The Horrors Of Blogging

It seems that blogging may not be for the thin skinned. Few blogs that have started in the Valley remain for the long haul, especially as a regular venue, whether daily or even weekly. Most of the feedback or comments received by bloggers are anonymous. Although people do not want to reveal who they are, they are not bashful with either their questions for the blogger, or slurs about other people. The slurs end up being associated with the blogger. We even have bloggers that are anonymous. Today, the blogger known as LVIC defended his anonymity. He produced a video which claims that the Disciples Matthew and Luke also never revealed their last names, yet, they're read and appreciated. All LVIC wants for Christmas is a comment or two. Me, I keep thinking of Clark Gable; Frankly dear, I don't give a damn.

Allentown's Misplaced Priorities

The photograph above harks back to 1952, when Allentown had it's priorities straight. In 1954, the new East Side Fire Station was completed. Now demolished, the East Side waits for it's replacement, along with other things. Dennis Pearson explains it well.

One year ago the East Side Fire Station closed and we are still counting the days before it is rebuilt but not holding our breath for if we hold our breath too long we would need an undertaker rather then a Paramedic or fireman. How long will it take for us to feel safe... And you know what none of our elected city councilman and woman and appointed councilman and women have ranted and raved over this issue.... Two signs have been placed on fence guarding the empty lot of the former fire station to tell the story. Happy 250th year Allentown but the East Side has an issue that needs to be resolved. And also, there have been road work signs on Hanover Avenue the past two weeks ,,, We ask is the work being performed by ghosts for we certainly see no work being performed. Dennis Pearson

In addition to the East Side being neglected and endangered, the South Side is isolated because of the 15th Street Bridge Project. That work is being done at a casual pace, inappropriate for the hardship it is creating. Schreibers stone arch bridge has been severely damaged once again, from endless two way traffic with no monitoring. While the Transformational Hockey Arena receives most of the Mayor's attention, other problems are given band-aids. Opposition to selling one of our few remaining assets, the water system, rests with a few individuals and a couple of blogs. The share-owners in this city, the taxpaying property owners, need to assert themselves through their neighborhood crime groups. The perpetrator now is City Hall.

Bill White's Cake Recipes

It's hard for Bill White, Morning Call columnist, to win with me. On one hand, I criticize him for writing about grammar and judging baking contests; On the other hand, I lampoon his occasional forays into the political arena. I suppose I should honestly start with the jealousy disclaimer. Bill gets paid big bucks to produce three columns a week, and uses his bully pulpit to eat his way through Musikfest. I produce six posts a week, and must drive around town wearing a disguise for my reward. Anyway, Bill put down the food yesterday, and wrote about the water lease. He concluded his column by saying that he was against a referendum, because we have a representational democracy, with elected Council members.

I believe a decision this important should be made by elected officials who have devoted their time and expertise to studying all the ramifications, not to a popular vote by people who in the vast majority of cases will be much less informed. This is how a representative democracy is supposed to work.

Had Bill attended more than one council meeting every five years, he would know that we have a rubber stamp, which has never denied this mayor any request. With three of the seven council members being appointed, instead of elected, and a decision with a 50 year consequence, what is he talking about? Bill, stay with the cake recipes.

He Did Build That Business

Water War

I believe that if the Administration and it's well trained City Council decide to sell Allentown's water system, there will be a political price to pay. However, if their arrogance prevails, let them consider the following; When the Arena eminent domain vote was put before City Council two years ago, the cost was projected at $80-million dollars. Last week, the NIZ Authority sold $244 million in bonds. The project supposedly will now cost $272-million, close to 400% more than when approved by City Council. If Council approves the water lease at $150-million, how do we know that the Mayor will not actually sell it for 300% less, or $50-million? If there is one lesson that Council should have learned from the arena, it's that you don't sign a blank check, or a blank withdraw slip.   If Pawlowski will not agree to second vote, where Council gets to approve the actual lease agreement, it's incumbent upon them to vote no on the first vote.

Romney's Game Changer

I believe that Romney did more than hit a home run last night, he changed the game. Prior to the debate, it was thought that because of Obama's oratory skills, if Romney held his own, it would be a job well done. Romney did much more than hold his own, he dominated the debate, even while allowing Obama more speaking time. More precious than the actual debate, was the pundit reaction afterwards. Progressive Rachel Maddow felt that Obama should have used the 47% weapon. Others described Obama as tired and lackluster. Million dollar contributor Bill Maher tweeted that apparently Obama needs the teleprompter. Needless to say, the conservatives were dancing in their underpants. The next debate on foreign policy doesn't bode well for Obama, United States appeared unprepared for the consequences of the Arab Spring. It will be a long month for the candidates, world events is a wild card beyond their control.