An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Archive for 10 September 2008
The Little Ones
On this 7th anniversary of the attack on our nation, we often tend to forget names. We remember some, but there are a few we tend to forget. This is a column from 12/21/01:
Littlest victims largely overlooked
Too young to comprehend evil, the Pokemon fan, the Tweety Bird lover, and the toddler who believed Mickey Mouse is real were assassinated by terrorists on Sept. 11. Three months later, the story of the eight child victims remains largely untold. Ranging in age from 2 to 11, they climbed aboard two thundering jetliners high on life, as only innocent children can be. Their last moments were filled with ghastly horror.
Over the last 7 years, we’ve learned a little more about those who died on 9/11. Some, like Todd Beamer, we have become quite familiar. Others, like these little ones, we don’t know very well.
Christine Lee Hanson, 2, Groton, Mass.
David Brandhorst, 3, Los Angeles, Calif.
Juliana McCourt, 4, New London, Conn.
Bernard Brown II, 11, Washington, D.C.
Asia Cottom, 11, Washington, D.C.
Rodney Dickens, 11, Washington, D.C.
Dana Falkenberg, 3, University Park, Md.
Zoe Falkenberg, 8, University Park, Md.
I’m hoping on the 7th anniversary of the worst day in our country’s history, we won’t ever forget any of those lost. These little ones, who were lent to us by the Almighty for just a short time, whose names we might not always remember, should always be in our hearts.
Miss Joy’s Ongoing Battle
Gotto seeks to give Council control of eminent domain power claims
In response to the Metro Development and Housing Agency’s ongoing tussle over Joy Ford’s Music Row property, Councilman Jim Gotto has filed a resolution that would give Metro Council ultimate authority over eminent domain claims.
Seriously, I would like to know just when a case of eminent domain got tossed to a flippin’ bureaucracy?
Under Gotto’s resolution, Davidson County voters would get to decide whether eminent domain power would stay with MDHA or shift to Metro Council. The resolution calls for a voter referendum on the Aug. 5, 2010 ballot, which if passed would amend the Metro charter to shift eminent domain power to Council.
Eminent domain is a 5th Amendment issue, which in my book, does NOT give some third rate bureaucracy any power whatsoever. In Miss Joy’s case, just as with the Kelo V New London case, the ‘city’ is trying to take private property, NOT for public use, but to hand it over to another private enterprise. The Supreme Court made the WRONG choice!
“We have a situation right now with MDHA and the Gulch Redevelopment District where they’re trying to take her property away and give it to another private developer,” Gotto said. “And that is just not appropriate for government to do that. It truly is a slippery slope. I’m not willing to sit back and watch that happen.
“So this legislation will give the power to the people to decide if they want their elected officials to have power over eminent domain claims instead of a bureaucratic agency.”
I’m real happy to know that at least ONE person on the council is standing up for private citizens. Should this resolution pass, it will be not only a victory for Nashville, but the first ‘shot fired’ in a battle against abuse of the citizenry.
Although Gotto’s measure would not be in place in time to affect Ford’s situation with MDHA, it would provide oversight to avoid a similar incident arising in the future, he said.
“I’m pleased MDHA is trying to reach an agreement, but at the end of the day if she doesn’t want to sell it, if she wants to keep her property intact as it is now, then they need to walk away,” Gotto said.
She has said, repeatedly, she does NOT want to sell her property. What part of NO are they having such a problem?
Gotto added that he was willing to file legislation that would rescind the redevelopment district and effectively take away MDHA’s eminent domain claim powers over Ford’s property.
It’s rather refreshing to see a city councilman willing to take on the big fish. I like that! 
MDHA did not respond to The City Paper requests for comment.
Not surprising. They already look like the total jackasses they are. Why would they want to comment, and make it even MORE apparent?
Some history of the case here, here, here, and here. Also, a letter to the editor from a weasel.
A New British Import?
Is this coming soon, to your neighborhood? Your city? Your state? Your COUNTRY?
H/T: Chris via Facebook
Obamarama
Morning Coffee 09/10/08
Largest particle collider conducts test
The world’s largest particle collider successfully completed its first major test by firing a beam of protons all the way around a 17-mile (27-kilometer) tunnel Wednesday in what scientists hope is the next great step to understanding the makeup of the universe.
After a series of trial runs, two white dots flashed on a computer screen at 10:36 a.m. (0836 GMT) indicating that the protons had traveled the full length of the $3.8 billion (U.S. dollars) Large Hadron Collider. “There it is,” project leader Lyn Evans said when the beam completed its lap.
Welp, I guess we all didn’t fall through a black hole or some such. I’m still here, and I’m assuming you are too. What annoys me about this thing….waaaaay back in the last century, they were wanting to build one of these things in Texas. If I remember correctly, they had even started construction. Then POOF! They killed the funding. That would be the ominous ‘they’ of the D.C. caliber. What the purpose was of that one, or this one for that matter, totally escapes me. I assume there is a reason more than ‘the makeup of the universe’?
McCain Camp Accuses Obama of Comparing Palin to a Pig
The Republican National Committee and John McCain’s campaign are going on offense Wednesday, releasing a Web ad seeking to exploit Barack Obama’s use of an expression about dressing up a pig with lipstick, which the GOP claims was a personal attack on vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
The Web ad, called “Lipstick,” builds on McCain’s mobilization of its “Palin Truth Squad,” which on Tuesday accuse Obama of comparing McCain’s running mate to a pig and called on him to apologize.
Some of the absurdities I’ve heard, and read about Palin, coming from the left, are just down right ridiculous. I’m not sure if BO was comparing her to a pig or not.
Nope! Not even close! I guess he’s just jealous that OUR Veep pick is a whole lot more pleasant to look at, AND listen to, than their Veep choice. 
OPEC decides to cut overall output; oil steady
OPEC oil ministers agreed today to trim overall output by more than 500,000 barrels a day in a compromise meant to avoid new turmoil in crude markets while seeking to bolster falling prices.
Crude prices were stable this morning though. Light, sweet crude for October delivery rose 8 cents to $103.34 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
The OPEC announcement reflected the organization’s efforts to cover all bases in an oil market that saw prices spike to a record high just short of $150 a barrel in July, only to shed nearly 30 percent off those peaks in subsequent months.
Not surprising. Although, I don’t think that China and India have cut back their use, I’m fairly sure we have. Gee, I wonder if anyone had to auction of their diamond studded Rolls? (sarcasm)
Both McCain and Obama have ties to loan giants
Senators Barack Obama and John McCain each cite the mess at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as a consequence of the corrosive coziness of lobbyists and politicians that they promise to end. But each man and his party also have ties to the fallen giants that will complicate the next president’s job of reshaping the mortgage finance companies that have been essential to the economy.
The Republican nominee, McCain of Arizona, has numerous close relationships with and contributions from current and former company lobbyists.
Obama, his Democratic rival from Illinois, is second among members of Congress in donations from the firms’ employees and political action committees.
Yup! They’re both full of ka ka! Is anyone shocked? Although, BO being SECOND, is kind of a surprise. Let’s face it, when you live in a swamp, you tend to get covered with leeches! Some, more so, than others.
Pentagon leaders to urge caution in troop cuts
In testimony Wednesday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates was to note the dramatic security gains in Iraq over the past year but say that uncertainty remains and further troop reductions must be done with balance and care, Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said.
At the same time, Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were looking ahead to a broader effort in Afghanistan to beat back a Taliban resurgence and build up the fragile Afghan central government.
Anything done in that area should be done with ‘caution’. I still find it odd that the administration would announce to the world what his plans are, considering the bad guys get a lot of their news from the US. Now isn’t the time to be trying to score political points with the anti American Americans!
Fair Housing Act violation may cost Metro $1.35 million
The admission of liability came after Metro Council edited the zoning code last year to exclude rehabilitation services as a permitted use in agricultural districts. The zoning change was pushed by District 10 Councilman Rip Ryman after Teen Challenge had purchased the property in his Goodlettsville district.
Teen Challenge is a nondenominational Christian organization, which offers drug and alcohol rehab services to young adults. When Teen Challenge revealed what its intentions were for the property, the neighbors protested adamantly.
Ryman responded by changing the zoning code, which forced Teen Challenge to sell its property.
Excuse me while I pick my chin up off the floor. You mean to tell me this yahoo used his position to thwart kids from getting help? It seems to me that would be an abuse of power if there ever was one.
Comedian Al Franken wins Senate primary in Minnesota
Comedian Al Franken grabbed the Democratic nomination Tuesday for U.S. Senate in Minnesota, setting up a showdown with Republican Sen. Norm Coleman.
Franken, who gained fame as a “Saturday Night Live” cast member, easily beat six other candidates chasing the Democratic nod. Coleman trounced his only opponent, an expatriate living in Italy.
Ok, it’s official. There’s something in the water. I’d hate to think that Dhimmis in Minnesota are that dadburn ignorant!
Ike sets its sights on Texas coast
Hurricane Ike is still churning through the Gulf of Mexico, on a path that forecasters say will puts it on target for a landfall early Saturday morning between Corpus Christi and Matagorda Bay, potentially as a dangerous Category 3 hurricane.
Mark Lenz, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said Central Texas could start seeing rain from Ike’s outer bands as early as Friday.
I pray all will be safe. One thing is for sure….I know the folks will manage to clean up the mess with very little whining. On a lighter note, I’ve got a friend who has been praying for rain. I hope she doesn’t get more than she can handle. 
Jalili: UN should play active role in Iraq’s development
According to the Public Relations Department of SNSC, at the meeting the two sides reviewed latest political and security developments in Iraq.
Referring to ancient civilization in Iraq, Jalili said various ethnic groups and religious sects in Iraq have lived in peace for many centuries and have proved that they are capable enough to administer their own affairs.
Iran believes that Iraq’s problems can be resolved through consolidation of political and democratic trends in that country and to this end Tehran will spare no efforts to help Iraq attain the goal, Jalili said.
Restoration of security to Iraq will be effective in establishing democracy in the country, he said.
Pretty words meaning, “Yes. Send in the Useless Numnuts! A surefire way to make sure it fails, then WE can step in to pick up the pieces.” Pfft!
Foreigners Support Obama over McCain by More Than 4 to 1, Global Poll Shows
Foreigners support Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama over Republican presidential candidate John McCain by more than 4 to 1, 49 percent to 12 percent, a poll of more than 20,000 people spread across more than 20 foreign countries revealed.
Since a good chunk of the world can’t manage life without our help, perhaps they see B. Hussein as a way to get a bigger piece of the pie. Or, perhaps they’d like to see us fail as miserably as they have?
Hey…..WORLD…….
Verse of the Day
Titus 1:6-9
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
