COMPLICATED" avril lavigne

For the last eight Sundays, I have been attending a local church group whose mission is to understand migration. "Crossing Borders" a study for Catholics to understand migration.

I have now been to meetings on this subject from both sides.

I came to realize that the main opposition of illegal immigration for me was not the people coming but how some were framing the issue. First, I was upset with HOLA's demands. This includes Veronica Dahlberg’s insistence that the laws were wrong and any opposition was racist along the allegations that ICE agents were breaking down doors and spreading terror in the community. The "Letter" that ended up in the United States Senate that appeared to come from then-Council President William Horvath. This letter was composed by Dalhberg and rubber-stamped by Horvath. The final straw was a march through downtown Painesville with Mexican flags in the forefront and the American flag dragged by children through town, later followed by a rally in Veterans Park by out of state speakers claiming to take back what was originally theirs. All to the applause of Ms. Dahlberg and the crowd.

A member of this church group questioned the motives of the Rally Team. I explained to them that I believed Ms. Dahlberg is the main reason the group started.

We studied migration back to the time of Moses in the Bible. One constant I learned through all these weeks about the region, country or empire that was being migrated to; if they did not have control over the migration it usually ended with negative results for them. The American Indians’ policy (or lack of) towards European settlers is a good example.

At present, the United States does not have a policy.

First, these are my thoughts and not the thoughts or findings of the church group. I believe the first thing the United States government should do is control the border, not only to keep illegals out but that large area that doesn't have a fence is desert and people are dying trying to cross it. Let us put boots on the ground not only for security but also for the safety of the people trying to cross in that area.

This country has a strange policy over the years; a sign that says "KEEP OUT" under a sign that says, "HELP WANTED."

A myth most will find hard to believe; these people do not want to leave Mexico, they just do not want to starve to death. America offers a new life. They can watch American television as easily as we do. I do not believe there is a conspiracy to take over the country or destroy our culture they just want a better life. America has away that sucks you in... You become an "American" first and fast.

How is it that the country south of the richest country in the world is still a third world country? Instead of Mexico sending migrants north, why hasn't our government and religious leaders asked the Mexican government to get their act together. Mexico is rich in natural resources but its wealth seems to be concentrated in a small group of individuals. (Sound familiar?). Has NAFTA worked for or against the Mexican economy? How long before the drug gangs infiltrate our society to the extent they have in Mexico. Let us not forget about human trafficking… such as in the case of Jalapeno Loco in Mentor a couple of years ago.

For the last eight weeks, I have listened to what we, as Americans should do. The church should hold meetings for the migrants and explain what is expected of them.

Last week during the Republican debates, Newt Gingrich made statements that might end his chances of ever becoming President. I give him credit for a being somewhat of a realist. If the Hispanic population goes to the Democrats I believe, as he does, it will be the end of the Republican Party. I disagree with his premise that we should set up a group as second-class citizens, with local selective board panels. What is that famous American slogan "No taxation without representation?" I would like to hear a whole debate that just deals with illegal immigration so people will hear not just sound bites but each candidate’s solution along with the costs of their solution. Yes, President Obama's also.

I mentioned before that our Congressman receives mail 10 to 1 against amnesty. The numbers here on the blog will be higher. Only when you inevitably complain about this post will you please also give your solution to this problem. I for one do not have an easy answer.
Also on the blog. who or what you say is Anonymous, to myself and the readers..... Before you start to type remember a time will come when you may have to explain your comment to a higher power.

Yes it is Complicated.

"BLACK FRIDAY" steely dan

No I'm not talking about shopping. As we enjoy our feast this Thursday and are thankful to our Creator for our bounty he has presented us. Take time to remember November 25, 1783.
That's the day set aside to remember Evacuation New York. That was the last day and the last vestige of British authority. British troop's left the United States.
We all remember July 4,1776 the day we declared our independence but it took over six years to drive the British out of the colonies. It took the Continental Army lead by General Washington to gain control of New York in 1783.
During that time more then 10,000 patriots soldiers and sailors died through deliberate neglect on British prison ships anchored in New York harbor. More died there then in any single battle during the war. Gives a new meaning to "Give me Liberty or give me death".
There is a Prison Ship Martyrs Monument at Fort Greene in Brooklyn, New York.
The story goes that if you swore allegiance to the crown you were set free. I don't know if this is true or not.
Also all during the time of 9/11 attack we kept hearing about Battery Park reading this story I know what the words mean.

Again have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

"ROCKETMAN" elton john

In the most interesting news to come out of Monday nights council meeting. A 98 year old Vulcan was brought back to Painesville by a local resident. More to follow......

Last night at the council meeting Tony Torre inform everyone there he had recently acquired a 1913 Vulcan touring car? What made this such an interesting find was the Vulcan Motor Co. was located and built automobiles here in Painesville. This car has found it's way back to Painesville where it was built. The plant was located on Richmond St. near the electric plant. As more information is know I will update you. According to the DuPont Automobile registry. only two still are in existence? Maybe Tony found number 3? Tony they also produced an automobile named the Erie.

'FORTUNATE SON" ccr

By now most of you know or may have guessed I am over 60 years old.

That's not a bad thing. I have many fond memories of growing up in Painesville, remembering when steam engines still ran through town, GM ‘59 models with ‘fins’ and nobody challenging American ingenuity in the world.

The first leader I remember was President Eisenhower. I never realized his greatness until later in life. This was during the time of the yellow and black triangle CD signs that showed where a fallout shelter was located.

The first Presidential election I can remember was between Kennedy and Nixon. My family were Democrats and were pushing for JFK. I asked my father ‘what if he loses and Nixon was elected?’ My father assured me that Richard Nixon was more than capable of running this country.

Growing up, I watched Kennedy, Nixon, Martin Luther King Jr. and many other leaders from both sides of the aisle who were true leaders and statesmen… not knowing at the time of the true greatness I was watching. To this day, I do not believe the country realizes how much Kennedy and Nixon respected each other. Their first debate was not the one most people remember on television. It took place outside Pittsburgh in 1952 on a subject later to be known as the "Cold War". They also shared a train ride back to Washington D.C. with Nixon winning the bottom berth.

Why bring this up now? Where has the greatness gone? To be honest I see no leadership from either party. I see nothing but kicking a can down the road. I hear candidates that cannot remember the facts that they should. I see cash being the major reason for anything being done. President Obama seems to be in over his head and at the same time, none of his challengers appears to be a better choice.

9-9-9. cannot remember departments to eliminate or whether China has nukes. On the other hand, a promise by one candidate to go to war with Iran if elected… and the latest… they gave me 37 million to hear my thoughts. PLEASE!

People fifty years ago had hundreds of times better choices then we have today. Why?

I believe money has corrupted both parties and have turned our government into a bunch of prostitutes looking for their next money fix.

Do you think those leaders would have listened to the lobbyists years ago as they do today? Do you believe a Nixon, Kennedy, Reagan, Goldwater would have signed a pledge by Grover Northquest the way they all line up to today to do so? Why does Grover, a private citizen, have this power over elected officials? The only one of the candidates that has stuck to his guns is Ron Paul… even if you disagree with him you have to give him credit for not shifting in the wind as others have.

On a final thought: are the occupiers and the tea partiers both wanting the same thing? If they need a cause, they can both join in on; why not make it putting us back to work?
My answer to the tax issue? Every time unemployment numbers go down, tax rates go down. Unemployment goes up and tax rates go up. [I know no economist believes this is good tax policy, but than the current one isn't that hot either] There are some incentives to putting people back to work in that policy. We could just lets just get rid of the Bush tax cuts for everyone shared sacrifice for everyone.

"IN THE AIR TONIGHT" phil collins

Today my second visit to Harvey took place. I am happy to report that, for the most part, you have a group of teachers who want to teach and a student body that wants to learn.

Can things improve? Should they? Yes. I along with many others believe the new members of the school board will be expecting greater results from everyone. I also believe we will see the system more transparent in the near future.

A young lady questioned me about the reason for my visit. I explained that there was a report circulating that claimed that less than 25% of the community cared about the students. One reason for being there was to disprove that thought. We, as a community, care for many different reasons.

I questioned the SRO officer about the fight reported to the blog last week. I asked him if he was out of the building. No, he was never informed about the fight from any administrator. He assured me that the respective people responsible for him and the school have reached an understanding about his duties in the building. He believes that situation has been corrected. All of this over a paper trail?
The student was NOT transported by EMS to Tri-Point… but a parent took him to the hospital. Again, no paper trail.

In my visit today, it seems that Fridays there is no dress code enforcement. A student mentioned that if it is not important on Friday then why is it important the rest of the week. I couldn’t respond to that question because I just do not have a good answer. Does anyone?

Yes, no headgear allowed but there were a few that just had to wear baseball caps in the building. Again, most students dressed appropriately. I’m getting old, so could someone explain what's with the ripped jeans with holes?

One thing that the school seems to be missing the boat on is that I always thought that when the bells ring you are supposed to go to your next class. It's amazing how many students are still going whatever they were going after the second bell rings. Along with school starting at 7:15 but apparently you have a grace period of 45 minutes before you are tardy. I believe that employers that will hire these students in the future will not have this liberal time schedule.

Again as a resident of Painesville, that SRO officer is needed and appreciated by both staff and students.

I believe his presence at Harvey is invaluable to the city and schools.

I also believe council members must receive his reports monthly and decide if the school should install metal detectors along with what else the school should provide at Harvey.

All institutions of learning must understand that they are responsible to the communities that they serve. Yes, no one wants his or her dirty laundry exposed. It is their obligation to use the resources at their disposal to provide a safe, learning experience. They should not be concerned about bad press…ignoring or hiding a problem only makes it worse. Deal with it now or deal with a bigger issue later. Ask the people in Happy Valley.

"WORKING MAN" rush

I attended the council "work" session Monday night. If you read the News-Herald this morning (Tuesday, November 14th) the misuse of our EMS units as taxis were brought up to council by the Fire Chief. To his credit he mentioned it’s not about the money, but having enough personnel in position in case of a real emergency. We heard about one resident that has been transported 79 times this year already. I am sure we are not the first community to face this… it's time to find a solution.

The Utility Commission appointed by city council was discussed. In one word, it is a sham!

I looked up the definition of a commission, appoint, assign, delegate, authorize, order, enlist consign, charge, engage, invest, hire, and contract for. Now this Commission will only ‘advise’ council. OK, it will only make recommendations. So how many people do you think will take the time to look into electricity, water and sewer, maybe even waste management? Then, after all their work, council can do as they wish? It's council’s job in the first place… maybe this is a new way to pass around the mistakes. We elected these people.. now time for them to do their homework.

Council has had the good advice and input from residents before...remember AMP - OHIO? How many citizens went before council in opposition of AMPGS and council did what it wanted anyway? This kind of takes the wind out of someone's sails. Who would be motivated to do all that research for nothing? Do what you want, but please do not make it look official by calling it a ‘commission’.

Storm Water Improvements: well, in this case you might as well be living in Rock Creek Township. The city has no legal or financial way of solving you problems.
The Cedarbrook area study came back. In laymen’s terms ...the pipes are too small. How much did that tidbit cost us? Those pipes must have shrunk in the last 6 or 7 years. We never had this problem before Heritage and Chestnut schools and several other large developments got tied into the same pipes. One Million Dollars to fix this. We don't have a million dollars but I guess it should be a great source of comfort to the people that suffer over there (along with people on Hayer, and Meridan, as well as those living on N. State St.) that the flooding mystery is finally solved and we finally know what the problem is. We know how to fix it…but you residents are just going to have to live with it.

The city engineer had an idea how to solve the sewage problem for $1000.00. OK, I'll give you $1000 bucks but there is no way you can get a contractor to do that job at that price. You pay the overage.

Interesting meeting… we have even more problems to look into. Right now in "my" world that’s all we presently can deal with.

See the city has started construction on the Battery storage/Utility truck storage garage. I'll give you three guesses who got the excavation contract? It may be legal but I wonder how ethical it all is?

News-Herald had a story how the county was spending $30,000 to evaluate moving the County Utility Department Enginineering and billing department out to the former Minimum Security Facility. Seem's like a strange move? When you realize they own that office building next to Burger King in the center of town. Why would they want to move out of town? Where is that Community Develpment Department we pride ourselves on in town. How much income tax revenue will this cost Painesville's coffers? Seems if we could just get the city and county to work together? Wonder what or who the problem is?

"SAD SONG" elton john

As I sat in restaurant tonight, the television news was all about the Penn State scandal.

A woman at a nearby table spoke aloud "How long must we hear about this Penn State thing?"

Well first off, it is not a Penn State University thing.
Nor is it a Penn State football thing.

Not a legendary coach thing.

Certainly not a “how will this affect Senior Day and the game against Nebraska” thing.

This thing is about at least six young boys who were brutally abused by a person they trusted. This thing is also about the complete failure of the adults with knowledge about it and how they dropped the ball on their responsibility to those boys.

I could care less about the University, the football team, the most revered coaches in college football or even whether they play a game Saturday or not. The focus should be on the well-being of those victims.

This is what happens when a public or private institution thinks more of their program and/or reputation than doing the most basic right thing. Seems everyone involved thought it was more important to pass the proverbial buck than to confront the perpetrator and report this hideous crime to the proper authorities.

Someone commented to me the only thing worse than the crime was the attempted cover up.

I could not agree more. If you are talking Enron, Lehman Bros. Watergate, and now this... what in God’s name were they thinking?

Student riots? Well maybe in a decade or so those same students will have 10 year olds and then actually understand. Then we will see a justified riot.

Penn State will "heal" and the football program will survive. A famous coach will still have his record along with a footnote of why he was fired November 9, 2011.

We must ask will the young men now in their twenty's be able to live normal lives? None of us can possibly know how deep the scars they bear are.

How screwed up can priorities be when a collective blind eye was turned for years? How can those students actually riot because their Saturday game has been disrupted? How selfish can this society get?

This Saturday there will be no College football for me. This tragedy has brought home just what is important in life and what is used just to fill idle hours.

"MOVING ON" bad company

Well, the election has finally been and gone. From my perspective, there were some disappointments and some things to look forward too also.

First, let me congratulate the winners: Mr. Flock, Mrs. Jenkins, Mr. DeLeone and Mr. Hach, Mr. Dillard, Mr. Grippi and Mr. Costell. I’d like to thank all the candidates that took the time to make Painesville a better place to live.

Many of you may think I would be upset by the results. Maybe a little confused would be a better choice of words. I guess Ward IV residents can comprehend their council member making an expensive mistake and/or the alternative, John Murphy just wasn't what they were looking for.

Did Ms. Jenkins beat Hal Werner or did Hal Werner beat Hal Werner in Ward II? Say what you will, he gave it his best. Mike DeLeone in Ward III pounded on doors and made himself known in the community as well as Ward 3. He should be given the opportunity to show us what he can do. I hope he is the independent that he says he is. Ward 3 has been too long without proper representation. Either candidate would have been a major improvement. As far as Andy Flock is concerned, I guess all that can be said is Ward 1 is content.

The school board will have two new members as well as an experienced board-president coming back. I'm not sure, but I believe there just might be a new direction to the administration on its way…maybe the rubber stamp era is over. Experience, knowing what is behind the curtain and having a stake with your children in the system seems like a winning combination to me. Congratulations to Mr. Powers also. Smooth, very smooth.

Regarding the defeat of Issue 2: cannot say we did not see that coming. I believe our Governor reached way too far. Someone please let him know that we really care about our safety forces and teachers. At the same time Issue 2 was failing in the state many city and school levies were also failing. Someone posted that you cannot vote ‘No’ on Issue 2 and then vote ‘No’ on levies. That’s an interesting school of thought.

Now I can get back to the mundane. How new water pipes can go from costing a million dollars to $275,000 and where to find the money for the S.R.O. as well as keeping ‘Exterminator’ stuck to the ceiling.

One final thought, it was refreshing not seeing a candidate, or any misguided backers attempting to smear anyone in last days of the campaign.

"PLAY WITH FIRE" rolling stones

Today was my first day back in high school for many decades. I spent my first day (of two) as a ‘ride along’ with SR Officer Ponder.

I arrived at Harvey about 8 o’clock and met with Officer Ponder in his office. By nine o’clock, a secretary yelled into his office that there was a fight on the second floor. When we got there, two males were fighting, and two male teachers plus the principal were trying to break it up. One of the combatants weighed at least 285 lbs yet the incident was over within 15 seconds of Officer Ponder’s arrival. During my day, I observed many of his duties and he had a knack for being clairvoyant about where to be when needed.

It was reported to me last week about an incident that took place last month where a young male student allegedly brought a gun, a mask and a bag of marijuana into the school. The administration was notified at 6:45 AM and yet Officer Ponder does not arrive until 7:45 AM. During that time, the school administration took it upon themselves to handle it. My first thought was the minute I heard a rumor of a student with a gun, I would have called the police and not have tried to solve it in-house. As it turned out, it was a BB handgun and the student faces expulsion along with other charges.

In addition, last week a memo appeared in my mailbox that was from the administration sent to school employees stating that staff should only contact the SRO officer as a last option and try to handle discipline problems themselves. I believe this is because the SRO officer documents all of his activities throughout the day and some may be afraid of all this paperwork. Even the incident of the fight today was handled improperly because time was wasted contacting the SRO officer.

As a resident of Painesville and a taxpayer, I believe I would not work in that school or send my children or grandchildren there unless there was an SRO officer present there that had the full cooperation of the school administration and answerable only to the Painesville police chief. Along with Officer Ponder’s regular duties, he does have the advantage of knowing the students he is dealing with. This gives him an advantage. He genuinely enjoys working with the students and I can see that the students truly respect him and like having him there. I have no idea how we will fund this position but it is absolutely necessary, whether it be done by the school administration, the city or a combination of the two.

One thing I learned today: if you are eighteen years old, you can skip school or write your own excuses and no one can question you. Imagine trying to control that situation in addition to everything else that goes along with running a high school.

Overall, it was a very enlightening experience and I am looking forward to my second day with him. I will tell you... school has certainly changed.

"SHAPE OF THINGS" yardbirds

We are less than 100 hours from voting Tuesday and I have a confession to make to all of you.

Issue 2… for or against S.B 5. I can tell you that in all the time I have voted (over forty years) I cannot remember any issue that has had me over a barrel such as this one.

I support the police, firefighters and teachers as well as most other public service employees and at the same time realize we cannot continue to go down the path that we are on now.

First, being a Teamster, I believe unions have a place in society. That said I do not believe public employees of any kind should be allowed to strike. They work in pretty much a monopoly situation. Can parents take their vouchers for schools and use them where they can do the most for their children. Are they trapped in a system and have very little control over what is best for them? In addition, are they teachers or test result givers? How many are allowed to teach and how many are told test results count the most?

Should safety forces be allowed to make demands that government cannot pay for without cuts in their departments or others? In addition, at the same time, is it a good idea to take collective bargaining away from professionals and let politicians decide what they need or do not need?

I truly see both sides and at the same time believe there is something going on that is more than wages, and fringe benefits.

It seems that most candidates cannot agree on this issue.
This is part of the Republican platform with the support from the Governor and GOP leaders in Columbus. What about Lake County Republicans? Do they believe? Are they willing to put their careers at risk?

Where is the Democrat leadership on this issue? Again MIA.

I would like to hear your comments on this issue.

1. Will this issue save money and/or jobs?
2. If it passes or fails, will there be more or less employees in our schools and cities next year?
3. What is a fair percentage for retirement and healthcare benefit employee contributions?
4. Do you believe public workers are overpaid or underpaid compared to the private sector?
5. Do you think you will vote for it hoping they will tweak it after passage…or will you vote against the whole thing even though you believe some of it is necessary?

In a final comment, before someone tells me teachers only work 185 days a year, I will remind all of you the Speaker of the House John Boehner has only scheduled Congress for 109 days in 2012. Sounds like things are pretty much on autopilot in Washington D.C.

"YOU GOT A FRIEND" james taylor

Don't know the originating source for this, but I do like it. I thought enough of it to think many of you would also.

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list.

Help start a New American Christmas tradition.