Associated Press dispatch headed "Sources: Obama to give GM two months to restructure" goes on to say "Under the plan, the government would provide up to $6 billion to forge the alliance between Chrysler and Fiat, but if the companies failed to reach an agreement or find an alternative plan for viability, Chrysler would not receive additional aid."
WATCHDOG: What madness! Is the federal government unaware that General Motors paid over a billion dollars to Fiat just a decade ago to disentangle itself from doing business with what a knowledgeable author described as the second Italian Mafia?
A fellow company of NewsLanc shut down its three Fiat auto dealerships in Hungary rather than go along with Fiat's violation of contracts and arguably laws.
At the same time, troubled Fiat gave all of the public signs of an impending profitable merger with an American auto maker while privately selling off a large portion of the stock of the founding family at a momentarily inflated price. The value of the stocked plunged to a new low when the merger did not materialize a few months later.
A deal with Fiat would create a direct pipe line for American taxes to this disreputable company.
Chapter 11 would be a far better arrangement for employees, dealers, customers and our country!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
SUNDAY NEWS
A "Living" section front page article is titled "Circumcision: Nationwide, practice is declining; but Lancaster County keeps to tradition." It goes on to say "Circumcision was once believed to contribute to cleanliness and, therefore, reduce risk of urinary-tract infections and even sexually transmitted diseases. Then, a 1999 policy statement, made after a two-year investigation by the American Academy of Pediatrics, determined the procedure was not significantly effective in preventing infection or disease."
WATCHDOG: A quick search of "AIDS Circumcision Africa" on Google produced an April 27, 2006 New York Times article headlined "Circumcision Studied in Africa as AIDS Preventive."
It states: "The most striking studies suggest that men can lower their own risk of infection by roughly two-thirds, and that infected men can reduce the odds of transmitting the virus to their partners by about 30 percent, simply by undergoing circumcision. Research suggests that the cells on the underside of the foreskin are prime targets for the virus and that tears and abrasions in the foreskin can invite the infection."
The findings have been substantiated by further studies and are well accepted. Where circumcision has been combined with single partner sexual relationships and condoms, the ratio of HIV / AIDS in the population in African nations has dropped to Western levels, approximately 3%.
Circumcision is accepted in Muslim countries but it will take much education to successfully introduce it into other cultures. Practitioners of native medicine are often enlisted into the effort.
WATCHDOG: A quick search of "AIDS Circumcision Africa" on Google produced an April 27, 2006 New York Times article headlined "Circumcision Studied in Africa as AIDS Preventive."
It states: "The most striking studies suggest that men can lower their own risk of infection by roughly two-thirds, and that infected men can reduce the odds of transmitting the virus to their partners by about 30 percent, simply by undergoing circumcision. Research suggests that the cells on the underside of the foreskin are prime targets for the virus and that tears and abrasions in the foreskin can invite the infection."
The findings have been substantiated by further studies and are well accepted. Where circumcision has been combined with single partner sexual relationships and condoms, the ratio of HIV / AIDS in the population in African nations has dropped to Western levels, approximately 3%.
Circumcision is accepted in Muslim countries but it will take much education to successfully introduce it into other cultures. Practitioners of native medicine are often enlisted into the effort.
Friday, March 27, 2009
NEW ERA
A "special report" appeared on March 27 entitled: "The young & the homeless Students who live in motels, shelters or even cars are an ongoing nationwide and local problem. Lancaster and Hempfield, the county’s two biggest school districts, are coping with troubling increases."
WATCHDOG: Two wags of the tail for this timely, informative and compelling article. It demonstrates that when the New Era allows reporters enough time to investigate, it can turn out quality product.
WATCHDOG: Two wags of the tail for this timely, informative and compelling article. It demonstrates that when the New Era allows reporters enough time to investigate, it can turn out quality product.
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
In an article titled "Nuclear's comeback isn't cheered by all", the Intell reports "Currently, 17 companies have applied to the NRC for 26 licenses, and new plants may soon be built, creating as many as 100,000 new jobs."
WATCHDOG: Shh! Don't tell the New Era. They wrote nuclear energy's obituary a couple of weeks back.
WATCHDOG: Shh! Don't tell the New Era. They wrote nuclear energy's obituary a couple of weeks back.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
NEW ERA
An article appears with a frowning picture of State Representative Mike Sturla headed "Sturla's nonprofit may be scrutinized by AG." The opening sentences are: "The case of the once-powerful state lawmaker accused of misusing money from a nonprofit he founded is likely to shed light on a small number of similar foundations in Pennsylvania, including one started by Rep. Mike Sturla here. Investigators with the state Attorney General's Office are 'scrutinizing' the nonprofits created by legislators who serve on their boards and get almost all their money from the state, said Kevin Harley, a spokesman for the office."
WATCHDOG: Gee, we figure good old Mike is going to have to do time in the slammer!
But wait: Two thirds down the lengthly articles we discover: "But no one has alleged or even suggested that Sturla or LIVE has done anything wrong. In fact, the nonprofit's IRS filings show the group has funded dozens of projects in the community — playgrounds, book drives, free smoke detectors and the like —with money it received from the state Department of Community and Economic Development."
What a relief! What a con!
WATCHDOG: Gee, we figure good old Mike is going to have to do time in the slammer!
But wait: Two thirds down the lengthly articles we discover: "But no one has alleged or even suggested that Sturla or LIVE has done anything wrong. In fact, the nonprofit's IRS filings show the group has funded dozens of projects in the community — playgrounds, book drives, free smoke detectors and the like —with money it received from the state Department of Community and Economic Development."
What a relief! What a con!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
An article from the Associated Press reports: "Gov. Ed Rendell ousted the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission's chairman Monday, citing 'overwhelming' evidence that Mitchell Rub accepted $150,000 in taxpayer-paid work that apparently was never done and makes it inappropriate for him to stay on the commission."
WATCHDOG: NewsLanc's investigation of over a million dollars in payments to Dan Logan raises a similar question of what work was performed. The State provided over $20 million in funding for the Convention Center Project. Does it take a conviction for Rendell and his attorney general to take notice?
WATCHDOG: NewsLanc's investigation of over a million dollars in payments to Dan Logan raises a similar question of what work was performed. The State provided over $20 million in funding for the Convention Center Project. Does it take a conviction for Rendell and his attorney general to take notice?
Monday, March 23, 2009
CNN.COM
"The chains that own large metropolitan dailies such as the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune are in bankruptcy. Other papers, large and small, are teetering on the brink.
"On Monday, the Ann Arbor (Michigan) News announced that it will publish its last edition in July. Taking its place will be a Web site called AnnArbor.com.
Three other Michigan newspapers announced Monday they are reducing their publications to three days a week...
"And the Charlotte Observer announced Monday it will cut its staff by 14.6 percent and reduce the pay of most of the employees it keeps."
WATCHDOG: Yet the Lancaster Newspapers continue to publish two dailies and the Sunday News. Hmm.
"On Monday, the Ann Arbor (Michigan) News announced that it will publish its last edition in July. Taking its place will be a Web site called AnnArbor.com.
Three other Michigan newspapers announced Monday they are reducing their publications to three days a week...
"And the Charlotte Observer announced Monday it will cut its staff by 14.6 percent and reduce the pay of most of the employees it keeps."
WATCHDOG: Yet the Lancaster Newspapers continue to publish two dailies and the Sunday News. Hmm.
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
In a March 23rd letter to the editor headed "Why I voted against a tax on bonuses", U. S. Rep. Joe Pitts states: "Bonuses are certainly not warranted. But I voted against the bill because I think it was unconstitutional. Retroactive taxes are not good public policy."
WATCHDOG: He's right. A wave of the tail!
WATCHDOG: He's right. A wave of the tail!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
SUNDAY NEWS
On March 22, Gil Smart writes "Yet there was a time when elitism was clearly understood in the manner Black suggests- the economic elite who, the suspicion went, gamed to the system to their benefit."
WATCHDOG: Lancaster is a microcosm of how, over the past decade, a powerful economic elite has worked behind the scenes to manipulate the government and news media to enhance their wealth at the expense of the tax payers.
You don't belong to the economic elite by simply being rich. To qualify for club membership, you either have to be avariciously greedy... or a dupe.
Monday, March 16, 2009
NEWSMAX.COM
The March 16 article entitled "Dalies Dying, But News Business Is Thriving" goes on to say:
"While the business model of many news organizations appears to be fracturing, there's little indication that consumers are losing interest in news, says the Project for Excellence in Journalism....Newspapers have failed to figure out how to make their Web sites profitable, [Tom] Rosenstiel said. They're slow to realize that people aren't going to pay for content in the way they do for traditional newspapers."
"While the business model of many news organizations appears to be fracturing, there's little indication that consumers are losing interest in news, says the Project for Excellence in Journalism....Newspapers have failed to figure out how to make their Web sites profitable, [Tom] Rosenstiel said. They're slow to realize that people aren't going to pay for content in the way they do for traditional newspapers."
Sunday, March 15, 2009
SUNDAY NEWS
In his weekly column, Editor Marv Adams asks "Where would ['web' aggregators] be without the newspapers that originate more than 90 percent of the news in this country?"
WATCHDOG: For most parts of the country, in ten to twenty years the news will come from local web sites that are the successors to the print media. The big issue is whether the web sites will evolve out of the newspapers or will they be founded by others. That's the reason for www.LancasterOnLine.com .
WATCHDOG: For most parts of the country, in ten to twenty years the news will come from local web sites that are the successors to the print media. The big issue is whether the web sites will evolve out of the newspapers or will they be founded by others. That's the reason for www.LancasterOnLine.com .
SUNDAY NEWS
In his Ides of March column "Specter should switch sides", Gil Smart opines "Were [Senator Arlen Specter] to switch parties and run as a Democrat, he would likely destroy Toomey, or anyone else, in the general election. One suspects Specter would get more than a little satisfaction from that."
WATCHDOG: Specter switched from Democrat to Republican in 1965 in order to run successfully for district attorney in Philadelphia. After publisher Robert Field, as Specter's state wide finance chair, accompanied an aide of Senator Howard Baker to meet with several prominent Philadelphia Republicans, Rob Mossbacher inquired rhetorically "Doesn't anybody like the son-of-a-bitch?" Specter was sold to the Republicans on the simple premise that "Howard Baker needs Arlen to have enough votes to organize the Senate." Their check books opened if not their hearts.
To say that Specter was an opportunist during the early decades of his Senate career would be no overstatement. As a young ssenator, he could seldom pass up an a chance to get in front of a television camera. He was not held in high esteem by many colleagues.
To gain attention, he sponsored Draconian laws concerning illicit drugs that have plagued the judiciary and the country, which he has come to regret.
But time changes us physically as well as our outlook. Specter matured and, except for an unsuccessful testing of the early presidential primaries in 2000 as a moderate, he focused on Senate business and important sub-committee and eventually committee chairmanships. And before and after George W. Bush's ascendency, he leaned to the middle.
Specter did shift to the right when W. was elected / selected in 2000. Specter was too driven by personal ambition to have risked defeat in the 2004 primary. Only with the earned blessing of the then president was he able to squeak through. Liberals might say that, to Specter, re-election was more important than beliefs.
Yet, it seems improbable that Specter would be willing to again suffer the scorn resulting from switching political parties. Better to be a retired five time senator (be it by choice or the will of your constituents) than be perceived as a traitor by Republicans who have supported you and being the new guy in a caucus of younger and more senior Democrat senators.
Yes switching is a possibility, and perhaps the implicit threat is a card to play in order to get Pat Toomey out of the Republican primary race. But we don't see a change in parties happening.
WATCHDOG: Specter switched from Democrat to Republican in 1965 in order to run successfully for district attorney in Philadelphia. After publisher Robert Field, as Specter's state wide finance chair, accompanied an aide of Senator Howard Baker to meet with several prominent Philadelphia Republicans, Rob Mossbacher inquired rhetorically "Doesn't anybody like the son-of-a-bitch?" Specter was sold to the Republicans on the simple premise that "Howard Baker needs Arlen to have enough votes to organize the Senate." Their check books opened if not their hearts.
To say that Specter was an opportunist during the early decades of his Senate career would be no overstatement. As a young ssenator, he could seldom pass up an a chance to get in front of a television camera. He was not held in high esteem by many colleagues.
To gain attention, he sponsored Draconian laws concerning illicit drugs that have plagued the judiciary and the country, which he has come to regret.
But time changes us physically as well as our outlook. Specter matured and, except for an unsuccessful testing of the early presidential primaries in 2000 as a moderate, he focused on Senate business and important sub-committee and eventually committee chairmanships. And before and after George W. Bush's ascendency, he leaned to the middle.
Specter did shift to the right when W. was elected / selected in 2000. Specter was too driven by personal ambition to have risked defeat in the 2004 primary. Only with the earned blessing of the then president was he able to squeak through. Liberals might say that, to Specter, re-election was more important than beliefs.
Yet, it seems improbable that Specter would be willing to again suffer the scorn resulting from switching political parties. Better to be a retired five time senator (be it by choice or the will of your constituents) than be perceived as a traitor by Republicans who have supported you and being the new guy in a caucus of younger and more senior Democrat senators.
Yes switching is a possibility, and perhaps the implicit threat is a card to play in order to get Pat Toomey out of the Republican primary race. But we don't see a change in parties happening.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
NEW ERA
The front Page March 12th article pronounces "The Curse of TMI: No nuke plants built in U. S. since 1979 accident. Experts say that won't change." It goes on to say "For Jerry Taylor, a senior fellow at the CATO Institute, a well-regarded conservative Washington think-tank, it's purely a matter of economics." Taylor contends that nuclear plants cost too much to build.
WATCHDOG: Too expensive? With the slightest awareness of current events, let alone a bit of research, the New Era would learn that there are currently 32 applications for new plants before the Nuclear Energy Commission. Government officials recently testified before a congressional committee that they are doing what ever is feasible to expedite approvals although the process by necessity takes about five years.
More over, nuclear plants are part of the Obama Administration energy plan and have long been supported by many Republicans.
Usually newspapers provide at least two corroborating sources for such an article. The other nay sayer cited only raised the issue of the storage of spent radio active fuel rods.
Lastly, while CATO is "well regarded" by many including NewsLanc, it is more a Libertarian than a Conservative think tank.
WATCHDOG: Too expensive? With the slightest awareness of current events, let alone a bit of research, the New Era would learn that there are currently 32 applications for new plants before the Nuclear Energy Commission. Government officials recently testified before a congressional committee that they are doing what ever is feasible to expedite approvals although the process by necessity takes about five years.
More over, nuclear plants are part of the Obama Administration energy plan and have long been supported by many Republicans.
Usually newspapers provide at least two corroborating sources for such an article. The other nay sayer cited only raised the issue of the storage of spent radio active fuel rods.
Lastly, while CATO is "well regarded" by many including NewsLanc, it is more a Libertarian than a Conservative think tank.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
BLOOMBERG.COM
March 12 (Bloomberg) -- "Sales at U.S. retailers in February fell less than forecast and January’s gain was almost double the previous estimate, indicating the biggest part of the economy may be starting to stabilize."
WATCHDOG: All this despite the crepe hanging by so called experts. Wild government spending (as opposed to targeted relief for credit markets and the unemployed) may prove to be a case where the so called "cure" does more damage than the sickness.
WATCHDOG: All this despite the crepe hanging by so called experts. Wild government spending (as opposed to targeted relief for credit markets and the unemployed) may prove to be a case where the so called "cure" does more damage than the sickness.
NEWSMAX.COM
"New [Rasmussen] survey results show Americans are far more pessimistic about the nation’s economy than most economists, with 53 percent saying another Great Depression is likely in the next few years."
WATCHDOG: Most Americans normally don't even think about the economic future of the country, let alone relate it to their lives. So how can there be such massive pessimism, despite 92% being employed and 94% of the economy humming along, if it were not for an unrelenting campaign by government officials to tell the public how bad things are going to get?
(We blame officials, not the media.)
People need and would like to go out and buy homes and cars. They have just been scared to death about spending a dollar. Note the leap in saving rates.
WATCHDOG: Most Americans normally don't even think about the economic future of the country, let alone relate it to their lives. So how can there be such massive pessimism, despite 92% being employed and 94% of the economy humming along, if it were not for an unrelenting campaign by government officials to tell the public how bad things are going to get?
(We blame officials, not the media.)
People need and would like to go out and buy homes and cars. They have just been scared to death about spending a dollar. Note the leap in saving rates.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
NEW ERA
The March 10 editorial "Fat paycheck for U. S. postmaster" exclaims "In 2008 alone, [Postmaster General John E.] Potter received a $264,000 annual salary and a compensation-and-retirement package (much of it deferred to later years) worth more than $800,000 according to the Washington Times....The head of FedEx, for example, was paid $11 million in total compensation in 2008...The current postmaster's pay package is a done deal, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be reduced in the future to a more realistic figure - realistic, at least, as far as the public is concerned...The government can't - nor should it - compete with the private sector, salary-wise."
WATCHDOG: Potter oversees one of the largest corporations in the world with 785,929 employees in 2007, according to Wikepedia. Not only is he being paid less than a tenth of the CEO at FedEx, but on the level of a upper-middle level vice president at a major bank or Fortune 300 corporation / company.
It is irrelevant that Fed Ex made $2 billion and the Postal Service lost $2.8 billion last year. Any CEO has to play the hand he is dealt. (As does President Obama.)
Apparently the Postal Service compensation board thinks he is doing a good job. And by comparison, the Postal Service isn't trying to compete salarly-wise. The editorial must have been written on a day when the New Era was desperate for something to write.
WATCHDOG: Potter oversees one of the largest corporations in the world with 785,929 employees in 2007, according to Wikepedia. Not only is he being paid less than a tenth of the CEO at FedEx, but on the level of a upper-middle level vice president at a major bank or Fortune 300 corporation / company.
It is irrelevant that Fed Ex made $2 billion and the Postal Service lost $2.8 billion last year. Any CEO has to play the hand he is dealt. (As does President Obama.)
Apparently the Postal Service compensation board thinks he is doing a good job. And by comparison, the Postal Service isn't trying to compete salarly-wise. The editorial must have been written on a day when the New Era was desperate for something to write.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
NEWSMAX.COM
According to the popular conservative web site, Senator Arlen Specter reiterated Monday that he felt passage of the legislation was more important than protecting his Senate seat.
"Had there been no stimulus, I think we'd have gone right off the edge," he said. "I think we're pretty close to the edge anyway, to be very brutally blunt about it."
WATCHDOG: The issue wasn't whether there would be a "stimulus" bill, but its nature.
As much as the Watchdog deplores cutting taxes for the richest 5% during good times, it recognizes the validity during a sharp recession of reducing taxes for the working classes as the speediest and most efficient way to bring immediate stimulus to the economy.
That was the heart of the Republican position and perhaps deserved another week of discussion and negotiation. Specter probably had good reasons for breaking with his party and supporting the bill. But he hasn't stated one yet. And to have a chance in the Republic primary, he may need to.
"Had there been no stimulus, I think we'd have gone right off the edge," he said. "I think we're pretty close to the edge anyway, to be very brutally blunt about it."
WATCHDOG: The issue wasn't whether there would be a "stimulus" bill, but its nature.
As much as the Watchdog deplores cutting taxes for the richest 5% during good times, it recognizes the validity during a sharp recession of reducing taxes for the working classes as the speediest and most efficient way to bring immediate stimulus to the economy.
That was the heart of the Republican position and perhaps deserved another week of discussion and negotiation. Specter probably had good reasons for breaking with his party and supporting the bill. But he hasn't stated one yet. And to have a chance in the Republic primary, he may need to.
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
March 10th brought editorials concerning "Treatment plan" and "Best of times, worst of times."
The former dealt with the $1.1 billion appropriated in the Stimulus Bill "to compare how various drugs, medical devices and surgeries treat specific medical conditions." It concludes "Might this mean that some patients will have to give up the freedom to try treatments of their choice? Possibly. But the alternative may be even more bleak - a broken system that helps no one."
The latter is about all the money that the legalizing of slot machine gambling has brought to the state and local communities. It moralizes at the end "There is, of course, a downside to the February numbers. The $145.5 million earned by casinos in February came from gamblers, some of whom might not have been able to afford the losses."
WATCHDOG:
Two qualified wags of the tail!
Doctors and patients have reason to know and rely on "Best Practices" even if this reduces choice. Also limitations will need to be placed on the amount of extraordinary care available to the elderly. At a certain point in life (and our publisher is about there) and due to high cost of treatment, one has got to be willing to say thank you and good bye.
As for gambling, what has been good for Pennsylvania's revenue has been bad for New Jersey's. On the other hand, legalizing the lottery and slots displaces illegal activities such as the 'Numbers Game' that was a major illicit industry and the less prevalent back room gambling.
Taxing, regulating and controlling the use of marijuana would be consistent with legalizing lottery and slots. It would be far less harmful due to the benign characteristics of the drug (rated as comparable to coffee) as compared to the dangers of legal alcohol, comparable in addiction to heroin and cocaine. (Conclusions from a federal [NIDA] sponsored study.)
Not only would dealing with marijuana as we do alcohol bring great revenue to the state, it would likely reduce the fatalities from drunk driving and liver disease and certainly save billions of dollars in senseless law enforcement and prisons, not to mention preventing the destruction of family lives due to incarcerated parents.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
SUNDAY NEWS
Rev. Louis A. Butcher, Jr.'s column on March 8th entitled "Honoring a life of public service" eulogizes former State Representative and long time Senator Gibson E. Armstrong.
"Having served in his last position as the powerful chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Gibson Armstrong recently retired from the Senate, leaving an admirable legacy of accomplishments for Lancaster. Among what he considers his greatest achievements was convincing the governor to redirect unused funds to Clipper Magazine Stadium development. He was also please to shepherd major funding for the Pennsylvania Academy of Music, the Lancaster County Convention Center, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology renovations, and restoration of the downtown Stevens & [Lydia Hamilton Smith] Historical Site."
WATCHDOG:
One person certainly can impact history and, for Lancaster, Armstrong is an example. He moved heaven and earth by hook and by possibly crook to enable the development of the Convention Center Project.
We must live with that project, whatever its outcome, but can only speculate how much better off Lancaster may have been if state funds were used for other, possibly worthier, purposes.
Had more funds been directed to the Pennsylvania Music Academy, rather than being saddled with heavy debt, it could be moving forward to become a leading high school music campus, using the likely to soon become moribund Brunswick Hotel as dormitories, cafeteria, practice areas, performance hall, fitness facilities, and lounges. Downtown Lancaster would have become both a local and a tourist destination and shops and cafes would have flourished.
Also, the Lancaster Public Library (Duke Street) would be moving ahead with its remodeling and expansion had not the promised $3.5 million in earmarked funds been diverted to offset cost overruns on the Convention Center Project. Improvements to the library would have benefited a likely two thousand Lancastrians each day.
Time will tell whether Armstrong capped his career with triumph or folly. We hope it will be the former. But we have our doubts.
"Having served in his last position as the powerful chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Gibson Armstrong recently retired from the Senate, leaving an admirable legacy of accomplishments for Lancaster. Among what he considers his greatest achievements was convincing the governor to redirect unused funds to Clipper Magazine Stadium development. He was also please to shepherd major funding for the Pennsylvania Academy of Music, the Lancaster County Convention Center, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology renovations, and restoration of the downtown Stevens & [Lydia Hamilton Smith] Historical Site."
WATCHDOG:
One person certainly can impact history and, for Lancaster, Armstrong is an example. He moved heaven and earth by hook and by possibly crook to enable the development of the Convention Center Project.
We must live with that project, whatever its outcome, but can only speculate how much better off Lancaster may have been if state funds were used for other, possibly worthier, purposes.
Had more funds been directed to the Pennsylvania Music Academy, rather than being saddled with heavy debt, it could be moving forward to become a leading high school music campus, using the likely to soon become moribund Brunswick Hotel as dormitories, cafeteria, practice areas, performance hall, fitness facilities, and lounges. Downtown Lancaster would have become both a local and a tourist destination and shops and cafes would have flourished.
Also, the Lancaster Public Library (Duke Street) would be moving ahead with its remodeling and expansion had not the promised $3.5 million in earmarked funds been diverted to offset cost overruns on the Convention Center Project. Improvements to the library would have benefited a likely two thousand Lancastrians each day.
Time will tell whether Armstrong capped his career with triumph or folly. We hope it will be the former. But we have our doubts.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
WGAL-TV
A well produced segment reported how attendance at the Lancaster Public Library (Duke Street) has grown from 1300 to 1500 a day during this difficult times and described the many free and diverse services provided.
www.wgal.com/video/18870177/index.html
WATCHDOG: A wag of the tail for WGAL-TV and the good work the library staff is performing. A lift of the leg for the board that cancelled the renovating and likely expansion at the last minute, thus forfeiting a million dollars in grant money and running up a $400,000 bill for plans.
www.wgal.com/video/18870177/index.html
WATCHDOG: A wag of the tail for WGAL-TV and the good work the library staff is performing. A lift of the leg for the board that cancelled the renovating and likely expansion at the last minute, thus forfeiting a million dollars in grant money and running up a $400,000 bill for plans.
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
A March 7th editorial "For giving" implicitly criticizes Congressman Joe Pitts for publicizing a letter from a wealthy constituent who says she will reduce the amount of her charitable giving to compensate for any greater federal income taxes she may have to pay due to an Obama increase. After carefully calculating the consequences of a higher marginal income tax rate and the lower off set for charitable contributions against taxes, the Intell concludes:
"So if Gail and her family contribute $10,000 to charity, they would be able to subtract $2,800 from their taxes, instead of $3,500 - a difference of just $700....If God truly has abundantly blessed Gail and her family, then is $700 - or a comparable percentage - enough reason to scrimp on the 'hungy, homeless, orphaned and widowed'?
WATCHDOG: At times Intell editorials are so insightful, erudite and literate that we have wondered if they were the product of other newspapers. Today's editorial verifies their local origins. The Watchdog may not always agree, but it wags its tail in respect.
"So if Gail and her family contribute $10,000 to charity, they would be able to subtract $2,800 from their taxes, instead of $3,500 - a difference of just $700....If God truly has abundantly blessed Gail and her family, then is $700 - or a comparable percentage - enough reason to scrimp on the 'hungy, homeless, orphaned and widowed'?
WATCHDOG: At times Intell editorials are so insightful, erudite and literate that we have wondered if they were the product of other newspapers. Today's editorial verifies their local origins. The Watchdog may not always agree, but it wags its tail in respect.
Friday, March 6, 2009
NEW ERA
A March 6 article entitled "Lawmakers asking Millersville University: Why Ayers? County’s GOP delegation meeting with university, state officials" contains a fascinating tidbit:
"My concern all along was the issue of using public dollars for protection of Dr. Ayers," said [John ]Bear, a Republican from Lititz."
WATCHDOG: We are only to protect citizens deemed worthy by some criteria, but not others?
Take good look at these Republican representatives from the County. In another decade they likely will be mostly Democrats because of shifting demographics and this type of wanton display of ignorance about democracy.
NEW ERA
The editorial "Obama breaks vow to curb earmarks" goes on to say "Yes, that Barack Obama. The one who, during the campaign, promised to go over the federal budget 'line by line,' as president to make sure taxpayers' dollars are being spent wisely...An earmark free spending bill is possible."
WATCHDOG: The New Era editors are misguided in two ways:
(1) The appropriation bill before the president is a product of work over the past year of the Bush Administration. To try to change any of it now would be to start a process of changing much of it, which would delay work on the budget for 2010. President Obama promises careful scrutiny of budget preparation for 2010.
(2) Somehow "earmarks" have gotten a bad name. Would the New Era prefer that federal expenditures for local project be determined by a bureaucracy in Washington D. C. or be controlled by our own senators, congress persons and state representatives? It is an imperfect system, but the public's will is more likely to result when federal expenditure decisions that apply to our region are made at the local level.
The proper goal is to get rid of wasteful or corrupt earmarks, not to eliminate a legitimate earmark process for distributing federal aid.
WATCHDOG: The New Era editors are misguided in two ways:
(1) The appropriation bill before the president is a product of work over the past year of the Bush Administration. To try to change any of it now would be to start a process of changing much of it, which would delay work on the budget for 2010. President Obama promises careful scrutiny of budget preparation for 2010.
(2) Somehow "earmarks" have gotten a bad name. Would the New Era prefer that federal expenditures for local project be determined by a bureaucracy in Washington D. C. or be controlled by our own senators, congress persons and state representatives? It is an imperfect system, but the public's will is more likely to result when federal expenditure decisions that apply to our region are made at the local level.
The proper goal is to get rid of wasteful or corrupt earmarks, not to eliminate a legitimate earmark process for distributing federal aid.
MERCHANDISER
March 4th article "LCHS Mock Trial Team Advances To Regionals" starts "The case was contrived, and the plaintiffs and defendants were fabricated. But everything else about the 25th Mock Trial competition sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Associates was as authentic as possible."
The article goes on at length to describe the nature of the competition and how Lancaster Catholic High School, coached by a team of top lawyers, prevailed in a tie breaker against last year county champion McCaskey High School.
WATCHDOG: It is good to see local media publicizing Mock Trial which deserves as much attention as sports events. It is at mock trial that future professionals and leaders of our community and nation learn essential skills and first test their mettle.
The article goes on at length to describe the nature of the competition and how Lancaster Catholic High School, coached by a team of top lawyers, prevailed in a tie breaker against last year county champion McCaskey High School.
WATCHDOG: It is good to see local media publicizing Mock Trial which deserves as much attention as sports events. It is at mock trial that future professionals and leaders of our community and nation learn essential skills and first test their mettle.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
NEW ERA
The March 3rd editorial asserted that Ron Kirk, President Barack Obama's choice to be U. S. trade representative, "has admitted to the Senate Finacne Committee to ownig $10,00 in back taxes. Among other things, he improperly deducted the full cost of season tickets to the Dallas Mavericks pro-basketball teama."
WATCHDOG: Talk about only getting part of a story! The Los Angeles Times (and others) properly reported "...Kirk turned over to Austin College honorariums he received for speaking engagements about 16 times without reporting the fees as income or deducting them as charitable donations. In all, the fees totaled about $37,750, the committee said."
He's hardly a tax cheat. The mistake seems innocent enough. To us, he's a hero!
WATCHDOG: Talk about only getting part of a story! The Los Angeles Times (and others) properly reported "...Kirk turned over to Austin College honorariums he received for speaking engagements about 16 times without reporting the fees as income or deducting them as charitable donations. In all, the fees totaled about $37,750, the committee said."
He's hardly a tax cheat. The mistake seems innocent enough. To us, he's a hero!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
Obituaries were published as filler on half of the Op-Ed page of the March 4 edition.
WATCHDOG: This is a sign of diminished local news coverage and national columns. If the Lancaster Newspapers keep this up, it may be their own obituary that will follow in a few years.
WATCHDOG: This is a sign of diminished local news coverage and national columns. If the Lancaster Newspapers keep this up, it may be their own obituary that will follow in a few years.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
SUNDAY NEWS
In a letter concerning the change of assignments of Daphna Ben-Chaim at the Lancaster Country Day School, the writer opines: "I find it incredibly disconcerting that there were so many anonymous opinions for this article...Anonymity lacks credibility."
WATCHDOG: We would agree that critics should be willing to be named in major metropolitan areas such as New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore. But publicly speaking out in relatively tight knit Lancaster can be detrimental to someone's career, community activities and social network.
So here, we need to rely on the reporter and editor to judge whether views received when preparing an article are cogent or without substance, and to properly discern what is to be included.
At NewsLanc.com, greater latitude for anonymously "mouthing off" is provided in Letters to the Editors.
WATCHDOG: We would agree that critics should be willing to be named in major metropolitan areas such as New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore. But publicly speaking out in relatively tight knit Lancaster can be detrimental to someone's career, community activities and social network.
So here, we need to rely on the reporter and editor to judge whether views received when preparing an article are cogent or without substance, and to properly discern what is to be included.
At NewsLanc.com, greater latitude for anonymously "mouthing off" is provided in Letters to the Editors.
SUNDAY NEWS
March 1st 'Perspective' lead article: "Hold the eulogies, Sen. Edward Kennedy battles brain cancer on one front, as he prepared to tack health care reform on another" by Mark Leibovich, New York Times News Service.
WATCHDOG: "Hold the eulogies, Sen. Edward Kennedy battles brain cancer on one front, as he prepared to tack health care reform on another" by Mark Leibovich, New York Times News Service.
In defense of Marv Adams, this is a worthy article even if old news to many of us.
WATCHDOG: "Hold the eulogies, Sen. Edward Kennedy battles brain cancer on one front, as he prepared to tack health care reform on another" by Mark Leibovich, New York Times News Service.
In defense of Marv Adams, this is a worthy article even if old news to many of us.
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