A few Christmas Light Displays in Coatesville

I'm sure there is a lot more. There's a short time window to photograph them, about sundown to 1/2 hour after sundown.

President Obama declares “Peace in our time!” O wait...

That was British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain when he got back from talking with the Germans, just before the Germans went to war with England. Chamberlain believed he was negotiating with reasonable people. 

President Obama is just way too much like Neville Chamberlain to negotiate with Republicans. He needs to tap Richard Trumka as his primary negotiator. Richard Trumka knows what Republicans are made of. I like this ad:

"This fight is not going to be won by the president taking a step towards Boehner, Boehner taking a step toward the president, the president taking a step toward Boehner, Boehner taking a step toward the president and so forth until they meet in the middle," Damon Silvers, policy director at the AFL-CIO, told Ezra. "That hasn't worked before. Boehner doesn't take the steps. It will be won by the president clearly siding with the American people on tax fairness and preserving the safety net from benefit cuts."

MORE AT:

A shift in posture, a sense of 'weakness'

My Double Barrel Side by Side

The photo is of Scott Middle School. The flag is at half-mast because our nation is in mourning. When I bought my first shotgun it was 1959 and this school was called Scott Senior High School. 

My first shotgun was a side-by-side 12 gauge. I sanded the stock "raised the grain" and coated it with linseed oil. I think I learned how from an article in the National Rifle Association's "American Rifleman". I bought the shotgun used, as is. When I fired one barrel the action opened about an 1/8 inch and I needed to snap it shut to fire the next barrel. That took too long for a second shot so in practice it was a single shot gun. 

Pheasants are the best tasting fowl. I went around Pennsylvania frightening pheasants for a few years. Now and then I brought something home to eat. Being outside in the crisp fall weather was most of the fun. Shooting gave me a reason to be there. I didn't relish the killing part but at some point the bird changed to something to eat. 

I attempted deer hunting with a borrowed Winchester 94. Deer hunting as I know it required sitting still for long periods. After five minutes of immobility something would begin to itch.  Usually it was my nose. The itch would grow and grow until I gave in and scratched. The deer were saying "Check out the guy with the Winchester that can't sit still". 

After President Nixon changed farming by not paying for fallow fields the pheasants disappeared and I stopped hunting. 

Back in 1956 the "American Rifleman" was filled with articles on shooting, firearms safety, care of firearms and developing " Wildcat" special cartridges and rifles to fire them. There was very little Second Amendment stuff. 

I don't hunt anymore. Maybe if I moved to Montana where my brother lives I might start again. He is disabled and shoots far away elk from the back of a pickup truck. I think I could do the same thing. 

If I did hunt again I don't think I could be an NRA member. 

Now a days being an NRA member is about the same as being a John Birch Society member. The NRA has become an extremist organization. I think it began to change after the Civil Rights Act, Nixon's "Southern Strategy" and all that. The NRA became an arm yourself to protect your daughters from the "black menace" organization. So the NRA is basically a racist organization. 

I think it's time we begin to call the National Rifle Associate what it has become; a shill for racial hatred and ammunition manufacturers. Ignore the NRA and stop the killing. 

Pat Sellers' supporter Larry Pratt wants teachers to pack guns

"27 KILLED IN CT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:Lives Could have been Spared if Not for Ban on Staff Carrying Guns

Larry Pratt, executive director of Gun Owners of America, responded to the tragedy saying, "Gun control supporters have the blood of little children on their hands. Federal and state laws combined to insure that no teacher, no administrator, no adult had a gun at the Newtown school where the children were murdered. This tragedy underscores the urgency of getting rid of gun bans in school zones. The only thing accomplished by gun free zones is to insure that mass murderers can slay more before they are finally confronted by someone with a gun."

MORE AT:

http://www.specialguests.com/guests/viewnews.cgi?id=EFVVVEplZkTaTaajMi&tmpl=default

SEE MY POST:

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2011

Larry Pratt and Coatesville's Pat Sellers

You might remember Pat Sellers for his “Referendum” designed to protect the “Saha Farm” from eminent domain and as a rigorous campaigner for the infamous “Bloc of Four” Coatesville City Council. Pat Sellers allegedly has a connection to Larry Pratt.

 Larry Pratt is mentioned in "Land of the Paranoid" in today’s Washington Post:

“As much of the right sees it, the government is planning to incarcerate its enemies (see Beck and Erickson, above), socialize the economy and take away everyone's guns. At the fringe, we have figures like Larry Pratt, executive director of the Gun Owners of America, 

MORE AT:
http://coatesvilledems.blogspot.com/2011/01/house-hopeful-charged-in-fight-with.html

Republican Gladiators Fight to the Death

The battle over the "Fiscal Cliff" does not include any Democratic fighters. Democrats are enthusiastic spectators watching Republican Gladiators fighting each other to the death in the "Fiscal Cliff" Arena.

Extremist Teabagger Republicans are fine with going over any cliff if it harms government, the government they vow to "drown in a bathtub". They are fine with going "over the cliff" even if it means that Republicans never win Congress, the Senate, or the Presidency again.

The Teabsggers understand the unpopularity of the things they do. Most a expect to be one term Congressmen. They want to destroy the Federal Government in that one term they have. It doesn't matter if they drown the Republican Party in that bathtub along with government.

So it's the Teabagger Republican Gladiators vs. the Wall Street Republican Gladiators in the Republican Party's fight to the death over the "fiscal cliff".
Democrats are the cheerful fans in the Coliseum with their thumbs turned down.

I think John McCain is getting back at Susan Rice. She called McCain's pal Muamaar Qadhafi "delusional"

Qaddafi "delusional," unfit to lead, says Susan Rice

CBS NEWS February 28, 2011

McCain's pledge to help Muammar Qadhafi was supported by Lindsey Graham and Susan Collins. All three are now appearing on news shows bad talking Susan Rice. 

I'm really surprised that most news organizations have not picked up the link between John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and Susan Collins who once supported Qadhafi and now oppose Susan Rice. 

Leaked cable: John McCain pushed to arm Qadhafi

"A leaked U.S. diplomatic cable shows that Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain promised to help Libyan dictator Muammar Qadhafi obtain U.S. military hardware in 2009. 

The cable, released by the open information group WikiLeaks, reveals the pledge came at meeting that was attended by other prominent members of Congress, including Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.). 

In the meeting, Muatassim Qadhafi, the Libyan leader’s fifth son and national security adviser, requested U.S. assistance in obtaining military supplies, both lethal and non-lethal. 

The cable indicates that McCain was the dominant voice among the congressional delegation in a push for military hardware for Qadhafi. 

“Sen. McCain assured Muatassim that the United States wanted to provide Libya with the equipment it needs for its … security,” according to the cable."

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/62114.html#ixzz2Df1Cah3y

Calls for Secession and Domestic Terror

The volume of people petitioning the White House to secede from the United States should wake up the Department of Homeland Security to what I believe is a threat of extreme violence from domestic terrorists.

 Radical Right Joins in Secession Frenzy  

"Hundreds of thousands of disgruntled conservatives, still smarting from the re-election of President Obama last week, are signing petitions to allow more than 30 states to secede from the United States — and they are being joined by a motley collection of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and Klan sympathizers. 

As of midday today, eight of the petitions, which are being posted on a government website set up to encourage citizen participation, have crossed the threshold of 25,000 signatures required to prompt a guaranteed official reply from the White House. (The states are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, the state with the most signers.)… 

Most of those posting at Stormfront seemed to realize that they were engaging in a pipe dream. But a few had definite hopes. “Once the cumulative secession petition count exceeds one million then Obama will be very worried,” wrote “Disappointed American.” “One million pissed off armed Americans, coupled with the [antigovernment group] Oathkeepers 3%, can defeat the military. At 2 million signatures, it’s basically a certainty at least one state will secede.” 

MORE AT: 

Radical Right Joins in Secession Frenzy

ALSO SEE:

"In 2009, the DHS caved to criticism from the political right and essentially gutted its unit that monitored non-Islamic domestic terrorism. The action came after heated but misguided criticism from right-wing commentators about a leaked DHS report – an entirely accurate and prescient report, in fact – that warned of a rising threat of terrorism from various sectors of the radical right." 

FROM: 

SPLC Urges U.S. Government to Take Domestic Extremism Seriously

Republicans contempt for ordinary people

They were contemptuous of black people, poor people, middle class people, all immigrants and all women. 

There is a slim chance that Republicans will humble themselves in an apology to black people, poor people, middle class people, all immigrants and all women. But I think this political party that calls itself Republican is too patrician to apologize to people they consider to be inferior to them. 

The Party of Lincoln and Eisenhower is dead. They just don't know it yet. 

Black Coatesville voters told to vote for Obama and Republican Hennessey

In Coatesville black Democrats are being told to vote for Obama and Republican Tim Hennessey. Keep this in mind:

Codes officer, state aide waive preliminary hearing on drug charges

• DANIELLE LYNCH, Staff Writer

Do Coatesville City Council members believe in the "Crime Fairy"?

Did Coatesville City Council members acting on advice from Gary "Bobblehead" Rawlings think they could lay off most of the Coatesville PD leadership and criminals would somehow not take advantage of our now crippled police force?

Laying off police does not save money in the long run. Crime goes up taxpayers and businesses leave. We wind up with a lower tax base in the coming years and a continuing downturning cycle.

We need to hire a professional chief of police not some councilwoman's friend as chief and then rebuild the Coatesville Police Force using the Water Company funds if necessary. 

"Officials say Operation Silent Night is a cooperative effort aimed at curbing violent crime in the city. It was initiated after a string of violent crime, including four homicides in less than a week in early July, stretched the undermanned police department. 

Hogan said at the time that Silent Night was intended to fill the gap left by a police force that had been affected by a batch of early retirements that left the department without adequate long-term leadership. 

'The short-term goal of Operation Silent Night was to stem the surge of violent crime in Coatesville,” Hogan said. “Through carefully targeted operations and teamwork among law enforcement, we succeeded. But we need to maintain the pressure on the criminals, keeping the law-abiding citizens of Coatesville safe.”

From:

The Daily Local News

  

News »Local »

DA announces second round of ‘Silent Night’ arrests

By MICHAEL N. PRICE

mprice@dailylocal.com

Wednesday, October 24,2012

Also see:

"Dominic P. Bellizzie, an ex-Philadelphia Police captain who now serves as police chief in Buck’s County’s Solebury Township, gained accolades when he headed Coatesville’s department from 2002 to 2006. 

He left the post because he said he got tired of hearing rumors that his job was on the line during a particularly tumultuous period of city government. 'Solebury Township’s gain is Chester County’s loss,' Carroll said at the time. 

In a phone interview yesterday, Bellizzie said he was saddened to hear of Coatesville’s recurring problems. He recalled starting the job with a force of 30. 'I was asked what I needed,' he said, adding that he immediately requested more officers. 'You need at least 34 or 35,' he said. 

Filling in with part-time officers, a plan that City Council initiated last month, sounds like 'a nice idea, but it’s very unreliable,' Bellizzie said. He pointed out that not only do part-timers lack an investment in the department, but they also typically work elsewhere, sometimes making them unavailable when needed. 

Bellizzie said that a part-time officer might be involved in a case, which then gets interrupted due to that person’s limited hours. 'Suddenly the officer isn’t there, and then the public gets annoyed,' he said. 'It’s not a good solution.' 

He said now that City Council has fired Gary Rawlings, the city manager who advocated reducing the size of the department, perhaps it will rethink the wisdom of reducing the police ranks. 'Certainly public safety should be a priority,' he said. 'If you want to bring in development, you can’t have a homicide on every other corner.' 

Council President Ed Simpson said today that the city is moving as quickly as possible to return the department to its pre-retirement staffing level with part-timers. 

Asked whether he viewed that as a temporary fix, Simpson said: “What difference does it make? They’re just as qualified as full-time officers; I don’t see an issue.” 

Told that some might disagree, Simpson said tersely: 'That’s their opinion.”

FROM:

Coatesville urged to replace police officers

July 4, 2012

By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times

STREET GANGS AND OUTLAW MOTORCYCLE GANGS

Steve Cook gives classes for police officers with the Hartman Law Enforcement Training Institute:

Patrol Response to Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
Training Seminar

Nov 1-2, 2012
Tallahassee, FLread more >

Most of the drugs in Pennsylvania are now controlled by outlaw 1 % motorcycle gangs and street gangs. "Street Gangs" have morphed into transnational gangs. They use the internet and social networking websites. Some gangs operate as top down organizations. Others in small groups loosely linked  together. They may link with similar organizations even across national borders to carry out a specific operation.  When that operation is finished they disband. 

The FBI nearly destroyed the old Italian/Sicilian Mafia. The few Philly area Italian Mafia made members that are left are into gambling, loan sharking, white collar crime and legitimate businesses. 

Coatesville Dems: Ms. Gladys Flamer addressing the Coatesville ...

Sep 28, 2010

But allegedly up until March of 2008 (it was actually 2009) Daniel and David were members of the Road Runner Motorcycle gang. It's either Road Runner or Road Runners, which is a sub-group of the Pagans… Instead of that ...

http://coatesvilledems.blogspot.com/

"Gang Infiltration of Corrections, Law Enforcement, and Government

Gang infiltration of law enforcement, government, and correctional agencies poses a significant security threat due to the access criminals have to sensitive information pertaining to investigations or protected persons. Gang members serving in law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities may compromise security and criminal investigations and operations, while acquiring knowledge and training in police tactics and weapons. Corrupt law enforcement officers and correctional staff have assisted gang members in committing crimes and have impeded investigations.OMGs engage in routine and systematic exploitation and infiltration of law enforcement and government infrastructures to protect and perpetrate their criminal activities." 

"OMGs (Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs) regularly solicit information of intelligence value from government or law enforcement employees."

"Gangs are expanding, evolving and posing an increasing threat to US communities nationwide. Many gangs are sophisticated criminal networks with members who are violent, distribute wholesale quantities of drugs, and develop and maintain close working relationships with members and associates of transnational criminal/drug trafficking organizations. Gangs are becoming more violent while engaging in less typical and lower-risk crime, such as prostitution and white-collar crime. Gangs are more adaptable, organized, sophisticated, and opportunistic, exploiting new and advanced technology as a means to recruit, communicate discretely, target their rivals, and perpetuate their criminal activity."

FROM:

FBI GANGS

PENNSYLVANIA GANGS

18th Street

AC Skins

Aryan Brotherhood

Aryan Circle

Aryan Resistance Militia

Asian Boyz

Barbarians MC

Barrios Aztecas

Black Gangster Disciples

Black Guerilla Family

Black Jack MC

Bloods

Border Brothers

Breed Brick Yard Mafia

DC Crews

Dirty White Boys

G-27

Gangster Disciples

Green Dragons

Hells Angels

HPL Il Morte

Insane Gangster Disciple

Insane Unknowns

Juggalos

Kensington 215

Keystone United

Latin Kings

Low Crips

Mavericks

Mexican Mafia

Mexikanemi

MS-13

Nazi Low Riders

Neo Nazi

Ñetas

New Mexico Syndicate

Norteños

Nuestra Familia

Outlaws MC

Pagans MC

Paisa

Raza Unida

Sin City Disciples MC

Skinheads

Soldiers of Aryan Culture

Street Familia

StrongArm Production

Mexican Mafia

Sureño 13

Sureños

Tangos

Tango Blast

Texas Chicano Brotherhood

Texas Family

Texas Syndicate

Tribe MC

Trinitarios

Vagos

Vice Lords

Wardogs MC

Warlocks MC

Warrior Society

Wheels of Soul MC

NEW JERSEY GANGS

135 Piru

464Piru

793 Bloods

Brick City Brims

Haitian Outlaws

Hoover Crips

Grape Street Crips

G-Shine Bloods

Hells Angels MC

Latin Kings

MS-13

Ñetas

Pagans

Trinitarios

Sex Money Murder

MARYLAND GANGS

18th Street

25 Crew

51 Sandbox

Aryan Brother Hood

Black Guerilla Family

Blitzkrieg MC

Bloods

Crips

Dead Man Incorporated

Folk

Gangster Disciples

Get Money Goons

Go Go Crews

Hells Angels MC

Iron Horsemen MC

Latin Kings

Mara Locos

Mexican Locos

MS-13

Murder Incorporated

Murder Mafia Bloods

New Blood MC

Outlaws MC

Pagan MC

Phantoms MC

Pop Off Mafia

Savage Boys

Street Thug Criminals

Sur-13

Sureños

Thunderguards MC

Trinitarios

Vatos Locos

Warlocks MC

Wheels of Soul MC

Wild Boyz

DELAWARE GANGS

135 Bloods

9 Trey

9 Triggaz

924 Bloods

Anybody Gets It

Bounty Hunter Bloods

Bush Babies

Cash Hoe Murda

Certified Ballina Killers

Crips

Dawg City Piru

East Coast Bloods

Gangster Disciples

Latin Kings

Netas

Ochos

Pagans

South Los

Sur-13

Street Piru Bloods

2011 National Gang Threat Assessment – Emerging Trends

Compare Nicky Scarfo's bank takeover and Bain Capital

I don't see a lot of difference between Junior Scarfo's business and Romney's business.

Also see:

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2009

When Nicky Scarfo got into investment banking it should have been a red flag

"When Nicky Scarfo (the son of Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo) got into the investment banking / mortgage derivative business it should have been a red flag. The Bush Administration Department of Justice pulled the FBI away from that investigation. They are back on it now."

COATESVILLE UNABLE TO PAY ITS BILLS…..But Why? And can the City Manager explain City Finances?

COATESVILLE UNABLE TO PAY ITS BILLS…..But Why?  And can the City Manager explain City Finances?

Guest Column 

by  Stacy Bjorhus

Former Finance Director at city of coatesville

NBC television news crews hit the streets of Coatesville (10/5/2012).  Video can be seen with the link:  http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/video/#!/news/local/Coatsville-May-Not-be-Able-to-Pay-Its-Bills/172904491. 

View more videos at: http://nbcphiladelphia.com.

NBC News reported that City Manager will ask City Council Members, to withdraw $2.247 million from the Reserve Trust Fund, and that Council is expected to approve the withdrawal.

The pending withdrawal from the Reserve Trust should be rejected due to City Manager’s failures to comply with the Code Book as it regards Financial Reporting functions:

• ·        The City’s failure to present current financial reports: 

o   Per the City Code Book (Article VI, §2-609 B.) : Prepare periodic financial reports, at least monthly, and at such other times as the Manager may direct, and at the end of each fiscal year prepare an annual financial report. The monthly reports to the Manager shall be submitted to the Council at its regular meetings and made available to the public. 

o   Financial Reports for July and August have not been remitted to City Council as of Oct 3 2012.

• ·        The City’s failure to post the City’s 2011 Annual Report submitted to Council on 8/13/2012. 

o   Article VI, §2-610 calls for publication of a summary of the annual audit in the local Coatesville Newspapers.  The Annual Report was approved by Council six weeks ago.  Why isn’t it posted on the City’s web site, or published in summary in the local newspapers?

• ·        Per the 8/13/12 Approved Minutes, the City’s outside auditor reported to Council that the City ended 2011 with a positive 2011 Year End fund balance of $526,688.[i] 

o    The City’s Auditor cites Year End Fund Balance of $526,688, and the Finance Director cites $450,000 (10/3 PowerPoint Slide #3). 

o   Combined gap projected at  $ 2,697,852

o   Carryover 2012 fund balance     (450,000)

o   Reserve Trust Withdrawal    $ 2,247,852

• ·         Which figure is correct?  Auditor’s positive Year End variance $526,688 or Finance Director’s positive Year End variance $450,000?

o   If the Auditor is correct then I think the City’s residents need to ask:  Where is the additional $126,688?

• ·        The Financial Slide from the 10/3 PowerPoint Slide #2[ii] as presented, below, does not note ‘when’ the gap will be realized nor explains how the gap originated.  What is the time frame? What are the facts?
• ·        Slide #2:

§  * Revenue gap projected at              $545,000

§  * Expenditure gap projected at $2,152,852

§  * Combined gap projected at       $2,697,852

o   Gap is not substantiated with Financial Reports, General Ledger, or Annual Audit data.

• ·         City’s Finance Director notes the use of the Reserve Trust Funds in Slide 4 of his presentation.  The expenditures noted pertain primarily to extraordinary expenditures and undefined police salaries.  The Use Of Trust Funds do not provide funding for the 14 pending legal claims against the City (noted in Slide 7)[iii], nor the ordinary expenditures that are postulated under ‘austerity’ to still be due by Year End. The current withdrawal does not establish funding for the current payables unfunded as of today.  The only legal claim to be paid from the proposed Trust withdrawal is for Docket # 385-4819 - settled and is currently awaiting payment.)    Expenditures to be paid are shown in the ‘Use of Trust Funds’ below:

 10/3 PowerPoint Slide 4

The current withdrawal from the Reserve Trust does not provide for any of the City’s normal operating expenses in the current time frame or that will be due to be paid by Year End.

Normal Operating Expenditures postulated to be due by Year End:

Personnel – payroll/benefit expenses through Year End $1,000,000

Under budgeted Police MMO (2012 understated Police MMO)[i]  $125,000

Unfunded Pending Legal Claims (due to be paid by Year End)  ?

City owned property Real Estate Tax Payments $100,000

City’s Insurance (Property, Liability) due by Jan 1 2013 $275,000

All other Year End Gen Fund Expenditures (assume austerity):            $700,000

Total                                                                                                                                      $2,200,000 (plus ‘?’)

What about the tally of the Accounts Payable that the Finance Director states are to be presented to Council for approval on Monday night’s Councils Session (10/8/12) that are currently unfunded?  What will they add to the $2,200,000 that’s assumed to become due by Year End?

Normal Operating Revenues postulated to be received from today through Year End:

RE Taxes (Current & Prior Year)                                                                                  $80,000

Earned Income Tax                                                                                                          $500,000

Franchise Fees                                                                                                                      $80,000

Dept Justice Fines                                                                                                               $60,000

Interest Earned on Trust transferred to Gen Fund                                   $130,000

All other Gen Fund Revenues (based on 6/30 Fin Report)                                       $50,000

Total                                                                                                                                    $    $900,000

Expenditures can be expected to overrun revenues (by Year End) by almost $1,300,000 plus the Accounts Payable that are pending as of 10/3/12.  Will the ‘austerity’ Year End shortfall be in the $1,600,000 range?  Where will this money come from?  Will the Trust again be tapped?

Will an estimated $4 million dollars to be withdrawn from the Trust in 2012, if the City can institute ‘austerity’?  This postulated withdrawal will not add to the City’s infrastructure or safety.  It will simply defray City Managers’ failures.  Failures to monitor spending and implement administrative policies that could have reduced the numerous and sizeable legal complaints lodged against the City.

City residents:  demand accountability.  This is your money.  This is your future.  Demand accountability now.  If $4 million is withdrawn from the Reserve Trust in 2012, without substantial benefit to the community, then what will become of the remaining $7 million?  How will City Council protect those funds?

---

 [1] Minutes of the 8/13/2012 Council Meeting (Presentation # 1):  2011 Financial Statements – Pam Baker, Barbacane Thornton

Ms. Baker announced this is the second year for financial statements due to the integral part of the process done by the independent auditor. The process helped to get the finances back on track.  She announced the DCED audit will be submitted early. This is the best it has been submitted in three years. The revenues for 2011 were $7.6 Million and the expenditures were $9.3 million. After the other financing sources (transfers in and out) the City was positive $526,688 at the end of the year. ……..Mr. Brazzle thanked Mr. Marcarelli for a job well done.

[II] Slide #2

[III] Slide #7

(IV) 2012 Police Pension MMO will be required to be remitted to the Pension Plan for the officers terminated in 2012, and for the excessive Over Time paid to the City’s Full Time Police Officers.  2012 Budget for Police MMO was understated, but will be corrected by Auditor General’s when AG performs the audit.

Powerpoint presentation by Finance Director John Marcarelli at the October 3,2012