The problem lies with human nature itself. Spreading the wealth around will not create class equalibrium; it will not last long because people seek a level of comfortability with themselves. In general, people who do not establish a personal philosophy for which to gain and hold wealth will find ways to lose it. How many people have heard of lottery winners who blew their new found wealth? All people establish their own degrees of accepting responsibility for their actions as well as degrees of dependencies. Those who truly want to obtain wealth and see themselves as being rich often do so, because they are more willing to sacrifice a lot to get there. The reason the truly rich get richer is because by getting themselves into a position of being rich and famous they can let their wealth and fame create much more wealth. Let me give you an example: If a rich and famous person writes a book, their chances of getting it published are great, and the probability of this book being bought in great volume is also good. They are also able to expend their own capital to advertise this book when necessary. Thus the road to greater wealth and fame are accelerated. If an unknown person writes a book, their chances of getting it recognized by the public are slim. The income gap between these two persons, thus, becomes wider.
Life is unfair, and it will never be otherwise; no matter what anybody promises you. If you want equality, move to The Land of OZ.
Donald
Frost, retired Psychologist,
Essex
Essex
At a May 5, 2010 political press conference, Kamenetz touted a 17 percent reduction in crime that he attributes to the video surveillance legislation. That figure was based only on a sampling of seven of the 90 shopping centers in Baltimore County that are subject to the legislation. More recently, Kamenetz reportedly touted a 31 percent drop in crime at shopping centers, although he acknowledged that he is awaiting confirmation regarding the details.
Putting aside Kamenetz’s recent touting of a percentage that nearly doubled his previously-reported claim of crime reduction at shopping centers and the fact that the earlier statistics are based on seven hand-picked shopping centers, there is another fundamental and noteworthy gap in his assessment: His refusal to give the lion’s share of credit for any reduction in crime at shopping centers to the Baltimore County Police Department, especially the officers who risk their lives on a daily basis to make Baltimore County a safer place to live, work, raise families and shop.
By way of comparison, I have heard Councilman and candidate for Baltimore County Executive Joe Bartenfelder state publicly that the dedicated members of the Baltimore County Police Department deserve the credit for crime reductions in Baltimore County. Bartenfelder’s approach to this issue is just one example that highlights his respect for what the police do for the citizens of Baltimore County and his consistent record of support.
Dennis
M. Robinson, Jr.
Baltimore
Baltimore
Governor O’Malley does not care if you enter Maryland through the proper processes established for those who pursue legal immigration. All you have to do is get in Maryland any way you can and you have a safe haven. A haven where even criminal elements are welcome. His policy (reference the Les Kinsolving show on WCBM on the evening of July 30, 2010) is contrary to the guidelines put forth by ICE of all crimes committed by illegal aliens. His policy, according to Les Kinsolving, is to only turn over those illegals guilty of heinous crimes such as rape and murder. As a result of this policy there is an increasing number of Latino gangs in Maryland. Some very, very bad people who think nothing of torture, rape and murder. Governor O’Malley also supports CASA de Maryland whose charter seems legitimate enough but who actually teaches illegals how to beat the system and get the benefits as if they are a bonafide citizen of America and, in particular, a citizen of Maryland.
My questions are, “Governor O’Malley, have you no conscience? What will it take for you to stop pursuing the large Maryland minority vote by ignoring the good citizen in order to those who want to change the American way of life? Will it take a heinous crime against a member of your family by one of the gang members or the entire gang of these people, that you so willing let into Maryland without fear of persecution or prosecution? Why do you want to turn Maryalnd into a third world country?”
How many of our citizens have to live in fear, lose their lives or be permanently scared by these monsters of gangs such as the MS-13? When will you finally understand that these people are very bad people who think nothing of torture and mayhem; people to whom life is cheap because they grew up in a world that is what Maryland will become if you and your liberal cohorts continue to destroy Maryland and America. It is time for you to care about the real American citizen who is a producer, who is also a citizen of Maryland, who abides by the law, who contributes to society and pays taxes. It is up to you and the government to provide for them the best that America and Maryland can provide and to stop welcoming these intruders and stop lending them our money. If you cannot do this then it is really time for a change and that change is to get you and your administration out of Maryland government and out of our pockets.
Ben
Lainlow
Essex
Essex
Spike
Y Jones, Dundalk
Mrs.
Garcia, Dundalk
Gene &
Cruisers Thank the Mahoney Brothers
Both The Cadillac Cruisers/Roadhouse Horns and Mahoney Brothers (they did the Juke Box Heroes and the Beatles) put on a great show. If you have not seen them, I highly recommend that you do so at the next opportunity. They are scheduled for the Heritage Fair, the day before we appear there prior to the Turtles. Don’t miss those two nights of excellent entertainment.
Gene & Cruisers will encore the Poplar Inn on Saturday, June 19. Bring Dad there for a Father’s Day gift, and possibly win 100,000 Indonesian Rupiahs. To book Maryland’s opening act to the stars, call- 410-686-6264. Visit us at MarylandParty.com.
Gene
Vincentt,
Essex
Essex
Say It
Now
As I think of my dad at this time, I regret the words I never said. He passed away 15 years ago after a long illness. I wasn’t at the nursing home the night he died, so I didn’t get to say goodbye to him. Even though we were close, so much was left unsaid. This burdened me for some time, until a time came when I was visiting a friend at the same nursing home.
You see, my dad loved to play the harmonica and he loved the old gospel hymn “Amazing Grace.” It was played at his funeral.
As I walked down the hall of the nursing home, I heard footsteps behind me and a harmonica playing “Amazing Grace.” No, it wasn’t my dad, just an elderly patient who smiled at me as he walked by playing his harmonica. In that moment, God gave me Amazing Grace as I finally said goodbye to dad and knew I would see him again.
So, fathers and children, if there’s something you’ve been wanting to say, say it now and have a Happy Father’s Day.
Phyllis
Brooks,
Essex
Essex
We were so aggravated, we decided to look into this further. As we walked along Essexwood Court, we found dirt and overgrown grass on a lot of the meter covers. When we removed the covers, the actual meters were covered in mud. Taking a cloth and wiping the face of the meter, we discovered the numbers had not changed since the last time we checked them. They obviously hadn’t been read in quite a while. We talked with one of the neighbors whose meter was actually read (it wasn’t covered in mud), and she was satisfied with her water bill. What does your water bill look like? If you think it is high, maybe a look at the meter is a good idea. From where is the City getting its readings? With a failing infrastructure, it is apparent they fail to read all meters, give us correct billing and are lazy but are charging some homeowners more and more without having the correct information to back up their billing process. Is it due to budget cuts that they don’t read every meter or are some in the water department getting a paycheck, being lazy and pillaging the taxpayer?
I have found three good venues to vent my frustration publicly: East County Times “In Your Words,” East County Times Facebook page and http://waterbillwoman@yahoo.com.
D.
Martin, a concerned water user
Essex
Essex
This project, in particular, has a great deal of personal value for me, as my mother’s family owned a shore property along the Back River for nearly a century. I have many fond memories of spending most of my summer weekends swimming, boating, and fishing in the river and the nearby Chesapeake Bay. Sadly, pollution and neglect have taken their toll over the years. Thanks to the efforts of Baltimore County government - in concert with a dedicated group of community volunteers-we can literally turn the tide on pollution.
We should all look to the collaborative efforts of the Back River Restoration Committee and Baltimore County as a model to be replicated in our own neighborhoods. Every community should actively seek out projects that can help restore our natural environment and promote more sustainable practices.
Jeffrey
Smith, Nottingham
Mr. Wilbanks is a patriot and hero in my book for speaking out for the laws of this land. How many cops and soldiers have given their lives to see that our country remains strong in the laws set forth by our forefathers. It is a direct affront to any law-abiding citizen who believes in the rule of law. These same laws have been at the core of our nation’s great success.
Think for a moment if everyone were able to pick and choose what laws they will or will not obey. Absolute chaos and civil strife would take hold.
We are a nation of immigrants and those same immigrants honored and died to see that this nation upheld the fabric that binds us together; the law of the land. Those who say they support comprehensive immigration reform want total amnesty. I wonder what they would say if that issue was not part of the equation.
I have been paying taxes most of my life, and I will not stand by and allow someone to cross the border illegally and automatically be granted the same rights and privileges of those who honor and obey. My parents taught me that.
Mr. Wilbanks, you have my vote, and I will fight like hell to see our laws are obeyed.
Mr. Gansler, who is a man of little substance and lacks the courage to stand up for your country, forgot about his oath. This is the second time he opened his mouth and nothing came out.
Buzz
Beeler
Dundalk
(Candidate for 7th District County Council)
Dundalk
(Candidate for 7th District County Council)
Formal Position Regarding Forge Road Traffic Signal
The Perry Hall Improvement Association strongly supports maintaining the traffic signal at the intersection of Belair Road and Forge Road. The Perry Hall Improvement Association is not opposed to evaluating options that would permit vehicular traffic between Honeygo Boulevard and Belair Road, but the organization does not intend to adopt a formal position until presented with specific proposals for the traffic design. Safety is the Perry Hall Improvement Association’s primary concern regarding this issue.
The Perry Hall Improvement Association looks forward to working with the community and other interested parties to identify a solution that appropriately addresses safety, convenience, and the interests of any businesses that may be affected by this or any other area traffic design.
Dennis
M. Robinson, Jr.
President, Perry Hall Improvement Association
President, Perry Hall Improvement Association
We were so aggravated, we decided to look into this further. As we walked along Essexwood Court, we found dirt and overgrown grass on a lot of the meter covers. When we removed the covers, the actual meters were covered in mud. Taking a cloth and wiping the face of the meter, we discovered the numbers had not changed since the last time we checked them. They obviously hadn’t been read in quite a while. We talked with one of the neighbors whose meter was actually read (it wasn’t covered in mud), and she was satisfied with her water bill. What does your water bill look like? If you think it is high, maybe a look at the meter is a good idea.
From where is the City getting its readings? With a failing infrastructure, it is apparent they fail to read all meters, give us correct billing and are lazy but are charging some homeowners more and more without having the correct information to back up their billing process. Is it due to budget cuts that they don’t read every meter or are some in the water department getting a paycheck, being lazy and pillaging the taxpayer?
I have found three good venues to vent my frustration publicly: East County Times “In Your Words,” East County Times Facebook page and waterbillwoman@yahoo.com.
D.
Martin, a concerned water user
Essex
Essex
Yet many in the business community have concern that adequate provision is not being made for the future electricity needs of our state. Despite interest in renewable energy sources and their beneficial relationship to environmental quality, not enough attention is being focused on the infrastructure that transmits electricity. Without timely upgrading and expansion of this transmission system, renewable-source energy cannot reach its users.
Conservation measures, though widely adopted, will not be able to keep pace with future demand. Our local economy, like the national economy, is poised to grow again. Let’s not overlook adequate electricity as one of the tools needed to ensure that growth can take place, unimpeded by inadequate electricity.
Keith
Scott, President/CEO
Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Resource Center
Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Resource Center
Again, a very big thank you for your anticipated support. Looking forward to seeing you again along the parade route this year.
God Bless America.
Don
Mason, Dundalk
I propose a way to bring the wishes of the public back to both the State and Federal governments. With the exception of issues and bills directly related to national security, all large bills over a set amount that pass both the House and Senate need to be presented to the public to be voted on for final approval. They will be required to explain the bill, both pro and con. It will also educate the public on matters of government affairs, which many of us need. This will force them to convince us that what they passed is appropriate and in our best interest, not the interest of special interest groups. It will cut down on special interest bribes and will force our legislators to attend to our wishes. Once we OK the bill, then they can carry out the function of implementing it. This manner will also cut out a lot of earmarks that suck up a lot of taxpayer’s money.
I propose that an amendment be placed in both our State and Federal constitutions that require this methodology for major bill passing, to insure their compliance. If we do not force this issue onto our legislators, their arrognance will become increasingly more problematic, and who knows where this will take our society.
Donald
Frost
Essex
Essex
Could this be Alexei Mordashov’s strategy to pressure the United Steelworkers International and Local 9477 union officials to come to an agreement at Sparrow Point mills?
The company is cutting back all across their steel operation. The company is offering inducement benefits for those retiring on or before June 30, 2010 at Sparrows Point steel mills, the last time a steel company that’s offering inducement benefits to those retirees they got it in the end.”
Leroy
R. McClelland Sr.
Essex
Essex