baltimore @ random

Baltimore Farmers Market

2011-12-29T00:57:00.000-05:00

United Workers Stand Up for Transparency

2011-08-18T10:52:00.002-04:00

Baltimore, July 27, 2011

Many Baltimoreans were stunned by the recent revelation that the metro area is one of the most expensive places to live in the nation. Low-wage workers serving Harbor Place and other tourist venue employers have known and dealt with this fact for years. They organized to address their plight collectively. The result of this organizing is United Workers, a collective of “low-wage workers leading the way to poverty’s end.”

United Workers and allies protested at the headquarters of Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) over the lack of transparency in dealings between the Corporation and real estate developers. The Cordish Company, “one of the largest and most respected developers in the world” has sought from the BDC rent concessions on other property it leases from Baltimore City totaling $3 million in exchange for improvements it intends to make at Power Plant Live which it leases from the city for $1,000.00 per year plus 22% of net profits. United Workers has a problem with this because there has been no public notification or input concerning the negotiations on the proposal.

Wages and Benefits from Greg Cundiff on YouTube.

The workers call for implementation of what they call “fair development” when developers utilize public funds or resources in their planning process. Unfortunately when development plans are goals are held secret there is no medium for public input. United Workers released a paper called, “Hidden in Plain Sight” which documents the need for fair development and the barriers to its implementation.

The Baltimore Development Corporation, created under former mayor William Donald Schaeffer, is a so-called quasi-public organization. It seeks funding from city government as any other public agency while maintaining the secrecy of a private company. The theory proposed by quasi-public development organizations is the secrecy is needed to conduct sensitive business negotiations. Community organizers counter that this secrecy keeps the public from knowing how public funds are used.

For background on how the development process works in Baltimore, please see Betty G. Robinson’s article, The Walmart Struggle in Baltimore – An Organizer Reflects on Addressing Public Money Giveaways to Corporate Power.

Everyman Theater

2011-07-03T13:41:00.001-04:00

It seems like forever ago that I stumbled upon the new location for Everyman Theater. Then it was just a sign on the wall. Things are now starting to take shape. Construction fences and workers scrambling around signal new life in the neighborhood. I am so looking forward to the curtain opening on the first production in the new venue.

AARP & Gutting Social Security

2011-06-22T18:20:00.000-04:00

This info is courtesy of Firedog Lake:

AARP’s Long History of Supporting Social Security Cuts

The Wall Street Journal recently reported the AARP will support benefit cuts to Social Security. The AARP responded by saying that “our position has not changed on Social Security.”

That’s actually true. For years, the AARP has been open to cutting Social Security benefits. Below is the proof of AARP’s clear willingness to cut Social Security.

Read the facts, and forward this email to your friends and family. Don’t forget to sign our petition to protect Social Security from AARP:

http://action.firedoglake.com/page/s/aarp-facts?source=fwd&subsource=autoreply

----

1. AARP did not deny the Wall Street Journal’s report; its response even showed the AARP is open to “changes in benefits.”

In the Wall Street Journal article, AARP policy director John Rother was clear that he’s willing to support Social Security benefit cuts, saying, “The ship was sailing. I wanted to be at the wheel when that happens.” Current AARP CEO A. Barry Rand called the WSJ piece inaccurate and misleading, but didn’t clarify what he thought was inaccurate. Rand’s statement even reiterated AARP’s belief that “changes” need to be made to Social Security benefits.

Sources: Wall Street Journal, 6/17/11; Huffington Post, 6/17/11

2. AARP officials admitted the organization was discussing benefit cuts for “months” with the Wall Street Journal.

While trying to spin the AARP’s exposed to scheme to support Social Security cuts, AARP legislative director David Certner said the AARP was “never seeking this kind of publicity” for its position. Certner said AARP officials had discussed benefit changes for “months” with the Wall Street Journal.

Source: Politico, 6/21/11

*****
Protect Social Security - click here to add your name to a petition to AARP now.
http://action.firedoglake.com/page/s/aarp-facts?source=fwd&subsource=autoreply
*****

3. AARP was willing to raise the retirement age during George W. Bush’s attempts to privatize Social Security in 2005.

Then-AARP CEO William Novellli put raising the retirement age “on the table” in 2005.

“‘There’s a lot of opportunity for common ground. If we could get the private accounts, the carve-outs, out of the way I think we could get to solvency fairly quickly.’ That includes discussion over an increase in the retirement age, said Novelli. ‘We are willing to consider it,’ he said. ‘It ought to be on the table.’”

Source: Bloomberg News, 4/11/05

4. In 2005, AARP CEO William Novelli called adjusting benefits a “reasonable step.”

“’Social Security does not need a radical overhaul,’ AARP Chief Executive Officer William Novelli said in speech at the National Press Club. ‘Reasonable steps such as these, including possibly adjusting benefits, are enough to strengthen Social Security for the long term.’”

Source: Reuters, 2/9/05

*****
Protect Social Security - click here to add your name to a petition to AARP now.
http://action.firedoglake.com/page/s/aarp-facts?source=fwd&subsource=autoreply
*****

5. An AARP memo suggested “changes in benefits” as a solution for “Social Security solvency.”

An AARP official provided the Huffington Post a 2005 memo that outlined the organization’s position on Social Security. The document shows the AARP offered “changes in benefits” as a positive position for the organization to take in the Social Security fight at the time.

Source: Huffington Post, 6/21/11

6. An AARP official flippantly dismissed those who opposed Social Security cuts.

AARP policy director John Rother dismissed people who said they wouldn’t support Social Security cuts. “I know all these people personally and they’ll say we have to be hard line now to influence the debate...I kind of take it with a grain of salt, these emphatic statements,” Rother said.

Source: Wall Street Journal, 8/20/10

Now that you know the facts, please forward this email to your friends and family.
Join our campaign to protect Social Security from AARP.

Bromo turns 100

2011-06-02T21:27:00.000-04:00

June 2, 2011 marked the 100th birthday of our iconic clock tower.

Detained for photography in Baltimore - Part two

2011-06-01T11:43:00.001-04:00

Detained for photography in Baltimore

2011-06-01T11:43:00.000-04:00

President Obama to Sign $600 Billion Border Protection Bill

2010-10-16T11:05:00.000-04:00

I ran across this piece on UrbanTwist.com this morning:

President Obama Will Sign $600 Billion Border Protection Bill | TheUrbanTwist.com
http://bit.ly/cNwE66

Of course it is political. Everything is political these days. You can just bet that none of those billions will provide care and services to people lured by the prospects of employment.

It matters little how much money we spend on boots on the ground if we do nothing to address why people are coming in the first place. Jobs. It is cheaper and more profitable to hire undocumented immigrants to toil in western meat factories. The hours are long, the work is dangerous, the conditions are largely unhealthy. The workers don’t complain. They don’t feel they can complain - complaints bring retaliation, jail, and deportation. This goes on because Americans demand $1.00 burgers and other cheap meat products.

If Americans want to stem the tide of immigration - end corn subsidies and the factory farming they support.

Platform 9 3/4

2010-08-12T03:08:00.001-04:00

The constant droning of the air handlers in the ceiling of Baltimore’s Penn Station are the only thing keeping me company at three in the morning. Suddenly after a bit of clatter men start entering the station hall through the wall. Confused I look around for the sign for Platform 9 3/4. Of course it is nowhere to be found, and the men are construction workers entering through a window. And thus my journey to not Hogwarts but Milarepa Center begins.

Mechanics of Change

2010-08-09T09:36:00.000-04:00

Medal of Honor recipient, Vernon Baker dies. Please pause for a moment of silence

2010-07-14T20:12:00.000-04:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Digging in the dirt Bmore style...

2010-06-25T14:37:00.000-04:00

ACORN Leader says critics Mounted ‘McCarthy-Era War Against the Poor’ After Report Clears Organization of Wrongdoing | CommonDreams.org

2010-06-19T15:28:00.000-04:00

ACORN Leader says critics Mounted ‘McCarthy-Era War Against the Poor’ After Report Clears Organization of Wrongdoing | CommonDreams.org

Changing face of the city

2010-06-14T10:33:00.000-04:00

Mercy Mercy Me

2010-05-31T14:14:00.005-04:00

A Quick Visit to the B&O

2010-05-23T15:25:00.000-04:00

Old will be new...

2010-05-22T10:35:00.000-04:00

2010-05-16T10:54:00.000-04:00

preparing for the preakness parade

2010-05-14T18:20:00.000-04:00

2010-05-02T16:54:00.000-04:00

Signs of Spring

2010-04-07T21:13:00.000-04:00

Peeking around the corner

2010-04-02T15:28:00.000-04:00

After the snowiest winter in these many years it is great to see pavement again. Not only pavement, but the first buds of spring. Yea! Spring!

Spring is on the way

2010-03-17T09:55:00.000-04:00

I snapped this pics the other day. The last remnants of the blizzard huddled in a shady corner of the courtyard.
This morning, I could hear the first birds of spring singing their song. Buds were forming on the trees.
Snow melts
Trees Bud
Birds sing
this is the start of a glorious day
they are me and I am they

Coffee or Tea?

2010-02-28T23:47:00.000-05:00

Happy Holi

2010-02-28T23:43:00.000-05:00

Back to normal... more or less

2010-02-08T12:17:00.000-05:00

Baltimoreans are a pretty intrepid bunch. There were a few brave souls out yesterday looking for something open or something to do. The schools are closed, but what else is new. The rest of us are back at it. Do your best Mom Nature, but your Balto Kids can pretty much deal with whatever you throw at us.

My Front Yard

2010-02-06T11:08:00.000-05:00

2010-02-06T11:06:00.000-05:00

Our Blizzard

2010-02-06T11:05:00.000-05:00

fleeting moment

2010-01-31T15:44:00.000-05:00

It won't be too long until the snow and cold air have gone and the tables will have sprouted umbrellas. There will still be construction and traffic jams on Charles Street, but the shivvers will be replaced by prespiration. Between the forehead moppings and gasps for breath will be the longing for cooler weather.

My Buddy Zeb

2010-01-30T13:40:00.000-05:00

All this snow reminds me of my buddy Zeb. He's gone on to his rebirth. The two things he loved most, swimming and playing in the snow.

You wanna say hi....

2010-01-29T18:29:00.000-05:00

... you know you do....

Low Power Motoring

2010-01-29T17:38:00.000-05:00

Over the last several months City Government has purchased some pretty hip rides. These low power vehicles come as mini-pickup trucks, people movers, and portable whatevers. Over the summer ArtScape featured toy truck sized emergency vehicles.

I'd love one of these to cruise to the farmer's market on Sunday morning.

Reflections

2010-01-17T22:09:00.000-05:00

January 10 Open Studio Tour

2010-01-09T16:24:00.000-05:00

Hello January, hello 2010. A new year and some new art. The Bromo Seltzer Art Tower open studio tour this month featured some intimate theater. Unexpected Theater: Studio 11 @ Bromo Arts Tower. Unexpected Theater is a small troup of actors and writers. This month they presented small pieces and monologues.

Coyote v. Acme, Plaintiff's Open Statement

Without Regard to New Orleans

Waiting for the Dog

The Trick

Monologues from:

Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Hurlyburly

Richard II

The Brothers Size

Don't Do That

==============

Yeah, so it was pretty cool. There was a packed house. It is a small space so take packed any way you like. This will hopefully become a regular part of the Open Studio Tour.

End of 2009

2009-12-31T12:29:00.000-05:00

On the morning of the last day... Look at me getting all profetic about it. No, really... Today is the last day of the year. More snow at the end of the year than at the beginning.

As nice as it was at 7ish this morning, by the time rush hour was over it was just a grey mess.

High Drama and Hard Work

2009-12-23T13:21:00.000-05:00

High drama is a bit of an overstatement, but nobody can overstate the hard work the women and men of th Baltimore City Fire Department endure on our behalf. Especially on days as cold as today.

Apparently there was an electrical fire in the basement of one of the buildings on the corner of Fayette and Charles this morning. Walking down the street and being greeted by a ladder company in front of my coffee hang out led to some internal high drama. Much to my relief John didn't set the coffee shop on fire. Hi John.

Finally Dug Out

2009-12-23T11:53:00.000-05:00

Life is mostly back to normal. Schools are still out - at least in Baltimore City. The papers are talking about how much all of the snow removal is going to cost. The real question winds up being, who is it going to hurt?

More snow on Charles Street

2009-12-20T00:08:00.000-05:00

Frozen in Time

2009-12-19T09:34:00.000-05:00

Snow on Charles Street

2009-12-19T09:21:00.000-05:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

2009-12-19T09:17:00.000-05:00

...or the joys of living in an apartment.

The other day I joked that the snow didn't worry me because I didn't have to shovel snow. True enough in fact,
but the reality of it is that lots of people do shovel snow. Thanks for that.

Everyman Theater

2009-12-15T13:26:00.000-05:00

I have to admit that I've never been to an Everyman Theater production. I've seen their venue on Charles Street just below North Ave. I travel past it on the bus quite frequently. My brain keeps telling me that I need to check it out. Their seasons usually look pretty interesting. But no, I keep putting it off.

Then I start reading about them looking for a new home. Ok, why go if they're just going to move to the county anyway. I'll like it then they'll leave.

My to my suprise and joy, I spy the banner on the right. They're moving just down the street. I have to stop and wonder if the sign is new or I've just been preoccupied while talking past the building for low these many weeks? But Hurray! I have no reason to put off the Everyman any longer.

Winter makes a guest appearance

2009-12-06T12:19:00.000-05:00

first snow....

2009-12-05T14:01:00.000-05:00

Monument at Night

2009-12-01T16:23:00.000-05:00

I forgot that I took this snap. It is looking south at the Monument on the first evening of the 2009 Book Festival.

Life and art

2009-11-23T13:18:00.001-05:00

Life and art, is there a difference? I think if you ask the people who do art in the BromoSeltzer Arts Tower, they would say no. Life is art, art is life. So enjoy some life. Take in some art. The open studio tour for December is on Saturday the fifth. It usually runs from one til five. I'll be there, will you? Until June the open tours are held on Saturdays. Being downtown on a rainy or snowy week-night probably isn't much fun for a lot of people.

The longer evening day light in the summertime yields a great art evening and amazing views.

January 9, 2010
February 6, 2010
March 6, 2010
April 3, 2010
May 1, 2010
June 5, 2010

gothic days...

2009-11-19T16:39:00.000-05:00

I'm not normally one to wax poetic or nostalgic about anything gothic, but today was just one of those days. The air is dense and heavy with a fog that rolled in off the water. It was cool but not yet cold and the smell of foliage not quite in decay hung in the air.

Thoughts of something untoward happening around any corner seem to linger. It isn't cause for concern or sorrow, only a heightened sense of poetic awareness.

that time of year...

2009-11-15T13:14:00.000-05:00

It doesn't really matter that thanksgiving dinner hasn't been cooked, or even seriously planned yet, it is that time of year. The winter holidays are beginning to pop up all over the place. It is 71 degrees today and no doubt White Christmas will be emanating from the sound system at my local chain coffee place (no, not that one).

I guess the guys hanging the trees are as thankful as anyone else for the warm sunny day.

Boudicca on the loose

2009-11-13T04:23:00.000-05:00

Patience

2009-10-31T13:36:00.000-04:00

Street Corner Preaching

2009-10-05T17:57:00.000-04:00

Some people just have to testify. It doesn't matter who they're testifying to, just as long as they're doing it. This man could be heard all over Charles Center on Sunday morning. He was informing the assmbled masses that homosexuality was an affront to God. There was nobody at the bus stop, but he was testifying none the less.

Summer drawing to a close

2009-09-25T15:21:00.000-04:00

Here it is, the money shot of the building that everyone loves to hate. It is a shame really. I happen to like the building - The Morris A Mechanic Theater. It was built in the early nineteen sixties opening in 1967. It closed with the opening of the repurposed Hippodrome Theater.

Everyone claims the building is too small for complicated traveling theater productions. I say, who cares. Stage smaller productions. Let Baltimore's version of the School of the Arts take it over as part of a theater training program. Let city high schools stage their productions here.

The last show I saw there was Kiss of the SpiderWoman with my friend Mike. I don't see Mike very much these days, but I walk past the empty shell of a theater almost daily. I miss Mike and the Mechanic.

Bye bye summer.

Bus Stop Part 2

2009-08-23T14:36:00.000-04:00

This is a bus stop. The sign say's "No Stopping Anytime." That's exactly what it means. No Stopping includes No Parking. The irony of the whole thing is that this bus stop in directly in front of The Downtown Partnership's office. I don't think it is time to start ticketing these cars. They should be towed away.

It's a bus stop: No Parking

2009-08-23T14:30:00.000-04:00

ArtScape 2009

2009-07-19T09:52:00.000-04:00

I have to admit that I used to be one of those people that looked down on ArtScape because it over-commercialized art. Romantic notions of starving artists aside, everyone who makes art needs shelter, food, and a cup of coffee. My silly romantic and dare I say it elitist ideas got swept away once I become personally involved in ArtScape this year.

Putting together an event of this magnitude requires the creative energies of a lot of people. All this work gets done so people can come downtown and breathe, taste, and feel culture largely for free.

There is an amazing variety of creativity on display - short film, fashion, pottery, poetry, literature, if you can think of it you’re likely to find it here at ArtScape.

Art ROCKS! ArtScape supports the arts... you get the picture!

Hot Fashions at ArtScape

2009-07-18T15:15:00.001-04:00

The Fashion is Fierce at ArtScape this year.

Kids crimes

2009-06-07T11:23:00.001-04:00

A police spokesman said the teen was charged as a juvenile with assault, drawing anger from city Councilman William H. Cole IV, who has railed about downtown crime. "I'm sorry, that is not a juvenile crime," he said, noting the May 23 weekend in which he said kids ran up and down Mount Vernon streets "overturning everything that wasn't nailed down. It's behavior that defies all logic and sensibility." QTD in Baltimore Sun

Downtown crime is a problem in Baltimore. The answer isn’t treating children like adults. Give kids a reasonable outlet for their youthful exuberance. And hold parents accountable for their behavior.

Prop 8 heads to the feds

2009-06-06T15:55:00.001-04:00

Much to the consternation of glbt advocacy groups a lesbian couple from northern California and a gay couple from southern California have undertaken a challenge to the California Supreme Court’s decision that Prop 8 was an allowable amendment to the California Constitution. Two legal powerhouses have been retained to sheppard the case through the federal judicial system.

Cries have welled up from across the land maintaining that now is not the proper time. The court has to be educated. We’re not ready. We’re not ready to what? Give up the cash cow that the marriage movement represents. HRC, ACLU, NGLTF and others won’t get to fund raise on this issue anymore.

It is a long road to the Supreme Court. The first step is the 9th Circuit, one of the most liberal in the land. If we loose, we loose. The sun will still come up in the morning. Boys will still fall in love with boys and girls with girls. Taxes will come due, and the Democratic party will continue to string us along.

I for one am happy that the two couples took a stand. I am sick to death over the notion that anyone gets to vote on my humanity. Anything a legislature gives, it can take away. However, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Those old white men, the elite of their day had it right then, and they have it right now. All men being equal has not been fully realized in practice, but we’re getting there. It is the province of the courts to say this is so an you must not trample upon it.

I am a human being, and no one, no not one other person has the right to vote on my humanity.

Human Rights Zone

2009-05-17T15:57:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to share some photographs I took at the United Workers “Human Rights Zone” press conference. The are objecting to working conditions that no person should have to endure. Low wage workers in and around Harbor Place endure poor working conditions so the rest of us can have a pretty place to eat while we’re downtown It is pretty shameful actually.

Wow! I have let this go for far too long.

2009-05-17T15:49:00.001-04:00

It is not as if I have not had opinions or been annoyed about things since (what?) March. I have been taking a digital photography class at MICA which has kept me mostly Mac based this spring.

It is the 17th of May. I’m sitting in the new Coffee Cafe’ in the main hall of Pratt Central. For those of you not familiar with Baltimore, that would be the Enoch Pratt Free Library. I am surrounded by books, patrons, and hard working librarians. I am also surrounded by signs that say as of Sunday March 24, the main branch will no longer be open on Sundays.

The city of Baltimore has the money to bail out a failing movie house, but does not have the money to keep its flagship library open on Sundays during the summertime. I think we, Baltimore voters, need to realign our priorities the next time an election comes around. A movie house with a beautiful yet worn interior and a bad roof are all fine, but I’d much rather go to the library on Sundays.

Maryland State Song

2009-03-06T08:21:00.000-05:00

Maryland My Maryland Written by James Ryder Randall

The despot's heel is on thy shore,  Maryland, My Maryland! His torch is at thy temple door, Maryland, My Maryland! Avenge the patriotic gore That flecked the streets of Baltimore, And be the battle queen of yore,  Maryland! My Maryland!

Hark to an exiled son's appeal, Maryland, My Maryland! My Mother State! to thee I kneel, Maryland, My Maryland! For life and death, for woe and weal, Thy peerless chivalry reveal, And gird they beauteous limbs with steel, Maryland! My Maryland!

Thou wilt not cower in the dust, Maryland, My Maryland! Thy beaming sword shall never rust, Maryland, My Maryland! Remember Carroll's sacred trust, Remember Howard's warlike thrust,- And all they slumberers with the just, Maryland! My Maryland!

Come! 'tis the red dawn of the day, Maryland, My Maryland! Come with thy panoplied array, Maryland, My Maryland! With Ringgold's spirit for the fray, With Watson's blood at Monterey, With fearless Lowe and dashing May, Maryland! My Maryland!

Come! for thy shield is bright and strong, Maryland, My Maryland! Come! for thy dalliance does thee wrong, Maryland, My Maryland! Come! to thine own heroic throng, Stalking with Liberty along, And cgive a new Key to thy song, Maryland! My Maryland!

Dear Mother! burst the tyrant's chain, Maryland, My Maryland! Virginia should not call in vain! Maryland, My Maryland! She meets her sisters on the plain-  "Sic semper!" 'tis the proud refrain That baffles minions back amain, Maryland! My Maryland!

I see the blush upon thy cheek, Maryland, My Maryland! For thou wast ever bravely meek, Maryland, My Maryland! But lo! There surges forth a shriek From hill to hill, from creek to creek- Potomac calls to Chesapeake, Maryland! My Maryland!

Thou wilt not yield the vandal toll, Maryland, My Maryland! Thou wilt not crook to his control, Maryland, My Maryland! Better the fire upon thee roll, Better the blade, the shot, the bowl, Than crucifixion of the soul, Maryland! My Maryland!

I hear the distant thunder-hum, Maryland, My Maryland! The Old Line's bugle, fife, and drum, Maryland, My Maryland! She is not dead, nor deaf, nor dumb-  Huzza! she spurns the Northern scum! She breathes! she burns! she'll come! she'll come! Maryland! My Maryland!

Maryland State Song

http://www.50states.com/songs/maryland.htm

Mayor Dixon supports land grab – make that land bank

2009-03-04T18:20:00.001-05:00

The “above the fold” image on this evening’s Baltimore Sun website shows Mayor Dixon attempting to give an address while a housing activist looks on. He’s holding a placard informing us that, “Land Bank is Land Grab: Taken from the poor Doled out to the RICH!”

I have to say, the activist has a point. When the city say’s real estate the citizens and residents of the city usually don’t come out on top.

What this city does not need is another opportunity for sweetheart deals between developers and government officials. The disposition of city owned real estate needs to be handled more transparently not less so. A quasigovernmental agency is policy-wonk speak for keeping the nosey public out of affairs it has every right to oversee.

An email to Baltimore City-councilman William Cole of the 11th district was returned with a one-liner from his Blackberry telling me that he shares my concerns and to keep my eyes on the sun tomorrow. I’m counting on you Mr. Cole. City government has to start looking out for its residents instead of moneyed outside interests.

Post-conviction DNA testing case

2009-03-02T13:21:00.000-05:00

This morning’s New York Times Editorial Page urges the Supreme Court to uphold the 9th Circuit ruling that Alaska must supply a prisoner with genetic material that could prove exculpatory. Finality of verdicts is one thing, innocent men sitting in prison is another.

It never fails to amaze and sadden me that a group of true rugged individualists largely skeptical of unchecked government power could be sweet talked into accepting the Republican party’s tough on crime jail a hundred innocent men to avoid letting one guilty man go free policies. Talk about turning Alaska into a nanny state. Tough on crime indeed.

One of Alaska’s claims in appealing the lower court ruling is that the convict admitted guilt during a parole hearing. The dizzbat lawyer that came up with that bit of reasoning should probably be disbarred pending successful completion of kindergarten. I think that’s where one learns that if you want early release from the time out corner you cop to the crime, say you’re sorry and it won’t happen again.

It is the nature of a parole hearing - the convict has to be contrite if he wants an early release. “I didn’t do it” is hardly a declaration of contrition.

Give the convict the relief sought, uphold the 9th circuit ruling.

Freedom to Marry Week

2009-02-10T01:29:00.000-05:00

Imagine for a moment that you’ve met “the one”. You’ve met that one person out of all the others in all the world. You click. You bond. You agree. You disagree and that feels as good as agreeing. In short everything has come together. The stars, the moon, and all the planets are in perfect alignment. This is the person you will spend the rest of your life with. You want to get married. Your friends are all for it. Your family loves your intended. Even your cranky old cat is a fan. Then the “NO” comes crashing down around you like a ton of bricks. Its not so much that you’re a Montague and your intended is a Capulet. Life should only be that simple. Its that you’re both guys (or gals).

With nations throwing rockets and missiles and dropping bombs on each other, it should be so wrong that two people love each other. Love each other and want to share that love with the world? Heaven forfend-- the travesty of it all.

Marriage is a lot of things. It starts, however, with love and respect. Out of that love and respect comes a desire to share something bigger than oneself. Which is probably why the family has been considered the basic unit of society for pretty much as long as there has been society. Out of that desire comes a commitment that surpasses the casual loyalty of social friends or coworkers. It is a commitment mutually made with the intention of outlasting the convenience of the moment. It is a commitment to combine destinies. I think you’ll agree, that’s pretty big stuff.

Lesbian and gay couples are not so much asking that marriage be redefined as to simply become a part of it and what it stands for. It is in that institution that we find value. Some may choose to see it as a wholesale redefinition. To them it may be. What it isn’t though is a dismantling of its meaning or value.

To some marriage is a sacrament. Something ordained by God. It is exactly that to me. That, however, is a discussion for me and God. It is something the State really has no business intruding into. My church welcomes marriage between same sex couples. Some other church may not. The thing gay and lesbian couples are asking the State to do is to extend its civil recognition of our relationships in the same way it does those of mixed sex couples. I certainly have no intention of telling another pastor how to run his or her church or how to administer the sacraments of their faith. Likewise, I ask that they extend me the same courtesy.

Please check out the Freedom to Marry website for more information on this topic.

be peace,
greg

http://www.freedomtomarry.org/

http://www.freedomtomarry.org/get_involved/freedom_to_marry_week_2009bl.pl

Magna omits Bidding Fee in Slots Application

2009-02-08T15:38:00.001-05:00

Magna's refusal to pay slots-bid fee worries horsemen
Laurel Park owner's difficulties stir fears about Preakness' fate
By Gadi Dechter and Laura Smitherman February 8, 2009

Minutes before a deadline for Maryland slots bids, agents for the Laurel Park racetrack waited on a sidewalk outside the State House for word from corporate headquarters in Canada. Two versions of applications sat in a nearby Ford Expedition, and they didn't know which one to turn in.

When the call finally came Monday, the high-priced lobbyists who had worked for years to legalize slot machine gambling appeared crestfallen. Magna Entertainment Corp. executives instructed them to turn in a bid that lacked $28.5 million in required fees - a decision that imperils its chances of winning.

Somebody is either try to save face, or pull a fast one. Selling controling interest in the Maryland Jockey Club to foreign interests is something that the State should have never allowed. Not being a legal scholar I have no idea how they could have accomplish that feat.
Fast forward to Magna leaving town and trying to take the Preakness with it. The Mayor and City Council should condemn Pimlico Race track under eminent domain. Turn the property over to Parks and Rec. Run the park as an equestrian center for city youth and residents.

Pope Reinstates Four Excommunicated Bishops - NYTimes.com

2009-01-25T14:08:00.000-05:00

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI, reaching out to the far-right of the Roman Catholic Church, revoked the excommunications of four schismatic bishops on Saturday, including one whose comments denying the Holocaust have provoked outrage.

Pope Reinstates Four Excommunicated Bishops - NYTimes.com

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/world/europe/25pope.html?_r=1&ref=world

Wow, I’m not even sure how to respond to this one. Like most gay men I have my beefs with the Roman Catholic Church. I still think that much holiness can be found there. When I think of Pope John XXIII, Dorothy Day, Bishop Oscar Romero, Peter Maurin, the Frs Barrigan my admiration for the teachings of the church swell. Now if they could just overcome all that “fall” business and adopt a more life positive creation spirituality. Oh well, we will have our differences.

This decades long veer to the right Mother Church has endured is driving her into another dark age. While the Church becomes more and more conservative and reactionary risking irrelevancy I see its only salvation lives in Catholic mothers. One prays they resist the temptation to leave the church for other denominations or the altogether. That they stay and teach their sons equanimity. The male priests and popes of the future are the sons of today’s Catholic mothers. Those of us Roman or not who fear for the future of the Church must nurture the faith of its mothers.

...a new day...

2009-01-21T00:15:00.000-05:00

After a fitful night’s sleep, if you can call it that, tossing, turning, bad dreams not quite nightmares, and some more tossing and turning, morning broke late to the murmur of voices on the radio. It was the gang from NPR going through the pre-game chatter and analysis as if the unfolding political pageant was to be a high stakes bowl game. Today was inauguration day. Stick with NPR they were imploring, turn down the volume on the TV and stick with NPR. I left the radio on, and headed to the dining-room to make some coffee - flipping on the TV along the way. For whatever reason, NBC was still on the digital tuner picking up the pictures and chatter through the rabbit ears perched on the top shelf of the book case.

The problem with the 24 hour news cycle is that television producers think the American public can’t figure out which way is up without the commentators flapping their gums for all 24 of those hours. I’ll be honest/cynical most Americans can’t figure out which way is up with or without the incessant tongue wagging. Four of the last eight years should be testament enough to that fact. But that is a story for another day. So the pretty hairdos on TV talk and talk and break for commercial, then talk and talk some more. And then...

The doors to the White House open spilling politicos onto the driveway. Tom Brokaw mentions that the Vice President is in a wheelchair because he injured his back moving boxes the day before. And I thought he had people. Brokaw then voices concern that some of Cheney’s detractors might make some unseemly comparisons to Dr Strangelove. No Tom, they don’t have to. You did it for them. You have passive-aggressive down pretty good there, Tom.

A two cup French Press is not going to do the job today. Back to the closet for the trusty 12 cup thermal carafe number I packed away on a promise to drink less coffee. I never drank less coffee, I just made less of it at home.

Presidential limousines have not become any more elegant since JFK’s convertible model with the plastic bubble top. They have become more bullet proof and more connected. I think the new one that President Bush bought for President Obama will allow its occupants to day trade the economy into prosperity or bankruptcy, manage a global war, place bets on the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes all at the same time and while hosting video game tournaments. It is amazing, but it’s still kinda frumpy looking.

Pastor Rick Warren gave his much protested invocation. He’s not a very inspiring speaker. The prayer wasn’t bad. It was just too long. For Christians, Jesus gave us a perfectly good prayer in the “Our Father”. Everything else is a sermon. Anyway, his prayer fit in with the tenor of the day. The benediction on the other hand was equally long, but it was engaging. Rev. Lowery came off as the wise family elder. I could have wandered off to sit by the riverbank and listen to him tell the family stories for hours on end.

The big talking point today was of course that Barak Obama is the first African American President. There were a lot of sound bites suggesting that today was the culmination of Rev King’s “dream”. The first is without a doubt true, the second not so much. I know today was meaningful for a lot of people for just those reasons. I feel self-conscious thinking much less talking about it in those terms. I have never wanted someone to be President as much as I have wanted this man to be President. I knew it the moment I heard him give the keynote at the Democratic Convention. When I was a kid we would go to Fort McHenry for school trips or with out of town company. After the film in the Visitors’ Center the auditorium curtains would open onto a view of the American flag flying over the Fort. My throat would always close up and my eye would fill with tears. Listening to Barak Obama talk about America has the same effect on me. So yes, I was moved by the content of the man’s character which was such a big part of Martin Luther King’s dream. Acting on that isn’t such a praiseworthy thing. It is certainly not worthy of any self-congratulatory glee. Isn’t it what we’re supposed to do anyway?

I can still be proud of the accomplishment. I was part of a grassroots campaign finance system. I was one of the “little guys” who gave to the campaign. I put my money where my mouth and my heart were. I can be justly proud of that.

It is a new day. I don’t think we’re about to enter a post partisan utopia. It would be enough to go back to a state of affairs where we have political adversaries and not enemies. Pastor Rick Warren is not my enemy. I think we have some pretty profound differences. I don’t mind that I’m not free to join his church. I am no more inclined to join his than he is mine. And that is ok. What isn’t ok is using one’s interpretation of scripture to withhold freedoms and protections in the secular sphere. My challenge is to help him see that when he diminishes my liberty he diminishes his own. When we can find common ground in that, many other things become possible.

America can be a city on a hill. It can be a shining example of goodness and grace. It can be if we slow down enough to be guided by the Spirit and stop racing to do the Father’s job for him.

Places to Play

2009-01-15T01:56:00.001-05:00

My local Starbucks is my new place to play. It is here that I run into friends and community contacts. I even got interviewed by the local NPR affiliate about our Mayor's drama. Drop in and say hello sometime.

Random Image

2008-12-27T14:27:00.000-05:00

Plaza level at One Charles Plaza

Remember when...

2008-11-29T01:20:00.000-05:00

Think breakfasts, music CDs, vinyl record albums, and a place for people to live. This block used to have a hip little economy going on. If you don't remember back that far, don't worry. Not too many other people can either. If you can't remember, pretend that you can.

Relative Support for Obama by State

2008-11-07T14:12:00.002-05:00

The color coding on this runs from Blue through green to yellow. Only DC was "blue". Vermont came in at a blue grey. Those of you that think Obama's election means support for a wildly liberal agenda might do well to reel in your expectations. Obama will be good for the country, no he will be great for the country. What he won't be is the fomenter of a liberal utopia.

Relative support for Obama by state

2008-11-07T14:01:00.000-05:00

Bicycle riders rule

2008-11-04T10:42:00.000-05:00

Read more…

City tries new tactics in running dirt-bike fight -- baltimoresun.com

2008-10-26T00:10:00.000-04:00

The roving bikers caught the attention of Lotfy Nathan, a student at the Maryland Institute College of Art, who has spent the past 13 months filming a documentary that focuses on several groups of riders, ranging in age from 16 to 30. Almost all are black males, although women occasionally ride, he said.  "Upper-class white communities generally are the most fearful of them and regard them as criminals," Nathan said. "Then there are other communities that get a kick out of it."  Nathan has developed an appreciation of the dirt-bike culture, including why riders band together. When police turn up, he said, they can scatter, with too many to get caught.  Bikers he talks to are well aware that they shouldn't ride in the city, and know that police can't chase them.  "I do see this cat and mouse thing that goes on between them," Nathan said. "One is trying to get the better of the other."
City tries new tactics in running dirt-bike fight -- baltimoresun.com
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-te.md.ci.dirtbikes24oct24,0,3700256.story

If you’ve lived in Baltimore for any length of time you have a feel for how annoying, disruptive and dangerous unlicensed dirt bikes and their riders are. Now that the police can confiscate unlocked bikes, the knuckleheads will learn to lock their little penises (oops, I mean dirt bikes). The dirt bikers aren’t specifically why I tagged this article from the Sun. It was the last paragraph or two that caught my eye and my ire. What we have here is yet another clueless MICA student come to town to tell us how to live our lives.

Don’t get me wrong, I love art. Without art students we wouldn’t have art teachers in elementary schools. Without art teachers in elementary schools we’d have less art and bleaker lives. Pluck my nerves, tweak my sensibilities, open my eyes, and expand my vision. Stop screwing with our quality of life. What we don’t need are parks fenced off to show us how to love our parks. Our teen dirt bike gangs don’t need any more egging on than they give each other. And Nathan, we don’t regard the illegal dirt bikers as criminals, they are criminals.

If the city wants to build a dirt bike track for the guys to ride on, hey I’m all for it. Just require that they wear helmets, have insurance, and trailer or push unlicensed bikes to and from the track.

Toy giant promoting Islam? (OneNewsNow.com)

2008-10-24T18:11:00.000-04:00

"It does seem to be saying, 'Islam is the light.' I don't think too many people would argue with that, so I think they're being a little disingenuous," Markell points out. "And this is not a healthy thing to be putting out in the marketplace when we're in a war on terror, and little children are so susceptible to the messages they hear -- even from a doll -- then to take them into the school and talk about them. So yeah, this is a serious thing."

Toy giant promoting Islam? (OneNewsNow.com)

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=296382

With all the problems in the world, the economic crisis to solve, abortion doctors to burn at the stake, and gays to beat to death, you’d think the Xtian right wouldn’t have time to run yet another crusade. You might think that, but you’d be wrong. All the world loves a crusade - especially those being crusaded against. And to think all of this fun and excitement because of a little doll. Think twice about this before you make their cheerleader in chief the Vice President.

Keswick planners face a skeptical Roland Park -- baltimoresun.com

2008-10-16T01:11:00.000-04:00

The Baltimore Country Club has no use for the land in question as it has moved most of its operations out of the city. They’re going to rid themselves of the land one way or another. Repairs and deferred maintenance to the club house make it a necessity. It is reasonable that the surrounding community would be concerned about high density development in their back yards. It is also a foregone conclusion that Baltimore’s privileged set get what they want. I’m thinking that a Mercedes/BWM/Volvo superstore with a high-rise Starbucks would go quite nicely on this parcel. The irony is too tempting to think about.

My concern is this part of the Sun’s article on the latest community meeting:

Members of the Roland Park Civic League later unveiled its proposal to buy the property and possibly turn the area into community space, with swimming pools, fields and a playground.  David F. Tufaro, a Roland Park resident, told the audience that residents could raise $1.25 million and $3 million, with the rest of the money coming from land trusts and public funds.  "Sell it to us," Tufaro said. "We're prepared to pay the fair market value."Keswick planners face a skeptical Roland Park -- baltimoresun.com

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-md.keswick15oct15,0,3313955.story

Why on earth should public funds be used for a private luxury? Of course Tufaro is prepared to pay fair market value if the city is picking up the tab. Come to think of it wasn’t Tufaro a candidate for mayor a few years ago? If memory serves, his platform was filled with the typical Republican party platitudes about wasteful spending. I guess it is only wasteful if the haves are not getting any of it.

On second thought, the city could use another park with an aquatic program. A city pool in the middle of Roland Park, how nice.

Rawlings-Blake Pandering?

2008-10-10T16:08:00.001-04:00

Every Friday afternoon City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake sends out a bit of email fluff detailing her work on behalf of the citizens of Baltimore. This week is no different.

Today this item caught my eye:

In Baltimore City, state law prohibits new liquor establishments within 300 feet of a church or a school. I introduced a resolution that asks the Board of Liquor License Commissioners to report to the City Council on procedures used to enforce the current distance prohibition. The resolution also seeks to examine the feasibility of asking the Baltimore City Delegation to introduce state legislation to increase the distance of the prohibition. For example, in Montgomery County the prohibition is 750 feet.

What good pray tell is this bit of pandering going to do? I suppose it will keep temptation out of sight and out of mind.

Is an extra 450 feet going to keep alcohol out of Baltimore's schools? I would hazzard a guess that students ibibing between classess are getting their hooch closer to home. Excuse me Mr Bus driver, can you swing around the block so I can get a beer for math class?

Instead of writing resolutions that make Madam President look good in the eyes of all the church folk, how about shaking the bushes for the cash to fund a few more drug and alcohol treatment beds.

Electoral Map 08

2008-09-22T21:26:00.002-04:00

<p><strong>><a href='http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/interactives/campaign08/electoral-college/'>Electoral College Prediction Map</a></strong> - Predict the winner of the general election. Use the map to experiment with winning combinations of states. Save your prediction and send it to friends.</p>

another day in the life

2008-08-04T15:45:00.001-04:00

Nothing spectacular to talk about today. So here is another view.

Time for a long, cool farewell -- baltimoresun.com

2008-07-08T18:20:00.001-04:00

"We can't do it for another 50 years," he said. "The church not only needs it, but they serve the community also, in a different way."  The church, which now rents a space with 1,100 seats, holds four services each week to accommodate about 3,000 people. "We just think it isn't right for a church to have a 'no vacancy' sign on the door," said Dennis O'Brien, the senior pastor. His growing church has a second site in Shrewsbury, Pa., and is planning to open a third, in Baltimore's Federal Hill, early next year.  The swim club is a perfect spot for the base church because it's so close to the current location, O'Brien said. The plan is to use some of the land for the church building and parking and to preserve green space for walking paths, children's programs and the like. Time for a long, cool farewell -- baltimoresun.com
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_county/bal-te.md.pool08jul08,0,5306487.story

Oh give me a break. Just what the region needs, another McChurch. There are at least 5 other churches within a mile of this church. Grace already has a branch in PA and is planning to expand its operations to Federal Hill in the near future according to the Baltimore Sun. Like Baltimore City with all its empty church pews needs another retail church operation. At any rate, I can’t imagine any unmet community need that they are filling.

The swim club on the other hand is, according to the article, a community institution. While the club isn’t exactly cheap, it is in line with the economic status of the area. The local swim club is the late 20th/21st century suburban version of the community swimming hole and all the Americana that conjures up. Tearing down a swim club then is simply put, un-American.

Credit where credit is due

2008-07-08T18:02:00.000-04:00

One of the more enjoyable spots for frittering away a coffee break or an hour is the Caribou Cafe’ on the corner of Baltimore and Charles

City Council approves smoking ban delay - Baltimore Business Journal:

2007-08-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

City Council approves smoking ban delay - Baltimore Business Journal:: "City Council approves smoking ban delay Baltimore Business Journal - 2:23 PM EDT Friday, August 17, 2007by Julekha DashStaff Print this Article Email this Article Reprints RSS Feeds Most Viewed Most Emailed A bill that would delay an indoor smoking ban by one month won unanimous approval from the Baltimore City Council this week. Restaurants will get until Feb. 1 to tell their customers to butt out. City officials want to delay the ban so that it coincides with a statewide smoking ban. This way, restaurant owners will not have to adopt one set of guidelines and then prepare for the statewide ban. The delay is good news for restaurant owners who dread having to tell their patrons to put out their cigarettes on New Year's Eve. The Baltimore City Council approved the indoor smoking ban in February, and the state passed its ban two months later after intense lobbying by health advocates and restaurant industry leaders. The latter argued the ban would hurt business, while smoke-free advocates argued that similar bans in other states have not harmed restaurants. "

The Baltimore City council is either concerned about the health of Baltimore or it is not. If the city council is going to defer to the state law in this case, maybe the council should be desolved and home rule abolished in favor of a county commissioner system.

City government has for quite some time been the errand boy for one industry or another. Lets just be honest about it, put a for sale sign on Cith Hall, lock the doors, and send everyone home.

Impeach Cheney

2007-07-06T19:40:00.001-04:00

Isaiah Washington's firing a business decision - TELEVISION - MSNBC.com

2007-07-02T20:29:00.000-04:00

Isaiah Washington's firing a business decision - TELEVISION - MSNBC.com: "“If he’s being let go because of that incident, I’m not sure the punishment fits the crime,” said Vic Bullock, executive director of the Hollywood bureau of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The NAACP has asked ABC for “further clarity,” Bullock said.

Tavis Smiley, the national TV and radio talk-show host and author, said Washington’s words cut too deep.

“As a society we are still grappling with the notion of forgiveness and redemption,” Smiley said in an e-mailed comment. “What this incident shows us, not unlike the Don Imus matter, is there is some pain so deep, that an apology, no matter how sincere, just doesn’t suffice.”"

Tavis Smiley has a more balanced view of Washington's firing. We all, or at those of us who stop to think about it, know that sticks, stones, and words can hurt. I have to wonder, had it been a white gay man using the "N" word, would NAACP's Mr Bullock have the same attitude (firing does not fit the crime)?

President's Statement on Terri Schiavo

2005-03-20T10:52:00.000-05:00

President's Statement on Terri Schiavo

Once again the Republican White House and Republican Congress are sticking their collective noses where they don't belong. The genesis of their position does not arise from a concern about this family in crisis - they could really care less.

This is not about life or family or compassion. It is a Republican power grab. The republican's abhor the tripartite, bicameral government given us by the constitution. Congress has already abdicated its power and authority to the executive branch. Together an emasculated congress and an imperial president have the judicial branch of government in their gun sights.

The goal of the Republican party is a government subservient to international corporate interests. This is but a mere side show to maintain the support of the party's favorite dupes, the radical Christian right.

The president speak in words he does not believe, or at least in words that he does not honor. He talks of all Americans being valued while he spear heads a Constitutional amendment that relegates gay and lesbian Americans to the closet of second class citizenship. While governor of Texas he openly opposed laws that would protect gay and lesbians Americans from physical violence. He talks about those who live at the mercy of others deserving special care while he and his party destroy the social safety net, decrease healthcare funding, run prisoner of war camps where inmates are tortured for the sport of it, seek out loopholes in the law so suspects can be moved to coutries that allow torture as a fact finding tool.

This is not about Terri Schivo, it is about a Republican power grab, and any Democrat who goes along with it should be held accountable during the next congressional primary season.

The New York Times > Washington > Bush Budget Raises Prescription Prices for Many Veterans

2005-02-07T01:36:00.000-05:00

The New York Times > Washington > Bush Budget Raises Prescription Prices for Many Veterans

The last sentence of the article pretty much sums up the Republican party's support for the veterans who bear the greatest burden for Bush's war.

"Senator Larry E. Craig, Republican of Idaho, chairman of the panel, the Committee on Veterans Affairs, told Mr. Nicholson, "The fiscal environment that you inherit will be considerably less friendly than the relatively flush times the V.A. has enjoyed over the last four years."

I doubt that Bush will tour military bases touting his slash and burn tactics regarding veterans benefits.

Military Records Of Prominent Figures : Monterey County Weekly

2004-11-06T09:42:00.000-05:00

Military Records Of Prominent Figures : Monterey County Weekly

Just a preview. This is old hat now, but it is something to keep in mind while watching the GOP good ole boys pat each other on the back over the good job in Iraq.

Dennis Hastert: did not serve.

Tom Delay: did not serve.

House Whiip Roy Blunt: did not serve.

Bill Frist: did not serve.

Rudy Giuliani: did not serve.

George Pataki: did not serve.

Mitch McConnell: did not serve.

Rick Santorum: did not serve.

Trent Lott: did not serve.

Dick Cheney: did not serve. Several deferments, the last by marriage.

John Ashcroft: did not serve. Seven deferments to teach business.

Jeb Bush: did not serve.

Karl Rove: did not serve.

Paul Wolfowitz: did not serve.

Richard Perle: did not serve.

Douglas Feith: did not serve.

Eliot Abrams: did not serve.

Christopher Cox: did not serve.

Newt Gingrich: did not serve.

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Kerry Slams 'Wrong War in the Wrong Place'

2004-09-06T23:24:00.000-04:00

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Kerry Slams 'Wrong War in the Wrong Place': "Kerry Slams 'Wrong War in the Wrong Place'

Tuesday September 7, 2004 1:16 AM
AP Photo WVBB103
By CALVIN WOODWARD
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Democrat John Kerry accused President Bush on Monday of sending U.S. troops to the ``wrong war in the wrong place at the wrong time'' and said he'd try to bring them all home in four years. Bush rebuked him for taking ``yet another new position'' on the war. "

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is getting to the point where it is annoying. I can't imagine any situation where I would vote to extend King George's term of office, but I'm getting tired of the Kerry campaign's unwillingness to face the situation at hand and fight fire with fire.

Kerry should make a statement to the press where he says, "I'm sorry, I was wrong when I voted to give President Bush the authority to go to war without a declaration from Congress." He should further state that, " this war was ill considered, and my collegues in the Senate have rekindled in me the conviction that the founders of this republic through the Constitution of the United States of America that the representative of the people, the Congress, are the only authority upon which a nation should undertake war."

He should then talk about how the US has obligation ,because of an illegal war, to rebuild Iraq. He should commit to removing troups from Iraq by the 4th of July 2005.

AP Wire | 09/05/2004 | Bush's National Guard File Missing Records

2004-09-06T10:33:00.000-04:00

AP Wire | 09/05/2004 | Bush's National Guard File Missing Records

WASHINGTON - Documents that should have been written to explain gaps in President Bush's Texas Air National Guard service are missing from the military records released about his service in 1972 and 1973, according to regulations and outside experts.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

National Guard service, is honorable service. There is no question about this. For the service to be honorable, the comitment to serve must be honored.

There is enough wiggle-room in Bush's story to fly a B52 through.

If an enlisted member misses a dental appointment, he or she can be pretty much assured of a conseling session with a superior. If the member misses enough of them, a chat with the commander from which the member will likely leave a few stripes lighter is a not uncommon result.

Bill Clinton gets branded a draft dodger for his legal behavior in skipping out on service. GW Bush gets lauded as a war commander after his questionable and possibly illegal behavior.

It is amazing how much the American public will swallow on the promise of a tax cut. It matters little that the tax cut will benefit very few Americans.

It seems as though a series of failures to follow orders and instructions on the part of Bush and his Air Guard superiors has brought us to where we are today. Who wants to take bets on the likelihood of the GOP controlled Congress instituting a Congressional Investigation of the series of failures to adhere to official Air Force policy before the fall elections?

Boy Scouts home behind prison walls

2004-08-28T03:04:00.000-04:00

Boy Scouts home behind prison walls: "The Boy Scouts sanction the use of their name, logo and methods, so long as the inmates do not have any association with the scouts upon their release, Pitzer said."

The Boy Scouts will not doubt claim credit if the inmates in question make a model recovery from their wayward ways. If they fail, the scouts want no part of them. How typical.

The moral basis for the Boy Scouts of America is pretty much in the stone age with the Klu Klux Klan.

Two candidates, two military records, two stand ... [Media Matters for America]

2004-08-26T19:16:00.000-04:00

Two candidates, two military records, two stand ... [Media Matters for America]: "Two candidates, two military records, two standards
Media extensively covers baseless allegations about Kerry's Vietnam service; ignores well-substantiated facts about Bush's service; unanswered questions linger about Bush's apparent failure to report for duty"

Two candidates, two military records, two standards

Media extensively covers baseless allegations about Kerry's Vietnam service; ignores well-substantiated facts about Bush's service; unanswered questions linger about Bush's apparent failure to report for duty

Both current major-party presidential candidates served their country during Vietnam. Both candidates' service has been questioned.

The similarities end there.

John Kerry, according to every available piece of documentary evidence, including official U.S. Navy records, served bravely and honorably, won five medals (including three Purple Hearts), and saved a crewmate's life. Everybody -- everybody -- who served on Kerry's boats during the incidents that led to his medals agrees that he deserved them and praises his distinguished service.

_______________________________________________________

What can I say? Follow the link and see for yourself.

VA Opens Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

2004-08-17T21:05:00.000-04:00

VA Opens Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi has announced the appointment of Darin S. Selnick as director of the new Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives was established June 1 when President Bush signed Executive Order 13342. The new center will identify existing barriers that limit faith-based and other community organizations from delivering services to veterans and propose initiatives to remove those barriers, including new regulations, procurement procedures, internal policies and outreach activities. An Air Force veteran, Selnick is a past California state commander for Jewish War Veterans and a former member of the group's National Executive Committee. He joined VA in June 2001 as a special assistant assigned to VA's Learning University.

__________________________________________________

Benign or something else. Faith based initiatives are nothing more than welfare for religious organizations. If religious organizations want to reach out to veterans, let them do it under their own steam. The Federal - or state, for that matter - Government has no business funding religious outreach.

This is nothing more than Karl Rove making a payoff to the faux religious on the religious right for supporting the Republican scorched earth policy.

Cheney's Newborn Grandson Appears at Rally - EarthLink - Political News

2004-08-12T17:10:00.000-04:00

Cheney's Newborn Grandson Appears at Rally - EarthLink - Political News

Cheney's Newborn Grandson Appears at Rally

August 12, 2004 02:02 PM EDT

DAYTON, Ohio - Children from political families may get tired of campaigning, but Philip Perry isn't bored yet. Mostly, he's just sleeping.

The 5-week-old grandson of Vice President Dick Cheney wraps his first campaign trip Thursday in this swing state, according to his mother, Liz Cheney.

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Using children as campaign props certainly qualifiy as family values. Odd, though... Dick's daughter has kept her maiden name... how traditional....NOT

Talk about undermining the traditional nature of family. I guess it is ok if you are a repugnican.

Jerry is at it again.... so what else is new

2004-08-07T07:24:00.000-04:00

Gay News From 365Gay.com

Christian Taliban minister with an IRS record of violating his cult's tax exempt status seeks to council others on violating tax law.

Jerry is exhibit one in the argument for a fortified wall between church and state. Falwell and his band of narrow minded thugs seek an America governed under his whacko version of the Bible.

G O P.com :: They Said It! - Sen. Zell Miller (D-GA)

2004-08-01T11:14:00.000-04:00

G O P.com :: They Said It! - Sen. Zell Miller (D-GA)

Zell Miller, Democrat of Georgia wants to speak at the GOP convention.

Zell Miller is a bitter old man slipping into obscurity. His diatrive is nothing more than a desire to hear himself roar. He and William Donald Schaffer (the other turncoat Democrat) need to marry each other and go live on a island somewhere and listen to each other roar.

A strange cabal

2004-07-04T18:09:00.000-04:00

Is Ralph Nader to become the Pat Paulson of the early 21st century?

Virginia the new hate state?

2004-05-13T11:37:00.000-04:00

On April 21, 2004 the Virginia Legislature went out of its way to discriminate against gay and lesbian Virginians.

HB 751 say's in part,

"A civil union, partnership contract or other arrangement between persons of the same sex purporting to bestow the privileges or obligations of marriage is prohibited. Any such civil union, partnership contract or other arrangement entered into by persons of the same sex in another state or jurisdiction shall be void in all respects in Virginia and any contractual rights created thereby shall be void and unenforceable."

This goes beyond opposition to "gay marriage". This is an outright exercise in the exclusion of an entire class of citizens from equal protection under the law.

baltimoresun.com - Politicians show support for multiculturalism

2004-05-11T13:56:00.000-04:00

baltimoresun.com - Politicians show support for multiculturalism

Maryland's governor say's multiculturalism is "crap... bunk". I guess the lightbulb lit after he got the what shall we call it - slip of the lip - out.

On WBAL radio he makes like a moderate and talks nicely about immigrants. Then the other Ehrlich made an appearance. This is the Ehrlich that has little tolerance for people who don't look or think or love just like he does.

What the governor fails or refuses to see is that multiculturism isn't about isolating people in ethnic enclaves. It isn't about fragmenting society. What ever happened to walking a mile in my shoes. Multicultural education is about walking a mile in another person's shoes. It is kind of hard to pick on or dislike someone you understand.

The governor can't be saying he does not want us to understand each other can he?

When we understand our neighbors the tensions that arise when someone is trying to become aculturated are more easily overcome. This isn't a difficult concept to grasp. That is, unless one wants it to be.