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Comments

There are 11 out of 14 homes sold and they are to toung profesionals not coporations. as far as cutting lawns , the townhouses on Naamans road have no yards why do you have to be so critical

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I am so sick and tired of the likes your type fear mongering and just plain making stuff up. Death panels anyone?? Birthers!! I try to make my civic association meetings and the renaissance meetings when my work allows. If I have a question, I will call my representative or councilman. I have even called the developer of Darley Green and gotten a straight answer. I see these good people involved in the Renaissance get maligned by people not worth the dirt on their shoes.

Name: BSD Taxpaying Parent
Topic: Mike185 & Brookview
Date: October 13, 2009

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You have so typified exactly what I'm talking about here. Instead of engaging in a civilized, intelligent discussion....you have to resort to defamation of character and slanderous tactics.....typical Claymont. Surprisingly, Delaforum's filters must not have picked up on the vulgar nature of your "Topic". <Either way though, how can 15 out of 14 homes be bought already? Am I missing the math here? One person posted about the short distance between the house and Darley Road.....that's because Section 8 renters aren't interested in cutting grass, so there was forward thinking applied. Oh and another thing Mike 185....did you happen to notice that over 75% of the houses bought are purchased by corporations and/or realty companies? That spells one thing...R-E-N-T!!!>

Name: Chuck Riley
Topic: BSD Taxpaying Parent
Date: October 05, 2009

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You're certainly correct in your remarks. Don't forget the county council and the developers pushing through the tax increment financing program. Now it appears they are requesting an extension of the present program in order to gain time to extend the complete program to a longer period of time. Something tells me that I was correct when I told the public that the tax increment financing program would fail, just like it is doing. Look at the way these homes are placed! Do you think it wise to place them so close to the road? I don't think it is necessary safe, and it certainly is not appealling. I'm certain, that some people will buy the homes. If they do, I'm sure that eventually the homes will slowly be rented out.

A 200K investment is easy for some, and the Section Eight program is an easy way to help out in those mortgage payments. This economy is bad for some, but great for others. I'm sure that Obamas stimulous money will enter into this program. This whole program is riddled with dishonesty I believe. I think members of our council are right in the middle of the crooked tactics used, and that the council continues to rip off the citizens of New Castle County. I maintain that some of the Claymont Coalition and the Claymont Rennaissance people are hip deep in this fiasco, and that they have been used as tools by the county council. Some of these people have ended up getting paid positions that are directly involved in this program. I don't trust any of them.

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Newsflash: As of a week ago 15 of the 14 townhomes built were under contract. The average selling price is $247K. The developer is worried about keeping up with demand. Why don't you do a little research before you prognosticate or I guess your hope is that Darley Green will fail. Twisted!

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Ok, so I ride by the other day and see (according to the signs) that the hope is to get $200,000 for houses in the new Brookview? Seriously though.....if you had Section 8 in Brookview before, what makes you think the New Brookview is gonna sell houses at $200K? I don't make bones with anyone trying to turn a profit, but not on the backs of hard working tax payers. IF the construction ever is complete (which I say doesn't), I guarantee the vacancy rate will be above 50% and then Section 8 will be right back. So have no fear Claymonters.....Brookview will return!!!!

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To say "previous idiot-in-chief", can only mean that we have an existing idiot-in chief, and I'm with you there. No one can win the Afgan war unless we simply wipe out all those that even appear to be Taliban. The locals will let us know once they see we intend to kill each and every one of the enemy. Then, we wipe out all those poppy fields and make sure they never reappear. Let the nuts know we mean business and bring them to their knees, begging for food, medicine and whatever else they need to survive. Once they see we will no longer tolerate their foolishness, and that we expect for them to govern themselves in a proper manner, maybe then we will see an end of this mess. Don't forget how long Russia was there....years and years...and millions and millions of rubbles or whatever, and they still loss the war. These folks are crazies and the only cure for their madness is death.

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Need I remind this forum of the idiot who blundered the Afghan War by sending a mere 16,000 troops to fight those that perpetrated 9/11 in 2001? With the worldwide support we had, we could have sent in 400,000 troops to Afghanistan to wipe out those who harmed and still seek to harm Americans.

Now all of the sudden it's President Obama's war? There were reports as far back as August 2003 which stated that the Taliban was getting stronger. Of course, by then, we were well into the quagmire we call the Iraq War.

Did you know that on March 13, 2002, the previous idiot-in-chief said in reference to capturing/killing Bin Laden, "I truly am not that concerned about him". (Google it.) And when this statement is followed up by the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff on April 6, 2002 with, "The goal has never been to get bin Laden", it is no wonder that the Afghan War is still going on eight years later.

Name: Chuck Riley CPO U.S. Navy (ret)
Topic: Another Obama promise.....BROKEN
Date: October 02, 2009

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WASHINGTON REPORT A “ Shocking October Surprise” DoD Announces TRICARE Inpatient Fee Increase NAUS is outraged that DoD would independently raise hospital inpatient co-payments for retired service members, their family members and survivors covered by TRICARE Standard. The DoD decision, announced Sept. 30, the day before the new fiscal year, runs starkly contrary to assurances previously given by President Obama and the DoD that TRICARE fees would not be increased in fiscal year 2010. The current TRICARE Standard inpatient co-payment for military retirees is $535 a day. The $110 per day increase announced on Wednesday amounts to a whopping 20 percent jump and unfairly takes advantage of those who by necessity are hospitalized for life-saving care.

Unlike the previous three years, the House and Senate did not include prohibitions on TRICARE fee increases in their respective versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2010. They left them out believing DoD would follow through with its assurances that fees would not be raised. Final action on the 2010 NDAA has yet to be completed, so there is still a possibility Congress could step in and repeal the fee increase that went into effect on October 1. “President Obama and DoD assured NAUS and the entire military family earlier this year that there would rightly be no increases in any TRICARE fees for FY2010,” said NAUS President Matz. “We took them at their word, and I can’t believe that a co-pay increase like this was allowed to go forward. To restore confidence and honor its word, NAUS urged Secretary Gates to reaffirm DoD’s previous commitment not to raise TRICARE fees by rescinding the inpatient fee increase noting among many things that it breaks the sacred trust with those who have worn this country’s uniform.

Below is the text of the letter MG Matz sent to SecDef Gates: October 1, 2009 The Honorable Robert M. Gates Secretary of Defense 1000 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301-1000 Dear Mr. Secretary: On behalf of the National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS) and our nearly 180,000 members and supporters, I write to express my shock and disappointment with yesterday’s announcement that DoD was raising hospital inpatient co-payments by $110 per day for retired service members, their family members and survivors covered by TRICARE Standard. This decision fails to honor assertions made previously by President Obama and the DoD that TRICARE fees will not be increased, and I urge you to cancel this action.

Unlike the previous three years, Congress did not include prohibitions on TRICARE fee increases in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2010. They did so believing your department would follow through on assurances given them that fees would not be raised. This shocking “October Surprise” must certainly be viewed as a “slap in the face” to them as it is to us. Raising inpatient rates more than 20 percent unfairly takes advantage of beneficiaries who by necessity are hospitalized for life-saving care. This type of behavior breaks a sacred trust with those who have worn this nation’s uniform, and it should not be allowed to stand. NAUS respectfully urges you to reaffirm your previous commitment not to raise TRICARE fees by rescinding the inpatient copayment increase. Sincerely, WILLIAM M. MATZ, JR. Major General, US Army, Retired President

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I havve seen and heard vulger and bullying behavior from facilities workers in the bsd,that comes from workers and bosses.this behavior anywhere else would be unacceptable,why does it seem condonable condonable ,in a school district?

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Not long ago I read a joke... It said all the politicians running for president are promising change to the American people. We send them billions and billions of tax dollars and they send us the change. Funny? Not really; there is too much truth in it to be funny. But that got me to thinking... They all promise change. A restoration that would take us back in time to a place where things ran better, smoother and life was more enjoyable. Change? That, in truth, is what they have been giving us all along. We used to have a strong dollar... Politicians changed that. Marriage used to be sacred... Politicians have changed that. We used to be respected around the world... Politicians changed that. We used to have a strong manufacturing economy... Politicians changed that. We used to have lower tax structures... Politicians changed that. We used to enjoy more freedoms... Politicians changed that. We used to be a large exporter of American-made goods... Politicians changed that.

We used to teach patriotism in schools... Politicians changed that. We used to educate children in schools... Politicians changed that. We used to enforce LEGAL citizenship... Politicians changed that. We used to have affordable food & gas prices... Politicians changed that, too... and one could go on and on with this list. What hasn't been changed, politicians are promising to change that as well, if you will elect them. When, oh when, is America going to sit back with open eyes and look at what we once were and where we have come and say "enough is enough"? The trouble is, America 's youthful voters today don't know of the great America that existed forty and fifty years ago. They see the world as if it has always existed as it is now. When will we wake up? Tomorrow may be too late. When will America realize... Politicians are what is wrong with America ? This goes for BOTH parties... Republicans and Democrats, there is no difference anymore... they all do only what they can to be re-elected, not what is best for the citizens!

What is needed is for the Constitution to be amended to limit all Senators and Representatives to TWO terms in office like the President. Oh, by the way, no big pension either, social security just like the rest of us. How do they rate bigger and better entitlements than the people THEY WORK FOR? WHICH IS US!! Being a politician shouldn't be a person's life work but rather a call to public service then back to being an honest hard-working citizen. Politicians are no more than housekeepers and janitors... unfortunately they act like they own the building. Someone sent these words to me. They are sooooooo true!

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Over a month ago, the General assigned to oversee the Afgan war submitted a report and in that report stated more troops were required if the United States expected to win the war against the Taliban. Well, time passes....the enemy gets stronger each and every day, while the "Chump-in-Chief" sits back and twittles his thumbs and keeps mouthing off about his stupid health care bill. Forget about the health care bill for people.....get busy on a health care bill for our country and its defense forces. Wake up Obama! You are backstabbing the American public and about to loose a war we cannot afford to lose. Don't sit back and believe that there is no ties between the Taliban and Al Qaeda either. It's my opinion they amount to one and the same, and they intend to fight for the downfall of the United States.

Listen Obama, just like the Bible (the Christian Bible) says, you can't serve two masters. Either you are FOR the United States or AGAINST the United States and the U.S. Constitution. Either you are FOR the people of the United States or AGAINST the people of the United States. It's my opinion that you hold NO allegiance to the United States. I believe you live to see our nation divided and wish it to cease to be a free nation dedicated to seeing a world of free people. I don't even think you are a native born citizen of this country. I'll take some flak for that, but so what. No one can stop my beliefs. Now, for those nit wits that think I say these things because you are black, and that I'm a racist, your wrong. I would have voted for ANY conservative, Christian black person before I would ever vote for a guy that has very close ties to known terrorists and organizations like ACORN. Well, I've got to get back to FOX news and find out what is really going on in the world. Hey Obama....your disloyalty is showing. You should be impeached for malfeasance in office.

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Thank you...I have been to Tea Parties, and although it appears to do little good, I contact my elected representatives both at the state and federal level. Most of them serve for their own interest and no longer serve the people. I have attempted to seek office at the county level, and ran on a platform to eliminate the office (8th District expansion seat), which I was seeking. I promised to give 1/2 of my pay to the VA Home, and apparently the people decided to vote for another. I had no support from my Republican Party leaders, and quickly found out that one must be in their click or forget any help. I have since quit that party and am now an independent. I will continue to voice my views and try my best to convince my fellow citizens of the dangers facing us today, and the REAL threat to our freedoms.

I think Obama and his cohorts are un-American and I believe they serve to detroy us as a free nation. I know I'll take some flack for that, but I don't care. I think that if we stay on the course that Obama and his cronies have set, the United States of America is doomed. I spent 24 years in the United States Navy (Seabees), with four years of duty in Vietnam, and believe I have earned every right to voice my views, and frankly, I will not shut up for anyone. By the way, don't you think it odd, that you see nothing of the ACORN situation on ABC..NBC...CBS...CNN...or even on this forum? Hmmmm...perhaps they are protecting their own. Thanks for your kind words. Pray for America...pray for revival and pray for Christians to enter our political process and be more active.

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Chuck, you made your point well. Along with all the other problems you brought to light surrounding this administration. past and present. They are well made points. They are completely true,and accurate accusations. Question is, what are you going do about it? what is your plan of action ? Surly with your pashion, and concern for this country you are going to more than type on a local blog. There are many Tea parties that you need to be involved in both locally, and on a national level. Understand this no good government loves, and wants Americans to say focused on blogs. This way they can monitor us, and they realize as long as people vent on blog sites,and studies show that's as far as they go in regards to taking action. Keep up the good work, and putting out info. but you need to step it up. America is counting on people like you to do so.

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You missed the whole point. As I said in my previous posting, it wasn't what Obama said (now what George H. W. Bush said), it was the original lesson plan that went out to the schools the week before the speech. I watch the speech (or talk) and found nothing wrong. Go back and see if you can find out what the lesson plans were all about and the exercises the teachers were to lead. This is what raised all the furor. Oh, I'll be the talk we heard was not the original content. Oh, by the way, I wonder why he had to get up at 4:30 AM to study with his mother. That makes no sense!

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I would very much like to comment on the beautiful interdenominational service held at Holy Rosary Church on 9/11.The local churches were represented as well as our State police,County Police.Fireman Scouts and all factions of the community. A moving tribute was made to Bobby Fangman who was from Holy Rosary and killed in the tragedy. Bag pipes played Amazing Grace as Fr. John read the names of all our men and women from the Claymont Community now serving in the military. Thank you to Holy Rosary, Fr. John Gayton as well as all the clergy from the community for making this an experience we can all be proud of.

Name: Chuck Riley
Topic: Read what was sent to me...very interesting!
Date: September 12, 2009

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"Uh, Mr. President, did you exaggerate just a wee bit?" OBAMA said, in his Cairo speech: "I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story." Dear Mr. Obama: Were those Muslims that were in America when the Pilgrims first landed? Funny, I thought they were Native American Indians. Were those Muslims that celebrated the first Thanksgiving day? Sorry again, those were Pilgrims and Native American Indians. Can you show me one Muslim signature on the United States Constitution? Declaration of Independence? Bill of Rights? Didn't think so. Did Muslims fight for this country's freedom from England? No. Did Muslims fight during the Civil War to free the slaves in America? No, they did not.

In fact, Muslims to this day are still the largest traffickers in human slavery. Your own 'half brother', a devout Muslim, still advocates slavery himself, even though Muslims of Arabic descent refer to black Muslims as "pug-nosed slaves." Says a lot of what the Muslim world really thinks of your family's "rich Islamic heritage" doesn't it, Mr.Obama? Where were Muslims during the Civil Rights era of this country? Not present. There are no pictures or media accounts of Muslims walking side by side with Martin Luther King Jr. or helping to advance the cause of Civil Rights. Where were Muslims during this country's Woman's Suffrage era? Again, not present. In fact, devout Muslims demand that women are subservient to men in the Islamic culture.

So much so that often they are beaten for not wearing the 'hajib' or for talking to a man that is not a direct family member or their husband. Yep, them Muslims are all for women's rights aren't they? Where were Muslims during World War II? They were aligned with Adolf Hitler. The Muslim grand mufti himself met with Adolf Hitler, reviewed the troops and accepted support from the Nazi's in killing Jews. Finally, Mr. Obama, where were Muslims on Sept. 11th, 2001? If they weren't flying planes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon or a field in Pennsylvania killing more than 3,000 people on our own soil, they were rejoicing in the Middle East.

No one can dispute the pictures shown from all parts of the Muslim world celebrating on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and other news networks that day. Strangely, the very "moderate" Muslims whose behinds you bent over backwards to kiss in Cairo, Egypt in June were stone cold silent post 9-11. To many of us Americans, their silence has meant approval for the acts of that day. And THAT, Mr. Obama, is the "rich heritage" Muslims have here in America. The TRUTH is slightly different from the lie-laced rhetoric you so glibly spin.

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Gentleman,Let us remove these tiles of Democrat and Republican. These names no longer stand for what they once did! Instead lets give our politicians and government rulers worthy names.corrupt, Liars. Deceivers and last but not Global corporate puppets. Funny thing America, What America was founded upon, and why many left the kings and Queens of England for, that have cost many true countrymen their lives, Barely exists today. Well now we have more taxes than ever, We have dictatorship and Socialism, and a rich or poor society. Hmmm sounds like England to me. Fellas, Put down your Democrat and Republican flags. Set your sights upon the only way to rescue America. that is plain, and clear. Make America a solid Christian nation again,and organize an all out nation wide revolution against our broken and corrupt government for the past 40 years.

Name: Will P.
Topic: President G.H.W. Bush [41] said this to students in 1991...
Date: September 10, 2009

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"Write me a letter -- and I'm serious about this one -- write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals. I think you know the address."

Name: Will P.
Topic: What selective memories we have...
Date: September 10, 2009

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If you Google President Reagan's speech to students, you'll find the transcript of his 1988 speech which, without a doubt, pushed his policies/agenda. Where was the outcry then about "indoctrinating our children"? Oh, I forgot. If a Republican does it, it's ok.

I love how the internet exposes what hypocrites Republican officials are. For example, those same Republican officials who were all over President Clinton's sex scandal who said back then that if they committed such a moral wrong, they would resign, are now backtracking from their statements to hold on to their seats after they too have been caught in sex scandals.

Name: R. Jerry Martin
Topic: Obama's speech
Date: September 07, 2009

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Most of the objections are NOT about "the speech." I feel sure it will be mostly appropriate(I'm not sure the original idea is what we'll hear, however!). The furor surrounds the lesson plan that went out before the speech, asking students to write letters on how they can help the president (note, not how they can help the country), write down quotes from Pres. Obama and what they mean, make posters about the Pres., and to have classroom discussion, in general, about the speech. I understand that the Pres. will be speaking alot about himself. Why would be surprised at that? Apparently, the lesson plans have been changed. So, you've heard loud complaints - some about any speech whatsoever - but most about the lesson plan.

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WHAT COULD BE MORE DAMAGING TO YOUNG MINDS THAN LISTENING TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES URGING THEM TO STUDY HARD AND VALUE THEIR EDUCATION!

Name: Chuck Riley
Topic: Something to think about
Date: September 03, 2009

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Name: Chuck Riley
Topic: From August 29 Wall Street Journal
Date: August 29, 2009

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.When normal people happen to "find" their own money, it might mean a twenty left in a winter coat, or discovering change beneath the sofa cushions. But if you're Charlie Rangel, it means doubling your net worth. Earlier this month the Chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee "amended" his 2007 financial disclosure form—to the tune of more than a half-million dollars in previously unreported assets and income. That number may be as high as $780,000, because Congress's ethics rules only require the Members to report their finances within broad ranges. This voyage of personal financial discovery brings Mr. Rangel's net worth for 2007 to somewhere between $1.028 million and $2.495 million, while his previous statement came in at $516,015 and $1.316 million.

When you're a powerful Congressman and working diligently to increase tax rates to pay for President Obama's health-care plan, we suppose it's easy to lose track of one of your checking accounts. That would be the one at the federal credit union with a balance somewhere between $250,001 and maybe as high as $500,000. And when you're crunched for time and pulling together bills to pass in a rush, we guess, too, that you might overlook several other investment accounts, even if some of them are sizable, such as the ones Mr. Rangel missed at JP Morgan, Merrill Lynch, Oppenheimer and BlackRock. Oh, and those vacant properties in Glassboro, in southern Jersey? Everybody in Manhattan tries not to think much about New Jersey, so those lots and their as-much-as-$15,000 value must also have slipped down the memory hole. (The New York Post reported yesterday that Mr. Rangel failed to pay property taxes for two of the lots, according to the county clerk's office.) Associated Press .

The Chairman probably isn't doing a lot of dining at KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell or Long John Silver's, either, which may explain why he didn't disclose the $1,001 to $15,000 in stock he owns in Yum Brands, the conglomerate that runs those chain restaurants. Compared to his undisclosed portfolio stake in PepsiCo—$15,001 to $50,000—that's practically a rounding error. All lawmakers amend their financial reports from time to time, though rarely are the errors this extensive. Via email, a Rangel spokesman declined to offer details about how the errors occurred, noting that "Once the Ethics Committee completes its work, then we can answer questions in more detail." He added that Mr. Rangel is now "confident that his records have been subjected to an exhaustive and complete review, and that the amendments accurately reflect his financial interests."

Among other issues, Mr. Rangel is currently under investigation regarding his use of four rent-stabilized apartments at New York City's tony Lenox Terrace and soliciting donations with his official letterhead for the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service at City College of New York, which was itself built with a $1.9 million earmark. Yet another part of the probe is his failure to report $75,000 in income from a rental villa at the beachfront Punta Cana Yacht Club, in the Dominican Republic. Mr. Rangel blamed that last one on the language barrier because he doesn't speak Spanish. We can only imagine what language he speaks with his accountants and tax attorneys.

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I agree Mark is a great person for this job. Agree with 98% of what you say. 2% disagree, dejohn did not bring it on himself, he was a victim, that being said he did fail to detect the problem that had been ongoing and did ensnare him.

Name: BSD Teacher
Topic: Brandywine draws an ace
Date: August 27, 2009

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At last, the District has drawn a high card in their search for a leader. Mark Holodick is an ace.Our last several supers have lacked what Holodick has: a home-grown loyalty.

When Joe DeJohn created "Fridge-gate," the district was forced to look OUTSIDE for leadership. DeJohn was an "internal" hire as his acts scarred the reputation on those within the district who were qualified to replace him. The district was forced to hire from outside thwe school community andhat we got were successive leaders who had been left problems in other districts to come here. Harter and Scanlon never had a true pulse on the community, but Brandywine felt the need NOT to hire from within to restore public confidence in our district....some of that confidence has returned, but it will take a strong leader like MH to bring back the days where Brandywine was considered the best district in the state.

This is a sad time for Concord High who has lost their visionary. MH built CHS into the pride of our district (as evidenced by the trememdous popularity in choice and the many accomplishement the school has attained under his direction.)

If he is able to do for the district what he did at/for Concord, then we have finally gotten the leader we have so badly needed for years.

There are many teachers excited about this new realm. The problems we have are clear and Mark Holodick is just the person to lead us through them.

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Can you believe it "The Republicans" lay down again ! and make nice with our liberal socialist government. Make no mistake about it! Ted Kennedy is no friend of America. Quite frankly he rode on the money and coat tails of his family. Let's not forget he voted against a ban, and law, prohibiting the defacing and burning of our American flag. Let's not forget the crash on that bridge now, Or forget how he has voted against anything that helped our Military, or for that matter anything that would help the working class red blooded American. Kennedy is, what he is, A Liberal socialist, with coined friendships with the likes of Al sharpton, Jessi Jackson and the ACLU. The same folks who have torn America down to what she is today. NUFF SAID!

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Be careful what you say! The Congress is now controlled by your side, the left wingers, and while they are attempting to force an unmanageable and uneconimical and unrealistic health care program down our throats, they intend to keep the same health care program choices they have had for years. You really have to watch out trying to blame the Republicans for something your side is doing. Just remember, the Democrats started Social Security, and then raped the system and "borrowed" the money, and now it is broke. They just never learn, with the exception of knowing where the money comes from....that's us, you and me.

Name: A Concerned Christian and American
Topic: Call them what they are Liberals killing America
Date: August 23, 2009

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Did you ever think the day would come in America when you might go to jail for saying grace over a meal? Guess what. It's here. Thanks to the ACLU, a high school principal and his athletic director in western Florida are facing fines and incarceration (up to 6 months) for saying a blessing over the meal at a boosters' appreciation luncheon. And these guys are not radicals, either. The principal has served the district for 40 years and the athletic director for 30. Now they're facing the possibility of prison time and loss of their pensions. It's a new day in America. Unfortunately, this day is dawning, in great part, because we Christians have sat silent and uninvolved. Now it may be too late. Let's resolve to change that! "Flip / Flop"

I'll show you what a difference a couple of years and a new job makes. In 2006, California Representative Nancy Pelosi publicly proclaimed herself a fan of the anti-Bush protesters. Now that she's the Speaker of the House and it's her agenda the protesters are protesting, she thinks they're "un-American." And she's not alone! California is now in the third year of a drought. That makes life tough enough, but it's not the biggest problem. The biggest problem is the Congress and its liberal environmentalist allies. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 gives the government and the courts sweeping powers to make decisions on 'environmental' issues that directly affect millions of Americans' lives and livelihoods.

The courts did just that in 2006 and required California to divert more than 150 BILLION gallons of freshwater into the Pacific Ocean. All for the purpose of protecting the Delta Smelt, a 3-inch long baitfish. As a result, thousands of acres in the fertile San Joaquin Valley now lie fallow. Orchards have shriveled up and died. Farmers have walked away from their farms. In one farm town, unemployment tops 40%.

Name: Proud Democrat
Topic: Look at the critics
Date: August 22, 2009

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Much has been made during the healthcare debate about the insurance that congressmen have. While we're at it, let's look at all the critics who claim it will cost too much, increase bureaucracy and all that bad stuff. The vast majority, if not all of them, are well covered. The usual rightwing argument continues. We have ours, no way do we want you to have yours!

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"U R sow rite n ur koments. The skol bord dont wont eny kompitision from charter skols. thea jus wont to kep ejukating kids lik thay do now. I went to skol here an it worcek 4 me!" -C. Riley

"I agree with your comments as it is unlikely that the school district will want any competition from Charter schools to threaten the enrollment of schools in the district."

"The policy of this district is to maintain the operation integrity of our programs by ensuring our clients are offered a curriculum at the highest level. In furtherence of that goal, we support the establishment of Boys and Girls Club at the site of the former school located at Darley Road."

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What continues to amaze me is the shear arrogance of the people who run the district. According to this forum they're still going ahead to arrange a lease with the Boys & Girls Club even though a serious legal question is pending.

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U R sow rite n ur koments. The skol bord dont wont eny kompitision from charter skols. thea jus wont to kep ejukating kids lik thay do now. I went to skol here an it worcek 4 me!

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Name: Chuck Riley
Topic: He hit the nail on the head!
Date: August 17, 2009

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545 PEOPLE By Charlie Reese Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them. Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits? Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes? You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does. You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does. You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does. You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does. You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country. I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank. I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason.. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing.

I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes. Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party. What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits... The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it. The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes.

Who is the speaker of the House? Nancy Pelosi. She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to. It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist. If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair. If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red .. If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems. Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do. Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible. They, and they alone, have the power. They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses. Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees. We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper. What you do with this article now that you have read it........... Is up to you. This might be funny if it weren't so darned true. Be sure to read all the way to the end: Tax his land, Tax his bed, Tax the table At which he's fed. Tax his tractor, Tax his mule, Teach him taxes Are the rule. Tax his work, Tax his pay, He works for peanuts Anyway! Tax his cow, Tax his goat, Tax his pants, Tax his coat. Tax his ties, Tax his shirt, Tax his work, Tax his dirt. Tax his tobacco, Tax his drink, Tax him if he Tries to think. Tax his cigars, Tax his beers, If he cries Tax his tears. Tax his car, Tax his gas, Find other ways To tax his ass. Tax all he has Then let him know That you won't be done Till he has no dough. When he screams and hollers; Then tax him some more, Tax him till He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin, Tax his grave, Tax the sod in Which he's laid. Put these words Upon his tomb, Taxes drove me to my doom...' When he's gone, Do not relax, Its time to apply The inheritance tax. Accounts Receivable Tax Building Permit Tax CDL license Tax Cigarette Tax Corporate Income Tax Dog License Tax Excise Taxes Federal Income Tax Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) Fishing License Tax Food License Tax Fuel Permit Tax Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon) Gross Receipts Tax Hunting License Tax Inheritance Tax Inventory Tax IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax) Liquor Tax Luxury Taxes Marriage License Tax Medicare Tax Personal Property Tax Property Tax Real Estate Tax Service Charge

T ax Social Security Tax Road Usage Tax Sales Tax Recreational Vehicle Tax School Tax State Income Tax State Unemployment Tax (SUTA) Telephone Federal Excise Tax Telephone Federal Universal Service FeeTax Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax Telephone State and Local Tax Telephone Usage Charge Tax Utility Taxes Vehicle License Registration Tax Vehicle Sales Tax Watercraft Registration Tax Well Permit Tax Workers Compensation Tax STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids. What in the hell happened? Can you spell 'politicians?' And I still have to 'press 1' for English!? I hope this goes around THE USA at least 100 times!!! YOU can help it get there!!! GO AHEAD - - - BE AN AMERICAN!!!

Name: R. Jerry Martin
Topic: Health Care Reform
Date: August 16, 2009

Comments

I sent the following letter to our two U S Senators. If you agree, please send an email message or call their respective Wilmington offices. Phone numbers: Carper: 5736291 and Kaufman: 573-6345 Dear Senator: Well, I guess the public has spoken, and the “Public” does not want the public option. I fully support reform of our health care system, building on what works well today, i. e., low cost clinics like the Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, several of the clinics right here in our own state, including the Nemours Clinic and other neighborhood clinics. I do NOT support government run health care.

Health care is not sustainable if we continue to operate under the financial burden of the litigious society that we have. The burden is high premiums paid by medical care providers, defensive medicine, and high jury awards. The court system is not capable of handling complex medical malpractice suits. We need the proposal by Mike Castle to be instituted – expert, independent arbitration boards. Further, we need to have laws that will weed out repeat offenders of medical malpractice. I sure hope that you will support what now appears to be the public wish – no “Public Option.”

Name: Chuck Riley
Topic: They just won't stop!
Date: August 16, 2009

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Read with interest the letter to the News Journal from Ms. Anne Urian of Claymont, voicing her views about the Claymont Coalitions objections to the signs at the Renaissance Pharmacy. I totally agree with her that the signs are neat and are presentable. Will this constant interference from this group never stop? They have proven that they serve only to serve themselves and to promote an agenda that tramples the rights of Claymont citizens. They have done this for years, and they have been led by ilk like Bob Weiner and his hand-picked cronies that frankly have no business in our affairs.

Truly, it is past time that Claymont joins together and becomes incorporated. It could be done, and done effectively. We need to rid ourselves of the outside influences that exist to benefit themselves and no others. The Claymont Coalition is a club of malcontents that have nothing better to do than to complain and step on the toes of anyone that doesn't agree with them. At least, if Claymont was incorporated, we could determine our own future, and not leave it to those that are not members of our community. It could be done, and should be done.

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The writer made fun of Sarah Palin for her bringing up "the death panel." It's interesting that as a result of her writings, and others, the Senate has already removed this very controversial clause! Further, you should read what some of Obama's advisors have written about the value of life - Sustein, Holdren, and E. Emanuel. It takes you back to Germany in the 1930's.

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Say what you will, but suddenly, the "Death Panel" portion of the legislation has now disappeared from the bill. Palin was THE ONLY ONE to really bring this matter to the public eye, and she was correct. While I am not sure she has what it takes to be President, I think she is has much to offer in the future.

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Not only can she see Russia from her window, she can hear the Death Panel rattling around in her empty attic!

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chuck things like that happen know under this current system also i will not get into a big speal about it but it does.

Name: Chuck Riley
Topic: Oh no! I might be reported!!
Date: August 06, 2009

Comments

Puleeeeze, don't report me to the White House web site for utilizing my freedom of speech right! Can you believe this government? Our freedoms are going by the wayside, and the plot to place neighbor against neighbor has started. Move over Russia..We are taking your place!!

Comments

Your views are as interesting as they are incorrect. I am retired from the U.S. Navy, and during my career, I served in Great Britain for three years and while stationed there, my family was placed under that nations National Health Plan, due to the fact that there were no American or military doctors in the area we were stationed. Needless to say, we faced the worst health care in my entire career. The waiting times for treatment were very long, and frequently I observed people leaving the doctors office complaining about the lack of care. This was from the locals as well as our military members. While stationed there, my wife almost died from lack of treatment by our ASSIGNED doctor, who refused to examine her for problems related to the recent birth of our daughter. After a week of asking for treatment, at four o'clock in the morning, I drove 140 miles to an area where U.S. ships were docked, and then requested that a military doctor come ashore to examine my wife.

This was done (thank God), and he examined her, prescribed the proper meds and later that day we were able to return home. That doctor told us that had my wife not received treatment when she did, she probably would have died within a few days. Upon our return home and the recovery of my wife, we complained to the National Health Board, and they stated they would allow us to change doctors, but only once, and if that didn't satisfy us, then we would not receive any treatment. Nothing we could do! THAT is national health, and since that time, I have been in touch with many British friends as well as Canadian friends that I was stationed with, and nothing has changed. In fact, things have gotten worse. Many say we should make sure our government stays out of health care. Please believe me. I am not handing you a lie. I am telling the truth about our situation, and I can tell you of many similar situations with others.

For your own good, please do not let this administration force this health bill down your throats. National Health will raise the taxes of every American and Americans will not receive health care equal to what it has been. Right now, FREE health care exist in our nation. If you get sick, and have no money, you receive health care. True, it raises the costs to all of us, but at least it is easier to manage. You don't believe that Canadians and other are forced to come to our country to receive proper health care? If not, you do not read the news or hear their complaints. It is a fact, that they are forced to come here due to the long periods of time they are forced to wait, and that if they weren't able to come here, they would probably die, still waiting for treatment in their own country. These are not lies, they are facts.

As to our huge debt, you had better look to see exactly who has raised our debts. Certainly not the Republicans. It is a Democrat government now, and the debt just gets bigger and bigger. Don't put the blame on the Republicans. Not any longer. The ball is in the Democrat court now, and since that time, we have achieved the highest debt load in our history. You can't lessen the debt, by borrowing more money. China now OWNS the United States, and THAT is the fault of our now Socialist country driven by a Marxist. By the way, I am an Independent. Use to be a Republican, but they are not much better that the Dems. Please don't allow your health care to be ruined.

Name: (none given)
Verification:
Topic: Just Wondering
Date: August 05, 2009

Comments

What happens to the Clunkers? Do they go on the used car lots to be sold and end up back on the road?

Comments

Republican POLiticians (POL=Pack Of Lies) are desparately trying to sabatage President Barack Obama's health care reform law. Being Republicans they are using the all-time Republican ammunition. Lies, lies and more lies. They are trying to scare the public by hollering about socialized medicine and how it doesn't work in other countries. I have friends in both Canada and Ireland and I asked them. They say they are well satisfied with how its done in their country. If I knew anybody in England or Sweden or Switzerland or other they would say the same. Why do so many Americans go over the border and buy their medicine from Canada if its so bad up there! But the whole truth is that President Obama isn't asking for socialized medicine here at all. What he's asking is far differnt from socialized medicine.

The Republicans and their big business buddies then say his plan will bankrupt this country. They're the same people remember who ran up the all-time biggest deficit after inheriting surplus from the Clinton administrations. They're saying it will mean more taxes. They're the same people who taxed the middle class to give the richest one percent big tax breaks. They're saying our kids and grandchildren will be paying long after we're gone. Those tax breaks and their unnecessary and immoral war in Iraq ran up the national debt to its ever highest level even in major wars. That's what our kids and grandchildren will have to pay for. The whole truth is that President Obama plans to pay for health care in other ways. He does ask to tax the one percent but that's only taking back the break they should not have in the first place. The Republican liars are trying to scare senior citizens by saying Medicare will be shut down. The whole truth is that the plan is to insure people who don't have and can't get medical insurance now by the same way Medicare is funded.

They're saying you can't choose your doctor or hospital or drugstore. That's the most blatant lie of all because the plan will provide coverage in more places than the selections lists that Blue Cross and the other big insurance companies use now. The Republican liars are trying to tell people the public-private health system won't work because it will be bureuocrats doing the decisions. What do we have now with public and private education and all the top heavy administrative bureaucrats who run that. Listen to the ads on TV knocking the plan and you'll find all the latest lies wrapped up in the worst scare tactics you can think of. They don't tell you who really runs those ads. They use names like Citizens for Better Health Care and that which hides the identities of the insurance companies, drug companies, hospital and doctors lobbysts and the rest.

All I can say to our Republican POLiticians and their anti-Obama club is to tell it like it is. Then the American people will see that it is for the benefit of all. I wasn't here during the First (Hoover) Depression but I'm sure we heard all the same kind of lies about Social Security when Franklin Deleno Roosevelt proposed it. Now when we came that close to having the Second (Bush) Depression we have another great Democrat in the White House who is leading the country where it ought to go. That's why I and so many more can sign it Proud Democrat.

Name: R. Jerry Martin
Topic: Afghanistan casualties
Date: August 03, 2009

Comments

Has anyone noticed that the press is not posting a running score on the deaths in Afghanistan War?(this includes this publication). Could it be that Iraq was Bush's war and this war is Obama's war? And we don't want to put out anything negative about Obama.

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Well, George Bush the 1st lost his re-election bid because of his famous words "no new taxes". Now, the communist who was elected to the present oval office said he would not raise taxes on the middle class taxpayer, and now it appears he is going to break that campaign promise. I certainly hope he follows in Bush the 1st result. This guy is BAD for America!