Newsletter about the City Council meeting of July 20, 2010

This newsletter is about the Hickory City Council meeting that I attended this past week. City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each Month in the Council Chambers of the Julian Whitener building.

At the bottom right of this page under main information links is a Hickory's Local Government link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the bottom of the page you will see the future dates for meetings scheduled for this year.

At the top of the page, if you click on the “Documents” link, you will find historic Agenda and Minutes links. Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date.

Here is a summary of the agenda of the 7/20/2010 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below

Invocation by Chaplain Robert Ford of Frye Hospital.

Special Presentations:
A. Recognition of Alderman Danny Seaver’s Retirement From Hickory Public Schools With
Thirty-Four Years of Service in Education - The Mayor paid tribute to Alderman Seaver for helping others. He has served on the Council since 1998, he was born in Kingsport, TN, and is married to his wife Elaine Seaver and they have three children. He attended Appalachian State and received his Masters from Lenoir-Rhyne and Mathematics from the University of Georgia. He began teaching Math at Hickory High School in 1997. He has been a teacher for 34 years. He has been an advisor to the Key club for 27 years at West Caldwell and Hickory High.

B. Presentation by Amanda Edwards Regarding the Success of the 2010 Charity Chase
Half Marathon and to Thank the City of Hickory for Its Support - Amanda is the founder of this 13.1 mile event that is organized by a small group of volunteers. The goal is to have an event to raise money to give back to the community. This was the fifth annual event. The event has grown from 218 participants to over 600 participants from 13 states and 3 countries. $13,600 were raised and given to local charitable organizations. Over its existence, over $43,000 have been given to charities. Here is a link to the organizations's Facebook page. She also presented a plaque to thank the city for its help and cooperation in coordinating this event.

The Hound believes that this is a great event in the city and Ms. Edwards has a lot to be proud of. We need more spirit like this from our people. People are to be admired who take it upon themselves to just make things happen.

C. Presentation of Retiring Members of Volunteer Boards and Commissions - Hickory City Council honored 28 citizens for serving on one of its 13 Boards and Commissions.

Consent Agenda:
A. Transfer of Cemetery Lot in Fairview Cemetery From Larry Kimble Wiles to Adam Shawn Conley

B. Transfer of Cemetery Lot in Fairview Cemetery From Larry Kimble Wiles to Terry Lee Reinhardt and Linda Rebels Reinhardt

C. Proclamation Declaring June 20, 2010 as Salvation Army of Greater Hickory “Kent and Melody Davis Day” in the City of Hickory

D. Renewal of Taxicab and Other Passenger Vehicles For Hire Franchises

Company - Taxicabs / Other Passenger Vehicles For Hire

Select Car Service - 0 / 1
Yellow Cab - 10 / 3
Mile High Enterprises dba Hickory Hop - 0 / 4
Diamond Cab of Hickory - 3 / 0
Total - 13 / 8
Annually, these companies apply for a renewal of their taxicab and other passenger vehicle for hire franchise. The fee for FY 2010-11 is $22.50 per vehicle. A total of $472.50 (21 vehicles) has been collected.

E. Approve Vacant Building Revitalization Grant “Operation No Vacancy” to Countywide Insurance Agency, Inc. for Property Located at 536 Highway 70, SW in the Amount of $10,032.00 - Countywide Insurance Agency, Inc. has applied for such a grant in the amount of $15,200.00 to assist in the demolition of a building located at 536 Highway 70, SW and plans to spend approximately $30,400 for demolition. The Redevelopment Committee reviewed the application and voted to recommend approval of a reduced grant in the amount of $10,032 due to the impact on the City’s tax base and the fact that no building plans have been submitted to the develop the site.


F. Approve Vacant Building Revitalization Grant “Operation No Vacancy” to El Tio Food Systems, LLC for Property Located at 1180 Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard, SE in the Amount of $25,000.00 - El Tio Food Systems, LLC has applied for such a grant in the amount of $25,000.00 to assist in the renovation of the exterior of the facility to attract a retail or restaurant tenant by replacing the roof, landscape improvements, and replacement of windows, doors and exterior lighting. The applicant plans to invest approximately $53,000.00 for said renovation with an additional investment of $100,000 to the interior of the building. There is no end user identified at this time. The Redevelopment Committee reviewed the application and voted to recommend approval of $25,000.

G. Adopt Resolution in Opposition of Collective Bargaining by Local Governments - Adoption of this Resolution opposes efforts at the state and federal level that will force local governments to participate in collective bargaining with public safety employees and other work units. The City of Hickory operates under the council-manager form of government while using professional practices for hiring, compensation and workplace policies. Should the current laws change allowing Congress to mandate or the General Assembly to permit local government employers to recognize and collectively bargain with local government employee units, it would be highly disruptive to the efficient and timely provision of government services.


H. Approve Budget Amendment to the Brownfield Assessment Grant Program - The City of Hickory received two (2) $200,000.00 grants in 2007 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to conduct brownfield assessments. The Budget Amendment request is to the existing professional services agreement with Hart & Hickman, PC in order to allow for the completion of additional Phase 1 and Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments and Redevelopment Planning Activities due to strong demand. The amendment to the contractual budget will increase the expenditures of “professional services” in both the Hazardous Substance and Petroleum Substance budgets by $36,300.00 each. The USEPA has approved this budget amendment request.


I. Resolution of Intent for Petition of City of Hickory to Close 16-Foot Alley Adjacent to City-Owned Property Located Behind Bank of Granite Building Between Main Avenue, NW and 1st Avenue, NW (Authorize Public Hearing for August 17, 2010)

J. Budget Ordinance Amendments
1. To appropriate $300 of General Fund Balance and budget in the International Council line item. The International Council received a $300 of Springfest Donation too late in the fiscal year to budget; therefore funds rolled into General Fund Balance. A total of $300 is being appropriated from General Fund Balance and budgeted in the FY10-11 International Council line item.


2. To re-appropriate $15,000 of General Fund Balance and budget an additional $5,500 of General Fund Balance in the Library Department's Capital Improvements’ line item. Friends of the Library committed $15,000 toward the Patrick Beaver Library conference room addition; however funds rolled into General Fund Balance at year end and therefore a re-appropriation is necessary. An additional $5,500 appropriation is necessary to fund the entire cost of the conference room addition.

3. To appropriate $15,000 of Miscellaneous Multi-year Grant funds and budget in the Fire Department part time salaries and FICA taxes line items. The Fire Department received a 2009 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant from the US Department of Homeland Security for a smoke and carbon monoxide detector residential program. Part of the program allocates $15,000 for a part time position to assist in the delivery of these products.

Informational Items:
A. Report of Mayor Wright’s Travel Expenses to 2010 Town Hall Day in Raleigh, NC on June 16, 2010; registration - $20.00

New Business - Departmental Reports:
Staff Update on Branding and Marketing Project - This project is currently underway with the assistance of the City’s Business Development Committee and is in the process of interviewing firms to develop a comprehensive branding and marketing campaign. Some of the key elements that will be focused on will be research of the public regarding attitude, perception, opportunities and challenges of the City’s image; emphasis on delivering the message via visual, printed, media, etc.; development of strategies and tactical plans of the message; working with local portal development team on the message and defining how the core message is expanded to existing Economic Development Corporation and Convention and Visitors Bureau initiatives.

Mandy Pitts and Alan Jackson made the presentation to the Council. Five things were discussed. I) What is branding and marketing?

• A) More than a logo - Part of the Wayfinding Program
  B) Finding out who we are through statistical research
  
  

  a) Active Adults? Professionals? Entrepreneurs? - Research need to
  confirm
  good fits for the community
  b) Who are our competitors and what is our niche

  
  C) Creating Awareness to various audiences
  
  

  a) Economic Developers, Visitors, Residents, Those looking to relocate, and more
  



• D) Developing a multi-year plan of action
  
  

  a) To regularly communicate various messages to various groups through different mediums
  b) Set measurable goals for progress.

II) Results of successful branding and marketing - McKinney, Texas has a similar Metropolitan population to our own (pop. 128,000). One year after their introduction of a marketing campaign they have seen a 22% increase in hotel/motel tax revenue, 17% increase in sales tax revenue, a $1 billion increase in new investment, 5 million square increase in new property, and McKinney is now #5 on Money Magazines best places to live (July 2010). McKinney officials stated that the successes came through repackaging what they had, figuring out who others thought they were, and addressing the right audiences.

III) How this connects with other economic development (branding and marketing) initiatives that are going on?

A) Wayfinding - Logo Developed after interviews with more than 60 stakeholders. Creates signage to guide visitors and residents to destinations.

B) Collaboration of public and private organizations committed to create a webportal to showcase all facets of the community. Anything you need to know will be packaged in one spot.

IV) The business development committee and where they are in this process - A seven member team looking at opportunities for how we can grow businesses in this area. Bringing in new businesses, as well as trying to expand the businesses that are already here. Create more jobs and new opportunities.

A) 10 Recommendations - The number one recommendation during from the Business Development Committee was "Core Strategic Branding." What is Hickory and how are we packaging it to the outside world.

B) Community Efforts that support branding and marketing - The Catawba County Chamber of Commerce Inter-City Visit, the Economic Development Corporation and Convention and Vistors Bureau, and the Google Initiative. Alan stated that we all know Hickory from the inside. Now we need someone from an outsider's view to come look and tell us their ideas about how we should structure and brand the city.

V) How can Hickory City Council help us throughout this project.

A) Three City Council Members serve on the interview panel with the BDC, EDC, CVB, and city staff. Council Unanimously consented to Alder Patton, Alderman Meisner, and Alderman Guess forming the council member particpants for this group.
B) Timeline - Interview four firms week of August 2. Recommend a firm at the September City
Council meeting. Selected firm begins work in October.

2. Quarterly Financial Report - Presented by Assistant City manager Warren Wood. There is still activity going on. The final numbers will come with the audit this fall. Warren stated that it was a turbulent year and action was taken early on to to offset losses that they anticipated throughout the year. Things have leveled out as far as revenues, but we aren't seeing any growth. In the General fund the city recognized a $3.8 million loss. This was generally attributable to sales tax revenue dropping off and sales tax revenue dropping off dramatically. Together these two sources of revenue encompassed $1.5 million of the $3.8 million loss that had to be made up.

Adjustments in expenditures to make up for $3.8 million shortfall

1) Continued Hiring Freeze - first initiated in January 2009. 36 positions are now vacant.
2) Froze Contingency Fund
3) Reorganized some Departments
4) Began the process of bringing some contracted services in-house - particularly landscaping
5) Cut Off purchase orders two weeks early
6) Travel requests approved by manager's office
7) Retirements incentives offered - generated 20 retirees that will help in the upcoming year.

The General Fund Revenues should be 94.73% (5 year average), but is currently 89.34%. That is a significant swing to make up. Expenditures should be 94.36% (5 year average), but with savings the amount expended is currently 91.9%. The net impact means that the City has spent approximately $55,000 more than it has taken in. The Water and Sewer fund has also followed the same pattern as the General Fund.

Catawba County revaluates "Real" property (land and buildings) every 4 years. This will go into effect on January 1, 2011.

Currently 53% of Hickory's "Real" tax base is residential. 47% is commercial and industrial. The numbers are shown in the chart below. The estimate shown, in the below calculations, shows that we will see a 1.85% drop in revenues associated with Real estate in the City of Hickory. That would mean an approximate $350,000 drop in revenues.

The Potential Impact - With residential values increasing slightly and commercial/industrial values decreasing more significantly, any increase in property tax rate would have the impact of shifting more of the property tax burden on residential property tax payers.

With the numbers presented, adopting a revenue neutral tax tax rate would mean increasing the tax rate. Depending upon appeals, adopting a revenue neutral rate would mean an increase of 1 to 2 cents.

The Hound can't say enough about Warren Wood's management of the budget. He has done an excellent job and the paring that has taken place will help the city grow, if the economy recovers. And if the recovery happens, this city is poised to recover faster than others.

I know that they get antsy when someone starts talking about dipping into the Undesignated Fund Balance. I understand the cushion. I think Warren performs a great financial presentation and I understand why he always tries to throw that hope in there that the economy is going to pick up.

But, I don't work for the city, so I can give you my view. We are in a general malaise and there will be bounces along the way down. Tax revcenues will remain stagnant, but they won't fall because inflation will increase prices and thus sales tax, but people will continue to reduce consumption so it will balance out.

I don't see how the county is going to appraise properties at an increase. The people that I know that have looked into selling their property are getting offers below their valuations from four years ago. He is correct about commercial and industrial. Look at all of the empty buildings throughout town, especially Highway 70 west, which has some huge empty buildings that were occupied up until last year.

So, as you read here last year, your property tax rates will have to rise. The key is new modern industry and jobs. If and when this ever happens, then we could turn into a boomtown again, but it will take a willingness to take chances, be innovative, original, and entrepreneurial to make that happen.

3. Update Regarding Parks & Recreation Master Plan - Staff will review a fact sheet containing usage and cost information related to the City’s decision to close the Ridgeview and George Ivey swimming pools, requested by Mayor Wright during the June 15, 2010 City Council meeting. Included are the circumstances related to the pools closing and the cost estimates from two (2) companies to repair both pools. Staff recommends City Council ask its Parks and Recreation Commission to study and recommend the role and type of aquatic recreation the City should provide.

Newsletter about the City Council meeting of July 20, 2010 - Addendum on the Hickory City Pools


***Attorney Crone gave an update on Electronic Gaming Establishments - The State of North Carolina passed a ban on electronic gaming set to take effect in December 2010. There will probably be some litigation involved that may delay the enforcement. Atty Crone and City Atty Arnita Dula have reviewed what is happening in other juridiction. Presently there are 15 other juridiction in North Carolina that have enacted Ordinances concernin Electronic Gaming type establishments.

They are fairly in five areas concerning the definition of Electronic gaming. Other aspects are minimum distances between establishments, location near other types of institutions (church's and schools), hours of operation, and limitation on the number of terminals (machines).

Attorney Crone recommended discussed a couple of other issues, including discussions about the above subjects to get some consistency on the issue Alderman Meisner asked about grandfathering of legislation. Atty Crone also mentioned Moratorium and priviledge licence possibilities. In the discussion it was brought up that the State has chosen to ban these machines, instead of allowing them and taxing them. Mayor Wright stated that he would be disappointed that if in the mean time someone said that it was easier to locate the machines here than somewhere else. He stated that he is getting feedback that they are not good tenants and they are not going to allow it. Alderman Lail stated that the Moratorium seems attractive until the State decides, because this thing could turn a couple more times. Atty Crone mentioned that there would be a time limit. Alder patton asked and Atty Crone stated that he would try to get the information out and be ready for the next meeting.

The Hound believes that this shows that the city should have gone ahead and passed the ordinance that was prepared at the June 15th meeting

***Alderman Guess at the end of the meeting brought up the subject that he stated he has heard at neighborhood meetings. The issue of Landlords and Tenants. We hear about the conditions that tenants live in and the issue that they have with landlords. It appears that many time the police department has to intervene and rectify the situation with thoose tenants. He asked Manager Berry to appoint the appropriate staff necessary to take a look at the issues and concerns that the people and the community have with regards to landlords and tenants, just like we're doing with the pools and come back with some recommendations... Most of the issues deal with the tenants and once they are in there it takes some time to get them evicted. And generally that falls upon the burden of the police department. Hopefully there is something we can do that will help in that type of situation.

Manager Berry stated that City Council looked at that issue a year and a half or two years ago. They will certainly revisit that again. It's not easy. It is a very difficult issue to deal with. You have federal housing laws. Mayor Wright added that it is frustrating for other tenants to have a bad tenant and you can't get them out. Alderman Guess stated that it seems like a revolving door and there must be some kind of way to stop that revolving door. It does put a burden on the police department....

Alder Fox asked if he was talking about tenants or absentee landlords? Alderman Guess said he thinks it is both. Alder Fox stated that they have looked at the landlords and that's a problem ... Manager Berry stated that they would be glad to revisit it again, but there is no silver bullet. To do what other cities have done (That they've looked into) was going to be a costly, burdensome program. Alderman Guess said that he has heard that some communities require a background check on tenants.

Will we stand: The People versus the Corporatocracy

Who do you choose?

Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Bank of America, British Petroleum, Monsanto, the Fast Food Industry Companies, the Soft Drink Beverage Companies...

...Or the American People?

Are we going to stand up for this Republic or allow it to collapse under the weight of the corrupted tyrannical money system that we are living under?

You cannot win the rat race. You are serving the Masters of the Money Game. Look how the economy continues to implode. Look how the cost of living continues to sky rocket. Look at the escalation of the tax structure. It is all closing in on you. We live in a Government devoted to the interests of Corporations... Of, by, and for the corporation.

It will take the power of the people to turn this around and to regain control of our government. The economy will not get better until the corporate genie is put back into its bottle. We have to regain control of the business structure and governmental structure within this country. If we do not, then the country will not get better.

I am awake. I always thought that I would be better off in a country where someone could attain unlimited income. That is all a lie. This country was built upon the greatness of the middle class. We were sold this trickle down bill of goods. Its all been a lie. We cannot build the country upon the richest 1% who are trying to control all of the wealth. We can't even support this country on the richest 10%.

It's simple math folks:

Would you rather sell 9 people a $100,000 house or 1 person a $500,000 house?
9 x $100,000 = $900,000 or 1 x $500,000 = $500,000

Would you rather sell 9 people a Chevrolet Malibu or 1 person a BMW 740i
9 x $20,000 = $180,000 or 1 x $70,000 = $70,000


What builds an economy faster? Yes, there will always be rich and poor people and there should be, but the key to a sound economy is the Middle class and the Middle class is being attacked. The Uber Rich are taking their income offshore. They have overseas bank accounts, they are taking their headquarters overseas, and they are taking their corporate assets overseas. How can we build wealth in America under such a paradigm?

We must take control of this country back. I think the priorities of the people of this era are backwards. Materialism has taken root so deep that people do not realize what is important in life. Security does not come through material possessions. It comes through your inner being and self worth. You determine your security, not money.

I think everyone should think of what it would be like if there were no money. If you had limited access to (or no) money, what would you do? Could you survive? I will tell you that you can, but you better have a plan.

That plan of survival will have to include people. Those bonds with family and community are what we are going to have to get back to. Corporations are not people and the goods they produce and sell are just convenient things. In the end those things will not fulfill you. It is people and relationships that matter. When we are self serving, greedy, and materialistic, then our collective nation will find itself directionless, as it does today; but when the people of this country work together and the bonds that tie us are moral and strong, then our country is mighty and an unstoppable force towards progress. Will we stand together or enslave ourselves to things that aren't tangible and in the end don't really matter?

25,000 Unique Visitors and on and on and on and on...

Three years ago tomorrow this mission got its jumpstart with the Letter to the Editor that was placed in the Hickory Daily Record entitled: An All-American City deserves first-class leadership .

This blog was started 13 months later on August 28, 2008. Since that time we have slowly grown and reached several milestones, such as the one that we just passed. I am thankful to those who follow my research and rants. I am humbled that 86 people are a part of the Hickory Hound Google group, 80 people follow the Facebook page devoted to this site, and 72 people follow this site on Twitter. There are also countless others from this area and throughout the World who have checked out this blog and many of those people come back and check in from time to time. To each of you, I want to say thank you for taking an interest in this area that many of us care about and call home.

I know that the majority of the articles on here have not been cheery, but those are the times that we are living in. I am reminded of an e-mail relating to the article that I created in relation to messages from Eric King of King World News. The follower sent me a correspondence two weeks ago in which she said:

God! I coulda done without that. You're getting worse than Fox news!

I read your blog, but think I do it because I am looking for something bright and sunny to come out. It doesn't happen! Sheesh!

I had several correspondence with this lady, which I truly appreciated. I think we came to an understanding. I don't expect the people who read this blog to agree with me on all of the issues. My goal is to get people to take an interest in what is going on around here, not to program them towards my desires. I will assertively espouse my ideals, but I want to hear from people who don't agree with me and my wish is for them to thoroughly detail where they think I am wrong. That helps us all to become deeper human beings with more complex blueprints for life.

Yes, the economic news that we currently see is grim. I believe that I have built up credibilty on this front and thus rightfully should continue to profess my thoughts on the subject of Economics that I have studied since I was a child. I told you one year ago (20 months of Recession (December 2007 to Present)) what I believed was going to happen. My prognostication was 90%+ correct and that does not make me happy. I only came to discuss this realization from studying the information that has been laid out from looking at historical data.

That is what I do here. I study these issues in depth and from there give you my point of view. Anyone who really knows me, knows that I am not shooting from the hip. I am trying to focus people on the game that is going on around them. If you choose not to participate, then you are guaranteed to lose. And your willing non-participation subverts those of us who do care and do participate. I can't control you or your thought processes and that is not my goal. I believe that we are all cogs in God's wonderous creation. And when innocent people choose to willingly put themselves in a perilous position by willingly submitting to people who selfishly horde capital and resources under their illegitimate control, then we all lose.

There is nothing wrong with Capitalism when capital is allowed to flow freely, but what we see today is not Capitalism. What we see today is Corporatism; of, by, and for large mega-corporations under the control of an Oligarchy headed by the omnipresent International Mega-Bank Cartel. And this system rolls down hill and happens at different Economies of Scale at every level of Government. And every level of this system is expected to pay tribute to the level above it and We the People are expected to pay Tribute to every level of the system. That is the reason why the average person can't get anywhere, because we are in shackles to the system. This is a losing game folks.

Honestly, I don't think we are going to be able to reach the average person. But, you who read this can help. You can willingly participate. You can speak out and not allow the system to terrorize you. Once you allow yourself to be empowered by your inner spirit, then you will have true freedom, but if you don't step forward, you will remain a prisoner to this corrupt system.

The Country is sick. The World is sick. It is not going to get better until people wake up to what is surrounding them. Austerity will not make things better! We have to invest in our future. We have to work with one another and not be selfish in our own short term needs. We need to look at the big picture. We need to go after the bad guys who have created this illegitimate system. We must represent and demand honesty, integrity, honor, and loyalty and we should never shrink in espousing these principles.

More than the Pools - "Citizens for Equity in Government"

An Inside Look from the People most affected by the City of Hickory's decision to no longer operate the Swimming Pools that have been a part of our community for Generations:

Sent to me by E-Mail from Deana Jones:

The city of Hickory only owns two swimming pools, Ridgeview and the George Ivey facility both located in low-income, minority communities. Neither pool has opened for the last few swimming seasons.

In 1994 and 1995, the City and leadership approved a program called the “Ridgeview Strategies”. This program was designed to help improve the Ridgeview Community by building city facilities and improving housing conditions. Among some of the city facilities that was to be improved was the swimming pool in this community. The improvement was to be a new swimming pool for adults and youth in the Ridgeview community at the end of the summer swimming season. There was money approved in the budget dating back to 1994 for the upgrading of the swimming pool.

The community is asking why the money allotted for this work has not been used for the repairs of these swimming pools. These pools serve a great purpose for the youth during the summer to help keep them out of the streets.

In 2007, the pool was opened on a specified day to allow dogs to swim in the pool. This upset many citizens of the Ridgeview community.

Later the swimming pool was inspected by the county and state Environmental Protection Agencies and was determined to be unsuitable for use during the next swimming season.

The last inspections were made in 2007 and 2008 and the City was told about which repairs would be needed to reopen the pool for the 2010 summer swimming season. As of July 10, 2010, the City has not complied with the work needed for the Ridgeview community.

It may be of interest that the community leaders went before City Council for resolution and concerns in this matter to no avail.

The pools are the issue. Let’s look at the real problem.

As most of us are aware of, we live in an area (Unifour) where (because of the election processes) for all practical purposes it is impossible to elect progressive leadership to represent minorities and poor and low-income whites to governmental bodies. The playing field is not level.

By anti-Democratic processes I am speaking of the at-large and modified at-large systems used to elect members to city councils, school boards, and county commissioners throughout the townships in the Unifour area (Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties and hundreds of counties and townships throughout NC). The lone exceptions are the pure ward voting systems in Hickory, NC and Burke County, NC for electing school board members.

District and ward representation came into being to ensure the representation of ignored neighborhoods and to increase the likelihood that minorities and poor people would be represented by politicians of their choosing. It was not for the convenience of politicians.

By systematically allowing these voting processes to flourish, it is the intentional misuse of power that denies full democratic participation on bodies that determine our involvement in shaping public policy in the area. (Unifour)

If we are systematically kept away from the decision-making tables, we are barely left with little or no control of our destiny. We are at the mercy of “Plantation Politics” if we continue to do nothing about our condition. Can anything be done? The answer is a resounding Yes! We must go to our NAACP’s, labor groups, churches, social organizations to ask that they get involved in demanding that our right to participate in responsive and representative government not continue to be denied to us by the dominate cultural forces and corporate groups. Our leaders in these institutions must be at the forefront of our struggle for just democratic representation.

These anti-democratic processes disfranchise and discourage voters especially among workers and our youth.

The citizens of Hickory will return to City Hall AT 6:00pm on July 20, 2010-BE THERE! CAN WE AGREE HERE TODAY AMONG OURSELVES TO BE INVOLVED IN THIS STRUGGLE?

Hickory City Pools -- Told You So

The Reaffirmation of Independence of the United States of America

As was stated by the original author(s) of our Nation’s founding Document declaring Independence. We, as Americans, should reaffirm and ratify our Declaration against tyranny, whether foreign or domestic.

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for unsubstantial and/or temporary reasons; and accordingly all experience has shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are tolerable, than to correct themselves by abolishing the forms (of governance) to which they have become accustomed.

But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object exhibits a plan and willingness to reduce the people under absolute despotism, it is the peoples’ right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security.

Such was the patient suffering of the colonies in the mid to latter 18th century, as such is now the slow drumbeat of oppression enforced upon us by a government gone awry that no longer represents the intent of the founders and the will of the people; which was government of, by, and for the people.

It has now become necessary to reaffirm and restore our rightful system of government. The history of the egregious actions of many of our elected representatives and members of the unelected bureaucracy must be enumerated. The injuries and usurpations of our rights, granted under the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, all relate directly to the establishment of an absolute tyranny over “We the People.” To prove this, let the following facts be submitted to a candid world.

Our Federal Government has been arbitrary and prejudice in its administration and enforcement of laws; not following the intent of the founders, by crossing the jurisdictions of the three branches of government and allowing influence peddling based upon the intrusive force of money and power.

Our Federal Government has overstepped its bounds by not allowing State and Local governments to regulate their own commerce or pass and enforce laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless assented to by the Federal Government itself; and the Federal Government has been passive in recognizing the needs of the Governments closest to the people.

Our Federal Government has refused to pass or enforce other laws for the protection of many of its constituents; stripping the citizenry of rights granted under the United States Constitution through the signage and administration of treaties and other International agreements, without ratification, that have not complied with the by-laws of our foundational documents.

Our Federal Government has utilized the Peoples’ legislative bodies outside of their accord, by not following precedent of procedure in the passage of new laws. This has happened in spite of the intent of the people and displayed a voluntary willingness to basically make the rules up as they go to administrate the special interests of the elite against the common good.

Our Federal Government has dissolved the authority of the States to administer and regulate themselves, by seizure through the intent of force, if any individual State defended their rights. This superjurisdictional seizure has taken place against the guidelines set forth by the 10th amendment to the United States Constitution.

Our Federal Government has allowed issues to fester through the intent of neglect by not allowing State laws and regulations to be administered at the same time they refuse to administer laws and regulations themselves. Such political gamesmanship has left States with International borders vulnerable to the influx and incursion of foreign nationals upon their rightful jurisdictional territory.

Our Federal Government has endeavored to promote illegal immigration into the States by not enforcing immigration laws and regulations and this has inherently discouraged the proper naturalization of foreigners. This has had the effect of diluting the value of the rights of the Natural Born and Naturalized Citizens of these United States.

Our Federal Government has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing to administer, and working against, laws established by Legislative bodies; and the utilization of judicial powers as a weapon against the desires of the people.

Our Federal Government has allowed the Executive Branch to utilize Extrajurisdictional powers through Presidential Executive Orders against the separation of powers intended by the United States Constitution. This has enabled the establishment of Government by Decree and thus goes against the prudence, which prevents changes in governance for unsubstantial and/or temporary reasons.

The Federal Government has erected a multitude of new offices by decree, and sent swarms of officers to harass the people of the United States; and as stated in the original declaration, “eat out their substance.”

The Federal Government nearly ten years ago created “The Department of Homeland Security,” which over time has more and more been allowed to encroach upon and inhibit the rights of the people granted under the Bill of Rights in the United States Constitution. The Founders expressed in the original Declaration their angst that the English Crown kept troops amongst the people, in times of peace, without the consent of the legislative bodies. This is happening in our country today through the use of military and paramilitary troops, which has the effect of devaluing and suppressing the rights of the people.

The Federal Government has affected to render to local police agencies military powers independent of and superior to ordinary civil power. Left to its own devices, this will eventually lead to the effect of full scale Martial Law.

The Federal Government has allowed a Corporatocracy to develop, which has taken precedence over our long established system of laws and subjected us to a jurisdiction foreign to the United States Constitution.

The Federal Government has willfully taken actions that have by design, whether intended of consequence or not, destroyed our nation’s Productive Industrial Capacity. This has enriched the Corporatocracy at the expense of the people.

The Federal Government has allowed Multi-National Corporate Interests to take precedence over American Interests and the goodwill of the People of these United States.

The Federal Government has unfairly imposed many taxes upon the people without their consent.

The Federal Government has mismanaged the finances of this Nation in a multitude of ways, including the abrogation of the control of our National Currency to the interests of the Corporatocracy.

The Federal Government long ago established the Federal Reserve Banking system, which is a private corporate system. The money of the United States rightfully belongs with its people, not private corporate interests.

The Federal Government has willfully allowed the extortion of the American People’s interests through the manipulation of the currency by these private multi-national corporate interests.

The Federal Government’s Agencies were initiated to protect the interest of the American Public, but instead these agencies have been utilized as a means to protect the interests of the Corporatocracy.

For rendering State and Local Governments dysfunctional by overstepping the bounds of their jurisdiction and not recognizing or respecting the importance of local governance; which has fundamentally altered all levels of our governments.

For subverting State legislatures by not allowing them to govern in the interests of the individual State as recognized by the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution; basically declaring the Federal Government invested with power to regulate legislation at all levels of the government through exploitation and illegitimate utilization of the “Commerce Clause.”

The Federal Government has abrogated responsibilities enumerated in the United States Constitution, by abandoning the protection of rightful citizens and falsely labeling many as subversives for defending their natural rights.

The Federal Government has endorsed the plunder of our natural resources, the polluting of our coasts and interior, the degradation of our local municipalities, and general destruction of the lives of many of our people through its willing support and association with the monopolistic International Corporatocracy.

Large portions of our standing military are being utilized in the role of mercenaries at the behest and for the interests of the International Corporatocracy. Many of our nation’s citizens are fearful that at a point in time in the near future that our own Military Forces accompanied by International Military Forces will be utilized to subvert the will of the people of this great nation.

The Federal Government over time has instilled a spirit of reduced expectations among the general populace, while continually expanding and protecting the superficial interests of the wealthy elite. The original paradigm upon which this nation was built was a demand for excellence and an altruistic belief in justice and equal opportunity for all.

Federal officials have voluntarily accepted an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, while some have continually and willfully subverted aspects that do not support their personal preferences. At the very least this is contempt and the argument can be made that this is treason. If the case can be properly established as to willful subversion of the Constitution, then at the very least, the remedy shall be removal from office.

The actions and consequences of this Federal Government may at a time in the future create the circumstances, whether intentional or unintentional, of domestic insurrections amongst us. Such Vigilante Justice and the reaction against it will inevitably lead to collateral damage involving the lives and property of innocent bystanders.

As we move further down this road of radicalized, divisive government, many of us grow weary to witness the chasm that has developed between Governance and the People. Under all definitions of our Republic’s founding documents, we are supposed to be a government of, by, and for the people. We humbly appeal to you to heal this divide with the people. Have we not learned from history, the consequences of Government by Decree?

The multitude of the people do not desire anarchy. We need governance, but the people deserve to be heard and their will shall not be subverted. The Federal Government’s role is understood, but it shall not be an autonomous agency of our governance. Under the Constitution that role is to establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the Common Defense, promote the General Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to the people of this nation.

It is understood that this nation, in past historical circumstances, has had issues where the Federal Government has had to step in to protect minority interests in the concern of justice. This is the reason why we are a Republic and not a Democracy. Justice shall prevail in cases where natural law is suppressed in the favor of oppression and against good moral standing. This should not however allow the Federal Government to grant itself new powers not enumerated in the original Constitutional document, unless an amendment is properly ratified under Constitutional guidelines and procedures.

Therefore, it is the hope of the people of this nation that our elected representatives and those others who serve the United States of America, will understand the seriousness of these issues solemnly set forth and published in this document. The United States are still and by right ought to be free and independent states as set forth in the original Declaration.

Lest we ever forget those who toiled, labored, or paid the ultimate sacrifice for these freedoms that this generation takes for granted and seems so willing to cast away.

Show Reverance for our Country - Happy Birthday America!!!

Galatians 6: 1-16
My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbour’s work, will become a cause for pride. For all must carry their own loads.

Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher. Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.

See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule -- peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Eva Cassidy

This fits my Mood this Evening




And Thank You to the Director and Producer of the documentary "The Secret of Oz," Bill Still and thanks to Alex Jones for the great interview he had today with Mr. Still. I would suggest this to people who know there is something wrong with our country's financial system, but can't put their finger on it.
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Description I found on the Internet:

Thirteen years ago, in a documentary called "The MoneyMasters", we asked the question why is America going broke. It wasn't clear then that we were, but it is today. Now the question is how can we get out of this mess. Foreclosures are everywhere, unemployment is skyrocketing - and this is only the beginning. America's economy is on a long, slippery slope from here on. The bubble ride of debt has come to an end.

What can government do? The sad answer is - under the current monetary system - nothing. It's not going to get better until the root of the problem is understood and addressed. There isn't enough stimulus money in the entire world to get us out of this hole.

Why? Debt. The national debt is just like our consumer debt - it's the interest that's killing us.

Though most people don't realize it the government can't just issue it's own money anymore. It used to be that way. The King could just issue stuff called money. Abraham Lincoln did it to win the Civil War.

No, today, in our crazy money system, the government has to borrow our money into existence and then pay interest on it. That's why they call it the National Debt. All our money is created out of debt. Politicians who focus on reducing the National Debt as an answer probably don't know what the National Debt really is. To reduce the National Debt would be to reduce our money - and there's already too little of that.

No, you have to go deeper. You have to get at the root of this problem or we're never going to fix this. The solution isn't new or radical. America used to do it. Politicians used to fight with big bankers over it. It's all in our history - now sadly - in the distant past.

But why can't we just do it again? Why can't we just issue our own money, debt free? That, my friends, is the answer. Talk about reform! That's the only reform that will make a huge difference to everyone's life - even worldwide.

The solution is the secret that's been hidden from us for just over 100 years - ever since the time when author L. Frank Baum wrote "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz."

Peace