Roland Hansen Commentary

More About Newt Gingrich

2012-01-24T10:34:00.001-05:00

Newt! Newt! Newt!

I wrote a little piece about Newt Gingrich yesterday, Monday, January 23, 2012, entitled So? What about Newt? Newt Gingrich, that is. Today, I have a couple more places for you to visit on the internet blogosphere to read more about Newt Gingrich.

Over at Writes Like She Talks, you may read what Jill Miller Zimon wrote in her entry Attention Newt Gingrich: You are not Russel Crowe.

And, then you may go over to Tilting at Windmills in order to read what CW Martin has written in his blog entry Tonight's Debate in which he gave his opinion of the Republican Presidential Candidates' Debate last night and in which CW Martin wrote Newt Gingrich: Once again proves himself the master debater.

So, if anyone reading my blog wishes to express something about Newt Gingrich, please feel free to write what you want in the coment section.

So? What about Newt? Newt Gingrich, that is.

2012-01-23T12:22:00.000-05:00

I wrote all about newt at Roland's Ramblings.

Now, I think I will reference Newton Leroy Gingrich, aka Newton Leroy "Newt" Gingrich, aka Newt Gingrich.

Okay, that is all from me; I am not explicitly expressing my own personal opinion of Newt; I shall remain mute about Newt.

However, if you want, though, you may read the opinion of Chili Dog about Newt Gingrich and then get a real dose of outrage about Newt Gingrich.

Sometimes, my silence tells you much more about my thoughts than if I were to express them in written or verbal form. (AND, sometimes not.)

Modern American Morality

2012-01-21T13:54:00.000-05:00

The Roland Hansen Commentary that I last wrote back on January 12, 2012 was entitled It's About Female Breasts, Freedom and Equality in which I had hoped to point out the hypocrisy of American mores.

I also made that same entry over on my other blog, Roland's Ramblings. I write more frequently on that blog than I do on this blog of mine. Today, I noticed an unconscious trend I was following with recent entries over on Roland's Ramblings.

It seems as though I have been giving much thought lately about hypocrisy and modern American morality. Consequently, in an anthology bringing it all together, I decided to place embedded links to three of those Roland's Ramblings entries in this Roland Hansen Commentary to supplement the previous aforementioned It's About Female Breasts, Freedom and Equality.

Yes, indeed, Americans have their own form of morality, especially on issues such as:
Marriage, Sex, and God.

It's About Female Breasts, Freedom and Equality

2012-01-12T14:39:00.001-05:00

As many people may be aware, I have two blogs, Roland's Ramblings and Roland Hansen Commentary. Very occasionally, I will duplicate an entry on each of them. There are times when I will make an entry on one of my blogs and link to a related topic on the other blog. There are also times that I will make an entry and link to an earlier entry or entries of the same blog. My wife, Judy, also has two blogs, Judy's Jewels and Judy Hansen Commentary. At times, in one or both of my blogs, I may link to entries on one or the other or both of Judy's blogs. And, then there are times that I may make a combination of linkages within and between my blogs and Judy's blogs.

The lack of feedback on either of my blogs is not really unusual, regardless of my methodolgy or my topic. I wonder what the feedback of today's entry will be in which I am employing some of my techniques as described in the preceding opening paragraph.

Sometime ago, I wrote a Roland Hansen Commentary that did not garner much response. The subject concerned women breastfeeding in public. That entry contained several embedded links; for example, one led to an entry of Judy's Jewels, while others linked to the controversy concerning the public display of women breasts, breastfeeding in public, breastfeeding laws, breastfeeding images, and breastfeeding videos. Well, go ahead and read that entry and all its embedded links; just click onto the Roland Hansen Commentary of Public Breastfeeding.

Then, there was an entry I made on Roland's Ramblings that is only very tangentially related to the topic of women's breasts. Well, actually, that blog entry was about padded brassieres or more precisely travel safety and protection for a padded bra. You can take a look-see for yourself and click over to read Roland's Ramblings about Bra Brags.

Now, how do we tie these two topics together? Hmmmm. Let's see. Let's take a real good look. Here goes:

In the United States of America, societal mores and social norms assert that men may go without shirts and women may not go without shirts or some kind of cover up on their breasts. Men are told to look at a woman's face when speaking to her and not look at the woman's chest. And yet, fashions popular with American women include low-cut blouses and dresses along with push-em-up, push-em-together bras that expose and accentuate a woman's cleavage.

Often, I hear and read that women should not be viewed as sex objects and that women want to be treated for themselves as individuals and as equals to men; there is no argument from me on that. However, I am often confused by the mixed signals being sent out. Don't look at a woman's breasts; but, a woman will draw attention to her breasts by wearing a padded bra, showing lots of cleavage, etc.

Well, let's shed some light and shed some clothing on the topic. Let's expose the truth, the naked truth.

Bare human female breasts are not sex objects, in and of themselves; but, bare naked exposed breasts may be sexually stimulating in less than an openly public setting, such as exists during intimate moments and at other times that are related directly to a sexual situation.

American society needs to get rid of its double-standard on bare breasts. Not too many Americans realize that this double-standard is one of attitude, one of social acceptance, as opposed to it being a legal issue, i.e, one of law.

If a man can go topless, a woman should be able to go topless. If it is acceptable for men to be bare chested in public, then it should be acceptable for women to be bare chested in public. If mainstream Americans would rid themselves of their "hang-ups" and Victorian prudish attitudes and behaviors such as those that have given rise to neo-prudism, if Americans would accept the fact that the human body is something not to be ashamed of and that nudity is a natural state, if Americans would stop hiding behind the cloak of modesty (and that is while adult sexually-oriented magazines, films and bookstores are a strong thriving business in America), if Americans would act and behave as civilized human beings, there would be absolutely no problem with women baring breasts in public as is the case in many other countries throughout the world. The women of America deserve the same freedom as men; the women of America are entitled to equal rights on the issue bare chests and bare breasts in public as well as equal rights on every other societal issue.

If this is a topic that is of interest to you, I suggest you head over and explore the very interesting website of Topfree Equal Rights Association (TERA). There is a plethora of embedded links over there that will take you to lots of other informative web pages.

You might also wish to visit YouTube to view and listen to nakedcity.MOV, topless women in nyc is legal.

Comments, anyone?

American Jewish Federations Codemn Israeli Jewish Extremism

2011-12-30T14:28:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, I just wonder if the so-called "observant" Jew (as these folks call themselves) is any more religious than what they label a "non-observant" Jew. It appears to me that they are hypocrites and are less than religious than all the other various denominations or movements of Judaism. Here, read the following article and let me know what you think.

Jewish Federations Condemn Wave of Religious Extremism and Violence in Israel December 27, 2011

The Jewish Federations of North America today expressed strong condemnation of a recent wave of religious extremism and violence in Israel.The situation has been highlighted in the media in recent days, which has focused on the verbal abuse of an eight-year-old girl in the city of Bet Shemesh, by a group of ultra-Orthodox men. Other issues have included the forced segregation of genders on some public bus routes – despite the fact that the Israeli Supreme Court has outlawed this practice – and the unofficial ban on any female image in advertising in some areas.“Our movement includes Jewish people from all streams and persuasions. Yet, despite our differing backgrounds, we unite today to strongly condemn, with one clear and loud voice, all acts of violence, intimidation, coercion and extremism, especially those that are undertaken, incredibly, in the name of Judaism,” said Jerry Silverman, president and CEO of JFNA. “We know that ‘deracheha darchei noam’ – the Torah’s paths are ways of peace. We stand firmly and resolutely behind the voices of reason and moderation in Bet Shemesh and throughout Israel.”As a result of significant media attention in recent days, many members of the Israeli Government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have spoken out publicly to condemn the extremist behavior. Similarly, the police have stepped up efforts and made a number of arrests.“We applaud Prime Minister Netanyahu and other members of the government for their strong words condemning recent acts of extremism, and urge the government and the Israeli police to work hard to stamp out this stain on Israeli society,” said Rebecca Caspi, JFNA’s senior vice president for Israel and Overseas.Earlier today, thousands took to the streets in Bet Shemesh to protest the acts of extremism, drawing increased media attention and scrutiny to the city. Michael Gelman, JFNA’s chair of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, said, ”We reach out to the Ultra Orthodox community, and in particular, their spiritual leaders. We plead for them to break their silence and speak out firmly and decisively. An act of this nature can help heal Israeli society and restore their image as moral, upstanding, Torah-abiding citizens.”Stuart Kurlander, president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, which has a relationship with the Bet Shemesh/Mate Yehuda Region through the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Partnership Together program, also condemned the recent violence, intimidation and other extremist acts. “We have been working in partnership with the city of Bet Shemesh for 10 years and have come to know the community and its people very well. We stand with the law-abiding population of Beit Shemesh, and especially those groups working at conciliation and moderation in the city,” said Kurlander. “At the same time, we urge Bet Shemesh’s mayor, Moshe Abutbol, to put a stop to this religious extremism and violence, and help to rebuild a harmonious and thriving community.”
For more information, please contact: Dani Wassner at dani.wassner@jewishfederations.org

ref: JFNA Briefing: Jewish Federations Condemn Wave of Religious Extremism and Violence in Israel

Now, what about the Christian extremists over there in the Holy Land???? Is this more of religious hypocrisy?
Check it out! Take a look-see at: Rival Monks Brawl While Cleaning Bethlehem Church.

You and I know that followers of Islam have been taking a lot of heat because of Muslim extremists. Why do we humans tend to brush a whole group of people based on the actions of a few? Muslims and Jews alike are painted with one broad brush called STEREOTYPE. But, what of Christians? Where is the stereotype there?

Global Warming: Fact or Fiction, Take The Preventative Approach.

2011-12-24T11:37:00.000-05:00

Regardless of whatever news there is concerning global warming, such as the news article Global Warming: 2011 Tied For The 10th Hottest Year On Record by Arther Max, the global warming debate continues on.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations states:

"Global warming is a global problem. To understand it, cope with it and try to keep it from getting worse, all the countries of the world need to work together.And when nations need to unite, they turn to the United Nations.The United Nations is playing a central role in clarifying the science of global warming and preparing a global plan of action to deal with it. Because UN organizations like FAO are neutral, their scientific and technical reports are trusted and they can negotiate agreements among countries with different political viewpoints and economic interests."

ref: WHAT DOES FAO DO? :: GLOBAL WARMING :: THE UNITED NATIONS AND GLOBAL WARMING

Dare I even suggest (I do not know if I should for fear of garnering the wrath of global warming deniers and conspiracists) that readers explore the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change website.

Hey, all I can say is: Better safe than sorry! We all, and I do mean ALL, should error on the side of caution and implement all precautionary measures that assist in stemming the tide of "man-made" global warming.

Why, WHY, would anyone even take the most remote chance of endangering our children, our grandchildren, and the future of human-kind?

A Chanukah Gift For You

2011-12-20T12:23:00.003-05:00

To all the readers of Roland Hansen Commentary,

I am re-gifting this to you for Chanukah.

An extra special "Thank you" goes out to Rabbi Jason.

Rick Perry, candidate for President of the United States of America, and Rabbi Jason Miller

2011-12-10T09:53:00.002-05:00

Rick Perry has had made some interesting statements in his quest to obtain the Republican nomination and eventual win to the Office of POTUS, President Of The United States. Many times, Rick Perry makes a gaffe, and then comes back to retract his statement of this or that, of one kind or another.

Gaffes notwithstanding, many times Rick Perry makes statements concerning religion and government. In fact, Rick Perry has does so to such an extent that it appears to me he has essentially proclaimed his desire to have Christianity officially recognized as the national religion of the United States. However, much to the chagrin of Rick Perry and people who share Rick Perry's view on the Christian religion and American public policy, that darn First Amendment keeps getting in the way.

Well, Rabbi Jason Miller has responded to Rick Perry in a very thought-provoking way. I suggest you click on over to read:
Response to Rick Perry's Campaign Ad

A Thanksgiving Message From Roland Louis Hansen

2011-11-24T14:22:00.002-05:00

I bet you are expecting to read a personalized Thanksgiving message from me. Right? Wrong! I have no personal Thanksgiving message for you.

However, I strongly suggest you head over to a couple places to read these other Thanksgiving messages that I find personally meaningful and reflective:
A Time to Count Your Blessings, Pure Spirit Creations, As The Spirit Moves Me, Nina Amir.
Thanksgiving is Part of the Jewish Experience, RabbiJason.com, Rabbi Jason Miller.

Oh, by the way, on a personal note, I will be having a wonderful day and Thanksgiving dinner with loving family, my cousins who are the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of Sylvia and Roy Goldman (may they both rest in peace) in Phoenix, Arizona.

Just Blowing Smoke on Facebook

2011-11-14T05:05:00.000-05:00

My good friend, Tim Higgins, wrote a piece in regards to Facebook. I need to tell ya that Tim is "Just Blowing Smoke..." That aside, I gotta say that mi amigo, Tim, has eloquently (or not) written that which also reflects my own views exactly. Tim Higgins is right on target.

Please take a look and read Getting Too Much Facetime.

American Democracy Threatened

2011-10-05T07:57:00.003-04:00

Back on March 2, 2007, I wrote a Roland's Ramblings (my other blog) in which I stated: "we in the United States of America are in jeopardy of having our representative democracy form of government destroyed."

I was not making a reference to any threats from terrorists. I was not alluding to a rebellion, civil war, uprising, people's revolt, or anything like that. I was not speaking of an economic crisis bringing about the demise of our nation. I was not even making reference to the Tea Party Movement or extremists from either the left or the right of the political spectrum.

No, indeed; none of those.

That which I believe is the biggest threat to our American government, our representative democracy, is "We The People" or more specifically the fact that very few Americans actually vote in our elections along with the ignorance of the American electorate as a whole.

I realize many people will take offense to my remarks, However, to be honest, I really do not think many people will read my comments. Even if the whole American population were to read my views on the matter, it makes no difference to me if some one should take offense. I stand by my views on the matter as I have expressed them

Then, I suppose there are the people who may take exception to my perception and opinion that the vast majority of Americans, especially American voters, are ignorant. Well, golly gee, people! I am not alone in my thinking and there are, indeed, some scholarly writings that tend to affirm my own thinking on the matter. For instance, take a look and read:
Somin, Ilya, When Ignorance Isn't Bliss: How Political Ignorance Threatens Democracy, Policy Analysis, No. 525, September 22, 2004.

Cross reference: Cato Institute 'lead' article.

So, what I want to shout out is this:
Do your homework, people! Read up, study, and learn about the issues and candidates for the upcoming elections; then, go out and vote with an informed mind!

Holocaust: Hoax or Real?

2011-10-01T09:07:00.002-04:00

There are those who believe the Holocaust is a hoax: these adherents of "Holocaust Denial" do not believe there is sufficient evidence to substantiate that six million Jews were killed under Adolf Hitler's Nazi Germany regime.

Then, there are others who believe the Holocaust is real; they believe there is sufficient evidence to prove their case as was presented in the Nuremberg trials as documented in "The Nuremberg Scripts."

Hmmm, I do believe I saw some of those "Holocaust Denial" adherents at a recent Tea Party.

Fred LeFebvre of WSPD: Rude and Crude are his True Colors

2011-09-19T22:05:00.006-04:00

Approximately four years ago, I wrote a Roland Hansen Commentary about Fred LeFebvre, a radio show guy on Radio Station 1370 WSPD-AM Radio in Toledo, Ohio. I am surprised that Fred LeFebvre is still employed at WSPD; and quite frankly, after what transpired tonight, I call for his resignation. If Fred LeFebvre does not resign from his duties at WSPD, then Clear Channel Communications, Inc., the owners of WSPD, should fire him. Fred LeFebvre, as a public representative of his employer has demonstrated that he is totally irresponsible and reckless in his dealings with the public, service consumers, and potential audience of WSPD.

Oh! You are probably wondering what this is all about. Okay, I will let you in on it. Well, you see, earlier this evening, I had a chance encounter with Fred LeFebvre on the Facebook wall of Mark Dansack. It turned out to be very interesting, indeed. It started when Mark Dansack wrote an "update status" as to what was on his mind making a comment about tax cuts for the wealthy. In what followed, Fred LeFebvre of 1370 WSPD-AM Radio showed his true colors of RUDE and CRUDE.

Tell you what, rather than try to summarize what transpired, you can read it yourself. I have copied the Facebook exchange between Mark Dansack, Fred LeFebvre, and me word for word, and I pasted it below:

Mark Dansack
Tax cuts for all the wealthy. They're bound to create jobs for all of us ! Hasn't this been tried for the last 10 years ? The only jobs being created are out of the country. The definition of insanity is to keep trying the same thing and expecting different results.

Fred Lefebvre: It appears that you are calling Pres. Obama insane.

Roland Hansen: Why was it necessary or appropriate as a follow up to the initial comment for Fred Lefebvre to make that snide comment about the President? Does he always have to just be one of the low denizens of Obama Bashers? Bash, bash, bash - it gets tiring, boring, and humdrum. The bottom line is that the historical evidence has demonstrated tax cuts for the richest of the richest has not spurred any jobs - period - none. nada, zilch. If I am mistaken, please cite the raw data (not opinion) proving a positive correlation between tax cuts and job creation.

Mark Dansack: Fred's a one trick pony re: Obama. Barack could cure cancer and Fred would complaiin he didn't do it fast enough. Something tells me that Fred doesn't like Obama.

Fred Lefebvre: Did I bash the POTUS? I simply commented on mark's observation about insanity being doing the same thing and expecting different results.

Fred Lefebvre: If you two don't like the posts you can always go somewhere else. I believe we've raised taxes a number of times over the years also and without the attendant job growth.

Mark Dansack: At least you can't hang up on me on Facebook, Fred.

Fred Lefebvre: i wouldn't hang up on you on air either mark if you had the balls to call

Mark Dansack: I try to call when you guys have a guest on, and am told to call back after the guest is off the air. That doesn't really give us a chance to challenge what your guest is saying, does it ?

Fred Lefebvre: no it doesn't. the guest isn't there to answer your questions, he's there to answer mine.

Mark Dansack: no one has all the questions or all the answers.

Roland Hansen: Re: Fred Lefebvre - http://rolandhansencommentary.blogspot.com/2007/08/fred-lefebvre-disappearing-act.html
Roland Hansen Commentary: Fred LeFebvre: The Disappearing Act

Mark Dansack: sometimes a discussion on certain programs closely resembles a diatribe ?

Fred Lefebvre: oh my god roland you are going back years for that one aren't you? you were as unimportant to me then as you are now

Roland Hansen: ‎@ Fred - ROTFLMAO

Fred Lefebvre: i guess the real question is not should we raise taxes then, but how much should the government be allowed to take from the people who work for it.

Roland Hansen: ‎@ Fred - DUH

Fred Lefebvre: and how much is that mark and roland? how much of my money as a percentage should the government be allowed to take?

Roland Hansen: ‎@ Fred - Yahn!

Mark Dansack: I'd rather have middle class Americans have more $$ in their pockets. At least they might spend a little to spur the economy, although so many products are made outside the country, I'm not sure we would see any job growth beyond retail jobs.

Roland Hansen: Oh, jeesh, my "Yahn" comment up there was really a "yawn." In my humble opinion, Fred Lefebvre sure has demonstrated a true lack of professionalism and a total lack of civility. His comments here directed at me in a belittling manner are reprehensible, but do indeed show his true character -- you know - the one he tried to cover up in his entry on that blog entry to which I linked. Go ahead, take a look at it and you will see for yourself that I write the truth.

UPDATE AS SEPTEMBER 20, 2011:
Apparently I wrote and published this blog entry a little bit too early because there was more. Here is what was posted on that same exchange after that last comment above:

Fred Lefebvre: Roland you are the Ed Emery of Facebook. You really think anyone cares whether or not I returned a call to some self important blogger 4 years ago? Isn't there a link to something your wife wrote that we could be pointed to also.

Mark Dansack: My page is not to be used for personal insults. I welcome a healthy discussion of the issues at hand and honest respectful disagreement. It's what has made our country great. Thanks

Judy Rosenberg Hansen: "Do tell Fred, what was it I wrote about that you are referring to?"

Dave Westrick: "Wow, bringing a guys' wife into it, how low can you go, Oh never mind it's Fred. Trollin along Bottom feeding fred."

What do you think? Are the words and actions of Fred LeFebvre an appropriate display for a person holding an on-the-air employment position with 1370 WSPD-AM Radio?

***Incidentally, there was no further dialogue on that message thread because Fred LeFebvre chose to unfriend (defriend) me (and Mark Dansack) on FaceBook.

Postscript: There are some very interesting, if not intelligent, comments over on the SwampBubbles message thread "Who Is Fred LeFebvre, Anyway?" - take a look, it is funny stuff in its own sick convoluted way.

Chili Dog, Public Lands, and the Public Good

2011-09-14T22:36:00.002-04:00

It's been awhile since my last entry here on Roland Hansen Commentary.

-- Whatever. --

I just do not have an overwhelming desire nor do I have a compelling need to write my opinions just to for the sake of writing. At any rate, I had decided earlier to write a commentary about a certain topic here and was just preparing to do so, but upon going through my google reader first, I came across an entry on Chili Dog Blog that I read thoroughly.

I was, and am, so impressed by its commentary and perspective on the very important issue of public lands as it relates to private ownership of land and the overall public good that I decided to link to that Chili Dog Blog entry here instead. In my own opinion, it is indeed very much on target and very well stated.

Please take the time to click on over to read:
Political No Man’s Land as posted by Chili Dog on September 14, 2011.

Republicans Use Glock To Take Aim At Congresswoman

2011-09-06T08:34:00.003-04:00

Back on January 8, 2011, Jared Lee Loughner took aim with his Glock in his attempt to assassinate Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords. Loughner's attempt to kill Representative Giffords failed; however, Giffords suffered an extremely serious head wound. Loughner also shot 19 other people in his Glock shooting spree murdering six of those people in cold blood.

The local Republican Party has since also taken aim with a Glock pistol at Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who just happens to be a Democrat, a woman, Jewish, and the wife of Astronaut Mark Kelly.

Yes, indeed, in all its wisdom, the Pima County GOP, the local Republican Party in Representative Gabrielle Giffords' Arizona's 8th congressional district, is raffling off a Glock handgun to raise money in its get-out-the-vote efforts in the district to defeat her and other Democrats in future elections.

Read about it yourself in the article from Politico: Ariz.GOP raffling off Glock gun.

Just remember: Guns don't kill people; people kill people; guns with bullets just make it easier for people to kill people.

Americans Lack Outrage

2011-08-29T09:40:00.002-04:00

In spite of cries from a very few people in the United States of America, there is really no outrage coming from the everyday, common American citizen. The majority of Americans have no clue of what is going on in the world. The majority of Americans have no idea of how national, state, or local government works in America. The majority of Americans do not vote in elections. Even when the "truth" is known, the majority of Americans just plain do not care. There is very little, if any, outrage in America. The bottom line is:

Americans Lack Outrage.

For an extremely interesting perspective on this subject, I strongly encourage you to read Where's the Outrage? by Daniel Wagner.

Boxers or Briefs? Cloth or Paper with Plastic?

2011-08-24T21:10:00.000-04:00

While raising my children, we used cotton cloth diapers while the children were in their infancy. We did so even though disposable diapers had already been in wide use. We also home laundered those cloth diapers rather than using a diaper service.

Nowadays, it seems to me as though most parents just seem to be too darn lazy to use cloth diapers that in my opinion are not only financially prudent but are also environmentally safe. Instead modern parents seem to take a much, much more expensive route, even though they may be strapped financially, in their use of disposable diapers which in my opinion not only clutter the environment but are also hazardous to the environment.

Let us briefly look at the history of the diaper from Wikipedia:
...Wrapping children not yet toilet trained, in some absorbent barrier, is as old as human history...
In the 19th century, the modern diaper/ nappy began to take shape and mothers in many parts of the world used cotton material, held in place with a fastening - eventually the safety pin. Cloth diapers in the United States were first mass produced in 1887 by Maria Allen.
...In 1956, Procter & Gamble began researching disposable diapers. ... invented what would be trademarked "Pampers". ... Although Pampers were conceptualized in 1959, the diapers themselves were not launched into the market until 1961. ...
Read the entire Wikipedia Diaper article; just click on its title.

I have found a couple web pages on the cyber information highway that I suggest you read (click on their titles to do so):
The Great Disposable Diaper Debate from The Donella Meadows Archive, Voice of a Global Citizen
Diapers, Diapers & More Diapers, "Cloth vs. Disposable" from The New Parents Guide ™

I mean, what's it all about, Alfie?

If we aren't debating cloth or paper diapers we get into the Boxers versus Briefs question. There is a comparative essay by Bruce McBaxter entitled Boxers versus Briefs which leads the subject of tighty whities into another whole debate as we wonder What Does Your Underwear Say About You? and even as some people have the gall to question the President of the United States "Boxers or Briefs?" I guess it all depends. And that, then, gets us back to the question Boxers or Briefs? for later life. So, now, we are back to where we started.

Politicians and Government, A Facebook Dialogue

2011-08-18T20:17:00.007-04:00

Prologue

I always find it interesting that some people like to think of themselves as experts in some field, e.g. politics, government, the English language, home repairs, health and fitness, religion, cultural beliefs, etc., and then attempt to pass that facade onto others who they may or may not know. I find it especially interesting when it comes to internet bulletin boards, social networks, blogs and the like. Somethings really grab my attention, like the subjects of government and politics. Generally, I take the approach of attempting to have an intelligent exchange, but some folks just hang on to their own misinformation in an attempt to justify their own beliefs; at times, during such situations, I may point out my background in those areas in order to indicate that I am not without some education and experience in the subject areas. I do so in the sincere attempt of establishing credibility; however, some folks are so insecure in their own credibility that they turn to attacking me personally when I have pointed out my "credentials" in the topics under discussion. One such incident just recently happened; and, I wish to share it with you.

This is a copy and paste job of a Facebook exchange I had over the past two days on the topics of Politicians and Government:

Deana Bloecher (via Daryl Hansen)
Here's something to think about. A politician sees his family everyday, a deployed SOLDIER once in 6 months. A politician flies 1st class; a SOLDIER flies in a C130. A politician's pension is not reduced; a SOLDIER'S is clawed 65%. A politician enjoys an expense account; a SOLDIER must justify extra rations. A politician vows to defend their country; a SOLDIER actually keeps that promise. REPOST IF YOU SUPPORT OUR TROOPS Thanks for sharing

Roland Hansen
I served many years as a politician and while doing so I did not get to see my family very much, I did not fly first class, I did not receive a pension from it, I did not have an expense account, and I served my country with sweat equity. To make broad generalized statements about politicians is a great disservice. Go to my information page and review my background; it speaks for itself.

Jude Cohoon Beretta Banks
Depends on what kind of Politician..ie. local, state or Federal...most of what is talked about in the above has to do with Federal Politicians yes I also know they don't see their family everyday..but see them MORE that the Soldier...........

Roland Hansen
Why in the world would anyone paint all politicians with one broad brush? That is just like any other form of prejudice; like saying all Jews are ... or all Blacks are ... or all Polish people are ... or all blondes are ... or all Catholics are ... or all Mexicans are ... Get my drift???? Shame, shame, shame! A person can be an advocate for our troops without putting some one else down.

Jude Cohoon Beretta Banks
Roland, in all my years I've seen more Politicians waste money, don't do what WE THE PEOPLE ask of them and think of just themselves. To me there are MORE like that than are not...They think that WE THE PEOPLE have pockets that just keep on filling up magically when they get empty just to cover what THEY (Politicians) miss spend & raise our taxes....Oh yeah while THEY give themselves pay raises...Yes my husband & I use to be in the middle income level both worked husband owned small business we lived below our means didn't OWN anyone any money...guess what we are in the low income level now...ONLY CHANGES CAME FROM OUR POLITICIANS & TAXES Oh yeah both of us are Veterans too...so it's really Shame Shame Shame on 90% of the Politicians..........

Roland Hansen
Jude: Ignorance is bliss, as is rationalization and denial. You speak of WE THE PEOPLE and yet fail to acknowledge that those politicians of which you speak were duly elected BY THE PEOPLE, i.e. by the majority of the electorate who are WE THE PEOPLE. Additionally, when those duly elected officials perform their duties on behalf of WE THE PEOPLE, they do so in their official capacity of Representatives OF THE PEOPLE. You, Jude, speak for yourself; you have not been elected BY THE PEOPLE to represent WE THE PEOPLE. Shame on you for demonstrating a lack of understanding and knowledge of the workings of a representative democracy form of government, i.e. a Republic. I award you an "F" in the subject of American Government. None-the-less, you are entitled to your opinion and our Constitution guarantees your right to express that opinion. Another aspect of our system of government is: Majority Rules and Minority Rights.

Jude Cohoon Beretta Banks
Oh...but if you look at things how it has changed over the years you find that it's the Minority that Rules on a lot of things...ie. Pledge of allegiance out of most schools, Bible out of the schools, OK to burn the Flag as freedom of speech etc etc...Also if you look to see how the elections are won...I will use my home state Washington as an example....due to population 99% of the state can vote one way while the King/Kipsat county votes another...those counties wipe all the other votes out...just like New York City wipes out what the rest of the state votes for....there needs to be a change but I don't have the answer to that Can you come up with one??? So WE THE PEOPLE feel like we have a far shake at what is going on in OUR government???

Jude Cohoon Beretta Banks
Oh yeah Roland...just so you know I'm an Conservative Independent who believe in our Constitution and think that Our government should go back to the way of Our Forefathers...go to Washington for 3 months GET THE JOB DONE and go back to their home state and work a Real job....

Roland Hansen
Jude, to use that old-fashioned Conservative phrase, "America, love it or leave it." Your display of "poor loser" syndrome is obvious. If you think you can do better, run for office yourself. Or, is it easier to sit back and play "pity me, I am so oppressed." Give me a break! Oh yeah Jude, just so you know, I just happen to be a retired person who taught American government at the University of Toledo and at Owens Community College. I was also inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society and into PI Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. And you think you are the expert, eh? I am out of here. I see no use in wasting my time with a closed-minded person whose motto may as well be "Don't confuse me with the facts; my mind is made up."

Jude Cohoon Beretta Banks
Roland...I'm not closed minded...like a good discussion so I can learn things...seems to me you are the 'closed minded person here'....you called me ignorant...but I know there are already federal laws on the books about balance budget & deficit reduction...too bad the elected Officials don't an thought there should be an amendment added to the Constitution just for that.....also you don't know if I was or am in politics...just grabbing at a straw there...My mind is never made up...But I can see learn & feel... That's what is GREAT about the US of A...........we have the freedom to speak our minds, learn & live....we also have the freedom to agree to disagree with knot heads.........

Jude Cohoon Beretta Banks
Oh yeah it looks like you are too educated to think like a small time taxpayer....I never said I was 'an expert' but you seem to think you are due to all your education...tend to think it's funny when people have to through their education into a conversation........

Jude Cohoon Beretta Banks
Oh yeah it looks like you are too educated to think like a small time taxpayer...I never said I was 'an expert' but you seem to think you are due to ALL your education...tend to think it's funny when people have to throw their education into a conversation...I learned the more educated a person think they are they tend NOT to have any common sense...

Epilogue

I guess I showed my arrogance in that exchange. However, I just cannot stand it when someone makes broad generalized statements based on assumptions rather than fact, rationalizes his or her opinion regardless of the facts presented, and then attempts to circumvent the whole thing by switching the gears of the conversation into a tangential side attack to avoid the original topic.

Comments, anyone? Bring it on, people!

Guns and Killing

2011-08-12T14:52:00.004-04:00

Pistols, rifles, firearms - they are all guns to me. Now that I have your attention, I have a brief, factual statement:

GUNS WERE INVENTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF KILLING!

Raising an eyebrow, are you?
Tell you what. Go ahead and read:
History of the firearm
The Invention of Guns
A Brief History of Guns

Now, I will sit back and await the response of gun-lovers who usually try to make my brief, factual statement into something other than what my explicitly concise factual statement is.

Business Corporations and Economic Stimulation

2011-07-27T08:37:00.005-04:00

I just read a blog entry of Karen Shanahan over at Shanahan Select that I thought put some things into what I think is the proper perspective regarding the history, the role, and recommended future approach of corporations and big business in the economy of the United States of America. I thank Karen for writing such a good article, one that reflects my own biased, personal opinion.

I suggest you read:
Stimulating The Economy, Reducing The Deficit... The Private Sector Solution

Hello, Buckeye CableSystem. Hello, Customer Service. Hello, This is Peggy.

2011-07-22T06:00:00.002-04:00

As do many other people nowadays, I bundle my telephone, internet, and television services with one provider. Well, the other day, I had some problems with my Buckeye CableSystem service. Rather than restate it here in Roland's Ramblings, I think I will just copy and paste the comments I made about it on Facebook, as follows:

Been without landline telephone service all day. Judy used cell phone to call telephone provider Buckeye CableSystem. She got a recorded message stating there were too many incoming telephone calls, call back later, and then Buckeye Cable hung up on her. This is service? I think not. Anyone else having problems?

To that I added another comment, as follows:

At least the internet service was restored after several hours. But, upon going to Buckeye CableSystem website, I could get NO INFORMATION about the telephone blackout!!!!!

If you read that carefully, my concern was what seemed to me to be inadequate and unsatisfactory customer service. Well, one person got it right away when that person wrote this comment:

Hate that!!! That is not customer service! Reminds me of the commercial, this is Peggy!

I found some very interesting reading about customer service and the commercials with the Peggy character over at Conveyance Marketing Group. Take a look at it for yourself by clicking over to: Hello This is Peggy What is Problem Please?

While I thought I stated my concern was about customer service, it appears someone else did not read it that way, when that person wrote:

"Since this is the company my husband works for that every one is bashing...their phone lines can only hold so much call traffic with all the people calling in...it has NOTHING TO DO WITH BUCKEYE CABLE SYSTEM as a company...It is 100 degrees outside be grateful we all have electricity to run fans and air conditioners!"

To which I responded, in part:

"xxxxxx, I understand the heat and power overload is a major factor. I just do not understand why I cannot get someone from Buckeye Cablesystem or its website to at least tell me what is going on. Please do not misconstrue my comments as a personalization of individual employees; that certainly is not the intention of my comments."

The aforementioned person came back later and wrote:

"Then switch to dish and when it rains and snows you won't have anything!"

(Oh, by the way, the comments made by the aforementioned person have since been removed by that same person from my Facebook wall.)

Those comments made by the aforementioned person totally confused me, in that my comments were about customer service and only customer service. First off, Buckeye CableSystem could have a different outgoing message with a bit more sensitivity to it; second, Buckeye CableSystem could put their incoming telephone calls into virtual queue and answer them or call them back in the order in which they were received; third, in that Buckeye CableSystem is all about communication, it seems to me that there should be some kind of communication tool on their website that could address the type of problems I was experiencing, at the very least, the Buckeye CableSystem website could have a Q & A section on all their products. You see, the whole problem that I encountered was that I could not even speak with Peggy.

It seems to me that good customer service is a thing of the past. I find it especially distressing that this particular cable service provider that has the monopoly on cable service in the greater Toledo, Ohio area and that specializes in the communications industry priding itself as being on the technology forefront of the industry cannot even have a half-way decent effective means of handling customer service queries.

Perhaps, if Toledo, Ohio had two cable service providers as does Phoenix, Arizona with Cox Communications and Qwest Communications International, then there would be better customer service generated due to the business competition for customers.

What do you think?

Spendthrifts Live Beyond Their Means

2011-07-12T21:54:00.008-04:00

People never cease to amaze me. Right now, I am thinking of people who do not know how to manage their own personal finances. I know many people who have well above-average incomes that are constantly in debt and who are always asking for personal loans from relatives and friends to bail them out of yet another financial mess in which they have gotten themselves.

Even after all these years, I am still constantly amazed at the people who irresponsibly spend money without regard to paying the debts and obligations they have already incurred. More often than not, they are spendthrifts living beyond their means in a lifestyle that others would find luxurious.

Even though these people are deeply in debt, they continue to spend money as if money was burning a hole in their pocket. And all the while, they will continue to borrow money from their family and friends who have less income than they and who live a much more modest lifestyle. In fact, the spendthrift will be living more luxuriously than the person from whom they borrowed money.

To exacerbate the situation even more, there is the spendthrift who has become a moocher and who is very slow, or does not even attempt, to repay the person from whom they borrowed money, but instead will go to the movies, dine at fine restaurants, buy personal luxury items, go casino gambling, and more, even borrowing more money from the same person, who is oblivious to the extravagant lifestyle, or borrowing more money from others. These are not your everyday spendthrifts; these are the moochers that have no pride. They have no conscious.

A spendthrift is a wastrel is a profligate. Reckless spending seems to be a frequent everyday occurrence for the spendthrift. Not mindful of spending money, the wastrel will make purchases of unnecessary and unneeded items. Not conscious of the value of the food dollar, the profligate will usually dine outside the home.

Rather than making a car payment or a house payment or pay a utility bill, the spendthrift will buy a new television set, a new cell phone or blackberry, lottery tickets, some video games, a household or electronic luxury gadget that really is not needed, a daily soda pop at a fast food drive-through just because it is convenient, 2 or 3 car washes per week, etc. The wastrel will go down to the bar to drink with friends and buy a round of drinks for the house, maybe even bring in some fast food items as an additional treat for their bar buddies. Oftentimes, these profligates go out to restaurants to eat most of their meals rather than prepare meals at home that is, of course, much more financially efficient.

Hey --- What's that you say? Oh, you remember the entry "Money burns a hole in my pocket" that I made on December 14, 2009 in Roland's Ramblings. Oh, oh!

The Obsolescence of Family Ties and Interpersonal Social Ties

2011-06-29T08:01:00.003-04:00

I remember many good classroom discussions during my college adjunct faculty years when I was teaching Sociology of Marriage and the Family. I recall thinking at the time of how the focus on family life seemed of less a priority to the typical college student in my classes on the subject than it was to previous generations.
Now onward to this entry:
The Obsolescence of Family Ties and Interpersonal Social Ties.
As more time has gone by, I am even more convinced that people no longer value family ties to any great extent; perhaps, I should clarify by specifying that statement is more applicable to the ties of family other than one's minor children or spouse.
The study of Marriage & Family Processes can be very interesting from an academe perspective. The observation of family interactions is even more interesting from a personal perspective; it is also very perplexing and troubling, or least it is to me as I see what I perceive as the deteriorating importance of extended family life.
The theme song of Family Ties enters my mind as I compose this commentary. That, in turn, leads me to express an analogy to that show. As the television series Family Ties went off the broadcast airwaves into the sunset, re-runs excepted, so has real life family ties totally dissolved as each person goes his or her own separate way as did the actress who portrayed the mother, Elyse Keaton in the television series Family Ties.
Real life interpersonal social ties are also obsolete, or so it seems to me, as I wrote in a couple years ago in Roland's Ramblings Law of Diminishing Returns, in which blog entry I closed with a link to Roland Hansen Commentary Social Network Services Diminish Family Life And Friendships.

I Don't Need No Stinking Independent Politicians!

2011-06-19T19:20:00.002-04:00

People who want to elect more and more "independent" politicians unaffiliated with any political party must have their head up their keister. I mean, come on people, think. Or is that too difficult for you?

If you think it takes too long to get things done in Congress or the state legislature or the city council with those bodies basically composed of representatives from two major political parties, how long do you think it would take to get things done if the majority of those elected officials were "independent" and not affiliated with a political party????

The fact of the matter is very basic: "Independent" politicians have no common grounds on which to base their public policy decisions and in which to enact legislation. Their only commonality is that they are independent of political parties and of one another. Period!

Now, if you were to say, you are desirous of more independent-thinking politicians who have a common perspective with others who are part of a general coalition of people with varying beliefs but who belong to a political party with a set of planks of a political platform in which there is room for some differences in opinion and different levels of adherence, then I would wholeheartedly agree.

That's my take on it all, and I am sticking with it!

I Don't Need No Stinking Independent Politicians!

Ascertaining the Virginity of Egyptian Women

2011-05-31T14:54:00.008-04:00

The following is a copy of what I wrote earlier today on my other blog, Roland's Ramblings, Anthology of writings from Roland Louis Hansen of Toledo, Ohio and Mesa, Arizona:

Are there really any Egyptian women who are virgins? Apparently, some people want to know the answer to that question.
Click on over to boingboing.net to read Egypt: general confirms "virginity check" forced on female protesters by military

Living in the United States of America, I find it interesting to learn about different countries, different cultures, different norms, different mores, different values, etc.

Now for my Roland Hansen Commentary:
Somehow, I have to wonder about individual human civil rights in Egypt. The United States of America sits idly by during the civil unrest in Egypt, meanwhile, the USA continues to interfere with the internal affairs of Libya. And then there is this: Our strongest ally in that region, Israel, is asked by President Barack Obama to open its arms to Hamas, the MidEast equivalent of al-Qaeda.

Was Randy Savage A Jewish Italian Macho Man?

2011-05-25T12:47:00.005-04:00

Was Randy Savage a Jewish Italian? Or, was the wrestler Macho Man an Italian Jew? Was Randy an American or Italian or what? Did Macho Man profess to be Jewish? Did Randy Savage celebrate Chanukah? Did he observe Rosh HaShanaah and Yom Kippur? Inquiring minds want to know; well, at least, this inquiring mind (that's me, Roland Louis Hansen) wants to know.

I recently made an honest, legitimate, and sincere comment on the blog entry Jewish Wrestler Randy Savage Dies in which I addressed the blog writer. I asked for some clarification in the use of ethnic descriptors in order to better understand their use, You see, the writer referred to the ethnic parentage of Macho Man Randy Savage. The writer, Rabbi Jason Miller, used two labels: "Italian" for the paternal parent, and "Jewish" for the maternal parent. The blog writer concluded that Macho Man Randy Savage was Jewish, but never wrote whether Randy Savage identified himself as Jewish or if Randy Savage ever observed and practiced the religion of Judaism.

In response, a troll who with an apparent lack of self-esteem and self-confidence hid his or her own real identity by ingeniously using the name "Anonymous" made light of my comments in his or her sarcastic return comment in a satirical attack on me.

I truly believe that some people intermingle and/or misuse ethnic identifiers. It has hit me personally over the years. My mother always stated she was a Russian Jew, but she was born in Ukraine. My father was a nonobservant Lutheran born in Elk Horn, Iowa, U.S.A. of parents that had emigrated from Denmark.

Throughout the years, I have been labeled by many people as a Jew, a dirty Jew, and as a half-breed Jew. I have yet to be labeled as a Dane or as Danish or as Russian or as Ukrainian by others who know that Judaism is my religion. There were many people of the Jewish religion who lived in Denmark during World War II that were protected by the Danish government. They were Danish citizens who followed, observed, and practiced Judaism. Would they be identified as Danish Jews or as Jewish Danes? As I previously stated, my mother identified herself as a Russian Jew til the day she died in 1984. In that she was born in Ukraine, I wonder if her ancestors were from Russia and had moved to Ukraine.

I have always wondered if any of my paternal ancestors were Danish Vikings or if any of my maternal ancestors came from the ancient nations of Judea or Israel. I will never know. Am I a Jewish Danish Russian Ukrainian? What label would you give me? Personally, I refer to me as American, pure and simple.

As far as that anonymous troll is concerned, I say "Shove off if you cannot have an intelligent discussion."

Obama on Palestine and Israel

2011-05-19T17:18:00.002-04:00

I just read the news story Obama: Palestine-Israel Solution Must Be Based on 1967 Borders with piqued interest.

All I can say now is really just a question:
Is Obama nuts?

Presidential Race 2012

2011-05-15T13:15:00.003-04:00

Well, it appears the race is now on in the quest to secure the next United States Presidency. Incumbent President Barack Obama has announced his re-election candidacy. Several Republicans have announced their jump into the foray. Some of the more prominent candidates include: former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Congressman Ron Paul, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, and former US Senator Rick Santorum.

That ditzy, lame-brain, speak from the hip without thinking, quitter by not completing a previous elected position as Governer of Alaska Sarah Palin is still stomping around the world riding the crest of popularity fueled by poor-thinking, mal-thinking, non-thinking drones who are enamored with negative generalizations about almost everything. Hopefully, Palin will pale before any formal announcement of a 2012 President candidacy and that ship will sink before leaving port.

Donald Duck, er, I mean, Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision but the Trump has been making a "Presidential" stump an almost every day exercise. I wonder if DT's approach to solving the financial difficulties of the national government is the same as it is in his private business life. Filing bankruptcy sure did help him in his business ventures bringing him back to his multi-million dollars status. Of course, I am sure his debtors would have liked to have been paid once The Donald re-gained his millions. But, Donald ducked any moral responsibility and stiffed those people big time. In my opinion, Donald Trump is a greedy, bloodsucking, self-serving parasite making money off the sweat of the brow of others with no thought of, or care for, those he stomps upon. I say Dump Trump.

Mick Huckabee has announced he is not running for President in 2012, but has not ruled out a future race for the number 1 political elective contest in America. Huckabee has the good sense to know this is not the time for him to run for President. After all he is now making big bucks in private life with his television show and book writing and professional speaking engagements and on and on and on. Shucks, Hucks and Bucks! Why would Mike want to give up all that just to provide public service to our country? Money talks and Huckabee walks.

I could write much more but that is enough from me today. I will save it for another time.

For a more complete list of people who have either announced their candidacy or who have formed exploratory committees or who are being mentioned as potential candidates, click on over to the Presidency 2012 web page of Ron Gunzburger's Politics1.com website. That web page will automatically update as time goes by, consequently some of which I have written here today (May 15, 2011) will become obsolete with the passage of time; and, of course, informationon on that web page may change each time you check back to it.

What? You say you want to know my views on President Obama? My simple response:
Disappointment.

Rising Gasoline Prices: Blame President Barack Obama!

2011-04-28T15:00:00.002-04:00

In these days of once again rising gasoline prices in the United States of America, it is not uncommon for tea party movement folks and Republicans and other conservatives, aka Obama Bashers, to blame President Barack Obama for those obscenely high gasoline prices. Heck, not only can Obama Bashers blame the President for high gas prices here in the USA, they may as well blame him for high gasoline prices throughout the world.

Well, it stands to reason, right? Here let us read the facts about gasoline prices:
API Home < About Oil and Natural Gas < Gasoline
Worldwide Retail Prices of Gasoline (US cents per litre)
Gas prices around the world
U.S. gas prices are a joke ... in Norway

As you can easily discern from those readings, all these absurdly high gasoline prices are plainly the fault of President Barack Obama. Or, are they?

I am sure that Big Corporate Oil Company Greed has absolutely nothing to do with the high price of gasoline. If you doubt that, just click on over to read:
Exxon Mobil 1Q Profit Soars 69% On Higher Oil Prices
Shell 1Q Adjusted Profit Soars 30% To $6.29B On Higher Oil Price
Big Oil continues to see big profits, pollution while Americans get robbed at the pump
Oil profits, rhetoric on the rise

As those tea-partying conservatives and Republicans may think, I say "Do not confuse me with the facts; my mind is made up."
With their line of thinking, i.e, conservatives, Republicans, and Tea Party Movement members, we can safely say that President Barack Obama is the source of all our problems, not only in America but also throughout the whole wide world!
Oh, yes, and Barack Obama's birth certificate is a fake also.

Jewish People, aka (to some people) Jews, Eat Pork

2011-04-22T16:03:00.002-04:00

There are many people who have misinformation about Jewish practices and observances. Most people are of the belief that Jewish people do not eat pork or shellfish. There are some folks who even get into a long discussion in answer to the question: Do Jewish people eat pork?

It would appear from the comments contained in the preceding link that there are some Jewish people who do eat pork.

Another discussion I found on 'the net'is from The Straight Dope, Fighting Ignorance Since 1973, (It's Taking Longer Than We Thought). You might enjoy it; so click on over to read:
Why do some religious Jews eat pork and shrimp?

Speaking of the straight dope, You might find it entertaining to go to the following web page:
Why Jews don't eat pork according to Howard Stern.

I was reared in Reform Judaism. I do not fit the stereotype that many people have of one who is Jewish. And for the life of me, I do not understand why so many people have no clue as to the different movements or denominations within Judaism. Heck, I even wonder what it is about those Jewish people who think the platform of their Jewish denomination is the right one and that other denominations are not really Jewish; and, I really wonder why some Jewish people think their Rabbi is right and my Rabbi is wrong.

As a "Reform Jew," I found the following web page to be interesting reading:
Are some Reform Jews so liberal they eat lobster and pork?

Come to think of it, many people have many questions regarding Reform Judaism to which the immediately preceding embedded link attempt to answer.

Another web page that raised my eyebrows was an entry from the blog of The Fly Fishing Rabbi. You just might find it interesting, also. Click on over to read:
Why do Jews not eat Pork?

Now, I am totally confused.

Well, maybe we don't have a solid, conclusive answer to the question of whether Jews eat ham or pork chops or bacon or lobster or shrimp or clams or whatever; but,
We all know what a Jew looks like. Right?

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel: Nonresponsive, Unaccountable, Holier-than-thou Attitude???

2011-04-12T16:10:00.002-04:00

I am reading some interesting stuff about the Treasurer of the State of Ohio, a fellow by the name of Josh Mandel. I am not kidding you; I josh you not; his name is Josh.

Upon reading a blog entry of Jill Miller Zimon, I cannot help but have three descriptives come to my mind in regards to Josh Mandel (Mandel is his last name, not to be confused with mandelbrot). In light of those descriptives, I ask: "Is Josh Mandel nonresponsive, unaccountable, and have a holier-than-thou attitude?"

I suggest you click on over to read Mandel Supports Anti-Choice Legislation Not Even Supported by Ohio Right to Life from the blog Writes Likes She Talks.

United States and Selective Reasoning Violate the Constitution

2011-04-02T19:23:00.004-04:00

Tim Higgins of Just Blowing Smoke... is not blowing any smoke when it comes to 'calling as it is' regarding the historical selective reasoning of the government of the United States of America in the interpretation, limitations, and adherance/nonadherance of and to the Constitution of the United States of America.

I strongly encourage you to click on over to read "The Beam In Our Own Eye" and you may ascertain for yourself the validity and veracity of that which I am of the belief to be the truth.

While Timothy W. Higgins points out the facts, it seems as though the entire population of the USA chooses not to see our country's history and current operations with clear vision but rather through a smoky lens.

April Fools' Day to Roland Hansen

2011-04-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

April Fools' Day came a day early for me.

Yesterday morning, I composed a Roland Hansen Commentary that I thought was really quite good. I thought it was well-worded, informative with plenty of links, witty, and entertaining. I really enjoyed putting it together - I better have; it took me over three hours to complete.

Then a strange thing happened. After I had checked, checked again, and re-checked it to make sure it was in good final publishing form, and after I hit the "publish post" key, or so I thought, I logged out. Awhile later, when I returned to Roland Hansen Commentary, the entry on which I had worked so hard was not there. I looked everywhere for it. I looked in drafts, in the clipboard, on the desktop, in word programs, in memory on the hard drive, in temporary files and every kind of file of which I could think; I mean to tell you I looked everywhere. It got lost somewhere in cyberspace. It was as though April Fools' Day came one day early and someone had played an evil, nightmarish April Fools' Day prank on me.

I am sickened at the loss and still fermished enough and farklempt that I do not want to re-create that entry. I do not think I can equal the creativity of which I was inspired as I penned that entry yesterday. It is lost in space forever.

Now, after having undergone such a tradgedy, it remains to be seen whether I ever blog here again. Or, is that statement just an April Fools' Day prank of mine.

Why the USA is fighting in Libya.

2011-03-27T00:15:00.003-04:00

Nice title, eh?

So, the question is: Why are we (the United States of America) intervening with military action in yet another foreign country's domestic matters, i.e. Libya?

You tell me, because I'll be darned if I know.

Our country's founding was based on the premise that the people of the country have the right of self-determination in the matter of their own form of government, and if the people did not like that government, then the people of the country have the right to change or abolish that government. Poorly worded, but I think you get my drift in paraphrasing our Declaration of Independence.

Okay, I understand that some Libyans are unhappy with their government and want change. And, the Libyan people as a group have the right to do so. That is the Libyans have that right, not America. It seems to me that the United States of America has injected itself into the internal affairs of many countries over the past 50 years. It does not matter to me whether I agree with the form of government in another country; it is not my country; it is up to the people of the other country to have whatever form of government they want.

Oh, wait. I seem to remember something about a country called Viet Nam. Now, what is it? Oh, yes, now I remember, We lost our military intervention into that country's civil war, as did France before us, and we (the U.S.A.) got our asses kicked. Now, the very same government that we opposed in Viet Nam apparently has full trade with the USA as I see many products on American retail shelves with the label "Made in Viet Nam." Lesson learned: Why is the United States of America fighting in the civil war (if that is what it is) of Libya?

Wisconsin: Leading The Charge of Contemporary Anti-Union Laws

2011-03-18T19:28:00.002-04:00

I find it interesting that the Republican Governor and the Republican controlled state legislature of the State of Wisconsin are foolishly rushing to squash the collective bargaining rights of their public employess. They cite the state deficit, the current poor economy, and collective bargaining as reasons for not being able to afford the continued wages and benefits of the state's (including local political subdivisions) political employees; and then use that as the reason to strip public employee unions of collective bargaining rights.

I say what a bunch of cowardly, mismanagement, nonfeasance, 'blame=the-other-guy' syndrome! Why do you have to strip the unions of collective bargaining rights? Why not assume the responsibility and accountability of good public management? Tow the line, hang tough in negotiations, and stay with the bottom line management offer regarding wages and benefits. Oh, poor management! That would require them to work. So, those yayholes of Wisconsin Republican politicians decided that serfdom would make for a better workforce and is the better way to manage the budget.

Oh, and the latest (as of the date of writing this Roland Hansen Commentary) on the Republican bulldozing anti-union legislation is that a judge has temporarily blocked the law from taking effect; read about that by clicking here.

If you wish, you may look at this in order to find and read more current information about Wisconsin anti-union law.

Public Breastfeeding

2011-03-07T14:19:00.003-05:00

We adults eat while out in public all the time. Our children also eat while in the public eye. Our infants are publicly bottle fed. But what of the breastfed infant? For some strange asinine reason, many people are abhorred at public breastfeeding.

My mother breastfed all seven of her children. Human breast milk is good for human babies; it is healthy. Human breast milk is the natural way to feed human babies; it is as God intended. Female breasts are there for the primary purpose of feeding human infants. So, why are so many people hung up on breastfeeding in public? People can be so stupid!

Do you want to know what got me started on this topic? It was the blog entry post Breast Feeding in Public from Judy's Jewels.

Several web sites and/or pages that I recommend people click over to explore are:
007 Breasts
Breastfeeding in Public
Breastfeeding Laws
Breastfeeding in Public Images
Breastfeeding in Public Videos

I'm telling you the general American public is as dumb as rocks. People confuse nudity with sex. People view human female breasts as sex objects which they are not; a human female breast is no more of a sex object than is an ear lobe! I have seen and heard so many ads in the print and broadcast media about the use of K-Y jelly for sexual pleasure, condoms for sexual safety and pleasure, male erectile function products, recruitment of female subjects for scientific studies delving into female "intimacy" dysfunction, and on and on and on. These things are on billboards, in the newspapers and magazines, on radio and television. Apparently, all that is acceptable for public display; but for some strange reason, breastfeeding in public still remains pretty much taboo. Go figure!

I believe it is acceptable to eat in public; and, therefore, I support public eating. That applies to adults, children, and infants.
Ergo,
I am a strong advocate of breastfeeding; and, I strongly support public breastfeeding.

What's It All About, Charlie?

2011-02-21T16:17:00.006-05:00

I sometimes have to wonder about people? Why do some folks feel it is necessary to write or say mean-spirited things about other people intentionly and with malice for no apparent reason other than to try to inflict harm and to cause hurt feelings.

At the moment, I am thinking of my own 22-year-old adult niece, Charlie (Charlotte) Hansen, who has taken it upon herself to lambast me on the internet, especially on Facebook, on my own Roland's Ramblings blog, and in instant messages amongst her friends and even with other members of my own family. I have always treated Charlie kindly. I had never said an unkind word to her and I have always acted friendly towards Charlie. I had thought we had a good relationship; that is, until just a few weeks ago when she began to openly malign me from out of nowhere. I see no rhyme or reason for her written attacks upon me.

Why such disrespect? Why such vicious venom? What does this say about me; or, better yet, what does this say about her?

Well, perhaps, I should take a clue from Charlie. Back on January 28, 2011, I posted the following on my Facebook wall:
Respect. That is a seven letter word. What is your definition of the word "respect?"
To that posted comment, Charlie wrote on my Facebook wall two responses on January 30, 2011:
"Respect is not something your born with; it's something you earn. So many people need to realize that just because you have a few wrinkles on your face, and your skin is starting to sag, your word is not supreme. Damned snowbirds..."
"Do take care and maybe consider showing your family a bit more respect. As from the many conversations I have personally held, many family members already have no respect for you."

For a bit more about some of my thoughts on all of this, just go on over to read a few entries from my Roland's Ramblings blog:
Napoleon Complex; Short Man’s Syndrome
Sticks and Stones
“Ignorance is bliss.”

Modern electronic communication technology is fantastic. However, it seems to me that with the advent of e-mail, "texting," internet social networks, and all that ilk, our modern society is losing the intimacy and social graces of the courtesy and respect that are all part of interpersonal, face-to-face, communications.

Given that these electronic media of communication to which I reference do not allow for nonverbal communication and body language cues or for an instant exchange of meaningful feedback, I pose the qhestion:
What's It All About, Charlie?

On a brighter note, I suggest you read Judy's Jewels blog entry:
What’s It all About……Alfie

Learn From Mistakes

2011-02-09T16:22:00.002-05:00

Judge not, lest ye be judged.

Every one makes mistakes. Even me. But all too often, others rush to judgement when it comes to the other person who has made some mistake.

A smart person will learn from his or her own mistakes. However, a truly smart person will not only learn from his or her own mistakes, but will also learn from the mistakes of others. That is why I so much appreciate a recent blog entry of As the Spirtit Moves Me by Nina Amir.

Click on over to read the blog entry:
Lessons learned from Christina Aguilera’s Super Bowl Mistake.

Glenn Beck: Savior of the Jewish people?

2011-01-31T17:17:00.003-05:00

I have previously written of Glenn Beck on more than one occasion.

Well, Glenn Beck is back on my radar again. Rather than a whole bunch of commentary from me, I would like to request that you click on each of the following title headings below to read the contents of each and then return here.

PUPPETRY by Hendrik Hertzberg, The New Yorker, November 29, 2010.
Open Letter to Glenn Beck, RabbiJason.com, Rabbi Jason Miller, January 28, 2011.
Rabbis sign on to Jewish Funds for Justice battle with Beck, Fox News, by Ben Harris, JTA, January 31, 2011.
Rabbis to Rupert Murdoch: 'Sanction Glenn Beck', posted by Wolfman, SwampBubbles, January 28, 2011.

I certainly hope you took the time and made the effort to read those cited references.

Now, on to my ever-so-brief commentary after all that.

It seems to me as though Glenn Beck fancies himself as the Savior of the Jewish people. Personally, I believe he is the Pretender to that descriptive title, sort of like the antichrist in that regard.

It is way past time for Glenn Beck to hang it up, hang his head down in shame, and head off to other pastures far, far outside of the public sphere.

Discourse in American Politics and Everyday Life

2011-01-13T14:05:00.007-05:00

I find Tim Higgins' Just Blowing Smoke... Civil Political Discourse to be very interesting reading. While I believe mi amigo, Tim, has made some very poignant comments in regards to the subject of discourse in American political commentaries, discussions, and dialogs, I also believe the same may be true of most interpersonal communications in America.

And true enough, the mass media seems to have become the regular and acceptable forum in which to incite and inflame. The traditional mass media has taken root in sensationalizing people and trivializing issues in almost every part of our lives for one very simple reason; it sells readership, viewership, and listenership. People love to gossip and badmouth others and they love hearing others do the same --- that is, if they are in agreement; otherwise, it is terrible of the other guy to say or write all those nasty things.

With my line of thought in that regards, I now see that local and national television programs have taken to using facebook and twitter into their programming in such a way as to encourage the audience to make comments that are then read on the air. Hey, it works; so many people want their minute of fame on television and they get it with irresponsible broadcast entertainment masquerading as journalism news and current events.

Would it not be ideal for all of us to be able to express ourselves in a well presented manner to others without the fear of being lambasted, harassed, harangued, ridiculed, or whatever? Dream on!

Now for some real discourse, taking my lead from television news programs, all I can say is: "Coming up, breaking news, obviously, right?"

Censoring Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer

2011-01-07T19:07:00.002-05:00

Haven't you heard the latest in censorship? Are Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer really personas non grata? Is it a sign of the times? Are we to re-write history and novels to be politically correct?

I think Jack has it right when he took the subject up in his Mad Jack's Shack blog entry to write Rant: Censorship. (Click on that entry title to read the whole thing.)

Obama, Hitler, Nazis, and Jews

2011-01-03T14:04:00.003-05:00

"As Hitler and World War II recede into history, the term “Nazi” has for too many Americans become a descriptive for someone, like President Obama for example, whose political views offend those employing the term. This is an insult to the president and a bigger insult to the many whose lives have been marred in some way by evil inflicted by those who wore the swastika."
- Excerpt from Not Just a Jewish issue, The Berkshire Beagle, December 28, 2010

I wonder how extremist Obama bashers defend their views when comparing Barack Obama, our President of the United States, to Hitler and to Nazis.

Note: I did write extremist Obama bashers; this is not a reference to Obama bashers in general.

Side note: I found an interesting place on the internet - I Hate Obama Bashers.

Follow The Money

2010-12-30T11:19:00.002-05:00

The rich get richer taking their money elsewhere creating a downward spiral wherein the poor get poorer. Meanwhile, the moderate income taxpayer continues to get the squeeze.

Click over to Judy Hansen Commentary: Bankrupting Michigan.

Screwed and Scrooged Again! Obscenity and the Wealthy

2010-12-24T06:43:00.000-05:00

The word obscene means different things to different people. I use the word in a variety of contexts. Today I use the word obscene to describe the rich fat cats of the financial and corporate world. Some people refer to those folks as the wealthy. I say they are obscenely rich. I direct your attention to the story contained in this embedded link.

2010 Top Ten Anti-Semitic Slurs

2010-12-17T13:25:00.003-05:00

I have previously written a few times here in Roland Hansen Commentary about anti-Semitism. As much as this prejudice and discrimination against Jewish people (or Jews as some prefer to say) continues to rear its ugly head, it still never ceases to amaze me that many Americans refuse to recognize the fact that anti-Semitism is truly prevalent in the United States of America and indeed throughout the world. This refusal to acknowledge anti-Semitism reminds me of the stories I have heard and read about Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler. I am also reminded of the Spanish Inquisition. As a person who is Jewish, I have personally experienced the effects of anti-Semitism on numerous occasions.

Recently, I received an interesing e-mail concerning anti-Semitism throughout the world entitled "ANTI-SEMITISM GOES MAINSTREAM - NEWS ALERT: SWC Releases its “TOP 10 ANTI-SEMITIC SLURS OF 2010” List" which had been forwarded to me. As I understand it, this list was initially put together by the Simon Weisenthal Center. I think Many peopple might be amazed to read it; and, others will simple refuse to read it because they really do not give a damn.

If you would care to read that of which I write, and read some actual anti-Semitic quotes of persons from around the world including the U.S.A., just click on the following:
2010 Top Ten Anti-Semitic Slurs

Feel free to give some feedback on all this. I certainly will be interested in reading your comments.

It is Monday. Go Meatless.

2010-12-06T06:00:00.002-05:00

After having read the Judy Hansen Commentary Meatless Monday, my curiosity was aroused to learn even more about the Meatless Monday Initiative that has been getting attention.

There has been Meatless Monday in the Media. This whole Meatless Monday thing appears to have been started back in 2003 by the Hopkins School of Public Health.

It used to be that certain Christians had the practice of meatless Fridays; but, that pretty much went by the wayside. Now that there is the movement underfoot to go with Meatless Mondays, even Israelis are jumping on the meatless Mondays bandwagon.

So, people, go meatless. I say go further than just Mondays, though. Save an animal and go meatless every day. Eat Seaweed.

It is Chanukah!

2010-12-02T13:15:00.002-05:00

To read what I have written on this, I respectfully request that you click on:
Chanukah Greetings Courtesy of Adam Sandler

Hack Yourself as recommended by Adam Hansen

2010-11-27T16:15:00.002-05:00

Hey, this is not my post; and, truth be told, it really is not my son, Adam Hansen, who made the original posting.

However, Adam has made a posting on his blog that revisits someone else's work that is just so darn worthwhile, I thought I would share it with the readers of Roland Hansen Commentary.

Ready? Then, click on over to read Hack Yourself as recommended by Adam Hansen.

God Bless the TSA (Transportation Security Administration)

2010-11-21T19:39:00.002-05:00

You gotta love the Transportation Security Administration, aka the TSA.
I just cannot understand all the people who are slamming the TSA. Did you know there are some folks who want to protest the thoroughness of the job that the Transportation Security Administration is performing in trying to assure the safety of all who fly the skies in the good ol' United States of America? Yes, indeed, these good Americans want to disrupt the rest of us in our air travel; they want to impede the TSA in the performance of its duty and thereby consequently delay all the airline passengers across all of America, or even causing innocent passengers to actually miss their flights.

Please, go on over to my other blog, Roland's Ramblings, to read The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) Watches Out For Our Safety.

The protesters allege that our right of privacy is being abridged by the new TSA procedures. What these folks fail to understand is that there is no such thing as a constitutional right for privacy, per se. Constitutionally speaking, there is no broad general expressed right to privacy or right of privacy in the United States Constitution.

None-the-less, in regards to an implied right of privacy, there are decisions of the United States Supreme Court interpreting various sections of the Constitution and applying those interpretations to certain types of situations. Generally, speaking however, none of those situations really apply the right of privacy for an individual in a setting that involves the public at large. As an example, an individual may generally expect an implied constitutional right of privacy to be applicable to conversations taking place in a person's private home or even conversations held on a person's land-line home telephone; but, there is no express or implied constitutional right to privacy that is applicable to conversations being held over a cordless telephone that uses public radio airwaves.

Commercial airlines are available to the general public. Air travel is conducted in the skies of the public air routes. Why on Earth or above the Earth should anyone expect any right to privacy? Come to think of it, why should anyone even think they have the right to wear clothing at anytime during the process of participating in air travel?

This whole thing about a constitutional right of privacy is clear as mud!

Are You A Sarah Palin Fan?

2010-11-18T15:05:00.003-05:00

Little Johnny is not a Palin fan

A teacher asked her 6th grade class how many of them were Palin fans. Not really knowing what a Palin fan is, but wanting to be liked by the teacher, all the kids raised their hands except for Little Johnny.

The teacher asked Little Johnny why he has decided to be different... again.

Little Johnny said, "Because I'm not a Palin fan."

The teacher asked, "Why aren't you a fan of Palin?"

Johnny said, "Because I'm a Democrat."

The teacher asked him why he's a Democrat.

Little Johnny answered, "Well, my Mom's a Democrat and my Dad's a Democrat, so I'm a Democrat."

Annoyed by this answer, the teacher asked, "If your mom were a moron and your dad were an idiot, what would that make you?"

With a big smile, Little Johnny replied, "That would make me a Palin fan."

MY VOTE IS FOR JOHNNY.

p.s. My thankful appreciation goes out to Jerry Rosen for bringing this cute little story to my attention.
Incidentally, I think that Little Johnny is wise way beyond his years.

Good Things, Objective and Subjective

2010-11-13T18:44:00.003-05:00

This entry is not the usual Roland Hansen Commentary. In fact, it is not a Roland Hansen Commentary at all.

Instead, I would like to direct you over to the blog of Nina Amir that is called As The Spirit Moves Me in order that you may read her blog entry about objective good and subjective good:
Is What You Want "Good" For You?

I pretty well think that most people could learn a lesson or two from reading that writing of Nina Amir and take it to heart.

The 17th Amendment and The United States Senate

2010-10-26T15:12:00.002-04:00

The history of government of the United States of America is quite interesting as it also continues to be an ever-evolving story. The original form of government with its subsequent changes, the creation of the Senate along with the change in how Senators have been chosen coupled with current proposals in the selection of Senators has got me pondering.

It was the Second Continental Congress that approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. However, it was not until 1781 that the United States of America adopted its first form of national government under the Articles of Confederation. While each state was granted much independence, the Articles of Confederation did not provide the national government with the authority to make the states work together to solve national problems. Under this early form of federalism, early Americans were not all that happy with the national government and decided a change was needed. Consequently, the call for governmental change resulted in throwing out the government entirely with the adoption of a new form of government under the Constitution of the United States in 1789.

Article 1 of the Constitution is known as the legislative article because it establishes the national legislature for the United States. In compliance with this article of the Constitution, the national legislature is composed of a two-chamber Congress consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as stated in Article 1, Section 1: “All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.”

According to the Article 1 Section 1 of the Constitution, members of “the House of Representatives shall be … chosen … by the people of the several states, …” with each state having proportionate representation, i.e. each state having its number of representatives determined proportionately by the size of its population.

In regards to the Senate, the Constitution provided that each state shall have two senators regardless of the population size. Additionally, the Constitution stipulated that those senators were to be chosen by each state legislature. Section 3 of Article 1 states, in part: “The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two senators from each state, chosen by the legislature thereof, ....“

Note that the Constitution as ratified in 1789 provided that each state be allowed two senators with each state legislature choosing those two senators. This is how United States Senators were chosen for the next 124 years.

It was in 1913 that the 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified. It is the 17th Amendment, adopted 124 years after the Constitution of the United States was ratified, that changed the manner in which United States Senators are chosen. It is the 17th Amendment that took the responsibility, authority, and power of electing senators from the state legislatures. It is the 17th Amendment that gave the power of electing Senators directly to the people of the states. Amendment 17 to the United States Constitution states, in part: “The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two senators from each state, elected by the people thereof … “

Now, 97 years later, there is a group of people, most of whom have aligned themselves with the Tea Party movement, who wish to change the method of choosing Senators by going back to the original method of having Senators chosen by the individual state legislatures.

So, if we are to essentially repeal the 17th Amendment, are we taking a step backwards or are we correcting the error of our ways to go back so that we may move forward?

I have heard some pundits criticize this proposal of having the state legislatures choosing U.S. Senators as taking away the right of people to vote. If we return to that method of selecting Senators, do the people really lose power? In our republican government, our representative democracy, are not the state legislators elected by the people and empowered to act on the behalf of the people? If we do not trust our state legislators, why did we elect them? If it concerns a matter of having a direct vote and a direct voice, why do we have a representative democracy, why not just go to a direct democracy form of government?

Why do we keep going back and forth about how we select members of the United States Senate? I get so confused with the arguments, pro and con. Do we want a representative democracy, a direct democracy, or what?

University of Toledo: More BS, as in BULL

2010-10-15T21:05:00.004-04:00

With the University of Toledo being the topic of Roland Hansen Commentary today, a reference to BS might refer to Bachelor of Science; but, that is not the case.

I just read with great interest a story from The Independent Collegian. After having read the article, all I can sputter is "What a bunch of BS!" (Hint: the "B" stands for "bull" and the "S" - well, you can fill that in for yourself.)

Tell you what. Click on over to read Board approves restructuring plan, University to be reorganized into new colleges and schools; implementation process to begin by Hasan Dudar; and then, tell me of your reaction.

Ya know? This is not the first Roland Hansen Commentary about the University of Toledo. I have made several blog entries about the University of Toledo. To get the flavor of my perspective of U.T. under the watch of Lloyd Jacobs, you might click over to read these three previous commentaries of mine:
University of Toledo: A Non-Responsive Bureaucracy
University of Toledo: A Success As A Failure OR A Failure At Success?
University of Toledo: President Dr. Lloyd Jacobs Should Resign Or Be Fired

There are more Roland Hansen Commentary entries about U.T. that you may read; and if you so desire, go ahead and knock your socks off. But, I think you catch my drift.

Postnote: The University of Toledo is a great place to learn, thanks to its excellent faculty and faculty support staff, and no thanks to (or should that be "despite"?) its administration

Consumer Alert: 760-284-4698 Scam By Telephone

2010-10-10T20:20:00.005-04:00

Most people are aware that I have two places that I call home. One is the home of my legal residence in Toledo, Ohio. The other is my little retirement home in Dreamland Villa, a 55 plus community in a Maricopa County island of Arizona surrounded by the municipality of Mesa where I am at the moment.

Well, the other day, I received a telephone call from my brother, who lives in my Toledo house. He was frantic and was quite distraught. He started out with, "I do not know if you are in trouble or not; but there was a telephone call that I answered that, as it turned out, was for you. I took a message and promised the caller that I would give it to you."

He then proceeded to give me the message, as paraphrased and summarized below:

"A fellow using the name Frank Jefferson telephoned. He said his name was 'Frank Jefferson' but he spoke with a really strange accent that sounded like it might be East Indian. He said that a friend of yours (note from Roland: name being withheld to protect the innocent) is involved in some legal matters with American Cash Advance and since you (Roland) are named as a reference that you are equally involved. He aid that it is very important for you to call him back at the telephone number of 1-760-284-4698 or you can be in real trouble."

Wow! That is some heavy stuff, but something just did not seem correct. I, mean, give me a break - How could I be in trouble just by being named as a reference for someone else? I figured no way I will call this 'Frank Jefferson' person until I let my friend know about the call. I had absolutely no clue as to why either my friend or I would be involved in legal matters with American Cash Advance. I thought my friend might be able to shed some light on this.

Meanwhile, Sherlock Roland decided to let his fingers do the walking on the computer keyboard connected to the internet armed with trusty Google. So, into the google search space went the telephone number that was to supposedly be this 'Frank Jefferson' character.

Lo and Behold! Upon seeing the results, I got all kinds of warnings that it is a big scam to get money by fraudulent means. I thought I should share this information with everyone I can and to advise you all:
BE CAREFUL. IT IS A SCAM!

Here, click on over to the following embedded link to take a look for yourself at the Google search results for the telephone number 760-284-4698.

This is a public service announcement of Roland Hansen Commentary.

Seeking Intelligent Life

2010-09-30T16:29:00.000-04:00

It is often said that astronomers, other natural scientists, and some other enthusiasts on Earth are seeking intelligent life in the Universe. Hell, I would be happy if we found some intelligent life right here on Earth.

I mean, come on people, look around you and do so objectively. How many people do you know actually have any real level of “smartness” sufficiently enough to be labeled as intelligent? Now, take another look around you, and tell me how many people you know that you have at sometime thought to yourself “Wow, he (or she) is really dumb (or stupid)!” Come on; be honest.

In everyday contacts with people and in observing others, I bet most people who read Roland Hansen Commentary think the majority of folks are dumb. Chances are good that there is not a majority of people who can be called intelligent. Chances are that most people around us do not keep current on the affairs of their community, let alone the affairs of the nation. Chances are that most Americans do not even know the basics of our governmental system. Chances are that the bulk of Americans have absolutely no understanding neither of the authorities, responsibilities, or of the limitations of the various branches and levels of government, nor of our elected officials.

And yet, these are the very same people who elect our leaders, our representatives, and all the other various elected officials. These are the same people who constantly slam and criticize our government and cry about those who have been put into office through the electoral process. My, gosh! Stop and think. The elected officials who comprise our government are a reflection of the American electorate. To those people who are so critical of our government, of our elected officials, I say, look in a mirror. What do you see? It certainly does not reflect any intelligence on your part. I say, if you are intelligent, you would realize that all our elected officials are smarter than the majority of people; otherwise, you tell me how the elected official got there in the first place.

Oh, I cannot believe the lack of intelligence that permeates the American citizenry! The other day, I saw a campaign sign for a candidate to the state legislature with a few key phrases on it that left me scratching my head. A little elaboration of that perplexing and confounding political sign: One phrase stated “better schools” and yet we elect boards of education for that important function; another phrase stated “lower taxes” but did not say what public services should be eliminated as a result of decreased public revenues; and another phrase on that sign proclaimed “create new jobs” and yet that candidate was of the political party that professes the government should stay out of the affairs of private business enterprises advocating that capitalism of the marketplace regulate itself and should set its own pace.

Give me a break! How stupid! And yet, the public falls for such irrationalism. People lack the intelligence to properly read (or listen) and interpret the real message. People lack the ability to think for themselves. People also lack the initiative to obtain the facts for themselves. All they do is react. That is why negative advertising in campaigns works so well. The receivers of the negative campaign ad do not stop to process the information; they just knee jerk, saying “yeah, that’s right” and then vote for the other candidate without ever taking the time to gather objective information in order to intelligently assess that “other” candidate.

I dare say, none of those people even read Roland Hansen Commentary or any other material that requires their attention and mental processing. Most people are just too damn lazy; they prefer to complain and criticize and moan and groan and attack the few people who do have intelligence and initiative and a sense of real, true public service.

I am seeking intelligent life. Who wants to help me in my quest?

Religion and Politics

2010-09-19T19:05:00.000-04:00

Religion and politics do not mix, just like oil and vinegar do not mix. Or at least religion and politics should not mix, regardless of all the so-called "good Americans" who think their personally held religious beliefs should control our everyday lives here in the United States of America. However, people do mix religion and politics, in the same way as they mix oil and vinegar, as described in part of the article to which I linked in the opening sentence, "There is a way to make oil and vinegar combine. For example, if you were to get grease on your hands..."

As I wrote over on my Roland's Ramblings blog:

Out of respect for the First Amendment, I cannot help but have the opinion that candidates for elective office, especially those persons who seek election to the United States Congress, and/or those who already hold elective office, should keep religion out of politics.

I found an article in Wikipedia to be very interesting and I highly suggest you click on over to read:
Religion and politics in the United States

It seems to me that some people think that their religion is the correct one and that everyone else should conform to their religious beliefs. Gee, if memory serves me correctly, I learned at a very early age in elementary school history class that the early colonists came to the New World in order to escape religious persecution and oppression and to safely observe their own religious beliefs.

Political conservatives and many persons who have embraced the Tea Party movement seem to have forgotten that very basic principal of the United States of America as they try to force their religious beliefs on others who do not share the same religious beliefs, things like prayer in school, returning CHRIST in xMas, declarations that the USA is a Christian nation, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera (as Yul Brynner said in The King and I).

It is my passionately held opinion that religion and politics do not mix and that religion and politics should be separate. "And now you know… the rest of the story." as told by me. This is (with all due respect to Paul Harvey) Roland Hansen ............. Good Day!

The Cost of a Colonoscopy

2010-09-11T20:52:00.005-04:00

Okay, many people I know keep saying that a person of a certain age should get a colonoscopy at regular intervals just as a preventive medicine health care measure. I understand the necessity for a person at risk, i.e. for someone in which a health problem is medically suspected; but to have a colonoscopy on a regular, just because basis, I don't know. Especially when I see what the costs are for a colonoscopy.

Recently, my wife, Judy, was in need of a colonoscopy due to medical necessity in that the primary care physician suspected some problems after a physical examination and the return of some medical tests. I will not even go into the costs of these preliminary exams and tests.

However, I feel compelled to tell you about the costs of the colonoscopy including the associated costs of the removal of the five polyps that were discovered and removed during the process of the colonoscopy itself. All total, there have been five different medical providers involved. i.e. the surgeon, the facility, the anesthesiologist, the laboratory, and the pathologist.

Are you ready?

$3517.83 or $1363.10, depending upon how you look at it.

If a person has no medical insurance, the medical providers would make that person pay $3517.83 out of his or her own pocket.

But, if a person has the same medical insurance as I do, the medical providers would accept $1363.10 as payment in full. In our situation, my insurance company paid $729.90 and we paid $633.20 out of our own pocket. The medical providers actually wrote off $2154.73 of their charges because - - - well, basically because the insurance company said the medical providers were overcharging by that much.

This is a summary of that of which I just wrote:
Amount billed: $3517.83
Amount allowed: $1363.10
Insurance paid: $729.90
We paid: $633.20
Written off: $2154.73

If you want to know the details of all that, like how each of those line items are broken down by medical providers, go over to read my comments on Judy Hansen Commentary Medical Cost Ripoff and see the precise amount for each of the medical providers --- and I name names.

A person without health insurance would have to pay $3517.83 for a colonoscopy and removal of polyps. But, as you can see in the case of Judy, those same medical providers are willing to accept $1363.10 as payment in full for persons who have insurance such as mine. That means the person without insurance is charged $2154.73 more than a person with my type of medical insurance. HECK, for the uninsured, that is almost three times as much as it is for the insured. That kind of gouging of the uninsured by the medical providers is a real pain in the ---, just like a hemorrhoid.

I will never ever understand the compassionless political Conservatives and Republicans who think it is all right for low and moderate income people without adequately sufficient health insurance to go without needed health care because of the expensive, overpriced American Health Care Industry.

I do not need to go on with my thoughts on that particular matter because, as my regular readers may recall, I have written a previous Roland Hansen Commentary about health care in the United States.

Sarah Palin: Harmful to Women's Causes

2010-09-04T19:08:00.007-04:00

Jill Miller Zimon is a woman I admire. Jill Miller Zimon is a real leader, a true thinker, an active advocate, and a genuine champion of women.

To me, Jill Miller Zimon is "She Who Could Be President" - SWCBP.
Or maybe,
I should proclaim Jill Miller Zimon: SWSBP - "She Who Should Be President."

Not so for Sarah Palin, "She Who Wishes To Be President" aka SWWTBP.

Read what Jill Miller Zimon has written about Sarah Palin in regards to advancing the social and political positions and causes of women. Just click on over to:
Palin Continues To Damage Women While Others Spend Time, Money To Help Them

In my opinion, it just seems to me that Paling Palin is harmful to women's causes. Speaking of women's causes, I would like to suggest you check out the website of Women for Women International.

Obituary: Dave Schulz; Toledo, Ohio; R.I.P.

2010-08-31T09:04:00.004-04:00

Do you remember the Roland Hansen Commentary of June 5, 2010 concerning Dave Schulz of Toledo, Ohio?

If you do remember that entry about Dave Schulz, that is fine. If you do not remember that entry about Dave Schulz, that is fine, also.

Whether you remember or not, you can read it now by clicking onto this:
Dave Schulz: Toledo Politico Aspirant.

Well, it has now been almost 3 months since I wrote that piece concerning Dave Schulz. And still, no word from Dave Schulz, the 'wannabe' elected official in Toledo, Ohio. To me, the non-responsiveness of Dave Schulz from Toledo, Ohio to the request about which I wrote in the Roland Hansen Commentary Dave Schulz: Toledo Politico Aspirant is indicative of his lack of desire to have open, honest, transparent communications with the citizens of Toledo, Ohio. Either that, or he has 'passed away' from this world.

Whether Dave Schulz has 'passed away' from this world or just plain does not care is not relevant to me; Dave Schulz is now considered by me to have 'passed away' from my world in the political sense. This Roland Hansen Commentary, then, is my political obituary for Dave Schulz of Toledo.

Consequently, I have now withdrawn the request about which I wrote in the Roland Hansen Commentary Dave Schulz: Toledo Politico Aspirant.

Political Obituary
Dave Schulz
Toledo, Ohio
R.I.P.

Glenn Beck. God Save Us.

2010-08-28T15:57:00.002-04:00

I ain't sayin' nuttin.
Someone else is; or rather, some one else is writing about Glenn Beck to the point of connecting the name of Glenn Beck to the descriptive noun of neo-Nazi.

Go read the Outrage blog entry God Save Us with its embedded link on Glenn Beck.

Now, I ask you: Do you have any comments to make?

Ignorant People Believe President Barack Obama is a Muslim

2010-08-20T19:53:00.002-04:00

You have read the title of this Roland Hansen Commentary correctly. As the title explicitly declares, "Ignorant People Believe President Barack Obama is a Muslim."

Regardless of the facts, people believe what they want to believe. Well, what are the facts about Barack Obama and his religious beliefs?

Snopes.com, the website that investigates rumors and then reports on whether the rumor is true or false, had addressed the rumor concerning Barack Obama being a Muslim more than two years ago. Move your computer mouse over and then click to read that report, "Who is Barack Obama?".

Despite all the facts to the contrary, despite factual information distributed by numerous sources on numerous occasions in numerous forms to educate the American public, despite all the repeated efforts to dispel the false belief that President Barack Obama is a Muslim, the number of people who actually believe that President Obama is a Muslim has increased.

For example, read some excerpts from the latest poll from The Pew Forum On Religion & Public Life:

A new national survey by the Pew Research Center finds that nearly one-in-five Americans (18%) now say Obama is a Muslim ...

Roughly a third of conservative Republicans (34%) say Obama is a Muslim, as do 30% of those who disapprove of Obama’s job performance. ...

The belief that Obama is a Muslim has increased most sharply among Republicans (up 14 points since 2009), especially conservative Republicans (up 16 points). But the number of independents who say Obama is a Muslim has also increased significantly (up eight points). ...

Click over to read the entire report:
Growing Number of Americans Say Obama is a Muslim.

I am telling you in very simple plain language,
Ignorant people believe President Barack Obama is a Muslim.

Let your computer mouse move on over and click to read:
Barack Hussein Obama: Once a Muslim, Always A Muslim by Debbie Schlussel, debbieschlussel.com;
(Reverend) Franklin Graham: Obama born a Muslim, a Christian Now by Sarah Pulliam Bailey, ChristianityToday Politics Blog;
President Obama: Muslim Missionary by Chuck Norris, Townhall.com; and finally,
31% of Republicans believe Barack Obama is Muslim from POLITICO.

And yet, the question still remains:
Is Barack Obama Muslim?

And once again, I proclaim:
Ignorant people believe President Barack Obama is a Muslim.

Costco and Bahar BBQ Catering

2010-08-16T08:46:00.002-04:00

It appears to me that Bahar BBQ Company has endorsed Costco chicken. What an endorsement of Costco and its famous Costco Rotisserie Chicken!

Bahar BBQ Catering proudly proclaims on its website that it "caters for corporate and social events, weddings and any other special and celebratory events in life."

Amongst other things, including its menu along with some very appetizing, mouth-watering, pretty pictures of prepared food items, he website also states:

"Welcome to the home of great-tasting BBQ!

BBQ catering service in Toronto and surrounding area is our speciality and we are proud of serving fabulous food; we are an institution that’s been pleasing the discerning palates of our customers in Europe and North America for over 30 years.
We use only the freshest, top quality ingredients and slow cook all meats to lock in the delicious flavor that’s associated with our name...."

Wonder of wonders, you say! I bet you wonder why I postulate that Bahar BBQ Catering has endorsed Costco and its famous Costco Chicken.

Well, dear readers, to understand that premise, you need to read:
Costco Chicken from Judy's Jewels
and
Is Bahar BBQ Catering a Fraud? from Roland's Ramblings

Gee, I wonder how many other catering firms and individual Costco customers have made an endorsement of Costco chicken.

At the very least, it does seem as though Bahar BBQ Catering has partnered with Costco in its (Bahar BBQ) catering business venture.

Car Deal Shams

2010-08-09T08:26:00.005-04:00

I am so angered by the alleged car deals being foisted on the American public! Most of these so-called car deals are nothing but shams.

I really got peeved by the advertising campaign I first noticed a few months ago of the Yark Automotive Group in Toledo, Ohio when they claimed they would pay off the car a person used as a trade-in for a new car.

Bullfeathers! as Teddy Roosevelt would say.

Yark Automotive Group does not pay off the trade-in car. That is a bald-faced lie! Well, they do pay it off in a way, but they do so with money the customer borrowed from a new lender to give to Yark for the new car purchase. You see, the car dealer sets the customer up with a lending company who in turn rolls the balance of the trade-in car, i.e. the payoff, over into a loan the customer takes out for the new car. The balance of the old car loan is paid to the former lender by the car dealer who gets the money from the new lender who in turn adds that amount to the new car loan that the customer takes out - AND now you may even be paying more interest than you had been paying before on the previous loan.

I do not know how Yark Automotive Group and others just like them can get away with what I consider to be false or misleading advertising. Where are the consumer advocacy groups and government watchdogs on this one? Shame on all of them for letting the auto dealers bait and trick and financially gouge the American buying public. And shame on the auto dealers for being less than honest. Is it no wonder that the stereotype of the car salesperson is that of a sleaze-ball?

Then, there are the other shams in the auto sales industry. Take for example all these good offers that you can read about in the Yahoo online article Best Car Deals: August 2010.

Well, I consider them shams, even if you do not. Why? You may ask me that question or not. Makes no difference to me. I am going to tell you regardless of whether you ask.

Think of the phrase: "Show me the money." Now, stop and think a minute about cash on the barrelhead when purchasing a new automobile and these car deals in that article to which I linked. Where is the deal for the person who does not plan to finance the purchase of the car. It seems to me as though all those deals, in one way or another, are geared toward the customer who goes into debt. With the gimmicks used by the automobile sales industry and others, such as the real estate industry and credit card companies, is it no wonder that America is in such terrible financial difficulties?

Car dealers, I say to you:
Give me a real, true, honest to goodness deal. Better yet, just lower the damn inflated car prices to something that is realistic for the buying public and that will still provide a fair profit to the car sales industry. Oh, yeah, the same goes for trucks and motorcycles.

Universal Health Care in the United States Long Overdue

2010-08-07T09:59:00.003-04:00

"Medical providers gouge non-insured people. Capitalistic swine that they are. ...
How dare, I SAY HOW DARE, the anti-universal heath care supporters advocate the denial of adequate health care for all Americans regardless of their economic abilities!!! I wonder if any of those tea=party type people have been in the position of needing necessary health care but were unable to get it because they either had no insurance or could not afford to pay for it themselves."

The above quotation is just part of a comment I made in response to an entry from Judy Hansen Commentary.
You may read Judy's entire entry and my complete response to it by clicking over to:
Medical Cost Ripoff

Oh, by the way, if you did not previously read, or do not remember reading, a commentary I made a few years ago, I suggest you click on over now to read the Roland Hansen Commentary: Giuliani Illness Insurance Plan.

American Government Reflects The People

2010-08-04T19:01:00.003-04:00

I am so darn sick and tired of the apathetic, crybaby, complaining Americans who want to blame "The Government" for all the ills in American society. You know, the ones who keep yelling that we are supposed to have "government of the people, by the people, for the people" and yet they have no clue how our system of government (called federalism) works.

These are the same type of people who blame the "terrible" two-party system for the "crooked politicians" in office and corruption in government.

There are so many people who scream for more "Independents" to be elected. What would happen if all "Independent" candidates or even a lot of "Independents" got elected? They would all have different perspectives on the issues, different ideas on that in which our government should be involved, different approaches to obtain solutions, and so on and so forth. How would they ever agree on anything, good or bad?

Do these complainers not know how a republic, a representative democracy, works? I mean, come on people, the United States is not a direct democracy; nor does the U.S.A. have a parliamentary form of government.

For goodness' sake, I wonder if all these supposed outraged Americans ever took the time to truly be actively involved in the political process. How many of these crybabies actually vote, or better yet, how many of the "We need more Independents" proponents have ever gone out and actively worked for an "Independent" candidate? How are independent-minded aspiring politicians ever going to be elected if "The People" do not work on behalf of "Independent" candidates?

The moaning groaning typical American and those people involved in the Tea Party movement need to bone up on the American politics, the American electoral process, and on the basics of American Government.

In the United States, it really is "government of the people, by the people, for the people" - the people being those who actively participate in electoral politics. All the others are just mindless drones.

The American people get the government they deserve. After all, it is the government that got into power by a vote of the people.

Just Blowing Smoke...: The Rules of Laws

2010-07-28T16:39:00.001-04:00

Immigration, illegal immigration, and immigration reform are all hot buttons in the realm of present-day American politics.

Charges of racial profiling, prejudice, and discrimination are being shouted from the mountaintops.

The State of Arizona seems to be at the epicenter of the debate on the very polarizing issue of American public policy regarding legal and illegal immigration.

Yes, indeed, it is all very emotional. And yet, should such debate be based on emotions or is the debate better served by taking a more rational approach?

Perhaps, you just may find the answer to the preceding question by reading:
Just Blowing Smoke...: The Rules of Laws

I know I did. A tip of the hat to Tim Higgins.

mud_rake

2010-07-26T10:43:00.004-04:00

Okay, so some people are wondering what the Hmmm ..... entry here on Roland Hansen Commentary is about.

Okay, for you then, I will tell you.

It is about a gutless slimeball troll who goes by the pseudonym of mud_rake.

I have saved some of the dialogues and postings of that worthless piece of fecal matter and am now placing copies of some them here for you to read for yourself so that you may hopefully understand why I do not allow comments by the scum mud-rake or any other trolls and flamers.

Here is some of the dialogue and comments made by the a-hat over on Glass City Jungle:

July 3rd, 2007
The Scarlett Golf Outing…Strippers or Waitress

mud_rake Said: @1:36 pm
One thing that this event proved: Domenic Montalto continues to reign as the local Dem’s most dopey figure [and there are a lot of candidates for this spot].

July 3rd, 2007
Press Release: Lucas County Democratic Party on Golf Outing…

mud_rake Said: @8:09 pm
He’s the consummate politician. He knows that his position is safe because Chris Redfern is incompetent.

Roland Hansen Said: @8:30 pm
Chris Redfern — why in the world would his name be brought into this?

mud_rake Said: @7:44 am
To Ronald Hansen: Redfern is the incompetent head of the Ohio Democratic Party who has not been able to reign in the shenanigans of the LCDP.

Roland Hansen Said: @1:14 pm
Hey mude_rake,
My name is Roland, not Ronald. I have a brother by the name of Ronald, and I would not wish that he be attributed to remarks that I make.
Now, in regards to the topic at hand:
To the best of my knowledge, Chris Redfern as Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party organization has no legitimate authority over the 88 county Democratic party organizations just as the Governor of Ohio has no legitimate authority over the elected officials in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. These are all separate entities with each having its own electoral jurisdictions.
I ask that you cite the rules, regulations, policies, organizational constitution, bylaws, or whatever that give Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party authority over the elected leadership of the County Democratic Party.
While you are most assuredly entitled to your opinion, I believe you need to provide some objective facts to be credible in your allegation.

Roland Hansen Said: @9:46 am
Hey mude_rake, UH, I mean mud_rake, aka Man with the Muck-rake,
Have you got those facts for me, yet?
By the way, aren’t these your own words: “One blunder after the other has caused them to loose …. credibility.”
I am calling for you to establish your credibility with facts as opposed to allegation, innuendo, speculation, name-calling, sarcasm, and the like.
I’m trying to establish whether your commentary is legitimate or just flaming.

Roland Hansen Said: @9:39 pm
Mud must be on someone’s face. The silence is deafening. Facts are absent. Seems to make one blunder after another. Maybe, it is just plain easy for mud and misinformation to be thrown rather than to base opinion on fact.
Give us the facts, not conjecture, supposition, and malinformed perspective. Yellow journalism I can do without.

July 5th, 2007
Allison Perz blames Carty for the delay in Charter School opening…

mud_rake Said: @3:17 pm
Perz and Carty: two scam artists

Roland Hansen Said: @4:59 pm
Can the name-calling mud_rake ever provide some contributing positive commentary rather than the constant barrage of derogatory insults?
Or, at a bare minimum, can mud_rake stop flaming and at least provide some thoughtful commentary of any kind? Even negative commentary can be constructive if done in a manner that uses cognitive processes.

mud_rake Said: @8:52 pm
Mr. Hansen: Sure, come over to my blog. By the way, neither of these two people deserve more than I said about them.
Perhaps you could give us a few postive comments about each of them.
For me, nuff said about these two clowns.

Roland Hansen Said: @9:06 pm
Wow, mud_face, I mean mud_rake, your credibility is now nonexistent. Fools call other persons clowns when they themselves need to belittle others in order to feel good about themselves. Small minds deserve small places.
Been to your blog, won’t be back. The National Enquirer is more credible than you. Regardless, I prefer not to read trash.

mud_rake Said: @8:13 am
Last evening I was trying to figure out Mr. Hansen’s sudden anger with my postings. Then it dawned on me: over in Toledo Talk many weeks ago, I challenged one of his postings.
Apparently Mr. Hansen keeps a record of folks like me who dare challenge his perspective.
But, LisaRenee does not deserve this babble on her blog. Come over to my posting today [Friday] and the two of us can hash it out.

July 5th, 2007
McNamara V Irish…Szollosi…WSPD…”Strippergate” and Trash…

mud_rake Said: @8:13 pm
What a bunch of garbage, literally. This city takes 3 steps backwards for every one foreward. No wonder the voters don’t come out on election day.

Roland Hansen Said: @8:56 pm
Even more trash from mud_slinger, er I mean mud_rake.
The maker of mud pie should step up to the plate and become a candidate for elective office. Slinging mud is easy. Criticizing others is easy. Being the eternal pessimist is easy. Hiding behind a pseudonym is easy. Taking cheap pot shots from the shadows of anonymity is easy.
Talk is cheap. Stand up and be counted. Run for office. Show us what you got.

Roland Hansen Said: @9:57 pm
I love FACTUAL information!

And here is a copy of the mud-rake trash that I deleted from Roland Hansen Commentary:

mud_rake has left a new comment on your post "Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan: Facing anti-Sem...":
Sorry, Roland, to see that your blog has been infected by Barb and Jeanette. They bring a very stubborn and intolerant virus with them that is very difficult to eliminate.
Best wishes on effectively disposing of said pests.
Posted by mud_rake to Roland Hansen Commentary at July 12, 2010 9:42 AM

mud_rake has left a new comment on your post "Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan: Facing anti-Sem...":
...I even called the Orkin Man but he couldn't help, either.
Posted by mud_rake to Roland Hansen Commentary at July 12, 2010 1:30 PM

mud_rake has left a new comment on your post "Sandy Isenberg, Political Hack and Big Time Loser":
What is your present-day beef with Isenberg? She's gone, out of the political arena. What made you choose to go off on her?
Posted by mud_rake to Roland Hansen Commentary at July 14, 2010 10:01 PM

mud_rake has left a new comment on your post "I Told You So: Lucas County Democratic Party and U...":
I notice that you deleted my comment. Any particular reason? Or did Maggie tell you to?
Posted by mud_rake to Roland Hansen Commentary at July 15, 2010 7:13 PM

mud_rake has left a new comment on your post "Sandy Isenberg, Political Hack and Big Time Loser":
You, Mr. Hansen, are also a political hack by not allowing my comments. What a fraud you are.
Posted by mud_rake to Roland Hansen Commentary at July 16, 2010 4:04 PM

mud_rake has left a new comment on your post "Conklin and Company with Sandy Isenberg: Disservic...":
Wow! BFD!
Posted by mud_rake to Roland Hansen Commentary at July 20, 2010 10:50 PM

Apparently mud_rake the troll cannot read the message up there by the header of Roland Hansen Commentary that was specially put there for him and others such as he. As you can see, it reads:

Trolling Not Allowed
Comments from anonymous trolls are not permitted and are deleted if posted by the offending pest.

Do you understand why mud-rake and others like mud_rake are not welcome here on Roland Hansen Commentary?

It is that type of sleazeball who is allowed to post on Glass City Jungle that brought about my disillusionment with that blog and why I have chosen not to participate on that blog.

Oh and by the way, the information contained in the Roland Hansen Commentary "Hmmm ....." is what I was able to discover about the originating location of the the comments being made by mud_rake here on my Roland Hansen Commentary blog.

Hmmm .....

2010-07-21T00:11:00.005-04:00

I wonder who this may be:

Domain Name adelphia.net internic.net (Network)
IP Address 24.53.140.# (Comcast Cable)
ISP Comcast Cable
Location
Continent North America
Country United States
State Ohio
City Chillicothe
Lat/Long 39.3335, -83.0168

Give ya three guesses; the first two don't count.

Conklin and Company with Sandy Isenberg: Disservice to Community

2010-07-19T19:27:00.002-04:00

I do not agree with the "Conklin and Company" television program hosted by Lee Conklin having Sandy Isenberg referring to her as a political analyst on the weekly program. IT'S JUST NOT RIGHT!

When it comes to the subject politics and political science, I am not without a clue. I do have some background in the field having taught political science classes at the University of Toledo and at Owens Community College. Additionally, I am an inductee of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Honor Society for Political Science and also an inductee of Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society for Public Administration. Not to mention that I have experience as the Political Action Chairman of a major organization, been the campaign manager of quite a few candidates, worked on many campaigns for issues, and have run for elective office on seven occasions winning three times. I have a pretty good idea of what a real political analyst does in the real world; and, it is not what Sandy Isenberg does.

I am of the strongly held opinion that the producers of Conklin and Company are denigrating true political analysts every time they refer to Sandy Isenberg as one of that elite group of people. The producers at 13abc WTVG-TV Toledo, OH are doing a disservice to the community by leading the viewers into thinking that Sandy Isenberg is a "political analyst" - in my opinion, Sandy Isenberg is nothing more than a walking and talking loud mouth yenta, plain and simple.

Sandy Isenberg with her roof and ethics isn't credible in any way, shape, or form.

Sandy Isenberg, Political Hack and Big Time Loser

2010-07-14T11:09:00.009-04:00

This Roland Hansen Commentary has been brewing for quite some time and is still being formulated.
None-the-less, I thought I would give a preview (or maybe I should use the word prequel) here and now.
My commentary is triggered by the continued appearance of Sandy Isenberg on a local Toledo area television station in its Sunday morning local production of a community and political talk show.

Some refer to her as SWMBO, as you may read in this article, some have called her "Queen" while others describe her as foul-mouthed, and still others like these ill-advised television people refer to her as a political analyst, which she is not.

In my opinion, Sandy Isenberg is nothing more than a political hack and a big time loser.

More about SWICAS, i.e. She Who I Consider A Slimeball, will be written in a future Roland Hansen Commentary.

Politics can be interesting. Ohio politics are definitely interesting. Politics in Lucas County, Ohio are peculiar, to say the least.

I Told You So: Lucas County Democratic Party and Unity

2010-07-09T16:52:00.002-04:00

Awhile back, I wrote on several other blogs and e-bulletin boards my thoughts on the Lucas County Democratic Party under the then-new chairmanship of Ron Rothenbuhler. Those comments resulted with me (there's no polite way to say this; well, yes there is, but I don't care) taking an ass-beating on those sites.

So, I said to myself, the heck with those idiots, I'll write about it on my own blog, where hardly anyone ever comments - I think that is because I don't allow cowardly anonymous trolls as do some e-bulletin boards and as do so many other blogs just so their authors or administrators can have a "large" readership to inflate their ego by enhancing their low self-esteem and in order that they can brag and feel important about themselves.

At any rate, way back in 2007 on Roland Hansen Commentary, I made this statement:
"I predict that the Lucas County Democratic Party will come together on a united front in the not-too-distant future."
Click on over to read the entire Roland Hansen Commentary - OHIO: Lucas County Democratic Party and Unity.

While I was poopooed by quite a few people across the blogosphere, I stood by my prediction.

Well, here it is, almost three years later. I do believe enough time has elapsed to have validated my predication. I wonder how all the a-hats that belittled me back then like eating crow.

To those naysayers and pessimists and incompetent wanna-be political analysts, I say:
I TOLD YOU SO!

Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan: Facing anti-Semitism?

2010-06-30T15:00:00.004-04:00

It seems as if the face of United States Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is all over the place, media-wise, that is.

To provide a sampling of what is going on in the wide wonderful web media, I provide the following (along with my commentary, of course) for information and for your reading pleasure.

For a nominee to the United States Supreme Court, Elena Kagan has an interesting non-judicial background. In attempting to find some reason in an 'any-excuse-will-do' mentality, her detractors stop at nothing. Click on over to read:
Kagan's Opponents Grasping at Straws by Eduardo Penalver, Published June 30, 2010 | FOXNews.com.

It is no secret that Elana Kagan is Jewish, as can be read in the two following web pages:
Kagan, Judaism and the Bible: 'Justice, justice shall you pursue'
Elena Kagan’s Jewish Background: Just What Pat Buchanan Fears
To me, it appears that once again the anti-Jewish sentiment in America is rearing up its ugly head.

Thus far, Elena Kagan appears to be taking the salvos being fired by anti-Jewish conservatives in stride as she fends off the "jew baiting" being thrown at her. I mean give me a break! How else can the questions "Where were you at on Christmas Day?" and “I just asked you where you were at on Christmas?” posed by Senator Lindsey O. Graham (R, SC) be explained?

From the Chicago Tribune, you can read;
Kagan's a not-so-leftist liberal, The daughter of a crusading New York street lawyer and protege of Justice Thurgood Marshall, the Supreme Court nominee has specialized in finding a middle position on the most contentious issues from James Oliphant, Richard A. Serrano and David G. Savage Reporting from Cambridge, Mass., New York and Washington, June 27, 2010.

Perhaps you may wish to read:
Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan on hate speech and pornography (aka the First Amendment) by Chris Moody - The Daily Caller | Published: 12:52 PM 06/28/2010 | Updated: 12:55 PM 06/28/2010

If you are the type of person who likes biased information from twisted minds, you can click on over to read:
Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is Israel partisan, Wednesday, June 30, 2010, from If Americans Knew, Israel-Palestine, The Missing Headlines.

Is any anti-Semitism (as in anti-Jewish sentiment and/or prejudice) at play in any of this? People will deny it. However, I hypothesize that not only is it playing a part in the opposition of the nomination of Elena Kagan to SCOTUS but anti-Semitism throughout the United States is also prevalent.

It is quite often that we Jewish Americans hear and read other Americans say "America is a Christian country" and proclaim "America was founded on Christian principles." To the latter statement, I respond: "From where do you think Christian principles came?"

Oh, as an aside, you may want to click on over to read:
Was the U.S. Founded on Christian Principles?

Toledo, Ohio Losing Population Over Trash Issue

2010-06-24T18:55:00.003-04:00

If you recall, last month I wrote Toledo, Garbage, Water and Toledo, Ohio: The Trash Town.

It now is evident that Toledo, Ohio will be experiencing a decline in its population as residents leave the City of Toledo over the trash issue.

To learn more about this, read the comment I placed in response to More Trash Talk by Chili Dog.

Socialism and President Barack Obama

2010-06-20T19:55:00.007-04:00

Ya know, I hear a lot of people making emotionally charged allegations in their ill-informed attempts to link President Barack Obama with socialism. I strongly suspect the vast majority of small-minded political pundits have little or no knowledge of socialism.

I much prefer to hear or read the opinions on socialism from some one with intelligence. Some one like Albert Einstein who penned the article Why Socialism? way back in May 1949.

If you have something you want to say about socialism and/or President Obama corollaries related thereto, please do not hesitate to leave your comments.

Republican Women Smarter Than Republican Men

2010-06-14T23:57:00.003-04:00

From what I have been reading and from that of which I have been listening, it appears to me that maybe, just maybe, Republican women might very well be smarter than Republican men.

I mean, come on, it's in the news. Is it not?

The granddaughter of POTUS George 41 (Republican) and the daughter of POTUS George 43 (Republican) 28-year-old Barbara Bush has proclaimed her support of Obamacare; and, her mother, Laura Bush, wife of George 43, has proclaimed her support of the Supreme Court nominee of POTUS BHO (Democrat). Laura Bush has also voiced her support of gay marriage and of the rights of women to seek and secure abortions.

These positions run counter to that of both Georges and of the political planks contained within the political platforms of the Republican Party on the issues.

If you think I do not know that of which I speak when it comes to these women, I suggest you move that little computer mouse of yours and click onto the following:

->Barbara Bush, daughter of George W, supports President Obama’s health care reform efforts (video)
->Bush's Daughter Barbara Glad Obama's Health Care Reforms Passed
->Laura Bush: pro abortion and gay marriage
->Bush women run afoul of GOP orthodoxy

A question keeps bouncing around in my pea-brained head:
Are these Bush women Republicans, Democrats, or what?

Helen Thomas and The Rabbi. Never Again!

2010-06-07T18:23:00.004-04:00

Although I do not share her perspective and while I do not agree with her, I do assert that Helen Thomas is entitled to her opinion.

However, I also say: "Thank goodness the Rabbi caught her statements on video tape."

You may ask: "Who is Helen Thomas?"
You may ask: "Who is the Rabbi?"

Let your computer mouse do the walking and clicking to learn the answers.

You may read about Helen Thomas here.
You may read about Rabbi David Nesenoff over here.

Head over this-a-way and you may watch and listen to the YouTube video:
Helen Thomas on Israel.

And one more recommended read for you from me is the blog entry from Rabbi Jason Miller:
The Rabbi Who Took Down Helen Thomas.

My own final word on the matter:
Never Again!

Dave Schulz: Toledo Politico Aspirant

2010-06-05T19:04:00.004-04:00

Earlier this week, I had the occasion to be on the Facebook page of my Toledo City Council district representative Lindsay Webb. It was on Wednesday, June 2, 2010, that she posed a very good question to which quite a few people responded with comments, included politico aspirant Dave Schulz, a former candidate to Toledo City Council, and me.

Here, I'll tell you what, instead of trying to accurately summarize what transpired between Dave Schulz and me, I'll just put a 'copy and paste' of our dialogue following this paragraph. Please note that I have placed only the original question and the comments between Dave Schulz and me. I have omitted all other comments as they are not relevant to this entry of Roland Hansen Commentary.

Lindsay Webb
So, on refuse collection: is anyone else out there upset about the Administration's proposal to limit unlimited pick up?
Wednesday at 9:39am

Dave Schulz
I am fine with the limit. I have done 3 this year mostly due to a renovation project. All in all they were good about it. You can always work with a neighor on overflow you might have from time to time. I do have an issue with the recycling portion. I am single and an avid recycler since the beginning. I have a large can and it takes me 6-8 weeks to fill it up. I could just work around that by putting it out more frequently.
Wednesday at 10:01am

Roland Hansen
You know me - I always hold back on my opinions; because, I do not wish to offend anyone. But seeing how you asked: I am mad as hell with this administration and the whole thing about garbage. It's all a bunch of trash! We Toledo voters of yesteryear approved the city income tax on the promise that it would be used for garbage pick up and disposal, and that it would pay for the construction of a municipal garbage incinerator. The incinerator was never built but at least we got no-fee garbage collection. Later, an increase in the income tax was a result of the promise for unlimited garbage collection. The original broken promise has escalated into an imposed garbage tax and now a proposal to impose a limit on collection. I am not opposed to taxes or user fees; I am just sick and tired of being deceived. Liars have no place in public service!
Wednesday at 1:57pm

Dave Schulz
It's overly simplistic to say that a promise has been broken because the tax revenue based on current demoraphics only pay for police and fire. Times change and we have to adapt to the changes and slowly but surely the right-sizing of government and its labor costs will take place.
Wednesday at 2:32pm

Roland Hansen
Dave,
That is a BullSh** response and you know it. I agree times change, but there is an open and honest way to make the necessary adjustments, and then there is your way.
Wednesday at 4:26pm

Dave Schulz
Our elected officials have been telling us for awhile now that the current tax doesn't support the "promised" services....that's no BS lol. You can quibble about how they have handled the refuse tax but we all have to make adjustments, including the payroll and benefits structure of our employeess. What should be more outrageious is that alot of the "cuts" this year were just punted down the road to be paid next year and we will be in the same cycle again.....
Wednesday at 7:55pm

Roland Hansen
Well, Dave Schulz,
The fact that you have totally sidestepped the last sentence of my first comment in which I firmly stated "I am not opposed to taxes or user fees; I am just sick and tired of being deceived. Liars have no place in public service!" does not surprise me. You are, after all, a wanna-be politician.
I will put my credentials up against yours, any day.
ref: http://tiny.cc/bgftg
Now, let us stop discussing our differences on Lindsay's facebook thread. It is not the purpose of the thread, nor is it our place to do so.
Sorry Lindsay, but he started it: no, I started it; no, he started it; no, .... Bye. No more from me on this message thread.
Wednesday at 9:34pm

Dave Schulz
Good bye!!!!
Thursday at 7:55am

Okay, so I went to the Facebook page of Dave Schulz and hit the "Add as Friend" icon button. I figure, I have many friends, both in real life and on the internet, with whom I have had some exciting, political disagreements and we remain friends. It makes for stimulating discussions. Now, here it is already a few days later. I see that Dave Schulz has made some comments on the "walls" of mutual "Facebook friends." Consequently, I know that he has gone onto Facebook since I sent my request to add me as a friend on Facebook, but all I have gotten thus far is the Facebook message: "Dave Schulz * Awaiting friend confirmation."

I am anxiously awaiting the decision of Dave Schulz to either add me or to deny my request. I hope he adds me. He may find that while I may be argumentative and abrasive and that while I may fly off the handle (can you believe that some folks have labeled me a loose cannon!) that I really can contribute to good political debate (of course, that is just my own unbiased opinion of me - LOL). I may be old; I may be washed-up; I may be a has-been; but, I ain't dead yet.

Meanwhile, you may wish to take a look at:
Dave Schulz on MySpace
Dave Schulz on Facebook

Mike Bell, The Motorcycling Mayor of Toledo, Ohio

2010-06-02T19:59:00.005-04:00

I found this very interesting, attention-getting quote today:

The level of incompetence that is coming from the mayor's office is mind-boggling. I think the honorable one took a spill off his famous motorcycle without his helmet one too many times.

buckeyepayroll.com, Chili Dog Blog, June 2, 2010

The quote is the last paragraph of the eye-grabbing, but somewhat trashy, blog entry entitled "What Am I To Do With My Independence Day Tree?"

You should read the whole article. Just move your mouse over and click here.

Now put that in your chili dog and smoke it, Mr. Mayor!

Aliens Are Amongst Us! Shall we shoot them or welcome them?

2010-05-29T11:37:00.002-04:00

Catchy title, is it not?

About which aliens should we be concerned? Unannounced or undocumented? Or both? Are they all illegals? To what extent should we be concerned?

I have been watching and listening very carefully on television about some visitors who have come here without prior permission. Some people would call them aliens and shout out:
"Aliens Are Amongst Us! Shall we shoot them or welcome them?"

This new exposé about visitors is not necessarily new in its thinking. It was exposed before some time ago. I followed the story with interest back then; and, I follow the continuing story with interest now. Regardless of whether one follows the previous 'visitors' story or the more recent 'visitors' story, it is the same old story!

The same old story. Hmmmm. Yep, it is also the same old story also when it comes to people and prejudice and discrimination. Here, in the United States of America, it is especially disconcerting to me that so many present day Americans conveniently overlook the fact that this country was founded by 'visitors' who stole the land from the original inhabitants. It seems that each generation of Americans has found some new group upon which to practice prejudice and discrimination. After the USA was officially formed through the Declaration of Independence and the adoption of the Constitution, as time went by, with every new group of immigrants, Irish, Germans, Jews, Chinese, Japanese, and so many others, there was another wave of prejudice and discrimination.

And the story continues. Today, our country is in a very polarizing discussion about American public policy concerning immigration. It is all over the television, newspapers, magazines, every day conversations, and is being hotly debated in state legislatures, especially Arizona, an in the United States Congress. Most recently, President Barack Obama has entered the political storm in dispatching National Guard troops along the United States border with Mexico. To the best of my knowledge, no troops have been dispatched along our border with Canada.

Is the United States no longer a safe haven? Is the United States no longer the land of opportunity? Has the welcome mat been taken away? What is to become of the tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse, the homeless, tempest-tost? Has the golden door been shut along with its promise?

I am placing below a copy of an entry from my other blog, Roland's Ramblings which I wrote on May 16, 2010. It just seems appropriate for me to make a dual entry on this subject of "illegal aliens" or "illegal immigrants" or "immigrants" or whatever phrase you choose to use.

Below is part of a dialog that took place on Facebook:

J: i dont agree with the bible thumping conservatives but rather them be in charge rather than a person who wants to grant amnesty to all the illegals

R: Point and counterpoint. I certainly do not want "bible thumping conservatives" as J--- calls them to dictate their views upon me and to legislate their ideas onto the masses. While I do not favor illegal entry into the USA, I believe we do need to revisit the immigration laws to determine whether there should be any changes. Quite frankly, I would bet that most people are not even familiar with those laws. Whatever happened to the USA being the land of the free? I have to wonder how many people even know about the Message of the Statue of Liberty.

(note: J--- is the facebook friend of a facebook friend of mine. R - well, that's me.)

Roland's Ramblings: My Other Blog

2010-05-25T20:42:00.004-04:00

This is a public service announcement for those persons who follow my other blog.

Roland's Ramblings has moved to a new address. The new URL is http://www.jasonhansen.net/roland but the name remains the same - Roland's Ramblings.

This is the third URL for that blog since I first began it way back on July 17, 2004. First it was www.warpedthoughts.com/roland/; then it was www.theglitch.ws/roland/; and now, it is www.jasonhansen.net/roland.

I am grateful to my nephew Jason, who has hosted Roland's Ramblings since Day One.

Incidentally, below is a copy of the very first Roland's Ramblings:

July 17, 2004
Welcome to Roland's Ramblings

Well, I did it. I finally decided to try blogging after having followed the blogs of my son Adam and my nephew Jason for quite a long time.
I call this blog "Roland's Ramblings" because I tend to ramble about life, family, friends, people in general, politics, community, outlooks on life, public affairs, religion, and on and on and on.
Chances are I will at some time offend someone, which is why I hesitated so long in making a decision to join the ever-widening world of bloggers. I do not intend nor do I wish to offend anyone. But, guess what. Don't guess, I will tell you. I am who I am and I tell it as I see it. I am also usually bluntly honest. That is where I usually wind up rustling some feathers. On the other hand, how many people have said "I just wish I could be myself" or have said "I wish people would just be honest with me" or other words to those effects????
So, here we go ---- on with the show.
p.s. My deep appreciate to Jason for setting this Blog up for me. The one big thing is "How do I use this thing?"
Posted by Roland at 09:34 PM

UPDATE (August 21, 2010)

I noticed that some people have been coming over to this Roland Hansen Commentary posting to find my Roland's Ramblings blog. Because of that, I am providing this update to the posting here on Roland Hansen Commentary.

Well, that URL did not last very long at all, only about two months, in fact.

Yet, once again, and for the fourth time, Roland's Ramblings has moved to a new address. The new and hopefully the 'for sure' last URL is http://rolandsramblings.wordpress.com

If you missed my first entry on the newest home, I wrote this:

Hello World!
Posted on July 28, 2010 by Roland Hansen

Welcome to the new home of Roland’s Ramblings over here now at WordPress.com.

I first started my Roland’s Ramblings blog way back on July 17, 2004. Since my first posting, Roland’s Ramblings has undergone several incarnations with the fourth and hopefully final version being totally of my own creation.

The first three incarnations of Roland’s Ramblings were the result of my nephew, Jason Hansen, setting it all up for me using his computer as a server, that is, if I understand it correctly. Heck, I do not understand all this stuff; I just use it the best I can., At any rate, the first incarnation of July 17, 2004 was under the domain of warpedthoughts.com. The second incarnation made its appearance on March 27, 2006 after Jason changed the domain over to theglitch.ws. The third incarnation came along on May 25, 2010 when Jason switched the domain over to jasonhansen.net.

Then, on July 22, 2010, I received notice from Jason that effective September 1, 2010 he was no longer going to be the conduit for the hosting provider of Roland;s Ramblings. The question then for me was whether I would continue with blogging under a site named Roland’s Ramblings, and if so, how. I had absolutely no idea how to set it all up or how to save all the hard work I had put into the previous Roland’s Ramblings. The first two years of work for the first incarnation had been lost, and it is only through something called the Wayback Machine that I was able to recover some of them but not able to transfer the actual contents thereof onto the newer 2006 version of the Roland’s Ramblings blog itself.

That brings us up to the present. Today, after much careful thought and introspection over the past week, I decided to try to learn how to set up a new home for Roland’s Ramblings and to try to learn how to transfer all my previous work. As I keyboard this entry, I think I have been able to do so successfully. I will be able to ascertain that after I hit the publish button.

If you are reading this, and if you can see all the previous entries, then yell:
EUREKA.

And, if that is the case, I can say:
Hello World!

As it turned out, everything works fine and I was able to transfer all my previous entries (well, all of the previous entries from the immediate past two URL homesteads, the first got lost a long time ago). I was also able to reproduce the additional pages from the previous blog URL.

Unfortunately, however, I lost all my sidebar information when somehow within a couple days of having created the new home upon visiting the old URL at jasonhansen.net/roland, I and everyone else was automatically transported over to the new URL. That happened before I could gather all that information to replicate it on the new URL home. Consequently, l have created an entirely new sidebar for the latest incarnation of Roland's Ramblings.

Check my anthology of writings on a wide variety of subjects in my renewed Roland's Ramblings blog.

Toledo, Ohio: The Trash Town

2010-05-22T09:45:00.003-04:00

I do not mind paying taxes, I just have nothing but disdain for liars! That is why I have nothing but disgust for City of Toledo decision-makers that jammed a trash tax down the throats of Toledoans. Those (expletive-deletive) worthless, no-good, City of Toledo elected and appointed con artists are despicable!

All the trash talk about Toledo, Ohio is not a bunch of garbage. It is very real. When the trash settles, if it ever does settle, the City of Toledo will be one big garbage heap with trash heading up the helm of elected political non-leadership, backstabbing, lies, dishonesty, and worse. All that will be left in the future ghost town of Toledo will be trash and garbage vultures.

If you read my immediate preceding Roland Hansen Commentary entitled Toledo Garbage Water (er, I mean: Toledo, Garbage, Water) you already have an idea from where I am coming. But Wait! There is much more on the topic of Trash In Toledo, or Toledo, The Trash Town, or The Trash Town of Toledo, or whatever your imagination may conceive.
(Hey, the wording makes for a great Google search - or for results from any other web search engine, for that matter.)

If you have a hankering to do so, click over to read the following:

SHANAHAN SELECT -- FIGHT THE TRASH TAX

Is it a Fee or a Tax?, Shanahan v. City of Toledo

Appealing and refusing to pay trash tax, er I mean trash fee, in Toledo, Ohio,
Toledo Ohio Neighborhood Concerns

Toledo trash fee going down after Issue Five passes, 13abc news

Trash, Future of Toledo

Mayor Bell cancels discount trash fee for recycling, 13abc news

News about trash fee in Toledo, OH, Outside.in

Trash tax and broken promises: we told you so!, Thurber's Thoughts

Let’s flash back to the trash fee promise made before Issue 5 passed…, Glass City Jungle

Toledo, Garbage, Water.

2010-05-15T11:52:00.002-04:00

Today's Roland Hansen Commentary is about the outrageously inept, incompetent, citizen user-unfriendly, downright nasty, bureaucratic nightmare city government sponsored and sanctioned monopoly that is called the City of Toledo Water Department, aka City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities and its partner in citizen rip-off, the Division of Solid Waste.

If you haven't figured it out from my opening paragraph, I will state it clearly so there is no mistake: I am mad as hell! And, I am shouting it out to the world after a long battle with the craphole of that Toledo city department with totally unsatisfactory results. Having been a government bureaucrat myself, I am quite familiar with bureaucracy. My personal and professional belief is admittedly different than that of most citizens. I think bureaucracy as it is specialized can be a good thing for citizens when it is responsible, responsive, and accountable; the City of Toledo Water Department does not fit into that category.

Now, on with my commentary with some background information thrown in.

Where else in the whole wide world does a city charge garbage to your water bill as does the City of Toledo, Ohio?

Many, many years ago (I'm thinking about 50 years, but I do not recall exactly), the citizens of the Ohio city of Toledo voted themselves an income tax, the proceeds of which were to be used to construct an incinerator to burn garbage. The incinerator has not been built to this very day; and yet, the tax remains. Not only does the Toledo city income tax remain; but, it is higher now than it was when first approved by the voters.

Over the many years, garbage collection services have been provided by the City of Toledo as a public service that has been financed through the Toledo city income tax. Two years ago, our city leaders in all their collective non-wisdom decided to add a garbage fee to our water bills. Note the word "fee." They did so without a vote of the people. They did so even though the people had voted the income tax as a means to deal with the garbage in Toledo. They did so in blatant violation of the intent of that income tax. City elected and appointed officials profess that it is not a tax and therefore did not require a vote of the people.

What is this crap about it being a fee? A fee to whom? A true user fee is a charge that a governmental agency assesses the user of a government provided service. In Toledo, water bills are charged to the owners of the property. Some one other than the owner may be residing in the owner's property, some folks would call them renters, and consequently it is the renter that is the user of the garbage collection service but it is the owner of the property that is paying the fee. I realize that the owner will pass this cost down to the renter; however, that does not negate the fact that the garbage "fee" is not being billed to the user of the service. Additionally, even if a person does not use the City monopolized garbage collection service; the "fee" is still charged to the water bill. So what happens when a person is on an extended vacation or away for some months like us snowbirds who reside elsewhere during the winter, but leave the water on in the house with some one else watching over the temporarily vacant house? The GARBAGE fee is still billed! WHY! The service is not required and is not being used.

Incidentally, the City of Toledo does not call it "garbage collection," instead the City of Toledo calls it "refuse collection." Well, I do not have the opportunity to refuse Toledo refuse collection. And, I am not allowed to purchase this service elsewhere. In the area of my "winter residence" that lies in an unincorporated area, I have my choice of selecting which private company from which I wish to purchase garbage collection services, or, if I so choose, of not purchasing any services at all.

On with the story.

Not only am I now paying a garbage TAX on my water bill, it has been increased dramatically. I just received my current water bill that no one can ever understand (including me the bureaucrat) the line itemization of sewer volume, sewer fixed, sewer winter average, water minimum, and storm water. This current bill is charging me a refuse collection fee for the period 02/06/10 to 02/08/10 of $1.79 and a refuse collection fee for the period 04/01/10 to 05/07/10 of $18.30. SAY WHAT!!!

Enough about that garbage. That is only part of the problem. The other aspect concerns the water charges. The City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities has a quarterly billing period. In 2007, my four statements were as follows: $57.78; $59.98; $75.08; and, $70.73. In 2008, my four statements were as follows: $72.38; $63.93; $71.48; and, $71.84. My first statement for 2009 with a bill date of 02/12/09 was $676.17!!! Whoa....

Phone call to the water department and subsequent personal face-to-face meeting between the City bureaucrats and my wife, Judy, who insisted on handling the issue for fear I would have a coronary. A "corrected" billing statement dated 04/23/09 was issued for $788.32. Whoa, again....

The appeal process took place; and; we finally just gave up and paid the City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities a whopping $549.74.

Forward. The 08/10/09 statement was $71.28. Back to normal. But the next statement dated 11/09/09 went up to $104.31. Why? Hell if I know! That was followed by the 02/08/10 statement dipping down to $93.99 that is now followed by the current 5/10/10 statement of $129.10 including the outrageously high garbage tax, er, um, I mean refuse collection fee.

What the hell is going on? I cannot make heads nor tails of it and the yokels at the water department are of no help at all -.none, zero, zilch. I have all but given up. All this just tends to convince me that the City of Toledo is no longer the place for me, and yet I hate to think of leaving my home town permanently.

Hey, if you think it is just a disgruntled me who is unhappy, take another look:

"TOLEDO, OH (WTVG) -- I-Team reporter Zack Ottenstein has discovered outrageous collection practices in the city's department of public utilities."
Read the rest of the story from 13abc.com:
Toledo water billed to wrong homeowners, Thursday, April 29, 2010.

Then, there's this:
"Lucas County Auditor Anita Lopez has stopped processing property water liens from the city of Toledo until the Bell administration addresses a problem in which homeowners are being slapped with delinquent utility bills from previous homeowners".
Read the rest of the article from The Blade published on April 29, 2010:
Auditor puts halt to city's water liens by Ignazio Messina.

Have you ever tried to make heads or tails of your water bill? Take a good look at it, item by item, and then tell me honestly that you really understand it.
Click over and look at this CRAP about water, sewer, storm water, and garbage rates from the City of Toledo website.

I'll tell you this;
I say pi-- on that sh--! I'm storming mad! It's a bunch of garbage!

Toledo and Ohio May 4, 2010 Elections and the Storms Afterwards

2010-05-08T10:15:00.002-04:00

Well, the Ohio primary election has been held and the results came in very quickly (for once, I might add). None of the results were a surprise to me. Neither was the extremely low voter turnout in Northwest Ohio as it was throughout the entire state. Voters are never fickle; most, but not all, never take the time to learn about the candidates or the issues; they just vote the way they have been told by some other person or group, or by falling prey to some slick, sleazy, snake oil political advertisements.

Informed voters do not always get what they deserve; ill-informed voters do get what they deserve; and, non voters do not deserve anything!

Oh, and since the election, we keep getting storms throughout Ohio, including severe storms with thunder and lightening, and tornado weather just yesterday. I wonder if that is an omen. Come to think of it: Where is Opal nowadays?

Ohio 2010 May 4 Election: State Issue 1 and Proponent Hypocrisy

2010-05-01T18:11:00.004-04:00

Ohio 2010 May 4 Election: State Issue 1 and Proponent Hypocrisy

I received a very large post card style campaign literature piece, printed on both sides, that was very colorful with its red, white, and blue theme and its glossy finish in the mail today from the proponents of State Issue 1, that will appear on the May 4, 2010 state-wide ballot in Ohio.

The front of the post card which had the addressee information on it had at the very top in very, very large, bold type

"FINALLY! A JOBS PROGRAM THAT DOESN'T RAISE TAXES."
that was followed on another line by a very huge
YES
(and the words)
for Issue 1
for Jobs
both of which were also big but somewhat smaller than the huge YES that was in front of them. Next to these large words in very small type was:
Paid for by United for Jobs and Ohio's Future
Alex Shumate, Treasurer
41 South High Street, Suite 200
Columbus, Ohio 43215
underneath which in bold type was:
www.unitedforjobsohio.com
Underneath all that (in a large type face that was between the larger type and the smaller type) was this:
United for Jobs and Ohio's Future

I turned the lit piece over to read more.

I read it not once, not twice, but at least three times in an attempt to learn precisely what is Issue 1. Much to my dismay, no where on this expensive lavishly printed production piece does it ever provide any information about the issue itself.

It did contain the following information, however, on its reverse side:

STATE ISSUE 1: CREATE JOBS WITHOUT RAISING TAXES.
Ohio needs a jobs program that DOES NOT RAISE TAXES.
Yes Issue 1 does not raise taxes but will generate additional Revenue through the jobs and businesses that are created.
Yes Issue 1 invest in Ohio Entrepreneurs.
Yes Issue 1 empowers the free market, not the government, to energize Ohio's economy.
Yes Issue 1 turns Ohio ideas into Ohio jobs.
MORE JOBS.
WITHOUT
MORE TAXES.
YES for Issue 1
Yes for Jobs
United for Jobs and Ohio's Future

ON MAY 4TH,
PLEASE VOTE YES ON
STATE ISSUE 1
WWW.GETTHEFACTSONISSUE1.ORG

Being undaunted, I searched the net for the exact wording of Issue 1. It is as follows:

Issue 1: Ballot language

The following language will appear as State Issue 1 on the May 4 statewide ballot:

Proposed Constitutional Amendment

To extend the Ohio Third Frontier program by authorizing the issuance of additional general obligation bonds to promote economic growth.

Proposed by joint resolution of the General Assembly to amend Section 2p of Article VIII Constitution of the State of Ohio.

This proposed amendment would:

• Continue funding for research and development purposes by authorizing the state to issue $700 million of general obligation bonds to renew and continue programs for research and development in support of Ohio industry, commerce and business.

• Limit the amount of all state general obligations that may be issued for, and the amounts of proceeds from those state general obligations that may be committed to, those research and development purposes, to no more than $450 million total for the period including state fiscal years 2006 through 2011, no more than $25 million in fiscal year 2012 and no more than $175 million in any fiscal year thereafter, plus any amounts that in any prior fiscal year could have been but were not issued or committed.

• Require state agencies awarding funding from those state general obligations to obtain independent reviews of and recommendations as to the merits of proposed research and development projects. The Governor, the President and Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives must be provided information regarding the independent reviewer prior to any award, and the state agency proposing the award must also notify those officials if the recommendations of the independent reviewer are not adopted by that state agency for the proposed project and the reasons for not adopting those recommendations.
If adopted, this amendment shall take effect immediately.

A “Yes” vote means approval of the amendment.

A “No” vote means disapproval of the amendment.

That ballot language also appears on a page of the website of the Lucas County Board of Elections. You may view it here; however, I strongly suspect that the embedded link will no longer work some time after the upcoming May 4, 2010 election has been held and sometime before the next election, because LCBOE will probably delete it and use that space for another issue in the future.

What a bunch of bullfeathers from the proponents of Issue 1! Why don't they put on their propaganda that Issue 1 allows the State of Ohio to issue general obligation bonds? Why don't they tell us that these bonds require the State of Ohio to repay bond holders, even to the extent that the State of Ohio has pledged to use all legally available resources, including tax revenues, to do so?!!!

I find their campaign literature piece to be less than honest, if not downright deceptive. Not raise taxes, eh. But what if ----??? All I know is that general revenue bonds are required to be repaid in some manner and that the repayment procedure permits the state government to use our tax dollars, yours and mine, as a source to repay those bonds, pure and simple!

And what of the hypocrisy of the proponents of Issue 1, at least the proponents who are part of the two organizations that put out this specific campaign literature, the lying, deceiving piece of crap that it is?!!!. I mean after all, the master illusionary deceptive proponents, state "Issue 1 empowers the free market, not the government, to energize Ohio's economy." I mean, come on, give me a break! What do they think -- that I got a big 'S' (for stupid) tattooed on my forehead?! On the one hand, they seem to give the impression that the government is not involved and that it is all about the free market; on the other hand, they want the State of Ohio to be the party to issue general obligation bonds that would require the taxpayers of Ohio to repay those bonds, if need be.

If you are a registered voter in the State of Ohio, you decide for yourself on how you will vote on Issue 1 this May 4th. Click on each of the three subject lines (containing embedded links) below to read information that may assist you in making an informed decision:
Ohio Third Frontier Bond Renewal, Issue 1 (2010)
Official Issue 1 Argument in Favor, VOTE FOR JOBS! VOTE YES ON ISSUE 1
Argument Against Issue 1, Vote No on Issue 1

Me? I am pro jobs, but I am anti misleading advertising. Oh, by the way, I HATE HYPOCRITES!!!

Toledo Public Schools: May 4, 2010 Levy Request

2010-04-27T08:21:00.005-04:00

The May 4 Ohio primary election is one week from today. This election applies to both state-wide and local elections.

Not only does this primary election provide the opportunity for people who identify with a political party to choose the political party candidates to run in the November 2, 2010 general election, but it also provides the opportunity for all registered voters, whether they identify with a political party or not, to vote on the issues.

The registered voters in the Toledo Public School District will have the opportunity to vote for or against a school levy which appears on the May 4 ballot. This proposed levy is Issue 3, a three-quarter percent earned income tax levy.

Below is the exact wording for Issue 3 as it appears this date on the web page entitled May 4, 2010 Primary Election of the web site for the Lucas County Board of Elections:

Issue 3 – Toledo City Schools Current Expenses

PROPOSED SCHOOL DISTRICT INCOME TAX

TOLEDO CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

A Majority Affirmative Vote is Necessary for Passage.

Shall an annual income tax of seventy-five one hundredths percent (0.75%) on the earned income of individuals residing in the school district be imposed by the Toledo City School District, for a continuing period of time, beginning January 1, 2011, for the purpose of CURRENT EXPENSES?

Even though I am a registered voter in the City of Toledo, and even though I served 3 elected terms for a total of 12 years on the Governing Board of the Lucas County Educational Service Center, formerly known as the Lucas County Board of Education, I will not vote on Issue 3, the Toledo School levy.

Incidentally, I have read elsewhere on the internet that there are two organizations who are not in favor of Issue 3. Specifically, a page on that website (ref: wtol.com) stated "Two groups have come to rally against the levy." Those two organizations are the Greater Toledo Urban League and Toledoans for Public Trust. That specific web site page also states "TPS leaders also acknowledge the school system will face cuts regardless of whether the levy passes ..."

Perhaps, you might find the audio/visual clip with its associated written story TPS levy push: Both sides speak out about Issue 3 from 13abc.com to be of interest.

I encourage all registered voters in the Toledo Public School District to become informed on Issue 3 and to turn out and vote. Vote whatever way you want, but at least vote with an informed decision.

Oh, for those of you who wonder why I will not vote on the TPS levy Issue 3 is quite simple: While I live in the City of Toledo, I do not live within the boundaries of the Toledo School District; I live in the Washington Local School District. Consequently, not being a resident of the Toledo Public Schools district, I am not allowed by law to vote on Issue 3.

Cross Reference:
Public Education and Knowledge or the Lack Thereof

If you are interested in more about the May 4 election in Lucas County, I suggest you visit the Lucas County Board of Elections May 4, 2010 Primary Election web page.

Lucas County Government: Say What?

2010-04-25T11:47:00.003-04:00

Here it is Sunday, April 25, 2010 and this morning as I was having my coffee and reading today's edition of The Blade I read two articles with great interest.

The two articles which you can also read by clicking on the embedded links are:

Frustrations trigger government overhaul; Executive, 11-member council to take reins by Joe Vardon, Blade Projects Editor

Could it happen in Lucas County? Charter setup worth examining, some say by Tom Troy
Blade Politics Writer

Oh, if you wonder why I think these two articles are interesting, I refer you to the following (again, just click on the embedded links for each to read them):

Change Lucas County, Ohio Government!, August 8, 2007

Ohio: Lucas County Commissioners and Political Posturing, April 9, 2008

Reinventing Ohio's Lucas County Government, July 30, 2008

Lucas County Government, April 22, 2009

Take Back Toledo Should Take Back Lucas County, August 11, 2009

Ben Krompak, Lucas County Commissioner candidate, and Police Proposal, March 22, 2010

So, tell me what you think. Don't hold back now. Let it all hang out. Yell it from the rooftops.

Government: Do we need it?

2010-04-23T16:59:00.003-04:00

Preface: In order to obtain the full benefit of this Roland Hansen Commentary, you need to click on all the embedded links.

I have heard many people say and I have read many people write that government is too big, that the problem is the government, that the government is to blame, that government should not be involved in this or that, that the government has too much power, that government should be run like a business, that the government ..... BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.

I wonder how many people understand that of which they criticize. Government or "The Government" as some like to call it is that which we, you and I, have devised and have allowed. What is government all about, anyways?

In checking out several places on the internet, I found the short answer to the question What is government and what is its purpose in a society? to be somewhat interesting.

I also found an extremely interesting essay by Blupete on the internet that states in its introduction, in part, "The central questions asked by this paper are: What is government? And, What is a government's purpose, its powers, and its perils." to be quite informative. You really should click on over to read "An Essay On Government" for some enlightenment. Come to think of it, I do believe our world needs a modern set of enlightenment thinkers.

So then, let's move on, shall we? Why is government necessary?
The Federalist No. 51 states, in part, "But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself. A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions."

What then is the purpose of government?
I direct you to two different sources for the answer to that question. One source, Fact Index, has a web page The purpose of government that not only is explanatory but also contains quite a few embedded links that take you to other informative web pages. The second source is Suite 101.com and the answer is its web page What is the Purpose of Government?, The United States as a Nation of Laws Not of Men.

There you have it. What more can I write? Oh, I know.
How about an inflammatory, opinionated comment from me directed at a certain group of people for whom I have nothing but disdain? You got it.

To all those "less-than-well-knowledgeable-about-government" people who constantly hammer away with their ill-informed, half-assed, negative criticisms about government, I say "You ignoramus. Why don't you gain a better understanding based on factual information and a bit more complete knowledge of the subject of government before you go spouting off on that of which you know little."

Judicial Activism, Judicial Restraint

2010-04-14T15:32:00.003-04:00

Should local, state, and federal judges and the Justices of the United States Supreme Court be practitioners of judicial activism or of judicial restraint? The responses to that question have often demonstrated that it is a very polarizing issue?

Should our judges and the Supreme Court Justices intrepret the meaning of local and state statutes, of federal laws and regulations, and of the state and national constitutions? Or should they take the regulations, laws, and constitutions literally word for word without any intrepetyation at all?

There is an entry over at Writes Like She Talks that starts out with the following:
"I’ve written on defining “activism” before but this op-ed in today’s New York Times is superb, as an op-ed and as an argument for why U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is as activist as was the late U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger. From professor of law, Geoffrey R. Stone (University of Chicago – yeah yeah yeah where President Obama taught) who also is an editor of The Supreme Court Review, ..."

I highly recommend highly that you click on over to read Judges, Conservatives, Liberals: We Are All Activists as written by Jill Miller Zimon.

Caucasian Majority Disappearing in United States

2010-04-06T15:04:00.006-04:00

For the past several decades, I have been hearing and reading sociology futurologists profess that the majority population in the United States will no longer be lily-white. First, I had heard futurologists say that the largest minority was no longer going to be Blacks but was going to be Hispanics by 2020 and then Hispanics as the largest minority were going to be replaced by those of Asian background.

The latest stories I have read seem to indicate the accuracy of the futurologists' predictions. I refer you to the following report as cited in several web pages:
Minority births in U.S. rising
More Minority Babies Will Be Born Than White Babies This Year
More Minority Babies Will Be Born In 2010 Than White Babies, Demographers Predict

When I was a young boy, it seemed to me that all the elected officials were older, white males. The civil rights and ERA movements were in full swing during the years that I was a teenager and a young adult. The political landscape has slowly changed over the past 50 years to be more inclusive with more racial and gender representation. While there has indeed been progress in the areas of female and racial minorities participation and representation in American electoral politics, we still have a ways to go. I wish I could live another fifty years to see the gender-blind rainbow of politicians and elected officials in the United States of America. And while I do believe, America has made progress in regards to gender and racial minorities when it comes to electoral politics, I do not believe the same is true when it comes to religion. In my opinion there is a prevailing intolerant attitude in regards to non-Christian religions. Not only have I personally been subjected to religious prejudice and discrimination, I have seen and heard so much religious prejudice and discrimination in all aspects of our American society that it sickens me. As has occured and continues to occur with gender and racial minorities, I can only hope that a much more tolerant attitude with corresponding electoral behavior will also see more inclusion of various ethnicities and religions in political participation and in our elected officials.

Ben Krompak, Lucas County Commissioner candidate, Glass City Jungle, and Metropolitan Government

2010-03-31T15:21:00.002-04:00

Unigov, regional government, metropolitan government. Whatever terminology you may wish to use, I find the topic to be very interesting. That being said, I find the Glass City Jungle entry Krompak says metropolitan goverment offers solutions… to be very good reading, not to mention thought-provoking.

Unigov and Hooda Thunkit

2010-03-27T16:24:00.002-04:00

There's a great entry about unigov over on the blog of Dave Zawodny that I believe people should read. I feel even moreso if you are a concerned citizen and you believe that government should be responsible, responsive, and accountable that you really ought to read Hooda Thunkit's (Dave Zawodny's) Blog Unigov..., Is Now The Time?

I think that more people should become better informed about government and take an active role. I am sick and tired of the ignorant passivity of a vast number of people.

Lucas County Educational Service Center: Transparent and Accountable OR NOT

2010-03-23T20:47:00.005-04:00

Sometimes, I just have to wonder at just how responsible is the administration of the Lucas County Educational Service Center, aka LCESC.

My wife, Judy, recently ended 12 years of service on the LCESC Governing Board, having been elected three times to four-year terms. Prior to her service on the Board, I had three four-year elected terms on the Board. I made a conscious decision back in 1997 not to seek re-election to that body due to the lack of support from the other Governing Board members in attempting to have a progressive Board that made policy rather than having an administration that recommended policies which were rubber-stamped by the Board as a whole. For example, I remember a time when I questioned whether the administration documented telephone quotes that were obtained for purchases not requiring competitive bids; I won't mention that fellow Board Member Marcia Helman responded that it wasn't necessary because she trusted the administration. I also won't tell you that the Board was not told by the Superintendent that the Superintendent was an active player and key point person in developing the legislative proposal by State Representative Sally Perz to create chartered community schools in Ohio; I learned of the role of the Superintendent later when I read a book the Superintendent had written that was published. As far as my wife's reason(s) for leaving the Board, it is not my place to say.

All that aside, I am a strong proponent and supporter of the role of ESCs in Ohio; in fact, I have always advocated a larger role because of the financial efficiencies of services to local school districts and consequently the taxpayers.

Okay, so "now what is the gripe?" you may ask. Well, I also believe in responsibility, responsiveness, and accountability, Those are areas in which I believe there is room for improvement of the Lucas County Educational Service Center administration and its Governing Board.

I draw your attention to Judy's Jewels Website Updates. I also draw your attention to a previous Roland Hansen Commentary on the LCESC.

I ask you: Is the Lucas County Educational Service Center transparent and accountable, or not?

ref: all Roland Hansen Commentary entries concerning LCESC

Ben Krompak, Lucas County Commissioner candidate, and Police Proposal

2010-03-22T15:05:00.006-04:00

Ben Krompak has an idea whose time has come! Below is a copy of a release he has issued on the subject of improving police protection tghroughout Lucas County, Ohio.

Commissioner candidate pursues long-term solutions to prevent future lay-offs, increase patrols, and improve response times

Toledo, OH – Seeking long-term solutions to strengthen and improve police protection throughout Lucas County, Commissioner candidate Ben Krompak is urging local officials to explore merging the Toledo Police Department with the Lucas County Sheriff’s office and establishing a metropolitan police department. Krompak will discuss the idea at a press conference today, in front of One Government Center, at 2:30 P.M.

Explore Creating A Metropolitan Police Department

Today I am calling on Lucas County and City of Toledo officials to begin exploring the creation of a new metropolitan police department as well as other options for cooperative law enforcement.

Now is the time. County government’s financial challenges are being felt by the Sheriff’s office and the city of Toledo is contemplating mass police lay-offs for the second year in a row. We must work together to save money and improve safety.

Mergers of city and county police departments have previously been undertaken in communities such as Indianapolis, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Charlotte, North Carolina. We can learn from their experience as we chart our course forward.

Louisville Metro Police Chief Robert White has said that their merger led to increased patrols and faster response times. In Hamilton County, Ohio, an analysis by the Cincinnati Enquirer finds that merging local police departments with the County Sheriff could cut costs to communities currently served by their own departments by $30 per resident per year.

Establishing a metropolitan police department is one strategy for ending duplicative efforts, improving efficiency, and increasing the number of police on the street. Other approaches might involve establishing contractual agreements for one entity to deliver law enforcement services to others or sharing services by combining certain functional units within departments.

In addition to the city of Toledo, I believe that suburban communities with their own police departments as well as institutions like the University of Toledo would benefit from a new countywide approach to law enforcement. But this can only be achieved through voluntary efforts between communities that see clearly the benefits of working together.

While threats to public safety posed by police lay-offs make law enforcement a good place to start cooperative efforts, let’s not stop there. Let’s merge the county and city of Toledo prosecutor’s offices, information services, economic development, building inspection, and any other departments that duplicate efforts.

Skeptics say these things can’t be accomplished any time soon. But time is not on our side. If regional cooperation remains a topic for white papers and blue ribbon commissions for another decade then public safety and other essential services will suffer. Now is the time to make regionalism real.

Come to think of it, in my opinion, this same concept can be applied in several areas of local governmental services. Bottom line: It's an idea that fits perfectly into the concept of regional government. While I am aware that some of my peers do not favor regional government, I believe it is long overdue.

Carnival of Ohio Politics: R.I.P.

2010-03-18T15:11:00.002-04:00

After a long absence with no explanation by or from anyone (at least, not to the best of my knowledge), I feel it necessary (or at least a compelling need on my part) to announce the unseemly and sudden demise of the Carnival of Ohio Politics. It appears to be dead, dead, dead. No announcement. No explanation. Just suddenly gone since June 25, 2009. Cause of death is unknown, at least unknown to me. However, I cannot help but wonder what was the cause of death and why no explanation has ever been provided.

I say:
Rest In Peace to the Carnival of Ohio Politics.

Lucas County Educational Service Center; Often Overlooked and Underappreciated

2010-03-12T17:55:00.005-05:00

I would like to refer readers of Roland Hansen Commentary to the blog Lucas County Educational Services Center Updates by Angela Zimmann. The Lucas County Educational Service Center (LCESC) is a public educational service organization with a multimillion public dollar budget governed by five elected governing board members that rarely gets any media attention and yet it provides many valuable services to the citizens in the general area of Lucas County. Isn't it about time that this public agency and its elected board receive the same attention of other public agencies and elected bodies? I believe the time is long overdue.

I certainly appreciate the updates provided by Dr. Angela Zimmann, member of the LCESC Governing Board and current President, through her blog. It is too bad that the LCESC website itself does not contain the Governing Board meeting notices, agenda, and past minutes including financial reports. In this modern day and age with the internet combined with the greater public demand concerning transparency and accountability of governmental public bodies, I would think that the administration of the Lucas County Educational Service Center would provide the Governing Board meeting notices, agenda, and past minutes including financial reports on its website. Perhaps the LCESC Governing Board should introduce and pass a motion at one of its public meetings directing its administration to do so.

Bye, Ben Konop. Hello, Harry Barlos.

2010-03-03T17:08:00.004-05:00

Well, it seems that Ben Konop must have gotten the word. He has apparently decided not to seek re-election to the Board of Lucas County Commissioners. You may read about it here. Gee, I wonder if Ben ever read any of my Roland Hansen Commentary "Ben Konop" entries. I think the departure of Ben Konop is just fantastic news.

On another happy note, it seems as though Harry Barlos, former Administrator of the Village of Holland Ohio and former Lucas County Commissioner and former Lucas County Clerk of Courts and former Mayor of the City of Maumee, is coming back into elective politics. I first met Harry way back when he was a page for the late great Vern Riffe, Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, and when he made his first attempt in the mid 1970s at elective politics in seeking the Ohio House seat that was held by incumbent John A. Galbraith. Harry has filed to run for the 46th district seat of Ohio House of Representatives. Mark Dansack is not seeking that seat this year, nor is he seeking the seat for Lucas County Commissioner, but Mr. Dansack has echoed my sentiments in wishing Harry Barlos well in his quest.

Cross my heart and hope to die.

2010-02-20T15:06:00.002-05:00

Okay. I liked my blog entry over at Roland's Ramblings so much that I have decided to duplicate it here. It is as follows:

It can be extremely difficult to cross the desert. Some people (quite a few actually) have died in their attempts to cross the various deserts of the world.

In a different light, there are crosses that have been erected to memorialize persons who have died.

There is a cross in the desert that has caused some debate in United States constitutional law and in political correctness: it also demonstrates the exisience of religous intolerance by way of not understanding or respecting the beliefs of religions other than Christianity. The cross of which I reference is in the Mojave Desert.

Snopes has checked out all the rumors and has found them to be true about the Mojave Cross.

The Telegraph of the United Kingdom has the story Mojave Cross memorial to WWI dead 'violates first amendment' abot the cross.

You might want to read the CNN story Justices weigh constitutionality of war memorial cross.

And, from the web site of National Public Radio you may listen to as well as read the story High Court Weighs Legality Of Memorial Cross.

It seems to me that many American Christians claim that they are not prejudice, that they do not discriminate, and that they are truly tolerant of other religions. And yet, they believe it is perfectly proper for the public display and government support of their religious beliefs while at the same time voicing strong displeasure and disapproval of any similar governmental actions that do likewise for Islam, Judaism, Druidism, Bhuddism, Tsaoism, Hinduism, Satanism, or other non-Christian religions. How many American Christians can honestly and truthfully disavow such prejudices? To them I say, stand up, be counted, shout it out, and say "cross my heart, hope to die" if that isn't really the case.

Joe McNamara Press Release becomes a Debate between Dale Pertcheck and Lisa Renee Ward on Term Limits

2010-02-11T14:40:00.002-05:00

I find it rather interesting that a press release by Toledo city councilman Joe McNamara announcing his candidacy for the Ohio State Senate became a two person debate between Dale Pertcheck and Lisa Renee Ward concerning term limits.

Take a look see at McNamara makes it official on Senate run... to see and read that of which I address.

It is yet just one more example of how one topic on a blog can become hijacked by one individual into becoming something entirely different than the original posted topic and then also become monopolized. It also is another example of how a blog can receive high ratings that are the result of many hits and comments, but the numbers are really misleading because the many hits and comments are really from a few people. Regardless, it seems to me that such discussions are more appropriate on electonic bulletin boards with message threads concerning the specific topic under discussion.

I have commented many times previously on the topic of hijacking on blogs. Click on my previously written words "trying to divert and hijack the topic of my commentary" for just one example of that to which I allude and reference.

Toledo Ohio to be Rolling in Dough, per Mayor Mike Bell Ringer

2010-02-09T12:39:00.003-05:00

Apparently the Mayor of Toledo, Mike Bell, is also a bell ringer and wants the city to be rolling in the dough as I intrepet his actions proposing a major tax increase and providing huge raises in city administrator salaries.

I wonder how Toledoans feel about all this.

Come to think of it, in that I am a retired public administrator and possess a Master in Public Administration, maybe I should return to the workforce. I wonder if Mayor Mike Bell (Ringer) would hire me.

Obama, the State of the Union, and Commentators

2010-01-29T13:37:00.003-05:00

The other day, January 27th to be exact, I wrote over on Roland's Ramblings about the State of the Union.

After listening to the State of the Union message from President Obama, I have listened to many commentators tell me what President Obama said, what President Obama did not say, what President Obama really meant by what he said or didn't say, etc., etc., etc. ad nauseum.

Also since I first wrote that Roland's Ramblings State of the Union piece and since President Obama delivered the message on the State of the Union, I have been reading plenty of comments in the print media and on the internet from others commenting in the same vein. The basic vein of response has been that many people have been critical of the President and of the President's State of the Union message; however, there have also been those who have had positive responsive commentary.

It seems as though while each individual heard the exact same words, almost everyone has heard a different message. Let me paraphrase in summary format what I heard: Members of Congress should quit playing partisan electoral politics and get down to the business of representing the interests of the American public at-large. PERIOD. However, for the most part what I have been hearing from others commenting on President Obama's State of the Union message has been that of good ol' everyday partisan politics bashing the President. Apparenly, the naysayer commentators and commenters simply are not interested in advocating that we all work together for the benefit of all Americans; they'd rather take their sniping political potshots to tear down rather than to build up.

If you have a hankering, go this-a-way to read the January 27, 2010 Remarks by the President in State of the Union Address for yourself.

Oh, and by the way, whatever your politics and no matter what you think, I personally feel people put too much emphasis on the importance of the "tradtional" January State of the Union address. Quite frankly, it is my opinion that this "annual exercise" is much more about a lot of hot air with little substance regardless of who is President. Therein lies the problem; too many people have the mistaken belief that the "tradtional" annual State of the Union address is supposed to be relevant to their own personally-held political beliefs.