Happy New Year to one and all!! Well, we managed to get through another year. How many of us view the past year in those terms? As we near the end of each year, we tend to reflect on what we have seen, heard, accomplished, gained or lost in the past year. Even TV and
newspapers treat us to scenes and stories of various events that have past into history within the past year. Another tradition that is practiced by an unknown number of us is that we "make new year's resolutions".
What does it mean, to "make one or more resolutions"? What steps does it require to make just one resolution? After making whatever number of resolutions, does it require any additional effort or time? There are many other questions we could ask so as to understand the significance of our "making a resolution".
At this point, it is suggested you take a moment to grab a dictionary and look at the number of meanings of the word "resolution". I bet you are surprised when you read all the meanings given. I know I was. But to focus on the meaning usually understood by many of us, it simply means to make a promise to ourself to change one or more of our habits that we believe is problematic.
Of course, the first step we have made, or should make, is to identify (admit to ourself) any
habit(s) we feel would be to our benefit to change. If there is more than one habit you plan to change, it would be best if you would write them down so as to keep track of them. The other advantage to writng them dowm is that you will be able to review them. It should be realized that changing any of our habits may benefit others as well as ourself. This first step is one of the more crucial steps in "making a resolution".
Now, while reviewing the list, mentally weight each entry in terms of its importance. Write the number "1" to the left of the one that is considered the most important. Write the number "2" to the left of the one that is considered the next of importance and so on. After numbering all the entries, it would help to rewrite the list so that the most important was at the top. It is further recommended to put the list aside for a period of time, a couple of hours or at the most, a day. The second time the list is reviewed you may believe the order of entries should be changed. This step is OK. You are simply refining, readjusting the list. If you decide to change the importance of any entries, make sure to renumber the the entries.
If the recommendations noted above have been followed, much has been accomplished. To have reached this point is a monumental step in the right direction. You are on your way to making life better / easier for youself and those around you. Or are you?
So far: bad or ineffective habits have been identified; a list of them has been created; and the entries have been weighted in terms of importance. But now comes the part that is a little tricky. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to adopt any change in the manner in which you usually live your life? If your answer is YES, you are to be commended.
OK, let's begin. The next recommendation is most important. It is crucial that one should not, must not, dare not attempt to change more than one habit at a time. It is virtually predictable that failure will occur if an attempt to work on more than one is made. It is reasonable to work on the one that was listed as the most important first. When it has been successfully changed, then and only then, start to work on the next most important.
Anything that is worth doing is worth doing right. Attempting to change a habit is challenging. It may require a significant deal of time but think of the end result. Stick to your guns once you start. Do not begin to make excuses to delay or to give up trying. Changing a habit is nothing more than a constant effort to remind one's self to desist committing the habit. It is a mental exercise that will strengthen your will power just as physical exercise will strengthen your muscles.
You may wonder why I chose the word "Resolution" for this blog's focus. While it will certainly serve to overcome any and all habits that tend to detract from a satisfying life's existance, I chose it so as to cause the reader to reflect on the possible habit of not voting at all or voting without any belief that the one(s) for whom the vote is made will demonstrate a dynamic and truthful work ethic.
To not vote at all or to vote with no knowledge of the past work history of the one(s) for whom we vote may be compared to playing "Russian roulette"!! If anyone who reads this blog is a true gambler and places no value on their existence or the manner in which they prefer to live their lives, then this writer has spent his time and the reader has read the foregoing needlessly.
Rather than attempt to exist in a lifestyle dictated by others, namely the politicians in Harrisburg, it would be far more beneficial to spend some time to research the work history of those in office and then be able to make an informed decision for whom to cast a vote. Let's all make a resolution to vote for those who, by their example and not just their words, have been truthfully working for us, their employers.
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Excision - To Excise
Anyone who is unfortunate enough to require surgery will experience an excision. Webster's dictionary describes the word "Excision" as, "The act or procedure of removing by or as if by cutting out". The purpose is to remove diseased or damaged tissue. In times gone by, swords or cutlasses were used in combat. When used, the weapon would sometimes sever a body part e.g. an ear, finger(s), hand, etc. The difference between the two is that an excision is meant to heal a person whereas a sword or cutlass is meant to cause death.
In the Bible, an exhortation may be found in Matthew, Chap 5, verses 27 - 32 "If thy hand offends thee, cut it off; If thy eye offends thee, pluck it out.
In both the medical and Biblical sense, if a part of an organism is severely diseased, it is recommended it be removed or death of that organism would occur.
When I worked in the emergency room (ER) of a hospital in Philadelphia, it took quite a while for me to understand why so many clients aka patients waited so long, after noticing symptoms that signaled "something was wrong", to come to the ER for help. Let's face it, when we do not "feel good", we first attempt to "fix" the problem ourselves. We may take a Tylenol, drink some liquid, lay down, etc. We may even think that a "good night's sleep" will fix us. We drag ourselves into bed and try to sleep but without success. The distractions that were present during the day and the darkness now seem to magnify our symptoms. Some times we may wait hours or even days before we admit our self care is not working, It is only then we come to the ER for expert help. The only problem with that train of thought is that the longer we wait to seek help, we may be doing ourselves irreparable harm. In fact, I have witnessed a few cases when waiting too long to seek help resulted in that person's demise.
For a moment, let us think of our society as an organism that is experiencing symptoms that prompt us to realize "something is wrong". We may even consider attempting to "fix" whatever is wrong by ourselves but we're not sure how to go about it. We try to "put up with" the symptoms for some period of time. In some cases, months or even years go by but the symptoms persist.
We try to extend every opportunity to our "leaders" the "experts" to resolve the problem but to no avail. Let us look at the present situation that is facing our society. You know, the one that was and is caused by he "experts" who are supposed to know what they are doing; supposed to provide the help we all need; supposed to think of the ones they are "leading" and not just themselves. Think of them as the "heart" of the organism (our society).
Who are these "experts"? They are none other than the ones we voted into office to provide the leadership we all expect but many, if not most, times are sorely disappointed. How long can a living organism remain viable with a heart that that does not function as it should? In the case of a human, just four to six minutes.
Perhaps, at one tome or another,you were not satisfied with the care you received from a medical person or facility. In other cases you were not satisfied with a product you purchased or a service you employed. What did you do about it? I doubt you did nothing. In fact, lawyers are just waiting in the wings to assist you to solve such scenarios.
OK, let's put all these thoughts together so as to arrive at a solution to the fiscal dilemma in which we find ourselves.
1. We know what the root of the problem is -dysfunctional leadership
2. We know that we cannot solve the problem ourselves - It's too big
3. We know we need help - Ethical, truthful leadership is needed
It does not lend itself to want to win but be faint of heart. Neither does it require a "rocket ship" mentality to arrive at the conclusion what the next step should be. What it does require is commitment, resolve, and a plan to "take the high ground" and "take no prisoners". Planning requires time and thought. We have just a short time to design and initiate our plan. Let us not fail to utilize our time wisely. Let us do our homework and reap the benefits.
I have given some clues in previous blogs that will assist in laying the groundwork for a successful campaign. It is therefore recommended you review the following blogs: Habit, Something Good or Bad? 30 OCT 09; next, look at The Good, the Bad and the Ugly 20 NOV 09; then look at the next three Twas the Night Before Christmas; Sheep, Ostrich, Falcon or Owl; and Need vs Want. The last three were posted on 27 NOV, 4 DEC, and 11 DEC respectively.
There are a number of web sites that are recommended that will provide important information. The first is www.PTCC.US (Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition); the next is www.pa2010.com ; and the last I strongly recommend without equivocation is www.SamRohrer.org.
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
In the Bible, an exhortation may be found in Matthew, Chap 5, verses 27 - 32 "If thy hand offends thee, cut it off; If thy eye offends thee, pluck it out.
In both the medical and Biblical sense, if a part of an organism is severely diseased, it is recommended it be removed or death of that organism would occur.
When I worked in the emergency room (ER) of a hospital in Philadelphia, it took quite a while for me to understand why so many clients aka patients waited so long, after noticing symptoms that signaled "something was wrong", to come to the ER for help. Let's face it, when we do not "feel good", we first attempt to "fix" the problem ourselves. We may take a Tylenol, drink some liquid, lay down, etc. We may even think that a "good night's sleep" will fix us. We drag ourselves into bed and try to sleep but without success. The distractions that were present during the day and the darkness now seem to magnify our symptoms. Some times we may wait hours or even days before we admit our self care is not working, It is only then we come to the ER for expert help. The only problem with that train of thought is that the longer we wait to seek help, we may be doing ourselves irreparable harm. In fact, I have witnessed a few cases when waiting too long to seek help resulted in that person's demise.
For a moment, let us think of our society as an organism that is experiencing symptoms that prompt us to realize "something is wrong". We may even consider attempting to "fix" whatever is wrong by ourselves but we're not sure how to go about it. We try to "put up with" the symptoms for some period of time. In some cases, months or even years go by but the symptoms persist.
We try to extend every opportunity to our "leaders" the "experts" to resolve the problem but to no avail. Let us look at the present situation that is facing our society. You know, the one that was and is caused by he "experts" who are supposed to know what they are doing; supposed to provide the help we all need; supposed to think of the ones they are "leading" and not just themselves. Think of them as the "heart" of the organism (our society).
Who are these "experts"? They are none other than the ones we voted into office to provide the leadership we all expect but many, if not most, times are sorely disappointed. How long can a living organism remain viable with a heart that that does not function as it should? In the case of a human, just four to six minutes.
Perhaps, at one tome or another,you were not satisfied with the care you received from a medical person or facility. In other cases you were not satisfied with a product you purchased or a service you employed. What did you do about it? I doubt you did nothing. In fact, lawyers are just waiting in the wings to assist you to solve such scenarios.
OK, let's put all these thoughts together so as to arrive at a solution to the fiscal dilemma in which we find ourselves.
1. We know what the root of the problem is -dysfunctional leadership
2. We know that we cannot solve the problem ourselves - It's too big
3. We know we need help - Ethical, truthful leadership is needed
It does not lend itself to want to win but be faint of heart. Neither does it require a "rocket ship" mentality to arrive at the conclusion what the next step should be. What it does require is commitment, resolve, and a plan to "take the high ground" and "take no prisoners". Planning requires time and thought. We have just a short time to design and initiate our plan. Let us not fail to utilize our time wisely. Let us do our homework and reap the benefits.
I have given some clues in previous blogs that will assist in laying the groundwork for a successful campaign. It is therefore recommended you review the following blogs: Habit, Something Good or Bad? 30 OCT 09; next, look at The Good, the Bad and the Ugly 20 NOV 09; then look at the next three Twas the Night Before Christmas; Sheep, Ostrich, Falcon or Owl; and Need vs Want. The last three were posted on 27 NOV, 4 DEC, and 11 DEC respectively.
There are a number of web sites that are recommended that will provide important information. The first is www.PTCC.US (Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition); the next is www.pa2010.com ; and the last I strongly recommend without equivocation is www.SamRohrer.org.
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
Friday, December 11, 2009
NEED vs WANT
NEEDS
Did you, from time to time, think of just what you NEED? Each of us may consider what we "need" differently. But let's get down to basics. Real basics!!! For those of you who may have taken a college course in psychology, you are no strangers to the name of Maslow. He was a psychologist who designed what has come to be called "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs". Usually, you will see his "Hierarchy" as a triangle with five rectangular boxes arranged parallel to each other and extending past the sides of the triangle. In each of the boxes are listed words that describe "needs" ranging from the most basic, in the bottom rectangle, to others that may be considered the least "needed" in the top rectangle.
The title of "needs" in the bottom rectangle is Biological and Physiological Needs. The next box up is Safety Needs. The next box up is Belongingness and Love Needs. The fourth box up is Esteem Needs. The title in the topmost box is Self-actualization.
Most of us, in the United States of America, have enjoyed the "Needs" in the bottom two boxes of Maslow's Hierarchy ever since we can remember. As we move up to the top three boxes however, those "needs" are sought after by all of us in one form or another but are not always attained.
I imagine that most of us are certainly aware of that group of our society who are labeled "Homeless". We see occasional glimpses of them if we travel to large metropolitan areas. We certainly see them in news broadcasts on our TVs. What are our thoughts as our attention is drawn to them? Do we sympathise with their plight? Or do we in some fashion blame them for their condition? Do we ever consider the chance that we may join their ranks at some time in the future?
Ridiculous you say? "Fat chance of that ever happening to me", you may think to yourself. That is probably just what so many of the current group of "homeless" thought just before the market recently crashed. That is precisely what so many are probably still thinking even though our leaders in government are telling us that we are gradually coming out of the recession. You may hear newscasters saying the same thing but almost as an aside, we hear that the unemployment remains at 10%!!
If you ever did attempt to consider losing your home, did you take your thoughts to the next step and ask yourself, "What would I do"? Have you actually taken steps to prepare for the unthinkable? Perhaps you should if you live in Pennsylvania!! Why there? Because things are going to get much worse for all of us in the very near future.
For some rather obscure reason, a law was passed when Governor Ridge was the governor of our state that guaranteed state workers, including teachers, 8 1/2% return on their pension funds!! That was great when the market was up. When the market crashed recently, every one's pension fund was affected, including the teachers'. The only difference between the teachers and everyone else is that their pension is guaranteed by law. The teachers are not to blame however, the politicians are!!!
So what happens when 2012 arrives and we are expected to pay the current expected increase in property / school taxes to pay for the losses in the teachers' pension fund? If you are currently out of work, how will you be able to pay for the increase? If you expect to have work by 2012, will you earn enough to pay for the increase? If however you have become one of the "homeless", you won't have to worry about the increase!!
OK, so maybe there is a benefit to being "homeless"(?) That is if you don't mind living in a cardboard box on top of a steam vent in Philadelphia or some form of shelter provided by the government that confiscated your home!! Of course you won't have all the little niceties you probably enjoyed when you were still living in your own home. But don't despair, on special days of the year numerous charitable organizations set out a feast for you to enjoy. The only problem with that arrangement is that the "special days" of the year will not begin to equal all the days you were able to eat similar "feasts" at home. There will be many other things you will have to do without but why should I paint an even more gloomy picture. All you have to do is turn on your TV and look at the squalor in which some societies exist in Africa, South America, etc. Now, just picture yourself as a member of that society!!!
WANTS
Hah!! Who am I kidding? "Wants" are all of those things that are not included in the bottom two rectangles of Maslow's Hierarchy, e.g. everything except food in your stomach, clothes on your back and a roof over your head. You may think you need all of the other things but they are not essential to life. Your life would certainly be vastly different than it is now but you would be alive.
How to Keep your "Wants"
What's that? You don't want to lose your home? Well, if that's so, what are you doing to change the very real possibility that you will lose it? Don't plan on winning the lottery or hoping that a philanthropist will knock on your door and hand a million dollars to you. Don't plan on getting a good paying job either. Remember, the unemployment is still at 10%!!! Well, what else can you do? Is there a "Light at the End of the Tunnel? Answer: YES there is!!!
All you have to do is access the web site www.SamRohrer.org and read and listen to the man who has been working at and remains committed to pulling this state out of the hole in which we currently find ourselves. Remember though, he cannot do it by himself. He needs us, that's right, you and me and all of us to do what we can to help him to help all of us!! WE can do it!! WE must do it!! Also, you should take a look at the web site www.PTCC.US
Postscript:
Have you ever seen the movie "Tea House of the August Moon"? Marlon Brando plays one of the main parts (an Okinawan native). In the beginning, he is seated on the ground in front of a palm tree. He is recounting the history of Okinawa and how many time they have been invaded and then occupied by foreign troops. He states that each time it created great pain for the inhabitants but that, "Pain make man think; thought make man wise; and wisdom make life endurable".
Apparently not enough of us have experienced enough pain to make us "think". Or we have just begun to think but have not yet profited by our thinking to become "wise". If we ever reach that elusive plateau of "wisdom", perhaps we will be ready to cast the real jerks in Harrisburg overboard and vote for politicians that have our best interests at heart rather than just themselves. Someone like Sam Rohrer!!
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
Friday, December 4, 2009
Sheep, Ostrich, Falcon, or Owl?
It is interesting to note how many times we may refer to someone in terms of an animal. Sometimes, we may describe someone as a "beast". What we are saying is that person acts like a beast, that they do not demonstrate human characteristics or traits. Other times, we may say of a person that they are "sheepish". In this case, we mean that they are somewhat timid or meek in their behavior, they are easily led. There are quite a few other animals that have taken their place in our everyday language to describe some one's traits.
Believe it or not, some folks believe that after they die, they will be reincarnated in the form of an animal. Gee, I wonder just what kind of an animal I would like to be if I held that same belief? Would I be satisfied to be a sheep? If so, I would find it difficult to make decisions, always look to someone else to lead me, almost be afraid of my own shadow. No, I don't think I would want to be a sheep. Perhaps it would be better to be an Ostrich. I could run very fast but as soon as I was faced with a problem I would "stick my head in the sand"! Ostriches really don't do that but it is widely thought they do. It is the reason anyone who is faced with a problem and tends to not make an attempt to solve it, their behavior is referred to as the Ostrich syndrome. They hope that if they don't admit there is a problem, it will resolve itself without their intervention. No, I wouldn't want to be an Ostrich.
There are however, some animals who are thought of as having traits that are enviable. A dog for instance. A dog will, if treated with kindness, always greet you with tail wagging when you return home. It will never complain when fed the same thing day after day. It will always try to please you by obeying your commands. I'm not sure I'd like being a dog however. I'd always have to depend on my owner being thoughtful of me. Unfortunately, not all dog owners treat their animals with kindness.
I know!! I believe I'd like to be a Falcon or Owl. Even though they have to find their own food, they do not have to depend on unkind human owners. They are their own masters, free to go where they want when they want. They even develop hunting strategies to increase the chance of getting food. In fact, the Owl is spoken of as "the wise old bird". Wisdom is a great attribute. With it, one can reason. With reason, one can figure out how to solve problems.
You may wonder why I have chosen the foregoing to begin this week's blog. It is because we, us Pennsylvanians, are faced with a monumental problem. At least those of us who are "home owners". In fact, we will never "own" our homes. We are forced to keep paying year after year for the privilege of staying in not our homes but the homes that apparently are owned by the state and our local school district. In case you have wondered what would happen if you failed to pay the state and the school district, you would be evicted!! You would find yourself outside the house you thought you "owned". Certainly, not a happy prospect.
Now that I have identified the problem, are we going to be like sheep and timidly be forced to give up not just the "extras" but some of the necessities in order to stay in the home we thought we owned? Or, are we going to be like an Ostrich burying our heads in the sand, hoping the problem will just resolve spontaneously without our intervention? The latter of the two was adopted by our present governor when he did not deal with the "pension grab" problem that will rear its ugly head in 2012. In case you're not aware of it, the current estimate of the increase of property / school taxes in all of Pennsylvania in 2012 is 29.7%!!!
Instead, why don't we be like the Falcon or Owl and rise up to the occasion and do something about it? I don't know about you but my wife and I worked hard to build and "own" our home. I'm not ready to give up and meekly be told to, "Get out". Neither am I ready to be told that I have to give up any of the necessities just to be able to pay the state and the school district year after year in order to stay in "their" home.
There is someone who is, and has been for years, working diligently to make it possible for us to actually stay in the homes we thought we owned and without paying anyone for the privilege.
That person is Sam Rohrer. If you haven't looked at his web site, I strongly recommend you do it. The address is www.SamRohrer.org . Even if you believe you may have the tendency to be like a Sheep or an Ostrich, all you have to do to keep your home is look at his web site. In the blogs I have posted during October and November, I have described how you can insure that Sam's plan (HB 1275) will be passed in Harrisburg. Notice, I did not say "may be passed". I said "will be passed". If you are reading my blog for the first time, I strongly recommend you read those that I wrote starting with the first one "Are You Fed Up Yet?"
As always, I invite any questions you may have or objective criticisms. My e-mail is johnjhere@gmail.com .
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
Believe it or not, some folks believe that after they die, they will be reincarnated in the form of an animal. Gee, I wonder just what kind of an animal I would like to be if I held that same belief? Would I be satisfied to be a sheep? If so, I would find it difficult to make decisions, always look to someone else to lead me, almost be afraid of my own shadow. No, I don't think I would want to be a sheep. Perhaps it would be better to be an Ostrich. I could run very fast but as soon as I was faced with a problem I would "stick my head in the sand"! Ostriches really don't do that but it is widely thought they do. It is the reason anyone who is faced with a problem and tends to not make an attempt to solve it, their behavior is referred to as the Ostrich syndrome. They hope that if they don't admit there is a problem, it will resolve itself without their intervention. No, I wouldn't want to be an Ostrich.
There are however, some animals who are thought of as having traits that are enviable. A dog for instance. A dog will, if treated with kindness, always greet you with tail wagging when you return home. It will never complain when fed the same thing day after day. It will always try to please you by obeying your commands. I'm not sure I'd like being a dog however. I'd always have to depend on my owner being thoughtful of me. Unfortunately, not all dog owners treat their animals with kindness.
I know!! I believe I'd like to be a Falcon or Owl. Even though they have to find their own food, they do not have to depend on unkind human owners. They are their own masters, free to go where they want when they want. They even develop hunting strategies to increase the chance of getting food. In fact, the Owl is spoken of as "the wise old bird". Wisdom is a great attribute. With it, one can reason. With reason, one can figure out how to solve problems.
You may wonder why I have chosen the foregoing to begin this week's blog. It is because we, us Pennsylvanians, are faced with a monumental problem. At least those of us who are "home owners". In fact, we will never "own" our homes. We are forced to keep paying year after year for the privilege of staying in not our homes but the homes that apparently are owned by the state and our local school district. In case you have wondered what would happen if you failed to pay the state and the school district, you would be evicted!! You would find yourself outside the house you thought you "owned". Certainly, not a happy prospect.
Now that I have identified the problem, are we going to be like sheep and timidly be forced to give up not just the "extras" but some of the necessities in order to stay in the home we thought we owned? Or, are we going to be like an Ostrich burying our heads in the sand, hoping the problem will just resolve spontaneously without our intervention? The latter of the two was adopted by our present governor when he did not deal with the "pension grab" problem that will rear its ugly head in 2012. In case you're not aware of it, the current estimate of the increase of property / school taxes in all of Pennsylvania in 2012 is 29.7%!!!
Instead, why don't we be like the Falcon or Owl and rise up to the occasion and do something about it? I don't know about you but my wife and I worked hard to build and "own" our home. I'm not ready to give up and meekly be told to, "Get out". Neither am I ready to be told that I have to give up any of the necessities just to be able to pay the state and the school district year after year in order to stay in "their" home.
There is someone who is, and has been for years, working diligently to make it possible for us to actually stay in the homes we thought we owned and without paying anyone for the privilege.
That person is Sam Rohrer. If you haven't looked at his web site, I strongly recommend you do it. The address is www.SamRohrer.org . Even if you believe you may have the tendency to be like a Sheep or an Ostrich, all you have to do to keep your home is look at his web site. In the blogs I have posted during October and November, I have described how you can insure that Sam's plan (HB 1275) will be passed in Harrisburg. Notice, I did not say "may be passed". I said "will be passed". If you are reading my blog for the first time, I strongly recommend you read those that I wrote starting with the first one "Are You Fed Up Yet?"
As always, I invite any questions you may have or objective criticisms. My e-mail is johnjhere@gmail.com .
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
Friday, November 27, 2009
Twas The Night Before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse
The poem “Twas the night before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore reminds me of story about another mouse who lived in a farmhouse. One day, a delivery truck pulled into the driveway. The little mouse was anxious to see what was being delivered. He hurried into the house just in time to see the farmer open the small package. Much to his horror, he saw the farmer lift a mousetrap out of the wrapping!! He ran outside and said to the chicken, “There’s a mouse trap in the house”! The chicken answered, “I’ll say a prayer for you. That’s all I can do”. The mouse then ran to the pig and said, “There’s a mouse trap in the house”! The pig said, “There’s nothing I can do about it. It’s not my problem”. The little mouse then ran to the cow and said, “There’s a mouse trap in the house”. The cow asked, “What did the chicken and the pig tell you”? The mouse told the cow what the chicken and the pig had said. The cow said, “Well, there’s nothing more I can suggest”.
The little mouse walked slowly back into the house, all the while thinking that he needed to be extra careful from now on. That same night, when all was dark and quiet, and all were asleep in their beds, a loud SNAP was heard. The farmer’s wife, thinking they had trapped the mouse, went to see if they had. She had only a small candle for light and before she realized it, saw that they had trapped a poisonous snake by the tail. The snake had bitten her in the leg and she became deathly ill.
The first thing the farmer thought of to give his wife was what so many of us give to family members who are sick. He took his ax and, after dispatching the chicken, made chicken soup for his wife. Unfortunately, the chicken soup did not help. Some family members and neighbors came to help with his wife’s care. Certainly the farmer had to feed all who came to help so he took his ax and dispatched the pig. Even with all the help with his wife’s care she did not get any better. In fact, she past away a few days later. Family members came from far and wide to the funeral. In order to consider the needs of all those who came to the funeral, the farmer once again took his ax and, you guessed it, dispatched the cow.
The moral of the story is that what may be a potential problem for one of us may be even a greater problem for all of us. We need to work together to solve the original problem so we can all benefit.
When I have attempted to explain the effort Sam Rohrer has made to have the School / Property Tax Elimination Act passed, quite a number of folks stop me. They then state, “It will never work” or “I think my idea is better”. They then go on to describe how they would deal with the problem. Unfortunately, I may be the only one to whom they relate their idea. Perhaps they may also tell a few friends and family members. But, they never take any further steps to tell anyone of importance who may be able to incorporate their idea into a workable plan of action. The end result is the situation remains the same and none of us benefits.
We all know what to expect as the new year starts. As the new year progresses toward spring, we will be inundated with TV ads telling us we should vote for a particular politician because he / she know just what we need. They make promises that are designed to win our hearts and minds and lull us into a false sense of security. Meanwhile, that same ad will point out how their opponents are so inept, unqualified, and uncaring. Some of the ads are so accusatory; you may wonder why the politician who is being attacked so viciously has not been found guilty and sentenced to spend time in jail. We are then treated, to yet another round of accusations by that opponent about the one who initiated the accusations. And so it goes on and on until we become so confused about who is telling any truth we don’t bother to watch TV at all.
Remember what our present Governor told us? He promised a property tax reduction of 30% to 40% if we voted for him. Perhaps you were one of the fortunate few (very few if any) who saw his promise come true. As for me, and virtually everyone else to whom I’ve spoken, no such reduction was ever delivered.
One thing we all have to remember is that all politicians will make grandiose claims and promises in order to get us to vote for them. Somehow, we need to identify which one(s) will work to deliver what they promised. As the election draws closer, some newspapers will print comparisons of the politicians in order to make sense out of all the claims we have heard or read. Some TV news programs will present similar information. Before you read or hear any such information, I’ll let you in on a real scoop!!!
Now, in my mind, right is right and wrong is wrong and never the twain shall meet. So far, there is only one politician who has not made any promises. He did not just recently reveal a plan to pull all of us Pennsylvanians out of the financial hole in which many, if not most of us, find ourselves. He has worked tirelessly for a number of years to abolish Property / School taxes. His plan (House Bill 1275) is not a “vote getting ploy” as are others that are being touted to accomplish the same thing. (see my last blog “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”). That politician is Sam Rohrer. You can learn more about him at www.SamRohrer.org .
Unless you are one of the few who have been untouched by the present financial crisis, you can not begin to think of giving Christmas gifts each of which is worth thousands of dollars!!! Believe on not, you can give gifts worth that much!! It will not cost you anything to give these gifts. It will require a little of your time however. You will not have to travel from store to store (saves time); you will not have to scrimp or sell your possessions to buy these gifts (saves money). All you have to do is tell everyone you know and everyone you meet about Sam Rohrer and his plan to abolish school / Property taxes. It’s that easy!!
Come on now, let’s all pull together to get ourselves out of mess!!
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse
The poem “Twas the night before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore reminds me of story about another mouse who lived in a farmhouse. One day, a delivery truck pulled into the driveway. The little mouse was anxious to see what was being delivered. He hurried into the house just in time to see the farmer open the small package. Much to his horror, he saw the farmer lift a mousetrap out of the wrapping!! He ran outside and said to the chicken, “There’s a mouse trap in the house”! The chicken answered, “I’ll say a prayer for you. That’s all I can do”. The mouse then ran to the pig and said, “There’s a mouse trap in the house”! The pig said, “There’s nothing I can do about it. It’s not my problem”. The little mouse then ran to the cow and said, “There’s a mouse trap in the house”. The cow asked, “What did the chicken and the pig tell you”? The mouse told the cow what the chicken and the pig had said. The cow said, “Well, there’s nothing more I can suggest”.
The little mouse walked slowly back into the house, all the while thinking that he needed to be extra careful from now on. That same night, when all was dark and quiet, and all were asleep in their beds, a loud SNAP was heard. The farmer’s wife, thinking they had trapped the mouse, went to see if they had. She had only a small candle for light and before she realized it, saw that they had trapped a poisonous snake by the tail. The snake had bitten her in the leg and she became deathly ill.
The first thing the farmer thought of to give his wife was what so many of us give to family members who are sick. He took his ax and, after dispatching the chicken, made chicken soup for his wife. Unfortunately, the chicken soup did not help. Some family members and neighbors came to help with his wife’s care. Certainly the farmer had to feed all who came to help so he took his ax and dispatched the pig. Even with all the help with his wife’s care she did not get any better. In fact, she past away a few days later. Family members came from far and wide to the funeral. In order to consider the needs of all those who came to the funeral, the farmer once again took his ax and, you guessed it, dispatched the cow.
The moral of the story is that what may be a potential problem for one of us may be even a greater problem for all of us. We need to work together to solve the original problem so we can all benefit.
When I have attempted to explain the effort Sam Rohrer has made to have the School / Property Tax Elimination Act passed, quite a number of folks stop me. They then state, “It will never work” or “I think my idea is better”. They then go on to describe how they would deal with the problem. Unfortunately, I may be the only one to whom they relate their idea. Perhaps they may also tell a few friends and family members. But, they never take any further steps to tell anyone of importance who may be able to incorporate their idea into a workable plan of action. The end result is the situation remains the same and none of us benefits.
We all know what to expect as the new year starts. As the new year progresses toward spring, we will be inundated with TV ads telling us we should vote for a particular politician because he / she know just what we need. They make promises that are designed to win our hearts and minds and lull us into a false sense of security. Meanwhile, that same ad will point out how their opponents are so inept, unqualified, and uncaring. Some of the ads are so accusatory; you may wonder why the politician who is being attacked so viciously has not been found guilty and sentenced to spend time in jail. We are then treated, to yet another round of accusations by that opponent about the one who initiated the accusations. And so it goes on and on until we become so confused about who is telling any truth we don’t bother to watch TV at all.
Remember what our present Governor told us? He promised a property tax reduction of 30% to 40% if we voted for him. Perhaps you were one of the fortunate few (very few if any) who saw his promise come true. As for me, and virtually everyone else to whom I’ve spoken, no such reduction was ever delivered.
One thing we all have to remember is that all politicians will make grandiose claims and promises in order to get us to vote for them. Somehow, we need to identify which one(s) will work to deliver what they promised. As the election draws closer, some newspapers will print comparisons of the politicians in order to make sense out of all the claims we have heard or read. Some TV news programs will present similar information. Before you read or hear any such information, I’ll let you in on a real scoop!!!
Now, in my mind, right is right and wrong is wrong and never the twain shall meet. So far, there is only one politician who has not made any promises. He did not just recently reveal a plan to pull all of us Pennsylvanians out of the financial hole in which many, if not most of us, find ourselves. He has worked tirelessly for a number of years to abolish Property / School taxes. His plan (House Bill 1275) is not a “vote getting ploy” as are others that are being touted to accomplish the same thing. (see my last blog “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”). That politician is Sam Rohrer. You can learn more about him at www.SamRohrer.org .
Unless you are one of the few who have been untouched by the present financial crisis, you can not begin to think of giving Christmas gifts each of which is worth thousands of dollars!!! Believe on not, you can give gifts worth that much!! It will not cost you anything to give these gifts. It will require a little of your time however. You will not have to travel from store to store (saves time); you will not have to scrimp or sell your possessions to buy these gifts (saves money). All you have to do is tell everyone you know and everyone you meet about Sam Rohrer and his plan to abolish school / Property taxes. It’s that easy!!
Come on now, let’s all pull together to get ourselves out of mess!!
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The Good
On Tuesday, 17 NOV, Sam Rohrer announced his bid for governor of Pennsylvania!! Who is Sam Rohrer? Please go to the web site http://www.samrohrer.org/ and you can watch and hear the man who will be our next governor. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words and it is certainly true. I could go on and on about the man and his attributes but I feel I could not adequately describe my respect for Sam. He has been working tirelessly for us Pennsylvanians in his attempts to have the House Bill (HB) 1275 passed but has been thwarted by special interest groups. The lobbyists for those groups have influenced other politicians in Harrisburg to vote against him and his HB. We're still working on it though.
The Bad
On Thursday, 19 NOV, a repeat of the meeting in Oxford, PA the previous Thursday was held at the fire house in Parkesburg, PA. Once again, Tom Houghton, a State representative from Chester County, was the speaker. He presented essentially the same information heard at the Oxford meeting with one exception. He announced that he: "Had signed on to HB 1275". Now I ask you, if he indeed has "signed on to HB 1275", why would he continue to tout the benefits of some other HB? Specifically, the HB he is promoting is yet another HB that promises to "abolish school / property taxes"!!! That bill is HB 1965 introduced by another politician, Tim Seip of Berks County.
Let's compare the two House Bills, each of which promises to abolish school / property taxes. The first thing that is noticed is the dramatic difference in the number of pages between the two. HB 1965 (Seip's bill) requires just ten (10) pages to supposedly satisfy the monumental task of abolishing school / property taxes (SPT) and at the same time, providing funding for the continuence of education. Wow!!! Now that is a very clever trick and in just 10 pages. Meanwhile, HB 1275 (Rohrer's bill) is spelled out in two hundred and six (206) pages!! One may accuse Rohrer of being verbose or that his HB covers virtually every contingency.
Comparison of Good and Bad
Let's look a little closer at the two House Bills:
1. Forever abolishes SPT for homesteads & farmsteads
HB 1275 - SPT is totally eliminated as a method of taxation and is
constitutionally guaranteed never to return.
HB 1965 - Not possible to eliminate the SPT using the method in the bill.
Plan does not generate sufficient revenue to totally eliminate SPT
2. Eliminates taxes like the local school EIT & per capita tax
HB 1275 - Yes - with only the exception noted below in #3
HB 1965 - No
3. Does not allow schools to levy taxes without voter approval
HB 1275 - Yes - Local EIT or PIT allowed for special projects ONLY with voter
referendum
HB 1965 - No
4. Education cost controls
HB 1275 - Limits growth in school expenditures to the rate of inflation or
available revenue
HB 1965 - None
5. Guarantees minimum per-pupil funding to all schools
HB 1275 Yes - In accordance with the 2007 costing-out study; no longer will
the quality of a student's education be dependent on their Zip Code. In
addition, all schools will initially be fully funded to meet current obligations.
HB 1965 - No
6. Adjusts school district funding with changes in student population
HB 1275 Yes - Unlike the current 1991 school funding formula that gives
windfalls to some districts while shortcoming others as student populations
increase or decrease.
HB 1965 - No
7. Eliminates district-to-district taxing inequity
HB 1275 Yes - Districts without a large commercial tax base will no longer
depend solely on homeowners to fund education
HB 1965 - No
8. Education cost savings
HB 1275 Yes - Combines high-rate school debt into one low-rate state bond
issue; replaces all individual school healthcare plans with one state-level plan
Annual savings is approximately $ 1 billion
HB 1965 - None
9. Technology driven school program cost analysis for further savings
HB 1275 Yes - Data Driven Decision Making (D3M) technology supplied to all
school districts to guage curriculum cost effectiveness
HB 1965 - None
10. Replacement revenue source
HB 1275 Expanded sales tax base at current 6% rate with exemptions for life
necessities; 0.5% state PIT increase replaces eliminated local EIT. Revenue
sufficient to totally eliminate SPT.
HB 1965 Expanded sales tax base at current 6% rate with exemptions for life
necessities; generates insufficient revenue to totally eliminate SPT because of
unnecessary exemptions.
11. All taxes collected used for education funding thereby resulting in property tax
elimination
HB 1275 Yes - All revenue is deposited into a lockbox account to be used for
education finance ONLY
HB 1965 No - $ 1 billion of revenue is used for general fund expenditures during
first three years after enactment; no guarantee that this will not continue beyond
the scheduled cutoff date
12. Completely restructures the broken PA education finance system to align it
with 21st century reality
HB 1275 The property tax system is a 19th century holdover; distribution of state
funds to the schools is inequitable. The SPTEA restructures the way schools are
funded, bringing education finance into the 21st century
HB 1965 No
13. True education finance reform
HB 1275 Yes - The ONLY plan that accomplishes real reform
HB 1965 No
14. Taxpayer endorsement
HB 1275 Yes - Endorsed by 34 taxpayer advocacy groups statewide
HB 1965 None
Want to know more? Go to http://www.ptcc.us/ (Pennsylvania taxpayers Cyber Coalition) for a ton of information.
The Ugly
As noted above, a picture is worth a thousand words. Having said that, ckick on the following for a blockbuster. Make sure your sound is on. Once the picture starts, click on the news item regarding lost revenue for one school district in the upper right of the screen. Admittedly, it's a rather long web address but the video is worth it especially for all Pennsylvania school boards. http://wfmz.img.entriq.net/htm/PopUpPlayer-v3.htm?articleID=1300653
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
On Tuesday, 17 NOV, Sam Rohrer announced his bid for governor of Pennsylvania!! Who is Sam Rohrer? Please go to the web site http://www.samrohrer.org/ and you can watch and hear the man who will be our next governor. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words and it is certainly true. I could go on and on about the man and his attributes but I feel I could not adequately describe my respect for Sam. He has been working tirelessly for us Pennsylvanians in his attempts to have the House Bill (HB) 1275 passed but has been thwarted by special interest groups. The lobbyists for those groups have influenced other politicians in Harrisburg to vote against him and his HB. We're still working on it though.
The Bad
On Thursday, 19 NOV, a repeat of the meeting in Oxford, PA the previous Thursday was held at the fire house in Parkesburg, PA. Once again, Tom Houghton, a State representative from Chester County, was the speaker. He presented essentially the same information heard at the Oxford meeting with one exception. He announced that he: "Had signed on to HB 1275". Now I ask you, if he indeed has "signed on to HB 1275", why would he continue to tout the benefits of some other HB? Specifically, the HB he is promoting is yet another HB that promises to "abolish school / property taxes"!!! That bill is HB 1965 introduced by another politician, Tim Seip of Berks County.
Let's compare the two House Bills, each of which promises to abolish school / property taxes. The first thing that is noticed is the dramatic difference in the number of pages between the two. HB 1965 (Seip's bill) requires just ten (10) pages to supposedly satisfy the monumental task of abolishing school / property taxes (SPT) and at the same time, providing funding for the continuence of education. Wow!!! Now that is a very clever trick and in just 10 pages. Meanwhile, HB 1275 (Rohrer's bill) is spelled out in two hundred and six (206) pages!! One may accuse Rohrer of being verbose or that his HB covers virtually every contingency.
Comparison of Good and Bad
Let's look a little closer at the two House Bills:
1. Forever abolishes SPT for homesteads & farmsteads
HB 1275 - SPT is totally eliminated as a method of taxation and is
constitutionally guaranteed never to return.
HB 1965 - Not possible to eliminate the SPT using the method in the bill.
Plan does not generate sufficient revenue to totally eliminate SPT
2. Eliminates taxes like the local school EIT & per capita tax
HB 1275 - Yes - with only the exception noted below in #3
HB 1965 - No
3. Does not allow schools to levy taxes without voter approval
HB 1275 - Yes - Local EIT or PIT allowed for special projects ONLY with voter
referendum
HB 1965 - No
4. Education cost controls
HB 1275 - Limits growth in school expenditures to the rate of inflation or
available revenue
HB 1965 - None
5. Guarantees minimum per-pupil funding to all schools
HB 1275 Yes - In accordance with the 2007 costing-out study; no longer will
the quality of a student's education be dependent on their Zip Code. In
addition, all schools will initially be fully funded to meet current obligations.
HB 1965 - No
6. Adjusts school district funding with changes in student population
HB 1275 Yes - Unlike the current 1991 school funding formula that gives
windfalls to some districts while shortcoming others as student populations
increase or decrease.
HB 1965 - No
7. Eliminates district-to-district taxing inequity
HB 1275 Yes - Districts without a large commercial tax base will no longer
depend solely on homeowners to fund education
HB 1965 - No
8. Education cost savings
HB 1275 Yes - Combines high-rate school debt into one low-rate state bond
issue; replaces all individual school healthcare plans with one state-level plan
Annual savings is approximately $ 1 billion
HB 1965 - None
9. Technology driven school program cost analysis for further savings
HB 1275 Yes - Data Driven Decision Making (D3M) technology supplied to all
school districts to guage curriculum cost effectiveness
HB 1965 - None
10. Replacement revenue source
HB 1275 Expanded sales tax base at current 6% rate with exemptions for life
necessities; 0.5% state PIT increase replaces eliminated local EIT. Revenue
sufficient to totally eliminate SPT.
HB 1965 Expanded sales tax base at current 6% rate with exemptions for life
necessities; generates insufficient revenue to totally eliminate SPT because of
unnecessary exemptions.
11. All taxes collected used for education funding thereby resulting in property tax
elimination
HB 1275 Yes - All revenue is deposited into a lockbox account to be used for
education finance ONLY
HB 1965 No - $ 1 billion of revenue is used for general fund expenditures during
first three years after enactment; no guarantee that this will not continue beyond
the scheduled cutoff date
12. Completely restructures the broken PA education finance system to align it
with 21st century reality
HB 1275 The property tax system is a 19th century holdover; distribution of state
funds to the schools is inequitable. The SPTEA restructures the way schools are
funded, bringing education finance into the 21st century
HB 1965 No
13. True education finance reform
HB 1275 Yes - The ONLY plan that accomplishes real reform
HB 1965 No
14. Taxpayer endorsement
HB 1275 Yes - Endorsed by 34 taxpayer advocacy groups statewide
HB 1965 None
Want to know more? Go to http://www.ptcc.us/ (Pennsylvania taxpayers Cyber Coalition) for a ton of information.
The Ugly
As noted above, a picture is worth a thousand words. Having said that, ckick on the following for a blockbuster. Make sure your sound is on. Once the picture starts, click on the news item regarding lost revenue for one school district in the upper right of the screen. Admittedly, it's a rather long web address but the video is worth it especially for all Pennsylvania school boards. http://wfmz.img.entriq.net/htm/PopUpPlayer-v3.htm?articleID=1300653
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
Friday, November 13, 2009
Mixed Bag of Events
The past week and next have been and will be a number of meetings each of which have dealt and will deal with the means to tax the citizens of Octorara school district and the expenditures of those monies.
LAST WEEK'S MEETINGS
On Monday, 9 NOV 09, I met with Dr. Tom Newcomb, the district superintendent. I had not been officially notified if I had won a seat on the school board. I was not sure if the notification should come from the school district or the voting offices in Chester and Lancaster counties. Dr. Newcomb stated that the notification should come from the county offices. He went on to say that he felt that I will indeed be seated and that there will be a ceremony on 7 DEC 09. I asked if he had set that particular date. He replied that, "It just worked out that way". I later spoke with Paul of the Lancaster office of voting who stated that, "The votes would be tabulated by 23 NOV and sent to Harrisburg. You should expect to receive a certificate soon thereafter".
I attended a meeting of the school board later in the evening and was introduced to the other board members. I met Mr. Dan Carsley, the financial officer of the district, who has replaced Mr. Lee. The open meeting followed a meeting of the Facility committee. At that meeting, the supervisor of the company executing the rebuilding of the high school gave a report on the time line of the job (on schedule) and the items that still remain to be completed. Given that I was not yet an official member of the board, I acted strictly as an observer.
I was told by a resident of Christiana that a rumor was circulating concerning the cost of a statue of an American Indian which now resides in front of the high school. The resident stated he heard that, "The statue cost $30,000"! I told the resident that I would obtain some details on the matter. On Thursday, 12 NOV, I met with Mr. Carsley and told him of the report of the "rumor". He stated that, "The statue did in fact cost $29,000 but that it did not come from district funds. It came from booster monies".
In the evening of 12 NOV, I attended a meeting in Oxford, PA at the Senior Citizens Center. The meeting's principal speaker was State Representative Tom Houghton from Chester county. He spoke of a number of issues in the townships in his area but the main topic he presented was the House Bill he introduced that will change the State constitution so as to allow another bill to be introduced by another politician. That bill he stated, "Will result in the abolishment of property / school taxes"!! As you may imagine, there was great interest in his presentation from the packed house. Unfortunately, in addition to describing the details of his bill and the bill to be introduced, he also talked about yet another bill that was introduced last year by Sam Rohrer, a State Representative from Berks county. That bill is House Bill 1275 and is designed to abolish property / school taxes. Mr. Rohrer had to attach HB 1275 as an amendment to HB 1600 last year just to get his bill out of committee so that it could be discussed on the floor of the House. In that form, it was defeated but still remained intact but in committee. Mr Rohrer re-introduced the bill on 29 OCT 09 and at this time it is in committee once again.
As a result of the details of all the bills discussed, I can only imagine that a significant number of folks were somewhat confused or at the very least, felt that they could do nothing about the process that would be required to effect some degree of influence on the decision making process in Harrisburg. At this point, I will refer you back to the previous blogs I have posted that detail what we all can and need to do to "light a fire" under the politicians so that they will stop their infighting and adopt the only bill that will definitely abolish the property / school taxes. That bill is HB 1275. A comparison between HB 1275 and the bill to be introduced that purports will do the same thing is dramatic. There are too many "Could Be's" and "Maybe's" and "If's" in the bill yet to be introduced. HB 1275 is "rock solid".
NEXT WEEK"S MEETINGS
Next week's meetings start off with another school board meeting on Monday evening. Again I will be just an observer. I'll report any details I can in next week's blog.
On Tuesday evening, I will attend a Historical event at the Spring Twp. Fire Dept. in West Lawn, PA (near Reading, PA). At that location, Sam Rohrer is scheduled to announce his intention to run for the governor of our state in next year's election!!! OK everyone, it's time to step up and be counted. I have worked on behalf of this man and his mission to have HB 1275 passed for the past two years. He is a tireless advocate for our well being and deserves our utmost dedication. If you want to receive the same promises, evasions, untruths, etc. we have received from our present governor, vote for the other guy. If you want dedication and truth, work for and vote for Sam Rohrer!!! More to come relative to Sam and his quest later.
On Thursday, 19 NOV, another meeting at the Borough bldg. in Parkesburg, PA. State Representative Tom Houghton will again present his bill to those who attend. I will be at that meeting and report about it in next week's blog. Untill then -
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
LAST WEEK'S MEETINGS
On Monday, 9 NOV 09, I met with Dr. Tom Newcomb, the district superintendent. I had not been officially notified if I had won a seat on the school board. I was not sure if the notification should come from the school district or the voting offices in Chester and Lancaster counties. Dr. Newcomb stated that the notification should come from the county offices. He went on to say that he felt that I will indeed be seated and that there will be a ceremony on 7 DEC 09. I asked if he had set that particular date. He replied that, "It just worked out that way". I later spoke with Paul of the Lancaster office of voting who stated that, "The votes would be tabulated by 23 NOV and sent to Harrisburg. You should expect to receive a certificate soon thereafter".
I attended a meeting of the school board later in the evening and was introduced to the other board members. I met Mr. Dan Carsley, the financial officer of the district, who has replaced Mr. Lee. The open meeting followed a meeting of the Facility committee. At that meeting, the supervisor of the company executing the rebuilding of the high school gave a report on the time line of the job (on schedule) and the items that still remain to be completed. Given that I was not yet an official member of the board, I acted strictly as an observer.
I was told by a resident of Christiana that a rumor was circulating concerning the cost of a statue of an American Indian which now resides in front of the high school. The resident stated he heard that, "The statue cost $30,000"! I told the resident that I would obtain some details on the matter. On Thursday, 12 NOV, I met with Mr. Carsley and told him of the report of the "rumor". He stated that, "The statue did in fact cost $29,000 but that it did not come from district funds. It came from booster monies".
In the evening of 12 NOV, I attended a meeting in Oxford, PA at the Senior Citizens Center. The meeting's principal speaker was State Representative Tom Houghton from Chester county. He spoke of a number of issues in the townships in his area but the main topic he presented was the House Bill he introduced that will change the State constitution so as to allow another bill to be introduced by another politician. That bill he stated, "Will result in the abolishment of property / school taxes"!! As you may imagine, there was great interest in his presentation from the packed house. Unfortunately, in addition to describing the details of his bill and the bill to be introduced, he also talked about yet another bill that was introduced last year by Sam Rohrer, a State Representative from Berks county. That bill is House Bill 1275 and is designed to abolish property / school taxes. Mr. Rohrer had to attach HB 1275 as an amendment to HB 1600 last year just to get his bill out of committee so that it could be discussed on the floor of the House. In that form, it was defeated but still remained intact but in committee. Mr Rohrer re-introduced the bill on 29 OCT 09 and at this time it is in committee once again.
As a result of the details of all the bills discussed, I can only imagine that a significant number of folks were somewhat confused or at the very least, felt that they could do nothing about the process that would be required to effect some degree of influence on the decision making process in Harrisburg. At this point, I will refer you back to the previous blogs I have posted that detail what we all can and need to do to "light a fire" under the politicians so that they will stop their infighting and adopt the only bill that will definitely abolish the property / school taxes. That bill is HB 1275. A comparison between HB 1275 and the bill to be introduced that purports will do the same thing is dramatic. There are too many "Could Be's" and "Maybe's" and "If's" in the bill yet to be introduced. HB 1275 is "rock solid".
NEXT WEEK"S MEETINGS
Next week's meetings start off with another school board meeting on Monday evening. Again I will be just an observer. I'll report any details I can in next week's blog.
On Tuesday evening, I will attend a Historical event at the Spring Twp. Fire Dept. in West Lawn, PA (near Reading, PA). At that location, Sam Rohrer is scheduled to announce his intention to run for the governor of our state in next year's election!!! OK everyone, it's time to step up and be counted. I have worked on behalf of this man and his mission to have HB 1275 passed for the past two years. He is a tireless advocate for our well being and deserves our utmost dedication. If you want to receive the same promises, evasions, untruths, etc. we have received from our present governor, vote for the other guy. If you want dedication and truth, work for and vote for Sam Rohrer!!! More to come relative to Sam and his quest later.
On Thursday, 19 NOV, another meeting at the Borough bldg. in Parkesburg, PA. State Representative Tom Houghton will again present his bill to those who attend. I will be at that meeting and report about it in next week's blog. Untill then -
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
Friday, November 6, 2009
PHASE TWO to SAVE $
Step One - Phase Two
In the past four blogs, the focus was dealing with the politicians and their unethical decisions regarding our money. This blog will look at the other end of the spectrum, the local school board and how they spend our tax money.
Three years ago, I attended a school board meeting at Octorara school district. At the point when the audience was invited to ask a question or make a statement, I raised my hand and was recognized. When I stood, I recounted how appreciative I was to God that I was healthy enough to continue to work. I further stated that I had to find a part time job in order to pay my property / school taxes. A school board member stood and stated, "We don't care". It was at that point that I realized it was a "them or me" scenario. I decided it was going to be a "me" scenario.
In 2007, a "Tax Summit" meeting was held at the high school. Seated on the stage was a collection of politicians, representatives from the surrounding boroughs, and an MC. There were approximately 600 folks in the audience. The MC introduced each of those on the stage and the meeting proceeded. The audience was told that any question they may have should be written on a 3" x 5" card and submitted to the group on stage. While some questions were answered, the fact that they had been written on cards gave the politicians on stage an opportunity to totally ignore other questions. All in all, the general meeting was a dismal failure in that we essentially were told that "this is the way it is and nothing will change".
After the general meeting, each politician retired to a separate room where folks were able to ask questions and some attempt was made to answer them. It was at one of these smaller meetings that I learned of the State wide organization The Pennsylvania Taxpayers' Cyber Coalition". I couldn't wait to get home and go to their web address to see what it was all about. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning when I began reading all the information on the web site!! The site address is www.PTCC.US
I began formulating a plan to alert folks in my area that there was something they could do about the tax situation other than complain to their relatives, neighbors, friends, and c0-workers. I made up an announcement sheet, had 500 copies made and posted them in all the local businesses, and slipped the rest under folks windshield wipers. I needed a place to hold the meeting I was advertising and a small local restaurant owner offered her place for our use. It was soon realized that it would not be large enough so she asked the local fire chief if the firehouse could be used.
We held our first meeting at the firehouse on 15 JAN 1007. A crowd of 150 folks attended and David Baldinger, the administrator of PTCC was the main speaker. Quite a number of folks had questions that were answered by David. The meeting was video taped by a local business. One of the attendees was the Octorara school district superintendent. He and David discussed the mission of the PTCC after the meeting. As a result of the meeting, a group was formed and accepted into the PTCC. We call ourselves CLASTA (Ches-Lan Anti School Tax Assoc.) WE were the 27th group in the organization. There are now 34 groups.
Shortly after, I realized that getting the politicians to change their ways was going to be a genuine challenge. It was then that I decided that perhaps I could begin looking at the other end of the money trail. I was given an opportunity to seek election to the school board this year and I began to work toward that end. I succeeded in getting my name on the ballot for the primary in MAY and just last Tuesday I was rewarded with 332 votes in the general election. One promise I will make to the first meeting of the school board and to the residents of the school district is that I will never respond to anyone, "I don't care". I do care. That's the reason I applied for the position on the board.
It is my intention to: question every proposition; understand all the details before giving my vote; consider those who were taxed and those on whom the taxes will be spent. I feel it is incumbent upon me as a board member to arrive at decisions that are considerate of all concerned. In this financial climate we all have to "tighten our belts".
If you feel so moved, perhaps you would be willing to consider becoming a board member of your local school district rather than assuming what you feel is an unjust tax burden and liken it to a penance for some sin(s). You will be on the "inside" and perhaps be able to influence the board not to simply "rubber stamp" every request made for more money without in depth consideration first.
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
In the past four blogs, the focus was dealing with the politicians and their unethical decisions regarding our money. This blog will look at the other end of the spectrum, the local school board and how they spend our tax money.
Three years ago, I attended a school board meeting at Octorara school district. At the point when the audience was invited to ask a question or make a statement, I raised my hand and was recognized. When I stood, I recounted how appreciative I was to God that I was healthy enough to continue to work. I further stated that I had to find a part time job in order to pay my property / school taxes. A school board member stood and stated, "We don't care". It was at that point that I realized it was a "them or me" scenario. I decided it was going to be a "me" scenario.
In 2007, a "Tax Summit" meeting was held at the high school. Seated on the stage was a collection of politicians, representatives from the surrounding boroughs, and an MC. There were approximately 600 folks in the audience. The MC introduced each of those on the stage and the meeting proceeded. The audience was told that any question they may have should be written on a 3" x 5" card and submitted to the group on stage. While some questions were answered, the fact that they had been written on cards gave the politicians on stage an opportunity to totally ignore other questions. All in all, the general meeting was a dismal failure in that we essentially were told that "this is the way it is and nothing will change".
After the general meeting, each politician retired to a separate room where folks were able to ask questions and some attempt was made to answer them. It was at one of these smaller meetings that I learned of the State wide organization The Pennsylvania Taxpayers' Cyber Coalition". I couldn't wait to get home and go to their web address to see what it was all about. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning when I began reading all the information on the web site!! The site address is www.PTCC.US
I began formulating a plan to alert folks in my area that there was something they could do about the tax situation other than complain to their relatives, neighbors, friends, and c0-workers. I made up an announcement sheet, had 500 copies made and posted them in all the local businesses, and slipped the rest under folks windshield wipers. I needed a place to hold the meeting I was advertising and a small local restaurant owner offered her place for our use. It was soon realized that it would not be large enough so she asked the local fire chief if the firehouse could be used.
We held our first meeting at the firehouse on 15 JAN 1007. A crowd of 150 folks attended and David Baldinger, the administrator of PTCC was the main speaker. Quite a number of folks had questions that were answered by David. The meeting was video taped by a local business. One of the attendees was the Octorara school district superintendent. He and David discussed the mission of the PTCC after the meeting. As a result of the meeting, a group was formed and accepted into the PTCC. We call ourselves CLASTA (Ches-Lan Anti School Tax Assoc.) WE were the 27th group in the organization. There are now 34 groups.
Shortly after, I realized that getting the politicians to change their ways was going to be a genuine challenge. It was then that I decided that perhaps I could begin looking at the other end of the money trail. I was given an opportunity to seek election to the school board this year and I began to work toward that end. I succeeded in getting my name on the ballot for the primary in MAY and just last Tuesday I was rewarded with 332 votes in the general election. One promise I will make to the first meeting of the school board and to the residents of the school district is that I will never respond to anyone, "I don't care". I do care. That's the reason I applied for the position on the board.
It is my intention to: question every proposition; understand all the details before giving my vote; consider those who were taxed and those on whom the taxes will be spent. I feel it is incumbent upon me as a board member to arrive at decisions that are considerate of all concerned. In this financial climate we all have to "tighten our belts".
If you feel so moved, perhaps you would be willing to consider becoming a board member of your local school district rather than assuming what you feel is an unjust tax burden and liken it to a penance for some sin(s). You will be on the "inside" and perhaps be able to influence the board not to simply "rubber stamp" every request made for more money without in depth consideration first.
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
Friday, October 30, 2009
"Habit", Something Good or Bad?
Since this is the season for many of our young ones to adopt a "habit"/costume in order to accumulate a hoard of goodies, I thought it was a good place to begin this week's blog. I am willing to bet that each of us at one time or another have assumed a different persona by donning a piece of clothing not usually worn by us. Perhaps, a simple dishtowel worn as a cape and we not only pretended to be Superman, we were Superman!! Or perhaps a smidgen of mom's makeup and we became a fairy princess! These examples were one kind of "habit". They were part of growing up.
As we became older, we may have adopted a different kind of "habit". Perhaps we did so because of peer pressure, we just wanted to "fit in", to be part of a group. Unfortunately, some of these kinds of habits are not always so trivial as those when we were young. In fact, some of them may have negatively changed our lives forever.
Now, to the meat of this week's blog. I request that you adopt a habit that will have a positive result for you and for that matter, for all of us. In order to be successful in your effort to develop the habit I am recommending, you will need four items: a pencil / pen; a small note pad / sticky notes; tape; and a phone. The singular most important item you will need however is commitment!! Once you begin, don't give up! Stick to your guns! Stay the course! After just a short time, you will have developed the habit. For those of you who would rather use a computer than a phone substitute it for the phone. Now to get started.
The first activity to get started is to identify your local politicians. Access the Pennsylvania Taxpayers' Cyber Coalition at www.PTCC.US . Look on the left side for the heading Find your Legislators. Click on it and enter your zip code in the appropriate place. If you don't know what the four numbers are that should follow the usual five digit zip code for your address, click on the prompt that will provide those four numbers. It is important that you provide the search with all nine numbers so that the legislators for your specific address will be shown. You should end up with just one Senator and one State Representative. When their names appear, click on one at a time. That person's bio and demographic info will be revealed. Note their phone number and e-mail address. This is the most "labor intensive" part of the project. It should require about 10 to 15 minutes of your time.
Now that you have their names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses, the next part of the project is to write or print the following message on at least three sticky notes or pages from the note pad: Call (or e-mail) my local legislators today. Now, using the tape, affix the notes to those places where you will not fail to notice them when you arise at whatever time you usually get up each day, e.g.: the bathroom mirror; the handle of the refrigerator; the coffee pot handle; the inside door knob; etc. Perhaps you will be able to think of many more locations that will serve to remind you to Call (or e-mail) your local Legislator every day.
Now that you have identified your local Legislators and written / printed your reminder notes, take a minute or two and mentally compose a "strong" message you will say or type so that you will get their attention. Do not resort to expletives to get you point across. Don't be too soft or whine / whimper. Remember, they are (or at least are supposed to be) our employees!! State your demand as though they were an errant child. At this point, rather than mention how you have been negatively affected financially (form of whining), suggest they cross train for a different carreer if they do not demonstrate support for the School Property Tax Elimination Act (SPTEA). The bill was re-presented by Sam Rohrer on 29 OCT 09.
Our opportunity to oust the noncompliant legislators is next year. We will have given them more than ample time to do either one of two things. Either they will submit to our demand or they had better make good use of the time to cross train.
In my last blog, I perhaps went a little over the top when I assumed there may be as many as 9 million + voters who would call their local Legislators. OK, so perhaps there are just 4,500,000 voters. If they all called or e-mailed their local Legislators every day each Senator could look forward to about 90,000 messages per day and each Representative would receive about 23,000 messages per day!!! I do not believe they will be able to ignore us for any appreciable time.
It may sound too easy to sway their thinking by just calling / e-mailing them with our demand but remember, there is strength in numbers. In order to be successful, it is important, it is crucial, it is critical we band together as one voice the crescendo of which will reach even those Legislators who attempt to ignore us, who may even resort to: stuffing cotton in their ears; refusing to look at our e-mails; etc. If any of the foregoing action on their part occurs, it will be time to inform the local media that our "leaders" are refusing to pay attention to their employers. If that occurs, the media will see it as an opportunity to become like vultures and descend on the Legislators as thought they were a piece of rotting meat!
Remember the goal. The School Property Tax Elimination Act must be passed if we all want to keep our homes, not have to scrimp and do without the necessities, forget the niceties.
Please do not forget anyone you know who does not have a computer and therefore does not have the means to identify their Legislators, e.g. your neighbors, friends, extended family, co-workers. Please assist them to get the data they need to contact their legislators so they can lend their voices to ours. Perhaps there is a senior family member with Arthritis who has difficulty writing. You could write the reminder notes for them and post them in strategic locations in their home so they would be reminded to call their Legislators every day.
If you have any difficulty locating your Legislators, contact me and I'll help you out. You can reach me at johnjhere@gmail.com .
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
As we became older, we may have adopted a different kind of "habit". Perhaps we did so because of peer pressure, we just wanted to "fit in", to be part of a group. Unfortunately, some of these kinds of habits are not always so trivial as those when we were young. In fact, some of them may have negatively changed our lives forever.
Now, to the meat of this week's blog. I request that you adopt a habit that will have a positive result for you and for that matter, for all of us. In order to be successful in your effort to develop the habit I am recommending, you will need four items: a pencil / pen; a small note pad / sticky notes; tape; and a phone. The singular most important item you will need however is commitment!! Once you begin, don't give up! Stick to your guns! Stay the course! After just a short time, you will have developed the habit. For those of you who would rather use a computer than a phone substitute it for the phone. Now to get started.
The first activity to get started is to identify your local politicians. Access the Pennsylvania Taxpayers' Cyber Coalition at www.PTCC.US . Look on the left side for the heading Find your Legislators. Click on it and enter your zip code in the appropriate place. If you don't know what the four numbers are that should follow the usual five digit zip code for your address, click on the prompt that will provide those four numbers. It is important that you provide the search with all nine numbers so that the legislators for your specific address will be shown. You should end up with just one Senator and one State Representative. When their names appear, click on one at a time. That person's bio and demographic info will be revealed. Note their phone number and e-mail address. This is the most "labor intensive" part of the project. It should require about 10 to 15 minutes of your time.
Now that you have their names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses, the next part of the project is to write or print the following message on at least three sticky notes or pages from the note pad: Call (or e-mail) my local legislators today. Now, using the tape, affix the notes to those places where you will not fail to notice them when you arise at whatever time you usually get up each day, e.g.: the bathroom mirror; the handle of the refrigerator; the coffee pot handle; the inside door knob; etc. Perhaps you will be able to think of many more locations that will serve to remind you to Call (or e-mail) your local Legislator every day.
Now that you have identified your local Legislators and written / printed your reminder notes, take a minute or two and mentally compose a "strong" message you will say or type so that you will get their attention. Do not resort to expletives to get you point across. Don't be too soft or whine / whimper. Remember, they are (or at least are supposed to be) our employees!! State your demand as though they were an errant child. At this point, rather than mention how you have been negatively affected financially (form of whining), suggest they cross train for a different carreer if they do not demonstrate support for the School Property Tax Elimination Act (SPTEA). The bill was re-presented by Sam Rohrer on 29 OCT 09.
Our opportunity to oust the noncompliant legislators is next year. We will have given them more than ample time to do either one of two things. Either they will submit to our demand or they had better make good use of the time to cross train.
In my last blog, I perhaps went a little over the top when I assumed there may be as many as 9 million + voters who would call their local Legislators. OK, so perhaps there are just 4,500,000 voters. If they all called or e-mailed their local Legislators every day each Senator could look forward to about 90,000 messages per day and each Representative would receive about 23,000 messages per day!!! I do not believe they will be able to ignore us for any appreciable time.
It may sound too easy to sway their thinking by just calling / e-mailing them with our demand but remember, there is strength in numbers. In order to be successful, it is important, it is crucial, it is critical we band together as one voice the crescendo of which will reach even those Legislators who attempt to ignore us, who may even resort to: stuffing cotton in their ears; refusing to look at our e-mails; etc. If any of the foregoing action on their part occurs, it will be time to inform the local media that our "leaders" are refusing to pay attention to their employers. If that occurs, the media will see it as an opportunity to become like vultures and descend on the Legislators as thought they were a piece of rotting meat!
Remember the goal. The School Property Tax Elimination Act must be passed if we all want to keep our homes, not have to scrimp and do without the necessities, forget the niceties.
Please do not forget anyone you know who does not have a computer and therefore does not have the means to identify their Legislators, e.g. your neighbors, friends, extended family, co-workers. Please assist them to get the data they need to contact their legislators so they can lend their voices to ours. Perhaps there is a senior family member with Arthritis who has difficulty writing. You could write the reminder notes for them and post them in strategic locations in their home so they would be reminded to call their Legislators every day.
If you have any difficulty locating your Legislators, contact me and I'll help you out. You can reach me at johnjhere@gmail.com .
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
Monday, October 26, 2009
"Easy Come -Easy Go" Correction
I was wondering how many folks would catch the errors I included in my math seen in paragraph three of the blog posted on 23 OCT 09. The number indicating the total of residents in our state for the last census is correct (12,448,279). The number indicating those who were less than 18 years old is correct (22.2%). The errors are as follows:
1. The number of possible voters in the state at that time was 9,684,761
2. 5% of that number is actually 484,238 (possibly unable to vote)
3. That leaves about 9,200,523 who could call their local politicians
4. Each of the Senators would receive 184,011 phone calls
5 Each of the State Representatives would receive 45,547 phone calls
Although the numbers are relatively close, "closeies" only count in horseshoes and hand grenades.
How many folks caught the errors? No one came to "Drum me out of the corps; break my saber; rip my buttons off; hang me from the yardarm; keel haul me; or make me walk the plank!!! Perhaps you were all being "politically correct" since the numbers were "close". Remember the title of blog #2 (Receiving Objective Criticism")? I welcome any "Objective" criticism you may have. "Subjective" criticism, while interesting, does not lend itself to consideration.
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
1. The number of possible voters in the state at that time was 9,684,761
2. 5% of that number is actually 484,238 (possibly unable to vote)
3. That leaves about 9,200,523 who could call their local politicians
4. Each of the Senators would receive 184,011 phone calls
5 Each of the State Representatives would receive 45,547 phone calls
Although the numbers are relatively close, "closeies" only count in horseshoes and hand grenades.
How many folks caught the errors? No one came to "Drum me out of the corps; break my saber; rip my buttons off; hang me from the yardarm; keel haul me; or make me walk the plank!!! Perhaps you were all being "politically correct" since the numbers were "close". Remember the title of blog #2 (Receiving Objective Criticism")? I welcome any "Objective" criticism you may have. "Subjective" criticism, while interesting, does not lend itself to consideration.
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
Friday, October 23, 2009
"Easy Come, Easy GO"
OK, it's time to count the times we called our local politicians since last week. Don't know what I'm talking about? Perhaps you did not get to read blog #1 (Are You Fed Up Yet?- 9 OCT) and /or blog #2 (Receiving Objective Criticism" - 16 OCT). I suggest you read them before continuing with this one. You can read them by looking to the left of this blog. You'll see a heading "Blog Archives". The titles of each of the first two blogs are listed under the heading. Just click on either of them and you will be able to read each of them.
OK, now for question #2. Did you access the web address www.PTCC.US noted in Blog #2? It is loaded with info including a means by which you can determine who your local politicians are and their phone numbers.
As of the last census, there were 12,448,279 residents in our state. Of that number, 22.2% were less than 18 years old. That means there were possibly 9,648,761 voters in our state. Admittedly, there were certainly some number of those who were medically unable to vote (perhaps as many as .5% or 482,438. This leaves us with roughly 9,166 folks who could call their local politicians!! If every one of those folks called, each of the 50 Senators would receive 183,326 calls and each of the state Representatives would receive 45,378 calls each day!!! How long do you think they would ignore us?
It is imperative we stay focused. When you call, stay "on track". The number ONE complaint must be regarding property/school taxes!!! At this point, it should be the only one!! The way to get out from under the antiquated and unconscionable property/school tax is for House Bill 1275 to be passed into law (go to www.PTCC.US for more info)!! Remember, 2012 is relatively, "just around the corner". If you've survived this long , you just may not make it when 2012 arrives. Don't allow yourselves to be forced from your homes because the politicians expect us to rectify their error(s). Remember, the current rise in property/school taxes in 2012 is 20 -30%!!!
The boys and girls in Harrisburg think that property tax is the "way to get more money". They believe this is the "Easy Come" part of this blog. The "Easy Go" part is the way the money is spent by the local school boards. How can you influence the school boards? The easiest way is to attend the school board meetings. It doesn't matter that you do not have any children going to school in that district. You still have to pay school taxes!! Listen to what is being discussed and be ready to give your input. The more folks who attend the meetings and let their concerns be known, the better chance we all have to be rid of this yoke that has been dragging us down.
A more time consuming way to influence the decisions of the school board is to become a member. Unfortunately, much of the money allocated for the schools is mandated by either the Federal and/or State government. Just a small portion can be spent by the school boards. The folks on the school boards are not paid but they still wield a lot of power. If I'm successful in my bid to be a school board member this year, I intend to question every expenditure requested by the district superintendent.
Please, let me hear from you. You can reach me via e-mail at johnjhere@gmail.com . Let me know of any problems reaching your local Representatives or if you are rebuffed by whoever answered their phone.
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
OK, now for question #2. Did you access the web address www.PTCC.US noted in Blog #2? It is loaded with info including a means by which you can determine who your local politicians are and their phone numbers.
As of the last census, there were 12,448,279 residents in our state. Of that number, 22.2% were less than 18 years old. That means there were possibly 9,648,761 voters in our state. Admittedly, there were certainly some number of those who were medically unable to vote (perhaps as many as .5% or 482,438. This leaves us with roughly 9,166 folks who could call their local politicians!! If every one of those folks called, each of the 50 Senators would receive 183,326 calls and each of the state Representatives would receive 45,378 calls each day!!! How long do you think they would ignore us?
It is imperative we stay focused. When you call, stay "on track". The number ONE complaint must be regarding property/school taxes!!! At this point, it should be the only one!! The way to get out from under the antiquated and unconscionable property/school tax is for House Bill 1275 to be passed into law (go to www.PTCC.US for more info)!! Remember, 2012 is relatively, "just around the corner". If you've survived this long , you just may not make it when 2012 arrives. Don't allow yourselves to be forced from your homes because the politicians expect us to rectify their error(s). Remember, the current rise in property/school taxes in 2012 is 20 -30%!!!
The boys and girls in Harrisburg think that property tax is the "way to get more money". They believe this is the "Easy Come" part of this blog. The "Easy Go" part is the way the money is spent by the local school boards. How can you influence the school boards? The easiest way is to attend the school board meetings. It doesn't matter that you do not have any children going to school in that district. You still have to pay school taxes!! Listen to what is being discussed and be ready to give your input. The more folks who attend the meetings and let their concerns be known, the better chance we all have to be rid of this yoke that has been dragging us down.
A more time consuming way to influence the decisions of the school board is to become a member. Unfortunately, much of the money allocated for the schools is mandated by either the Federal and/or State government. Just a small portion can be spent by the school boards. The folks on the school boards are not paid but they still wield a lot of power. If I'm successful in my bid to be a school board member this year, I intend to question every expenditure requested by the district superintendent.
Please, let me hear from you. You can reach me via e-mail at johnjhere@gmail.com . Let me know of any problems reaching your local Representatives or if you are rebuffed by whoever answered their phone.
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
Friday, October 16, 2009
Receiving Objective Criticism
Who To Blame?
I imagine that many of us fall into that category of folks who, when something goes wrong, tend to identify someone else on whom to place the blame. The only one in history I know of who "owned up" to a error was George Washington. When his father asked him, "George, did you chop down the cherry tree?". George answered, "Yes father, I chopped down the cherry tree". How many of us would have told the truth if we had been in George's shoes?
In the first blog posting, "Are you "Fed Up" Yet?" (9 OCT 09), I alluded to "two issues that are affecting us now and will have a greater affect in the near future". In this posting, I will identify the first of the issues and make recommendations how we can change the outcome to a positive one.
History of the Problem
During Governor Ridge's tenure, a law was passed that guaranteed the public school teachers' pension fund would earn "x" %. When the national fiscal debacle hit, virtually everyone's pension savings were negatively affected, including the teachers'. Under Governor Rendell's "leadership", means to deal with the problem were deferred until 2012 (the Ostrich syndrome). I don't have the actual figure but we're talking BILLIONS of dollars (reported in the Lancaster Sunday News, 24 MAY 09)!! Remember, by law, the fund's loss has to be made up. Now who do you believe will be expected to make up the shortfall? The current estimate of the expected rise of property/school taxes for 2012 is in the neighborhood of 20 to 30%!! It is also expected that in the years after that, there will be raises as well. Who should we blame for this? The teachers? NO. The politicians? Well, maybe. Who else then?
The Real Culprit(s)
We only have ourselves to blame!! Yep, that's right. Let's be honest. Let's "own up" to our tendency to most often take the "easy way out". What am I talking about you ask? How many of us are able to name our local politicians? Even if we know their names, what do we know about their values? Is any effort made by us to "know all about" whoever we are going to vote into a position that just may come back to bite us? What are their achievements (if any) starting from their first day in any political position? Do we even vote or are we "too busy"? For some obscure reason, do we always vote a "straight ticket" (Democratic or Republican)? Perhaps, those of us who do is because it "takes too long" to vote for individuals on the ballot. It's a lot easier to just vote a "straight ticket" even though we may know of a few individuals on the ticket about whom we know nothing or we do know they will not serve honorably/ethically . Maybe we are "dyed in the wool" Democrats or Republicans. Why? Do we think that we'll go to Hell or that we will be dishonoring our parents' beliefs if we split our vote. If we're old enough to vote, then we are also old enough to think and to question. C'mon, let's show some chutzpah, some backbone, some courage to do what down deep, we know we should do. This is our country!!! Countless men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice to provide our nation with, among other things, the right to vote and to vote right. Let us not dishonor them by being like a sheep and being led to slaughter. Don't allow some in political office dictate that we should lose our homes because they initiated a scenario in which many, and soon to be most, of us will have to not just sacrifice but will have to apply for welfare. Ha! Who am I kidding? How can the government expect to support more of us when they couldn't take care of those of us who have already hit rock bottom?
How To Solve The Problem
Certainly, we cannot expect to solve the problem "overnight". Remember, there were two problem issues mentioned in my first blog. We'll deal with the second issue in the coming postings of my blog. OK, let's turn our attention to the first issue noted above. In next week's posting, I'll show the names of folks who we can target for our vote in the upcoming election. Unfortunately, I don't know the names of those outside of my own district. Not to worry though. I'll give you a means by which you identify the names of all politicians in Pennsylvania and how you can contact them. You can then call them by phone or e-mail them or both with your concerns. Call them once. NO, I don't mean just "once". I mean once a day (or more if you desire).
Are you familiar with the technique employed by many children to get what they want. Perhaps you were one of those children so you won't need any practice!! Yep, that's right. Pester, hound, harass, heckle, badger and annoy your local politicians with your complaints until, like parents, they finally listen to not just you but all of your friends, neighbors, family, co-workers and everyone else you can enlist to lend their voices to effect a change in the manner in which they (the politicians) have been doing business!!!
Following is a web site that will provide tons of information including a means by which to identify your local politicians: www.PTCC.US (Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition). On the left side is a link "Find your Legislator". Click on this link and you will see a page that allows you to find your Legislator 3 ways - by zip code, by county, or by a map (just click on the map). If you know folks that do not have a computer, please don't hesitate to assist them to identify their local politicians. If you know someone in another county, call them and give them the information provided in this blog. You'll be doing them, yourself, and all of us a favor.
In addition, you should take every opportunity to attend any "Town Meetings" offered by the media. Usually they will ask if anyone has any questions. Be ready to stand up and ask all present, "Are you happy with your property/school taxes?" You can bet there will be none who answer, "Yes". You can then launch into a statement that contains information you have gleaned from these bogs and the PTCC.US web site. Make sure you give all present the www.PTCC.US web address. Another source of information is whatever local newspaper that may still exist. In fact, you can go to your local politicians, after making an appointment, and ask all the questions you have. Take note how they answer you. Do they just "dance around the bush" with their answers? Ask them how they voted on various issues. Remember, there is a "Right to Know' law in Pennsylvania.
If you have any question for me, contact me at johnjhere@gmail,com . Good luck with your efforts. I'd be interested to know how many folks to whom you gave the PTCC.US address and the county in which you live.
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
I imagine that many of us fall into that category of folks who, when something goes wrong, tend to identify someone else on whom to place the blame. The only one in history I know of who "owned up" to a error was George Washington. When his father asked him, "George, did you chop down the cherry tree?". George answered, "Yes father, I chopped down the cherry tree". How many of us would have told the truth if we had been in George's shoes?
In the first blog posting, "Are you "Fed Up" Yet?" (9 OCT 09), I alluded to "two issues that are affecting us now and will have a greater affect in the near future". In this posting, I will identify the first of the issues and make recommendations how we can change the outcome to a positive one.
History of the Problem
During Governor Ridge's tenure, a law was passed that guaranteed the public school teachers' pension fund would earn "x" %. When the national fiscal debacle hit, virtually everyone's pension savings were negatively affected, including the teachers'. Under Governor Rendell's "leadership", means to deal with the problem were deferred until 2012 (the Ostrich syndrome). I don't have the actual figure but we're talking BILLIONS of dollars (reported in the Lancaster Sunday News, 24 MAY 09)!! Remember, by law, the fund's loss has to be made up. Now who do you believe will be expected to make up the shortfall? The current estimate of the expected rise of property/school taxes for 2012 is in the neighborhood of 20 to 30%!! It is also expected that in the years after that, there will be raises as well. Who should we blame for this? The teachers? NO. The politicians? Well, maybe. Who else then?
The Real Culprit(s)
We only have ourselves to blame!! Yep, that's right. Let's be honest. Let's "own up" to our tendency to most often take the "easy way out". What am I talking about you ask? How many of us are able to name our local politicians? Even if we know their names, what do we know about their values? Is any effort made by us to "know all about" whoever we are going to vote into a position that just may come back to bite us? What are their achievements (if any) starting from their first day in any political position? Do we even vote or are we "too busy"? For some obscure reason, do we always vote a "straight ticket" (Democratic or Republican)? Perhaps, those of us who do is because it "takes too long" to vote for individuals on the ballot. It's a lot easier to just vote a "straight ticket" even though we may know of a few individuals on the ticket about whom we know nothing or we do know they will not serve honorably/ethically . Maybe we are "dyed in the wool" Democrats or Republicans. Why? Do we think that we'll go to Hell or that we will be dishonoring our parents' beliefs if we split our vote. If we're old enough to vote, then we are also old enough to think and to question. C'mon, let's show some chutzpah, some backbone, some courage to do what down deep, we know we should do. This is our country!!! Countless men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice to provide our nation with, among other things, the right to vote and to vote right. Let us not dishonor them by being like a sheep and being led to slaughter. Don't allow some in political office dictate that we should lose our homes because they initiated a scenario in which many, and soon to be most, of us will have to not just sacrifice but will have to apply for welfare. Ha! Who am I kidding? How can the government expect to support more of us when they couldn't take care of those of us who have already hit rock bottom?
How To Solve The Problem
Certainly, we cannot expect to solve the problem "overnight". Remember, there were two problem issues mentioned in my first blog. We'll deal with the second issue in the coming postings of my blog. OK, let's turn our attention to the first issue noted above. In next week's posting, I'll show the names of folks who we can target for our vote in the upcoming election. Unfortunately, I don't know the names of those outside of my own district. Not to worry though. I'll give you a means by which you identify the names of all politicians in Pennsylvania and how you can contact them. You can then call them by phone or e-mail them or both with your concerns. Call them once. NO, I don't mean just "once". I mean once a day (or more if you desire).
Are you familiar with the technique employed by many children to get what they want. Perhaps you were one of those children so you won't need any practice!! Yep, that's right. Pester, hound, harass, heckle, badger and annoy your local politicians with your complaints until, like parents, they finally listen to not just you but all of your friends, neighbors, family, co-workers and everyone else you can enlist to lend their voices to effect a change in the manner in which they (the politicians) have been doing business!!!
Following is a web site that will provide tons of information including a means by which to identify your local politicians: www.PTCC.US (Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition). On the left side is a link "Find your Legislator". Click on this link and you will see a page that allows you to find your Legislator 3 ways - by zip code, by county, or by a map (just click on the map). If you know folks that do not have a computer, please don't hesitate to assist them to identify their local politicians. If you know someone in another county, call them and give them the information provided in this blog. You'll be doing them, yourself, and all of us a favor.
In addition, you should take every opportunity to attend any "Town Meetings" offered by the media. Usually they will ask if anyone has any questions. Be ready to stand up and ask all present, "Are you happy with your property/school taxes?" You can bet there will be none who answer, "Yes". You can then launch into a statement that contains information you have gleaned from these bogs and the PTCC.US web site. Make sure you give all present the www.PTCC.US web address. Another source of information is whatever local newspaper that may still exist. In fact, you can go to your local politicians, after making an appointment, and ask all the questions you have. Take note how they answer you. Do they just "dance around the bush" with their answers? Ask them how they voted on various issues. Remember, there is a "Right to Know' law in Pennsylvania.
If you have any question for me, contact me at johnjhere@gmail,com . Good luck with your efforts. I'd be interested to know how many folks to whom you gave the PTCC.US address and the county in which you live.
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
Friday, October 9, 2009
Are You "Fed Up" yet?
Greetings to all who read this blog, the first of many, that will strive to inform all who live in Pennsylvania of two important issues affecting all of us now and that will have a greater affect in the near future. By reading this blog and those that follow, you will be able to change the outcome of those issues. Whether you choose to follow the recommendations that will be made will be strictly your choice. Admittedly, it would require an effort on your part to not only read this blog and those that follow but to act on the recommendations given. If you do, the rewards will be great.
With the advent of the National fiscal crisis and the subsequent demise of many "local" newspapers, I felt it is imperative to communicate details of those means by which all of us are being , and will be, forced to give up more of our money. If you think that your current fiscal situation is bad, be ready for it to get much, much worse! You may ask, "How can it get any worse?"
It is not only a National fiscal problem but the States are also affected. It is not only the States but the local municipalities that are affected. All of the above, the National, State, and Municipal leaders have chosen to deal with the problem via taxation. All of us can expect to be taxed for virtually everything upon which we have come to not just want but to depend. In addition to more taxes, the cost of everything can certainly be expected to rise.
For some of us, we have already "hit rock bottom" - lost our jobs, lost our homes, lost all we had. For others, we have had to sacrifice many of the "extras" - the summer vacation, the purchase of major ticket items, the "eating out", etc. For those with "deep pockets", it may have not yet registered that we are all in deep trouble. What can we expect to happen within the next two years (by 2012)? At this point, I'll leave it to your imagination but if you are ready to do something about it, you can react in a reasonable, lawful manner and change the expected outcome.
Be aware that I am not selling anything. I am simply giving you some ideas how you can be instrumental in making right out of wrong, of changing the course that has been set for us by our leaders, the politicians in Harrisburg and the group of folks who make up the school boards in all 501 school districts in Pennsylvania.
Have I got your attention yet? I certainly hope so because unless we all put forth some effort to change the situation, we are all going to "hit rock bottom". I will provide specific information in subsequent blogs that will identify the details of the overall problem and how we can each, with little effort, set a new course for ourselves that will provide a positive change for all of us.
I have one request. Please let me know how you have been affected by the fiscal debacle so far. You don't have to identify yourself but let me know the county in which you live. I can be reached at johnjhere@gmail.com .
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
With the advent of the National fiscal crisis and the subsequent demise of many "local" newspapers, I felt it is imperative to communicate details of those means by which all of us are being , and will be, forced to give up more of our money. If you think that your current fiscal situation is bad, be ready for it to get much, much worse! You may ask, "How can it get any worse?"
It is not only a National fiscal problem but the States are also affected. It is not only the States but the local municipalities that are affected. All of the above, the National, State, and Municipal leaders have chosen to deal with the problem via taxation. All of us can expect to be taxed for virtually everything upon which we have come to not just want but to depend. In addition to more taxes, the cost of everything can certainly be expected to rise.
For some of us, we have already "hit rock bottom" - lost our jobs, lost our homes, lost all we had. For others, we have had to sacrifice many of the "extras" - the summer vacation, the purchase of major ticket items, the "eating out", etc. For those with "deep pockets", it may have not yet registered that we are all in deep trouble. What can we expect to happen within the next two years (by 2012)? At this point, I'll leave it to your imagination but if you are ready to do something about it, you can react in a reasonable, lawful manner and change the expected outcome.
Be aware that I am not selling anything. I am simply giving you some ideas how you can be instrumental in making right out of wrong, of changing the course that has been set for us by our leaders, the politicians in Harrisburg and the group of folks who make up the school boards in all 501 school districts in Pennsylvania.
Have I got your attention yet? I certainly hope so because unless we all put forth some effort to change the situation, we are all going to "hit rock bottom". I will provide specific information in subsequent blogs that will identify the details of the overall problem and how we can each, with little effort, set a new course for ourselves that will provide a positive change for all of us.
I have one request. Please let me know how you have been affected by the fiscal debacle so far. You don't have to identify yourself but let me know the county in which you live. I can be reached at johnjhere@gmail.com .
Semper Fidelis
Nurse John
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