20061209 Carroll County Commissioner Dean L Minnich’s radio address

Carroll County Commissioner Dean L Minnich’s radio address

December 9th, 2006

Click here for Commissioner Dean L. Minnich’s radio address on WTTR on Saturday, December 9th, 2006: “Commissioners' Weekly Radio Address.” (It takes a second or two to load...)

If the link is transient, the web page where such things as the radio address et al can be found is here.

This week Commissioner Minnich has a guest, Villa Julie graduate Chris Swam, Carroll County’s Media Production Specialist; and they discuss the web streaming and the cutting edge Internet based information dissemination systems the Carroll County Board of Commissioners have implemented.

It is really quite fascinating.

Kevin

20061208 Popularity and success could not save Gov. Ehrlich

'A Wipeout Election' Popularity and success couldn't save one Republican governor from the Democratic tide.

BY BRENDAN MINITER

http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/bminiter/

Tuesday, December 5, 2006 12:01 a.m. EST

Hat Tip: GOPCharlie – Thanks

In case you missed it, (I had missed it and can’t thank GOPCharlie enough for calling it to my attention…) Brendan Miniter, who has a most excellent column on the Wall Street Journal’s Opinion Journal, has written a fascinating vignette of Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich.

'A Wipeout Election'

Popularity and success couldn't save one Republican governor from the Democratic tide.

BY BRENDAN MINITER

Tuesday, December 5, 2006 12:01 a.m. EST

ANNAPOLIS, Md.--In the four weeks since losing his bid for re-election, Gov. Robert Ehrlich has been braced by an outpouring of support from constituents. Each day he reads some of the thousand of letters and emails that have come in and marvels as one after the other expresses regret for his defeat.

But every so often, the governor told me on Friday, he comes across a letter of a different sort. These come from residents who say that they're "sorry" that they couldn't support him "this time," but that if he runs again they'll likely vote for him then.

Here the governor, the first Republican chief executive the state has seen in more than three decades, pauses. We're sitting in a private study in the governor's mansion, and over some 90 minutes a half dozen of his top staff members will trickle in and take a seat. None possess an answer to the question he now asks: "How do you respond to that?"

[…]

He lost last month because the Democratic voters who had supported him four years ago decided this year to use their votes to "send a message" to Republicans in Washington.

[…]

Read the rest here.

####

20061211 Westminster Common Council Meeting Agenda

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND

Mayor and Common Council Meeting of December 11, 2006*
AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER – 7:00 P.M.

Bands for Benefit Check Presentation
2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NOVEMBER 27, 2006
3. BIDS:
Vehicle Purchase
4. REPORTS FROM MAYOR
5. REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a. Amended Development Plan for Wakefield Valley
b. Local Map Amendment 06-1 – Wyndtryst Commercial Properties, LLC –
Rezoning of 14.99 Acres from R-10,000 to “NC” Neighborhood Commercial
c. Zoning Text Amendment TA06-4 – Drugstores with Drive-Through Pharmacies
7. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Union Street Purchases
b. Lease of Additional Space at 56 West Main Street
c. Cancellation of December 25, 2006 Meeting
8. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
9. CITIZEN COMMENTS
10. ADJOURN

*This meeting will be held at the John Street Quarters of the Westminster Fire Company, 28 John Street, Westminster, Maryland

20061211 Carroll Co. Commissioners’ Agenda

Carroll County Commissioners’ Agenda for the Week of December 11th, 2006

Julia W. Gouge, President

Dean L. Minnich, Vice President

Michael D. Zimmer, Secretary

Carroll County Government

225 North Center Street

Westminster, Maryland 21157

410-386-2043; 1-888-302-8978

fax 410-386-2485; TT 410-848-9747

Please Note: This weekly agenda is subject to change. Please call 410-386-2043 to confirm a meeting you plan to attend. All meetings will be in Room 300A, (Unless otherwise noted) Carroll County Office Building.

Indicates Outside Activities

Monday –December 11, 2006

8:45 a.m. Oklahoma Middle School D.A.R.E. Graduation
Commissioner Zimmer


Tuesday –December 12, 2006

7:00 a.m. Carroll Hospital Center Annual Legislative Breakfast
The Women’s Place, Westminster
Commissioner Zimmer

9:30 a.m. Open Board of County Commissioners Community Discussion
Carroll County Office Building ~ 300A
Commissioners Gouge, Minnich and Zimmer

10:00 a.m. Open Session

Briefing on Upcoming Public Hearing ~ Carroll County Water & Sewerage Master Plan
Department of Planning ~ Mr. Steve Horn

Exercise the Option to Purchase Contract on County-held preservation easements
Green Property
Department of Planning ~ Mr. Steve Horn


Presentation of Potential Draft Legislative Proposals for Submission to the County Delegation - Board Review, Consideration and Direction
Department of the County Attorney ~ Ms. Kimberly Millender


Tuesday –December 12, 2006 ~ Continued

Hydrogeological Study Determination for the Deer Trail Estates
Carroll County Health Department ~ Board of Health ~ Mr. Larry Leitch


Request by Juvenile Master for Judicial Assistant Position
Department of Management and Budget ~ Mr. Ted Zaleski


Presentation of FY 06 Audit and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
Department of the Comptroller ~ Mr. Rob Burk

Request for Approval to Proceed with Refunding Outstanding General Obligation Bond Issues
Department of the Comptroller ~ Mr. Rob Burk

Resolution and Agreement for Deposit Account and Signature Card - BB & T Banking Services
Department of the Comptroller ~ Mr. Rob Burk


Bid Approval ~ One New Vibratory Tandem Roller,
Smooth Drum Type with Trailer
Department of General Services ~ Mr. Ralph Green
Bureau of Purchasing ~ Mr. Rich Shelton


Administrative Session
Chief of Staff ~ Mr. Steve Powell

Administrative Session ~ Closed
Chief of Staff ~ Mr. Steve Powell


Wednesday – December 13, 2006

11:30 a.m. Comcast Buffet Luncheon Meeting “Update on Cable”
Johansson’s Dining House
Commissioner Minnich


12:30 p.m. Commission on Aging Luncheon
Westminster Senior Center
Commissioner Zimmer


Wednesday – December 13, 2006 ~ Continued

2:00 p.m. 6th Annual Holiday Open House
The Department of the County Attorney
Commissioners Gouge, Minnich and Zimmer


5:00 p.m. Carroll County Board of Education Meeting
Board of Education Office
Commissioner Zimmer


6:00 p.m. Carroll Community College Foundation Fundraiser
Carroll Community College ~ The Scott Center
Commissioner Gouge


6:30 p.m. Maryland Municipal League Dinner
Old World Catering ~ Hampstead
Commissioner Minnich


7:00 p.m. Carrolltown Elementary School Christmas Concert
Carrolltown Elementary School
Commissioner Zimmer


Thursday –December 14, 2006

10:00 a.m. Open Board of County Commissioners Roundtable Discussion
Carroll County Office Building ~ Room 300A


1:30 p.m. Open Session

Public Hearing ~ Carroll County Water & Sewerage Master Plan~
Department of Planning ~ Mr. Steve Horn


Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) Overview of the Mexico Road Substation &
Upgrade on the Frizzellburg Substation
BGE ~ Mr. Michael Fowler


Acceptance of the FFT 2006 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) Award
Department of Management and Budget ~ Mr. Ted Zaleski


Thursday –December 14, 2006 ~ Continued

Administrative Session
Chief of Staff, Mr. Steve Powell


3:30 p.m. Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore Board of Directors Meeting
Greater Baltimore Committee Board Room
Commissioner Gouge


Friday –December 15, 2006

8:00 a.m. Carroll County Association of Realtors Breakfast
Wakefield Valley ~ Fenby’s
Commissioners Minnich and Zimmer


12:30 p.m. Carroll Community College Holiday Luncheon
Carroll Community College
Commissioner Gouge and Minnich


Saturday –December 16, 2006


Sunday –December 17, 2006

8:05 a.m. “The Commissioners’ Report” – WTTR
Commissioner Minnich

12/8/06 dms


ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: The Americans with Disabilities Act applies to the Carroll County Government and its programs, services, activities, and facilities. If you have questions, suggestions, or complaints, please contact Ms. Jolene Sullivan, the Carroll County Government Americans With Disabilities Act Coordinator, at 410-386-3600/1-888-302-8978 or TTY No. 410-848-9747. The mailing address is 225 North Center Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157.
Posted: 07/07/06


CARROLL COUNTY
a great place to live, a great place to work, a great place to play

20061206 Zen and the art of being Jack Price

Zen and the art of being Jack Price

December 6th, 2006

My November 29th, 2006 Westminster Eagle column was about a gentleman in my life who, among many, was extraordinarily important to me growing up in Carroll County - - Jack Price.

Mr. Price passed away on November 15th, 2006.

I have a previous post about Mr. Price on Soundtrack here: “20061125 Jack Price Feb. 2, 1920 to Nov. 15, 2006 is going home.”

This is the long version of my column of Mr. Price which appeared in the Westminster Eagle on November 29, 2006.

Zen and the art of being Jack Price
November 29, 2006 By Kevin Dayhoff (long version)

On November 15, Carroll County and the agriculture community lost a great friend and community leader, Jack Price.

After God made Jack Price, the mold was broken and there will never be anyone like Mr. Price.

Mr. Price was a nationally recognized breeder of Hampshire sheep, a gifted horticulturalist and a dedicated church member.

Last Saturday, several hundred friends, loved ones, and colleagues got together at the Westminster United Methodist Church for services officiated by Rev. Dave Highfield and Rev. Ira Zepp.

Folks from all over the east coast converged on Westminster to pay homage to a man whom Rev. Zepp described as “lovable, cantankerous, curmudgeonly, independent, free-thinking, soft-hearted and very bright in mind and soul.”

Local farmer Andy Cashman observed that for a gentleman who passed away at 86 with no family; it was a fitting tribute that hundreds turned out for his memorial service. “Jack was a great supporter of 4-H and helped a lot of kids get started in 4-H.”

Carroll County sheep breeder Becky Lynch agreed, remarking “he was a friend to many generations.” As with Mr. Cashman and his sons; Mr. Price helped Ms. Lynch get started raising sheep. “Jack was always a world of wisdom and (constructively criticized) in such a manner that it showed that he genuinely cared,” said Ms. Lynch.

(I understand that all too well, for you see, I was one of those “kids” in the mid 1960s. Mr. Price went out of his way to help me with my public-speaking, photography and rabbit projects. Later in 1974, when I began my landscaping business, Mr. Price was a great cheerleader, wise counsel and an unabashed supporter.)

For those in our community who did not have the fortune to know Mr. Price, he was born in North Carolina on February 2, 1920. He was the son of the late Rev. Fred H. and Amy Helms Price. He graduated from Shelby High School in Shelby, North Carolina in 1936.

According to his obituary, Mr. Price “graduated from North Carolina State University in 1940 with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics and a minor in animal husbandry.

Several folks remarked that he remained a die-hard North Carolina State Wolfpack basketball, football and baseball fan for the rest of his life. Although, according to Rev. Zepp, Mr. Price never understood soccer. Rev. Zepp relates that Jack once said, “I can’t stand soccer. Whoever heard of not using the hands God gave you to play a game…”

After college, he enlisted in the Navy Air Corps and served as a transport pilot during World War II.” “Following the war, he and his wife, (Ollie, relocated to Maryland) where he worked on livestock farms. In 1963, they settled (on a farm on Lemmon Road) in Westminster, where he developed a large flock of registered Hampshire sheep.”

Four decades of retired Carroll County Extension Service Directors attended the service: Bob Jones, Walt Bay and David Greene. Mr. Greene remarked that “Jack had a singleness of purpose,” and whatever he did, he did with “zeal and effort, a depth of understanding” and he excelled.

For the last seven years, Rev. Zepp and Mr. Price had breakfast together regularly.

Rev. Zepp said, “We were one of Westminster’s oddest couples, if not the oddest…once we got past the weather and (sports,) about which we usually agreed, we talked about the two taboo subjects everyone is supposed to avoid – religion and politics, about which we hardly ever agreed. And that was the thrill of it – disagreeing very agreeably…”

Rev. Zepp was intrigued that he “was a farmer’s son who became a preacher and Jack was a preacher’s son who became a farmer.”

Rev. Zepp was impressed with the way Mr. Price let God work through him in the “ordinariness” of life and thus, became an extraordinary man. “As you hear Jack’s voice, remember a statement by Jesus in Matthew 5:37, ‘Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No;’ anything more than this comes from evil.”

Rev. Zepp kept notes from attending Mr. Price’s breakfast Sunday School lessons. On the arbitrariness of life: “It’s not what you’re dealt, but how you deal with that. If the ball does not take a Jack Price bounce, it’s not God’s fault, but with God’s help, I’ll get over it.”

“Jack on the Second Coming of Jesus: Well, as I recall… Jesus didn’t talk much about it… so I’m not going to worry about it very much…”

Jack on the last book of the Bible: “What the hound is the Book of Revelation about? I make little sense of it and don’t know anyone who does.”

Jack on the tension between love and justice: “He knew instinctively that love is possible with persons and justice necessary for society.”

Rev. Zepp marveled that “in the last six months of his life, Jack confessed, ‘I have more questions now then when I was teaching a Bible class … almost 50 years ago.’

Rev. Zepp once asked Mr. Price, “How has your mind changed over the years? Jack replied, ‘Very slowly.”

Rev. Zepp relates that “Jack used to talk about ‘Pricer-izing, that is, there is the right way, the wrong way, and the ‘Price Way.’ I asked him, ‘How do you fit those three together?” He said, ‘I work at that, but not very successfully. I’m just an unconventional guy…”

Jack once commented on why he went to church. “My father had a deaf person in his congregation and asked the man once, ‘Why do you come to church, when you can’t hear a thing I say?’ The man replied, ‘… I want the world to know what side I’m on.’”

Rev. Zepp called to our attention peter Fonda’s remark to a farmer in the movie, “Easy Rider.” It must be great to do your own thing in your own time.”

Mr. Price, who is reported to have rode his motorcycle to church upon occasion, certainly did his own thing and in so doing touched a great many lives, left the planet a better place.

We could use a few more genuine folks like Mr. Price. We certainly could use more folks who can disagree with integrity, without being disagreeable, in Carroll County.

He was the Zen Master of “Let your ‘no’ be a ‘no’ and your ‘yes’ be your ‘yes.’” Mr. Price was never one to “lay down a smoke screen of pious talk.” We always knew which side he was on. He was the real deal. And that is why we loved him so. Mr. Price is going home. God bless him.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.
E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org
####

20061204 An excellent essay on Gov Ehrlich by Jay Nordlinger

An excellent essay on Gov Ehrlich by Jay Nordlinger

Exit of a Champion

Posted December 7th, 2006

Hat Tip: GOPCharlie – Thanks a bunch!

December 4, 2006 8:36 AM

Exit of a Champion

Gov. Bob Ehrlich is defeated in Maryland.

By Jay Nordlinger

Editor’s Note: A version of this article appears in the current National Review.
Republicans and conservatives suffered a lot of losses last month, on Election Day. In fact, they — we — had almost nothing but losses! And one of the toughest we sustained was that of Robert L. Ehrlich, the governor of Maryland. He was a true-blue Reagan conservative, and he presided over one of the most liberal and Democratic states in the Union. He won an amazing election in 2002, but lost this year to Martin O’Malley, the mayor of Baltimore.

That 2002 election seemed a special gift: Ehrlich beat a Kennedy, lieutenant governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who was a national star. He did so by a margin of 51 percent to 48. Ehrlich has said many times that conditions had to be perfect for him to win, and that he and his team had to run a perfect campaign. The conditions were, indeed, perfect, and so was the campaign. But Ehrlich could not manage reelection, losing to the relatively likable and canny O’Malley by seven points. Thus has one of the brightest Republican stars been sidelined, maybe permanently.

An unusual fellow, Ehrlich: He went to Princeton, doing his thesis on Solzhenitsyn. ...

[...]

Read the rest here. It is well worth the time.

20061206 The Iraq Study Group Report can be downloaded

The Iraq Study Group Report can be downloaded here:

http://www.usip.org/isg/iraq_study_group_report/report/1206/index.html

Download the report PDF - 902KB

_____

“The Iraq Study Group Report: The Way Forward - A New Approach, also simply known as the Baker Report or Baker-Hamilton Report, is an Congressionally-mandated assessment of the war in Iraq authored by the Iraq Study Group. The report was released to the public on December 6, 2006 both on the internet and as a published book.” (Wikipedia)

Depicted above is the “Cover of the printed version of the report Author James A. Baker, III, and Lee H. Hamilton, Co-Chairs. Lawrence S. Eagleburger, Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., Edwin Meese III, Sandra Day O’Connor, Leon E. Panetta, William J. Perry, Charles S. Robb, Alan K. Simpson Country United States of America Language English Subject(s) Political Science Publisher United States Institute of Peace Released 6 December 2006 Media Type Paperback Pages 160 ISBN 0307386562”

I found this information on Wikipedia, which has a good bit of additional background…

####

20061206 Senator Allan Kittleman named Minority Whip

Senator Allan Kittleman named Minority Whip

December 6th, 2006

I had the opportunity to talk on the phone several weeks ago with Senator Allan H. Kittleman, (R) Dist. 9, Carroll and Howard Cos. about the upcoming organizational meetings of the Maryland Senate GOP Caucus.

In that conversation we talked about how Maryland Republicans will need to work as cooperatively as possible with the Democrats across the aisle, in light of the results of the last election.

Senator Kittleman elaborated as to how Maryland Republicans will need to honor their principles, but never-the-less, work as cooperatively as possible with the Dems.

I was very pleased to get an e-mail from Senator Kittleman, Wednesday afternoon, December 6th, 2006, that he was selected to be the Minority Whip for the GOP in the upcoming session of the Maryland General Assembly.

This is great news for Maryland, the Republican Party and Maryland’s citizens - - and, as a matter of fact, for Governor-elect Martin O’Malley.

Hopefully, Governor-elect O’Malley will have Senator Kittleman upstairs on the second floor of the Maryland Statehouse as soon as possible and frequently throughout the upcoming session of the Maryland General Assembly.

Under the administration of the previous Democratic governor, Parris N. Glendening, a Republican was hardly ever (read: probably never) invited upstairs to the governor’s office to discuss and coordinate the issues and pressing matters. It was unfortunate and a terrible mistake.

Although Senator Kittleman is not known for suffering fools and idiots easily, we are fortunate having in Senator Kittleman, a statesperson who knows the issues and is very capable in articulating those views cooperatively in a compelling and persuasive manner. And yet, a person who can be quite assertive about Republican values when the need arises.

Senator Kittleman related in his e-mail: “As we discussed a couple of weeks ago, the Senate GOP Caucus met yesterday to elect new leadership. I told you that I would get back to you once the decisions were made. Well, one decision was made; I was selected as the next Minority Whip. The Caucus is still working on selecting a new Minority Leader. We will be meeting again in a week or so to revisit that issue.”

However, we will have to wait another week or so before we know who will be the next Minority Leader as the Republicans are at a standstill in choosing between Senator David Brinkley, (R) Frederick County (pictured left,) and Senator Andrew Harris, (R) Baltimore and Harford Cos (pictured below.)

Senator Harris is an admired elected official who has served Republican interests and values well in the past, in his capacity as Minority Whip; however, many of us are hoping that Senator Brinkley will prevail.

Senator Brinkley is well respected on both sides of the aisle and has many of the leadership capabilities similar to Senator Kittleman.

It cannot be overstated that new leadership is necessary to move conservative values forward in a Maryland General Assembly that is dominated by the Dems, many of whom have no interest in working with the Republicans.

Senator Brinkley has what it takes to verbalize conservative values in a manner that will get the attention of the Democratic leadership who may be very well disposed to respect his knowledge of the issues and positive relationship with the rank and file Democrats.

We wish Senator Harris well in other future endeavors; however, we look forward to him throwing his support behind new leadership and fresh ideas – in the person of Senator Brinkley.

Meanwhile, a big thanks goes out to Senator Kittleman for taking the time to keep us in the loop and in the know.

Kevin

20061204 Carroll County Judges of the Orphans Court

Carroll County Judges of the Orphans Court

December 7, 2006

When I attended the swearing-in ceremony of the 58th Carroll County Board of Commissioners on Monday, December 4th, 2006, I stopped by the office of the Carroll County Judges of the Orphans Court to say hi to the judges.

They took a moment out of their day to pose for a snapshot.

Pictured from left to right: Judge John D. Carbaugh, Judge Dorothy V. Utz, and Judge Herbert J. Reisig.

Kevin

20061206 CSM Beyard with Westminster Flag in Kuwait

CSM Beyard with Westminster Flag in Kuwait

December 6th, 2006

Command Sergeant Major Thomas B. Beyard, aka Westminster Planning and Public Works Director says “Merry Christmas” from Task Force AVCRAD, Patton Army Airfield, Kuwait. December 2006.

For more posts on CSM Beyard, click here.

For more information on ESGR, go here: 20061206 What is ESGR? Or: The ESGR web site says; or: ABOUT ESGR; or: What is Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve?

You may leave a message for CSM Beyard in comments.

Kevin

20061206 What is ESGR?

What is ESGR?

December 6th, 2006

ESGR stands for Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve.

When you are about to do business with a company or organization in Maryland, you want to take into consideration whether or not that business or organization has signed the Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve.

In a previous post, the support of Sears for our men and women in uniform has been brought to light.

A fair question immediately comes to mind; what is the statement and what does it entail? Click here for that information.

Go to the ESGR web site and look for the section that says “SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYERS.” Use the pull down menu and check for businesses and organizations in Maryland that have signed the Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve.

A quick review of the list indicates that Carroll County Government (with the exception of the Carroll Co. bureau of highways?), the City of Westminster and other municipalities have not signed the Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve; although several businesses have signed the statement.

The list indicates that the following businesses and organizations have signed the statement:

CARROLL COUNTY BUREAU OF HIGHWAYS, Westminster; CARROLL INDEPENDENT FUEL COMPANY; DEPT OF JUVENILE SERVICES ST OF MD, Westminster; HOME DEPOT, Westminster; LOWES HOME IMPROVEMENT STORES, Westminster; TERMINIX INTERNATIONAL, Westminster; JOS. A. BANK CLOTHIERS, INC., Hampstead; CTGROUP ENVIR, Sykesville; MARTINS' PRODUCTS, Sykesville; SPRINGFIELD STATE HOSPITAL, Sykesville; TECHNOLOGY LLC, Mount Airy;

Of course, considering the support that the City of Westminster and Carroll County Government and the greater Carroll County community have traditional given; and currently give our men and women in uniform, all bets are that they are simply not aware of the statement…

Hopefully, some leaders in Carroll County and municipal government may take this opportunity to look into this visible and public display of support and investigate signing the statement.

A quick review of the list indicates that a number of county and municipal governments in Maryland have signed the statement…

Getting back to the original question; what is ESGR?

The ESGR web site says:

ABOUT ESGR

What is Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve?

Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense organization. It is a staff group within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs (OASD/RA), which is in itself a part of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

The nation's Reserve components (referring to the total of all National Guard members and Reserve forces from all branches of the military) comprise approximately 46 percent of our total available military manpower. The current National Defense Strategy indicates that the National Guard and Reserve will be full partners in the fully integrated Total Force. Our Reserve forces will spend more time away from the workplace defending the nation, supporting a demanding operations tempo and training to maintain their mission readiness.

In this environment, civilian employers play a critical role in the defense of the nation by complying with existing employment laws protecting the rights of workers who serve in the Reserve component.

ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. It is the lead DoD organization for this mission under DoD Directive 1250.1.

Read more here.

Hopefully you agree that local government and businesses visibly and publicly showing their support for our men and women in uniform is a good thing. Why not contact your employer, your favorite business or store, or your local government elected officials today and call to their attention this program.

Thanks.

Kevin

20061206 Go Ask Stuckey

Go Ask Stuckey

December 6, 2006

My latest Tentacle column has been posted: “Go Ask Stuckey”

This column was a sheer joy to write as I was able to emphasize the positive and showcase some of the exceptional writers with whom I have had the privilege to briefly work in the Maryland Statehouse news pool.

Folks like Tom Dennison, Doug Tallman, Justin Palk, S.A. Miller, Clifford Cumber; to name a few quickly. (Mr. Dennison is leaving for the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative – and will be very much missed…)

My only regret is that as the deadline for the column loomed, I was not able to get all the quotes I wanted…

When I cover the Maryland General Assembly Opera; in spite of the fact that I so enjoy media criticism, what goes on with my colleagues in the downstairs press room, stays in the press room. I try to give the colleagues, with whom I work, a wide berth and some comfort to not have some snitch looking over their shoulders and swiping at their antics in the pressroom and/or coverage.

Besides the opera that is what we know as that august Maryland legislative body, the worst in the nation, gives me plenty to write about - - and the folks in the press room in the Annapolis Statehouse are really neat, extraordinarily talented - - and quite a hoot.

But actually, I don’t believe in frivolous gotcha journalism as it, more often than not, does not give the readers a true picture of the individual involved. I mean, if a person who is in a public position to affect the development or implementation of public policy messes-up over and over again, well, then that behavior becomes relevant.

Otherwise folks should be respected as individuals who have dared to leave a comfortable cocoon and take-on a community leadership role. It is only appropriate to give them some benefit of doubt, a chance to be human – be real and have some fun…:

In a conversation with Carroll County Commissioner Dean L. Minnich, the other day, we touched upon the fact that we have both seen it from both sides and we agreed that it is important in journalism to let people be people.

We just both wished that all the local and state newspapers saw it that way.

One newspaper in particular is insufferable in their approach and both Commissioner Minnich and I have both been on the receiving-end…

Anyway, what Washington Post Mathew Mosk recounted as Governor Marvin Mandel’s take is worth repeating…

“Former governor Marvin Mandel, who became House speaker just after Stuckey arrived, recalled fondly the days when reporters and lawmakers shared a suite at the Maryland Inn, where they would unwind after a day's work. ‘We were able to talk freely with reporters,’ Mandel recalled, ‘say what was on our minds without having to worry about how it was going to look in the next morning's paper.’”

My column began:

The Associated Press' Tom Stuckey, one of the venerable and distinguished members of the Maryland Statehouse press newsroom has retiring.

Mr. Stuckey, 67, the Associated Press' longest-serving State House bureau chief, started working for the AP in 1962 and began the Maryland government beat the next year, when Gov. J. Millard Tawes resided in the governor's mansion. William S. James was Senate president and Marvin Mandel was House speaker.

In the ensuing four decades, he became a legend, and legions have admired his work.

Read the rest of the column here.

20061205 Why we should all shop Sears for the holidays

Why we should all shop Sears for the holidays

Sears and Activated Reservists

December 5th, 2006

Hat Tip AKBill

I feel very strongly about our obligation in the civilian ranks to support our citizen soldiers, especially in time of war.

For a bit of transparency, I served in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1971 to 1973… And I have a number of members of my family who are either retired military, or are currently serving our country.

And - an appointed official with whom I was honored to serve with when I was an elected official is on active duty in the Middle East.

I was recently e-mailed this note from Col. AKBill, U.S. Army (Ret.):

A note about Sears and how they are handling their civic responsibility to our Activated Reservists--verified by Snopes

I assume you have all seen the reports about how Sears is treating its reservist employees who are called up? By law, they are required to hold their jobs open and available, but nothing more.

Usually, people take a big pay cut and lose benefits as a result of being called up...Sears is voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs, for all called up reservist employees for up to two years. I submit that Sears is an exemplary corporate citizen and should be recognized for its contribution.

Suggest we all find a Sears manager to tell them why we are there so the company gets the positive reinforcement it well deserves.

Actually, please go to Snopes for the rest of the story – it gets better.

Kevin

20061204 John Negroponte transcript posted on Joisting for Justice

John Negroponte transcript posted on Joisting for Justice

Cross posted here / 20070113 ked

December 4th, 2006

Stephanie Dray, over at Joisting for Justice was kind enough to post the entire “C-Span Question and Answer with John Negroponte, Director of National Intelligence,” for us.

It is a lengthy transcript but well worth the time for an excellent snapshot of many of the issues we face and for a glimpse at the man who currently heads-up the Office of National Intelligence.

This was terrible nice of Ms. Dray to do this and we owe her a big thank you and big container of spiced walnuts.

And oh, Ms. Dray, please say hi to Ammar and Maryam from the peripatetic gerbils at the Soundtrack Division.

Please see my previous post here.

####

20061204 How to Lose a War by The Baltimore Reporter

How to Lose a War by The Baltimore Reporter

Maryland Blogger Alliance member, The Baltimore Reporter has a must read post By Robert Farrow titled, “How to Lose a War!”

December 4th, 2006

He begins with a great Mark Twain quote: “Do not fear the enemy, for your enemy can only take your life. It is far better that you fear the media, for they will steal your HONOR. That awful power, the public opinion of a nation, is created in America by a horde of ignorant, self-complacent simpletons who failed at ditching and shoemaking and fetched up in journalism on their way to the poorhouse." -Mark Twain

“I hate newspapermen. They come into camp and pick up their camp rumors and print them as facts. I regard them as spies, which, in truth, they are." General William Sherman

Let’s set the wayback machine and pretend, shall we. Let’s pretend today’s media had been around in WWII and covered the attack on Pearl Harbor. ( …and lets pretend TV sets were common in 1941. ) So close your eyes and imagine a fuzzy black and white program as the announcer says…..

Read the rest here.

20061204 Remarks by Commissioner Gouge

Remarks by Commissioner Gouge

December 4th, 2006

The president of the Carroll County Commissioners, Julia Walsh Gouge shares a few remarks after she and her two fellow commissioners were sworn-in as the 58th Board of Carroll County Commissioners by Clerk of the Court Donald Sealing. Standing with her are Carroll County Commissioners Dean L. Minnich and Michael D. Zimmer. They were sworn-in today at 3 p.m., Monday, December 4, 2006. The ceremony took place in the Carroll County Circuit Court Annex, in Courtroom 4 and was presided over by Circuit Court judges Mike Galloway, Barry Hughes and Tom Stansfield. Unfortunately the sound quality is poor…

20061204 Commissioner Minnich sworn into office

Commissioner Minnich sworn into office

Commissioner Dean L. Minnich is sworn into office today as a member of the 58th Board of Carroll County Commissioners. The other two commissioners, Julia W. Gouge and Michael D. Zimmer were also sworn-in today by Clerk of the Court Donald Sealing at 3 p.m., Monday, December 4, 2006. The ceremony took place in the Carroll County Circuit Court Annex, in Courtroom 4 and was presided over by Circuit Court judges Mike Galloway, Barry Hughes and Tom Stansfield.

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20061204 McCandlish interviews Zimmer

Baltimore Sun reporter Laura McCandlish interviews Commissioner Michael D. Zimmer

December 4th, 2006

Baltimore Sun reporter Laura McCandlish interviews Commissioner Michael D. Zimmer, immediately after the 58th Board of Carroll County Commissioners, Julia W. Gouge, Dean L. Minnich and Michael D. Zimmer, were sworn in by Clerk of the Court Donald Sealing at 3 p.m., Monday, December 4, 2006. The ceremony took place in the Carroll County Circuit Court Annex, in Courtroom 4 and was presided over by Circuit Court judges Mike Galloway, Barry Hughes and Tom Stansfield.

20061204 Bolton Submits Notice

Bolton Submits Notice Ending Service When Recess Appointment Expires

December 4th, 2006

UPDATE: Fellow Maryland Blogger Alliance member, The Baltimore Reporter shares his thoughts: Bolton Out

UPDATE: It is only fair to call to your attention that Crablaw and Joisting for Justice disagree with me about Senator-elect James Webb… I really respect their opinions and they articulate their views compellingly, colorfully and persuasively and it is only appropriate that you should also read their posts, for balance. Especially since I don’t feel really balanced at the moment over the John Bolton matter. It only makes my colleagues more human and likable when they are like - - soooo wrong on the “James Webb matter.” I’ll feel better in the morning. Some spiced walnuts would help.

Fox News wrote a story on the resignation of U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton’s resignation that simply puts an exclamation mark on this whole sad and sorry Kabuki Morals Play.

As much as the resignation caught many of us by surprise - - it was to be expected. Much of the conversation by the Democrats about bi-partisanship is just that – cheap and empty talk; so that they may get the sycophant mainstream media writing cheery, sugarcoated stories about how wonderful and magnanimous they are going to be after the last election.

Virginia Senator-elect James Webb only served as iconography for the personal animus many of the Democrats feel for President George W. Bush, when he was rude to the president, as reported by Michael D. Shear, a Washington Post Staff Writer on Wednesday, November 29, 2006. George Will said it best: “Jim Webb is not what Washington needs more of.”

We are all entitled to our feelings; however respect for the office requires folks to at least be cold and professional.

Former Marine James Webb is certainly entitled to his disagreement with the president and there are few folks who have earned as wide a berth as Senator-elect Webb, as a result of his courageous service in Vietnam and by way of the fact that his son is currently serving in Iraq.

Parleyed carefully, Senator-elect could have been extraordinarily compelling and persuasive in helping develop and fashion a very necessary course correction in Iraq.

He squandered that opportunity by acting-out on his personally feelings. It was behavior unbecoming an officer and a Marine.

The Bolton resignation just throws salt in a wound started by Senator-elect Webb that many of us were willing to overlook, including this writer, because of the circumstances.

Unfortunately, there will be more slings and arrows and insults to come and once again, a self perpetuating and vicious cycle of attacks and reprisals will be rekindled in a city where they eat their young and look longingly for someone innocent for desert, just for pleasure of watching someone suffer.

If Ambassador Bolton’s nomination were to have made it out of the committee, the Senate would’ve confirmed. He is eminently qualified for the job and has performed admirably since his recess appointment a year ago.

In the Fox news story, “Bolton Submits Notice Ending Service When Recess Appointment Expires,” White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said it well:

"You know, 58 senators have been on record as being for this guy and he can't get a vote. He has been incredibly successful as our U.N. ambassador, he has a record that everybody ought to be proud of, and instead he can't get a vote. And that is just ridiculous."

The president’s remarks as quoted in the Fox News article also resonated:

"It is with deep regret that I accept John Bolton's decision to end his service in the administration as Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations when his commission expires… "I am deeply disappointed that a handful of United States senators prevented Ambassador Bolton from receiving the up-or-down vote he deserved in the Senate. They chose to obstruct his confirmation, even though he enjoys majority support in the Senate, and even though their tactics will disrupt our diplomatic work at a sensitive and important time. This stubborn obstructionism ill-serves our country and discourages men and women of talent from serving their nation."

Not to be overlooked was Sen. George Voinovich’s commentary:

Bolton supporters, even some late to the game, also expressed disappointment. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, had objected to Bolton when he was up for consideration in the Senate panel. But after Bolton served for a year in the recess appointment, Voinovich said he was impressed by how effective Bolton had been.

"I am very disappointed that John Bolton will not continue in his role as ambassador to the United Nations," Voinovich said Monday. "Given the fragile nature of the world situation and the critical task of reforming the U.N., he should have been given an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor.

"I'm extremely concerned with him leaving since he's been so deeply involved with the situations in Iran, Syria, Lebanon and North Korea and has been working in concert with fellow ambassadors toward true U.N. reform," Voinovich said.

But Senator John McCain really has the final word:

Other Republicans, including Arizona Sen. John McCain, said Bolton's departure is a loss for the United States and a terrible commentary about the state of politics in Washington.

Bolton's "resignation today is less a commentary on Mr. Bolton than on the state of affairs in the U.S. Senate. For over a year, Democrats blocked his nomination in the Foreign Relations Committee, preventing an up or down vote on the Senate floor. In so doing, they have deprived America of the right man at the right time at the U.N.," McCain said.

Memo to incoming chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware and Senator John Kerry - - just shove it.

On this one, coupled with how the president’s two Supreme Court nominees were treated; at some point in the future, if some Republican members of Congress want to get in touch with their feelings on a future critical issue brought forth by the Dems, that is really important to them; I will be more than willing to turn a blind eye.

Something this egregious must have consequences.

Kevin

20061204 UN Ambassador John Bolton calls it quits

UN Ambassador John Bolton calls it quits

December 4, 2006

Hat Tip: Mrs. Owl

In what is being suggested is a surprise move, Baltimore born and raised and McDonogh graduate, John Bolton, has announced his resignation as U.S. Ambassador to the UN.

This is not a step in the correct direction as we attempt to adjust our course in Iraq and continue to face threats and challenges to our national security on a world-wide scale – and the UN always seems ready and willing to aid and abet those who have the worst intentions for the United States and Israel..

Down the road, should we ever have a Democrat president, this is one for which we need to retain an acurate memory - - as it is petty liberal partisan politics at its worse.

Perhaps the next time the Republican leadership in Congress wants to give a pass to a Democratic president’s nomination out of deference to the president and in the interest of comity; this needs to be remembered.

For previous posts on Ambassador Bolton click here.

For Maryland Blogger Alliance member, Soccer Dad’s past in-depth analysis – go here.

For my take on Ambassador Bolton in The Tentacle, please read:

August 2, 2006, Confirm Joltin' John Bolton , Kevin E. Dayhoff: “On March 7, 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Baltimorean John R. Bolton to be the United States ambassador to the United Nations. It is time for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee - as well as the entire upper chamber - to confirm our Maryland-bred leadership in the U.N…”

MSNBC says, “John Bolton resigns as ambassador to U.N.,” and has a video…

Meanwhile Fox News is carrying the Associated Press story.

For CBS’s left-leaning take: “U.N. Ambassador John Bolton To Step Down:”

(CBS/AP) Unable to win Senate confirmation, U.N. Ambassador John Bolton will step down when his recess appointment expires soon, the White House said Monday.

The White House had argued in recent weeks that Bolton had demonstrated his value and professionalism in the job and deserved to be confirmed. But even a Senate still in Republican hands didn't have the numbers to make it happen, CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller reports.

Bolton's nomination has languished in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for more than a year, blocked by Democrats and several Republicans. Sen. Lincoln Chafee, a moderate Republican who lost in the midterm elections Nov. 7 that swept Democrats to power in both houses of Congress, was adamantly opposed to Bolton.

President Bush gave Bolton the job temporarily in August 2005, while Congress was in recess. But the appointment expires when Congress formally adjourns, no later than early January.

Although Mr. Bush could not give Bolton another recess appointment, the White House was believed to be exploring other ways of keeping him in the job, perhaps by giving him a title other than ambassador. But Bolton informed the White House he intended to leave when his current appointment expires, White House deputy press secretary Dana Perino said.

Mr. Bush planned to meet with Bolton and his wife later Monday in the Oval Office.

As late as last month, Mr. Bush, through his top aides, said he would not relent in his defense of Bolton, despite unwavering opposition from Democrats who view Bolton as too combative for international diplomacy.

The White House resubmitted Bolton's nomination last month. But with Democrats capturing control of the next Congress, his chances of winning confirmation appeared slight. The incoming chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Democratic Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, said he saw "no point in considering Mr. Bolton's nomination again."

Actually, I see no point in Senator Biden. What a waste.

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20061203 ScrappleFace weighs in on Rumsfeld’s angst

ScrappleFace weighs in on Rumsfeld’s angst

December 3rd, 2006

2nd Leaked Memo Reveals Rumsfeld Pain in Final Hours

http://www.scrappleface.com/?p=2418

by Scott Ott

(2006-12-03) — Just a day after The New York Times released to al Qaeda a classified memo from former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld regarding options in Iraq, the paper has printed the text of a second top-secret memo from Mr. Rumsfeld to President George Bush.

While the first document dealt with potential tactical adjustments in fighting terrorists, the second offers deeply personal insight into Mr. Rumsfeld’s emotional state in the hours before his so-called “resignation.”

Like the first memo, this one presents a starkly different picture of the man the world knows only from his tough-talking Pentagon news conferences.

Below are a few excerpts from the text of the second Rumsfeld memo which was written the morning after Democrats took control of Congress…

“As you know, Mr. President, this job been an emotional rollercoaster for me. Seems like only yesterday Paul Bremer said “We got him” and then you, me, Cheney and Condi danced till dawn. Ah, yesterday…all my troubles seemed so far away.”

Read the rest here.

20061203 Rumsfeld memo leaked by New York Times

Rumsfeld memo leaked

December 3, 2006

UPDATE: Fellow Maryland Blogger Alliance member, The Baltimore Reporter also weighs-in: Rumsfeld’s Memo of Options for Iraq War

Sunday, December 3rd, 2006, The New York Times published a leaked copy of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld’s November 6th, 2006 memo to the White House which delineated some ideas for an adjustment in the approach to the war in Iraq.

MICHAEL R. GORDON and DAVID S. CLOUD wrote “Rumsfeld Memo Proposed ‘Major Adjustment’ in Iraq.”

I guess at this point in time, I have not much to say about the constant leaks of classified materials by the New York Times, which only continue to endanger the lives of you and me and our men and women in uniform.

The leak of the memo is as much a puzzle as the memo itself.

Meanwhile, you may find Michelle Malkin’s remarks of interest. I could not find a post on the Rumsfeld memo on the Daily Kos or MediaMatters…

Perhaps we will have to wait to hear from Katie Couric on Monday before we are really aware as to what we all think about this latest breach of national security and its ramifications…

I did write about the Secretary of Defense in November 8, 2006 my Tentacle column on the day his resignation was announced. As fate would have it, I wrote, “Rumsfeld must stay:” “Just in time for the mid-term elections, the Military Times Media Group, which publishes the Army Times, Marine Times, Air Force Times and Navy Times, ran an editorial last weekend which pronounces: "Rumsfeld must go."”

Oh my. Well, ahem, moving on here…

Previous Tentacle columns on the New York Times include:

December 28, 2005, Operation Mata Hari , Kevin E. Dayhoff
In the war against terrorism, folks, whose only goal is to promote themselves in total disregard for our safety, recently launched “Operation Mata Hari.”

November 2, 2005, Gray Ladies Down , Kevin E. Dayhoff
American newspapers are in deep trouble. I have mixed feelings about this. For many of us who have hit the half-century mark, we remember the days when the bulk of our news was delivered by several newspapers in a single day. This gave us the news from many different points of view.

The New York Times December 3rd, 2006 article begins:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 — Two days before he resigned as defense secretary, Donald H. Rumsfeld submitted a classified memo to the White House that acknowledged that the Bush administration’s strategy in Iraq was not working and called for a major course correction.

“In my view it is time for a major adjustment,” wrote Mr. Rumsfeld, who has been a symbol of a dogged stay-the-course policy. “Clearly, what U.S. forces are currently doing in Iraq is not working well enough or fast enough.”

Read the rest here.

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20061203 Rumsfeld Nov 6 Memo of Options for Iraq War

Rumsfeld Nov. 6th, 2006 Memo of Options for Iraq War

December 3, 2006

Below please find the Rumsfeld November 6th, 2006 memo as published by the New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/03/world/middleeast/03mtext.html

Rumsfeld’s Memo of Options for Iraq War

Following is the text of a classified Nov. 6 memorandum that Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld sent to the White House suggesting new options in Iraq. The memorandum was sent one day before the midterm Congressional elections and two days before Mr. Rumsfeld resigned.

Nov. 6, 2006

SUBJECT: Iraq — Illustrative New Courses of Action

The situation in Iraq has been evolving, and U.S. forces have adjusted, over time, from major combat operations to counterterrorism, to counterinsurgency, to dealing with death squads and sectarian violence. In my view it is time for a major adjustment. Clearly, what U.S. forces are currently doing in Iraq is not working well enough or fast enough. Following is a range of options:

ILLUSTRATIVE OPTIONS

Above the Line: (Many of these options could and, in a number of cases, should be done in combination with others)

¶Publicly announce a set of benchmarks agreed to by the Iraqi Government and the U.S. — political, economic and security goals — to chart a path ahead for the Iraqi government and Iraqi people (to get them moving) and for the U.S. public (to reassure them that progress can and is being made).

¶Significantly increase U.S. trainers and embeds, and transfer more U.S. equipment to Iraqi Security forces (ISF), to further accelerate their capabilities by refocusing the assignment of some significant portion of the U.S. troops currently in Iraq.

¶Initiate a reverse embeds program, like the Korean Katusas, by putting one or more Iraqi soldiers with every U.S. and possibly Coalition squad, to improve our units’ language capabilities and cultural awareness and to give the Iraqis experience and training with professional U.S. troops.

¶Aggressively beef up the Iraqi MOD and MOI, and other Iraqi ministries critical to the success of the ISF — the Iraqi Ministries of Finance, Planning, Health, Criminal Justice, Prisons, etc. — by reaching out to U.S. military retirees and Reserve/National Guard volunteers (i.e., give up on trying to get other USG Departments to do it.)

¶Conduct an accelerated draw-down of U.S. bases. We have already reduced from 110 to 55 bases. Plan to get down to 10 to 15 bases by April 2007, and to 5 bases by July 2007.

¶Retain high-end SOF capability and necessary support structure to target Al Qaeda, death squads, and Iranians in Iraq, while drawing down all other Coalition forces, except those necessary to provide certain key enablers for the ISF.

¶Initiate an approach where U.S. forces provide security only for those provinces or cities that openly request U.S. help and that actively cooperate, with the stipulation being that unless they cooperate fully, U.S. forces would leave their province.

¶Stop rewarding bad behavior, as was done in Fallujah when they pushed in reconstruction funds, and start rewarding good behavior. Put our reconstruction efforts in those parts of Iraq that are behaving, and invest and create havens of opportunity to reward them for their good behavior. As the old saying goes, “If you want more of something, reward it; if you want less of something, penalize it.” No more reconstruction assistance in areas where there is violence.

¶Position substantial U.S. forces near the Iranian and Syrian borders to reduce infiltration and, importantly, reduce Iranian influence on the Iraqi Government.

¶Withdraw U.S. forces from vulnerable positions — cities, patrolling, etc. — and move U.S. forces to a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) status, operating from within Iraq and Kuwait, to be available when Iraqi security forces need assistance.

¶Begin modest withdrawals of U.S. and Coalition forces (start “taking our hand off the bicycle seat”), so Iraqis know they have to pull up their socks, step up and take responsibility for their country.

¶Provide money to key political and religious leaders (as Saddam Hussein did), to get them to help us get through this difficult period.

¶Initiate a massive program for unemployed youth. It would have to be run by U.S. forces, since no other organization could do it.

¶Announce that whatever new approach the U.S. decides on, the U.S. is doing so on a trial basis. This will give us the ability to readjust and move to another course, if necessary, and therefore not “lose.”

¶Recast the U.S. military mission and the U.S. goals (how we talk about them) — go minimalist.

Below the Line (less attractive options):

¶Continue on the current path.

¶Move a large fraction of all U.S. Forces into Baghdad to attempt to control it.

¶Increase Brigade Combat Teams and U.S. forces in Iraq substantially.

¶Set a firm withdrawal date to leave. Declare that with Saddam gone and Iraq a sovereign nation, the Iraqi people can govern themselves. Tell Iran and Syria to stay out.

¶Assist in accelerating an aggressive federalism plan, moving towards three separate states — Sunni, Shia, and Kurd.

¶Try a Dayton-like process.

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20061203 QandA with John Negroponte on C Span

QandA with John Negroponte on C Span

Transcript of December 3, 2006 C-Span Question and Answer with John Negroponte, Director of National Intelligence

Sunday, December 3rd, 2006

Cross posted here.

Earlier this evening I took some time out from the column deadlines to watch this Sunday’s segment of the C-Span series “Question and Answer.”

This week’s segment featured the current director of national intelligence, John Negroponte, in a broad sweeping and illuminating discussion of his job, family, education and background, persistent leaks and other current events and topical issues.

Often I will listen to C-Span on the computer, in the background while I work away at the keyboard. But I enjoyed my break and I found myself glued to the TV and after the program was over, I looked-up the transcript.

More information is available on Director Negroponte and the Office of National Intelligence can be found at: U.S. News & World Report: U.S. intelligence

The transcript is available here. However, I usually don’t place much faith in the permanence of links outside of the Maryland Blogger Alliance and I’ll ask my colleague Stephanie Dray over at Joisting for Justice if she would consider putting the entire 8,280 word transcript on her web site because she has “jumps” available and can briefly introduce the transcript on her front page and then jump it to another page.

C-Span Question and Answer with John Negroponte

December 3, 2006 John Negroponte, Director of National Intelligence

Info: John Negroponte, discusses his job and other topical issues.

http://www.q-and-a.org/Transcript/?ProgramID=1104

Uncorrected transcript provided by Morningside Partners. C-SPAN uses its best efforts to provide accurate transcripts of its programs, but it can not be held liable for mistakes such as omitted words, punctuation, spelling, mistakes that change meaning, etc.

BRIAN LAMB, HOST: John Negroponte, you started in your career in Vietnam with the embassy there and then you ended up in Iraq with the embassy, running that; any comparison between these two wars?

JOHN NEGROPONTE, DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE: That’s a good question. I think about it a lot but I also – I don’t really see many analogies. The Vietnam situation was a Cold War situation. There was a very clear cut enemy and North Vietnam being supported by the Soviet Union in this Cold War conflict. I think the enemy was easier to define. We didn’t have has as many debates about the nature of the enemy as we seem to be having with respect to Iraq and then one interesting thing, is that the security situations were very different. In Vietnam, the cities were secure; the province capitals were secure. I walked around that country as an unarmed civilian for almost four years without ever having any serious brushes, so to speak. Whereas, in Iraq, even the capital is highly insecure; perhaps, one of the most insecure places in the country, so there are a lot of differences, probably more differences then there are similarities.

LAMB: What impact did that Vietnam experience have on the rest of your career?

Read the rest here.

20061203 Happy Birthday Joseph Conrad

Happy Birthday Joseph Conrad
December 3rd, 2006

According to Answers.com, Joseph Conrad was born (Jósef Teodor Konrad Walecz Korzeniowski) today – “(born Dec. 3, 1857, Berdichev, Ukraine, Russian Empire-died Aug. 3, 1924, Canterbury, Kent, Eng.) Polish-British novelist and short-story writer. His father was a Polish patriot who was exiled to northern Russia, and Conrad was an orphan by age 12.”

His long short story, “Heart of Darkness,” was one of my favorites for many years.

Many years later, it was that 1902 novella that inspired “Apocalypse Now,” the 1979 Vietnam movie by Francis Ford Coppola.

Encyclopedia notes that his works include:

“Lord Jim (1900), and the novellas Youth (1902), Heart of Darkness (1902), and Typhoon (1903). The novels Nostromo (1904), The Secret Agent (1907), Under Western Eyes (1911), and Chance (1913) are regarded by many as Conrad's greatest works. Of his later works, Victory (1915) is the best known. He also collaborated on two novels with Ford Madox Ford, The Inheritors (1901) and Romance (1903).”

Marked by a distinctive, opulent prose style, Conrad's novels combine realism and high drama. Their settings include nautical backgrounds as well as high society, and international politics. Conrad was a skilled creator of atmosphere and character; the impact of various situations was augmented by his use of symbolism. He portrayed acutely the conflict between non-western cultures and modern civilization. His characters exhibit the possibilities for isolation and moral deterioration in modern life.

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20061202 Tom Stuckey retires

Tom Stuckey retires

December 2nd, 2006

The Associated Press’s Tom Stuckey, one of the venerable and distinguished members of the Maryland Statehouse press newsroom is retiring.

Please join me in wishing him well in his future endeavors. He will be missed.

I did not know Mr. Stuckey; however, I admired his work from afar.

He started working for the Associated Press in 1962 and began the Maryland government beat in 1963, when Governor Millard J. Tawes was the Maryland governor. In the ensuing years, became a legend.

There are many lessons for young folks, especially writers, which can be learned by reviewing the life and accomplishments of Mr. Stuckey.

Among many lessons, it may be helpful to begin with the fact that he started his education at a community college. (I have been an unabashed and persistent supporter of Carroll Community College for many years…)

The adjectives describing the life and work of Mr. Stuckey are what everyone would want folks to say about themselves. Words like unassuming, “he treats everybody with great respect and courtesy;” “as nice an individual as I have ever met;” "thoughtful, gentle demeanor, strong work ethic, honesty;” “he was fair, balanced, and never hurt anybody - and he always got the story told accurately;” and the one that really makes me envious, “Stuckey wrote, in 45 minutes, 900 words.”

Mr. Stuckey may be the only writer that I know that is more efficient and quicker-with-the-copy than Justin Palk, who writes for the Carroll County Times. There are many examples in which Mr. Palk and I will have attended the same event and when I would get back to my office and have a question – as I slowly began writing about the event. I would call Mr. Palk and inevitably, he will have already filed his story…

$##$%^!!!

Earl Kelly, writing for The Capital on November 19th, 2006, “State House press icon retires,” cited Doug Tallman’s thoughts on Mr. Stuckey’s retirement.

(If you will recall, Mr. Tallman first started with the Carroll County Times a number of years ago, before moving on the Frederick News-Post and eventually to the Montgomery Gazette.)

Doug Tallman, a State House reporter for The (Montgomery) Gazette and former city editor of The Frederick News-Post, has worked alongside Mr. Stuckey for years. He looked stricken one day recently, as he contemplated having to cover state government without being able to "go ask Stuckey."

"He is the gold standard; there isn't a reporter who has worked with Stuckey who doesn't wish he had his skills," Mr. Tallman said.

Readers across the state, even though they don't know Mr. Stuckey's name, are going to miss him, Mr. Tallman said.

"There are a dozen news organizations represented in that room," Mr. Tallman said pointing to the State House press pool, "and another dozen who can't be there. He is their voice."

"He's even-tempered, and this business seems to be filled with a lot of folks who are quick with their tempers, and have big egos."

Matthew Mosk, writing for the Washington Post on Thursday, November 30, 2006, stole my thunder as I pondered writing my next Tentacle column on Mr. Stuckey. He called to the readers’ attention that Mr. Stuckey was present when presidential candidate, Alabama governor George Wallace was shot in Laurel, MD in 1972. Although Mr. Stuckey missed the actual shots being fired…

Mr. Mosk noted:

Former governor Marvin Mandel, who became House speaker just after Stuckey arrived, recalled fondly the days when reporters and lawmakers shared a suite at the Maryland Inn, where they would unwind after a day's work.

"We were able to talk freely with reporters," Mandel recalled, "say what was on our minds without having to worry about how it was going to look in the next morning's paper."

Stuckey agrees that there "was less of an arms-length relationship," though he doesn't think anyone pulled any punches. His coverage of Mandel, whose tenure was marred by marital problems and corruption allegations, was unflinching. At one point he described the governor's time in office as grist for a best-selling novel.

Perhaps the relationship between the press and elected officials would not be as contentious as it is today if more folks had Mr. Stuckey’s approach.

Mr. Stuckey, who has told several folks that he presently has no intentions on writing a book.

I’ll bet (or I certainly hope) that won’t last that long.

We would all look forward to reading Mr. Stuckey’s historical accounts and analysis of what he has seen, heard and reported upon, since 1963.

Especially since what we have read since 1963 has been straight-up, right down the middle reporting of the news – and not his analysis of the news as is so popular with too many reporters these days.

Join me in wishing Mr. Stuckey all the best in his retirement.

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Kevin