Show Me Yours; I'll Show You Mine

Hello, Blogolanders.  I meant to post this sooner but have spent the last several days researching the financial health of our presidents.  This is probably an impossible task as land values have changed, and there is debate as to the value of slaves.  Yes, many of our earlier presidents owned slaves.  And I have neither the time nor the patience to check every bit of information.  One site had a glaring boo boo.  Jackie Kennedy was described as, "an oil heiress."  She was no such thing; the only heiress was Ethel.  Her family founded Great Lakes Carbon. 

What does seem to be the case is that many of our presidents died broke.  A prime case is Thomas Jefferson, one of our greater presidents.  He was not only broke, but also in debt.  Yet this guy brokered one of the greatest land deals in history - The Louisiana Purchase!  He couldn't pay his own bills, but he left us a fortune. 

As for George Washington, I'm sure he would have had a great credit profile/credit score.  But when it came to the finances of the new government, he needed Alexander Hamilton to put the nation on a firm financial footing. 

Of course, you've heard about Bernie Madoff.  Ten years ago, a report from Equifax would have made him look golden - the man was a thief. 

Now why is the Tony Mack mess such a surprise?  Back in 2006 when he first ran for mayor, he paid his campaign workers with bad checks.  That should have been a wake-up call. 

The reason I found this requirement so distasteful is that based on Anglo-Saxon common law, one is innocent until proven guilty.  We are trying to say to candidates, "You are guilty (you're a crook) until you prove otherwise. 

If you want to snoop around the a candidate's finances, why not ask where donations are coming from?  Doesn't anyone find it interesting that Walker Worthy has some $23,000 in his war chest  I know I do. 

And, in closing, you could have a candidate with a stellar financial history, but what about the folks around the candidate?  Does anyone believe JoJo has an 800 credit score? 

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!!!!

Macy's LOOK OUT!!!

Both papers published pictures of the Trenton Thanksgiving Parade.  No matter how closely I looked, I didn't see many Trentonian lining the parade route.  Why no story about this wonderful event?  After all, we paid $10,000 plus overtime for this, "non," event.  Blogolanders, do not believe for one minute that private donors coughed up the cash - if that were so, we would be told who these generous folks are.  Anthony Roberts just mumbles and fumbles whenever asked about this. 

It's All a Plot!!

Good morning, Blogolanders.  The last few days have been devoted to various news articles and television programs remembering the 50th anniversary of the shooting of John Kennedy.  Those of you who were alive then no doubt still remember exactly where you were and what you were doing on that Friday.  What still amazes me is the number of people who believe there was some conspiracy; that Oswald could not and did not act alone; that the U.S. government lied to us and still keeps information hidden. 

Perhaps the biggest argument against anyone but Oswald pulling the trigger is that the Kennedy family accepted the Warren report.  Think, Blogolanders, please.  Do any of you really believe Robert Kennedy would have rested if he thought there was more to his adored brother's murder than one lone nut case?  Hell, Bobby even said, "...my brother was killed by a white man."  He was speaking to an angry crowd after the murder of Martin Luther King. 

The great and powerful can be struck by the weak and unknown.  Both Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan were shot at by unknown, unbalanced people.  James Garfield (one of our more forgotten presidents) was killed by a fellow pissed that he didn't get a job. 

Which brings us to Jack Ruby.  Far too many believe he was sent to silence Oswald.  Let's take a look Ruby's activities that day.  Yes, he was off to the police station where he loved to hang out with the cops and schmooz.  He did, however, bring his pet poodle along.  Now if I were off to kill someone, I'd leave the pooch home.  On his way to the police station, Ruby stopped off at Western Union to send fifteen dollars to one his strippers.  There was no guarantee that this errand would be an, "in & out."  There could have been a line.  Then Ruby would have missed the transfer of Oswald.  And what about his drive to the station?  What if he had hit a traffic light or two?  That would have delayed him.  And I understand that the Oswald transfer was delayed a few minutes because Oswald asked for a sweather.  All of this leads me to believe Ruby would not have had a chance - fate just fell into his lap. 

But conspracies are really more fun; they also make more money.  My favorite current conspiracy is that Princess Di was killed on orders from Buckingham Palace.  She died because the car in which she rode was driven by a drunk who was speeding - AND only one passenger was wearing a seat belt.  He was the only one to survive. 

Yes, much of the shooting of John Kennedy was handled in sloppy manner.  Very few are aware that Kennedy was wearing his back brace which would have forced a back head wound to make his body jerk back, not forward.  Finis

A Dull Day!

Yesterday's Trenton Times proved a joy.  No screaming headlines about crime, corruption, moronic behavior, cheating officials, etc.  The lead story was about Trehune Orchards and their winery!!!  A very pleasant surprise - Trenton can do it.  Later, Blogolanders.

Post Election

Nothing happened yesterday that surprised me.  Perhaps Barbara Buono's concessation speech, but that's all.  I am, however, saddened that New Jersey voted to increase the minimum wage and have future increases required by the state consitution.  While increasing wages sounds nice, where is the money coming from?  By the way, when wages go up, so does the FICA contribution from an employer. 

One of two things will happen.  Businesses that employ minimum wage folks with let someone go OR the business will raise prices.  Possibly both.  We shall see.  And my fellow New Jerseyites - what of the people who work for nursing homes* - school districts - local governments?  Where are the funds to be found to meet these new requirements? 

Surprise!!  Higher taxes!!

*Many nursing homes are privately owned - I know that.  But they are still costly and are not known for their princeley pay scales.  So if you plan to drop an aging parent off somewhere be prepared for a greater cost and lesser care. 

Pay seems to rise quickly whenever there is a labor shortage.  You know, more jobs than workers.  Right now we have more workers than jobs. 

Sue First; Think Later

Good morning, Blogolanders.  Over the weekend a woman named Christine Brown announced she was suing the City of Trenton - Police Department for death of her nephew, Eric McNeil.  The late Eric was shot by a Trenton police officer when he came charging at two officers with a gun blasting.  Eric hit both officers - one nearly died.  Interestingly, Eric was on parole for a felony conviction. 

When a prisoner is paroled that are certain rules that must be followed.  The most obvious is do not commit another crime.  Eric not only beat the crap out of his former girlfriend, but he also killed her puppy.  And those on parole are not to own weapons.  Somehow, Eric got a gun.  Wheather he bought it or borrowed it, not important.  He had it, and he used it.  He shot two police officers. 

Yes, the police officers would come first.  Too bad Eric was lying there as the medics handled a call for, "Officers down!"  If Eric had followed the rules of his parole, he'd probably still be alive.  By the way, if he had lived,  Eric would be off to prison for a VERY long time. 

To Christine Brown,  I can only say, "Lady, you've got gall!"  As a taxpayer here in Trenton, I can only hope the courts throw out her suit.  I would also suggest the lady consider some embarassment at the behavior of her nephew. 

Advice from Good Ole Dad

Good morning, Blogolanders.  It seems there was another flap in Trenton over the weekend involving citizens and the police.  I wan't there, but the news accounts seem truthful based on my experience.  Let me begin by writing that I do not believe the members of the Trenton police are a bunch of boy scouts.  They can be, and often are, rude and obnxious.  Hell, I've had a few run-ins with them. 

Before I go any further, Blogolanders, please note (for those who don't know already) I am a WASP.  When I first got my driver's license, Dear Ole Dad gave me a piece of advice I've have not forgotten - NEVER EVER MOUTH OFF TO A COP!!  Not every unpleasant contact with the police is motivated by race - believe me.  My favorite war story is walking into police headquarters, approaching the officer in the lobby and being greeted with, "Yeah, whadda you want?" 

Now for my advice - NEVER EVER INTERFER WITH AN ARREST.  Even if you believe it is wrong, unlawful, racist, etc., etc.  Keep calm.  Settle the problem at the police station. 

The Winter of Our Discontent?

Hello, Blogolanders.  It's been awhile, but I've been keeping a low profile.  Doing a lot of thinking and reading.  But first, the special election for state senator.  No surprises there.  Cory Booker was going to win - BUT what did surprise me was the final tally.  I epected Booker to cream Lonegan; Lonegan actually did very well which makes me wonder just how unhappy the voters are.  Of course the government shutdown didn't help, BUT again, the vast majority of Americans never noticed.  Yes, I know public parks and monuments were closed, BUT how many Americans planned to visit this month?  Did anyone notice that the Social Security checks still kept coming?  The boys and girls at the national pre-school known as the Congress knew better than to turn off that tap.  No matter the party, our representatives would not dare do that.  So some low level file clerk gets a sixteen day PAID vacation - what was accomplished?  Just a a lot of lead stories for the six o'clock news. 

The November elections should show just how discontented we Americans are. 

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Social Civics

On Sunday, the Trenton Times published the monthly essay written by the president of the Trenton Council of Civic Associations; this year the president is Darren, "Freedom," Green.  He had much to say about civic involvement; he mentioned that the absence of good old high school civics has done more harm than good.  (That is not an exact quote.)  He could not be more right.  In my day, it was called, "Social Studies." 

Long ago, I stopped being amazed at the ignorance of the typical citizen.  The most commonly heard is, "I don't vote because it don't make no difference."  Like hell.  On election day, we are the most important and powerful people around.  Why?  Because every leader in every country is glued to CNN.  They know that whoever is elected is the president they must deal with for the next four years.  (With very rare exceptions).  Just think.  Every vote for Ronald Reagan brought a smile to Margaret Thatcher's face. 

Another popular excuse for doing nothing  (especially when it is suggested the citizen attend council meetings) is, "I don't want no trouble."  The Constitution, which is the supreme law in this country, guarantees that a citizen has the right, "to petition elected officials for a resdress of grievances."  That means we, the voters, you and me, have a guaranteed right to bitch and moan - in public - on the record.  And if you don't speak up at public meetings how are the elected officlas to know something is bothering you? 


My favorite war story involves the census every ten years.  You have no idea how people feel the government is just snooping into their private affairs.  Yes, some of the questions are a bit over the top, BUT, and it is a big BUT, the Constitution requires a census every ten years.  And there was a reason the Founding Fathers included this requirement.  Anyone out there know the answer?

Mr. Green was right.  The ignorance about our own government is dragging us down.  And if the schools won't teach, there is always the Citizens' Campaign. 

Guest Blogger - Emily Post

On Wesdnesday, the The Trenton Times published a letter from one Maria Kelly who was in a snit because the Dishonorable Mayor was not permitted to address council and the public on August 15.  Blogolanders, he was on the agenda.  He was sucheduled to speak just after the opening ceremonies.  He was NOT there.  No one seemed to know when, if at all, he would appear.  Councilman Muschal did the right thing - he moved the agenda forward to public comments.  The Dishonorable Mayor finally appeared and stood in the door.  According to Ms. Kelly, council was rude not to stop public comments and allow the Dishonorable Mayor to speak.  Bullshit!!!  He was late.  He was rude by being late.  He forfeited his place on the agenda by being late.  If he had manners, he would have taken a seat and waited till public comments were over and then apologized to all.  But instead, he stomped off to his office.

If there is one thing about Trentonians that drives me nuts, it is the inability to tell time.  This casual attitude toward being late.  I often wonder how many of use keep our jobs.  The fact is, Tony Mack was late and got what he deserved.

The Royal George

England's Royal George is a six-week old infant; Trenton's Royal George is Councilman Muschal.  Last week, several of my neighbors cut back and swept up the weeds along the curb on my block.  This week, Councilman Muschal and a helper arrived to cut back three overgrown lots.  George also trimmed several trees.  It was a lot of work - about six hours,  give or take.  Everything looks neat and tidy.

Blogolanders, in an ideal world, the local government should take care of tasks like this, but we do not live in an ideal world.  We live in a city that is broke in a state that is short of cash, with a municipal administration that leaves much to be desired.  In a little more than eight months, we will elect a new mayor and a new city council. 

Before voting, Blogolanders, PLEASE DEMAND of all candidates their plans to solve the various city problems, and I don't mean vague answers like, "We need more jobs;" We have to improve our eeducational system;" We have have increase our tax base;" We have to fight crime."  No shit!  But how?  That's what, we the voters need to ask; that's what, we the voters need to know. 

And where a candidate was born and raised, went to school, what sports played,  means nothing.  What plans the candidates have matters.   

Should you, the voters, decide not to go this route but instead follow the usual campaign crap, then do not bitch and moan if another group of losers gets elected. 

Trenton - The Twilight Zone?

Hello, Blogolanders.  It's been a long time since I've posted.  Several reasons why, too.  There was so much to comment on, I didn't know where to begin, and there have been some happenings within the family that took up my time.  Well, I'm back.  Not only have I read the papers, but I have also listened to the Dishonorable Mayor's press conference during which he blamed the Fourth Estate for printing negative news which, according to the Dishonorable Mayor, destroys the minds of our young.  It was some six minutes of bullshit and not even quality bullshit. 

I do not believe reporting the negative destroys young minds, saps their ambition, ruins their self-respect.  Hell, I,ve been reading The New York Times for over fifty years - you want the negative?  Read that paper.  In my humble opinion, what destroys young minds is watching adults ignore problems, watching adults refuse to discuss solutions, watching adults pass the blame, etc.

Here's a very personal example.  Back in 2005, I went to the UPenn Hospital for a zillion tests.  The final results were:  heart is fine, kidneys are fine, liver is fine, butt is fine.  The problem?  A small cancerous growth in my left lung.  Now, I could have decided to ignore that bad thing and concentrate on the good.  If I had, I wouldn't be here to enjoy all the good things so the doctor and I decided to concentrate on the bad - we solved the problem.  Here I am enjoying the good.  Including the lungs which function well enough. 

The Dishonorable Mayor should be concentrating on the negative.  Solving the problem(s).  Showing our young people how to find solutions.  Perhaps the media can have headlines that read, "Crime down XX% because Mayor Mack did X,Y, and Z."

We can have all parks we want, but if people do not feel safe in those parks, what good are they?  Instead of whining about the mess he found in city hall when he was elected (a mess he should have known about), Tony Mack should have been chipping away at those problems from the beginning.  All he has done since he took office is create more problems and make the existing problems worse.

I especially liked his answer to question about resigning.  Tony Mack is not resigning because he worked long and hard to get elected!!!  Who gives a flying f#$k?  Campaigning is long, hard work.  You don't want to do it, don't run, but a hard fought campaign does not give one right to abuse the office which Tony Mack has done since Day One. 

So, Blogolanders, the Dishonorable Mayor is going nowhere soon.  I, for one, hope someday to see him driven off to a nice federal prison.  Of course, he'll blame that on negative press and warping young minds by showing an elected official being escourted away by federal agents.  Tony Mack lives in a strange world far removed from reality. 

Politically Incorrect Conservative

FROM THE FRONT STOOP posted an interesting piece about the summer food program here in Trenton.  I have long been against this program because I do not like to see food wasted.  There are people in this world, most of them in East Africa, who are starving - like they have NO food to eat.  While there have no reports of canabalism, I suspect it is because those who do starve to death have no meat on their bones to make it worthwhile. 

But this wasting of, "free food," predates the current administration.  Several years back while walking around the Cooper's Pool area, I was disgusted to see half eaten sandwiches, pieces of fruit, containers of milk just tossed on the ground.  Not only did these kids waste food, but they couldn't even be bothered to pick up after themselves. 

I suspect little has changed.  For half a century now I have listened to Liberal bullshit about helping, providing, doing, giving, understanding, etc., etc., etc.  Nothing has gotten better; in fact, things have gotten worse.  Anyone who can afford to throw food away does not help.  Anyone who can afford a Direct TV dish does not need help.  Anyone who can afford to sit on the front steps all day does not need help. 

Just Dreaming

Well, Blogolanders, it seems the Dishonorable Mayor sent off a letter to the governor asking for money to hire more police.  This is a request with which I have no great objection, but, and here's where the dreaming comes in, I'd pick up the phone and tell him, "The minute you resign, I'll be down the street with a check!"  Our Dishonorable Mayor claims to love Trenton, to want the best for Trenton, to do the best for Trenton. 



You see, Blogolanders, considering how this administration has pissed money away (like for Heritage Days, and silly lawsuits,  and incompetent staff), I wouldn't give Trenton ten bucks  much less ten mill.

This is just a dream. 

No Joy for Jo-Jo

According to the newspapers, Jo-Jo is now confined to his house in Ewing except for strict exceptions.  Good.  I've long suspected the guy is a fake.  There he is cluching his oxygen tank with one hand and a cigar with the other.  Any pulmonary specialist worth his salt would have told Jo-Jo to shit can the cigars long ago.  He should also be on strict diet to knock off some of the lard which is not helping his breathing.  And he should probably be in a pulmonary rehab program.  COPD cannot be cured, but it can be controlled and the qualitity of life greatly improved - I'm a prime example of that.  So my advice to Jo-Jo is, "keep your freakin mouth shut." 

To Protect & Serve????

Back in 1999 when Mayor Palmer decided he wanted a police director rather than a chief of police, I was against the scheme.  My prime objection was that the police department would become a political football - and it did!  I wasn't crazy about Joe Constance, BUT I must admit he was not one to take crap.  The final vote was very close - 51% to 49%.  When the police began to bitch and moan,  they were not happy when I pointed out if more of them lived in Trenton, and voted, Mayor Palmer would have lost.  Blogolanders, if most of the police lived in Trenton, they would be one hell of a voting block.  They police rarely see it that way.  And Blogolanders, I have my own horror stories about the Trenton P.D.  Any sympathy I may have had, vanished years ago.

I do not, however, believe the half-assed police protection we now get is a racial issue; I believe it is an organization that is pissed and will do as little as possible.  Yes, they are shorthanded.  But Trentonians have also contributed to the problem.  We could have 5,000 officers and so long as some Trentonians run around with unlicensed guns and shoot each other just for fun, we will have crime. 

Think for a moment - if Trenton were to introduce a Stop & Frisk program there would be such a hue and cry about picking on young black males that the program would fail.  Any proaction would be labeled harrassment.  Example - one problem in my neighborhood is young people stopping in the middle of the street so the driver can talk to someone - usually a young woman.  I asked a police officer why they couldn't ask the driver to move - stop blocking traffic.  The answer?  We would be accused of harrassment.  Well, yeah.  Tough.  Don't block traffic. 

My issue with our current crime wave is mostly with the parents of these kids.  If parents behaved like parents and set boundaries and rules and regulations, Trenton would have fewer crimes.  Yes, there will always be kids who slip into crime, but we have far too many who slipped into crime because no one pulled them back. 

So I would really suggest that L.A. Parker write about poor parenting. 

Ave Atque Vale

Since Sunday afternoon, I've thinking of how to write about my good buddy, Dion Clark.  We did not always agree, but we never argued.  Yet we often did agree.  Dion was never on an ego trip.  When he spoke out, it was because there was a problem, not because he wanted his name in the paper.  He had lovely manners, of the sort rarely seen these days.  So I decided to go with KISS. 

Rest in peace, Dion

Cars & Freebies

Good morning, Blogolanders.  As you know, or should, the city owns several cars (maybe even too many) and department heads often get assigned a vehicle to drive to and from work.  The logic is if there is ever an emergency, a vehicle is available for them to hop in and drive to whatever emergency there is.  I've long dismissed the argrument as so much dreck.  Fortunately, Councilman George Muschal started to investigate this.  And, surprise, surprise, he found what appears to be an abuse of this priviledge.  Department heads using city vehicles (and city gasoline) to buy groceries for the family, take the family on sports outings, and speed along the interstate (one vehicle was clocked at 88 mph). 

So the councilman started to ask very pointed questions.  Some departments responded.  A few did not.  And here's the problem - there are city regulations REQUIRING a response.  We have department heads in violation of city regulations and except for Mr. Muschal no one seems to give a damn.  Well, I do.  And you should, too.  This city is broke - like having no money.  Anything that is not necessary must be cut out.  And using city vehicles for personal errands and outings and racing is something that is not necessary. 

So let's all get behind the councilman and DEMAND answers to his questions and even better, take the damn cars back.  If a department head has trouble getting to work, suggest using the bus. 

And, by the way, such employee benefits are taxable.  How many Trenton department heads report this use of a city vehicle on their tax returns?  If any IRS agents read this blog, maybe some returns should be audited.  And if one uses a personal vehicle for city business, that is tax deductible - when I was working, it was 12 cents a mile. 

Let your councilpeople know you stand behind the Muschal investigation.  This is your property being abused and your tax money paying for it. 

Announcement

Good evening, Blogolanders!  The city council meeting scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled.  Illness, injury, vacation, and the heat all conspired.  Stay cool.  Love your A.C. unit. 

Jumpin Jo-Jo

Jo-Jo Georgianni is back in the news.  He wants to go to Florida!  When he didn't get his way, he made terroristic threats to an officer of the court, a federal court at that, without punishment.  I don't why it happened, but that pisses me off.  If I had done it, my ass would be behind bars. 

Blogolanders, Jo-Jo tends to fake.  I know because my lungs are shot.  He shouldn't be going to Florida in the summer as the hot, humid air will do him no good.  Maybe the mountains.  Further, when he starts to hyperventilate, he makes things worse by breathing heavily.  There are breathing techniques to calm down which he should know. 

And someone of modest means should not own a condo in Florida; if he does, he should be renting the damn thing out.  Jo-Jo claims to need money. 

This guy is nothing but a bullshit artist and a not very good one either.