Tuesday Nite Live

At least the Three Graces were using their mikes so the voters could hear them.  Councilwoman McBride was unusually rude not only to her colleagues but also to the public aka the voters.  The lady does not like to be challenged.  Sorry, Madam President, but you don't know everything.  Some members of the public can actually research the law and speak on it.  Your colleagues have the right to consult a lawyer whenever.  Ms. McBride was very annoyed that Ms. Caldwell-Wilson spoke to an attorney before submitting an ordinance for council approval.  From where I stand, Ms. McBride is not qualified to run a dog pound.  As for the exchange between Councilman Muschal and Police Director Rivera, that was something should have taken place in private.  They speak the same language (cop).  Frankly neither came out that exchange looking good.  As to the cry that we need more police on the streets - who knows.  I do know that when people want to, really want to, they can do more with less.  As I have pointed out before, back in 2005 when we had a full complement of police, we also had THIRTY-FIVE murders that year!  How many have been solved?  And history is littered with examples of battles that were won against overwhelming odds.  The incident in the West Ward - shooting at a police car - is disturbing, is scarey - but even with another 105 police on the force, it could have happened.  The shooter could have escaped - all he (or she) had to do was hop in a car and drive away - far away.  Blogolanders, the issue here in Trenton is not more cops, more money for education, more money for god only knows what, the answer a better attitude among ourselves.  And food cards for guns in not the answer either.  I'd love to know what kind of weapons were turned - what condition they were in.  During the show last evening, Councilman Chester did come out looking good; he stated that it is not his job to solve crimes.  And he's right.

On Education

Good morning, Blogolanders.  It's been awhile, but I am still learning this new, improved way of posting.  I prefer the old and crummy way; however, I digress.  Monday, I went off to meet and greet the three candidates for superintendant.  I did not speak to Mr. Duran because after meeting and greeting the other two, I realized they wouldn't work; I assumed the same for Mr. Duran so I left.  Here's the elephant in room (and when I asked the other two about Dumbo, I offended many).  Most (not all) Trentonians have no regard for education which is why we have a 47% graduation rate.  How do you change that attitude?  Neither of the two I spoke with could give a straight answer.  Then there is the issue of gangs; how does one break up their influence?  Again, dance around the issue.  Of course, I heard much about, "bad teachers."  To that,  I say, bullish!!  You can have the best teacher in the world; if the student does not want to learn, the student will not learn.  And we have kids who have no interest in learning.  I wish Mr. Duran well.  Maybe he will change things.  If he's still here in five years it will be because he did change things.  But personally, I still feel what the Trenton school system needs is a retired Marine drill sargeant with flat feet, a bad back, an ulcer, and a rotten marriage.  Someone who is meaner than a junk yard dog; someone who starts each day by shouting, "Listen up and listen up good!!!"  Extreme?  You bet.  But we haven't tried it.  We have tried the, "love 'em and hug 'em," approach which has failed, and failed good. 

Guest Blogger from Ancient Greece. Good morning, Trentonians!  Boy, am I glad to be here.  So much work to do.  Love it, love it, love it!!  I am Apate, the daughter of Nyx and Erebus.  I am the ancient Greek goddess of Deceit, Fraud, and Trickery.  My counsins moved it nearly two years ago, but there is so much work do, they put out a call for re-enforcements so here  I am!  We have never felt so welcomed anywhere.  Please keep going in the direction you have been because we have scads of relatives looking for work.  See ya around town.