One of my heros passed, John Wooden, the Wizard of Westwood.
Sorta sad.
He had a book that was the best seller at an all sports bookstore in Long Beach, Adventures Unlimited. I was connected into those efforts in a few different dealings. Coach would go there often for book events and was always himself, -- a gentleman, clever, insightful.
Friday, June 04, 2010
DePaul School -- a Pittsburgh Treasure
In case you missed it last night, here’s a link to the feature story about DePaul School and the cochlear implant that aired on WTAE-TV (Ch 4) here in Pittsburgh.
http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/video/23786901/index.html
http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/video/23786901/index.html
Preservationists want more time to study reuse of Mellon Arena
Go Rob Go. No, wait. It should NOT be a go-go-go cheer. Rather a "hold that line" cheer. How about, "Push em back, push em back, wayyyy back!
Preservationists want more time to study reuse of Mellon Arena The SEA is in the middle of a process to consider alternatives to demolishing the arena but could be prepared to recommend a course of action to its board by October or November. Reuse the Igloo officials say they need at least 60 days to complete the $15,000 study, which is being funded in part by actor David Conrad, who attended the press conference.
Mr. Pfaffmann said arenas have been reused successfully in Portland and Montreal.
Blast from past: Elections - Two-Fisted Voting Action
From Pittsburgh City Paper, March 22, 2006The March 14, 2006, special election of a new city councilor from District 3 didn't lack for passion: Two candidates nearly got into a fistfight on Election Day.
But voters apparently felt less strongly about the contest to replace former council member Gene Ricciardi, whose district includes the South Side, adjoining hilltop communities, and portions of Oakland. According to unofficial returns, 3,349 votes were cast -- a turnout of under 14 percent. There were few surprises. The endorsed Democrat, Arlington resident and public-works employee Jeffrey Kock, trumped the eight-man field with 1,449 votes. That edged out South Side businessman, Bruce Kraus, who polled 1,271 votes.
"I was surprised by how close Kraus got," says Koch. "But I just knew more people."
And as Kraus backers had feared, Bruce Krane, another South Side businessman, drew critical votes away. Krane won 215 votes, roughly three dozen more than Kraus would have needed to win.
An altercation between Krane and Kraus was, in fact, narrowly averted on the University of Pittsburgh campus. Witnesses say the dispute, in which the candidates argued over last-minute efforts to appeal to voters, nearly came to blows.
Krane confirms a confrontation took place, and acknowledges warning Kraus to leave "before your teeth end up on the ground." Kraus declined comment on the fracas.
"Votes got split," says Khari Mosley, the local head of the League of Young Voters. All along, grassroots progressives worried that Koch was too close to the Democratic old guard. But they didn't rally behind Kraus until a Feb 12 candidates' forum held by Progress Pittsburgh and other groups. By then, "The race had gotten personal," Mosley says. "By the time people started talking about narrowing the field, it was too late."
Krane says that Kraus supporters claimed "I was put in the race by (Mayor Bob) O'Connor. ... No one who knows me has ever questioned my independence." But, he adds, "Call me a spoiler if you like; it's OK with me."
Kraus declines to do so. "Krane took some votes," he says, "but we had everything working against us. We lost the (Democratic) endorsement; we were the last name on the ballot. God knows there were enough other candidates on the ballot. ... But as a first-time candidate, we did well.
There had been hopes that Pitt students, who live on the district's Oakland outskirts, might play a decisive role. But despite a get-out-the-vote effort Mosley's organization targeted at students, only 93 votere were cast at Pitt's Posvar Hall polling place.
The League of Young Voters sought to register 1,000 students for the election; Mosely hoped 300 would vote. "It was an ambitious goal," Mosley says. But I'm disappointed we didn't reach it."
Still, Mosley observes, "Many districts had fewer votes than Pitt did." And even that, organizers contend, is a step forward.
"Students showed up in suprising numbers, given the extent to which they were ignored," says Andrea Boykowicz, an Oakland resident and member of Progress Pittsburgh. The candidates focused on issues such as litter and graffiti, which she says didn't resonate with students.
Koch will hold office only for 18 months, to fill out the rest of Ricciardi's term. His top legislative priority? "The same thing I said all along: trying to get Warrington Avenue repaved." As for the majority of voters who picked someone else, "I need to convince them that they made the wrong choice."
Neither Krane nor Kraus will say whether they plan to run again. But Boykowicz will be watching.
"Kraus made a respectable showing," she says. "He could run again, and I'll be intereted to see if he makes his platform more meaningful. If not, there are other people we can run."
-- by Chris Potter
Go get OpenOffice, recently upgraded to 3.2.1
The OpenOffice.org Community today announces the availability of OpenOffice.org 3.2.1, the newest version of the world's major free and open productivity suite.
OpenOffice.org 3.2.1 is a so-called micro release that comes with bugfixes and improvements, with no new features being introduced. This release also fixes security issues, so we recommend everyone to upgrade to the new version as soon as possible.
This version is also the first one to be released with the project's new main sponsor, Oracle, and comes with a refreshed logo and splash screen.
"The OpenOffice.org Community is in the year of its 10th anniversary. We look forward to working together with joint efforts of a worldwide community, on one of the world's largest open source projects, delivering free software based on true open standards", says Florian Effenberger, Marketing Project Lead of OpenOffice.org. He adds: "With the start of the Branding Initiative [2], the ongoing Project Renaissance [3] and with the recently-announced Summer Internship Programme [4], the OpenOffice.org community invites everyone to contribute to our efforts of improving the digital future."
According to OpenOffice.org's usual release cycle, the next feature release of OpenOffice.org will be version 3.3, and is expected for autumn 2010.
The Community celebrates its 10th anniversary this year at the annual OOoCon [5], to be held in Budapest, Hungary, from August 31 to September 3. The Community invites all to join us in this lovely and dynamic capital city, which was chosen by the popular vote among many global contenders.
OpenOffice.org 3.2.1 is available in many languages for all major platforms at http://download.openoffice.org/
OpenOffice.org 3.2.1 is a so-called micro release that comes with bugfixes and improvements, with no new features being introduced. This release also fixes security issues, so we recommend everyone to upgrade to the new version as soon as possible.
This version is also the first one to be released with the project's new main sponsor, Oracle, and comes with a refreshed logo and splash screen.
"The OpenOffice.org Community is in the year of its 10th anniversary. We look forward to working together with joint efforts of a worldwide community, on one of the world's largest open source projects, delivering free software based on true open standards", says Florian Effenberger, Marketing Project Lead of OpenOffice.org. He adds: "With the start of the Branding Initiative [2], the ongoing Project Renaissance [3] and with the recently-announced Summer Internship Programme [4], the OpenOffice.org community invites everyone to contribute to our efforts of improving the digital future."
According to OpenOffice.org's usual release cycle, the next feature release of OpenOffice.org will be version 3.3, and is expected for autumn 2010.
The Community celebrates its 10th anniversary this year at the annual OOoCon [5], to be held in Budapest, Hungary, from August 31 to September 3. The Community invites all to join us in this lovely and dynamic capital city, which was chosen by the popular vote among many global contenders.
OpenOffice.org 3.2.1 is available in many languages for all major platforms at http://download.openoffice.org/
Fw: Nomination Papers
From: lpchair <chair@lppa.org>
CALL FOR LIBERTARIAN VOLUNTEERS!
We need your help to get Libertarian candidates' names on the ballot in November!
If you have not already done so, please volunteer to gather signatures on nomination papers for Libertarian Party candidates. In Pennsylvania, these nomination papers are used to put our nominees on the November ballot. Papers will be compiled for submittal beginning in mid July.
To volunteer to circulate nomination papers, please email election@lppa.org and we will send you nomination forms and instructions.
If Libertarian candidates do not get their names on the ballot this November, the Libertarian Party may lose its legal status as a "Minor Political Party" in Pennsylvania.
- If that happens, new voters will have a choice between Democrat, Republican and "Other" on their voter registration forms. The Libertarian Party will not be listed as a political party.
- If that happens, Pennsylvanians may have no third-party candidates to select when Republican and Democratic elected officials continue to increase taxation.
You can look at the basic guide here:
http://www.lppa.org/documents/election/2010/nomination_paper_guide_2010.pdf
Please mail any notarized papers by July 15, 2010 to:
LPPA Chairman Michael Robertson
614 Canoe Ripple Road
Sligo, PA 16255
Thank you for your support!
Michael J. "Mik" Robertson, Chair, Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
and Susan Haythornthwaite, Chair, Election Committee
Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
CALL FOR LIBERTARIAN VOLUNTEERS!
We need your help to get Libertarian candidates' names on the ballot in November!
If you have not already done so, please volunteer to gather signatures on nomination papers for Libertarian Party candidates. In Pennsylvania, these nomination papers are used to put our nominees on the November ballot. Papers will be compiled for submittal beginning in mid July.
To volunteer to circulate nomination papers, please email election@lppa.org and we will send you nomination forms and instructions.
If Libertarian candidates do not get their names on the ballot this November, the Libertarian Party may lose its legal status as a "Minor Political Party" in Pennsylvania.
- If that happens, new voters will have a choice between Democrat, Republican and "Other" on their voter registration forms. The Libertarian Party will not be listed as a political party.
- If that happens, Pennsylvanians may have no third-party candidates to select when Republican and Democratic elected officials continue to increase taxation.
You can look at the basic guide here:
http://www.lppa.org/documents/election/2010/nomination_paper_guide_2010.pdf
Please mail any notarized papers by July 15, 2010 to:
LPPA Chairman Michael Robertson
614 Canoe Ripple Road
Sligo, PA 16255
Thank you for your support!
Michael J. "Mik" Robertson, Chair, Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
and Susan Haythornthwaite, Chair, Election Committee
Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Call from Detroit
From Larry:
I think the guy who was called safe on first base should just walk to the dugout. Take himself off the field and out of the game.
My son Ducky called me from that detroit game last nite after witnessing that blown call! .....he was steamin and I told him I'd get back after consulting with some of my fellow officiato wizards...like you guys.
I assured Duck that the umpire has to feel like dogcrap - the pressure obviously got to him and he probably made the classic mistake of envisioning the outcome because the play was unfolding too slow (the double pump from the firstbaseman probably threw him off). The Ump jumped to the conclusion that he thought would happen rather than what he saw...lesson one for all umpires - never think - thinking allows you to confuse your imagination with your information - it is not your job to even know the score much less care about the outcome.
Unfortunately we probably won't ever get umpire judgment calls reviewable via instant replay mainly because there is no whistle to end that kind of play like in football. What if that Tiger pitcher had tossed the ball up in the air thinking he had the out and the runner sped home in the confusion? Although, as a former youth leagues umpire, I will argue that a pitcher should be able to go to the rubber, step off and appeal just like they do when a runner leaves a base too soon on a tag-up. The other umpire/s should also have a chance to pipe in - esp the plate ump or umpire-crew-chief...and review footage and GET IT RIGHT!
Maybe there should be a third call an umpire could make in this kind of situation...instead of only the "safe" or "out" - how about just a shoulder shrug meaning "don't know?" That should wreak some interesting havoc...
A parting tale: I was once umpiring a championship game in the steel community of Sparrows Point in balto full of roudy, tailgating fans (this was way back in the day when drinking at kids games was not at all taboo) and the last play of the day was my worst nightmare - a winning run collision at home where a runner dove horizontally over a lunging catcher with the ball. Being a former catcher myself, I figured no way that runner's prone body never was at least grazed by that catchers outstretched mit's rawhide strings, so I righteously throw my thumb up in the air...but then to my horror, no-one noticed my call from all the noise and the judas catcher bounced up and tried to tag the runner as both kicked up a dust storm scrambling to the plate. The runner won that race and everybody was celebrating and then all eyes were suddenly on me and my premature thumb still stuck up in the air instead of where the sun don't shine....A cop had to escort me (on my motorcycle getting pelted) outta town...kinda like that ump last nite...
what say you brilliant and murky minds?
City schools, teachers union reach tentative contract
City schools, teachers union reach tentative contract The contract, which members of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers will vote to ratify in the next two weeks, would create new positions with the opportunity for higher pay and maintain the same health care coverage for current employees and retirees.Much of what is wrong with sports in Pittsburgh Public Schools spews from that former contract. Time will tell if this got fixed -- or not.
I have no faith in changes with the union contract for the good of sports.
Study: Anti-violence group has no effect
No effect for our citycouncilman -- and our anti-violence group too.
However, if they are making heroic efforts in the lives of people -- then what.
Study: Anti-violence group has no effect: "One of Allegheny County's foremost anti-violence groups has had no impact on homicide rates and, in fact, gun crimes and aggravated assaults increased in neighborhoods where the group focused its efforts, according to a report released Wednesday.I've been at odds with the philosophy of weed and seed. We can't just weed and seed and weed and seed. When do we harvest? When do we flourish? When do we soar to new heights?
The nonprofit RAND Corp. found that the efforts of the group, One Vision One Life, might also shift crime and violence from neighborhoods where the group operates to those where it does not.
Researchers focused on the program's impact on the crime-plagued North Side, South Side and Hill District. Starting in 2006, they studied a decade's worth of crime statistics and spent hundreds of hours observing the organization's outreach workers in the field."
However, if they are making heroic efforts in the lives of people -- then what.
The researchers partly blame "the lack of a systematic, coordinated strategy" between police and One Vision, whose work includes behind-the-scenes intervention in brewing street conflicts, programs for at-risk youth and more visible "rapid response" rallies, during which workers take to the streets in the wake of shootings to voice their message of nonviolence.So, where does blame get pinned? Should it be on the nonprofit that is making a heroic effort or else the police who are missing the systematic and coordinated strategy.
More Kraus -- well -- more folly
The drinking game for Kruas begins with the word, "mix."
It is NOT about behavior Mr. Kraus. Not for you. Never.
As a member of city council, keep your nose out of the behavior of everyone else.
Council has a job to do. Mr. Kraus is clueless as to that job. That's why they have to buy thinking from consultants for $250,000 for PARKING.
The job of city council is to uphold the constitution. When and if behaviors are clashing with the rights of others, then it is time to act.
"Mr. Kraus said one of the things he hopes to accomplish is to 'remove himself from the mix' and to have the experts explain how a proactive approach can be good for everyone. He says he often hears that all the problems in South Side could be solved with more police.Bruce Kraus is a member of Pittsburgh City Council. He wants to be in charge of everyone's behavior. It is about behavior so he thinks. His behavior?
'Once we’ve had a police officer introduced into the mix, it’s already too late,' the councilman says. He believes by incorporating the RHI principles it will greatly reduce the number of incidents in the neighborhood. 'It’s not about punishment or enforcement, it’s about behavior.'"
It is NOT about behavior Mr. Kraus. Not for you. Never.
As a member of city council, keep your nose out of the behavior of everyone else.
Council has a job to do. Mr. Kraus is clueless as to that job. That's why they have to buy thinking from consultants for $250,000 for PARKING.
The job of city council is to uphold the constitution. When and if behaviors are clashing with the rights of others, then it is time to act.
Kraus and City Council want to spend $250,000 on a parking study
They want to spend $250,000 on a parking study. Golly.
My councilman, Bruce Kraus, Mr. Folly himself, was quoted on the air on KDKA radio saying, "This is the most important decision city council is going to make all year." Furthermore, he said he wants to be sure that council does all its homework.
WTF?
No. That isn't true. City council wants to pay others to do its homework. I would have no problem if city council did the homework. The heavy lifting of what to do and why and how is NOT being done with city council as they are buying it from consultants -- at the price of $250,000.
Do it yourself.
We hired those on city council -- or more to the point -- we elected them. We want them to do the job. They should be the consultants. They should roll up their sleves and put on their thinking caps. They should burn the midnight oil and figure it out -- without burning big bucks on a consultant.
Where is the bid for that job, by the way?
Is this pay for play too?
Here is what city council and the mayor should do with the parking garages. Sell them. Sell them over the course of a few years so the value does not crash out of them by flooding the market.
Don't lease the garages -- sell them. Get the cash and make the cash as much as possible.
My councilman, Bruce Kraus, Mr. Folly himself, was quoted on the air on KDKA radio saying, "This is the most important decision city council is going to make all year." Furthermore, he said he wants to be sure that council does all its homework.
WTF?
No. That isn't true. City council wants to pay others to do its homework. I would have no problem if city council did the homework. The heavy lifting of what to do and why and how is NOT being done with city council as they are buying it from consultants -- at the price of $250,000.
Do it yourself.
We hired those on city council -- or more to the point -- we elected them. We want them to do the job. They should be the consultants. They should roll up their sleves and put on their thinking caps. They should burn the midnight oil and figure it out -- without burning big bucks on a consultant.
Where is the bid for that job, by the way?
Is this pay for play too?
Here is what city council and the mayor should do with the parking garages. Sell them. Sell them over the course of a few years so the value does not crash out of them by flooding the market.
Don't lease the garages -- sell them. Get the cash and make the cash as much as possible.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
British Olympic Association criticises British Swimming for Youth Games omission - Telegraph
British Olympic Association criticises British Swimming for Youth Games omission - Telegraph: "Andy Hunt, the BOA chief executive, said: 'While we understand that occasionally the circumstances or timing of an Olympic event may prove difficult for a sport to fulfil, it is of course disappointing for Team GB if athletes from a particular sport are not able to participate.'
A British Swimming spokesman blamed the decision on the packed international calendar, with the European Championships in Budapest in August and the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October.
'We have to look at our resources both in terms of coaches and athletes,' said the spokesman."
Up and down the court. He shoots. Scores, Blocked. Rebounds. Fast break, Too many dribbles. Benched.
Shar out again as W. Mifflin girls basketball coachI want our kids to be involved within gangs that we control -- like basketball teams, orchestras, and other school-sponsored activities.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
By Mary Niederberger, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Phil Shar, the West Mifflin Area High School girls basketball coach who was fired a year ago after publicly criticizing the district's former superintendent, then rehired two weeks ago, is now off the job again.
Mr. Shar was removed from his coaching position yesterday by Superintendent Janet Sardon, whose action was based on a grievance filed by the teachers union and on two legal opinions she received on the issue -- one from district solicitor Jack Cambest and the other from Stuart Knade, chief counsel for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.
The West Mifflin School Board voted to give Mr. Shar his head coaching job back at its May 20 meeting, but even before the vote was taken there were questions about whether it was legal for Mr. Shar, who is now a school board member, to serve as coach.
Mr. Shar had planned to serve as a volunteer and take no stipend.
After he was removed from his coaching position in June 2009 after several nasty public disagreements with former superintendent Patrick Risha, Mr. Shar ran a write-in campaign for the school board and won, beating out incumbent Diana Olasz. He took office in December and several weeks later filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the district, alleging that his right to free speech was violated. The suit demanded damages and a return to his coaching position,
Last month, the suit was settled for $30,000. Shortly after the settlement, the board majority voted to return him to the coaching position. It's unclear if that vote was also part of the settlement, as there was a confidentiality clause in the settlement that prevents either side from discussing it.
However, at the time Mr. Shar filed his suit, Mr. Knade of the school boards association said it violated the school code for Mr. Shar to serve as both school director and coach.
Mr. Knade said Section 324 of the state school code stipulates that "you cannot be employed by the school district in any capacity until after the expiration of your term in office regardless of if you resign."
Mr. Knade said that meant that Mr. Shar could not return to coaching, even on a volunteer basis, until the expiration of his four -- year term, even if he resigned.
Dr. Sardon said Mr. Cambest held the same legal opinion and union president Tom Ruffing said the union's attorney Stephen Jordan gave the union the same opinion.
Dr. Sardon said the district will not hold open gyms for the girls team until a new coach is named. However, she said Mr. Shar could continue to coach the girls summer league program because it is not a district-sponsored program.
After his reinstatement on May 20, Mr. Shar said he had received legal opinions saying he could coach provided he received no pay. Mr. Shar could not be reached for comment today.
Mary Niederberger: mniederberger@post-gazette.com; 412-851-1512.
Read more: http://post-gazette.com/pg/10153/1062510-100.stm#ixzz0pht1eCYM
Visiting CMU and watching online
The Alumni Association is pleased to announce that President Barack Obama will make an address this afternoon from Carnegie Mellon's Wiegand Gymnasium. A live videostream of the event is being made available to all Carnegie Mellon alumni. For more information, please visit www.cmu.edu/multimedia/obama/.
According to the White House Press Secretary, the president "will discuss the state of our economy, the future we need to seize, and the path we choose to get there. He will talk about the progress we've made in building the New Foundation he discussed at Georgetown last year, as well as the work we have left to do."
President Obama's Address from Carnegie Mellon University
When: Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - 1:35 p.m.
Live Webstream:
For more information and to view the address, visit http://www.cmu.edu/multimedia/obama/.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Free Marc Emery
He is from Canada and never came to the USA. Yet, he is in jail here. Send him home. Free Marc Emery.
Government reform a pipe dream, ALCOSAN appointment shows - Blogs - Slag Heap - Pittsburgh City Paper
Government reform a pipe dream, ALCOSAN appointment shows - Blogs - Slag Heap - Pittsburgh City Paper: "As we've written repeatedly, the members of city boards and commissions are allowed to continue serving on boards even after their terms expire ... until the mayor either moves to renominate them, or to replace them with someone else."
Chris Potter, think again.
Nope. I hate your suggestion.
As the terms of the appointment come to pass, then the member on the board is removed. Done.
Once the board is moved to the point where there are not enough members to have a quorum, then the body should evaporate. All assets are put into orphans court.
We need to liquidate these authorities, not further empower them with inaction from those who are accountable.
Of course, the Citizens Police Review Board is NOT an authority. In that case, once a membeer's term has expired, then if that seat is not filled by a qualified and confirmed member by appointment, then the position is filled by the executive director on an interim basis.
For many years I've called for all authority board positions to be held more accountable by election at the polls via RETENTION VOTES. If a person does not meet the necessary percentage of votes at the election - Should Adam R be retained as an authority board member for ALCOSAN? Yes - or No. Then so be it.
Ravenstahl calls Carnegie Library's finances into question - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
The Mayor didn't sneeze. Rather, he is getting his VETO pen ready. Bruce Kraus says "God bless" to Mayor. Sign.
Ravenstahl calls Carnegie Library's finances into question - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "'God bless him,' said Councilman Bruce Kraus, who introduced the measure with six co-sponsors to ensure its veto-proof passage. 'We've heard loud and clear the importance of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for the quality of life of the residents of Pittsburgh.'
No council member said yesterday that his or her vote would change. Harris said she was not sure how she would vote if the mayor were to veto the legislation."
To Marty Griffin: If a funeral gets hijacked, then trespassing has occurred.
The rub with your feelings is with the local judge who says damages were not inflicted.
This is LESS of a constitutional issue and more of a JUDGES SUCK issue.
But if a SHOUT OUT happens in a church from an unwelcome intruder -- then damages should be paid by the one who makes a problem in a place where they are not legally permitted to be.
A funeral picket along public rights of way is in poor taste, but it is free speech that should be protected. The right to free speech does stop at the entrance to the funeral. I want free speech.
Other topic: NO damage is caused to the police officer if a citizen puts up a middle finger.
This is LESS of a constitutional issue and more of a JUDGES SUCK issue.
But if a SHOUT OUT happens in a church from an unwelcome intruder -- then damages should be paid by the one who makes a problem in a place where they are not legally permitted to be.
A funeral picket along public rights of way is in poor taste, but it is free speech that should be protected. The right to free speech does stop at the entrance to the funeral. I want free speech.
Other topic: NO damage is caused to the police officer if a citizen puts up a middle finger.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Chris Chandler has had roots in New Orleans. Recently he moved to California.
New very cool Featured Video at www.chrischandler.org
T.H.E. .M.U.S.E. .A.N.D. .W.H.I.R.L.E.D. .R.E.T.O.R.T
June, 2010
New Orleans, LA
Vol issue
By Chris Chandler
5-30-10
Hell Yea! The Gulf oil spill is now the worst ecological disaster in U.S. history, "We're #1! We're #1!"
One hundred and fifty years ago, corporations were granted the same rights as people under the constitution. Absurdly based on the 14th Amendment which was intended to free the slaves, and then used to make sure those former slaves stay indebted servants to a new over-seer: the over-class.
It is called corporate personhood.
For years, the way I saw it was if corperations are people then the Revolutionary War was more of a corporate take over. The Declaration of Independence should read:
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one company to dissolve the financial bands which have connected them with another.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all corporations are created equal, that they are endowed by their CEOs with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of profit.
If "corporations" and "people" are synonimes than it is not much of leap to say The Constitution might as well read:
We the corporations of the United States, in order to form a more perfect merger, establish profit, insure domestic product, provide for the common defense, promote the corporate welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to our shareholders…
Ever since "personhood" was established, corporations have been winning court cases granting them due process, equal protection, freedom of speech, etc. chiefly the ability to donate to political causes in the same way that people do.
I have been against this concept for years.
But alas, after this incident in the Gulf of Mexico (soon to be known as The Dead Sea) I see the error in my ways. I say give them full citizenship and treat them as such.
If they want the rights of citizens they should also have the accountibilty of citizens. I mean, I know if my negligence caused the death of eleven people I would be in jail. Not to mention the destruction of Mother Earth they should go to jail for mom -slaughter.
So, I say first, put the entire corperation on trial – everyone on the payroll. How do you like you corperate personhood now? Put 'em on trial for for manslaughter. Mom-slaughter. Put them in jail for poisoning the food chain – 'cos in prison you often do shit where you eat.
I envision not just the CEO going to prison but every congressional appologizer. I wanna see every CEO GO TO PRISON! every CFO, every CIO, CISO CPA and CP3O-- GO TO PRISON. Every VP SVP and VIP for that matter. They are corperate persons afterall.
I wanna see every desk jockey, paper pusher, trader of stock, stock holder, share holder, folder holder, folder stuffer, every secretary to the secretary and secretary to be hired… GO TO PRISON, I wanna see every delivery boy, and office carpet vacumer go to prison just for being corporate persons.
Make an example of them – just like you make an example of the guy sitting in prison for smoking dope in his own apartment in the ghetto.
I wanna see the leathernecks go to prison, the pipe fitters and every oil rig inspector and inspector of the inspectors GO TO PRISON.
And if there is not enough room in the prison, let out the guy who is in there for smoking dope in his own apartment.
I wanna see the writers and the actors in those BS BP ad campaigns "Beyond patrolium, a greener oil company" GO TO PRISON!
I wanna see every gas station attendant and BP convenience store cigarette dealer and car wash brush ceaner GO TO PRISON.
I envision whole gas pumps dressed in orange jump-suits quivering with their little Bristish accents as a large scary man, quoting the 14th ammendment says, "insert prison joke here."
I wanna see every user of every British Patrolium GO TO PRISON. I wanna see every user of petrolium go to prison.
I SHOULD TO GO TO PRISON,
As we all watch the BP bank accounts and the bank accounts of Halliburton and Transatlantic for that matter drained while they are paying the billions,.. quadrillions in reperations.
Instead what we have is a bunch of oil slick lawyers proposing caps on compensation to congress via campaign donations.
Talk about cap and trade.
I thought you guys were against that. But le' me tell ya pal your liability cap blew out when that blow out preventor valve blew and I say it is time to BILL BABY BILL!
I say you should drain your coffers by employing every idle shrimp boat captain and his crew in every idle boat in every port from Gulfport Mississpi to clean up your mess.
Use the community we have.
Even if you spend all of the 14 billion you made in profits last year. All of the 16 you made the year before that – you should spend every dime hiring every out of work oyster fisherman in Pensacola and unemployed seafood resteraunt waiter in New Orleans.
I wanna see your share holders standing on off ramps holding buckets with signs that read "will work to pay locals for their loss."
And as for Haliburton and Transatlantic? Its no wonder Haliburton droped the name "Black Water.".
Transatlantic? You knew your oil rig was too big to fail. That's why you were claiming it was from the Marshall Islands – which is an oil company with a flag.
It should have come as no suprise that Marshall Island inspectors might be a little lax on an oil rig heading to the Americas since America did its nuclear testing there and completely blew one of the Islands off the face of the earth.
But since you did choose to fly the flag of the Marshall Islands, I say it makes you an Illegal Immigrant and I find myself suddenly agreeing with the State of Arizona and you should be deported. All of you.
It makes you a foreigner – and a crime like this – perptrated by a foreginer can only be viewed as foreign eco-terrorisim and the place you should be deported to is Guantinimo Bay where you can sit in your little orange jump suits and be waterboarded – with water, from the Gulf YOU DESTROYED.
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