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Wednesday, 22 February 2012 09:01
Is Philadelphia Archdiocese Lying Or Just Incompetent?Written by Christopher Freind"I don’t know Chief…this shark is either very smart, or very dumb…” So was the famous line uttered by the legendary Quint in Jaws, as he was trying to figure out the intentions of the great white. After the recent roller coaster ride regarding Archdiocesan school closings --- and now the many reprieves --- Catholics across the Philadelphia region are wondering the same thing. Is the Church hierarchy very smart (in a conniving way), or very dumb? Or are they, and the “Blue Ribbon” school commission deciding the fate of so many, just downright incompetent? There isn’t a fourth option. At issue is that a whopping 75 percent of Catholic elementary schools that appealed their closings were successful, meaning that their doors are staying open, at least for now. Last Friday, it was announced that of the 24 appeals, 18 won. While it seemed like a “Good Friday” to many, something tells me it may turn into a day of regret, closer in fact to a Black Friday. This is not meant to rain on anyone’s parade, as there is obvious cause for celebration for many Catholic families. After all, they had been told last month that their beloved schools --- 49 of them --- were slated for permanent closure. While there was an appeals process, based solely on factual errors committed by the Commission, virtually everyone figured there would be very few successful appeals, if any. And with good reason. In January, the chairman of the Commission, John Quindlen, former Chief Financial Officer of DuPont, made it crystal clear why schools were closing and consolidating. “A lot of this should have been done 10 years ago…(but)… naivete and an unwillingness to face reality" kept many pastors and archdiocesan leaders from halting long ago the "death spiral" of declining population and rising tuition at so many schools, he said, according to Philly.com. "They would say, 'I can make this work…But we had to come along and finally say, 'God bless you, but this has got to stop.' " Fast forward one month to the Church’s about-face, and Quindlen’s comments tell a starkly different story. “I celebrate the results and pray they all survive in the long term…Neither the commission nor the Archdiocese was in a rush to close schools. Our focus was on how to sustain them." What? Did he seriously say that with a straight face? Give the Archdiocese credit for one thing: if they are trying to anger as many Catholics as possible in the most bumbling manner while ignoring all rules of good communication and PR, they are succeeding beyond their wildest dreams. Let’s cut through the emotions tied to school closings and look at this situation objectively. In doing do, one has to ask: Why the games? Why did the Church say one thing --- that in retrospect now seems very suspect --- and then almost completely reverse itself, all the while talking in platitudes that didn’t remotely address the questions and concerns of many? It has left many scratching their heads, and even more seething. So here are the questions that absolutely must be addressed in order for the Archdiocese to have any credibility moving forward, and to prevent the exodus of loyal, but very bitter, Catholics: 1) Is Catholic education too expensive to sustain in most if not all of the 49 schools that were originally slated for shuttering? If yes --- which is what the Archdiocese has been telling us, and selling us, for quite some time --- then how can 3 out of 4 appeals have been successful? What changed? Did a billionaire step up and write a big check to keep the schools open? If so, we don’t need a name, because charity should be anonymous, but we do have a right to know if that happened (extremely unlikely as it is). 2) If the opposite is true --- that those schools are in fact affordable --- then why have we been told something so radically different for so long? It’s like being pregnant: you are or you aren’t. Either the Church can operate these schools efficiently, or they can’t. There is no in-between. But that’s exactly where this situation is --- in no-man’s land, and their equivocation has just added to the confusion. 3) Is incompetence to blame for the contradictory messages? We were told that appeals would only be considered if factual errors were made in determining which schools closed. Well, by that logic, that’s a heck of a lot of errors. If a student makes “factual errors” on 75 percent of a test, his grade is a 25. Which, unless you attend a public school in Philadelphia, is an F. Not exactly a stellar track record.
Just look at its red face regarding its mishandling --- and lack of truthfulness --- involving one its schools in Philadelphia. According to a news report, a group starting a public charter school stated that it was assured by the Archdiocese that it could rent Our Lady of Mount Carmel school for that purpose --- two months before the Commission recommended closing the school! Mount Carmel appealed its closing. Any guesses as to how that turned out? It begs the questions as to why the Diocese would even allow the school to appeal when its fate had apparently already been determined. Since we are on the topic of education, perhaps a refresher is in order. The 8th Commandment tells us that we should not bear false witness against our neighbor. In layman’s terms, playing loose with the truth --- and outright lying --- doesn’t bode well for a Church preaching morality and in desperate need of credibility and trust. 6) The appeals have thrown schools that were thought to be “safe” into chaos. Nativity BVM in Media, for example, was originally intended to stay open, absorbing students from St. John Chrysostom in Wallingford. St. John’s won their appeal though, and now, in a stunning reversal, Nativity is shutting its doors. Not only do parents and teachers feel completely betrayed by this out-of-nowhere blindside, but there’s an even more unjust twist: Nativity apparently does not have the ability to appeal like all the other schools did. Talk about rubbing salt in the wound. 7) How can the Church push for school choice when it does not allow choice for its own members at the elementary school level? So some families in Annunciation parish in Havertown, for example, whose school closed because its pastor refused to file the appeal that so many parents begged him to do, must send their children all the way across town to St. Denis, when in fact they live within walking distance to Sacred Heart? How ironic that the very Church fighting the image of hypocrisy born from the sex scandal now engages in more hypocrisy: fighting for school choice as long as it doesn’t apply to its own flock. When will they learn? 8) There are no guarantees in life, but what assurances can the Church give that, in the next few years, those 24 schools, as well as any others, will not close? Since it is impossible to believe that the problems of declining enrollment, rising costs and overall unsustainability have all been solved in the last 30 days, woe to those parents who take the recent reprieves to be a sign of long-term viability, for they may well be revisiting this exact situation in the near future. And that just isn’t right. ***** The point of this column is neither to agree with nor criticize the specific school closings and successful appeals, but to implore the Archdiocese to come clean with all the facts. Quint had to figure out what the shark was doing and why. For all the blood, sweat and tears Catholics have shed for their Church over the years, they should never have to question the motivations of their Catholic leaders. They only seek the truth, and deserve no less. It’s time to give it to them. And that’s no fish story.
An accredited member of the media, Chris Freind is an independent columnist, television/radio commentator, and investigative reporter who operates his own news bureau, www.FreindlyFireZone.com His self-syndicated model has earned him the largest cumulative media voice in Pennsylvania. He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Thursday, 20 October 2011 11:15
Hell Freezes Over --- Arlene Ackerman Is For School Choice!Written by Christopher FreindAs we all know, weather forecasters are wrong much of the time. But you can’t hold them responsible for that wholly unpredictable icy blast felt this week. After all, it was Hell freezing over. That’s right. Seems Dante’s inferno took a dip in the cold, not coincidentally, at the exact same time that former Philadelphia School Superintendent Arlene Ackerman --- a 43-year fixture in the public education establishment --- called for comprehensive school choice as the primary means to improve education. Calling access to a quality education “the civil rights battle of our generation,” Ackerman penned a column in the Inquirer in which she lamented that it took her entire career to realize that true reforms would never originate from inside the system. Her words describe the problem perfectly: “Real reform will never come from within the system because too many powers that be (the teachers' union, politicians, consultants, vendors, etc.) have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo that is failing our children.” Dr. Ackerman then offered the solution that, while obvious to anyone with common sense, has been thus far impossible to achieve. “Meaningful education reform must be forced upon the system from outside by giving parents of all income levels real choices about where their children go to school. That requires giving parents comprehensive school choice…” Ackerman also advocates the expansion of charter schools, which, while a good idea, is but a small part of the overall solution, since the waiting list for these successful institutions is 30,000 strong. The major reason charters are light years ahead of regular public schools, as Dr. Ackerman correctly points out, is two-fold. They are not required to follow many of the burdensome and counter-productive regulations imposed upon public schools, and, more important, teachers are hired --- and fired --- based on merit. Hmmm. Holding people accountable for their job performance. What a novel idea. If only we did that in other jobs. Oh wait. We do. It’s called the private sector. That’s right. Despite the comedy routine of certain folks who have nothing to “Occupy” their time except railing against the evils of competition and free enterprise, the private sector is in fact what built America into the greatest, most benevolent power the world has ever known. Without question, though, the United States is slipping backwards, being dragged into malaise and misery. And that decline, more than anything, can be traced to one thing: the demise of education. For decades, all efforts to improve public education have been squashed by teachers’ union bosses, whose loyalty was to their fiefdoms and the almighty paycheck ---both funded entirely by taxpayers who were duped into believing their children were receiving the best education possible. “Parents don’t put in the time with their kids’ homework… It’s society’s fault…There are too many students in each class.” And of course, the most common one of all: “We need more money.” Undoubtedly, some parents don’t put in as much time as they should, and we live in an ever more complex society, but these simply cannot be used as excuses to not adequately teach. In the private sector, when your job becomes tougher, you either meet the challenge, or hit the door. Adapt, improvise, overcome --- or go home. Nowhere should that be more applicable than when teachers are entrusted with our children, indeed our future. And the “not enough money, too many kids” excuse is a myth. That’s not opinion, but cold, hard fact. Pennsylvania spends $26 billion per year (that’s billion, with a “b”) on education --- more per student than 39 other states --- an amount which has doubled since 1996. Despite a drop of 27,000 students over the last ten years, the public school system had added 33,000 employees in that time. Therefore, by definition, increased funding, more personnel and decreased class size have not improved student achievement. And the results for all that money and smaller class size? Pennsylvania students are 42nd in SAT scores, and rank low in literacy, graduation rates and those going to college. Their performance on the National Assessment of Education Progress exam has not improved. And most startling, nearly HALF of all 11th graders are not proficient in math and reading (per PSSA standardized test scores). This cannot be attributed to just the poor-performing urban schools pulling down scores, but is testament to an across-the-board educational failure. Bottom line: it’s not just that the status quo isn’t working. It has completely failed. Based on that dismal picture, Ackerman’s advocacy of school choice --- the “change that must come from outside the school system” --- couldn’t have been offered at a better time. ***** 1) The implementation of school choice, more than any other reform, is imperative if we are not to lose another generation. The way we did things in the past hasn't worked, and what we continue to do isn't having an impact. Unless we treat education in the same way as every other successful institution in America --- business, sports, entertainment, the military --- then we might as well raise the white flag of defeat. Most western nations have a form of school choice, and the results speak volumes. Compared to our 30 biggest global competitors, America’s students rank near the bottom of the pack in every category. 2) Isn’t it a shame that no one in the public education establishment has the courage to speak the truth while they are still on the inside? Don’t get me wrong. It is wonderfully refreshing to hear Dr. Ackerman’s sentiments, and to see that she has finally seen the light on what must be done to improve public education. But it is a sad note that revelations like hers must come after her departure. Just imagine how different things could have been had the Philadelphia School Superintendent come out of the gate advocating school choice. While certainly not a slam dunk, it would have infinitely increased the chances for the adoption of choice, particularly since a majority of the legislature and Governor Tom Corbett also favor it. A school choice victory is still possible, as we are told it is a top legislative priority. While it won’t be easy, especially given the teachers’ unions’ huge political war chests generated by forced union dues, maybe, just maybe, the conversion of Arlene Ackerman from the Dark Side of Public Education might be the spark needed to push across the finish line. Only then will the dream of so many, including Dr. Ackerman, begin to come true: “all children having access to a quality public school education.”
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Tuesday, 11 October 2011 15:18
Why Are Nutter, Chief Ramsey Playing Games With Philly Murder Rate?Written by Christopher FreindMurders are up, but Philly PD’s website states they are down --- because they’re comparing this year’s killings to those from 2007!
By contrast, if it was revealed that the CEO was playing games with the books and basing his figures not on a year-to-date comparison from the prior year, but from four years ago, he would probably be shown the door. But that’s precisely the situation with Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, the city’s highest-paid employee. The argument can be made that Commissioner Ramsey is deliberately misleading the public on the city’s murder rate. ***** A visit to the Philadelphia Police website Crime Stats page (http://phillypolice.com/about/crime-statistics) verifies what we already know: shootings, violence and murder are out of control throughout the city. As of this writing, there have been 259 murders since January 1, as one can plainly see from the highlighted 2011 figure on the webpage. Beside that is a number with a down arrow. Currently, it’s 18 percent, but last week it stood at 22. It purports to represent the percentage that murders have decreased. And therein lies the problem. A big one. Murders aren’t down 18 or 22 percent. As a matter of fact, they’re up. Comparing year-to-date statistics, they’ve increased ten from last year, a whopping 24 from 2009 (a ten percent jump), and eight from 2008. It’s interesting to note that Ramsey was hired at the end of 2007, which perhaps explains why he is using that blood-soaked year as his benchmark--- all the easier to pass the buck and make himself look better. Maybe the Chief, and Mayor Nutter, who hired him and remains his boss, missed their callings. They seem better suited for Wall Street firms that rely on misleading investors (in this case, the citizens) for their own personal gain (re-election, job security and bloated pensions). So residents get the screws two ways: they walk away with a false sense of security, mistakenly believing that murders are down. And when they realize the truth --- that their leaders are deliberately misleading them --- they feel betrayed. Unlike the Wall Street CEO, Nutter and Ramsey get away scott-free. And like some robber baron execs, they each make a pile of money, courtesy of a duped public, with little accountability and oversight. In fact, Chief Ramsey is rolling in it, to the tune of $255,000/year. You may recall that earlier this year, the Commissioner was actively courted for the top police job in his hometown of Chicago. Despite pleas that he stay, it was almost a done deal, but for one small sticking point: his $400,000 per year total compensation asking price, according to press reports. You know it’s greedy when even a liberal Democrat like Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel balks at such an obscene amount, which, by the way, is the salary of the President of the United States. Ramsey’s reason for ultimately staying in Philadelphia? “…the support I got here at home from the business community — and the media, even — and, of course, Mayor Nutter, made the difference.” Well, that, and the $60,000 pay raise he was promised from the Mayor as a reward for not leaving the city, courtesy of the taxpayers. That increase makes the Commissioner the highest --- repeat, highest --- paid city employee. Even more than the Mayor himself. Ramsey was right about one thing. He did get quite a bit of support, from city councilmen (“we won the big prize” by retaining Ramsey) to the gushing, sycophant media. Notably, neither entity bothered asking the right questions before, or after, the lavish pay hike was doled out to the Chief. Questions such as: 1) How can the city afford to shell out a $60,000/year salary increase to anyone when it can’t even pay its current bills, has an insolvent pension, and continues to see its tax base --- what’s left of it --- flee? In fact, it was just reported that there is yet another tax revenue shortfall, adding to the budget deficit. What a surprise. And for the record, there are plenty of qualified people who would have gladly accepted the Commissioner’s previous salary of $195,000 had he chosen to leave. 2) When will Philadelphia realize that paying exorbitant salaries to government officials is not just financially foolhardy, but doesn’t guarantee results? Just look at Arlene Ackerman, the now former School Superintendent who made $325,000/year (with incentives allowing for a half-million dollar payday) to preside over an ever-worsening school district. For the privilege of leaving her post, she banked $905,000, all footed by the public. And don’t forget scandal-plagued former Housing Authority chief Carl Greene, who, with his bonus, was making $350,000. In addition, residents are still paying sky-high legal bills related to the mess he left behind. 3) Was any quantitative, or better yet, common sense analysis done to see if Ramsey merited such a large salary bump? Murders are increasing, out-of-control flash mobs have led to curfews, police corruption is rampant, and there is growing fear on the streets, leading many suburbanites to stay away. According to the Chief’s 2008 “Crime Fighting Strategy,” the big goal that year was to “reduce homicides by twenty-five percent,” yet the Department was way short, overseeing only a 15 percent drop from 2007 to 2008. And what of the stated overall plan of reducing homicides by 30 to 50 percent, as outlined in a public letter from Ramsey to Nutter? Not even in the ballpark. As noted above, homicides have been rising, not falling. While certainly not all these things can be attributable to the Chief, the buck stops with him. He is responsible. Just like a CEO often receives no bonus when numbers are down, the Chief of Police should have pay raises tied to performance. But since the Mayor deals in Other People’s Money, that isn’t the case.
Is the city is safer? You can play with statistics to bolster any desired conclusion. Yet ask those in Philadelphia whether they truly feel secure, and most would simply laugh. And that’s the only statistic that matters. Is the Chief doing a good job? In some respects, yes. But so stellar that he commands a raise three times more than the city’s per capita income? Not even close. The fact that the city can’t afford the money is just salt in the wound. OK, fine. Ramsey got his money. It is what it is, and he isn’t relinquishing it. But that bolsters the point all the more. The leader of the Police Department should epitomize transparency and honesty. Instead, in what can only be assumed to be a deliberate attempt to deceive Philadelphians, games are being played with the city’s increasing murder rate. And there is no excuse for that. None. The culture of any organization is established by the conduct of its top leaders. In the Philadelphia Police Department’s case, its culture of honor, values and integrity has taken a hit. And when the rank and file --- the guys on the street chasing down the murderers --- see their top brass skirting the truth for political gain, perhaps they too cut a corner where they shouldn’t be. They take on the persona of their leadership. It’s time for the Mayor and Chief to do the right thing by telling the truth, no matter how difficult that may be. Let’s see more honesty in the most trusted institution in Philadelphia --- its police department. Only when the city’s leaders regain the trust of the people will Philadelphia begin its journey back to respectability.
Freind's column, "Freindly Fire," appears nationally in Newsmax and regionally in His work has been referenced in numerous other publications including The Wall Street
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Tuesday, 02 August 2011 21:42
Freindly Fire’s Best…and Worst…Of PhillyWritten by Christopher FreindWho makes the best Bloody Mary in the city? Where is the best brunch? Freindly Fire has no idea. Thankfully, though, there are much smarter folks who know the best things in and around the nation’s fourth-largest market. For those gems, see the “Best of Philly” awards in this month’s Philadelphia Magazine. There are, however, some other non-politically correct Best and Worst Awards that should be bestowed on very deserving winners…and losers. Following is Freindly Fire’s List: Best Of Philly Best snowfall removal: Anywhere but Philadelphia. The streets were absolutely deplorable, with significant snow and ice on major city roads days after the storms, not to mention that many side streets were simply impassable. How did city residents react? Almost 80 percent voted for Mayor Nutter in the May primary. In comparison, Chicagoans kicked out their Mayor for similar incompetence in 1979. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…just don’t complain when you can’t get to work. He’s your Mayor. Best Political Comeback: IBEW 98 boss John Dougherty. After losing a bid for the state senate and coming up short in clashes with Democratic party powerbroker Bob Brady, Doc came roaring back. He garnered huge headlines by trying to reform the DRPA, but most significantly, orchestrated big wins in City Council races. More than anyone, Johnny Doc has positioned himself to be kingmaker in deciding who the next Mayor of Philadelphia will be. Best “It’s All About Me” Moment: City Council’s refusal to abolish the DROP retirement program for city employees --- you know, the one that makes elected officials rich when they “retire” for a day after being re-elected. So while the folks who actually foot the bill are struggling just to survive, city lawmakers keep cashing in at the public trough. Often forgotten in the criticism, though, is Council’s stellar stewardship of Philadelphia. Its leadership has produced the highest rates of taxes, murder, violence, and poverty in the nation, an education system that, by all accounts, is a colossal failure, and a city that is perpetually ranked as one of the dirtiest. But give ‘em a break. We’re not Detroit. Yet. Best “I Don’t Recall” Moment: No, it wasn’t a political corruption trial, but the just-revealed grand jury testimony of Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua as he weaved his way around prosecutors’ pointed questioning regarding the ever- widening Church sex-scandal. The Cardinal’s memory lapse was an oh-so-convenient backdoor for covering his own derriere and evading discussion about his role in the cover-up, leading the grand jury to label him as “untruthful” and “not forthright.” Church officials need to be reminded that sins of omission can be just as bad as sins of commission, and that ignoring the 8th Commandment is not a prudent way to go through life. So much for always standing behind the kids…. Best Sports Move: Bringing Cliff Lee back. The Phils have been transformed from an organization that made the playoffs only three times in 26 years (and that’s with the wild card), to being perennial contenders. But being “very good” wasn’t good enough, so they brought back pitching Lee. With Lee rounding out one of the best rotations in baseball history, the Fightin’s are fully expected to win the World Series, and that has them hanging out in hallowed Yankees territory, at least for the present. Like the Bronx Bombers, the Phillies are now in the elite world where a season that culminates in anything less than total victory will be viewed as a failure. Tough as it will be to swallow if the Phils aren’t World Champions again, that expectation of perfection is rarely seen in any sport, and was nonexistent in Philly. Tip of the hat to the best --- and only--- sports braintrust in the city that has shown the resolve to do whatever it takes to win. Best Thing About Philadelphia: Its people. It’s a blue-collar town, through and through, and that makes it as real as it gets. People wear their emotions on their sleeves, and it’s rare to not know where someone stands. Politics? Rough and tumble ---- sometimes literally. Sports fans? The most dedicated, if not always educated, in the country. Run out every play, and you’ll be a Philly Hall of Famer, but cop a ‘tude, pout, dog it (no Vick pun intended) or just plain suck, and you’ll be run out of town on a rail. Everyday people? Not nearly as rude as we like to think we are. Worst Of Philly Worst Way To Earn A Living: Dealing with the dead. Not funeral directors, coroners, and grave diggers (although all have been quite busy with skyrocketing murders). They all earn an honest living. We’re talking about Michael Meehan, the city GOP boss and lawyer extraordinaire who gives the famous movie line “I see dead people” some real-life meaning. Seems that a dearly-departed soul --- a year after dying --- retained Meehan as legal counsel to challenge the petitions of people running for Committee posts --- in his own Party. Meehan didn’t fare much better with the living, as many of his other “clients” signed affadavits stating that they never met or heard of Meehan, and that the signatures in Meehan’s possession were not theirs. The Philly GOP led by Meehan may be dead, but the criminal investigation into the matter by the District Attorney isn’t. And who said lawyers couldn’t get any lower?
Worst Empty Promise: Philly’s pension will be OK. Anytime a politician admits that something is bad, it’s always worse. So when the Mayor says the city’s pension fund is 45 percent funded (less than 50 percent is considered somewhat catastrophic), you know there just won’t be a happy ending. With no more state or federal money to bail out the virtually insolvent pension, and no possible way Nutter can keep his promise to write an $800 million check to the pension (to make up for several years of deferred payments), look for retirees to start getting pennies on the dollar in just a few short years. Think it can’t happen in America? Given the fact that the nation came within hours of default --- despite its magical power to print money out of thin air--- can anyone seriously believe that? Worst Thing About Philly: Its people. Or more accurately, the people’s complacency. What can you say about residents who, despite the knowledge that things are going the wrong way, time and again reelect the very same people who created the mess? Philadelphia has the potential to be a world-class city, with not one but two major rivers (neither developed). It is ideally situated within a day’s drive of more than half the country. As a major gateway for overseas travelers, it should unquestionably be a destination rather than a layover stop. And with major ports, railroads, airports and interstates, it be should a no-brainer for companies to locate their operations in Philadelphia. Philly’s stagnant position stems from a lack of leadership. It’s time for Philadelphians to wake up and demand that their city take its rightful place as one of very best. But that mantle simply can’t be claimed until the people show the will to make a change. Given Mayor Nutter’s virtually guaranteed re-election, though, that may have to wait another four years. How ‘bout them Phils?
Readers of his column, “Freindly Fire,” hail from six continents, thirty countries Freind, whose column appears regularly in Philadelphia Magazine and nationally in
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Tuesday, 10 August 2010 09:34
Mount Holly’s Eminent Domain: The New Amerika?Written by Christopher Freind(This column first appeared in Philadelphia Magazine) There’s good news and bad news. First, the bad. As we all know, there just aren’t enough places to play skee-ball in Mount Holly, New Jersey. Which just ain’t right. But fear not. The good news rights that wrong. I have found the perfect location for skee ball this side of Steel Pier. Unfortunately for Mount Holly Mayor Tom Gibson, that location happens to be where his house now sits. Hey, stuff happens. All that remains to be done is grease the political skids and file the paperwork required to seize Gibby’s house through eminent domain. ***** In 2003, Mount Holly Township unveiled its plan to take ---or “purchase,” as it is known in eminent domain parlance --- the 350 homes in the Mount Holly Gardens housing complex so that 25 acres of land could be turned into a housing and commercial complex. The plan? Build 292 townhouses (costing roughly $225,000 each), 228 multifamily apartments and 54,000 square feet of commercial space. And they even have a cute name for the redevelopment: the Village at Parker’s Mill. You have to admit that sounds better than Mount Holly Gardens. Residents of the Gardens have had appraisal inspections conducted on their properties so that “negotiations” can soon begin on the final price the government will pay the homeowners. But regardless of the price, the residents will be far worse off than they are now. Fancy names, nice houses and new stores…is this all that’s necessary to invoke eminent domain and destroy people’s lives? How is it that we’ve given politicians eager for a 30-second sound bite the power to dictate who stays, and who goes? Is this the new Amerika? Sadly, the answer is yes. ***** In 2005, ruling on what many consider the worst U.S. Supreme Court decision in history, five mind-numbingly obtuse Justices decided that citizens’ land could be taken by the government for private economic development, even if those properties were not in areas of blight or decay. The criteria? When local or state officials think the public would benefit. Whatever that means. Forget the original intent of eminent domain, which actually had the public’s best interest in mind when considering public projects, such as utilities, railroads and highways. It seems those things, while necessary, just weren’t sexy enough for today’s pols. Where’s the fun in just building a road when you can construct a mall with all the perks that come with being Mayor or Councilman in that location? So when houses are bulldozed to make way for a plush private golf course --- and wealthy duffers happen to line the campaign pockets of politicians who decide such matters--- is that in the public’s interest? As then-Justice Sandra Day O'Connor wrote in her dissent to the eminent domain decision, the "specter of condemnation hangs over all property. Nothing is to prevent the State from replacing any Motel 6 with a Ritz-Carlton, any home with a shopping mall, or any farm with a factory." In other words, the rich and powerful get what they want, the politicians make out, and small property owners --- the other 99.9% of Americans --- get squashed. Somehow, it’s doubtful the Founding Fathers had this in mind when they created America. ***** Fighting City Hall means huge legal fees with no guarantee of success. And since their backs are pressed against the financial wall already, they have to watch every penny. On average, Mount Holly residents can expect between $32,000 and $49,000 for their homes, with $15,000 in relocation costs. Loans are virtually impossible to obtain in this economy, so residents will now watch their nest eggs quickly disappear into rent payments. And those on fixed income, who had only to worry about property taxes (not insignificant in Jersey), now must face the prospect of writing a mortgage or rent check for the rest of their lives. All because a handful of self-interested politicians want their pet project to come to life. And if those poor folks don’t like it, well, they probably weren’t supporters of the pols anyway. Instead, it’s off to another project. What are we knocking down next? ***** The use of eminent domain in America was always supposed to be a last resort. When it did have to be employed, landowners were supposed to be given fair compensation, and, in most cases, the greater public good was easily recognized. The Blue Route, I-476, is a prime example. After years of eminent domain court battles, the project was given the green light, and the rest is history. That highway is regarded as one of the most important infrastructure improvements in Pennsylvania history, saving untold billions over the last 20 years. But it is unfathomable that in today’s Amerika, eminent domain has evolved into the weapon of choice for greedy, corrupt or simply misguided politicians. While new townhouses at Mount Holly Gardens and a skee-ball center near Mayor Gibson’s home sound great, it’s just not right to kick Americans out of their homes to build them. Here’s for putting the “c” back in “America.” Chris Freind is an independent columnist and investigative reporter who operates his own news bureau, www.FreindlyFireZone.com
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Wednesday, 11 February 2009 06:11
A Recap Of Ballard's $773K No-Contract Legal WorkWritten by Christopher FreindIn 2007, Ballard Spahr, Gov. Ed Rendell’s former law firm, performed $773,000 of state legal work without a contract.
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The race for Pennsylvania's Sixth Congressional District GOP nomination has been a wild roller coaster ride over the last year. Four-term incumbent Jim Gerlach told the world --- repeatedly --- that he would NOT seek re-election, opting instead to jump into the gubernatorial fray. After that effort failed, however, Gerlach re-entered the congressional race in January, but at that time faced three opponents. Despite the two strongest candidates dropping out of the contest, Gerlach still faces Pat Sellers, a conservative candidate and longtime political activist. So where does the race stand?
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Tuesday, 09 March 2010 07:18
Sen. Tony Williams’ Racist Remarks Are DisgracefulWritten by Christopher FreindIf you’re wondering why race relations in America haven’t improved at all, look no farther than the recent comments of state Senator Anthony Williams. Shortly before Williams jumped into the governor’s race, he ranted that none of the other Democratic candidates was giving any attention to the black community and the issues faced by that constituency. In other words, since they are all Caucasian, they were just catering to Whitey and ignoring everyone else. Gee, and I thought campaigns were supposed to be color-blind.
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Tuesday, 02 March 2010 19:18
The “Jack Murtha” Philadelphia Navy Shipyard? Just Say NO!Written by Christopher FreindReports have surfaced that Pennsylvania Democrats are in favor of naming the iconic Philadelphia Navy Shipyard after the recently-deceased Congressman Jack Murtha. I have just one question for those who favor of such a preposterous idea---such as Congressman Bob Brady and Philadelphia City Councilman Jim Kenney: “Hi. I’m Earth. Have we met?” On what planet are these people living?
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Thursday, 18 February 2010 15:09
Explosion In The 6th Congressional District: Could The Implausible Occur?Written by Christopher FreindIs State Rep. Curt Schroder A Dark Horse For The Endorsement?
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