With the recent school shooting in Florida we seem to have another opportunity for the far left to turn a tragedy into a political battle instead of discussing the steps that could have been taken to prevent this tragedy and those that could prevent the next.
Take, for instance, mental health. That generally is a subject we avoid discussing. The Florida shooter had a long history of anti-social behavior. He was on strong meds. He killed small animals for fun. He was expelled from school. Police visited his home 39 times. The FBI was told that this criminal was planning to be a professional school shooter. None of that made it into the existing, current background check system.
Then there was a Florida sheriff's deputy on duty in the school. It seems he was hiding outside during the shooting. Recent news reports show that the first responders took an inordinate amount of time before entering the building. Not good.
On the chatlist last week a poster suggested repealing the Second Amendment, the one that says the right of the People to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. The phrase well-regulated does not mean controlled. It means well-practiced, or well-drilled. In colonial America, all able-bodied males were part of the militia during threat of war, and all were expected to own, and be proficient with a firearm.
The Second Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights does not grant rights, it restricts the government from interfering with rights. The Second Amendment is not about hunting. The Second Amendment is about the defense of the Republic. America was founded by a bunch of insurrectionists, and they wanted to make sure the citizenry retained a military force to guard the Constitution. 262 million people were murdered by their own peacetime governments in the 20th century after being disarmed by their governments. Let us not head down that path in America.
The first amendment covers new technologies like the internet. The fourth amendment includes modern items like cell phones. Likewise, the second amendment updates with new technologies. The second amendment is not restricted to muzzle-loading firearms and swords. That scary-looking AR-15 so-called assalt rifle? It was first available for purchase in the US 57 years ago, and it is not an assault rifle. For true assault rifles one needs look to those used by our military, or perhaps look in the homes of most Swiss males who keep their assault rifles after completing military training.
There is evil in the world. Individuals intent on killing others will always find a means to accomplish that. How do we deal with it? Not by one political party repeatedly calling to restrict our liberties. Lets look at our cultural morals, at our treatment of the mentally ill, at our family values, at the entertainment industry that has no shame, at a drug industry that depends on ever-increasing sales of powerful psychiatric medicines, at a news industry that promotes citizen dissention to generate sales, and at the dwindling numbers of Americans attending weekly church services. Therein lies the true way to minimize future atrocities.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Commissioners spending money
I just finished looking through the latest Chatham County Commissioner's Meeting Agenda for the January 16th meeting. A couple items caught my eye:
First, an organization called Go Global NC seems to be asking for money to send local government officials on a boondoggle to Mexico to participate in an 'in-depth program for economic and workforce development', at a meager cost of just $6,375 per person. Each participant gets nine days in Mexico, including transportation, meals, and 'other expenses'.
Other than that this seems like a nine-day vacation for government officials, the US State Department has just imposed Travel Warnings on Mexico, particularly on the areas around Mexico City (Level 2 - increased caution due to crime) along with five Mexican states who were stamped Do Not Travel (Level 4), similar to Syria and Somalia.
I hope the Commissioners decide not to spend my money on this visit.
Second, in other Commissioner spending, the County is basically giving away the former Henry Siler School in Siler City to a group that will put up low income housing.
Low income housing may or may not be a worthy goal; it has not seemed to work in the long term for as long as governments have been trying it.
My understanding, however, is that a group tried to purchase the former Henry Siler School site (cash money to the County) but that the Commissioners did not like the idea of having someone pay for the land and then try to make a profit on it. If that is not the case, I would be interested in hearing a more complete explanation.
First, an organization called Go Global NC seems to be asking for money to send local government officials on a boondoggle to Mexico to participate in an 'in-depth program for economic and workforce development', at a meager cost of just $6,375 per person. Each participant gets nine days in Mexico, including transportation, meals, and 'other expenses'.
Other than that this seems like a nine-day vacation for government officials, the US State Department has just imposed Travel Warnings on Mexico, particularly on the areas around Mexico City (Level 2 - increased caution due to crime) along with five Mexican states who were stamped Do Not Travel (Level 4), similar to Syria and Somalia.
I hope the Commissioners decide not to spend my money on this visit.
Second, in other Commissioner spending, the County is basically giving away the former Henry Siler School in Siler City to a group that will put up low income housing.
Low income housing may or may not be a worthy goal; it has not seemed to work in the long term for as long as governments have been trying it.
My understanding, however, is that a group tried to purchase the former Henry Siler School site (cash money to the County) but that the Commissioners did not like the idea of having someone pay for the land and then try to make a profit on it. If that is not the case, I would be interested in hearing a more complete explanation.
Monday, October 16, 2017
1964 Civil Rights Act
I need to speak out regarding the 'Ox gored - Cow poked' comment on the Chatlist from Brian Terkowski on October 16. Recall the discussion:
-----------
Kish said:
"Democrats who voted AGAINST the Civil Rights Act of 1964..."
----------
Tarkowski said:
"The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed by majority votes of both parties. The “Nay” votes came from a majority of Democratic (93%-95%) and all Republicans (100%) of Southern legislators. Southern being defined as the 11 states of the Confederacy.
When you mis-state something as basic as this, it calls into question all of your other assertions.
While I was online I Googled “useful idiot”. Have you?"
==========
So, lets look at the numbers and draw our own conclusions.
First, the actual votes in the House pf Representatives were:
For passage - 153 democrats (62% of democrats), 136 republicans (80% of republicans)
Against passage - 91 democrats (38% of democrats), 35 republicans (20% of republicans)
From North Carolina -
For passage: none.
Against passage: Bonner [D], Fountain [D], Henderson [D], Cooley [D], Scott [D], Kornegay [D], Lennon [D], Whitener [D], Taylor [D], Broyhill [R], Jonas [R]; 9 democrats, 2 republicans against the Civil Rights Act.
Second, the actual votes in the Senate were:
For passage - 46 democrats (69% of democrats), 27 republicans (82% of republicans)
Against passage - 21 democrats (31% of democrats), 6 republicans (18% of republicans)
From North Carolina -
For passage: none
Against passage: Ervin [D], Jordan [D]; both democrats voted against the Civil Rights Act.
Kish and Tarkowski appear to agree on the facts about the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Tarkowski seems to want us to disregard everything Kish said by attacking one of Kish's statements.
Perhaps Tarkowski's useful idiots are those who blindly follow the leadership of either Party without checking the facts.
All my posts are on my blog at https://countrylivingpolitics.blogspot.com.
-----
Senate vote: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/88-1964/s409
House vote: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/88-1964/h182
-----------
Kish said:
"Democrats who voted AGAINST the Civil Rights Act of 1964..."
----------
Tarkowski said:
"The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed by majority votes of both parties. The “Nay” votes came from a majority of Democratic (93%-95%) and all Republicans (100%) of Southern legislators. Southern being defined as the 11 states of the Confederacy.
When you mis-state something as basic as this, it calls into question all of your other assertions.
While I was online I Googled “useful idiot”. Have you?"
==========
So, lets look at the numbers and draw our own conclusions.
First, the actual votes in the House pf Representatives were:
For passage - 153 democrats (62% of democrats), 136 republicans (80% of republicans)
Against passage - 91 democrats (38% of democrats), 35 republicans (20% of republicans)
From North Carolina -
For passage: none.
Against passage: Bonner [D], Fountain [D], Henderson [D], Cooley [D], Scott [D], Kornegay [D], Lennon [D], Whitener [D], Taylor [D], Broyhill [R], Jonas [R]; 9 democrats, 2 republicans against the Civil Rights Act.
Second, the actual votes in the Senate were:
For passage - 46 democrats (69% of democrats), 27 republicans (82% of republicans)
Against passage - 21 democrats (31% of democrats), 6 republicans (18% of republicans)
From North Carolina -
For passage: none
Against passage: Ervin [D], Jordan [D]; both democrats voted against the Civil Rights Act.
Kish and Tarkowski appear to agree on the facts about the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Tarkowski seems to want us to disregard everything Kish said by attacking one of Kish's statements.
Perhaps Tarkowski's useful idiots are those who blindly follow the leadership of either Party without checking the facts.
All my posts are on my blog at https://countrylivingpolitics.blogspot.com.
-----
Senate vote: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/88-1964/s409
House vote: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/88-1964/h182
Jordan Lake Drinking Water
A friend of mine mentioned to me that Chatham County does not have a representative for Jordan Lake water quality.
I did some research and found it is true. These are the reps to the Jordan Lake Nutrient Scientific Advisory Board: Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Elon/Gibsonville/Graham/Mebane, Greensboro, NCSU, NC DOT, and a non-voting member of the Falls Lake watershed.
That is really disappointing. From the online documents I found, Chatham County gets 6 million gallons of water per day from Jordan Lake. But the people who drink that water and the County where the Lake resides have no voting representative on the Advisory Board. Does this make sense?
The Legislature adopted the Jordan Lake Rules in 2009 that were an attempt to clean up pollution going into the lake. Towns upstream of the Lake and in the Triangle complained about the cost of treating their water so it would not pollute the lake, and so the Legislature has never fully implemented the rules. We, the Chatham County residents who drink the water and reside by the lake, are impacted by government lack of action and lack of representation.
This is not a Democrat or a Republican issue. Both parties have plenty of blame to share when it comes to Jordan Lake pollution. Under Democrat control, the Legislature did not fully implement the rules. Under Republican control, the Legislature has tried silly ideas such as the Solar-Bee experiment, and recently explored using chemicals in the lake to treat algae. It is not suprising that the chemical lobbyist supporting chemical treatment was a former legislator, Harold Brubaker [R-Randolph County]. Gladys Robinson [D-Guilford] has complained that treating water going into Jordan Lake 'does nothing for our teachers'. Rick Gunn [R-Alamance/Randolph] sponsored S515, the Jordan Lake non-quality act that would permanently put the Jordan Lake Rules on hold. Upon reviewing the legislative actions of our own representatives, Senator Valerie Foushee [D] and Representative Robert Reives [D] I found that neither has introduced any legislation to clean up Jordan Lake.
From 1993 to 2013 the Governor and Legislature was solidly Democrat, from 2013 until now the legislature has been solidly Republican. Blame them both.
Elections are coming up in 2018. Know the facts, and understand what is important to you. Vote accordingly, and do not blindly follow a party line vote.
Jordan Lake Rules:
http://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=fd6c684b-2c8e-4617-a890-551ad77cd680&groupId=235275
Current water allocations:
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/planning/basin-planning/map-page/cape-fear-river-basin-landing/jordan-lake-water-supply-allocation/jordan-lake-water-supply-allocation-current-allocations
Nutrient Scientific Advisory Board:
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/planning/nonpoint-source-management/nutrient-scientific-advisory-board
S515:
http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2013/Bills/Senate/PDF/S515v5.pdf
Harold Brubaker:
http://www.ncpolicywatch.com/2017/05/25/former-house-speaker-tried-strong-arm-deq-chemicals-jordan-lake/
Gladys Robinson:
http://www.wral.com/the-price-of-protection-who-should-pay-to-clean-jordan-lake-/12546867/
Robert Reives legislation: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/members/reports/introducedBills.pl?nUserID=684&Chamber=H
Valerie Foushee legislation: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/members/reports/introducedBills.pl?nUserID=383&Chamber=S
I did some research and found it is true. These are the reps to the Jordan Lake Nutrient Scientific Advisory Board: Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Elon/Gibsonville/Graham/Mebane, Greensboro, NCSU, NC DOT, and a non-voting member of the Falls Lake watershed.
That is really disappointing. From the online documents I found, Chatham County gets 6 million gallons of water per day from Jordan Lake. But the people who drink that water and the County where the Lake resides have no voting representative on the Advisory Board. Does this make sense?
The Legislature adopted the Jordan Lake Rules in 2009 that were an attempt to clean up pollution going into the lake. Towns upstream of the Lake and in the Triangle complained about the cost of treating their water so it would not pollute the lake, and so the Legislature has never fully implemented the rules. We, the Chatham County residents who drink the water and reside by the lake, are impacted by government lack of action and lack of representation.
This is not a Democrat or a Republican issue. Both parties have plenty of blame to share when it comes to Jordan Lake pollution. Under Democrat control, the Legislature did not fully implement the rules. Under Republican control, the Legislature has tried silly ideas such as the Solar-Bee experiment, and recently explored using chemicals in the lake to treat algae. It is not suprising that the chemical lobbyist supporting chemical treatment was a former legislator, Harold Brubaker [R-Randolph County]. Gladys Robinson [D-Guilford] has complained that treating water going into Jordan Lake 'does nothing for our teachers'. Rick Gunn [R-Alamance/Randolph] sponsored S515, the Jordan Lake non-quality act that would permanently put the Jordan Lake Rules on hold. Upon reviewing the legislative actions of our own representatives, Senator Valerie Foushee [D] and Representative Robert Reives [D] I found that neither has introduced any legislation to clean up Jordan Lake.
From 1993 to 2013 the Governor and Legislature was solidly Democrat, from 2013 until now the legislature has been solidly Republican. Blame them both.
Elections are coming up in 2018. Know the facts, and understand what is important to you. Vote accordingly, and do not blindly follow a party line vote.
Jordan Lake Rules:
http://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=fd6c684b-2c8e-4617-a890-551ad77cd680&groupId=235275
Current water allocations:
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/planning/basin-planning/map-page/cape-fear-river-basin-landing/jordan-lake-water-supply-allocation/jordan-lake-water-supply-allocation-current-allocations
Nutrient Scientific Advisory Board:
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/planning/nonpoint-source-management/nutrient-scientific-advisory-board
S515:
http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2013/Bills/Senate/PDF/S515v5.pdf
Harold Brubaker:
http://www.ncpolicywatch.com/2017/05/25/former-house-speaker-tried-strong-arm-deq-chemicals-jordan-lake/
Gladys Robinson:
http://www.wral.com/the-price-of-protection-who-should-pay-to-clean-jordan-lake-/12546867/
Robert Reives legislation: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/members/reports/introducedBills.pl?nUserID=684&Chamber=H
Valerie Foushee legislation: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/members/reports/introducedBills.pl?nUserID=383&Chamber=S
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Patrick Henry in Chatham County Schools
This past summer, rising Chatham County 12th grade honors english students were required to read Frankenstein, by Mary Shelly. Here is a link to the requirements: http://bit.ly/ChathamSummerReading2017.
Students had to take notes regarding quotes from the book, and then give their own commentary on those quotes. So far, so good (although Frankenstein seems a weird choice for a summer honors reading course).
The course materials provided an example for student commentary. For a 'quote', the example uses 'Give me liberty or give me death'.
Now, dear readers, do you remember the full quote from Patrick Henry, one of our nation's founding fathers? The final paragraph from his speech to the Second Virginia Convention in March of 1775 was a rallying cry to raise a militia in response to King George III's military threats against the colonists. Here is the full quote:
"It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
The Chatham County school instructions then give a suggested interpretation of this founding fathers quote:
'Patrick Henry really was an extremist. I can’t believe he really wanted to die if the Colonies didn’t declare a revolution. There was no negotiating with him. He was a warmonger!'
I am disgusted with that example. Examples are meant to instruct, and this example instructs disrespect for our nation's founding.
Is this REALLY what our Chatham County schools think of Patrick Henry? Is this what WE as Chatham County taxpayers think of our founding fathers and the War for Independence?
If so, we as a County, and we as a Nation, are in trouble.
Students had to take notes regarding quotes from the book, and then give their own commentary on those quotes. So far, so good (although Frankenstein seems a weird choice for a summer honors reading course).
The course materials provided an example for student commentary. For a 'quote', the example uses 'Give me liberty or give me death'.
Now, dear readers, do you remember the full quote from Patrick Henry, one of our nation's founding fathers? The final paragraph from his speech to the Second Virginia Convention in March of 1775 was a rallying cry to raise a militia in response to King George III's military threats against the colonists. Here is the full quote:
"It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
The Chatham County school instructions then give a suggested interpretation of this founding fathers quote:
'Patrick Henry really was an extremist. I can’t believe he really wanted to die if the Colonies didn’t declare a revolution. There was no negotiating with him. He was a warmonger!'
I am disgusted with that example. Examples are meant to instruct, and this example instructs disrespect for our nation's founding.
Is this REALLY what our Chatham County schools think of Patrick Henry? Is this what WE as Chatham County taxpayers think of our founding fathers and the War for Independence?
If so, we as a County, and we as a Nation, are in trouble.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Chatham County School Grades
Our local newspaper recently released the 2016 grades for each of the Chatham County schools. Despite an upbeat approach, detailed reading of the article (a copy is at http://bit.ly/Chatham_Grades) gave me the impression that we could find improvements in education for our next generation. The grades were:
Margaret Pollard (6-8): B
Pittsboro Elementary (K-5): B
Silk Hope (K-8): B
Chatham Central (9-12): B
Northwood (9-12): B
Perry Harrison (K-5): B
Moncure (K-8): C
North Chatham (K-5): C
Siler City Elementary (K-5): C
Bennett (K-8): C
Bonlee (K-8): C
Jordan Matthews (9-12): C
Horton (6-8): C
J.S. Waters (K-8): C
Virginia Cross Elementary (K-5): D
Chatham Middle (6-8): D
SAGE Academy (Alternative 9-12): Not Listed
Science and Technology: Not Listed
That got me to wondering about how much we spend on education. From the School Board website, I found that there are about 8,700 students in Chatham schools, supported by an education establishment of 1,190 employees. So, there is one staff member for every 7.3 students. It would be nice to know how many are support staff versus teaching staff, but I did not see that breakout on the school board website.
Total non-capital budget for the school system is over $93 million dollars this year (see http://bit.ly/ChathamSchools17-18). Put another way, each student receives on average $10,670 per year in tax dollar support.
This year's school calendar shows 170 school days, with an additional two early release days. Guessing an average of 7 hours per day in class, that means each student should learn something for about 1,190 hours. Again, looking at that another way, each learning hour averages almost $9 per hour per student.
Median salary for teachers is roughly $45,000 per year. Teachers spend about 8 more days per year than do the students. Allowing for a 9-hour day on average to allow for prep time and grading, that suggests each teacher works a bit over 1,600 hours in the school year. A standard business work year with holidays and including 2 weeks vacation is 1,920 hours. Using the standard work year, each teacher works for about 83% of a standard work year. IF that 83% were a full work year, the equivalent salary would be $54,200. Not bad.
So what? We spend A LOT of money on educating students. I suspect most of our teachers are dedicated and hard-working professionals doing their best. But, something is not working right, or our Chatham County scores would be higher, and as a nation we would be out-scoring more of our world competitors in math and the sciences. I don't think more money is the answer to our education problems.
My suspicion is that we are asking our education system to do in excess of what it can deliver. I am guessing that a lot of our education issues are based more on parental lack of oversight and encouragement, students spending too much in and out of class time flipping through websites and messaging friends, courses that are more politically correct than rigorous, and a society that glorifies sports and entertainment over mathematics, science, farming, or trades.
One of my least-favorite public figures once wrote a book that claimed it takes a village to raise a child. Maybe so; maybe it takes public figures, entertainers, sports figures, journalists, clergy, peer groups and others along with parents to encourage students to study, work hard, respect their teachers, and understand the value of their elementary and secondary educations.
And maybe it takes all of us in Chatham County to understand where our tax dollars go, and then to help determine if funds are being spent wisely. Chatham County - get involved! Research school board candidates, go to school board meetings, understand the budgets, root out the facts versus hype and hysteria, and make solid and well-reasoned selections when voting for school board candidates.
Margaret Pollard (6-8): B
Pittsboro Elementary (K-5): B
Silk Hope (K-8): B
Chatham Central (9-12): B
Northwood (9-12): B
Perry Harrison (K-5): B
Moncure (K-8): C
North Chatham (K-5): C
Siler City Elementary (K-5): C
Bennett (K-8): C
Bonlee (K-8): C
Jordan Matthews (9-12): C
Horton (6-8): C
J.S. Waters (K-8): C
Virginia Cross Elementary (K-5): D
Chatham Middle (6-8): D
SAGE Academy (Alternative 9-12): Not Listed
Science and Technology: Not Listed
That got me to wondering about how much we spend on education. From the School Board website, I found that there are about 8,700 students in Chatham schools, supported by an education establishment of 1,190 employees. So, there is one staff member for every 7.3 students. It would be nice to know how many are support staff versus teaching staff, but I did not see that breakout on the school board website.
Total non-capital budget for the school system is over $93 million dollars this year (see http://bit.ly/ChathamSchools17-18). Put another way, each student receives on average $10,670 per year in tax dollar support.
This year's school calendar shows 170 school days, with an additional two early release days. Guessing an average of 7 hours per day in class, that means each student should learn something for about 1,190 hours. Again, looking at that another way, each learning hour averages almost $9 per hour per student.
Median salary for teachers is roughly $45,000 per year. Teachers spend about 8 more days per year than do the students. Allowing for a 9-hour day on average to allow for prep time and grading, that suggests each teacher works a bit over 1,600 hours in the school year. A standard business work year with holidays and including 2 weeks vacation is 1,920 hours. Using the standard work year, each teacher works for about 83% of a standard work year. IF that 83% were a full work year, the equivalent salary would be $54,200. Not bad.
So what? We spend A LOT of money on educating students. I suspect most of our teachers are dedicated and hard-working professionals doing their best. But, something is not working right, or our Chatham County scores would be higher, and as a nation we would be out-scoring more of our world competitors in math and the sciences. I don't think more money is the answer to our education problems.
My suspicion is that we are asking our education system to do in excess of what it can deliver. I am guessing that a lot of our education issues are based more on parental lack of oversight and encouragement, students spending too much in and out of class time flipping through websites and messaging friends, courses that are more politically correct than rigorous, and a society that glorifies sports and entertainment over mathematics, science, farming, or trades.
One of my least-favorite public figures once wrote a book that claimed it takes a village to raise a child. Maybe so; maybe it takes public figures, entertainers, sports figures, journalists, clergy, peer groups and others along with parents to encourage students to study, work hard, respect their teachers, and understand the value of their elementary and secondary educations.
And maybe it takes all of us in Chatham County to understand where our tax dollars go, and then to help determine if funds are being spent wisely. Chatham County - get involved! Research school board candidates, go to school board meetings, understand the budgets, root out the facts versus hype and hysteria, and make solid and well-reasoned selections when voting for school board candidates.
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Regarding Chatlist #5938 League of Women Voters
A big thankyou to Carol Hay, Brad Page, and Ms. Bair for confirming what I said about the League of Women Voters. While offering no facts to dispute my position that the LWV is not non-partisan, they did state that the league supports abortion, abhors voter integrity (voter ID), blames the Republicans for destroying bipartisanship, and so on. A true non-partisan organization would provide the policies of all parties, and would welcome opposing viewpoints to present all sides of an issue to our voting citizens. Likewise, their personal attacks on me are an attempt to mislead the general public on the policies of the LWV and their membership.
Not examples of what I would call non-partisan.
Again, and again, I will continue to say that voters need to do their own research on candidates, platforms, and individually determine how they cast their votes. Please Do Not blindly accept what the parties, and their collaborators, would like you to believe. Regarding organizations like the League of Women Voters, check out their website. Try to discuss opposing points of view and see how well you are received.
Not examples of what I would call non-partisan.
Again, and again, I will continue to say that voters need to do their own research on candidates, platforms, and individually determine how they cast their votes. Please Do Not blindly accept what the parties, and their collaborators, would like you to believe. Regarding organizations like the League of Women Voters, check out their website. Try to discuss opposing points of view and see how well you are received.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
League of Women Voters is Nonpartisan - NOT!
The League of Women Voters (LWV) advertises themselves as being politically nonpartisan. Don't believe everything you read in the Chatlist.
Of the eight officers listed on the LWV website for Orange-Durham-Chatham Counties, six are registered Democrats. Two do not seem to be registered to vote with the North Carolina voter registration system.
Of the two ladies who posted about the upcoming LWV event in Siler City, both are registered Democrats.
The LWV partners with only left-leaning organizations, such as Democracy NC, NC Justice Center, and Planned Parenthood.
While the promoted goals of the League of Women Voters seem admirable, when one looks deeper one finds just another support arm of left-leaning political advocacy.
Take them with a grain of salt. Do your own voter research.
Of the eight officers listed on the LWV website for Orange-Durham-Chatham Counties, six are registered Democrats. Two do not seem to be registered to vote with the North Carolina voter registration system.
Of the two ladies who posted about the upcoming LWV event in Siler City, both are registered Democrats.
The LWV partners with only left-leaning organizations, such as Democracy NC, NC Justice Center, and Planned Parenthood.
While the promoted goals of the League of Women Voters seem admirable, when one looks deeper one finds just another support arm of left-leaning political advocacy.
Take them with a grain of salt. Do your own voter research.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Politics - watch what you say
By chance a few days ago I decided to look at both the Chatham GOP and Chatham Democrat websites.
The Chatham GOP at http://www.chathamncgop.com is not very interesting. Some things about the upcoming county convention, and the rest is just difficult to find anything.
The Chatham Democrat at http://www.chathamdemsnc.net is more colorful, at least. However, one of the comments on the front page of their website caught my eye:
2020 is just the year that Democrats need to win. The next US census takes place that year, and that is also when the next congressional districts will be redrawn. Democrats can use their electoral gains in 2020 to Gerrymander Republicans out of the House of Representatives.
Have we not heard about Democrat complaints regarding Republican Gerrymandering over and over again?
Later on the website, the Democrat website says
Building on and extending the historic legacy of the Democratic Party, the Chatham County Democratic Party is committed to Fairness, Truth in Government, and Equality.
Here we have a case study on hypocrisy: a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious belief or principle that one does not really possess.
Do not blindly accept what either political party is telling you, and require them (peacefully, of course; riots and semi-riots are not peaceful) to follow their stated principles.
The Chatham GOP at http://www.chathamncgop.com is not very interesting. Some things about the upcoming county convention, and the rest is just difficult to find anything.
The Chatham Democrat at http://www.chathamdemsnc.net is more colorful, at least. However, one of the comments on the front page of their website caught my eye:
2020 is just the year that Democrats need to win. The next US census takes place that year, and that is also when the next congressional districts will be redrawn. Democrats can use their electoral gains in 2020 to Gerrymander Republicans out of the House of Representatives.
Have we not heard about Democrat complaints regarding Republican Gerrymandering over and over again?
Later on the website, the Democrat website says
Building on and extending the historic legacy of the Democratic Party, the Chatham County Democratic Party is committed to Fairness, Truth in Government, and Equality.
Here we have a case study on hypocrisy: a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious belief or principle that one does not really possess.
Do not blindly accept what either political party is telling you, and require them (peacefully, of course; riots and semi-riots are not peaceful) to follow their stated principles.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Long Range Planning - how to pay?
The Chatham County Long-Range Planning Committee will present their latest thoughts to the county this week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
I have seen the draft documents, and they represent a wide range of options that, based on the committee's collective and so-called progressive (not necessarily unanimous) opinion, will improve Chatham County over the next 25 years.
That may be so. I like several of the ideas, am neutral about some, and cannot tolerate others.
But YOU need to make up your own minds.
WHY?
Because YOU are going to end up paying for whatever this committee recommends to the County Commissioners. Lots of ideas equals lots of need for dollars to pay for ideas. Where do you think those dollars come from? Your wallet.
So if you want to have some small impact on how our Commission spends YOUR dollars, go to one of the input sessions:
Tuesday, February 21, at Chatham Central High School, in the Commons (outside the cafeteria), 5-7 PM
Wednesday, February 22, at the Chatham Community Library, Holmes Meeting Room, 5-7 PM
Thursday, February 23, at the Silk Hope Ruritan Center, Main Hall, 5-7 PM
It is YOUR money.
I have seen the draft documents, and they represent a wide range of options that, based on the committee's collective and so-called progressive (not necessarily unanimous) opinion, will improve Chatham County over the next 25 years.
That may be so. I like several of the ideas, am neutral about some, and cannot tolerate others.
But YOU need to make up your own minds.
WHY?
Because YOU are going to end up paying for whatever this committee recommends to the County Commissioners. Lots of ideas equals lots of need for dollars to pay for ideas. Where do you think those dollars come from? Your wallet.
So if you want to have some small impact on how our Commission spends YOUR dollars, go to one of the input sessions:
Tuesday, February 21, at Chatham Central High School, in the Commons (outside the cafeteria), 5-7 PM
Wednesday, February 22, at the Chatham Community Library, Holmes Meeting Room, 5-7 PM
Thursday, February 23, at the Silk Hope Ruritan Center, Main Hall, 5-7 PM
It is YOUR money.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
We are a divided county
Several recent posts on the Chatlist discussed the 2016 elections. I looked at the Chatham County official results and did a bit of ciphering to see what they can tell us other than raw numbers.
If you break out the county into its 18 voting precincts you see some clear trends towards voting Democrat or Republican. In the table below I counted the independent Holland candidacy in the GOP column as he was clearly not a Democrat candidate.
Across the board Republican-voting precincts
Albright, Bennet, Bonlee, Goldson, Three Rivers, Harpers Crossroads, and Hickory Mountain.
Mostly Republican-voting precints
Hadley Mills, New Hope, Oakland
Across the board Democrat-voting precincts
Bynum, East Siler City, Pittsboro, Manns Chapel, North Williams, West Williams.
Mostly Democrat-voting precincts
West Siler City, East Williams.
Number of precincts who voted for candidates
President: 11 for Trump, 7 for Clinton
US Senate: 12 for Burr, 6 for Ross
US House: 12 for Walker, 6 for Glidewell
Governor: tied 9 for McCrory, 9 for Cooper
Commissioner 1: 12 for Stobbs, 6 for Howard
Commissioner 2: 10 for Holland, 8 for Dasher
SO WHAT, you ask? This analysis says that despite the individual votes which led to Democracts winning overall across Chatham County, there is a lot of political division across the county. While our current county commission has a solid Democrat majority, according to my analysis there is certainly not a solid Democrat majority support across the County.
Our politicians, at ALL levels of government regardless of party need to realize (and be reminded again and again) they work for the best interest of the citizens and NOT for the success of their party, and that for effective governing politicians need to follow the founding documents of our Constitutions and of our laws. Politicians are not just hired to do a job; they are hired to bring people together. Political parties make this difficult for our elected officials, as parties see politics as a contest to crush their opponents, not necessarily seeking the overall good of the voting public.
Our citizens, REGARDLESS of political leanings, need to realize that political parties are businesses that exist for the party members, and are not focused on the overall good of the citizenry. We all need to help and constrain our elected officials at all levels by gaining information from a variety of both left- and right-leaning news outlets. AND, we need to remember we are all neighbors and will eventually need each other.
If you break out the county into its 18 voting precincts you see some clear trends towards voting Democrat or Republican. In the table below I counted the independent Holland candidacy in the GOP column as he was clearly not a Democrat candidate.
Across the board Republican-voting precincts
Albright, Bennet, Bonlee, Goldson, Three Rivers, Harpers Crossroads, and Hickory Mountain.
Mostly Republican-voting precints
Hadley Mills, New Hope, Oakland
Across the board Democrat-voting precincts
Bynum, East Siler City, Pittsboro, Manns Chapel, North Williams, West Williams.
Mostly Democrat-voting precincts
West Siler City, East Williams.
Number of precincts who voted for candidates
President: 11 for Trump, 7 for Clinton
US Senate: 12 for Burr, 6 for Ross
US House: 12 for Walker, 6 for Glidewell
Governor: tied 9 for McCrory, 9 for Cooper
Commissioner 1: 12 for Stobbs, 6 for Howard
Commissioner 2: 10 for Holland, 8 for Dasher
SO WHAT, you ask? This analysis says that despite the individual votes which led to Democracts winning overall across Chatham County, there is a lot of political division across the county. While our current county commission has a solid Democrat majority, according to my analysis there is certainly not a solid Democrat majority support across the County.
Our politicians, at ALL levels of government regardless of party need to realize (and be reminded again and again) they work for the best interest of the citizens and NOT for the success of their party, and that for effective governing politicians need to follow the founding documents of our Constitutions and of our laws. Politicians are not just hired to do a job; they are hired to bring people together. Political parties make this difficult for our elected officials, as parties see politics as a contest to crush their opponents, not necessarily seeking the overall good of the voting public.
Our citizens, REGARDLESS of political leanings, need to realize that political parties are businesses that exist for the party members, and are not focused on the overall good of the citizenry. We all need to help and constrain our elected officials at all levels by gaining information from a variety of both left- and right-leaning news outlets. AND, we need to remember we are all neighbors and will eventually need each other.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Chatham County Legislative Priorities
Each year our County Commissioners determine what positions they (that is, we as county citizens) will take with the North Carolina legislature. On January 23 the Commissioners will receive recommendations from County Staff.
While I have strongly disagreed with positions our Commissioners have taken in the past, I hope that they support some of these very reasonable approaches to improving life in Chatham County. Among them are:
- Remove rural broadband barriers: allow local governments to partner with broadband projects, increase state funding for rural broadband, and remove constraints that allow providers to pick and choose where they will serve customers.
- Reinstate the Jordan Lake Rules: quit screwing around with silly approaches (like the Solarbees) to improving the water quality in Jordan Lake, and enforce the agreements made several years ago to reduce upstream pollution.
- Chatham Park Special Assessment: the ability to propose a special tax assessment on Chatham Park infrastructure.
- Severing mineral rights: since fracking (my opinion: fracking is EVIL) is still a threat to the county, ensure that property owners have clear title to the mineral rights beneath their lands. This is more difficult than it seems since a lot of titles go back to the King’s land grants.
- Eliminate Economic Tiers: Chatham County economics is evaluated on a whole basis. Because northeast Chatham County tends to be wealthier than southeast Chatham County the average impairs economic development funds for the western part of the County.
Hopefully our Commissioners will look favorably on these recommendations.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
What is going on in Pittsboro?
Several local business owners are upset about the renovation of downtown Pittsboro and the way plans are being developed that ignore their business interests.
I have heard that the circle around the historic courthouse is being reduced to one lane (how will that impact truck traffic?), that angled parking will be replaced with parallel parking (have you been practicing how to parallel park?) and that parking lots used during the day, such as the Presbyterian Church lot, will be cut off from the public.
Those do not sound very business friendly.
There is an amazing lack of information about the downtown Pittsboro renovation. I have gone through the calendar year 2016 minutes (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0C58b8Uq5MTOTJhUFlOY0o5WVk) of the Pittsboro council and found only four references:
January 25: Commissioner Fiocco stated there were presentations to the property owners.
April 11: Manager Gruesbeck has a drawing from Kimley Horne (the design firm?).
May 09: Mayor Perry said Commissioner Farrell indicated they are still working on the circle and a couple other things.
May 23: Mr. Musarra (who is he?) gave a presentation. A link to the presentation is included in the commission minutes but the link does not work.
I did find a presentation dated June 16, 2014 called the Pittsboro Downtown Vision Plan. It states that consultants spent two whole days in Pittsboro, and then talked with about a dozen citizens and elected officials. That report is on my blog at https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0C58b8Uq5MTU1ItNjB3MktSWTg. It indicates a goal for parallel parking despite drivers and shoppers disliking it but it apparently that provides more room for bike lanes. The four corners of around the Courthouse Circle should become parks. Also, the presentation says that there are opportunities to relocate businesses. That alone would worry me if I owned a business in Pittsboro.
Do we really want Pittsboro to become another Chapel Hill? That same presentation calls for Pittsboro to be described as Artistic, Night Life, and Organic (whatever Organic means in this context).
There are many suggestions in this presentation that Pittsboro does need: improved sidewalks, buried power lines, better crosswalks. However, parallel parking, constricting traffic around the circle, and closing parking lots sounds like things Pittsboro does not need.
So, Pittsboro leadership, how about providing more information on the plans and the logic behind decisions? Also, a big question - where is the money coming from, and who are the special interests that will profit from these renovations?
I have heard that the circle around the historic courthouse is being reduced to one lane (how will that impact truck traffic?), that angled parking will be replaced with parallel parking (have you been practicing how to parallel park?) and that parking lots used during the day, such as the Presbyterian Church lot, will be cut off from the public.
Those do not sound very business friendly.
There is an amazing lack of information about the downtown Pittsboro renovation. I have gone through the calendar year 2016 minutes (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0C58b8Uq5MTOTJhUFlOY0o5WVk) of the Pittsboro council and found only four references:
January 25: Commissioner Fiocco stated there were presentations to the property owners.
April 11: Manager Gruesbeck has a drawing from Kimley Horne (the design firm?).
May 09: Mayor Perry said Commissioner Farrell indicated they are still working on the circle and a couple other things.
May 23: Mr. Musarra (who is he?) gave a presentation. A link to the presentation is included in the commission minutes but the link does not work.
I did find a presentation dated June 16, 2014 called the Pittsboro Downtown Vision Plan. It states that consultants spent two whole days in Pittsboro, and then talked with about a dozen citizens and elected officials. That report is on my blog at https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0C58b8Uq5MTU1ItNjB3MktSWTg. It indicates a goal for parallel parking despite drivers and shoppers disliking it but it apparently that provides more room for bike lanes. The four corners of around the Courthouse Circle should become parks. Also, the presentation says that there are opportunities to relocate businesses. That alone would worry me if I owned a business in Pittsboro.
Do we really want Pittsboro to become another Chapel Hill? That same presentation calls for Pittsboro to be described as Artistic, Night Life, and Organic (whatever Organic means in this context).
There are many suggestions in this presentation that Pittsboro does need: improved sidewalks, buried power lines, better crosswalks. However, parallel parking, constricting traffic around the circle, and closing parking lots sounds like things Pittsboro does not need.
So, Pittsboro leadership, how about providing more information on the plans and the logic behind decisions? Also, a big question - where is the money coming from, and who are the special interests that will profit from these renovations?
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Shout-out to Hickory Mountain
Two days ago the citizens of Chatham County celebrated our democracy and voted in elections. One may agree with some outcomes and not with others. What we should all agree on is that, at least in Hickory Mountain, neighbors came together and participated in a friendly manner to decide important issues. Here are a couple of the stories I was told from there.
Electric power went out sporadically across areas of the precinct on Tuesday morning. This impacted voting - the polling booths were dark inside and the authorizations to vote (ATV, a document which stands in for identification) could not be printed, but paper backup was used. Right after the power went out the County was notified and started to make arrangements for assistance.
One of the local residents brought a small generator, lights, and extension cords. Another local resident brought in five flashlights for use in the booths. Other voters used the flashlights on their cell phones. One voter brought in a flashlight as she knew power was out.
No one seemed anxious, or worried about the integrity of the vote, or complained about voter suppression. This was neighbors working with neighbors, despite one of the national parties doing some serious arm-twisting as voters went into the polling place.
Thanks to everyone who voted. I hope that each one of you voted in a thoughtful manner, unswayed by national political corporations and news media with their own agenda. Let us continue to act as neighbors in this beautiful county and wonderful country we call home.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Comprehensive Land Use Plan
Chatham County is moving forward with its comprehensive land use plan. This will impact ALL of us in Chatham County, for better or worse, for years to come. Sources tell me there have been some spirited discussions at the Comprehensive Planning meetings between those desiring more centralized control and those desiring more individual freedom.
If you have not seen the draft map of planned land use, showing areas for agriculture, towns, neighborhoods, parks and so on, it is available on my blog here.
Once you have studied the map, and looked at the plan for YOUR property, you may have more incentive to participate in the planning process. The county has posted more information and how to get involved at http://www.chathamnc.org/index.aspx?page=1860.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Shout-out to the Pittsboro Street Fair
Yesterday was the Pittsboro Street Fair - a great opportunity to meet people, eat funnel cakes, and shop for crafts. And we could not have had a nicer day. Thanks to everyone who organized, participated, and attended.
And a thanks to Sheriff Roberson and his deputies. Our Sheriff seems to be very engaged with the community and always interested in meeting the county citizens and hearing their thoughts and ideas.
I also had a chance to meet two Commissioner candidates - Jay Stobbs and Peyton Holland. Both were walking among the crowd and listening to what we were thinking. Those who did not seem to be visible were Karen Howard or Mike Dasher.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Shout-out to Chatham Co Board of Elections
I voted this week.
Despite having to work my way past a group of partisans shouting at me to take a Blue Ballot, once inside the Pittsboro voting station I was met with pleasant and professional paid staff and volunteers. They quickly asked for my name and address (no ID, but that is another story) and within a couple minutes I had my paper ballot and had voted.
Despite having to work my way past a group of partisans shouting at me to take a Blue Ballot, once inside the Pittsboro voting station I was met with pleasant and professional paid staff and volunteers. They quickly asked for my name and address (no ID, but that is another story) and within a couple minutes I had my paper ballot and had voted.
A big thanks to the staff and volunteers during what must be a difficult period, both due to partisanship in the County and the illness of the Elections Director. And a huge thanks to Chatham County for retaining paper ballots and not moving to electronic voting machines. Paper ballots give me confidence that my vote is counted. The electronics in a machine can go haywire for a variety of reasons. An ink mark on paper is reassuring.
Go vote - either vote early, or vote on Election Day. This is an important election.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
If you say a lie often enough it becomes truth
In the Chatlist from Wednesday this week Mr. Markatos commented on the Commission Meeting discussing zoning and the comments by Karen Howard. His discussion is not correct regarding that Howard is addressing two hecklers from the crowd.
If you listen carefully (at about 1:22 into https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtpfpjRrRLs), this is the statement Howard makes: Even those voices that spoke did not give meaningful input on what was being discussed.
Howard is clearly showing her disdain for the Chatham County citizens who took time to speak for or against zoning, as the meeting was strictly for show anyway.
I would say this continues a trend at the County level, but since we have heard almost nothing from Howard in the past couple months that would not be true.
It does seem to be true at the national level, however. The ruling class of the media, politicians, entertainment figures, and university professors seem to consider most of those living outside their sphere, those of us who are bitter and cling to guns and religion, those of us who are a basket of deplorables, those of us loyal American NRA members who are enemies, as ignorant rubes that have to be enlightened. This spills over to the local politicians.
It is our responsibility to vote, but only if we make informed votes not dictated by one or the other of our national Political Corporations (I could have said Political Parties, but both parties really are corporations that exist solely for their own benefit, not for your benefit). One party wants you to vote the Blue Ballot, the other party wants you to vote whatever color ballot they are using. Do not vote how a Political Corporation tells you to vote. Think, research, and then vote your own ballot. You have a few days left of early voting. Make your vote count.
If you listen carefully (at about 1:22 into https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtpfpjRrRLs), this is the statement Howard makes: Even those voices that spoke did not give meaningful input on what was being discussed.
Howard is clearly showing her disdain for the Chatham County citizens who took time to speak for or against zoning, as the meeting was strictly for show anyway.
I would say this continues a trend at the County level, but since we have heard almost nothing from Howard in the past couple months that would not be true.
It does seem to be true at the national level, however. The ruling class of the media, politicians, entertainment figures, and university professors seem to consider most of those living outside their sphere, those of us who are bitter and cling to guns and religion, those of us who are a basket of deplorables, those of us loyal American NRA members who are enemies, as ignorant rubes that have to be enlightened. This spills over to the local politicians.
It is our responsibility to vote, but only if we make informed votes not dictated by one or the other of our national Political Corporations (I could have said Political Parties, but both parties really are corporations that exist solely for their own benefit, not for your benefit). One party wants you to vote the Blue Ballot, the other party wants you to vote whatever color ballot they are using. Do not vote how a Political Corporation tells you to vote. Think, research, and then vote your own ballot. You have a few days left of early voting. Make your vote count.
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Matthew is gone but certainly not forgotten
Hurricane Matthew has come and gone. As I write this many of my fellow Chatham citizens remain without power, or have to boil their water, or remain in their homes because of high water, or a host of other issues.
So my question is - did we learn anything over the weekend?
A shout-out to the NC Department of Public Safety and the Chatham County Emergency Management department for keeping us informed. Also a shout-out to Duke Energy - their crews have been working hard to get the power turned back on.
Also a shout-out to the Central Carolina SKYWARN folks. A ham radio friend advised me to listen to their broadcasts (you can hear them on the internet at http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/5620/?rl=rr) and that was about the most informative way to find out information around the area.
I was NOT impressed by the local FM radio stations, particularly one public radio station nearby who seemed much more interested in discussing a presidential candidates stupid comments than in reporting useful storm information. Until my power went out the local TV stations were the most useful.
What else? Were YOU prepared for the storm? Food, water, gas for a generator, flashlight batteries and so on? I recall a guy some weeks back talking on the Chatlist about a citizens emergency program. At the time I did not think much about it, but after the past few days that might be a really good idea. This was not the first nor will it be the last disaster to hit our area.
So, now for the cleanup, and then back to local politics!
Friday, September 9, 2016
It is time to THINK about voting.
The Chatham County Board of Elections website has posted the Sample Ballot for November at this site: http://www.chathamnc.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=28234. In addition to national and state races, we must elect two county commissioners, ten justices and judges, and other County positions.
Some positions have only one candidate running. Feel free to provide a write-in name if you want someone else.
County Democrat activists, and also maybe Republican activists if there are any, will be more than happy to provide you their particular flavors of sample ballots with their particular candidates marked as you should vote.
DO NOT USE EITHER ONE! You, and you alone as a voter are responsible for understanding the candidates and the issues.
Both local parties are providing ample opportunities to meet and greet particular candidates. Get off the couch, go to candidate events from both parties, listen and ask questions. Pay attention to local and national media; follow social media; but, be careful of how media will spin the truth for one candidate or another. Political ads, especially from national candidates are generally not worth hearing. Think, think again, sift through the accusations and false promises, and decide for yourself.
Early in-person voting begins on October 20 at several election sites throughout the county and at the Board of Elections. You can also vote absentee at http://www.chathamnc.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=22996, or vote on Election Day, November 8. Despite what some may claim, we have ample opportunities to vote. Make informed choices.
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