Author: Elena

I believe in compromise, I would have been divorced, a long time ago, were I not able to compromise.  It isn’t that there are not passionate debates, but at the end of the day, we are in this marriage together.  Apparently, there are factions of the tea party that want a “divorce” in my opinion, a divorce from their fellow Americans. 

An op-ed in the Washington Post by Harold Meyerson exemplifies my feelings on the debt ceiling.

To elucidate the mysteries of Washington — in particular, why House Republicans, having compelled the Democrats to craft a Republican-in-all-but-name plan to get a deal on raising the debt ceiling, still don’t want a deal — we turn to the Fable of the Scorpion and the Frog.

A scorpion meets a frog on the bank of a stream and asks the frog to carry him across on his back. The frog asks, “How do I know you won’t sting me?” The scorpion answers, “Because if I do, I’ll drown along with you.” So the frog, bowing to the logic of the scorpion’s answer, sets out across the stream with the scorpion on his back. About midstream, the scorpion stings the frog, who is paralyzed and starts to sink — as does the scorpion. “Why?” the dying frog asks. “Because it’s my nature,” the scorpion replies.

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You know when you “grow up” and have kids of your own, you sometimes forget that previous life you may have lived as a young person? 

I found out yesterday, a high school friend was killed in a motorcycle accident in Fairfax this past Saturday.  We were a trio, Ty, my best friend Debbi who was his girlfriend, and me.   I called her last night and we spent over an hour on the phone, remembering Ty, and all the hilarious and crazy stuff we did together.  Ty had the sweetest smile and was always laid back.   He didn’t care that I was the third wheel, I was Debbi’s best friend and I never felt like an interloper. 

I asked Debbi last night, “did you guys get sick of me? “And she said vehemently “No, you were my bud!”.   T hey dated most of their high school “career” and we shared some great memories.  My face hurt from laughing so much.

My sympathy goes out to all his loved ones. 

Life is tenuous, each day really is a gift,  we may think we control our lives, but in the end, our journey is on a path, set in motion, by a random set of choices we make each day.  Each choice containing a different outcome.  Rest in Peace Ty.

http://manassas.patch.com/articles/county-employee-killed-in-motorcycle-crash-manassas-area-man-also-injured

Two 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycles, operated by a 50-year-old Manassas-area man and Cowherd, were each traveling eastbound on Braddock Road in the left travel lane when the Lexus turned left in front of the motorcycles.

Both men applied their brakes but could not stop in time, police said, striking the passenger side of the sedan.

The two men and the female passenger, identified as a 44-year-old woman of Annandale, were all wearing helmets and transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital, according to police.

Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash. This investigation is ongoing.

Cowherd was employed by the county’s Neighborhood Services Division, a division of the Department of Public Works. According to its website, he was chief property code inspector for the department.

Since the formation of Advocates for the Rural Crescent in 2000, each electoral season the candidates have been invited to sign a pledge supporting the Rural Crescent.

This election cycle has begun and the pledges have been sent to all certified candidates to date.   Although several candidates do not have formal websites, I have sent the pledges via the VPAP published addresses.

Bob Pugh, republican running for Coles District Supervisor, has swiftly returned the pledge with an extensive cover letter:

            June 22, 2011

Elena L. Schlossberg-Kunkel

Advocates for the Rural Crescent

[address redacted]

Dear Elena:

I sign the Rural Crescent pledge with great pleasure.

Many Prince William County residents question why the Rural Crescent is needed, and some believe that it represents nothing more than tree-huggers pursuing an anti-growth agenda. Neither of those views reflects the value of this innovative land use policy to our community.

The Rural Crescent is one of the best tools we have to keep taxes low. Runaway residential development in areas where no roads, schools, firehouses, etc. exist imposes an enormous burden on taxpayers. This infrastructure is incredibly expensive to build, and what limited proffers developers do pay barely scratch the surface of the capital and operating costs their projects create. The difference is subsidized by current taxpayers. If anyone has any doubt, they should just look at how much faster than inflation property tax bills have been rising over the past couple of decades.

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Life can be an amazing journey.   We each have a unique life experience based on our individual choices.   I have had the privilege of encountering many interesting people, Mike Stafford, an active Republican in the state of Delaware, is one of those amazing people. 

He has written a very thoughtful Book, “An Upward Calling : Politics for the Common Good”, a comprehensive commentary on the state of the Republican Party.  Please, allow this to be an opportunity to have a thoughtful discussion, avoid personal attacks and pretend like we are on the same team, the American team.   In the end, we are all on this journey together, whether we like it or not!

I have reposted this opinion piece on the book from Dave Burris, however, I believe this book is worth the purchase! 

From http://www.townsquaredelaware.com/calling-us-upward-in-the-face-of-extremism/

June 1, 2011 By Dave Burris

Things have gotten out of hand.

Recently in Slate, Jacob Weisberg wrote a description of today’s Republican Party that hit home with me. He said the GOP:

“…has moved to a mental Shangri-La, where unwanted problems (climate change, the need to pay the costs of running the government) can be wished away, prejudice trumps fact (Obama might just be Kenyan-born or a Muslim), expertise is evidence of error, and reality itself comes to be regarded as some kind of elitist plot.”

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Anyone sit in 66 traffic in the morning?  Yep, I”ll bet there are alot of yes’s resonating in unison right now.  So, why, why would the state invest millions in a north south beltway from Western Prince William to Loudon County as opposed to addressing our REAL traffic congestion, East/West?  Click on this secret link for the answer!

What would happen if the western end of Prince William County were home to a new “outer beltway” ? Well, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out does it. If you guessed an inordinate amount of develpment, you are correct. 

All that will happen with an outer beltway is the destruction of any semblence of the rural legacy of Prince William County. The question we should be asking ourselves is this, “what is the long term vision for our county?”

Are we doomed to be just another urban shell of the unique place that once existed, or will we withstand the selfish urges of the big developers, you know, the ones who feed the coffers of almost all our politicians. 

Here is a great ad by John Gray (I), candidate for County Chairman, on this very important issue that could effect every single citizen in this county.

from InsideNova :

MANASSAS, Va. —

Some environmental groups are opposing an effort by the administration of Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell to resurrect plans for a highway that would connect Northern Virginia’s outer suburbs in Loudoun and Prince William counties.

For years, some planners have advocated what’s been called an “Outer Beltway” or a western bypass. It would be a mostly north-south highway that would serve the region’s fast-growing outer suburbs.

On Wednesday in Richmond, Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board will consider a proposal from state Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton to declare such a highway a “corridor of statewide significance.” The designation might make it easier to obtain funding.

Environmental groups say a highway would open up rural land to development and disturb tranquil areas around Manassas National Battlefield.

 

Please, before you comment, watch the clip.   Fox News goes after socially conscious rapper Common who has been invited to the White House by First Lady Michelle Obama.  Now, rap is not my choice of music, but Common is a two time Grammy award winner and apparently is trying to reach out to young people with a transformative message about creating a better future.    He urges them NOT to fall into the violence that surrounds them, and instead,  make a change for the better in their lives.

Sean Hannity is called out by Stewart for being two faced.  On one hand Hannity belittles the Obama’s for inviting a rapper who has “violent” lyrics, but then defends Ted Nugent for calling Obama a “piece of shit” in a concert ?  To make it even worse, Nugent suggests Obama “suck on this”, and what is “this” you may be wondering, “this”,  is a pretty large gun.  

Fox News creates incendiary stories when, every day,  there are enough real stories for the American public, they don’t need to fabricate.  

The ending to this clip is a riot, the only Jewish rappers I know are the Beastie Boys, so Beastie Boys, move over,  here comes Rapper Jon Stewart.

Citizens of PWC, waiting very patiently, now have an opportunity to read Babur Lateef’s platform.  He has laid out the foundation for his candidacy.  

In the Washington Post Blog/local politics,  Dr. Babur Lateef also shares his views.  Here is a link to the full article.  

Pr. William board chairman candidate to release campaign platform

By Jennifer Buske

Dewey, our adopted kitty, is one of the smartest but dumbest cats I have ever had the privilege of loving.    Opening closed doors is no obstacle for him, as long as the handle is lever style, he can open it by hanging onto it with his paws and then, leaning backwards, every so slightly, he pulls it open with the weight of his body. 

However, what is so funny, is that if we forget to the lock the door, Dewey, having let all the OTHER animals out, won’t go more than a foot from the house, he is terrified!  So although he is smart, he is no kitty Delta SEAL.

Dewey sleeps with the kids every night, alternating between beds, he loves to stay snugly and warm.  In the morning,  after numerous attempts to end your life by being under your feet as you walk down the stairs, he waits to be fed.  This morning, I realized, no Dewey under my feet.  Hmmm, I wonder, where is Dewey.  I ask the kids, no one has seen him.  We do a room to room search, no Dewey.   I start to worry, could Dewey have somehow, ever so stealthily, snuck out when I let the dog back in last night?

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I had noticed, the last two years, that my salon, Tranquility, was playing a lot of Christian music,  I did not think much of it during the Christmas Holiday, I mean, it made sense, Christian music for CHRISTmas, no issue.  However, when the Christian music continued, well after the holiday, I finally said something to the front desk, on more than one occasion.  Some Christian Rock you can’t even tell its religious, but when the chorus, is “Jesus will save you”, its a bit much for this Jew.  I was very polite when I asked them to change the music to something a little less religious.

Much to my surprise, this past Friday, I open up an e-mail from Tranquility, and in addition to sharing special events happening at the Salon, there is a very large invite to  Life Church in Manassas for Easter services.

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For those who have not watched the documentary “Restrepo”, I strongly urge you rent it.   What a loss to the world that this Documentarian has died. 

British-born Tim Hetherington, co-director of the 2010 documentary “Restrepo” about U.S. soldiers on an outpost in Afghanistan, was killed, said his U.S.-based publicist, Johanna Ramos Boyer.

Here is a brief summary of Restrepo:

Hetherington, a veteran war photographer, and journalist Junger, whose books include best-seller “The Perfect Storm,” wisely follow “The Hurt Locker” formula and leave politics aside, taking no stance on the war other than to show the daily lives of the people fighting it.

“Restrepo” unfolds with an objective yet impassioned voice, the soldiers’ actions, words, loyalty, even their horseplay combining for an unforgettable chronicle of fraternity under fire.

And the men are constantly under fire — sometimes as often as three or four times a day. Hetherington and Junger’s cameras reveal the assaults in frightening detail as the platoon fires back to repel attacks with matter-of-fact resolution.

One scene, almost unbearable to watch, captures the terrible outpouring of emotion after a comrade is killed. Such agonizing images bring home the war in a way no news report or fictionalized drama ever could.

Apparently Corey Stewart is going to recommend that a new found “inheritance” of Prince William County money be spent on additions to the budget in lieu of lowering the tax rate.   One of the expenditures is said to be 2.3 million dollars for trails.  

The current Chairman of this County is becoming infamous for last minute “bushwhacking”, to quote the former Chair Sean Connaughton.   Let’s not forget the Land Use Chapter, Parks and Open Space, Transportation, and Environment Chapter updates.     Corey is becoming infamous for adding last minute substantive changes that make it virtually impossible for citizens to understand what those changes mean. 

Shouldn’t this new found money be an opportunity for citizens to comment on what they believe are the priorities in Prince William County?  Maybe it is trails…………, but maybe it isn’t. 

Let us not forget the redistricting maps!  Do you really think you have seen them all?

Five Myths About Planned Parenthood

1. Planned Parenthood’s federal funding frees up other money to pay for abortions.

Opponents of Planned Parenthood insist that giving the organization federal dollars allows it to spend other money in its budget to provide abortions. That is not possible — there is no other money.

Title X is a federal grant program that exists solely to help low-income and uninsured people access contraceptives and sexual health care; 5.2 million people use the program annually. But Congress has never appropriated enough money to take care of the estimated 17 million Americans who need publicly funded family-planning care. There always are more patients than subsidies.

2. Ninety percent of what Planned Parenthood does is provide abortions.

That is what Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) said this month in a speech against federal support for Planned Parenthood; his staff later said his assertion was “not intended to be a factual statement.”

Here is a factual statement: Planned Parenthood’s abortion care represents 3 percent of its medical services — 332,000 terminations out of a total of 11.4 million services provided in 2009. Nearly all the care offered at Planned Parenthood health centers is preventive services and screenings, including contraception, testing for sexually transmitted infections, pap smears and breast exams. Title X funds cannot be used for abortion care at any time, for any reason. Federal Medicaid funds can be used to reimburse a provider for an abortion when the pregnancy would endanger the life of the woman or resulted from rape or incest.

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Press Release – April 15, 2011

 

Lateef raises over $150,000 in 71 days

Woodbridge, VA — Dr. Babur Lateef, candidate for Chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, announced Friday his campaign raised $150,268.01 in the first three months of the year, despite his late entry into the race.

Candidates seeking election in November are required by the Virginia State Board of Elections to file quarterly, pre-election and post-election reports disclosing their campaigns’ contributions and expenditures.

Dr. Lateef noted over half of the contributions came from fellow doctors and medical offices, which encourages him.

“I’m running for chairman in order to serve the community that has given my family so much,” Lateef said. “I am humbled by so many doctors investing in my campaign to bring a new vision to Prince William County.”

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Utter insanity has hit Arizona and a massive spraying of Haldol  (anti-psychotic drug) may be the only cure!  Moon heard this from Bear, Moon told me,I said “no effing way, this is too stupid to be real”.  Much to my utter shock, after a quick google search, this is indeed true. 

http://jonathanturley.org/2011/04/15/arizona-bill-would-require-proof-of-u-s-birth-for-presidential-candidates/

The legislation that would require presidential candidates to produce a birth certificate before they can be on the ballot in Arizona to show that he or she is a natural-born citizen of the U.S. and eligible to be president.

a) Early baptismal or circumcision certificate.

What does this mean for women and those who are NOT baptised or circumcised

(b) Hospital birth record.

(c) Postpartum medical record for the mother or child signed by the doctor or midwife or the person who delivered or examined the child after birth.

(d) Early census record.

2. A sworn statement or form that identifies the presidential candidate’s places of residence in the United States for fourteen years.

C. In addition to the requirements of subsection B, the presidential candidate may also submit a notarized affidavit from two or more persons who witnessed the presidential candidate’s birth.

D. If the secretary of state receives any documents in place of a long form birth certificate pursuant to subsection B, paragraph 1 and cannot determine if the presidential candidate meets the requirements prescribed in Article II, section 1, Constitution of the United States, the secretary of state may establish a committee to assist in the determination or hold hearings and submit any documents for forensic examination.

Now THIS looks like a show, I mean “committee”,  that might require parental guidance!  Does this committee inspect, ahem, private areas for proof of circumcision?  Do they force you into a body of water and if you float you are a witch but if you drown you are G-dly, therefore proving the authenticity of your Baptismal record?

E. If both the presidential candidate and the national political party committee for that candidate fail to submit and swear to the documents prescribed in this section, the secretary of state shall not place that presidential candidate’s name on the ballot in this state. If the candidate and national political party committee for that committee submit and swear to the documents prescribed in this section, but the secretary of state believes that the preponderance of the evidence shows that the candidate does not meet the citizenship, age and residency requirements, the secretary of state shall not place that presidential candidate’s name on the ballot in this state