We could be St. Louis.
America's 5 Worst-Selling Housing Markets
No. 1: Milwaukee, Wis.
Metropolitan Statistical Area: Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, Wis.
Slow Sales Rate Rank: 11
Inventory Increase Rank: 2
No. 2: Denver, Colo.
Metropolitan Statistical Area: Denver-Aurora, Colo.
Slow Sales Rate Rank: 9
Inventory Increase Rank: 5
No. 3 (tie): St. Louis, Mo.
Metropolitan Statistical Area: St. Louis, Mo.-Ill.
Slow Sales Rate Rank: 14
Inventory Increase Rank: 3
No. 3 (tie): Los Angeles, Calif.
Metropolitan Statistical Area: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, Calif.
Slow Sales Rate Rank: 3
Inventory Increase Rank: 14
No. 5: San Francisco, Calif.
Metropolitan Statistical Area: San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Calif.
Slow Sales Rate Rank: 6
Inventory Increase Rank: 12
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
And now we wait for Saturday evening (or the next flash event)
If I were a restaurateur or restaurant manager of a Country Club Plaza establishment, I'd be coming up with all kinds of extremely lucrative specials for my clients--all my clients--for this Saturday evening, if possible.
That is, I would do that if I had already spoken with the Mayor, KCMO Police Chief Corwin and Highwoods Properties Management and Security, to see if there really is a new, strong, workable, viable plan for everything to be under control this Saturday evening.
It's going to be a peculiar, fascinating weekend, here in Kansas City, in a few days, I think.
Hopefully a quiet one.
That is, I would do that if I had already spoken with the Mayor, KCMO Police Chief Corwin and Highwoods Properties Management and Security, to see if there really is a new, strong, workable, viable plan for everything to be under control this Saturday evening.
It's going to be a peculiar, fascinating weekend, here in Kansas City, in a few days, I think.
Hopefully a quiet one.
Quote of the day--on the Catholic Church
"The Catholic Church is an authoritarian institution, modelled on the political structures of the Roman Empire and medieval Europe. It is better at transmitting instructions downward than at facilitating accountability upward. It is monolithic. It claims the unique legitimacy of a line of succession going back to the apostolic circle of Jesus Christ. Its leaders are protected by a nimbus of mystery, pomp, holiness, and, in the case of the Pope, infallibility—to be sure, only in certain doctrinal matters, not administrative ones, but the aura is not so selective. The hierarchy of such an institution naturally resists admitting to moral turpitude and sees squalid scandal as a mortal threat. Equally important, the government of the Church is entirely male."
Link to complete story: http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2010/04/19/100419taco_talk_hertzberg#ixzz0kubiopF3
Link to complete story: http://www.newyorker.com/talk/comment/2010/04/19/100419taco_talk_hertzberg#ixzz0kubiopF3
Monday, April 12, 2010
Finally, a step in the right direction from the Vatican
This just out this morning:
"The Vatican responded Monday to allegations that it had concealed years of clerical sex abuse by making it clear for the first time that bishops and other high-ranking clerics should report such crimes to police if required by law."
Long overdue but we'll take it.
See? If pushed enough, we can make some progress.
Now we need to keep pushing, Catholics included.
"The Vatican responded Monday to allegations that it had concealed years of clerical sex abuse by making it clear for the first time that bishops and other high-ranking clerics should report such crimes to police if required by law."
Long overdue but we'll take it.
See? If pushed enough, we can make some progress.
Now we need to keep pushing, Catholics included.
More reasons to appreciate this President
It's nice to have a President doing some "heavy lifting", after the 8 year, minimum, hiatus we had.
"President Obama is having the largest group of world leaders collected in one place since the founding of the United Nations in 1945. Leaders from 47 countries are here at his invitation to discuss ways to fight what is easily arguably the biggest security issue for the planet--that of the spread of nuclear weapons and nuclear materials."
"Obama wants world leaders to confront the threat of nuclear arms falling into the hands of terrorists — a specter he labels 'the single biggest threat to U.S. security.' And he's looking at the high-profile security forum here to help him reach his goal of ensuring that all nuclear materials worldwide are secured from theft or diversion within four years."
What a nice change of pace.
And you know what? This is what you get for having an "elitist" run your government and country.
And it's a great thing, thank you very much.
So, down this same train of thought comes Russian President Dmitri Medvedev:
"In a veiled jibe at Bush, Medvedev said during an exclusive interview with ABC News on Monday that the new US President Barack Obama is a 'thinker' unlike 'other people.'"
Yes, Dmitri, we know.
And we're pretty proud of it and him, too, thank you.
Link to original post:
http://www.presstv.ir/classic/detail.aspx?id=123111§ionid=351020602
"President Obama is having the largest group of world leaders collected in one place since the founding of the United Nations in 1945. Leaders from 47 countries are here at his invitation to discuss ways to fight what is easily arguably the biggest security issue for the planet--that of the spread of nuclear weapons and nuclear materials."
"Obama wants world leaders to confront the threat of nuclear arms falling into the hands of terrorists — a specter he labels 'the single biggest threat to U.S. security.' And he's looking at the high-profile security forum here to help him reach his goal of ensuring that all nuclear materials worldwide are secured from theft or diversion within four years."
What a nice change of pace.
And you know what? This is what you get for having an "elitist" run your government and country.
And it's a great thing, thank you very much.
So, down this same train of thought comes Russian President Dmitri Medvedev:
"In a veiled jibe at Bush, Medvedev said during an exclusive interview with ABC News on Monday that the new US President Barack Obama is a 'thinker' unlike 'other people.'"
Yes, Dmitri, we know.
And we're pretty proud of it and him, too, thank you.
Link to original post:
http://www.presstv.ir/classic/detail.aspx?id=123111§ionid=351020602
Anarchy, chaos and intimidation for their own "entertainment" brought to you by the youth of Kansas City
What happened Saturday night, according to the Police's own log, taken from a link at Police Chief Corwin's blog, because we need to know what happened:
• Crowds began to gather in front of businesses, blocking the entrances and exits, and would not move. Officers were deployed on foot to move crowds.
• Traffic was at a standstill and traffic was requested to assist with traffic flow.
• Helicopter responded after numerous crowds began to run and numerous fight calls were received. He spent at least 3 hours overhead assisting officers with their movement and following the crowds.
• The Classic Cup, 301 West 47th was a central focus and had numerous large disturbances in front of the business. Several complaints were received from patrons at this location and their fear of being hurt.
• We responded to PF Changs to assist with clearing juveniles out of the restrooms. They were harassing customers and blocking the foyer of the business.
• During one of the large disturbances along 47th street a knife was located lying on the sidewalk in the middle of the crowd.
• As the juveniles were circling the Plaza they were grabbing flowers, flower pots, and damaging various greenery around the Plaza.
• A Plaza medic responded to treat a 16 year old girl who got run over by one of the stampedes. She had several abrasions but was not seriously hurt.
• Citizens were continually stopping officers and complaining of the crowds, that they were being pushed and shoved, and that the kids were trying to intimidate them.
• Plaza Security had to assist with walking patrons to their vehicles due to the number of request for escorts due to fear of their safety.
• The foot/traffic flow became so bad that the Horse and Buggy Operation had to close due to cancellations along with the inability to function.
• Every time there was interaction with any of the juveniles obscenities were flowing freely along with disrespect not only for authority but anyone they came into contact with.
• At approximately 2200 hours the situation was at a flash point and a mass exit of patrons was observed due to the disorder going on.
• As a couple exited the Cheesecake Factory, dressed in tuxedo and formal dress for prom, the female was shoved into the fountain by a group of juveniles who then ran and not apprehended.
• As the flash point hit officers had to deploy pepper spray to disperse the crowds to minimize injury to citizens. Numerous MK-46’s were emptied along with 12-13 MK-9’s being emptied to get the crowd to move.
• Numerous businesses contacted police in regards to wanting to make complaints. Also, citizens from out of town asked officers on several occasions if this was normal or stated they would not come back.
• In a parking garage at Nichols and Pennsylvania, a husband and wife were jumped by approximately 15 juveniles. They were assaulted and then the suspects took the husbands glasses and the wife’s purse.
Say, side note, where are you planning to have dinner Saturday night?
• Crowds began to gather in front of businesses, blocking the entrances and exits, and would not move. Officers were deployed on foot to move crowds.
• Traffic was at a standstill and traffic was requested to assist with traffic flow.
• Helicopter responded after numerous crowds began to run and numerous fight calls were received. He spent at least 3 hours overhead assisting officers with their movement and following the crowds.
• The Classic Cup, 301 West 47th was a central focus and had numerous large disturbances in front of the business. Several complaints were received from patrons at this location and their fear of being hurt.
• We responded to PF Changs to assist with clearing juveniles out of the restrooms. They were harassing customers and blocking the foyer of the business.
• During one of the large disturbances along 47th street a knife was located lying on the sidewalk in the middle of the crowd.
• As the juveniles were circling the Plaza they were grabbing flowers, flower pots, and damaging various greenery around the Plaza.
• A Plaza medic responded to treat a 16 year old girl who got run over by one of the stampedes. She had several abrasions but was not seriously hurt.
• Citizens were continually stopping officers and complaining of the crowds, that they were being pushed and shoved, and that the kids were trying to intimidate them.
• Plaza Security had to assist with walking patrons to their vehicles due to the number of request for escorts due to fear of their safety.
• The foot/traffic flow became so bad that the Horse and Buggy Operation had to close due to cancellations along with the inability to function.
• Every time there was interaction with any of the juveniles obscenities were flowing freely along with disrespect not only for authority but anyone they came into contact with.
• At approximately 2200 hours the situation was at a flash point and a mass exit of patrons was observed due to the disorder going on.
• As a couple exited the Cheesecake Factory, dressed in tuxedo and formal dress for prom, the female was shoved into the fountain by a group of juveniles who then ran and not apprehended.
• As the flash point hit officers had to deploy pepper spray to disperse the crowds to minimize injury to citizens. Numerous MK-46’s were emptied along with 12-13 MK-9’s being emptied to get the crowd to move.
• Numerous businesses contacted police in regards to wanting to make complaints. Also, citizens from out of town asked officers on several occasions if this was normal or stated they would not come back.
• In a parking garage at Nichols and Pennsylvania, a husband and wife were jumped by approximately 15 juveniles. They were assaulted and then the suspects took the husbands glasses and the wife’s purse.
Say, side note, where are you planning to have dinner Saturday night?
KC Police Chief Corwin's response to Saturday's Plaza brawl
From his blog:
Plaza incident
"As you’ve probably heard, large crowds of juveniles converged on the Country Club Plaza on Saturday night and wreaked havoc throughout. They intimidated shoppers and diners, destroyed property, committed a strong-arm robbery, and a juvenile suffered severe head injuries in an aggravated assault. Police took control of the crowds using traffic crews to close streets, pepper spray to disperse the crowds and a helicopter overhead to help officers on the ground find the most troublesome areas."
"We will be taking a number of measures to ensure those who shop, visit, dine at and stroll around Kansas City’s historic Plaza area can do so without fear. We will be meeting with the Plaza Merchant’s Association, NAACP and others to put together the best possible plan to allow Plaza patrons to fully enjoy themselves while keeping disorder at bay. We plan strict enforcement this weekend and for future weekends, and it will be mobile in case problems arise elsewhere."
"We will be closely following the development of any similar events. If you hear of a group planning to organize something like this, please call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. You will remain anonymous, and you could save someone’s life. As I mentioned, one young man was seriously hurt in Saturday night’s incident."
Uh, right, Chief. I'm sure they're going to call. You'd better get back to your office right away and wait for it to come in.
Reading through the lines here, I make this predictable prediction: Cinemark will no longer allow teens to come to movies there, without parents, as it used to be.
Link to original post here: http://kcpdchief.blogspot.com/2010/04/plaza-incident.html
Saturday evening plans and Kansas City commercial real estate right now
GUESS WHERE NO ONE WILL BE GOING TO DINNER THIS COMING SATURDAY NIGHT IN THE CITY OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI?
I'd like to personally thank Mayor Mark Funkhouser for his total, utter and complete lack of leadership on this issue--and virtually all other, for that matter--pertaining to the city he's suppposed to be leading. Additionally, I'd like to thank the person or persons who thought running these kids out of Westport but not offering up any other solutions was a good idea.
Don't you know Crate & Barrel is glad they located out on 119th Street, out in bleached white suburbia right about now? And Bristol's restaurant--don't you know they're glad they moved some years ago?
Some of the "forever hottest property in Kansas City" just became the coldest--The Country Club Plaza, at least temporarily.
Wow.
Who'da' thunk it?
I'd like to personally thank Mayor Mark Funkhouser for his total, utter and complete lack of leadership on this issue--and virtually all other, for that matter--pertaining to the city he's suppposed to be leading. Additionally, I'd like to thank the person or persons who thought running these kids out of Westport but not offering up any other solutions was a good idea.
Don't you know Crate & Barrel is glad they located out on 119th Street, out in bleached white suburbia right about now? And Bristol's restaurant--don't you know they're glad they moved some years ago?
Some of the "forever hottest property in Kansas City" just became the coldest--The Country Club Plaza, at least temporarily.
Wow.
Who'da' thunk it?
Saturday night's blow up--the only two things that matter
Let's call this what this was--a melee'--as I said before.
It wasn't "riot" and it certainly wasn't a "race riot", since it isn't one group against another.
You can even call it a "flash mob" as some have but a "flash mob", up to this point has meant people that get together to entertain others and create a fleeting event.
This was a flash mob that was created only to entertain themselves, at the rather big expense of others.
Two things, then, call out to me about this incident this past Saturday evening on the Plaza.
First, it seems insane that these kids coordinated this anarchy and chaos for entertainment.
There's no other way to describe it. It was simply anarchy and chaos for entertainment.
And how do you combat that?
Anyone who says you don't need or use pepper spray, then, needs to go down there and work with the police to get and keep things under control.
The second thing about this is that this is the third week in a row this has happened and, as the weather warms and word gets out, it's increasing in the number of people who participate. Good luck to us in May, June and the rest of the Summer if this isn't under control rather quickly. As in, immediately.
So if you're the government of the City of Kansas City, Missouri, or the Mayor or the Chief of Police or part of the Police Department or Highwoods Properties or their security staff, the only question is how do you stop it from happening again?
It wasn't "riot" and it certainly wasn't a "race riot", since it isn't one group against another.
You can even call it a "flash mob" as some have but a "flash mob", up to this point has meant people that get together to entertain others and create a fleeting event.
This was a flash mob that was created only to entertain themselves, at the rather big expense of others.
Two things, then, call out to me about this incident this past Saturday evening on the Plaza.
First, it seems insane that these kids coordinated this anarchy and chaos for entertainment.
There's no other way to describe it. It was simply anarchy and chaos for entertainment.
And how do you combat that?
Anyone who says you don't need or use pepper spray, then, needs to go down there and work with the police to get and keep things under control.
The second thing about this is that this is the third week in a row this has happened and, as the weather warms and word gets out, it's increasing in the number of people who participate. Good luck to us in May, June and the rest of the Summer if this isn't under control rather quickly. As in, immediately.
So if you're the government of the City of Kansas City, Missouri, or the Mayor or the Chief of Police or part of the Police Department or Highwoods Properties or their security staff, the only question is how do you stop it from happening again?
Police say they were ready; Mayor says it was "unexpected"
According to NBC Action News , the police say they expected some action, of one sort or another, on the Plaza this last Saturday night, they just weren't for the increased numbers of kids in the crowds.
The Mayor?
In his own words, he said that the melee' was "unexpected".
It may be "unexpected" by him and his office--not a big shock--but his own police department did expect it. There's a shock, huh?
Let's see--it happened two weeks in a row, apparently, before this weekend but his office didn't expect it.
To Mayor Funkhouser: we aren't surprised.
The Mayor?
In his own words, he said that the melee' was "unexpected".
It may be "unexpected" by him and his office--not a big shock--but his own police department did expect it. There's a shock, huh?
Let's see--it happened two weeks in a row, apparently, before this weekend but his office didn't expect it.
To Mayor Funkhouser: we aren't surprised.
One is the loneliest number
After watching local Kansas City blogs over the weekend, since Saturday night, up to this moment, I've come to the conclusion that I must be the only blogger who lives on the Plaza.
The silence is pretty deafening.
The silence is pretty deafening.
Last questions--for now--on Saturday night's blow up
First, wouldn't you hate to be part of the Highwoods Properties security staff right now and be told you have to work Saturday night?
Yeah, without any real protection, nada.
Right. That'd be fun.
Second, how long do you think it will be until the entire Plaza is blocked off, a little after sunset? You'd be able to drive out but not in. If these melee's continue, it will have to be an option, I'd guess, even though it's the last thing the restaurant and bar merchants will want.
If you own Tomfooleries or any other bar/restaurant on the Plaza, don't you know you're raising hell this morning, if you haven't already been, this weekend?
Whaddya' think?
Somebody's going to do something, that's for sure.
What they'll do, now that's a whole 'nother thing.
As for the coming weekend, I saw last evening where, as of now, they're calling for rain Saturday night.
If you're the police or that same Highwoods Properties Security staff, you're praying for it.
Stay tuned, folks.
Yeah, without any real protection, nada.
Right. That'd be fun.
Second, how long do you think it will be until the entire Plaza is blocked off, a little after sunset? You'd be able to drive out but not in. If these melee's continue, it will have to be an option, I'd guess, even though it's the last thing the restaurant and bar merchants will want.
If you own Tomfooleries or any other bar/restaurant on the Plaza, don't you know you're raising hell this morning, if you haven't already been, this weekend?
Whaddya' think?
Somebody's going to do something, that's for sure.
What they'll do, now that's a whole 'nother thing.
As for the coming weekend, I saw last evening where, as of now, they're calling for rain Saturday night.
If you're the police or that same Highwoods Properties Security staff, you're praying for it.
Stay tuned, folks.
Apologists make me ill
Anyone and everyone who paint themselves as apologists for the people who started and continued either--or both--of the melee's on the Plaza in the last two weeks deserve to be given police duty the next time one of these breaks out.
That includes Alonzo Washington.
Let me make it clear, too. I have no "bone to pick" with Mr. Washington. I just read his blog entry on this and had to react.
There is no excuse for what happened Saturday evening.
Since when can you not go to a movie on the Plaza if you live anywhere else in the city?
When did the behavior that broke out in the last two weeks become acceptable because there isn't a movie theater on the East Side or some other neighborhood?
Should the Mayor, the Mayor's office and the city have addressed these issues earlier?
Yes, absolutely.
Is this city racially polarized?
Sure, you bet. I said as much here, earlier, on this site, this weekend.
All that--and a lot more--taken into consideration, no one can still come to the conclusion that what happened Saturday night on the Plaza or that used to happen up in Westport, before that got shut down is somehow "understandable" or otherwise acceptable behavior.
It's not.
And explaining it away as understandable makes it allowable.
That includes Alonzo Washington.
Let me make it clear, too. I have no "bone to pick" with Mr. Washington. I just read his blog entry on this and had to react.
There is no excuse for what happened Saturday evening.
Since when can you not go to a movie on the Plaza if you live anywhere else in the city?
When did the behavior that broke out in the last two weeks become acceptable because there isn't a movie theater on the East Side or some other neighborhood?
Should the Mayor, the Mayor's office and the city have addressed these issues earlier?
Yes, absolutely.
Is this city racially polarized?
Sure, you bet. I said as much here, earlier, on this site, this weekend.
All that--and a lot more--taken into consideration, no one can still come to the conclusion that what happened Saturday night on the Plaza or that used to happen up in Westport, before that got shut down is somehow "understandable" or otherwise acceptable behavior.
It's not.
And explaining it away as understandable makes it allowable.
Saturday evening's melee': A possible fantastic opportunity for The Kansas City Star
Once again, this difficulty last night on the Plaza points out the weaknesses of the old newspaper-style of reporting since we couldn't open our papers and read anything on this.
Conversely, where the Star could really shine right now and make some big gains in readership, likely, I think, is if they sicked a reporter or some reporters on this immediately and did some good, in-depth research and writing/reporting on it.
Virtually anyone and everyone in the city who is interested in this situation--and there are a lot of us--would, by necessity, turn to the paper for that information.
You can bet the TV news stations aren't going to be able to commit the air time to cover this.
If the Star knows what is good for its survival, they will already have reporters hitting this story hard, today, interviewing everyone they can get their notepads in front of.
As it is, with this last Saturday evening's events, I didn't think the paper could, would and did cover it in Sunday's paper but they did.
The sad/stupid thing?
They buried it on page B2 of the Local section.
Without doubt THE big story of the city in the previous 24 hours--what they're supposed to be covering--and they don't put it on the front page.
Heck, they didn't even put it on the front page of the 2nd section.
They buried it.
Highwoods Poperties must be tickled pink.
Anyway, here you go, Kansas City Star--this is your opportunity to shine, for the city, sure, but for your own profit and existence, too. If you take up the challenge and cover this story well and in-depth, you'll be doing yourself and the city a great deal of service. Heck, who knows? There might even be a Pulitzer in it for you.
If you don't, you will have earned the failure of your medium.
It will be interesting to see the outcome and we will, shortly.
Conversely, where the Star could really shine right now and make some big gains in readership, likely, I think, is if they sicked a reporter or some reporters on this immediately and did some good, in-depth research and writing/reporting on it.
Virtually anyone and everyone in the city who is interested in this situation--and there are a lot of us--would, by necessity, turn to the paper for that information.
You can bet the TV news stations aren't going to be able to commit the air time to cover this.
If the Star knows what is good for its survival, they will already have reporters hitting this story hard, today, interviewing everyone they can get their notepads in front of.
As it is, with this last Saturday evening's events, I didn't think the paper could, would and did cover it in Sunday's paper but they did.
The sad/stupid thing?
They buried it on page B2 of the Local section.
Without doubt THE big story of the city in the previous 24 hours--what they're supposed to be covering--and they don't put it on the front page.
Heck, they didn't even put it on the front page of the 2nd section.
They buried it.
Highwoods Poperties must be tickled pink.
Anyway, here you go, Kansas City Star--this is your opportunity to shine, for the city, sure, but for your own profit and existence, too. If you take up the challenge and cover this story well and in-depth, you'll be doing yourself and the city a great deal of service. Heck, who knows? There might even be a Pulitzer in it for you.
If you don't, you will have earned the failure of your medium.
It will be interesting to see the outcome and we will, shortly.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
One more (last?) question about Saturday night on the Plaza
Who thought it was a good idea to run the kids off, out of Westport, anyway?
Since when do you think sweeping something like that, "under the rug", so to speak, is going to solve anything?
Why should anyone be surprised they moved to the Plaza?
Who was the rocket scientist who thought that up?
And who, if anyone, thought that simply running them off was going to be the big solution to that problem?
Since when do you think sweeping something like that, "under the rug", so to speak, is going to solve anything?
Why should anyone be surprised they moved to the Plaza?
Who was the rocket scientist who thought that up?
And who, if anyone, thought that simply running them off was going to be the big solution to that problem?
Race in Kansas City: Are we ever going to look at the bigger picture?
There already is, I'm sure, all kinds of writing and talking about the "mess on the Plaza" last Saturday evening.
All kinds of people will be shocked and surprised and disappointed and condemning and on and on and that's fine. It's to be expected.
And there will be much more. Some of it simply hand-wringing.
And it is/was unusual and odd and disturbing and it must be solved, for sure and quickly, as I wrote here earlier.
But last Saturday night's blowup, whatever the source, is only one smaller problem in a much bigger picture.
The situation is that we need to look at the bigger issue of race here in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Before last Saturday night, we perceived our biggest short-term problem might be the possible Summer shootings--drive-by and otherwise--that might develop, heaven forbid, the way they did all last year.
Then we had Saturday night.
That will preoccupy our attention for a while, until it is, hopefully, soon solved.
But we really have to, eventually, look at the bigger picture and ALL the problems of race, collectively, in this city if we ever intend to solve all our problems. If we only look at different, smaller facets of us and our city, we'll never get to the core of our problems and different things will keep popping up.
We need to face up to the fact that, for the most part, our city is far too divided into East Side African-Americans, West Side Hispanic area and Southwest Side/Suburbs Caucasian.
Sure, that's a huge, sweeping generalization but there's a great deal of truth to it, too, and we all know it.
We've counted on extreme growth and sprawl and de-centralization for the growth of this city, financially and economically, and that has clearly also fed into "White flight", which separates us horribly.
We need to somehow examine our city schools, our city codes and sprawl I mentioned earlier, and the shootings and killings in the inner city and our separation--everything--as a larger package so we understand truly what the problems are and what solutions might be available to us.
This has gone on far too long and we know that. In our "heart of hearts", we know that.
We need to come together, as one, entire city, and start looking at what we are and who we are and fairness and equality and how we all live so we can come up with solutions.
If we don't, Saturday night's messy episode on the Plaza will just be one more smaller chapter in the rather long and ignominious story of a city that isn't living and working well after all.
All kinds of people will be shocked and surprised and disappointed and condemning and on and on and that's fine. It's to be expected.
And there will be much more. Some of it simply hand-wringing.
And it is/was unusual and odd and disturbing and it must be solved, for sure and quickly, as I wrote here earlier.
But last Saturday night's blowup, whatever the source, is only one smaller problem in a much bigger picture.
The situation is that we need to look at the bigger issue of race here in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Before last Saturday night, we perceived our biggest short-term problem might be the possible Summer shootings--drive-by and otherwise--that might develop, heaven forbid, the way they did all last year.
Then we had Saturday night.
That will preoccupy our attention for a while, until it is, hopefully, soon solved.
But we really have to, eventually, look at the bigger picture and ALL the problems of race, collectively, in this city if we ever intend to solve all our problems. If we only look at different, smaller facets of us and our city, we'll never get to the core of our problems and different things will keep popping up.
We need to face up to the fact that, for the most part, our city is far too divided into East Side African-Americans, West Side Hispanic area and Southwest Side/Suburbs Caucasian.
Sure, that's a huge, sweeping generalization but there's a great deal of truth to it, too, and we all know it.
We've counted on extreme growth and sprawl and de-centralization for the growth of this city, financially and economically, and that has clearly also fed into "White flight", which separates us horribly.
We need to somehow examine our city schools, our city codes and sprawl I mentioned earlier, and the shootings and killings in the inner city and our separation--everything--as a larger package so we understand truly what the problems are and what solutions might be available to us.
This has gone on far too long and we know that. In our "heart of hearts", we know that.
We need to come together, as one, entire city, and start looking at what we are and who we are and fairness and equality and how we all live so we can come up with solutions.
If we don't, Saturday night's messy episode on the Plaza will just be one more smaller chapter in the rather long and ignominious story of a city that isn't living and working well after all.
More thoughts on last night's Plaza mess
There was just too much of what happened last evening on the Plaza to not have some more thoughts on it so here goes:
I'd really like to not see it referred to as a "riot" because that seems wrong for several reasons.
Calling it a riot seems to imply that it was organized and it patently wasn't--the only thing that may have been organized was converging in one place and raising cane.
This didn't have any real goals, it doesn't seem. It was just anarchy and chaos for entertainment's sake, I think and believe, unless and until someone can prove differently.
Finally, an "internet friend" of mine here in Kansas City (from the Kansas side, as a matter of fact), one Dr. Ernest Evans (no relation) wrote me the following today and I found it very true, of course and illuminating:
"Dan Rather has said that all journalists in the US live in terror of the "Racism Police" of the liberals and the "Patriotism Police" of the conservatives.
I hadn't heard this quote. It surprised me I hadn't.
And it's very applicable here. I think the local news organizations--the TV stations and the Star--will be very careful reporting on last night's melee'.
City government will be the same way, I think, for the same reasons but we need to do some serious, fast research on this and find out the following:
--Why two of these, to date, have happened--are they, in fact, chaos and anarchy for entertainment's sake?;
--How they're starting;
--Who is starting them;
--Finally, what needs to be done to have them stopped immediately?
Think about it. If we don't find out these last four things, above, and right away, I think everyone will expect this to happen again next Saturday evening.
For that matter, what's to keep it from happening again, tonight, after dark?
The answer is: nothing at all.
I'd really like to not see it referred to as a "riot" because that seems wrong for several reasons.
Calling it a riot seems to imply that it was organized and it patently wasn't--the only thing that may have been organized was converging in one place and raising cane.
This didn't have any real goals, it doesn't seem. It was just anarchy and chaos for entertainment's sake, I think and believe, unless and until someone can prove differently.
Finally, an "internet friend" of mine here in Kansas City (from the Kansas side, as a matter of fact), one Dr. Ernest Evans (no relation) wrote me the following today and I found it very true, of course and illuminating:
"Dan Rather has said that all journalists in the US live in terror of the "Racism Police" of the liberals and the "Patriotism Police" of the conservatives.
I hadn't heard this quote. It surprised me I hadn't.
And it's very applicable here. I think the local news organizations--the TV stations and the Star--will be very careful reporting on last night's melee'.
City government will be the same way, I think, for the same reasons but we need to do some serious, fast research on this and find out the following:
--Why two of these, to date, have happened--are they, in fact, chaos and anarchy for entertainment's sake?;
--How they're starting;
--Who is starting them;
--Finally, what needs to be done to have them stopped immediately?
Think about it. If we don't find out these last four things, above, and right away, I think everyone will expect this to happen again next Saturday evening.
For that matter, what's to keep it from happening again, tonight, after dark?
The answer is: nothing at all.
Questions for Kansas City after last night's mess on the Plaza
First, what the hell was that?
You know what I'm talking about.
The 2nd melee' on the Country Club Plaza last evening.
Again, what the hell was that?
There are so many questions.
Like what were these kids doing? Was there an event, in their eyes? There must be. Some reason why they all converged right there on the Plaza.
Then, how do we get these to not happen again, for obvious reasons? I was walking out of Unity Temple on the Plaza about 10 pm (after seeing a terrific Celtic concert you may have missed, but that's another story) when there were police and people and the local police helicopter--the whole shmear--converging on our beloved Plaza.
You have to know the "city fathers" are concerned about this one.
It's only Spring--April, for pity's sake--and things are busting out all over--and not in a good way?
Here's another question for us, and it's my favorite today: What are you, Mr. and Mrs. Mayor, going to finally do about this?
I mean, you totally, completely and utterly ignored all the shootings in the city last year and while you've been Mayor, thank you very much, but this one you can't overlook.
Once more, with feeling: What are you going to do about this?
I'll tell you what you'd better do, even though it's unsolicited advice--you'd better get with the Police Department right away (like you didn't for the murders and shootings, to repeat) and develop a plan for handling this.
And then, the 2nd and last thing you'd better do is get with all the African-American leaders in this city you can get in a room and calmly, quietly and intelligently address this situation.
You're going to need to ask questions like:
--why did these 2 melee's happen?
--what are these kids doing down there on Saturday night that they collect like this (because we sure don't understand it)?
--how do we keep these things from repeating because every responsible parent in this city doesn't want things like this happening.
Finally, there better be answers quickly, otherwise, this is going to happen again and again, for the rest of the summer.
And they'll only get bigger and uglier, in the meantime.
(Pssst, Rep. Cleaver. Can you help us with this? Do you have any information? Input? Can you help?)
You know what I'm talking about.
The 2nd melee' on the Country Club Plaza last evening.
Again, what the hell was that?
There are so many questions.
Like what were these kids doing? Was there an event, in their eyes? There must be. Some reason why they all converged right there on the Plaza.
Then, how do we get these to not happen again, for obvious reasons? I was walking out of Unity Temple on the Plaza about 10 pm (after seeing a terrific Celtic concert you may have missed, but that's another story) when there were police and people and the local police helicopter--the whole shmear--converging on our beloved Plaza.
You have to know the "city fathers" are concerned about this one.
It's only Spring--April, for pity's sake--and things are busting out all over--and not in a good way?
Here's another question for us, and it's my favorite today: What are you, Mr. and Mrs. Mayor, going to finally do about this?
I mean, you totally, completely and utterly ignored all the shootings in the city last year and while you've been Mayor, thank you very much, but this one you can't overlook.
Once more, with feeling: What are you going to do about this?
I'll tell you what you'd better do, even though it's unsolicited advice--you'd better get with the Police Department right away (like you didn't for the murders and shootings, to repeat) and develop a plan for handling this.
And then, the 2nd and last thing you'd better do is get with all the African-American leaders in this city you can get in a room and calmly, quietly and intelligently address this situation.
You're going to need to ask questions like:
--why did these 2 melee's happen?
--what are these kids doing down there on Saturday night that they collect like this (because we sure don't understand it)?
--how do we keep these things from repeating because every responsible parent in this city doesn't want things like this happening.
Finally, there better be answers quickly, otherwise, this is going to happen again and again, for the rest of the summer.
And they'll only get bigger and uglier, in the meantime.
(Pssst, Rep. Cleaver. Can you help us with this? Do you have any information? Input? Can you help?)
Have I mentioned how fond I am of irony?
Yes, I am extremely fond of irony. I believe that, if there were a god, he or she creating this reached possibly their finest hour, being as it is one of our best gifts of the universe.
Where else can you get that much humor?
For instance (you knew there'd be a "for instance", didn't you?), the Republicans right now, meeting in, of all places, New Orleans for the "Southern Republican Leadership Conference."
Man, is that good?
That, as they say, is delicious.
It doesn't get much better than that, does it?
But they weren't done there, either, oh no.
Check this out--guess who they had as a speaker?
David Vitter.
From Think Progess yesterday:
"SRLC organizers noted that the conference was 'going to be highlighted by the bold and dynamic values and individuals that make our party what it is.' In selecting the individuals who 'make our party what it is,' SRLC chose Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) to kick off today’s events. Vitter, of course, is known for frequenting a Washington, D.C. and New Orleans prostitution service. The married father of four has led Senate efforts to pass a 'Marriage Protection Amendment' and bring down ACORN. Today, right-wing activists rewarded Vitter with a standing ovation. Vitter thanked the crowd for the 'warm welcome.'”
It gets better. They gave Vitter a standing ovation.
Wow. I couldn't write stuff that good.
And then, of course, there is the equally entertaining fact that Republican National leader Michael Steele is there and speaking, even after his staff took clients to a Hollywood bondage club, spending nearly $2000.00 on them and billing it to the same Republican Party.
Man, I love these people. Sure, they're haters and dividers and they're only for themselves and their wealthy clients and big corporations, instead of the American people but when they're not hating or legislating horribly, they're darned, ironically funny and entertaining.
And you can't forget Newt Gingrich's earlier adultery, even as he gears for a run at the White House, even now, for 2012.
More, you say?
How about the fact that the Republican Party called for an "earmark moratorium" in Congress but, according to OpenSecrets.org, "Reps. Don Young (R-Alaska) and Ron Paul (R-Texas) were the first to submit earmark requests in violation of the new moratorium, followed recently by freshman Rep. Joseph Cao (R-La.). All three have asserted the importance of directing money back to their constituents."
This gets better, too: "in some cases, these earmarks are benefiting industries that rank among two of these three politicos' major benefactors."
Ain't dat a beauty?
So you see? All the Republican greed and ugliness isn't for nothing.
They're also here to entertain us, even if it is at our own expense.
Again, have a great weekend, y'all.
Where else can you get that much humor?
For instance (you knew there'd be a "for instance", didn't you?), the Republicans right now, meeting in, of all places, New Orleans for the "Southern Republican Leadership Conference."
Man, is that good?
That, as they say, is delicious.
It doesn't get much better than that, does it?
But they weren't done there, either, oh no.
Check this out--guess who they had as a speaker?
David Vitter.
From Think Progess yesterday:
"SRLC organizers noted that the conference was 'going to be highlighted by the bold and dynamic values and individuals that make our party what it is.' In selecting the individuals who 'make our party what it is,' SRLC chose Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) to kick off today’s events. Vitter, of course, is known for frequenting a Washington, D.C. and New Orleans prostitution service. The married father of four has led Senate efforts to pass a 'Marriage Protection Amendment' and bring down ACORN. Today, right-wing activists rewarded Vitter with a standing ovation. Vitter thanked the crowd for the 'warm welcome.'”
It gets better. They gave Vitter a standing ovation.
Wow. I couldn't write stuff that good.
And then, of course, there is the equally entertaining fact that Republican National leader Michael Steele is there and speaking, even after his staff took clients to a Hollywood bondage club, spending nearly $2000.00 on them and billing it to the same Republican Party.
Man, I love these people. Sure, they're haters and dividers and they're only for themselves and their wealthy clients and big corporations, instead of the American people but when they're not hating or legislating horribly, they're darned, ironically funny and entertaining.
And you can't forget Newt Gingrich's earlier adultery, even as he gears for a run at the White House, even now, for 2012.
More, you say?
How about the fact that the Republican Party called for an "earmark moratorium" in Congress but, according to OpenSecrets.org, "Reps. Don Young (R-Alaska) and Ron Paul (R-Texas) were the first to submit earmark requests in violation of the new moratorium, followed recently by freshman Rep. Joseph Cao (R-La.). All three have asserted the importance of directing money back to their constituents."
This gets better, too: "in some cases, these earmarks are benefiting industries that rank among two of these three politicos' major benefactors."
Ain't dat a beauty?
So you see? All the Republican greed and ugliness isn't for nothing.
They're also here to entertain us, even if it is at our own expense.
Again, have a great weekend, y'all.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Because I'm sick of the Tiger Woods coverage--and because we always need a good laugh
I would never have expected Jimmy Kimmel to turn out as funny as he is, as he can be.
Have a great weekend, y'all.
Have a great weekend, y'all.
Funny, intelligent--but true--reasons for the health care reform we got
"That's how scared we are of the Republicans..."
Another reason to avoid Arizona
First they proved themselves to be rabid racists, trying to disavow the annual, national Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday--and they've followed up on that a few times, anyway, in different actions--now they've outdone themselves.
Apparently the NRA runs the whole state.
Did you see this from the AP?
"The Arizona House has voted to make Arizona the third state allowing people to carry concealed weapons without a permit."
"The House voted 36-19 on Thursday to send the measure to Gov. Jan Brewer."
"The legislation would make it legal for most U.S. citizens 21 or older to carry a concealed weapon in Arizona without the permit now required."
"Well, yeehaw! Ain't it grayt to be an Areezonan?? Let's mozey on down to that thar saluun with our sixguns on hour hips and git us some pritty gurls!"
That does it for me and Arizona. If I go, I race into Grand Canyon, look around with all the other tourists and get the hell out.
I'm sure they'll be glad of it, sissy, educated Liberal that I am.
What a sick bunch.
Link to original post: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100408/ap_on_re_us/us_concealed_weapons_arizona_1
Apparently the NRA runs the whole state.
Did you see this from the AP?
"The Arizona House has voted to make Arizona the third state allowing people to carry concealed weapons without a permit."
"The House voted 36-19 on Thursday to send the measure to Gov. Jan Brewer."
"The legislation would make it legal for most U.S. citizens 21 or older to carry a concealed weapon in Arizona without the permit now required."
"Well, yeehaw! Ain't it grayt to be an Areezonan?? Let's mozey on down to that thar saluun with our sixguns on hour hips and git us some pritty gurls!"
That does it for me and Arizona. If I go, I race into Grand Canyon, look around with all the other tourists and get the hell out.
I'm sure they'll be glad of it, sissy, educated Liberal that I am.
What a sick bunch.
Link to original post: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100408/ap_on_re_us/us_concealed_weapons_arizona_1
Unintentionally funny blurb in the KC Star today
I got a big kick out of a small column today in the Star in its "In Brief" section on A8.
They noted that "Rotary Club 13 won the 16th annual Corporate Spelling Bee to benefit Literacy Kansas City.
Good on you, Rotary 13. (Side note: Rotary International does terrific work. All they do is try to raise money to give it away. No buildings. No big staff. No "secret handshakes" or abusive rituals, just people trying to help people in a spirit of terrific camraderie. But I digress).
What was amusing about the small column was that it also pointed out that the Star's own team participated.
The local newspaper staff lost in a spelling bee.
That's good.
Maybe later his year they can win the Corporate Editing Competition.
Enjoy that perfect weather out there, folks and let's have a great weekend.
They noted that "Rotary Club 13 won the 16th annual Corporate Spelling Bee to benefit Literacy Kansas City.
Good on you, Rotary 13. (Side note: Rotary International does terrific work. All they do is try to raise money to give it away. No buildings. No big staff. No "secret handshakes" or abusive rituals, just people trying to help people in a spirit of terrific camraderie. But I digress).
What was amusing about the small column was that it also pointed out that the Star's own team participated.
The local newspaper staff lost in a spelling bee.
That's good.
Maybe later his year they can win the Corporate Editing Competition.
Enjoy that perfect weather out there, folks and let's have a great weekend.
On being open-minded
"I dreamed a lot when I was younger
I'm older now and still I hunger
for some understanding
There's no understanding now
Was there ever?"
--Ambrosia, "Harvey"
From the album "Somewhere I've Never Travelled"
Heartening Catholic news
It was great to see the article on the front page of the Star today, telling of our own, local National Catholic Reporter (NCR) newspaper and their work since the 1980's, for pity's sake, to get their church to "do the right thing" regarding the sexual and physical abuse scandals in their church.
That took guts, on their part.
All that time, being virtually the only group pointing out what was happening and what needed to be done, to address the scandals and put the church on the right path.
They're right, too, the rest of us are all "Johnny come lately's" at this, sure, but you know what? More and more groups, from within and without the Catholic Church need to speak up and call for accountability of the Catholic Church's leadership so the people abused can be addressed and so, hopefully, abuses like these in the past can never be repeated.
I say again--and it's stunning that no one in Rome, at the Vatican gets it--there need to be structures put in place within the church so these things don't happen again, once the past abuses have been addressed.
Kudos to the NCR and their work and diligence.
It's been the right thing to do all along.
Link to original story:
http://www.kansascity.com/2010/04/09/1868404/kc-based-national-catholic-reporter.html
That took guts, on their part.
All that time, being virtually the only group pointing out what was happening and what needed to be done, to address the scandals and put the church on the right path.
They're right, too, the rest of us are all "Johnny come lately's" at this, sure, but you know what? More and more groups, from within and without the Catholic Church need to speak up and call for accountability of the Catholic Church's leadership so the people abused can be addressed and so, hopefully, abuses like these in the past can never be repeated.
I say again--and it's stunning that no one in Rome, at the Vatican gets it--there need to be structures put in place within the church so these things don't happen again, once the past abuses have been addressed.
Kudos to the NCR and their work and diligence.
It's been the right thing to do all along.
Link to original story:
http://www.kansascity.com/2010/04/09/1868404/kc-based-national-catholic-reporter.html
Terrific question I just found for the Catholic Church--and the world
Why Are Pedophilia-Hiding, Child-Abusing Church Fathers Allowed to Write Laws About Women's Bodies?
To save my life, I can't answer that one.
It sure isn't due to good judgement.
To save my life, I can't answer that one.
It sure isn't due to good judgement.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Newt Gingrich: Angry, white, negative, small-minded bully
Apparently this is how Newt Gingrich is going to run for the Presidency.
Did you see this?
It seems the Newt went way down South, to the Southern Republican Leadership Conference (read: room full of fat, white, rich rednecks, but I digress) and called President Obama "the most radical president in American history" who oversees a "secular, socialist machine."
Wow. That really took guts, huh?
Not.
And this is how you run for President?
Say, Newt, besides bashing the "big guy"--you know, the one who won the last big election--do you have any ideas for the country? Particularly any new ideas that would be your own?
Nah, we didn't think so.
Just like the rest of the Republican "Party of no" Party.
So let's just stir up those angry "good ol' boys", down South and see what we can make happen. Let's not try to work together as Americans and improve this place, no. Let's just tear the guy in the White House down and be ugly, stupid, short-sighted and relentlessly negative.
Unfortunately, for too many Americans, that's the way to run a Presidential campaign.
Side note: For this same group--the Southern Republican Leadership Conference--and the rest of the country, especially the rednecks and the ones who want to celebrate the "Confederacy", today is the day in history when Robert E. Lee and his Southern army surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant and the rest of the nation at Appamattox.
Just sayin'.
Link to original story:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100409/ap_on_re_us/us_republicans_gingrich
Did you see this?
It seems the Newt went way down South, to the Southern Republican Leadership Conference (read: room full of fat, white, rich rednecks, but I digress) and called President Obama "the most radical president in American history" who oversees a "secular, socialist machine."
Wow. That really took guts, huh?
Not.
And this is how you run for President?
Say, Newt, besides bashing the "big guy"--you know, the one who won the last big election--do you have any ideas for the country? Particularly any new ideas that would be your own?
Nah, we didn't think so.
Just like the rest of the Republican "Party of no" Party.
So let's just stir up those angry "good ol' boys", down South and see what we can make happen. Let's not try to work together as Americans and improve this place, no. Let's just tear the guy in the White House down and be ugly, stupid, short-sighted and relentlessly negative.
Unfortunately, for too many Americans, that's the way to run a Presidential campaign.
Side note: For this same group--the Southern Republican Leadership Conference--and the rest of the country, especially the rednecks and the ones who want to celebrate the "Confederacy", today is the day in history when Robert E. Lee and his Southern army surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant and the rest of the nation at Appamattox.
Just sayin'.
Link to original story:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100409/ap_on_re_us/us_republicans_gingrich
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