A July 30 editorial "The debate ends" reflects on the turning over or the 23-mile Enola Low -Grade rail line to seven municipalities. It concludes "As the municipalities move to the next stage in the process ...it would serve their interests to keep an open mind about a rail-trial. It would be a lasting way to preserve the heritage of what once was one of the most significant engineering projects in eastern railroad history."
WATCHDOG: We echo the sentiment. Even more important would be the trail's recreational enhancement for people living throughout the county.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
SUNDAY NEWS
In his July 27 column, "Waging war on culture of debt", Gil Smart states "Our national savings rate is zero; and while it's rarely discussed, this is one reason our economy has been so resilient. The moment Americans stop spending money they don't have is the moment the economy careens into the ditch."
WATCHDOG: Not necessarily so. When consumers deposit savings in banks or invest in stocks and bonds, their savings may help fund capital investment. Dollars used to build plants and expand businesses do at least as much to stimulate the economy as does consumer consumption. For example, we could invest in alternate forms of energy and thus lessen our dependence on oil.
WATCHDOG: Not necessarily so. When consumers deposit savings in banks or invest in stocks and bonds, their savings may help fund capital investment. Dollars used to build plants and expand businesses do at least as much to stimulate the economy as does consumer consumption. For example, we could invest in alternate forms of energy and thus lessen our dependence on oil.
Friday, July 25, 2008
LANCASTER POST
The lead article on July 25 is "Shades of Gray: an Interview with Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray"
WATCHDOG: Talk about a "Puff Piece!" What a dedicated mayor and charming guy the mayor is. Sample quote: "Our goal is continuous improvement."
WATCHDOG: Talk about a "Puff Piece!" What a dedicated mayor and charming guy the mayor is. Sample quote: "Our goal is continuous improvement."
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
A column by Jeff Hawkes on July 25th is entitled "City's deficit spending must end."
WATCHDOG: Click here for a rib splitting response by Lanco Yokels.
WATCHDOG: Click here for a rib splitting response by Lanco Yokels.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
Headline of the week: "Inflation jumps as consumers pay more."
WATCHDOG: So that is what causes it!
WATCHDOG: So that is what causes it!
SUNDAY NEWS
In reference to former State Representative Tom Armstrong housing former sex offenders in his house, a Sunday News "Quote Of The Week" was Columbia's mayor Leo Lutz stating: "We want to send a clear message. ... We don't want you in Columbia. Please go elsewhere."
WATCHDOG: When a mayor makes such a statement, it is indeed news. Even if the editors refrained from taking an editorial stance pro or con, at least they put the issue in front of the public to stimulate thought and reaction. Hopefully reaction they will get!
WATCHDOG: When a mayor makes such a statement, it is indeed news. Even if the editors refrained from taking an editorial stance pro or con, at least they put the issue in front of the public to stimulate thought and reaction. Hopefully reaction they will get!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
LANCASTER POST
In its July 18 edition in a feature entitled "Puff Piece", the Post poses the following question concerning the proposed trolley car system: "Does anyone remember a single public meeting on this radical and very stupid proposal?"
WATCHDOG: Here in Lancaster, it seems to be the practice for the authorities to only hold public meetings after all the decisions have been made and the project is beyond turning back, not before. But good question anyway. (Incidentally, the Post's recent edition is its best yet.)
WATCHDOG: Here in Lancaster, it seems to be the practice for the authorities to only hold public meetings after all the decisions have been made and the project is beyond turning back, not before. But good question anyway. (Incidentally, the Post's recent edition is its best yet.)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
NEW ERA
In a June 15 article entitled "Pa.'s top court won't hear center lawsuit", the New Era states: "Although design work for the project was being done during the litigation, [Tom] Smithgall said the legal challenges have cost both time and money.
"He believes the litigation added at least three years to the project. During that time, there has been a sharp increase in the cost of construction materials."
LETTER TO WATCHDOG: "How quickly they forget the 2003 redesign, which tripled the size and cost of the project, and discarded nearly four years of design work.
"How quickly they forget the internal arguments between Penn Square Partners and the LCCCA, which added nearly two years to the project.
"They need to blame SOMEONE, since they've never taken any of the blame for themselves."
"He believes the litigation added at least three years to the project. During that time, there has been a sharp increase in the cost of construction materials."
LETTER TO WATCHDOG: "How quickly they forget the 2003 redesign, which tripled the size and cost of the project, and discarded nearly four years of design work.
"How quickly they forget the internal arguments between Penn Square Partners and the LCCCA, which added nearly two years to the project.
"They need to blame SOMEONE, since they've never taken any of the blame for themselves."
Monday, July 14, 2008
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
The lead article on July 14, "Food for thought at SDL" is devoted to a report by consultants for Nutri-Tech Inc. who said "Students, faculty and staff have widespread complaints about mushy, overcooked, oily foods and a lack of variety on their schools' breakfast and lunch menus." It then goes on to say "The findings will help whoever is hired to replace former longtime food-service and transportation coordinator Gene Miller, who retired in January."
WATCHDOG: Contrary to professional journalistic practices, the Intell published no rebuttal or explanation from McCaskey food management, especially Gene Miller who implicitly seems to be held responsible for circumstances that have to do with insufficient funding for the food subsidy program. (See article under News & Commentary.)
WATCHDOG: Contrary to professional journalistic practices, the Intell published no rebuttal or explanation from McCaskey food management, especially Gene Miller who implicitly seems to be held responsible for circumstances that have to do with insufficient funding for the food subsidy program. (See article under News & Commentary.)
Sunday, July 13, 2008
SUNDAY NEWS
An article on July 13 "Parties agree they don't like charter" by Helen Colwell Adams was well researched, comprehensive, timely and informative.
WATCHDOG: Unfortunately it was partly buried on page A10 rather than receiving front page major article treatment, at least in the local section.
If Marv Adams does that often, he may have more trouble at home than just Abigail!
WATCHDOG: Unfortunately it was partly buried on page A10 rather than receiving front page major article treatment, at least in the local section.
If Marv Adams does that often, he may have more trouble at home than just Abigail!
SUNDAY NEWS
The editorial on July 13 is headed "Hospital, bill thyself. With huge surpluses, and opulent quarters, it's plan that LGH and Hershey Medical can do better for the Plain and others who can't pay their bills."
WATCHDOG:
Although the willingness to criticize Lancaster General Hospital, a member of the Big Five, deserves commendation, the editorial misses the entire point by suggesting that LGH act more charitably towards the Amish. The uninsured pay half again as much for their services as the rest of us who are insured.
In response to NewsLanc's question, LGH reports that the average of the "charges" paid by insurance companies and Medicare amounts to about 50%. The Amish are being required to pay at least 75%. That suggests LGH's profit margin must by eight to ten tims greater for the uninsured than for the insured.
The Amish are being ripped off! And so are we when we pay our co-pay portions.
So who is giving charity to whom?
WATCHDOG:
Although the willingness to criticize Lancaster General Hospital, a member of the Big Five, deserves commendation, the editorial misses the entire point by suggesting that LGH act more charitably towards the Amish. The uninsured pay half again as much for their services as the rest of us who are insured.
In response to NewsLanc's question, LGH reports that the average of the "charges" paid by insurance companies and Medicare amounts to about 50%. The Amish are being required to pay at least 75%. That suggests LGH's profit margin must by eight to ten tims greater for the uninsured than for the insured.
The Amish are being ripped off! And so are we when we pay our co-pay portions.
So who is giving charity to whom?
Thursday, July 10, 2008
NEW ERA
In an editorial of July 10, the New Era states: "Some observers say hospitals should give Amish and Mennonites a substantial price break all their own...
"But Tom Beeman at LGH told the Wall Street Journal that Holmes's request was unrealistic and unfair and simply would shift the burden of payment to all other hospital users...
"Why should one group be singled out for special treatment?"
WATCHDOG: Agreed that one group should not be singled out for special treatment. So why should the Amish be singled out to pay 75% or more of the phony inflated "charges"* that only the non-insured and partially insured are required to pay while the insurance companies, MediCare and MediAid pay only 50% of "charges" by Lancaster General Hospital's own admission?
Speaking of insurance, this editorial is yet another example of the Big Five Mutual Protection Plan. (That's F & M, Fulton, High, Lancaster General, and, of course, Lancaster Newspapers who cover each others' back, no matter what.)
*Lancaster General is typical of hospitals in setting sky high prices for non-insured and the co-pay portion of those who are partially insured.
"But Tom Beeman at LGH told the Wall Street Journal that Holmes's request was unrealistic and unfair and simply would shift the burden of payment to all other hospital users...
"Why should one group be singled out for special treatment?"
WATCHDOG: Agreed that one group should not be singled out for special treatment. So why should the Amish be singled out to pay 75% or more of the phony inflated "charges"* that only the non-insured and partially insured are required to pay while the insurance companies, MediCare and MediAid pay only 50% of "charges" by Lancaster General Hospital's own admission?
Speaking of insurance, this editorial is yet another example of the Big Five Mutual Protection Plan. (That's F & M, Fulton, High, Lancaster General, and, of course, Lancaster Newspapers who cover each others' back, no matter what.)
*Lancaster General is typical of hospitals in setting sky high prices for non-insured and the co-pay portion of those who are partially insured.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
SUNDAY NEWS
Its July 6 front page headlines "Faith not paying bills: Amish and Old Order Mennonites, who don't believe in health insurance, are facing personal and financial catastrophes."
WATCHDOG:
The title is disingenuous. What it should say is "Lancaster General Hospital has been price gouging Amish."
The article itself reports fairly and touches, if ever so gently, on posturings on the part of LGH. But unlike NewsLanc's forthcoming report on its month long analysis of why LGH is earning such phenomenal profits, the Sunday News simply reports what it no longer can avoid. Yet it has failed to undertake an investigate into the sources of LGH's phenomenal profits.
It took the Lancaster Newspapers nine days to report upon and largely regurgitate an article that ran in the Wall Street Journal on June 26th, and then only after prodding by the WATCHODG and our letter writers.
NewsLanc was referring to the inequitable billings prior to the WSJ article and reported and expanded upon the WSJ article within a day.
NewsLanc is working with officials at LGH to obtain as accurate information as the hospital is prepared to share. Ultimately, NewsLanc will have to go with the best information available. If any aspect turns out not to be totally accurate, it will be because of a failure to disclose by the public non-profit corporation.
WATCHDOG:
The title is disingenuous. What it should say is "Lancaster General Hospital has been price gouging Amish."
The article itself reports fairly and touches, if ever so gently, on posturings on the part of LGH. But unlike NewsLanc's forthcoming report on its month long analysis of why LGH is earning such phenomenal profits, the Sunday News simply reports what it no longer can avoid. Yet it has failed to undertake an investigate into the sources of LGH's phenomenal profits.
It took the Lancaster Newspapers nine days to report upon and largely regurgitate an article that ran in the Wall Street Journal on June 26th, and then only after prodding by the WATCHODG and our letter writers.
NewsLanc was referring to the inequitable billings prior to the WSJ article and reported and expanded upon the WSJ article within a day.
NewsLanc is working with officials at LGH to obtain as accurate information as the hospital is prepared to share. Ultimately, NewsLanc will have to go with the best information available. If any aspect turns out not to be totally accurate, it will be because of a failure to disclose by the public non-profit corporation.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
LANCASTER POST
The Post's July 4th edition features "Puff Piece...of the week; How does the Kool-Aid Taste, Gil Smart" which pokes fun at the Sunday News lead article of June 29th titled "Confidence building: Optimistic city merchants say Penn Square project is but one of the factors in an increasing robust downtown."
WATCHDOG: Now that Chris Hart-Nibbrig has unsheathed his rapier dipped in scorn, we professional and amateur journalists in town are going to be held to a new and higher standard. Be assured we all will grab new issues of the Post the first chance we get and turn to Page 15 with the fear (or perhaps the hope) of having been run through!
WATCHDOG: Now that Chris Hart-Nibbrig has unsheathed his rapier dipped in scorn, we professional and amateur journalists in town are going to be held to a new and higher standard. Be assured we all will grab new issues of the Post the first chance we get and turn to Page 15 with the fear (or perhaps the hope) of having been run through!
Friday, July 4, 2008
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
In its July 4 lead story "Sen. targets game officials; Takes action after son pleads guilty to violations", the Intell shows sadly belated courage by finally, in the waning months of Senator Gibson Armstrong's final term, publishing news that on its face is testimonial of the Senator's arrogance and disregard of the public good in pursuit of personal goals and vendatives.
WATCHDOG: Armstrong abused his powerful chairmanship of the Senate Appropriation Committee to bully through special legislation to make it possible to constuct the Convention Center Project largely at tax payer expense, thus providing potentially eight digit profits for his cronies, the Lancaster Newspapers, Inc. and the High Group. Reciprocating, Lancaster Newspapers gave Armstrong the same special treatment of "see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil" they allow the Big Five (F & M, Fulton, High, Lancaster General Hospital and itself.)
Can any reader imagine not answering the reasonable questions of a law officer and lying to that officer about not having a fire arm in the vehicle? Can any of us conceive of simply driving away across a field and leaving the officer in our dust?
Does "daddy" object to such actions? No, he condones them! In Sen. Armstrong's case, he tries to ram through legislation that would gut the ability of the Game Commission to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth. It appears totally retributive. We urge viewers to visit the well written, objective Intell article at http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/224018 and judge for themselves.
WATCHDOG: Armstrong abused his powerful chairmanship of the Senate Appropriation Committee to bully through special legislation to make it possible to constuct the Convention Center Project largely at tax payer expense, thus providing potentially eight digit profits for his cronies, the Lancaster Newspapers, Inc. and the High Group. Reciprocating, Lancaster Newspapers gave Armstrong the same special treatment of "see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil" they allow the Big Five (F & M, Fulton, High, Lancaster General Hospital and itself.)
Can any reader imagine not answering the reasonable questions of a law officer and lying to that officer about not having a fire arm in the vehicle? Can any of us conceive of simply driving away across a field and leaving the officer in our dust?
Does "daddy" object to such actions? No, he condones them! In Sen. Armstrong's case, he tries to ram through legislation that would gut the ability of the Game Commission to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth. It appears totally retributive. We urge viewers to visit the well written, objective Intell article at http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/224018 and judge for themselves.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
NEW ERA
It's editorial on July 2nd is headed "Philadelphia: Stop harassing Scouts". It goes on to say "..the scouts' freedom to limit membership has come at a price....Philadelphia ordered the Boy Scouts to abandon its policy on homosexuality and atheism or say goodbye to its low rent by the end of May...Meanwhile, programs that serve thousands of boys in desperate need of activities to keep them off the streets of Philadelphia remain in limbo."
WATCHDOG: This is the type of unfortunate situation that can serve as a slippery slope leading to government funding discrimination. Would the New Era criticize Philadelphia for withdrawing its rent subsidy if the building was sub-let to the Nazi Party?
Law and practice is based on precedent, and making exception for the well intentioned can open the door wide for the ill disposed. The Watchdog suggests that the Boy Scouts either change the policy or raise some extra money for rent.
We love and support the Boy Scouts; but we also don't want government subsidizing discrimination.
WATCHDOG: This is the type of unfortunate situation that can serve as a slippery slope leading to government funding discrimination. Would the New Era criticize Philadelphia for withdrawing its rent subsidy if the building was sub-let to the Nazi Party?
Law and practice is based on precedent, and making exception for the well intentioned can open the door wide for the ill disposed. The Watchdog suggests that the Boy Scouts either change the policy or raise some extra money for rent.
We love and support the Boy Scouts; but we also don't want government subsidizing discrimination.
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
In a July 3rd editorial states: "One study found that reducing speeds from 75 mph to 65 mph resulted in a savings of 20 cents per gallon...Is 12 minutes worth the additional cost of 5 miles per gallon?"
WATCHDOG: Without taking sides, let's test the economics.
From the point of view of someone who earns $15 per hour, 8 minutes is worth $3. His or her employer computes the cost of employees by a multiple of 150% to cover benefits and company overhead so, at $22.50, 8 minutes is worth $4.50.
Ordinary professionals charge perhaps $75 for their time, so that 8 minutes is worth $15. Doctors and lawyers and other top specialist bill at say $175 per hour, so 8 minutes is worth $35 an hour.
When two or more adults travel together, the cost can double or triple
More efficient motors in smaller cars along with improved public transportation may be a better solution than slowing down the economy.
Incidentally, the figures presented do not pass the Watchdog's sniff test, at least as they apply to a typical new car, say a Chevy Impala. Since many cars now show the instantaneous measurement of gas consumption per hour, try speeding up from 65 to 75 on a level stretch of road to see if the amount of miles per gallon actually drops by ten miles. If it does, please drop us a note!
WATCHDOG: Without taking sides, let's test the economics.
From the point of view of someone who earns $15 per hour, 8 minutes is worth $3. His or her employer computes the cost of employees by a multiple of 150% to cover benefits and company overhead so, at $22.50, 8 minutes is worth $4.50.
Ordinary professionals charge perhaps $75 for their time, so that 8 minutes is worth $15. Doctors and lawyers and other top specialist bill at say $175 per hour, so 8 minutes is worth $35 an hour.
When two or more adults travel together, the cost can double or triple
More efficient motors in smaller cars along with improved public transportation may be a better solution than slowing down the economy.
Incidentally, the figures presented do not pass the Watchdog's sniff test, at least as they apply to a typical new car, say a Chevy Impala. Since many cars now show the instantaneous measurement of gas consumption per hour, try speeding up from 65 to 75 on a level stretch of road to see if the amount of miles per gallon actually drops by ten miles. If it does, please drop us a note!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
An article of July 2nd states "Local woman, 58, charged with not returning rental car" relates that Manheim Township police are seeking the whereabouts of Cynthia J. Barnett who rented a car in February and has not returned it.
WATCHDOG: Big mystery! Police and the reporter would have done well to check with the County Prison where a person by that name and age is being held.
WATCHDOG: Big mystery! Police and the reporter would have done well to check with the County Prison where a person by that name and age is being held.
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