The only question regarding the Port Commission decision that short-circuits Oregon LNG is how much it will cost taxpayers in jobs and hard cash?
Today we got word that Federal Magistrate John Jelderks yesterday turned aside another objection by the Port against a lawsuit brought by OLNG after the commissioners took a wrong turn in failing to enter into a previously agreed 30 year lease renewal with the State on 94 acres the state controls on Warrenton's Skipanon Peninsula. For those of you not following along this is the proposed site for OLNG to build a LNG terminal on the Columbia. It is one of two publicly revealed liquid natural gas terminals competing for completion on the lower Columbia.
In this round the Port argued two points and lost both. These arguments were so indefensible as to raise some serious questions about those in the driver's seat at the Port.
Jelderks is not the final word on this suit but it's fairly clear that the Port is barking up the wrong tree in it's legal strategy .
The end result could be what the commissioners want politically. If the suit is successful a judge could direct the commission to enter into the 30 year lease with DSL for the land. The Port could then direct the ire of anti-LNG forces to the courts rather than themselves until someone remembers that several of these commissioners were at the table when the original deal was struck.
The other possibility is this is just a delaying maneuver. Objections, refiles..This thing could take months to decide , Meanwhile Northern Star is creeping up in the rear view mirror. Would that eventuality put pressure on OLNG to settle it's complaint with the Port? Agree to a significantly higher lease price? Is the port gambling on that and hoping the State will find it doesn't own the land at all?
One thing is sure. We won't be seeing those 500 construction jobs in Warrenton anytime soon.
Comment Here: http://webfoot.womf.com/86708/Port-Shot-Down-Again
Comments expressed
December 30, 2009
December 29, 2009
Weather And Taxes
These are two things in life one may complain about without any effect whatsoever. None.
The interesting thing about taxes comes in how people define them. Liberals refuse to view fees as taxes. Conservatives see any money extracted by the government from it's citizens as taxes.
Glad we cleared that up.
No this isn't about the January ballot measures 66 and 67. You'll be getting an expensive 92 page document in the mail from the state over the next week that will serve to confuse anyone adequately without my adding to it.
This is about local fees, local taxes. Astoria clearly leads the way in finding creative ways to separate it's citizens from their cash. Just read your phone bill some month for one example and your cable bill as another. It just kills me that some people pat the city council on the back for charging those franchise fees to utilities. These people of the democratic persuasion think it's perfectly appropriate for the phone companies and cable outfits to pay for the right to use city right of way to deliver their services and turn a blind eye to the fact that these are treated as pass-through to customers. Customers who, at least theoretically, own the right of way and so are paying the utilities way in every way. Yes, I know...Everybody does it.
So we have property tax, phone tax, cable tax, garbage tax, gasoline tax, building tax, inspection tax, electric tax, nat gas tax, water tax, sewer tax, extra sewer tax, business tax just to name a few off the top of my head. We haven't even talked about State or Federal taxes.
The question that should be coming to you? What do we get for all this money we pour into our
cities and local taxing districts? The answer to this is quite easy. We get more government and more people in that government looking for more ways to take your last dime so they can continue without changing a thing. Change, after all, is hard. Taking your hard earned dollars is easy.
There are those who do get rich off of this arrangement. When government gets in over it's head on some project they had no business starting in the first place they hire consultancy firms, fund studies and ultimately come up with plans that without exception result in a new tax.
It's a vicious cycle. Much like the weather that cycles across the globe that we can complain about but are powerless to do anything about. I believe I pointed this out earlier.
I feel better. Thanks for listening..er..reading.
The interesting thing about taxes comes in how people define them. Liberals refuse to view fees as taxes. Conservatives see any money extracted by the government from it's citizens as taxes.
Glad we cleared that up.
No this isn't about the January ballot measures 66 and 67. You'll be getting an expensive 92 page document in the mail from the state over the next week that will serve to confuse anyone adequately without my adding to it.
This is about local fees, local taxes. Astoria clearly leads the way in finding creative ways to separate it's citizens from their cash. Just read your phone bill some month for one example and your cable bill as another. It just kills me that some people pat the city council on the back for charging those franchise fees to utilities. These people of the democratic persuasion think it's perfectly appropriate for the phone companies and cable outfits to pay for the right to use city right of way to deliver their services and turn a blind eye to the fact that these are treated as pass-through to customers. Customers who, at least theoretically, own the right of way and so are paying the utilities way in every way. Yes, I know...Everybody does it.
So we have property tax, phone tax, cable tax, garbage tax, gasoline tax, building tax, inspection tax, electric tax, nat gas tax, water tax, sewer tax, extra sewer tax, business tax just to name a few off the top of my head. We haven't even talked about State or Federal taxes.
The question that should be coming to you? What do we get for all this money we pour into our
cities and local taxing districts? The answer to this is quite easy. We get more government and more people in that government looking for more ways to take your last dime so they can continue without changing a thing. Change, after all, is hard. Taking your hard earned dollars is easy.
There are those who do get rich off of this arrangement. When government gets in over it's head on some project they had no business starting in the first place they hire consultancy firms, fund studies and ultimately come up with plans that without exception result in a new tax.
It's a vicious cycle. Much like the weather that cycles across the globe that we can complain about but are powerless to do anything about. I believe I pointed this out earlier.
I feel better. Thanks for listening..er..reading.
December 23, 2009
Name Recognition
Chris Dudley. Sound familiar? He played in the NBA for a decade and a half. He did two stints with the Blazers.
Chris seems like a nice enough fellow. He owns a great big house (actually lives in Oregon now since he bought the house in 2004). Has a nice family. He started a foundation years ago to run summer camps for diabetic kids. Nice
He wants to be Oregon's next Governor.
Chris is 44 and only registered to vote for the first time in 1994 and hasn't voted in most elections since then. He sincerely regrets that according to his "people". No government service or involvement of any kind in his entire life.
He has three videos up on Utube and on his site where he talks about his campaign. He is getting top-notch advice from some heavy hitters in campaigning for republicans. It's obvious in the videos. Nice packaging, very little substance. Substance can get you in trouble. Chris says he wants to listen to what Oregonians have to say about the economy and jobs. He is a man in search of an idea.
Chris, I have an idea for you!
If you are telling the truth and you really feel like an Oregonian and you really want to help then I would respectfully suggest that you try a few intermediate steps before attempting to run the entire state government. Maybe become a precinct committeeman, then maybe run for your city commission. You could try making the leap to State Rep. many people without experience have started there. This process allows you to learn how the political machine works so you can avoid a great deal of "learners frustration".
Chris, honestly I have to believe that most Oregonians are not going to buy the packaging alone.
It doesn't matter how much money you throw at this. Sometimes a "name" is not enough.
But let's say you do make it and become Governor of Oregon. What are you going to do then?
Sure, you'll get the nice office and people will want to have their picture taken with you. You'll have some time in the spotlight again. The downside is that you will have a team of people running the state Governor's office, making all the decisions and putting your name on them.
Do you really want to become the Arnold Schwarzenegger of Oregon? You need to read up on that mess in California. Arnold ran on name recognition, won and then surrounded himself with advisers who very swiftly ran the state into the toilet. Is that what you want?
Just some friendly advice because you strike me as a very nice guy who has put his hand up at the wrong time.
Comment Here: http://webfoot.womf.com/86543/Name-Recognition
Chris seems like a nice enough fellow. He owns a great big house (actually lives in Oregon now since he bought the house in 2004). Has a nice family. He started a foundation years ago to run summer camps for diabetic kids. Nice
He wants to be Oregon's next Governor.
Chris is 44 and only registered to vote for the first time in 1994 and hasn't voted in most elections since then. He sincerely regrets that according to his "people". No government service or involvement of any kind in his entire life.
He has three videos up on Utube and on his site where he talks about his campaign. He is getting top-notch advice from some heavy hitters in campaigning for republicans. It's obvious in the videos. Nice packaging, very little substance. Substance can get you in trouble. Chris says he wants to listen to what Oregonians have to say about the economy and jobs. He is a man in search of an idea.
Chris, I have an idea for you!
If you are telling the truth and you really feel like an Oregonian and you really want to help then I would respectfully suggest that you try a few intermediate steps before attempting to run the entire state government. Maybe become a precinct committeeman, then maybe run for your city commission. You could try making the leap to State Rep. many people without experience have started there. This process allows you to learn how the political machine works so you can avoid a great deal of "learners frustration".
Chris, honestly I have to believe that most Oregonians are not going to buy the packaging alone.
It doesn't matter how much money you throw at this. Sometimes a "name" is not enough.
But let's say you do make it and become Governor of Oregon. What are you going to do then?
Sure, you'll get the nice office and people will want to have their picture taken with you. You'll have some time in the spotlight again. The downside is that you will have a team of people running the state Governor's office, making all the decisions and putting your name on them.
Do you really want to become the Arnold Schwarzenegger of Oregon? You need to read up on that mess in California. Arnold ran on name recognition, won and then surrounded himself with advisers who very swiftly ran the state into the toilet. Is that what you want?
Just some friendly advice because you strike me as a very nice guy who has put his hand up at the wrong time.
Comment Here: http://webfoot.womf.com/86543/Name-Recognition
December 22, 2009
The Battle Arrives
I happen to own a copy of "Walmart:The High Cost Of Low Prices." I have watched it several times because of it's entertainment value rather than it's accuracy as a documentary. I also own several films by Michael Moore for the same reason. His antics are an absolute scream. Moore's ignorance of economics and his consistency in seeking the wrong solutions to the issues he brings to the screen are epic. At least he is entertaining.
Back to Walmart. It's coming here. The retail behemoth has set it's roving eye on Warrenton and I predict it's appearance with the same surety I would predict rain.
A local anti-Walmart group has formed calling itself "Clatsop County Citizens for Responsible Development" and they are hard at work looking for donations that will allow them to make the
Robert Greenwald directed "Walmart:The High Cost of Low Prices" available to as many local people who wish to see it. As I said, it is entertaining.
Why does this group oppose Walmart? That's easy. It's their love of socialist economics and disregard for low income people combined with a complete lack of understanding about what Walmart represents that spurs them to form a political action committee.
Walmart represents a model of productivity that increases real wealth for all individuals in the communities they serve. Real wealth isn't about the money you make but about what that money buys. Low income individuals suddenly find themselves not only able to buy the necessities of life at significantly lower prices but can now increase their wealth buying some of the luxuries higher income people are accustomed to owning.
Walmart is focused on one thing best expressed by the company mission statement: Always lower prices...Always. This statement is at the core of Walmart's business model. To achieve the objective the company consistently seeks ways to increase productivity while lowering operational costs. Walmart has pioneered more efficiencies than any other company in history. They paved the way for automated check-out scanners and bar codes on products and are now working with their technology suppliers on using RFID which does not require individual item scanning at all. It used to take many more people just to stock, track and check items sold than it does today and it's far more efficient in triggering new shipments and provides real time inventory tracking. This is one way they keep prices low and in fact manage to drop prices.
The majority of jobs at Walmart stores are not skilled labor positions and pay minimum wage with most workers on part time hours to avoid the company paying benefits. Like it or not this also keeps those prices lower. In a free market nobody is forced to work anywhere and that includes Walmart.
Look for the opposition to bring up many old, tired arguments. Just as they battle LNG and organize recall elections using inaccurate statements and ridiculous supposition as their battle cry they will do the same in this case. They will argue the moral merits when opposing planning. They will scream about the "Giant" coming to smash the small businessman and lay waste to the environment (all in one breath).
My advice? Just smile and nod and get ready for the first "door-buster" sale.
Comment Here: http://webfoot.womf.com/86300/The-Battle-Coming-Here
Back to Walmart. It's coming here. The retail behemoth has set it's roving eye on Warrenton and I predict it's appearance with the same surety I would predict rain.
A local anti-Walmart group has formed calling itself "Clatsop County Citizens for Responsible Development" and they are hard at work looking for donations that will allow them to make the
Robert Greenwald directed "Walmart:The High Cost of Low Prices" available to as many local people who wish to see it. As I said, it is entertaining.
Why does this group oppose Walmart? That's easy. It's their love of socialist economics and disregard for low income people combined with a complete lack of understanding about what Walmart represents that spurs them to form a political action committee.
Walmart represents a model of productivity that increases real wealth for all individuals in the communities they serve. Real wealth isn't about the money you make but about what that money buys. Low income individuals suddenly find themselves not only able to buy the necessities of life at significantly lower prices but can now increase their wealth buying some of the luxuries higher income people are accustomed to owning.
Walmart is focused on one thing best expressed by the company mission statement: Always lower prices...Always. This statement is at the core of Walmart's business model. To achieve the objective the company consistently seeks ways to increase productivity while lowering operational costs. Walmart has pioneered more efficiencies than any other company in history. They paved the way for automated check-out scanners and bar codes on products and are now working with their technology suppliers on using RFID which does not require individual item scanning at all. It used to take many more people just to stock, track and check items sold than it does today and it's far more efficient in triggering new shipments and provides real time inventory tracking. This is one way they keep prices low and in fact manage to drop prices.
The majority of jobs at Walmart stores are not skilled labor positions and pay minimum wage with most workers on part time hours to avoid the company paying benefits. Like it or not this also keeps those prices lower. In a free market nobody is forced to work anywhere and that includes Walmart.
Look for the opposition to bring up many old, tired arguments. Just as they battle LNG and organize recall elections using inaccurate statements and ridiculous supposition as their battle cry they will do the same in this case. They will argue the moral merits when opposing planning. They will scream about the "Giant" coming to smash the small businessman and lay waste to the environment (all in one breath).
My advice? Just smile and nod and get ready for the first "door-buster" sale.
Comment Here: http://webfoot.womf.com/86300/The-Battle-Coming-Here
Throwing Public Schools Under The Bus
Had an interesting debate this morning regarding school vouchers. A caller stated that public schools suck. He said public schools don't do a good job. He said it's too expensive and blamed teacher unions. He said a lot of things that, frankly, I'm tired of hearing . I'm afraid I reacted badly to his arguments.
Oregon public schools do not "suck". Oregon public school teachers are required to hold certification and take great pains to update their skills. Their level of pay is not extraordinary or inappropriate. A significant number of local high school graduates go on to colleges or trade schools and become excellent contributing citizens.
Private schools have their place in the scheme of things and do provide an opportunity for parents who want to see their child in a setting that teaches things public schools do not provide. Like religious dogma.
Private schools do not provide many of the things that make for a well-rounded education in some cases. Athletics have an important place and yet are not always offered in a private school setting. Transportation systems are also lacking for most private schools. Some do not offer lunch programs.
I think it is debatable that students from a private school perform better than students in a public school setting if it were possible to compare the two in a fashion that is fair to both. If we were to set up a system whereby we would cherry pick students for public schools I'm sure the overall results would be better but the fact is we have a responsibility to provide the opportunity for a good education to everyone regardless of personal capability.
If you want to make a valid argument for a private school voucher system you should be able to do it without throwing public education and everyone associated with it under the bus.
Comment Here: http://webfoot.womf.com/86301/Reasoned-Discussion
Oregon public schools do not "suck". Oregon public school teachers are required to hold certification and take great pains to update their skills. Their level of pay is not extraordinary or inappropriate. A significant number of local high school graduates go on to colleges or trade schools and become excellent contributing citizens.
Private schools have their place in the scheme of things and do provide an opportunity for parents who want to see their child in a setting that teaches things public schools do not provide. Like religious dogma.
Private schools do not provide many of the things that make for a well-rounded education in some cases. Athletics have an important place and yet are not always offered in a private school setting. Transportation systems are also lacking for most private schools. Some do not offer lunch programs.
I think it is debatable that students from a private school perform better than students in a public school setting if it were possible to compare the two in a fashion that is fair to both. If we were to set up a system whereby we would cherry pick students for public schools I'm sure the overall results would be better but the fact is we have a responsibility to provide the opportunity for a good education to everyone regardless of personal capability.
If you want to make a valid argument for a private school voucher system you should be able to do it without throwing public education and everyone associated with it under the bus.
Comment Here: http://webfoot.womf.com/86301/Reasoned-Discussion
Typical
You are either part of the problem or part of the solution. This well-worn phrase applies to coverage of air service in Astoria. Associated Press picked up a story from the local paper this week that echoed all over Portland media stating that since air service in Astoria has been so poorly utilized here Newport makes the pitch to cut back on flights here while adding flights there. The story is another example of incomplete reporting for the sake of creating controversy.
There is no doubt that Newport is better positioned geographically to make taking a flight more attractive that taking a long drive but they have something else that takes advantage of the local air service. It's called marketing. Discover Newport is an organization that is working to bring more people out of metropolitan areas to visit and they have incorporated air service into their message.
We have nothing like it here.
There was plenty of excitement about Astoria finally getting regular air service back but then the ball was dropped. There was a great deal of effort involved in getting a state transportation grant in place, months of wrangling with Newport over which airline to bring in, negotiations finally lead to Seaport getting the nod over Cape Air. Then local efforts pretty much stopped.
Newport did a better job negotiating flights so it took months of operation to make changes in Astoria flight scheduling. With an average of two persons per flight we are now where we should have been from the beginning and by this time that usage should have increased to four. To be viable long term Seaport needs 60% usage. This latest report on Portland media does nothing to help the situation.
Here's the rest of the story. Seaport has now opened discussions with CEDR looking for help from that organization in establishing a business marketing plan that would bring in local hotels, motels, restaurants and attractions to develop weekend getaway packages that would be marketed in the Portland Area. Seaport is also taking a hard look at Long Beach but can't use funds from Oregon Connect Two to market their service in Washington State. There is a solution somewhere for that but it will take some outreach on the part of local organizations and work to find marketing dollars to make that Washington connection happen.
Did you know that if you catch the 4:25am flight out of Astoria you can make Seattle in about two hours? Well people in Seattle can do the same thing coming here.
There is tremendous potential for tourism in having an air service here. Let's pick that ball back up and run with it.
Comment Here: http://webfoot.womf.com/86302/Typical-Reporting
There is no doubt that Newport is better positioned geographically to make taking a flight more attractive that taking a long drive but they have something else that takes advantage of the local air service. It's called marketing. Discover Newport is an organization that is working to bring more people out of metropolitan areas to visit and they have incorporated air service into their message.
We have nothing like it here.
There was plenty of excitement about Astoria finally getting regular air service back but then the ball was dropped. There was a great deal of effort involved in getting a state transportation grant in place, months of wrangling with Newport over which airline to bring in, negotiations finally lead to Seaport getting the nod over Cape Air. Then local efforts pretty much stopped.
Newport did a better job negotiating flights so it took months of operation to make changes in Astoria flight scheduling. With an average of two persons per flight we are now where we should have been from the beginning and by this time that usage should have increased to four. To be viable long term Seaport needs 60% usage. This latest report on Portland media does nothing to help the situation.
Here's the rest of the story. Seaport has now opened discussions with CEDR looking for help from that organization in establishing a business marketing plan that would bring in local hotels, motels, restaurants and attractions to develop weekend getaway packages that would be marketed in the Portland Area. Seaport is also taking a hard look at Long Beach but can't use funds from Oregon Connect Two to market their service in Washington State. There is a solution somewhere for that but it will take some outreach on the part of local organizations and work to find marketing dollars to make that Washington connection happen.
Did you know that if you catch the 4:25am flight out of Astoria you can make Seattle in about two hours? Well people in Seattle can do the same thing coming here.
There is tremendous potential for tourism in having an air service here. Let's pick that ball back up and run with it.
Comment Here: http://webfoot.womf.com/86302/Typical-Reporting
December 17, 2009
Time To Use It
It's just remarkable how many local people are not aware that we have a very professional, reliable airline service here. I heard a story yesterday that highlighted this fact. Two guys talking at the golf course. One asks the other what he does for a living and the other guy replies that he works for the airline. The first guy asks what airline, a reasonable question. The answer is Seaport. "Seaport?" the guy asks. "Yes, at Astoria airport" he says. The guy looks puzzled and states "I didn't know there was an airport". True story. To be fair the guy asking the question lives elsewhere and has a second home in Gearhart. There are a lot of people just like him with second homes all over the area including a large number on the Long Beach Peninsula.
How many are aware of this service? How many would make use of it?
It is clear that it's not enough to simply start a new service and expect people to know it's there or fully understand it's usefulness.
Here's another example. Since Seaport added a 4:25am flight to it's Astoria to Portland route it's now possible to catch that flight and be in downtown Seattle two hours later. No TSA to go through one connection at PDX with a fifteen minute turnaround and you get into Boeing Field instead of SeaTac so you are much closer to town. Getting around is easy and you don't have to mess with the drive and all that goes with it especially in winter.
How about this? This time of year I-84 heading east is always a question mark. How many times did it close down last year? Seaport has flights that are timed to mesh with the Astoria to Portland schedule. In the Summer you can go to the Roundup, or the casino for that matter quickly, safely and have no issues getting around town.
For those who want to make Seaport a regular option they even have a premiere program. For a $5000.00 deposit you get $5500 in ticketing and no extra charges for any changes you need to make..even a name change. Those who travel understand what that means in terms of flexibility and cost savings.
Beyond all this, having a "right-sized" airline that is responsive to the marketplace and wants to be a true community partner is valuable in terms of the cooperative marketing aspect of getting more people from other areas of the region here.
That's the task that CEDR will be taking on in designing a business plan that will require the cooperation of local businesses who will benefit directly from a higher end tourist trade.
If people can book a travel package that is a value that can be tailored to suit individual tastes and geared to events we already do here then we have a winner. I think people will grab at a Crab Feed package that includes flight, hotel, transfers and event tickets. The Astoria Bicentennial is another package possibility, The Great Columbia Crossing, The 25th Anniversary for The Goonies, A History tour package that includes tours of Ft. Clatsop, Fort Stevens, The Columbia River Maritime Museum, Flavel House, The new Oregon Film Museum..all have potential.
If you would like to get involved. If you understand the potential and want to be a part of this then you can contact CEDR or Seaport and ask how your hotel, your restaurant, your transportation company, limo service, or attraction venue can be a part of this overall effort.
It's time to make smarter use of our local airline service.
How many are aware of this service? How many would make use of it?
It is clear that it's not enough to simply start a new service and expect people to know it's there or fully understand it's usefulness.
Here's another example. Since Seaport added a 4:25am flight to it's Astoria to Portland route it's now possible to catch that flight and be in downtown Seattle two hours later. No TSA to go through one connection at PDX with a fifteen minute turnaround and you get into Boeing Field instead of SeaTac so you are much closer to town. Getting around is easy and you don't have to mess with the drive and all that goes with it especially in winter.
How about this? This time of year I-84 heading east is always a question mark. How many times did it close down last year? Seaport has flights that are timed to mesh with the Astoria to Portland schedule. In the Summer you can go to the Roundup, or the casino for that matter quickly, safely and have no issues getting around town.
For those who want to make Seaport a regular option they even have a premiere program. For a $5000.00 deposit you get $5500 in ticketing and no extra charges for any changes you need to make..even a name change. Those who travel understand what that means in terms of flexibility and cost savings.
Beyond all this, having a "right-sized" airline that is responsive to the marketplace and wants to be a true community partner is valuable in terms of the cooperative marketing aspect of getting more people from other areas of the region here.
That's the task that CEDR will be taking on in designing a business plan that will require the cooperation of local businesses who will benefit directly from a higher end tourist trade.
If people can book a travel package that is a value that can be tailored to suit individual tastes and geared to events we already do here then we have a winner. I think people will grab at a Crab Feed package that includes flight, hotel, transfers and event tickets. The Astoria Bicentennial is another package possibility, The Great Columbia Crossing, The 25th Anniversary for The Goonies, A History tour package that includes tours of Ft. Clatsop, Fort Stevens, The Columbia River Maritime Museum, Flavel House, The new Oregon Film Museum..all have potential.
If you would like to get involved. If you understand the potential and want to be a part of this then you can contact CEDR or Seaport and ask how your hotel, your restaurant, your transportation company, limo service, or attraction venue can be a part of this overall effort.
It's time to make smarter use of our local airline service.
Flight Plan
Seaport Airlines CFO Jim Day is my guest on Coastwatch this morning. Last night he gave a presentation to CEDR looking for help from the organization in marketing efforts. Day says Seaport offers an opportunity for significant economic stimulus by targeting potential customers in the Portland area who would enjoy a hassle-free weekend on the North Coast by buying a package that would include flight, hotel, restaurant, car rental package but it would require someone to do the legwork with local businesses to push the idea. More coming up on KAST this morning after FOX news at 8am.
Comment Here: http://webfoot.womf.com/85920/Flight-Plan
Comment Here: http://webfoot.womf.com/85920/Flight-Plan
December 14, 2009
Can You Go Too Far?
When it comes to our men and women in uniform I don't think so.
Judging from what I hear from many of you the feeling is mutual yet our government, that makes so many demands on these people, consistently fails to meet those human needs which help sustain our troops and support their families. That responsibility falls on those who organize care package campaigns aimed at supplying basic needs.
Lets take something real simple. Phone calls home. Why should servicemen and women working in war zones have to depend on their, or their family's personal resources to make a phone call? I find it ridiculous that families have to send prepaid phone cards overseas to have the opportunity to hear from their loved ones. Why can't this be a service that is simply provided as a small acknowledgment of the sacrifice these people and their families make?
How about something more complex and yet necessary? Transport.
The law does not allow the military to disrupt operational transport functions to prioritize getting military personnel home on leave. If there is space available on scheduled transportation then the law allows military personnel to hitch a ride but there is no scheduled transport into and out of Afghanistan, or Iraq or any of the other places around the world where the U.S. has a presence that approaches what commercial airlines do everyday.
If you are a Marine with two or three weeks leave before being sent off to a hot zone your chances of hitching a ride to see your family before that happens are dismally small.
How about just making sure that when personnel are transported they are going to be taken care of when they get to their destination?
As we've recently seen logistical support that is supposed to move military personnel in a way that makes sense sometimes sends those troops to bases that won't even be open when they are scheduled to be there.
It takes Congressional pressure to fix it. Ridiculous.
We can bail out major corporations but we can't afford to pay for a soldier's phone call. Trillions for Wall Street, charity for our troops.
Something is out of whack.
Judging from what I hear from many of you the feeling is mutual yet our government, that makes so many demands on these people, consistently fails to meet those human needs which help sustain our troops and support their families. That responsibility falls on those who organize care package campaigns aimed at supplying basic needs.
Lets take something real simple. Phone calls home. Why should servicemen and women working in war zones have to depend on their, or their family's personal resources to make a phone call? I find it ridiculous that families have to send prepaid phone cards overseas to have the opportunity to hear from their loved ones. Why can't this be a service that is simply provided as a small acknowledgment of the sacrifice these people and their families make?
How about something more complex and yet necessary? Transport.
The law does not allow the military to disrupt operational transport functions to prioritize getting military personnel home on leave. If there is space available on scheduled transportation then the law allows military personnel to hitch a ride but there is no scheduled transport into and out of Afghanistan, or Iraq or any of the other places around the world where the U.S. has a presence that approaches what commercial airlines do everyday.
If you are a Marine with two or three weeks leave before being sent off to a hot zone your chances of hitching a ride to see your family before that happens are dismally small.
How about just making sure that when personnel are transported they are going to be taken care of when they get to their destination?
As we've recently seen logistical support that is supposed to move military personnel in a way that makes sense sometimes sends those troops to bases that won't even be open when they are scheduled to be there.
It takes Congressional pressure to fix it. Ridiculous.
We can bail out major corporations but we can't afford to pay for a soldier's phone call. Trillions for Wall Street, charity for our troops.
Something is out of whack.
December 09, 2009
Roberts A Keeper
49% voter turn out and boy did people ever turn out for Patricia Roberts! 59% voted against the recall effort that was once again fueled by anti-LNG groups and a desire on the part of some to make a living as political activists in our community.
A note too on the Sierra Club.
I heard from some of you regarding my last rant on naughty non-profits that the Sierra Club is not a non-profit. Actually they are. They just aren't a 501(c)3 non-profit. They lost that status in the 60's over political actions the group took to oppose industrial projects. They established the Sierra Foundation as a 501(c)3 and transitioned Sierra Clubs to 501(c)4 non-profit status which allows for political activities. The Oregon Sierra Club states it is a non-profit on it's website (several times) they just don't tell you what kind they are. Contributions to 501(c)4 non-profits are not tax deductible.
Comment here: http://webfoot.womf.com/85265/Good-For-Voters
A note too on the Sierra Club.
I heard from some of you regarding my last rant on naughty non-profits that the Sierra Club is not a non-profit. Actually they are. They just aren't a 501(c)3 non-profit. They lost that status in the 60's over political actions the group took to oppose industrial projects. They established the Sierra Foundation as a 501(c)3 and transitioned Sierra Clubs to 501(c)4 non-profit status which allows for political activities. The Oregon Sierra Club states it is a non-profit on it's website (several times) they just don't tell you what kind they are. Contributions to 501(c)4 non-profits are not tax deductible.
Comment here: http://webfoot.womf.com/85265/Good-For-Voters
December 07, 2009
Why Not Sierra Club?
There is a big stink over Columbia Riverkeepers involvement in the recall of Clatsop County Commissioners including a complaint filed with the IRS regarding CRK's status as a non-profit.
I would also like to point out that the local organizer/volunteer/staffer, whatever you wish to label her, Olivia Schmidt signed her emails not just representing CRK but also on behalf of Oregon Sierra Club, yet another outside organization obviously involved in local politics. If the investigation into misuse of non-profit status proceeds against CRK it should most certainly proceed against the Oregon Sierra Club. The Portland Audubon Society is also suspect in all this outside agitation. These organizations are guilty by association of misusing their non-profit status and inflicting pain on our communtiy and it's residents.
At very least, if you have been contributing to these organizations in the past you should reconsider your support.
Comment here: http://webfoot.womf.com/85123/Non-Profits-In-Politics
I would also like to point out that the local organizer/volunteer/staffer, whatever you wish to label her, Olivia Schmidt signed her emails not just representing CRK but also on behalf of Oregon Sierra Club, yet another outside organization obviously involved in local politics. If the investigation into misuse of non-profit status proceeds against CRK it should most certainly proceed against the Oregon Sierra Club. The Portland Audubon Society is also suspect in all this outside agitation. These organizations are guilty by association of misusing their non-profit status and inflicting pain on our communtiy and it's residents.
At very least, if you have been contributing to these organizations in the past you should reconsider your support.
Comment here: http://webfoot.womf.com/85123/Non-Profits-In-Politics
December 04, 2009
Coat Drive Success..Thank You
Sunset Empire Transportation District (The Bus) is deserving of a big pat on the back for seeing a community need and filling it with their first winter coat drive.
The event could not have been a success without the generosity of local residents in our communities who heard our call and took the time to dig out those nice warm winter coats and jackets that have just been sitting in storage and meeting us at stops in Astoria, Warrenton, Gearhart and Seaside over the last three nights to donate them.
Hundreds and hundreds of coats will now be made available to those in our county who are most in need and most deserving of help.
Thank you
The event could not have been a success without the generosity of local residents in our communities who heard our call and took the time to dig out those nice warm winter coats and jackets that have just been sitting in storage and meeting us at stops in Astoria, Warrenton, Gearhart and Seaside over the last three nights to donate them.
Hundreds and hundreds of coats will now be made available to those in our county who are most in need and most deserving of help.
Thank you
December 03, 2009
Winter Coat Drive III
This is the final night for The Bus Coat Drive. Last night we had a great turn out in Warrenton and we've collected hundreds of coats for those in need so far and are looking for more.
Tonight is Gearhart and Seaside as we make stops in those communities asking people to bring clean, gently used coats or new coats to our drop off locations. Those coats will go to the Christmas basket and clothing bank programs right here in Clatsop County.
On December 3rd we'll be making stops in Gearhart/Seaside
5:00pm Gearhart Builders Supply
5:30pm Seaside Factory Outlets
6:00pm Sunset Empire Pool
So please take some time to collect up all those coats you don't need, or maybe buy a new one and plan to come down to one of our pick-up locations. Coats will be distributed at the fairgrounds when people come to pick up Christmas food baskets..and yes we'll also take canned food donations.
Tonight is Gearhart and Seaside as we make stops in those communities asking people to bring clean, gently used coats or new coats to our drop off locations. Those coats will go to the Christmas basket and clothing bank programs right here in Clatsop County.
On December 3rd we'll be making stops in Gearhart/Seaside
5:00pm Gearhart Builders Supply
5:30pm Seaside Factory Outlets
6:00pm Sunset Empire Pool
So please take some time to collect up all those coats you don't need, or maybe buy a new one and plan to come down to one of our pick-up locations. Coats will be distributed at the fairgrounds when people come to pick up Christmas food baskets..and yes we'll also take canned food donations.
December 02, 2009
Winter Coat Drive II
Last night Astorians were generous donating warm winter coats and jackets on the first night of our first coat drive sponsored by The Bus. Thanks to those who came down to our trolley bus stops we collected enough coats to fill every seat. That's a good start.
It's Warrenton's turn tonight. Here's the schedule of stops where we are asking you to bring down your gently used or new coats tonight:
5:00pm - 5:25pm Serendipity Cafe
5:30pm - 5:55pm Warrenton High School
6:00pm - 6:25pm Lums Auto Center
6:30pm - 7:00pm Vince Williams Suzuki
All coats are accepted, any size and will be made available to those in need during the annual Christmas basket and wishing tree gift pick-up at the fairgrounds. We are hoping to have several racks of coats available but we can't do that without your help. So please go through your closets and your storage today and plan to bring those coats you won't use to one of our stops tonight so we can get them to local people who can use them.
Tomorrow night we will be making stops in Gearhart and Seaside.
It's Warrenton's turn tonight. Here's the schedule of stops where we are asking you to bring down your gently used or new coats tonight:
5:00pm - 5:25pm Serendipity Cafe
5:30pm - 5:55pm Warrenton High School
6:00pm - 6:25pm Lums Auto Center
6:30pm - 7:00pm Vince Williams Suzuki
All coats are accepted, any size and will be made available to those in need during the annual Christmas basket and wishing tree gift pick-up at the fairgrounds. We are hoping to have several racks of coats available but we can't do that without your help. So please go through your closets and your storage today and plan to bring those coats you won't use to one of our stops tonight so we can get them to local people who can use them.
Tomorrow night we will be making stops in Gearhart and Seaside.
December 01, 2009
Winter Coat Drive
Tonight we hit the streets looking for new or gently used warm winter coats in The Bus winter Coat Drive.
I'll be aboard The Bus Trolley as we make stops in Astoria this evening. First at the Columbia River Maritime Museum at 5pm and then at 5:30pm at the Astoria Transit Center. At 6pm we'll be at the new CRS Thrift Store at 7th and Bond across from the post office and at 6:30pm we'll be at Astoria High School.
Just gather all those coats you won't be using and do something nice for someone else in need this season and bring them down to one of those locations. As a special incentive we'll be giving out free raffle tickets for a chance to win bus passes including an annual pass and tickets to our listener appreciation concert with Andy Griggs coming up on December 11th at the liberty theater and tickets .
Then on December 2nd it's Warrenton's turn:
5:00pm Serendipity Cafe
5:30pm Warrenton High School
6:00pm Lums Auto Center
6:30pm Vince Williams Suzuki
On December 3rd we'll be making stops in Gearhart/Seaside
5:00pm Gearhart Builders Supply
5:30pm Seaside Factory Outlets
6:00pm Sunset Empire Pool
So please take some time to collect up all those coats you don't need, or maybe buy a new one and plan to come down to one of our pick-up locations. Coats will be distributed at the fairgrounds when people come to pick up Christmas food baskets..and yes we'll also take canned food donations..
The coats will be made available to families picking up Christmas baskets at the Fairgrounds.
Please do what you can.
Thanks
I'll be aboard The Bus Trolley as we make stops in Astoria this evening. First at the Columbia River Maritime Museum at 5pm and then at 5:30pm at the Astoria Transit Center. At 6pm we'll be at the new CRS Thrift Store at 7th and Bond across from the post office and at 6:30pm we'll be at Astoria High School.
Just gather all those coats you won't be using and do something nice for someone else in need this season and bring them down to one of those locations. As a special incentive we'll be giving out free raffle tickets for a chance to win bus passes including an annual pass and tickets to our listener appreciation concert with Andy Griggs coming up on December 11th at the liberty theater and tickets .
Then on December 2nd it's Warrenton's turn:
5:00pm Serendipity Cafe
5:30pm Warrenton High School
6:00pm Lums Auto Center
6:30pm Vince Williams Suzuki
On December 3rd we'll be making stops in Gearhart/Seaside
5:00pm Gearhart Builders Supply
5:30pm Seaside Factory Outlets
6:00pm Sunset Empire Pool
So please take some time to collect up all those coats you don't need, or maybe buy a new one and plan to come down to one of our pick-up locations. Coats will be distributed at the fairgrounds when people come to pick up Christmas food baskets..and yes we'll also take canned food donations..
The coats will be made available to families picking up Christmas baskets at the Fairgrounds.
Please do what you can.
Thanks
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