For God's sake people, my ownership of this blog has never been a secret. Those of you who ACTUALLY know me, know that I do not readily have the time to "sit" on this blog. I have a business, a new daughter, home renovations, community involvement, etc ...
If this blog is so unpopular than why have a vast array of similar blogs e-blossomed? They have actually capitalized on the name through their highly intelligent creativity (same name different blog company, or by the spelling of Antics with an "x"). Why? No original thought process ... "Beam me up Scotty" ... I did not know that Alexandria had so many parrots.
Jacques, good luck my friend, it's a hard battle to fight but fight the good fight ... there are individuals within this community who think for themselves, do what they can for the community and now matter how much unfiltered horse manure is spread, are still able to grow healthy and useful "seedlings" not weeds.
Respectfully,
Quint Carriere
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«Oldest ‹Older 601 – 800 of 1702 Newer› Newest»The Walmart debate becomes much more rational when regular people who have regular values and work to produce their own sustenance enter into the discussion. Please continue to share your opinions with us.
I remember when Piggley Wiggley and A&P was condemned for putting mom&pop grocery stores out of business. I think a lot of moms&pops just retired or passed on. Italians in Alex. continued along with Owls Fine Foods on Chester and they now we have a few Iranians or other arabs taking the place of the neighborhood grocer. In some cases crime has sent the small stores packing and the necessary long hours. Only those willing to work 14 hours a day 7 days a week survive. And carry a .38 cal. In any event, each decade has produced changes by business using the free market system to grow their business into an efficient org. bring these low prices, convenient locations with a large inventory in one place. America is great.
We have gone from having intelligent discourse on City issues to a discussion regarding the pros and cons of Sams ribeyes! What the hell?
Hey, get used to it. That's the beauty of a blog.
Actually the ribeye comments tie directly into the Wal-Mart debate. The philosphy behind the giant retailer, who now tops the Fortune 500 list, is to provide quality products at the lowest price possible to consumers. As a result every segment of the retail industry has been sent a wake-up call - tire retailers, clothing retailers, grocery stores, general mechandise, hardware stores, etc.
This store uses is buying power, as well as its revenue generating machine - thus tax generating machine - to not only get the best price from its suppliers, but to get what it needs from local and state governments in regards to incentives necessary to support its growth and improve its profit margins.
Do you actually believe the retailer could continue to reinvent itself and build stores within a few miles of each other if it were not the more powerful retailer on the planet? Neighborhood marts will now go in within 4-5 miles of supercenters to provide closer shopping for neighborhoods who only want to run down to the corner store for a few items - milk, bread, that sort of thing. Because these stores are beneath the threshhold of limits placed on big box retailers, they can get away with imposing themselves on neighborhoods who fought to keep Wal-Mart out in the first place. Additionally, they will request, and cities will agree because of the revenue generated, improvements to basic utility infrastructure and roadways. Thus, the cycle will continue.
And the employees will still be working part-time, not qualify for healthcare, make below a "livable wage" and have to work a second job to survive.
Now does it make sense?
Bottom line is that most people shop wherever they can get the lowest price and best quality, with very little consideration of how that store's employees are treated, little concern of costs to government infrastructure or even if the items are made abroad in a child labor sweat shop. The major issue is "who has the lowest prices".
I'll agree with that. I remember I used to shop at two different grocery stores in California - they were located directly across the street from each other. One had better prices on meat and produce, the other had better prices on the staples and canned goods. Both honored coupons up to $1 doubled. In doing this I could save almost $75 bucks a week. That's about what I spend now in Louisiana.
Most people who have to have a second job or have their spouse work because the govt steal over half of what they make. Why does this not bother the Wmart bashers. Walmart produces, govt steals but these folk still love govt and hate Wmart. That is a phenomenon worth discussing. Anyone who thinks 17K is not a living wage is just expecting something for nothing. I repeat how much should the Wmart greeter get or the stock boy. I'll bet most have a car, home, several color tv's phone, elec, wash and dryer, computers, electronics, leisure, entertainment budgets and many other amenities. You are comparing these people with people who are wealthy or have a college education, not with someone who is unemployed or someone in another country. There are millions who would love to have those jobs, as withness the 12,000,000 illegan immigrants. Wmart bashers will never be satisfied.
There are millions who would love to have those jobs, as withness the 12,000,000 illegan immigrants.
By the very nature of their designation as "illegal" most illegal aliens do not pay property, income nor social security taxes, for the most part.
Before the next dime is spent in outter space, in Iraq, in Africa, on illegal workers' benefits, on the arts, entertainment, or on downtown revitilization projects, each and every taxpaying American citizen should be guaranteed a decent wage and free medical care. It is absolutely absurd and idiotic for billions of tax dollars ensure citizens in and of foriegn countries receive benefits from our government not provided to Americans. Notice I said taxpayers, meaning working class Americans, regardless of color.
Well I agree with that statement.
There is no such thing as free medical care and what is a guaranteed decent wage. Thomas Sowell in today's TT addresses the issue of salaries in a most succinct manner, He basically say who am I to tell the worker what salary he should accept or what salary the employer should pay. It is none of my business and is between the employer and employee. I have discussed their jobs with many Wmart workers and most are happy and appreciative of the jobs and would be very disappointed if they lost them or if W-mart closed. Out of all the needs that people have, medical care is not a necessary responsibility of employers. There are better methods but that's another subject.
Well maybe not free, but provided with the taxes we pay before using it on other less important things. If you would re-read the earlier post, the writer was talking about government, not employers, providing medical care. If hospitals and clinics can be built in Iraq, they can be here first.
Don't all religions mandate that the fit take care of the needy? Does morality ever enter into your consideration or is that just BS you rattle off to justify your life. No nothing is free. That's why they call it sacrifice, charity, sharing. You are creating a monster in little Lucky Fucker. Then we have to cope this his emotional pathology.
Just let people keep their money and negotiate premiums or get in HSA(health savings accounts), or self insure without govt interference and they will do fine. When govt takes $100.00 they spend $90.00 on themselves and $10.00 for the taxpayer. Let the taxpayer spend that whole $100.00 on himself or his health insurance. There is nothing the govt can do that the private sector can't do better, period.
To go off topic (or maybe not so much, since we're talking health care), where's the local news coverage of the recent MRSA infections in our area. If my sources are correct, there have been at least 4 deaths already. Where's the news coverage?
MRSA?
Saw Joe Despino in the "company" car. Makes me feel good about my tax dollars. Where is the new broom everybody was talking about?
MRSA = Methicilllin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsa/DS00735
If these deaths occurred in one of the local hospitals, maybe that's why there has been no discussion. Makes you wonder...
Dear 6:59:18, Goodness. What church do you go to and what is your definition of moralty? I think my comments were rational and not at all of the BS variety. And I certainly don't need to justify my life to anyone. And I did not say you could not sacrifice of your own free will, that is your choice, but I will not allow you to force me to sacrifice, which under those circumstances it would not be a sacrifice. A sacrifice is giving up something of greater value for something of lesser value. I don't see the application here. Therefore the decision of sacrifice is mine, not yours. Unless you,of course, want to sacrifice my life to your desires, but my life is not yours to sacrifice. Although that is your real desire, to control the lives of those who produce and have their money feed your desires. If you want to share everything you have and give it all to charity, I have no problem with that. I am not forcing you to do otherwise. And for the young child you so charitably call "Little Fucker" I think he will do fine if he can avoid the real emotional pathological haters of rationality. I would say in reality, my comments were more charitable, and far less pathological than your irrational, emotional, insane rantings which just exhibit your hate, venom and vitriolic intolerance of others' views or right to state them.
There are a few moral absolutes and a desire to help the needy is one of them. I don't want to force anybody to give, I just want them to want to. Those that give as grudgingly and resentfully as you are not motivated by morality. Right and wrong don't seem to fit into your formula. And I don't like Sowell. I think he just panders to assholes like you.
There are a few moral absolutes and a desire to help the needy is one of them. I don't want to force anybody to give, I just want them to want to. Those that give as grudgingly and resentfully as you are not motivated by morality. Right and wrong don't seem to fit into your formula. And I don't like Sowell. I think he just panders to assholes like you.
I know that one of the deaths was a 14 year old and another was a 6 year old. I don't think either was a hospital patient when they presented symptoms. Although they may have been patients earlier, at the time they were initially exposed.
If my sources are correct, there have been at least 4 deaths already.
I attended the funeral of a 10 year old Avoyelles Parish boy who died of this just a few weeks ago.
Just let people keep their money and negotiate premiums or get in HSA(health savings accounts), or self insure without govt interference and they will do fine.
That is bullshit. Many heart patients cannot obtain ANY insurance. Also, most insurance will not cover pre-existing conditions, and if so, usually not for a year. And "let them eat cake", many with a family to raise and health costs, do not have funds for a HSA. Go back to Enron.
Right and wrong fit into his formula just fine. He just does not grant you the right to force him to do what you think is right. And Thomas Sowell gives well thought out rational comments on every column I have read and also several of his books. And how do you pander to "assholes" like the poster to which you allude.
Name callers are very charitable and moral. This guy sounds like a real saint. He wants you to want to do what he thinks is moral. What a moral absolute that is.
I don't know why you guys keep throwing pearls before these swine.
I appreciate your concern but trying to convey basic morality to this asshole is not a waste of time. And I don't consider him swine.
I just want to know how do you justify walking up to somebody and taking his money for your medical care or for anything else for that matter. Our govt was never set up as a giant charity financed by stolen money, but as a protector of individual rights using the police, army and judicial system to do so. If heart patients who did not have the foresight to plan ahead with insurance or savings are in need, then this is the time for charitable organizatons to step up to the plate and do what they are supposed to do. People who desire freedom from govt tyranny would probably contribute more than those who scream for the use of force to finance their perceived needs. But as we see here, there are many who hate to allow people to freely give charitably, when they can force them to.
I was equating "swine" with the "asshole" name caller.
JUst curious, do ya'll think Thomas Sowell presents a good column in the Town Talk and do you agree with his views?
To 8:39:20 PM, what don't you like about Sowell. He seems like a well educated economics professor with a Phd in economics.
Don't like him. He sounds like the other reactionary evangelical zealots that he shares the pages with like Dobson and Graham and that other columnist and, oh yeah, Barden.
I think he is an economist, not a preacher.
he's an idiot.
I'm not even sure he is a Christian.
I just want to know how do you justify walking up to somebody and taking his money for your medical care or for anything else for that matter.
I justify it asshole by the government taking my money for piss ant golf courses and performing arts centers. I also justify it by Legislators and Congressmen taking my money to pay for their health insurance. I think that having people healthy so that they can work and pay taxes is more important. And if it is good enough for the asshole politicians that work for me, it dam sure is good enough for me.
Go pissant golf courses!!!!!
4TH QUARTER 7:27
"Saw Joe Despino in the "company" car. Makes me feel good about my tax dollars. Where is the new broom everybody was talking about?"
Where was he going? What was he doing? Was is during working hours? Please judge Mr. Despino on his actions and not mere possession of a vehicle.
I'm afraid this blog has been invaded by socialists. Thomas Sowell is brilliant as far as I'm concerned.
So, 10:16 P.M., if some mugger robs me I can turn around and rob you and that is your justification. Have you ever thought of trying to eleminate the robbers so they will not use their booty for pissant golf courses? But thinking does not seem to be your forte. This is how socialism gets good people to justify stealing from their peers. Or maybe they are not good people, just thieves, in which case, socialism makes it easier for them to justify their theft. In any event, this is where socialism leads.
11:13:07 I think the invasion is not limited to this blog. Good to see at least one thinker participating.
on this blog..anyone who is not a right wing conservative who believes in eliminating all taxes is a socialist.
The founding fathers of this country introduced forms of taxes, to provide for the national defense, roads and etc... So, under your definition, were they socialists? If not, who is the wise one to decide what our taxes can and cannot be spent upon? And while we are waiting for you and those like you to stop all taxes, so that we can pay for our own health care, shall we just die? And so far, it doesn't look like you and those who think like you have had much success i=on ending taxes.
I am a Republican and a conservative, however, if our government is going to tax us and spend our money, I believe that health care should be a top priority. I do not think that many will agree with you that this belief makes me a socialist.
"Don't all religions mandate that the fit take care of the needy? Does morality ever enter into your consideration or is that just BS you rattle off to justify your life. No nothing is free. That's why they call it sacrifice, charity, sharing. You are creating a monster in little Lucky Fucker. Then we have to cope this his emotional pathology."
What does paying taxes to support non-working leeches have to do with religion and morality? We are talking about taxes, not about giving to charity. Taxes are forced upon us by government, which, by definition, should be SEPARATE from any church. I'm sure I've read that somewhere....hmmmm.
I fail to see how my nephew, the "Lucky Fucker," will suffer from any emotional pathology as a result of being taught the value of hard work and the concept of delayed gratification. Oh yeah, because by the time he grows up, he'll be in the VAST minority. The breeding leeches will have taken over the world.
If you want to give your whole damn paycheck to someone with 5 kids by 5 different fathers, then go for it. Just don't tell me what I should do or how I should be charitable.
blah blah blah stfu you bigoted dumbass. you're irrelevant and marginalized and no one gives a shit about how jealous you are that your minuscule payments to the government are actually fractionally helping people in need.. you selfish asshole.
To 11:54:34 PM. You have the gall, you cerebral pigmy, to call the aunt of a five year old, "Little Fucker" as you have named him, a selfish asshole and a bigoted dumbass. She's irrelevant and marginalized? If so why do you even address her comments, you genetic aberration of the human race. She is jealous that her miniscule payts to the govt are helping people in need fractionally? I'll bet she pays more in taxes per year than you make and still gives more to charity in a year than you ever have, hypocritical slug who is I am sure is living off the public teat. I repeat, why do you charitable knuckle dragging cro-magnons exhibit the most hatred to your fellow man, especially the productive. Why do you little fuckers exhibit a hyperventilating penus envy whenever you see one individual who stands alone? You can't do or produce anything, so you just want to take from those who can under the guise of "charity and morality" Well those of us with an IQ above 3 digits and have a sense of morality defined by reality and an intellectual honesty of which we are proud. will continue to point out your evil eruptions for what they are. The bile from Hell. And please don't take this personal , you glob of excrement, because I don't like name calling or ad hominem attacks, but you just bring out the best in me. And "Ouch" may be a little lady, however, she pounded your ass into the dirt intellectually and showed you to be the playground bully and coward that you are.
What is wrong with keeping the product of your work and distributing it the way you see fit? How is that immoral. It would seem to me that the hateful namecaller who demands the producers' money be distributed by him is the immoral one.
"those of us with an IQ above 3"
Those intelligent people, if you are really one, should know that penis is not spelled "penus", as in your post.
Can one have an IQ above 3 digits? The noble defender of the Fucker family obviously loves to talk and could not stop typing until he exposed his/her intellectual deficit.
And of course, he makes great sense. Auntie Fucker is wealthy and above scrutiny and criticism by us folks cursed by well-deserved poverty and deprivation. I think I shall try to lift myself out of abject poverty and do the public a service at the same time by marketing a WWFFD bracelet: "What Would the Fucker Family Do". And my other pauper colleagues can get on the band wagon with a response bracelet in a couple weeks that says: "Not Much".
11;24:15, If you support the government theft and redistribution of private wealth, then you are a socialist, period, by definition. I am neither a conservative, right winger or Republican, simply an American who wants to decide myself how my income is spent. I am a laissez-faire capitalism advocate. You can't have it both ways. You either support redistribution of wealth or you don't. You either are a socialist(variation of collectivist philosophy) or a capitalist. I think it is folly to say since these guys are stealing money from the producers anyway, I want my share. That is just what the govt advocates want. Dispense with your sense of morality and honesty and just grab some of your money back. The issue then is not whether it is wrong to steal the wealth of the individual, but how much of it can we steal and what to do with our ill gained loot. I may not be successful in protecting myself and family from the looters but they will not get my moral sanction. I hope you will rethink and refuse to give them yours.
How interesting the misspelling of penis is the only thing of interest of some.
Dear Who:
Please read the posts instead of getting caught up in the Fucker's guilt-ridden rant.
Nobody ever said that anyone should give to poor any more than they wanted to. The point is that morality should compel us to want to. That's the whole point. You can pass by that volunteer bell ringer outside Target and you can even curse them if it makes you feel better. Folks here are just suggesting that if you drop a couple bucks in the kettle and say "Happy Holiday" you too will receive a benefit. But you are absolutely right not to give if you don't want to. Now all the talk about taxes - my taxes aren't voluntary. Taxes are the cost of the ticket to be American. I'm sure that you don't want the sort of free ride you are suspecting others of.
He obviously don't know "dick"
^^^
Dear Giving is Voluntary,
Again, we are not talking about voluntary charity. The issue is forced taxes that go to support people who are not productive members of society.
I will keep this post short, since I am certain that you must make haste and run off to hug a tree or work in a soup kitchen. Apparently, I'll just be sitting at home counting my piles of money.
Sorry, Giving....the above post was directed at the Anonymous blogger on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 11:54:34 PM.
When is charity not voluntary? When is responding to your tax obligation "giving" or "stealing" or ony of the other misguided verbs that you use. We elect people according to law and they pass taxes and other funding vehicles according to law, and we pay them not because we want to but because we obey the law.
The issue of the child without toys has little to do with government funding or taxation. That is about giving and caring. It amazes me that you can not even grasp the concept of willing giving to others in need - particularly since your defender declares that you have a four digit IQ. Maybe he's not telling us where the decimel point is. Anyway, I've had enough of you Fuckers. The reason you don't give is because you don't even understand the concept. Too bad for you and Lucky. What do you Fuckers have against trees now? Let us move on.
an American who wants to decide myself how my income is spent.
Did you build and repair your own roads? How about your own sewer system? Do you maintain your own military, to guard off foriegn attack? Do you operate your own 9-11 system in case of emergencies, or have your own fire truck? Truth is, that the US has had taxes of some sort since its founding, and your elected representatives determine how they are spent. I am simply suggesting that medical care be given a higher priority that many other things. No, your not a socialist, you are an anarchist.
And what's wrong with anarchy?
Plastipak got rid of some employees who didn't want to work last week. Some lazy asses that have been logging here should apply for one of the vacancies. Or maybe one of those "unfortunates" I have been supporting through taxes. Here's a chance to improve your station in life.
What I want to know is, since taxes have been around since recorded history in every civilization and society at the very least to support infrastructure and security, why would they dissappear now? I will be satisfied with honest and efficient use of tax revenues and the minimization of the amount extorted.
I must observe that it must have been a good Christmas as the children appear to have received computers and online services as they have found their way here. I don't pretend to have any effect on anyone else's behaviour, but a bit more civility and discretion in the choice of language used by some would go a long way to elevating and livening the discussion here. I accept all stfu's in advance while standing by my statements and considering the source.
Spanky, I am surprised that you cast your lot with the Fucker family. Oh well.
And what's wrong with anarchy?
Well here is what is wrong with it. Let us start with Meriam-Webster's online definition:
"1 a : absence of government b : a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental authority c : a utopian society of individuals who enjoy complete freedom without government
2 a : absence or denial of any authority or established order b : absence of order "
So under anarchy, me and some pals of mine can come to your house and knock you in the head and take what we desire. Or, if a foriegn country decides to attack us, there will not be a military to defend you. I am sure that most on this blog will see that there is plenty wrong with arnarchy. That is why no large society on Earth has adopted it, and will not.
What happened to Lamar? He get his thin skinned ass run off?
Lamar intervenes and pontificates when he deems necessary. That suggests that we must be getting it right at least some of the time.
Either that or he's finally realized this blog is an unimportant meeting place for dishonest bigots and blowhards.
Bigots perhaps, but the blowhards are at buelow. I'm reasonably sure your right though. He does not value the opinions of others.
Seems like there are some blowhards on this blog who are a little obsessed with Lamar.
but a bit more civility and discretion in the choice of language used by some would go a long way to elevating and livening the discussion here.
HaHA Spanky what are you smoking ? Everyone knows that this Blog is entertainment wherein vulgarity, personal attacks, insulting family members, lies and ignorance abound, all in the name of free speech. Outside of the new Jackass movie, where could you find such quality entertainment? This is so much fun that it is probably eating into the masturbation and online porn time of many that post here. If you seek civility and intellectual discussion, look elsewhere.
How many Burger Kings, McDonalds, Popeyes, and Walgreens can we have?
Yeah, why don't you just give out business licenses to just the ones you want to do business within so many miles of your home. Dictatorships do that all the time, why not in ATOWN?
To you three is ABSURD: to me I think six would be PERFECT.
HAHA!! This blog is absurd!
Antics as defined by websters is a playful trick, as is this website, also referenced is bafoon, as you all are.
Now that you know what and how this site is, why do you continue to visit and to post?
This Blog is an example of how absolute freedom of speech can never work, as many are not emotionally or intellectually qualified for it. However, this Blog is somewhat entertaining, in a comical sort of way.
It seems to be working just fine. It exposes people who don't believe in freedom of speach, which is necessary for people to be free and maintain their individual rights, and it also allows for freedom of speech. I love listening to what I think is insane comments along with the brilliant ones, which of course agree with my sentiments. And what, my tolerant, all knowing friend, are the emotional and intellectual qualifications for free speech? I agree it is entertaining, and you provide the comedy,
Sorry, "speech" can't spell this am.
See, if we didn't have free speech anon 6:21:26 could have corrected your misspellings.
And what, my tolerant, all knowing friend, are the emotional and intellectual qualifications for free speech?
Well I will attempt to explain it you you my freind. First the founding fathers of this nation, who drafted the Constitution and laws shortly thereafter, realized there was no absolute freedom of speech. For example, slander, shouting fire in a crowded theater, telling national secrets, getting on the internet and planning a back robbery or child porn chatting on the internet, have never been held within the definition of free speech. Therefore, idiots who do not know the difference is why we have laws limiting free speech. Telling lies and untruths does nothing to keep this country free. Attacking someone's dead relatives or members of their family, just because they posted their views on here, does nothing to keep this country free. So those who do not understand that such is not protected free speech, are exactly the ones our founding father's feared would abuse freedoms. This Blog is full of them.
I hope this helps you understand now.
Thank God we all have a constitutionally protected right to make typos.
One would think that a simple statement of factual information about one's dead relative would be covered by free speech. Now if someone stated an untruth about Lamar's father then Lamar could seek redress.
Stating the truth about alive folks - the Ft Buhlow bunch - or dead folks - Lamar's father - may not be considered in good taste by some are may be considered attackingting but when you live in a glass house, etc, etc, etc.
Now lamar's friends cannot civilly respond to someone's difference of opinion with Lamar. Lamar's little asshole friends have to attack so let the attack begin.
So far I have seen nothing posted about Lamar's family that is not fact.
First, the founding fathers did believe in absolute free speech and it was the judicial system in rewriting the constitution to fit their erroneous misconceptions that began the attack on our right to speak freely. My question, however was what are the emotional and intellectual qualifications? I was unable to find them in the constitution or the amendments. As bothersome as it may be for someone to lie, it will be his credibility that will be destroyed as a result. Also, I have never heard of anyone actually yelling fire in a crowded theater, but that can be handle easily as we are dealing with private property and a prohibition can be made against that just as no cell phones or shootings are allowed on this private property. Telling national secrets are a violation of contracts between people being privy to them and their employees. People can voluntarily give up their right to free speech in contracts to protect the employers interest as in formulas for inventions, drugs etc. I don't think it is against the law to plan a crime as O.J. was ready to tell all about his plan to committ murder. But it is not the speech that should be punished, just the crime. Pornography is not my forte, so I am not an expert, but it is covered by free speech (talking amd looking) as it should. The constitution does not prohibit this. And it is the idiots like me who do understand free speech that scare folks like you. Telling lies does nothing to keep this country free, but to keep guys like you from keeping guys like me from speaking what you think is a lie, will keep this country free.
Let's keep Lamar out of this please.
One would think that a simple statement of factual information about one's dead relative would be covered by free speech.
You are absolutely correct. Truth is a defense to slander. However, resorting to attacks on dead relatives, even if thruthful, shows one's lack of sufficient intelligence to debate views and also shows the lack of good manners.
Telling national secrets are a violation of contracts between people being privy to them and their employees.
Please give us your authority for that. Does that mean if I overhear battle plans between generals at a hotel, I can tell them to this country's enemies since I have no contract with our government?
Why in the HELL are ya'll even discussing someone elses dead relatives. It is of no importance to the issues discussed here. Unless, of course you have a morbid fascination.
Even if some here have morbid fascinations, I hardly think this is the appropriate venue to get off on that. Please, please, please can we get back to issues that are of actual consequence to Alexandria and stop harping on whether or not Lamar (or anyone else for that matter) has the appropriate qualifications to voice his/her opinions. Moving on...
thank you.
How about that article in todays Clown Talk about making all those one way streets two way.
I seems like a good idea to me. I work downtown & cannot tell you how many times I've seen careless accidents or people going the opposite direction down one-way streets. I think the traffic flow in general would be better & much more convenient. However, if on-street parking will be lost, an alternative certainly needs to be made available. Parking anywhere downtown is already hard enough. There seems to be plenty of abandoned spaces around that could be converted into parking garages.
if on-street parking will be lost, an alternative certainly needs to be made available. Parking anywhere downtown is already hard
Amen. Apparently the downtown revitialization people invision only good weather and all physically fit people going downtown. I personally know hundreds of people that cannot phisically walk several blocks, and I myself have no desire to do so in the rain. Either plenty of close parking must be provided, or parking garages with regularly running and frequent trams or some other convenint mass transportation.
Please, please, please can we get back to issues that are of actual consequence to Alexandria and stop harping on whether or not Lamar (or anyone else for that matter) has the appropriate qualifications to voice his/her opinions.
Well your Holliness, why don't you post a list of subjects that you will allow or not on this Blog. Since this Blog is hardly moderated, it is a free for all. And once you make up your list of accepted subjects allowed to be discussed, make sure this Blog owner enforces it. Another alternative, is for you to create your own blog and moderate it as you see fit. Unless you are the owner of this Blog, I don't recognize your authority.
Trams, mass transport::??? Where the hell do you think you are? This ain't no metropolis you moron.
I remember when the 2 way streets were made 1 way to get Alex up to snuff. I'm not sure which is best, but could someone clue me in to the logic of either. I agree we don't need a study and I'm sure thousands have been spent on them and after deciphering them what conclusions and more importantly why have been made. Give us some facts so we may debate the possibilities.
I know they gave the amt of $ it would take to change from 1 way to 2, but how much will it cost to provide parking. How many millions that is, and whose property will we buy to park the cars on? Just checking so everything is above board in the new administration. I don't want Mayor Roy to get off on the wrong foot, so give us more info. Back up the reason for changing the flow of traffic. I want to feel comfortable that the change will be beneficial to our downtown goals. And hey, let us then go with the best for us all.
Trams, mass transport::??? Where the hell do you think you are? This ain't no metropolis you moron.
No need to be a metropolis moron. Just need a couple of those covered linked together golf cart type things, like at six flags, to run between a large parking garage and each block downtown. Understand now moron?
Back up the reason for changing the flow of traffic.
Sounds like they are doing it because they read other cities are doing it. Lets copy everthing everyone else has, regardless of if it will work here or not. Brilliant. Watch out the waterslide is next. Who is or was the dumbasses, the one wayers or the two wayers?
Give us some facts so we may debate the possibilities.
Ruh Roh, I don't think they want input from us commoners. The new City Hall dream team, similar to the blue bloods of the last administration, knows what is best for us. Now u chillin hush and let those who stand to make money off of downtown and the experts decide for us.
Let's not get personal and just really look at both sides. There is no reason we on this blog right here, can't look at both sides and come up with what looks like the best soln. Everyone can have input, but those who are advocating either side, speak up and give us the facts that support your side. Let reason prevail
I am pleased that somebody is doing something. I'm tired of cheap show biz stunts like the Bentley Hotel lie. I can't imagine that street direction is the problem with downtown but what the hell. Give it a shot. They replace and remove the parking meters every few years. Doesn't seem to ever help. I think this is change for change sake.
if we change to two way streets, parking will not be a problem. we can buy harry's building and turn it into a parking lot.
Somehow, certain elements of our eclectic culture have cultivated the habit of stopping their cars wherever they are, to talk or visit with the occupants of another car or a pedestrian without regard to anyone else on the face of the earth. With 2-lane 1-way traffic one can usually circumvent the problem. With 2-way traffic you will increase the number of car-stopping social encounters, eliminate anyway to go arround the problem, and basically, you are just fucked. Most of us contend with this problem daily. I see it becoming even more frustrating. As for the parking solution, I suggest that the city start a shuttle between the new Caplan's store near the mall and downtown. There is always PLENTY of available parking in their lot. Harry should consider moving his store back downtown. I went in W&G at the height of Xmas shopping to try to find a certain perfume for the wife and for the 45 minutes I was in there, I was the absolutely alone. The mall and the other stores were shoulder-to-shoulder crowded. How do they survive? And I don't really care who says what, the placement of the Utility Office on Murray St. has created a terrible problem for the people trying to park for the courthouse or law offices. And those are the only folks that keep downtown from being an abandoned ghost town. I wonder how many of the people who go down to get their utilities cut back on after nonpayment, stroll over to the Diamond Grill for a noon repast. I think that we are misapplying all conventional wisdom. We are using a safe to carry our lunch to work. The heavy steel fireproof safe is a great invention but it has little practical utility as a lunchbox.
What happened to all the planners plans that we have paid for over the last decade or two. You know the group that was gonna make a parking garage with condoes on top and other great River Living ideas. What have our millions we already spent in planning produced. Gotta be better than go back to 2-way streets like 50 years ago. Horse and buggies anyone?
I believe the logic behind 2-way streets in the other cities is to slow traffic giving them more time to look at the businesses they pass and also deimphasize the automobile, making biking and walking more attractive. If that is the goal of the administration please state its intention.
holy hell... lamar just announced that deborah randolph is now a writer for cenlamar... unbelievable.
dont keep us in suspense whats the problem with ms. randolph writing for cenlamar?
no problem here. someone will finally be telling us what the hell is going on in baton rouge.
If that is the goal of the administration please state its intention.
Ahh, so is the intention a yuppie young downtown, excluding the old people and handicapped? Has anyone noticed that the nation's population is moving toward an older average age? I say we open strip clubs like New Orleans, especially the one that has the swing out into the street. Will give something for the slower moving cars to look at. I wonder how many of us old or handicapped people voted for Jacques, or if that landslide came only from Lamar and the downtown Irish pub bike riders?
"Lamar and the downtown Irish pub bike riders?"
AHAHAHA!!
Thats like P.J's and the S.U.V soccer mom shootout.
Probably too early to worry, I think we are safe. Downtown ain't gone nowhere in 40 yrs, so I doubt Bourbon street is in danger from competition from Lamar's crowd.
"Downtown ain't gone nowhere in 40 yrs".
Yes, because of people like you!! Thanks for alllll the help and support.
Let's emphasize the word....AIN'T.
Yes, because of people like you!! Thanks for alllll the help and support.
Please explain exactly why taxpayers should help certain people make money downtown? Seems like the rich keep getting richer on the backs of the taxpayers. There is nothing stoping anyone from building downtown with his own money, the American way. So those of you who want a great and vibrant downtown, put your own personal money where your big mouths are. Who knows, I might even ride my bke downtown, theough the crime and shop in your new business myself. Hope my bike is still there when I am ready to come home.
Where have people like you been the last 40 years. Tell us about all the help and support you and yours have provided. In fact what have you done in the last 40 months, 40 days, last 40 minutes----NOTHING! That is the kind of condescending crap that keeps intelligent discussion at bay. A little humor brings out the hate when anyone doesn't roll over and just accept any bullshit advanced from the intolerant all-knowing crowd of the downtown savers at all cost of course st someone else's expense.
Why do you need our help and support if you are so fucking know it all? I would think you would just accomplish your goals with out needing the help of morons like us.
Sorry about the AIN'T. What I meant to say was that downtown ain't gone nowhere in the last 40 years and ain't gonna go nowhere in the next 40.
Is it not funny, many questions have been asked in a reasonable manner and the only response the revitaliztion of downtown crowd has is to exhibit the meaness of a spoiled brat.
They'll take you morons' money though.
Please name one instance in which the rich have gotten richer due to taxpayer money being spent in downtown Alexandria.
One example.
One single example.
I think the city should tear down all the shit they've built out on 28 West and let those developers spend their own money-- because that's the American way. No golf courses or sports complexes or subsidized Wally Worlds or roads or lights or sewage.
Then report back on this free market you so-called capitalists love so much.
"I think the city should tear down all the shit they've built out on 28 West and let those developers spend their own money"
Give me a break!! The lights have been there for 30+ years. The sewer main is part of the master plan for wastewater.
Do you morons realize that some cities, Shreveport for example, even build the damn road. Well placed city moneys will be the catalyst to drive expansion. The city is not by any means funding the developments. Get over it, move on and shut up. Enough is enough.
What lights?
The ones out on the new golf course and the new sports complex?
Anonymous said...
Please name one instance in which the rich have gotten richer due to taxpayer money being spent in downtown Alexandria.
One example.
One single example.
Regions Bank Stockholders - RGH street giveaway - and of course, the building didn't go downtown but the money did: Jakes Bldg.
I hope your amnesia improves with time.
The rich got richer on that deal? Explain. Which rich people?
The sellers of the unwanted defective inaccessable department store and the parking free inconveniently located and 65% empty bank building - might I suggest some ginko biloba??
Oh. Thank god. I am so glad that it is the award winning journalist Mrs. Randolph. I was affraid that it was the dyed redhead second banana KALB announcer that suddenly commenced her meteoric rise to "political consultant" and "lobyist" after she started boning the mayor.
A national, publicly-traded company with thousands and thousands of shareholders sold a piece of property to a municipality in need of expanding and modernizing its facilities.
Again... I ask... what rich people here in Alexandria got richer because of this?
Maybe we can get a Hooters to move downtown and employ some of our areas finest. Hot wings and cold beer will bring em down in droves!! Then we can park our boats at the new marina and check out the local talent and then catch some groovy music at 1805 and then take some shots of irish whiskey at the pub.
Rick Ranson's stock went way up when he unloaded the bank - the multistory office penis was already on the drawing boards. Bonus
I assume that you are justifying the Regions Bank deal. The fact that it was the wrong building in the wrong place which was acquired after to JAKES investment and is only convenient to the Caplan boys and about 6 dozen lawyers and their employees. If you insist on being intellectually dishonest I am not going to play any more.
The city is not by any means funding the developments. Get over it, move on and shut up. Enough is enough.
Ok agreed. Shup up about wanting the City of other governmental funds to assist downtown revitalization. Use you own dam money and get started.
And has to who are the rich? Well I would suggest the LARGE stockholders, and coporate big shots, who get bonuses and stock options. So go and build whatever you want to, but with your own money and with no special breaks we other small busniess owners do not get.
blah blah blah.....
Guess many of you "growth" people do not believe in the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. Same tax breaks, subsidies and street beautification projects for all, or none to any. I do not give a hoot in hell for growth, if some are given, due to their size or wealth, an advantage over us small business people. Stop funding your special interests on the overtaxed backs of the small businesses and working class.
fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, damn it, shit, fuck, fuck
fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, damn it, shit, fuck, fuck
"So go and build whatever you want to, but with your own money and with no special breaks we other small busniess owners do not get. "
Make up your mind. First you rant about Hwy. 28 then, after being slammed by the facts, you swap to downtown; all without missing a syllable.
Have you ever stopped and considered how much a developer puts in compared to the City in any given subdivision. Let's look:
Developer - land, plans, plats, roads, sewer, water, and management of construction and sales. City - electricity and gas. Oh, and lest we forget that phone and cable put in their own too.
To use your logic implies that downtown revitalizers should pay an honorarium to the City because the infrastructure is already there and they get to use it.
If you truly have a small business and receive not help its only because YOU HAVE NOT LOOKED AT ALL.
Enough is enough!
Who knows, I might even ride my bke downtown, theough the crime and shop in your new business myself. Hope my bike is still there when I am ready to come home.
My husband's bike always makes the trip from downtown back home with him. And he rarely locks it while he's there. I'm not denying there's crime in Alexandria. But we're frequently downtown with our child - often at night - and have never had a problem.
Two weeks ago while in N.O.I was counting the parking spaces across the street from the Pan American Life Building which totaled about 157 on approximately a third of a city block. The fee is $10.00 for day parking an $20.00 for overnight paid at the gate while they park your ride. The lot stayed full throughout the day even though many came and went throughout the course of the day at the full $10.00 pop. My math says an entrepreneur could make a fair return on any investment in a parking operation downtown if they were strategically located and well staffed. What's the parking problem?
You have not put up your money yet to build that lot. Good luck in your new entrepreneurial adventure.
My math says an entrepreneur could make a fair return on any investment in a parking operation downtown if they were strategically located and well staffed. What's the parking problem?
2 problems with that. How many want to go downtowan and for what? Secondly, most entrepenurs want us taxpayers to build it for them.
If you truly have a small business and receive not help its only because YOU HAVE NOT LOOKED AT ALL.
I don't recall talking about Hwy 28. And the poor developers you speak of are not investing their money for community pride, they pass along those costs in the lots they sell.
The debate over growth seems to boil down to, should those that profit directly from it pay for it, or should the cost be carried by the already overtaxed citizens? Oh, please list the subsidies and other governments benefits which are equally available to ALL business owners in Alexandria, regardless of location.
Health care affordability is a subject that is topical and important to most. Inequality is a subject which has been approached here and many who work seem to be having a difficult time providing health care to themselves and their families. A few observations. Those that save their money put aside for health care have to still make many decisions. Their bill will be the highest as no insurance company or anyone else has negotiated on their behalf trying to get approved providers who would otherwise agree to provide the services at a reduced price up to one-half or less as many do with medicaid, medicare and others. Since they pay full price, they must decide whether they can afford the initial visit and if so, must still make other decisions based on their financial situation, such as other diagnostic procedures, blood work, medications, ancillary treatment, hospitalization, nursing home care and other decisions. Now if one has an insurance policy, the better ones of course cost quite a bit more, he generally must pay a deductible which can be anywhere usually from $500 up to thousands of dollars, followed by co-pays which also vary but can add up each visit. So these folks still must make rational health care decisions the same as the self insurer. Their vists are however giving less money to the provider, since he has agreed to an agreement with the insurance company to provide his service for a percentage of the amount he charges the cash customer. Now the medicaid recipient comes on the scene and gets 12 visits per year and more if the doctor applies. All visits are paid in full, so if they think they need an appointment they need to make no decisions, just call transportation for a free ride and head out. If no problem is found and no tx is needed, good. If further testings is needed, no worry. MRI which would cost hundreds of dollars for Mr. Cash Customer and health co-pay or big bucks for Mr. I Have Insurance Customer if his deductible has not been met, is available for free to the medicaid patient. Other diag. test and procedures cause no alarm nor does further tx or hospitalization as that is also. you guessed it, free, no deductible, no copay, nada, nothing to hold cost down to the actual people who are paying the tab. The same ones I might add are busy making all the decisions about how they are going to take care of the health care needs of their family. I think it fair to say, the people getting the best care are the ones who can get to providers using free transportation, get every test and procedure for free, obtain hospitalization and the medications they need at no expense at all. The folks who have both spouses working, one with a second job maybe, are the forgotten ones. If you ever go to Baton Rouge, and go through the DHH bldg and explore the waste, the deadhead jobs, the days off they get, the sick leave, the vacation time, and the pay for doing very little, also being provided with health insurance, you will understand how govt works and why the amount La. citizens pay, over a billion a year, to support the needs of people who don't pay their own way. My point is we should not scream for the govt to do more. They have done enough, as everytime they do anything, they make it worse not better and then just beg for more of the working man's money. What about putting the money back in the hands of those who make it and then decide how they want to provide for their health care and when done, help with the care of those who are deemed charitable cases. Let us think of ways of solving the problem without govt as try as we might, govt solutions always go in the same direction. More fraud, theft,nepotism, inefficiency, burden on the taxpayer, and generally a very poor job of providing whatever kind of service it is attempting to provide.
"I think the city should tear down all the shit they've built out on 28 West and let those developers spend their own money."
"I don't recall talking about Hwy 28." Really; you don't? See above!
And the poor developers you speak of are not investing their money for community pride, they pass along those costs in the lots they sell.
Obviously you slept during high school civics and free enterprise. Are you saying that the developers are not entitled to a reward for their risk? We are a capitalist economy; read up on it.
I cannot even begin to suggest a program for you without knowing your business but generally their are enterprise zones, tax breaks, and a host of other opportunities if you just LOOK!
Spanky, I am always amazed when someone says that they were in Paris and had to pay $18 for a little statue of the Eifel Tower so we should be able to sell a statue of the Commerical Bldg. for that much. Your premise is, of course, absolutely correct. A parking facility properly staffed and strategically located would be a money maker. A gool location to consider would be a half a block from Temple Square in Salt Lake City. There is a multistory publically built and maintained free parking facility a few blocks from "downtown" and it is usually empty all day every day. I think you need to stop taking your financial advice from Petula Clark.
Petula has about as much knowledge of "Downtown" as many revitalizers, so why not? Great retort to Spanky anyway.
The public school system has left several generations without the foggiest notion of the difference between capitalism and the other opposing collectivist systems. Sad.
"I don't recall talking about Hwy 28." Really; you don't? See above!
You can't attribute all anonymous posts to me lol
but generally their are enterprise zones, tax breaks, and a host of other opportunities if you just LOOK!
By it very use of the term zone, those enterprise zones are not available to every are of town which contains business. Do you suggest that ecery business sell and relocte to a zone? If all businesses were to so move, I doubt top dollar could be gotton for their old location. AAs to you other advice, "LOOK", who can I call at City Hall to find out if they will allow me to get $70,000 behind on my electricity bill before being cut off like the Convention Center hotel? Hell, I can't even get the City to fix pot holes on my street for several months, and it takes over an hour for police to arrive. And I'm in a commercial part of town. Like most of the pie in the sky growth people, you cannot come up with concrete answers to practically accomplish your crap.
Perhaps we should take Spankey's advice, and lets get the Mormons to relocate their temple to downtown, then we could build a parking garage. As it stands now, I, like the vast majjority of people, see no need to go downtown. Many of you "Field of Dreams" folks operate on the principal, build it with the taxpayers money and they will come.
If a list was made of the things which should be of the most important to citizens of this parish, I can't for the life of me see "downtown" appearing anywhere. And yet here we are continuing to discuss it. I believe the discussion is being kept alive by a handful of dreamers and another handful of realists answering their wild claims. They seem to go under the Hitler idea, that if you repeat a lie often enough, it will become common knowledge. Present the facts. Develop a premise. With logic as your guide list all variables and alternatives. Humbly request input from all sides. Evaluate everything, determine cost and the enevitable economic consequences, while coonsidering the wishes of those who would be asked to finance any resulting plans and then stand back a see if independent investors would be interested in downtown.
Folks close to the boy genius say that he has fallen under the enchanting spell of Myron and that we might as well have Ned and Albin back. Judge for yourself. We are still financing Despino's ride. You tell me what has changed.
To We Saw That:
Concerning your post.... "dont keep us in suspense whats the problem with ms. randolph writing for cenlamar?"
Saturday, January 06, 2007 3:58:25 PM
I for one, don't have a problem with Ms ex-mayor writing for Cenlamar. If she wants to devote her time to a charlatan, go ahead
Has anyone ever given any thoughts as to how easy it is to falsify the "hit counts" of a website or blog?
Let's give the poor guy a chance folks. He's only been in the chair for a month!
While it may be too early to fairly evaluate accomplishment, it is not to early to notice direction. Backward is bad.
Anon 3:00,
Wordpress only counts unique visitors, and it does not record any of my visits to CenLamar.
The hit count is authentic.
OK, so a lot of us want to hit Lamar. Go away and we'll come hit you if we want any of your superior knowledge.
Very clever.
Best quote of the day.
Put your picture on a few more times and maybe you'll get a hit.
"AAs (sic) to you other advice, "LOOK", who can I call at City Hall to find out if they will allow me to get $70,000 behind on my electricity bill before being cut off like the Convention Center hotel?
I suppose you could start with Gayle Jackson. Of course, as always, you have shot your mouht off without all of the facts. Did you know that $70,000 came from just 2 or 3 months of bills? Did you also know that there was as bond that was called to pay the debt?
"Hell, I can't even get the City to fix pot holes on my street for several months, and it takes over an hour for police to arrive."
These levels of service only exist becuase you accept them.
"We are still financing Despino's ride."
What did Despino ever do to you and why are you so hell bent on him not having a City vehicle?
Lamar, I don't doubt the true number of visitors to your little blog...I doubt your accurate reporting of what those numbers are.
I can create a blog and scream to the public that I am talented, experienced, and the savior of this community. That doesn't make my statements true.
Have you ever heard the term "Snake Oil Salesman?"
What the hell do you mean. Now Ms Randolph will be writing. And we have all enjoyed many of her previous writings and how many Pulitzer's has she won? Wait, can you name one article that has ever been published anywhere? Hmmmmmm!.
But wait, I thought you did not have to ever do anything to be a hero in some people's world, just have opinions.
Hell, all you people on here believe that the friggin' sky is falling. Doom and gloom. Friggin' doom and gloom.
I hope they develop downtown. Hell, yea! And guess what all you old men who sit at your computer in your jockeys with a can of beer in one hand and a cigar in the other, it's going to happen despite your negativity.
And, for the record, I am a 50+ female who is sick and tired of your whining. LOL, and I am not related to Lamar!!
Don't personally know Despino. I just know it costs a small fortune to purchase, insure, maintain, and fuel that city vehicle, we are paying for it, there is absolutely no justification for him having it, and Roy promised things would be different.
I first heard of Despino on this blog several months ago and after talking to a few knowledgable people, determined that the Despino ride represents the huge unnecessary waste of city resources that we are called upon to happily fund. And that's the rub. Every time I see him tooling along in that city vehicle it is a painful reminder of how much of my hard-earned money they waste and how little they city government cares about us.
Don't trash Mrs. Randolph. She is a nice lady. I think that it is wrong to assign credentials to her as a journalist and political consultant when all she ever did to rise above a sub-standard TV station job was marry Ned. Now she will be telling us about the legislature. Who pays her freight and for doing what?
What a stupid backhanded compliment. Mrs. Randolph is actually an award-winning reporter.
She won first place in investigative reporting from the Louisiana AP back in 1992.
That's the problem. No one has ever heard of investigative reporting here in Alexandria.
As evidenced by this blog, envy is one of the ugliest of the seven deadly sins.
Amen to that.
And how many articles published would that be?
You idiot, some journalists don't just write for a living. Some of them actually report the news on this new invention called TELEVISION.
Is she hired to write or to report on TV?. And gosh you all knowing ones have to namecall. And I thought only intellectual pigmy types did that. I also believe Anger is one of the 7 Deadly"s and I see much more of that from you guys than I ever see envy.
I think Deborah is worth every bit what Lamar is paying her, so please not question her past performance as a well known writer.
Anger is not one of the deadly sins. For the record.
It's unbelievable how petty this blog has become. We've gone from city issues of the masses to demanding that the vehicle of one particular city employee be pulled. I can show you people a hell of a lot more useless than Despino who have a NICER ride.
Can we move on to something more important?
So many on this blog are too young to remember the parking problems when downtown Alexandria was booming. There was even more parking then than now. Customers of People's Shoes, Paramount theater, Penny's, etc. had no place to park. Back then, most paking lots sold space by the month to those who worked downtown. Wellans had several lots for customers, you had to get your ticket stamped. Now employees park for free at Walmart and other stores and establishments away from downtown. Why would people want to work downtown and have to pay for parking again?
There is parking in downtown, isn't there a PARKING GARAGE ?? So what if you have to walk. I am sure many of you go to workout, but fuss if you have to park far away from a building before getting on a treadmill.
Enterprise Zone just happens to be the name of the program. You can use it ANYWHERE IN RAPIDES PARISH. There are some limitations to use - such as you have to "certify your employees" which can easily be done. Obviously you have not been speaking to the right people nor have you seriously inquired about incentives or you would not still be on this site screaming about the injustice served to you while others are reaping the benefits.
Either get informed or stop whining.
"too late to vote for sams said...
Folks close to the boy genius say that he has fallen under the enchanting spell of Myron and that we might as well have Ned and Albin back. Judge for yourself. We are still financing Despino's ride. You tell me what has changed."
No one close to Jacques really believes that. Check your sources.
um. yes, anger is one of the seven deadly sins-but they call it wrath.
wrath envy gluttoney sloth pride lust greed
" I can show you people a hell of a lot more useless than Despino who have a NICER ride."
That you consider some people "more" useless than Despino does not resolve the problem. Quit wasting our money and increasing our liability exposure by buying and maintaining and fueling and insuring unnecessary vehicles. Don't you understand who is being cheated here? You don't deserve public confidence just because you have nice hair. You have to earn it.
Since Cenlamar is tightly controled and filtered as to eliminate any negative response to Lamar's postings I have been forced to respond to lamar here, on the Blog that started public discunnion in Alexandria.
Lamar's statements are in quotes, mine follow. See if you really agree with lamar, after you analize his statements carefully.
-----------------------------------
“I have stated that the encouragement of downtown revitalization is one of many important components to improving quality of life…”
The quality of whose life Lamar…Yours? The tiny group of people who think as you do and make up such a small percentage of the population that they don’t matter? Are we to dedicate the huge amount of money that revitalizing downtown would demand, to such a miniscule part of the overall population? I think not.
-----------------------------------
“I thought I was being clear that the blog itself is sometimes disorganized, as subjects change frequently.”
The subjects change as interest ebbs and flows. An adult would realize that this is part of what makes this blog the most widely read blog in central Louisiana.
-----------------------------------
“If we are to grow as a city, we must have concern for people in each and every neighborhood-- young and old, black and white, single and married.”
Why?? Please explain this Lamar. Why should I have concern for where another citizen of Alexandria chooses to live? Are they not free to choose just as I am? This is a classic Lamarism. A voiced platitude without any logical reasoning to substantiate it.
-----------------------------------
“ten years from now two workers will be retiring for every one that it entering the workforce, which will require Alexandria to attract and retain young people.”
Lamar, this statement is just plain false. What you are trying to get us to believe is that the local labor pool will suffer a 50% attrition rate over the next 10 years. If you are to establish and retain credibility, don’t make stuff up.
-----------------------------------
“which will require Alexandria to attract and retain young people....they are frequently transient, which means they don't mind moving around a bunch until they find what they are looking for.”
Translated this means that we should squander our tax dollars to attract the 21-34 age group...who won’t stay in our community long enough to make a positive contribution. Not a smart move Lamar.
-----------------------------------
“I simply think we can make it part of the conversation, and those who have followed my blog throughout the past nine months know that I have often written about a variety of issues-- not just downtown and not just Bringhurst Golf Course.”
Perhaps that is the problem Lamar. You believe that the public is “following” your blog and paying attention. Apparently, by your own observation, they are not. Your ideas are not taking root because they do not have broad enough appeal.
-----------------------------------
“I hope that we can continue to have a positive and productive discussion…”
If you define positive and productive as adopting Lamar’s ideas, and getting public funds to develop them so Lamar can get credit and make money…. I hope we remain critical of your proposals and un-productive in making them reality.
-----------------------------------
To those readers who will say that I am attacking Lamar, I tell you in advance that I am not. I am attacking his IDEAS. When you enter the arena of ideas, and begin to present them, be prepared to defend them. Lamar is ill equipped to propose, because he has not done his homework. Lamar cannot defend, because his ideas are so ill concieved that they cannot be defended.
Lamar, I invite your response.
Curt-1, Lamar-0
To 6:34, Anger, for the record, is one of the 7 deadly sins. It sometimes goes by its synonym, Wrath. This is typical of the superiority exhibited by your crowd when in reality you are absolutely wrong. Do I hear an apology?
Betcha Lamar responds by patronizing the shit out of his detractor and forgiving him for his ignorance, narrow view, and selfish position. Vintage Lamar.
Lamar always starts from his basic premise: he is right and you are a nice person whose interest he appreciates and hopes the "exchange" will enlighten you.
Why try to attract the 21 - 34 crowd, they will come back either way. They either move back in with mom and dad after college, or they move here right before or right after having children to be close to grandma and grandpa. Trust me, most people who live here, grew up here. they may leave for a while, but they almost all move back.
I just read the post insinuating Jaques has fallen under Myron's control. I pray it isn't so! Jaques has all of the political capital at the moment. He is the power in Alexandria. He must use it now. Is there anyone left in Cenla politics that is not mesmirized and controlled by this one man?
I'm not throwing in the towel yet with Jacques, let us see if he is really fooled or just jocking for position while he works out his idea of what is the best way to get Alex back to a solvent city.
Dear "Curt Davidson,"
You are, of course, more than welcome to post any disagreement with my statements or opinions directly on my blog.
Contrary to your claims, statements of disagreement are not censored or filtered out by a moderator, though WordPress does have a filter against comments that resemble "spam." For example, if you include a number of hyperlinks in a comment, it may need to be approved before publication. Perhaps the real reason you preferred to use this blog to criticize my opinions is that CenLamar does, in fact, record the e-mail and IP addresses of all contributors.
There is a sound reason for this: Anonymous commenting allows people the ability to post scurrilous and potentially criminally defamatory statements against private citizens. As a blog operator, without the ability to trace said comments back to an address, I would open myself up to potential litigation.
Regardless, you have decided to address my ideas on Mr. Carriere's blog, and I do not have a problem with responding here.
First of all, I note that you have taken a series of quotes, out of context, and attempted to paint a picture of my beliefs.
As you have, I will simply go down the list:
"The quality of whose life Lamar…Yours? The tiny group of people who think as you do and make up such a small percentage of the population that they don’t matter? Are we to dedicate the huge amount of money that revitalizing downtown would demand, to such a miniscule part of the overall population? I think not."
I remind you that during the latest mayoral election the citizens of Alexandria elected a candidate who spoke openly and frequently about the need for downtown revitalization. Those who seek solutions to downtown do not represent a "small percentage of the population" (and I am not sure what qualified data you are relying on to make such a bold proclamation). If this were truly the case, then a vast (yet apparently vocal) segment of the population decided not to vote on November 7th. Mr. Roy ran on a platform of smart or community-based growth, of which downtown is an important component, and he was elected by a landslide. Still, no one, including myself, has ever stated that downtown should be Alexandria's top priority, and no one, including myself, has ever stated that the city should dedicate a "huge amount of money" toward this endeavor. I have stated that downtown revitalization is already happening, propelled, in large part, by the efforts of private businessmen and budding entrepreneurs. I have also stated that it will be important for the City to continue helping attract people into its downtown, as downtowns throughout the nation have reinvented themselves as catalysts for growth, attracting, among other things, a coveted demographic, young professionals.
Regarding our collective responsibility to respond to the needs to people throughout our community, in every neighborhood, you responded, "Why?? Please explain this Lamar. Why should I have concern for where another citizen of Alexandria chooses to live? Are they not free to choose just as I am? This is a classic Lamarism. A voiced platitude without any logical reasoning to substantiate it."
No, not everyone is as free to decide where they live as you apparently are.
You also questioned the data stating that in ten years, one worker will be entering the workforce for every two who are leaving, writing, "Lamar, this statement is just plain false. What you are trying to get us to believe is that the local labor pool will suffer a 50% attrition rate over the next 10 years. If you are to establish and retain credibility, don’t make stuff up."
I direct you to the New York Times article entitled "Cities Compete Over the Cool Factor," which referenced a study citing just that. Within the next three years, we'll actually see a decrease in people ages 35-44 promoted into upper management positions and a 52% increase in those ages 55-65 who are promoted, which, according to Forbes, also speaks to our aging workforce. I was specifically referencing a national study, and yes, I do believe there are direct implications here in Alexandria, which continues lose its young, skilled workforce. Mayor Roy also spoke about this during the campaign, stating his hope that the next generation of young Alexandrians will become the first "mass returners."
"Perhaps that is the problem Lamar. You believe that the public is “following” your blog and paying attention. Apparently, by your own observation, they are not. Your ideas are not taking root because they do not have broad enough appeal."
Very well.
"If you define positive and productive as adopting Lamar’s ideas, and getting public funds to develop them so Lamar can get credit and make money…. I hope we remain critical of your proposals and un-productive in making them reality."
I have never sought credit or money in presenting my opinions or proposals, because they are not simply my opinions or proposals.
"To those readers who will say that I am attacking Lamar, I tell you in advance that I am not. I am attacking his IDEAS. When you enter the arena of ideas, and begin to present them, be prepared to defend them. Lamar is ill equipped to propose, because he has not done his homework. Lamar cannot defend, because his ideas are so ill concieved that they cannot be defended."
Unlike "Curt Davidson," who was unable to reference a single study or statistical or demographic report as a counterargument and who simply attempted to rhetorically unpack a series of quotes by insinuating that I represent a fringe group of lying, self-interested people, I have done my homework, and I will continue to do my homework in making this case.
Curt: 1
Lamar: 2
Finally, you grew some balls, Lamar.
There is a sound reason for this: Anonymous commenting allows people the ability to post scurrilous and potentially criminally defamatory statements against private citizens.
Amen Lamar. I disagree with some of your positions and tastes in music, however I applaud your decision to moderate your blog against those who lack the intelligence or facts to debate, and simply resort to name calling, lies, personal attacks and gossip. Many simply do not understand that with freedom comes the need for responsibility.
Lamar, just thought you'd want to know, there isn't a Curt Davidson listed in any phone book in Central Louisiana.
Now, let's talk about who is being intellectually dishonest.
Curt Davidson really has a love affair with this blog.
Cenla Antics started the discussion and is the most popular blog in Central Louisiana???
Who would say something like that????
My guess is that it's a blogger who loves riding his Harley Davidson.
"There's a philosophical shift where the common-sense party is Republican," said Quint Carriere, who leads a local group of Republican activists. "Where your granddaddy was a Democrat, in today's terms he's a Republican."
So Quint, does this mean that the negro lynching Southern Democrat of old is the Republican of today? Makes sense I guess.
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