Rapid Response

George A. Sprecace M.D., J.D., F.A.C.P. and Allergy Associates of New London, P.C.
www.asthma-drsprecace.com

RAPID RESPONSE (Archives)...Daily Commentary on News of the Day

This is a new section. It will offer fresh, quick reactions by myself to news and events of the day, day by day, in this rapid-fire world of ours. Of course, as in military campaigns, a rapid response in one direction may occasionally have to be followed by a "strategic withdrawal" in another direction. Charge that to "the fog of war", and to the necessary flexibility any mental or military campaign must maintain to be effective. But the mission will always be the same: common sense, based upon facts and "real politick", supported by a visceral sense of Justice and a commitment to be pro-active. That's all I promise.
GS

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MONDAY and TUESDAY, MARCH 30 and 31, 2009

As I was saying: WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH - #2. GS

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ZENIT, The world seen from Rome
News Agency
==================================================

A Question of Identity Catholic Higher Education in a Secular World
By Father John Flynn, LC

ROME, MARCH 29, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The controversy over the invitation of President Barack Obama to the University of Notre Dame has placed at the forefront once more the debate over the identity of Catholic universities.

Obama was invited by university president, Holy Cross Father John Jenkins, to give the May 17 address to graduates. He will also be awarded an honorary degree. Protests, which centered on Obama's anti-life measures taken in the first months of his administration, started immediately.

For those wanting to know more about what lies behind the conflict over this issue, Anne Hendershott analyzes the topic in a book published in January titled: "Status Envy: The Politics of Catholic Higher Education," (Transaction Publishers). Hendershott is professor of urban affairs at The King's College, New York City.

Hendershott starts off by referring to an essay published more than 50 years ago, in which Monsignor John Tracy Ellis questioned if the academic level on Catholic campuses was mediocre due to the priority given to the moral formation of students.

The echoes of this letter still resonate today, she commented, with some universities concluding that their Catholic identity is a liability in reaching the top echelon of tertiary institutions.

A further milestone in the debate was the 1990 document by the Vatican, "Ex Corde Ecclesiae," that emphasized the need for a Catholic identity in higher education. A key component of this document was to require that theologians teaching in Catholic colleges obtain a mandatum, or certificate from the local bishop, testifying to the fact that their teaching adhered to Church doctrine.

This requirement, Hendershott observed, was resisted by many professors in Catholic institutions. Yet, at the same time she gave examples of where colleges eagerly complied with secular accrediting associations when they recommended greater diversity in terms of race and ethnicity.

Status

As a result, according to Hendershott, there has been a progressive loss of Catholic identity on many Catholic campuses due to a tendency among the faculty and administrators to conform to the desire for status in the secular world.

There is, Hendershott argued, a culture war going on in Catholic higher education. This conflict is a reflection of the greater culture war between those who assert that there are no truths, and those who believe that the truths have been revealed and require constant reading and application.

Hendershott went on to describe cases in various Catholic institutions that, during the last few decades, have opted for deliberately walking away from a strict Catholic identity to a more secular position. In many institutions, Catholic ideals and teachings were seen as an unwanted interference in the academic work of the faculty, and Catholic intellectual traditions were not to be given any privilege.

In practice, Hendershott noted, this meant that attempts to teach Catholic doctrine soon came to be seen as inappropriate or intolerant. Thus, the pluralism espoused by many faculty members did not mean a genuine dialogue between Catholic teachings and other ideas, but rather, only respect for those Catholic principles that the faculty already agreed with.

This change at the faculty level has been accompanied by a laicization of the leadership of Catholic colleges, Hendershott added. Many of the institutions transferred their charters and property holdings to independent boards of trustees, composed of a majority of lay people, and in so doing obtained legally guaranteed independence from Church authority.

In part, Hendershott admitted, some of this trend to a secularization of the institutions was due to legal issues related to the matter of being eligible for government funding. As a result the Catholic colleges proclaimed their religious identity to the parents of prospective students and to alumni, but renounced in the public sphere their Catholic identity.

Selective

Hendershott even cited some examples of where some universities published different descriptions of themselves depending on the targeted audience. Several of them published one mission statement on their Web site, and a different one in the self-description for secular surveys.

Hendershott also commented that, even to the extent that Catholic colleges do proclaim their Catholic identity to prospective students, they do so in a selective manner. She found that in a review of more than 200 mission and values statements of Catholic institutions, a substantial number downplayed their ties to Catholicism.

Some, for example, simply chose those parts of the Catholic identity that they feel more comfortable with. This is combined with statements affirming the diversity and plurality of the Church.

Often reference is made to a sort of vaguely defined "Catholic heritage" or tradition rather than to any active Catholic identity. In so doing the aspect of having a Catholic tradition is often placed just as one among many other factors that are described as possible drawing cards for students.

Hendershott also observed that many of the Catholic colleges have gradually revised their values and goals statements so as to downplay any Catholic identity. So, while they may acknowledge some sort of foundation as a Catholic institution, at the same time they take pains to stipulate that they are autonomous and are committed to a respect for all cultures.

She also cited a recent national survey of 124 senior administrators from 33 Catholic colleges and universities. Many of them were ambivalent as to whether the Catholic culture, or the culture of the religious institution that runs the college, should be predominant.

The survey itself commented that by focusing on the sponsoring religious order the university runs the danger of ignoring the Catholic Church itself.

There are, however, notable exceptions, and Hendershott referred to a number of Catholic colleges that proudly proclaim their Catholic identity and adherence to Church teaching.

Starting afresh

This acknowledgment of positive trends is a feature of the concluding part of Hendershott's book. So, while many of the chapters do chronicle a dismaying denial of Catholic identity in higher education, there are positive elements as well.

In recent decades a number of new colleges have been founded, and some existing ones have come back to a stronger adherence to the Church. Moreover, some of the strongly Catholic institutions have also obtained high rankings in secular surveys in terms of their educational excellence.

While this new wave of firmly Catholic colleges does teach Church doctrine without apologies, they also present to students contrasting ideas, and encourage them to enter into debate with contemporary culture and ideas.

In addition to a number of flourishing colleges that maintain a strong adhesion to the Catholic Church, there are also growing numbers of students in many of the other institutions that take their faith seriously.

Hendershott described a number of cases where this pressure from the students has led universities to take steps to proclaim a greater Catholic identity and even to include a wider variety of outside speakers on topics, instead of merely inviting dissenters from Church teaching.

A number of bishops are also taking more interest in what their Catholic universities are teaching and are insisting more on the need to be faithful to the Church.

Hendershott concludes by adding that the secularization of many Catholic colleges, while in part due to outside pressures and the cultural context, was also the result of people who knew exactly what they were doing.

It is possible to counteract this slide to secularization, Hendershott said, but it will require decision makers to embrace the richness of the Catholic tradition and to fight to preserve Catholic culture. A commitment whose importance is highlighted by the current controversy.

MONDAY through SUNDAY, MARCH 23 through 29, 2009

On My Mind:

The results of another quiz on how President Obama is doing. Surprising rhetoric on Afghanistan. Not quite "Mission Accomplished", but enough of Pavarotti's "Vincero'" to come close to making this his war. Still playing footsie with Pakastan, a loose cannon if there ever was one. Meanwhile, I hope somebody is watching Israel. It wouldn't be the first time that they used confusion to do their own thing. And the short-term results from his handling of the financial crisis will tell us nothing about the long-term consequences. Is this man another Wall Street gambler? See "FI.A.S.C.O.:Blood in the Water on Wall Street", by Frank Partnoy, W.W. Norton and Co., 1997, 2009)
Health Care reform efforts achieved an important position this week: the need make health care coverage mandatory for everyone in order to make any comprehensive plan viable. But Obama is still not on board with this idea. Stay tuned.
Here's a "dog bites man": the Internet and computers are not secure, as over 100 countries just found out. Back to pen, paper, diplomatic pouches and handcuffs.
And then we announce a continuing series entitled: What's Wrong With The Catholic Church". A visit to several sections on this web site ("Catholic Church", "Abortion, Morality and Ethics", and the "Point and Counterpoint" series) provides an extended introduction. It took hundreds of years for the Vatican to correct its views on Astronomy. But they enthusiastically jump into the fields of Public Health (condoms and AIDS in Africa) and Obstetrics (the Brazilian 80 lb. child bearing twins and the judgment of her doctors). Add to this the serious error regarding the English Bishop and the Holocaust...and we can see why the Catholic Church is becoming the "farm team for Protestant denominations". Folks, you need help. That's why every Catholic should read "Catholic Laity in the Mission of the Church", by Russell Shaw (Requiem Press). More to follow on this subject, as long as the situation continues...and as long as the upper Hierarchy here and at the Vatican remain hermetically sealed from their flock.

GS

SATURDAY and SUNDAY, MARCH 21 and 22, 2009

I was away for the 6 days recently, visiting family. Since the trips entailed three plane rides, 1000 miles of auto travel, and a lot of down-time, I was able to review a number of newspapers and other news sources. Thus, the need to unload a whole lot of ideas, in as concise a way as possible, in order to protect my blood pressure. I hope this doesn't adversly affect yours.

THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE.

Pakistan. We must prevent a take-over by Islamists. We must promote a fusion government controlled by democratic elements by every means possible. (CIA, are you there?)
Afghanistan. This is our "Must Win War", as articulated by Senators McCain and Lieberman in the Washington Post Tuesday, March 19, pA15. We must do it with both guns and butter. And in the process we must destroy the opium trade, while guaranteeing the farmers a better life and income. This may run afoul of drug trade protectors at the highest levels of government, I fear. And will Russia see this effort as also in its national interests??
Iran. Only power is respected. Equivocation, weakness and even "diplomacy" is dispised. Check out the Mullahs' dismissive reply to President Obama's recent overture. We can deal with them only on a quid pro quo basis. And military action is not off the table, certainly not so long as Israel is watching.
Israel / Arab Nations / Hamas / Hisbullah. This is a "Gordian Knot". Remember that Alexander used his sword to resolve the issue. I fear that this is a permanent state of affairs until the end of days. We can contain it in part. We cannot solve it.
Turkey. Why is the West always giving them the back of the hand? Is it because they fear the competition of a vibrant nation? We must get them included completely into Europe before they become another Islamist enemy.
Western Europe. The siren song of Socialism will never work in America. See David Brooks' article entitled "The Commercial Republic", (NYTimes Tuesday, March 17, Op-Ed pA23).
Africa. That benighted continent is the historical playground of the Colonialists...and now also of China and Russia. Add to that the struggle among Islam, Christianity and native religions...and you have a toxic soup. But the national interests of America are definitely intertwined in this area. I hope we are sufficiently engaged - with or without the cooperation of other outside nations.
The U.N. Apart from its often halting humanitarian efforts, this is just a mirror of the world's problems...never yet the solution. But lets keep talking.
China. Always a potential enemy, so long as it remains under Communist rule. But it appears that we can deal with them economically...so long as we don't default on our massive national mortgage which is in their hands - and growing.
India. This is a potent ally which we should enhance by all means possible. And we should help them keep the Islamists in check.
Mexico. This country has turned to be corrupt to the core. We should retain an arms-length relationship...and protect our borders. Meanwhile, we must develop a logical, comprehensive and humane approach toward the good people from that country who are in our midst.
Canada. A good neighbor that should not be taken for granted. We should especially seek that nation's cooperation regarding the Arctic Circle, the newest frontier for cooperation or controversy among a lot of players.

THE DOMESTIC SCENE

President Obama. A shaky start, partly due to his insistence on promoting an indigestible combination of major policy matters at this particularly difficult time. This, he get's an A- in Rhetoric (the minus due to his now - humorous reliance on teleprompters); he gets a B- in Politics; and he gets a C in his understanding of the implications of the policies he is pursuing.
Abortion. President Obama has already been labled - with justification - the most pro-abortion President in history. Not a good thing, for anyone. If he continues in this approach, he may well be inviting civil strife. The 53% of self-styled Catholics who voted for him, despite his clear position on the subject, may even see the error of their ways in future elections. Meanwhile, the actions and inactions of the Catholic hierarchy are underwhelming at least, and cowardly at worst. There is more on this subject on this website, under "The Involved Citizen", within "The Catholic Church" and "Abortion / Morality / Ethics" sections.
The Republican Party. You can't beat something with nothing...and the Party is approaching that status. See the article "How To Revive The GOP", USA Today, march 19, Forum, p11A).
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party- led by the likes of Pelosi and Reid - are in total control and should be given the reward or blame for anything that comes out of Congress...notwithstanding their rants against the loyal opposition.
Public Education. Despite Obama's positive statements about "change": same ol', same ol'. And yet another generation, especially of the Black community, goes down the tubes. Now there is an issue on which he could build a lasting legacy; if he can just shake off the teachers' unions strangle-hold.
The Military. Watch out for planned obsolescence as occurred during the Clinton administration. What we need is more volunteers, many of whom will need an initial year of remedial education before military training. And what we may need is a fair Draft.
Medicine. Based upon some recent reports, less may well be more. Caveat Emptor: Let the buyer beware. This is all the more true given the takeover of the FDA by political considerations. Add that group to the other instances of Federal "fox watching over the chcken-coop.
Yucca Mountain. The worst of political expediency. See the Editorial in USA Today, March 17, p8A.
The reported coming demise of the print media, despite the pseudo-news available on the Internet. The solution to their problem is to become the anti-net; produce in-depth, high quality and factual investigative journalism. Also, study how Radio is alive and well despite the competition of TV.

Ah, that felt good. "That's All, Folks".

GS

WEDNESDAY through FRIDAY, MARCH 14 through 20, 2009

BEAUTIFUL! GS

PARENT JOB DESCRIPTION

This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way,
I don't believe any of us would have done it!!!!

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work
variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

<>
<>RESPONSIBILITIES :
<>
<>The rest of your life.
<>Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.
<>Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
<>Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule
<>and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from
<>the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
<>Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets
<>and stuck zippers.
<>Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
<>Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
<>Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.
<>Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
<>Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
<>Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
<>Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
<>
<>POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :
<>
<>None.
<>Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills,
<>so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you
<>
<>PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
<>
<>None required unfortunately.
<>On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
<>
<>WAGES AND COMPENSATION :
<>
<>Get this! You pay them!
<>Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
<>A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 on the assumption that college wil l help them
<>become financially independent.
<>When you die, you give them whatever is left.
<>The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
<>you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
<>
<>BENEFITS :
<>
<>While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
<>no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
<>no stock options are offered;
<>this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love,
<>and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
<>
<>Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis,
<>letting them know they are appreciated
<>for the fabulous job they do...
<>or forward with love to anyone thinking of applying for the job!
<>
<> <> ** AND A FOOTNOTE ...
<>
<>THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!!

FRIDAY through TUESDAY, MARCH 13 through 17, 2009

TOP O THE MORNIN' TO YA"...AND THE REST O' THE DAY TO ME. GEORGE SPRE-CASEY

An Irish priest is transferred to Texas.


Father O'Malley rose from his bed. It was a fine spring day in his new

Texas mission parish. He walked to the window of his bedroom to get a deep

breath of the beautiful day outside. He then noticed there was a jackass lying

dead in the middle of his front lawn.

He promptly called the local police station.

The conversation went like this: "Good morning. This is Sergeant Jones.

How might I help you?"

"And the best of the day te yerself. This is Fadder O'Malley at St.

Brigid's. Dere's a jackass lyin dead on me front lawn. Would ye be so

kind as to send a couple o' yer lads to take care of da matter?"

Sergeant Jones, considering himself to be quite a wit, replied with a smirk,

"Well now father, it was always my impression that you people took care of

last rites!"

There was dead silence on the line for a long moment. Father O'Malley then

replied: "Aye, tis certainly true, but we are also obliged to notify the

next of kin."

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2009

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ZENIT, The world seen from Rome
News Agency
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Cardinal Denounces Obama's Stem Cell Ban Reversal
Calls It a Victory of Politics Over Science

WASHINGTON, D.C., MARCH 9, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The U.S. bishops' conference pro-life committee chairman is denouncing President Barack Obama's executive order that will allow federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.Cardinal Justin Rigali issued a response to the U.S. president's order today that will allow federal tax dollars to be used to fund scientists in the destruction of live human embryos to develop stem cells for research.

The cardinal said: "President Obama's new executive order on embryonic stem cell research is a sad victory of politics over science and ethics.

"This action is morally wrong because it encourages the destruction of innocent human life, treating vulnerable human beings as mere products to be harvested.

"It also disregards the values of millions of American taxpayers who oppose research that requires taking human life. Finally, it ignores the fact that ethically sound means for advancing stem cell science and medical treatments are readily available and in need of increased support."

The cardinal also cited a letter written Jan. 16 by Cardinal Francis George, president of the bishops' conference, to Obama, urging him not to allow funding for this research. Cardinal George stated three reasons why this research is "especially pointless at this time."

"First," he wrote, "basic research in the capabilities of embryonic stem cells can be and is being pursued using the currently eligible cell lines as well as the hundreds of lines produced with nonfederal funds since 2001."

He continued: "Second, recent startling advances in reprogramming adult cells into embryonic-like stem cells -- hailed by the journal 'Science' as the scientific breakthrough of the year -- are said by many scientists to be making embryonic stem cells irrelevant to medical progress.

"Third, adult and cord blood stem cells are now known to have great versatility, and are increasingly being used to reverse serious illnesses and even help rebuild damaged organs.

"To divert scarce funds away from these promising avenues for research and treatment toward the avenue that is most morally controversial as well as most medically speculative would be a sad victory of politics over science."

President Obama's action reverses the ban on federal funding for this type of research enacted by former president George W. Bush, who limited the use of taxpayer money to the 21 stem cell lines already developed before his order.

Cardinal George stated, "If the government wants to invest in hope for cures and promote ethically sound science, it should use our tax monies for research that everyone, at every stage of human development, can live with."

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2009

Frequent flyers in this airspace called Rapid Response cannot have failed to note how often the columnist and author Thomas Friedman and I agree on issues. The following article is a "must read", in the same category:

"The Inflection Is Near?", NY Times Sunday, March 8, 2009, Wk p 12.

However, I must go against type in admitting to one difference: he is more optomistic than I am on this subject.

GS

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2009

Are there any more people like him today? I sure hope so. GS

Ed Freeman

You're an 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ Xray, Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in.

You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out. Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.

Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it.

Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come.

He's coming anyway.

And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.

Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses.

And, he kept coming back.... 13 more times..... And took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out.

Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, died last Wednesday at the age of 80, in Boise, ID ......May God rest his soul.....

(Oh yeah, Paul Newman died that day too. I guess you knew that -- He got a lot more press than Ed Freeman.)

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2009

In the days of an 800 billion dollar stimulus program, and a proposed3.6 trillion dollar budget, it is worth a couple of minutes to remember a much simpler-and less expensive- time. - Steve

'Here's my strategy on the Cold War:We win, they lose.' - Ronald Reagan

'The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.' - Ronald Reagan

'The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.' - Ronald Reagan

'Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.' - Ronald Reagan

'I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.' - Ronald Reagan

'The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.' - Ronald Reagan

'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.' - Ronald Reagan

'The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program.' - Ronald Reagan

'It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.' - Ronald Reagan

'Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases : If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.' - Ronald Reagan

'Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.' - Ronald Reagan

'No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.' - Ronald Reagan

'If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.' -Ronald Reagan

SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2009

WOW. TERRIFIC. TALK ABOUT "TELLING IT LIKE IT IS...." GS

A Supplier's response to GM's request for bailout support.

As a supplier for the Big 3 this man received a letter from the President of GM North America requesting support for the bail out program. His response is classic, and has to make you proud of a local guy who tells it like it is.......

First, this is the letter he got from GM to which his subsequent response is directed:

Dear Employees and Suppliers,

Congress and the current Administration will soon determine whether to provide immediate support to the domestic auto industry to help it through one of the most difficult economic times in our nation's history. Your elected officials must hear from all of us now on why this support is critical to our continuing the progress we began prior to the global financial crisis.

As an employee or supplier, you have a lot at stake and continue to be one of our most effective and passionate voices.. I know GM can count on you to have your voice heard. Thank you for your urgent action and ongoing support.

Troy Clarke - President General Motors North America

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Response from: Gregory Knox, Pres. Knox Machinery Company, Franklin , Ohio

Gentlemen:

In response to your request to contact legislators and ask for a bailout for the Big Three automakers please consider the following, and please pass my thoughts on to Troy Clark, President of General Motors North America.

Politicians and Management of the Big 3 are both infected with the same entitlement mentality that has spread like cancerous germs in UAW halls for the last countless decades, and whose plague is now sweeping this nation, awaiting our new "messiah", Pres-elect Obama, to wave his magic wand and make all our problems go away, while at the same time allowing our once great nation to keep "living the dream". Believe me folks, The dream is over!

This dream where we can ignore the consumer for years while management myopically focuses on its personal rewards packages at the same time that our factories have been filled with the worlds most overpaid, arrogant, ignorant and laziest entitlement minded "laborers" without paying the price for these atrocities. This dream where you still think the masses will line up to buy our products for ever and ever.

<Don't even think about telling me I'm wrong. Don't accuse me of not knowing of what I speak. I have called on Ford, GM, Chrysler, TRW, Delphi, Kelsey Hayes, American Axle and countless other automotive OEM's throughout the Midwest during the past 30 years and what I've seen over those years in these union shops can only be described as disgusting.

Troy Clarke, President of General Motors North America, states: "There is widespread sentiment throughout this country, and our government, and especially via the news media, that the current crisis is completely the result of bad management which it certainly is not."

<You're right Mr. Clarke, it's not JUST management. How about the electricians who walk around the plants like lords in feudal times, making people wait on them for countless hours while they drag ass so they can come in on the weekend and make double and triple time for a job they easily could have done within their normal 40 hour work week. How about the line workers who threaten newbies with all kinds of scare tactics for putting out too many parts on a shift and for being too productive? (We certainly must not expose those lazy bums who have been getting overpaid for decades for their horrific underproduction, must we?!?)

Do you folks really not know about this stuff?!? How about this great sentiment abridged from Mr. Clarke's sad plea: "over the last few years, we have closed the quality and efficiency gaps with our competitors." What the hell has Detroit been doing for the last 40 years?!? Did we really JUST wake up to the gaps in quality and efficiency between us and them? The K-car vs. the Accord? The Pinto vs. the Civic?!? Do I need to go on? What a joke!

We are living through the inevitable outcome of the actions of the United States auto industry for decades. It's time to pay for your sins, Detroit.

I attended an economic summit last week where brilliant economist, Alan Beaulieu, from the Institute of Trend Research , surprised the crowd when he said he would not have given the banks a penny of "bailout money".

"Yes, he said, this would cause short term problems," but despite what people like politicians and corporate magnates would have us believe, the sun would in fact rise the next day. and the following very important thing would happen.. . where there had been greedy and sloppy banks, new efficient ones would pop up. That is how a free market system works. It does work if we would only let it work."

But for some nondescript reason we are now deciding that the rest of the world is right and that capitalism doesn't work - that we need the government to step in and "save us". Save us my ass, Hell - we're nationalizing, and unfortunately too many of our once fine nation's citizens don't even have a clue that this is what is really happening. But, they sure can tell you the stats on their favorite sports teams. Yeah - THAT'S really important, isn't it.

Does it ever occur to ANYONE that the "competition" has been producing vehicles, EXTREMELY PROFITABLY, for decades in this country? How can that be??? Let's see. Fuel efficient. Listening to customers. Investing in the proper tooling and automation for the long haul. Not being too complacent or arrogant to listen to Dr. W. Edwards Deming four decades ago when he taught that by adopting appropriate principles of management, organizations could increase quality and simultaneously reduce costs. Ever increased productivity through quality and intelligent planning. Treating vendors like strategic partners, rather than like "the enemy". Efficient front and back offices. Non union environment. Again, I could go on and on, but I really wouldn't be telling anyone anything they really don't already know down deep in their hearts.

I have six children, so I am not unfamiliar with the concept of wanting someone to bail you out of a mess that you have gotten yourself into - my children do this on a weekly, if not daily basis, as I did when I was their age. I do for them what my parents did for me (one of their greatest gifts, by the way) - I make them stand on their own two feet and accept the consequences of their actions and work through it. Radical concept, huh? Am I there for them in the wings? Of course - but only until such time as they need to be fully on their own as adults.

I don't want to oversimplify a complex situation, but there certainly are unmistakable parallels here between the proper role of parenting and government. Detroit and the United States need to pay for their sins. Bad news, people - it's coming whether we like it or not. The newly elected Messiah really doesn't have a magic wand big enough to "make it all go away."

I laughed as I heard Obama "reeling it back in" almost immediately after the final vote count was tallied. "we really might not do it in a year or in four." Where the Hell was that kind of talk when he was RUNNING for office?

Stop trying to put off the inevitable folks . That house in Florida really isn't worth $750,000. People who jump across a border really don't deserve free health care benefits. That job driving that forklift for the Big 3 really isn't worth $85,000 a year. We really shouldn't allow Wal-Mart to stock their shelves with products acquired from a country that unfairly manipulates their currency and has the most atrocious human rights infractions on the face of the globe. That couple whose combined income is less than $50,000 really shouldn't be living in that $485,000 home. Let the market correct itself folks - it will.

Yes it will be painful, but it's gonna' be painful either way, and the bright side of my proposal is that on the other side of it all, is a nation that appreciates what it has and doesn't live beyond its means and gets back to basics and redevelops the patriotic work ethic that made it the greatest nation in the history of the world and probably turns back to God.

Sorry - don't cut my head off, I'm just the messenger sharing with you the "bad news". I hope you take it to heart.

Gregory J. Knox, President Knox Machinery, Inc. Franklin , Ohio 45005

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2009

Let's talk "Politics" in this perpetual election season.

The word is derived from the Greek word "Politos", meaning "People". So, I guess we're stuck with the word...and the occupation. And "Occupation" or "Trade" it is; not a Craft, and certainly not a Profession.
But I did hear a distinction made this week on NPR / Diane Rheams show, perhaps by David Frum, in a discussion about Conservatives vs. just plain Republicans. To paraphrase: politicians take positions to seek power; idiologues - in this case Conservatives - seek power to promote positions. The first group changes positions that don't play or poll well. The second group cannot do that. The same is true for the Democrats. So, when push comes to shove...whom would you trust?
In practice, the people almost always elect politicians...because they tell them what they want to hear. The last exception to that situation was Ronald Reagan. And he turned out to be our most recent outstanding President. Get the message?
Three current examples of politics in action, despite this country's very serious problems: 1) Why are greedy and stupid corporations not being allowed to fail or at least to go into Chapter 11 bankruptcy...because the greedy and stupid unions and their Democratic surrogates won't allow it; 2) Why is Obama making such a fuss over "Health Care Reform", while he can't even fill his Cabinet...because his solution after a lot of posturing will be merely to cut payments to health care providers instead of addressing the necessary but thorny issues which I outlined in my Rapid Response of Feb. 16-19, 2009; 3) Why is Yucca Mountain still, after decades, an unused multi-billion dollar hole in the ground, while hundreds of communities throughout the country are in danger of serious nuclear contamination from band-aid local solutions to the nuclear waste problem...because Senate Leader - and great disappointment - Harry Reid represents the State of Nevada and is simply a grey-haired political hack.

Fellow citizens, the fate of this country is and has always been in your hands. So far, the success of this nation has been the result of America's overriding physical and personal wealth - much of it coming from immigrants - and not from your wisdom at election time. Well, we have closed out more immigrants, and we are running out of wealth. So figure out your next act.

GS

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2009

Maybe a few automobile manufacturers should get this sage piece of advice. - Anonymous

A Jewish businessman was in a great deal of trouble. His business was failing, he had put everything he had into the business, he owed everybody; it was so bad he was even contemplating suicide. As a last resort, he went to a Rabbi and poured out his story of tears and woe.

When he had finished, the Rabbi said, "Here's what I want you to do:
Put a beach chair and your Bible in your car and drive down to the beach. Take the beach chair and the Bible to the water's edge, sit down in the beach chair, and put the Bible in your lap.

Open the Bible; the wind will rifle the pages, but finally the open Bible will come to rest on a page. Look down at the page and read the first thing you see. That will be your answer, that will tell you what to do."

A year later the businessman went back to the Rabbi and brought his wife and children with him. The man was in a new custom-tailored suit, his wife in a mink coat, the children shining. The businessman pulled an envelope stuffed with money out of his pocket, gave it to the Rabbi as a donation in thanks for his advice.

The Rabbi recognized the benefactor, and was curious. "You did as I suggested?" he asked.

"Absolutely," replied the businessman.
"You went to the beach?"
"Absolutely."
"You sat in a beach chair with the Bible in your lap?"
"Absolutely."
"You let the pages rifle until they stopped?"
"Absolutely."
"And what were the first words you saw?"

"Chapter 11"

SUNDAY through THURSDAY, MARCH 1 through 5, 2009

The following are my observations following my attendance at The Day (www.theday.com) Forum on Eminent Domain, which took place last evening in New London, Ct. In attendance were Jeff Benedict (of "Little Pink House" fame), Ms. Berliner of the Institute for Justice, City Attorney Tom Londregan, and former City Mayor Beth Sabilia...and 175 of their closest friends. Formal presentations were followed by comments and questions from the audience. These observations are based upon my attendance, my review of the generally accurate description of the proceedings which are printed in today's Day, and my close observations - as a non-participant - of the events as they unfolded throughout the last decade, with occasional discussions with some of the principals...all chronicled at the time (at least since March, 2003) in this section (Rapid Response).

Both the Forum participants and the audience participants were speaking at each other and not to each other, in two different tongues, throughout the proceedings. Of course, this was the SOP throughout the last decade on this matter.
Disappointingly, the author who had spent by his calculation 3 years studying this story did not give a balanced picture of the countervailing interests in his book - and presented a very personal and subjective stance in his presentation.
The personal stories are by now well known and are unfortunate, although the parties were eventually well compensated for their material losses.
The representative of the Institute for Justice neglected to mention that the group took on this case, instead of many really unjust cases throughout the country, after having been solicited with a war chest of about $1 million by a local private citizen.
Too much was made of the alleged national "bad reputation" for the City of New London resulting from this experience. New London is doing fine, thank you, and is quietly regarded by the leaders and residents of many urban areas and inner cities as a savior of their future viability, by having proven the legality and constitutionality of Eminent Domain for public economic development.
Too much was made about "neighbor against neighbor", and "a breach there that still not been healed". My family and I have lived here for over 46 years. This is a community of honest and plain-spoken people who fight for what they believe in - and afterwards do not hold a grudge. Again, New London is doing fine, thank you.
"Mistakes were made". Now there's an understatement! And where were representatives of the New London Development Corporation and of the State...who made a number of those mistakes, mainly in arrogant style if not in substance or legality? Come on, folks: confession is good for the soul.
Finally, numerous comments were made to the effect that...after all this, and "at the end of the day", New London has nothing positive to show for it at Fort Trumbull. This is patently false. We are not at the "end of the day". We are at the middle of the day, with plenty of sunshine left for a worthwhile harvest. As evidencs of this, and for brevity, I attach the latest of monthly newsletters published by the NLDC. Fellow New Londoners, we are all tired of all of this and of a five month winter this year. But cheer up! We will have a Spring planting, a Summer tending and a very valuable Fall harvest. GS<>

<>New London Development Corporation
165 State Street Suite 421, New London, CT 06320
(860) 447-8011

NLDC Newsletter
March 3, 2009

NOTE: This newsletter is distributed via e-mail. Please e-mail John Brooks at: jbrooks@nldc.org

UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS

- March 20; NLDC Exec. Committee Meeting 8AM @ NLDC Conference Room

- April 23; NLDC Annual Meeting 6PM @ The Crocker House

FORT TRUMBULL PROJECT

New London Welcomes U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center! On Thursday, March 5, New London Mainstreet is hosting a welcome coffee at the new offices of The U.S. Coast Guard R&D Center, the International Ice Patrol and the Marine Safety Lab, which are all located at One Chelsea Street in the Fort Trumbull District. Mainstreet representatives will be joined by members of the City Council and NLDC Board to join in welcoming the 160 new employees to the City and the Fort Trumbull area. Although most of the new employees already reside in the area, many are not yet familiar with the restaurants, businesses, cultural and recreational options that their new location in the City now affords. At the event, Mainstreet will be distributing information and answering questions about these opportunities.

One Chelsea Street, the office project developed by Corcoran Jennison, is the largest private development in the City since the opening of Pfizer in 2001. The project cost to date is approximately $24 million, and the site development extends to more than five acres. The 88,000 square foot building still has some tenant opportunities available. Corcoran Jennison’s agent for leasing is U.S. Properties of New London (locally) / Cushman & Wakefield (nationally).

Infrastructure completed at Fort Trumubll to date includes new and widened streets and all-new underground utilities, represents a “hard” investment of more than $15 million in addition to engineering and land costs. This infrastructure investment was required to bring access and utilities to enable the Corcoran Jennison One Chelsea Street office project as well as all future development including the National Coast Guard Museum, hotel, residential and additional office / mixed use development. In addition, more than $20 million has been invested in environmental remediation and shoreline stabilization, and a $1.5 million public access Riverwalk has been developed along the shoreline on 1.7 waterfront acres that have been deeded to the City. The Riverwalk is adjacent to One Chelsea Street, with public parking on nearby streets.

The National Coast Guard Museum will be located on Fort Trumbull Parcel 1A, which contains slightly more than 2.5 acres adjacent to the Riverwalk, the U.S. Coast Guard R&D Center site at One Chelsea Street, and the planned hotel. Significant progress was reported in our February newsletter, including the appointment of Jerry Ostermiller as the President of the Coast Guard Museum Association for development of the project. The National Coast Guard Museum has always been a central feature of the Fort Trumbull Municipal Development Plan, and the NLDC will be working diligently to advance the project in the upcoming year.

Regarding other Fort Trumbull development parcels, the broader national situation has temporarily made financing for large commercial projects of any kind problematic. NLDC has residential, hotel and office sites that are ready to develop as the economy stabilizes and recovers. The significant investment in infrastructure, environmental remediation and site preparation allows these future development sites to be “shovel ready” and able to be developed on a rapid timeline as the economy recovers.

The Board is completing a revision of the NLDC Strategic Plan, which will focus energy and effort on the National Coast Guard Museum Project. The museum project is an extraordinary opportunity for the City during this present time, and deserves the attention and engagement of the entire NLDC membership.

HOUSE NEW LONDON

Housing Construction and Development – Phase II. Construction activity is nearing completion on ECHO’s “gut rehabs” of 45 and 69 West Coit Street, and HOPE’s new house at 81 Belden Street. Alderhouse Residential Communities’ is proceeding with the rehab of 63 Connecticut Avenue. All properties are sold to qualified first-time homebuyers. Executive Director John Brooks can refer potential buyer interest to our non-profit partner developers.

American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) – ADDI provides financial assistance in the form of forgivable second mortgages for down-payment assistance (usually approximately $10,000+) to qualifying first-time homebuyers buying single family homes. This grant has provided HNL with a total of more than $1,000,000 for the ADDI program, which is administered by HNL partner ECHO. We are nearing the 50th closing for this worthwhile program.

HomeBuyer Education Program of OIC (formerly HomeBuyers Club)

The Homebuyers Education Program of OIC of New London County continues to provide classes and training for first-time homebuyers. HBC training is a requirement for ADDI funding, as well as for purchase of a HNL home. Zenobia Penn’s contact number at OIC is 447-1731, ext. 307.

CONTACT US: (860) 447-8011 ext. 21

John Brooks

Executive Director
jbrooks@nldc.org

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