James, we miss you.

My kids had their second day of school today. James, a teacher's aid, has not yet been to the school. He is generally in the same classroom as Grant (my youngest on the left).

The last time we saw James was in Thailand. He took us to a Thai Boxing event, where this photo was taken.
James is flanked by Grant and Erik in this picture.  

Erik's teacher from last year, Dr. Smith, is not in school either. She is taking a year to study in Mexico. Erik and Grant are both in the Spanish magnet track at our local school. We wish Dr. Smith, a 4th grade teacher, great success in her year that is sure to bring lots of exploration abroad.

At the open house before school started, I did get to meet the new Mark R, the boss of PPS. But, I didn't take any photos.

The football schedule for Pittsburgh Public Schools got an adjustment from the past. For starters, South isn't in the league. Games at Cupples Stadium, on the South Side, occur on Thursday night, 7 pm; Friday at 7 pm; and three times on Saturdays at noon, 3:30 and 7 pm.

Bloggers Debate Code of Conduct for Political Sites - Pgh Bloggers drink beer without any agenda or even wireless gathering place

Bloggers Debate Code of Conduct for Political Sites On Saturday, more than 50 of the state's bloggers -- on the right and the left, the young and the old -- spent a day meeting each other and debating whether there is a need for a common moral compass for this new form of political communication.

Pittsburgh's bloggers gather to drink beer and eat wings -- every other month.

The idea that "no one has any business telling them what they should say or how they should say it" is only one side of the coin. There needs to be more said in terms of "responsibility."

I long for "peer review" as is the case in the academic world. Peer review is an important element among watchdogs -- and it is often absent.

Furthermore, the common moral compass resides within each person, not in some other agency. The hook to each moral decision resides with the person -- each with a name. This means that faceless, nameless and undercover phantom postings of blogs with content of consequence are out of bounds.

I am certain that many politicians and lawmakers are knocking on the doors of state board of election officials to raise concerns to keep their jobs and mask the flow of truthful reporting. My wish is that governmental workers document those concerns and statements and post them. Then people can see the thought (or lack of thought) process and in turn, vote the small-thinking and selfish out of office as soon as possible.

I have no use for any lawmaker who aims to make new legislation for bloggers.

A blog conference with meaning and purpose is a great idea.

If Virginia's political bloggers want more influence and credibility, they should begin by earning reputations for telling the truth, being upfront about who they are, and treating their audiences with intelligence and decency.

Philadelphia Inquirer - Election test starts online donations

Changes to the rules come very late in the game in New Jersey.

Philadelphia Inquirer | 08/29/2005 | Election test starts online donations: "With the deadline to qualify in New Jersey's first 'Clean Elections' only eight days away, rules have been eased for collecting the 1,500 small contributions candidates need to participate in the public-financing pilot program.

This is junk. Citizens are being asked to make $5 and $30 donations and the transactions are at a State Treasury Department site that isn't even open yet.

Prior planning prevents poor performances.

On the other hand, at least they are trying. Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, seems as if efforts are dead in the water. Peduto was to champion a campaign finance reform bill, and I've heard NOTHING about this in months. Nothing, and I was on the committee.

A total of 2,500 guardsmen from Pennsylvania have gone or are going to New Orleans.

There is no schedule for their return; they will stay as long as they are needed. (KDKA TV is the source.)

Flashback: The Great Wall

Grant Rauterkus stands at The Great Wall in China in 2004. 

I'm in the process of uploading a lot of new images to the blogs. Some of these came from our trips to China. I'm not sure, yet, how to best handle the images for regular visitors of this blog. The utilities Picasa2 and hello from picasa, are sweet.

To live in die in 2005 is nothing more than poverty, age and skin color ... so it was said

A Represenative from Georgia is sounding off now about the conditions in New Orleans. He is strong in his talk about this saga being all about poverty and the frail urban treatments. This problem brews beyond New Orleans' dire situation.

This is a topic that we should be blogging about. But, it is hard to write and break into a conversation as talk can be taken out of context.

First things first. We need permission to blab. And, we need safe places to do so. And, frankly, this blog is not a "free flowing, anything-goes" space on the digital landscape.

Next, we need pointers to what he and others are saying. We need to pull those comments out for others to find or repost (even here). Then, after the light gets put onto the statements, in fair treatments, then we can reply and respond.

Parts of what is being said make sense. On one interview I heard him say that the US Senate's passage of a bill for $10.5 BILLION was not nearly enough. He was seeking $200 Billion for all urban centers to make programs to fix these urban poor situations. Humm....

At first blush, I find myself at odds with that concept ($200 Billion of new Federal money for urban programms).

I don't think they should start the printing presses so as to print new money to give away in new urban programs.

Now, let's see what we can find and begin to get a sustained conversation on these matters -- somewhere, somehow.

Clean sweep advocates need all the various tools at the ready -- from mops, to brushes, to brooms. 

A Clean Sweep Needs a Better Ballot Access Broom

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
3863 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
1-800-774-4487
www.lppa.org

For more information contact: Doug Leard (Media Relations) or David Jahn (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS

The Voters Choice Act

Harrisburg, PA – The state legislature’s pay increase has created outrage across the state causing groups such as the PA Clean Sweep organization (www.pacleansweep.org) to call for a “no incumbent” election in November.

Some challengers will confront the Democratic and Republican incumbents head on in the Primary Election. Other frustrated voters are turning their backs on the old parties and seeking third party and independent candidates with innovative new approaches to today’s challenges. However, third party and independent candidates face a critical challenge with Pennsylvania’s ballot access laws.

Under current law, Democrats and Republicans will need to gather 2000 signatures in 2006 to have their names placed on the statewide ballot. By comparison, third party and independent candidates must collect over 67,000 signatures, more than 33 times as many. This inequity seems to violate provisions of the state constitution requiring all elections to be “fair and equal”

“We must run a state-wide candidate in order to maintain our minor party status,” stated David Jahn, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania. “The two old parties have their drawbridges up and moats filled. These insurmountable barriers are obviously designed to protect incumbents by denying Pennsylvania voters a choice of candidates. This protection squashes the democratic process and makes it difficult to provide voters with new choices on the ballot.”

Currently, the Libertarian Party is working with the Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition (www.PaBallotAccess.org) to reform the state’s unfair ballot access laws. On Saturday, September 24th, at 4 PM, the Coalition will hold a kickoff rally in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg to introduce their Voters Choice Act with a reception to be held immediately afterwards at the Harrisburg Hilton, Second and Market Streets in Harrisburg, beginning at 6:15 PM. Both events are open to the public.

Per L.P. spokesman Doug Leard, “in November 2006, we need to send a strong message to Harrisburg about their under-handed pay increase. To do so, we need improved ballot access to provide the voters of Pennsylvania better choices. We are asking citizens to contact their legislators asking them to sponsor and support the Voters Choice Act.”

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States with over 600 officials serving in office throughout the nation. Please visit www.LP.org or www.LPPA.org for more information on the Libertarian Party.

Neighborhoods want slice of slots pie

Greed is deadly. Envy has been driving too many decision in Pittsburgh for too many years.

Neighborhoods want slice of slots pie: "But Pittsburgh Council President Gene Ricciardi yesterday proposed eliminating the middle man all together. He said the city itself should apply for the slots license.
He said an estimated $250 million in revenue the city could glean as a slots operator could eliminate city property taxes, reduce the debt, improve infrastructure and help fund a new arena.
Ricciardi said he'd ask council to pass a resolution supporting such an application. Council lacks the power to force such a move, however.

The city can't even do a decent job in the oversight of an ice rink, nor the management of outdoor swim pools, nor its own budget and pension funds.

Now a city leader wants to run a casino.

The city can't build a convention center that gets proper use because it forgot about the hotel space for visitors.

Deals don't get done to take care of the whole problem.

The city needs to focus on fixing roads and bridges -- not running a casino.

If you want to cut out the middle man, then give the casino license to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. That would be much better than what Ricciardi suggested.

PA Dem Candidate takes a page from my playbook from 2001 efforts

I ran for Mayor, City of Pittsburgh, in 2001 in the Republican Primary. I didn't win, but I did put forth some bold stances. My "twisted logic" as many would say, made perfect sense to me and our situations in Pittsburgh.

I spent a lot of time in 2000 and 2001 in the recruitment of candidates to run against. I wanted others in the race I had entered.

I tossed my hat into the public arena as I announced my intention to run for mayor in August 2000. The Primary was in May 2001. And, I went out and talked to more than a dozen "serious" people who strongly considered my suggestions.

In time, a loyal opponent did step forward, James C. Carmine, Ph.D. He edged me in the vote total among city Republicans by a couple hundred votes.

Today some satisfaction comes in understanding that the forumla that I advanced in 2001 in Pittsburgh has taken root with others in other locations throughout the state in a long-shot congressional race.

I advanced the formula -- but would never claim to be the "founder" nor "inventor" nor "first" in these pursuits.

GoodWorks-PAC.org Democratic Congressional Candidate Calls for Competitors in Primary

GoodWorks-PAC.org has joined its first Congressional candidate, Joe Otterbein, in announcing his novel campaign (see story http://ydr.com/story/politics/81455/). Joe is following the GoodWorks-PAC game plan by calling for more Democrats to compete against him in the Democratic primary.

It’s counter-intuitive, but having more Democratic opponents in the primary campaign can actually help Joe win in November, 2006.

In Pittsburgh in 2005, sadly, the Republican candidate entered the primary without opposition. To be certain, I have yet to see Joe Weinroth run at all. But, his name was the only one put on the ballot. He is toast.

Bogus Blight Designation is the seed that starts the saga for taking land.

To fight eminent domain -- we should elminate the designation of blight in the city. With the stroke of a pen upon the legislation, property rights become fortified.

PLANK (repeated): I'd work hard to put a stop to all eminent domain efforts from any and all agencies in the city and the county -- as best I can.

Philly Future - Philly Blogs - The News YOU Write | Eminent Domain & Our Ardmore Story: "Lower Merion Township was using a fairly common tactic of creating a bogus blight designation that enables them to abuse the power of eminent domain to take private property from its own citizens and pass that property to another private party.

Faith, Fortitude and Friends -- helping in the wake of Hurricane from Indie Musical "Friend" - Amy Carol Webb

Amy Carol Webb Our friend has a great offer as a way to help raise funds for the American Red Cross. Running Mates, it is time to buy some Christmas presents.

Dear Friends and Family:

Give music and give help at the same time! Starting now, all proceeds from the sale of my "FAITH-FORTITUDE-FRIENDS" CD from my CDbaby page are going to the American Red Cross.

So many are suffering the wake of Hurricane Katrina, including musicians dear to us losing everything except the guitar they carried out with them. There will no doubt be benefit work on their behalf as soon as we can get organized and I will keep you up to date on that.

In the meantime, click to http://cdbaby.com/cd/acwebb3 and buy CD's for yourself, for your friends, for your church, school, community center, library, neighbors, Chanukah, Christmas, Solstice, Kwanza, birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, everything you can think of - and then send this link on to loved ones and colleagues in your circles. Everybody wins - music lovers get more music, and more people get more of the help they need.

Better yet, buy a couple CD's and then go give blood. Hey, take a CD to the bloodmobile and give it away! Find your nearest blood donation center here https://www.givelife.org/index_flash.cfm?

Many CD baby artists you know and love are participating at CDbaby.com, and what a great opportunity to explore artists you don't know, donating along side the ones you do. Check it out at - http://cdbaby.com/group/redcross?cat=15 - buy a pile! Derek Sivers, founder of CDbaby.com, is a genius with a heart to match his smarts. We thank him for setting this up.

We thank you for supporting independent artists - and through us, the long and arduous relief effort ahead.

Blessings,
Amy

Amy Carol Webb, singer and songwritter. Her outreach to those in the Hurricain's path comes via her talents -- all the proceeds of the sale of her CD. 

mcall.com - Legislature owes state real reform, not just distractions from their follies

Morning Call: Editorial about the bigger picture and real reform Legislature owes state real reform, not just distractions from their follies


In the waning days of the Roman Empire, the caesars placated the angry populace with circuses and bread. They diverted people's discontent with bloody spectacles at the Coliseum. None of it fixed any of the corruption that was consuming the republic from within.

There's a modern day group of little caesars who consider the state capitol their palace. And, it is a magnificent building, with a rotunda that is resplendent with classical architecture and gold leaf. Its denizens have been whiling away the days of summer hoping that angry Pennsylvanians will forget their greed. But Pennsylvania's plebeians aren't forgetting.

The international rush to help -- or not??

Do you think China will lend a hand to help in the clean up efforts of New Orleans? What's your guess? What can be expected from the international sources? 

Young Libertarian email open-ended question seeking negatives

Dear Mr. Rauterkus,
As, a newly found Libertarian, there are things that I would like to learn about this incredable party. I am a Senior in High School, am 17 years old, live in Sharon (Mercer County) and I have political aspirations someday. I want to be able to have discussions with people at lenghts and be able to defend the party and empress the greatness of the party to the people that don't necessarily follow politics that much. I visit lp.com often but that only says the good. I want to know the negative as well, so I know what I may be up against in a political debate with my Socialist friends, Democrat teachers and, sadly, this Republican society in general.

P.S. I would greatly appreciate an e-mail response back.

Sincerly,

My quick reply:
There is an upside and downside to each decision. The Libertarian pathway has its hurdles, but I'd not say there are many "negatives."

Freedom has to have an equal dose of RESPONSIBILITY. If you lack -- or if the community lacks -- the responsibility part of the solution -- then Freedom is chaos. That's the big negative. We don't generally know how to take care of ourselves. The do unto others as you'd do to yourself breaks down because people don't do well to themselves -- sadly.

2007 Pan Am Games

The sports to be included in the 2007 Pan Am Games include: men's indoor football, bowling, water skiing, skating (artistic and speed), and karate.

My first question: Why not women's indoor football as well?

And bowling would be fun -- if it was of all the types and styles. There are many types of bowling games played around the world. Wouldn't it be fun to have a decathalon of sorts with each of the games? There is 10-pin, duck-pin, candlestick, and some other games that I don't even know the names of.

We went to a bowling and sports facility in the Prague and saw a weird to us bowling game. There were three balls per frame. The funky shirt / uniforms were the same, but with a few more logos. I tried to trade for a bowling shirt was without any valued goods myself at that instance.

Now the quiz questions:

What city is to host the 2007 Pan Am Games?

When and where did I get to go to the Pan Am Games?

capitalwire.com has an interesting site

A search for "Rauterkus" at capitalwire.com turn up these hits:

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capitolwire.com 5/17/2005 Search Rank: 936
Mark Rauterkus: Libertarian candidate for PA Senate in the Special Election, releases regional regrets.

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capitolwire.com 4/1/2005 Search Rank: 304
Rauterkus: Open letter to residents of Western Pennsylvania.

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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Archives) 5/1/2005 Search Rank: 152
Post-Gazette endorses Fontana for 42nd state Senate District, says he's a better fit than opponents Diven and Rauterkus.

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capitolwire.com 4/15/2005 Search Rank: 152
Mark Rauterkus, candidate for PA Senate: Tax Day, April 15. Going from BAD to WORSE.

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The Associated Press 3/31/2004 Search Rank: 123
Parents, nonprofits stepping in to keep Pittsburgh facilities open while officials debate funding.

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Tribune-Review 5/1/2005 Search Rank: 101
42nd District state Senate election expected to set spending record. The showdown pits Rep. Diven, a Democrat-turned-Republican, against Democrat Fontana and Libertarian Rauterkus. From Saturday's edition.

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The Associated Press 5/18/2005 Search Rank: 72
AP: Democrats hold onto both of two state Senate seats that were up for grabs in special elections Tuesday.

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The Associated Press 5/16/2005 Search Rank: 57
Mayors' troubles draw crowded races in Erie, Pittsburgh and Allentown.

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The Associated Press 5/16/2005 Search Rank: 48
AP: Election action in Tuesday's primary mainly local.

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The Associated Press 3/25/2004 Search Rank: 48
Parents worry free summer meals another casualty of Pittsburgh's debt.

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The links won't work, above, as the terms of the service are very restrictive. One can get a trial subscription for a few days at the site. Let me know what you think.

I'm far more impressed with an open-source approach as with the WIKI concepts. So, I'm not too excited to subscribe and see content that I can't link to and quote with liberal context and fair use understandings.

I've got more to explore there. Pointers and insights welcomed.

Superior writting contest rules and endeavor

This writting contest endeavor is a work of beauty in its construction and purpose.

http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/International_Wikinews_Writing_Contest
It's an attempt to increase the story output on Wikinews across all languages, inspired by the English writing contest in April. The basic idea is simple: Each contestant needs to write a story a day, or use a joker if available. When one fails to write a story within 24 hours, and runs out of jokers, one drops out of the contest. The last three persons to remain in the contest will be the winners.

Prizes, judges from each language, and contestants are needed. The hope is to start on September 1, 2005.

This would be a great first day of school activity for a college communication class or a high school engligh, media, journalism class. Or, spring this to a reading circle for adults or a group in a congregation. See if you and a buddy can have a mini-contest among yourselves within the larger contest.

Breakdowns among the scope of issues: Global, International, Federal, Regional, State, Local

All politics is local, some might say.

Others might feel that everything is about "self-interest."

I don't have a HARD LINE rule of engagement for myself. Principles apply, of course. But I try to never say never. For the most part, the bulk of my attention goes to local (family, neighborhood, city, state) matters. Sometimes I raise an international comment or mention about the war -- but those are more rare.

Among my party, there is a discussion brewing about dealing or not dealing with national issues. Talking about the war in Iraq takes away from getting people on the ballot for state-wide office and fixing the more local property tax messes.

As a guiding goal, I strive to be open-minded, prudent and effective. There are zillions of instances when I lurk, stay aware, ask questions, and allow for time to figure and ponder among peers who agree and argue. Going with the flow is fine when there is hope of educational value. I might go to a rally or picket and won't hold any sign, but mingle so as to ask questions, gather perspectives, and dig for knowledge details and personal lessons.

I don't generally blog about the war, but I do visit blogs about the war.

People also understand and want to hire (i.e., elect) local leaders with the understanding that these people often change jobs and springboard to other roles. A city councilman becomes a state senator who runs for Lt. Gov and wins a state audior general position -- like Jack Wagner, PA's Auditor General. Not that everyone needs to run for every higher office -- but the future is always rolling along. So, people don't want to elect a local official who is small-brained, cosmetic on litter patrol for his or her ward and can't see the big picture in life nor in politics.

This hiring trend with voter mindset is both a curse and a blessing. I can't defend it but do understand. For instance, we might find a great candidate for "dog catcher" who would be splendid in that role but would stink at the art of crafting legislation. If great "dog catchers" would only aspire to the dog-catcher hall-of-fame, we'd be set. But, too often we see good dog-catchers running for other offices.

Mark C, a freelance running mate of sorts, wrote this letter to the editor (not yet published):

Lt. Governor Knoll's attendance at a local serviceman's funeral ignited a storm of controversy. Family privacy, the Iraq War, patriotism, political attacks and backpedaling, and political strategies were thoroughly reported in the Pgh City Paper ("The Crass-y Knoll", John McIntire, 8/3/2005). One compelling aspect, however, escaped detection.

Knoll allegedly said that the Rendell administration opposed the Iraq War. It's not my intension to debate this she-said vs. family-heard question.

Instead, imagine if state governments routinely showed a libertarian streak and issued formal, stated positions in direct opposition to imposed federal policies. Consider state opposition to:

** The Patriot Act.
** The surveillance state.
** Out-of-control federal spending.
** Federal laws regulating firearms.
** Federal laws regulating marijuana.
** Mandatory emissions inspections.
** The Endangered Species Act.
** The income tax, its compliance and the IRS.

The above list is a fraction of the growing federal intrusions into state operations and into the lives of citizens.

Maybe it is time to reject Rendell, Knoll and their Republican counterparts who either welcome the power that comes with these intrusions or can only whisper their opposition when masked by sobbing at funerals.

Mark Crowley, Plum

I value state rights. I would like to see more open discussions. I would like to see clear distinctions among candidates among various offices. I think Mark C is on the mark with this trend.

Mark R of Pgh Public Schools -- visits in our future

The Urban League of Pittsburgh, in collaboration with A+ Schools, Greater Pittsburgh Alliance of Black School Educators, Leadership Pittsburgh, NEED (Negro Education Emergency Drive), New Pittsburgh Courier, Pre-college Component for the School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, The Pittsburgh Chapter Links, Inc., WQED Multimedia, YMCA of Pittsburgh, and YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh present the ACHIEVEMENT MATTERS COMMUNITY FORUM featuring MARK ROOSEVELT, New Superintendent of the Pittsburgh Public Schools at 5 pm on Thursday, September 15, 2005 at Schenley High School, 4101 Bigelow Boulevard.

Parents, School Personnel, Business and Civic Leaders and the community at lartge is invited.

Program notes:

Introduction by Henry M. Thomas, III, President and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield, Massachusetts. Mr. Thomas is a professional associate and friend of Mark Roosevelt. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Education.

Question and answer with Mark Roosevelt, led by Esther L. Bush, President and CEO of the Urban League of Pittsburgh.

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We expect to see the new Mark R at our neighborhood school tomorrow as part of a mini-open house to kick off the new school year. The first day of school for Pgh Public Schools for grades 1 to 12 is on Thursday. Grade K starts a week later.