We often give labels to certain days of the year. And today, Thanksgiving, is just another example. But, our dog doesn't know that. She just knows that there is something that smells REAL good down in the oven; that she has to keep checking on it to make sure it hasn't escaped; and, that when the sun comes up, it's time to go for a walk.
Surprisingly, she and I weren't the only ones out there. Apparently, the lack of giving names to days in the year is widespread in the canine world. With the exception of these other pet lovers, however, there didn't seem to be much stirring in the world.
As a matter of fact, the familiar din of traffic noise often heard at this time of day is missing. Not even a train locomotive moving along the Maple Leaf corridor. All I can hear is.....a sparrow chirping......in November.......on Thanksgiving day.
Come to think of it, the weather is actually quite pleasant. Yes, it's a little overcast and a little drizzly, but I can't see my exhaled breath. And, I probably could have come out without a jacket on. And, there was no evidence that we had a frost last night.
Hmmmm.
This is Thanksgiving, right?
I do live in Western New York, don't I?
Except for the fact that all the trees are barren of leaves and show no signs of growth, I could almost swear that it was Spring. The grass is green, the birds are chirping, it's not even 7:00 AM, and I'm starting to break a sweat walking Dakota with this jacket on.
And, then reality hits. A waft comes from one of the homes nearby. TURKEY! Aha! Someone else is up baking the bird already. I was almost convinced it was Easter Sunday and was expecting to see a rabbit dart out at any minute.
Dakota would've liked that. Don't forget, for her it's just another morning walk. And, "bunnies" is one of the best things to find, next to "cats" or "squirrels".
26 November 2009
25 November 2009
Proclamation of Thanksgiving - 1863
Washington, D.C.October 3, 1863
Proclamation of Thanksgiving
By Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America
The Year that is drawing to a close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke the aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theater of military conflict; while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversion of wealth and strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore.
Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.
I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.
And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascription’s justly due to Him for such singular deliverance’s and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
Proclamation of Thanksgiving
By Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America
The Year that is drawing to a close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke the aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theater of military conflict; while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversion of wealth and strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore.
Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.
I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.
And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascription’s justly due to Him for such singular deliverance’s and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
28 October 2009
What next?
I love the outdoors. I cannot remember not feeling this way. Rather than sit and wonder, I would love to stand in a wild field of brambles and wait for a pheasant to alight; to look across a hillside of virgin timber and imagine that the whole country once looked this way; to sit silently for hours and wait for that first movement of a squirrel who finally realizes I am going to be there for a while and won’t be of any harm; to come over a rise or around a corner of a narrow trail and freeze in place as I am confronted by a calf moose, knowing that “mom” probably isn’t too far away; to be so far away from civilization that the only din I hear is from a waterfall across the valley.
Although I often use various modes of transportation to near these experiences, they always seem to happen while I am walking. The sloshing through mud or shuffling over leaves or tramping on snow provides for a satisfaction of achievement that is lost when you’re sitting down behind a window. You just don’t get the same impact while you are driving your car, motoring in a bus, or riding in a train. You might be able to view them, but at 15, 30, or 65 miles per hour, you never really get to FEEL them.
And so, when I saw a recent article appear online from About.com written by Lauren Himiak (http://usparks.about.com/b/2009/10/28/npca-disagrees-with-legislation-for-north-cascades.htm), I was curious. Apparently, a Bill (H.R. 2806) had been passed by the House and sent on to the Senate, even after the Department of Interior and it’s National Park Service, to whom the funding would be provided, said “No thanks.” From what I can understand, it calls for the repositioning and reconstruction of nearly ten miles of isolated roadway. When I say isolated, I do mean isolated. This road is located in the North Cascades National Park in Washington State and can only be reached by boat or plane. This stretch of road along the Stehekin River has twice been wiped out by flooding in the past 15 years; and was not replaced after the last episode in 2003. And, what makes this project even more perplexing is that there are no camps, no homes, no buildings whatsoever along this road. It is a dead end.
In fact, since the last Management Plan in 1993, the only motorized vehicle that has been allowed along its length has been a shuttle bus that was operated by the NPS. It was then, and continues to be, open to hikers, horses, and cyclists. But, no cars.
Now comes the biggest issue. In order for this roadway to be “repositioned”, it will require an Environmental Impact Study to be completed. Initial cost estimate - $500,000 – five hundred thousand dollars. Time to complete the study – 3-4 YEARS! Initial estimate to complete the work 1.5- 2 million dollars ($2,000,000). Annual upkeep – Your guess is as good as mine.
And why did the House pass this bill? Excellent question. Apparently, the Honorable Representative Hastings felt it was important that the guidelines laid out in that same Management Plan of 1993 be met in the strictest fashion; that everyone has the opportunity to experience the public lands that are our National Parks.
So, Representative Hastings, why don’t we construct a road to the top of Mt. McKinley. I’m sure the young, elderly, and disabled would love to experience that, too. It might increase the traffic there, which would likely assist the economy of that region, too.
There comes a time when money should not chase ideals, and this is one of those times. This roadway was built alongside a fast flowing river; one that accepts a large amount of springtime runoff from the Cascade Mountains. Normal and expected water action takes place along its shoreline and slopes; erosion, movement, replacement. To say that the road should be moved away from the Stehekin River is an admirable one. But, how far is far enough. An active river could easily outmaneuver whatever border you may wish to apply to it.
If creating access to the Cascade Mountains is your goal, then that is already in place. The fact that the road is now nothing more than a trail could very well be the reason that there has been an increase of visitors. Being able to traverse a distance of 10 miles alongside a flowing river using an old roadway base is much more desired than bushwhacking your way through.
And, finally, the fact that this area is truly isolated; that no tourist can drive a vehicle onto this roadway from any other public highway should tell you enough of what its value truly is to the American people.
Like the tenet that is in place here in New York State that applies to our great STATE park system; Forever Wild, Mr. Hastings. Forever Wild.
Although I often use various modes of transportation to near these experiences, they always seem to happen while I am walking. The sloshing through mud or shuffling over leaves or tramping on snow provides for a satisfaction of achievement that is lost when you’re sitting down behind a window. You just don’t get the same impact while you are driving your car, motoring in a bus, or riding in a train. You might be able to view them, but at 15, 30, or 65 miles per hour, you never really get to FEEL them.
And so, when I saw a recent article appear online from About.com written by Lauren Himiak (http://usparks.about.com/b/2009/10/28/npca-disagrees-with-legislation-for-north-cascades.htm), I was curious. Apparently, a Bill (H.R. 2806) had been passed by the House and sent on to the Senate, even after the Department of Interior and it’s National Park Service, to whom the funding would be provided, said “No thanks.” From what I can understand, it calls for the repositioning and reconstruction of nearly ten miles of isolated roadway. When I say isolated, I do mean isolated. This road is located in the North Cascades National Park in Washington State and can only be reached by boat or plane. This stretch of road along the Stehekin River has twice been wiped out by flooding in the past 15 years; and was not replaced after the last episode in 2003. And, what makes this project even more perplexing is that there are no camps, no homes, no buildings whatsoever along this road. It is a dead end.
In fact, since the last Management Plan in 1993, the only motorized vehicle that has been allowed along its length has been a shuttle bus that was operated by the NPS. It was then, and continues to be, open to hikers, horses, and cyclists. But, no cars.
Now comes the biggest issue. In order for this roadway to be “repositioned”, it will require an Environmental Impact Study to be completed. Initial cost estimate - $500,000 – five hundred thousand dollars. Time to complete the study – 3-4 YEARS! Initial estimate to complete the work 1.5- 2 million dollars ($2,000,000). Annual upkeep – Your guess is as good as mine.
And why did the House pass this bill? Excellent question. Apparently, the Honorable Representative Hastings felt it was important that the guidelines laid out in that same Management Plan of 1993 be met in the strictest fashion; that everyone has the opportunity to experience the public lands that are our National Parks.
So, Representative Hastings, why don’t we construct a road to the top of Mt. McKinley. I’m sure the young, elderly, and disabled would love to experience that, too. It might increase the traffic there, which would likely assist the economy of that region, too.
There comes a time when money should not chase ideals, and this is one of those times. This roadway was built alongside a fast flowing river; one that accepts a large amount of springtime runoff from the Cascade Mountains. Normal and expected water action takes place along its shoreline and slopes; erosion, movement, replacement. To say that the road should be moved away from the Stehekin River is an admirable one. But, how far is far enough. An active river could easily outmaneuver whatever border you may wish to apply to it.
If creating access to the Cascade Mountains is your goal, then that is already in place. The fact that the road is now nothing more than a trail could very well be the reason that there has been an increase of visitors. Being able to traverse a distance of 10 miles alongside a flowing river using an old roadway base is much more desired than bushwhacking your way through.
And, finally, the fact that this area is truly isolated; that no tourist can drive a vehicle onto this roadway from any other public highway should tell you enough of what its value truly is to the American people.
Like the tenet that is in place here in New York State that applies to our great STATE park system; Forever Wild, Mr. Hastings. Forever Wild.
23 October 2009
Monte Cassino
This is a re-print of a paper written by me in 1967 when I was in 6th grade.
I have written this paper to show the reader that this was an important battle of World War II. It might have been a turning point for the Germans because they had lost many battles before that. I do hope that the reader will enjoy this story.
Before Anzio, which was a beachhead, the Germans had to try to stop the Allies' advancement toward Rome. They turned to a monastery with the name of Monte Cassino. This monastery is [still] located between Naples and Rome on the Rapido River. To the Germans, it was an excellent military position with it's rocky and steep hillside. The monastery was 350 meters (383 yards) higher than the village. The distance between them was about 1500 yards (1372 meters) and there were many hills in between. The Germans soon had it under control. They fortified it with huge guns.
The first (Allied) objective was to try to cross the Rapido. It took at least a couple of weeks of preparation. Soon, all was in readiness. They used rubber boast or rafts to get across the river. On their way to it, many boats were hit by heavy artillery. Few boats and men were left when they reached the Rapido. The few who got across it dug into the rocky hillside. They stayed until they were killed by either lead or hunger.
The next attempts were made by the 141st and 143rd. The 141st was assigned south of Saint Angelo. That division was successful with the help of a smokescreen. The 143rd, who were attacking north of Saint Angelo were unsuccessful. They had crossed the river but were driven back across by heavy mortar and machine gun fire, those who could swim.
Soon after this bloody battle, the American's ammunition was running out and they could not radio for help because [their] radio had been knocked out in a mortar bombardment. By 4 o'clock that afternoon, it was all over. The 36th, which was a combination of the 141st and 143rd, had lost 2681 men, 875 of which were missing. The 36th, a great fighting force, had been reduced to a regiment.
Next, the Second New Zealand Corps tried its hand at tackling the Rapido. General Alexander explains, "It was clear that the Second New Zealand Corps (SNZC) would be obliged, not merely to debough through a gateway flung open for them, but to capture the gate themselves." The SNZC were made up of the 2nd New Zealand and the 4th Indian Divisions. [They would] later join up with the 78th British and the 1st US Armored Division. All these men combined kept going despite being cold and on half rations.
More fresh troops were sent in and their welcome [was] a heavy artillery bombardment.
Finally, the Allied commanders, who were using this as a last resort, decided to bomb the monastery. They did warn the Germans. Leaflets were dropped to the ground saying,
On 2 February 1944, a force of B-17 Flying Fortresses and 112 Mediums dropped 576 tons of explosives on the village [of Monte Cassino] and Monastery Hill.
Instead of surrendering, the Grermans kept fighting because they had the advantage of being camoflaged under the rubble. Now, it was a game of hide-and-seek.
The Allied Command again agreed on a bombing. There were twice as many B-17's and Mediums. They dropped 1400 tons of explosives.
The result was only a shaking of the already-knocked-down Monastery. After the bombing, the Allies tried again, and again were wiped out.
In May of 1944, a Polish brigade, under [the command of] General Anders, swept fearlessly through the town, charged forward under heavy fire, and captured Monte Cassino.
After they captured it, the Allies (what was left of them) went on, and ... met the soldiers who came from Anzio. [They] went on to liberate the Eternal City.
This, the battle of Monte Cassino, may be summed up in a paragraph Fred Majdalany: " Cassino, so costly in human life and suffering, and thus deprived at the last of full victory, that could have made it worthwhile, was in the end little more than a victory of the human spirit; elegy for the common soldier; a memorial to the definitive horror of war and the curiously perverse paradoxical nobility of battle."
Monte Cassino
Introduction
I have written this paper to show the reader that this was an important battle of World War II. It might have been a turning point for the Germans because they had lost many battles before that. I do hope that the reader will enjoy this story.
Monte Cassino
Before Anzio, which was a beachhead, the Germans had to try to stop the Allies' advancement toward Rome. They turned to a monastery with the name of Monte Cassino. This monastery is [still] located between Naples and Rome on the Rapido River. To the Germans, it was an excellent military position with it's rocky and steep hillside. The monastery was 350 meters (383 yards) higher than the village. The distance between them was about 1500 yards (1372 meters) and there were many hills in between. The Germans soon had it under control. They fortified it with huge guns.
The first (Allied) objective was to try to cross the Rapido. It took at least a couple of weeks of preparation. Soon, all was in readiness. They used rubber boast or rafts to get across the river. On their way to it, many boats were hit by heavy artillery. Few boats and men were left when they reached the Rapido. The few who got across it dug into the rocky hillside. They stayed until they were killed by either lead or hunger.
The next attempts were made by the 141st and 143rd. The 141st was assigned south of Saint Angelo. That division was successful with the help of a smokescreen. The 143rd, who were attacking north of Saint Angelo were unsuccessful. They had crossed the river but were driven back across by heavy mortar and machine gun fire, those who could swim.
Soon after this bloody battle, the American's ammunition was running out and they could not radio for help because [their] radio had been knocked out in a mortar bombardment. By 4 o'clock that afternoon, it was all over. The 36th, which was a combination of the 141st and 143rd, had lost 2681 men, 875 of which were missing. The 36th, a great fighting force, had been reduced to a regiment.
Next, the Second New Zealand Corps tried its hand at tackling the Rapido. General Alexander explains, "It was clear that the Second New Zealand Corps (SNZC) would be obliged, not merely to debough through a gateway flung open for them, but to capture the gate themselves." The SNZC were made up of the 2nd New Zealand and the 4th Indian Divisions. [They would] later join up with the 78th British and the 1st US Armored Division. All these men combined kept going despite being cold and on half rations.
More fresh troops were sent in and their welcome [was] a heavy artillery bombardment.
Finally, the Allied commanders, who were using this as a last resort, decided to bomb the monastery. They did warn the Germans. Leaflets were dropped to the ground saying,
"We have until now been careful to avoid bombardment of Monte Cassino. The Germans have taken advantage of this. The battle is now closing more and more around the sacred precincts. Against our will, we are no obliged to direct our weapons against the monastery itself, We warn you so that you may save yourselves. Leave the monastery at once. This warning is urgent. It is given for your own good."
On 2 February 1944, a force of B-17 Flying Fortresses and 112 Mediums dropped 576 tons of explosives on the village [of Monte Cassino] and Monastery Hill.
Instead of surrendering, the Grermans kept fighting because they had the advantage of being camoflaged under the rubble. Now, it was a game of hide-and-seek.
The Allied Command again agreed on a bombing. There were twice as many B-17's and Mediums. They dropped 1400 tons of explosives.
The result was only a shaking of the already-knocked-down Monastery. After the bombing, the Allies tried again, and again were wiped out.
In May of 1944, a Polish brigade, under [the command of] General Anders, swept fearlessly through the town, charged forward under heavy fire, and captured Monte Cassino.
After they captured it, the Allies (what was left of them) went on, and ... met the soldiers who came from Anzio. [They] went on to liberate the Eternal City.
This, the battle of Monte Cassino, may be summed up in a paragraph Fred Majdalany: " Cassino, so costly in human life and suffering, and thus deprived at the last of full victory, that could have made it worthwhile, was in the end little more than a victory of the human spirit; elegy for the common soldier; a memorial to the definitive horror of war and the curiously perverse paradoxical nobility of battle."
Bibliography
- Battle of Cassino, The Fred Majdalany, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1957
- Men of Valor, Earl Schenck Miers, Rand McNally & Company, 1965
- Story of the Second World War, The, Katherine Savage, Henry Z. Walch, Inc., 1958
- Story of World War II, The, Robert Lechie, Random House, 1964
- Interview, Boleslaw A. Bobrowski, May 1967
21 October 2009
Gypsy's Under the Skyway
I attended the Erie Harbor Development DGEIS hearing last night at the Albright-Knox. At first, it appeared that there would be moderate amount of interest, but as the time drew closer, the auditorium went to SRO.
The guidelines for speaking were laid out; anyone wishing to address the hearing would have to fill out a request. Alloted time for speaking was set at 4 minutes and 8 minutes, depending on the population of the group you were representing, if any.
The "Corporate" speakers did a nice job of presenting what had already taken place in the process; environmental, built, and unbuilt.
Then came time for the "public" to speak.
We were already heading into the second hour when the FIFTH politician was introduced. I left the proceedings. The announced number of people who had requested to speak was "60". If each one was allotted their minimum time, that meant the meeting was to continue for at least another 4 HOURS! And the first 4 speakers had already extended this by their combined 35 minutes. ("I would like to thank everyone for their work. I will now name them all.......".)
Didn't these people have more than enough opportunity to speak "on the record" regarding this project already? We didn't come to here to watch them pat each other on the back. Well, at least I didn't. I wanted to hear some "man-on-the-street" input on this project. I wanted to hear what some others might have to say about the different size projects that were still being considered.
I especially wanted to hear what, as Sam Hoyt called the residents of Marine Drive Apartments, his "1000 neighbors" had to say about this invasion. I call it an invasion because for too long, this group of "residents" has, in total seclusion, called that the area south of Exchange Street and west of Main Street theirs; a private island fortress where only they can live. You and I are allowed to visit the Marina and the Naval Park, but when the sun goes down, we have to leave.
I can only imagine......
("Yes, you can park on the streets, but don't think about entering our "reserved" lot. And, for that matter, now that the Aud is gone, and all the construction is done, we are going to get the City to permanently put up "No Standing Any Time" signs all along Commercial Street and Perry Boulevard. That way, you'll have to park in one of those lots far away from us.")
And, then when the Honorable Mr. Hoyt talked about the residents wanting the speed limit lowered on "their" street, I thought to myself, "Hey, Sam! Have you ever even tried to go over 20 miles per hour on Marine Drive? With all the twists and turns and cars "legally" parked part way into the street, there's no way you can go 30. Why not put in some speed bumps while you're at it."
Where is it possible, in this day and age, for you to rent a two-bedroom apartment, on the waterfront, with private parking, for less than $400.00 per month. YUP! $392.50! OH, but you can't make more than $53,600 for a "family composition" of 4. And, if there's only one of you, and you want a one-bedroom apartment, that'll only be $305 per month. C'MON! REALLY?
Back in the day, I had reason to go into some of those apartments. They don't even compare to any of the other BMHA towers in this city. All the security doors work. The hallways are lit, the elevators don't smell, and there's no graffiti on the walls. I think most of these residents gotta "know" somebody; they're the family, friends, neighbors, supporters (wink-wink, nod-nod) of every person who has ever held a political office or patronage job in the City/County in the last 50 years. They'll all deny it, of course. You KNOW that they got those apartments like everyone else; they put their names on the list and waited their turn. (Excuse me while I throw up.)
So, when it comes to this project, the residents of Marine Drive Apartments want the least amount of additional disruption they can get their political friends to provide. NIMBY! Nothing built close to the water. Nothing taller than a chain-link fence. Nothing closer than what was there before. (Of course, you mean the old Lehigh Valley train station, right?) Wouldn't we all love to have a two-block buffer of nothing but open, flat, cleaned out land around our homes? Where we can see the intruders coming before they get close........
I can imagine hearing them say......
"You can't put that parking ramp there. Why, it'll ruin the view I have of Exchange and Terrace."
"If you put that there, I'll have to put up with cars coming and going all day long. Not like it is now, where those people come and park in the morning and then, thank God, they leave at night."
"Putting that building right there will mean that I'll have to share. I don't want to share. My son/daughter told me that I wouldn't have to, if I aggreed to leave the house and move down here."
"RV's. RV's! The next thing you know, there'll be Gypsy's moving in under the Skyway!"
The guidelines for speaking were laid out; anyone wishing to address the hearing would have to fill out a request. Alloted time for speaking was set at 4 minutes and 8 minutes, depending on the population of the group you were representing, if any.
The "Corporate" speakers did a nice job of presenting what had already taken place in the process; environmental, built, and unbuilt.
Then came time for the "public" to speak.
We were already heading into the second hour when the FIFTH politician was introduced. I left the proceedings. The announced number of people who had requested to speak was "60". If each one was allotted their minimum time, that meant the meeting was to continue for at least another 4 HOURS! And the first 4 speakers had already extended this by their combined 35 minutes. ("I would like to thank everyone for their work. I will now name them all.......".)
Didn't these people have more than enough opportunity to speak "on the record" regarding this project already? We didn't come to here to watch them pat each other on the back. Well, at least I didn't. I wanted to hear some "man-on-the-street" input on this project. I wanted to hear what some others might have to say about the different size projects that were still being considered.
I especially wanted to hear what, as Sam Hoyt called the residents of Marine Drive Apartments, his "1000 neighbors" had to say about this invasion. I call it an invasion because for too long, this group of "residents" has, in total seclusion, called that the area south of Exchange Street and west of Main Street theirs; a private island fortress where only they can live. You and I are allowed to visit the Marina and the Naval Park, but when the sun goes down, we have to leave.
I can only imagine......
("Yes, you can park on the streets, but don't think about entering our "reserved" lot. And, for that matter, now that the Aud is gone, and all the construction is done, we are going to get the City to permanently put up "No Standing Any Time" signs all along Commercial Street and Perry Boulevard. That way, you'll have to park in one of those lots far away from us.")
And, then when the Honorable Mr. Hoyt talked about the residents wanting the speed limit lowered on "their" street, I thought to myself, "Hey, Sam! Have you ever even tried to go over 20 miles per hour on Marine Drive? With all the twists and turns and cars "legally" parked part way into the street, there's no way you can go 30. Why not put in some speed bumps while you're at it."
Where is it possible, in this day and age, for you to rent a two-bedroom apartment, on the waterfront, with private parking, for less than $400.00 per month. YUP! $392.50! OH, but you can't make more than $53,600 for a "family composition" of 4. And, if there's only one of you, and you want a one-bedroom apartment, that'll only be $305 per month. C'MON! REALLY?
Back in the day, I had reason to go into some of those apartments. They don't even compare to any of the other BMHA towers in this city. All the security doors work. The hallways are lit, the elevators don't smell, and there's no graffiti on the walls. I think most of these residents gotta "know" somebody; they're the family, friends, neighbors, supporters (wink-wink, nod-nod) of every person who has ever held a political office or patronage job in the City/County in the last 50 years. They'll all deny it, of course. You KNOW that they got those apartments like everyone else; they put their names on the list and waited their turn. (Excuse me while I throw up.)
So, when it comes to this project, the residents of Marine Drive Apartments want the least amount of additional disruption they can get their political friends to provide. NIMBY! Nothing built close to the water. Nothing taller than a chain-link fence. Nothing closer than what was there before. (Of course, you mean the old Lehigh Valley train station, right?) Wouldn't we all love to have a two-block buffer of nothing but open, flat, cleaned out land around our homes? Where we can see the intruders coming before they get close........
I can imagine hearing them say......
"You can't put that parking ramp there. Why, it'll ruin the view I have of Exchange and Terrace."
"If you put that there, I'll have to put up with cars coming and going all day long. Not like it is now, where those people come and park in the morning and then, thank God, they leave at night."
"Putting that building right there will mean that I'll have to share. I don't want to share. My son/daughter told me that I wouldn't have to, if I aggreed to leave the house and move down here."
"RV's. RV's! The next thing you know, there'll be Gypsy's moving in under the Skyway!"
23 August 2009
18 August 2009
Adirondacks et al
There are times I wish I could capture the aroma of the Adirondack woods and bring it home with me. For those of you who have traveled there, you know what I'm talking about; that as you pass the sign for The Park and start meandering along the roadway, it hits you; that subtle but unmistakeable scent of balsam and hemlock, of forest and meadow, of mountain and valley.
It is even more striking once you venture along any of the trails, away from the thunder of trucks and whine of cars. You can't anticipate around which corner it will finally approach you. Often surprised, it's better if you just move forward and not search for it. That wonderful smell will find you. Vacation!
And, when you are forced to leave, there comes a point where you realized that there is something missing and it isn't until you take a deep breath that you determine what it is; the wonder of the Adirondacks......
All too often, it is something you only get to experience once a year. Guess that makes it all the more special............
It is even more striking once you venture along any of the trails, away from the thunder of trucks and whine of cars. You can't anticipate around which corner it will finally approach you. Often surprised, it's better if you just move forward and not search for it. That wonderful smell will find you. Vacation!
And, when you are forced to leave, there comes a point where you realized that there is something missing and it isn't until you take a deep breath that you determine what it is; the wonder of the Adirondacks......
All too often, it is something you only get to experience once a year. Guess that makes it all the more special............
02 August 2009
Still......
Even though it has been over 4 weeks, not a day doesn't go by that I don't imagine myself having a cigarette. Note that I said "having" and not "enjoying" because I am not absolutely sure I would enjoy it.
You might ask, "Don't you physically feel better having quit?" And, the answer would be, "Of course." Yet I still long for that connection I had. It is so difficult to try to explain the attraction to someone who never smoked. It's like trying to describe what snow feels like to someone from the tropical jungle.
I wish I had never started, way back when. Even though I had a good idea that it was dangerous, I had no idea how addictive tobacco truly is.
I would like to see the whole industry stop. I know that to be Pollyanna. I guess what I would like to see is this: No one born after a certain date can purchase, own, obtain, possess, or cause to ingest, inhale, absorb or otherwise introduce into their body any product of tobacco. So, as this group of individuals grows older, the tobacco industry slowing dies away.
For example, let's pick 1995 as the year. When they turn 18 in 2013. they will be the last 18 year olds able to purchase tobacco; then in 2014, they will be the last 19 year olds; and in 2015, the last 20 year olds. Eventually, when they are dying away in the 2060's when they are in their 70's, the tobacco industry will also be dying away. And they will have had over 50 years to plan for their demise.
You might ask, "Don't you physically feel better having quit?" And, the answer would be, "Of course." Yet I still long for that connection I had. It is so difficult to try to explain the attraction to someone who never smoked. It's like trying to describe what snow feels like to someone from the tropical jungle.
I wish I had never started, way back when. Even though I had a good idea that it was dangerous, I had no idea how addictive tobacco truly is.
I would like to see the whole industry stop. I know that to be Pollyanna. I guess what I would like to see is this: No one born after a certain date can purchase, own, obtain, possess, or cause to ingest, inhale, absorb or otherwise introduce into their body any product of tobacco. So, as this group of individuals grows older, the tobacco industry slowing dies away.
For example, let's pick 1995 as the year. When they turn 18 in 2013. they will be the last 18 year olds able to purchase tobacco; then in 2014, they will be the last 19 year olds; and in 2015, the last 20 year olds. Eventually, when they are dying away in the 2060's when they are in their 70's, the tobacco industry will also be dying away. And they will have had over 50 years to plan for their demise.
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