September 11, 2008 Issue
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Classified Chestnut Hill Local Don't Miss an Issue, Tell us what you see or Winner of Two |
From our readersThe full story on Palin In his Letter to the Editor last week “Palin Fan”], Joseph A. Ferry praised John McCain for choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate. In describing her as an “anti waste crusader,” however, he appears not to have done his homework. While Governor Palin did say during her acceptance speech that: “I told Congress, ‘Thanks, but no thanks,’ on that bridge to nowhere,” referring to the controversial and expensive ($233 million) bridge to a sparsely inhabited island in her state, she was actually for it before she was against it. USA Today, along with numerous other news outlets, reported that, “While running for governor in 2006, Palin backed federal funding for the infamous bridge, which McCain helped make a symbol of pork barrel excess.” That article goes on to say that: “The Anchorage Daily News quoted her in October 2006 as saying she would continue state funding for the bridge. ‘The window is now, while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist,’ she said.” Beyond her questionable status as an anti-waste crusader, her extremely dangerous social views are a greater concern. She is: • Strongly anti-choice, opposing abortion even in the case of rape or incest. • Thinks creationism should be taught in public schools. • Doesn’t think humans are the cause of climate change. • Believes that sex education programs should teach abstinence only (despite studies that show such programs don’t work, and worse yet, leave young people ignorant about how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS). If Senator McCain were truly the maverick he claims to be, he would not have selected someone simply to win over the Evangelicals and reignite the “culture wars,” a tactic that follows exactly in the footsteps of the Bush Administration. Lynn Selhat
Just what we need? Sarah Palin is just what this country needs — a soccer mom Pit Bull one step away from the presidency! I’m “shocked and awed” that so many people are willing to overlook that it’s that same kind of attack dog, go-it-alone, John Wayne, bomb-first-ask-questions-later mentality that cost America over 4,000 lives in Iraq. I am amazed that so many Americans are gung-ho to vote for four more years of the same misguided policies initiated by arguably our worst president in our history. John McCain, along with his new hyperactive pet, is not what this country needs. Put a muzzle on it, Sarah. You’re barking up the wrong tree. The world doesn’t need another attack dog. It’s time for more brains and less brawn. It’s time for a change. Brian Reisman
GOP condemned by its own candidates They called what just happened the “Republican National Convention,” but that turned out to be a misnomer. What we saw were two very unorthodox Independents who took no prisoners in condemning who and what they disagreed with and engaged grass roots America. (Let’s not forget that today there are quite a few more Independents than either Democrats or Republicans.) Basically McCain/Palin turned the event into their own radicalized side-show and for all practical purposes, made a very non-partisan plea, and told life-long Republicans they were welcome to come along for the ride. They took over the bus and drove it where they wanted — and condemned their own party and current president in the process. My view is that this was not scripted by the RNC, and no one, including the mass media, saw it coming at the level of both degree and enthusiasm. This is clearly a “fish or cut bait” approach to American government sold with clear disclaimers from both candidates that they can’t be counted on to carry the GOP banner or take orders. Time will tell whether this was genius stagecraft or the only desperate route one could take, given the level of discontent with current leadership. On the other hand, the Democrats clearly gave McCain types an opening by publicly failing to unify and not run a ticket guaranteed to win. Kennedy and Johnson hated each other, but the party made it clear to them that egos had to take second place to victory in1960. Apparently the Obama/Clinton camps could not see that. Jim Foster
World weary I guess the summer heat is making me cranky. So many things are annoying me these days. On Wednesday I turned on Channel 3 at 9 p.m. to watch Criminal Minds. My husband says the show is entertaining. I wouldn’t know. I couldn’t give it more than a couple of minutes. I was shown a middle-aged man with his arms above his head, his hands tied. He was suspended from a hook like a rump of beef. You didn’t see the lower half of his body, but it was understood that his feet were not on the ground. The man was crying as two men below him watched. What has become of us? Are we so inured by war and violence that we now find torture entertaining? Certainly it wasn’t for me, and I turned it off. I’m distressed to think that people I meet casually or those I know well can, after a day’s work, find this fare relaxing. For shame! Former Sen. Phil Gramm was forced to resign his job on the staff of John McCain because he said America has become a nation of whiners, complaining about the economy. Imagine anyone criticizing us! You may or may not agree with his appraisal, but he’s entitled to his opinion. He used his own voice, not McCain’s. He didn’t malign anyone specifically. The outrage is out of proportion to the statement. Recently Barack Obama was faulted because he did not wear a flag on his suit jacket. What has this got to do with his ability to analyze issues and make wise decisions? Can anyone doubt that our two presidential candidates are passionate about solving world problems? Should anything as superficial as wearing a piece of jewelry influence your vote? Maggie Wolman
When Martin Luther King said, “I have a dream.” The words entered our world and have never gone away. Millions of people all over the country heard them and worked in small and large ways to help them come true. Now, 40 years later, the pinnacle of the dream has become a reality. I am sure that many other people of my generation didn’t dream that they would live to see this happen. But, last week it did. A Black person has been selected to run for the office of President of the United States. We have come a long way. And, to quote the late beloved Tim Russert — WHAT A COUNTRY! Mary Anna Ross Cowper
The terrorists are coming So while the military/industrial/congressional/media complex controlling this nation continues to play the trump card of 9/11 and the “terrorism” factor — to the tune of spending more on our armed forces than the rest of the world combined — get ready for more of their pious, patriotic speeches as this year’s anniversary is upon us. But more and more Americans are thinking about the real unsettling factors affecting their lives. What does the department of Homeland Security’s self perpetuating propaganda abut how many “terrorist” plots they allegedly broke up mean to a family having to deal with health costs for which they have no insurance? Like the mechanic who has to fix his doctor’s car in return for a limited amount of primary care for his family. And what does the theme song, “the terrorists are coming” mean to a head of household who works two jobs and can just about make ends meet? Or to the increasing number of seniors who are forced to postpone retirement because they cannot afford it now? And those retirees forced back to work because the cost of living has gone up so much? Or to the largest soup kitchen in Camden now serving 1,000 more meals a month to folks coming in order to save money to pay for their bus pass or fill up their gas tank? All this talk about “terrorism” and they are coming “to git us,” sounds similar to me to the “communist scare” we were subjected to during the days of the “Cold War,” to the tune back then, “the Russians are coming.” In fact, for those who could see beyond such propaganda, there was a satirical Hollywood film starring Carl Reiner, entitled “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming.” Oh say can we see beyond the scare tactics of those who would like to keep us frightened. Lawrence H. Geller
Caruso’s not our business We are concerned by last week’s cover article regarding a private citizen’s personal finances. How is anything you reported anyone’s business other than the individuals involved? Are the personal finances of your editors or staff or any resident of Chestnut Hill also front-page “news”? We fail to see how this article fits with your own Policy Statement (as printed in each Local Forum) to help “find solutions” in “the best forward-looking interests of Chestnut Hill”. Do you need to be reminded of the purpose of your newspaper, which is published weekly by the CHCA? Is the mission of the Local/CHCA to strengthen or weaken the community? We are in need of more Bredenbeck’s, Caruso’s, Killian’s, O’Doodles , and McNally’s yet the Local thinks this article is in the best forward-looking interests of Chestnut Hill. To us, the best interests of Chestnut Hill (and the CHCA) begin with encouraging local businesses and developers to do business here and to create a safe environment for shoppers, business, and community. Your article was shameful and deserving of an apology. George and Therese Tiger
Inspired Once upon a time, long, long ago, like Lilly Gold [“Too young to vote but not too young to find inspiration at DNC,” Sept. 4], I was a teenage student, vitally interested in politics and its role in American history. The convention that I attended was the 1948 Republican Convention, right here in Philadelphia. It was a heady experience, to say the least. Thanks to U.S. Senator Hugh Scott (a Chestnut Hill resident and friend of my parents), I got to shake hands with several presidential candidates — Robert Taft, Arthur Vandenberg, and Harold Stassen. Thomas E. Dewey ended up with the nomination but I did not get to meet him. Fortunately, Ms. Gold did not have to put up with the smoke-filled rooms and auditorium of 1948 that was really gross. On the other hand, watching the political process at work was totally fascinating and began my life-long enthusiastic involvement with local politics. I had dreams of running for elected office and did so once in 1960 in Baton Rouge, LA. — but that is another story. Ms. Gold had an inspirational experience in Denver. She came away understanding that “politics is a powerful thing” and she wants to be involved. Go Girl! I hope I live long enough to vote for you. Meredith Sonderskov
Sour ending Last night, August 31, Citrus Restaurant served its last meal in Chestnut Hill, and because we enjoyed dinners there over the years, we decided to go on their closing night. We were surprised by the waitress’ lack of accommodation for my husband’s simple request to leave out figs from a romaine salad that was not pre-prepared. Her explanation was that they just wanted to get the food out as quickly as possible. Also, his wanting to add a little more pasta to his main course was denied by the hostess with the words, “That would be a bad idea.” The overall impression was that they were eager to serve the meals and shutter the doors. There was no friendliness, and service was minimal. I almost felt as though I was in their way last night. I guess the festive gesture I had hoped for didn’t appear. I imagined, “Because this is our last night, we are going to thank our faithful customers by offering a glass of wine or free dessert.” The service and lackluster food reflected their reasons for closing, that they were “tired.” Judy Rubin
Keep it simple The article in last week’s Local, “CHCA board hears report on Community Fund” ends with three reported recommendations from CHCF President, Jean Hemphill: The CHCA should work harder to raise money … Actually the CHCA works very hard to raise money … for the fund and not itself. It is difficult to see how another major fund raising event would fit into the schedule. As for charitable giving, they meet the challenge each year, despite a general decline in disposable income. The Fund should not have to bail out the CHCA … There is virtually no other funding source for the CHCA (other than memberships). That’s the way it was set up. Bailouts (borrowing) have been the result of a series of unrealistic budgets, based upon overzealous estimates of the fund’s investment return. The CHCF essentially bailed out the CHCF. The CHCA should cut administrative costs … The CHCA administrative costs include a Community Manager and a portion of the bookkeeper’s salary. A generous benefactor substantially pays the Administrative Assistant’s salary. Where exactly is the fat? In the same issue, was a letter from board member Joe Pizzano, listed the Fund’s loss of $121,000 in principal and $60,000 in anticipated interest over the last 18 months. I, and others, had requested the then new Trustees to put the money, all of it, in the bank. We even found a way to federally insure the entire principal. But, the response to my personal plea, specifically to Jean Hemphill, was “It’s not that simple.” But it was, always, and still is, that simple. When you keep the money in a safe, interest-bearing account, you have the proceeds for programs. When you risk the community’s funds through real estate, or risky stocks, you lose. These trustees, who now claim fiscal control over both organizations, should be drummed out of their lofty positions. Ed Budnick
Responding to Feldman Oh, to have the wildly inventive mind of Ed Feldman! His letter of last week [“Report of there from here”] suggested I, “seeing the writing on the wall, had taken early retirement.” To set the record straight, I did resign, but only because I have taken a new job in northern New Jersey and am moving from Chestnut Hill. I leave the CHCA proud of the work that has been done by Tolis and many others to restore fiscal responsibility and to serve the Community, and proud of my small part in that work. As for my “willingness” to see both sides of an issue, I tried very hard, Mr. Feldman, to listen to your point of view despite your well-known histrionics at CHCA meetings. The problem is that, in the end, I rarely saw logical reasoning or real facts to support your viewpoints. That isn’t fealty to the leadership; it’s just that usually you were wrong. Finally, I want to say how on behalf of my whole family how much we will miss Chestnut Hill. It is a very special place and the CHCA is a very important part of the community that needs more volunteer support and more financial support to fully meet its mission. Please join, volunteer, and give generously. Ed Berg
Why doctors shouldn’t invest In response to the recent letter to the editor from Dr. Joseph Pizzano, about unrealized losses in the CHCF investment portfolio in the near term, may I point out that Fund President Jean Hemphill explained in her report to the CHCA board that the portfolio is invested as an endowment fund for long term growth and income? One of the reasons why the Fund Trustees hire professionals to invest Fund monies, and not doctors, is because their skill level far surpasses that of well-meaning, yet unschooled people who think they ‘understand’ the market. Thanks to the Trustees and Mark Nottingham for the fine and competent job they do! Additionally, since the presentation by Jean Hemphill was so extensive, one wonders why it was given such short shrift in the paper!!!??? That coupled with the Pizzano letter makes for confused readers. Dina Hitchcock Editor’s note: Dr. Pizzano was not responding to the Local’s reporting. He attended the meeting and his letter addressed his concerns about the CHCF president’s report.
Boggled Once again, I am forced to ask: Does the Editor of the Local actually edit, ie., read, the paper he is alleged to edit? In paragraph five of his story, CHCA board hears report on Community Fund [Local, Sept. 4 2008] staff writer Joel Hoffman speaks of “the sale of 8431 Germantown Avenue to Legacy Real Estate.” Mr. Hoffman is new to his job here, so perhaps he doesn’t know that during the 2006-2007 tenure of the Recko Administration, 8431 Germantown Avenue was sold to Bowman Properties. But surely Editor Mazzaccaro hasn’t forgotten. Good grief! If the Local can confuse Legacy Real Estate with Bowman Properties, what other mistakes, less obvious, more insidious, are perpetrated in the paper every week? The mind boggles. Carol Cope
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