Happy Memorial Day Weekend... Thank You To Our Veterans and Thier Families

["Once Upon A Clown...; Photo by Somebody Out There...; Lol!]

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone. There appears to be a lot going on with the opening of the Farmers Market, the Parade and events around town. Enjoy!

On a more serious note:

Thank You to all of our Veterans and thier families. Hoping the sun is shining in your lives today!

Military Industrial Congressional Complex - MoveOn.org Petition Link

If you are so inclined, please sign the petition at:

MoveOn.org Political Action Stop the Military Industrial Congressional Complex;  http://pol.moveon.org/militarycontractors/?r_by=27605-14968754-._Kcyhx&rc=confemail

Related You Tube Video Link:

"YouTube - Robert Reich - Military Industrial Congressional Complex": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ_1VtFQZJs&feature=player_embedded

Impressions... WFP Kingston Candidate Forum... Pertinent Links... In Support of Shayne Gallo for Mayor... Brief Blogger Commentary

In attending the "Working Families Party [WFP] Kingston Candidate Forum" [as a guest; non-member; non-voter (WFP Vote); Kingston Citizen, taxpayer, registered Democrat, voter and blogger] - I was very impressed (in every sense of the word) by the WFP Forum, the questions asked, the materials handed out, and the candidates that showed up to present thier position and answer questions. 

As a citizen supporter of Mayoral Candidate Shayne Gallo [Democrat] - I present the following:

I stated in a previous post, where photos of all the candidates at the WFP Forum were presented, that my next post would be more biased; and it is, in the sense that I am unabashedly expressing my support for Shayne Gallo - whom I have come to like and respect as a person and a politician.  I find Shayne Gallo to be (a big deal for me) approachable, inclusive, respectful and concerned about many of the same issues (in a "go straight to the heart of the matter" manner) that I am..

Does Shayne Gallo support "collective bargaining" rights?  "Yes."

Does Shayne Gallo support "public financing" of elections?  "Yes."

Does Shayne Gallo support a "speculation tax"? "Yes" [See below; (a)]

Does Shayne Gallo support the "minimum wage"?  "Yes." [A "living wage" (See {e} below) would be even better!"]

Does Shayne Gallo support "Social Security"?  "Yes."

Does Shayne Gallo support "Reproductive Choice"?  "Yes."

Does Shayne Gallo support "Marriage Equality"?  "Yes"

Does Shayne Gallo support the "Chase Campaign"? "Yes" [See below; (b)]

Does Shayne Gallo support "Green Jobs"?  "Yes"

Does Shayne Gallo support "Economic Development"?  "Yes"

Does Shayne Gallo support "Circuit Break Property Tax Relief"?  "Yes"

Does Shayne Gallo support "Inclusionary Zoning Laws"?  "Yes"

Does Shayne Gallo support "Smart Growth"?  "Yes" [See below; (c)]

Does Shayne Gallo support ""Net Zero Energy Affordable Housing"?  "Yes"

Does Shayne Gallo support ""Double Poles"?  "Yes" [See below; (d)]

Does Shayne Gallo support "Hiring & Training Local Workers"?  "Yes"

Does Shayne Gallo support the formation of a "Community Development Advisory Committee"? [If I understood this right, it has to do with the formation of a committee to review the potential disbursement of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds"]  "Yes"

Does Shayne Gallo believe we need to preserve "Public Housing"?  "Yes"

Does Shayne Gallo believe "Transportation" is an important issue?  "Yes"

Are there areas that I might be in disagreement (from what I have heard and read thus far...) with Shayne Gallo?  Yes.

I do not support "Hydrofracking" (Mr. Gallo has apparently expressed support for this.) - or

"Wallmart" (without some policy changes to protect thier workers) - which I believe has to be looked at separately (Could Wallmart workers be unionized?) from the issue of support of "small businesses" (These need, in my opinion, all the support we can give them!)

*** To grant Mr. Gallo and the other candidates thier due on the Wallmart issue, this question was (in my opinion) inserted in the WFP leaflet [see the reference below...] in a rather tricky way...

[As in, do you support "Wallmart & Small Business"?  (Is this not an oxymoron?)]?

From above:

(a):  "Speculation Tax" [I do not totally understand this, even after looking it up - so input would be appreciated!]

(b):  "Chase Campaign" [If I understood this correctly, Ulster County currently uses Chase Bank as thier financial institution and a change (sounds good to me) is being considered...]

(c):  "Smart Growth":

"Smart growth is an urban planning and transportation theory that concentrates growth in compact walkable urban centers to avoid sprawl and advocates compact, transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly land use, including neighborhood schools, complete streets, and mixed-use-development with a range of housing choices. The term 'smart growth' is particularly used in North America. In Europe and particularly the UK, the terms 'Compact City' or 'urban intensification' have often been used to describe similar concepts, which have influenced Government planning policies in the UK, the Netherlands and several other European countries.

Smart growth values long-range, regional considerations of sustainability over a short-term focus. Its goals are to achieve a unique sense of community and place; expand the range of transportation, employment, and housing choices; equitably distribute the costs and benefits of development; preserve and enhance natural and cultural resources; and promote public health" [Copied and Pasted (direct links removed) from "Wikipedea"; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_Growth]

(d):  "Double Poles":  I do not totally understand this, even after looking it up - so input would be appreciated!

{e} "Living Wage": 

"Living Wage is a term used to describe the minimum hourly wage necessary for an individual to meet basic needs, including shelter (housing) and other incidentals such as clothing and nutrition, for an extended period of time or a lifetime. In developed countries such as the United Kingdom or Switzerland, this standard generally means that a person working forty hours a week, with no additional income, should be able to afford a specified quality or quantity of housing, food, utilities, transport, health care, and recreation.

This concept differs from the minimum wage in that the latter is set by law and may fail to meet the requirements of a living wage. It differs somewhat from basic needs in that the basic needs model usually measures a minimum level of consumption, without regard for the source of the income. A related concept is that of a family wage – one sufficient to not only live on oneself, but also to raise a family, though these notions may be conflated" [Copied and Pasted (direct links removed) from "Wikipedia"; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_wage]

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

In closing, I would like to state that being able to attend this type of meeting as an "outsider" (so to speak) - with no entry fee required (a big deal for some of us!) - was very much appreciated.  I would hope that the WFP would continue to host such forums and put an invite out to the entire City of Kingston Community [same conditions] with the Democratic Party and Republican Party [at minimum (what I meant by this, is any active political parties in town, but especially the more prominent ones...] following suit.

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Pertinent Links: 

"The Kingston News Blog Working Families Party Candidate Forum (Videos) City Hall #kingstonny":  http://thekingstonnews.blogspot.com/2011/05/working-families-party-candidate-forum.html

YouTube - "Working Families Party Candidate Forum 6-7":  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=z74LnErUJ70

"Debate begins in Kingston's race for mayor" - DailyFreeman.com:  http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/05/23/news/doc4ddb0a30c6b90300218468.txt

"Working Families Party Kingston Candidates Formum" Leaflet; Monday, 5/23/2011; City Hall, Kingston]

Working Families:  http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/

Working Families » "Issues":  http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/issues/

Working Families » "Endorsements" [2010]:  http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/elections/endorsements/

Working Families » "Hudson Valley Endorsements" [2010]:  http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/elections/endorsements/mid-hudson-endorsements/

"Ulster County Dem, GOP conventions near"; DailyFreeman.com; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/05/24/news/doc4ddaead0bbb12756946049.txt

Please note that I am not speaking on behalf of the Working Families Party, the Democratic Party, the City of Kingston or any other person or entity.  This reflects my research and opinions only; and if any errors have been made, I would appreciate feedback.  Prompt corrections (where called for) will be made. 

Thank you,

NS

Photos and Brief Commentary Regarding the Working Families Party Kingston Candidates Forum...

Some Photos From the "Working Family Party Kingston Candidates Forum"

(Monday, 5/23/11; City Hall; Kingston, NY) 

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke (sp?) and Alderman Thomas Hoffay [Democrat]

Alderman Hoffay is Running for Re-Election in Ward 2

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and Alderman Shirley Whitlock [Democrat]

Alderman Whitlock is Running for Re-Election in Ward 4

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and Nicky Woerner [Democrat], a Candidate for Alderman in Ward 5

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and Mark Halwick [Democrat], a Candidate for Alderman in Ward 9

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and UC Legislature David Donaldson [Democrat], a Candidate for Re-Election - UC Legislature - District 6

[Remember, the Legislative Districts Have Been Modified...]

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and Leonard Walker [Democrat], also a Legislative Candidate (UC) for District 6

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and UC Legislature Michael Madsen [Democrat],

who is Running for Re-Election (UC Legislature) in District 6

[There are now 3 Candidates Running for this Position that I am Aware Of...]

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and UC Legislature Jeanette Provenzano [Democrat], who is Running for Re-Election in UC Legislative --- District 7

[Remember the re-structuring of the districts...]

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and Jeanette Jacobs [Republican],

a Candidate for City of Kingston Mayor

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and Shayne Gallo [Democrat],

a Candidate for City of Kingston Mayor

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and Hayes Clement [Democrat],

a Candidate for City of Kingston Mayor

Alderwoman Jen Fuentes (Ward 5) who is Not Running for Re-Election, but Remains Very Active in the Working Family Party

[Thank You Jen!]

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

Not Present: 

Diann Keyser [Democrat], a Candidate for Alderman in Ward 5

Clint Brown [Democrat], a Candidate for UC Legislature District 5 [Apologies; I believe it was said that Clint Brown withdrew from the race.]

Others?  Unknown.

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

This was a very informative forum where the Chairman of the Working Families Party asked a number of pertinent questions of the Candidates running (thus far / present) for political office in the City of Kingston or on the Ulster County Legislature. 

I also took a number of short-clip videos that might actually make it up on You Tube, FB and/or here.

[I am somewhat "out of my league" (but learning) --- so if any errors have been made here, please let me know as soon as possible.  Thank you!]

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

Another post on this is pending, but that will be a biased opinionated post --- so enjoy this one!  I was there as a volunteer for Shayne Gallo, a guest of Jen Fuentes and a concerned citizen / blogger.  I found this event to be very informative --- and I hope the WFP will continue to host such events.

Kudos to the WFP !!!!!

Personal Note... PTSD.... Music Videos...

Just so you know, if you don't already, this will never be a strictly political or community-based blog. I suffer from PTSD and periodically go through what I will term "meltdowns"... Thus, I utilize this blog to convey many different things.

Right now I am having a tough time; but I'm still going to try and show up and cover some events that I have at least tentatively committed to. Other than that, it has to be "take care of me" time - or I risk unraveling further.

I know I look "normal" (except sometimes, lol, when I sing karaoke) --- but what the H is "normal" anyhow?

Do I look like a woman that had three children by the age of 19? Do I look like a woman that lived in a tent for a while with three children? Do I look like a woman that almost drank herself to death and contemplated suicide many, many, many times over?

I have been all of that and more - and like the woman in the video below, I later developed an addiction to perfection (impossible from the get go), education, information gathering and (to the best of my ability) activism.

Right now I am flooded by triggers. It happens. It sucks. It (so far, anyhow) passes...

But I will take this opportunity, like the lady in the video below, to say we need more quality resources to deal with PTSD - as it stems from many different (I am someone that suffered multiple truamas over the course of my life) factors.

I am not familiar with the book that is advertised in the video below, so please do not take that video as a book recommendation. I will, when I can, check it out - and maybe do a bit of a review from another PTSD victim/survivors perspective.

Peace, Love and Human Justice,

NS

Living With PTSD By Kaitlyn Gant

Cher - Perfection

Conversations with my 13 year old self by Pink lyrics

Community Issues... Sunday Morning Update... Blogger Writeup and Opinions Represented... Slight Revisions Pending

[Elvis Presley; "In the Ghetto"; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ox1Tore9nw]

I have decided to step away from the videos I took (though a valuable baseboard) at Civil Right's Attorney Sussman's open meeting, and simply put forth my own impressions from what (overall) was said. This is partly due to time and health constraints; and partly due to my commitment to creating (or trying to...) harmony (versus discord).

Strong opinions on some topics were stated and okayed for the camera, which I'm sure some reporters (I'm just a blogger and proud to be...) would jump on. However, as I've stated previously (on this blog) - it is my belief that the bottom line issue, in regard to Civil Rights violations here, there and everywhere, is socioeconomic inequality (classism) and the neglect, exploitation and abuse of those that fall within the lower socioeconmic groups. An issue (manifested in many ways; some of which were addressed at the meeting) that reaches across the sexes, the races, the different social, ethnic and religious groups, the non-religious, and the ages.

A long time ago, I approached the City of Kingston Common Council with information (passed out copies) on Oscar Lewis' "Culture of Poverty" study (1966; "Scientific American"). I recommend that article again now - because there is some vital information in it for all of the people and agencies that exist (are sometimes struggling with all they have...) in this city.

It was a general concensus at the meeting Attorney Sussman hosted that the Midtown Area of Kingston has been neglected and mis-handled. I agree, wholeheartedly with that.

In fact, if the mid-city area of Kingston is in the process of being designated a minority-area, I would have to ask why this area has not been the recipient of more help and funding versus (as it appears...) less?

A lot has "gone down" in the City of Kingston that is good.

A lot has "gone down" in the City of Kingston that is (my opinion) discriminatory and exclusive - pushing far too many to the fringes of existance - ignoring thier needs - and/or meeting these needs in ways that are counter-productive. For example, you cannot send someone for alcohol or drug rehabilitation and then send them to live in a drug/crack infested rooming house and expect positive (although a few will squeeze through) results...

And, in regard to the "street crime"?

What do you expect?

Children cannot be neglected, abused, terrorized on the streets or medicated into good behavior. They need safe homes. They need safe schools. They need "safe streets". They need political representatives that put them (the welfare of "our" children) - FIRST!

I heard at the meeting that there is (if any...; corrections, if out there, welcomed!) only one African American on the City of Kingston Police Force.
This should be remedied ASAP.

I heard that there is no longer an NAACP group in the City of Kingston - and I believe this should be remedied ASAP.

I also believe an organization strictly based on the advocacy and empowerment for women and children (to interact with other empowerment groups) is very much called for in this City!

I heard more about the recent sexual harrassment case the situation with the County Jail, and some other issues... and I would advise folks to "clean up thier acts" along with the streets...

Whilst taking a look at how current programs, from religious not-for-profits (are we overwhelmed with these?) to for-profit businesses (there don't appear to be many!) are operating and interacting with the community.

Tourism was brought up as a potential plus plus for the City of Kingston... but that won't happen unless some serious work - that we can visually SEE (and not just on the computer) occurs. Would more quality Bed and Breakfast establishments embellish this possibility? I think. [The key word being "quality."] Are aspiring new businesses facing roadbock after roadblock? So it would appear.

So - how do we simplify and keep high standards? Isn't "that" an issue (Shouldn't bringing in jobs be a priority?) to look at - along with debates about yard sale signs, cat issues and some other items that (I have to agree with a video I saw recently) appear relatively trivial in comparison.

Another issue, big in my book...

Should there be cross-representation - by one person (whomever that person might be) on any of the boards / commissions in the City of Kingston? If someone is on this board and that board and another board (etc), isn't that person being given too much (potential) power in a community that has a broad range of people to select our representatives and leaders from?

And what about the profit v not-for-profit issue? Do we want to live in a City that is based on County Jobs (I am not against these...) and the exploitation (my word; my blog; my opinion) of the less fortunate? [Some of whom certainly play thier part in the a cycle that needs to be looked at from all angles!).

Could some of what is now deemed volunteer work be transformed into paid positions?

And what about the Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA) issue... Doesn't "that" (This was brought up...) deserve some serious scruitiny?

Some folks / groups were given "Kudos" for thier work on behalf of the City of Kingston. Why though, I wonder, do these groups never come together for one common purpose? Why is there an "us against them" mentality? Who IS (this came up, big time) focusing on job creation in the City of Kingston? Why are there so many (reported by others and personally experienced) roadblocks to business creation [not to mention the taxation issue...]?

After all is said and done, and my concerns about writing this in a way that is as non-offensive (but still confrontational...) as possible --- it turns out I am almost freewriting...

And I AM leaving out the most personalized issues brought up - whilst encouraging Attorney Sussman (yes, indeed) to investigate (if this is his intent) these issues (some with names attached) to the fullest.

A LOT was discussed at Attorney Sussman's meeting - and I may choose to return to the topic in the near future. For now, I'm going to leave this topic - with a note that further meetings are reputedly on Attorney Sussman's agenda and anyone / everyone is encouraged to attend / give thier own imput.

I have heard back from Attorney Sussman already - with more (He is working on his own overview of the meeting) pending. I also received the following information (on "PULSES") via email; and I will pass that information along to you here / now (Thank You Kathy!):

"PULSES is a group of over 400 members - including parents of special education students, attorneys, and service providers mostly in Orange County but also in Dutchess, Rockland, Westchester, and Ulster Counties. We currently have a subgroup in Ellenville which is very active and just hosted a special meeting last month. I have a few members from Kingston and am definitely looking to add more to the e-mail group. If you know of any interested parents of special education students, please send me their e-mail addresses and I will add then to the group.

Thanks for your interest in PULSES and I look forward to hearing from you,

Kathy Silgailis"

["The Importance of Little Things..."; Photo by NS]

Please note that I ended up writing this rather quickly (and that my own opinions as a resident and taxpayer in the City of Kingston are represented here...) --- that I "lost" a portion of it --- and that I realize some corrections (in regard to presentation / grammar) are called for (pending). If any factual errors are noted, however, I would appreciate feedback, ASAP. The appropriate (I do have video back-up.) corrections will be made.

Other than that: Happy May 22! It appears as if our latest "Armageddonist" was just another [Shouldn't "fearmongering" be illegal?] blowfish...

["Is THIS a Blowfish?"; Photo by NS]