The Arts and Social Capital

I don't have a background in economics or sociology, but I know that the term social capital refers to the value of meaningful human interaction-- cooperation, understanding, building trust, bridging social gaps, easing ethnic tensions. High social capital strengthens a community. Low social capital leads to an intolerant and corrupt society and citizens who are apathetic about their local government. It becomes difficult to identify problems and find solutions. Crime increases. The concept of social capital has been obscured by our current economic panic.

Community arts events and artist groups help to build social capital which can result in actual capital for a city. Therefore, cultural events should not be eliminated when a city is struggling. The arts should not be viewed as just peripheral activities in a city.

A 1996 study found that two thirds of all major city arts agencies in the US were involved in crime prevention, 9 out of 10 involved in helping at risk youth, 9 out of 10 involved in raising cross-cultural awareness (Source: United States Urban Federation, June 1996 Report on the Arts Councils in the 50 largest US cities). So putting the arts on the back burner is not a good idea if a city wants to improve. Smart government leaders can see the interconnectedness and synergy of it all, and the value of the arts. It's more than just pretty pictures for your walls, and it's not just a luxury reserved for the wealthy class.

In Italy, a study of Italian regional government found a strong relationship between the number of choral societies and the effectiveness of government. Apparently, communities that sing together are happy with their government! (Source: Robert D. Putnam, Making Democracy Work, 1993.)

There is a mountain of evidence that arts programs keep kids safe, prevent crime, and beautify shabby neighborhoods.

Art also brings joy to people's lives, and joy makes us more willing to reach out and connect with each other. (Source: Michael Argyle, In Pursuit of the Quality of Life, 1996).

When people attend a cultural event or join a community arts group, they can discover shared understandings. When they participate in creating art, music, or dance, they can learn from each other, become more accepting of differences, respect each other more, and build friendships. The arts are unique in that way.

Dollars and cents aren't the only way to define a successful society. For example, in Canada they developed "Canada's Genuine Progress Index"(GPI) which is a measure of national well being > http://www.gpiatlantic.org/gpi.htm It has five parts: time use (volunteerism, housework and childcare, leisure time), natural capital, human and social capital, human impact on the environment, and living standards. Perhaps we should develop something like this in the U.S., because the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) does not measure human well being.

The GDP shows how much income we produce, but not how it is distributed-- and we know there has been a growing gap between the rich and poor in America.

Bob Lynch, President of Americans for the Arts, estimated that 10,000 arts organizations in the U.S. will close their doors this year. That's 10% of all arts organizations. Maybe during tough economic times, the non-profits and the arts institutions need to find new ways to demonstrate the value of the arts. Perhaps a model for assessing social capital is needed. People will spend time and money on something they feel is valuable in their lives.

I believe we need to create more social capital. Here are 150 things you can do to help create more social capital in Allentown > http://www.bettertogether.org/150ways.htm

Photo: HALA Community Mural at 5th and Gordon Sts., Courtesy Allentown Good News Blog

Takin' it to the Streets of Allentown

During tough economic times, the arts can thrive. Some of our best American art was created during the Depression in the 1930's, which triggered important art movements such as Regionalism, and Social Realism. Artists such as Thomas Hart Benton painted WPA sponsored murals on public buildings. Artists and photographers Ben Shahn, Jacob Lawrence, and Dorothea Lange depicted American life and the realities of living in poverty. These art movements influenced artists all over the world.

Art brings people together, raises our social consciousness, and can trigger and enhance economic development and urban renewal. While our town's only "newspaper" reports on the cut-backs and financial struggles of arts institutions like the Allentown Art Museum and The State Theater, the local community art scene is flourishing, especially in Allentown.

This past Saturday night, in an overflowing reserved space at the House of Chen Restaurant on Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown, a large group of enthusiastic local artists (The Allentown Chen Arts Group) announced and specified plans for a variety of community art events to take place this Spring and Summer, while dining on amazingly dee-lish Malaysian cuisine, thanks to Jenny Chen!

A driving force behind Allentown's street art movement is Allentown artist Duane (Yodi) Vaden, http://yodiobono.spaces.live.com/ who is involved in street theatre, making large puppets, parades, African drumming, youth programs, political activism, and his own fine art.

There are many free outdoor events planned. To mention a few, starting in April on 7th St., the Artists in Action program will be happening every second Sat. of the month. Thanks Pete Lewnes and Yodi. Artists will be on the street in front of local businesses making and selling art, and there will be dancers, musicians, and a teen art program.

The Chen Arts Group is planning Second Saturday artist studio tours, music, and dancing on Hamilton St. And we will be having an indoor fine art show in the lower level community room of the Allentown Art Museum in June.

There will be a Peace Parade in May organized by The Arts Luminarium, a non-profit group. If you are interested in participating, or for more info, check out the Chen Arts Blog. http://www.chenarts.blogspot.com/

Image is Thomas Hart Benton Mural "City Activities" in NYC subway

Takin' it to the Streets of Allentown

During tough economic times, the arts can thrive. Some of our best American art was created during the Depression in the 1930's, which triggered important art movements such as Regionalism, and Social Realism. Artists such as Thomas Hart Benton painted WPA sponsored murals on public buildings. Artists and photographers Ben Shahn, Jacob Lawrence, and Dorothea Lange depicted American life and the realities of living in poverty. These art movements influenced artists all over the world.

Art brings people together, raises our social consciousness, and can trigger and enhance economic development and urban renewal. While our town's only "newspaper" reports on the cut-backs and financial struggles of arts institutions like the Allentown Art Museum and The State Theater, the local community art scene is flourishing, especially in Allentown.

This past Saturday night, in an overflowing reserved space at the House of Chen Restaurant on Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown, a large group of enthusiastic local artists (The Allentown Chen Arts Group) announced and specified plans for a variety of community art events to take place this Spring and Summer, while dining on amazingly dee-lish Malaysian cuisine, thanks to Jenny Chen!

A driving force behind Allentown's street art movement is Allentown artist Duane (Yodi) Vaden, http://yodiobono.spaces.live.com/ who is involved in street theatre, making large puppets, parades, African drumming, youth programs, political activism, and his own fine art.

There are many free outdoor events planned. To mention a few, starting in April on 7th St., the Artists in Action program will be happening every second Sat. of the month. Thanks Pete Lewnes and Yodi. Artists will be on the street in front of local businesses making and selling art, and there will be dancers, musicians, and a teen art program.

The Chen Arts Group is planning Second Saturday artist studio tours, music, and dancing on Hamilton St. And we will be having an indoor fine art show in the lower level community room of the Allentown Art Museum in June.

There will be a Peace Parade in May organized by The Arts Luminarium, a non-profit group. If you are interested in participating, or for more info, check out the Chen Arts Blog. http://www.chenarts.blogspot.com/

Image is Thomas Hart Benton Mural "City Activities" in NYC subway

A Powerful Symbol

Yesterday, we visited Sheena's Memorial Garden at West Park in Allentown (lovingly maintained by Greg Palmer). Soon, Sheena's colorful garden will be in full bloom, like it is in the picture shown.

Our First Lady Michelle Obama and some school children are planting a garden on the White House grounds. I see the idea of a garden as the perfect political symbol right now, and as a powerful symbol in our lives.

During difficult times, whether it be grieving the death of a child and fighting for justice, or facing down an economic crisis and a lingering war, there is hope that something new will grow-- despite the efforts of those who would sabotage the growth, and the resultant good yield for the majority, to serve their own spiteful agendas. There is faith in what cannot be seen, faith that something will emerge and nourish many people. Faith in something that can be shared and sustained. Faith in the future.

The garden also symbolizes self-reliance, getting your hands dirty and working hard. The garden requires creativity. We have planted some seeds of justice, and we are confident they will bear fruit-- despite the efforts of those who would sabotage the growth, and the resultant good yield for the majority, to serve their own spiteful agendas. We will continue to do the hard work during these hard times.

A Powerful Symbol

Yesterday, we visited Sheena's Memorial Garden at West Park in Allentown (lovingly maintained by Greg Palmer). Soon, Sheena's colorful garden will be in full bloom, like it is in the picture shown.

Our First Lady Michelle Obama and some school children are planting a garden on the White House grounds. I see the idea of a garden as the perfect political symbol right now, and as a powerful symbol in our lives.

During difficult times, whether it be grieving the death of a child and fighting for justice, or facing down an economic crisis and a lingering war, there is hope that something new will grow-- despite the efforts of those who would sabotage the growth, and the resultant good yield for the majority, to serve their own spiteful agendas. There is faith in what cannot be seen, faith that something will emerge and nourish many people. Faith in something that can be shared and sustained. Faith in the future.

The garden also symbolizes self-reliance, getting your hands dirty and working hard. The garden requires creativity. We have planted some seeds of justice, and we are confident they will bear fruit-- despite the efforts of those who would sabotage the growth, and the resultant good yield for the majority, to serve their own spiteful agendas. We will continue to do the hard work during these hard times.

Magistrate Reschedules O'Hare vs. Villa

Readers, the gripping courtroom drama that had been scheduled for Monday, March 23rd, has been moved to mid-May, at the request of the Magistrate. 

For the record, neither of the 2 prior continuances were requested by me-- as has been slitheringly misrepresented by the whiney Complainant in this case, per his standard M.O. 

The first reschedule and voluntary recusal was made by the original Magistrate in the case. 

The second reschedule was requested by legal counsel because of a prior court commitment.  

And this 3rd reschedule was initiated by the presiding Magistrate. 

Personally, I cannot wait for these legal proceedings to get started. 

Unfortunately, we'll all have to wait until mid-May now.    

[Posted by Mr. Dottie] 

Magistrate Reschedules O'Hare vs. Villa

Readers, the gripping courtroom drama that had been scheduled for Monday, March 23rd, has been moved to mid-May, at the request of the Magistrate. 

For the record, neither of the 2 prior continuances were requested by me-- as has been slitheringly misrepresented by the whiney Complainant in this case, per his standard M.O. 

The first reschedule and voluntary recusal was made by the original Magistrate in the case. 

The second reschedule was requested by legal counsel because of a prior court commitment.  

And this 3rd reschedule was initiated by the presiding Magistrate. 

Personally, I cannot wait for these legal proceedings to get started. 

Unfortunately, we'll all have to wait until mid-May now.    

[Posted by Mr. Dottie] 

Marc Waldman, 1968-2009

In late 2004, The Villas auditioned 10 bass players. 

Marc Waldman (despite playing great and having, by far, the most fabulous rock star hair of all the auditionees) came in second and didn't get the job. This had never happened to Marc before. He had always "smoked the audition and gotten the job," which he reminded me in a series of increasingly funny, charming, and endearing phone calls ("Hey Villa,Waldman") over the ensuing months.

When the new bass player we had selected didn't work out, ring-a-ding hipster Marc Waldman and his fabulous haircut by Kathy Parker became The Villas bass player. 

Our first gig with Marc was a private employee Holiday Party at Rodale, Inc. (gulp, don't wanna screw up there) on 12/17/04 and Marc did indeed smoke that gig and all subsequent Villas shows. 

With Marc's longtime Aquabees bandmate Kevin Groller joining The Villas on drums, we (Angie, me, Marc, Kevin, and Bill Wehbe on keyboards) proceeded to have thee most F-U-N the Villas band had ever had since forming in 1999. And our revolving personnel door stopped revolving. In one smooth operator move, Marc Waldman had brought both fun and stability to a band that had experienced both only fleetingly before him. Those who know Marc will no doubt appreciate and maybe marvel at this delicious irony.

From the swingin’ croons of Frank Sinatra to the rippin’ surf riffs of Dick Dale, and from cocktail jazz and John Philip Sousa to The Beatles, Marc Waldman could, and did, play anything, and everything, exceptionally well.

That's Marc playing bass on The Villas new 2-song single (you can hear these songs by clicking on the kick drum at this blog's right sidebar) and on our upcoming 3rd full-length CD.

I will always have an especially warm place in my heart for Marc for his cajoling (and nagging) and encouraging (and insisting) that I perform via cameo appearance on lead vocals with Marc's longtime great surf/cover band, The Aquabees, which includes Kevin Groller on drums, Larry D'Amelio on Farfisa organ, and Dano Dave D'Amelio on guitar. I'll never forget the two 2005 shows The Villas and The Aquabees did together at The Fun House in Bethlehem and the two Aquabees gigs at The Hotel Bethlehem during Musikfest that Marc booked and promoted and played bass in both bands and never got his hair mussed. I haven't had that much fun since.

Our local and regional music communities have lost a truly great one with the passing of Marc Waldman.

We will always miss our Villas bandmate, Marc. 

Marc Waldman's Obituary in The Morning Call

Marc Waldman's Bio at The Villas Website 

[This post was composed by Bill Villa] 

Photo Credit: Annie Giancarlo, Mayfair, 2007. 

Marc Waldman, 1968-2009

In late 2004, The Villas auditioned 10 bass players. 

Marc Waldman (despite playing great and having, by far, the most fabulous rock star hair of all the auditionees) came in second and didn't get the job. This had never happened to Marc before. He had always "smoked the audition and gotten the job," which he reminded me in a series of increasingly funny, charming, and endearing phone calls ("Hey Villa,Waldman") over the ensuing months.

When the new bass player we had selected didn't work out, ring-a-ding hipster Marc Waldman and his fabulous haircut by Kathy Parker became The Villas bass player. 

Our first gig with Marc was a private employee Holiday Party at Rodale, Inc. (gulp, don't wanna screw up there) on 12/17/04 and Marc did indeed smoke that gig and all subsequent Villas shows. 

With Marc's longtime Aquabees bandmate Kevin Groller joining The Villas on drums, we (Angie, me, Marc, Kevin, and Bill Wehbe on keyboards) proceeded to have thee most F-U-N the Villas band had ever had since forming in 1999. And our revolving personnel door stopped revolving. In one smooth operator move, Marc Waldman had brought both fun and stability to a band that had experienced both only fleetingly before him. Those who know Marc will no doubt appreciate and maybe marvel at this delicious irony.

From the swingin’ croons of Frank Sinatra to the rippin’ surf riffs of Dick Dale, and from cocktail jazz and John Philip Sousa to The Beatles, Marc Waldman could, and did, play anything, and everything, exceptionally well.

That's Marc playing bass on The Villas new 2-song single (you can hear these songs by clicking on the kick drum at this blog's right sidebar) and on our upcoming 3rd full-length CD.

I will always have an especially warm place in my heart for Marc for his cajoling (and nagging) and encouraging (and insisting) that I perform via cameo appearance on lead vocals with Marc's longtime great surf/cover band, The Aquabees, which includes Kevin Groller on drums, Larry D'Amelio on Farfisa organ, and Dano Dave D'Amelio on guitar. I'll never forget the two 2005 shows The Villas and The Aquabees did together at The Fun House in Bethlehem and the two Aquabees gigs at The Hotel Bethlehem during Musikfest that Marc booked and promoted and played bass in both bands and never got his hair mussed. I haven't had that much fun since.

Our local and regional music communities have lost a truly great one with the passing of Marc Waldman.

We will always miss our Villas bandmate, Marc. 

Marc Waldman's Obituary in The Morning Call

Marc Waldman's Bio at The Villas Website 

[This post was composed by Bill Villa] 

Photo Credit: Annie Giancarlo, Mayfair, 2007. 

DA Martin, a YEAR to file charges in a DUI Death? You've got some explaining to do.

[March 2010 UpDate: After taking a YEAR to file charges, DA Martin needed another YEAR to get a guilty plea from Gregory Williams. And during these TWO YEARS, Williams, who had crashed into a house hundreds of feet off route 22, killing Shaun Buenzly in the process, was free, and free to keep driving. We believe the citizens of Lehigh County deserve faster service and better protection from its DA]

Eighteen minutes after the bars closed on Sunday morning March 16, 2008 (i.e., a YEAR ago), 23 year-old Parkland grad Shaun Buenzly was killed in a car crash on Route 22 near the Lehigh Valley Mall. Buenzly was a passenger in the back seat of a car driven by Gregory Williams, 23.

State police at Bethlehem told The Morning Call that Williams was driving at a high rate of speed before losing control of his vehicle, leaving the roadway, traveling up a 200 foot dirt embankment, hitting several trees, and a house-- and killing Shaun Buenzly in the process who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver Gregory Williams and a front-seat passenger, Adam Bortz, 22, had moderate injuries and were taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.

On March 20, 2008 (i.e., a YEAR ago), The Morning Call reported that State police at Bethlehem were "seeking the public's help" in locating a "second car" that may have had "possible involvement" in the fatal crash.

The "newspaper" gave a detailed description of the second car being sought and named a State Trooper to contact if the public had information on the vehicle or its owner.

A YEAR would go by before The Morning Call had anything further to report on the tragic car crash death of Shaun Buenzly.

Last week (i.e., a YEAR later), "no nonsense" (wink wink) Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin finally announced criminal charges in this case.

According to The Morning Call's report from last week, DA Jim Martin alleges that Gregory Williams was driving drunk when he killed Shaun Buenzly. How does DA Martin know this? Turns out Lehigh Valley Hospital extracted a .13 blood alcohol content on Williams the morning of the fatal crash-- a YEAR ago.

Oh, and remember that cryptic "second car" the police and The Morning Call were seeking the public's help in locating?

Turns out the driver of that car, Jamie Torres, had turned himself in to police "a few days later," a YEAR ago.

Somehow, The Morning Call, had, um, missed reporting on, this Morning Call-solicited "break in the case" from a YEAR ago ... until they mentioned it, in passing, in their coverage of Jumbo Jimbo filing charges last week.

In a nutshell, DA Jim Martin had everything he needed to file criminal charges in the apparent (and alleged) DUI homicide death of Shaun Buenzly within days of the fatal crash a YEAR ago.

So what took DA Jim Martin a YEAR to file charges.

According to "reporter" Manny Gamiz of The Morning Call:

"District Attorney James Martin said his office was unable to conclude whether charges were warranted until Feb. 24 [my note: and that's Feb. 24 a YEAR later] when it received results of forensic tests that were done at the state police lab in Harrisburg. Those results were not available."

Also apparently not available (and obviously not even asked by "reporter" Manny Gamiz) was this followup question Lehigh Valley Somebody is asking DA Jim Martin and The Morning Call here:

What were the forensic tests that took a YEAR to complete? Please explain.

3/19/11 Editor's Note: Readers, if you're looking for "reporter" Manny Gamiz's original final sentence quoting DA Jim Martin's "waiting on forensic test results" excuse for needing a YEAR to file charges against Gregory Williams, as reprinted above in our original post, you won't find it in the Morning Call's archived article. That original final sentence appears to have been deleted from The Morning Call archives to shield DA Jim Martin from scrutiny. Stay tuned for confirmation.

Read > THE DIRTY FACTS ON DA JIM MARTIN

Essential Reading > WHY WE FIGHT

DA Martin, a YEAR to file charges in a DUI Death? You've got some explaining to do.

[March 2010 UpDate: After taking a YEAR to file charges, DA Martin needed another YEAR to get a guilty plea from Gregory Williams. And during these TWO YEARS, Williams, who had crashed into a house hundreds of feet off route 22, killing Shaun Buenzly in the process, was free, and free to keep driving. We believe the citizens of Lehigh County deserve faster service and better protection from its DA]

Eighteen minutes after the bars closed on Sunday morning March 16, 2008 (i.e., a YEAR ago), 23 year-old Parkland grad Shaun Buenzly was killed in a car crash on Route 22 near the Lehigh Valley Mall. Buenzly was a passenger in the back seat of a car driven by Gregory Williams, 23.

State police at Bethlehem told The Morning Call that Williams was driving at a high rate of speed before losing control of his vehicle, leaving the roadway, traveling up a 200 foot dirt embankment, hitting several trees, and a house-- and killing Shaun Buenzly in the process who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver Gregory Williams and a front-seat passenger, Adam Bortz, 22, had moderate injuries and were taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.

On March 20, 2008 (i.e., a YEAR ago), The Morning Call reported that State police at Bethlehem were "seeking the public's help" in locating a "second car" that may have had "possible involvement" in the fatal crash.

The "newspaper" gave a detailed description of the second car being sought and named a State Trooper to contact if the public had information on the vehicle or its owner.

A YEAR would go by before The Morning Call had anything further to report on the tragic car crash death of Shaun Buenzly.

Last week (i.e., a YEAR later), "no nonsense" (wink wink) Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin finally announced criminal charges in this case.

According to The Morning Call's report from last week, DA Jim Martin alleges that Gregory Williams was driving drunk when he killed Shaun Buenzly. How does DA Martin know this? Turns out Lehigh Valley Hospital extracted a .13 blood alcohol content on Williams the morning of the fatal crash-- a YEAR ago.

Oh, and remember that cryptic "second car" the police and The Morning Call were seeking the public's help in locating?

Turns out the driver of that car, Jamie Torres, had turned himself in to police "a few days later," a YEAR ago.

Somehow, The Morning Call, had, um, missed reporting on, this Morning Call-solicited "break in the case" from a YEAR ago ... until they mentioned it, in passing, in their coverage of Jumbo Jimbo filing charges last week.

In a nutshell, DA Jim Martin had everything he needed to file criminal charges in the apparent (and alleged) DUI homicide death of Shaun Buenzly within days of the fatal crash a YEAR ago.

So what took DA Jim Martin a YEAR to file charges.

According to "reporter" Manny Gamiz of The Morning Call:

"District Attorney James Martin said his office was unable to conclude whether charges were warranted until Feb. 24 [my note: and that's Feb. 24 a YEAR later] when it received results of forensic tests that were done at the state police lab in Harrisburg. Those results were not available."

Also apparently not available (and obviously not even asked by "reporter" Manny Gamiz) was this followup question Lehigh Valley Somebody is asking DA Jim Martin and The Morning Call here:

What were the forensic tests that took a YEAR to complete? Please explain.

3/19/11 Editor's Note: Readers, if you're looking for "reporter" Manny Gamiz's original final sentence quoting DA Jim Martin's "waiting on forensic test results" excuse for needing a YEAR to file charges against Gregory Williams, as reprinted above in our original post, you won't find it in the Morning Call's archived article. That original final sentence appears to have been deleted from The Morning Call archives to shield DA Jim Martin from scrutiny. 

Read > THE DIRTY FACTS ON DA JIM MARTIN

Essential Reading > WHY WE FIGHT

George Clooney at The White House

Oo la la! Yesterday my fave actor, the Academy Award winning George Clooney met with President Obama and Vice President Biden at the White House to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. He asked the administration to appoint a "high-profile full time envoy" to Darfur. They said "yes." Darn, I missed George on Larry King last night! I think the genocide in Darfur is something that we just can't ignore, even though we are in an economic crisis at home. Clooney believes that the United States can help, not by sending money, but through diplomacy. It's great to see that Obama's doors are open.

So, who is your favorite celebrity/political activist??

George Clooney at The White House

Oo la la! Yesterday my fave actor, the Academy Award winning George Clooney met with President Obama and Vice President Biden at the White House to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. He asked the administration to appoint a "high-profile full time envoy" to Darfur. They said "yes." Darn, I missed George on Larry King last night! I think the genocide in Darfur is something that we just can't ignore, even though we are in an economic crisis at home. Clooney believes that the United States can help, not by sending money, but through diplomacy. It's great to see that Obama's doors are open.

So, who is your favorite celebrity/political activist??

Privatization of Food Inspections: BAD

Here's proof that putting our trust in the Conservative Ideology "Free Market System" can be dangerous to your (mental and physical) health.

Thanks to the President George W. Bush administration, we saw the privatization of food inspections and cuts to the FDA. According to a February 2007 AP article, there are 12% fewer FDA field employees now and “safety tests for U.S. produced food have dropped nearly 75 percent, from 9,748 in 2003 to 2,455 last year (2006), according to the agency’s own statistics.”

So "private auditors" have been monitoring (wink wink) major food plants. The Peanut Corp. of America, which used private inspectors, was shipping salmonella tainted peanuts for 9 months, putting corporate profit before public health and safety. Nine people died and 22,500 were sickened. Think about how many children eat peanut butter and jelly! 143 million pounds of beef was recalled in February of 2008. (Source:NY Times article below) Remember the tainted pet food last year? Remember the spinach contamination in 2006? Tomatoes? Oh but don't forget: Government isn't the solution, government is the problem. Yep.

Currently the FDA operates under a 1938 law that does not give it the authority to properly regulate our food supply. I found some encouraging info though: According to Tenn. State Rep. Bart Gordon Feb, 2009:

"The FDA cannot set common standards for state and federal inspections, can't require companies to take measures to prevent food contamination, and can't order mandatory recalls. There is also no system to track contaminated food back to the source, and the agency no longer has the resources to inspect food-producing facilities on a regular basis.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee, of which I am member, began investigating the nation's food and drug safety systems last year. In the next few months, we will take up comprehensive legislation that will give the FDA the authority and resources it needs to modernize the nation's food and drug safety system. This bill will give the FDA mandatory recall power, increase financial resources and enforcement authority, require companies to have a plan in place to prevent food contaminations, and create a food-tracing system."

The private inspector who (wink wink) "inspected" the peanut plant did not know that salmonella would grow in peanut butter. He was not instructed to inspect for salmonella. Perhaps the FDA should provide standards and guidelines for inspections?

Deregulation and less government oversight hasn't worked, whether it's our "just trust us" financial institutions or the safety of our food. And now the Republicans want to continue with their dangerous policies, putting their ideology before the urgency of this economic crisis. They are against government stimulus money to help our economy and prevent a Depression. But they are all for the government giving 800 billion to greedy and loan-reckless bankers, without any oversight whatsoever.

Here's some really important investigative journalism done by Michael Moss and Andrew Martin of the New York Times. Where was the media on this issue during the previous administration? And where was the Congressional concern when Bush made these cuts to the FDA?

Please read:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/business/06food.html

UPDATE 3/12: (From NPR News) " President Obama is expected to name former New York City Health Commissioner Margaret Hamburg to lead the troubled Food and Drug Administration."

The President is taking action! Read about Hamburg here:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101777063&ft=1&f=1014

Privatization of Food Inspections: BAD

Here's proof that putting our trust in the Conservative Ideology "Free Market System" can be dangerous to your (mental and physical) health.

Thanks to the President George W. Bush administration, we saw the privatization of food inspections and cuts to the FDA. According to a February 2007 AP article, there are 12% fewer FDA field employees now and “safety tests for U.S. produced food have dropped nearly 75 percent, from 9,748 in 2003 to 2,455 last year (2006), according to the agency’s own statistics.”

So "private auditors" have been monitoring (wink wink) major food plants. The Peanut Corp. of America, which used private inspectors, was shipping salmonella tainted peanuts for 9 months, putting corporate profit before public health and safety. Nine people died and 22,500 were sickened. Think about how many children eat peanut butter and jelly! 143 million pounds of beef was recalled in February of 2008. (Source:NY Times article below) Remember the tainted pet food last year? Remember the spinach contamination in 2006? Tomatoes? Oh but don't forget: Government isn't the solution, government is the problem. Yep.

Currently the FDA operates under a 1938 law that does not give it the authority to properly regulate our food supply. I found some encouraging info though: According to Tenn. State Rep. Bart Gordon Feb, 2009:

"The FDA cannot set common standards for state and federal inspections, can't require companies to take measures to prevent food contamination, and can't order mandatory recalls. There is also no system to track contaminated food back to the source, and the agency no longer has the resources to inspect food-producing facilities on a regular basis.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee, of which I am member, began investigating the nation's food and drug safety systems last year. In the next few months, we will take up comprehensive legislation that will give the FDA the authority and resources it needs to modernize the nation's food and drug safety system. This bill will give the FDA mandatory recall power, increase financial resources and enforcement authority, require companies to have a plan in place to prevent food contaminations, and create a food-tracing system."

The private inspector who (wink wink) "inspected" the peanut plant did not know that salmonella would grow in peanut butter. He was not instructed to inspect for salmonella. Perhaps the FDA should provide standards and guidelines for inspections?

Deregulation and less government oversight hasn't worked, whether it's our "just trust us" financial institutions or the safety of our food. And now the Republicans want to continue with their dangerous policies, putting their ideology before the urgency of this economic crisis. They are against government stimulus money to help our economy and prevent a Depression. But they are all for the government giving 800 billion to greedy and loan-reckless bankers, without any oversight whatsoever.

Here's some really important investigative journalism done by Michael Moss and Andrew Martin of the New York Times. Where was the media on this issue during the previous administration? And where was the Congressional concern when Bush made these cuts to the FDA?

Please read:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/business/06food.html

UPDATE 3/12: (From NPR News) " President Obama is expected to name former New York City Health Commissioner Margaret Hamburg to lead the troubled Food and Drug Administration."

The President is taking action! Read about Hamburg here:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101777063&ft=1&f=1014

Humanities 101

President Obama understands the value of a liberal arts education. He's calling for access to higher education and better educational resources for all our children. He has an interest in history, literature, and the arts. In fact, the one person from the Bush administration that he has asked to stick around is Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Dr. Gates has a master's degree in History, and a Ph.D in Russian and Soviet History.

Through eloquent speeches, aligned with the reality in which we find our nation, Obama inspires confidence during hard times. He calls for educational opportunities that will benefit all of us, and we must respond to his calls. An educated person is a better citizen, and we need better citizens, not just workers and consumers. Look at the damage that "W's" lack of curiosity caused us all. This economic crisis is the result of the soullessness of putting self before the common good, money before morals.

Many Europeans believe that this country is all about money. Should we look for a monetary value in everything? The need for "Humanities 101" is more important now during these tough times than ever, to help people re-examine what they value and care about as humans. Thinking, reasoning, making connections to history is important to Obama and to the people he has chosen to help lead us out of this mess he inherited from the previous administration. Thank goodness we have a smart President, with a heart.

As of March 2, Obama's approval rating is 68%.

Humanities 101

President Obama understands the value of a liberal arts education. He's calling for access to higher education and better educational resources for all our children. He has an interest in history, literature, and the arts. In fact, the one person from the Bush administration that he has asked to stick around is Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Dr. Gates has a master's degree in History, and a Ph.D in Russian and Soviet History.

Through eloquent speeches, aligned with the reality in which we find our nation, Obama inspires confidence during hard times. He calls for educational opportunities that will benefit all of us, and we must respond to his calls. An educated person is a better citizen, and we need better citizens, not just workers and consumers. Look at the damage that "W's" lack of curiosity caused us all. This economic crisis is the result of the soullessness of putting self before the common good, money before morals.

Many Europeans believe that this country is all about money. Should we look for a monetary value in everything? The need for "Humanities 101" is more important now during these tough times than ever, to help people re-examine what they value and care about as humans. Thinking, reasoning, making connections to history is important to Obama and to the people he has chosen to help lead us out of this mess he inherited from the previous administration. Thank goodness we have a smart President, with a heart.

As of March 2, Obama's approval rating is 68%.

Jury Rejects DA Jim Martin's Vote-Pandering Prosecution

Read The Morning Call's Skillfully incomplete story ...

Veronica Rohrer, 66, believes her father sodomized her when she was 5 years old, and he was 35.

As a result, when Rohrer's ailing, 94-year-old father was sent home from Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest on February 22, 2007, the memory of her father raping her as a child made it difficult for Roher to provide care for her father-- especially traumatic to Rohrer was seeing her father naked while changing his diapers.

The next day, Veronica Rohrer called her sister Mary Ann in Virginia and requested that she come to Allentown to provide in-home care for their father.

There was a period of about 24 hours when Roher's bedridden father Adolph Marks was alone, as Rohrer waited for her sister Mary Ann to arrive from Virginia.

When Rohrer's sister didn't arrive on time because of a snowstorm, Rohrer phoned the police and told them her father "may have passed away."

The police checked on Mr. Marks and discovered he hadn't passed away. Marks was hospitalized again briefly and then was moved to a skilled nursing care facility near his daughter Mary Ann's home in Virginia.

Three weeks later, on March 21, 2007, Adolph Marks died in the nursing home in Virginia. He had suffered from heart failure, heart disease, diabetes, sight loss, brain shrinkage, a twice-broken hip, and he was 94 years old. He had also refused to take his medication in his final months.

In September 2007, Lehigh County DA Jim Martin charged Veronica Rohrer with attempted homicide of her father. > Read Morning Call article ...

"The charges that are filed are the charges that will be prosecuted," DA Martin boasted confidently at the time for The Morning Call and its many senior citizen readers who, for the most part, never miss voting.

But Martin quietly dropped his attempted homicide charge, last year, and the always-helpful-to-Martin Morning Call waited until last week to mention that fact-- I suppose they didn't want Martin to come off looking like he was unsure of himself, or back-pedaling, or totally full of shit with this case.

In any case, DA Martin forged ahead with his "crusade for justice" against childhood sexual/sodomy abuse victim Veronica Rohrer with the reduced charges of criminal neglect and reckless endangerment of her father.

On Friday, it took a jury just 3 hours to clear Veronica Rohrer of all of DA Jim Martin's grandstanding charges.

So what was this latest DA Jim Martin/Morning Call collaboration all about?

Votes. Senior votes. Seniors like Adolph Marks, who The Morning Call not so subliminally interjected, "had not missed voting in 50 years."

In its "reporting," The Morning Call kept on the front burner, up until the very end, all of the seemingly damaging allegation details against Veronica Rohrer. But conveniently for DA Jim Martin's sake, the "newspaper" never got around to reporting on any of the counter arguments and explanations Veronica Rohrer's defense attorney presented to the jury. We'll need court transcripts for that side of this story which The Morning Call wasn't interested in.

In the end, the jury did not believe in DA Jim Martin's case and this is likely because the jurors had much more to go on, than what was reported on, in The Morning Call.

Silver Lining. Once again, DA Jim Martin's predecessor as DA, Judge Robert Steinberg, somehow succeeded in shepherding justice in this case, despite the disingenuous and self-serving efforts of DA Jim Martin.

Essential Reading > WHY WE FIGHT

Jury Rejects DA Jim Martin's Vote-Pandering Prosecution

Read The Morning Call's Skillfully incomplete story ...

Veronica Rohrer, 66, believes her father sodomized her when she was 5 years old, and he was 35.

As a result, when Rohrer's ailing, 94-year-old father was sent home from Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest on February 22, 2007, the memory of her father raping her as a child made it difficult for Roher to provide care for her father-- especially traumatic to Rohrer was seeing her father naked while changing his diapers.

The next day, Veronica Rohrer called her sister Mary Ann in Virginia and requested that she come to Allentown to provide in-home care for their father.

There was a period of about 24 hours when Roher's bedridden father Adolph Marks was alone, as Rohrer waited for her sister Mary Ann to arrive from Virginia.

When Rohrer's sister didn't arrive on time because of a snowstorm, Rohrer phoned the police and told them her father "may have passed away."

The police checked on Mr. Marks and discovered he hadn't passed away. Marks was hospitalized again briefly and then was moved to a skilled nursing care facility near his daughter Mary Ann's home in Virginia.

Three weeks later, on March 21, 2007, Adolph Marks died in the nursing home in Virginia. He had suffered from heart failure, heart disease, diabetes, sight loss, brain shrinkage, a twice-broken hip, and he was 94 years old. He had also refused to take his medication in his final months.

In September 2007, Lehigh County DA Jim Martin charged Veronica Rohrer with attempted homicide of her father. > Read Morning Call article ...

"The charges that are filed are the charges that will be prosecuted," DA Martin boasted confidently at the time for The Morning Call and its many senior citizen readers who, for the most part, never miss voting.

But Martin quietly dropped his attempted homicide charge, last year, and the always-helpful-to-Martin Morning Call waited until last week to mention that fact-- I suppose they didn't want Martin to come off looking like he was unsure of himself, or back-pedaling, or totally full of shit with this case.

In any case, DA Martin forged ahead with his "crusade for justice" against childhood sexual/sodomy abuse victim Veronica Rohrer with the reduced charges of criminal neglect and reckless endangerment of her father.

On Friday, it took a jury just 3 hours to clear Veronica Rohrer of all of DA Jim Martin's grandstanding charges.

So what was this latest DA Jim Martin/Morning Call collaboration all about?

Votes. Senior votes. Seniors like Adolph Marks, who The Morning Call not so subliminally interjected, "had not missed voting in 50 years."

In its "reporting," The Morning Call kept on the front burner, up until the very end, all of the seemingly damaging allegation details against Veronica Rohrer. But conveniently for DA Jim Martin's sake, the "newspaper" never got around to reporting on any of the counter arguments and explanations Veronica Rohrer's defense attorney presented to the jury. We'll need court transcripts for that side of this story which The Morning Call wasn't interested in.

In the end, the jury did not believe in DA Jim Martin's case and this is likely because the jurors had much more to go on, than what was reported on, in The Morning Call.

Silver Lining. Once again, DA Jim Martin's predecessor as DA, Judge Robert Steinberg, somehow succeeded in shepherding justice in this case, despite the disingenuous and self-serving efforts of DA Jim Martin.

Essential Reading > WHY WE FIGHT

Brilliant Woman of the Week

I've chosen US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg this time as BWOTW because she is a courageous, strong and brilliant woman. She recently underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer, and I am happy to report that she is back at her seat. It was great to see her in attendance at the Presidential Address last night, and she got a rousing applause.

She is the ONLY female justice (hard to believe in 2009) and the second woman ever to sit on the Supreme Court. (Sandra Day O'Connor was the first). This is her second bout with cancer. In 1999 she had surgery for colorectal cancer, endured months of chemotherapy, but did not miss a day on the bench. In a callous and stupid statement, Republican Senator Jim Bunning from KY predicts that her death is imminent. He said that "nine months is the longest anybody could live" with pancreatic cancer. What a jerk.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1933, and she was nicknamed "Kiki." In the 1950's she applied for a job while she was pregnant, and when she got the job she told them about her pregnancy, and she was demoted three levels in the pay scale. I guess that would inspire me to fight for gender equality and women's rights.

She attended Harvard Law School, and later graduated from Columbia Law School where she was first in her graduating class. She was the 2nd woman to join the faculty at Rutgers Law School. Later she went on to try many cases for the American Civil Liberties Union. In 1993 she was appointed to the Supreme Ct. by President Bill Clinton. She's considered the most liberal judge. She overcame many obstacles as a woman to reach one of the highest and most important positions in our government.

Brilliant Woman of the Week

I've chosen US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg this time as BWOTW because she is a courageous, strong and brilliant woman. She recently underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer, and I am happy to report that she is back at her seat. It was great to see her in attendance at the Presidential Address last night, and she got a rousing applause.

She is the ONLY female justice (hard to believe in 2009) and the second woman ever to sit on the Supreme Court. (Sandra Day O'Connor was the first). This is her second bout with cancer. In 1999 she had surgery for colorectal cancer, endured months of chemotherapy, but did not miss a day on the bench. In a callous and stupid statement, Republican Senator Jim Bunning from KY predicts that her death is imminent. He said that "nine months is the longest anybody could live" with pancreatic cancer. What a jerk.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1933, and she was nicknamed "Kiki." In the 1950's she applied for a job while she was pregnant, and when she got the job she told them about her pregnancy, and she was demoted three levels in the pay scale. I guess that would inspire me to fight for gender equality and women's rights.

She attended Harvard Law School, and later graduated from Columbia Law School where she was first in her graduating class. She was the 2nd woman to join the faculty at Rutgers Law School. Later she went on to try many cases for the American Civil Liberties Union. In 1993 she was appointed to the Supreme Ct. by President Bill Clinton. She's considered the most liberal judge. She overcame many obstacles as a woman to reach one of the highest and most important positions in our government.

* Ex-city Lawyer is Suspended for two Years

* Widow Gets Nothing In Mine Case Handled By Ex-area Attorney

* Ex-city Lawyer is Suspended for two Years

* Widow Gets Nothing In Mine Case Handled By Ex-area Attorney