Remember in the last post I told you how I would pass along some of the reports ONLY if they served the public interest, if there was something that I felt the public needed to know?
Well apparently, that sparked someone's interest. I received an e-mail which I understand has bounced and bounced around this fair city. In certain channels anyway.
It just reveals a darker side of City Ha.. Municipal Building politics, and that maybe those of you who voted for change, voted for the MTD ticket, might have been played for suckers.
I will not reprint the entire text here, just a few lines.
From the e-mail: "Mayor Nelson Harris informed Democratic City Chair C W**d that the group he leads who backed the successful "Independent Democrat" ticket in the recent City Council election is going to "take control of this Party." "We won, and we're going to run things," was his explicit message, angrily delivered. "
"State Party Chair Cranwell put the brakes on the "movement," making clear that the duly elected City Committee and local Party officers could not and would not be removed simply because some people, including many who didn't even attend the reorganizational meeting last December where there votes would have produced a different outcome, were unhappy with the results of the election. He told them basically that, if you want to have control, you have to participate."
"Chair C W**d asserted that the Wednesday meeting had been a "set up" for her, since she was the only person associated with the losing slate of Democratic Council nominees who was invited to the meeting, whereupon in the presence of several people L replied that no, the meeting was instead a set-up for Nelson Harris, who had made a fool of himself. Everyone knew that was very disingenuous, since L is the one who for weeks has been contacting leaders of the Independent movement one-by-one seeking to find out what it would take to get those folks active in regular Democratic Party affairs, and the answer he uniformly got was, "First, you'll have to get rid of your Chair, C W**d.""
Behind the scenes, and reported straight. Unlike some of the other individuals who have also received this e-mail.
Perhaps we should prepare a coronation ceremony for Mayor cum Emperor Harris, or perhaps we should just ignore it as more politics. Make up your own mind.
9/26/06
The OTHER Roanoke Rumor Mill
There's been some interesting rumblings coming across the desk here at the HQ. My little ears have been overhearing some interesting things lately.
Some information concerning current members of the city council and their "questionable ethics" far more concerning than the public currently knows about.
Information concerning the biggest newspaper in SW Virginia's unspoken policy, and why there is such a lack of local news in the paper itself.
Some information concerning the head of a certain bank here, and why he doesn't even bank on his bank.
Oh yes, the information keeps flowing in. And only those items of absolute public interest and need will be unleashed. Most of the information just makes the persons involved look slightly worse than they are. Or in certain cases, slightly more insane.
Suffice it to say this much: This town is not what you think it is, it is not corrupt - on a city level. That being said, many of our "leaders" are either corruptable or corrupted, some by their own hand. This is to be expected, it's politics - after all.
But there are some acts which border on illegal, and due to lack of viable evidence - well, some people are just lucky like that.
Putting it mildly, there is a whole lot of bad karma downtown - and thanks to some "blind eyes", true career suicide has been averted.
For now.
As I said though, unless it's some bit of information so vital - I will not be releasing anything, but realize - I hear almost everything.
Some information concerning current members of the city council and their "questionable ethics" far more concerning than the public currently knows about.
Information concerning the biggest newspaper in SW Virginia's unspoken policy, and why there is such a lack of local news in the paper itself.
Some information concerning the head of a certain bank here, and why he doesn't even bank on his bank.
Oh yes, the information keeps flowing in. And only those items of absolute public interest and need will be unleashed. Most of the information just makes the persons involved look slightly worse than they are. Or in certain cases, slightly more insane.
Suffice it to say this much: This town is not what you think it is, it is not corrupt - on a city level. That being said, many of our "leaders" are either corruptable or corrupted, some by their own hand. This is to be expected, it's politics - after all.
But there are some acts which border on illegal, and due to lack of viable evidence - well, some people are just lucky like that.
Putting it mildly, there is a whole lot of bad karma downtown - and thanks to some "blind eyes", true career suicide has been averted.
For now.
As I said though, unless it's some bit of information so vital - I will not be releasing anything, but realize - I hear almost everything.
9/25/06
Update: Signal the all clear
The foot is fine, thanks for asking. Thanks to the dilligent work of my wife, mother-in-law, and the fine folks over at Starkey Medical - life is peachy again. Although I have come to the hard realization that my size 10's aren't anymore. Thats right folks, one of fates crulest tricks is that there are certain things which keep growing as you get older: your nose, ears, and feet.
So it's time to shuck the soles of old and hunt down some size 11's.. I only had 4 pair to begin with..
Anyway, I bet alot of you are wondering whats been going on around here.. it's been quiet. Eerily quiet.
Well just because you don't see anything does not mean nothing is happening. I do apologize for the lack of updates to the main website, but understand this. The amount of information I have obtained recently, along with the move to a very historic area combine to present me with some challenges. Mostly putting together and accurate timeline and map of the person/place/things that history has forgotten.
Not to mention the side issue of making this information presentable and available, with a software program that is no longer supported (but is based on the same open-source model as firefox), the limitations of free hosting, the availability of offsite file hosting (a great help in keeping the MB useage down), and the day to day business of planning and conducting a coup of common-sense.
But there is a far more important issue right now. I would ask that everyone who can (and few of you cannot) to head to this link at the Mill Mountain Zoo website.
Breaking news on Roanoke.com: "The Mill Mountain Zoo was given a year-long extension on its accreditation request to fix a series of on-going problems involving its finances and exhibits, according to a panel from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums...
The three core issues are improving the zoo’s financial stability, making exhibit improvements and facility upgrades such as building a new quarantine and health center, and addressing low staffing levels."
This is important. We need the Zoo. And seriously, is $15 bucks too much? Too little I'd say. I'm a member, as is the entire organization here at the HQ. Its an investment Roanoke can not afford to make.
I'll have more to say.. I always do.
So it's time to shuck the soles of old and hunt down some size 11's.. I only had 4 pair to begin with..
Anyway, I bet alot of you are wondering whats been going on around here.. it's been quiet. Eerily quiet.
Well just because you don't see anything does not mean nothing is happening. I do apologize for the lack of updates to the main website, but understand this. The amount of information I have obtained recently, along with the move to a very historic area combine to present me with some challenges. Mostly putting together and accurate timeline and map of the person/place/things that history has forgotten.
Not to mention the side issue of making this information presentable and available, with a software program that is no longer supported (but is based on the same open-source model as firefox), the limitations of free hosting, the availability of offsite file hosting (a great help in keeping the MB useage down), and the day to day business of planning and conducting a coup of common-sense.
But there is a far more important issue right now. I would ask that everyone who can (and few of you cannot) to head to this link at the Mill Mountain Zoo website.
Breaking news on Roanoke.com: "The Mill Mountain Zoo was given a year-long extension on its accreditation request to fix a series of on-going problems involving its finances and exhibits, according to a panel from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums...
The three core issues are improving the zoo’s financial stability, making exhibit improvements and facility upgrades such as building a new quarantine and health center, and addressing low staffing levels."
This is important. We need the Zoo. And seriously, is $15 bucks too much? Too little I'd say. I'm a member, as is the entire organization here at the HQ. Its an investment Roanoke can not afford to make.
I'll have more to say.. I always do.
9/22/06
And on the right side of the aircraft..
Thats right, take a look over to your right. You'll see a new badge which links to the only live FREE chatroom for Roanoke.
In an effort to keep this as interactive as possible, and provide the readers with a novel experience - I launch the Roanoke, Va chatroom.
no registration, no fees.. just a freewheeling chatroom.. you might see me in there, you might not.
Worth a try no?
In an effort to keep this as interactive as possible, and provide the readers with a novel experience - I launch the Roanoke, Va chatroom.
no registration, no fees.. just a freewheeling chatroom.. you might see me in there, you might not.
Worth a try no?
9/21/06
Killing them with kindness
This post relates directly to the Roanoke Times article which can be found here.
The homeless situation in downtown Roanoke is unique to this area. Many years ago, the city was faced with a serious problem. The homeless squatters in the derelict downtown area. They were harassing the public, urinating in the streets, loitering and littering. The usual problems, then things got bad. The Hotel Earle. 8/21/91 - a homeless man decided the front doors of the hotel would make a great place to set up a lean-to and took up residence there. In what he considered the kitchen (actually the portico between the front doors and inner doors), he caused a fire - which promptly shot through the then 82-year old structure. The hulk burned for hours, injured 3 firefighters, and wasted several thousand gallons of water.
The City has had numerous chances to act on the homeless issue, there was once a vote in the city council to decide to remove the homeless from the entire market area, or turn a blind eye and allow them to stay. The council voted to allow them the freedom to move about the market as they saw fit, provided they were not too aggressive in the panhandling. This was in the years before Downtown Roanoke, Inc. and at a time when downtown was dying a slow and painful death.
Of course, hindsight is always 20/20 - but consider that with the advent of DRI - the City has all but handed control of the Market area to them, and virtually walked away from any issues that arose.
And now, 15 years after the Hotel Earle fire, it is a shame that Downtown Roanoke, Inc. feels the need to hold a workshop on dealing with the homeless for local business owners - while the city removes some benches and calls it a day.
The burden of ownership of the entire city falls squarely on the shoulders of the City council, not on any single group. The City claims to have a vested interest in revitalizing the Downtown area, yet no thought appears to be given to the very laws which prevent panhandling and solicitation, loitering and littering - which could easily be altered and amended to place severe restrictions on those doing so in the Market area. Sometimes zone enforecement means zone restrictions - and downtown Roanoke should absolutely be an area in which the rules are a bit tighter, and a bit more enforced. Everything from litter to sidewalk access - which means No, Wertz cannot BLOCK the entire sidewalk on Sunday's for the limited tables they might serve outdoors.
I spend many a Sunday downtown, and given how Wertz is set on the vendor-side of the street - it is damn near impossible for anyone, handicapped or not to navigate the vendor area properly. It is a major violation of several federal rules, not to mention the very trust of the public in keeping it's sidewalks clear for pedestrian traffic.
Quality of life is one of the things that makes Roanoke great - and that includes the homeless. They have better access to services here than anyplace else I have been. A medical clinic is not uncommon in most cities, but a dental clinic is nearly unheard of. The homeless have access to 3 square meals a day, a bed and a shower moreso here than anyplace else they might land. They have groups which are willing to go to bat for them.
I have good, solid information that Wanda is homeless by choice. She has been offered something none of us would be - an apartment, with utilities paid for and food stamps - along with other attractive amenities - at no cost to her. She refused, preferring the freedom of her life on the streets. To which I say fine, that is her choice and we live in a country which allows such a choice - however, this is a big town - and she need not haunt the market area endlessly. Aside from the safety hazard she represents, with bags in tow blocking curb space or benches - a trip and fall lawsuit if I have ever heard of one; she also represents what downtown used to be. If she took up residence infront of Trio, Metro, or Wertz - how fast do you think she would be moved? Perhaps she can find a nice nook when the Art Museum opens on Salem, across from the former Hotel Earle.
I do not wish to excommunicate this woman from Roanoke totally, I just feel there is a better place for her - provided she is willing to give something in return.
I say, if the homeless wish to remain in the market area- offer them a simple job, sweeping the street - working in an information booth (for those so suited) - even washing windows for the local businesses. Let them earn their keep if they want to stay there, give them a wage so they need not beg and if any choose not to take part in the program, then they must leave the market area itself.
It's a choice we have to make at some point.
The homeless situation in downtown Roanoke is unique to this area. Many years ago, the city was faced with a serious problem. The homeless squatters in the derelict downtown area. They were harassing the public, urinating in the streets, loitering and littering. The usual problems, then things got bad. The Hotel Earle. 8/21/91 - a homeless man decided the front doors of the hotel would make a great place to set up a lean-to and took up residence there. In what he considered the kitchen (actually the portico between the front doors and inner doors), he caused a fire - which promptly shot through the then 82-year old structure. The hulk burned for hours, injured 3 firefighters, and wasted several thousand gallons of water.
The City has had numerous chances to act on the homeless issue, there was once a vote in the city council to decide to remove the homeless from the entire market area, or turn a blind eye and allow them to stay. The council voted to allow them the freedom to move about the market as they saw fit, provided they were not too aggressive in the panhandling. This was in the years before Downtown Roanoke, Inc. and at a time when downtown was dying a slow and painful death.
Of course, hindsight is always 20/20 - but consider that with the advent of DRI - the City has all but handed control of the Market area to them, and virtually walked away from any issues that arose.
And now, 15 years after the Hotel Earle fire, it is a shame that Downtown Roanoke, Inc. feels the need to hold a workshop on dealing with the homeless for local business owners - while the city removes some benches and calls it a day.
The burden of ownership of the entire city falls squarely on the shoulders of the City council, not on any single group. The City claims to have a vested interest in revitalizing the Downtown area, yet no thought appears to be given to the very laws which prevent panhandling and solicitation, loitering and littering - which could easily be altered and amended to place severe restrictions on those doing so in the Market area. Sometimes zone enforecement means zone restrictions - and downtown Roanoke should absolutely be an area in which the rules are a bit tighter, and a bit more enforced. Everything from litter to sidewalk access - which means No, Wertz cannot BLOCK the entire sidewalk on Sunday's for the limited tables they might serve outdoors.
I spend many a Sunday downtown, and given how Wertz is set on the vendor-side of the street - it is damn near impossible for anyone, handicapped or not to navigate the vendor area properly. It is a major violation of several federal rules, not to mention the very trust of the public in keeping it's sidewalks clear for pedestrian traffic.
Quality of life is one of the things that makes Roanoke great - and that includes the homeless. They have better access to services here than anyplace else I have been. A medical clinic is not uncommon in most cities, but a dental clinic is nearly unheard of. The homeless have access to 3 square meals a day, a bed and a shower moreso here than anyplace else they might land. They have groups which are willing to go to bat for them.
I have good, solid information that Wanda is homeless by choice. She has been offered something none of us would be - an apartment, with utilities paid for and food stamps - along with other attractive amenities - at no cost to her. She refused, preferring the freedom of her life on the streets. To which I say fine, that is her choice and we live in a country which allows such a choice - however, this is a big town - and she need not haunt the market area endlessly. Aside from the safety hazard she represents, with bags in tow blocking curb space or benches - a trip and fall lawsuit if I have ever heard of one; she also represents what downtown used to be. If she took up residence infront of Trio, Metro, or Wertz - how fast do you think she would be moved? Perhaps she can find a nice nook when the Art Museum opens on Salem, across from the former Hotel Earle.
I do not wish to excommunicate this woman from Roanoke totally, I just feel there is a better place for her - provided she is willing to give something in return.
I say, if the homeless wish to remain in the market area- offer them a simple job, sweeping the street - working in an information booth (for those so suited) - even washing windows for the local businesses. Let them earn their keep if they want to stay there, give them a wage so they need not beg and if any choose not to take part in the program, then they must leave the market area itself.
It's a choice we have to make at some point.
9/20/06
Update: My Other Left Foot
Doc says "Should have gone to the ER"
Nurse rinses and cleans wounds.
Doc says "Oh, well those don't look so bad after all."
Nurse rinses and cleans wounds.
Doc says "Oh, well those don't look so bad after all."
9/19/06
Just a helpful hint, and some news.
Always make sure your mower blade stays safely within the deck itself.
I'm fine, all 5 toes still. Just some minor scrapes and nicks.. but it could have been worse.
Oh, and never accept a mower from a neighbor, no matter how well intentioned, that he has not personally used on his lawn.
And here I was going to podcast for you all today.
Ahh well, photos of the shoe will be forthcoming.
I'm fine, all 5 toes still. Just some minor scrapes and nicks.. but it could have been worse.
Oh, and never accept a mower from a neighbor, no matter how well intentioned, that he has not personally used on his lawn.
And here I was going to podcast for you all today.
Ahh well, photos of the shoe will be forthcoming.
9/18/06
Re-awakened
Sorry for the unscheduled naptime folks, but there are things which take precedence over griping about politics. But now that I have the time again..
Our newly-selected Vice Mayor Mr. David "Fork in the Spoon" Trinkle has something to say. And I'm not sure how this is playing over at Cit.. sorry, Municipal Building.
But what bothers me the most about it is this. He is trying to set the record straight on progress in the city, but in doing so - makes the city look even more short-sighted and unsure of itself than ever.
There are an awful lot of "if"s and unspoken maybes. Sounds like Victory Stadium might be the only major public project to get accomplished this year or next.
School construction not withstanding, but realistically - the funds being used for the renovation of Patrick Henry and William Fleming could have gone to build a 3rd new highschool, and spruce up the 2 old ones.
I don't get it though - but I guess when you have a city council that is not on the clock for the city 24/7, it's hard to focus on priorities. Hard to know whats going on in every sector of the city, especially with the information being filtered through a middle-man (D. Burcham) it's all too easy to just wait for the next report...
This is not to say there is no value to Mr. Trinkle's words, some of his points are interesting - but there is still one major MAJOR issue not being discussed. The boosting of the local tax base..
That one I would like to hear. And all I get is silence.
Our newly-selected Vice Mayor Mr. David "Fork in the Spoon" Trinkle has something to say. And I'm not sure how this is playing over at Cit.. sorry, Municipal Building.
But what bothers me the most about it is this. He is trying to set the record straight on progress in the city, but in doing so - makes the city look even more short-sighted and unsure of itself than ever.
There are an awful lot of "if"s and unspoken maybes. Sounds like Victory Stadium might be the only major public project to get accomplished this year or next.
School construction not withstanding, but realistically - the funds being used for the renovation of Patrick Henry and William Fleming could have gone to build a 3rd new highschool, and spruce up the 2 old ones.
I don't get it though - but I guess when you have a city council that is not on the clock for the city 24/7, it's hard to focus on priorities. Hard to know whats going on in every sector of the city, especially with the information being filtered through a middle-man (D. Burcham) it's all too easy to just wait for the next report...
This is not to say there is no value to Mr. Trinkle's words, some of his points are interesting - but there is still one major MAJOR issue not being discussed. The boosting of the local tax base..
That one I would like to hear. And all I get is silence.
9/12/06
Anyone feeling a little Nero?
Our own Roanoke City Council, represented at the press conference by Gwen and Nelson, have decided that the city should invest more in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Insert joke here.
Actually, this is not an idea that I am totally against. Back in NY, most of the public transit busses are now CNG powered. No real difference in ride or style - reliability runs about the same from what I could tell. I wonder if Valley Metro's next fleet upgrade might be to CNG power? Wouldn't be the worst idea.
That being said, this Greenhouse gas issue, as dubious as the science may be - is hardly important enough to make a huge difference in the lives of Roanoke's citizens.
But meanwhile, in another Roanoke....
Roanoke Rapids, NC - Six months before it is set to open, the Carolina Crossroads complex already is affecting the economy of Roanoke Rapids.
Construction on the nearly $22 million project is creating about 3,000 jobs. Once the complex is running, 3,100 jobs are expected.
Crews have completed the structure of the Randy Parton Theater, which will anchor the musical entertainment development, and are now working on exterior finishes and the interior.
The theater will reflect Parton's talent for design, from the layout of the 1,200-seat auditorium to lighting and sound to a mechanical stage, said Bill Corey, superintendent of the project for J.S. Clark Construction Co.
"Entertainers get on it, then come up to the stage level," he said.
Roanoke Rapids is financing construction of the Randy Parton Theater -- it's the first private project in North Carolina funded with taxpayer money. Parton will make lease payments to the city of about $500,000 a year until the theater is paid off.
_________________________________________________
THAT my friends is something to crow about in a press conference. And yes, it is just off I-95, the coastal version of I-81, only with more bad drivers (and yes, it is possible).
They have the drive, the vision, and the intellegence to build such a thing. The imagination to realize its value to the community, and the bravery to go ahead with a bold plan.
But hey, were going to fight greenhouse gasses!
Is that a fiddle I hear?
Insert joke here.
Actually, this is not an idea that I am totally against. Back in NY, most of the public transit busses are now CNG powered. No real difference in ride or style - reliability runs about the same from what I could tell. I wonder if Valley Metro's next fleet upgrade might be to CNG power? Wouldn't be the worst idea.
That being said, this Greenhouse gas issue, as dubious as the science may be - is hardly important enough to make a huge difference in the lives of Roanoke's citizens.
But meanwhile, in another Roanoke....
Roanoke Rapids, NC - Six months before it is set to open, the Carolina Crossroads complex already is affecting the economy of Roanoke Rapids.
Construction on the nearly $22 million project is creating about 3,000 jobs. Once the complex is running, 3,100 jobs are expected.
Crews have completed the structure of the Randy Parton Theater, which will anchor the musical entertainment development, and are now working on exterior finishes and the interior.
The theater will reflect Parton's talent for design, from the layout of the 1,200-seat auditorium to lighting and sound to a mechanical stage, said Bill Corey, superintendent of the project for J.S. Clark Construction Co.
"Entertainers get on it, then come up to the stage level," he said.
Roanoke Rapids is financing construction of the Randy Parton Theater -- it's the first private project in North Carolina funded with taxpayer money. Parton will make lease payments to the city of about $500,000 a year until the theater is paid off.
_________________________________________________
THAT my friends is something to crow about in a press conference. And yes, it is just off I-95, the coastal version of I-81, only with more bad drivers (and yes, it is possible).
They have the drive, the vision, and the intellegence to build such a thing. The imagination to realize its value to the community, and the bravery to go ahead with a bold plan.
But hey, were going to fight greenhouse gasses!
Is that a fiddle I hear?
9/11/06
one last thing
the final post on 9/11
(there was an image here, but Tripod decided it was being seen to much. Full shot of lower manhattan, towers burning. firetruck on brooklyn bridge heading towards the towers.)
That small truck on the bridge there. Thats Ladder 118, rushing towards the Twin Towers on 9/11. This is the last photo of Ladder 118 in action.
Not one FireFighter on 118 made it home. All hands down. Joseph Agnello, Vernon Cherry, Scott Davidson, Robert Regan, Leon Smith Jr. and Peter Vega.
6 mortal men, determined to do what they can.
If you remember one thing, one single thing about 9/11 - let it be this. Those mortal men, heading for the mouth of hell, and ascending as angels.
(there was an image here, but Tripod decided it was being seen to much. Full shot of lower manhattan, towers burning. firetruck on brooklyn bridge heading towards the towers.)
That small truck on the bridge there. Thats Ladder 118, rushing towards the Twin Towers on 9/11. This is the last photo of Ladder 118 in action.
Not one FireFighter on 118 made it home. All hands down. Joseph Agnello, Vernon Cherry, Scott Davidson, Robert Regan, Leon Smith Jr. and Peter Vega.
6 mortal men, determined to do what they can.
If you remember one thing, one single thing about 9/11 - let it be this. Those mortal men, heading for the mouth of hell, and ascending as angels.
Monday September 11th, 2006
We are awake. Alive. Eyes wide open.
We remember everything.
With pride, honor, dignity, respect
We thank the selfless
2,752 total. 1/2 of which there are no remains for, just the dust that these brave rescuers inhaled endlessly for weeks, which is now killing them - like a 2nd attack.
We remember everything.
With pride, honor, dignity, respect
We thank the selfless
2,752 total. 1/2 of which there are no remains for, just the dust that these brave rescuers inhaled endlessly for weeks, which is now killing them - like a 2nd attack.
9/10/06
unimportant
They are just civil servants right? They have to work just the same as everyone else right? Thats what the general feeling around Roanoke seems to be. Sure, you know they have to fight fires, but who are they to be more important than anyone else?
Well, imagine this was the Wachovia Tower:
On fire, after an attack. People, by the dozens, breaking windows and throwing themselves out to escape the flames. Everyone heading for the emergency exits. 21 floors tall, parking capability of over 700 - probably talking about over 600 employees in the tower.
Now imagine the ground floors look something like this:
Everyone's trying to get out, except this guy.
Cops, Firefighers, EMS... they were all in those two buildings, just as they would be here.
343 FDNY Firefighters
23 NYPD Officers
37 Port Authority PD Officers
Maybe it's time we showed our appreciation for the work the Roanoke Fire/EMS and Police Departments do for us?
23 NYPD Officers
37 Port Authority PD Officers
Maybe it's time we showed our appreciation for the work the Roanoke Fire/EMS and Police Departments do for us?
They might not be perfect, but damned if you'll find one single department anywhere that is.
They need our support, they need higher pay for the dangerous work they do, and they need better support from City Hall, and much less politics so they can do the job they are supposed to do.
Maybe it's time to start asking where DO our tax dollars go, if not to retain Roanoke's Bravest and Roanoke's Finest?
They need our support, they need higher pay for the dangerous work they do, and they need better support from City Hall, and much less politics so they can do the job they are supposed to do.
Maybe it's time to start asking where DO our tax dollars go, if not to retain Roanoke's Bravest and Roanoke's Finest?
Tonight, 7pm at the City Market building.
Come show your support for those who keep us alive.
Show them your grateful.
Come show your support for those who keep us alive.
Show them your grateful.
NY Daily News Editorial on 9/10/01
New York Daily News - http://www.nydailynews.com September 10, 2001 - The world we lost forever
Sunday, September 10th, 2006
Five years ago today, Monday, Sept. 10, 2001, recorded by the chronicles as the final day in the life of a world that used to be and is no more:
Sunday, September 10th, 2006
Five years ago today, Monday, Sept. 10, 2001, recorded by the chronicles as the final day in the life of a world that used to be and is no more:
On the eve of mayoral primaries, after eight years of Rudy Giuliani, a long-shot outsider named Michael Bloomberg appears to be picking up momentum with voters. The Yankees announce a new sports channel called YES. Israel is readying for another no doubt pointless round of truce talks with PLO chief Yasser Arafat. Education-minded President Bush is heading to Florida to read to schoolkids.
Five years ago today: We are not being searched in the subways. We are unalarmed by the sight of valises left on streetcorners. We are not asked to remove our shoes at airport security gates.
Our young men and women are not being blown up daily by roadside bombs in a land far away.
And 2,749 people who work at the World Trade Center or plan to be on airplanes in the morning go safely to their beds, for the last time.
Today, Sept. 10, 2006, these five years along, we remember that world that used to be as a dim and distant place. We were comfortable in that world, most of us; we were confident. "The morning coffee was still cooling," the Daily News wrote two days later, "when our grandest illusion was shattered."
TRIPLE ATTACKS ROCK THE NATION
DEBRIS AND DEATH ENVELOP DOWNTOWN
U.S. SET TO STRIKE BACK
"One day," said The News, "we will think back on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, and remember in crystal detail what we were doing when the first plane crashed into the north tower at 8:45 a.m.
"And we will be amazed that we didn't think it possible before."
Now we are not so naive. Now the unthinkable is always with us, every moment of our lives. We have learned bitterly that pure malevolence roams much of the planet. And for that, we are a wiser and tougher people - and a people both unified and fractured.
Our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters, our mothers and fathers, they have gone to war now, to an epic clash of civilizations, to a battleground upon which is fought the future. Bravely they go, in the service of the higher ideal, volunteers all. We hail them. We mourn them.
But we have been humbled, and we know that. From an initially jubilant moment of payback in Afghanistan, we are increasingly grieved by one misstep and bumble and embarrassment after another. Our leaders too often frustrate us. Osama Bin Laden is still at large. There is no "Mission Accomplished" in Iraq, far from peacefully settled. The sacred Ground Zero remains a wretched hole, with signs of progress only beginning there. It cannot be said that these have always been the most chest-thumpingly proud five years America has ever known.
It is true that, five years on, there has not been another attack on U.S. soil, and this is not entirely blind luck. Official vigilance has kept the wolves away. The NYPD in particular has done a terrific job. Still, Congress serves up anti-terror funding like so much pork. Video cameras are few and far between in the subways. Our ports are dangerously unpoliced. Border security is a national joke.
And we squander our energies in noisy debates over civil liberties, both those of enemy combatants and those of Americans. Some recoil more at the very idea of offending a captive terrorist's dignity - how perfectly awful of us - than at the prospect of an American city in a heap of smoking cinders. And, minds buried in the olden times before there was popularly known to be such a thing as Islamofascism, before it was understood that medieval barbarians intend to remake all the world as their own golden caliphate, some refuse to recognize that intrusions upon their own personal rights have, in fact, been quite minimal - and that, if and when the gangsters do succeed in striking again, government intrusions will become all the sterner.
If and when. If and when. It was only a few weeks ago that a fleet of bomb-laden jets might well have flown in from Britain.
One day, perhaps, we will look back upon a second 9/11 and remember in crystal detail what we were doing.
And we will be amazed that we allowed it to happen - for we knew full well what kind of new world it was that we were living in, after the old world was stolen from us, the world that still existed five years ago today.
14 dirty words (or 1 word 14 times)
thats the offensive number of times the offensive word FUCK was used by FDNY and the NYPD during the REAL TIME events of 9/11.
Those who have a problem with seeing people in the face of extreme situations using harsh language like that have obviously nothing better to do than sit and bemoan the fact they had to hear something they did not want to hear.
Pardon me, I did not ask to SEE the attacks on 9/11. I did not ask to hear the dead silence of an entire city save only for the sounds of the sirens.
It offended me deeply that someone else decided that I must live through these events, by causing these events.
But the truth of the matter is - when faced with the vast destruction and endless roll of names - there really is only one word.
Fuck.
So to the American Family Association, and those quasi-religious nutballs who I hear talking about the coarse language and images from 9/11 - and how they don't feel the need to be exposed to such things.. Well - not like they are going to be reading my blog anyway..
Fuck off.
Those who have a problem with seeing people in the face of extreme situations using harsh language like that have obviously nothing better to do than sit and bemoan the fact they had to hear something they did not want to hear.
Pardon me, I did not ask to SEE the attacks on 9/11. I did not ask to hear the dead silence of an entire city save only for the sounds of the sirens.
It offended me deeply that someone else decided that I must live through these events, by causing these events.
But the truth of the matter is - when faced with the vast destruction and endless roll of names - there really is only one word.
Fuck.
So to the American Family Association, and those quasi-religious nutballs who I hear talking about the coarse language and images from 9/11 - and how they don't feel the need to be exposed to such things.. Well - not like they are going to be reading my blog anyway..
Fuck off.
9/8/06
I know this might seem a touch long
But read this, if you please.
Just something to think about 5 years out...
You know I will have more to say about it as we approach the day itself, and do not forget that we will be at the memorial service downtown on 9/10.
And to the media:
You can show all the video you want, play 911 calls that have been released, drag up folks who were there when the attacks happened and rake them over the coals for ratings. But you will never come close to those few moments stored eternally in my head - the ones that bring home 9/11 for each of us. You didn't have to be there, or even know the area - It was that feeling of sitting watching the news, total disbelief and gut-churning horror.
5 years later it still lingers. Some of us wait for the other shoe to drop, others have moved on as best they could. But each and every day, there is something - always something that reminds us all. Weather or not we pick up on it is another matter.
But thats all for another post, this is just to show that life continues on.
Just something to think about 5 years out...
You know I will have more to say about it as we approach the day itself, and do not forget that we will be at the memorial service downtown on 9/10.
And to the media:
You can show all the video you want, play 911 calls that have been released, drag up folks who were there when the attacks happened and rake them over the coals for ratings. But you will never come close to those few moments stored eternally in my head - the ones that bring home 9/11 for each of us. You didn't have to be there, or even know the area - It was that feeling of sitting watching the news, total disbelief and gut-churning horror.
5 years later it still lingers. Some of us wait for the other shoe to drop, others have moved on as best they could. But each and every day, there is something - always something that reminds us all. Weather or not we pick up on it is another matter.
But thats all for another post, this is just to show that life continues on.
9/7/06
Some things
First off - Chef K asks me to please point you all in the general direction of his new blog (which is not the one that I started, gave over, then somehow took back) which can be found here: chefkroa.blogspot.com
Something must be bothering him... he seems a bit.. touchy lately.
As for me, I've been busy attempting to find the damn microphone so I can pod again for you, the lucky listeners.
Something tells me one of my evil henchmen hid it on me.
Please bear with us, I promise that by next week we will be back to somewhat normal here.
Of course Forgotten-Roanoke will be out in force this Sunday evening, attending the Regional 9/11 memorial. If the weather co-operates well enough, It might even be the first time in months the Forgotten-Roanoke jacket will be worn out.
And a quick word to city leaders; You have every right to ask for removal of garbage cans from the street in a timely manner, and fine those who do not follow guidelines. That being said - imagine if the cans never wound up there in the first place? Perhaps it's just me - but I would be coming down hard like a biblical rain on the bosses over in the Dept of Sanitation who allow the workers to shove, toss, or outright dump the cans in the street. That is the extreme polar opposite of professional, courtious behavior, and quite frankly - a bad reflection upon the city as a whole.
You allow for citizen complaints of Weeds/Trash violations, but how does one go about changing a system?
Oh right.. thats why Im here..
Remember folks - let's make the Star City shine, again.
Something must be bothering him... he seems a bit.. touchy lately.
As for me, I've been busy attempting to find the damn microphone so I can pod again for you, the lucky listeners.
Something tells me one of my evil henchmen hid it on me.
Please bear with us, I promise that by next week we will be back to somewhat normal here.
Of course Forgotten-Roanoke will be out in force this Sunday evening, attending the Regional 9/11 memorial. If the weather co-operates well enough, It might even be the first time in months the Forgotten-Roanoke jacket will be worn out.
And a quick word to city leaders; You have every right to ask for removal of garbage cans from the street in a timely manner, and fine those who do not follow guidelines. That being said - imagine if the cans never wound up there in the first place? Perhaps it's just me - but I would be coming down hard like a biblical rain on the bosses over in the Dept of Sanitation who allow the workers to shove, toss, or outright dump the cans in the street. That is the extreme polar opposite of professional, courtious behavior, and quite frankly - a bad reflection upon the city as a whole.
You allow for citizen complaints of Weeds/Trash violations, but how does one go about changing a system?
Oh right.. thats why Im here..
Remember folks - let's make the Star City shine, again.
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