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.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
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!
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