submitted.
As reported by Sue Edelman in the NY Post they have lost millions in the stock market, while paying lawyer and administrative fees of nearly $200 million since 2004.
Over that same period they have only paid out $320,000 in actual compensation.
Over 10,000 filers have either been denied compensation or received little.
Although it was promised that things would get better after Christine LaSala the president and CEO submitted her resignation in January (after collecting nearly $1.5 million in salary over 4 years) little has changed.
Back in January Rep Carolyn Mahoney said "If the Captive is going to keep refusing sick workers' claims, it would be cheaper just to buy a rubber stamp"
Rep. Jerrold Nadler blasted "a process that has been too slow and cumbersome to help those who need help."
And Manhattan federal judge Alvin Hellerstein said he was going to step up efforts to settle 8,600 claims of respiratory or toxic injuries.
And what has happened over the past 10 months? NOTHING
Since January over $50 million has been paid in lawyer and administrative fees with little compensation paid to any filers.
The fund has lost nearly $7 million in investments between July and September of 2008 alone.
Reporters that I have been in contact with state that getting a full accountability from the WTC Captive Insurance Company is nearly impossible.
A not for profit governed by officials appointed by the mayor and major newspapers get little cooperation when they investigate.
With the current state of the economy God only knows what they have lost since September 30.
It would not surprise me if the Federal government required that the remaining funds be returned as they are not being used for the purpose for which they were granted.
And once again the only ones to make any money would be the lawyers and the administrators appointed by the mayor.
A glaring example of how things have and continue to be mismanaged when it comes to Ground Zero.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
YOU HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE
The current economic situation is not going to be solved with a quick fix.
We need to put together a long term plan.
Most of the people making the decisions that led us into this situation were in office when we went through the same thing with the Savings and Loans
We need to learn from our mistakes and not allow ourselves to get into this situation again.
The following are a few suggestions.
Many are pretty simple but it appears that the complicated solutions haven’t worked to well so why not try simple.
Can You Hear Me Know?
For years we have been relying on the same experts and look at where that has gotten us.
The internet is a fantastic tool one only has to look how our candidates have used it to raise money for their campaigns.
Why can’t the current administration use it to solicit advice?
Get some ideas from outside the box.
While many of these ideas might not worth the e-mail they are sent on why do we think that the brain trust in Washington is the only with an intelligent thought?
For too long the intelligence of the American public has been ignored.
They have only been looked upon as a source for campaign contributions not ideas.
It is time for a change.
Everyone is aware that job losses are only going to increase. At the same time funding for service programs are also going to be cut.
Many people are going to be forced to retire and we all know the condition of a lot of retirement plans and 401 K plans
Many are going to retire with much less than they expected and almost all will not have medical benefits.
Here is our plan to address that portion of the population.
Volunteer for Medical Benefits
Many new retirees will be retiring with many of the job skills that service organizations currently have to fund through grants.
As we know the first thin cut will be government grants.
Our recommendation is that we ask retirees to volunteer 20 hours a week at local not for profits.
This will provide the not for profits with the skilled staff that they will be losing due to budget cuts.
In return the volunteers will have a portion of their medical benefits paid for from a fund set up by the government.
In the long run the cost will be significantly less than what has been paid out in previous grants.
As we bring more people into the program the cost of the coverage will also decrease.
(We have submitted this idea to both our State and Federal Senators and are awaiting feedback)
Measure Twice Cut Once
Too often decisions have been made right after a disaster out of necessity.
Too often these are band aid solutions and not clearly thought out.
One only has to remember what happened in Mississippi and Louisiana after Katrina.
Billions of dollars of supplies never got to their intended recipients.
For example contracts were given to questionable companies and we still have people living in government provided trailers with formaldehyde as insulation
FEMA has shown time and time again that they need to recreate the wheel with every disaster.
Many areas of the country are prone to natural disasters (floods hurricanes etc).
We need proactive plans that include a census of the people in these areas so that we will be prepared for the next disaster.
In the long run we will save billions by planning ahead and making contacts with local non profits in advance.
(We are currently developing a plan where Staten Island schools will adopt schools in disaster areas. Direct contact between these schools will be established in advance and Staten Island schools will collect needed supplies and materials for their adopted school in the event of a disaster)
Fool Me Once Shame on You……..
Year after year the same companies are granted no bid or questionable bid contracts.
Hundreds of billions of dollars are paid out to companies affiliated with current or former elected officials.
One only has to do an audit on what was spent on the current war.
And track back to the people getting these contracts.
But these audits need to have some teeth to them and the results should be made public as should be how the recommendations were met or not met.
We look forward to your ideas
We need to put together a long term plan.
Most of the people making the decisions that led us into this situation were in office when we went through the same thing with the Savings and Loans
We need to learn from our mistakes and not allow ourselves to get into this situation again.
The following are a few suggestions.
Many are pretty simple but it appears that the complicated solutions haven’t worked to well so why not try simple.
Can You Hear Me Know?
For years we have been relying on the same experts and look at where that has gotten us.
The internet is a fantastic tool one only has to look how our candidates have used it to raise money for their campaigns.
Why can’t the current administration use it to solicit advice?
Get some ideas from outside the box.
While many of these ideas might not worth the e-mail they are sent on why do we think that the brain trust in Washington is the only with an intelligent thought?
For too long the intelligence of the American public has been ignored.
They have only been looked upon as a source for campaign contributions not ideas.
It is time for a change.
Everyone is aware that job losses are only going to increase. At the same time funding for service programs are also going to be cut.
Many people are going to be forced to retire and we all know the condition of a lot of retirement plans and 401 K plans
Many are going to retire with much less than they expected and almost all will not have medical benefits.
Here is our plan to address that portion of the population.
Volunteer for Medical Benefits
Many new retirees will be retiring with many of the job skills that service organizations currently have to fund through grants.
As we know the first thin cut will be government grants.
Our recommendation is that we ask retirees to volunteer 20 hours a week at local not for profits.
This will provide the not for profits with the skilled staff that they will be losing due to budget cuts.
In return the volunteers will have a portion of their medical benefits paid for from a fund set up by the government.
In the long run the cost will be significantly less than what has been paid out in previous grants.
As we bring more people into the program the cost of the coverage will also decrease.
(We have submitted this idea to both our State and Federal Senators and are awaiting feedback)
Measure Twice Cut Once
Too often decisions have been made right after a disaster out of necessity.
Too often these are band aid solutions and not clearly thought out.
One only has to remember what happened in Mississippi and Louisiana after Katrina.
Billions of dollars of supplies never got to their intended recipients.
For example contracts were given to questionable companies and we still have people living in government provided trailers with formaldehyde as insulation
FEMA has shown time and time again that they need to recreate the wheel with every disaster.
Many areas of the country are prone to natural disasters (floods hurricanes etc).
We need proactive plans that include a census of the people in these areas so that we will be prepared for the next disaster.
In the long run we will save billions by planning ahead and making contacts with local non profits in advance.
(We are currently developing a plan where Staten Island schools will adopt schools in disaster areas. Direct contact between these schools will be established in advance and Staten Island schools will collect needed supplies and materials for their adopted school in the event of a disaster)
Fool Me Once Shame on You……..
Year after year the same companies are granted no bid or questionable bid contracts.
Hundreds of billions of dollars are paid out to companies affiliated with current or former elected officials.
One only has to do an audit on what was spent on the current war.
And track back to the people getting these contracts.
But these audits need to have some teeth to them and the results should be made public as should be how the recommendations were met or not met.
We look forward to your ideas
"Alice's Restaurant"
Now that you have finished your Thanksgiving Dinner and the guests are gone and you are on you computer just to check to see if you got any urgent e-mails
Take a few minutes and enjoy an old Thanksgiving tradition and listen to “Alice’s Restaurant”
For those to young to remember it’s worth the listen.
Thank Arnie for passing this on
And I hope everyone had a Great Thanksgiving
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_7C0QGkiVo
To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.
Johannes A. Gaertner
Take a few minutes and enjoy an old Thanksgiving tradition and listen to “Alice’s Restaurant”
For those to young to remember it’s worth the listen.
Thank Arnie for passing this on
And I hope everyone had a Great Thanksgiving
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_7C0QGkiVo
To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.
Johannes A. Gaertner
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
CREATIVITY 101....REFORM STARTS AT THE TOP
The problem that faces the country today can be tied to greed and lack of oversight
Greed not only in our corporate executive but throughout government as well.
If our Federal Government was an actual business it would be looking for a bailout as well.
Here are a few ideas for reform at the top
Campaign Finance Reform
During the last campaign over $5 Billion was spent by candidates to basically buy their way into office.
The two candidates running for President spent $1.2 Billion on their campaigns alone.
Now what type of example does that set?
People do not have enough money to put food on the table but we can afford to spend $5 Billion on campaign expenses.
And to add insult to injury many local campaigns actually receive matching funds that come from you guessed it the taxpayers.
Matching funds were originally instituted to even the playing field but obviously that has not worked.
Maybe we should limit the amount of money allowed to be spent on campaigns at various levels.
Don’t you think that $5 Billion is a little excessive?
If they are going to go after corporate executives for excessive spending they should hold the mirror up to themselves as well.
Between the spending and the time spent away from their official responsibilities our elected officials are no better then their Wall Street counterparts.
Reform has to start at the top.
Government Spending
Do you remember the scene in “Dave” where he sits with his cabinet to come up with money to save a day care center?
He asks the question “Why do we keep paying companies for services not delivered”?
That’s what we need to do at all level of government.
Discontinue contracts to companies that have not delivered and distribute them to other eligible companies.
The same needs to be done with grant recipients
Don’t let these companies and recipients walk away without delivering.
Once we begin showing more accountability in government maybe we will get some in corporate America.
Do As I Say Not As I Do
Unfortunately many of our elected officials do not practice what they preach.
We have Congressman who besides two private homes also has multiple rent stabilized apartments
We have an Attorney General who is going after corporate excesses while accepting up to $50,000 contributions from these same people to attend his birthday party.
These are just two examples.
There are many others
How are people supposed to take what they say seriously?
Who Has The Authority?
Government has created so many agencies that operate with little or no oversight.
In New York we have the Authorities,
From the MTA to the PA these independent agencies basically make up there own rules.
They expand way past their original responsibilities and when they get into fiscal trouble the taxpayer is the one who pays.
The MTA is a perfect example as to why we need to eliminate the Authorities.
Just last year they raised fares with the promise of extra service.
Having not delivered on any of the promises they are now asking for additional fare increases as well as subsidies from the city.
An agency that has repeatedly been accused of hiding profits with questionable bookkeeping practices is basically allowed to do what it pleases and answers to no one.
You can get similar stories from all of the Authorities and government created agencies.
Where do the billions in tolls collected by the TBA go?
Why is the PA even involved in buildings such as the World Trade Center?
And we would love to talk about all the other agencies such as the LMDC but we just don’t have the time.
Where Do We Go From Here
We all know that we are in for some tough times.
Most of us are resigned to the fact that taxes will rise.
Paying taxes is a fact of life but when your taxes are raised to cover mismanagement and governmental excess it is a bitter pill to swallow.
Why should we be called on to bail government out if they are not doing their part?
Tomorrow Some Possible Solutions
Greed not only in our corporate executive but throughout government as well.
If our Federal Government was an actual business it would be looking for a bailout as well.
Here are a few ideas for reform at the top
Campaign Finance Reform
During the last campaign over $5 Billion was spent by candidates to basically buy their way into office.
The two candidates running for President spent $1.2 Billion on their campaigns alone.
Now what type of example does that set?
People do not have enough money to put food on the table but we can afford to spend $5 Billion on campaign expenses.
And to add insult to injury many local campaigns actually receive matching funds that come from you guessed it the taxpayers.
Matching funds were originally instituted to even the playing field but obviously that has not worked.
Maybe we should limit the amount of money allowed to be spent on campaigns at various levels.
Don’t you think that $5 Billion is a little excessive?
If they are going to go after corporate executives for excessive spending they should hold the mirror up to themselves as well.
Between the spending and the time spent away from their official responsibilities our elected officials are no better then their Wall Street counterparts.
Reform has to start at the top.
Government Spending
Do you remember the scene in “Dave” where he sits with his cabinet to come up with money to save a day care center?
He asks the question “Why do we keep paying companies for services not delivered”?
That’s what we need to do at all level of government.
Discontinue contracts to companies that have not delivered and distribute them to other eligible companies.
The same needs to be done with grant recipients
Don’t let these companies and recipients walk away without delivering.
Once we begin showing more accountability in government maybe we will get some in corporate America.
Do As I Say Not As I Do
Unfortunately many of our elected officials do not practice what they preach.
We have Congressman who besides two private homes also has multiple rent stabilized apartments
We have an Attorney General who is going after corporate excesses while accepting up to $50,000 contributions from these same people to attend his birthday party.
These are just two examples.
There are many others
How are people supposed to take what they say seriously?
Who Has The Authority?
Government has created so many agencies that operate with little or no oversight.
In New York we have the Authorities,
From the MTA to the PA these independent agencies basically make up there own rules.
They expand way past their original responsibilities and when they get into fiscal trouble the taxpayer is the one who pays.
The MTA is a perfect example as to why we need to eliminate the Authorities.
Just last year they raised fares with the promise of extra service.
Having not delivered on any of the promises they are now asking for additional fare increases as well as subsidies from the city.
An agency that has repeatedly been accused of hiding profits with questionable bookkeeping practices is basically allowed to do what it pleases and answers to no one.
You can get similar stories from all of the Authorities and government created agencies.
Where do the billions in tolls collected by the TBA go?
Why is the PA even involved in buildings such as the World Trade Center?
And we would love to talk about all the other agencies such as the LMDC but we just don’t have the time.
Where Do We Go From Here
We all know that we are in for some tough times.
Most of us are resigned to the fact that taxes will rise.
Paying taxes is a fact of life but when your taxes are raised to cover mismanagement and governmental excess it is a bitter pill to swallow.
Why should we be called on to bail government out if they are not doing their part?
Tomorrow Some Possible Solutions
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Creativity can solve almost any problem
Creativity can solve almost any problem
The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality, overcomes everything.
George Lois
As every new day seems to unveil another major financial collapse many have become increasingly worried.
Banks, financial institutions, the major auto manufacturers one by one they are failing.
Executives of these companies have walked away with millions and left their employees and investors holding the bag.
The ones that remain are now counting on the government to bail them out.
A government that is already trillions of dollars in debt.
If this was any other country in the world, the end would surely be in site
But if the history of America has proven anything it is that you can never underestimate the ingenuity and resolve of Americans.
And while we have allowed a small percentage of our population bring us to the edge of financial ruin it will be the majority of the hard working people that will bring us back.
It’s not going to be the executives, it is not going to be the elected officials and it is definitely not going to be the bankers
As Mark Twain once said “A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.
For too long we have allowed bankers and banker types run this country.
And they have run it into the ground.
It is time for the American people to demand a change.
We need to stop the recycling of executives and elected officials.
By the way we keep bringing the same people back one would think this was the NBA or the NHL.
Hey here’s a guy who just ran Home Depot into the ground lets hire him to run Ford.
Over 75% of Congress has been in place during this debacle and what do we do?
We elect them all again and watch them point fingers at each other as the Dow hits lows it hasn’t seen in years.
We need to change the mentality from Washington to Wall Street.
If the government is bailing companies out then limit the salaries of the executives.
If they complain let them find other jobs as there are certainly thousands of others who would gladly step in.
Bonuses for these Government subsidized companies should only be granted if the company turns a real profit.
And all bonuses should be paid in stock options exercisable after five years to encourage sustainability.
Also any government subsidized company should not be allowed to pay for lobbyists as that would definitely create a conflict of interest.
And back on Capital Hill.
We should push for a “Political Pre-Nup” to hold our elected officials accountable. (See below for details)
And hold all government agencies to the same scrutiny.
And you can start with Few Emergencies Managed Adequately
As this agency has been following the same corporate strategy as our friends on Wall Street.
With no bid contracts and mismanagement millions have been denied the disaster assistance they needed.
And if it weren’t for the unlimited government checkbook they would be bankrupt as well.
Let the local grassroots get involved as they know what is need where it is needed and when it is needed.
There are thousands of great organizations that have helped millions while operating on shoe string budgets.
When is the last time the government even considered some of these programs?
If we are going to get back on track this is where it needs to start.
But it will only work if “We the People” are involved.
Tune in tomorrow for some creative ideas.
It's Time For A Political Pre-Nup
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43838
The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality, overcomes everything.
George Lois
As every new day seems to unveil another major financial collapse many have become increasingly worried.
Banks, financial institutions, the major auto manufacturers one by one they are failing.
Executives of these companies have walked away with millions and left their employees and investors holding the bag.
The ones that remain are now counting on the government to bail them out.
A government that is already trillions of dollars in debt.
If this was any other country in the world, the end would surely be in site
But if the history of America has proven anything it is that you can never underestimate the ingenuity and resolve of Americans.
And while we have allowed a small percentage of our population bring us to the edge of financial ruin it will be the majority of the hard working people that will bring us back.
It’s not going to be the executives, it is not going to be the elected officials and it is definitely not going to be the bankers
As Mark Twain once said “A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.
For too long we have allowed bankers and banker types run this country.
And they have run it into the ground.
It is time for the American people to demand a change.
We need to stop the recycling of executives and elected officials.
By the way we keep bringing the same people back one would think this was the NBA or the NHL.
Hey here’s a guy who just ran Home Depot into the ground lets hire him to run Ford.
Over 75% of Congress has been in place during this debacle and what do we do?
We elect them all again and watch them point fingers at each other as the Dow hits lows it hasn’t seen in years.
We need to change the mentality from Washington to Wall Street.
If the government is bailing companies out then limit the salaries of the executives.
If they complain let them find other jobs as there are certainly thousands of others who would gladly step in.
Bonuses for these Government subsidized companies should only be granted if the company turns a real profit.
And all bonuses should be paid in stock options exercisable after five years to encourage sustainability.
Also any government subsidized company should not be allowed to pay for lobbyists as that would definitely create a conflict of interest.
And back on Capital Hill.
We should push for a “Political Pre-Nup” to hold our elected officials accountable. (See below for details)
And hold all government agencies to the same scrutiny.
And you can start with Few Emergencies Managed Adequately
As this agency has been following the same corporate strategy as our friends on Wall Street.
With no bid contracts and mismanagement millions have been denied the disaster assistance they needed.
And if it weren’t for the unlimited government checkbook they would be bankrupt as well.
Let the local grassroots get involved as they know what is need where it is needed and when it is needed.
There are thousands of great organizations that have helped millions while operating on shoe string budgets.
When is the last time the government even considered some of these programs?
If we are going to get back on track this is where it needs to start.
But it will only work if “We the People” are involved.
Tune in tomorrow for some creative ideas.
It's Time For A Political Pre-Nup
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43838
Monday, November 24, 2008
WHAT'S $20 MILLION AMONG FRIENDS?
Another day another bailout.
As you have probably heard Congress has agreed to extend the bailout to Citigroup and will be taking over their toxic investments to the tune of $21 Billion.
I might be a cynic but I would have to think that the $20 million that Citigroup pays its Washington lobbyists every year might have something to do with them making the cut.
Maybe the Big Three auto firms need to get themselves better lobbyists.
The whole thing just continues to spin out of control.
One by one these corporations that have never given the consumer a break are getting bailed out.
Maybe Citigroup, Amex and all the other credit card companies might have thought about lowering their rates to give their clients a chance to get back on their feet.
No not them, and these are the same people asking and getting bailouts from the Government.
When did we lose control?
New York State is just as bad.
It continues to let the Authorities to run amok with little or no oversight.
Now it’s the MTA cutting service and raising rates with a tin can in hand up in Albany.
How soon before the TBA and the PA follow suit?
Authorities that were created to circumvent the system with specific objectives.
The MTA to manage subways and buses.
The PA to manage the ports.
The TBA to manage the bridges.
But we allowed these Authorities to branch out into real estate and investments with public money.
What has that have to do with bridges, subways and ports?
Why is the World Trade Center part of the Port Authority?
What does the tallest structure in New York have to do with the ports?
But in the future if they ever get it rebuilt and find that they have no tenants the government will be asked to either subsidize the building or move government employees from perfectly fine buildings into the site.
And the carousel of insanity continues.
And they wonder why we are going broke.
As you have probably heard Congress has agreed to extend the bailout to Citigroup and will be taking over their toxic investments to the tune of $21 Billion.
I might be a cynic but I would have to think that the $20 million that Citigroup pays its Washington lobbyists every year might have something to do with them making the cut.
Maybe the Big Three auto firms need to get themselves better lobbyists.
The whole thing just continues to spin out of control.
One by one these corporations that have never given the consumer a break are getting bailed out.
Maybe Citigroup, Amex and all the other credit card companies might have thought about lowering their rates to give their clients a chance to get back on their feet.
No not them, and these are the same people asking and getting bailouts from the Government.
When did we lose control?
New York State is just as bad.
It continues to let the Authorities to run amok with little or no oversight.
Now it’s the MTA cutting service and raising rates with a tin can in hand up in Albany.
How soon before the TBA and the PA follow suit?
Authorities that were created to circumvent the system with specific objectives.
The MTA to manage subways and buses.
The PA to manage the ports.
The TBA to manage the bridges.
But we allowed these Authorities to branch out into real estate and investments with public money.
What has that have to do with bridges, subways and ports?
Why is the World Trade Center part of the Port Authority?
What does the tallest structure in New York have to do with the ports?
But in the future if they ever get it rebuilt and find that they have no tenants the government will be asked to either subsidize the building or move government employees from perfectly fine buildings into the site.
And the carousel of insanity continues.
And they wonder why we are going broke.
Happy Thanksgiving
Dear Friends
As we enter this Holiday Season, there is no better time to reflect and be grateful for our friends, family and health. Please accept our gratitude and good wishes to you and your loved ones for a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Someone passed this on to me and I thought I would share it
The Best Prayer I Have Heard In A Long Time............
Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.
Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.
Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.
Also, please take the time during this holiday season to remember those less fortunate....
Happy Thanksgiving
Your Friends at Where to Turn
As we enter this Holiday Season, there is no better time to reflect and be grateful for our friends, family and health. Please accept our gratitude and good wishes to you and your loved ones for a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Someone passed this on to me and I thought I would share it
The Best Prayer I Have Heard In A Long Time............
Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.
Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.
Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.
Also, please take the time during this holiday season to remember those less fortunate....
Happy Thanksgiving
Your Friends at Where to Turn
Friday, November 21, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW.........PART II
Back in June we posted the following:
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW.........
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43174
Take a few moments and read the article below to learn a little more about how the process works and why we cannot get proper care.
LHI scrutinized for handling of 9/11 responder insurance, care
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/11/16/news/02medical1116.txt
Business as usual as the connected get richer at the expense of those in need
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW.........
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43174
Take a few moments and read the article below to learn a little more about how the process works and why we cannot get proper care.
LHI scrutinized for handling of 9/11 responder insurance, care
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/11/16/news/02medical1116.txt
Business as usual as the connected get richer at the expense of those in need
Sunday, November 16, 2008
WTC..HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE PORT AUTHORITY
I guess the Port Authority and the LMDC are getting into the holiday spirit a little bit early because they are now going to gift wrap the World Trade Center site.
In a blatant publicity stunt they are going to replace the existing constructions boards with new ones detailing what is planned for the site.
Knowing that the out of town holiday crowds will be visiting the site they want to make sure they go home and tell their friends what great things are happening at the site.
God knows how much money is being spent on this new campaign but we all know that money is never concern with the LMDC or the Port Authority.
The LMDC alone continues to pay it’s over 50 staff members over $4 million a year.
And now after 7 years the Port Authority’s Executive Director Christopher Ward sees the need to create a sense of place for the neighborhood as more than just a construction site.
The Port Authority is also promoting its greening of the site.
That’s great we will have a site exempt from NYC Building and Fire codes bit at least it will be green.
So once again more smoke and mirrors.
Whatever happened to the Realistic and Rational schedule that we were promised?
It has been almost 2 months since the new plan was released and I have not seen or heard even one update.
Instead of giving us formal updates the Port Authority gives us www.wtcprogress where they answer questions that they want to answer.
And once again no one holds them accountable and now they will probably lose in arbitration and have to continue to pay Silverstein $300,000 a day in late fees.
But we are now making the site pretty for the holidays.
Don’t they realize that no matter how much wrapping paper you put on an empty box, it’s still an empty box.
But why should we expect anything different.
Why should they rush as they don’t even have any tenants to occupy the buildings?
So excuse me for being a Scrooge but to paraphrase a Christmas song....
“On the 7th year of rebuilding the PA gave to me…….Nothing”
Happy Holidays
In a blatant publicity stunt they are going to replace the existing constructions boards with new ones detailing what is planned for the site.
Knowing that the out of town holiday crowds will be visiting the site they want to make sure they go home and tell their friends what great things are happening at the site.
God knows how much money is being spent on this new campaign but we all know that money is never concern with the LMDC or the Port Authority.
The LMDC alone continues to pay it’s over 50 staff members over $4 million a year.
And now after 7 years the Port Authority’s Executive Director Christopher Ward sees the need to create a sense of place for the neighborhood as more than just a construction site.
The Port Authority is also promoting its greening of the site.
That’s great we will have a site exempt from NYC Building and Fire codes bit at least it will be green.
So once again more smoke and mirrors.
Whatever happened to the Realistic and Rational schedule that we were promised?
It has been almost 2 months since the new plan was released and I have not seen or heard even one update.
Instead of giving us formal updates the Port Authority gives us www.wtcprogress where they answer questions that they want to answer.
And once again no one holds them accountable and now they will probably lose in arbitration and have to continue to pay Silverstein $300,000 a day in late fees.
But we are now making the site pretty for the holidays.
Don’t they realize that no matter how much wrapping paper you put on an empty box, it’s still an empty box.
But why should we expect anything different.
Why should they rush as they don’t even have any tenants to occupy the buildings?
So excuse me for being a Scrooge but to paraphrase a Christmas song....
“On the 7th year of rebuilding the PA gave to me…….Nothing”
Happy Holidays
Friday, November 7, 2008
Fair and Honest Reporting
On Tuesday November 4th 2008 the people voted for a change.
In the most important event of my lifetime Americans elected their first African American President.
Barack Obama ran a tremendous campaign and his supporters crossed all ethnic and racial lines.
He has a chance to be a great president and unify our country.
The question is; will he be allowed to do this.
If his campaign showed anything it showed that he was the media’s choice.
He was constantly praised and rarely held accountable for any miscues or questionable associations.
If this type of bias continues, and there is no reason to believe it will stop, he may never become the leader that many hope he will be.
A case in point.
The two days following the election the stock market crashed nearly 1,000 points.
Now honestly answer these two questions.
If McCain had won the election what would have been the media’s reaction to this drop?
If the stock market rose 1,000 points over the same two days what would have been the media’s reaction?
We all know the answers.
McCain and the thought of continued Republican rule would have been blamed for the continued decline.
On the other hand if the market had risen Obama’s election would have been credited for the upswing.
But Obama was elected and the market continued its decline and the media said nothing.
If this is an example of how they are going to continue to cover him we are in for a bad run.
A President needs to be held accountable for his failures as much as he is credited with his successes.
We need an honest and fair media to keep this balance.
An honest and fair media that we have not seen for quite some time.
They need to report on him not as a Democrat, not as an African American but as the President of the United States.
They need to bring integrity back into their reporting
America deserves it,,,,,,,our new President deserves it.
Dennis
“Our character...is an omen of our destiny, and the more integrity we have and keep, the simpler and nobler that destiny is likely to be”.
George Santayana
In the most important event of my lifetime Americans elected their first African American President.
Barack Obama ran a tremendous campaign and his supporters crossed all ethnic and racial lines.
He has a chance to be a great president and unify our country.
The question is; will he be allowed to do this.
If his campaign showed anything it showed that he was the media’s choice.
He was constantly praised and rarely held accountable for any miscues or questionable associations.
If this type of bias continues, and there is no reason to believe it will stop, he may never become the leader that many hope he will be.
A case in point.
The two days following the election the stock market crashed nearly 1,000 points.
Now honestly answer these two questions.
If McCain had won the election what would have been the media’s reaction to this drop?
If the stock market rose 1,000 points over the same two days what would have been the media’s reaction?
We all know the answers.
McCain and the thought of continued Republican rule would have been blamed for the continued decline.
On the other hand if the market had risen Obama’s election would have been credited for the upswing.
But Obama was elected and the market continued its decline and the media said nothing.
If this is an example of how they are going to continue to cover him we are in for a bad run.
A President needs to be held accountable for his failures as much as he is credited with his successes.
We need an honest and fair media to keep this balance.
An honest and fair media that we have not seen for quite some time.
They need to report on him not as a Democrat, not as an African American but as the President of the United States.
They need to bring integrity back into their reporting
America deserves it,,,,,,,our new President deserves it.
Dennis
“Our character...is an omen of our destiny, and the more integrity we have and keep, the simpler and nobler that destiny is likely to be”.
George Santayana
Thursday, November 6, 2008
HR BILL 4266 IGNORED...CHILDREN CONTINUE TO DIE
To All,
It has been over 3 years since we got involved in the battle to save our children from these types of accidents.
It has been a lot longer for the families who have lost children and have tried to raise the awareness of the nation and make our lawmakers do something to protect other children.
For three years as HR Bill 1861 died in committee and HR 4266 was resubmitted we have gathered nearly 11,000 signatures on our petition but still members of Congress have turned a blind eye and children continue to die.
We are hopeful with that with the new administration just elected promising change things might actually well "CHANGE"
HR 4266 was submitted 12/17/07 and in almost a year has only garnered 11 co-sponsors
Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2] - 2/7/2008
Rep Chandler, Ben [KY-6] - 1/16/2008
Rep Cleaver, Emanuel [MO-5] - 2/6/2008
Rep Eshoo, Anna G. [CA-14] - 3/14/2008
Rep Fossella, Vito [NY-13] - 12/19/2007
Rep Graves, Sam [MO-6] - 2/14/2008
Rep LoBiondo, Frank A. [NJ-2] - 12/18/2007
Rep McGovern, James P. [MA-3] - 12/4/2007
Rep Moore, Dennis [KS-3] - 2/25/2008
Rep Price, David E. [NC-4] - 2/25/2008
Rep Skelton, Ike [MO-4] - 3/4/2008
Please contact your Representative and have them get on board to protect the most venerable in our society.
Don't let another family have to lose another child as did the DiTomaso did this week in Yonkers.
Below are links to our petition and information on the bill please sign on...get involved and help us make a change.
Petition
http://www.petitiononline.com/HR1861/petition.html
HR BILL 4266 (FORMERLY HR BILL 1861)
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=33
Yonkers toddler killed after TV topples from bedroom dresser
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=45816
It has been over 3 years since we got involved in the battle to save our children from these types of accidents.
It has been a lot longer for the families who have lost children and have tried to raise the awareness of the nation and make our lawmakers do something to protect other children.
For three years as HR Bill 1861 died in committee and HR 4266 was resubmitted we have gathered nearly 11,000 signatures on our petition but still members of Congress have turned a blind eye and children continue to die.
We are hopeful with that with the new administration just elected promising change things might actually well "CHANGE"
HR 4266 was submitted 12/17/07 and in almost a year has only garnered 11 co-sponsors
Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2] - 2/7/2008
Rep Chandler, Ben [KY-6] - 1/16/2008
Rep Cleaver, Emanuel [MO-5] - 2/6/2008
Rep Eshoo, Anna G. [CA-14] - 3/14/2008
Rep Fossella, Vito [NY-13] - 12/19/2007
Rep Graves, Sam [MO-6] - 2/14/2008
Rep LoBiondo, Frank A. [NJ-2] - 12/18/2007
Rep McGovern, James P. [MA-3] - 12/4/2007
Rep Moore, Dennis [KS-3] - 2/25/2008
Rep Price, David E. [NC-4] - 2/25/2008
Rep Skelton, Ike [MO-4] - 3/4/2008
Please contact your Representative and have them get on board to protect the most venerable in our society.
Don't let another family have to lose another child as did the DiTomaso did this week in Yonkers.
Below are links to our petition and information on the bill please sign on...get involved and help us make a change.
Petition
http://www.petitiononline.com/HR1861/petition.html
HR BILL 4266 (FORMERLY HR BILL 1861)
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=33
Yonkers toddler killed after TV topples from bedroom dresser
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=45816
Monday, November 3, 2008
LIFE IS AN OCCASION ....RISE TO IT
To All,
Someone sent me the following with the question:
What choice would you have made?
Now I have no idea if this is true or not but I would like to think that it is.
Our lives are so caught up in having to win.
From the presidential race right on down to little league too
much emphasis is put on winning.
Life is an occasion and we need to rise to it.
These kids did and after reading this I am going to try to rise to it as well.
Dennis
MAY YOUR DAY BE A SHAY DAY
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children
with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a
speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended.
After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does,
is done with perfection.
Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do.
He cannot understand things as other children do.
Where is the natural order of things in my son?
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. I believe that when a child
like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world,
an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself,
and it comes in the way other people treat that child.
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay
knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?
I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their
team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play,
it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be
accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked
(not expecting much) if Shay could play.
The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing
by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning.
I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him
in to bat in the ninth inning.
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a
broad smile put on a team shirt.
I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart.
The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored
a few runs but was still behind by three.
In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and
played in the right field.
Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously
ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field,
grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.
Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential
winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their
chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a
hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold
the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher,
recognizing that the other team was putting winning
aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few
steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact...
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the
ball softly towards Shay.
As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a
slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have
easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.
Shay would have been out and that would have been the end
of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first
baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling,
Shay, run to first! Run to first!
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made
it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, Run to second, run to second!
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards
second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right
fielder had the ball.
The smallest guy on their team who now had his
first chance to be the hero for his team.
He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag,
but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too,
intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.
Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners
ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran
to help him by turning him in the direction of third base,
and shouted, Run to third! Shay, run to third!
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators,
were on their feet screaming, Shay, run home! Run home!
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as
the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team
That day, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face,
the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true
love and humanity into this world.
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter,
having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy,
and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
Someone sent me the following with the question:
What choice would you have made?
Now I have no idea if this is true or not but I would like to think that it is.
Our lives are so caught up in having to win.
From the presidential race right on down to little league too
much emphasis is put on winning.
Life is an occasion and we need to rise to it.
These kids did and after reading this I am going to try to rise to it as well.
Dennis
MAY YOUR DAY BE A SHAY DAY
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children
with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a
speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended.
After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does,
is done with perfection.
Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do.
He cannot understand things as other children do.
Where is the natural order of things in my son?
The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. I believe that when a child
like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world,
an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself,
and it comes in the way other people treat that child.
Then he told the following story:
Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay
knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?
I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their
team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play,
it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be
accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked
(not expecting much) if Shay could play.
The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing
by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning.
I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him
in to bat in the ninth inning.
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a
broad smile put on a team shirt.
I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart.
The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored
a few runs but was still behind by three.
In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and
played in the right field.
Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously
ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field,
grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.
Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential
winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their
chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a
hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold
the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher,
recognizing that the other team was putting winning
aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few
steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact...
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the
ball softly towards Shay.
As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a
slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have
easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.
Shay would have been out and that would have been the end
of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first
baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling,
Shay, run to first! Run to first!
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made
it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, Run to second, run to second!
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards
second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right
fielder had the ball.
The smallest guy on their team who now had his
first chance to be the hero for his team.
He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag,
but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too,
intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.
Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners
ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran
to help him by turning him in the direction of third base,
and shouted, Run to third! Shay, run to third!
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators,
were on their feet screaming, Shay, run home! Run home!
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as
the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team
That day, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face,
the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true
love and humanity into this world.
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter,
having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy,
and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
They Are Gambling With Our Future
As the economy continues to falter and budget deficits continue to swell more and more states are pursuing legalized gambling as a way to generate revenues.
At last count there are 38 states that now support some type of state sponsored gambling.
To the government this looks like a quick fix to the budget crisis.
Unfortunately they are gambling with our future.
Studies have shown that more people are gambling than ever before.
And as the economy gets worse we will only see these numbers grow. (see below)
As people look for that quick score to pay the bills.
People who cannot afford it particularly seniors are getting caught up in the "Dollar and a Dream" hype and are now spending grocery money on scratch off or trips to casinos.
More of our children watch the World Series of Poker than the World Series.
World Series games don't start until almost 9:00 PM and don't end until after midnight while gambling shows are on around the clock on multiple channels.
And it is only going to get worse.
As the Governor looks to expand slot machines at local race tracks and LOTTO spends millions on new ad campaigns more and more people are losing their savings and in some cases even their homes.
Many have already lost their retirement plans thanks to our friends on Wall Street and are now looking to gambling as a bailout.
This is the worse possible time for the government to be expanding its gambling operations.
But as usual they will not be able to pass up a quick fix with no regard for the future.
Awhile back we asked our local electeds to support an effort to at least stop state sponsored advertising for gambling (see below)
But none of them even considered it.
Don't you think that the millions spent on the "Little Bit of Luck" and other ads could be put to better use?
Obviously they do not think so.
So they will continue to try to draw more people in to inflate their short term revenues as they continue to spend more and more on advertising and administrative costs.
Just like they did with OTB. (see below)
As they continue to gamble with our future.
Dennis McKeon
150-L Greaves Lane # 312
Staten Island NY
718-966-6531
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
At last count there are 38 states that now support some type of state sponsored gambling.
To the government this looks like a quick fix to the budget crisis.
Unfortunately they are gambling with our future.
Studies have shown that more people are gambling than ever before.
And as the economy gets worse we will only see these numbers grow. (see below)
As people look for that quick score to pay the bills.
People who cannot afford it particularly seniors are getting caught up in the "Dollar and a Dream" hype and are now spending grocery money on scratch off or trips to casinos.
More of our children watch the World Series of Poker than the World Series.
World Series games don't start until almost 9:00 PM and don't end until after midnight while gambling shows are on around the clock on multiple channels.
And it is only going to get worse.
As the Governor looks to expand slot machines at local race tracks and LOTTO spends millions on new ad campaigns more and more people are losing their savings and in some cases even their homes.
Many have already lost their retirement plans thanks to our friends on Wall Street and are now looking to gambling as a bailout.
This is the worse possible time for the government to be expanding its gambling operations.
But as usual they will not be able to pass up a quick fix with no regard for the future.
Awhile back we asked our local electeds to support an effort to at least stop state sponsored advertising for gambling (see below)
But none of them even considered it.
Don't you think that the millions spent on the "Little Bit of Luck" and other ads could be put to better use?
Obviously they do not think so.
So they will continue to try to draw more people in to inflate their short term revenues as they continue to spend more and more on advertising and administrative costs.
Just like they did with OTB. (see below)
As they continue to gamble with our future.
Dennis McKeon
150-L Greaves Lane # 312
Staten Island NY
718-966-6531
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
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Ground Zero a Bureaucrat's Dream
It’s been a month since the Port Authority laid out it's "Realistic and Rational" schedule for the rebuilding at Ground Zero.
Wouldn't it be nice to get an update as to how they are holding to the schedule.
Basic project management would allow for regular updates on schedules, budget, etc.
With the current state of the economy and all the doom and gloom coming from the Governor can't you just see Ground Zero slipping in priority.
And what about the wall and Mr. Silverstein?
Has that issue been resolved or are we still paying him $300,000 a day in late fees?
Things just do not change.
For seven years there has been no structure or oversight to anything that went on at the site.
Every so often there is a public outcry or some politician or newspaper raises the issue and it becomes news for about a week and then those involved are just left to do whatever they please and spend whatever they want.
It's the same with the ME's office who put out reports on identifications whenever they want. Each time a report comes out there is a change in format so you can never tell how many remains were re-tested with the new process that cost millions and was going to produce dramatic results.
It's the same with Fresh Kills and now they will blame the budget deficit and say they do not have any funds to pursue anything at the landfill in regards to the remains.
And now we are going to extend term limits and will have another four years of the same.
Mark my words when their new terms are up (and if they don't decide to change the rules again) the site will still not be complete and we will have gone through at least another two or three "Realistic and Rational" schedules.
And why has nothing changed over the past seven years?
The answer is simple.
Ground Zero has become a bureaucrat's dream.
Agencies have been created staffed by political cronies.
Contracts, grants and loans have been given to the same inner circle with little or no oversight or accountability.
And they continue to plan for hundreds of thousands of feet of office space for which they have no tenants
As Brooks Atkinson once said "The perfect bureaucrat is the man who manages to make no decisions and escape all responsibility"
Sounds like the people who have been running the show at Ground Zero for the last seven years.
Do you really think they want this gravy train to end?
Wouldn't it be nice to get an update as to how they are holding to the schedule.
Basic project management would allow for regular updates on schedules, budget, etc.
With the current state of the economy and all the doom and gloom coming from the Governor can't you just see Ground Zero slipping in priority.
And what about the wall and Mr. Silverstein?
Has that issue been resolved or are we still paying him $300,000 a day in late fees?
Things just do not change.
For seven years there has been no structure or oversight to anything that went on at the site.
Every so often there is a public outcry or some politician or newspaper raises the issue and it becomes news for about a week and then those involved are just left to do whatever they please and spend whatever they want.
It's the same with the ME's office who put out reports on identifications whenever they want. Each time a report comes out there is a change in format so you can never tell how many remains were re-tested with the new process that cost millions and was going to produce dramatic results.
It's the same with Fresh Kills and now they will blame the budget deficit and say they do not have any funds to pursue anything at the landfill in regards to the remains.
And now we are going to extend term limits and will have another four years of the same.
Mark my words when their new terms are up (and if they don't decide to change the rules again) the site will still not be complete and we will have gone through at least another two or three "Realistic and Rational" schedules.
And why has nothing changed over the past seven years?
The answer is simple.
Ground Zero has become a bureaucrat's dream.
Agencies have been created staffed by political cronies.
Contracts, grants and loans have been given to the same inner circle with little or no oversight or accountability.
And they continue to plan for hundreds of thousands of feet of office space for which they have no tenants
As Brooks Atkinson once said "The perfect bureaucrat is the man who manages to make no decisions and escape all responsibility"
Sounds like the people who have been running the show at Ground Zero for the last seven years.
Do you really think they want this gravy train to end?
Friday, October 24, 2008
"Surprise" "Surprise" "Surprise"
So the City Council has voted and as Gomer Pyle used to say “Surprise” “Surprise” “Surprise” they backed the mayor’s plan to extend term limits.
Yet another example of how those in government have turned a blind eye to what the democratic process is all about.
And don’t be fooled by the Council members who waited until they were sure that the mayor had enough votes in his pocket to say they were opposed to the plan.
Not since the days of Boss Tweed has one person been able to manipulate the process to his own advantage.
Now the spin doctors will say that if we don’t want him we have the right to vote him out of office.
Well that’s just not the point.
This is not about whether or not he is qualified to be mayor again it is the principle of the matter.
No elected official should be above the voice of the people.
Twice the citizens of New York City voted for term limits and now with the wave of his magic wand the mayor has had the Council change the rules.
They say that there was no time for a referendum in advance of the next election.
Anyone who has been following this knows nothing is further from the truth.
This plan has been in the works for years
Here is one our posts from November 29, 2005
CITY COUNCIL.....TERM LIMITS...WHO'S DECISION SHOULD IT BE?
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12086
The bottom line is they knew they wouldn’t get the votes to overturn term limits in a referendum so they stalled until they could back door this through the City Council.
Once again the mayor is replacing NYC history with “His Story”
And it is just not right.
Ronald Regan once said “Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first”
The mayor and the City Council certainly proved him right.
Yet another example of how those in government have turned a blind eye to what the democratic process is all about.
And don’t be fooled by the Council members who waited until they were sure that the mayor had enough votes in his pocket to say they were opposed to the plan.
Not since the days of Boss Tweed has one person been able to manipulate the process to his own advantage.
Now the spin doctors will say that if we don’t want him we have the right to vote him out of office.
Well that’s just not the point.
This is not about whether or not he is qualified to be mayor again it is the principle of the matter.
No elected official should be above the voice of the people.
Twice the citizens of New York City voted for term limits and now with the wave of his magic wand the mayor has had the Council change the rules.
They say that there was no time for a referendum in advance of the next election.
Anyone who has been following this knows nothing is further from the truth.
This plan has been in the works for years
Here is one our posts from November 29, 2005
CITY COUNCIL.....TERM LIMITS...WHO'S DECISION SHOULD IT BE?
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12086
The bottom line is they knew they wouldn’t get the votes to overturn term limits in a referendum so they stalled until they could back door this through the City Council.
Once again the mayor is replacing NYC history with “His Story”
And it is just not right.
Ronald Regan once said “Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first”
The mayor and the City Council certainly proved him right.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
"God Helps Those Who Help Themselves"
Every day we hear more news of doom and gloom.
More companies going bankrupt as the stock market continues to fall.
And we are definitely in for some tough times ahead as it does not look to get any better anytime soon.
At this point we only really have two options.
We could join the thousands who have already joined the National Pity Party and have basically given up on trying to work their way out of this mess.
The ones who are just sitting back and waiting for the Government to bail them out.
The ones who place the blame on everyone else and don't feel that they should be called on to work their way out of this.
The ones who believe that our next President is going to really make a difference and that it is not going to cost us anything.
This same pie in the sky thinking is what got us into this situation in the first place.
Or we could actually take a page out of the books of our parents or grandparents (depending on how old you are) who lived through the Depression.
People who actually had to rough it just to make ends meet.
People who worked to get the country back on its feet even during its darkest hour.
Sure there were social programs, but most involved doing something in return.
My father even went to Washington state to work with the Civilian Conservation Corps.
He did anything he needed to do, as did my mother, to get through the tough times.
And they never forgot those days till the day they died.
That experience made them tougher and they were the better for it.
The problem that exists today is compounded by the fact that most of us never experienced those types of hard times.
We have created a political system where the majority of those making the decisions make 10 to 100 times what their constituents do.
Just look at the current election where well over a billion dollars will be spent by the candidates.
To bring this closer to home, over a million and a half dollars will be spent to win the Congressional seat on Staten Island.
Hell it's not their money, they don't care.
And you think that is going to change once they get into office? Just look at the current national debt.
So it is left to us.
We need to start thinking like those who lived during the Depression.
And start acting like men and women who want to make a difference and not like spoiled brats who are not much better than those we elect.
"God helps those who help themselves"
Maybe it's time we did just that.
More companies going bankrupt as the stock market continues to fall.
And we are definitely in for some tough times ahead as it does not look to get any better anytime soon.
At this point we only really have two options.
We could join the thousands who have already joined the National Pity Party and have basically given up on trying to work their way out of this mess.
The ones who are just sitting back and waiting for the Government to bail them out.
The ones who place the blame on everyone else and don't feel that they should be called on to work their way out of this.
The ones who believe that our next President is going to really make a difference and that it is not going to cost us anything.
This same pie in the sky thinking is what got us into this situation in the first place.
Or we could actually take a page out of the books of our parents or grandparents (depending on how old you are) who lived through the Depression.
People who actually had to rough it just to make ends meet.
People who worked to get the country back on its feet even during its darkest hour.
Sure there were social programs, but most involved doing something in return.
My father even went to Washington state to work with the Civilian Conservation Corps.
He did anything he needed to do, as did my mother, to get through the tough times.
And they never forgot those days till the day they died.
That experience made them tougher and they were the better for it.
The problem that exists today is compounded by the fact that most of us never experienced those types of hard times.
We have created a political system where the majority of those making the decisions make 10 to 100 times what their constituents do.
Just look at the current election where well over a billion dollars will be spent by the candidates.
To bring this closer to home, over a million and a half dollars will be spent to win the Congressional seat on Staten Island.
Hell it's not their money, they don't care.
And you think that is going to change once they get into office? Just look at the current national debt.
So it is left to us.
We need to start thinking like those who lived during the Depression.
And start acting like men and women who want to make a difference and not like spoiled brats who are not much better than those we elect.
"God helps those who help themselves"
Maybe it's time we did just that.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
THE CUT AND PASTE GENERATION
The Stock Market tanked another 700 points and we had our two presidential candidates blaming their opponent's parties for the state of the economy.
Unfortunately both candidates seem to be missing the big picture.
It is not what has happened in the last eight years or even in the last sixteen.
The problem is that we have become a cut and paste society and original thinking has all but disappeared from this generation.
Just ask any student when was the last time they visited a library to do real research.
Why should they when with the click of a cursor they can get all of the information they need.
Ask them to write an essay and see how many spelling errors or "text abbreviations" you find.
And you can forget about grammar all together.
But why do they need to worry when they all have spell and grammar check on their computers.
And it is not only the student's fault.
School rankings are based on success in standardized tests.
So students are taught to pass those tests.
Shortcuts are instituted to bypass anything that is not covered on these standardized tests.
And the problems just gets worse and worse.
An entire industry now exists to teach students to pass High School entrance exams and SAT tests.
Shortcuts....shortcuts....shortcuts.
And this extends to the business world as well.
These same students have become today's executives.
The majority of whom have never worked their way up the corporate ladder.
No real on the job training and more importantly no common sense.
Personal gain overshadowing corporate responsibility.
And why not!
This is a generation that has been able to fast forward most of their lives while skipping over or deleting anything that has gotten in their way.
A generation of "Guitar Heroes" who can't read a note of music.
A generation who do not know the value of a dollar and whose lives are "PRICELESS" or who "WON"T LEAVE HOME" without their credit cards
And these are the people who are now making the corporate decisions that have brought our country to the brink of bankruptcy.
They are the same people taking these ideas into government who think that a $10 trillion national debt is not a concern.
So we will have to work till we die as our 401K's disappear and Social Security goes bankrupt.
As the new cut and paste generation takes the place of the old cut and run generation before them
We can only pray that the day will come when they begin to realize that Real Life is not something you watch on MTV.
And hopefully that day comes soon.
Unfortunately both candidates seem to be missing the big picture.
It is not what has happened in the last eight years or even in the last sixteen.
The problem is that we have become a cut and paste society and original thinking has all but disappeared from this generation.
Just ask any student when was the last time they visited a library to do real research.
Why should they when with the click of a cursor they can get all of the information they need.
Ask them to write an essay and see how many spelling errors or "text abbreviations" you find.
And you can forget about grammar all together.
But why do they need to worry when they all have spell and grammar check on their computers.
And it is not only the student's fault.
School rankings are based on success in standardized tests.
So students are taught to pass those tests.
Shortcuts are instituted to bypass anything that is not covered on these standardized tests.
And the problems just gets worse and worse.
An entire industry now exists to teach students to pass High School entrance exams and SAT tests.
Shortcuts....shortcuts....shortcuts.
And this extends to the business world as well.
These same students have become today's executives.
The majority of whom have never worked their way up the corporate ladder.
No real on the job training and more importantly no common sense.
Personal gain overshadowing corporate responsibility.
And why not!
This is a generation that has been able to fast forward most of their lives while skipping over or deleting anything that has gotten in their way.
A generation of "Guitar Heroes" who can't read a note of music.
A generation who do not know the value of a dollar and whose lives are "PRICELESS" or who "WON"T LEAVE HOME" without their credit cards
And these are the people who are now making the corporate decisions that have brought our country to the brink of bankruptcy.
They are the same people taking these ideas into government who think that a $10 trillion national debt is not a concern.
So we will have to work till we die as our 401K's disappear and Social Security goes bankrupt.
As the new cut and paste generation takes the place of the old cut and run generation before them
We can only pray that the day will come when they begin to realize that Real Life is not something you watch on MTV.
And hopefully that day comes soon.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Truth in Advertising...Not on the Campaign Trail
Did you ever wonder why our political candidates can get away with out right lies during their campaigns and never be held accountable?
Watching some of these campaign ads I get flash backs to the old "Crazy Eddie" ads in the 70's.
He would promise everything just to get you into the store, and for those not familiar, the company wound up going bankrupt with one of the owners in jail.
Prior to every election we have the same thing.
Candidates promising you everything just to get your vote.
We even have campaigns turning a blind eye to voter registration fraud and again no one is held accountable.
A perfect example is what is going on in Florida.
Representative Tim Mahoney replaced Mark Foley who quit after being accused of sending lewd messages to teenage boys.
Now Mahoney who ran with the campaign slogan "Restoring America's Values Begins at Home" is involved in his own sexual scandal.
The trouble allegedly began when his mistress wanted to break off their relationship because she found he was cheating on her.
There are also accusations of the mistress being given a job and also being offered hush money.
This is an extreme example but it goes to our point.
How can we believe anything candidates say?
We have Presidential candidates promising to get us out of this Depression without any significant tax increases.
We have Presidential candidates promising to end the war without any ramifications.
We have Presidential candidates promising the world and everyone knows that 90% of these promises will not be delivered.
But they continue to be allowed to make these promises and nobody holds them accountable.
A few months ago we suggested that all candidates be required to sign a political pre-nup (see below)
This document would hold them accountable for any crimes or ethical offenses they commit while in office.
Maybe it should include delivery of campaign promises as a requirement as well.
Even if the candidates delivered a fraction of what they promised the country would be in much better shape.
But selective memory seems to kick in once they are elected and that my friend is the problem.
These people are no better than the heads of the banks and corporations who have been allowed to bankrupt our economy.
And just like these execs who promised that everything was OK right up until their companies went belly up these elected officials will walk away with their own golden parachutes at the taxpayer's expense as the country falls further and further in debt.
Maybe some "Truth in Advertising" on the campaign trail would be a step in the right direction in getting our country back on track.
Now that would be "CHANGE" that the whole country would welcome.
P.S. Since we introduced this idea of a political pre-nup not even one candidate or elected official has volunteered to sign on
It's Time For A Political Pre-Nup
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43838
Watching some of these campaign ads I get flash backs to the old "Crazy Eddie" ads in the 70's.
He would promise everything just to get you into the store, and for those not familiar, the company wound up going bankrupt with one of the owners in jail.
Prior to every election we have the same thing.
Candidates promising you everything just to get your vote.
We even have campaigns turning a blind eye to voter registration fraud and again no one is held accountable.
A perfect example is what is going on in Florida.
Representative Tim Mahoney replaced Mark Foley who quit after being accused of sending lewd messages to teenage boys.
Now Mahoney who ran with the campaign slogan "Restoring America's Values Begins at Home" is involved in his own sexual scandal.
The trouble allegedly began when his mistress wanted to break off their relationship because she found he was cheating on her.
There are also accusations of the mistress being given a job and also being offered hush money.
This is an extreme example but it goes to our point.
How can we believe anything candidates say?
We have Presidential candidates promising to get us out of this Depression without any significant tax increases.
We have Presidential candidates promising to end the war without any ramifications.
We have Presidential candidates promising the world and everyone knows that 90% of these promises will not be delivered.
But they continue to be allowed to make these promises and nobody holds them accountable.
A few months ago we suggested that all candidates be required to sign a political pre-nup (see below)
This document would hold them accountable for any crimes or ethical offenses they commit while in office.
Maybe it should include delivery of campaign promises as a requirement as well.
Even if the candidates delivered a fraction of what they promised the country would be in much better shape.
But selective memory seems to kick in once they are elected and that my friend is the problem.
These people are no better than the heads of the banks and corporations who have been allowed to bankrupt our economy.
And just like these execs who promised that everything was OK right up until their companies went belly up these elected officials will walk away with their own golden parachutes at the taxpayer's expense as the country falls further and further in debt.
Maybe some "Truth in Advertising" on the campaign trail would be a step in the right direction in getting our country back on track.
Now that would be "CHANGE" that the whole country would welcome.
P.S. Since we introduced this idea of a political pre-nup not even one candidate or elected official has volunteered to sign on
It's Time For A Political Pre-Nup
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43838
Friday, October 10, 2008
9/11 memorial mural on Staten Island graced by sign from above
9/11 memorial mural on Staten Island graced by sign from above
by Jamie Lee / Staten Island Advance
by Jamie Lee / Staten Island Advance
Mr. Ward "Tear Down that Wall"
Under the category of it can’t get any worse the Port Authority and Larry Silverstein are arguing over whether the land at Ground Zero has actually been turned over to Silverstein.
The argument is over a steel and wooden retaining wall on the property.
Knowing Mr. Silverstein’s track record along with the PA’s dreadful history it appears that he will win this battle as well.
When all is said in done he will wind up not having to pay almost any rent on the property this year.
The rent for the year is $78 million and as of Monday the PA had already paid $44 million in late penalties ($300,000 a day)
If the PA keeps giving him non compliance excuses not to accept the property and he can hold out till the end of the year he would save himself another $26 million.
So he will wind up only having to pay $8 million of the original $78 million rent.
Not a bad deal but typical of the Port Authority.
Don’t you think that with something of this magnitude there should have been clearly defined parameters as to what was needed to complete the PA’s responsibility?
“BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”
As with almost everything else at Ground Zero schedules and responsibilities and agreements are always moving targets.
Whether it was with the recovery effort, the identification of remains or the memorial everything was done behind closed doors with timelines and definitions of responsibility changed when it suited those in charge.
Never a comprehensive plan while all the while claiming an open and transparent process.
Isn’t it ironic that after the Port Authority and the LMDC has thrown up walls to block all of our concerns over the past 7 years that a wall is coming back to bite them in the rear.
So instead of just taking down the wall they would rather argue and pay $300,000 a day.
To this we would like to paraphrase Ronald Reagan and say “Mr. Ward, Tear Down That Wall”
So we can get to the next delay……….
The argument is over a steel and wooden retaining wall on the property.
Knowing Mr. Silverstein’s track record along with the PA’s dreadful history it appears that he will win this battle as well.
When all is said in done he will wind up not having to pay almost any rent on the property this year.
The rent for the year is $78 million and as of Monday the PA had already paid $44 million in late penalties ($300,000 a day)
If the PA keeps giving him non compliance excuses not to accept the property and he can hold out till the end of the year he would save himself another $26 million.
So he will wind up only having to pay $8 million of the original $78 million rent.
Not a bad deal but typical of the Port Authority.
Don’t you think that with something of this magnitude there should have been clearly defined parameters as to what was needed to complete the PA’s responsibility?
“BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”
As with almost everything else at Ground Zero schedules and responsibilities and agreements are always moving targets.
Whether it was with the recovery effort, the identification of remains or the memorial everything was done behind closed doors with timelines and definitions of responsibility changed when it suited those in charge.
Never a comprehensive plan while all the while claiming an open and transparent process.
Isn’t it ironic that after the Port Authority and the LMDC has thrown up walls to block all of our concerns over the past 7 years that a wall is coming back to bite them in the rear.
So instead of just taking down the wall they would rather argue and pay $300,000 a day.
To this we would like to paraphrase Ronald Reagan and say “Mr. Ward, Tear Down That Wall”
So we can get to the next delay……….
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