'Sometimes it's necessary to destroy the village to save the village...' - the jive at five
Waco - Either we don't always get it right, or we get a lot of help from our friends who like to see us get it wrong.
Either way, it all boils down to the same thing, donesn't it?
Information is power; witholding information is power cubed – on the square, or not.
As it turns out, building a new Precinct 1 barn won't involve the acquisition of new property.
The Legendary made a huge mistake in that regard in an earlier story.
The Highway Department merely condemned the front portion of the barnyard maintained by McLennan County Commissioner Kelly Snell on I-35 in Hewitt – not Lorena, as we reported – and will pay about $600,0000 for 6 acres in a negotiated settlement involving no litigation.
“We don't like to do that,” said Mr. Snell. “That's just the state suing the government. It's all the same money.” He shrugged.
That leaves the rear portion of the property open for further development of a new barn, vehicle washing area and catchment pond for the resulting drainage.
Our problem was that we didn't ask the right person for the facts. An agenda item to approve a contract with Abacus, a local engineering and architectural firm, yielded no information and a subsequent records request to the County Judge's office yielded no better.
A quick conversation with Mr. Snell shows that the matter is far from finalized. The Commissioners' Court once again deferred taking any action on the matter of design. A 130 by 85 foot structure of some 11,000 square feet met with objections from other commissioners. Their barns come in at about 4,400 to 4,800 square feet.
Mr. Snell's final words for the day are that he wants to avoid costing the taxpayers anything more than necessary. It was impossible to find property at a price that would compare with his election to keep the operation in the same location and build a new barn, he added.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Brits chuckle over Uncle Sam's luncheon spending
A government audit of spending for conferences and official lunches produced titters among British efficiency experts.
The Justice Department spent “the not insignificant sum of $16 (£10) on muffins, $10 on biscuits and $32 a head on snacks...
“Whether they were plated with gold isn't clear...,” according to an item in the UK on-line edition of “Management Today.”
Then there is the “$76-per-person conference lunch at a Hilton hotel in San Francisco, which featured "slow-cooked Berkshire pork carnitas, hearts-of-romaine salad and coffee at $8 a cup.”
Conservative Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Ia, said the report should show the Congressional Super Committee where to cut to achieve a grip on the national debt of $14 trillion and yearly budget deficit of $1.4 trillion.
The committee, which is made up of six members of the House and six members of the Senate, has been assigned to either cut government spending or see the budget automatically cut across the board by trillions over a 10-year period. As such, it's a very neat end run around Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, which stipulates in no uncertain terms how spending is to be controlled, appropriations determined, taxes levied, and all such as that. T'is the new way, shipmate. Say what?
The chief auditor who wrote the report gave the tongue in cheek opinion that “the costly meals and snacks were an 'extravagant' waste,” according to the BBC.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Lloyd's abruptly drops lawsuit against Royal Saudis
Insurance exhange alleged a member of the Saudi Arabian Royal family conspired to support 9-11 al-Qaida attack on America
Pittsburgh – An attorney representing the Lloyd's syndicate suddenly announced the insurance exchange is dropping a lawsuit against nine Saudi Arabian defendants accused of “knowingly” providing assistance to the al-Qa'ida agents who allegedly helped out the 9/11 attacks.
Stephen Cozen, a Philadelphia lawyer representing the insurance exhange, reportedly gave no reason for the decision and refused to enter into any discussion with newsmen via e-mail.
Filed on September 8 in the Western District of Pennsylvania, the suit alleged that the group funded “Between 1998 and 2000” various charitable operations that supported al-Qa'ida terror activities.
The defendants included a member of the royal family, Abdul Aziz al-Saud, the half brother of King Abdullah and the long-standing Saudi Interior minister.
“Between 1998 and 2000, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the SJRC, diverted more than $74 million to al-Qai'da members and loyalists affiliated with SJRC bureaus. Throughout this time, the Committee was under the supervision and control of Saudi Interior Minister Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz.”
Saudi embassies in London and Washington did not respond to questions about the allegations or any other details of the 156-page complaint.
Such embarassing details in the heavily documented suit were obtained through purloined U.S. diplomatic cables released by the cyber-guerilla underground organization Wikileaks.
The documents singled out for scrutiny the Saudi Joint Relief Committee for Kosovo and Checynya (SJRC), which was allegedly used as a cover for several al-Qa'ida operatives, including two of its directors, according to United Nations officials.
Lloyd's sought recovery of some £136 million – about $215 million – in damage claims paid to airlines, airports and security companies, injured individuals and relatives of those killed.
The syndicate filed the suit in Pittsburgh because one of the flights attacked by knife-wielding terrorists crashed near there after crew members and passengers fought the highjackers for possession of the aircraft's controls and lost the battle, sending the plane crashing into the earth at cruising speed.
Pittsburgh – An attorney representing the Lloyd's syndicate suddenly announced the insurance exchange is dropping a lawsuit against nine Saudi Arabian defendants accused of “knowingly” providing assistance to the al-Qa'ida agents who allegedly helped out the 9/11 attacks.
Stephen Cozen, a Philadelphia lawyer representing the insurance exhange, reportedly gave no reason for the decision and refused to enter into any discussion with newsmen via e-mail.
Filed on September 8 in the Western District of Pennsylvania, the suit alleged that the group funded “Between 1998 and 2000” various charitable operations that supported al-Qa'ida terror activities.
The defendants included a member of the royal family, Abdul Aziz al-Saud, the half brother of King Abdullah and the long-standing Saudi Interior minister.
“Between 1998 and 2000, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the SJRC, diverted more than $74 million to al-Qai'da members and loyalists affiliated with SJRC bureaus. Throughout this time, the Committee was under the supervision and control of Saudi Interior Minister Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz.”
Saudi embassies in London and Washington did not respond to questions about the allegations or any other details of the 156-page complaint.
Such embarassing details in the heavily documented suit were obtained through purloined U.S. diplomatic cables released by the cyber-guerilla underground organization Wikileaks.
The documents singled out for scrutiny the Saudi Joint Relief Committee for Kosovo and Checynya (SJRC), which was allegedly used as a cover for several al-Qa'ida operatives, including two of its directors, according to United Nations officials.
Lloyd's sought recovery of some £136 million – about $215 million – in damage claims paid to airlines, airports and security companies, injured individuals and relatives of those killed.
The syndicate filed the suit in Pittsburgh because one of the flights attacked by knife-wielding terrorists crashed near there after crew members and passengers fought the highjackers for possession of the aircraft's controls and lost the battle, sending the plane crashing into the earth at cruising speed.
Chief Deputy gets comeuppance over 'scary' security
Searches to be paid out of salary funds
The judge glanced up from his paperwork, lamped the back row where deputies of the McLennan County Sheriff's Department usually sit, and asked, “Are Randy or Paul here?”
Told no, he said, “Then let's defer that until next week and go on to the next item.”
“That” is a budget amendment request to move more than $40,000 from the General Fund to the columns for paying part time security officers to guard the Courthouse and check visitors for contraband and weapons.
Randy and Paul are Chief Deputy Randy Plemons and Records and Budget chief Paul Wash, both of whom are on the hot seat over security matters.
Deputy Plemons, a candidate for the Republican nomination to replace Sheriff Larry Lynch in the elections of 2012, effectively spent $40,000 he didn't have budgeted on part time help to search and supervise courthouse visitors – hiring Waco P.D. Patrolmen at $30 per hour, plus benefits – because two of his staff are out with long-term illness and the newly elected DA, Abel Reyna, has persuaded criminal district judges to hold two Grand Jury sessions per month and return indictments weekly.
To cover the bill, he needs to move enough money to pay 1,500 man hours of work already performed.
Paul Wash and his staff allowed a convicted felon waiting to be transferred to the penitentiary to walk out of jail scott free, even though he owed the Governor a possible 12 years behind state bars.
The reason is given only as a “paperwork mix-up.”
It's a long story, but the punch line is short and sweet.
Alerted that Deputy Plemons had arrived late, Judge Lewis called him to the podium and said, bluntly, “You're talking about digging the hole deeper – for lack of a better term.”
He deadpanned the man of the hour, expectantly, waiting for an answer.
Deputy Plemons said, “The courts have been exceedingly busy – We've never had this situation before; I'm not saying we won't have it again...”
His voice trailed off.
The judge, who is an ex-corrections officer and jail administrator, said, “Fifteen hundred hours is, that's a lot of hours, Randy...”
“Did y'all see this crisis coming?” asked Commissioner Ben Perry, an ex-Woodway police officer.
His words hung in the air like wet, limp laundry someone failed to bring in before the thunder storm.
“I think that's where the question is,” added Judge Lewis. “I'm saying 1,500 hours is a lot of hours.”
More silent time ensued before Deputy Plemons said, “This is what we project will get us through this particular budget year.”
Commissioner Perry made a motion to approve his budget request, a motion that was slapped down for lack of a second.
The matter is again, for the second week in a row, deferred until next week to give County Auditor Stan Chambers a chance to rummage around in the Sheriff's Department personnel pay accounts and get the money from there, while leaving the McLennan County General Fund alone.
The judge glanced up from his paperwork, lamped the back row where deputies of the McLennan County Sheriff's Department usually sit, and asked, “Are Randy or Paul here?”
Told no, he said, “Then let's defer that until next week and go on to the next item.”
“That” is a budget amendment request to move more than $40,000 from the General Fund to the columns for paying part time security officers to guard the Courthouse and check visitors for contraband and weapons.
Randy and Paul are Chief Deputy Randy Plemons and Records and Budget chief Paul Wash, both of whom are on the hot seat over security matters.
Deputy Plemons, a candidate for the Republican nomination to replace Sheriff Larry Lynch in the elections of 2012, effectively spent $40,000 he didn't have budgeted on part time help to search and supervise courthouse visitors – hiring Waco P.D. Patrolmen at $30 per hour, plus benefits – because two of his staff are out with long-term illness and the newly elected DA, Abel Reyna, has persuaded criminal district judges to hold two Grand Jury sessions per month and return indictments weekly.
To cover the bill, he needs to move enough money to pay 1,500 man hours of work already performed.
Paul Wash and his staff allowed a convicted felon waiting to be transferred to the penitentiary to walk out of jail scott free, even though he owed the Governor a possible 12 years behind state bars.
The reason is given only as a “paperwork mix-up.”
It's a long story, but the punch line is short and sweet.
Alerted that Deputy Plemons had arrived late, Judge Lewis called him to the podium and said, bluntly, “You're talking about digging the hole deeper – for lack of a better term.”
He deadpanned the man of the hour, expectantly, waiting for an answer.
Deputy Plemons said, “The courts have been exceedingly busy – We've never had this situation before; I'm not saying we won't have it again...”
His voice trailed off.
The judge, who is an ex-corrections officer and jail administrator, said, “Fifteen hundred hours is, that's a lot of hours, Randy...”
“Did y'all see this crisis coming?” asked Commissioner Ben Perry, an ex-Woodway police officer.
His words hung in the air like wet, limp laundry someone failed to bring in before the thunder storm.
“I think that's where the question is,” added Judge Lewis. “I'm saying 1,500 hours is a lot of hours.”
More silent time ensued before Deputy Plemons said, “This is what we project will get us through this particular budget year.”
Commissioner Perry made a motion to approve his budget request, a motion that was slapped down for lack of a second.
The matter is again, for the second week in a row, deferred until next week to give County Auditor Stan Chambers a chance to rummage around in the Sheriff's Department personnel pay accounts and get the money from there, while leaving the McLennan County General Fund alone.
McLennan Appraisal District seats up for new faces
Waco – Precinct 1 Commissioner Kelly Snell met with objections left and right on a proposal to invite new members to the Appraisal Board.
As it turns out, some members of the public aren't all that satisfied with seeing their property appraised at higher and higher rates while the tax rates stay the same.
The net result is simple enough. You get higher taxes, no matter if they raise taxes or lower them, make no changes, or roll them back.
“I've had some input from some individuals who would at least like to interview for the process,” said Commissioner Snell.
He proposed the McLennan County Commissioners' Court have candidates for nominations submit their resumes and show up at 9 a.m. on October 11 for an interview before the Court during one of the work sessions.
County Judge Jim Lewis, Commissioners Ben Perry, Joe Mashek, and Lester Gibson all made noises to the effect that people should be allowed to give or not give an interview, submit or not submit a resume, mix or match.
They might not have the time, said Judge Lewis. He named one member of the board who is an executive for a major telecommunications corporation, another whose business interests carry him all over the state of Texas on business.
Commissioner Gibson said he thinks people should be allowed to make their own decisions about their resume. Said Ben Perry, “Can we agree that it's not mandatory to submit a resume?”
The motion failed, but those who choose may show up on October 11 for an interview and perusal of their curriculum vitae.
After the court session, Mr. Snell peered over his desk and said, squint-eyed, “I was tea party before there was a Tea Party.”
Critics of the status quo, which sees election to the appraisal district board through a point system in which each taxing entity receives a number of points, have noted a certain tendency for members of the board to remain in position for many years and multiple terms, even though it's often described as “a thankless job.”
McLennan County's two representatives on the board control a total of 941 votes; the City of Waco, 970; Waco Independent School District, 1,033; Midway Independent School District, 849, and so forth, for a total of 4,319 votes.
As a result, the board is dominated by the representatives of the City of Waco, McLennan County, Midway and Waco school districts.
“I'd like to shake things up a little bit,” said Mr. Snell.
Then he grinned.
As it turns out, some members of the public aren't all that satisfied with seeing their property appraised at higher and higher rates while the tax rates stay the same.
The net result is simple enough. You get higher taxes, no matter if they raise taxes or lower them, make no changes, or roll them back.
“I've had some input from some individuals who would at least like to interview for the process,” said Commissioner Snell.
He proposed the McLennan County Commissioners' Court have candidates for nominations submit their resumes and show up at 9 a.m. on October 11 for an interview before the Court during one of the work sessions.
County Judge Jim Lewis, Commissioners Ben Perry, Joe Mashek, and Lester Gibson all made noises to the effect that people should be allowed to give or not give an interview, submit or not submit a resume, mix or match.
They might not have the time, said Judge Lewis. He named one member of the board who is an executive for a major telecommunications corporation, another whose business interests carry him all over the state of Texas on business.
Commissioner Gibson said he thinks people should be allowed to make their own decisions about their resume. Said Ben Perry, “Can we agree that it's not mandatory to submit a resume?”
The motion failed, but those who choose may show up on October 11 for an interview and perusal of their curriculum vitae.
After the court session, Mr. Snell peered over his desk and said, squint-eyed, “I was tea party before there was a Tea Party.”
Critics of the status quo, which sees election to the appraisal district board through a point system in which each taxing entity receives a number of points, have noted a certain tendency for members of the board to remain in position for many years and multiple terms, even though it's often described as “a thankless job.”
McLennan County's two representatives on the board control a total of 941 votes; the City of Waco, 970; Waco Independent School District, 1,033; Midway Independent School District, 849, and so forth, for a total of 4,319 votes.
As a result, the board is dominated by the representatives of the City of Waco, McLennan County, Midway and Waco school districts.
“I'd like to shake things up a little bit,” said Mr. Snell.
Then he grinned.
Teach your children well - reality is in the balance
History
By Wes Riddle,
candidate for House of Representatives,
Dist. 25
I’m often amazed at the dire if comical void of knowledge people have about themselves and about their country. The reason is that the future is by definition a progeny of the past. Collective forgetting today will undoubtedly mess up tomorrow. It isn’t necessarily my wish that it were so—it is just the way time works. History is ultimately His-story, the chronicle of man and woman made in His image. The “present” (a gift) instantly recedes before a future, as yet unknown. The quality of the future, however, is shaped by our knowledge and understanding of the past, to the extent that history informs our choices and actions in the present predicament.
On one level, the past is a database of man’s experience. You wouldn’t throw away film or news clips from your opponent’s old bouts, if you were about to box with him. There are lessons learned and some moves to be avoided. There are techniques to study, trends to identify. Metaphorically, the present is a kind of boxing match. Only lots of people aren’t looking at the record, so they get sucker punched daily. I think the government gets far too many licks in, and the reason is simple. History once served as the basis and general framework of knowledge for citizens in this country. For a constitutional republic, history establishes the very legitimacy of our government; original meanings of words in their historical context define constitutional authority, as well as the scope and limits of power.
For instance, liberty was understood in the early Republic as a state of mind and behavior in relation to its deviant opposite, licentiousness. The concept of rights too implied a set of obligations and duties, i.e., restraints. Liberty was, in effect, a capacity to exercise natural rights—a capacity that all people did not even possess. That’s why Ben Franklin said of the Founders they’d given us a Republic and qualified as quickly, “If you can keep it!” He probably thought we’d at least remember the Convention. Today Americans speak in Orwellian Newspeak, because they do not know about which they are talking. The Constitution has lost its fixity because of it. The Declaration of Independence is frequently reduced and misconstrued into a partial, pidgin paraphrase of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s beautiful and moving “I Have a Dream” speech. The Bill of Rights has come to mean whatever a judge says it means; freedom means never having to be poor or getting your feelings hurt. The panoply of rights invented since the 1960s, as well as the “penumbra” protections divined by activist judges has significantly altered the meaning of America. But kids and adults know so little about their past, they cannot discern the big stuff—much less the nuances—in terms of the negative change affecting them and limiting their future horizons and potential.
History can help, but only if it can be taught. Parents and community leaders need courage to insist. A lesson from history that bears on the requirement has to do with what the old Whigs called “The Country of Washington.” It could also be called “The Country of Lee.” It was a nation made up of brave, honest, faithful and courteous individuals, that is, of men and women of character, like the Father of Our Country—Americans who would not shirk from their personal or civic duty. Washington and the other Founders knew that liberty would abide, only so long as virtuous character endured. Washington knew his history, and he modeled his personal behavior on classical Roman Virtues (e.g., honor, loyalty, duty) and Judeo-Christian virtues found in the Bible. He expressed and refined the national character in himself and serves as a personal role model still, if we pay attention.
_______________________
Wesley Allen Riddle is a retired military officer with degrees and honors from West Point and Oxford. Widely published in the academic and opinion press, he serves as State Director of the Republican Freedom Coalition (RFC). This article is from his forthcoming book, Horse Sense for the New Millennium to be released on September 27th. Pre-orders available through www.WesRiddle.net. Email: Wes@WesRiddle.com.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Flying over planet Earth at night in the space station
This time lapse sequence taken from the International Space Station is designed to let the viewer get a feel of what it's like to orbit our planet in a space station, looking down on the oceans and continents at night. - The Legendary
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