Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Happy New Year... 2010



Ok...  Christmas is over...

The Reindeer are presumably home and comfy

A new year is pending...

And some new resolutions are - for sure - for sure - in the mix.



Tis' a big world out there...

Bigger than me.

Bigger than you.

Bigger than most of us can probably comprehend...



So...  For those of you that plan to party in the punch bowl tomorrow...

Stay warm, stay safe, have fun...



Strive to keep your dreams alive...
Or re-frame them so that they fit
And have room to expand...


Happy New Year!


Truth, Love, Peace, Equality and Humane Justice...

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year



Christmas Photo Card by (and from : ) NS


Nifty Christmas Site for Children and the Young at Heart:

I don't know how many people are familiar with this site, but if you have children - and you celebrate Christmas - you might want to check it out:  "Santa Claus and Christmas at the Northpole": http://www.northpole.com/

Or - to simply see (and maybe help...) Santa dance: "Christmas games, Christmas music, Christmas karaoke": http://www.northpole.com/clubhouse/DancingSanta/

Peace, Love, Truth, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Monday, December 21, 2009

Opinion Piece - Save US Now - "Save Them Now" - Quantity, Quality and Location of Services



Bob Smith at the December 2009 City of Kingston Planning Board Meeting
On the "Save Them Now" Variance Request:
"It's like placing a diabetic in an icecream shop" (Bob Smith)

Photo by NS

I have worked for human service agencies in the past, including the Mental Health Association [as a residence counselor for Mentally Ill Chemically Addicted (MICA) clients --- and at the YWCA {Teen Pregnancy Services (Case Manager)} and Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services (APPS Program Coordinator)] --- and my husband has worked in the human services field (in many different states and capacities) --- including (locally) a short-term volunteer stint at "Chiz' 'Heart Street'" and a P/T position at the Family of Woodstock (FOW) Darmstadt (Adult) Shelter.

So we [my husband and I] have some interesting discussions regarding the state of the City of Kingston ---and the options available to the "less fortunate" (whom any one of us might join at any given moment...) people [I am addressing homeless adults that don't have custody of any children at this point...] who live within the City's confines...

Including a discussion that brought to light (for me/ something to consider...) the need for separate shelters for male clients and female clients (males and  females often present with different types of issues / needs) ; separate mental health residences [such as the one on Tuytenbridge (sp?) Road] for male clients and female clients (ditto); and an overhaul of how this entire (diverse....) population (there is a difference between being homeless purely due to economics and being homeless due to addiction, mental health issues and/or issues having to do with criminality..) is served.

Are the adult residence homeless shelters and boarding houses serving clients that they should not be serving?  Is there a need for another residence, such as the MHA MICA residence on Tuytenbridge (This has proved to be an excellent location...) Road?  Perhaps, as suggested earlier - one MICA residence for male clients and another MICA residence for female clients?

Is the same true when it comes to shelters - which are meant (I believe) - to be a temporary (a 3-6 month max?) "port in the storm" - versus providing bandaid solutions (for what are often gaping wounds...) along with revolving doors for the percentage of their clients who need more assistance (those with addictions and/or mental health issues and/or criminal histories) than a homeless shelter was designed to provide?

I am in agreement with Mary Ann Parker (see post below) - in that the City of Kingston has become the county "dumping ground." 

I am also aware that this "dumping ground" status brings a lot of money into the City of Kingston - which means it is an issue that needs to be addressed [by citizens and other concerned individuals) on at least three fronts; addressing:

1.  The fact that we have this status - and all of the problems and potential problems that entails.

2.  The fact that the quality of services being provided - and the places set up to provide such services - do not (in some cases) appear (due to the agencies limitations and oversights and/or what is available in terms of placement, finances, quality employees, etc.) to be "up to snuff."

3.  The fact that City-wide economics are (on a considerable scale) involved in all of this...

If the money that this "dumping ground" status brings into the City of Kingston is a major issue (and of course it is...) ---

Maybe we should take a closer look  [along with taking a united citizen stance against what we see as improper and lose-lose (my opinion) placements...] - at how our City's "less fortunate" [there are many paths this status, and probably none of us are exempt from joining them...] are being serviced?

Are addicts being sent for rehabilitation services?  Are these rehabilitation services being provided by people that have attained at least a Bachelors Degree in a related field?  Might we need a high-quality professionally run residential [live in / one month to a year...] rehab center in the City of Kingston?  [Why could we not welcome a major residential rehab facility into the City of Kingston?  This would mean good jobs for the city and better facilities for clients...  Plus, these types of facilities generally return their clients to their home counties, states, etc. after they have completed their treatment....] 

Are mentally ill clients and/or mentally ill / chemically addicted [MICA] clients being sent to the type of facilities [i.e, from residential / most restrictive, to supportive housing, to (eventually one hopes) independent living? ] that they need?

Are the regulations in place at facilities in the City of Kingston --- from boarding houses to City, County, State and Federal agencies --- in place? [Board of Health Regulations / Inspections / Licenses...  OSHA Regulations...  Fingerprinting and Background Checks (Regarding Staff)...  Staff trainings on how to handle anything from a client with a heroin addiction - to a client with viral Hepititis C - to a client with full blown AIDS...  Staff trainings on how to handle medications, mentally ill clients, trauma victims, etc?]

I am glad that Ulster County Comptroller, Elliot (sp?) Aurerbach [There is a link to his blog in the sidebar] is taking a closer look at some of the facilities operating in the County of Ulster and the City of Kingston - and I hope that he takes the above questions and comments [the emphasis ten-fold when children are involved...] into account.

Are we operating facilities in the City of Kingston that truly help this diverse population find the quality of assistance that they (each individual being unique) need?  Are we lacking in the type of professional facilities - utilizing professional personnel - that are truly appropriate?  Wouldn't facilites that hire personel with college degrees result in better paying jobs, better services, better outcomes and more money (all the way around) for give and take in regard to the City's overall economy?  Wouldn't this present a win-win-win for everyone involved [including the communities youth that are attending UCCC and SUNY at New Paltz - and just might - should decent jobs exist - choose to live, work and stay here...]?

I'm sorry - but I am aware of multiple instances (past and present) where people that have been in and out of jails and prisons - having achieved no degrees [and/or legitimate degrees in a counseling and/or mental-health related field] - have worked and/or do work in some of these facilities.  And I think this is an atrocity.

Should a prior felony DWI keep potential employees out of the offing?
How about a prior rape charge, assault charge, child sex offense charge, murder charge?
Are background checks, serious background checks being implemented?
Are clients being placed in the proper places - from most restrictive to least restrictive?
Are both staff and clients being treated with dignity and respect in these places?

Where do those being released from jail and or prison belong --- taking into account the welfare of the citizens of the City of Kingston AND of those that require services?

Certainly not (one would think) in an area of the City that is already depressed and has (comparitively speaking) a high crime rate...

If the City's homeless clients [I'm just addressing those that are addicts, former convicts and/or the severely mentally ill now...) grew up here - or had at least lived here for say, three years [not counting time spent in jails, mental institutions and/or prisons] shouldn't we accomodate their needs as best (with all of the above taken into account !!!!!) we can?

If the City's homeless clients [I'm just addressing those that are addicts, former convicts and/or the severely mentally ill now) did not grow up here --- or have not been residents of the City [not counting time spent in jails, mental institutions or prisons] for say, three years --- shouldn't they be sent back to where-ever they were transferred from?

This doesn't seem to be a community that is overly fond of statistics... but statistics [when not slanted by some profit motive or another] can tell us a LOT.

Couldn't the City of Kingston implement a few changes in this area - upgrade thier services [so that they really meet the needs of the clients and the staff] - and do so with a great deal more safety and security for everyone involved?

None of the above mentioned clients [with the exception of those that are homeless due to pure economics / health issues / etc.] - in my opinion - belong (residence wise) in the Mid-City.  In fact, I believe that those that potentially pose the highest risk to the citizens should be placed in residences [if they can't be placed outside of the City limits due to laws currently on the books] on the outskirts of the city --- away from children, drugs, high crime areas and (generally speaking) thier (frankly, a lot of folks relapse...) addiction and/or (recidivism rates are pretty high as well...) victim-preferences.

Safety first always seems like a good yard-stick to measure with...

Safety first for our children - safety first for our grandchildren - and safety first for our entire City's physical, social and economic well-being...

Along with safety (first) for those that have been less fortunate (whether this be through genetics, medical issues, traumatic early life experiences, other trauma experiences, addictions and/or sociopathy (the toughest situation to deal with...) - that need quality services [provided by different venues] in order to have the best chance to acheive (when and where such is possible) a truly dignified and integrated quality of life.

This is simply an opinion piece. 

Your comments are welcome.

Peace, Love, Truth, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Mary Ann Parker - "County Containment Dumping Ground" [CCDG] - Dec 2009 Planning Board Meeting - Save US Now...




Mary Ann Parker with Anchor and Logo Sign / Poster
"CCDG" Stands for "County Containment Dumping Ground"
Mary Ann Parker and a Number of Others are Opposed to the
"Save Them Now" Variance [Midtown Locaation] Request
Photo By NS


Mary Ann Parker with Posters / Signs / Logos
Photo by NS



Mary Ann Parker's Anchor and Logo
"CCDG" Stands for "County Containment Dumping Ground"

Photo by NS

See Below - December 15th, 2009 Posting - "Citizen/Blogger Notes on City of Kingston Planning..." - for an Extensive Writeup - Covering the Open Speaker Session of the Meeting Only - on This Topic / Issue. 

Feel Free to Comment Here and/or See the Specific (Temporary) Blog Link on This Issue in the Sidebar >

A Petition to Oppose the "Save Them Now" Variance Request Has Been Circulating Around the MidTown Area.  See Noted Post for More Information. 

Truth, Love, Peace, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS  

Saturday, December 19, 2009

President Obama on Health Care Reform... WHITEHOUSE.GOV... Happy Holidays From the White House

Passing This On (from my email and link noted...):

"President Obama's Update on Health Reform"; From Nancy-Ann DeParle, The White House (info@messages.whitehouse.gov); 12/19/09:


["Weekly Address The Patient's Bill of Rights and Health Reform"; The White House; http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/12/18/weekly-address-patients-bill-rights-and-health-reform/?e=22&ref=image]

NS

Christmas Photos Around Town... Kingston NY Dec 2009


Silly Giggling Santa and Shaking to the Music... Tree
Photo by NS



Christmas Lights Around Town I
City of Kingston / Dec 2009 / Photo by NS



Christmas Lights Around Town II
City of Kingston / Dec 2009 / Photo by NS



Christmas Lights Around Town III
City of Kingston / Dec 2009 / Photo by NS



Christmas Lights Around Town IV
City of Kingston / Dec 2009 / Photo by NS




Christmas Lights Around Town V
City of Kingston / Dec 2009 / Photo by NS




Christmas Lights Around Town VI
City of Kingston / Dec 2009 / Photo by NS




Christmas Lights Around Town VII
City of Kingston / Dec 2009 / Photo by NS



Thank You!

Truth, Love, Peace, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Friday, December 18, 2009

Something to Think About... NPR on Homosexuality, MIssionaries and the Legal System in Uganda... MoveOn.org Political Action Petition... Health Care Reform... Link...

[NPR Politics (newsletters@n.npr.org); 12/18/09; http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121605525]

"Proposed Uganda Law: If You See a Homosexual..."; NPR; http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121605525 ]

[NPR Politics (newsletters@n.npr.org); 12/18/09; http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121605529]

"U.S. Evangelical Leaders Blamed For Uganda Anti-Gay Sentiment"; NPR; http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121605529&sc=nl&cc=ph-20091218

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

I posted the above rather quickly - without comment. Now I will take the time to state that this exemplifies why I am as opposed to sending "missionaries" (including ministers, priests, reverends - or anyone with a biased religious or spiritual agenda...) to other countries (and the White House) - as I am to sending weapons.

After all, words have given birth to weapons many a time - and although I don't know how all of these [not-for-profit?] missionaries are managing to fly around the world... [doesn't that cost a lot of money?????] --- offtimes (it would appear) insulting [and/or in this case potentially inciting to violence...] the very people that missionaries and such claim to want to help --- I DO think that all those plane tickets and missionary spending accounts [if we "really" want to help...] would be better turned into [no, not gold...] packages of healthy food, clean water and medical supplies - which could also be put to use [very timely, in fact] in the United States of America...

In fact, in all of my adult years (piling up...) I have never (until yesterday) seen a child circle food --- out of a grocery store flyer --- when asked to mark down (out of a bunch of flyers including lots of toys, etc) --- what she would like for Christmas.

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

Healthy Food... [How much do all those plane tickets cost?]

Clean Water... [How much is spent by all of these missionaries on motels, hotels and lodging in foreign countries?]

Medical Supplies.... [How much is spent by all of these missionaries on their own food?]

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

We have plenty of bigotry and hate already...

Do we really need to spread it around?????

Or pay other people (one way or another...) to do so?

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

Postscript to the above (In reference to something that was said in the videos...):

Statistically, from everything I've researched / read on this topic [a considerable amount....] - in cases where males sexually abuse male youth (or, for that matter, female youth) - the perpetrators are generally heterosexuals and/or hiding behind heterosexual [or asexual, as with the high incidence of sexual abuse (relatively speaking) that appears to occurr withing certain religious orders...) covers.

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

New topic [Links also available in the sidebar >>>]:


"Stop a bad bill...

The latest Senate health care bill has no public option. No expansion of Medicare. And it does too little to guarantee that uninsured Americans will actually be able afford the coverage they'll be required to purchase.

But it's not too late to fix the bill. And as Joe Lieberman has shown, just one senator willing to stand in the way can force legislation to be changed dramatically.

Senator Bernie Sanders has already made clear that he's opposed to the legislation in its current form. I just signed a petition urging him and other progressives to block it until it's fixed. Will you join me?"

http://www.pol.moveon.org/block/?r_by=18358-14968754-eaT8nZx&rc

Source: "MoveOn.org Political Action"

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

To read and sign a similar petition go to:

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/sanders_po/?r=5120&id=7089-1963986-FAddhux

"Sen. Bernie Sanders can save health care from Joe Lieberman"; CredoAction.com

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

Truth, Love, Hope, Peace, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Thursday, December 17, 2009

"Can you hear me - Enrique Iglesias..." You Tube - "Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Link

["Can you hear me - Enrique Iglesias (lyrics)"; as submitted to You Tube by puluffo on July 12, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAnoIIGau8g]

[The other music can be shut off in the sidebar... (My apologies if any adds pop up on this video - I neither endorse nor oppose any of these...]

A great thing to read this am?

"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights":

  http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/

Peace, Love, Truth, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Sojourner Truth Poem... You Tube Video... Calling Upon the Powers that Be... Truth... Love... Peace... Humane Justice...

["Alice Walker reads Sojourner Truth"; as submitted to You Tube by arnove on January 28, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsjdLL3MrKk]

I have been the recipient of some very bad news - from a couple of different sources today - so I decided to change my lead song [which can be shut off in the sidebar] and post this video - which I find very powerful. 

Do your job folks [you know who you are...] - please - because I will be posting on one of the situations - if it is mishandled - of that you can be sure.

NS

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Citizen/Blogger Notes On City of Kingston Planning Board Meeting Open Speaker Session Only...



City of Kingston Historical Marker / Kingston City Hall
Photo by NS

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

Update [more detailed] from last night's Kingston Planning Board Meeting - with a focus on "Kingston Planning Board Meeting Agenda" (12/14/09) "Item #8:  "#25 Field Court  SPECIAL PERMIT to convert a... building for an emergency shelter...  Ward 4.  Save Them Now/applicant; Donna Spada/owner."

Unofficial (Citizen Advocate) Notes:

A.  Gloria Ferraro [Ward 4 or 5] - co-owner of Mid-City Lanes, Cedar Street, Kingston (who was also quoting from some letters she and/or her husband had recieved on the topic) stated (to this effect): 

1.  That a number (at least five were mentioned) of similar programs (i.e., Darmstadt Shelter, Salvation Army, Peoples Place, etc.) were already clustered in the MidTown commercial district and that the "Save Them Now" program would place yet another burden on an "already struggling business district."

2.  That it appeared illogical to place released prison inmates ["Save Them Now's" clientelle] in such close proximity to the area (in the City of Kingston) with the highest rate of crime.

3.  That it was time for some other townships to "step up" and shoulder their share of the risks, detrimental effects and potential expenses (these are not businesses and many such programs are partially or completely tax exempt...) associated with these types of programs.

4.  That she was concerned about the proposed program sites close proximity to some of the areas most vulnerable children.

Gloria Ferraro also turned in (to Lee Molyneaux, Kingston Planning Board Chairman) a number of letters (against the proposed variance) - including one from Eric Deising - that she and/or her husband had received --- along with a petition (against the proposed variance) signed by over one-hundred people.

B.  Robert Smith [Ward 5] - an employee of Family of Woodstock's Darmstadt Shelter - and a City of Kingston resident / taxpayer - stated that the City of Kingston had enough Social Service programs - and that the City was in need of more businesses.

C.  I [Ward 5] thanked Mrs. Ferraro for her efforts and statements - noting that I had started in the same direction [i.e., my blog petition] - but a little too late...  I also stated that I was concerned [making reference to what I have come across in regard to recidivism rates] about the safety of the children, residents and business owners in the area.  [Note:  I added more later (see below) --- I had a difficult time (this has personal connotations for me, in a number of different ways...) speaking up at this one...]

D.  Alderman Thomas Hoffay [Ward 2] stated (to this effect) that since the building had been vacant for quite some time - he saw this proposal as reasonble.  Alderman Hoffay stated (to this effect) that he wasn't aware of many police calls in relation to the "Save Them Now" program's current site on Washington Avenue" - and that he [Aldeman Hoffay is the only person that spoke in favor of granting the variance.] had "faith" in the Board of the "Save Them Now" program.  [Alderman Hoffay also noted (as did others) the proposed sites ("Save Them Now") close proximity to the Family of Woodstock Darmstadt Shelter].

[Note:  The "Family of Woodstock (FOW) Darmstadt Shelter, according to a recent flyer, has two facilities (next to each other) that provide 19 beds for homeless individuals (in one facility) and 27 beds for homeless families (in the other facility) [46 beds total - for homeless individuals - in MidTown]

["Helping People Help Themselves"; Family of Woodstock Flyer; 2009; http://www.familyofwoodstockinc.org/ ]

E.  Dave Ferraro [Ward 4 or 5] - co-owner of Mid-City Lanes, Cedar Street, stated (to this effect):

1.  That the citizens of the City of Kingston [speaking for MidTown and/or more extensively?] "have to put a stop to this somewhere..."

2.  That the City of Kingston [speaking for MidTown and/or more extensively?] has to get some "good things going..."  instead of "all this negative."

 F.  Alderman Charles Landi [Ward 3] stated (to this effect) --- that "to even consider taking another property [in the City of Kingston] off the tax roles is ridiculous..."

G.  Former City of Kingston Alderman, Mary Ann Parker [MidTown resident] stated [to this effect]:

1.  That this was something (reworded) she and Alderman Landi could finally agree on...  [Note:  This brought forth some chuckles...]

2.  That MidTown Kingston was "supposed to be the business anchor" of the City of Kingston.

3.  That the "Save Them Now" program was doing a "dis-service" to their clients by proposing to put them in the MidTown City of Kingston enviroment.

4.  That this variance might not bother Alderman Hoffay [not a resident of MidTown] - but that it sure did bother her [a resident of MidTown.]

5.  That the "public" was "getting screwed" [if this were to go through] "big time."

6.  That some of the people associated with the "Save Them Now" Board [i.e., Jonathan Sennett, a "Save Them Now" Board member and apparent (?) resident of New Paltz...] who was present, but did not speak...] and/or the "Save Them Now" program were not even residents of the City of Kingston.

7.  That the one big anchor in MidTown is UPAC (associated with the Barvadon) --- and that the City of Kingston might well lose this asset if it allowed organizations such as "Save Them Now" to move in...  [Note:  I am personally not clear on UPAC's status - as a not-for-profit and/or a for-profit enterprise - and personally think this should be looked at - along with potential revenue sources associated with same...]

[Mary Ann Parker was carrying a very well done sign that showed a large anchor and the acronym "CCDG" --- which she explained stood for:  "County Containment Dumping Ground".  Mary Ann Parker - if I heard her right - also utilized the term "Save Us Now" (which might have been on the other side of the sign...) --- which is a term I have utilized on this site - and the site that I just put up (Is this a coincidence?  It doesn't matter to me....) as well.  Mary Ann Parker stated (to this effect) that we will soon be seeing MidTown residents sporting T-Shirts with one or both (?) of these logos on them - around town.]

H.  Alderman Shirley Whitlock [Ward 4] spoke against the "Save Them Now" program's proposed variance, stating that:

1.  Her "phone had been ringing off the hook."

2.  She was concerned for both the youth and the elderly / "senior citizens."

3.  The City of Kingston needed to emphasize and build up on the positives (people / businesses / organizations) that MidTown had to offer.

4.  That putting a drug addict [a likely issue with a number of "Save Them Now" program recipients] next to an area that is known for attracting drug dealers [this is an area of Kingston that has (comparitively speaking) a high crime rate] is "not good."

[Alderman Whitlock brought up a scenerio in which an elderly woman had been assaulted and/or robbed by a "Save Them Now" program recipient.] 

[Alderman Whitlock also brought up the fact (one or two others might have mentioned this as well...) that a former "Save Them Now" Board Member (the Ronnie Wade issue...) had since (in relation to drug charges) gone back to prison...]

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

Mrs. Ferraro got back up to emphasize that the MidTown area being discussed was a BUSINESS [emphasis mine] district. 

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

I got back up to state that:

1.  G. Berke - who is associated with the "Kingston Corridor" - and working in alliance with the Main Street Manager (her opinion on this issue has not yet, to my knowlege, been stated...) to make the Midtown and Broadway area a better place to live and do business in - signed my online blog / petition (which got put up late...  sorry) against granting the "Save Them Now" variance.  [This blog is still up and people are still (today) welcome to sign on, leave comments and/or read what is there... [You might want to note the big photo there --- of the long vacant Kings Inn --- and the unanswered questions (this once served as a temporary housing facility, as well...) regarding that...] [ http://www.kingstonnysaveusnow.blogspot.com/ ]

2.  As a survior of a serious crime / trauma ---- and as a person that has known --- attended support groups with --- and worked with trauma victims and/or survivors...

There is another ("human") element to all of this (this has been reworded; I was emotionally upset...) - in that certain programs [be they through groups such as "Save Them Now" or other institutions / organizations...] have been sending former perpetrators of crimes (some of these very serious crimes...) to local support group meetings - to the point that for many support group attendees (women in particular) these meetings no longer [might they become a "feeding ground" for perpetrators?????  Have they already become so?????  Is the entire City of Kingston next?????] feel safe to attend.

3.  That I know of a woman with a business [long term City of Kingston resident; long-term MidTown business owner] that is already at the point that she keeps her (Business!) door locked --- and only allows in customers (this is how I understand it and have experienced it) that call and schedule ahead...]

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

Photos and additional information - along with updates and sources - may be added later today or tomorrow [after the City Council Meeting...]. 

The notes above are unofficial - taken (by a concerned citizen / blogger) at the meeting (and from noted referenced materials) itself.  If any errors are noted please let me know and I will check into it / make the appropriate corrections.

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

Reminder:  Tonight - City of Kingston Common Council Meeting - City Hall Chambers - 7:30PM.

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

Peace, love, equality and humane justice,

NS

Rachel Maddow on Bush Jr. Administration Emails... You Tube Video

["Rachel Maddow-E-mail could fill holes in the Bush record"; as submitted to You Tube by StartLoving2 on
December 14, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVkKKycjh3Q]

Monday, December 14, 2009

Unofficial Public Hearing and Planning Board Meeting Note... Focus on "Save Them Now" Variance Proposal


Kingston City Hall Side View / Victory Garden
Photo by NS

Tonight's Public Hearing and Planning Board meeting at Kingston City Hall - regarding (amongst other things) the "Save Them Now" proposal for a variance, which would allow the organization (apparently another not-for-profit that would pay to lease the building?) to set up a prison release (and/or former inmate) residence and services facility in MidTown Kingston, was thankfully well-attended by individuals, citizens, business owners and taxpayers who had a lot of good reasons [including a petition, letters, documentation and personal stories] as to why this variance should NOT go through.

Impressive. 

Very.

Thank you!

And even though my Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder (PTSD) is flaring - I said my piece [this advocacy stuff rips me apart physically and emotionally sometimes...] anyway.  So I will give myself a "kudos", as well; even though I got a little over-emotional --- and a little too loud [I apologized....] at one point.

I'll write more on this - and hopefully have some photos to put up - tomorrow.  [Don't forget the City Council Meeting tomorrow night!]

For now, it should be noted that only one person at the Public Hearing [Alderman Tom Hoffay] spoke in [tenatative?] favor [based on the utilization of a currently unutilized building] of granting the variance; whereas approximately ten people [Including Alderman Charles Landi, Alderman Shirley Whitlock and former Alderman Mary Ann Parker] spoke out --- very strongly --- against granting the variance.

Peace,

NS

Reminder... Public Hearing Tonight.... "Save Them Now..." Midtown Kingston Issues... "Save Us Now..." Ward 5 Christmas Photos... More



"A Little Reminder..." [Domestic Violence Awareness Clothesline Project]
Photo from UC Domestic Violence Awareness Event
Fall 2009 / Photo by NS



"Victims That No Longer Have a Voice"
Photo from UC Domestic Violence Awareness Event
Fall 2009 / Photo by NS




Photo of Crowd at UC Domestic Violence Awareness Event
Fall 2009 / Photo by NS

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



Photo by BF / Utilized with Permission

Some Bring Forth Light and Some (Check out the Potential Recidivism Rates Posted on a Thread Down Below...) Bring Forth Darkness...

TONIGHT: Dec. 14 - 6PM - Public Hearing - City Hall - Regarding Potential "Save Them Now" Program [Housing and Programing in MidTown for Released Prison Inmates...] Move to Broadway Area. Followed by a Planning Board Meeting [Please call to confirm: 331-0080]

[Why not move these guys out of the City - where perhaps they can also find light [Away from places that sell alcohol and drugs...  Away from their substance and/or victim-preference of choice...  Away from (in particular...) our City's homes, schools, businesses, male youth, women and children ?????]

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


Lighting Up the Darkness
Photo by NS

Shouldn't Our Children's Safety Come First ?????




Save US Now!

Photo from MidTown Kingston "Make a Difference Day"
Summer 2009 / Photo by NS


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



"Cost of Delay Vigil"
"Don't Leave Women Out!"
Photo by BS



Group Photo "Cost of Delay" Candlelight Vigil
MoveOn.org Political Action
New Paltz NY / Photo by BS

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



Photo from Organizational Meeting / Planning Meeting
How to "Stop the Violence" in Midtown [Everette Hodge Center]
More Information Pending / Photo by NS


Photo from Organizational Meeting / Planning Meeting
How to "Stop the Violence" in Midtown [Everette Hodge Center]
More Information Pending / Photo by NS


Photo from Organizational Meeting / Planning Meeting
How to "Stop the Violence" in Midtown [Everette Hodge Center]
More Information Pending / Photo by NS


Photo from Organizational Meeting / Planning Meeting
How to "Stop the Violence" in Midtown [Everette Hodge Center]
More Information Pending / Photo by NS

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




Beautiful and Unique Tree
New Paltz, NY

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




Nativity Scene [Photos from Ward 5, Kingston NY]
Photo by NS




Santa Is On His Way... [Photos from Ward 5, Kingston NY]
Photo by NS




"At Least Someone Is Happy About the Snow!"  [Photo from Ward 5, Kingston NY]
Photo by NS




"Winnie the Pooh!"  [Photos from Ward 5, Kingston NY]
Photo by NS




"Santa and His Angel" [Photo from Ward 5, Kingston NY]
Photo by NS




Sunday, December 13, 2009

"Christmas Lights Gone Wild"... HouseofBoyd / You Tube

["Christmas Lights Gone Wild"; as submitted to You Tube by houseofboyd on November 21, 2005; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmgf60CI_ks]

Some people around the City of Kingston have also done an awesome - beautiful job of decorating their houses.  Thank You!

NS

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Striking You Tube Video... Putting a Face on Poverty...

["MarceeLeeWinthrop's Introduction and Poem:  I AM A FACE OF POVERTY IN AMERICA"; as submitted to You Tube by MarceeLeeWinthrop on November 12, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ23scj2ubI]

Truth, Love, Peace, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Friday, December 11, 2009

Is This a Bad Joke... Why I Feel Like Puking... Fair Elections NOW... You Tube Video



Presedent of the United States of America
Barack Obama
2009

Photo [By NS] of a Photo


For More on the Following:

"I'm biting my nails waiting for the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which could come down as early as Tuesday. At issue: whether corporations, as 'unnatural persons,' can make contributions to political campaigns.

The outcome is foregone: the five GOP appointees to the court are expected to use the case to junk federal laws that now bar corporations from stuffing campaign coffers...

And if so, our future elections, while nominally a contest between Republicans and Democrats, may in fact come down to a three-way battle between China, Saudi Arabia and Goldman Sachs."

Go to:  http://www.alternet.org/rights/144502?page=entire

Source:  "Rights and Liberties"; "Supreme Court's Ruling Would Allow Bin Laden to Donate to Sarah Palin's Presidential Campaign"; Greg Palast, AlterNet; December 11, 2009; http://www.alternet.org/rights/144502?page=entire

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

From one of the books I wrote:

"What is good?

What is evil?

Can you tell me?"

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

Doesn't anyone is charge of this country have a conscience and some [excuse me] "balls"?

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

If Bush Jr. could issue Executive orders in violation [my opinion] of the "US Constitution" ---

Why can't Obama issue some Executive orders [reinstating the "separation of church and state"; reinstating our basic rights and liberties (in general); mandating free ("by the people and for the people") elections; doing away with the "electoral college"; holding the Bush Jr. Administration accountable for the crimes that they (my opinion / allegedly) committed and/or covered up...] in order to restore and save the US Constitution?

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

This parody of law and order
is enough
to make
me
puke.

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

["Highlights from Panel on Fair Elections Now Act featuring Sen. Durbin and Rep. Larson"; as submitted to You Tube by publicampaign on
December 09, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C7ToFHN-fk]

Important Links: 

"Public Campaign Clean Money Clean Elections":  http://www.publicampaign.org/

"Clean Elections Public Campaign": http://www.publicampaign.org/clean-facts

"New York Citizen Action":  http://www.citizenactionny.org/

jwisneski@citizenactionny.org

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

Peace, Love, Truth and Humane Justice,

NS

Christmas 2009... Trolls at Play... Photo and Poem by NS

Photo and Poem by NS



Christmas 2009 [Trolls At Play]

As the year closes
like so many shops
on Broadway

As the children hope
for Ipods
and some things

I can neither
pronounce

or
fathom

or
afford

In this time
of excess

and disparity

and despair

one can only hope
that Santa

has food
in his own pantry

has spare parts 
for his sled

has become 
techologically savy

doesn't allow
toxic substances
in the elf shop

and remembers

just how much
a coloring book
and crayons

a stocking full of
apples
love 
and oranges

a heartfelt song
a belly laugh
and a
dream

still matters

in this imperfect world

that is so quickly evolving

into

a snowy field...

[What might 2010 yield?]

of tomorrows...

borne

from the seeds

[We really must pull the weeds]

Too often selfishly planted...

the day before

the year before

the decade before

[Give me more, more, more...]

yesterday.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Updated... Public Awareness Post... MIdTown... Violence Prevention... Prisons... Recidivism... SUSN... More


                                    
Photo by BF / Utilized with Permission

Some interesting links for those concerned with violence in Midtown and/or youth violence in general:

1.  "Culture of poverty" [Oscar Lewis; 1966] - "Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:":  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_poverty

2.  "Rape [C]ulture" - "Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia":  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_culture

3.  "Computer Games - Violence - Case Study Mortal Kombat and Manhunt - M-Cyclopedia of New Media"; http://wiki.media-culture.org.au/index.php/Computer_Games_-_Violence_-_Case_Study:_Mortal_Kombat_and_Manhunt

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

For those interested in some research on Prisons and Recidivism Rates:

A.  Some information on facilities and services that are "generally provided [INSIDE] prisons":

a.  A religous chapel, mosque or similar worship facility (or facilities)

b.  Individual and group counciling facilites.

c,  Educational facilities and services, including a library and adult education / continuing education opportunities.

d.  An exercise area.

e.  A hospital or other health care facility.

f.  An area to meet with visitors.

g.  A kitchen (or kitchens) and other housing and service-oriented facilities.

h. Agricultural and/or industrial plants / vocational training / labor opportunities

i.  Recreational area (s) with pool table (s), television (s), etc.

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

B.  Some safety and security factors generally associated with prisons:

a.  Fencing, walls and/or other barriers geared towards preventing escape.

b.  Armed guards, dogs, regular patrols, solid (guarded) doors and gates.

c.  Monitoring systems, alarms, etc.

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

C.  Some information on recidivism rates:

In 1994:  Out of 272,111 individuals that were released from prisons in 15 different states - an estimated 67.5% were rearrested for a serious misdemeanor or felony within three years - almost 47% were reconvicted - and over 25% were sent back to prison in relation to a new crime.  Within three years of their release, "2.5% of released rapists" had been arrested for committing another rape - and "1.2% of those who had served time for homicide were arrested for a new homicide."  Out of the 272,111 offenders that were released in 1994 (correction made) - over 740,000 new charges had been made (against a portion of same) within three years.

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

"Figures from a 1994 DOJ study on recidivism indicated that compared to non-sex offender felons, a sex offender was 4 times more likely to be rearrested for a sex crime (5.3% vs. 1.3%)[2]."

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/crimoff.htm#recidivism

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

D.  Some General Information on Sexual Offenders and Their Victims:

a. 1991:  In one study, almost 25% of convicted / imprisoned rapists - and nearly 20% of those that were serving time for a sexual assault (s) - were on "probation or parole at the time of the offense."

b.  In 1994 [USA] there were over 225,000 sex offenders [sexual assault or rape] in the care or custody of the corrections system.  Almost sixty percent of these offenders were "under conditional supervision in the community..."

c.  In one study the median age of sexual assault and rape victims ranged between age 13 (sexual assault median) and 22 (rape median) years. 

d.  Out of "9,691 male sex offenders" that had been "released from prisons in 15 States in 1994" --- over 5% had been arrested - again [for a new (alleged) sexual crime] within three years of their having been released [Nearly half of those that (allegedly) committed another sexual offense had reputedly done so within a year of their discharge.]

Source: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/crimoff.htm#child

e.  1994:  15 states released over 4,000 [actually, 4,300] child sex offenders [sixty percent of these had been convicted of molesting a child at or under the age of 13 years...]  - and over three percent of these child sex offenders were arrested again - for allegedly committing a new sex offense against a child - within three years of their release..

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

E.  On Sex Offender Registries and "Megan's Law":

1.  "A sex offender registry is a system in place in a number of jurisdictions designed to allow government authorities to keep track of the residence and activities of sex offenders, including those who have completed their criminal sentences. In some jurisdictions (especially in the United States), information in the registry is made available to the general public via a website or other means. In many jurisdictions registered sex offenders are subject to additional restrictions, including housing. Those on parole or probation may be subject to restrictions that don't apply to other parolees or probationers.[5] Sometimes these include (or have been proposed to include) restrictions on being in the presence of minors, living in proximity to a school or day care center, or owning toys or other items of interest to minors."

2.  "Megan's Law is designed to punish sex offenders and reduce their ability to re-offend. The law is enacted and enforced on a state-by-state basis. Most U.S. states also place restrictions on where convicted sex offenders can live after their release, prohibiting residency within a designated distance of schools and daycare centers (usually 1,000 - 2,000 feet)."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_offender

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

F.  On General Recidivism Rates:

In 1994, the "'United States Department of Justice" tracked [in a study involving the release of prisoners in 15 states] the "rearrest, re-conviction, and re-incarceration of former inmates for three years after their release..."

Key findings:

a.  Released robbers had a 70.2% recidivism [rearrest] rate.

b.  Released burglars had a 74% recidivism [rearrest] rate.

c.  Released larcenists had a 74.6% recidivism [rearrest] rate.

d.  Released motor vehicle thieves had a 78.8% recidivism [rearrest] rate.

e.  Those released from prison after having served time for selling or possessing stolen goods had a 77.4% recidivism [rearrest] rate.

f .  Those released from prison after having served time for using, possessing or selling illegal weapos had a 70.2% recidivism [rearrest] rate.

g.  Within 3 years, 2.5% of released rapists were arrested for another rape, and 1.2% of those who had served time for homicide were arrested for homicide...
------------------------------------------------------------ 

G.  Overall:

"The recidivism rate for prisoners released from prison within one year [Early 20th Century] [was] 44.1%; this number [rose] to 67.5% within three years of being released from prison. Sixty-seven percent of the people who were rearrested were charged with 750,000 new crimes, which include property offenses, drug offenses, public-order offenses, other offences, unknown, and over 100,000 of these crimes were violent crimes. Of the new violent crimes committed, 2,871 were murder and 2,444 were rape..."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recidivism#United_States_Nationwide

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

For Updated Statistics and Additional Information Go To:

Department of Justice" - "*Office of Justice Programs" - "Bureau of Justice Statistics":  http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1504194539343627680

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

Cumulative Sources [With Additional Sources Listed On the Sites]:

"Oscar Lewis" - "Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia":  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Lewis

"Culture of poverty" - "Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia":  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_poverty

"Rape culture" - "Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia":  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_culture

"Aestheticization of violence" - "Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia":  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aestheticization_of_violence

"Computer Games - Violence - M-Cyclopedia of New Media":  http://wiki.media-culture.org.au/index.php/Computer_Games_-_Violence

"Computer Games - Violence - Case Study Mortal Kombat and Manhunt" - "M-Cyclopedia of New "Media:  http://wiki.media-culture.org.au/index.php/Computer_Games_-_Violence_-_Case_Study:_Mortal_Kombat_and_Manhunt

"Prison - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia":  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prison

"Recidivism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia":  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recidivism#United_States_Nationwide

"Bureau of Justice Statistics Reentry Trends in the U.S. Recidivism":  http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/reentry/recidivism.htm

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

Some important information and links that I received (via email) today [I have not done my own analysis of this yet...] regarding recidivism:

Interesting Excerpts [Credited to the DOJ, "eAdvocate, geocities.com and/or the person (Would you like to be identified in any way?) that sent the email (the emphasis in red is mine)]: 

1.  "...  [Following] release 1.3% of non-sex offenders committed a sex offense [not something they had done before]. Now, sometimes looking at percentages is misleading, so, translating these to real numbers: 5.3% is 517 sex offenders -and- 1.3% is 3,328 non-sex offenders. Looking close shows us that non-sex offenders committed 3,328 sex crimes while sex offenders committed 517 sex crimes. That means, non-sex offenders are more dangerous to the community and will commit 6 sex crimes to every one committed by a sex offender. You might want to review that a few times to get over the shock, lawmakers ignore this fact.)..."

2.  "Approximately 4,300 child molesters were released from prisons in 15 States in 1994. An estimated 3.3% of these 4,300 were rearrested for another sex crime against a child within 3 years of release from prison. ( Again, percentages can be misleading. [ 4,300 was actually 4,295 X 3.3% = 141 new sex crimes]. Now, missing is, some non-sex offenders released committed sex crimes against a child 0.4% [262,420 X .4% = 1,042 new sex crimes]. Again, non-sex offenders are more dangerous to the community and lawmakers ignore this fact.)..."

http://www.tinyurl.com/yhhm54x

[Please note that I have not located the statistics related to the two statements above --- but that I will attempt to do so.  In the meantime, the statements above [although I couldn't begin to address numbers...] make sense to me - due to the fact that a lot of sexual abuse / trauma occurs (I believe most of us have heard this...) inside detention facilities and prisons --- and that suffering the grave psychic wound inflicted by sexual abuse / truama - even in adulthood - "can" (not the norm, but certainly a factor to consider...) lead to twisted psychological connections --- and a certain percentage of victims (This is apparently particularly true of male victims...) will transition "From Victim to Offender..." (the name of a book written by  Freda Briggs / http://www.amazon.com/Victim-Offender-Sexual-Victims-Offenders/dp/1863737596/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260405702&sr=1-15 ]

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

Many thanks to the person that sent this information to me.  I will hold it "lightly" --- and encourage my readers to do so also --- whilst doing further research. 

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

Please be aware that my own input - in this area - is not coming from a vacuum... 

My BA degree is in psychology - my life has included repetitive traumas - I have known and advocated for victims of trauma - I have already done extensive research on this topic - and I am very angry [oh yes I am...] that perpetrators seem --- so very often --- to:

1.  Get away with their crime entirely

2.  Get a ridiculously low sentence (like "community service..."  What a BAD joke!) even when convicted...

3.  Get all kinds of "benefits" [Yes, benefits!  (From free legal cousel to access to higher education...)] from the system; and...

4.  That we, the taxpayers, are continuously victimized [monetarily; as a community; in other ways...] by this ongoing atrocity that pretends to represent "justice."

[I "am" for humane sentencing and justice; but NOT at the expense (as so often appears to be the case...) of  the victim's humane treatment, the protection of children --- and an ongoing (Yes, this is hitting all of our pockets, in a multitude of ways...) financial rape!]

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

Peace, Love, Truth and Humane Justice,

NS

[If any errors are noted in this report, please let me know and (after examination) the appropriate corrections will be made.  Thank you.]