Merger and the latest report

I don't even like the title:

Government for Growth:
Forging a Bright Future — Built on Unity, Efficiency, Equity, and Equality —
for the People of Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh

Why not "Government Shrinkage for Growing Liberty."

I don't need a 'bright future.' Day will follow night. Summer follows spring.

There is a lot of 'bright lights' in Las Vegas. Same too in Disney World. A future that hinges on 'brightness' might also be driven to casinos -- not just slots parlors. It is bright for some to build a tunnel under the river for light-rail extension. What is bright to the construction trades is debt to the taxpayers. What is bright shopping -- like Lord and Taylor -- is not economical for most.

Even "authentic" beats the pants off of "bright" as in "flasher" and "full moon."

Forging, okay. I'd rather engineer and not use the brute strength of the hammer -- and sickle. I'd rather have government 'resign' and 'relax' and 're-tool.'

Unity, well, that's gotten Pittsburgh in its mess. The city's leadership has been full of unity. We need dissent. We need diversity. We need to break the one-party choke hold.

To be strong, it is often much better to bundle and gather together. Steel cable that support our bridges are often formed from smaller strands that are inter-twined.

Those 9-0 votes on council are all about 'unity' -- and often are full of folly.

Equity and equality -- both in the title -- is overboard. The formula has to be more complicated. Life isn't fair. It is easy to have equity -- when everyone is poor. The marketplace is nothing that government (especially the city and county) can control so as to inject equity.

And equity is not about 'growth.'

People grow in different spurts. Nature is about progress as it comes, on its own. Not about unifority, equity, cutting the blades of grass into a sea of equality.

The Mon River is not like the Allegheny. Things are as they are. How about 'reality' and 'judgement' and 'potential' and 'nurturing.'

I have two kids. I don't treat them with perfect equity. They are not equals in most things.

In governmental settings, I'd love to have one person with one vote -- but the concept I'd want to run up the flag pole is 'dignity.' Give us dignity and don't dish out equity so we have K-8 schools where those in middle-grades are eating elementary sized lunches sitting in wee desks.

Sigh. I'll have to read the rest of the report in the shower.

Ron Paul visited Pitt with standing room only audience -- sans 4th Estate

I didn't see a reporter nor a TV crew.

Perhaps there were people in the audience from the mainstream media. I expect that the Pitt News reporters were there. College students are not poisoned with the coverage like the biased media in this region.

Ron Paul did a great job, as expected.

I have it on video.

Can Ed Rendell Deliver for Clinton? - TIME

TIME coverage:

Can Ed Rendell Deliver for Clinton? - TIME The next order of business is a Clinton fund raiser in western Pennsylvania. 'I want each of you to come as close to or exceed $100,000 for your guys,' he tells Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny County chief executive Dan Onorato. 'If you need me to make any follow-up calls, I will.'

Report on city-county merger due out today

Report on city-county merger due out today The tight-lipped 13-member Advisory Committee to Enhance Efficiency and Effectiveness of County and City Government has reviewed city and county functions, studied regions that have merged, and spent months trying to build consensus and finalize language in a report.

City, county and university officials all refused to talk about the findings yesterday.

The place where a merger could and should happen next is PARKS.

But better than a merger, we should move to create a new Park District that is not either the city nor the county nor the schools nor even the universities. Nor should the Park District be a 'tight-lipped' nonprofit without accountability that has Elsie Hillman (or some other nonprofit weenies) pulling the wires.

The new Pittsburgh Park District should be a public entity with elected trustees, a citizens' congress, a new model of cooperation as its own entity, working under the light of sunshine laws.

The Pittsburgh Park District is NOT a quick fix. But it is a logical next step in the overall blueprint.

People are willing to work together when it comes to places where we play together. We'll do great things for the sake of our kids.

We cherish the parks and crave real cooperation with an entity that isn't with a headquarters on Grant Street.

Full consolidation of city and county government could kill the region. Meanwhile, the new Pittsburgh, regional, Park District could be a major support system to the citizens and provide a base of experiences to work from as we merge government -- or not.

Star for the day goes to fleeting memory

Char at another blog has a recap of the 6-2 vote in Pittsburgh's city council that allows Council Critters to keep the slush fund and over spending as prescribed in the Act 47 bailout plan.

My reaction there in that thread:

Those 'fab 5' had better fix the 'slush fund.' Otherwise, this was no win at all.

Truth is, the budget is full of smoke and mirrors. Slush funds prevail in every corner of city government.

The Act 47 plans are not worth the paper they occupy.

Members of council have hired lots of staffers for political patronage posts at less than living wage for things that are beyond the scope of council.

City Council needs to get its house in order first.

Council needs those aids as few can think for themselves.

Council may have had a victory -- and the mayor may have had a defeat. However, the citizens did not win squat.

In the big picture, Dan Deasey was on the right side and is able to defend his position to taxpayers.

Michael Morrill's new blog has a historical twist

I've started a new blog with a distinctly left tilt.

The blog is at www.morrillmajority.org

I intend to have this site be a little different from most blogs. I'll have the usual combination of opinion and news. But I'll be adding some history to the mix. We too often forget that our struggle is historical. It has existed as long as one person has wanted to dominate another, as long as one group of people has subjugated another. A little historical perspective can help us to realize that our issues are not new, that working people have fought even greater powers and prevailed.

I'm looking forward to reading your responses. Together we can create the ideas that will bring us to victory.

Absurd Q: Kraus running for mayor in 2009?

Bram, fellow blogger at the PghComment has lost his 'blogger guild' press pass privileges five minutes ago. They were suspended for 5 minutes. Next he'll be asking Sala Udin if he is running for mayor too. Find Tom Cox and ask him as well.

Mr. KRAUS, now on city council, is always "overlanguaged" and without completed "homework."

Radio news says the measure (billboard moratorium) gives council time to write tighter rules. Well Kraus can NOT be in that process "at the end of day, if you will."

The technology in the industry is moving "lightening fast" -- so -- Kraus says STOP. Hint: Do NOT take a 'break' so as to play 'catch up.'

Duhh.

If Kraus wants to have a conversation with all the sign companies in the city then he needs to call and hold that meeting. Do it. Don't wait.

The ones that litter the landscape more than the sign companies are the politicians with their 'litter on a stick' (Ferlo's words) paid for by union donors.

Kraus floated an 'illegal' bill that "may have been construed to forbid what are in fact permitted uses." Kraus is great a making additional red tape.

That's the WRONG way.

To waive rule 8 to 'ponder' for the councilman is typical from Kraus Rule 8 screws the citizens. Rule 8 isn't about council critters that can't think on their feet nor do their homework in a speedy fashion. Again, when something does need to move quickly -- Kraus becomes a time sink and slow poke.

Kraus delivers: "You know, honestly, I haven't had a chance to take a look at that yet."

Tips to Mr. Kraus:
1. Do your best to say as little as possible.
2. Get out of the way as much as possible.
3. Do your homework. (hint: Legislation matters.)

Putting a hold on new billboards - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Pittsburgh puts a hold on new billboards"

Ron Paul 2008 — Hope for America

We'll be going!

Ron Paul 2008 — Hope for America: "Ron Paul Freedom Rally at University of Pittsburgh
Bellefield Hall, 315 South Bellefield Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15260 at 9:00 PM

Latest info on Dr. Ron Paul's visit

Dr. Paul will be speaking at Bellefield Auditorium, at 9 pm, Thursday April 3rd, according to the latest info received.

I would adopt a mailbox

I'm impressed. Bruce Kraus is trying to do something that can help.

This isn't even an April Fools gag.

I would adopt a mailbox by my house. It sits at 12th and Bradish Street.

The will of council is asking the US Postal Service for the opportunity to establish an
'adopt a post box program.'

Postal police were in the North Side on a sweep looking for the jerks who shot a postman in the hand recently.

I knew Kraus would be good at lint picking. It is his "passion." It has never been worse. Kraus would be great as a litter czar.

The program works in other cities. It isn't original. Bring it on. And, spread it to the other elements in the neighborhoods, such as traffic light switch boxes, etc.

Pastor Jeremiah Wright to Address PA Leadership Conference

APRIL FOOL!

Petition for the Community Benefit Agreement for the new arena development

Are you going to sign?

The League of Young Voters: "I support Community Benefit Agreements!

The Community Benefit Agreement process between One Hill CBA Coalition and the new
Pittsburgh Penguins arena is important for the health of our city and region."

UNCOUNTED: The New Math of American Elections

Pittsburgh big-screen premiere of the new feature-length documentary...

UNCOUNTED: The New Math of American Elections

A Film by David Earnhardt

"...powerful and persuasive..."

Howard Zinn, Author, "A People's History of the United States"

"A vital and important work...Uplifting, encouraging, optimistic..."

Brad Friedman, Investigative Journalist, BradBlog.com

"Very powerful. Clear and succinct. This film is urgent viewing

if you care about democracy and the integrity of the electoral process."

Robert Koehler, Syndicated Columnist, Tribune Media Services

Watch the Trailer

PITTSBURGH FILMMAKERS - Melwood Screening Room
Thursday, April 3, 2008 - 6:30 pm

Includes Q&A with filmmaker David Earnhardt,

special guest Marybeth Kuznik, and others,

and a bite or two to eat, too.

Hosted by: VoteAllegheny and Pittsburgh Filmmakers, benefiting VotePA, a 501(c)(4) organization

UNCOUNTED is an explosive documentary that shows how the election fraud that changed the outcome of the 2004 election led to even greater fraud in 2006 - and now looms as an unbridled threat to the outcome of the 2008 election. This controversial film examines in factual, logical, and yet startling terms how easy it is to change election outcomes and undermine election integrity across the U.S.

UNCOUNTED is a wakeup call to all Americans. As we approach the decisive election of 2008, UNCOUNTED will change how you feel about the way votes are counted in America.

Please forward this invitation to others who may be interested in seeing UNCOUNTED.

For more information about the film, visit: www.UncountedTheMovie.com

Suggested donation $10, seniors/students $7.

www.VoteAllegheny.org/uncounted.htm

Final Notes and Quotes from Federal Way

CollegeSwimming.com::Final Notes and Quotes from Federal Way Penn State slung shot up the team standings as junior backstroker Patrick Schirk made his first appearance in either a championship or consolation final and became the first ever Nittany Lion to stand atop the podium at the NCAA championships.

More quotes on growing up a Penn State fan and the meaning of winning this title for PSU:

"I grew up a Penn St fan all my life, being from Pennsylvania. All my family is Penn State alumni so it feels great and start to make the first steps to build a tradition at Penn State that we never really had before. So it feels great to be part of a first step in the direction of building a tradition like a Michigan or Texas."
Pitt had a diver make it into the top 8.

Entrepreneur finds possibilities problems are vast when doing business in China

Entrepreneur finds possibilities problems are vast when doing business in China: "Entrepreneur finds possibilities problems are vast when doing business in China

Ron Paul may visit Pittsburgh on April 3

Thursday, April 3, 1:00 AM

Where: (A location for this meeting hasn't been chosen yet)

Meeting Description: Rumor has it that Ron Paul will be visiting Pittsburgh (Oakland) on April 3, 2008. The exact time and location is unknown. Keep your schedule clear.

A request for the Olympic Team from Mark Schubert, Swimming

This letter is going out from the US Swimming's top coach to the network of other swim coaches in the USA. It was sent to the director of the American Swim Coaches Assn, John Leonard.

Dear John:

I am a STRONG believer in positive visualization. I KNOW that the Olympics will be GREAT.

Since China is a totalitarian government, any protests will not be seen. The American government and the USOC will not allow our team to go into an unsafe situation. The pollution will be handled by the Chinese government, totalitarian. The nutrition will be monitored by the USOC. Our team will not focus on the cheaters, only on our own great performances.

The only time that my positive attitude has ever let me down was the 1980 Olympic boycott. On second thought, my attitude didn't let me down, Jimmy Carter did.

My only concern about the current "Doom and Gloom" press coverage (boycott, pollution, Tibet, human rights, steroids, new swimsuits) is the possibility that our less savvy coaches and athletes might believe what they hear from the media as fact. This will cause them unnecessary stress in what is already an inherently stressful situation.

The biggest gift that The American Swimming Coaches Association can make toward our Olympic effort is to KEEP THE CHATTER POSITIVE. It is infectious and believable!

Thanks for your help in passing this forward John.

Mark Schubert
National Team Head Coach

The boycott is more about the 'opening ceremonies' and NOT about the Olympics, thankfully.

Candidate Obama said that he does NOT favor any boycott.

The pollution is what it is. Rather, the pollution is what it will be. Beijing is a large city in a huge country with billions of people. It is spotless in some areas. It is dirty in others. The air quality at the Olympics will be equal for all as everyone sucks oxygen from the same environment.

I have good faith that the air quality will be good as I have seen how the air quality after the May 7th, weeklong holiday changes. When the factories shut for vacations -- the air clears. They will shut down the factories in that region for that month.

The LZR Racer swim suit from Speedo is another matter. It might be buzz that is okay. Our swimmers and coaches can have some control on that front. That discussion should occur, with research, with vision, with the intensity of the 'doom and gloom media' to bring resolution and solutions for the sport for both short and long-term.

Tibet. Dafur. The best we can do is pray and ponder. Become aware. That is the best approach. Be smarter. Be open minded. Think again. Don't trust the sources of propaganda. Those are deep concerns and need deep understandings. Care. Seek insights as you are able. This is a time to 'study' as time permits.

Steriods -- humm. Stay clean. Eat well. Don't be ignorant there either. Nor should it be our position to be finger pointing.

Center for Creative Play remembered

Center for Creative Play remembered: "Today the Center for Creative Play is shutting its doors. Sad doesn't even come close to the emotions I feel.

This is a day of blogging 'equity.' Well, the kids are not equals.

Kids do NOT vote. Seniors do.

The link above points to a new blog. Check it out.

The fight to have a new center for creative play is an important struggle.

Parents need help. Pittsburgh should be known as a great place to raise a family.

When you have a baby -- your life changes. When you have a baby and child that isn't easy -- life gets very different. For most, this "change" isn't just different -- but it is difficult. Even with an easy child, there are difficult moments.

Thanks Mara.

Let's put another "Center for Creative Play" together -- or ten of them -- within our communities in the months and years to come.

That place was 'sacred' -- 'valued' -- 'timeless' -- and 'caring.'

It should NOT go away forever.

Super Suit’ Could Be Banned From Swimming Competitions - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News

Of course the suit needs to be banned. Boycott Speedo -- not the Olympics.

FOXNews.com - ‘Super Suit’ Could Be Banned From Swimming Competitions - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News A new, faster competitive bathing suit is the buzz of swimmers worldwide, but the revolutionary athletic attire could be banned from the upcoming Beijing Olympics.

Mary Griffin goes over the top in slamming Hillary

Marty Griffin of KDKA Radio has been tossing lots of dirt in Hillary Clinton's direction. Today he said that she should "give it up" in Pennsylvania now.

The election is in three weeks.

Her opponent, Barack Obama, thinks that Hillary should run as long as she wants to run.

But Marty made up his mind and thinks that the voters don't need to vote.

Furthermore, Griffin calls himself an 'independent.'

Let the voters decide.