Yesterday's News Journal included an opinion column by Robert Poppiti, a former Wilmington city councilman and current member of the paper's Community Advisory Board. "Curing futility of elections" is a fair, accurate assessment of the state of American politics. He points out corruption in both major parties, and argues that legislators are out of control.
"We have to realize that our elected officials have only one goal in mind: reelection. Main Street and Mom and Pop are left out of the equation. We can't possibly understand legislation that is over 2,000 pages. Neither does our Congress."
Despite the title and Poppiti's correct diagnosis, laid out in a manner that is very easy to understand, he does not go into much detail on the cure. The final two paragraphs, however, seem to suggest voting against all incumbents.
"There are no easy solutions, or magic bullets. The status quo does not work. Congress lives the good life and enjoys the best health care. They hold town hall meetings online because they are unwilling to face you and me, unwilling to look us in the eye. Should we vote out of office all incumbents? Is that fair? Probably not. Life is not fair. When the team goes bad, they fire the coach or manager. It is time. The team is losing. Let's hire a new coach. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, let's vote for change in 2010. Send a message to Washington and Dover. Business as usual is unacceptable."
This attitude is becoming increasingly popular, and it's certainly worth thinking about. We despise Congress, but reelect the same men to represent us, over and over. We complain about the status quo in Dover, but love our local representatives. It might be time to think about the role they play in the system; if our representatives, whose ideology we might approve of, are not adamantly fighting the system, are they not then part of the problem? Are we voting for Mr. Smith, the radical agent of change, or for Senator Paine, the popular (but crooked) politician?
If likeable, friendly, local representatives remain passive about the state of things in our country's legislative halls, content to work on pet projects without challenging those that purposely abuse our system of government, it might be necessary to contact them in 2010. Remind them that they represent us, thank them for their service, but warn them that we want positive change, and if they don't make waves in working towards it, they will lose the vote of a former supporter.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Slow drivers: speed up or move over
It happens frequently on busy two lane highways like Route 9, between Georgetown and Lewes, or Route 404, between Bridgeville, Denton, and Route 50. The speed limit is 50 mph (or 55 on the Maryland portion of 404), there is too much oncoming traffic to pass even while in passing zones, and one vehicle travelling at 43 mph or less causes a "train" of cars to develop, trailing behind the slow driver. He or she might be elderly, might be sightseeing, or might be milking the clock while using a company vehicle, but whatever the reason, the driver refuses to pull onto the shoulder to allow the fifteen to twenty trailing cars pass.
This should be illegal. The problem isn't so bad on most roads; either there are opportunities to pass slow drivers, or the stretch of road doesn't cover a long enough distance to cause an inconvenience, but on Route 404 between May and September, trains of thirty to forty cars develop, crawling along at less than 45 mph, while there are few, if any, breaks in oncoming traffic. It is inconvenient and unsafe. Drivers toward the front of the line are tempted to mash the gas pedal and make a risky pass during a small break, or worse, pass on the shoulder.
A number of actions could be taken to alleviate the problem. First, the speed limit on the Delaware portion of Route 404 should be 55, not 50 mph. Maryland is correct to recognize that this highway is primarily used for beach traffic, and warrants a higher speed limit. It is surrounded by fields, for the most part, and the few turns usually include turn lanes.
But what is to prevent slow drivers from selfishly continuing to impede traffic in a 55 mph zone when they already do so in a 50 mph zone? While it is difficult to support a fine for law abiding citizens who are simply driving a bit slow, in recognizing the problem that they can create on busy roads, it might be worth considering a fine for drivers that drive less than 45 mph, provided they are blocking a certain number of vehicles from traveling faster. Perhaps posted signs, notifying drivers of not only the maximum speed limit of 50 mph (or better yet, 55), but also "Minimum 45" or something similar, with posted reminders not to impede traffic, would be in order.
Slow drivers could pull onto the shoulder once cars begin to accumulate behind them, which is something that decent people do already, and should not complain about the inconvenience of making multiple stops; obviously, they are in no hurry to reach their destination.
This should be illegal. The problem isn't so bad on most roads; either there are opportunities to pass slow drivers, or the stretch of road doesn't cover a long enough distance to cause an inconvenience, but on Route 404 between May and September, trains of thirty to forty cars develop, crawling along at less than 45 mph, while there are few, if any, breaks in oncoming traffic. It is inconvenient and unsafe. Drivers toward the front of the line are tempted to mash the gas pedal and make a risky pass during a small break, or worse, pass on the shoulder.
A number of actions could be taken to alleviate the problem. First, the speed limit on the Delaware portion of Route 404 should be 55, not 50 mph. Maryland is correct to recognize that this highway is primarily used for beach traffic, and warrants a higher speed limit. It is surrounded by fields, for the most part, and the few turns usually include turn lanes.
But what is to prevent slow drivers from selfishly continuing to impede traffic in a 55 mph zone when they already do so in a 50 mph zone? While it is difficult to support a fine for law abiding citizens who are simply driving a bit slow, in recognizing the problem that they can create on busy roads, it might be worth considering a fine for drivers that drive less than 45 mph, provided they are blocking a certain number of vehicles from traveling faster. Perhaps posted signs, notifying drivers of not only the maximum speed limit of 50 mph (or better yet, 55), but also "Minimum 45" or something similar, with posted reminders not to impede traffic, would be in order.
Slow drivers could pull onto the shoulder once cars begin to accumulate behind them, which is something that decent people do already, and should not complain about the inconvenience of making multiple stops; obviously, they are in no hurry to reach their destination.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Delmar: 4th Annual Sounds of the Season
The 4th Annual Sounds of the Season concert, benefitting the Western Sussex County chapter of Relay For Life, was a treat for all who attended the event at Delmar Middle & Senior High School this afternoon. The scheduled program of performers was altered at several points, but here I attempt to list each in order:
1.Delmar High School Chorus (5 songs)
2.Griffin Dunn (1 song)
3.Jillian Queen (1 song)
4.Ciara Chandler & Cameron Veazey (1 song)
5.Galen Queen (1 song)
6.Madelyn Gilbert (1 song)
7.Greenwood Mennonite School Ensemble (2 songs)
8.Sussex Technical High School Bella Voce (4 songs)
9.Galen Queen (1 song)
10.Christine Witke & father (1 song)
11.Jillian Queen (1 song)
12.Madelyn Gilbert (1 song)
13.Brittney Trout (1 song)
14.Jerry Jones (4 songs)
It was a most enjoyable afternoon of Christmas music, sung by local performers of all ages, as well as several door prize give-aways and a Chinese auction, with one hundred percent of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. The Relay For Life’s primary event takes place in June, but there are usually a number of fundraisers held throughout the year.
A sincere ‘thank you’ to each of the performers, organizers, volunteers, and sponsors for working together to create a fine program of entertainment while supporting a very noble cause.
1.Delmar High School Chorus (5 songs)
2.Griffin Dunn (1 song)
3.Jillian Queen (1 song)
4.Ciara Chandler & Cameron Veazey (1 song)
5.Galen Queen (1 song)
6.Madelyn Gilbert (1 song)
7.Greenwood Mennonite School Ensemble (2 songs)
8.Sussex Technical High School Bella Voce (4 songs)
9.Galen Queen (1 song)
10.Christine Witke & father (1 song)
11.Jillian Queen (1 song)
12.Madelyn Gilbert (1 song)
13.Brittney Trout (1 song)
14.Jerry Jones (4 songs)
It was a most enjoyable afternoon of Christmas music, sung by local performers of all ages, as well as several door prize give-aways and a Chinese auction, with one hundred percent of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. The Relay For Life’s primary event takes place in June, but there are usually a number of fundraisers held throughout the year.
A sincere ‘thank you’ to each of the performers, organizers, volunteers, and sponsors for working together to create a fine program of entertainment while supporting a very noble cause.
Castle's follow-up beyond reach of challengers
I was surprised to find, among the holiday catalogs and unwelcome bills in the mailbox, a letter from Congressman Castle. Surprised, because I have not contacted him in quite some time, and cannot remember when I last did.
"Dear Mr. Slavens: Knowing of your interest in border security and immigration issues, I am writing to update you on my recent efforts in Congress."
I have written one or two opinion pieces for the News Journal that related to immigration policy, even while specifically addressing issues like the future creation of a North American Union, and have written letters to a number of elected officials over the years concerning various topics, including immigration. I assume one of those letters brought about this follow-up, though I don't doubt that members of Castle's staff monitor the News Journal very closely.
The quoted opening sentence is ingenius, politically. Because the letter is not in response to a recent phone call or email, Castle acknowledges my "interest in border security and immigration issues" in a way that could lead one to believe, almost, that we are old friends who have discussed these issues many times. The personal connection is made first, and the real subject of the letter, the information, follows. Had the letter simply begun, "I am writing to update you on my recent efforts in Congress", it would sound like a form letter. The recipient might be annoyed, rather than pleased that his representative thought of him. In ten words, Castle reaches from Washington and touches the reader, beneath the bold "Congress of the United States" letterhead, utilizing a political instrument that is not available to would-be challengers.
The letter goes on to describe an amendment to H.R. 2410, "The Foreign Relations Authorization Act," which addresses the problem of countries that are uncooperative in the repatriation of deported illegal aliens. "My amendment provides the Department of Homeland Security with a new tool to expedite the deportation of dangerous criminals by empowering the Department to deny admission to an uncooperative country's diplomatic visa holders."
The one page letter is informative, much more so than most news stories, and ends with an invitation to contact Mr. Castle on issues or matters of concern. The four paragraphs of information are less important than the first line, though, as it is one of the reasons that a challenger like Christine O'Donnell cannot pose a serious threat to the congressman. Challengers must rely on speeches at campaign rallies, online promotion, and media coverage to reach prospective voters, while an incumbent has only to use federal funds to send letters to his constituents, detailing what he has done for them, while making a vital personal connection. For some voters, a letter like this earns Castle a sure vote, as well as a life-long fan.
The advantage of incumbency is one that has been thoroughly explored by the students and practitioners of the science (or art) of politics, but it is one that challengers must be familiar with, and so develop their campaign strategies accordingly.
"Dear Mr. Slavens: Knowing of your interest in border security and immigration issues, I am writing to update you on my recent efforts in Congress."
I have written one or two opinion pieces for the News Journal that related to immigration policy, even while specifically addressing issues like the future creation of a North American Union, and have written letters to a number of elected officials over the years concerning various topics, including immigration. I assume one of those letters brought about this follow-up, though I don't doubt that members of Castle's staff monitor the News Journal very closely.
The quoted opening sentence is ingenius, politically. Because the letter is not in response to a recent phone call or email, Castle acknowledges my "interest in border security and immigration issues" in a way that could lead one to believe, almost, that we are old friends who have discussed these issues many times. The personal connection is made first, and the real subject of the letter, the information, follows. Had the letter simply begun, "I am writing to update you on my recent efforts in Congress", it would sound like a form letter. The recipient might be annoyed, rather than pleased that his representative thought of him. In ten words, Castle reaches from Washington and touches the reader, beneath the bold "Congress of the United States" letterhead, utilizing a political instrument that is not available to would-be challengers.
The letter goes on to describe an amendment to H.R. 2410, "The Foreign Relations Authorization Act," which addresses the problem of countries that are uncooperative in the repatriation of deported illegal aliens. "My amendment provides the Department of Homeland Security with a new tool to expedite the deportation of dangerous criminals by empowering the Department to deny admission to an uncooperative country's diplomatic visa holders."
The one page letter is informative, much more so than most news stories, and ends with an invitation to contact Mr. Castle on issues or matters of concern. The four paragraphs of information are less important than the first line, though, as it is one of the reasons that a challenger like Christine O'Donnell cannot pose a serious threat to the congressman. Challengers must rely on speeches at campaign rallies, online promotion, and media coverage to reach prospective voters, while an incumbent has only to use federal funds to send letters to his constituents, detailing what he has done for them, while making a vital personal connection. For some voters, a letter like this earns Castle a sure vote, as well as a life-long fan.
The advantage of incumbency is one that has been thoroughly explored by the students and practitioners of the science (or art) of politics, but it is one that challengers must be familiar with, and so develop their campaign strategies accordingly.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Thoughts on Ron Paul
George Will writes about the Federal Reserve and its relationship with Congress today, but Texas congressman Ron Paul, his current effort to audit the Fed, and his bestseller End The Fed take up the first two paragraphs of the column.
You might remember Ron Paul from the 2008 Republican primary. He was the guy that got laughed at by fellow Republican candidates during debates, and portrayed as a nut by most media outlets, for his warnings of a coming economic crisis. He also opposed the Iraq War from the start, and holds a record for being the lone 'No' vote more often than any other congressman. His platform is quite simple: just follow the Constitution.
In The Revolution, Dr. Paul (he is a medical doctor, has delivered thousands of babies, and is opposed to abortion) discussed several broad issues like our military's unnecessary overseas presence, the Bush administration's many violations of the Constitution in areas of privacy and civil rights, the ongoing federal drug war, and the role the Federal Reserve plays in inflation and our crumbling economy. In End The Fed, he goes further, proposing the abolition of the Federal Reserve. His current legislative effort to audit that institution has 317 co-sponsors; 180 Republicans and 137 Democrats. Now that's bipartisan.
Paul has yet to announce his candidacy for the 2012 presidential election. Some sources say it is likely, others claim he won't run this time. If he does, he will likely be ignored by the Palin-loving GOP, despite his superior understanding of the issues our nation faces and the simple solutions he offers for them. If he doesn't, he'll continue to serve in the House; Texas Democrats don't even bother to run against the man.
You might remember Ron Paul from the 2008 Republican primary. He was the guy that got laughed at by fellow Republican candidates during debates, and portrayed as a nut by most media outlets, for his warnings of a coming economic crisis. He also opposed the Iraq War from the start, and holds a record for being the lone 'No' vote more often than any other congressman. His platform is quite simple: just follow the Constitution.
In The Revolution, Dr. Paul (he is a medical doctor, has delivered thousands of babies, and is opposed to abortion) discussed several broad issues like our military's unnecessary overseas presence, the Bush administration's many violations of the Constitution in areas of privacy and civil rights, the ongoing federal drug war, and the role the Federal Reserve plays in inflation and our crumbling economy. In End The Fed, he goes further, proposing the abolition of the Federal Reserve. His current legislative effort to audit that institution has 317 co-sponsors; 180 Republicans and 137 Democrats. Now that's bipartisan.
Paul has yet to announce his candidacy for the 2012 presidential election. Some sources say it is likely, others claim he won't run this time. If he does, he will likely be ignored by the Palin-loving GOP, despite his superior understanding of the issues our nation faces and the simple solutions he offers for them. If he doesn't, he'll continue to serve in the House; Texas Democrats don't even bother to run against the man.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Delmar Wildcats, State Champs!
The Wildcats beat Hodgson this afternoon, 12-7, following yesterday's cancellation due to bad weather, winning their sixth Division II state football championship. The game was held at Delaware State University, broadcast on WDEL and WGMD, and nearly every community member that wasn't at the game either listened in, or looked forward to hearing the result. Congratulations to all of the boys, and Coach Dave Hearn and his staff, on bringing home another title for the town's football-crazed fans. I especially want to congratulate junior quarterback Alex "Skitter" Ellis, whose two older brothers also played on Delmar state championship teams.
For some Delmar sports fans, the action starts again next September, but for basketball fans and school supporters, the boys varsity team plays Polytech this Friday at home, 7:15 PM.
For some Delmar sports fans, the action starts again next September, but for basketball fans and school supporters, the boys varsity team plays Polytech this Friday at home, 7:15 PM.
Is Tiger Woods a racist?
A number of blacks have spoken out against Tiger Woods for his apparent preference of white women. His wife, Elin Nordegren, is Swedish, and he is said to have had affairs with three white women. Now, the professional golfer is being accused of lacking in cultural pride.
Condemnation of interracial relationships is something one would expect from the South, a hundred years ago, or from modern-day Nazis and white supremacists who preach purity of the blood. Past racists like Adolf Hitler justified their views with bad science, claiming that some races are higher than others, and that in mixing with Jews, Negroes, or other "lower" races, the higher Aryan polluted the blood of his offspring, dooming them to a lower level of intelligence and culture. This attitude is not so very different from this supposed "cultural pride," which indeed only sounds like a less scientific, watered-down version of racism. If a white man claimed publicly that whites should not enter into relationships with blacks, the black community would be outraged, and that man's reputation ruined. He would forever be known as a hateful racist. Is there a difference when blacks suggest Tiger Woods is disloyal to his so-called people?
So-called, because Woods himself is the product of an interracial relationshionship, having a black American father and Thai mother. But it's not his bloodline that bothers these black bigots. Ebonie Johnson Cooper, a 26-year-old New York resident, commented on Woods' relationships in an Associated Press article, and went on to apply the same faulty logic to the President: "Had Barack had a white wife, I would have thought twice about voting for him."
President Obama's mixed blood didn't affect his acceptance in the black community, despite a foreign name and upbringing, but the innocent act of marrying a white woman instead of a black woman would have caused this woman to reconsider her vote? It's probably safe to assume that Ebonie didn't take into account Obama's policy positions in choosing between him and McCain last year.
Comedienne Sheryl Underwood asked, "Would we question when a Jewish person wants to marry other Jewish people?" No, but keep in mind that Judaism is more than a bloodline, it's also a religion, and probably wasn't the best example to use in this case. Underwood goes on: "It's not racist. It's not bigotry. It's cultural pride. The issue comes in when you choose something white because you think it's better. And then you never date a black woman or a woman of color or you never sample the greatness of the international buffet of human beings. If you never do that, we got a problem."
You have a problem, Ms. Underwood, not got, and the problem seems to be one with grammar. That kind of phrasing hasn't been in style since The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. And when has Tiger Woods suggested that he believes white women are superior to blacks? Simply because he doesn't dine from an "international buffet" stocked with women of all shapes, sizes, and colors? The comparison is both crude and insulting to the female sex.
The year is 2009--almost 2010. In recognizing that all men and women are created equal, we also recognize that members of the three major races and multiple cultures are free to engage in relationships with anyone they choose, and those who criticize or condemn interracial relationships on any grounds exhibit outdated, but still harmful, bigotry and cultural prejudice.
Condemnation of interracial relationships is something one would expect from the South, a hundred years ago, or from modern-day Nazis and white supremacists who preach purity of the blood. Past racists like Adolf Hitler justified their views with bad science, claiming that some races are higher than others, and that in mixing with Jews, Negroes, or other "lower" races, the higher Aryan polluted the blood of his offspring, dooming them to a lower level of intelligence and culture. This attitude is not so very different from this supposed "cultural pride," which indeed only sounds like a less scientific, watered-down version of racism. If a white man claimed publicly that whites should not enter into relationships with blacks, the black community would be outraged, and that man's reputation ruined. He would forever be known as a hateful racist. Is there a difference when blacks suggest Tiger Woods is disloyal to his so-called people?
So-called, because Woods himself is the product of an interracial relationshionship, having a black American father and Thai mother. But it's not his bloodline that bothers these black bigots. Ebonie Johnson Cooper, a 26-year-old New York resident, commented on Woods' relationships in an Associated Press article, and went on to apply the same faulty logic to the President: "Had Barack had a white wife, I would have thought twice about voting for him."
President Obama's mixed blood didn't affect his acceptance in the black community, despite a foreign name and upbringing, but the innocent act of marrying a white woman instead of a black woman would have caused this woman to reconsider her vote? It's probably safe to assume that Ebonie didn't take into account Obama's policy positions in choosing between him and McCain last year.
Comedienne Sheryl Underwood asked, "Would we question when a Jewish person wants to marry other Jewish people?" No, but keep in mind that Judaism is more than a bloodline, it's also a religion, and probably wasn't the best example to use in this case. Underwood goes on: "It's not racist. It's not bigotry. It's cultural pride. The issue comes in when you choose something white because you think it's better. And then you never date a black woman or a woman of color or you never sample the greatness of the international buffet of human beings. If you never do that, we got a problem."
You have a problem, Ms. Underwood, not got, and the problem seems to be one with grammar. That kind of phrasing hasn't been in style since The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. And when has Tiger Woods suggested that he believes white women are superior to blacks? Simply because he doesn't dine from an "international buffet" stocked with women of all shapes, sizes, and colors? The comparison is both crude and insulting to the female sex.
The year is 2009--almost 2010. In recognizing that all men and women are created equal, we also recognize that members of the three major races and multiple cultures are free to engage in relationships with anyone they choose, and those who criticize or condemn interracial relationships on any grounds exhibit outdated, but still harmful, bigotry and cultural prejudice.
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