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SEE IT NOW INSTANTLY AT THIS LINK:
http://www.wpcommunitymedia.org/people-to-be-heard/07122021-1009
HEZI ARIS,
FOUNDER, EDITOR
OF THE YONKERS TRIBUNE
ON THE STATE OF THE COUNTY
GEORGE LATIMER’S FIRST 3-1/2 YEARS
JOURNALISM TODAY
ISSUES COUNTY FACES
HOW GOVERNMENT CAN IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE PUBLIC
HOW PRESS CAN IMPROVE REPORTING ON GOVERNMENT
DEALING WITH POST COVID
STATE OF THE RECOVERY
THE ISSUES NOBODY WANTS TO TALK ABOUT—
BUT EVERYONE’S THINKING ABOUT
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“HAPPY PRE-BIRTHDAY DENNIS AND TONNIE.
I’VE BEEN FOLLOWING THE RATE OF VACCINATIONS OF COVID. WESTCHESTERITES HAVE TO GET ON THE STICK AND GO IN AND VACCINATE AT THE RATE OF 2,000 SECOND SHOTS A DAY AGAIN FOR THE COUNTY TO BE FULLY VACCINATED BY AUGUST 26 JUST BEFORE SCHOOLS COME BACK FOR IN-CLASSROOM LEARNING.
AS COUNTY EXECUTIVE LATIMER REPORTED YESTERDAY VACCINATIONS IN THE COUNTY CENTER IN WHITE PLAINS HAVE DROPPED DRAMATICALLY TO A LOW OF 168 VACCINATION APPOINTMENTS YESTERDAY, FROM PREVIOUS LEVELS OF 2,000 A DAY 5-1/2 MONTHS AGO. IF THAT DOES NOT IMPROVE IMMEDIATELY TO 2,000 A DAY OR MORE IN WESTCHESTER, THERE IS NO WAY WE BECOME FULLY VACCINATED BY THE TIME SCHOOL OPENS.
IF THE COUNTY GETS 2ND SHOTS UP TO 1,000 A DAY, 7,000 A WEEK, IT WILL TAKE 90 DAYS TO BE FULLY VACCINATED FROM TODAY WHICH MEANS OCTOBER 10. 1,500 VACCINATIONS A DAY CUTS IT TO MID SEPTEMBER.
200 VACCINATIONS A DAY YIELDS 1,400 VACCINATIONS A WEEK FOR THE 633, 354 WHO STILL NEED A SECOND SHOT THAT WOULD TAKE 452 WEEKS TO VACCINATE THE 633,354 WITH SECOND SHOTS. WHICH I GUESS WILL NOT BE EFFECTIVE. GOING TO GET HAVE TO COME BACK SEVERAL THOUSAND A DAY. WHY ARE THE SHOTS DWINDLING? ARE PEOPLE SKIPPING SECOND SHOTS?
IN THE MID HUDSON REGION OF 7 COUNTIES, INCLUDING WESTCHESTER, LAST WEEK 13,455 SECOND SHOTS WENT IN TO ARMS LAST WEEK, AND WITH 1,244, 707 WITH FIRST SHOTS ASSUMING THEY ALL COME IN FOR THE NUMBER 2 SHOT.THE MID-HUD REGION WILL BE FULLY VACCINATED 92 DAYS—OR NOVEMBER 10 – MORE VACCINATION PLACES NEED UP THERE I SAY. AND PEOPLE HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION TO THEIR SAFETY I’D SAY. THE VACCINES CANNOT HELP IF YOU DO NOT GET THEM.
IN GOOD NEWS , HOME SALES CONTINUE STRONG IN WHITE PLAINS. 63% MORE HOMES IN WHITE PLAINS SOLD IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2021 THAN SECOND QUARTER, 2020. THE MEDIAN SALE PRICE WAS UP 19%
THE MEDIAN PRICE FOR SINGLE FAMILY HOUSES IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY ROSE 17.6% TO $835,000 FROM $710,000 LAST YEAR. AVERAGE PRICE OF A WESTCHESTER HOME, 1.1 MILLION, CONDO, $405.000, COOP $190,000 2 TO 4 FAMILY, $666,500.
IN THE HEARING ON TURNING 701 WESTCHESTER AVENUE INTO A 5-STORY, 366-APARTMENT MIXED USE CAMPUS ,HELD LATE IN THE EVENING LAST TUESDAY NIGHT, SEVEN SPOKE AGAINST APPROVING THE SENLAC PROJECT, CITING TRAFFIC, DISRUPTION OF NEIGHBORHOODS, TAKING BUSINESS AWAY FROM DOWNTOWN AND ASKED THE COUNCIL NOT TO APPROVE IT . WESTCHESTER COUNTY ASSOCIATION WAS BEHIND THE MIXED USE CONCEPT BECAUSE WESTCHESTER COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES ARE ONLY 15% OCCUPIED AND THE MIXED USE CONCEPT IS A STRATEGY TO MAKE OWNERS’ PROPERTIES PROFITABLE AGAIN. A VOTE COULD COME AUGUST 2.
THE WAY IS CLEAR FOR THE FRENCH AMERICAN SCHOOL OF NEW YORK PROPERTY TO FINALLY GET OUT OF WHITE PLAINS. IN LIGHT OF HARRISON’S ACQUIRING THE WILLOW RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB FOR $13.5 MILLION BY EMINENT DOMAIN, THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS COULD DO THE SAME THING. REALTOR SOURCES HAVE TOLD ME THE $13.5 MILLION PRICE IS MARKET VALUE FOR GOLF COURSES THESE DAYS. WE’LL SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!”
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WPCNR CORONAVIROUS REPORT. July 12, 2021: In a news conference this afternoon County Executive George Latimer reported that new cases of 30 covid infections a day were reported based on those Westchester individuals who tested positive July 8, 9, 10 and 11.
Of 10,269 tests conducted the last 4 days 132 or 1% tested positive for covid.
Mr. Latimer said the county is trying to find out of the 132 newly infected had received vaccines, or had not received a vaccine. He gave no explanation for the increase.
He said the number of vaccinations had dropped dramatically, saying that at its peak, the White Plains County Center facility had been vaccinating 2,000 a day, and today July 12, only 168 persons were registered for appointments.
He urged persons who had not gotten vaccinate to please consider doing so. He said the vaccine had been responsible for stopping the spread of covid. Click on the video below to hear Mr. Latimer’s analysis of the vaccination progress in Westchester:
From June 1 through June 30, , according to state day-by-day totals compiled by WPCNR, 39,284 Westchesterites were tested and 131 tested positive, in 30 days. The June infection rate was 1/3 of a per cent.
In the last 4 days, 132 tested positive., that is 1% a day.
From July 1 through July 8, 21,075 Westchester residents were tested, and 94 tested positive, a positive infection rate of .04%. Then came the July 4 weekend. that was 10 days ago when it began July 2.
If the covid incubation period is 10 days then we may possibly be seeing the first evidence of a holiday weekend infection spike.. With more outdoor big attendance activities coming up, it remains to be seen whether the infect rate will continue upwards, aggravated by the new sense of “covid is over, we’re back to normal.”
In the six other counties in the Mid-Hudson region all are running under 5 infections a day, the Westchester weekend numbers are way above them.
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This Afternoon Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Cloudy, with a high near 81. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming southeast.
Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1am and 4am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4am.
Tuesday A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 4pm. Patchy fog before 1pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
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(SCROLL DOWN VIDEO WALL TO WHITE PLAINS WEEK!)
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WPCNR REALTY REALITY. Special to WPCNR from Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. July 6, 2021:
Residential home sales in the lower Hudson Valley for the second quarter of 2021 continued the recovery from the depths of the Covid-19 crisis a year ago, with every county in the market demonstrating gains in the number of sales as well as increased median sales prices.
In terms of units sold, sales in Westchester were up 59.9% or 2,898 units as compared to 1,812 units in 2020 in the first six months. To provide greater context, when comparing unit sales between the second quarter of 2021 to the second quarter of 2019, Westchester sales increased 16.25%
The median price for single family houses in Westchester County, which has the highest price points, rose 17.6% to $835,000 from $710,000 last year.
While these sales numbers evidence strong resiliency in the housing market, it is important to view them in the context that the housing market in the second quarter of 2020 was in large part frozen by Covid-19 restrictions and an inability to conduct in-person property showings. However, even when comparing the 2nd quarter 2021 sales to the pre-pandemic 2nd quarter of 2019, the increases are still significant.
Orange County experienced a 57.3% increase in sales going from 744 units in 2020 to 1,170 units in 2021 second quarter. Putnam and Sullivan counties were each up significantly, Putnam with 350 sales compared to 260 in 2020 and Sullivan County with 356 units sold from 197 units in 2020. In Rockland County sales increased 74.5% to 850 units from 487 in 2020. While not considered a suburb, sales in Bronx County increased 101.7% at 599 units sold compared to 297 units in the second quarter of 2020.
Quarter to Quarter, Orange County increased 13.7%, Putnam increased 27.27%, Sullivan increased 56.83%, Rockland increased 33.86% and the Bronx increased 21.75%.
Median sales price (the point that indicates the exact middle of the market) also increased in every area and continues to exceed the “bubble” prices of the 2008-2009 market.
The median sale price for a single-family residential unit in Orange County rose 20.8% to $360,000 (from $298,000 one year ago), exceeded by an increase of 31.4.% in Sullivan County to $229,900 from $175,000 one year ago. The median sale price for a single-family residence rose in Putnam County by 23.3% to $442,000 (from $358,400), in Rockland County by 15.8% to $550,000 (from $475,000) and Bronx County saw a 7.2% increase to $565,000 (from $527,000) as compared to the second quarter of 2020.
Sales of condominium units increased in in all counties (except Sullivan) and co-op sales in Westchester and Bronx counties continued to surge.
Co-op sales have been lagging in both counties for the past year AND PRICE but rebounded in Q1, 2021. It is likely that this rebound can be attributed to the dearth of choices in other housing types as well as the fact that co-ops remain an affordable alternative, at a median sale price of $190,000 (identical to the median co-op price in the 2nd quarter of 2020) in Westchester County and $230,000 in Bronx County, for first time buyers and other potential purchasers unable to afford rising single family home prices.
While the housing market continues to be plagued by a lack of inventory, it is still supported by low interest rates and an economy and job market which is surging as a result of Federal stimulus monies which were pumped into the economy over the last year.
While the lower Hudson Valley markets may have initially benefited by Manhattan residents departing the city for the suburbs, (a trend which may well have been over-stated) the New York City residential market is also showing signs of a strong recovery. It could be argued that the increased sales numbers throughout the New York City and greater suburban area are the result of the pandemic accelerating the natural migration of home-owners who might
otherwise have delayed home purchasing and selling decisions. The same questions about the sustainability of the current market continue to exist, especially with rising prices.
With the economic recovery in full swing, it appears that the housing market should remain strong for the balance of 2021.
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GOOD MORNING DENNIS AND TONNY FROM WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK WHERE IT’S 74 HAZY MUGGY WPCNR DEGREES.
LAST WEDNESDAY THE APPELLATE COURT, SECOND DEPARTMENT IN BROOKLYN DEEEEEEEEEEEENIED WHITE PLAINS EMINENT DOMAIN MOVE TO ACQUIRE POST ROAD ON THE BLOCK ADJACENT TO THE WINBROOK APARTMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF AN UNKNOWN PROJECT.
THE OWNER OF ONE OF THE PROPERTIES THREATENED WITH THE CITY’S EMINENT DOMAIN TAKEOVER SAID THE COURT DENIED THE CITY FOR THREE REASONS.
1.) THE CITY RELIED ON A TWENTY-FIVE YEAR OLD DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTIES AS A “BLIGHTED AREA” AND IT IS NOT.
2.) THERE WAS NO REASON GIVEN FOR TAKING THE PROPERTIES.
3.) A CITY MUST BE SPECIFIC IN SAYING WHAT THE CITY INTENDS TO DO WITH THE PROPERTIES SHOULD THEY BE ACQUIRED.
GABRIEL ARANGO, ONE OF THE OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY FILED THE SUIT. THE OWNER SAID THE WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL HAD PURCHASED THE DENTAL PROPERTY PART OF THE ORIGINAL TARGETED PROPERTY
THE SOURCE ALSO SAID THE CITY HAD ALREADY PUCHASED THE FIRESTONE AND PHARMACY PARCELS ON POST ROAD. HOWEVER HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT THE CITY WOULD DO WITH THEM NOW. IT WAS THE PROPERTY OWNER’S IMPRESSION THAT “THE HOSPITAL GOT WHAT IT WANTED, ” AND NOW IS NOT INTERESTED IN THE PROPERTIES WHOSE OWNERS WON THE SUIT IN LAST WEDNESDAY’S DECISION.
THE APPELLATE COURT SECOND DEPARTMENT DECISION CAME DOWN HARD IN ITS JUDGMENT WRITING:
“THIS COURT WILL NOT ACT AS A MERE “RUBBER STAMP[ ]” TO APPROVE FINDINGS OF BLIGHT WHERE THE CONDEMNING AUTHORITY HAS FAILED TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT ITS FINDINGS HERE, THE AGENCY’S “BARE PLEADING” OF SUBSTANDARD CONDITIONS DID NOT SATISFY ITS OBLIGATION TO RESPOND TO A CHALLENGE TO ITS FINDING OF BLIGHT BY PRESENTING “AN ADEQUATE BASIS” FOR ITS CONCLUSION
BOOM!
THEY CONTINUED, A CONDEMNING AUTHORITY DOES NOT DEMONSTRATE THAT PROPERTY IS SUBSTANDARD FOR THE PURPOSE OF URBAN RENEWAL, THE AUTHORITY MUST IDENTIFY SOME PUBLIC PURPOSE OTHER THAN THE PURPORTED REMEDIATION OF BLIGHT WHILE A CONDEMNING AUTHORITY MAY SELECT VIRTUALLY ANY PROJECT WHICH “CONTRIBUTES TO THE HEALTH, SAFETY, GENERAL WELFARE, CONVENIENCE, OR PROSPERITY OF THE COMMUNITY” THIS BROAD DISCRETION DOES NOT RELIEVE THE AUTHORITY FROM SELECTING A PARTICULAR PROJECT AND, WHERE DEMANDED BY THE PROPERTY OWNER, SUBMITTING THAT PROJECT TO JUDICIAL SCRUTINY.
THIS RULING THAT THE CITY HAS NOT ISSUED A REACTION TO WHEN ASKED BY WPCNR EXPLICITLY RESTRICTS ANY CITY TOWN OR COUNTY FROM MAKING SPECIAL EMINENT DOMAIN ACQUISTIONS FOR THE BENEFIT OF FAVORED PROJECTS WITHOUT DISCLOSING THEM: DEALMAKERS TAKE NOTE.
TONIGHT AT THE COMMON COUNCIL MEETING AT 255 MAIN STREET, THEY’RE HAVING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SENLAC RIDGE 701 WESTCHESTER AVENUE PROJECT THAT WOULD RAISE WESTCHESTER AVENUE TWO STORIES AND TURN IT INTO 360 APARTMENTS
IN A LETTER NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS SAID THIS PROJECT IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHERS PLANNED NEARBY, WILL RESULT IN AN ADDITIONAL 2,100 VEHICLES THAT WILL BE UTILIZING BRYANT AVE., NORTH ST., RIDGEWAY, MAPLEMOOR –SAMMIS LN.
• WE HAVE ADDITIONAL CONCERNS ON THE IMPACT TO OUR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, PARTICULARLY THE RIDGEWAY FIREHOUSE AND LADDER 34 WHICH CONTINUE TO OPERATE AT PART-TIME STATUS.
• OVERALL, THE SOUTH END OF WHITE PLAINS IS A LOW DENSITY, SINGLE FAMILY AREA THAT WE DO NOT FEEL IS A FIT FOR THESE HIGH-DENSITY RENTAL UNIT PROJECTS. WE FEEL THESE RENTAL UNITS FIT IN WITH THE DOWNTOWN AREA CLOSE TO THE METRO NORTH STATION, BUS TERMINALS AND WALKABLE RETAIL. NOTWITHSTANDING, THERE ARE ALREADY OVER 5,500 MULTI-FAMILY UNITS SLATED TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN WHITE PLAINS, SO WE QUESTION DO WE NEED TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL 360 UNITS IN WHAT SEEMS TO BE AN ALREADY SATURATED MARKET.
SO THAT ACTION TAKES PLACE THIS EVENING. WHETHER THE HEARING WILL BE CLOSED AND VOTED REMAINS TO BE SEEN. I SUSPICION IT WILL BE CLOSED AND VOTED ON IN AUGUST BUT YOU NEVER KNOW.
COVID INFECTIONS CONTINUE TO RUN AT HALF OF 1 PERCENT FOR THE LAST WEEK THROUGH YESTERDAY 12 STRAIGHT WEEKS OF SUSTAINED DECLINE IN COVID INFECTIONS. FROM JUNE 29 THROUGH JULY 4 THE COUNTY TESTED 23,220 AND 89 TESTED POSITIVE, A RATE OF JUST UNDER HALF A PERCENT. AND NO DEATHS AT COUNTY EXECUTIVE LATIMER SAID EARLIER THIS MORNING.
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WPCNR NEWS AND COMMENT. By John F. Bailey. Reprinted from the WPCNR Archives. July 5, 2021:
It is the 245th birthday of our nation as this holiday weekend draws to a close, commemorating the accord of the Continental Congress to adapt the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776.
I usually run this column on George Washington’s birthday, however, in light of the character-challenged behavior being shown lately by our leaders and congress in Washington, it is instructive to look at our first leader, George Washington, the father of our nation.
One cannot help be reminded of the snowy winter at Valley Forge, when the bedraggled, poorly equipped rebel army suffered but held together, and attacked the Hessians in Trenton on Christmas Eve, 1776, crossing the Delaware River at night.
What kind of man was he that George Washington could inspire his troops against all odds?
Washington was a man of tremendous character. Where did he get this character? He specialized in self-control at an early age.
Reenacters Marching to Raise Old Glory at Purdy House in Honor of George Washington’s Birthday. Photo, 2003 WPCNR News Archive.
According to The American President, Washington, at sixteen, had formed a code of conduct. He had written a book of etiquette with 110 “maxims” to guide his conduct in matters. In this etiquette book he had written,
Every action done in company ought to be done with a sign of respect to those who are not present. Sleep not when others speak; sit not when others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not when others stop;…Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave…Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.
According to the character sketch provided by the authors of The American President, this personal “rulebook” was a book that Washington wrote over the years and referred to it often,
“for self-control, to avoid temptation, to elude greed, to control his temper. Reputation was everything to him. It had to do with his strength, his size, his courage, his horsemanship, his precise dress, his thorough mind, his manners, his compassion. He protected that reputation at any cost.”
Honor Guard Strikes the Colors to a Drum Roll. Photo, WPCNR News.
Earning respect by example. Quelling rebellion with a few words.
Washington inspired by example. He lived with his troops. He shared hardships with them, and so much was their respect for him that he was able to talk them out of armed rebellion at the end of the American Revolution.
Washington had been asked by the army to join them to over throw the Continental Congress, and make himself King.
Washington had been asked by one of the officers of the rebels to join them, and he wrote them:
You could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. Banish these thoughts from your mind.
Hearing that the rebels who were planning insurrection against the new country due to not having been paid by the Continental Congress, Washington rode to Newburgh, New York, (not very far from White Plains) on March 15, 1783, to meet with the dissident insurgents. Washington spoke to the rebellious group, saying,
“Gentlemen, as I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our common Country; as I never left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty; as I have been the constant companion and witness of your Distresses…it can scarcely be supposed …that I am indifferent to your interests. But…this dreadful alternative, of either deserting our Country in the extremest hour of her distress, or turning our Arms against it…has something so shocking in it that humanity revolts from the idea…I spurn it, as every Man who regards liberty…undoubtedly must.”
Where is that love of country, unity, respect and reason in our leaders in Washington today? It’s missing in action.
The would-be rebels fell silent before their peerless leader, digesting what he had said. Then Washington withdrew a letter from Congress, but could not read the text, withdrawing some eyeglasses from his tunic, remarking,
“Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”
The men present were reported to have tears in their eyes at this gesture of Washington’s and abandoned their plot out of respect for their leader.
Where is that respect in the leaders of our country across the country today? We need that back.
Washington retired from the military, surprising the entire new country. His action surprised King George III of England, who was astonished that Washington had refused to hold on to his military authority and use it for political or financial gain. The defeated King of England, remarked, “If true, then he is the greatest man in the world.”
Members of Common Council, 2003: Tom Roach, Rita Malmud, Benjamin Boykin and Glen Hockley, (center of Picture) and observers of the ceremony salute the Colors. Photo, WPCNR News.
Seeker of Diverse Views
As President, George Washington invented the Presidential Cabinet, whom he referred to as “the first Characters,” persons who possessed the best reputations in fields and areas of the jobs he was filling. Washington said on political appointments,
“My political conduct and nominations must be exceedingly circumspect. No slip into partiality will pass unnoticed…”
Washington tolerated the relentless clashes between Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, but lectured them on the necessity for tolerance and moving beyond partisanship:
“I believe the view of both of you are pure, and well meant. Why then, when some of the best Citizens in the United States, Men…who have no sinister view to promote, are to be found, some on one side, some on the other…should either of you be so tenacious of your opinions as to make no allowances for those of the other? I have great esteem for you both, and ardently wish that some line could be marked out by which both of you could walk.”
The Constitution Should be Protected
When George Washington left office after two terms, he made a farewell address which warned future generations of Americans about foreign entanglements and partisanship in the republic:
I shall carry to my grave the hope that your Union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the Constitution may be sacredly maintained; and that free government…the ever favorite object of my heart…will be the happy reward of our mutual cares, labors and dangers.”
Where is “happy” government today? Where is competent government today? Where are rational, compassionate judges especially in Supreme Court, wallowing in didactic dividing intellectualism.
Washington died in 1800, three years after leaving office in 1797. He was saluted on the floor of congress as being “First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.”
His comments above resonate today in some of the most cantankerous rhetoric and partisan stands the country has seen since the Civil War. Only the political positions are not “civil” in the least.
We should also remember that those drafters and adapters of the Declaration of Independence in Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1776, were putting their lives at risk by meeting and discussing, arguing, the Declaration wording, despite knowledge that if British occupying troops learned of the meeting, they could have been arrested and hung.
That’s commitment. That’s leadership.
That is a pressure the crybaby congress (both houses) of today which cannot seek a way to compromise and seek compassionate solutions to immigration crisis, and do not have on them.
They worry only about preserving their pathetic seats of shame, and talk of stolen elections and benefits for their donors, while children are held in concentration camps, people in need are shunted aside and sent back to die. Can they put themselves in their shoes?
No, our leaders have lost empathy.
Compromise and respect for the other point of view and the millions who will be affected by what some would say are “reckless,” “feckless,” “cruel” and “dangerous” changes to traditional American policies are missing in today’s political discourse,.
Can these leaders in their right minds dignify what congress and the Supreme Court have done the last six months by calling it political discourse).
I’d like to introduce a new term, “transminder,” the ability to listen to those whose views are opposite of yours. Find between you what you feel is the ultimate goal of a policy change and how the good can be accommodated and the bad eliminated, without hurt with fairness to all. The more you talk in terms of the common good, the better what you come up with gets.
Can they do that? Apparently not so far when it comes to calling discriminatory voting policies, fair. Helping refugees not an option. Allowing companies to rachet up prices to recoup losses in Covid by laying off employees.
I challenge every person in government to read the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights and the Constitution carefully today.
It will not take long.
Really read it. Too many of you leaders out there are looking after your self-interests and not the interests of people in trouble, people looking to you for hope and rescue.
Do some work. Do some good.
Measure your hates, prejudices, positions, and behaviors against those documents.
Analyze your apparent lack of ability to see and tell the truth.
Do you stand up to it? Does the hate and spinning of scenarios emanating from Washington, measure up to unity in Philadelphia 245 years ago?
That is easy.
No, it does not.
All you “leaders” out there, wherever you are, whatever “party” you affiliate, George Washington’s words above are what you should measure yourself against.
He was the greatest leader of them all.
He had standards.
Where are yours?
It is time to find where you lost them.