Israel and Gaza: A No Win Situation

And the saga continues.

From Liberal Common Sense, you may read "Israel kills and wounds more civilians, nothing will happen."

From Writes Likes She Talks, you may read "Gaza and Israel."

Each blog also has additional entries on the same subject as well as links to other blogs and web sites on the subject.

I suggest you explore and read them. Then, judge for yourself as to whom is the winner and whom is loser.

It seems to me as if it is a no win situation, as it has been for 60+ years.
Or maybe, I should make that a couple or three or four thousand years.


p.s. Who or Whom?

Inspiring Teachers: Hugh Hinton, Ph.D.

I only recently learned of the death of a friend of mine, Hugh Hinton. Hugh was a guy I met about thirty years ago through my political activities.

Shortly after meeting Hugh Hinton, he recommended me to sit on a couple volunteer community organizations and committees, e.g. the Issues of the 80s update committee.

Later, Hugh became a professor of mine after he had convinced me to enroll in the Master of Public Administration program at the University of Toledo. He also arranged for me to be a graduate assistant during my graduate studies and nominted me for one of only two UT Presidential summer scholarships which I was awarded. Dr. Hugh Hinton also nominated me for membership in two national honor societies; Pi Sigma Alpha (for Political Science) and Pi Alpha Alpha (for Public Administration), both in which I was inducted. Professor Hinton also recruited me into the American Society for Public Administration in which I was later elected President of the Northwest Ohio Chapter.

Not long after I was awarded the Master of Public Administration, Hugh and I became colleagues when I was hired on Hugh's recommendation as adjunct faculty at the University of Toledo.

Today, I pay tribute to
Hugh Frank Hinton
The following is his obituary as was published:
HINTON Hugh Frank
Hugh Frank Hinton, 68, of Toledo, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2008. Hugh was born in Littlefield, TX, on February 15, 1940, to Hugh Dawson Hinton and Thelma Cope Hinton. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a PhD in Political Science, and worked for over 30 years as a professor at the University of Toledo. He is survived by wife, Nadiya; son, Clayton (Kathryn) Hinton; sisters, Janice and Susan; brother, Dwight Hinton and 3 grandchildren, Rachel, Andrew, and Olivia. A memorial service, celebrating Hugh's life, will be held Saturday, December 20th, at 2 p.m., in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 West Sylvania Avenue, Toledo. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

I will never forget Hugh Hinton; he made such an important impact on my life.

I remember having received an electronic card from a former student of mine when I was teaching at the college level. I saved it in my e-mail inbox; but, I see the link to it is no longer working. That's okay, though, because I found the contents of it elsewhere on the internet. I wish to place a link to it here, as a tribute to Hugh Hinton.

Please go over to read:
A Message Of Thanks To All The Great Teachers In This World.

Frost/Nixon and Bush

'Tis the season for another appropriate-time-of-the-year Roland Hansen Commentary.

It is wintertime in the northern hemisphere. It is also the time of year right now to hear the popular song Frosty the Snowman. It is also the season in which it is not uncommon to see a whole lot of frost in the colder regions. To top it all off, there is now a popular movie being shown in a theater near you about Frost - David Frost, that is.

You’ve most likely heard of the Broadway play based on a real-life political event that has been made into a Hollywood movie. It’s about a reporter by the name of David Frost and the events surrounding his famous interviews with a lying, deceiving, disgraceful President. No, the President in this story is not George W. Bush. The President portrayed in this theatrical production is none other than Richard Milhous Nixon.

There are a couple unique factors that set Nixon apart from other Presidents of the United States of America. One is the fact that Nixon is the only President who had served as a vice president and then later became president, but did not succeed the president under whom he had served. The second is the fact that Richard Nixon, a.k.a. Dick Nixon, a.k.a. Tricky Dick, was the only president of the United States ever to resign from the highest elective office of the land. He did the country this favor when he left office on August 9, 1974 rather than face impeachment after a committee of the United States House of Representatives had voted to issue several articles of impeachment for consideration by the full legislative chamber. If you don’t know the story behind this historic event, I’ll give you the two-cent version. Congress began to consider impeachment when it was discovered that Nixon had lied to the country when he said he knew nothing of the Watergate scandal. That was a scandal that involved a break-in at the National Democratic Party headquarters in the Watergate Hotel along with other illegal activities by employees of Nixon's 1972 re-election committee and by staff members of his Presidential Executive Office.

Incidentally, it was during Richard Nixon’s presidency that the elected Vice President, Spiro Agnew, resigned from office due to corruption charges. His replacement by Presidential appointment and congressional confirmation was Gerald Rudolph Ford, a.k.a. Jerry Ford, who ascended to the Presidency upon Nixon’s resignation. Jerry Ford has the distinction of having served as President without ever being elected nationwide.

Let me see, now. Nixon was going to be impeached in his second term basically for lying. Approximately some 25 years later, another President of the United States of America by the name of William Jefferson Clinton, a.k.a. Bill Clinton, was impeached during his second term basically for lying about an extramarital sexual situation.

Flash forward, I wish to bring to your attention a couple interesting facts about the current out-going President of the United States, George Walker Bush. One fact is that the Electoral College elected George W. Bush after he lost the popular election vote in 2000. He is the fourth person ever to have been elected President without having received a majority vote of the American people. The other three were John Quincy Adams in 1824, Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876, and Benjamin Harrison in 1888. The election of George W. Bush was also only the second time in the history of the United States that the son of a former president was elected president. George Herbert Walker Bush, father of George W. Bush, also served as president. It had been approximately 200 years since the only other father and son Presidents, those two being John Adams and John Quincy Adams.

It is George W. Bush who lied to the American people and to Congress drawing the United States into an undeclared war in Iraq costing billions of dollars and thousands of lives. Under George W. Bush, there is another Dick of whom there have been many allegations of corruption. That Dick is none other than a guy by the name of Richard Bruce Cheney, who has been serving as Vice President to George W. Bush. If that isn’t the frosting on the cake!!! It is my opinion that the Bush-Cheney administration will go down as the worst performing and most corrupt Presidency in United States history.

I find it absolutely amazing that two Presidents in recent history, Dick Nixon and Bill Clinton, have faced removal from the Office of President by the United States Congress while another lying, deceiving, disgraceful President by the name of George W. Bush gets away scott-free. That just frosts me!!!

Can Salvation Be Found Through An Army?

Those who know me, know that I am Jewish, following the religion of my Ukrainian Russian mother and of my maternal ancestors. They also know that my Danish father was Lutheran and that my paternal relatives adhered to Christianity.

I have lived in both the Jewish world and the Christian world. I have fond memories of personal experiences related to both worlds. My childhood included happy visits to Jewish and to Christian grandparents.

I have great respect for true believers and practitioners both of Judaism and of Christianity, as I do for true believers and practitioners of all non-Satanic religions.

I have experienced and continue to practice the Jewish observance, traditions, and celebration of Chanukah. I have also experienced the Christian observance, traditions, and celebration of Christmas.

This Roland Hansen Commentary revolves around fond memories of my father, Robert Christian Hansen, and his recollections of the Salvation Army that he relayed to me.

Having suffered a major heart attack, my father retired in 1965 from Doehler-Jarvis National Lead Company. Beginning back in the spring of 1971 and through early 1984 when my dad died, I visited my father every Saturday morning, with very rare exceptions, in his North Toledo home. During most of those years, I joined my dad in a routine he had initiated shortly after his early disability retirement. That routine consisted of weekly Saturday morning walks from his home in the 800 block of Superior Street through near downtown Toledo, stopping at Woolworth’s, Lamson’s, and Tiedtke’s lunch counters for a cup or two of coffee at each location before the return walk to his home.

As the downtown Toledo stores died out and as my father weakened with poor health, our Saturday morning routine changed to pretty much just having cup after cup of coffee around his kitchen table accompanied by hours of conversation.

Throughout all those years, however, we always made numerous shopping trips together throughout the Christmas season. My dad loved giving Christmas gifts to everyone in the extended Hansen family at the annual Hansen Family gathering on Christmas Eve.

In addition to the Saturday routine, my dad had another routine to which he adhered during the Christmas season. My father always, always tossed coins, and sometimes currency, into every Salvation Army kettle along the path in which our walks took us through downtown Toledo. He did the same thing with every Salvation Army kettle that we came across in our annual Christmas shopping trips in the malls and elsewhere.

You see, my dad had a strong respect for the good works performed by the Salvation Army. The respect my dad had for the Salvation Army was not just something he gave or felt because of some religious or altruistic reason. No, indeed. The respect was earned by the actions and deeds of which my father had first-hand knowledge. During World War II, my father served in the United States Army. He told me of some of the personal, family, and emergency experiences he and his fellow troops went through during World War II. He also told me that the Salvation Army always provided assistance without ever asking for money or for anything in return. My father said that meant so very much to all those who were the recipients of the good deeds of the Salvation Army.

When speaking of the Salvation Army, my father frequently contrasted it with another very well known organization that shall remain nameless in this writing. Dad said the other organization also assisted our troops with personal and family emergencies and with other matters but generally requested a financial payment. That memory of the other organization always made Dad see Red. Please don’t be Cross with me for not naming that other organization. I think you should be able to figure it out for yourself.

‘Tis the season. Please give generously to the Salvation Army kettles during this season. More than that, please be supportive of the Salvation Army deeds throughout the entire year.


The following is an article from World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia, 2004 Edition, Version 8.2.1:

Salvation Army is an international Christian religious and charitable organization. It is set up and operated on a military pattern, and its leaders have the ranks of military officers. The Salvation Army works to foster a love of God and to provide for the needy. It offers its services to people of any race, creed, sex, or age.

Services and activities. The basic unit of the Salvation Army is the corps community center. Each center is directed by a commanding officer who administers both religious and social service activities. These centers conduct a varied program, providing religious services, counseling, moral education, and other social services. In addition, the Salvation Army operates a variety of institutions, including hospitals, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, camps, boys and girls clubs, senior citizen residences and clubs, and day-care centers. It also provides education programs for unwed mothers, family assistance, and aid to prisoners and their families. The Salvation Army includes many musicians who use music as a way to preach the gospel.

Much of the worldwide service of the Salvation Army is given to people in less developed countries. These services include education, basic needs, vocational instruction, and disaster relief.

History. William Booth, a Methodist minister, founded the Salvation Army in London in 1865. That year, he began conducting meetings to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of London's East End. His work was well received, and he organized a group known as the Christian Mission. In 1878, the group changed its name to the Salvation Army. The organization soon spread outside Britain. It was established in the United States in 1880.

Today, the Salvation Army works in over 85 countries. It has about 25,000 men and women serving as officers. Each officer is an ordained minister. The Salvation Army has more than 14,000 corps community centers worldwide. There are about 420,000 U.S. members. International headquarters are at 101 Queen Victoria Street, London. U.S. headquarters are at 799 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044.

Cultural Diversity School: A Charter Idea

With Christmas just around the corner in the world of Christendom, “’Tis the season.” Or, so they say. It seems as though the vast majority of Americans are bemoaning the fact that they cannot buy all the material goods they so desire for Christmas gifts and cry out that they will not have a good Christmas. Have they forgotten that Christmas is supposed a religious holiday in a celebratory observance of the birth of Jesus, the Christ child?

And, have all the “good” Christians of the world not learned of the “love” of our fellow human beings as was preached by Jesus of Nazareth? I have to ask my Christian friends: Are we not to love our neighbors?

There is so much prejudice and discrimination in the world. I have known so many Catholics and Protestants who speak “hate” words about Jews, Muslims, and those of other non-Christian religions. If that isn’t bad enough, various other ethnicities and other groups of people come under attack by so-called “good Christians” with those groups including Blacks, Arabs, Asians, Gays, Freemasons, Irish, Germans, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and so on and so forth.

But, it isn’t only some Christians who are believers of prejudice and practioners of discrimination. I know of some so-called “religious” Jewish people and of some “true” believers of Islam who do the same thing. I find it almost overwhelming to see the vast numbers of people who preach the “brotherhood of man” and “love of others” and then turn around and live a life that contradicts their religious teachings. They are the hypocrites that speak ill of others who are of a different color, a different religious denomination, a different sexual orientation, a different country of origin family history, a different political perspective, a different --- well, a different anything.

Are we not all supposed to be loving and understanding and compassionate and caring and giving and tolerant and respectful of others?

In our American society, we have laws and rules and regulations that are protective of religious, gender, racial, nationality, physical ability, age, and other individual differences. We have public policies to promote cultural differences as something to understand and respect. However, the way in which American parents raise the children of the next generation is not necessarily advancing the practice that cherishes and celebrates cultural differences.

As with other states within the United States of America, the State of Ohio has had an alternative public educational system of charter schools, which in Ohio are technically named community schools. For the past ten years, I have spoken with many leaders in both the governmental sector and the private sector of the charter community school movement to advance the concept of establishing a school that has cultural diversity as its core subject. I envision such a school that would have courses teaching the history of the regions and countries of the world, along with the history and beliefs of the peoples who have occupied those regions and countries, their societal and political systems, their customs, their languages, their religions, etc. Contrary to popular belief, it is legal to teach the factual basic tenets and beliefs of various religions in our public schools; and therefore, it is legal to teach courses in comparative religion.

Imagine, if you will, a school in which the child has the opportunity to learn all about the Slavic peoples, the Celts, the ancient Orient, the development of modern European countries as well as of other countries, Native Americans, Druids, nomadic peoples, Moses, Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, the various versions of “The Great Flood” as described in so many religions, the variety of marriage and family systems that have been observed in different cultures throughout time, foreign languages both present and past including sign, theocracies and autocracies and monarchies and dictatorships and democracies, wars that have been waged because of cultural differences, and so much more.

Unfortunately, I have not yet found any support, except lip service, from those with the resources to establish such a charter school. I firmly believe a Charter Cultural Diversity School could have a real true impact in making the world a better place.

Most, if not all, American public schools incorporate some level of what I propose, although to a much more limited degree than that which I envision.

I ask my fellow Ohioans: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Ohio Public Educational System would take the lead and incorporate more fully the premise of such a school, or schools, that I propose?


p.s.
More about cultural diversity may be found in the embedded link over here.

Where's a COP when you need one?

Certainly not at the donut shop. Head over this way to read the latest COP, Carnival of Ohio Politics #144, that is.

OCD and BO: President-elect Barack Obama

I do not allude to this type of OCD as you may read in that embedded link.
Nor, do I allude to this type of B.O. as you may read in that embedded link.
Rather I make reference to what I consider Obama Cultural Diversity and have named OCD. That is how I feel about the appointments that President-elect Barack Obama (B.O.) is making as part of his administrative team. What an inclusionary group, thus far. How refreshing!
Now, let's see how it progresses.
I can only hope that he picks Ohio Governor Ted Strickland for a position in the Obama Administration. Then, I will get the Ohio Governor Lee Fisher that I so desire.

Thanksgiving: Roland Hansen's Thankful Thoughts Of Sarah Palin

It's Thanksgiving time, and I have to say I have some very thankful thoughts regarding the former United States Vice President nominee of the Republican Party Sarah Palin.

After having read and viewed this, and also this, and this as well, I am very thankful that Sarah Palin did not get elected Vice President of the United States of America.

Maybe, Sarah Palin might be better suited to a political career in Turkey!

OSU President Pay Exceeds One Million Dollars

"E. Gordon Gee of Ohio State was the highest-paid public university president, earning $1,346,000, including a recently announced $310,000 bonus."

That sentence appears in the last paragraph of an article that appeared in the November 17, 2008 edition of Delaware Online.

Not bad pay for an appointed public employee!!! But, wait. The President of Ohio State University is not the only public university president to be getting wealthy and lining his or her pockets at the expense of the American taxpayers who are struggling to find the tuition to send their children to college.

Take a look and read The Wall Street Journal story Most College President's Pay Climbing.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has its story Public university presidents' pay up 7.6%; and from azcentral.com, you can read the Arizona Republic article University presidents' salaries on the rise.

Let me see now.
The Governor of Ohio, Ted Stricland, is paid $140,391.00.
The President of the United States, George W. Bush, is paid $400,000.00.
The President of Ohio State University, E. Gordon Gee, is paid $1,346,000.00.

Something just doesn't add up.
But, I have said it before.
Dollars and sense do not go hand in hand.

Karyn McConnell Hancock: Another (former) Toledo City Council Crook

Remember Ray Kest, the now-former Lucas County Treasurer who was forced to resign in disgrace in order to avoid prosecution and possible jail time?

Remember Robert "Bob" McCloskey, the now-former Toledo City Council member who was convicted of bribery, received a light jail sentence, and then received an early release?

Remember Karyn McConnell Hancock, the now-former Toledo City Council member, who fabricated a story about being kidnapped?
Well, Karyn McConnell Hancock is back in the news again.
This time, Karyn McConnell Hancock has been indicted for stealing more than one-half million dollars.

The history of politics in the City of Toledo and in Lucas County, Ohio is full of stories like these. A book could be written about it all. It could be a great follow-up to the book "Unholy Toledo" which I have read three times.

Unfortunately, that book, i.e. "Unholy Toledo" did not delve deeply into some of the more interesting political scandals and it is now out of print. I recall several stories that were told to me by several people, all now deceased, including a former mayor, a former county commissioner, and a former state representative. I also heard quite a few stories from a former county employee (a convicted felon who had been appointed to a civil service position in violation of state law as a reward for having kept quiet) who had previously served time in a federal prison rather than "tell all" to the federal law enforcement authorities.

As far as Karyn McConnell Hancock is concerned, in my opinion, she should be locked up and the key thrown away, just as should have been done with Bob McCloskey and Ray Kest.

Toledo, Ohio: Garbage In, Garbage Out.

Ya gotta read this:
Hooda Thunkit's Therapy Blog: Re: Toledo's proposed version of “Musical Chairs” Garbage Collection...

The 140th COP!

Politics? Politics in Ohio?
It's a Carnival out there.
Call a COP!!!
The 140th COP is now out.
Don't walk.
Run and click to read
COP: Carnival of Ohio Politics #140

Toledo City Council Should Stick to City Business

Yes, the header says it all. Toledo City Council should stick to city business, meaning the legitimate affairs of the city. Toledo City Council is elected to represent the citizens of the City of Toledo in the operations of city government.
School levies, social service levies, other organizations' levies, and the like such as are written about in this Blade article are not city business. Did you catch that period at the end of the previous sentence? Need I repeat myself? Okay, I will. School levies, social service levies, other organizations' levies, and the like are not city business.

With matters such as described in this other Blade article, the City of Toledo, and by that I mean both the Mayor and the Toledo City Council, should stick to the business at hand of addressing only legitimate municipal business operations.

Just as I believe those other governmental and semi-governmental agencies and organizations should not be sticking their noses into the operations of Toledo City government, so do I believe that the business of those other organizations need to be left to those other organizations and the City of Toledo should not be sticking its nose into their business.

The Toledo Mayor, Toledo City Councilmen, and Toledo City Administration need to spend their time doing those things that we the taxpayers pay them to do. Now then, to them I say: GET TO THE BUSINESS AT HAND!!!

Lindsay Webb: Toledo City Council District 6 Newsletter

Lindsay Webb, Toledo City Council member from the sixth district, has an electronic newsletter available.

The electronic newsletter is an "opted in" service delivered to your e-mail account. If you wish to opt in, you may do so by following this link.

I wish to express my appreciation for having received an e-mail invitation from Lindsay Webb to sign up for the electronic newsletter

Penta Career Center Gives Shaft To Lucas County

Penta Board to Possibly Make Changes is a portion of the title of the June 10, 2008 entry of Lucas County Educational Services Center Updates by Angela Zimmann. Through the title of that blog entry and its contents, readers were informed by Angela Zimmann that there might be action taken at June 11 meeting of the Penta Career Center Board of Education to make changes in the composition and size of the Penta Board. Dr. Zimmann also mentioned that the goings-on would "be reported in the traditional news media." However, regardless of that prediction, there has been extremely little coverage of what transpired and what is underway as a result of what transpired.

Read that entire blog entry over here. And, oh, to the best of my knowledge, nothing of any kind about this specific issue has ever appeared in the local area daily newspaper, The Blade.

The bottom line of the action taken by the Board of Education of Penta Career Center by a split vote of 8 - 2 is that the Penta Board has decided to give the shaft to Lucas County! The Penta Board took action to decrease the representation of Lucas County Educational Service Center by fifty per cent effective January 2009. Consequently, Wood County Educational Service Center with its less than Lucas County local member school districts student enrollment and at about half of the financial tax contribution as that of Lucas County ESC local member school districts will have double the representation and vote as does Lucas County ESC.

The June 11, 2008 Board Meeting Minutes has an item entitled Board Organizational Structure that provides the text of the resolution and the vote outcome, but contains none of the discussion that took place. The minutes do not reflect that a request was made for more information before the vote, but was denied. The minutes do not reflect that an amendment to the main motion was tendered, but was not allowed. Actually, in all matters, the minutes do not reflect very much of any substance.

The traditional media appear not to have covered that meeting action at all. The closest thing to any coverage appeared in the September 16, 2008 Holland-Springfield Journal in which it was reported by Jane Maiolo: "At the September 10 meeting, Judy Hansen of the Lucas County Educational Service Center (LCESC) expressed her belief that the motion may have been voted on improperly. She requested the board seek a legal opinion."

If you read the September 10, 2008 Board Meeting minutes, you will notice that there is absolutely no mention of any kind regarding the concerns expressed by Judy Hansen or of any of the discussion related to those concerns having taken place during that meeting of the Penta Career Center Board of Education. What is the Penta Career Center Board of Education trying to hide? Why are the minutes of the Board meeting vague and less than complete? Why is there no record of discussions that have taken place during official meetings of the Penta Career Center Board of Education? Where is the transparency? Where is the accountability?

A couple of other portions of that Holland-Springfield Journal article in reporting about the June 11, 2008 meeting state: "Joe Rutherford of the LCESC had requested to amend the motion" and "However, Treasurer Carrie Herringshaw said that under parliamentary procedure, only the person who made the motion could amend it. Mr. Meyers declined to amend his motion, which subsequently passed." I am sorry that I cannot provide a link to the full story; it appears that the Holland-Springfield Journal does not have its articles online.

But, that is still not the end of what's been going on. At the October 8, 2008 meeting of the Penta Career Center Board of Education, Joe Rutherford distributed a written letter to the members of the Penta Board. In that letter, which I understand is a matter of public record, Mr. Rutherford wrote that the total student 2007 - 2008 enrollment of Penta Career Center Wood County ESC local member school districts was 8,220 while that of Lucas County ESC local member school districts was 8,420, which means there are more students in the Lucas County ESC local member school districts than the Wood County ESC local member school districts. Joe Rutherford's letter also pointed out that the total property value within the Penta Career Center Wood County ESC local member school districts stands at $991,941,722.00 while that from Lucas County ESC local member school districts is $1,748,103,814 meaning the tax wealth of Lucas County local member school districts is 75 percent greater than that of Wood County ESC local member school districts. (Now, you tell me which County has local school districts that are contributing more taxes to the operations of the Penta Career Center.) It is my understanding that neither the letter nor its contents were acknowledged or discussed during or after the meeting. Nor can I discern whether the letter or any reference to the letter have been made a part of the official public record or minutes of the October 8, 2008 meeting of the Board of Education of Penta Career Center.

I put forth that the procedures followed by the Penta Board are highly questionable. I question the honesty and integrity of those within the Penta Career Center establishment who imposed their questionable processes, procedures, and will upon the elected Lucas County Educational Service Center Governing Board representatives to the Penta Board and upon the taxpaying citizens of Lucas County local member school districts.

I smell a cover-up of monumental proportions by the Penta Career Center administration and by the Penta Career Center Board of Education. I see the taxpayers of Lucas County ESC local member school districts being shut out by an elitist group on the Penta Career Center Board of Education. I assert that Lucas County ESC and its local member school districts have gotten the shaft from the Board of Education of the Penta Career Center.

Angela Zimmann and Barack Obama

I remind you all that sometime back, I wrote Lucas County Educational Service Center: Angela Zimmann, Governing Board Member.

Well, it seems as though Dr. Angela Zimmann has made the national and even international news and her picture is all over the map and web. And, she is not alone. It seems the media is carrying on quite a bit about Angela Zimmann and Barack Obama, the Democratic Party candidate for President of the United States of America.

Proof of what I write is in the following:
Canada's cnews.canoe.ca
DemocraticUnderground.com
USA Today
Yahoo! News
Sympatico News msn
Boston Herald
VenturaCountyStar.com

That's just a few. Angela Zimmann, you go girl!!!
You along with Barack Obama have really put Lucas County, Holland and Toledo, and Ohio into the political news all over the place.

Glass City Jungle and the Trolling Flamer Cyberbully Factor

I have never made a secret that I don't much care for persons who write on the internet in an anonymous fashion. As time has passed, I have modified that perspective, however, as it relates to anonymous posters who carry on an intelligent dialogue and who generally write comments that are factually based and/or base their opinions on factual information as they perceive it. Several of these anonymous persons have earned and gained my respect and even my admiration as they have proven their credibility.

However, I don't have any use for internet trolls, internet flamers, and cyberbullys of whom I have made my displeasure abundantly clear on many electronic bulletin boards, forums, and blogs as most people who are familiar with my online presence are aware.

It is because of these internet pests that I ceased my participation in Toledo Talk and SwampBubbles. It got to the point that personal attacks by anonymous cowards just ran rampant; and, in my own personal opinion, there was very little constructive dialogue.

I have seen the same type of thing occurring with ever-increasing frequency over at Glass City Jungle and am near the point (and have been for quite some time) of discontinuing any further participation in that blog. The only thing that has kept me going there is the hard work of Lisa Renee Ward with her dedication to provide information in an open format with honesty and fairness, along with the great admiration and respect I have for Lisa Renee.

Let me provide the latest example of what has been posted by what I consider a flaming troll cyberbully over at Glass City Jungle that as me troubled.

On October 8th, 2008, in a message thread on Glass City Jungle, I wrote the following comment:
"Not Again asserts No one usually reads what freidman has to say.

I’m wondering how Not Again has reached that conclusion. Did “Not Again” conduct a poll? Where is the data to substantiate the allegation?

Incidentally, Mike Friedman uses his real name. Mike Friedman has been active in politics and the community for 40 years. Mike Friedman lets readers know who he is and therefore is “an open book” which may be judged based on knowing who he is and where he is coming from. Whether one agrees with him or not, at least Mike Friedman has the courage to speak his convictions without hiding behind the cloak of anonymity as many of the gutless trolls and flamers that comment on blogs and elsewhere on the internet."

To that comment, Not Again responded:
"Who cares roland, in my opinion friedman is an irrelevant old man. And, in my opinion, no reasonable person should care about his rants. Or even read them, unless they want to chuckle! :-)
Your silly rants about using one’s real name is also a joke. You are also an old man, with nowhere to go, except retirement and a pension though your years of mediocre public service. And no one can take that away from you.

I realize you want more, to be a big player, and as you have said; you have begged the king pins in toledo to let you help run this place, into the ground. And there has been no answer. So you continue to stand on your mount and rant about nothingness."

Now, I admit that is a mild example. I have read much, much worse that have been written attacking a number of people besides me. None-the-less, it is this type of thing that makes me wish the Confrontation Clause could be applied to civil matters of the internet world rather than just in criminal proceedings of the United States jurisprudence system.

Unfortunately, those of us who have been personally attacked have no recourse; and, we are not afforded the opportunity to personally confront our attacker face to face. Hell, we do not even know the identity of the attacker because their identity is kept confidential even by those who allow them to write fighting words on their websites and blogs. Hey, "shouting fire in a crowded theater" is not allowed, but a flaming anonymous idiot is allowed to make mean-spirited, hateful, instigating comments personally attacking another under the misguided banner of free speech.

I believe that the owners, administrators, managers, and operators, of internet websites, bulletin boards, forums, and blogs should be responsible and accountable for what appears on the web sites that they control. Furthermore, I am of the opinion that they perpetuate and even encourage the presence of internet trolls, internet flamers, and internet bullies just by allowing such trash to be published.

John McCain: Retirement, Social Security, AFL-CIO COPE

I sure am glad that the George W. Bush initiative supported by John McCain to privatize Social Security was never adopted. Wonder why? Just click and read the following:

Retirement accounts have lost $2 trillion - so far
Social Security debate (United States)
John McCain Revealed > Retirement Security

I think those three references say it all!

Keith Wilkowski and Toledo Wind

Potential candidate for Toledo Mayor Keith Wilkowski is proposing that the City of Toledo spend $50,000 to establish a wind-testing program in which "testing towers" would be erected in order to monitor wind speeds in various locations that then could be used to determine future potential wind-power turbine locations. You may read The Blade news story about that proposal over here.

I find this to be a very interesting idea. For the life of me, I cannot figure why it has taken over twenty years for this concept to receive some attention in Toledo. It was over two decades ago in 1985 that I first proposed the possibility of using wind energy in Toledo. That was when I proposed exploring the possibility of using a windmill (aka wind turbine) to generate electricity in a city-owned free-standing and somewhat small building. I did so while serving in my volunteer capacity as the President of the Citizens League Of West Toledo, a nonprofit community corporation better known through its acronym C.L.O.W.T. Back then, C.L.O.W.T. was instrumental in advocating and renovating the Ottawa Park Shelter House and putting it back into public use. Furthermore, C.L.O.W.T. had signed a five-year lease with an option for another five-year period to manage and operate the facility that then became known as the Ottawa Park Community Building. At the end of the initial five-year period the City of Toledo decided not to renew the five-year option, and instead turned the facility into a Nature Center operated by City of Toledo Parks and Recreation.

I digress. Back to topic. Back in 1985, I was told by the architects, engineers, and other "professionals" that Toledo and northwestern Ohio was not a good location for wind power; and therefore, the idea of wind-power generated electricity that I had suggested was not feasible. As the years have passed, I have seen wind turbine fields constructed in the Bowling Green area of Ohio; and now, I read that Keith Wilkowski is suggesting at least looking into the feasibility of wind power for Toledo.

Who would have thunk it? Oh wait, I guess that's Hooda Thunkit.

Well, blow me over! I'm not blowing wind when I say more power to Keith Wilkowski and to Toledo wind. And no, I am not just blowing smoke; that is Tim Higgins.

Now, if only I can get the golf cart industry to build an entire fleet of solar-powered golf carts with the solar cells on the flat roof of the golf cart.

Maumee Lorraine

Just a quick short note to say hello to Lorraine who has traveled 2000 miles and is visiting in Maumee while having attended the homecoming festivities of the University of Toledo this past weekend.

Hello.

Would you believe? Another COP OUT!

Hey, don't take my word for it! Read about it for yourself.
Go on over to Carnival of Ohio Politics: Carnival #136

John R. Bender, Ohio Board of Education Member: MIA

Some time back I wrote the Roland Hansen Commentary Who and where is John R. Bender? in which amongst other things I stated, "I find it unsettling that Mr. Bender is an elected official who seems to be invisible."

There was an entry the other day in my wife's blog, Judy's Jewels, The Blog of Judy Hansen, in which she wrote of the Dedication Ceremony and Community Open House for The New Penta Career Center. Established in 1965, Penta was the first multi-county vocational school in Ohio. Serving students from a five county region and sixteen school districts, the new three-story facility sits on 150 acres and consists of 522,000 square feet with a maximum capacity of 2,000 students in grades 10 through 12. Of course, Judy and I were at the auspicious event.

There were a lot of dignitaries and elected officials at the official dedication ceremony, but the absence of one specific elected official stuck out like a sore thumb.

I reference Judy's entry now for you to read not just her original posting but also for the third comment that was made on that entry by Judy herself in which she informs us that our elected State Board of Education Member from the Second District, Mr. John R. Bender, was ABSENT. Take a look-see and read Penta - A Bold New Beginning.

As I stated and asked before in my aforementioned Roland Hansen Commentary, I do so again:

I find it unsettling that neither the public nor the mass media seem to care that an elected school board member appears to ignore his constituency.
Just what is John Bender doing for education in the State of Ohio? Where is the public outcry, especially from those people who claim they are interested in our public school districts?
To whom is John R. Bender responsible? Where is the accountability?

Sarah Palin: Religion in Politics

Should religion be a factor in the 2008 Presidential campaign? Do the religious beliefs of Republican Vice President nominee Sarah Palin make a difference to you one way or another in your determination of whom to elect as President of the United States of America? Well, apparently it does to some.

Today's Roland Hansen Commentary contains a "guest opinion" providing some "food for thought" in that the religious views of Sarah Palin are brought into question.

"A candidate's personal religious beliefs generally are not of public concern, but when those views could potentially motivate the candidate to take actions that would be contrary to the national interest, the public has a right to know what that person believes."

That is just one sentence in the Opinion - Editorial: A heartbeat away.

With all the attention that has been given to Barack Obama and his religion, I cannot help but wondwr why the same scrutiny hasn't been applied to Sarah Palin.

I wonder how many people even pay attention to the question of the role played by Sarah Palin's religious beliefs in the performance of her duties as an elected official, past, present, and future.

Garbage: Toledo, Ohio

Right up front: The garbage of this Roland Hansen Commentary is really a rant about garbage in Toledo; more specifically, it's a rant about the garbage collectors in Toledo, by which I mean the employees who actually do the collection of refuse for the City of Toledo Division of Solid Waste.

First off, let me say: I am very appreciative of the "garbage collectors" and the work performed by garbage collectors. Garbage collection and disposal is a hard and dirty job; and, garbage workers work hard.

(As an aside: Have you ever watched Dirty Jobs on the Discovery Channel with host Mike Rowe?)


HOWEVER, some of these garbage collectors are totally careless and their actions demonstrate a total disregard for public safety and total disrespect of people and their private property. For years, I have been silent about this out of respect for the hard-working, conscientious employees of the Solid Waste Division who I believe really are in the majority of employees; but, I remain silent no more!

How many times while driving down the street have you and I had to dodge garbage cans rolling around in the street after having been thrown purposely into the street by a careless garbage collector? This is a public safety issue; is it not?

This morning, once again, I saw, as I have seen on other occasions, the gargage collector throw my garbage can down on the street. Do you know how many garbage cans I have had to purchase because of the careless mistreatment by these city employees. It's not only my property with which this happens; it's a whole lot of other people's cans that receive the same mishandling and results in many a damaged-beyond-use gargage cans. Where is the respect of property? How would those specific garbage collectors feel if I went to their homes and purposely broke their personal possessions?

In regards to the reckless garbage collectors:
I say FIRE THEM. Dismiss them. Discharge them. Let them go. And do so for just cause. That way, the thoughtless, careless, disrespecting garbage collector will not be able to collect unemployment benefits. After all, it's not as though these poor-performing employees do such things by mistake or by accident. They do so with total disregard and lack of concern!

To all the other City of Toledo Division of Solid Waste employees who conscientiously work so hard at a job many others will not take, I say "Thank you very much" and I sincerely mean that.

Another COP Out

It's not in the closet; another C.O.P. is out. Read the latest issue. Click on over to Carnival of Ohio Politics: Carnival of Ohio Politics #135.
Who said politics is dull?

Taxing My Patience!

Once again, elections are around the corner.

This year, we get to vote for the "electors" to the Electoral College that actually elects the President of the United States of America. We also get to cast our ballots for our choice to represent us in the United States Congress.

In Ohio, we get to vote for our choice of representatives to the State Legislature, a myriad of state-wide issues including a really dumb idea (click to read about it), and a special election to fill the unexpired term for Ohio Attorney General.

At the county level in Ohio, there are all kinds of elections for county offices, judgeships, issues, bonds, and levies.

With the presidential campaigns overshadowing all else, the traditional mass media, meaning television, radio, and newspapers, have failed miserably to provide coverage of anything other than McCain and Palin, or Obama, and Biden. This lack of journalistic coverage truly taxes my patience.

That lack of press coverage on all elections aside, there is another subject I find taxing my patience; but rather than rambling on about it myself, I suggest you head over to read Hooda Thunkit's Therapy Blog: “It's NOT a new tax; it's no new money...

Barack Obama and Big Brother

The 2008 campaign for President of the United States of America has had coverage all over the television screens and on computer monitors everywhere, no matter where you may be.

Something I read recently on another blog regarding Democratic Party nominee Barack Obama triggered a thought in my mind about 1984. For a flash, I even thought of a current popular reality television show.

Rather than adding my own less-than-two-cents worth, I suggest you read the very interesting Liberal Common Sense entry Obama Thought Police? and then tell me if it doesn't remind you of Big Brother.

Not this Big Brother, but this Big Brother.

COP Out. It's Number 134

READ ALL ABOUT IT! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Hey Mister, do you have a dime?

Read what Ohio political bloggers are about nowadays.
Read the latest COP that just came out.
Read Carnival of Ohio Politics #134

McCain and Obama on the Issues

Enough mud-slinging already! AND, all this nonsense about lipstick, pigs, old fish, a pregnant daughter, and what-all has got to stop!

The Presidential campaign smears by both the Republicans and the Democrats are all over the map and the issues have taken a back seat.

So, just where do the the two major political party candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama, stand on the issues? Look here for a brief side-by-side comparison overview.

Whether you think political polls are useful or not, they can be interesting. There has even been a poll (or two or three) about which candidate Europeans would rather see elected as President of the United States of America. Interesting stuff. Read the report on one of those polls over this-a-way.

And, what about the other candidates for the Presidency? Again, the traditional mass media has focused on only the Republican Party and Democratic Party nominees, ignoring all others, failing to provide coverage of all candidates for the highest office in the land. Take a look at the ProCon web page 2008 Election to read about all of the 2008 US Presidential candidates and learn their views and perspectives on 65 issues. That site which professes Read our simple, nonpartisan, pro-con presentation and decide for yourself: "Which candidate would make the best President?" will at least provide you with more information than is being provided by the traditional print and broadcast media.

As usual, American television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and such continue their sad and sorry track record of abrogating their moral and professional responsibility in bringing us full coverage of the news in an unbiased manner. By telling the American public only that which the traditional media outlets choose to tell us, the traditional media sets the agenda for what people talk about; and, consequently it is the traditional mass media of "the Press" that shapes public opinion.

Death is no laughing matter!

"There is continuous debates in the world of religion, philosophy, and politics about when human life begins. The various perspectives on that topic even affect many Americans’ decisions in the election of the President of the United States of America.

There has also been debate about death, even to the point that answers have been sought in the courts of the United States as to when a person may be declared dead. Death is a serious topic that almost everyone avoids as a topic conversation."

The above is an excerpt from a Roland's Rambling posting. You may read the entire Life and Death entry over here. Click it; go ahead; I know you're dying to.

Some people use humor in their feeble attempts to deal with the very serious topic of death. But, I am of the opinion that death is no laughing matter. Apparently, other people think differently. Some have such a sick sense of humor that I find it repulsive to the core. My thoughts in that regard include a sickening profanic obscene schtik from a now-deceased comedian who some people admired for some unfathomable reason.

View that so-called comedy routine on this embedded YouTube spot and tell me what you think. I think it is CRAP ladened with totally unnecessary profanities and has a total disregard for the sanctity of life.

USA Presidential Election and the Jewish Vote

I happened to be reading the Jewish News of Greater Phoenix Online when I came across an article that addressed how Democrats and Republicans are courting the Jewish vote in this year's Presidential election with a twist. Previous presidential campaigns have courted the Jewish vote based on the candidate for President. The 2008 Presidential election campaigns are apparently attempting to garner the Jewish vote and support based on the Vice Presidential nominees, Joe Biden (D) and Sarah Palin (R), rather than the nominees for President, Barack Obama (D) and John McCain (R). To get the information on this first hand, go over to read VP picks cast as bad for Jews by Ron Kampeas, JTA News & Features.

Not to be satisfied with just this teaser of an article on the subject of Republicans and Democrats going after the Jewish vote, a simple web search got me to the websites of the Republican Jewish Coalition and of the National Jewish Democratic Council. Looking over those websites is a real eye-opening, eye-popping experience. Who to believe - who to believe?? Oy vey ist mir!

To be honest, I never realized there was such a strong push by the two major American political parties for the support of the Jewish American electorate, especially given the fact that the U.S. Jewish Population is only 2.2% of the total American population. I cannot help but wonder about the reasoning for this. Now then, what is a Jewish African American with a Spanish surname to do?

COP 133

The latest COP, Carnival of Ohio Politics, is up and posted. Please take some time to read Carnival 133 the Most Excellent edition...

Public Education and Knowledge or the Lack Thereof

As it is with many people, public education is one of my interests. I greatly appreciate the positive and constructive contributions that are made by many people on behalf of public education here in the United States of America. On the other hand, I am also very concerned about the apparent lack of knowledge and lack of understanding of many Americans in the area of public education.

Many Americans tend to believe that the "federal" government is responsible for the provision of primary and secondary public education; however, that belief is incorrect. As the MSN Encarta article "Public Education in the United States points out, the primary responsibility for the provision of public education In the United States of America lies not with the national government but with the individual state governments and individual school districts."

(April 27, 2010 update
NOTE: I have removed the previously embedded link to the cited MSN Encarta article, because upon clicking it I received this message: "The MSN Encarta page you are trying to visit has been discontinued. If you are looking for dictionary content, please visit MSN Encarta Dictionary in US English, World English, or French." - BUMMER!!!)

I am constantly amazed at the number of people who are not aware that the United States Government is not responsible for the American public education system, and that so many people mistakenly hold to the belief that somehow the President of the United States is responsible for public education and can do something about it in our country.

Oftentimes, I come across people who do not realize that the educational system varies from state to state. That's amazing. Okay, the fact is that many people are unaware of the system, period.

What I find even most amazing is the number of people who do not even understand their own local public education system. For example, many people who live in the City of Toledo think that all schools in the city are part of the Toledo city public school system. Well, I got news for them. There is more than one school system in the City of Toledo. While I live in the City of Toledo, I do not live in the Toledo Public School District; I live in the Washington Local School District. Incidentally, there are more than just two school districts that have jurisdictional boundaries that come within the City of Toledo. Usually, those same people who do not understand the fact that there is more than one school system in Toledo also do not understand the difference in the roles and responsibilities of City of Toledo Government and Lucas County Government.

Gee, I wonder how many people who live in Lucas County, especially those who think they are an informed electorate, know that there are eleven (11) school districts that lie within Lucas County. They are:
Anthony Wayne Local School District
Evergreen Local School District
Maumee City School District
Ottawa Hills Village School District
Oregon City School District
Otsego Local School District
Springfield Local School District
Swanton Local School District
Sylvania City School District
Toledo City School District
Washington Local School District

Go on over here to see the school district maps with their boundaries.

I sure wish the many people who make misinformed and ill-informed opinionated comments about public schools would do their homework and learn the facts about the system of American public education before they open mouth and insert foot. If more people would take the time to understand the role, responsibilities, funding and finances, and the limitations of our present American public education system, then perhaps we might be able to really make the improvements and changes that are necessary in our schools to bring them in line with the century in which we currently live.

Jack Ford: Holding Toledo Public Schools Accountable For ALL Students

I read the Blade article Toledo Public Schools aiming to reduce disciplinary absences with great interest.

In my opinion, far too many people, educators and the general public alike, have the mistaken belief that children who pose challenges to the institution of public education should just be tossed aside and that our schools should be left for exclusive use by "good" kids. These folks seem to conveniently forget that public education in the United States of America is for ALL children. That's ALL, as in all-inclusive, as in every single child, as opposed to exclusive, as in only the kids that 'toe the line' and create no problems to the system.

Education is a process. With education, all things are possible. Education can also take a 'bad' kid and turn that child around. I speak from experience. I was one of those 'bad' kids who posed significant challenges of the disciplinary kind in school all the way from first grade through my senior year in high school. If it were not for the concern, the understanding, the kindness, the guidance, and the mentorship of some very dedicated professionals in the public education system, I likely would have wound up with my picture on the wall of the post office. Instead, I went on to the University and made a career in the public service.

I applaud the renewed efforts of Toledo Public Schools in attempting to reach all of the children, all of the students, including those who have been labeled (the spelling "labelled" is also acceptable) as "discipline problems" or "behaviorally challenged" as some would say.

For some reason, a 'gut feeling' if you will, I doubt the TPS administration would be making these new efforts on its own without the urging of Toledo School Board Member and former Toledo Mayor and former Ohio State Representative, Jack Ford. Therefore, I especially applaud Jack Ford.

You GO, Jack!

Lindsay Webb: Toledo City Council Member Weds in Las Vegas

Congratulations are extended to Lindsay Webb, Toledo City Councilwoman, 6th District, who recently wed Robert Carter.

Apparently, the councilwoman chose not to get married in Toledo, Ohio. Instead, she chose Las Vegas, Nevada as the location for the nuptials rather than the City of Toledo in which she is an elected member of city council.

Here is a copy of the announcement that appeared in The Blade:
08/24/2008 Webb ~ Carter
Robert B. Carter and Lindsay M. Webb were married Monday, August 18, 2008, at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rob is the proud father of Mindy, Nathan, Brittany and Addison, and the son of Barbara L. Carter of Sylvania Township and the late Frank E. Carter. Rob is a journeyman insulator and the Business Manager of Insulators and Allied Workers Local 45. Lindsay is the daughter of Thomas S. Webb of Toledo (Point Place) and Michelle Lever of Ottawa Hills. A graduate of The University of Toledo College of Law, Lindsay is a coordinator for a non-profit organization and serves on Toledo City Council. Rob and Lindsay will welcome their family and friends at a reception at her mother's home in mid-September.

You may also read The Blade on-line Webb - Carter wedding announcement.

If you recall, Ms. Webb had previously suggested the former Portside Festival Marketplace and home of (the former - or not) COSI of Toledo as a potential site for a gambling casino.

DIRT Is Flying Again!

If you recall, I have written about DIRT before in Roland Hansen Commentary. If you do not recall, you may review those previous commentaries by clicking the following embedded links:
Learn the Newest DIRT, Monday, December 3, 2007;
Lindsay Webb: The Broken Promise, Friday, January 4, 2008;
Lucas County Republicans: Wack Off, Stainbrook One, Reichert Zero, Thursday, May 15, 2008.

While the DIRT composition and DIRT players may vary from time to time, it is DIRT none-the-less. Well, it appears that this time the DIRT is flying again in Toledo municipal government. Mayor Carleton S. Finkbeiner, aka Carty Finkbeiner, has sent another letter chastising Toledo City Council. Well, the DIRT flew right back into the face of the Mayor.

Hey, I cannot help it if you haven't already read the latest Toledo daily newspaper article. But, I can help you by linking to the article so you can read it now. Go on, be informed, read Mayor shares blame for political feud, Toledo council trio says by Ignazio Messina, Blade Staff Writer.

Gee, I cannot help but wonder if any of the players in DIRT have taken any seminars or other specialized educational training in communications skills.

Obama Picks Biden

NEWS FLASH!

BREAKING NEWS!

THIS JUST IN!

Oh, I guess you already heard. Hey, I just wanted to join the bandwagon. It's all over the news and blogosphere. Let the pundit games begin.

Now that Senator Barack Hussein Obama, the presumptive Democratic Party nominee for President of the United States of America, has announced Senator Joe Biden as his choice for a Vice President running mate, its open season for commentary. And when, Senator John McCain, the presumptive Republican Party nominee for President, makes his preference of a Vice President be known, it will be a field day for even more political commentary.

My thoughts regarding the selection of Biden:

I just think there is an irony in this choice.

Flashback to the Presidential race of 2000.
The Democratic Party nominee for Vice President was Senator Joe Lieberman, a United States Senator from a small east coast state (Connecticut) who was also a candidate that very same year for re-election to his Senate seat.

Flash forward to 2008.
The Democratic Party nominee for Vice President is Senator Joe Biden, a United States Senator from a small east coast state (Delaware) who is also a candidate this very same year for re-election to his Senate seat.

Oh, by the way, did you also notice the first names of the Dem VP picks in 2000 and in 2008?
They are both Joe.

hmm, I wonder what other coincidences or ironies may arise with this selection.

Ohio: Lucas County Republican Party Scores Zero OR JS x 2 = Jan Scotland + Jon Stainbrook = 0

I read "GOP Stupidity" over at Judy's Jewels with interest and a sudden urge to make a Roland Hansen Commentary.

What's all the fuss about the Lucas County Republican Party? I don't understand. It just seems to me that the Lucas County GOP has nothing (or is that no one) to offer.

It is my understanding that the Judy's Jewels entry was fueled by this news item about Jan Scotland not being on the fall ballot because of Jon Stainbrook.

You know, there are a lot of people who are critical of Jon Stainbrook, Chairman of the Lucas County Republican Party, for not doing what was necessary to have Jan Scotland appear on the ballot as a replacement for Joe Pellman, a previous Republican candidate who had filed to run for Lucas County Commissioner but apparently had no intention to really seek election. The games people play, or at least the Lucas County Republican Party, are always interesting.

The news of the Lucas County Republican Party giving the nod to Jan Scotland caused a bit of flack in the electronic commentary world both at SwampBubbles and at Glass City Jungle. On another front, there was a very nice Toledo Journal Jan Scotland article concerning the candidacy of Jan Scotland.

Now, the latest news about the as-of-now non-candidacy of Jan Scotland for Lucas County Commissioner has brought out not only some honest and sincere political pundits but also all kinds of worms from under the rocks with allegations of the ineptness of Jon Stainbrook, a variety of conspiracy theories, and so on and so forth. You can read the comments on two Glass City Jungle threads:
Breaking News: Jan Scotland will not be on November Ballot
and
More on the Lucas County Republican Party and the Scotland saga...

Not to absolve the Lucas County Republican Party or its Chairman Jon Stainbrook from any responsibility in this fiasco, but I do have a question. Does not the was-to-be-candidate Jan Scotland also bear some responsibility? After all, it is Jan Scotland who was to be the candidate for Lucas County Commissioner. It would appear to me that, Mr. Scotland should have been a bit more astute, complete, and thorough about his own candidacy. Given Jan Scotland's apparent lack of dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t"s, I cannot help but wonder if he would bring that same type of "neglect of detail" approach to the position of Lucas County Commissioner.

The Toledo Journal article that is linked above contains this statement attributed to Jan Scotland: "Half of the game in politics is gaining support," he added. "The other half is not having anybody aggressively fight against you."
Roland Hansen says that in order to be a candidate for elective office, you need to first attend to the technicalities, minor things such as assuring the necessary paperwork to have your name appear on the ballot is properly submitted. Otherwise, there is no game to play.

Ohio: Lucas County Democratic Party Unity or Not

This afternoon, I came across a fellow I have known for over 35 years. He told me that he had recently performed a "google" search on the Lucas County Democratic Party and saw Roland Hansen Commentary appear toward the top of the results page.

Being curious, I did that "google" search myself and lo-and-behold, sure enough there I am. Take a look at the results right here.

Now then, let's revisit that Roland Hansen Commentary: Ohio: Lucas County Democratic Party and Unity from about a year ago.

I always find it interesting that many, many, many people who are quite vociferous in making opinionated political statements have short memories. In the world of political commentary, most folks express their thoughts on a hot topic and then move on to make comments on the next hot topic, with little or no follow-up or follow-through on any of the hot-button topics.

Rare is the person who perseveres on political topics unless it is to demean others. Rare is the person who has positive constructive thoughts or makes positive constructive suggestions. Rare is the person who actually holds himself or herself accountable, let alone responsible, for his or her own perspectives, thoughts, or comments. I certainly hope I am not one of the masses; and that I am indeed one of the rare persons. I don't know that I fall into that category, but I do hope so.

Along those lines then, I see that I am now entering the time frame for the prediction I made in that Roland Hansen Commentary of a year ago regarding the Lucas County Democratic Party and the issue of unity. Did you go back to read that entry? Apparently, most other people have forgotten or dismissed their own thoughts and comments on that topic because I have not heard any outcry about disunity of the Lucas County Democratic Party in a long, long time. That leaves me wondering whether or not my own perspective has been on the mark or not. I sure would be interested in reading the comments of others on the topic of the Lucas County Democratic Party and its degree of unity.

Pet Peeve or Barking Up The Wrong Tree

I read an article in which some pet owners and pet lovers have a pet peeve with Lucas County Dog Warden, Tom Skeldon. These misguided animal activists are barking up the wrong tree in calling, nay, petitioning for Mr. Skeldon's dismissal. Apparently, they are unhappy that Tom Skeldon is doing his job of enforcing the law which has also been upheld by the Ohio Supreme Court. I kid(d) you not. They want him fired because he is doing his job in performing his duties as he is legally obliged.
Hey, don't take my word for it. Read the Blade article 474 sign petition to oust Lucas County dog warden for yourself. I hope you read the part that states "Mr. Skeldon said pit bulls are 'the number one biter in Lucas County,' and that last year his office seized 1,354 of them" and the last sentence that states "Lucas County, with more than 61,000 licensed dogs, has had Ohio's highest license compliance rate in the state."
Wow, one thousand three hundred fifty-four pit bulls seized! That's a lot of pit bulls.
And, it's a lot of BULL---- (fill in the blank) that County Commissioner Ben Konop thinks "a large public outcry could represent a cause for dismissing Mr. Skeldon."
What kind of political crap of reasoning is that???!!!
Just cause for job termination in the public sector is misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance.
Just cause is NOT for doing the work you are supposed to be doing in accordance with your job duties and the law.

Democratic National Convention: Edwards Out, Clintons In

With the big news about John Edwards having an extramarital affair, it seems that he will not be at the Democratic National Convention. The word about keynote speakers at the Democratic National Convention is in the Reuters blogs entry with the headline "Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton to open Democratic convention" but it is being reported that while Bill Clinton will be speaking at the convention he will not be introducing Hillary Clinton. The job of introducing Hillary Clinton lies with yet another woman as reported in the article by Thomas M. DeFrank, Daily News Washington Bureau Chief.
Click the embedded links to read those stories.
What was that movie with Woody Harrelson? Oh yeah, now I remember: White Men Can't Jump.
I guess it's up to the Republican National Convention to provide equal opportunities for white males to be keynote speakers.
On the other hand, there is another woman who has something to say about all this and she makes prejudicial remarks about older men and also speaks of another female as a possible Vice President. Hear it all for yourself by clicking here.
Over the past couple decades, I have often heard white men make remarks that some day there will be no opportunities left for white males. Could that day be now?
That does not necessarily reflect my own thinking, but I have heard many white men reflect on that, especially in regards to this year's presidential election. It seems no one wants to say it out loud and no one really wants to discuss it because, after all, that is a 'racist' and a politically incorrect topic. None-the-less, it does give "food for thought" if we are to be honest and if we are curious as to what is really being said out there on the street.

Ranking Presidential Class

Nope. Nothing from me. I'm still processing the John Edwards stuff.

That said, I just think I'll leave it for you to head over to The Adam Hansen Weblog to read, view, and listen to Our Presidential Hopeful.

Lindsay Webb: The Subject of Trust and the Erie Street Market

Lindsay Webb is the elected Toledo city council representative for the district in which I reside. In the past, I have made complimentary remarks regarding Lindsay Webb and I have expressed some concerns about the councilmanic actions of Lindsay Webb. I shall continue to monitor her words, her actions, and her deeds as an elected official: and, I shall continue to make entries in Roland Hansen Commentary regarding her performance as an elected member of Toledo City Council as I perceive the need.

Today is one of those times.

I believe that Lindsay Webb hit the nail on the head with the comments attributed to her in the Blade article Toledo City Council grills city staff, promoter. There is, however, one comment with which I do not agree and that concerns the change in the City Charter as suggested by Ms. Webb. The City Charter of Toledo is such a hodge-podge as it is now; I'd rather we only revise that charter when absolutely necessary. Additionally, it seems cumbersome to make changes to the charter every time there is disagreement with a particular city administrative action, especially when there is a regular changeover scheduled in the CEO of the city administration (read that as Mayor for the present time) through the election process. Click on the embedded link contained within the title of that article and read the entire story and the words of attributed to Lindsay Webb.

I strongly believe in governmental responsibility, responsiveness, and accountability. I sincerely hope that Lindsay Webb continues on the path of advocating and practicing truth, openness, and honesty in the public service. That is what we citizens need; and, that is what we citizens deserve. Nothing less than that is acceptable.

Reinventing Ohio's Lucas County Government

It's about time the citizens of Ohio's Lucas County seriously consider the possibility of changing the composition, structure, and form of local government for Lucas County. As a matter of fact, I think it is way, way overdue. Quite frankly, I have discussed this topic from time to time with many people over the past twenty-five years or so.

Almost one year ago, August 8, 2007 to be exact, I wrote the Roland Hansen Commentary Change Lucas County, Ohio Government! If you did not read it previously, I suggest you do so now. If you did read it previously it might be a good idea to read it again as a refresher.

Article X of the Ohio Constitution allows for a charter form of Ohio County Government. However, of the 88 counties in Ohio, only one, Summit County, has made the transition. A reading of the history of Summit County indicates the change came about due to a combination of factors such as an uneasy economy with the loss of local jobs totalling in the thousands, wrongdoings in some segments of county government, county residents loosing faith in their local government, and a county government mired in controversy. That is a description of Summit County in the 1970s. It sure sounds like Lucas County today to me!

When speaking with the citizens of Lucas County, whether it be in person or by proxy nowadays via the internet, there appears to be many people who express an interest in changing or reinventing Ohio's Lucas County government. However, it appears folks will talk the talk, but not walk the walk. It is unfortunate, but it seems to me that, in reality, there are insufficient numbers of people who are willing to actually take an active role and become personally involved in effectuating change. They just do not seem to want to put forth the effort and volunteer their time to bring about the result of a different county government that they express in conversation.

By golly, if there were Lucas County residents who really and truly cared to do whatever is necessary to bring about a change in the form of government for Lucas County, including an initiative referendum, I would be right there doing whatever I could to help bring about the desired result. As a matter of fact, I am willing to take a very active role if a sufficient number of people let it be known they would also be willing to spend the time and effort needed. Hey, if we started working now on bringing about a change in county government here in Lucas County, we actually might be able to vote on such a change in the election of 2009!!!

Is This a Way to Elect a President?

Here we go again with the debate on how to elect the President of the Uhited States of America! Can you believe there are people who actually believe that the President should be chosen based on a direct vote of the people with the candidate receiving the most votes nationwide? What does that really mean? Could someone be elected with a plurality vote as opposed to a majority vote? Would a direct vote by the people be a vote by an informed electorate? Would the most populous states or a region of states decide the fate of the election for the entire country?

The Founding Fathers of the United States put much thought and deliberation into deciding the best method of selecting the President of the United States of America. While not of unanimous opinion, the majority consensus of our country's Founding Fathers was to elect the President by means of the Electoral College system. The majority of the Founding Founders ruled out the method of the House of Representatives selecting the President basically because it was thought that a President selected in such a manner would be too dependent and beholden to the legislative branch of the national government. A majority of the Founders argued against the people directly electing the President for two reasons; one, it was felt that too many of the "common" people were ill-informed and easily manipulated; and two, that a tyrannous President could very well be the result of direct popular election. Consequently, the Electoral College was devised with independent electors to be selected by the legislature of each state. The majority consensus also appeased concerns of the small states, meaning the less populous states, in devising the formula used in creating the number of Electors for the Electoral College that guaranteed states with small populations more of an equal weight in the presidential election.

You might want to read the interesting article Why was the Electoral College Created? by Marc Schulman. Another interesting reading comes from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. If you wish, go on over to read The Electoral College: The Issue: Why did the framers choose the method that they did for electing presidents? Should the Electoral College be abolished or modified?


Would an election of the President by a direct vote of the people nationwide be nothing more than a popularity contest? Turning election into popularity race is an article in the Chicago Tribune that I suggest you read.

Could the American people be hoodwinked? Or, are Americans now smarter than the perception the Founding Fathers had of their contemporaries? Tell me we're ready to make a well-informed decision in the interests of all Americans.

Ohio has long had a pivotal role in Presidential elections under the Electoral College process. Would that still be the case if we were to go to a nationwide direct election of President of the United States of America?


A tangental question: Are the proponents of direct nationwide popular election of the President also in favor of changing our state/national federalism form of government into a unitary national government and thereby eliminate state governments?

Joan Kuchinski: An Underperforming School Board Member

Last night, I attended yet another meeting of the Governing Board of the Lucas County Educational Service Center. Once again, as has been her practice, Joan Kuchinski was tardy; this time, she was late by 23 minutes. And, as is her custom, Joan Kuchinski high-tailed it out of the room as soon as the meeting was adjourned. It appears to me that it is not uncommon for Joan Kuchinski to arrive after the Governing Board meeting has already begun and to be the first person to depart. I am also aware of at least one Governing Board meeting for which it had been reported that Joan Kuchinski left the meeting before the meeting had even been adjourned.

It seems another predictable behavior of Joan Kuchinski is that from time to time she opens her packet of meeting materials after the meeting has begun. The packet of meeting materials which I reference includes the meeting agenda, financial reports, communications, personnel changes requiring action, etc. The packet of meeting materials is sent to her home days in advance of the actual Governing Board meeting. Twice a year the packet includes evaluation forms of the Superintendent and the Treasurer that are to be completed prior to the actual meeting of the LCESC Governing Board. It seems there has been an occasion or two when Joan Kuchinski arrived to a meeting without the meeting materials for which she is to take official action as an elected official.

There have also been quite a few times where I have observed Joan Kuchinski having side conversation with another person while the official business meeting was underway. It appeared to me on those several occasions that Joan Kuchinski was not paying attention to the business at hand before the Board.

It seems to me that if a person is elected to a postion of public trust, as Joan Kuchinski, who is a teacher by profession, has been elected as a member of the Lucas County Educational Service Center Governing Board, then the person should devote the necessary interest, commitment, and time needed to adequately and sufficiently perform those elected duties. That includes preparing in advance for official business meetings, being prompt in arrival at meetings, being alert and paying attention at the meetings, setting aside the necessary time to attend to the duties of the elected postition, placing the elected position and its duties as a priority, etc.

Toward the end of the meeting last night, Joan Kuchinski made it a point to make some comments under the agenda item "Board Call" in which she referred to blog comments and her being late and about money she receives from "Lucas County." While Joan Kuchinski was not specific nor explicit in those comments, I believe she was alluding to a blog entry on Judy's Jewels last month about the fact that she, Joan Kuchinski, had arrived late and had been ill-prepeared for that meeting; and, I also believe she was alluding to the Roland Hansen Commentary about the money she receives from the Lucas County Educational Service Center for employment services. While that Roland Hansen Commentary was a laudatory discourse replete with accolades of Lucas County Educational Sevice Center Governing Board member Angela Zimmann, the commentary concluded with
"Now, as an aside and not related to the titled entry:
I still do not understand how there is no conflict of interest and how it is ethical and legal for Joan Kuchcinski, another member of the LCESC Board, to be receiving payments of hundreds and totaling in the thousands of dollars for professional services rendered as an individual while maintaining a position on the very same Governing Board that also authorizes those payments!!!"

On that subject of a potential conflict of interest, I have repeatedly expressed my concern over a period of time to individual LCESC Governing Board members, LCESC administrators, and others. To date, I have received insufficient responses to that legitimate concern. As I have said to those people, the County Prosecutor, who is by law the legal adviser to the Board at no cost, should be requested to either render an opinion or seek one from the State Attorney-General. I have also told those individuals that it really is best to have an opinion come from the State Attorney General's office. It is the Attorney General that issues opinions on compatibility (and non-compatibility) of public offices. Should the Lucas County ESC continue to fail to request the appropriate authoritative opinion on this issue, I fully intend to pursue whatever legal means are necessary and available to obtain such an authoritative ruling regarding Joan Kuchinski receiving monetary payments for providing professional services in an "employee" role from the Board on which she serves as an elected official.

In regards to Joan Kuchinski in her capacity as an elected official as a Member of the Governing Board of the Lucas County Educational Service Center, I give her a grade of "D" in that she seems to be an underperformer.