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FreeSpeech for 8-08-07Tue, 08/07/2007 - 4:02pm
By: The Citizen
So the county commission is retreating to Callaway Gardens. Hmmm, I have a suggestion: Why don’t you retreat to the new $3 million Kenwood Recreation Park in North Fayette? That would save the taxpayers $5,000. I received a tax increase this year. Is this to help fund the Recreation Red Hat Society program? What part of the Red Hat Society falls under the recreation program? Is taking Fayette County taxpayers’ vans shopping in Alabama part of a recreation program? I guess it could fall under the walking program: they have to walk from the van to the shop to spend sales tax in another state. I get the picture. Also, to the Peachtree City councilman that is running for county commissioner: Since you voted yourself a doubled pay raise, I assume you will do the same on the county commission. Why is it that when people run for office, pay their qualifying fee, know what the salary for the part-time job is, then all of a sudden decide they need to raise their pay? What happened to the term “public servant”? - - - - - - - - Being a United States Marine Corps 100-percent service-connected combat veteran of the Vietnam War with injuries, I understand the fact that 100-percent combat veterans are exempt from taxes on a state and federal level. But being a resident of Fayetteville, I am constantly told I have to pay school taxes in the amount of $2,000 dollars or more a year (which I do pay) but when I question veterans of other surrounding counties, they tell me I should not be paying these excessive taxes, since I am 100-percent service connected disabled. Does Fayetteville love their combat veterans? When I go to the tax office, they advise they have their rules. Help me understand rules compared to state/federal veterans benefits. - - - - - - - - One wonders why ol’ McNally doesn’t call up Peter and tell him, “Thanks but no thanks for the help,” and get him to quit writing those letters to the editor. After all, it was Peter who wrote the typically sleazy letter to the editor implying that Eric Maxwell represented child molesters and it backfired and may well have been the difference in that election, decided by less than 20 votes. Poor McNally. His law firm is feverishly bailing water out of the sinking S.S. Carpetbagger and he has to deal with Popular Peter’s Public Praises. - - - - - - - - If the PTC Council’s salaries were based on merit, they shouldn’t get the raise. Did Plunkett research the requirements for the council job when she ran for office? She seems utterly amazed that she has to attend meetings and answer email. She’s content to take away other employees’ compensation, but don’t they attend more meetings and answer more email than Plunkett? I hope Mr. King runs a campaign based on restoring honesty and integrity back to PTC government. - - - - - - - - To the Peachtree City Council: Consider the stupid bike race you wasted our tax dollars on as your pay increase. Dar Thompson told us he would be mayor WITHOUT a pay check. Steve Brown didn’t ask for a pay raise either. Why does this group of do-nothings deserve a pay raise? We need some unselfish caring people to run for the City Council. - - - - - - - - If an employee under my charge asked for a pay raise after promising me solid results and failed to produce, I can promise you there would be consequences and I’m not talking about a pay raise. Mayor Logsdon thinks he is his own boss. His pushing for a 100 percent pay raise is an insult to us all. His whimsical comments on the subject are not appreciated either. - - - - - - - - When the garbage truck fails to show on a day scorching hot, / Mysterious creatures begin to emerge; I’d much rather they not. / Calling the office time and again, this is what they say, / “We’re running behind, but don’t worry, our truck is on the way.” / Two days pass and still no sign, where can they possibly be? / Swarming flies and crawling critters are all that I can see. / Saturday comes and Sunday goes; the truck has not arrived. / My garbage container begins to quiver; I think it is coming alive. / Monday dawns on a cloud of stink; the street is starting to mourn. / If Cardinal Sanitation is your garbage service, all be forewarned. - - - - - - - - Fayette County schools are all supposed to be very much top-notch. Well, one of your schools in Peachtree City has machines trying to kill the mold smell. That will not work or have you all thought about fixing the problem? As a parent I am glad my child does not attend that school because I would have news reporters all over the campus. Please stop ignoring the problem and fix the mold problem. - - - - - - - - I would like to respond to the grandmother who graciously helped her grandchildren with school supplies this year. As a teacher in the county, I would like for you and other parents/grandparents to know how very much every classroom teacher appreciates your donation of supplies. Please know also that I have never met a teacher in my career that would return an item because it was not a “name brand” item. Most teachers in Fayette County receive $75 to $100 at their school to purchase supplies for the entire school year for their students. A regular classroom teacher has an average of 25 students in a class. This money must purchase construction paper of numerous colors, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, Sharpies, pencils, glue, staples, various types of tape, large sheets of poster board, note pads, numerous folders and writing paper, markers, crayons, project paper, Kleenex, Band-aids, hand sanitizer, etc., for the entire year. $100 does not go very far. We have been fortunate over the last two years to receive an additional $100 from our governor to help with our supplies. Obviously, when you do the math, even $200 will not take 25 students through an entire school year with the extended projects, fun learning activities, and differentiating and challenging instruction for all students. As a result, I have personally spent an additional $350 this summer on my credit card so that my students have a welcoming treat at “Meet the Teacher,” some new books in my personal classroom library, pillows, area rugs, lamps, educational games, and numerous other items which make my students feel welcome, comfortable, and challenged. Since I was a parent before I became a teacher, I understand how expensive this gets and have purchased the many items needed by my own children over the years to meet the educational challenges in today’s global society. However, please know that any child who comes to us empty-handed on the first day of school will be provided the items she/he needs by any teacher or school in this system. Over the years I have personally purchased more than several student book bags, lunch boxes, binders, dividers, two-pocket folders, pencils, pens, white-out, and composition books. I have also paid for damaged library books, purchased students’ lunches, and ice cream from time to time. I have seen many teachers do the same thing over the years and when the end of the year comes; many of us have worked for a much lesser salary than you might think. The challenges of teaching are greater than the average citizen knows, and they become more complex each year. As a result of these demands, we are gradually losing some wonderful educators to early retirement or other professions. I want to say thank you to all the parents and extended family members who truly support the classroom teacher and appreciate our efforts. A few of you that are able come in and out of the schools and classrooms constantly asking how you can help us and what do we need. There is no one more important to you than your own child and many of us strive endlessly to let your children know that they are important to us as well. Your support, whether at school or from home, goes a very long way and on behalf of many teachers; thank you. - - - - - - - - To the grandmother shopping for school supplies: Shame on the teachers for asking your grandchildren to bring supplies to school. I can’t believe the teachers ask for soap, hand sanitizer, and paper towels to keep their classrooms clean and germ-free. How ridiculous of the teachers to want the children to stay healthy. Shame on the teachers to recommend quality, name-brand supplies that will actually last for the whole school year. How ridiculous of the teachers to want you to get the most for your money. I don’t know what the teachers are doing with the whopping $200 they get per year to buy supplies for 20 students for the entire school year. How ridiculous that they spend hundreds of their own dollars to make sure your grandchildren receive a quality education. Finally, you are right —some children do not bring supplies and guess who pays for those? Right again, it is those ridiculous teachers. - - - - - - - - I would like to address the comment made regarding the B.B. King concert. We enjoy these concerts and music and like to show the artist we do appreciate their talent. Therefore, I would recommend you doing the same. [And] Yes, we love to dance and have a good time. In the near future I would suggest you get up and enjoy the concert and life, or could it be you are simply jealous of our seats? - - - - - - - - Attention, Peachtree City path users: PTC Public Works has informed me that they have never had a complaint about the bicyclists speeding down the hills, terrorizing the walkers. Call Public Works; get your voice heard. Let’s slow down the bikers. - - - - - - - - At the July 19, 2007 PTC Council Meeting, Mr. Joe Frazar spoke in support of the bond referendum to expand the Gathering Place. He was wearing his Kiwanis shirt and based on the comments he made, it appeared to those citizens that I have talked to that attended the meeting, that the Kiwanis Club of PTC was in support of the bond referendum. The write-up in the weekend edition also gives that impression. I don’t know Mr. Frazar’s intent; however, it has been the policy of the Kiwanis Club, for the 11 years that I have been a member, not to take a position on political issues. The bond referendum is a political issue. It is a fact that the membership of the Kiwanis Club of PTC has not taken a position on this issue. There are members on both sides of the issue and some that have not yet decided how they will vote. Mr. Frazar’s comments, according to the paper, he “would expect the Kiwanis Club to be a regular user of the community center.” It is possible that Kiwanis MAY use the facility if it is approved by the voters. However, no such commitment has been made to date and the membership has not been approached on the issue. There are a number of issues that will have to be addressed before Kiwanis would decide to use the facility. Therefore, I urge all voters to vote as they see fit on this issue; however, do not support the bond referendum because you think the Kiwanis Club of PTC is supporting it. - - - - - - - - I can find no fault with the personnel or the physical layout of the Kedron Kroger supermarket or any other Kroger store, for that matter. However, I find one comment by a recent writer in conflict with the facts. An “over-priced retailer like Publix” is a misstatement because recently Kroger’s prices have sky-rocketed and now Publix is just as cheap or cheaper, plus they now give senior discounts and double coupons just like Kroger. I think the problem is the lack of competition in the food market industry in this area. In most other cities you will find a dozen supermarkets where we only have four or five in PTC. - - - - - - - - All the negative information about universal health care must come from people in the health care industry. The truth about free health care in most countries that have it is far from what you read in the newspapers here. I lived in Japan for many years and they have free health care. I received far better medical attention there than I do for the astronomically expensive care I get here in this country. I never had more than a few minutes’ wait when I visited a doctor and if medication is required it is given to you by the doctor at no cost. You never get a prescription to be filled at a 2000 percent mark-up as you do here. The cost of health care in this country is completely out of control and people are dying every day because it is out of reach for low income families who have no insurance. Many more hard-working people are going bankrupt just trying to keep their health through this most costly health care system on earth. It is time for a change. - - - - - - - - The next time you complain about your homeowner’s association, consider that without a homeowner’s association — Your neighbor may believe that their behavior has no effect on your property values, nor will you be offended by mowing their lawn whenever the mood strikes. This may take a month or two. Eventually trimming their hedges that have not been trimmed in a couple of years. The trimmings may lie on the lawn for a couple of months; however, they will be in an attractive black plastic trash bag. A swimming pool in the driveway? No problem. Hey, it might be December before it gets put away. Just in time for Christmas, when the lights will be removed next spring. Permanent toys in the front yard? A-OK. Sporadic projects that linger in the driveway/yard for a year or so. Multiple planters with no plants in them on a small lot. Throw in a few lawn ornaments. In short, Sanford and Son. Is this a temporary situation? No, this a way of life. In the future, I will never buy a home without a homeowner’s association. Should I call the PTC code enforcement folks? Sure. Just leave a message; maybe they’ll call. It’s been over a year and I’m still waiting. I know that they’re busy trying to enforce the PTC quality of life. If you’ve been harassed by them, please send them to my neighborhood. - - - - - - - - Just a note of thanks to Peachtree City Code Enforcement for doing your job. I recently received a notice on my front porch, and since it was laying on my front porch I am glad it was not windy or rainy that day, telling me I needed to move a car off the grass because it has to be parked on gravel. Since I live in a household that owns more than one car, instead of killing one small spot of grass in the yard, I now have to drive around any cars parked behind mine to get out of the yard and kill lots of grass in the process. Thanks for your efforts in helping to beautify the city because all of that dead grass is going to look very attractive. And while I am at it, how about a note to all of the dog walkers out there who walk your dogs on the golf cart paths which run through people’s yards and then let your dogs do their business on the nice fresh cut grass of homes who have small children who might enjoy going barefoot in the summer in their own front yard and since some do not have pets of their own, we get to enjoy your dog doo. Please carry your pooper scooper with you and use it or keep your dog on the cart path. - - - - - - - - I would like to say to the staff at “The Good Samaritans” you should pack up everything that you have and go home. You say that you are there to help the residents of Fayette County, but when they come there you treat them like they are nothing. Some of you are very very rude and unprofessional. Just because someone gets in a bind and need a little help doesn’t make them any less of a person. You need to take a look in the mirror and evaluate yourself. The same person that you are mistreating may very well be a blessing in your life in some way or another. - - - - - - - - There will be a RAP (Robbers, Assailants and Pedophiles) meeting in the parking lot between the cheap flick and Dollar General every afternoon and evening until further advised. If “5-0” gits down, we’ll git down at Tinseltown. Know whut I’m saying? - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - I heard a rabid caller to a top-rated radio talk show make the following statement: “Anybody that would take away a man’s livelihood over something as insignificant as dog fighting is a racist and a hypocrite.” Insignificant? This widespread mentality reveals a total lack of conscience. It is twisted, sick, and most of all, frightening. What else does it tell you? It tells me that these cold-hearted criminals are capable of taking human life without as much as a whimper. How can any human rejoice and revel over the heinous torture and slow, terrifying death of a dog? Regardless of what you believe, these barbaric purveyors of evil will be brought to justice either in this life or the next. They are unimaginably cruel. They show no compassion, remorse or mercy. They should receive no less than they give. Some counties in Georgia are offering rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone conducting a dog fight. I’d like to see this statewide. I’d make a nice donation in a heartbeat. Let’s also get the law changed to make attending a dog fight a felony. Let’s put these low-life scumbags out of business. - - - - - - - - Am I the only American who finds it concerning that Mitt Romney, a Mormon, is making a run for the White House? Americans need to realize that Mormonism is a false Christian religion and a cult. The ubiquitous Mormon missionaries lure people into their lair by claiming to be Christians and by talking about “Our Heavenly Father” and Jesus. However, there are some very major and concerning differences between mainstream Christian denominations and the Latter Day Saints that most people do not know. Among other things, they believe that “God” was once a man and was born on another planet in the universe. Because of good deeds on his planet he was made a god and sent to earth. He is married to many women, but chose one to accompany him to earth. They believe that we were all once spirits in another realm and that we are all the product of a “physical” union between their god and goddess. This is why Mormons do not use birth control; they feel that they have to provide earthly babies for all of these spirits to inhabit. Unbelievably, they hold as truth that Jesus was the first of these spirits born into a human body and that He was conceived when their god had physical relations with Mary. Most shocking is their tenet that Lucifer is Jesus’ brother. Finally, they teach that we all have the potential to be a god, and that we can enter the third and highest tier of heaven by good works, temple membership and earning the knowledge of four secret handshakes. The Mormon organization is deceitful and dangerous. When those nice young men in their tidy black pants, white shirt and tie ride up to your door on their bicycles, grab your Bible, say a prayer that the Holy Spirit speaks through you, and invite them in. The number one best-selling children’s book at Miss Magnolia Blossom’s Book Barn and Rasslin’ Arena titled, “Did Y’all See Spot Run and Bite the Arrogant Yankee,” is based on a true and compelling story of undulating political power and conflict in a fashionable Southern community. It centers around the 2006 Fayette County elections when old Spot chewed the seat out of Greg Dunn’s britches. login to post comments
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