Periodically I will be giving out the "Brown Shirt Award".
This will be given to the person, who, in my opinion, most exemplifies by their actions, or words, that they are desirous of restricting and/or curtailing individual civil rights and liberties.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Phill Kline - Out of Control
Has anyone read this article?
http://www.kansascity.com/105/story/66212.html
I don't even have the stomach to explain it.
This man is out of control. Last November the citizens of Kansas told this individual to take a hike as the State Attorney General. When the vote resuslts were broken down by county, the citizens of Johnson County spoke very loudly that they did not want him to continue to serve.
Sooooooooooooo, what happened? The man who defeated him was the then Johnson County DA Paul Morrison, whose office was now open. Since Mr Morrison had originally been elected to the DA's post as a Republican, then the county committee reps would elect his replacement until the next general election.
Here's the juicy part.............these irresponsible jerks gave Kline the job. A man that the citizens overwhelmingly said they did not want in office.
Now he goes and pulls a stunt as indicated in the linked article.
Almost makes me ashamed to admit that I am a registered Republican.
http://www.kansascity.com/105/story/66212.html
I don't even have the stomach to explain it.
This man is out of control. Last November the citizens of Kansas told this individual to take a hike as the State Attorney General. When the vote resuslts were broken down by county, the citizens of Johnson County spoke very loudly that they did not want him to continue to serve.
Sooooooooooooo, what happened? The man who defeated him was the then Johnson County DA Paul Morrison, whose office was now open. Since Mr Morrison had originally been elected to the DA's post as a Republican, then the county committee reps would elect his replacement until the next general election.
Here's the juicy part.............these irresponsible jerks gave Kline the job. A man that the citizens overwhelmingly said they did not want in office.
Now he goes and pulls a stunt as indicated in the linked article.
Almost makes me ashamed to admit that I am a registered Republican.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Response to Editorial in The Shawnee Dispatch
The editor of the Shawnee Dispatch has outdone himself this time. In his campaign to champion a smoking ban he now purports to defend the health of workers, http://www.shawneedispatch.com/section/opinion/story/6139
For the record, since I had a letter recently published in the Dispatch on another subject, it was too soon for me to respond there. The editor has been advised of this article and is invited to comment here.
Golly gee willikers, will the trash talk never end? First, let's look at restaurants and bars that do permit smoking in Shawnee. How many of those employees that Mr. Beal wants to protect are smokers themselves? Now, let’s look at "office" type businesses. Well, another golly gee willikers goes to Mr. Beal. Let's put the "office" workers into two categories. Category A will be single company offices. Oh, let's say like Bayer on Shawnee Mission Parkway. And yes, there are other smaller companies that would fall into this category. Category B will be multi-company office buildings, like the one that houses the Shawnee Dispatch.
Now Mr. Beal, how many category A businesses already have their own smoking/non-smoking policies in effect? How many employees in these companies are subjected to unwanted secondhand smoke? Give me those numbers. Those are "hard" stats, based on facts, not mathematical models subject to interpretation.
Let us now move on to the category B businesses. Same info please Mr Beal. In the City of Shawnee how many of these businesses subject their non-smoking employees to secondhand smoke? Is it possible that you would find that companies are already taking care of most of this on their own?
And yes Mr Beal, it is about the rights of the business owner to run his or her business. And, the customers of that business will dictate the policy of the business by their activity at the "cash register".
While we are talking about secondhand smoke, why don't we talk about automobile emissions. You know Mr. Beal, all that gunk and junk that gets tossed into the air by cars, trucks, buses, etc. And what about in cities like Shawnee that have a per capita income above the national average and have a high ratio of SUVs? You know, those gas guzzling, emission belching monstrosities that are exempt from the Clean Air Act. What do those emissions do to our lungs?
Is it possible that many of the medical problems blamed on secondhand smoke are really caused by vehicle emissions? Or would you rather not touch that? But I do think about that every time I see those members of the SMNW track or is it cross country team jogging along Quivira Rd. You know, working up a sweat, and their lungs acting like big vacuums just pulling in all of those emissions. Just a thought. :-)
At this time I won't even mention that beautiful smell in the air in the winter of all those wood burning fireplaces. Actually it is nice, but what are they putting into our lungs? And wouldn’t that be worse inside those residences?
But, the really, really big question is........................WHAT NEXT?
For the record, since I had a letter recently published in the Dispatch on another subject, it was too soon for me to respond there. The editor has been advised of this article and is invited to comment here.
Golly gee willikers, will the trash talk never end? First, let's look at restaurants and bars that do permit smoking in Shawnee. How many of those employees that Mr. Beal wants to protect are smokers themselves? Now, let’s look at "office" type businesses. Well, another golly gee willikers goes to Mr. Beal. Let's put the "office" workers into two categories. Category A will be single company offices. Oh, let's say like Bayer on Shawnee Mission Parkway. And yes, there are other smaller companies that would fall into this category. Category B will be multi-company office buildings, like the one that houses the Shawnee Dispatch.
Now Mr. Beal, how many category A businesses already have their own smoking/non-smoking policies in effect? How many employees in these companies are subjected to unwanted secondhand smoke? Give me those numbers. Those are "hard" stats, based on facts, not mathematical models subject to interpretation.
Let us now move on to the category B businesses. Same info please Mr Beal. In the City of Shawnee how many of these businesses subject their non-smoking employees to secondhand smoke? Is it possible that you would find that companies are already taking care of most of this on their own?
And yes Mr Beal, it is about the rights of the business owner to run his or her business. And, the customers of that business will dictate the policy of the business by their activity at the "cash register".
While we are talking about secondhand smoke, why don't we talk about automobile emissions. You know Mr. Beal, all that gunk and junk that gets tossed into the air by cars, trucks, buses, etc. And what about in cities like Shawnee that have a per capita income above the national average and have a high ratio of SUVs? You know, those gas guzzling, emission belching monstrosities that are exempt from the Clean Air Act. What do those emissions do to our lungs?
Is it possible that many of the medical problems blamed on secondhand smoke are really caused by vehicle emissions? Or would you rather not touch that? But I do think about that every time I see those members of the SMNW track or is it cross country team jogging along Quivira Rd. You know, working up a sweat, and their lungs acting like big vacuums just pulling in all of those emissions. Just a thought. :-)
At this time I won't even mention that beautiful smell in the air in the winter of all those wood burning fireplaces. Actually it is nice, but what are they putting into our lungs? And wouldn’t that be worse inside those residences?
But, the really, really big question is........................WHAT NEXT?
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
DeSoto USD 232 is Saved
The results are in. Don Clark won reelection in the Position 7 At Large seat over Kevin Straub 56.33% to 43.52%
Personally, I feel the voters there made a wise decision.
Personally, I feel the voters there made a wise decision.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Western Shawnee Wal-Mart Part II
Just loved the article in the Shawnee Dispatch
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/section/news/story/6222
In a previous post I mentioned that one of the opponents of this store was quoted as saying the store would bring in transient shoppers. That didn't make sense, and I mentioned Wal-Mart's demographic studies before they build. My opinion was that the residents of that area didn't want it to be known that they too shop at Wal-Mart.
Well, in the above linked Dispatch article this appears, attributed to a Wal-Mart rep:
"Thum said one of the most-asked questions was why Wal-Mart would choose the site with its close proximity to supercenters in Bonner Springs and in the Shawnee Station shopping center at Shawnee Mission Parkway and Maurer Road. She said the store does extensive market research whenever it considers a potential store site and found the area could support all the stores."
Look at the benefits that the western Shawnee residents will receive. They won't spend as much money on their gas guzzling SUVs to go shopping at Wal-Mart. Maybe some of them will visit that new fancy sunglass store in the Westbrooke Village Shopping Center. There they can get designer sunglasses at super discount prices so they won't be recognized when they shop at the new Wal-Mart.
http://www.shawneedispatch.com/section/news/story/6222
In a previous post I mentioned that one of the opponents of this store was quoted as saying the store would bring in transient shoppers. That didn't make sense, and I mentioned Wal-Mart's demographic studies before they build. My opinion was that the residents of that area didn't want it to be known that they too shop at Wal-Mart.
Well, in the above linked Dispatch article this appears, attributed to a Wal-Mart rep:
"Thum said one of the most-asked questions was why Wal-Mart would choose the site with its close proximity to supercenters in Bonner Springs and in the Shawnee Station shopping center at Shawnee Mission Parkway and Maurer Road. She said the store does extensive market research whenever it considers a potential store site and found the area could support all the stores."
Look at the benefits that the western Shawnee residents will receive. They won't spend as much money on their gas guzzling SUVs to go shopping at Wal-Mart. Maybe some of them will visit that new fancy sunglass store in the Westbrooke Village Shopping Center. There they can get designer sunglasses at super discount prices so they won't be recognized when they shop at the new Wal-Mart.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Whoops....Did I Rattle Somebody's Chain?
Seems like a gentleman by the name of Mark Crouch took exception to my comment about exploiting children to protest against Wal-Mart. You can see his letter to the Shawnee Dispatch at http://www.shawneedispatch.com/section/letters/story/6188
Mr Crouch seems to be concerned about the increased traffic levels near an elementary school. That could be a concern. So.............go ahead and protest Mr Crouch...........that is your right. But, having pre-school children (eventhough they may someday attend that school) stand outside and chant slogans that they have no understanding of, is still, in my opinion, exploitation of the children.
I'd comment in a letter to the editor of the Dispatch, but I'm not sure what their time limitations are. Most newspapers do not publish more than one letter from an individual every 30 days.
Gonna have to look into that.................
Mr Crouch seems to be concerned about the increased traffic levels near an elementary school. That could be a concern. So.............go ahead and protest Mr Crouch...........that is your right. But, having pre-school children (eventhough they may someday attend that school) stand outside and chant slogans that they have no understanding of, is still, in my opinion, exploitation of the children.
I'd comment in a letter to the editor of the Dispatch, but I'm not sure what their time limitations are. Most newspapers do not publish more than one letter from an individual every 30 days.
Gonna have to look into that.................
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Vegas Comes to Shawnee
The TV news crews were hanging around last night's Shawnee City Council Meeting.
What was happening? What earth shattering event was taking place?
Well, it appears that a skeleton came out of the closet and it isn't even Halloween. Kevin Straub (the councilman with the arrogant smirk on his face) lives in a haunted house. The same Kevin Straub who is running for the De Soto USD 232 school board.
According to the KCTV5 reporter when she went on air Mr Straub had 2 bankruptcy filings in Nevada and still has an open judgment of over $140K. Mr Straub claims he did not know the judgment was still open.
Bankruptcy, judgments, personal financial problems.............these are things that unfortunately are affecting many people. Heck, I've had my share of personal financial problems.
What makes Mr Straub's problem different though is his arrogant attitude that he is the only person that can be fiscally responsible with the school district's budget. That becomes highly questionable.
Note: Added 2/27/10 Would you like to see something interesting now? Go here http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2010/02/ward-iii-primarytue-march-2-2010.html
What was happening? What earth shattering event was taking place?
Well, it appears that a skeleton came out of the closet and it isn't even Halloween. Kevin Straub (the councilman with the arrogant smirk on his face) lives in a haunted house. The same Kevin Straub who is running for the De Soto USD 232 school board.
According to the KCTV5 reporter when she went on air Mr Straub had 2 bankruptcy filings in Nevada and still has an open judgment of over $140K. Mr Straub claims he did not know the judgment was still open.
Bankruptcy, judgments, personal financial problems.............these are things that unfortunately are affecting many people. Heck, I've had my share of personal financial problems.
What makes Mr Straub's problem different though is his arrogant attitude that he is the only person that can be fiscally responsible with the school district's budget. That becomes highly questionable.
Note: Added 2/27/10 Would you like to see something interesting now? Go here http://shawneeray.blogspot.com/2010/02/ward-iii-primarytue-march-2-2010.html
Shawnee Smoking Task Force
Last night the City Council voted to have the mayor appoint a task force to review smoking ordinances. At the end of its review the task force will naturally have recommendations for the city council.
Mayor Jeff Meyers has a monumental task before him. Can he truly create a well balanced task force? A balance between residents and business owners. A balance between advocates of restrictive ordinances and advocates for less intrusion of government into everyday living.
Two members of the council (Mickey Sandifer and Michelle Distler) have repeatedly stated what this is really about. It is NOT about smoking vs. non-smoking. It is, as they have said, about the erosion of individual rights. It is about government telling folks how to run their business.
As individual rights are slowly taken away, the question that must be asked is: What next?
Folks are so concerned about the effects of secondhand smoke, maybe they need to look at other causes of respiratory problems. Prior to the meeting last night I did a quick count of the vehicles in the parking lot. I counted 24 cars and 27 SUVs/pick-ups. Maybe Shawnee needs to restrict the number of SUVs that can be owned in the city. You know, those gas guzzling, emission belching monstrosities. For the health and welfare of the citizens of Shawnee maybe the government needs to intrude and control tighter what kind of vehicle you can own.
Whaddya think?
Mayor Jeff Meyers has a monumental task before him. Can he truly create a well balanced task force? A balance between residents and business owners. A balance between advocates of restrictive ordinances and advocates for less intrusion of government into everyday living.
Two members of the council (Mickey Sandifer and Michelle Distler) have repeatedly stated what this is really about. It is NOT about smoking vs. non-smoking. It is, as they have said, about the erosion of individual rights. It is about government telling folks how to run their business.
As individual rights are slowly taken away, the question that must be asked is: What next?
Folks are so concerned about the effects of secondhand smoke, maybe they need to look at other causes of respiratory problems. Prior to the meeting last night I did a quick count of the vehicles in the parking lot. I counted 24 cars and 27 SUVs/pick-ups. Maybe Shawnee needs to restrict the number of SUVs that can be owned in the city. You know, those gas guzzling, emission belching monstrosities. For the health and welfare of the citizens of Shawnee maybe the government needs to intrude and control tighter what kind of vehicle you can own.
Whaddya think?
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Letter Made It
Yepper, it made it, and can also be viewed at http://www.shawneedispatch.com/section/letters/story/6141
Am sure I'll get some flak from these folks who think it's ok to exploit their young uns.
Am sure I'll get some flak from these folks who think it's ok to exploit their young uns.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Western Shawnee Wal-Mart
It's about 9:45PM on Sunday 3/18/07 and I just composed a lettr to the editor of the Shawnee Dispatch. Not sure if it will get published there, so I am going to publish it here:
As a Shawnee resident that lives in a different part of the city I'm not sure, at this point, whether this is a good project or not.
What I am intrigued by though was the video on various metro TV stations last week. The video of the protesters. The video that showed them using preschoolers to protest. Preschoolers with memorized chants.
Yes, little Buffy, Muffy and Barbie were chanting protests that their parents had taught them. And they were smiling and their eyes were wide with glee. See, like all good little puppies they felt good that they were pleasing their masters, and they knew they'd be rewarded. Even if the rewards were only verbal, as in "good girl, good girl". Personally, I feel this is exploitation of the children.
Now, let's look at another aspect of this situation. Wal-Mart does quite a bit of demographic research before opening a new store. They want to know that the odds are on their side for profits before they make the commitment to build. They research the neighborhood, incomes, buying habits, competition etc etc etc.
A previous letter writer (Martin Gilmore on 3/13/07) said in part".......not just another suburban strip mall that drives in transient shoppers, and drives out families" I wonder about that. Would Wal-Mart be looking for transient shoppers? Or are they confident that the neighborhood and housing within close proximity can support their store? How far away does Mr Martin expect these transient shoppers to travel to come to his neighborhood? Isn't it possible that the areas he feels the "transients" will come from already have their own Wal-Marts? Maybe it's just a case of the folks in western Shawnee not wanting others to know that they too shop at Wal-Mart. It is so déclassé you know. It won't be so obvious if they travel to the one on Shawnee Mission Parkway
As a Shawnee resident that lives in a different part of the city I'm not sure, at this point, whether this is a good project or not.
What I am intrigued by though was the video on various metro TV stations last week. The video of the protesters. The video that showed them using preschoolers to protest. Preschoolers with memorized chants.
Yes, little Buffy, Muffy and Barbie were chanting protests that their parents had taught them. And they were smiling and their eyes were wide with glee. See, like all good little puppies they felt good that they were pleasing their masters, and they knew they'd be rewarded. Even if the rewards were only verbal, as in "good girl, good girl". Personally, I feel this is exploitation of the children.
Now, let's look at another aspect of this situation. Wal-Mart does quite a bit of demographic research before opening a new store. They want to know that the odds are on their side for profits before they make the commitment to build. They research the neighborhood, incomes, buying habits, competition etc etc etc.
A previous letter writer (Martin Gilmore on 3/13/07) said in part".......not just another suburban strip mall that drives in transient shoppers, and drives out families" I wonder about that. Would Wal-Mart be looking for transient shoppers? Or are they confident that the neighborhood and housing within close proximity can support their store? How far away does Mr Martin expect these transient shoppers to travel to come to his neighborhood? Isn't it possible that the areas he feels the "transients" will come from already have their own Wal-Marts? Maybe it's just a case of the folks in western Shawnee not wanting others to know that they too shop at Wal-Mart. It is so déclassé you know. It won't be so obvious if they travel to the one on Shawnee Mission Parkway
USD 232 & Party Crashers
Interesting letter in the Shawnee Dispatch at http://www.shawneedispatch.com/section/letters/story/6098
If an inidivudal wants to sponsor a "meet and greet" for candidates that he/she supports that is a private affair. Heck, we've seen even Presidential candidates do that at the homes of "common folks".
Anyway, for candidates who are not invited (not being supported) it is in poor taste to show up and crash these "meet and greets".
If the content of this letter is accurate, then there is definitely one individual who apparently thinks very highly of himself, to the point of arrogance.
If an inidivudal wants to sponsor a "meet and greet" for candidates that he/she supports that is a private affair. Heck, we've seen even Presidential candidates do that at the homes of "common folks".
Anyway, for candidates who are not invited (not being supported) it is in poor taste to show up and crash these "meet and greets".
If the content of this letter is accurate, then there is definitely one individual who apparently thinks very highly of himself, to the point of arrogance.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
This Explains It..........
Now I know why I don't particularly like this Kevin Straub. He wants to force his views down everybody else's throat.
On 2/20/07 the KC Star published biographical information and answers to its questions to the candidates for the DeSoto USD 232 school board.
Below is question 10 and Mr Straub's reply:
10. Should intelligent design be taught in the public schools? If so, in what context or class?
I believe evolution and intelligent design should be taught as a theory. I believe the founding fathers of our country wrote the United States Constitution so that we can have "freedom of religion" not "freedom from religion."
I think Mr Straub needs to take Civics 101 over. Let's clue him in.............."freedom of religion" also means "freedom from religion". Nobody has the right to shove their religious beliefs down anyone else's throat.
My sincere sympathies to the folks in USD 232 if this guy gets on their board
On 2/20/07 the KC Star published biographical information and answers to its questions to the candidates for the DeSoto USD 232 school board.
Below is question 10 and Mr Straub's reply:
10. Should intelligent design be taught in the public schools? If so, in what context or class?
I believe evolution and intelligent design should be taught as a theory. I believe the founding fathers of our country wrote the United States Constitution so that we can have "freedom of religion" not "freedom from religion."
I think Mr Straub needs to take Civics 101 over. Let's clue him in.............."freedom of religion" also means "freedom from religion". Nobody has the right to shove their religious beliefs down anyone else's throat.
My sincere sympathies to the folks in USD 232 if this guy gets on their board
To Smoke Or Not To Smoke
The City of Shawnee Council's Finance and Administration Committee met this past Tuesday evening 3/6/07.
One of the items on the agenda was a discussion of what to do about a new smoking ordinance.
The final result was the committee recommending a Task Force be appointed to assist in a possible resolution.
I'm getting to enjoy these meetings, and listening to some of the trash that emanates from the mouths of certain individuals. It is an education.
Kevin Straub, 3d Ward councilmember came up with an item that he has mentioned before. It has to do with folks in offices and how non-smokers should not have to put up with the drift of smoke coming from a smoker's cubicle. This guy is a cute piece of work. Bringing up meaningless items, just to hear himself speak, and to make it appear that he cares.
Yours truly took to the podium and had to explain to Mr Straub, that even without an ordinance, businesses today have worked out plans in their offices to eliminate the very problem that Mr Straub wants to codify. These businesses have to do it on their own, so as to retain qualified personnel, to maintain a positive work environment, and to promote positive employee morale.
I challenge this individual to find one office type business in Shawnee that has not created a smoking policy on its own so as not to create the problem he is concerned about. His rhetoric sounds good, but, IMHO it is pure bovine scatology.
Allow the consumer to tell restaurants and bars what to do by what does or does not happen at the cash register.
One of the items on the agenda was a discussion of what to do about a new smoking ordinance.
The final result was the committee recommending a Task Force be appointed to assist in a possible resolution.
I'm getting to enjoy these meetings, and listening to some of the trash that emanates from the mouths of certain individuals. It is an education.
Kevin Straub, 3d Ward councilmember came up with an item that he has mentioned before. It has to do with folks in offices and how non-smokers should not have to put up with the drift of smoke coming from a smoker's cubicle. This guy is a cute piece of work. Bringing up meaningless items, just to hear himself speak, and to make it appear that he cares.
Yours truly took to the podium and had to explain to Mr Straub, that even without an ordinance, businesses today have worked out plans in their offices to eliminate the very problem that Mr Straub wants to codify. These businesses have to do it on their own, so as to retain qualified personnel, to maintain a positive work environment, and to promote positive employee morale.
I challenge this individual to find one office type business in Shawnee that has not created a smoking policy on its own so as not to create the problem he is concerned about. His rhetoric sounds good, but, IMHO it is pure bovine scatology.
Allow the consumer to tell restaurants and bars what to do by what does or does not happen at the cash register.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
New Shawnee Justice Center
Did some more thinking after Monday's Shawnee City Council Meeting (2/26/07)
The council members who wanted to delay the approval for 60 days while looking into the possibility of converting a vacated Hy Vee, were, IMHO, off base. They kept talking about saving the taxpayers money. The contractors kept trying to explain how building certain things from scratch are usually cheaper than retrofitting (like an EOC).
But, one point that I didn't hear anybody bring up was the effect on taxes that using the Hy Vee would have. The Police Department, as a city agency does not pay property taxes. That Hy Vee is sitting in a prime retail/commercial area. Taking it off the tax rols could be quite costly over a 20 year period.
The emphasis here needs to be on getting that property reoccupied, either as one large store, or even broken down and subdivided as a mini-mall/office complex. Wow, jsut think of the property taxes that would be generated, and, if it is retail, the sales taxes.
I'm happy to see that 4 of the council members and the mayor had the intestinal fortitude to finally approve this thing.
The council members who wanted to delay the approval for 60 days while looking into the possibility of converting a vacated Hy Vee, were, IMHO, off base. They kept talking about saving the taxpayers money. The contractors kept trying to explain how building certain things from scratch are usually cheaper than retrofitting (like an EOC).
But, one point that I didn't hear anybody bring up was the effect on taxes that using the Hy Vee would have. The Police Department, as a city agency does not pay property taxes. That Hy Vee is sitting in a prime retail/commercial area. Taking it off the tax rols could be quite costly over a 20 year period.
The emphasis here needs to be on getting that property reoccupied, either as one large store, or even broken down and subdivided as a mini-mall/office complex. Wow, jsut think of the property taxes that would be generated, and, if it is retail, the sales taxes.
I'm happy to see that 4 of the council members and the mayor had the intestinal fortitude to finally approve this thing.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Straub Loses It
Wow, what an event at the 2/26/07 Shawnee City Council Meeting.
While Kevin Straub (IMHO a narcissistic blowhard) was questioning the contractors/architects about the new justice center, Ms Dawn Kuhn, another council member made a comment that a crystal ball would be needed for the answer. Straub then uncorked a vitriolic diatribe aimed at Ms Kuhn.
Actually I was quite surprised that the Mayor did not gavel Mr Straub down. Mr Straub's action called for a strong response from the Mayor and he just sat there. Unbelievable.
Anyway, Ms Kuhn wa right about the "crystal ball". Straub wanted to know why, if the groundbreaking was scheduled for 6/1, that this item couldn't be postponed 60 days while other alternatives were looked at. The contractor tried to explain that if there was a 60 day delay, that that would also postpone the groundbreaking by 60 days, because they could not order structural steel etc until they had a commitment from the city. That would then push construction into the winter months which would cause additional problems and costs. The way material pricing is changing a crystal ball would indeed be needed.
Whether Ms Kuhn's interjection at that time (eventhough accurate) was appropriate could be questioned, but Straub's vicious verbal attack was uncalled for.
This guy is a piece of work.
While Kevin Straub (IMHO a narcissistic blowhard) was questioning the contractors/architects about the new justice center, Ms Dawn Kuhn, another council member made a comment that a crystal ball would be needed for the answer. Straub then uncorked a vitriolic diatribe aimed at Ms Kuhn.
Actually I was quite surprised that the Mayor did not gavel Mr Straub down. Mr Straub's action called for a strong response from the Mayor and he just sat there. Unbelievable.
Anyway, Ms Kuhn wa right about the "crystal ball". Straub wanted to know why, if the groundbreaking was scheduled for 6/1, that this item couldn't be postponed 60 days while other alternatives were looked at. The contractor tried to explain that if there was a 60 day delay, that that would also postpone the groundbreaking by 60 days, because they could not order structural steel etc until they had a commitment from the city. That would then push construction into the winter months which would cause additional problems and costs. The way material pricing is changing a crystal ball would indeed be needed.
Whether Ms Kuhn's interjection at that time (eventhough accurate) was appropriate could be questioned, but Straub's vicious verbal attack was uncalled for.
This guy is a piece of work.
Friday, January 26, 2007
KS State Sen David Wysong - Another Hypocrite
Well, that's my opinion anyway.
He is the the individual that introduced SB 37 this session which would create a statewide smoking ban in Kansas.
What did I do? I emailed him. Suggested he visit this blog so he could read the info about alcohol. Asked him some brief questions about alcohol.
All he could muster: "Thank you for your input"
That's good senator, go for the smokes, but let the booze run rampant.
He is the the individual that introduced SB 37 this session which would create a statewide smoking ban in Kansas.
What did I do? I emailed him. Suggested he visit this blog so he could read the info about alcohol. Asked him some brief questions about alcohol.
All he could muster: "Thank you for your input"
That's good senator, go for the smokes, but let the booze run rampant.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Gettin' drunk cheap in South Carolina
Wow, I bet these hypocrites are proud of themselves. This appeared in the 1/19/07 edition of the Kansas City Star. The link is:
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/16493375.htm
Just in case the link is outdated, here is the piece:
Make it a double — and halve the price
COLUMBIA, S.C. You’ve heard of "Happy Hour," but how about "Happy Day?"
All-day drink specials could become a reality in South Carolina. A state House subcommittee Wednesday approved legislation that would allow bars and restaurants to choose one day a week, except Sundays, for all-day specials on liquor drinks.
Currently, businesses can sell and advertise liquor drink specials from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. only.
******************************************************************
Note the total hypocrisy with regards to not allowing this on Sunday.
Don't smoke folks, but have a cheap drunk. Maybe kill or severely injure somebody. Go home and beat the crap out of your significant other, and maybe even rape that lady that didn't want to have anything to do with you. Get drunk cheap, but don't smoke.
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/16493375.htm
Just in case the link is outdated, here is the piece:
Make it a double — and halve the price
COLUMBIA, S.C. You’ve heard of "Happy Hour," but how about "Happy Day?"
All-day drink specials could become a reality in South Carolina. A state House subcommittee Wednesday approved legislation that would allow bars and restaurants to choose one day a week, except Sundays, for all-day specials on liquor drinks.
Currently, businesses can sell and advertise liquor drink specials from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. only.
******************************************************************
Note the total hypocrisy with regards to not allowing this on Sunday.
Don't smoke folks, but have a cheap drunk. Maybe kill or severely injure somebody. Go home and beat the crap out of your significant other, and maybe even rape that lady that didn't want to have anything to do with you. Get drunk cheap, but don't smoke.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Another "what next?" takes place in Bangor Maine
Well, here we go........looks like the City of Bangor Maine has now made it a punishable offense to smoke in a car with children present. Yepper...........$50 and it's a "primary" offense, which means law enforcement can stop a driver for that item alone.
More info at: http://www.bangordailynews.com/news/t/city.aspx?articleid=144999&zoneid=176
That's right folks. Don't smoke in your cars with kids present (actually the concept is good, it just shouldn't be a law), but keep feeding that idiot at the bar more booze so he or she can destroy those kids' lives in a matter of seconds.
More info at: http://www.bangordailynews.com/news/t/city.aspx?articleid=144999&zoneid=176
That's right folks. Don't smoke in your cars with kids present (actually the concept is good, it just shouldn't be a law), but keep feeding that idiot at the bar more booze so he or she can destroy those kids' lives in a matter of seconds.
Shawnee City Council 12/11/06
On December 11, 2006 I exercised my rights to address the Shawnee City Council.
Needless to say my comments were about the hypocrisy of smoking bans without doing anything about alcohol. I even used some figures regarding alcohol related crimes within the city limits of Shawnee.
What struck me as funny was a comment by one of the council members, Kevin Straub who is one of the 3rd ward representatives.
Mr Straub is quoted in the 12/13/06 issue of the Shawnee Dispatch as saying: "We aren't going to vote against smoking bans just because there are worse things out there."
Strange comment. First, is he using the term "we" to really mean "I" (himself), or is he attempting to speak for the entire City Council?
This is one arrogant, sanctimonious individual. He also brought up the Nevada law that was recently passed by the voters regarding smoking. What he failed to mention is that:
1. The law is being litigated on constitutional grounds
2. The law is hypocritical in that it specifically exempts the gaming areas of the casinos.
Needless to say my comments were about the hypocrisy of smoking bans without doing anything about alcohol. I even used some figures regarding alcohol related crimes within the city limits of Shawnee.
What struck me as funny was a comment by one of the council members, Kevin Straub who is one of the 3rd ward representatives.
Mr Straub is quoted in the 12/13/06 issue of the Shawnee Dispatch as saying: "We aren't going to vote against smoking bans just because there are worse things out there."
Strange comment. First, is he using the term "we" to really mean "I" (himself), or is he attempting to speak for the entire City Council?
This is one arrogant, sanctimonious individual. He also brought up the Nevada law that was recently passed by the voters regarding smoking. What he failed to mention is that:
1. The law is being litigated on constitutional grounds
2. The law is hypocritical in that it specifically exempts the gaming areas of the casinos.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Tax and Restrict alcohol
On November 13, 2006 a letter to the editor of mine was published in the Kansas City Star.
The link is:
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/opinion/local1/15997444.htm
If that has expired, the content of the letter is shown below:
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Tax and restrict alcohol
The hypocrites are at it again. More nonsmoking ordinances, attempts to raise taxes on tobacco, etc. Most of it in the name of health.
Why don’t these folks look the effects of alcohol?
Check out the information at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Alcohol is the No. 1 cause of workplace accidents and the single-highest contributor to domestic violence, and we won’t even begin to talk about those injured and/or killed by drunk drivers. And what about other crimes, including assaults, that are alcohol related?
How many billions are spent each year on the victims of alcohol abuse?
These hypocrites are worried about secondhand smoke in a bar. I’d be more concerned about the idiot sitting on the next stool who might kill or permanently injure you when you leave.
Prohibition won’t work. Tighter controls might, such as higher taxes on alcohol products and reduced hours that establishments can serve alcoholic beverages. Maybe even a "ration card" restricting the number of drinks a person can purchase in one night or the number of products that can be purchased at a liquor store.
Ray Erlichman
Shawnee
The link is:
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/opinion/local1/15997444.htm
If that has expired, the content of the letter is shown below:
********************************************************
Tax and restrict alcohol
The hypocrites are at it again. More nonsmoking ordinances, attempts to raise taxes on tobacco, etc. Most of it in the name of health.
Why don’t these folks look the effects of alcohol?
Check out the information at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Alcohol is the No. 1 cause of workplace accidents and the single-highest contributor to domestic violence, and we won’t even begin to talk about those injured and/or killed by drunk drivers. And what about other crimes, including assaults, that are alcohol related?
How many billions are spent each year on the victims of alcohol abuse?
These hypocrites are worried about secondhand smoke in a bar. I’d be more concerned about the idiot sitting on the next stool who might kill or permanently injure you when you leave.
Prohibition won’t work. Tighter controls might, such as higher taxes on alcohol products and reduced hours that establishments can serve alcoholic beverages. Maybe even a "ration card" restricting the number of drinks a person can purchase in one night or the number of products that can be purchased at a liquor store.
Ray Erlichman
Shawnee
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