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Monday, June 9, 2008

SPOKEN WORDS BLOW AWAY WITH THE WIND

 
Dan,
 
 It was nice to listen to you on 1300 Talk Radio this afternoon.
 
You did ramble on, but made some thought provoking points while I waited patiently, on the phone, for 45 minutes, after the screener asked me my name and what I wanted to comment on. I told him that I had a response to caller Norman's
solution of more youth programs as a deterrent to the graffiti mania which seems to be sweeping Albany and the Capitol District.
 
Unfortunately someone hung up the phone. A technical problem no doubt. Not to worry, I will post what I had to say, so that you can read it.
 
1. Norman's call for more youth programs to deter youthful graffiti artists.
 
    I have a great government program: apprehension and lengthy sentences of hard labor, removing graffiti wherever it is found, painting houses in blighted neighborhoods as well as nicer neighborhoods where graffiti artists strike.
 
2. Your discussion of Barak Obama's shift on his pledge to adhere to public financing limits in the General Election.
 
    He raised more than $265 million, that we know of, and had plenty of face time on tv during the Democratic primary. How much more money and media coverage does he need?  Well, maybe it is to tell the voters what change he has in store for all?
 
    I agree with your conclusion that there will be talk about campaign finance reform but most politicians will not walk the walk.
 
    After all money is the oil of political campaigns.
 
    Yet here is hope, yes hope that campaign finance reform will occur. The Media
     and the voters hold the key:
 
     Voters have to pay attention to political campaigns, particularly what candidates
say and do. Voters have to make the effort to become informed and look beyond the security blanket of party.
 
     The  media can voluntarily restrict campaign coverage to shorter campaign times, with fewer commercial ads, that are screened for accuracy of content. The media can also provide more time and space for all bonafide candidates to present their views and priorities, in their own words. Refrain from endorsements and coverage that amounts to editorializing by reporters. Just give voters the facts.
 
      Then let the people decide.
 
      There are signs that the media is driving campaign reform. For example, we have talk radio programs that afford time to candidates. CBS6 Albany will have candidate biographies and short candidate videos on line soon. The Times Union and other local print media are affording candidates limited space to present their priorities and positions regarding issues. This often appears in the form of voter guides. These are all hopeful signs that campaign finance reform is coming.
 
       Just don't look for politicians to drive the train.
 
        All that is needed now, is for the voters to make the effort to become informed and to take an active role in political campaigns. This means more than simply voting or giving cash to candidates.
 
3. Your promotion of grease power vehicles as an alternative to oil?  My QUESTION HOW MANY MCDONALD'S AND OTHER FAST FOOD STORES WILL BE NEEDED TO FUEL THE FLEETS OF 18 WHEELERS THAT TRANSPORT THE FOOD AND OTHER NECESSITIES OF LIFE WE REQUIRE?
 
          As for other alternatives to the motor vehicle, once oil becomes to costly,
rationed and ultimately not available at any price-
 
          Let's get cracking on rebuilding the rail roads and Erie Canal that spurred the first boom in our nation, and gave you grandfather, and some of my ancestors, a steady job, with good retirement. Don't forget restoring the Hudson River and river port facilities as well.
 
          What about the masses?   Rebuild our cities, make them more livable, clear
the criminal malcontents from the streets and return to K-8 neighborhood schools
which are best for kids, parents and neighborhoods.
 
          Getting around?  Walk, bike, take a trolley and other light rail. Of course the
Amish and the Irish have the best replacement for the motor vehicle:
         * the horse and buggy        and     * the pony and trap
 
Spoken words blow away in the wind. But, the written words remain to be pondered.
 
Regards Dan. Get the phone company to  check out your phone line.
 
                                                                                             J P Sullivan



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