I just got back from Philly, and I am thinking about all kinds of things my trip to my friend Trip's has made clear.
First, the decline of the Philly part of traditional urban America is over. Good 'ole Trip from Texas by way of Greensboro, lives in a part of Philly, where people like me would have gone to commit suicide not too many years ago. Beautiful row homes rise among the ruins and empty lots around Thompson and North 7th. In fact, a majority of the homes for blocks around are either new or renovated. Now, these aren't "evil gentrifiers" taking over to dispossess the urban poor. The whole host of the tapestry that makes America was to be seen in all of this wonderful development. Did I say "development"? Well yes, the hand of government both local and federal is quite evident here. From actual incentives to builders, to significant help to buyers, government has definitely been more than a midwife to this Renaissance. Face it, if both Democrats and Republicans are locomotives for big government, we the consumers of political BS need to be more selective as to which type of big government we want lording over us -- sorry Ron Paul, it's too late.
FACEBOOK! I love it! It has brought me back in touch with so many people, who I have actually now seen again after many years. Projects long ago abandoned that should have been continued, in music, or friendship, have come back to life. Those who say they don't have time for FB, should think again. In our uber mobile lifestyle, this cyber reunion is a great vehicle to restore community.
Good 'ole Ridgely did some house cleaning. P.T. Barnum was right that a "sucker is born every minute". From the look of what was governing our fair town, one was born every second. Well, Mumford and Co. have done some house cleaning, and the clowns were sent packing. Now, everything isn't perfect, but is anything in this world? The "house cleaning" does leave me with a problem, though. The foolishness that used to go on in town hall provided foil for many a Toblog article--nearly killed the Toblog bullmeter. Now that the circus has left town, I don't have nearly as much to write about. I'm sure, however, that something will surface and the comedy will continue. Happy New Year!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
did we ever get a clear answer as to why the married Gearharts were not both allowed to be on the charter committee yet the married Baldersons were? that should have set the bullmeter going! I emailed all 3 commissioners twice asking why this was allowed and never got a response from any of them. Guess they dont have time to answer the inquiries of the people that voted for them... sounds way too familiar... maybe things have not changed at all...
Yes, that hit home. I resigned my town positions, in part, to make way for Nancy. As I said, nothing is perfect. The new government which revolves around the person of Dale Mumford almost exclusively, seems to be appointing a lot of people who would have cut his throat during the last election if the town manager could have found a candidate. Turning the other check to your political enemies is fine personally, but not so good as a matter of public policy. Elected officials have an obligation to those who elected them and not those who would oppose them or the policies they represent.
well I think it STINKS that you were excluded from the committee and then they turn around and let another married couple be on it! And why they cannot answer a simple email inquiry is absurd! This town is being run like a dictatorship. I can't wait till the market improves so I can sell my house and get out of this screwed up town! And I thought this was going to be a nice quaint place to live...
Post a Comment