This blog is an offshoot of my previous blog, Spreading Our Wings... http://www.spreadingourwings.blogspot.com.
As before, this blog is personal and political... serious and sometimes silly...
My goal is to relay what I deem to be important information, express some of my viewpoints, engage in some online creativity - and find out (please comment appropriately) what others are thinking, as well!
Addendum: I think I read somewhere that there is going to be a cleanup day at Forsyth this coming weekend. If anyone knows more about that please touch base!
Photos from yesterday's family event / Fall Festival at Forsyth Park (Thank you to everyone that made this great family event happen!) are pending...
The event was well intended - the corn maze was super-cool (smile) - and if you missed this year's event, I would highly recommend putting it on the calender (especially for families with young children) for next year! Some things (food, drinks, games) cost money... Some things were free... All of the offerings were pretty "nifty", creative and light-hearted...
[Note: The Italian Fest was so crowded (Must have been good!) that we couldn't find a place to park!]
The Halloween shop in the Town of Ulster (This is not a paid add!) is also awesome - as it is very much like a spook house (possibly too scary for some children) in and of itself... and it is also [unless you choose to shop...) free.
The Executive committee of the Kingston Uptown Resident's Association (KURA... over one-hundred individuals strong...] is seeking the involvement (no dues or fees) of people (diverse talents are appreciated) to collaborate in the improvement (a collective enterprise) of the community - so please pass the following information on (Help KURA build a collective citizens "voice"!) to anyone that might be interested:
"President Obama on Friday won the Nobel Peace Prize, a stunning choice of an official who had been in office for less than two weeks before this year's nomination deadline..." ["President Obama Wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize"; National Public Radio (NPR); October 9, 2009; http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113649365]
["Halloween Baby Parade"; as submitted to You Tube by klulesskat on October 15, 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpIsV5f1n-E]
Updated:
["Best Pets Top 5 Halloween Costumes For Dogs"; as submitted to You Tube by JanetKRoof on October 01, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9fwx7x7l8o]
["It's Always Green in CUNY"; as submitted to You Tube by CUNYGreenMan on April 18, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_b0f0X-ia8]
Note: I do not endorse or oppose any particular adds. Sometimes it is difficult to get a video without them...
[My apologies for not catching this mans name (Thank You!)]
[UC District Attorney Holly Carnright (Thank You!)]
[Ulster County Commissioner of Social Services Roberto Rodriquez (Thank You!)]
[Executive Director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Amy Barasch (Thank You!)]
[City of Kingston and Domestic Violence Court Judge James Gilpatric (Thank You!)]
[Family of Woodstock Domestic Violence Program Director Kathleen Moretti (Thank You!)]
[Closing Poem by Catherine Spiotta (Thank You!)]
This event - which also included presentations by Laura Wells (Thank You!) of the Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program, KW [a domestic violence survivor (Thank You!)] and Teresa Letterio Maxwell [the niece (Thank You!) of DV / homicide victim Tracey Passaro) kicked off the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness month (as part of a national Domestic Violence Awareness campaign) - and the Ulster County Office Building will be lit with purple lights (turned on towards the end of this event) for the month of October.
Every victim matters...
Every survivor matters...
Every voice matters...
Every child matters...
Every image matters...
Every t-shirt matters...
Every moment matters!
Thank You,
Domestic Violence (in childhood) Survivor, Child Sexual Abuse Survivor, Adult Rape Survivor and (doing what I can where I can when I can) Citizen Advocate,
NS
[If any errors in spelling or reporting are noted, please let me know and the appropriate corrections will be made. Thank you.]
Although technically I think Domestic Violence is defined as violence that takes place in the context of intimate relationships and/or in the home - the following video about violence in the workplace (This made me cry...) is very powerful:
["AFL Union Men say Stop the Violence"; as submitted to You Tube by lclimenh on October 01, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNc9x7YfDDQ]
I attended the Domestic Violence forum (for lack of a better word) last night; and I found it to be one of the most inspiring (in the area of awareness, education and advocacy) that I have attended (locally) of late. Some photos are pending - but for right now I want to extend my "thank yous" (from the heart) to all of those involved!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month; and tonight - at 6:30 PM - there will be purple lighting (to continue all month) at the U.C. Legislature / Motor Vehicle Building - along with a panel of speakers. Please show up to support the courageous victims and/or survivors... Please show up to listen... Please show up to say (even, if need be, in silence...) "no more."
Viewer Discretion Advised...
["Domestic Violence"; as submitted to You Tube by Sugarnspice1989 on May 20, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYWxfxMOUO
["ACORN vs BLACKWATER PT 1"; as submitted to You Tube by mds123069 on September 27, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTs-X0WlytE]
"Rachel Maddow- Acorn vs BLACKWATER PT 2":
["ACORN vs BLACKWATER PT 2"; as submitted to You Tube by mds123069 on September 27, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJZso1HOQjY]
"Rachel Maddow- Bipartisan" Health Care Reform":
["Rachel Maddow-"Bipartisan" Health Care Reform"; as submitted to You Tube by pigpen1010 on September 23, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n3U49O903Y]
Some interesting and informative links:
FactCheck.org: http://www.factcheck.org/
New York State - Commission on Public Integrity: http://www.nyintegrity.org/public/access.html
League of Women Voters of the United States: http://www.lwv.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
As someone that has worked in the human services area, I have been exposed to videos - during trainings - such as the following. They are tough to watch. But if we don't face the fact that these issues are real... and do what we can (as individuals and as a community) to educate, advocate and (where applicable) take the appropriate actions [I noticed, recently, that one of the Ward groups was going to address the topic of child sex offenders and child safety (Kudos!)] --- who will?
Viewer discretion advised:
["Stop Child abuse- Child abuse Awareness"; as submitted to You Tube by adeardurff092385 on April 14, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Tn6xcw94lI]
Some (outdated but still pertinent) statistics:
"Early identification of sexual abuse victims appears to be crucial to the reduction of suffering of abused youth and to the establishment of support systems for assistance in pursuing appropriate psychological development and healthier adult functioning . As long as disclosure continues to be a problem for young victims, then fear, suffering, and psychological distress will, like the secret, remain with the victim" [Bagley, 1992; Bagley, 1991; Finkelhor et al. 1990; Whitlock & Gillman, 1989].
"Young girls who are forced to have sex are three times more likely to develop psychiatric disorders or abuse alcohol and drugs in adulthood, than girls who are not sexually abused. Sexual abuse was also more strongly linked with substance abuse than with psychiatric disorders. It was also suggested that sexual abuse may lead some girls to become sexually active at an earlier age and seek out older boyfriends who might, in turn, introduce them to drugs. Psychiatric disorders were from 2.6 to 3.3 times more common among women whose CSA included intercourse, and the risk of substance abuse was increased more than fourfold, according to the results. Family factors -- parental education, parenting behavior, family financial status, church attendance -- had little impact on the prevalence of psychiatric or substance abuse disorders among these women, the investigators observe. Similarly, parental psychopathology did not predict the association between CSA and later sychopathology" (Kenneth S. Kendler, M.D., et al, Medical College of Virginia Commonwealth University, Archives of General Psychiatry 2000;57:953-959; Medscape (Review)]
"Adolescents with a history of sexual abuse are significantly more likely than their counterparts to engage in sexual behavior that puts them at risk for HIV infection, according to Dr. Larry K. Brown and associates, from Rhode Island Hospital, in Providence. Inconsistent condom use was three times more likely among youths who had been sexually abused than among the 55 who had not. A history of sexual abuse was also significantly associated with less impulse control and higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases. According to Dr. Brown, 'These results suggest two things. Abused kids need adequate counseling around abuse issues. A lot of these kids keep re-experiencing the anxiety and trauma for years.' The second issue, he said, is that 'most therapy does not address current sexual behavior' and the anxieties that sexually abused adolescents experience" (Larry K. Brown, M.D., et al, "American Journal of Psychiatry"; 2000;157:1413-1415).
As of 1992 (CCPCA), "approximately 95% of teenage prostitutes [reported having been] sexually abused."
"Long term effects of child abuse include fear, anxiety, depression, anger, hostility, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor self esteem, tendency toward substance abuse and difficulty with close relationships" [Browne & Finkelhor, 1986].
As of 1991 (U.S. Department of Justice), "approximately 31% of women in prison state that they had been abused as children."
As of 1993 (Forward) there were reputedly an estimated "60 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse in America."
["Blue - an introduction - child abuse"; as submitted to You Tube by bleaux42 on March 29, 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_UCrnbleCk]
"Sexual and Other Abuse May Alter a Brain Region..."
"Many women and men who have been subjected to severe physical or sexual abuse during childhood suffer from long-term disturbances of the psyche. They may be invaded by nightmares and flashbacks -- much like survivors of war -- or, conversely, may freeze into benumbed calm in situations of extreme stress. Two recent studies find that survivors of child abuse may also have a smaller hippocampus relative to control subjects. If substantiated, the discovery could fill out the profile of an abuse survivor and help define what constitutes abuse."
"Changes in the hippocampus--the part of the brain that deals with short-term memory and possibly the encoding and retrieval of long-term memory--could, researchers suggest, be wrought by hormones flooding the brain during and after a stressful episode."
"Dissociation and PTSD are not sharply separated and often alternate in the same individual. Dissociation, often employed by children who cannot escape from the threat of abuse, is a means of mentally withdrawing from a horrific situation by separating it from conscious awareness. The skill allows the victim to feel detached from the body or self, as if what is happening is not happening to her or him."
"David W. Foy of Pepperdine University notes that within days or weeks of a traumatic experience, therapy seems beneficial in dispelling PTSD. This period, Bremner speculates, could reflect the timescale over which the hippocampus organizes experiences into a person's worldview. Although some functions of the hippocampus are known, its mechanics are poorly understood."
"Psychiatrists contend that if repeatedly invoked in childhood, dissociation prevents memories from being integrated into consciousness and can lead to an altered sense of self. Many normal children play with imaginary companions; abused children can use such creative resources to a pathological extent, in extreme cases falling prey to multiple personality disorder (MPD). Adults may continue to use dissociation as a coping mechanism. Once dissociation or PTSD develops, the majority of psychological symptoms and the hormonal profile are very resistant to treatment" ("Scientific American," N.Y., (273: 4) 10/95, P. 14.)
"The typical child sex offender [My guess is that this number only pertains to serial pedophiles - but this is still huge...!] molests an average of 117 children, most of who do not report the offence" [National Institute of Mental Health, 1988; bold emphasis mine)].
"It is estimated that approximately 71% of child sex offenders are under 35 and knew the victim at least casually. About 80% of these individuals fall within normal intelligence ranges; 59% gain sexual access to their victims through, seduction or enticement" (Burgess & Groth, 1984).
----------------------------------------------
"Survey Shows Dramatic Increase in Child Abuse and Neglect, 1986-1993... Excerpts from HHS Release, September 18, 1996...
The Department of Health and Human Services released a survey estimating that child abuse and neglect in the United States nearly doubled during the seven years between 1986 and 1993.
According to the HHS study, the number of total child maltreatment instances that were investigated by state agencies remained constant from 1986 to 1993; however, the percentage of cases investigated declined dramatically.
'It is shameful and startling to see that so many more children are in danger and that proportionately fewer incidents are investigated,' HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala said. 'Now states, schools, health care professionals -- all of us -- must commit ourselves to investigating and preventing child abuse with far greater effectiveness than we have seen in the past.'
The report estimated the number of abused and neglected children increased from 1.4 million in 1986, to over 2.8 million in 1993. The number of children who were seriously injured quadrupled from about 143,000 to nearly 570,000.
Schools identified the largest number of children at risk, yet state services investigated only 16 percent of these children. For the cases identified in the study, less than 50 percent of children identified as maltreated by any source (except law enforcement) were investigated by child protective services. [Bold emphasis mine].
Shalala said, 'We are giving states more flexibility, demanding more accountability and focusing on the only bottom line that matters: results.'
In regard to sexual victimization, the NIS survey concluded: Girls are sexually abused three times more often than boys; Boys have greater risk of emotional neglect & serious injury than girls.
The NIS is funded by HHS National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect and mandated by Congress. Previous NIS studies were released in 1981 and 1988."
["Traveling with the V.P."; Posted on the White House Blog Post by Jason Djang on 9/24/09; http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Traveling-with-the-VP/?e=15&ref=image]
Respectfully Passed On [I received this by email from Nancy-Ann DeParle, The White House) by,
NS
Addendum: There is (I think) a great post [Titled "Inmates Should Work for Us"] - some "food for thought" - on Mike Madsen's blog ("Kingston Progressive") at http://kingstonprogressive.blogspot.com/ [Direct link in sidebar >]
["The White House - Blog Post - Health Insurance Reform as a Women’s Issue The First Lady's Take"; posted on 9/21/09 by Margaret Chen, the Special Assistant to the White House Council on Women and Girls; WhiteHouse.Gov "The Blog"; http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Health-Insurance-Reform-as-a-Womens-Issue-The-First-Ladys-Take/]
I know what goes on in some of the homes [because I lived it] that the less fortunate (the degree varies) kids grow up in...
And I also know that there is some truth (at least in some quarters) to the old saying (I don't have it here exact...) that the boss kicks the man, the man kicks the wife, the wife beats the child, the child beats the dog, etc...
But I have got to tell whomever is doing it - that if you continue to harass my grand-daughter on her way home from school [she just started KHS] you WILL be - if I can in any way be instrumental in making this happen - down at the police station in handcuffs...
Which usually (for repeat offenders) leads to:
A pins petition...
A youth facility...
And probably [generally speaking] to some very bad [life gets tougher and tougher if you choose this route] to other places [where you might meet up with some folks more obnoxious than yourselves) via the "corrections" system...
WARD 9 NOTICE: Apparently one new KHS student (and there are probably others) is being followed home by a group of (for lack of a better word) "bullies" - that are calling her names, threatening to beat her up, etc...
Which I do believe should be a ZERO Tolerance situation!
So please - talk to your children - your KHS walkers - and see if there are other such problems going on...
And if the school - having been notified of THIS situation - is taking the appropriate actions...
I waited until the last moment to formally cancel (via City Hall, the candidates and KingstonCitizens.org) the Ward 5 and Leg District 6 Debates - but since no-one has stepped forward to take these on - they are formally cancelled (I just made the call) as of today.
Medical issues, tooth issues and personal issues have kept me from fulfilling my own commitment - and I apologize for that. As I understand it, however, there is at least one more chance to meet with Ward Candidates (and perhaps ask some questions) at the September 29th (?) Kingston Uptown Business Alliance (KUBA) meeting. [I believe the topic, or one of the topics, is business and residential tax issues.]
My regrets,
Nancy Smith
Addendum: Jen Fuentes, Ward 5 Alderman Candidate (Working Families) has informed me that she will be attending the KUBA meeting on September 29th - which is apparently (according to Jen / a change in venue?) going to be held at 7-21 Media Center on Broadway at 6PM. [Clarification pending.]
["MEDWYN GOODALL - Betrothal (Music for Relaxation & Meditation)"; as submitted to You Tube by Termininja on February 19, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRMvsftrzl4]
["Shocking Truth Domestic Violence And Insurance Company Policies"; as submitted to You Tube by thevirtueallliberal on September 16, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcU4BZRdEqU]
As a follow up to a posting - in relation to Domestic Violence and Women's Health Care Issues (in the sidebar) - I discovered a wealth (overall) of community resource information at "Ulster County New York - Support Services, Resources, Chambers, Health and Human Services - The Community Guide" / TheCommunityGuide.Net / http://www.firstcx.com/resources]
On the issue of DV shelters v. Animal shelters - I only had time to look at the situation in Ulster County - and though the following report might prove interesting, it has (admittedly) not been comprehensively (I just don't have the time at the moment) done:
In Ulster County it appears as if the only Domestic Violence Shelter listed (via the resources I tapped into) - as such - is the Family Woodstock (FOW) Domestic Violence Shelter [338-2370, 255-8801, 647-2443].
In contrast [this does not reflect a 20 (Animal Shelters) / 1 (DV Shelters) ratio for Ulster County [a statistic I had heard at a workshop] - but the results do show an interesting and (I think) disturbing (on the DV Shelter end) trend] - the following Ulster County (some independently owned and/or operated; some pertaining only to a certain type of animal) based Animal Shelters are listed:
Ulster County SPCA [http://www.ucspca.org/ 331-5377]
Project Cat, Accord (perhaps associated with the above?); and
Second Chance
-------------------------------------------------
In reflecting on this, it is probably far easier to set up and operate an Animal shelter (especially home based and/or breed specific) than it is a Domestic Violence shelter...
But, still and all - I sit amongst those that believe there should be at least as many DV shelters in America as there are Animal shelters - and one might even think... MORE?
["Pink- Family Portrait"; as submitted to You Tube by dainelaxx on July 18, 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWIELoFpshE]
At the "New York Domestic Violence Resources - An Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection" site [http://www.aardvarc.org/dv/states/nydv.shtml] I found a wealth of information on Statewide Domestic Violence Services - but it still appears as if there are few (relatively speaking, considering the number of organizations reputedly involved in the human services field...) DV shelters (at least explicitly listed as such) to be found.
["October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month"; as submitted to You Tube by KatatMKP on September 29, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wFYH1CAS_o]
Which leads me into another issue that I would like to address - involving the lack of community information, education and intervention programs (locally, as I perceive it...) on Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-based disorders [How do these disorders affect the people living in our community? "Our" children? "Our" veterans? How do we break the (very common...) cycles of trauma and addiction - trauma and re-victimization - trauma and its links to other social problems (cycles of poverty, cycles of violence, mental health issues and associated re-victimization / exploitation, high physical and mental health costs, institutionalization, etc.) - when qualified, adequate and sufficient resources and treatments are rarely accessible and/or affordable?
The unofficial tallies [56 / 56 Districts had reported] from the local Primary Elections [according to the Ulster County Board of Elections] are in, with [some of these could change due to absentee ballots or other issues] the following [as of now] tallies [The comments inside of the brackets are mine...]:
LINK: Ulster County Board of Elections PDF Document: http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/elections/Primary%202009%20Unofficial_Results.pdf; Reformatted here, with personal [in brackets and bold] commentary...
NOTE: Don't forget to Vote on Tuesday, Novemeber 3rd!
["LES ANGES"; as submitted to You Tube by cruella06000 on February 04, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0Zl0HkFWqs (I don't understand the words in this, but I love the imagery)]
I regret that in removing all of the event announcements - some of which were attached to other write ups and information - I deleted (amongst other things) the Gordon Webb placard information and the last City Council meeting notes.
I could try to get these back - or rewrite them; but frankly, I'm just too fried (or scrambled?) - in every sense of the word - to do so right now.
I haven't even attempted to write up the last Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA) meeting notes - because I might (having gotten very angry at this meeting / and I believe justifiably so...) say something I would regret.
I would like to say a few things though - about why I got involved in all of this in the first place...
Starting with the fact that as a survivor of (and witness to) some pretty atrocious traumas in my lifetime - I would like to see stricter (but still humane) laws enacted in regard to child sex offenders and any other violent offenders that perpetrate physical (which generally means psychological, as well) harm upon a child, a woman or any other human being....
Moving on to the fact that I truly think this City is overloaded with not-for-profits (religious and non) - and that this (a financial issue, not a religious discrimination issue) is a major factor in regard to why businesses can't flourish here; why so many homeowners are losing ground; and in regard to the city's overall tax revenue problems.
And touching again upon Kingston Area Public Access, a station that - should it get back on the air - I would like to see reach out to and give exposure to some of the better (in my opinion) human service organizations (whatever their status) I have come across during my time in the City. These would include, amongst others, the U.C. Crime Victims Assistance Program, the YWCA Teen Parent Prevention Program, the Cornell Cooperative Extension Program (s), Aids Related Community Services and many others.
Along with airing programs on the arts, children's talent expos / awards, community events, politics, civil liberties, general awareness and education, etc.
Other than that - the whole KAPA thing has not really been "my" fight (although it somehow morphed into that...) - and there are undoubtedly better ways and places for me to be investing my time (KAPA has taken up a tremendous amount of time...) and efforts.
That said, I wish those that continue to "legitimately" (a loaded word that I will not explain...) support and advocate for KAPA all of the very best - due to the fact that media manipulation, suppression and control are issues that everyone should (in my opinion) be concerned about.
I don't know - at this moment - what "fork in the road" I'm going to choose to travel down - if I will keep this blog up and running - or even if I will choose to continue living in the City...
But I hope that for as many people as I might have upset via some of my viewpoints - there are at least the same amount of people from whom I have earned a degree (Thank you's go out to Rebecca, Jeanne, Jeanette, Shirley, JJ, my precious daughter - and some others...) --- despite my "failings" --- of respect.
All of that said, I don't want to weigh in, personally, on the political races in the same manner that some of other bloggers do...
I will simply vote - irregardless of Party Affiliation - for those that have earned my respect - for when all is said and done, - we are all, as individuals, just "one small voice" (still - "every vote matters") in the mix.
[I imagine these people know who they are - and I thank them for their kind and prompt responses, hard work and perseverance.]
Where do I go from here - after having (I feel) embarrassed and humiliated myself (I too often try to ignore my medical / emotional issues...) with my perhaps naive ideologies and well-intended (but doomed and costly) actions?
Why did I - of all people - fall in love - once introduced - with the political world?
Fear on one hand...
Hope on the other...
A little taste of power (in a positive instrumental sense) for someone that has felt powerless for far too long...
And the growing realization (and yes, I do believe this) that most of the folks in office - or running for office - are much like you and me --- and sincerely want (I suspect there are some exceptions) to do (during some extremely trying times) the "right" (even though their perspectives on what is "right" might differ) things...
I haven't done this blog (or anything else I've done this past few years) with thoughts of entering the current political races; although some small part of me might have hoped that two or three or four years down the road I would ("if I kept my nose to the grindstone...") be strong enough to make such a move...
Now I tend to think that I am better off planting my gardens, painting my pictures, nourishing my new love of photography and recently discovered love of nature... and finding peace (if at all possible) inside myself.
So, I've gone anon (on site) again...
Until I regain my footing and decide in what direction (the world is full of options, and I find there are few or none without some degree of pain and grief attached) I will walk...
["One Small Voice"; as submitted to You Tube by andrewhwest on March 16, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2eqMPTANMg]
Peace, Love, Truth, Equality and Humane Justice...
I am cancelling the KAPA Mixer and Fundraiser, as well as the Meet the Candidates Mixer and Fundraiser due to lack of community participation and the degree of BS (being point blank) and undeserved and unwarranted stress [this is the follow up to tonight's KAPA meeting] involved.
I have tried very hard to be an activist, with the best interests of KAPA and the City of Kingston at heart, and it has been a detriment to my mental health, my relationships, my ability to trust and my physical health.
My decision.
My problem.
Done.
Don't anticipate any problems from me. But don't anticipate that I will be played for anyones fool (including my own) any longer either.
I am also cancelling my part in the Formal Debates for Ward Five and U.C. Leg District 6 - although if someone else wants to pick this aspect up - be there - moderate - lock up - you are welcome to [the date is set and the candidates are on board, so I will not cancel this immediately].
Best regards to those of you that really care, and also have the best interests of KAPA and/or the City of Kingston at heart.
I wish you the best.
No monies have been received in regard to either event, and if any are they will be returned (thank you; sorry) to the sender.
Post Script: Bob Smith resigned (via email) as KAPA Commissioner last night (a follow up formal letter will be in the mail today) --- as well. So the position (good luck) is open.
It is (I believe) important to listen to this entire video and consider the whole (including concerns about public safety, civil rights and national security) collage of multifaceted issues involved:
["President Obama on Cybersecurity"; as submitted by the whitehouse on May 29, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjfzyj4eyQM&feature=related]
Respectfully posted by a dedicated blogger - that is concerned (all of thise issues are important) about internet saftey, national security and civil rights,
“For years many a thinking people have had gloomy forebodings as to the result of the immense power of the church in our political affairs. . . . And the first step in the disestablishment of the church & of all churches is the taxation of church property. The government has no right to tax infidels for everything that takes the name of religion. For every dollar of church property untaxed, all other properties must be taxed one dollar more, and thus the poor man's home bears the burden of maintaining costly edifices from which he & his family are as effectively excluded--as though a policeman stood to bar their entrance, and in smaller towns all sects are building, building, building, not a little town in the western prairies but has its three & four churches & this immense accumulation of wealth is all exempt from taxation...
In the new world as well as the old these rich ecclesiastical corporations are a heavy load on the shoulders of the people, for what wealth escapes, the laboring masses are compelled to meet...
If all the church property in this country were taxed, in the same ratio poor widows are to day, we could soon roll off the national debt..." . .
Source [bold print mine]: Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902), Part of an Unidentified Lecture Regarding Taxation on Church Property; c. 1877 "Freethought of the Day": 8/24/09; news@ffrf.org
Addendum (Me): To tax churches and other tax exempt organizations would not be to "eradicate" (certainly not my intent!) them; but would instead put them on equal footing - so to speak - with families (paying taxes on homesteads) and businesses (This is not a theocracy; it is a Capitalist, with some necessarily socialized aspects, system.)
Please do note that what was said by Stanton (an incredible woman activist) - is pertinent to the situation [a soaring national debt; a country that appears to be "falling apart at the seams;" a Nation, State, County and City (etc) that has to find ways to cut their budgets - and increase their revenues - before it is too late!) we find ourselves in today.
"Greg Devereux, tax exemptions"; as submitted to You Tube by WFSEc28 on January 16, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3cgDcNnnyc
Please note that this is being passed on with little further knowledge about the issues being examined and/or addressed at the Washington State level. It is just something to watch and consider. Period.
In Response to: "we want to know what you are doing to make this city a better place to live. Why are you selling copper? Do you have a job? KPA is not a job. You seem to want want want, but we need taxpayers that are working who are spending money in the city rather then complain, and take from the system" (Anonymous; 8/20/09; 3:52PM).
Frankly, I have about (as far as this City goes) had it.
"What am I doing to make this city a better place to live?"
I'm attempting to remind people of their CIVIL RIGHTS - inform people as to what is going on in various areas - be a voice for the voiceless - and fend off the depression that is always nibbling at my toes.
"Why [am] I selling copper?" Why not? It was in OUR basement!
"Do [I] have a job?
I had two main jobs here in Kingston.
1. At the Mental Health Association (MHA) - at the Tuytenbridge Road residence - where - after a resident told me he "would see me burn in hell" - and then, physically threatened ME with a rather large hunting style knife - the bosses (at that time) saw fit --- whilst attempting to patronize me --- to take him out for ice cream to make him feel better...
This resident was also terrorizing me at other points; as well as other members of the staff and the rest of the (perhaps this is the saddest part, as these folks really need a SAFE place...) clients...
Whilst one of the staff members (at the time; I believe he was "quietly 'let go'") on the night shift was sharing pornography movies with the younger male residents [these were Mentally Ill Chemically Addicted (MiCA) Residents)] - and that was another situation I could not (We, the staff, were told to keep our mouths shut) stomach.
I turned the organization into the Board of Health and [in a state of flaring PTSD... and in true fear (in regard to this one client) for my life] quit.
2. At the YWCA of Ulster County, where I did such a great job as a Teen Parent Case Manager that I was promoted to the position of Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services (APPS) Coordinator.
I also excelled in that position - helping to set up - coordinate and help facilitate the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) program throughout the County...
Until 9/11 - combined with other issues (my husband had to have radical surgery for cancer) - led me to another PTSD crash (so to speak) - and I found that the YWCA [the person then and now serving as the CEO) would not work (via making accommodations) with me [although they were informed of my disability issue - and I had worked my way off disability (How many people even TRY to do that?????) at their organization.]
Things fell apart. I fell apart. Depression practically bit off my toes... [I LOVED THOSE KIDS!] I turned in my resignation. Then they fired me (one of their top performers, based on all the reviews I have on hand...).
Want more?
I wrote three books in 2007 (not exactly "not working") - and had my copyright (from what I can determine online) stolen. [9/5/09: This has been updated, since I finally did just receive - approximately two years later - my first (albeit small) royalty check...]
P/Oed?
Yeah. I get that way sometimes.
This is all after a great deal of earlier life trauma... some of which you can read about in this months Mid-Hudson Valley League of Women Voter's "Commentator - should you so choose!
"KPA is not a job."
THAT is for dam* sure.
KAPA is a public access station that SHOULD BE (from what I understand) an ENTITLEMENT to EVERYONE (paid in full by Time Warner and the City of Kingston through a percentage of the franchise fees that you see on your cable bills every month!) in the viewing area.
AS IS - perhaps both of those entities should be sued for exploiting funds and the damage they have done to the people that have put both heart and soul (not to mention hours and hours and hours of stress and sweat) into TRYING to get their RIGHTS (at a very high personal, physical and mental price --- in at least some instances) reinstated.
"You seem to want want want, but we need taxpayers that are working who are spending money in the city rather then complain, and take from the system..."
What I need or want is your business only if you choose to make it so [As is true in regard to the rest of your questions!] But FYI, I am amongst the taxpayers of the City of Kingston - as I presume you are; I do have an "decent" (compared to many folks out there) income [a benefit not a handout]; I do generally spend my money in the City of Kingston and/or Town of Ulster [which feels SAFER - IS SAFER (according to the stats I've read) than the City of Kingston!]; and I do engage in a significant (this ain't exactly "whistling Dixie") amount of volunteer work.
Want to really solve your tax problems?
Start taxing the non-profits and religious organizations [Above are just a few (and I do mean a few / we are talking millions of dollars of prime property, off the tax roles in a City that sure can NOT afford it!) photos and stats that I collected earlier...] in this City!
Stop pointing fingers at KAPA - which the City of Kingston - to MY understanding - is LEGALLY obligated to provide.
And consider just what it takes for a person [Sorry, am I supposed to grovel at your knees?] such as me (THIS HAS BEEN NO FKING JOY RIDE BABY!) --- to SAY ALL OF THAT!
Truth, Love, PEACE, EQUALITY, HOPE and Humane Justice...
People sometimes bring up the issue of Handicapped accessibility here and there in the City of Kingston...
Whilst frankly, non-Handicapped accessibility would appear to be a major issue here in the City - as well!
When does this roadwork - this constantly changing constellation of roadwork - on Broadway - by the YMCA/Rite Aid/old Muddy Cup/Planet Wings Intersection (reaching out its spidery tendrils past Susan Street and the street that leads to Benedictine Hospital, etc...
END?????
I support the DPW - and work such as this apparently has to be done - but OMG!
Isn't this a case where it might be best to work in the early mornings and early evenings when there is less traffic - and the temperature is cooler - and some of the businesses that ARE still alive on Broadway (I guess the DPW guys are probably eating a lot of Texas Hots and wings...?) might be able to make a (non-DPW related) buck?
How is business folks? Am I wrong?
Who knows...
Maybe I am.
But iyiyiyi...
I'm sick. I just got stuck in the Broadway roadwork traffic jam under the railroad bridge (where the cracks remain...) without any (my problem, I know) air conditioning...
And sometimes I feel like - I truly do feel like - just taking a "For Sale" sign and planting it front and center [citizen activism is pretty much a thankless "job" anyhow - and the chances of a KINGSTONIAN (including those much more qualified and skilled than me) getting a job IN Kingston are looking pretty slim...)
Bad day here.
I tried out a workshop on making money via the Internet - and all ya' gotta' do? Pay them some money... and then, later, some more money... and then later, maybe (of course this is up to you...) pay them more money...
A-yep.
Remember that lawn sale I had (I posted about it) where I earned 50 Cents?
At least that didn't cost me anything except for my own (foolish and fruitless, it turns out) sweat and discouragement...
On top of discouragement...
On top of discouragement...
On top of a case of PTSD that is not handling any of the events taking place in our society or my personal life all too well...
Why me? Why not? Could be worse. Could be better.
What is up with this City?
I'm feeding parking meters uptown for what?
I'm doing everything I can (I've even sold old copper pipes to the junkyard) to try to keep the boat afloat...
Boices Dairy...
How are you feeling?
"Got milk?"
Yeah. I guess... Huh?
Iyiyiyiyi.
I'm not pointing fingers. I'm not cancelling my events. I'm not (as of yet) giving up...
But the clock is ticking... and this bird might just decide (not that anyone much cares) to (just like how many other Kingstonians have been doing... are doing... are planning to do...) FLY.
Its going to get worse?
That is what they (this seems to be the general consensus around here) say...
[KAPA Commissioners Geri Breen and Annmarie Harms; Photo (copyright) by NS]
KAPA Commissioners Present:
Bob Smith, Temporary Chair - City of Kingston Shelly Zimbler - Temporary Secretary - City of Kingston Geri Breen - City of Kingston Annmarie Harms - Town of Kingston Mercedes Ross - Town of Esopus
KAPA Commissioners Absent:
Joe Marchetti, Temporary Vice-Chair - City of Kingston
KAPA Commission Slots Open [Recommendations and/or Volunteers?]:
Town of Rosendale Town of Marbletown Town of Ulster Town of Hurley
Other Parties (to the degree I can name them) Present:
Phil Cosme Clark Richters (Part of Meeting) Colin Evans Richard Cahill Sr. Richard Cahill Jr. Michael Gill Todd Langon Debra L. Ralph Mitchell Tony Parker [Part of Meeting] Myself [NS]
Public Comment:
Clark Richters: Stated that "KAPA Producers should NOT be 'grandfathered in'" and that time slots should be "allotted... on a 'first come, first serve' basis." Clark stated that KAPA "should switch the prime time programming time, every six months." Clark also stated that the focus should be on getting KAPA on the air across the board, not just the KAPA Calender. [Please see the comments section for more from Clark. I initially made an error here and it has been corrected. Thank You.]
Rich Cahill Jr.: Stated that programs that had already been on the air should be "grandfathered in." Approved of Ellenbogen proposal. Urged KAPA Commission to approved the contract with the 7-21 Media Center and get back on the air as soon as possible. Stated that even though a quorum was not present - this could still be approved and that the KAPA Commission would simply have to respond if challenged. Stated that all policy matters should remain under the umbrella of KAPA. Spoke in opposition to charging the KAPA Producers fees for putting their shows on. Public access as "right" (accessible to all) - not "pay to play."
Todd Langon: Stated that he agreed with Clark Richters and Rich Cahill Jr. - and that he would like to see all of this resolved at the meeting.
Phil Cosme: Stated that KAPA should retain all editorial rights. Requested clarification on how many shows would be allowed. Stated that people are more interested in the live call-in shows than the calender. Recommended having all six votes in order to approve contract with 7-21 Media Center. Stated that KAPA still had some issues (not clear) with the City of Kingston that might affect the receipt of any (alleged? pending?) grants via Kevin Cahill's office.
Me: Spoke about the KAPA Fundraiser (pending) and submitted fliers regarding same.
Ralph Mitchell: Stated that Plan A from the 7-21 Media Center was difficult to refuse - that these were professionals that had experience in grant writing and technology.
Rich Cahill Jr.: Stated that KAPA is a Quasi Governmental entity and that the 7-21 Media Center contract should contain a liability clause. Stated that the KAPA fundraiser should be broadcast on the air.
Mercedes Ross: Stated that the 7-21 Media Center Contract should be looked at from a "legal perspective" - and that KAPA could add its own addendum's.
Tony Parker: Asked about forms for new producers - application process. Stated that he was willing to work as tech support.
Old Business:
Geri Breen: Addressed a form she had submitted to Commissioner / Temporary Chair Bob Smith at the last meeting regarding alternative sites for KAPA - felt these should still be investigated. Stated that she believed the whole station should be underwritten. Passed out some information links that Clark had given her and other (a paper regarding Walter Cronkite) materials.
New Business:
Shelly Zimbler: Stated that he had spoken to Ralph Ellenbogen about the 7-21 Media Center option and that he agreed with Rich Cahill Jr. (see above) 100%. Stated that KAPA had allowed "three people to take them down." Thanked Geri Breen for all her efforts / work - but stated that he still believed the 7-21 Media Center option was a "life raft to get back on the air." Stated that he had some concerns about the "accessibility" (apparently a problem in the past when KAPA was in the same building under different ownership) issue.
Debra L.: Stated that when KAPA left what was previously the Time Warner building (and is now the 7-21 Media Center) - the key access had been (I'm not clear on the details here) changed.
Mercedes Ross: Stated that she was in favor - maybe - of moving ahead ("short term") with the 7-21 Media Center Contract - but that she had some concerns: 1. KAPA needed to make sure it was protecting its own interests. 2. KAPA should continue to investigate and work with the Mayor (for the long term) in regard to (as a possible KAPA site) the Carnegie building [Geri Breen also spoke in favor of this.] 3. Stated that she agreed with Rich Cahill Jr. that there should be no "pay to play" policy for the producers. 4. Inquired about liability issues. 5. Stated that she would like to be on the new FOPA Board.
Shelly Zimbler: Introduced the newest KAPA Commissioner - Annmarie Harms - Town of Kingston.
Bob Smith: Stated that he had spoken with Mayor Sottile and Kathy Janeczek - was keeping them up to date. Stated that he was for "backing off" the "pay to play" idea - but that a request for a donation (producers, advertising, calender postings) was still viable. Stated that it was time for a "fresh start" - which he believed should include lifting the ban (formerly imposed) on Phil Cosme [This was voted on / approved (4/1) by the KAPA Commissioners that were present.]. Stated that he was "very much in favor" of the 7-21 Media Center contract - and that it was a good idea to put in the conditions / addendum's that members of the group had recommended.
A vote was held on whether to enter into the contract with the 7-21 Media Center - with the addendum's / clauses (if the 7-21 Media Center is receptive) - as suggested above were put in place - and this was approved 4/1.
Geri Breen: Stated that she would be happy to serve as the interface (emails) between the KAPA Commission and the Producers. Stated that new committees needed to be set up ASAP.
A vote was held on honoring the "grandfathering in" idea - letting established producers retain their old time slots - and this was also passed 4/1.
Open Session Prior to Adjournment:
Todd Langon: Asked about the producers that hadn't been utilizing their time slots... [complicated issue at this point]
Phil Cosme: Stated that he was "happy" to be reinstated. Stated that "by law" Time Warner is "supposed to fulfill all financial responsibilities" in regard to KAPA - that KAPA's job was simply to fill the KAPA Producer time slots.
The question (to this effect) was asked [I'm not absolutely sure who asked it, and might not print it if I was...]:
"Why hasn't anyone contacted State Attorney General Cuomo about the fact that Time Warner is not living up to its contract?"
I stated that there was a direct link to Cuomo's office on this blog site, should anyone choose to do so.
Wind Up:
Bob Smith and Shelly Zimbler agreed to turn over their spots on the new FOPA board to Geri Breen and Mercedes Ross.
Postscript:
The vote to contract with the 7-21 Media Center - with addendum's (as suggested by the KAPA Commissioners) was passed. An email (regarding the vote and the addendum's) to the Ellenbogens [apparently in charge of the 7-21 Media Center) was sent out by Commission Chair, Bob Smith, that night. These addendum's (see above) included a "hold harmless" clause.
Rich Cahill Jr. agreed to look over the contract when amended. The KAPA Commission still has to approve and officially sign on to the final contract.
Respectfully submitted [If any errors are noted, please let me know (Some corrections have been made.) --- and I will make corrections as called for.] by,
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[Main Stage]
[M & A]
[Sunny & Bright]
[Sunny & Bright II]
[Corn Maze]
[Blimpy Bear]
[Fishing Pond...]
[Catching a "whopper"]
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[M... Pumpkin!]
[Corn Maze II]
[Spooks in the yard at home...]
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