"Superman" from the "Concert for NY" DVD... Thank You... Taking a Break

A song / video from You Tube dedicated (thank you!) to all of those (male and female) that stand for what is right, what is just and what is admirable in terms of the human spirit.

["Five For Fighting "Superman" from the "Concert for NY" DVD; as submitted to You Tube by fiveforfighting on 1/13/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOYIKw1NGSw]

Quote: "Seeking to understand requires consideration; seeking to be understood takes courage. Win/Win requires a high degree of both" ("Daily Reflections for Highly Effective People..."; Stephen Covey; 1994; p. 358).

Taking a break...

Truth, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

N. Pelosi on Truth Commission... R. Maddow... MSNBC

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Respectfully posted by,

NS

A Belated Report on the KURA Meeting

[Did you say "graffiti?"; photos by NS]

I'm a bit overwhelmed, and running behind on the things I want to cover - so please bear with me.

I did want to report that the Kingston Uptown Residents Association (KURA) meeting was well-attended, conducted and informative... That the pros and cons of the "nuisance law" (as proposed by former DA, Don Williams) were given pretty comprehensive coverage (including informative handouts)... And that one of the hopes associated with the nuisance law is increased community involvement... in regard to reporting suspected problems (drug dealing, prostitution, graffiti and code violations were mentioned) - and such (which must be handled in a prioritized manner, explaining some delays) to the proper authorities.

Former DA Williams gave an intro and general overview. Chief D. Ryan focused more intensely on the law itself [I was happy to hear that the majority of cases, thus far, have been resolved via (for lack of a better word) mediation.] KPD Chief Keller spoke about the cooperative efforts under way...

And there seemed to be (again, I am pleased...) an emphasis on early intervention [via the law] - through which more serious crimes might be prevented [an ideal)].

Although for those that are (this is reputedly a minimal percentage thus far) chronic or serious offenders (whether these be landlords or tenants) can conceivably face fines and/or penalties that are (accordingly) more severe...

Both landlords and tenants can (where appropriate) utilize the nuisance law - and there are mechanisms set up (some info. will be provided here on site) for doing so.

I was also happy to note that Alderman Hoffay, Alderman Madsen, Alderwoman DiBella and Alderwoman Whitlock (your aldermen and alderwomen at work for you!) were present...

Copies of the law itself can reputedly be viewed and/or downloaded (?) from the City of Kingston Website at www.ci.kingston.ny.us

The following contact websites (relevant to this law) were presented on the handout:

1. U.C. Sheriff's Office www.co.ulster.ny.us/sheriff
2. Chief Civil Officer Don Ryan dryn@co.ulster.ny.us
3. Kingston Landlord Support (Landlord Website): www.kingstonlandlordsupport.org
4. Legal Services of the Hudson Valley: www.lshv.org.

All in all, this was a well thought out and informative meeting... providing an example (perhaps?) that some folks in other Wards might (?) want to follow...

It is always wise to be an "informed consumer" - and/or - more aptly put (one might hope!) in this case... an informed (crime appears to be on the rise...) citizen!

[I previously posted a number of photos where graffiti (City of Kingston / Town of Ulster) was a definite issue - as one can see in the photo up above - and look up via prior postings. What I wonder, is if it is possible --- should the graffiti perps be located / officially convicted - that they (at least the minor offenders) be given the option of and/or required to - repair the damage [in this case, pretty severe, and maybe not applicable...) that has been done?]

Thank You to Everyone (Including the citizen attendees and those associated with the BSP) Involved!

NS

George Washington's BDAY... Black History Month... Domestic Violence... Global Violence... You Tube Videos

Things have been moving fast; and I've missed a couple of things along the way that I think are important. I will cover (for economy of time) these topics via videos from You Tube (this site is awesome, but I'm forever learning that one has to be careful...):

1. In Honor of George Washington's Birthday (2/22/1732):

"A thought provoking collection of Creative Quotations from George Washington (1732-1799); born on Feb 22. US president (1st), soldier, surveyor, farmer; He was Commander of the Continental forces; ...

["Creative Quotations from George Washington for Feb 22"; as submitted to You Tube by CreativeQuotations on 2/16/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuO_xCyFdps]

2. In Honor of Black History Month (February):

"Rap music artist/producer Jair Dynast talks about Black History Month, shares his thoughts on President Barack Obama and the impact he will have on our Society and more in this brand new interview...

["Rap Music: Jair Dynast - Black History Month Interview"; as submitted to You Tube by JairDynastTV on 1/22/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIfJloVXdFI]

3. Some Public Awareness Information [Vital today and everyday...!]

A. Domestic Violence:

"An effort to bring awareness to the domestic violence epidemic and acquire support in our fight against it...

["Domestic Violence Campaign-2"; as submitted to You Tube by chinadoll5194 on 2/2/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg1I8vSbI5s]

The incidence of domestic violence is reputedly on the rise, a factor that is often associated with economic downturns and other social-economic stressors. Local Organizations through which one can ask (confidentially) for help include Family of Woodstock and the Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program --- links to which will be made available in the sidebar >>>

B. Violence Against Women and Children:

"GLOBAL STATISTICS Fact #31: At least 60 million girls who would otherwise be expected to be alive are "missing" from various populations, mostly in Asia, as a result of sex-selective abortions, in...

["Scare (d) To Leave, Afraid To Stay (violence against women)"; as submitted to You Tube by BetterWorld4YouAndMe on 4/19/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZDCv4M8cGo]

Boys and men are certainly not exempt from the tragedy of Domestic Violence...

Neither are folks of different sexual orientations...

Neither are (whether immediately and directly impacted or no...) YOU!

C. Violence on a Global Scale:

["Tell Me Why Matthew Slider"; as submitted to You Tube by CrzyMarine21 on 2/7/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chszcc8vyYI]

None of us are exempt from the tragedy - the travesty (When will we ALL stop?) of war.

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Notes on Last Night's Kingston City Finance Committee Meeting... Associated Videos and Photos

[K.C. Alderman M. Madsen and NS at recent KAPA fundraiser; photo (used with permission/copyrighted) by NS]

[KAPA producer (currently off the air) and Supporter, PG, at a recent KAPA fundraiser; photo (utilized with permission/copyrighted) by NS]

[Assemblyman K. Cahill (my camera did not catch this photo!) was also present at this fundraiser; and other photos are pending based upon receiving the necessary permissions...]


Notes on Last Night's Kingston City Finance Committee Meeting:

Alderman Landi served as Chair. A Quorum - also inclusive of Council President / Alderman-at-Large Noble, Alderman Madsen, Alderwoman DiBella and Alderwoman Whitlock was present. J. Tully gave a financial report (2009 Budget update) - and voiced concerns about monies potentially running low; in part due to falling sales revenues, towards the end of 2009. Most or all City programs are reputedly being run as fiscally responsibly as possible; including an increased scrutiny of revenues and expenditures. City departments have reputedly been asked to limit spending to essentials, whilst the City continues to look for innovative ways to further reduce expenditures. There is hope that President Obamas stimulus package will help out - at least in some areas - but nothing definitive is reputedly known (as to the where, when and what of that) - as of yet. The 2009 Federal contingency budget has reputedly been expended. The 2009 Federal contingency budget reputedly remains untouched.

KPD Chief Keller and Deputy Chief Wallace were also present; and apparently one or both of them (or another rep. of the KPD) will be present at future Finance meetings, in order to give a monthly report. The KPD, as with the other City Departments, is reputedly attempting to keep their expenses down; and the KPD reputedly has up to 28 employees that "might" [This question was put forth...] qualify for Mayor Sottiles tentative proposal (if this passes through the Council) of "buying out" those employees that are close to (or already qualify for?) retirement - in order to avoid potential layoffs. Chief Keller said he could think of just two employees, at this point, that might be interested; but that others might sign on, if this option is officially sanctioned and proposed, as well.

There were some pointed questions about the URGENT task force (re expenses and boundaries) - and Alderwoman DiBella questioned the use of URGENT (basically a drug investigation / enforcement task force?) in regard to some recent prostitution arrests. [It may be that URGENT officers are more highly paid than regular KPD officers (?) - and that Alderwoman DiBella was expressing concerns in that regard; however, I am not absolutely clear on this.]

One comment made - which had a twist to it - was the expressed "hope" (?) that the number of arrests would go up; and thus, the revenues associated (fines, etc) with "same" would go up as well...

Some things the public might be interested in - is that officers are apparently (?) paid a minimum of 2 hours overtime, even if they are only called out for a half-hour, hour, etc...

And (if I heard this right) - that the court, in come manner (I'm not clear on this, so it is best to check it out for clarification) actually gets paid 3 hours worth of revenue (via contract?)for every 15 minutes (I'm not clear on specifics...) of their time.

Chief Keller also expressed hope that President Obamas stimulus package would help out in regard to the KPDs (having to cut back staff, etc.) fiscal struggles.

Next up was KAPA Commissioner, B. Smith - who again represented Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA / Channel 23) television's need / request / proposal / "right" (?) to financing - via the Time Warner franchise fee (which is now being deposited into the general fund; and utilized, in full, apparently, for other purposes...) of supportive financing (a request for $14,800 has been put forth at this point) from the City of Kingston.

C. R., a former KAPA producer and blogger ["Ulster County Politics"] - plus - with a You Tube link ["My Channel 23"] - taped some of the interchange around the KAPA discussion, which you can watch at http://ucpnews.blogspot.com/ [There is also a link to Clark's Blog, "Ulster County Politics" (the relevant thread is titled "FINANCE/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE...") in the sidebar].

C. R. (Kudos!) also did a one-on-one interview with KAPA Commissioner B. Smith, which I believe can be viewed (along with a video of a recent a KAPA fundraiser) by following the same links. ]

Alderman Landi stated that since all City of Kingston revenues are down, he did not think the City would be able to "help" out in regard to KAPA. R. Smith responded (this is not a direct quote) that (1) KAPA is not an organization of philanthropists; (2) that the KAPA Commissioners are appointed (by the Mayor of the City) volunteers; and (3) that the requested monies represent not only a "need" - but a "right" - and a "moral question" --- as 11,000 communities, nationwide, support their Public Access television stations through the very same mechanisms (a percentage of franchise fees) requested / described.

KAPA Commissioner and Chairperson, Lisa Alt, stated (this is not a direct quote) that the Town of Ulster gave $5,000 towards KAPA expenses in 2008 and that a request had also been put in via that (and other) venues for 2009; but that nothing ("this is only February") was yet known as far as solid commitments for the 2009 fiscal year.

Alderman Landi had a number of questions, which I do not want to go into here (please check out the videos); and one or more of the Aldermen / Alderwomen present - still apparently "tabling" the direct request for funding - suggested that the KAPA Commission try to find funding (some unfeasible, according to Commissioner Smith) - including putting in an application for a Community Block Grant.

Commissioner Smith agreed to check into this; and also asked why the money could not (if the City remains unwilling to part with a portion of the franchise fee, which appears to be the KAPA Commission's main thrust...) find some monies for KAPA by sorting through the non-essential services the City provides and divvying out funds differently from there...

Another idea on this topic [brought up by Alderman Madsen] was to add a surcharge (about 10 cents a month) - specifically for KAPA - to the franchise fee that the subscribers in the City of Kingston are already paying.

However, this small surcharge fee idea [this situation with the City of Kingston v KAPA (so it would seem) has been going on for a long time] did not even muddle through...

And although KAPA Commissioner B. Smith agreed to follow up on the Community Block Grant idea (with time running short); this funding, if I perceived it right (?) - would not, even if approved, kick in until fiscal year 2010 --- leaving KAPA (as per usual ?) pretty much (although an appointed City Commission with a franchise fee that is reputedly supposed to be used, at least in part, to fund the station) flat broke (for all practical intents and purposes) - undermined (this appears to be an eternal "double-bind" situation) and (Why is the Cable Commission meeting always held in conjunction with the Public Safety Commission meeting (two different line items, one would think...) anyhow?] "busted."

Alderman Madsen also noted (this is not an exact quote) that other Public Access stations generally receive a portion of Time Warner franchise fees for their operating expenses; and it has been said, in general, by a few people --- that many of these stations are flourishing and (with adequate funding) able to provide their services in the manner and spirit for which Public Access (a community service) is intended.

KAPA Commissioner and Chair, L. Alt, stated that KAPA has been asking the City of Kingston for funding for years - to no avail. KAPA Commissioner B. Smith stated that although this "might" be (through hoops and loops) "legal" (ie. the City putting all of the franchise fees into the general fund) - it is certainly "not moral."

Other options, which I choose not to cover here (I believe I covered the primary purpose for the KAPA Commissioner's presence at this meeting) - were discussed, as well. And it should be noted that KAPA Commissioner C. Evans was also present; as were at least three - and possibly more - KAPA producers (currently off the air) and/or supporters.

That said, the last item on the Agenda - that I was present for - had to do with the piece that today's "Daily Freeman" ("City May Seek..."; 2/25/09; PP. A1 and A6) chose (in part) to (why focus exclusively on this?) zoom in on... "This" being (not covered in the "Freeman") about some potential upkeep and/or contractual services [potentially costing up to $100,000...) regarding City Hall itself (remote control access / maintenance to the heating / Air Conditioning system / a "tabled" issue) - and (this was covered in the "Freeman") the potential expenses associated with repairing the front steps of City Hall [currently unsafe / the side doors are being utilized...) - and possibly the fixing of the sidewalk, in front of City Hall, as well.

I was not clear about all that was being said, or by whom, in this last regard; but it sounded like the proposed $38,000 to fix the City Hall's front steps [C.R., noted above, also has a blog posting (same links) about this] and/or sidewalk (at these estimates / aren't there lower bids out there?) would be a fiscally irresponsible expenditure (this is my personal opinion / yours may differ) - unless this funding can be secured via grants or some other such avenue) at this (the general tone of this meeting was one of fiscal accountability and responsibility...) point.

[Note: The theoretical $38,000 plus (This is already $18,000 over what was reputedly budgeted for the repair of the steps) would apparently require the City to borrow money and/or take out a bond... and the full possible expenditure (a little too much ambiguity here?) - when all is said and done - could reputedly end up costing the City $48,000 or more [in addition to the possible $100,000 (?) expenditure noted up above for other City Hall contractual services?) --- PLUS!].

[If any errors are noted in this report, please let me know and I will check into it / make the necessary corrections.]

Thank You,

NS

Good Morning All.... Sylver - One World One Dream... You Tube

["Sylver - One World One Dream (official video)"; as submitted to You Tube by technoindustries on 7/14/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LroRlNd8kY]

Respectfully posted by,

NS

President Obama's Speech to the Chamber of Congress... Part 2 of 6... You Tube

"President Obama at his very best: His speech to the chamber of congress was awesome. He covered everything from the economy to education. Awesome !! Part-2 of 6...

["President Obama's Speech to the Chamber of Congress - 2-24-09.- AWESOME !! Part-2 of 6"; as submitted to You Tube by romagman on 2/24/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZDHxwapa3w]

You might be interested to know that questions arose - at last night's K.C. Finance Committee - about how the economic stimulus might benefit us...

Direct answers to that (in regard to the City of Kingston's benefits and expenditures) don't appear to be on the table, as of yet - but they DO appear to be pending!

More on all of that later!

Right now, I need some sleep! [The notes for the LWV of the Mid-Hudson Valley Region (to be emailed) - and some input (here) re the finance committee meeting / KAPA funding issues / the KAPA fundraiser - are all pending...

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Yusuf Islam - Peace Train - OUTSTANDING... You Tube

"Yusuf Islam, formerly known by his stage name Cat Stevens (born Steven Demetre Georgiou on 21 July 1948 in London, UK), is an English musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, educator...

["Yusuf Islam - Peace Train - OUTSTANDING!"; as submitted to You Tube by popthetime on 3/20/08;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLG91tOLPdQ]

I followed some video links offered by a much respected poster, and I found them all to be quite beautiful...

This is my song / video pick (many thanks!) for today.

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Thank You!

NS

Amy Klobuchar discusses Al Franken... with Maddow Al Franken Interviewed... AirAmerica You Tube

What's Happening in Minnesota [Some impressive women appear to be "on board" there!]

["Amy Klobuchar discusses Al Franken election with Maddow"; as submitted to You Tube by cheneywatch on 2/17/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGRBjuWad8k]

Who does Al Franken think might be the next person to move from Air America to a Senate seat?

["Al Franken Interviewed By Mark Green of Air America Pt1 of 2"; as submitted to You Tube by ObamaTheBlackJFK on 2/23/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJlZhGq5Il0]

COOL...

NS

A Personal Rant... Wild World... You Tube

["Cat Stevens - Wild world 1971"; as submitted to You Tube by fritz51141 on 5/10/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkI9wCk8jvw]

I've received emails regarding some of my recent blog postings - some of which contain very kind words - and some no...

I respect all opinions, enjoy having my ego stroked here and there - and also, where appropriate, I believe - sometimes respond with the assertive (after a couple of deep breaths) anger that is provoked...

I'd like to thank the folks that have affirmed my "work" (volunteer activism that actually costs me money...) here.

I'd also like to address some of the "whacks up aside the head" (reminiscent of a book title) I have received...

I've been told, by a guy who has been known to send us classist and racist emails (in my opinion) - that I shouldn't send political propaganda (i.e., a note about the Bush Truth commission) to members of a certain local commission that allegedly stands for freedom of speech [classism and racism are "okay" but political information (which one can delete with a click) is "not?"]

I've been told (I've heard this before) - that we need to "focus on our own back yard" (exclusively) - that the people (all of us nobodies?) have no impact [I disagree with this] on national decisions and/or events.

I've been told (I've heard this before too) - that I need to do something about my anger...

Which is, my dear friends and "frenimies" (a word borrowed from my step-daughter) exactly what I am doing...

Yes, I could sit and mope and simmer - and I do my share of that.

Yes, I could give up on life altogether - plenty of folks do.

Yes, I could be a sweet quiet "good little girl" of "sugar and spice" - keep my "mouth shut" - and continue - sans any form of resistance - to eat bucket-loads of classist and sexist shi*...

But THAT is not who I am - nor whom I choose to be...

NOT ANYMORE!

I do a lot of thinking, perhaps too much sometimes, I will grant you that.

But here and now I WILL tell you "some" of the reasons for my anger - which I am really (as I believe a therapist would tell you) currently handling in a much healthier and productive manner than I have in the past:

1. I grew up in a home where if a woman dared to express an opinion she got her head wailed into the wall, fireplace mantle, etc.

2. I grew up in a home where girls and women were viewed exclusively as "sex objects" (to be used and exploited) and "servants" (shut up and obey...)

3. I grew up in a home where battering, child neglect and child abuse were the norm, rather than the exception...

4. I grew up in a town that made us suffer all the more... having been branded a "lowlife" and "blacksheep" by function of my birth.

5. Due to lack of attention, education, health services, etc. - I did what a lot of young girls in my situation (extreme rural poverty) do - as in --- I hooked up with an older guy (or he with me...) and started down the road of teen pregnancy after teen pregnancy; alcoholism (on both our parts); and, if I hadn't left, a more than likely addition (with me being the number one target this time) future of domestic violence....

6. I drank heavily for about 10 years - blaming myself for all of the things that happened in my childhood / my life... whilst (still a child in many ways myself) I tried to protect my own children (in some instances, failing) from the legacy I had inherited...

7. Only to find that predators come in many forms; most pretending, initially, to be one's "savior" and/or friend...

8. At around the age of 20 my half-sister, born much later than me, died of starvation and exposure... in the midst of a series of events that never should have been. STARVATION. The word kind of grabs you doesn't it????? She was 5-6 months old...

9. As a woman that suffered, already, from an attempt to self-medicate my pain and from (I would find this out later...) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - I spent a lot of years drinking (which is a vice, but not a crime) - and I found myself the victim of crimes - of people that INTENDED to commit crimes - over and over and over again...

Obscene phone calls, landlords that sexually harassed me, co-workers that sexually harassed me, date rapes, etc... all of which were topped off by a serious violent rape... where I was held hostage - assaulted - had my life threatened with a knife - and was lucky - oh yes - quite lucky indeed - to make it out alive.

10. Only to find out (along the course of life unfolding, including during my "recovery" process) that a number of child sexual predators (despite my having moved in an attempt to get away from such folks) had managed to access a number of my children (including one or more of my step-children), and a number of my children's friends (many of them right here in good old Kingston...) - as well.

11. Now, did I sit still for this? Let go of my anger? NO.

But what I often found was a system that further traumatizes and exploits the victims of crimes - INCLUDING child victims! In fact, in one case a KPD officer, despite ample evidence, refused to take a case entirely (this officer was later "let go" due to using racist language) --- and in another case, after borrowing and paying top dollar ($7,500 down the drain...) to get what I thought was good representation for a grandchild that had been abused --- the "good" lawyer didn't even book us into the right court!(we should have been in criminal court not in family court!) OR show up (he sent an assistant instead) to represent us!

12. I have worked... Almost 10 years at one place that chose to "let me go" just two weeks prior to when (You think this was coincidence?) I would have been able to collect a pension...

13. I have gone through college - with panic attacks (often severe) doing their best to dissuade me along the way... feeling like a freak from another planet when comparing myself to my often well-to-do classmates...

14. I lost one post-degree job because I stood up for what was right in a situation where myself, other staff members and clients [MICA] were being abused... [I (simply attempting to do my job) was threatened with a knife at this residence... "I" was fired! They took the perp out for ice cream...]

15. I lost another post-degree job (where I had previously received excellent reviews and a considerable promotion) because I challenged the CEO about not keeping employees within the boundaries that had been set by our government grant... [Better keep your mouth shut, eh?

16. I have tried [and continue to try] to make a profit off my own business enterprises - only to find that the associated costs (insurance; bonds; other dues and fees; advertising; etc.) are extremely prohibitive...

17. I can HONESTLY say that I have NEVER set out to exploit, bring harm to, or use another person.

18. I can HONESTLY say that I HAVE BEEN EXPLOITED (the black marketing of my books representing the latest in this long saga of life) - repeatedly HARMED (emotionally and physically) - and USED - over and over and over again - by others that do NOT have legitimate good intent.

19. I am aware of many members of my family that are traveling down the same road I have - because they were taught wrong... AND because they are (is this an illness in 2009?) KIND...

20. And I am PRETTY DARN SICK OF IT!

So, like it or not, this is what I do. This is what (between bouts of depression, hypervigilence and insomnia) I am capable OF doing!

And it is certainly better - I would say - than doing NOTHING AT ALL.

It has been said (something to this affect; not an exact quote) --- that "If you stand for anything, you will most likely find yourself standing alone."

Which, for the most part, appears to be true.

Yet, if we don't stand for anything... if everyone were to "let go of their anger" and simply "forgive and forget"... this world would be run entirely (it appears to have come quite close already!) by sociopaths.

When I was in college I wrote a poem titled, "The Wonder of Wings."

And I'm still trying (against the odds) to make this life of mine stand for something" - do "something" worth while - "learn how to fly" - before I (as we all will do, eventually...) kiss the world (which I'm not overly fond of, 'tis true) goodbye.

BTW, I was put in a special class as a child... but I graduated from UCCC and SUNY at New Paltz with honors / summa cum laude...

So it might appear as if folks had me labeled wrong (how many young lives are stunted in this manner) from the beginning.

Ignorance is not stupidity.

Ignorance (which one can break through!) is a crafted and well-designed CRIME.

Peace, love, equality and humane justice,

NS

RE BUSH TRUTH COMMISSION...

[Enough Picking on the "Little Guy"; Photo by NS]

Copied (Share Options Posted) and Pasted:

RE: "BUSH TRUTH COMMISSION"

"We have just emerged from a time when White House officials often acted as if they were above the law. That was wrong and must be fully exposed so it never happens again. That is why Senator Patrick Leahy has proposed the idea of a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate abuses during the Bush-Cheney Administration. These abuses may include the use of torture, warrantless wiretapping, extraordinary rendition, and executive override of laws. Rather than vengeance, we need a fair-minded pursuit of what actually happened. The best way to move forward is getting to the truth, finding out what happened, so we can make sure it does not happen again...

Please join me by signing Senator Leahy's online petition at http://www.BushTruthCommission.com -- urging Congress to consider establishing a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate the Bush-Cheney Administration's abuses. Or [visit http://ga3.org/campaign/btcpetition?rk=1dvrTUEagXL6W]"

[Links will be provided in sidebar >>>]

Truth, love, equality and humane justice,

NS

Looking for Feedback... Barack Obama at U.S. Mayor's Conference... You Tube... Local and National Issues in the Spotlight

"An excerpt from Obama's address to the U.S. Mayor's Conference in Miami, FL on June 21, 2008...

["Barack Obama at U.S. Mayor's Conference"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on 6/21/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfwpQx5La9c]

1. "Kingston May Offer to Buy Out Employees" [Paul Kirby; "Daily Freeman" (DF); Sunday, 2/22/09; PP. A1 & A8]

Good Idea or No?

This involves a possible buyout / offer (which has apparently not been presented to the City Council yet) of $12,500 - for city employees that qualify for retirement...

These positions, whether through layoff or buyouts would reputedly be left vacant...

The buyout idea (Mayor Sottile is quoted in this article) could possibly prevent some layoffs [KPD, Fire Dpt.; DPW; Other?] and save some expenditures in the 2010 budget (in regard to base salary and benefit payouts) --- but this would likely mean that at least some of the employees that remain would probably be working overtime (paid at time-and-a-half or more?) hours...

Does it make sense to pay anyone overtime when jobs are so desperately needed?

2. "Mad About Red Hats" (Blaise Schweitzer; DF; "LIfe" section; Sun, 2/22/09;PP. E1 and E3]

Kudos!

If you missed this article ("Life" section) - please check it out! [Keep buying your local papers folks! We really do NEED and BENEFIT FROM them!]

My notes on article:

Inspiration, kindness, philanthropy and activism are not limited to the young and optimally physically fit - and these activities can enrich the lives of anyone that chooses to indulge!

My hats (I have an array of hats in a multitude of colors; in fact, a friend used to call me the "Mad Hatter") are off to you dear ladies!

3. General Question:

What is the connection between the Queen's Galley (food pantry plus) --- "Save Them Now" [Religion (?) based jail and/or prison re-entry program] --- and Attorney (former DA Candidate) Jonathan Sennett?

See article, "Dinner Benefits Kingston Food Pantry" [DF; 2/22/08; P. E3; Emphasis Mine]

I know I like to know exactly where my monies are going --- and the way this is announced - there is some ambiguity [proceeds go to...?) in the mix...

4. What do you think?

"Kingston Gives St. Pat's Parade $1,000 Discount On Police Costs" (Paul Kirby; DF; Sat. 2/21/09; PP. A1 and A6)

The Mayor, according to this article, is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) [host of the St. Patrick's Parade] - and this "discount" (for police services, etc?) rides on the wake of NOT offering City / financial assistance to help out a (much smaller, grant you) Mardi Gras parade [cancelled / shades of New Orleans?] --- that is apparently associated with the Roundout Business (a non-profit?) Association.

Please note that there are a couple of questions in this mix...

And that I am personally in favor of all parades and community events (they bring us together and put some new insights, culture and light into our lives!) --- but think that some of them should (maybe?) be scaled back in terms of expenses / grandiosity...

I wonder... Is it possible that the Guardian Angels (Hey Lenny!) might be able to help out (cutting police costs) at such events?

5. What do you think?

"No Reprieve for Row Houses" (Paul Kirby; DF; Sat., 2/21/09; PP. A1 and A6)

Apparently 16 apartments were carved out of a building (without the appropriate legal permissions) of a building designed and/or zoned for just six apartments (definitely uncool) --- but on the flip side, this situation is apt to put a lot of folks (who may or may not have been aware of the situation) out of their homes...

Thus, I wonder --- does this landlord owe his or her tenants their deposit and (this would be new...) a "sorry I screwed you up" payment (big enough to get them into housing of comparable costs) --- besides?

6. What do you think?

"Budget Secrecy Irks Watchdog... State Open Government Official Says Kingston School District Should Release Preliminary Version of 2009-10 Spending Plan" (Kyle Wind; DF; Sat, 2/21/09; P. A3]

Yes? No?

Makes sense to me...

7. Good News for Many:

Ulster County programs that are reputedly scheduled [according tho to the U.S. Dpt. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to receive funding include:

a. Multi County Community Development Corp: $158,832
b. Stuyvesant Supported Apartments: $91,069
c. Ulster County HMIS: $70,350
d. Permanent Supportive Housing Program: $58,209
e. Permanent Housing for Women with Children: $41,307

["Local Programs For Homeless Getting Federal Aid"; "Mid-Hudson News Network"; DF; Sat, 2/21/09; P. A3]

8. Should the City of Kingston be providing another $1,000 (less or more?) to the Ulster Performing Arts Center [UPAC) - which has already received City funding, despite the fact that UPAC charges pretty good money for tickets (unaffordable for many city residents) - and seems to be doing - compared to a whole lot of others - just fine?

Did anyone see (and identify with...) R. Schmidt's "Letter to the Editor" in the Feb. 21 (Sat) DF (P. A7)? [It is worth looking up!]

I'd say he makes some pretty good points!

9. What do you Think?

"Homeowner Bailout Stirs Up Strong Feelings" (AP; DF; Sat.,2/21/09; PP. B1 and B4]

This article addresses the bank bailouts, the auto-industry bailouts and the bailouts made (or pending) for those that got behind on their mortgage payments -
and makes a very good point, in my opinion, when it asks (This is my own way of putting it...): "What about us?"

I'm certainly not against the bailouts that are geared towards helping people save their homes from foreclosure...

But there certainly is something to the fact that those of us that have been making our mortgage payments (some of us just barely!) - by reducing our lifestyles to barely living [thermostats turned down to 62; rice, soup and eggs; having to let our vehicles deteriorate (or sell them); putting off needed (unaffordable) medical and dental care; credit card payments overdue; other forms of credit wrecked; selling off treasured family heirlooms; etc...] in order to do so - could use a little help [I really need to get my car back on the road AND my broken tooth fixed!] too...

[There is a column, by Shirley Fischler, titled "My House is Officially 'Underwater'" (DF; Sat, 2/21/09; PP. D1 and D$) that addresses - from a slightly different angle - this issue too...)

10. What do you think?

"Obama Puts Mayors On Notice" (AP; DF; Sat, 2/21/09; P. B3]

Quote from article:

"Invoking his own name-and-shame policy... Obama warned the nation's mayors on Friday that he will "call them out" if they waste the money from his massive economic stimulus plan..."

Anyone keeping tabs?

[For more information on this (via the Internet) --- see: "Obama warns mayors not to waste stimulus money"; AP; 2/20/09; Road Runner; http://www.rr.com/news/politics/article/1151/6931827/Obama_warns_mayors_not_to_waste_stimulus_money]

Quote from above article:

"The American people are watching," Obama told a gathering of mayors at the White House. "They need this plan to work. They expect to see the money that they've earned _ they've worked so hard to earn _ spent in its intended purposes without waste, without inefficiency, without fraud."

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

I guess that's it for now, other than noting:

(1) That former President G. Bush Jr. and the former First Lady, Laura Bush, apparently just moved into a new home in Dallas that is reputedly worth about $2.1 MILLION... ["Ex-President, Laura Bush Move To Dallas Home"; AP; DF; Sat, 2/21/09; P. B4]

(2) That I will be putting some photos / info up about the KAPA fundraiser when I get the film developed and appropriate permissions (for photos) in place; and...

(3) That I do have a "big" blog/article in the works - to be released in the near future - so please DO "stay tuned!"

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

[If you note any errors in this report, please inform me and I will (upon review) make the appropriate corrections).

Flute Dreams - Clouds Dancing - Native American... You Tube

["Flute Dreams - Clouds Dancing - Native American"; as submitted to You Tube by katydidscorner on 1/7/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtlUC2U0qi4]

Respectfully posted by,

NS