Police Chief Giannotta always tells us there's only five officers on patrol out of 70 officers. So my question is, why are they buying 27 tasers --- that money could be spent on other police uses.
Before budget vote, I think teachers' salaries and stipends should be published, so the voting public really knows how our tax dollars are being spent. But I know The Citizen does not have the fortitude to publish it.
I'd like to see what condition America's lawyer politicians would be in after three years in the House of Representatives or Senate where all the people coming in there or in their cars had loaded guns, rocket launchers, IEDs, and the politicians could not have a magazine in theirs until shot at.
I'm calling in regard to the article "County tax miscalculation of over $127,000" -- twice the amount of money that the former county treasurer made in calculating the health insurance premiums for the county health insurance. My question is: Are you going after the people that made this mistake with all the diligence and effort that you had in going after former treasurer David Farrell's mistake?
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cm wrote on May 25, 2009 11:25 AM:
a stat I didn't know: most wars averaged about 50 U.S. forces that died per month, except WW11, which averaged over 6,000 U.S. Military that died per month!
I am amazed my Dad made it home alive!
Thanks Dad, in heaven now, for your courage during that time of your life!
God Bless our Troops! "
jeanne541 wrote on May 24, 2009 8:41 PM:
The Bone wrote on May 24, 2009 5:25 PM:
excnyer wrote on May 24, 2009 3:33 PM:
I doubt if all the roads leading to Auburn will be closed for Palin. "
cm wrote on May 24, 2009 2:28 PM:
tomorrow my daughter and her GS troop will be doing the opening Memorial ceremonies and dove releasing at the local cemetary. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on May 24, 2009 8:23 AM:
bassistlearningdrums wrote on May 23, 2009 10:15 PM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on May 23, 2009 7:29 PM:
karl the 2nd wrote on May 23, 2009 10:04 AM:
I was the FIRST to coin the word "wisdumb"---and you have flattered me by recognizing my brilliant creativity when you used it to flatter its creator.
My hat's off to me. "
cm wrote on May 22, 2009 11:38 PM:
Depending where they are having the ceremony,South St.; near Karl's home? that area will be congested with traffic and people.
It would be historic to be there, my daughter is a fan of Sarah and she desperately wants to go to Alaska.
We will enjoy it from afar! "
excnyer wrote on May 22, 2009 9:02 PM:
Wish I could be back in Auburn on June 6th to commemorate the 50 year anniversary of Alaskan statehood. I'm happy that Sarah Palin will be part of that celebration! "
anonymous wrote on May 22, 2009 8:50 PM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on May 22, 2009 6:53 PM:
anonymous wrote on May 22, 2009 6:08 PM:
Aren't you glad Karl is around to tell you how you should do things? Where would we be without his wisdumb. "
bassistlearningdrums wrote on May 22, 2009 3:28 PM:
karl the 2nd wrote on May 22, 2009 3:05 PM:
DO you have a twin brother with the same name?
I'll be honest with you--I'm disgusted with Obama--he's turning into "Bush-lite". On the other hand, my disgust with some of his rulings concerning the war are tempered by the acknowledgment that he's a politician after all, and a deeply pragmatic man. He knows that if he satisfies people like me by going full speed ahead to the Left, he won't have a chance of being elected again.
However, I don't support the Haliburton War, nor the funding for it. I think we should pull out NOW and end the entire affair.
"...slapped the taste out of his mouth"---are you a Prince fan?? Really?? "
bassistlearningdrums wrote on May 22, 2009 2:45 PM:
I have also played in bands where there were other members that also had other projects. My reaction was like cool! I even went out to support them when I could.
I do understand the marriage aspect you mention. I considered my band of eight years as family. To this day I still consider them as such.
And to use an example, The Grateful Dead managed to do side projects and still play together. One of their reasons was contract demands, but Garcia until his death did a solo project and Grateful Dead. Frank Zappa, had a band born right from his collaboration with musicians later known as the Missing Persons. Terry Bozzio did also remain in Frank's band. There are a lot too mention and I do not wish to take up a lot of space saying.
I guess I can say that I will respect your opinion and hope you respect mine. I just feel that myself being a musician should explore and learn from my journey, as you do on yours! "
daviddelker wrote on May 22, 2009 2:34 PM:
karl the 2nd wrote on May 22, 2009 1:33 PM:
This, after a report shows that almost 300 BILLION was wasted and unaccounted for by Haliburton and it's cronies in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Bush and Cheney's legacy.
Wasn't some neocon on here recently crying about how Obama was spending money? Well this is money on TOP of money wasted by the war criminals who are still free...shameful. "
karl the 2nd wrote on May 22, 2009 12:56 PM:
How about:
"No more ideologues in the White House!"
"A vote for Palin is a vote for failin'!"
"Only squirrels love religious nuts!"
CariBOOOOOOOOOO, Barbie!!"
"You're no Tina Fey!"
"You betcha, you're an idiot!"
"You're not going to lie about that Bridge to Nowhere again, are you?"
"Pit Bulls resent the comparison!"
"There's always PLAYBOY!"
"Show us your wits!" "
karl the 2nd wrote on May 22, 2009 12:49 PM:
Personally, I think that you have even MORE of an obligation to choose and stay in only ONE band as an amateur musician, because of the scarcity of places to play and lack of opportunity. I don't think it's fair to your other band mates to have to sit home on a weekend night while you make your money when they should be making it with you too.
I know a kid right ow--one of my old guitar students--who is in a band right now with a guy who has split loyalties like that and every time that other kid's band takes a job from his band, he's royally PO'ed about it. It causes quite a lot of resentment in the band.
I'm telling you, man--it's like a marriage. You can't have two families and succeed in both. "
daviddelker wrote on May 22, 2009 12:06 PM:
cm wrote on May 22, 2009 10:23 AM:
Dear Mr. President,
Patriotic retirement:
There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force;
pay them $1 million a piece severance with stipulations:
1) They leave their jobs. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.
2) They buy NEW American cars. Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.
3) They either buy a house or pay off their mortgage- Housing Crisis fixed.
Problems solved…
All this and it's still cheaper than the "bailout". "
bassistlearningdrums wrote on May 22, 2009 9:21 AM:
" BLD--big mistake.
Don't divide your loyalties between two bands. It's not fair to the other band members. I would personally kick out any member of my band if I found out they had membership in another band.
It's like dating two women at the same time, one to be a mother to your kids and one to be your lover. Unfair, and selfish. "
Karl, I will say that coming from a professional, you are right. But, being I am a semi-pro, I see a lot of benefits to being in multiple bands. Through the 90's, I played in 3-4 bands. Not all of them were gigging a lot. I have learned a lot from all of them. Classic Rock, Punk, and Metal. Different genres, different ideas. I believe my experience with playing with others gave me a more open mind and creative insight.
To semi quote Billy Sheehan, one of my biggest influences and Buffalo, NY native, he was speaking on the lines to learn as much as you can. Not one particular style, but as many as you can be exposed to. Your band has a huge classical influence.
Back to my experience of playing in a few bands simultaneously. I kept their rehearsal schedules. Each band was aware of my "moonlighting". I explained to them that gigs were first come, first serve. Believe it or not, I never had an inconvenience between my projects.
Another benefit was the chance to play and develop different skills and techniques. I learned a bunch of songs. This can also be applied to joining bands for me today. I find it very easy to join a classic rock band. The songs lists are pretty regular.
Yes, I have always wanted to be a full time working musician. I have done a lot of reading and, as you know, the "biz" is not in the musician's favor. I can be just as happy playing small clubs, parties and weddings.
Karl, like I said earlier, I do understand and respect your opinion. If, I were signed and had obligations to one band, I would faithfully do that. But, I am doing what I love to do. "
cm wrote on May 22, 2009 8:05 AM:
would have been interesting if they graded schools back then to see those scores! lol "
cm wrote on May 22, 2009 7:59 AM:
hopfully the judge they go in front of will be STERN, this kind of behavior leads to horrible future crimes! "
Farmer's Gal wrote on May 21, 2009 6:59 PM:
Wildcard wrote on May 21, 2009 5:27 PM:
movedsouth wrote on May 21, 2009 5:22 PM:
movedsouth wrote on May 21, 2009 5:17 PM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on May 21, 2009 4:38 PM:
FS II wrote on May 21, 2009 4:30 PM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on May 21, 2009 4:13 PM:
It just depends. I've never been in a band, so I can't say on that score -- but the analogy doesn't hold up for everything. "
cm wrote on May 21, 2009 2:07 PM:
very funny statement!!! lmao!!
part of what you said is true, in every factor of one's life.
If someone can be devoted and reliable and give their best, they will shine in all that they do.
If you have a job, 2 bands, bowling league on Mon., softball on Tues.,etc. something or everything will suffer.
my son did 2 bands for awhile,totally different kinds of music. But he doesn't have kids, or a 'regular' 40hr week job.
But with his business booming,teaching starting early, he cut back to 1 band.
You have music, and I believe motorcross(?) at one time (or maybe still)
would it be fair to say you could only do ONE activity? "
karl the 2nd wrote on May 21, 2009 1:07 PM:
Don't divide your loyalties between two bands. It's not fair to the other band members. I would personally kick out any member of my band if I found out they had membership in another band.
It's like dating two women at the same time, one to be a mother to your kids and one to be your lover. Unfair, and selfish. "
movedsouth wrote on May 21, 2009 12:50 PM:
cm wrote on May 21, 2009 12:03 PM:
my oldest son began 'Central Florida Entertainment'
he books alot of bands from all over, had one from Trinidad a few weeks ago.
I was at one of the shows he booked, and got hooked onto a band called Lost in Chaos-checkout their site. I love their music, even if I am a huge country fan!
plus he is in a band, and teaches marching band for 2 high schools.
if you knew my son from the age of 5-15, you'd would have thought 'super jock'--but he realized all the cute girls were in band, he joined, and it consumed him---music is his passion! "
cm wrote on May 21, 2009 11:54 AM:
I am in shock I have been out of high school for 30 years! Where has the time gone?
I am debating whether to go..
Pros: come to Auburn, see family and friends, see Oldies but goodies from school, the State fair will be open, and I can chow salt potatoes the whole time!
Cons: costly, and my daughter begins school Aug.24th: take her out of school just after it starts? leave her behind?
decisions, decisions... "
cm wrote on May 21, 2009 11:49 AM:
Mr Tenity was my FAV teacher there.
Every boy I knew had the office/paddle visit atleast once from 6th to 8th.
Us girls (cheerleading squad) once beat up the East girls at a football game, Over bulling one of our cheerleaders.
Moms objected to paddling the girls, dads hollered discrimination, BUT we took it like a boy!
truth is, he never paddled us, LECTURED for an hour though..but the boys thought he did and we never said otherwise..
I wonder today, how many boys did he really paddle? "
movedsouth wrote on May 21, 2009 10:57 AM:
bassistlearningdrums wrote on May 21, 2009 10:10 AM:
cm wrote on May 21, 2009 9:13 AM:
her words: your the parent why didnt you remind me? it's not my fault!
I replied:
Shame on ME, MY teacher gave ME a project to do a week ago,how could I FORGET? I need to be more responsible!
she replies: But,I was busy, I read 4 books each 400 pages long, in a week!
I said: next time you should read 3 books and do your project! IT IS still YOUR fault! Accept it and get to work the clock is ticking! "
cm wrote on May 21, 2009 8:50 AM:
Most parents know their own child..you give when it is deserved and you take away when it's not!
I was chuckling the other day: as my 10yr old took a Limo ride for her 5.5 Fcat score. I have 4 kids(27,24,22,10) they have ALL taken a Limo ride, a couple have 2ce!
I NEVER HAVE!
they ALL had Dvd players, IPODS, digital cameras, and cell phones (at age 16 & driving) LONG before I ever did!
But straight A's deserve something at the end of the year!
AND I never hesitated taking away a cell phone or their car when it was justified to do so, when they knew the rules and broke them.
(another note: TELL kids the rules and punishments)
I never expected a teacher to raise my child, I did expect him/her to aid in their guidance. "
bassistlearningdrums wrote on May 21, 2009 8:26 AM:
You hit that right on the head! "
vic wrote on May 20, 2009 10:20 AM:
movedsouth wrote on May 20, 2009 9:45 AM:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/03/02/mass_healthcare_reform_is_failing_us/ "
brew1234 wrote on May 20, 2009 9:28 AM:
disgustedbyitall wrote on May 20, 2009 9:13 AM:
I totally agree with you! If parents stop blaming the system and take some responsibility for their children then maybe little Johnny or Sue may actually learn that school is something that is there to help them learn to be responsible human beings. So many parents automatically assume that their "little" ones are being targeted and that it is always the teacher's or coach's or someone other than themselves fault for any problem that arises. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY!!!
Instead of taking things away, many say that little Johnny or Sue needs to have that cell phone and video game because they are being harassed by the big bad teacher. Take the time to hear both sides and if it truly is an issue with someone other than them, there are remedies for the situation. Don't just blindly assume that your little angel is always telling you the truth.
In my younger years, it was the other way around. My parents would side with the higher authority until it could be proven differently. Unfortunately the days have switched dramatically and it is never their child's fault and has to be a problem with the teacher. Take time to listen to your child and then if need be make an appointment with the teacher/principal to get their side of the equation. Once both sides have had a chance to make their case, then you have the chance to decide who is right/wrong in the situation. I don't blindly assume my child is the victim and I also don't blindly assume that the authority is always correct. Take the time to evaluate and learn and if your angel is the problem then do something about it!!! Don't leave the discipline to someone else, take that cell phone away, ground them to their room with nothing but empty walls and let them see that you are serious and won't just let it slip under the rug. If more parents took PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY then maybe, just maybe, we could have a new generation of adults that know how to take care of themselves and treat people with respect!
I will now step down off my soapbox. "
cm wrote on May 20, 2009 8:48 AM:
like every plan, there will be yays/nays depending on the individual involved in the plan, and his/her needs being met or NOT being met, and of course costs and finances of the individual.
like every plan, you can't please everyone. "
cm wrote on May 20, 2009 8:36 AM:
If it was true their 'brothers' would take care of them in the manner of punishment due in their country..
If it wasn't true they will be able to live a long life in their country! "
daydreamer wrote on May 20, 2009 7:52 AM:
movedsouth wrote on May 20, 2009 7:51 AM:
"MASSACHUSETTS HAS been lauded for its healthcare reform, but the program is a failure. Created solely to achieve universal insurance coverage, the plan does not even begin to address the other essential components of a successful healthcare system.
What would such a system provide? The prestigious Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academy of Sciences, has defined five criteria for healthcare reform. Coverage should be: universal, not tied to a job, affordable for individuals and families, affordable for society, and it should provide access to high-quality care for everyone.
The state's plan flunks on all counts." "
cm wrote on May 20, 2009 12:15 AM:
they would have to earn every item I took away.
I would be their worse nightmare!
you are right, that a child like you had in your class, must have been this way for awhile, behavior like that doesn't begin in the 10th grade-unless they had some sort of recent horrific trauma.
It all begins with parents/family life. It begins with love, laughter, guidence, and discipline from the moment they are born. "
Farmers Gal wrote on May 19, 2009 9:08 PM:
Facing that kind of hopeless case is one of the things that burns teachers out -- because the vast majority of teachers really DO care an WANT to help -- but that kind of situation is way beyond the scope of a teacher who sees a kid for 45 minutes out of his day, that deep into his troubles. "
brew1234 wrote on May 19, 2009 8:37 PM:
cm wrote on May 19, 2009 8:07 PM:
true it solves nothing..we are where we are and now have to deal with it..
true we will all pay for it one way or another, mostly the middle class which is now the upper low class.
I wouldn't have a problem paying a bit extra, providing it wasn't going into PORKS, and it was going towards the real needs of the AMERICAN people.
these bailouts have NOT been helpful.
the programs for foreclosures have NOT been helpful.
from what I have read, the monies to education, police, adding jobs, have NOT been helpful.
I sure hope the African children are not starving tonight! "
movedsouth wrote on May 19, 2009 6:39 PM:
"Senate Democrats threw cold water on President Obama's plans to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center Tuesday, pulling money for the closure from a $91 billion war spending request and publicly opposing the transfer of any detainees to U.S. soil.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Democrats not only oppose the release of detainees into the United States but also oppose the transfer of detainees to U.S. prisons.
"We will never allow terrorists to be released in the United States," he said, adding: "Part of what we don't want is for them to be put in prisons in the United States. We don't want them around in the United States."
On top of that, Senate Democrats decided to pull $80 million from the war spending request -- money Obama had requested to close the detention facility by Jan. 22, 2010." "
movedsouth wrote on May 19, 2009 6:23 PM:
karl the 2nd wrote on May 19, 2009 5:10 PM:
One--don't you dare to presume me on "what Obama is doing to our future"--you have N O C R E D I B I L T Y whatsoever on being some kind of fiscal watchdog, Mr. Loyal Bush Sycophant.
Here's a clue, NeoChris--if we hadn't been LIED TO by those two idiots, Cheney and Bush--who WASTED our MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR surplus after Clinton on a Messianic "Crusade" and War-for-Profit of their OWN CHOOSING, and then hadn't a CLUE about the REAL costs because NEITHER OF THEM SERVED--we wouldn't be in this mess. The mess that YOU cheerleaded for, Mr Fancy Pants.
Two--As far as the religious delusion, let it be a lesson to NEVER AGAIN elect a religious extremist to the White House. I hope America learns that RELIGION HAS NO PLACE IN THE GOVERNMENT!
And I will do my BEST to not let them forget that. "
united we wish wrote on May 19, 2009 4:56 PM:
chris van note wrote on May 19, 2009 3:58 PM:
If you have a liberal friend, you should tell him/her that they should get as many credit cards as they can and max them all out to the limit and then see how much money they make doing that. Same principle as Obamanomics. "
chris van note wrote on May 19, 2009 3:55 PM:
" Did you guys see the reports all over the news last night--REAL news, not Faux, I'm sure--about how Donald Bumsfeld managed to manipulate George W. Bush's religious delusions by placing biblical quotes and passages on the front of his war briefings?
When I brought this up years ago, about how the war was partly motivated by some fanatical, delusional Christian religious zeal, I was pooh-poohed by the likes of NeoChris and others.
Shoulda listened to the Liberal---right again. "
Boy howdy, thats some real dirt on the Bush Administration.
Clearly Karl the blasphemy of referring to the book that constitutes the backbone of Western Civilization right there in the White House can't go unpunished. What do you suggest? Having Rummy be forced to watch "An Inconvient Truth"? Now thats toture! "
cm wrote on May 19, 2009 1:59 PM:
ps..the kids are napping...lol "
cm wrote on May 19, 2009 1:57 PM:
the area I have problems with:
1. healthcare,there is no good plan, even when there is a plan (hmo/ppo) the costs keep rising.
2. education, too many needs (books) are being cut and the wants (turf) are wasting monies.
3. social security, less paid into it, impossible to live on, and the age of retirement on a constant rise.
4. food safety/product safety, costs are growing with no security or enough watch dogs.
5. illegal's, more are coming, less are self-sufficient!
overall we have to cut ALL costs, but not just the select few as it seems.
does tax a smoker make sense when you don't allow them to smoke anywhere?
does giving millions to other countries make sense when we have so many needs here?
does forgiving debt of other countries to us make sense when we are borrowing from china?
I think my kids wouldn't mind if I borrowed their future away as long as it was for an honest, much-needed reason!?? "
cm wrote on May 19, 2009 1:39 PM:
I would think the teachers should also be allowed to 'print' their expenses above and beyond, along with non-paid time too.
Yes, there are some bad teachers, as there are some bad in every occupation.
As a parent I think that's where we use our rights to speak up!
TEACHER1: I am not sure either what to do about a child that is simply 'not into it'--I have a nephew that as stubborn as can be, no teacher or family member could get thru to him..he had a horrible childhood-it just made him tune out the world.
at times (very few)--I have been able to get thru to him..I don't treat him with kid gloves, I am very strong, blunt, to the point with honesty!
many times he cussed me, was angry at me for months on end, but I didn't falter on my ways with him.
I made it clear he would hear the truth, like it or not from me, he could run from it, or embrace it..but IT wasn't going away..and someday he would need IT.
Proudly, at 26 he JUST got his G.E.D.,here's hoping it's the start of a new life for him. "
cm wrote on May 19, 2009 1:25 PM:
I have a sister who loves kids, however she chooses NOT to have any, she doesn't want the responsibility 24/7..yet she's the FAV aunt! She gets her fills of love & hugs by every kid she has met, she loves to babysit, YET loves to send them home and have her quiet time!
having children --and taking it seriously--is up to each individual. "
chris van note wrote on May 19, 2009 1:12 PM:
Did you catch this yet? Look what Comrade Obama is doing to our future.
From 2010 to 2019, Obama projects annual deficits totaling $7.1 trillion; that's atop the $1.8 trillion deficit for 2009. By 2019, the ratio of publicly held federal debt to gross domestic product (GDP, or the economy) would reach 70 percent, up from 41 percent in 2008. That would be the highest since 1950 (80 percent). The Congressional Budget Office, using less optimistic economic forecasts, raises these estimates. The 2010-19 deficits would total $9.3 trillion; the debt-to-GDP ratio in 2019 would be 82 percent.
But wait: Even these totals may be understated. By various estimates, Obama's health plan might cost $1.2 trillion over a decade; Obama has budgeted only $635 billion. Next, the huge deficits occur despite a pronounced squeeze of defense spending. From 2008 to 2019, total federal spending would rise 75 percent, but defense spending would increase only 17 percent. Unless foreign threats recede, military spending and deficits might both grow.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/17/AR2009051701728.html
Even the joker himself admitted that what he is doing won't work but you Obama lemmings just keep jumping off the cliff...
But the long-term deficit and debt that we have accumulated is unsustainable. We can't keep on just borrowing from China, or borrowing from other countries — (applause) — because part of it is, we have to pay for— we have to pay interest on that debt. And that means that we're mortgaging our children's future with more and more debt, but what's also true is that at some point they're just going to get tired of buying our debt. And when that happens, we will really have to raise interest rates to be able to borrow, and that will raise interest rates for everybody — on your auto loan, on your mortgage, on — so it will have a dampening effect on the economy.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-in-Rio-Rancho-Town-Hall-on-Credit-Card-Reform/ "
daviddelker wrote on May 19, 2009 12:47 PM:
daviddelker wrote on May 19, 2009 12:22 PM:
movedsouth wrote on May 19, 2009 11:54 AM:
teacher1 wrote on May 19, 2009 11:45 AM:
movedsouth wrote on May 19, 2009 11:39 AM:
daviddelker wrote on May 19, 2009 11:12 AM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on May 19, 2009 10:56 AM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on May 19, 2009 10:52 AM:
No, I have a sensible two kids, both nearly grown, and one already well on his way to supporting himself, with the other in college.
I just don't have much fellow feeling for people too selfish to have children, who require putting someone else before yourself. "
daydreamer wrote on May 19, 2009 10:42 AM:
karl the 2nd wrote on May 19, 2009 10:34 AM:
When I brought this up years ago, about how the war was partly motivated by some fanatical, delusional Christian religious zeal, I was pooh-poohed by the likes of NeoChris and others.
Shoulda listened to the Liberal---right again. "
teacher1 wrote on May 19, 2009 10:24 AM:
teacher1 wrote on May 19, 2009 10:21 AM:
3414 wrote on May 19, 2009 9:59 AM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on May 19, 2009 9:41 AM:
Only thing to do, Bone, is to move your debt to a different credit card. Vote with your feet, as they say, and let the company know you won't put up with that by giving your debt to some other company with lower rates. Just remember, a "fixed" rate isn't really fixed. It's just not connected to the fluctuations of the prime rate, but in the tiny print, you'll see the credit card companies reserve the right to change the rate at any time for no reason at all.
The government is trying to put some controls in place -- but too little and too late (like, they are just trying to get rules insisting that customers be given a certain number of days warning that the rates are going to change -- fat lot of good that does!) -- and the credit card companies are fighting even that tiny patch on the giant ill.
I can hardly WAIT to have my debts paid off. I've been working long and hard, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel -- 15 months until the only debt I have left is the mortgage.
Keep fighting, Bone -- move your debt for now and keep paying it down. Good luck! "
daviddelker wrote on May 19, 2009 9:40 AM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on May 19, 2009 9:37 AM:
Or, in New York State, when Elliot Spitzer went after predatory lenders, and got most other states on board with him, first a federal agency shot them all down saying States don't have the authority to regulate banking practices, then when he published a letter in the Washington Post about how the feds were protecting the banking industry so it could go right on scr3wing the people, suddenly this scandal broke and Spitzer was out -- can't tell me that was a coincidence or that there aren't plenty of other politicians out there doing the same thing or worse.
Those practices of jacking up your interest rates when you have been loyally paying off your debt, regularly and on time, are CRIMINAL -- whether our pathetic government officials have the backbone to stand up against corporate lobbyists or not. "
The Bone wrote on May 19, 2009 9:20 AM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on May 19, 2009 9:09 AM:
disgustedbyitall wrote on May 19, 2009 8:34 AM:
If you work in the private sector it is generally considered to be a closed issue to discuss anyone's personal salaries and a right to be terminated. Why should it be different for a teacher, police officer, fireman, etc...? Just because they have CHOSEN to be a public employee to try and educate all of our children and help them become a success in life does not mean that they are open for everyone to scrutinize how much (or how little) money they are making.
Why not just go ahead and have every person send in what they make to the Citizen so they can then print a special issue so that all of Auburn and the surrounding area can see what their neighbors make? Would that make you happy? It probably would be an eye opener to see exactly what some people are making, but again, why would that matter to you?
Teachers are probably the most underpaid, highly educated people in any industry. Not only do they have to get a 4 year degree, they MUST get a master's degree to become a fully certified teacher. How many other positions in this world that require a master's, pay under $50K per year? I bet you won't find many of them wonderful stock brokers or mortgage brokers that have put our country into a tail spin claiming that they make that little!!! And guess what, at some point in their lives they had teacher's educate them so that they could better themselves and make LOTS and LOTS of money!!!
Get off the teacher's backs and if you are so inclined to not back a budget that might include a small increase in a teacher's salary, take your children out of school move into a rental so that you personally are not paying any school taxes (the landlord will do that) and home school them. I don't think that I would actually see many of you do that as then who would be your "babysitters"!! "
cm wrote on May 19, 2009 8:06 AM:
When the 'board' cuts back on many extras, it's the teachers that dish out of their pocket for needed items in their classrooms.
or if they are lucky some parents add in, I have been the sole 'tissue' supplier since school began.
all employers are cutting back on their health care --because someone PAYS less doesn't mean they are getting their needs met. They may have higher deductibles or co-pays. Plus their 'in-network' doctors may not be up to par.
very true new teachers maybe paying back loans, I know my daughters teacher is. She is a first year teacher too.
I wouldnt say its a thankless job, because I for one appreciate all the hard work she's put in all year!
In just the past two wks: her kids WON battle of the books, and 5 kids scored 5.5 on the FCATS, out of 9 total in the the school...for a NEW teacher, she deserves great kudos! "
anonymous wrote on May 19, 2009 8:03 AM:
cm wrote on May 19, 2009 7:50 AM:
some kids are ungrateful brats..but it begins with parents. todays world thinks we should be the kids friends!
No one can parent being a friend.
The main rule is to be fair and very consistant. "
daydreamer wrote on May 19, 2009 7:28 AM:
teacher1 wrote on May 19, 2009 5:40 AM:
3414 wrote on May 19, 2009 4:20 AM:
usdwht wrote on May 18, 2009 6:22 PM:
vic wrote on May 18, 2009 5:14 PM:
I doubt I drive down your road, why should I pay to have it plowed? Because should I need to go down your road I would want it plowed, same goes with schools. "
vic wrote on May 18, 2009 5:10 PM:
FREBUS49 wrote on May 18, 2009 4:26 PM:
The poor Auburn teachers make in excess of $50,000 per year with health and retirement benefits paid by us. The labor and benefit costs amount to over 70% of the budget.
No one can afford what it is going to cost in the next 10 years.
My health insurance costs over $900 per month . I have to pay $900. The teachers cost the district about the same(husband and wife)yet they only pay about $45 per month.Thats another $10,00 per year they receive in economic benefits. Add their pensions and other benefits and the true cost for the teacher( who works 187 days per year)is around $70,000 per year.
I for one do not consider that a bad job. "
The Bone wrote on May 18, 2009 3:07 PM:
" Go right ahead and publish teachers' salaries. Then come and spend a week in an elementary classroom, a middle school classroom, and a high school classroom. You will gain a whole new perspective!!! "
My sister-in-law teaches and you guys dont get enough CREDIT or MONEY. Now a days the parents blame the teacher for everything. When I went YOU RESPECTED the TEACHER. No one takes the blame for their own problems. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on May 18, 2009 1:56 PM:
This past semester, I taught a course in grad school -- my students were in their 30s and 40s for the most part, self-motivated and serious about their studies. I learned from them as well as teaching them new things. It was a terrific experience I hope to repeat some day -- teaching in an environment where the atmosphere is conducive to teaching and learning.
High school is tough; middle school is tougher still, and I haven't the personal patience for elementary school.
Once again, much appreciation for those who do take on that task and do it well. "
bassistlearningdrums wrote on May 18, 2009 1:04 PM:
teacher1 wrote on May 18, 2009 12:57 PM:
Unknown... wrote on May 18, 2009 12:09 PM:
jonathan dough wrote on May 18, 2009 12:08 PM:
Ben wrote on May 18, 2009 11:52 AM:
karl the 2nd wrote on May 18, 2009 10:35 AM:
I'd like to see what condition America's lawyer politicians would be in after three years in the House of Representatives or Senate where all the people coming in there or in their cars had loaded guns, rocket launchers, IEDs, and the politicians could not have a magazine in theirs until shot at."
Man, SOMEBODY got some good mushrooms last week.....!??!?!? "
cm wrote on May 18, 2009 10:30 AM:
they have probably somehow added it into the rules of HIPPA----lol. "
cm wrote on May 18, 2009 10:29 AM:
TOLL ROAD --now thats a good one!
I haven't been there in a few years--what is the cost up to now?
do they have a seasonal/year-round pass? "
cm wrote on May 18, 2009 10:25 AM:
other than the very poor, or illegals..where are we giving our own Citizens aid in health care, food, homes to live in, OR simply a JOB in todays economy?
out of the BILLIONS we are borrowing against our grandchildrens future, how many MILLIONS/BILLIONS are going to other countries?
is there an itemized break-down of funds on the web somewhere?
again..THE CITIZEN do you know??? "
usdwht wrote on May 18, 2009 10:23 AM: