“Letters to a Young Teacher” by nationally renowned and award winning author and educator, Jonathon Kozol is recommended reading for anyone of any age. To steal a phrase, “What a Wonderful Book! Anyone who cares about rebuilding our public education system should read it. I could not put it down.”
Another book that was hard to stop reading is a new book by Garrison Keillor, “Pontoon: a Lake Wobegon Novel”. Garrison tells it like it is and some might struggle to accept his interpretations of life in the Lake Wobegon area or maybe some resemblance to life all over the country.
A judge friend of mine asks that I blog more. I plan to. And thanks for reading me, Judge Shadid and also Judge Kouri. Computer crashes were driving me away from blogging until my friends helped me solve the problems. Anyway it’s working fine again. A new Dell Laptop is on order.
Also, a temporary health set back made me lose my energy but this did not prevent me from filling in for our Board Chairman Bill Prather: Bill also has some temporary health set backs. Bill requested that I conduct our full board monthly October meeting and the Executive Committee meeting Thursday. Plus I still average reading about 3 books a week and I soak up Forbes and the Wall Street Journal.
Still playing some tennis and visiting two sisters in local nursing homes. I feel best when I’m involved as I believe everyone usually does. Might hold off some diseases longer as we age. For you who have called me an old man, don’t worry, you’ll be old one day also if you live that long. For an old man, I do quite well, thank you.
Thanks for reading me.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Adult Kids?
“School teacher runs off with 13 year old boy” says today’s newspapers. At least, the teacher was a woman. However some feel; no problem, lots of 12 year old boys are carrying condoms in their back packs or wallets. She’s safe. Maine is making a full range of contraception available, including birth control pills and patches to 6th graders. Condoms have been available at King Middle School in Maine since 2000. The middle schoolers who are sexually active range from 10 to 14 years old. Maine is not alone. Maine’s actions were the latest to appear in the news I read.
On 2/27/04, I clipped an article “Youths are getting sexual diseases at high rates.” This Associated Press article stated “teenagers and young adults account for nearly half of the newly diagnosed cases of sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S. though they constitute just a quarter of the sexually active population, according to the first national estimate of STDSs among young Americans.” Check with our local County Health Department. They keep statistics on those who come for advice and recommended treatment of their diseased sexual organs. And most of them are treated on the taxpayer’s dole.
Also, no big problem to some because our growing welfare society now aided by an expansion of SCHIPS will pay for the medical treatment and there is no longer any stigma involved with sexually transmitted diseases and unwed pregnancies. (Senator LaHood, I was in disagreement of your yes vote again but I know you were under pressure to not make it look like you were opposed to child health care. I agree with Bush on this one that the program moves to far up the income ladder and is written as another step toward socialized medicine that I totally oppose.) I hope for children’s’ sake this bill is being reworded so our President can sign it soon.
For those of you who support socialized health, take time to listen to some of the experiences of people coming from the north of us and some parts of old Europe..
At a #150 Peoria Middle School I was visiting, a drop-out young "teener" was proudly showing off what many in this country used to call her “bastard” baby; sorry folks, look it up in history books, to an oohing and aahing group of 11-14 year old girls in the school hallways. I faulted school policy. If the school had a child care program, which none of #150 schools have, I could have understood.
Somewhat.
On 10/19/07, the JS reported “Officer gave alcohol to 20-year-old.” Preteen kids are having sex with permission sometimes of their parent or parents or some adult but a guy gets in trouble because at a party where in the heat of all the fun, he providing a 20 year old some alcohol that she misused! The paper says she was pulled over and arrested on a DUI.
How “totally” interesting. Studies indicate that the majority of 20 year old women have had at least one sexual experience outside of marriage by the age of 20 and many of our service people are dead in action before the age of 20.
Too many mothers and “Mothers” are letting their kids dress like sluts, dressing them up like models with lipstick, stylish hairdo’s and high heels at the age of 5; in a few cases younger. The media is hung up on youth “role model” types like Spears and 200 other Hollywood types who have less space in their brains than they have between their bosoms. Too many of our George Bush types are caught up in a total abstinence delusion while too many other are saying “we know you know its “there” so here are some condoms and birth control pills. Don’t forget to use them and good luck.” And maybe throw in “happy hunting” to let kids know they understand.
The problem many adults don’t understand at all and neither do most of the kids. You can read dozens of books on the problems created by having “casual sex” and if you don’t read, you can take the experts testimony as gospel that most causal sex before marriage and sometimes after marriage has a highly negative effect on millions of people’s lives.
No wonder some schools see less and less kids playing sports and participating in activities that wear them out so they go to bed at night to sleep and rest. The kind of sports most of us kids from Congerville and Normal Community played when I was in grade and high school. Many others went home to assigned jobs and learned a work ethic. Sure, sex was on our minds. But it wasn’t constantly flaunted in our faces and our Moms and Dads made sure it stayed just there. The school was to teach us other subjects. Big difference when it is on your mind instead or elsewhere with someone; nowadays, sometimes with either sex. Now kids can forget sports, work, extra-curricular activities and parental supervision; there are lots of physical actions available in many locations for some of these high testosterone foolish misguided kids.
Young women and now young boys carrying condoms and birth control pills are sometimes going to authorities protesting sometimes weeks or years later claiming that they were raped. No, I certainly don’t condone rape when it is really a forcible act totally against the will of the “rapee” but I have always know allegations of rape and actual rape can be a fine line especially if the girl becomes pregnant or gets a problematic sexual disease. Or it dawns on her later that her or his sexually overt acts weren’t such a good idea after all.
Do I think kids and most people lie? Surely, you jest.
I also know that there are a lot of animals acting like humans beings are out there in person or on the internet and nowadays they aren’t all men. These “people” should have a fair trial and if convicted, have the lawful sentences imposed.
Wait till you see what happens when our libraries load up on hundreds of unsupervised computers. Think about it.
On 2/27/04, I clipped an article “Youths are getting sexual diseases at high rates.” This Associated Press article stated “teenagers and young adults account for nearly half of the newly diagnosed cases of sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S. though they constitute just a quarter of the sexually active population, according to the first national estimate of STDSs among young Americans.” Check with our local County Health Department. They keep statistics on those who come for advice and recommended treatment of their diseased sexual organs. And most of them are treated on the taxpayer’s dole.
Also, no big problem to some because our growing welfare society now aided by an expansion of SCHIPS will pay for the medical treatment and there is no longer any stigma involved with sexually transmitted diseases and unwed pregnancies. (Senator LaHood, I was in disagreement of your yes vote again but I know you were under pressure to not make it look like you were opposed to child health care. I agree with Bush on this one that the program moves to far up the income ladder and is written as another step toward socialized medicine that I totally oppose.) I hope for children’s’ sake this bill is being reworded so our President can sign it soon.
For those of you who support socialized health, take time to listen to some of the experiences of people coming from the north of us and some parts of old Europe..
At a #150 Peoria Middle School I was visiting, a drop-out young "teener" was proudly showing off what many in this country used to call her “bastard” baby; sorry folks, look it up in history books, to an oohing and aahing group of 11-14 year old girls in the school hallways. I faulted school policy. If the school had a child care program, which none of #150 schools have, I could have understood.
Somewhat.
On 10/19/07, the JS reported “Officer gave alcohol to 20-year-old.” Preteen kids are having sex with permission sometimes of their parent or parents or some adult but a guy gets in trouble because at a party where in the heat of all the fun, he providing a 20 year old some alcohol that she misused! The paper says she was pulled over and arrested on a DUI.
How “totally” interesting. Studies indicate that the majority of 20 year old women have had at least one sexual experience outside of marriage by the age of 20 and many of our service people are dead in action before the age of 20.
Too many mothers and “Mothers” are letting their kids dress like sluts, dressing them up like models with lipstick, stylish hairdo’s and high heels at the age of 5; in a few cases younger. The media is hung up on youth “role model” types like Spears and 200 other Hollywood types who have less space in their brains than they have between their bosoms. Too many of our George Bush types are caught up in a total abstinence delusion while too many other are saying “we know you know its “there” so here are some condoms and birth control pills. Don’t forget to use them and good luck.” And maybe throw in “happy hunting” to let kids know they understand.
The problem many adults don’t understand at all and neither do most of the kids. You can read dozens of books on the problems created by having “casual sex” and if you don’t read, you can take the experts testimony as gospel that most causal sex before marriage and sometimes after marriage has a highly negative effect on millions of people’s lives.
No wonder some schools see less and less kids playing sports and participating in activities that wear them out so they go to bed at night to sleep and rest. The kind of sports most of us kids from Congerville and Normal Community played when I was in grade and high school. Many others went home to assigned jobs and learned a work ethic. Sure, sex was on our minds. But it wasn’t constantly flaunted in our faces and our Moms and Dads made sure it stayed just there. The school was to teach us other subjects. Big difference when it is on your mind instead or elsewhere with someone; nowadays, sometimes with either sex. Now kids can forget sports, work, extra-curricular activities and parental supervision; there are lots of physical actions available in many locations for some of these high testosterone foolish misguided kids.
Young women and now young boys carrying condoms and birth control pills are sometimes going to authorities protesting sometimes weeks or years later claiming that they were raped. No, I certainly don’t condone rape when it is really a forcible act totally against the will of the “rapee” but I have always know allegations of rape and actual rape can be a fine line especially if the girl becomes pregnant or gets a problematic sexual disease. Or it dawns on her later that her or his sexually overt acts weren’t such a good idea after all.
Do I think kids and most people lie? Surely, you jest.
I also know that there are a lot of animals acting like humans beings are out there in person or on the internet and nowadays they aren’t all men. These “people” should have a fair trial and if convicted, have the lawful sentences imposed.
Wait till you see what happens when our libraries load up on hundreds of unsupervised computers. Think about it.
Ray LaHood Revisited
One thing anyone in public office or running for office should learn is to answer questions as generically as possible when talking to known dunderhead reporters such as Phil Luciano of the JS.
Luciano calls LaHood “Lord Ray” for taking his time to hand out money to three capable brave citizens running for office. Luciano also says he came up with a novel idea in which politicians should just donate their money to charity in the name of the candidate. Luciano says it makes good sense. I suspect that LaHood didn’t want to say “not a good idea” because then some with less common sense might interpret his statement as making LaHood opposed to charities. Remember the library referendum? How could public figures not say no when asked if they support libraries. It would be interpreted as one’s being opposed to education. More on that subject later. Better yet, go into my archives of a few months ago on the library referendum.
Luciano says that “Pragmatically, his (LaHoods) donations do nothing to affect the race, because they all get the same amount. It’s a wash.” Giving money to be used for the sole purpose of helping his friends; the reporter leaves out the fact that they are all three are his friends. It's not implied that each will use the money to help get them elected in the same manner. Perhaps “Prince” Luciano should spend more time reading the Bible which has a parable about a father giving his sons equal amounts and how the father held them accountable for the use of his gift after a proscribed length of time.
The JS reporter admits that he is not a politician but he believes his “novel” idea in the political world makes no sense at all. He is correct. Some reporters often try to interpret what politicians say so their words make the reporter look smart and the politician dumb.
This reporter made the front page of the B section in today’s JS commenting on letters he received supporting Shawnterya, the one with the pink braids. (did I spell her name correctly?) Hope you read and respect Bill Cosby, Juan Williams and Ward Connerly (all blacks who have become very successful in trying to keep this a great nation) who tell of their first hand knowledge of what is happening and who is abetting the accelerating decline of our great nation.
Luciano says “of the hundreds of responses on this story, few supported the school. Maybe the school district will some day stop hiding and explain its decision.” Maybe Luciano will reveal how many of these letters are from past and present school teacher, principals and other administrators. Especially from the thousands of teachers who have left the profession because rules and codes of conduct were held in contempt by kids and backed up by their “mothers” and some incompetent teachers, principals, boards and administrators. And the school did give him a copy of the code handbook which clearly states their position while they try to educate kids and not hold fashion shows with 10 hour, $100 do’s.
I stand 100% behind Principal Sandy Somogyi and Superintendent Allen Johnson.
But then of course Shawnterya is just a 12 year old kid. Why does my word processor always showing that name coming up green like I'm mis-spelling it?
Read my next blog on “Adult Kids”.
P.S. Hope most of you read the letter printed in the JS on 10/27/07 by my friend Ed C. Murphy, former Peoria Mayor candidate and sports columnist for Senior News. Eddie lays it on pretty heavy but he sure writes many statements that should be pondered and in some cases, more action taken by some of who are doubtful this country is heading in the direction our fathers planned.
Luciano calls LaHood “Lord Ray” for taking his time to hand out money to three capable brave citizens running for office. Luciano also says he came up with a novel idea in which politicians should just donate their money to charity in the name of the candidate. Luciano says it makes good sense. I suspect that LaHood didn’t want to say “not a good idea” because then some with less common sense might interpret his statement as making LaHood opposed to charities. Remember the library referendum? How could public figures not say no when asked if they support libraries. It would be interpreted as one’s being opposed to education. More on that subject later. Better yet, go into my archives of a few months ago on the library referendum.
Luciano says that “Pragmatically, his (LaHoods) donations do nothing to affect the race, because they all get the same amount. It’s a wash.” Giving money to be used for the sole purpose of helping his friends; the reporter leaves out the fact that they are all three are his friends. It's not implied that each will use the money to help get them elected in the same manner. Perhaps “Prince” Luciano should spend more time reading the Bible which has a parable about a father giving his sons equal amounts and how the father held them accountable for the use of his gift after a proscribed length of time.
The JS reporter admits that he is not a politician but he believes his “novel” idea in the political world makes no sense at all. He is correct. Some reporters often try to interpret what politicians say so their words make the reporter look smart and the politician dumb.
This reporter made the front page of the B section in today’s JS commenting on letters he received supporting Shawnterya, the one with the pink braids. (did I spell her name correctly?) Hope you read and respect Bill Cosby, Juan Williams and Ward Connerly (all blacks who have become very successful in trying to keep this a great nation) who tell of their first hand knowledge of what is happening and who is abetting the accelerating decline of our great nation.
Luciano says “of the hundreds of responses on this story, few supported the school. Maybe the school district will some day stop hiding and explain its decision.” Maybe Luciano will reveal how many of these letters are from past and present school teacher, principals and other administrators. Especially from the thousands of teachers who have left the profession because rules and codes of conduct were held in contempt by kids and backed up by their “mothers” and some incompetent teachers, principals, boards and administrators. And the school did give him a copy of the code handbook which clearly states their position while they try to educate kids and not hold fashion shows with 10 hour, $100 do’s.
I stand 100% behind Principal Sandy Somogyi and Superintendent Allen Johnson.
But then of course Shawnterya is just a 12 year old kid. Why does my word processor always showing that name coming up green like I'm mis-spelling it?
Read my next blog on “Adult Kids”.
P.S. Hope most of you read the letter printed in the JS on 10/27/07 by my friend Ed C. Murphy, former Peoria Mayor candidate and sports columnist for Senior News. Eddie lays it on pretty heavy but he sure writes many statements that should be pondered and in some cases, more action taken by some of who are doubtful this country is heading in the direction our fathers planned.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
An Open Letter to the Editors of the Journal Star
On more than one occasion I have written and stated that the Journal Star is the most community divisive media from Chicago to St. Louis and from Des Moines to Indianapolis. It is a media that embarrasses its community leaders whenever an opportunity arises. Then it criticizes these leaders for not running for public office or serving in positions of authority over others in the public sector. Many Journal Star headlines and articles frighten some businesses and some visitors from even considering moving to the City of Peoria.
On Sunday, a guy who I’m told teaches at a major local university is featured on the front page of the JS crying the administration of Pleasant Valley Middle School committed a foul for their decision to send a 12 year old “pensive” (her picture with her pink stresses, not maroon; the journalist changed it to maroon so it fit in the headline, “Girl marooned by hairdo”) kid home because she violated the language in the school handbook. I quote , “Any type of dress or grooming that is inappropriate or disruptive will not be permitted, and students will be asked to change or given alternate clothing. Refusal to cooperate could result in the student being sent home.”
The apparently disobedient 12 year old kid is described as an honor student. Surely she and her mother can read and respect the rulings of those in charge of kids. School Boards and School Administrators with legal counsel determine dress and conduct codes, not a kid and parent just because the mother spent $100.00 and 10 hours on a hairdo. $100 bucks on a 12 year old kid’s hairdo?
The JS says that the kids name is Shawnterya Carter and her mother’s name is Ebony Neasman. It doesn’t mention that Pleasant Valley Middle School attendees are 72% poverty “family” kids.(The mother said the hairdo cost $100.00) Hmmmmm. The usual phrase was thrown in by the mother; “I think I’m going to have to get a lawyer”.
The JS whines about rising crime in Peoria and wants to blame everybody that’s anybody for the problem. When kids flout the rules and the law, someone on the editorial board or some reporter gets around eventually if not immediately placing the blame on authorities that do their best to keep law and order in Peoria. Then they whine about rising crime in Peoria. Any Police Officer will tell you that one of the major causes of crime in Peoria is the disrespect of any type of authority.
On 11/01, the JSEB wrote “Stressing out over student’s tresses.” Cute title. Both articles will tend to make this apparently disrespectful kid and parent martyr’s to the cause of disobedience. I am familiar with this school and its administrator. I have great regard for the benefits they bring to that community. Principal Somogyi followed the correct procedure to refer the reporter’s call to her superior, Superintendent Allen Johnson. Then the writer whines “He didn’t call me back.” Why should he? I suspect he already knew of the threat of a lawsuit by the “mother”. Any school attorney will tell the party being attacked to not let some bullying reporter attempt to try and convict the parties being victimized in the newspaper.
Remember when the JS twice reported that I approached a “mild manner Arthur Ashe” type in a parking lot when the police report clearly stated the “Arthur Ashe 30 year younger type” approached me saying “if you ever have a problem with my property call me.” (the property was registered at City Hall in the name of a woman with a different last name), What he really said was describing at least three ways to remove my M-----F------ head .After my protest the JS eventually issued a correction buried at the bottom left hand corner of page B11
I have spent a goodly number of hours visiting schools and viewing how a few kids in almost any class show their disrespect to almost any kind of authority. As a result, some teachers try to make “buddies” of these disruptive kids or ignore them totally in the classroom. Most teachers tell me that if they correct disruptive kids, the mother, note I say mother, comes railing and threatening the principal and the teacher. .
Both my wife and I remember that when we taught, disrespectful kids were handled by school authorities supported by the disruptive kid’s parents. We also knew to be a respectful kid’s friend but not become a “buddy” to any minor. Not true in much of our permissive society today.
Most of us who live in this community say to the JS, let the schools and other authorities do their jobs without every event involving a black becoming a racial front page issue and everyone they don’t like becoming whipping stock.
We are sick of it. Many of us hoped things would change when the paper was sold and some of those divisive to the community “retired”. Instead the JS looks more like the paper’s most of us give a glance but never buy when we check out at the grocery counter.
On Sunday, a guy who I’m told teaches at a major local university is featured on the front page of the JS crying the administration of Pleasant Valley Middle School committed a foul for their decision to send a 12 year old “pensive” (her picture with her pink stresses, not maroon; the journalist changed it to maroon so it fit in the headline, “Girl marooned by hairdo”) kid home because she violated the language in the school handbook. I quote , “Any type of dress or grooming that is inappropriate or disruptive will not be permitted, and students will be asked to change or given alternate clothing. Refusal to cooperate could result in the student being sent home.”
The apparently disobedient 12 year old kid is described as an honor student. Surely she and her mother can read and respect the rulings of those in charge of kids. School Boards and School Administrators with legal counsel determine dress and conduct codes, not a kid and parent just because the mother spent $100.00 and 10 hours on a hairdo. $100 bucks on a 12 year old kid’s hairdo?
The JS says that the kids name is Shawnterya Carter and her mother’s name is Ebony Neasman. It doesn’t mention that Pleasant Valley Middle School attendees are 72% poverty “family” kids.(The mother said the hairdo cost $100.00) Hmmmmm. The usual phrase was thrown in by the mother; “I think I’m going to have to get a lawyer”.
The JS whines about rising crime in Peoria and wants to blame everybody that’s anybody for the problem. When kids flout the rules and the law, someone on the editorial board or some reporter gets around eventually if not immediately placing the blame on authorities that do their best to keep law and order in Peoria. Then they whine about rising crime in Peoria. Any Police Officer will tell you that one of the major causes of crime in Peoria is the disrespect of any type of authority.
On 11/01, the JSEB wrote “Stressing out over student’s tresses.” Cute title. Both articles will tend to make this apparently disrespectful kid and parent martyr’s to the cause of disobedience. I am familiar with this school and its administrator. I have great regard for the benefits they bring to that community. Principal Somogyi followed the correct procedure to refer the reporter’s call to her superior, Superintendent Allen Johnson. Then the writer whines “He didn’t call me back.” Why should he? I suspect he already knew of the threat of a lawsuit by the “mother”. Any school attorney will tell the party being attacked to not let some bullying reporter attempt to try and convict the parties being victimized in the newspaper.
Remember when the JS twice reported that I approached a “mild manner Arthur Ashe” type in a parking lot when the police report clearly stated the “Arthur Ashe 30 year younger type” approached me saying “if you ever have a problem with my property call me.” (the property was registered at City Hall in the name of a woman with a different last name), What he really said was describing at least three ways to remove my M-----F------ head .After my protest the JS eventually issued a correction buried at the bottom left hand corner of page B11
I have spent a goodly number of hours visiting schools and viewing how a few kids in almost any class show their disrespect to almost any kind of authority. As a result, some teachers try to make “buddies” of these disruptive kids or ignore them totally in the classroom. Most teachers tell me that if they correct disruptive kids, the mother, note I say mother, comes railing and threatening the principal and the teacher. .
Both my wife and I remember that when we taught, disrespectful kids were handled by school authorities supported by the disruptive kid’s parents. We also knew to be a respectful kid’s friend but not become a “buddy” to any minor. Not true in much of our permissive society today.
Most of us who live in this community say to the JS, let the schools and other authorities do their jobs without every event involving a black becoming a racial front page issue and everyone they don’t like becoming whipping stock.
We are sick of it. Many of us hoped things would change when the paper was sold and some of those divisive to the community “retired”. Instead the JS looks more like the paper’s most of us give a glance but never buy when we check out at the grocery counter.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
English Language - The Official Language of the United States of America
Our elected officials in DC debate whether English should be America's language. Some of them "should get a life". Some of them should not be reelected if for no other reason than they lack common sense. Some of them are posturing to segments of the electorate. Some are very much afraid to not be "politically correct". Personally, I have disdain for many who fit the categories above.
For those who wish to learn other languages; good, as we need translators and teachers who know more than the English language. If you want to be live here because you like it then learn the English language. If you arrived here legally we are pleased to have you and we can enjoy the benefits you add to our knowledge of other places and other languages. But immediately start taking classes to learn the English language. Knowledge of the the most widely used language where you live or plan to live usually offers the best road to success. That is, unless you are blessed with unusual talent. Then no one cares. Example: being a Rap star or a professional anything from sports to art. The most guaranteed route to success is knowing the common language of the land and the ability to understand it. English is the language we use to communicate in the U.SA..
Period.
If people are here illegally; that is a problem which most of our elected officials have failed in their approach to the problem to use common sense and we as INFORMED voters ought to vote them out and vote in people with common sense and some guts.
Some of us who blog may not be as smart as some who are grammatically correct. However, it is proven in the comment sector of this site that some of these "intellects" lack common sense.
For those who wish to learn other languages; good, as we need translators and teachers who know more than the English language. If you want to be live here because you like it then learn the English language. If you arrived here legally we are pleased to have you and we can enjoy the benefits you add to our knowledge of other places and other languages. But immediately start taking classes to learn the English language. Knowledge of the the most widely used language where you live or plan to live usually offers the best road to success. That is, unless you are blessed with unusual talent. Then no one cares. Example: being a Rap star or a professional anything from sports to art. The most guaranteed route to success is knowing the common language of the land and the ability to understand it. English is the language we use to communicate in the U.SA..
Period.
If people are here illegally; that is a problem which most of our elected officials have failed in their approach to the problem to use common sense and we as INFORMED voters ought to vote them out and vote in people with common sense and some guts.
Some of us who blog may not be as smart as some who are grammatically correct. However, it is proven in the comment sector of this site that some of these "intellects" lack common sense.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Decency 10/17/07
"Tickets 'not race based' is a JS front page headline on 10/13 and "Group asks for 'fairness' another JS front page headline on 10/14/07 indicates again how far small segments in this community have taken it upon themselves to call any corrective action involving disrespectful acts as being "unfair racism".
"The American Idea" series by notables in the November, 2007, issue of the Monthly Atlantic best states the ridiculousness of the statements of small segments of local leaders of "victimized" blacks.
Please take the time to read what James Q. Wilson and George L Kelling wrote called "Decency". Their article "Broken Windows" was the cover story of the March 1982 Atlantic.
The article reads "In thinking about the American idea, we decided to revisit a concept we first took up in these pages 25 years ago.
Americans value both order and freedom, and drawing a line between the two is no easy task. This may seem especially true where the more routine aspects of public order are concerned. How much freedom must be sacrificed in order to have quiet streets free of graffiti, aggressive panhandlers, prostitutes and teen age gangs? Taken alone, few of these kinds of disorders constitute major crimes-but taken together, they deeply worry people who want to go about their own public business secure in the sense that our society, and not some disorderly faction within it, controls public spaces.
In 1982, we argued in this magazine that the police should take public disorder as seriously as they take criminal conduct. We urged them to resume doing what was once one of their major tasks:constraining the public activity of drunks, panhandlers, prostitutes and gangs.
We suggested two rationales for this change:First,people feel threatened by public disorder;second, the chance that greater order would reduce crime rates. The first statement is obviously true; the second was a conjecture that has still been only partially tested.
Community order, we argued, would bring decent people back on the streets and discourage criminals from using public places; certain kinds of crimes (assault,robbery, and auto theft). therefore, would subsequently decline.
Virtually all of the evidence we have from studies of the police suggests that restoring order is associated with a drop in crime. this is reassuring, but it may not be conclusive. The idea has never been fully tested.
Public order is achieved neither by leaving alone everyone who is not a serious criminal nor by harassing everyone who uses the streets; it is achieved by a combination of family training, neighborhood norms, and official constraints that induce people to follow widely shared rules of behavior. Social science cannot settle the question of how much order ought to be maintained; that is a question of morality and politics. In this country, the public view seems to be quite clear:People believe, we think rightly, that it is a good thing if routine misconduct is discouraged by the gentle action of opinion and authority. It is rarely necessary to arrest an aggressive drunk, a rowdy gang member, or a graffiti artist: it is usually sufficient to discourage them by firm reminders. True freedom is encouraged by an environment of public decency and discouraged by one of neglect and disorder.
Decency in public places may be only a small part of the American idea, but especially for those people living in dangerous, gang-ridden neighborhoods, it is an important one."
As the leading crime community in the State of Illinois as shown in some statistics, the Chief of Police acting on authority granted him by the City of Peoria believed by issuing tickets his officers were making firm reminders to some of the residents of this community that their actions are beyond the the realm of decency.
That respect for authority has broken down terribly in our families, schools, public places and in our community and our society is more than evident.
The "leaders" who picketed for leniency of law-breakers should realize that compassion and understanding did not stop a 15 year old "kid" from assault, arson and the killing of an innocent vehicle rider. While I am a great believer in dialogue with those who feel they are victimized by the "system", I would encourage more of this dialogue to continue and that firmer action be taken towards those who break "windows" until they are finally caught. For years, I have seen more aggressive attitudes of disrespect by black youths in our public schools and disrespect by walking down the middle of streets with both hands holding their crotches.
I appeal to the City Council to give our Police Chief the 25 or more officers (take some of the money requested by the Library Board; these kids showing disrespect will not be found studying in our public libraries; they don't even use the extensive school libraries. Only 22% of the students at Manual were tested to be proficient in reading last year) he needs to dialogue with all residents of the community and take the aggressive action needed to make people feel more safe where they live, work,drive, go to school and recreate.
Until the mothers and father of aggressively disrespectfully off-spring understand that the lives they all lead end up in chaos and that "parents" are required to be more than child bearers who tell their kids how much they love them as these "kids" are sent away to prisons.
"The American Idea" series by notables in the November, 2007, issue of the Monthly Atlantic best states the ridiculousness of the statements of small segments of local leaders of "victimized" blacks.
Please take the time to read what James Q. Wilson and George L Kelling wrote called "Decency". Their article "Broken Windows" was the cover story of the March 1982 Atlantic.
The article reads "In thinking about the American idea, we decided to revisit a concept we first took up in these pages 25 years ago.
Americans value both order and freedom, and drawing a line between the two is no easy task. This may seem especially true where the more routine aspects of public order are concerned. How much freedom must be sacrificed in order to have quiet streets free of graffiti, aggressive panhandlers, prostitutes and teen age gangs? Taken alone, few of these kinds of disorders constitute major crimes-but taken together, they deeply worry people who want to go about their own public business secure in the sense that our society, and not some disorderly faction within it, controls public spaces.
In 1982, we argued in this magazine that the police should take public disorder as seriously as they take criminal conduct. We urged them to resume doing what was once one of their major tasks:constraining the public activity of drunks, panhandlers, prostitutes and gangs.
We suggested two rationales for this change:First,people feel threatened by public disorder;second, the chance that greater order would reduce crime rates. The first statement is obviously true; the second was a conjecture that has still been only partially tested.
Community order, we argued, would bring decent people back on the streets and discourage criminals from using public places; certain kinds of crimes (assault,robbery, and auto theft). therefore, would subsequently decline.
Virtually all of the evidence we have from studies of the police suggests that restoring order is associated with a drop in crime. this is reassuring, but it may not be conclusive. The idea has never been fully tested.
Public order is achieved neither by leaving alone everyone who is not a serious criminal nor by harassing everyone who uses the streets; it is achieved by a combination of family training, neighborhood norms, and official constraints that induce people to follow widely shared rules of behavior. Social science cannot settle the question of how much order ought to be maintained; that is a question of morality and politics. In this country, the public view seems to be quite clear:People believe, we think rightly, that it is a good thing if routine misconduct is discouraged by the gentle action of opinion and authority. It is rarely necessary to arrest an aggressive drunk, a rowdy gang member, or a graffiti artist: it is usually sufficient to discourage them by firm reminders. True freedom is encouraged by an environment of public decency and discouraged by one of neglect and disorder.
Decency in public places may be only a small part of the American idea, but especially for those people living in dangerous, gang-ridden neighborhoods, it is an important one."
As the leading crime community in the State of Illinois as shown in some statistics, the Chief of Police acting on authority granted him by the City of Peoria believed by issuing tickets his officers were making firm reminders to some of the residents of this community that their actions are beyond the the realm of decency.
That respect for authority has broken down terribly in our families, schools, public places and in our community and our society is more than evident.
The "leaders" who picketed for leniency of law-breakers should realize that compassion and understanding did not stop a 15 year old "kid" from assault, arson and the killing of an innocent vehicle rider. While I am a great believer in dialogue with those who feel they are victimized by the "system", I would encourage more of this dialogue to continue and that firmer action be taken towards those who break "windows" until they are finally caught. For years, I have seen more aggressive attitudes of disrespect by black youths in our public schools and disrespect by walking down the middle of streets with both hands holding their crotches.
I appeal to the City Council to give our Police Chief the 25 or more officers (take some of the money requested by the Library Board; these kids showing disrespect will not be found studying in our public libraries; they don't even use the extensive school libraries. Only 22% of the students at Manual were tested to be proficient in reading last year) he needs to dialogue with all residents of the community and take the aggressive action needed to make people feel more safe where they live, work,drive, go to school and recreate.
Until the mothers and father of aggressively disrespectfully off-spring understand that the lives they all lead end up in chaos and that "parents" are required to be more than child bearers who tell their kids how much they love them as these "kids" are sent away to prisons.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Peoria Park District 10/15/07
A group of us play tennis every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Glen Oak Park when the weather permits. Almost invariably during the summer with the wind usually blowing from the Southwest over the tennis courts, some park employee is mowing grass (and dust) despite our constant pleas to find a different patch of park to mow between 9-11 A.M. these three days a week. Today, a park employee was blowing dust 100 or more feet into the air sending large clouds of dust over the courts where we were playing. Only after a phone call was made to park administration did the leaf blower move elsewhere.
This scenario has played and replayed itself dozens of times over the past decade. Less and less grass grows at Glen Oak so more patches of bare ground create virtual dust storms when park employees are mowing or blowing leaves. If you notice, Glen Oak Park overall is in terrible condition. I understand that even Park Board President Cassidy showed dismay when he went on a tour with a couple of concerned taxpayers.
Where beautiful flower gardens grew this morning at 9:00 A.M., by 10:30 A.M. the flowers were cut down and destroyed by orders of park administration. All over Peoria, many brighly colored flowers are still in full bloom. Not at Glen Oak Park; at two sites, they were chopped down and thrown in a tranport and hauled away.
The park has an almost $50 million dollar budget for 2007. All three board seats up for election were filled by two incumbents and one new member occupying the seat vacated by Stan Budinzki. Three people ran for three seats. The community appears to have lost interest in this poorly run, free spending poor imitation of a country club.
The inconsideration of some park employees and administration toward tennis and Glen Oak Park becomes more apparent each year.
The park just announced they are moving thier headquarters over to Knoxville at a cost of $2.7 million prompting at least one Board Member, Jim Cummings to say "when we are talking about several million dollars, I'd like to see it (the money) in advance." The PPD has borrowed $10 million to complete most of the first phase of the new zoo addition. The park still owes 14 more years of payments on the money they borrowed to build the RiverPlex. Income from the RP operations has never paid the yearly principal and interest payments on the original 20 year loan. Yearly losses on the fitness center approach $600,000.00; this loss shared by an unhappy, I'm told, St. Francis Hospital.
The move of park headquarters to Knoxville is temporary as plans are for park Administration to occupy the 33,000 sq. ft. Lakeview Museum after the new downtown museum is built.
I predicted a $60 million dollar park budget by 2010. Forget the softball complex promised by Cassidy and Noble to be completed by 2006 tournament time. They haven't even broken ground and don't have the money without selling more bonds and continuing to raise property taxes. The swapped land, Meinen Field for acreage out by Dunlap, is still in the name of Bradley University who, I'm told, collects agriculture subsidies paid by the lowly taxpayer.
Look at all the money losing enhancements going on around you and wake up, Peoria. All these park and school bonds, including the $35 million library bonds will all have to be repaid someday with (at the present, at least), cheaper dollars. If the housing boom stops (or slows dramatically) in Peoria and no new property tax paying businesses of any size move in, who is going to pay the future bills?
This scenario has played and replayed itself dozens of times over the past decade. Less and less grass grows at Glen Oak so more patches of bare ground create virtual dust storms when park employees are mowing or blowing leaves. If you notice, Glen Oak Park overall is in terrible condition. I understand that even Park Board President Cassidy showed dismay when he went on a tour with a couple of concerned taxpayers.
Where beautiful flower gardens grew this morning at 9:00 A.M., by 10:30 A.M. the flowers were cut down and destroyed by orders of park administration. All over Peoria, many brighly colored flowers are still in full bloom. Not at Glen Oak Park; at two sites, they were chopped down and thrown in a tranport and hauled away.
The park has an almost $50 million dollar budget for 2007. All three board seats up for election were filled by two incumbents and one new member occupying the seat vacated by Stan Budinzki. Three people ran for three seats. The community appears to have lost interest in this poorly run, free spending poor imitation of a country club.
The inconsideration of some park employees and administration toward tennis and Glen Oak Park becomes more apparent each year.
The park just announced they are moving thier headquarters over to Knoxville at a cost of $2.7 million prompting at least one Board Member, Jim Cummings to say "when we are talking about several million dollars, I'd like to see it (the money) in advance." The PPD has borrowed $10 million to complete most of the first phase of the new zoo addition. The park still owes 14 more years of payments on the money they borrowed to build the RiverPlex. Income from the RP operations has never paid the yearly principal and interest payments on the original 20 year loan. Yearly losses on the fitness center approach $600,000.00; this loss shared by an unhappy, I'm told, St. Francis Hospital.
The move of park headquarters to Knoxville is temporary as plans are for park Administration to occupy the 33,000 sq. ft. Lakeview Museum after the new downtown museum is built.
I predicted a $60 million dollar park budget by 2010. Forget the softball complex promised by Cassidy and Noble to be completed by 2006 tournament time. They haven't even broken ground and don't have the money without selling more bonds and continuing to raise property taxes. The swapped land, Meinen Field for acreage out by Dunlap, is still in the name of Bradley University who, I'm told, collects agriculture subsidies paid by the lowly taxpayer.
Look at all the money losing enhancements going on around you and wake up, Peoria. All these park and school bonds, including the $35 million library bonds will all have to be repaid someday with (at the present, at least), cheaper dollars. If the housing boom stops (or slows dramatically) in Peoria and no new property tax paying businesses of any size move in, who is going to pay the future bills?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Additions to my blogroll
I have added the following 15 bloggers to my blogroll. They were chosen because they are well-written and come highly recomended. Please visit these sites:
O'Brien's Briar Patch.
Blargen Blog.
The Usual Suspects.
Name This Peoria Landmark.
Marathon Pundit.
Peoria Rocks!
Grandma's Attic.
Notes from the Trailerhood.
Keep Passing the Open Windows.
A Moment of Zentz.
Chef Kevin
Pointlessly Hypertechnical.
Out on a Limb.
Morton Malaise.
Blue Ollie.
O'Brien's Briar Patch.
Blargen Blog.
The Usual Suspects.
Name This Peoria Landmark.
Marathon Pundit.
Peoria Rocks!
Grandma's Attic.
Notes from the Trailerhood.
Keep Passing the Open Windows.
A Moment of Zentz.
Chef Kevin
Pointlessly Hypertechnical.
Out on a Limb.
Morton Malaise.
Blue Ollie.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
United States Wars 10/10/07
'The greatest good we can do our country is to heal its party divisions and make them one people.'
-- Thomas Jefferson (letter to John Dickinson, 1801)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Glenn said this that should make you think a little: There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq in January.In the fair city of Detroit there were 35 murders in the month of January. That's just one American city,about as deadly as the entire war-torn country of Iraq When some claim that President Bush shouldn'thave started this war, state the following: a. FDR led us into World War II.b. Germany never attacked us ; Japan did.From 1941-1945, 450,000 lives were lost ...an average of 112,500 per year. c. Truman finished that war and started one in North Korea who never attacked us .From 1950-1953, 55,000 lives were lost ...an average of 18,334 per year. d John F. Kennedy started the Vietnam conflict in 1962. Vietnam never attacked us. e. Johnson and many in Congress turned Vietnam into a quagmire. From 1965-1975, 58,000 lives were lost ..an average of 5,800 per year. f. Clinton went to war in Bosnia without UN or French consent. Bosnia never attacked us. He was offered Osama bin Laden's head on a platter threetimes by Sudan and did nothing. Osama has attacked us onmultiple occasions. g. In the years since terrorists attacked us , President Bush has liberated two countries, crushed the Taliban, crippled al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Libya , Iran , and, North Korea without firing a shot, and captured a terrorist who slaughtered 300,000 of his own people. Many Democrats are complaining about how long the war is taking. But wait It took less time to take Iraq than it took Janet Reno to take the Branch Davidian compound. That was a 51-day operation.. We've been looking for evidence for chemical weaponsin Iraq for less time than it took Hillary Clinton to find the Rose Law Firm billing records. It took less time for the 3rd Infantry Division and the Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard than it took Ted Kennedy to call the police after his Oldsmobile sank at Chappaquiddick. It took less time to take Iraq than it took to count the votes in Florida!!!
Our Commander-In-Chief is doing a GREAT JOB !The Military morale is high!The biased media hopes we are too ignorant to realize the facts. But Wait There's more!JOHN GLENN (on the Senate floor - January 26, 2004)Some people still don't understand why military personnel do what they do for a living. This exchange between Senators John Glenn and Senator Howard Metzenbaum < BR> is worth reading. Not only is it a pretty impressive impromptu speech, but it's also a good example of one man's explanation of why men and women in the armed services do what they do for a living. This IS a typical, though sad, example of what some who have never served think of the military. Senator Metzenbaum (speaking to Senator Glenn):"How can you run for Senate when you've never held a real job?" Senator Glenn (D-Ohio): "I served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. I served through two wars. I flew 149 missions.My plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire on 12 different occasions. I was in the space program. It wasn't my checkbook, Howard; it was my life on the line. It was not a nine-to-five job, where I took time off to take the daily cash receipts to the bank.''I ask you to go with me .. . as I went the other day...to a veteran's hospital and look those men ..with their mangled bodies . in the eye, and tell THEM they didn't hold a job! You go with me to the Space Program at NASA and go, as I have gone, to the widows and Orphans of Ed White, Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee...and you look those kids in the eye and tell them that their DADS didn't hold a job. You go with me on Memorial Day and you stand in Arlington National Cemetery , where I have more friends buried than I'd like to remember, and you watch those waving flags. You stand there, and you think about this nation,
and you tell ME that those people didn't have a job? < BR>
What about you?'
For those who don't remember
During W.W.II, Howard Metzenbaum was an attorney
representing the Communist Party in the USA .
Now he's a Senator!
If you can read this, thank a teacher.
If you are reading it in English thank a Veteran.
It might not be a bad idea to keep this circulating. I AM!!!
So am I.
Merle Widmer
May God bless America
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get news, entertainment and everything
-- Thomas Jefferson (letter to John Dickinson, 1801)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Glenn said this that should make you think a little: There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq in January.In the fair city of Detroit there were 35 murders in the month of January. That's just one American city,about as deadly as the entire war-torn country of Iraq When some claim that President Bush shouldn'thave started this war, state the following: a. FDR led us into World War II.b. Germany never attacked us ; Japan did.From 1941-1945, 450,000 lives were lost ...an average of 112,500 per year. c. Truman finished that war and started one in North Korea who never attacked us .From 1950-1953, 55,000 lives were lost ...an average of 18,334 per year. d John F. Kennedy started the Vietnam conflict in 1962. Vietnam never attacked us. e. Johnson and many in Congress turned Vietnam into a quagmire. From 1965-1975, 58,000 lives were lost ..an average of 5,800 per year. f. Clinton went to war in Bosnia without UN or French consent. Bosnia never attacked us. He was offered Osama bin Laden's head on a platter threetimes by Sudan and did nothing. Osama has attacked us onmultiple occasions. g. In the years since terrorists attacked us , President Bush has liberated two countries, crushed the Taliban, crippled al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Libya , Iran , and, North Korea without firing a shot, and captured a terrorist who slaughtered 300,000 of his own people. Many Democrats are complaining about how long the war is taking. But wait It took less time to take Iraq than it took Janet Reno to take the Branch Davidian compound. That was a 51-day operation.. We've been looking for evidence for chemical weaponsin Iraq for less time than it took Hillary Clinton to find the Rose Law Firm billing records. It took less time for the 3rd Infantry Division and the Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard than it took Ted Kennedy to call the police after his Oldsmobile sank at Chappaquiddick. It took less time to take Iraq than it took to count the votes in Florida!!!
Our Commander-In-Chief is doing a GREAT JOB !The Military morale is high!The biased media hopes we are too ignorant to realize the facts. But Wait There's more!JOHN GLENN (on the Senate floor - January 26, 2004)Some people still don't understand why military personnel do what they do for a living. This exchange between Senators John Glenn and Senator Howard Metzenbaum < BR> is worth reading. Not only is it a pretty impressive impromptu speech, but it's also a good example of one man's explanation of why men and women in the armed services do what they do for a living. This IS a typical, though sad, example of what some who have never served think of the military. Senator Metzenbaum (speaking to Senator Glenn):"How can you run for Senate when you've never held a real job?" Senator Glenn (D-Ohio): "I served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. I served through two wars. I flew 149 missions.My plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire on 12 different occasions. I was in the space program. It wasn't my checkbook, Howard; it was my life on the line. It was not a nine-to-five job, where I took time off to take the daily cash receipts to the bank.''I ask you to go with me .. . as I went the other day...to a veteran's hospital and look those men ..with their mangled bodies . in the eye, and tell THEM they didn't hold a job! You go with me to the Space Program at NASA and go, as I have gone, to the widows and Orphans of Ed White, Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee...and you look those kids in the eye and tell them that their DADS didn't hold a job. You go with me on Memorial Day and you stand in Arlington National Cemetery , where I have more friends buried than I'd like to remember, and you watch those waving flags. You stand there, and you think about this nation,
and you tell ME that those people didn't have a job? < BR>
What about you?'
For those who don't remember
During W.W.II, Howard Metzenbaum was an attorney
representing the Communist Party in the USA .
Now he's a Senator!
If you can read this, thank a teacher.
If you are reading it in English thank a Veteran.
It might not be a bad idea to keep this circulating. I AM!!!
So am I.
Merle Widmer
May God bless America
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get news, entertainment and everything
Peoria County Gap Loan Program 10/10/07
A statement was made on my blog site about my malfeasance in voting for GAP Loans. Here is data from our EDC lisason Sally Hanley. I believe Peoria County has a sterling record to date in helping Peoria County companies to stay located in Peoria County and help new businesses get off the ground.
All loan projects when presented to the full County Board were passed unanimously. All were previously debated were both in committee and before the full board. Several loan requests have been turned down as deemed not meeting GAP Loans Policy.
All applications must be recommended by the EDC before any action is taken by any Committee or the full County Board.
Aattached is information from the EDC.
Thanks, Sally
"Merle, per your request please see the GAP results below for your Blog. The report reflects activity from 2002 when I started. We have had only 3 out of 50 loans go "bad" since the inception back in 1986."
2002-2007 Peoria County Government Assistance Program (GAP) Activity
Total New Capital Invested: $30,252,619.50
Peoria County GAP Loan Portion: $1,612,000.00
13 Businesses Involved:
Ser-Wieg, Inc. *
The Palace Roller Rink *
MHCR, LLC (Culvers Restaurant) *
Allied Packaging, LLC *
inPlay *
Roecker Partnership
Firefly *
eServe LLC
SCSI LLC
Doehrmann's Ace Hardware *
River Station *
Globe Energy *
CoBatCo
* indicates a new business (9 out of 13)
New Jobs Created: 239
Jobs Retained: 71
Sally Hanley
Development Director
Economic Development Council for Central Illinois
124 SW Adams Street, Suite 300
Peoria, Illinois 61602-1388
309.495.5953 v
309.495.5963 f
shanley@edc.h-p.org
www.edc.centralillinois.org
All loan projects when presented to the full County Board were passed unanimously. All were previously debated were both in committee and before the full board. Several loan requests have been turned down as deemed not meeting GAP Loans Policy.
All applications must be recommended by the EDC before any action is taken by any Committee or the full County Board.
Aattached is information from the EDC.
Thanks, Sally
"Merle, per your request please see the GAP results below for your Blog. The report reflects activity from 2002 when I started. We have had only 3 out of 50 loans go "bad" since the inception back in 1986."
2002-2007 Peoria County Government Assistance Program (GAP) Activity
Total New Capital Invested: $30,252,619.50
Peoria County GAP Loan Portion: $1,612,000.00
13 Businesses Involved:
Ser-Wieg, Inc. *
The Palace Roller Rink *
MHCR, LLC (Culvers Restaurant) *
Allied Packaging, LLC *
inPlay *
Roecker Partnership
Firefly *
eServe LLC
SCSI LLC
Doehrmann's Ace Hardware *
River Station *
Globe Energy *
CoBatCo
* indicates a new business (9 out of 13)
New Jobs Created: 239
Jobs Retained: 71
Sally Hanley
Development Director
Economic Development Council for Central Illinois
124 SW Adams Street, Suite 300
Peoria, Illinois 61602-1388
309.495.5953 v
309.495.5963 f
shanley@edc.h-p.org
www.edc.centralillinois.org
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Tim Riggenbach
Tim Riggenbach will not be running for Aaron Shock’s seat. Riggenbach, a Republican, will run for re-election to the County Board. Riggenbach has twice been appointed by Democrat County Board Chairmen as Chairman of the Legislative/Finance Committee of the board. As a former businessman who serves on his committee, I can attest that he does a superior job with his leadership.
Riggenbach is the type of politician the community continues to ask to represent them as an honest, common sense, vibrant and industrious community servant. My more than four years of working with him on committees and the full board qualify me to say that if I were in business today; Tim is the type of leader I would seek out for my company.
As Branch Manager of a major bank in Peoria, Tim brings a knowledge of finance and legislation that is a distinct asset to the Peoria County Board.
The community should lay aside partisan politics and elect a person with a proven financial background who is supported by a family with strong interest in the present and future of Peoria. He will have my full support in the elections of 2008.
Riggenbach is the type of politician the community continues to ask to represent them as an honest, common sense, vibrant and industrious community servant. My more than four years of working with him on committees and the full board qualify me to say that if I were in business today; Tim is the type of leader I would seek out for my company.
As Branch Manager of a major bank in Peoria, Tim brings a knowledge of finance and legislation that is a distinct asset to the Peoria County Board.
The community should lay aside partisan politics and elect a person with a proven financial background who is supported by a family with strong interest in the present and future of Peoria. He will have my full support in the elections of 2008.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Ray LaHood 10/01/07
Congressman LaHood is one of the best and it this country's loss to see him retire. I disagreed with him in areas where I had first hand knowledge. It is my experienced opinion that Ray was wrong to twice endorse the Peoria Public Library referendum. It is evident he didn't "go to school" on these $35 million questionable expenditures. Trying to keep up with the "Joneses" while being overly politically correct is seldom easy. What politican can say "no" to libraries while at the same time seeking taxpayer dollars for zoos and museums? Sorry Ray but those of us who understand the Peoria Public Libray situation hope the City Council looks closely at who are using the libraries and in what way before pushing the property taxpayers off a higher cliff. More unsupervised computers are not in the best interests of this community. Nor more easy chairs. These are available at tax-paying B & N.
Ray pushed for a four lane highway; Rt.29, when almost everyone said no. We should have stopped spending another dime on studying Rt 29 when the second "estimated" cost came in at $600 million dollars. The original estimate was $300 million. Sorry Ray, you should have stopped asking for more money to "study" Rt.29 right then. But no, you asked for almost another 1.6 million for further land buying in this corridor and more studies just this year. Instead of "studies" those taxpayer dollars should be used to repair more of our roadway infrastructure and keep that roadbed (Rt. 29) in good repair. Add a couple of "pullovers" so our speedier drivers can pass slower drivers. When asked, IDOT said they never considered building pullovers on Rt. 29 similar to those used in so many states with winding roads.
Why not? There is no glory gained in repairing and updating. You only get major credit when you build new things, not update and repair.
Most everyone who reads my letters and blogs and anyone reading the JSEB knows I strongly opposed the "Highway to Chicago". I had studied enough to know that USDOT had gone from a policy of "mobility and efficiency" to a policy of "feel and function" long before the heavy push to spend what would now be well over $1,000,000,000.00 Sorry, had too many 000's, it's one billion, not a trillion) to destroy farmland, isolate towns and for a trip saving of 12 minutes. And thats a maybe. One thing I do know it would make it easier for Peorians to go to Chicago and suburbs to shop and a quicker run for our illegal drug trade. Out of town shoppers do not pay local taxes. Nor do drug dealers from Chicago or Peoria.
Then there was Ray's effort for the ring road. Lots of money was spent "studying" it over the past decade or so. Now it is back using more taxpayers dollars to study it again. When I asked if a study was made or is being made, comparing it's economic impact to cost, I was told no such study was underway. Hmmmmm.
As an individual I do not support a costly ring road and another bridge. I see it creating more sprawl and would cost 700 million or more of taxpayer dollars. That money can be swpent on repairing our deteriorating infrastructures. It would benefit some people and one major manufacturer. I have asked Peoria County Board Members to take a position on this project and they have so far declined. My opinion is personal but my studied opionion is from a man who spent 36 years in ownership or management in the private sector. I have driven over 1.6 million miles in my lifetime todate. (Refer to my blog on "highways" in my archives dated 8/02/07)
Ray was correct in stating that the City and County Election Commissions should be merged into the county. Where the commission should be located can be decided later. He was hesitant about his position being made public. Elected official always are worrying about getting reelected, who they will please and who they will offend and that is a major problem.
If you suffer from anger and anxiety I recommend that you DO NOT READ "Outrage" by Dick Morris and Eileen McGann. This book describes "How Illegal Immigration, the UN, many members of Congress, Tobacco companies, Trade Protection and Drug Companies plus Student Loan Overcharges, are RIPPING US OFF.
For some lighter reading with slightly less anger and anxiety read "The Tin Roof Blowdown" by James Lee Burke and don't forget "Enough" by Juan Williams. Burke's book is based on facts turned out as fiction and Juan Williams is all facts.
Congressman LaHood, to my relief was not even mentioned in Morris's book. But then I believe that Ray is basically honest. Unfortunately, politicians need a lot of money and they must please a lot of different special interests to get reelected every two years. I think a two year term is ridiculous. You no sooner get elected than you are back campaigning again. Then again, 5 years on District #150 board is two years too many.
I handled our State Farm Insurance account when I owned Widmer's. In discussing fair prices for Widmer's to make a profit and stay in business and still benefit State Farm,I told Doug Finn, Purchasing Director for the whole company, that I felt I was "basically honest". He got a big kick out of my statement; he appreciated my honesty, and my business with his buyers increased. My company rendered a service his company sought and we negotiated prices. When a manufacturer I represented tried to go direct, State farm told me to find another source and that they would continue to buy from my company. State Farm is a major account with Widmer Interiors today.
Dick Durbin had one mention in Morris's book and that was positive.
Back in 1994, I asked Ray to get involved in some of the perpetual problems of School District #150. Ray said he "did not get involved in local issues". Later, Ray did get involved in too many local issues such as school locations and library emotional issues. I hope he does not get involved in the local PBC Bond issues as taxpayers surely know that these bonds must be paid off sometime and mostly if not all, with taxpayer dollars.
Overall, if all our Congressmen were as competent as Ray LaHood, we would be a better and more respected country.
Best wishes to Congressman LaHood in retirement. I hope we elect someone to follow him in most of his footsteps.
Ray pushed for a four lane highway; Rt.29, when almost everyone said no. We should have stopped spending another dime on studying Rt 29 when the second "estimated" cost came in at $600 million dollars. The original estimate was $300 million. Sorry Ray, you should have stopped asking for more money to "study" Rt.29 right then. But no, you asked for almost another 1.6 million for further land buying in this corridor and more studies just this year. Instead of "studies" those taxpayer dollars should be used to repair more of our roadway infrastructure and keep that roadbed (Rt. 29) in good repair. Add a couple of "pullovers" so our speedier drivers can pass slower drivers. When asked, IDOT said they never considered building pullovers on Rt. 29 similar to those used in so many states with winding roads.
Why not? There is no glory gained in repairing and updating. You only get major credit when you build new things, not update and repair.
Most everyone who reads my letters and blogs and anyone reading the JSEB knows I strongly opposed the "Highway to Chicago". I had studied enough to know that USDOT had gone from a policy of "mobility and efficiency" to a policy of "feel and function" long before the heavy push to spend what would now be well over $1,000,000,000.00 Sorry, had too many 000's, it's one billion, not a trillion) to destroy farmland, isolate towns and for a trip saving of 12 minutes. And thats a maybe. One thing I do know it would make it easier for Peorians to go to Chicago and suburbs to shop and a quicker run for our illegal drug trade. Out of town shoppers do not pay local taxes. Nor do drug dealers from Chicago or Peoria.
Then there was Ray's effort for the ring road. Lots of money was spent "studying" it over the past decade or so. Now it is back using more taxpayers dollars to study it again. When I asked if a study was made or is being made, comparing it's economic impact to cost, I was told no such study was underway. Hmmmmm.
As an individual I do not support a costly ring road and another bridge. I see it creating more sprawl and would cost 700 million or more of taxpayer dollars. That money can be swpent on repairing our deteriorating infrastructures. It would benefit some people and one major manufacturer. I have asked Peoria County Board Members to take a position on this project and they have so far declined. My opinion is personal but my studied opionion is from a man who spent 36 years in ownership or management in the private sector. I have driven over 1.6 million miles in my lifetime todate. (Refer to my blog on "highways" in my archives dated 8/02/07)
Ray was correct in stating that the City and County Election Commissions should be merged into the county. Where the commission should be located can be decided later. He was hesitant about his position being made public. Elected official always are worrying about getting reelected, who they will please and who they will offend and that is a major problem.
If you suffer from anger and anxiety I recommend that you DO NOT READ "Outrage" by Dick Morris and Eileen McGann. This book describes "How Illegal Immigration, the UN, many members of Congress, Tobacco companies, Trade Protection and Drug Companies plus Student Loan Overcharges, are RIPPING US OFF.
For some lighter reading with slightly less anger and anxiety read "The Tin Roof Blowdown" by James Lee Burke and don't forget "Enough" by Juan Williams. Burke's book is based on facts turned out as fiction and Juan Williams is all facts.
Congressman LaHood, to my relief was not even mentioned in Morris's book. But then I believe that Ray is basically honest. Unfortunately, politicians need a lot of money and they must please a lot of different special interests to get reelected every two years. I think a two year term is ridiculous. You no sooner get elected than you are back campaigning again. Then again, 5 years on District #150 board is two years too many.
I handled our State Farm Insurance account when I owned Widmer's. In discussing fair prices for Widmer's to make a profit and stay in business and still benefit State Farm,I told Doug Finn, Purchasing Director for the whole company, that I felt I was "basically honest". He got a big kick out of my statement; he appreciated my honesty, and my business with his buyers increased. My company rendered a service his company sought and we negotiated prices. When a manufacturer I represented tried to go direct, State farm told me to find another source and that they would continue to buy from my company. State Farm is a major account with Widmer Interiors today.
Dick Durbin had one mention in Morris's book and that was positive.
Back in 1994, I asked Ray to get involved in some of the perpetual problems of School District #150. Ray said he "did not get involved in local issues". Later, Ray did get involved in too many local issues such as school locations and library emotional issues. I hope he does not get involved in the local PBC Bond issues as taxpayers surely know that these bonds must be paid off sometime and mostly if not all, with taxpayer dollars.
Overall, if all our Congressmen were as competent as Ray LaHood, we would be a better and more respected country.
Best wishes to Congressman LaHood in retirement. I hope we elect someone to follow him in most of his footsteps.
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