Do we live in America?

On Dec. 29th a 'Truther' public access news crew for KITV was acosted by Secret Service and Honolulu Police. What for? For trying to get pictures and/or video of our President while he was on vacation. They were turned away and so they left, without incident. Remember, left without incident. The exact phrase on the recording was,“We just wanted to get a glimpse of you but we're moving on because this is a private street and we don't want to make anybody nervous. Aloha!”.
They were then followed by the Secret Service and police. “Behind us we have the Secret Service following us now so this is kind of exciting.”
Exciting turned to scary after they pulled into a gas station. On their video, a police officer approached the car and said, “Stay in the car. Put that camera off of me.” First off, that should have been a HUGE warning. Police vehicles and up to five officers surrounded the car, demanded IDs and registration without explanation. Now as I understand it, this is a violation of the Fourth Amendment (Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures). Then an officer reached out and forcefully took the camera (Assault?), “He grabbed it out of my hand and then he slammed it on top of the car,” Jones said. She said the camera was damaged – the automatic lens cover no longer worked. A violation of the 14th amendment (When a government harms a person, without following the exact course of the law, then that is a due process violation which offends the rule of law.)
Jones’ fingers were gashed by the sharp edge on the camera mount. The officer then appologized, gave his Badge number, and instructed her how to make a complaint (admission of guilt?). However, Kane said other officers on the scene would not let them make a criminal complaint against the officer who grabbed the camera.
Asked if it was legal for police officers to stop someone from videotaping an officer in a public place, the department said citizens are allowed to video in public places. All this with the Secret Service about 10 feet away!!!
Who are these People? The SS? The KGB? This should NEVER happen in the US! If George W Bush had been president and this happened, it would have been on the National news for weeks!!! I understand the need for security and to protect the President, But I also know:
1 “Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.” - Benjamin Franklin
2 "There are no necessary evils in government. Its evils exist only in its abuses." ~ Andrew Jackson
3 "Our liberty depends on the freedom of speach and the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost." ~ Thomas Jefferson

Dan Emplit WBFD

Why do I carry a concealed Weapon?

Iraq War Veteran, Wife Assaulted Outside Florida Theater by Teen Mob

"He was an Iraq war veteran home on leave in time for Christmas. She was looking forward to a night out with her husband after so much time apart.

But a group of teenagers had other plans for Federico and Kalyn Freire, who were assaulted outside a Florida movie theater after asking the teens to be quiet during a movie on Christmas Day.

Federico Freire, a 28-year-old Marine, and Kalyn Freire were attacked after the couple attended a showing of "Little Fockers" on Saturday in Bradenton, Fla.

"The saddest part about it was that this was out first date night together in a long time," Freire's wife, Kalyn, said in an interview Wednesday with FoxNews.com. "We were just looking to spend some time together."

Freire, a Florida native stationed at Camp Pendelton in California, said he and his wife asked a group of "obnoxiously loud" teenagers talking on cell phones to "be quiet" during the 8:20 p.m. movie.

"This was my first time back in town from my tour in Iraq," he said.

Freire said that when the disturbance escalated and the group began cursing, his wife called the manager, who asked several of the teenagers to leave the theater.

The couple said they thought the fracas was over until they walked out of the theater and were assaulted by a mob of menacing teenagers.

"On our way out of the movie theater, my wife gets surrounded with about 10 to 15 girls that were about to attack her," Freire told FoxNews.com. "As soon as I saw this I immediately ran and got her out of harms way."

Freire said he was kicked and punched as he and his wife tried to run from the group.

"I leaned down to grab my purse and there were literally 100 teens around us," Kalyn Freire said, "While the manager was in the corner with his mouth open and not doing anything."

Freire said one bystander stepped forward and told the couple to follow him to his car, saying he could scare the crowd off with a gun. But before the two reached the man's vehicle, one of the teenagers said, "I'm going to knock your wife out," before punching Freire's wife to the ground, the couple said.

Deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff's Department responded to the scene and arrested two 15-year-old brothers and charged them with misdemeanor battery.

According to a police report, three others -- 16-year-old Ishmael Dunbar, 17-year-old Reginald Gardner and 20-year-old Destiny McNeil -- were arrested and charged with felony battery on a law enforcement officer and trespassing.

"All available units were requested to respond to disperse the crowd for officer safety and to restore order," the police report said. One teenager was stunned by a Taser.

Authorities said the fight attracted about 300 bystanders."

If I remember correctly 5 or more on 1 is "disparity of force" and reacting with lethal force is legal, although in this case it is moot. Obviously their lives were in danger.
What could have stopped this? The police? Probably not, They are much to busy to station officers "because there might be trouble".
Also "Authorities said the fight attracted about 300 bystanders."
All of whom did nothing except for the one man who tried to help them.

Most likely, they'll scatter on sight of a gun being pulled (Crowd mentality like this is a cowardly mentality). Those who feel brave will probably scatter after the first shot is fired. The rest will likely flee after the first body hits the floor.
Put "Significant Other" behind you and move back toward the theater doors or your vehicle, whichever is closer.

What is happening to OUR country?

Dan Emplit WBFD

This is just WRONG

I'm no George W. Bush supporter, But this is wrong.

"CBS Airs Fake George W. Bush Cover Mocking ‘Decision Points’

When CBS News aired a special on book covers this past Sunday, not many took notice. That is until George W. Bush’s new book “Decision Points” popped up on the screen. That’s because the cover the network showed was not only the wrong one, but it was also mocking the former president.

The cover is supposed to look like this:




Simple. Harmless. But that’s not what aired. Here’s the cover that flashed across the screen:




Yes, you’re reading that right. CBS aired a Bush book cover that says, “Desision Points: How I Managed to Go Eight Years without Making One Good Decision.” CBS has since backpedaled, saying it was an unintentional mistake:

“Good catch: it’s a mistake no one could see because you’d have to freeze the frame to notice it. Another cautionary tale about the risks of the internet age – clearly, we have to be more careful when downloading material.”

According to Newsday, a production assistant made the mistake because of deadline pressure and pulled the image off the internet. The picture seems to have originated on the satirical website “Drudge Retort,” although some outlets have confused it as originating from the the actual website Drudge Report.

CBS has since removed the video showing the gaffe."

I'm a HUGE supporter of our Constitutional Rights, But this is JUST WRONG. Period. And I am sick of the BIAS that the mainstream news shows. If say Fox News put a split second picture of Obama, with a demeaning subtitle on it, it would be a major news event. I've posted before about how 'W', as a man, has been misjudged.
This is a DISGRACE!! CBS should be fined and since 'W' is a private citizen now, he should demand a FORMAL apology. On the air. Primetime.
Anyone remember the Air Guard Memo? What Network was used that to launch that attack? Oh...CBS....
And CBS defended themselves by saying no one would see it without freeze frame. Evidently they were WRONG. Bush was far from perfect and there were more mistakes made on his watch as there are in any administration, but blaming him for everything got old ages ago. Get off it already.

What the hell are they teaching in journalism school now?!!!
This is just abuse of a Constitutional Right for a political agenda.

Enough for now,
Dan Emplit WBFD

Merry Christmas

Today, on what many call the 'biggest' holiday of the year. Please take a moment and remember, not only, the men and women in our armed forces but their loved ones. The families need our support almost as much as our brave Heroes in uniform and they especially need it this time of year.
Lets make our number one wish that our heroes come home safe and whole.

God Bless,
Dan Emplit WBFD

The Empty Seat

Remember this Christmas when you're eating your dinner, smiling, & laughing, that in another house there's an empty chair where a hero should be sitting. They gave their life so you could sit with your family. Light a candle in their honor, our heroes who did not make it back, & for those who are still serving out in Afghanistan, Iraq, the DMZ in Korea, & the Horn of Africa.


Dan Emplit WBFD

How I Wrap A Gift

How I Wrap A Gift (With Help From my cats (Bob,Tweek & Stewie)...)

1. Clear large space on table for wrapping present.
2. Go to wardrobe and collect bag from wardrobe.
3. Open door and remove Bob from wardrobe.
4. Go to cupboard and retrieve rolls of wrapping paper.
5. Go back and remove Tweek from cupboard.
6. Go to drawer and collect transparent sticky tape, ribbons, scissors, labels, etc.
7. Lay out presents and wrapping materials on table to enable wrapping strategy to be formed.
8. Go back to drawer to get string. Remove Stewie that has been in the drawer since last visit and collect string.
9. Reopen drawer and remove Tweek.
10. Remove present from bag.
11. Remove Bob from bag.
12. Open box to check present, remove Bob & Tweek from box, replace present.
13. Lay out paper to enable cutting to size.
14. Try to smooth out paper, realize Stewie is underneath and remove cat.
15. Cut the paper to size, trying to keep the cutting line straight.
16. Throw away first sheet as Bob tried to chase the scissors and tore paper.
17. Cut second sheet of paper to size by putting Bob & Tweek in the bag the present came out of.
18. Place present on paper to cut to size.
19. Lift up edges of paper to seal in present, wonder why edges now don't reach and realize Bob is between present and paper. Remove cat and retry.
20. Place object on paper to hold in place while cutting transparent sticky tape.
21. Spend next 20 minutes carefully trying to remove transparent sticky tape from Stewie with pair of nail scissors.
22. Seal paper down with transparent sticky tape, making corners as neat as possible.
23. Look for roll of ribbon, chase Bob down hall in order to retrieve ribbon.
24. Try to wrap present with ribbon in a two directional turn.
25. Re-roll ribbon and remove paper that is now torn due to Tweek's enthusiasm to chase ribbon end.
26. Repeat steps 13 - 20 until down to last sheet of paper.
27. Decide to skip steps 13- 17 in order to save time and reduce risk of loosing last sheet of paper by retrieving old cardboard box that you know is right size for sheet of paper.
28. Put present in box and tie down with string.
29. Remove string, open box and remove Bob.
30. Put all packing materials in bag with present and head for lockable room.
31. Once inside room, lock door and start to re-lay out packing materials.
32. Remove Bob & Tweek from box, unlock door, put cats outside door, close door and re-lock.
33. Repeat previous step as often as necessary until you can hear the cries from the cats outside the door.
34. Lay out last sheet of paper. (I know this is difficult in the small area of the bathroom, but try your best.)
35. Realize that Bob & Tweek have already gotten to the paper. Unlock door, go out and hunt through various cupboards looking for sheets of last year's paper, until you remember that you haven't got any left due to Stewie help with wrapping last year.
36. Retire back to room, lock door and sit on toilet while trying to work out how to make a torn sheet of paper look halfway presentable.
37. Seal box, wrap with paper and start repairs by very carefully sealing down tears with transparent sticky tape. Now tie up with ribbon and decorate with bows to hide worst affected areas.
38. Label, then sit back and admire your handiwork, congratulating yourself on making good of a bad job.
39. Unlock door and go to kitchen to make a drink and feed the cats.
40. Spend the next 15 minutes looking for cats before coming to obvious conclusion...
41. Unwrap present, untie box and remove cats.
42. Retrieve all thrown away sheets of wrapping paper, feed the cats and retire to room for last attempt, making certain you are alone and the door is locked.
43. Find least torn and wrinkled sheets of paper along with the ones that the pattern matches closest.
44. Vainly try and wrap present in patchwork paper. Tie with the now tattered ribbon and decorate with the now limp bows. Label and put present in bag for fear of anyone seeing this disaster.
45. At time of handing over present, smile sweetly at the receiver's face as they try to hide their contempt at being handed such a badly wrapped present.
46. Swear to yourself that next year you will get the store to wrap the darn thing for you!

Merry Christmas,
Dan Emplit WBFD

Big Brother is here?

Not a post about the city's cameras.

A Coup By the FCC
Another link to a similar article is HERE

"President Obama’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has fittingly chosen the darkest day in 372 years to impose potentially devastating regulations on the up-to-now free market Internet.

As the moon was eclipsed earlier today, Congress and the American people will be eclipsed by this regulatory coup d'état -- orchestrated by the White House -- that will substitute the judgment of three Democrats at the FCC for the legitimate democratic process.

Starting today, the Internet will be regulated, despite the fact that network neutrality regulations have almost no support in Congress, where Rep. Ed Markey’s legislation, which aimed to do by legitimate means what the FCC is now doing surreptitiously, has just 27 co-sponsors.

Starting today, the Internet will be regulated, despite the fact that on November 2 that American people let out a collective scream against big government and intrusive regulations, and the further fact that all 95 candidates who signed the Progressive Change Campaign Committee’s pledge to promote network neutrality regulation lost. That’s 0 for 95.

Starting today, the Internet will be regulated despite the fact the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously in "Comcast v. FCC" that such regulations have no legitimate basis in law.

The solution is clear. Congress must make it a top priority to overturn these regulations early in 2011, preferably with a Congressional Review Act Resolution of Disapproval that can avoid filibuster and cleanly invalidate the order. The resolution can be forced onto the Senate floor with as few as 30 senators signing a discharge petition.

Two letters from Senate Republicans show that even before the cavalry of new conservative senators arrive to join their ranks, there are already more than the 30 required to force a vote. The main letter was led by Senator John Ensign and had 29 signatures -- plus several others who would have signed but weren't available in this hectic lame duck session. (Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), a supporter of net neutrality regulation who nonetheless recognizes the FCC does not have the power to implement it against the will of Congress, sent her own letter.)

Not only is the imposition of government's heavy hand on the economy's most vibrant sector at stake, but so are the basic principles of our democratic republic. If these principles are discarded, the door will be open for a breathtaking series of executive branch power grabs that will leave our society and its constitutional system of government unrecognizable.

Congress must do its job and stop the FCC."


This is one of the worst written articles EVER (and that is coming from ME). I can't figure out if it is about an invasion into the First Amendment Or if it is about making companies toe a line, whether this is good policy or even Constitutional. I do fear that once the FCC has it's fingers in they will squeeze and this is too close to the First Amendment for comfort. Benjamin Franklin said,“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”

Either way, There it is,

Dan Emplit WBFD

More Guns are the problem crap

My night off so just a link to a non city related gun site. Really good points here.

Here we go again

Dictator Leighton is at it again. He's telling half truths and outright lies to vilify the fire dept. So without further adieu I will address his points and as usual, show him to be a Politician.
1. "Mayor Tom Leighton is openly critical of the union’s demands, which he says are too expensive and unreasonable." But losing $325,000 on the Hotel Sterling deal wasn't. Losing $225,000 to City wide Towing for violating his contract (so Leighton could give it to a campaign contributor) wasn't. Losing $67,000 to Denise Carey (and $220,000+ to her lawyer) for violating her Constitutional Rights. The list goes on..
2. "With demands such as lifetime health benefits for spouses, birthdays off and residency outside the city on the table" This is the way negotiations go. The Union wants everything, The City wants to taken everything away, and they are supposed to meet in the middle. If they do not, it goes to arbitration. So this is nothing more than him telling a half truth in order to make us look bad.
3. "Key issues are overtime and excessive time off – 21 percent of the department is off on any given day" I don't even know what he is trying to say here. Off how? Why? This is just him throwing worthless numbers out to make us look bad. A LIE by misdirection.
4. "The fire department budget is $9 million in 2011, up by about $1 million from this year’s budget." How? Where is the extra money going? Don't make it sound like that is going to us. Tell us where exactly that 'million' is going and what for. Because things like the maintenance for the 2 thirty plus year old buildings come out of our budget. LIE by misdirection part two.
5. "Would the city be safely protected by moving to a volunteer-based department rather than the current full-time employment of 72 firefighters?" No. Period. The citizens are paying for top notch protection and not getting what they are paying for.
6."in 2009, the 48 firefighters averaged nearly $12,000 each in overtime". We have a certain amount of positions that MUST BE FILLED to give protection. If the number of Firefighters goes down (we are down about 19 men) then overtime goes up. If Leighton had replaced retiring Firemen as they left, overtime would NOT be this high. A lie by misdirection.
7. "Leighton said he has been hearing more and more negative comments about the high cost of fire protection." Probably an outright lie. When he reduced minimum manning, back in March, He claimed that he had many calls supporting him but only 2 against his reckless move. THAT I know is a lie. I personally, know of and witnessed 10 calls against that move.
8. "The mayor said when 16 or 17 firefighters are scheduled for a shift and seven or eight call off" Really, does anyone actually believe that 8 people call of a shift? I've been on over 17 years and NEVER heard of 7 or 8 people calling off. An outright Lie.
9. "And we are paying the call-ins time and a half. What business could survive if 21 percent of its work force was off every shift?" Proof that this is a lie? Why, if it were true, would he wait until his seventh year in office to do anything about it? And why whine to a news paper? To show his complete lack of leadership abilities? Another outright lie.
10. "If response time is so critical, then why do the firefighters want to live outside the city? What will that do to response time in the case of an emergency? What message are they sending to city residents as far as safety is concerned?" I've already covered how negotiations work, and Leighton knows this, so this is another attempt at making us look bad and another lie from him, this time about how response time works. It's about ON-DUTY firefighters.
11. "They could opt to live in Noxen or Mocanaqua or Hunlock Creek." He's a hypocrite, one of his 'council buddies' doesn't live in the city and Leighton does nothing about it.
12. "firefighters want Sept. 11 off as a holiday and they want health care for their spouses for life." Once again, Negotiations.
And now for a BIG one. Leighton brags about how HE got us new equipment.
13. "Leighton said his administration has purchased more equipment for the fire department than any previous administration -- three fire engines, two ambulances, an $850,000 fire station, a new fire chief’s car and a new ladder truck." Wow, where to start. Well, The Dictator wants the good, he should take the bad. How are the Engines holding up? Whats that? They spend as almost much time being fixed as they do on duty? One had a step come off while a captain was on it and caused PERMANENT LIFE CHANGING DAMAGE? One that forced him to retire before he was 40? Oh and how old were the Engines that these replaced? The best of them is a '93? and the newest a '97? The oldest an '89? How about the Ladder Truck? It replaced an '75. Sounds like they were replaced from necessity, not his generosity. And weren't they paid for with Grants?
14. "Leighton said the city’s financial situation has been shaky since he took office in 2004 and inherited a $10 million deficit. He said the city has managed to get back on its financial feet." One second the city is in dire financial straits the next it is 'back on its financial feet', Which is the truth? Can we believe ANYTHING that comes out of his mouth?
15. "We just don’t have the money to pay for all of this overtime" Because he is to busy giving sweetheart deals to his campaign contributors, racking up MASSIVE lawsuit debts and tryng to get his name on the side of a building.
16. "Certainly I’m adamantly concerned about the safety of residents" REALLY? How by cutting Fire/EMS service to 12 men/shift when the citys own study says 17/shift is the MINIMUM? Another LIE.

Enough for now,
Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Beliefs

OK, drunken Anonymous has struck again. If I've translated your inebriated slurring to English correctly, You claim I am not consistent in my beliefs. Since I don't post about religion, you must mean political.
Fasten your seat belts, This is gonna be a bumpy ride.
My Beliefs:
I believe That my tax money should go to lowering the national debt and to getting social security back on its feet, not to some crack whore pushing out her fifth drug addicted baby (she has 5 so she can collect more money) or to give an illegal alien free health care and a higher education.

If you believe guns kill then obviously you believe:
that pencils make people misspell, cars make people drive drunk, and spoons made Rosie O'Donnell fat.

I believe 'In God We Trust' should be on our money

I believe saying 'one nation under God' will NOT harm anyone

I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes a parent. My friend Melissa is an excellent example of a parent.

I believe gun control means 3 things
Grip
sight alignment
a firm steady squeeze

I believe Explosions are cool

I believe self-important Idiots with a political agenda are much deadlier than a nut with a weapon

I believe if there is a God then he inspired our founding fathers to write our constitution. It is perfect. STOP F@#KING WITH IT. And stop trying to take my RIGHTS away.

I believe Illegal aliens are......ILLEGAL. Treat them accordingly. By the way, the constitution does not say they have the same rights as citizens. So stop giving them MORE.

I believe we should mine the border. END OF PROBLEM. If other countries get mad at us tell them to take those ILLEGALS to France. I'm sure those 'cheese eating surrender monkeys' will make room for them

I believe that our military should be trained & equipped to a knifes edge. So when the first pfc. marine hits the beach every non-American within 10 miles pees themselves. Including our allies.

I believe that if you were NOT born in this country and do NOT become a citizen then you should NOT get any government loans, special schooling, tax breaks (like they pay taxes), or anything else.

I believe the police have the right to shoot or Taz anyone who is threatening someone else. Regardless their age, race, religion, or shoe size.

I believe this is The United States of America. We speak English here. Learn it. Or leave.

I believe there are no Mexican-Americans, no Irish-Americans, no Polish-Americans... We are AMERICANS. If you want to categorize yourself try American-Mexican, American-Irish...... America ALWAYS comes first.

I believe a Politician should be a paragon of virtue. PERIOD. They should be the type of people children can look up to.

I believe political office should be an honor. Not a business, or a way to get rich. Or get your campaign contributers rich.

I believe it's a sign of the direction America is going when I feel the need to grab a pistol when answering my door.

I believe that apathy is the greatest danger our county has ever faced and it is approaching apocalyptic levels.

I believe special interest groups are only interested in themselves.

I believe 'not guilty by reason of insanity' should be changed to 'guilty but insane' and the person should be treated accordingly.

I believe if you are sentanced to 20 years or more hard time, We should save the taxpayers the money and spend the 36 cents for a bullet. Or if we are feeling cruel send them to France.

I believe we should stop repeat offenders. So don't re-elect them.

I believe that the people bringing drugs into this country should be hunted, with extreme prejudice.

If my beliefs fills the jails, we have several large islands in Alaska, the Aleutian islands, and a Navy. Leave the criminals and blockade the islands. They lost their rights when they violated other Peoples rights.

I believe we need to take back our country. Re-establish the Constitution as the 'Holy Grail' of documents that it was meant to be."

If you think this is wrong, That is your RIGHT and I would defend your right to disagree with my to the best of ability.

Dan Emplit WBFD

A little more truth

City firefighters will receive stipend once reserved for cops

What would have happened if Dictator Leighton had NOT hidden this money from us?
When our Dictator was elected he asked all the city unions to help the city financially in their contracts. The fire union did (concessions = approx 3.5 million dollars over 7 years).
Well, I would have suggested that we drop it to help out the city.
And the end result would have been that Emperor Leighton would have wasted about a Million dollars more on his moronic pet projects. Would have still cut essential services to the bone. And would still be treating the fire dept like toilet paper.


There is not much you can say about someone so obviously divorced from reality and any rational thought.

I had a message sent to me over this electronic thingie. (Yeah I DO check all my messages) I had deleted the original but not the back up I keep. So here it is:

"wow, you're facts are not accurate. You really have some great presentations here. If the facts were true, you may have an impact. Check your sources. Much of what you have is incorrect." It referenced 'Fiction day is here'.

Here is my challenge, PICK A NAME. So I know which Anonymous I am talking at. There are at least 3.
Next be specific. If you have proof, send it. If it comes with A NAME. I will read it promptly. Then I will check the facts, Like I always do. Read my past posts, The dates and sources are usually listed. Vague "Much of what you have is incorrect" is nothing more than trying to start infernal net fights.

1 Screwed up selling the Sterling hotel (costing us $325,000)
2 Bad faith moves
3 Back room deals
4 Tried to sell city property for 8 cents on the dollar to a campaign contributor
5 Lied to county officials to get tax forgiveness to a campaign contributor
6 Cut our safety to fund HIS pet projects
7 The whole Ice Rink, which was supposed to revitalize W-B HOW?
8 The largely worthless camera system
9 Raised taxes and fees to an all time high.
10 Racked up MASSIVE lawsuit debts
11 Violated a contract (Citywide Towing's contract) so he could give it to a campaign contributor (that cost us $225,000)
12 Trying to sell W-B property (Tax Free) to a campaign contributor (Known for not paying his own taxes)
13 Outright lies to us (The citizens of Wilkes-Barre)
14 Blaming anyone and everyone for his failures (remember the 'I believe' campaign, "I wouldn't say I oversold it. I think maybe the media did," Mayor Leighton said. (WNEP June 10, 2005) AKA It's not my fault, it's the medias)
15 Ignoring the Lloyds Study (which states the minimum FD manning per shift is 17) and cutting manning to 12 per shift
16 VIOLATED CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, TWICE !!! (Denise Carey & the Hammonds). That's cost us over $275,000.

Here's a news flash, he's running for re-election. We've got to stop him or this city will be ruined.

Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

The Award

No grounds for appeal, city will pay firefighters

"The city has determined it has no further grounds to appeal a more than $1 million arbitration award to firefighters and expects to issue checks to them in January."
After spending HOW MUCH on multiple arbitration's they COULD NOT WIN?

"Mayor Tom Leighton’s frustration level with the situation boiled over on Wednesday as he conceded defeat in the court case.
“We are struggling as a city. To have to write a check for one point some million dollars for something we feel is not justified, it’s a sad day for taxpayers,” Leighton said."
But when he 'LOST' $325,000 by not checking if the Sterling Hotel had outstanding debts before selling it (Some Realtor he is) that's OK.

Notice that NOWHERE does Leighton deny actively hiding the money from us.

Leighton to press cops on stipend

"Mayor Tom Leighton said he plans to ask city police to give up a $1,500-a-year stipend they receive for allowing civilians to collect parking meters or to resume the duties themselves in order to avoid having to pay firefighters the same stipend."

What he only found out about this NOW? It's not like it's been going on for 8 years... Oh wait it has. Either he knew and continued to hide it from us (corrupt and a 'bad faith' move) or he didn't know about it and is incompetent.

"The money, which will be paid in January, is for back pay the city was ordered to pay firefighters based on a parity clause in their contract that required they be given any salary increase given to police."
He's already in 'contempt of court' because that money was to be paid by the 14th.

"“The bottom line is they are getting money I feel is not deserved,” Leighton said, referring to firefighters. “I cannot in good conscience pay a stipend to someone who is not doing anything.”"
AKA we aren't campaign supporters, like say the individual who tried to but the Old River Road Bakery.

"Even if the city is successful, Tom Makar, president of the firefighters union, said Wednesday he’s not convinced that it would free it from having to pay the firefighters the $1,500."
Why would we? When mayor was elected he asked all the city unions to help the city financially in their contracts. the fire union did (concessions = approx 3.5 million dollars over 7 years). Mayor Leighton said "By making (these) substantial concessions, the firefighters' union has agreed to become partners with the city in its revitalization plan" The Fire Fighters Union did their part and who gets cut back? What did the other unions do? NOTHING. And dictator Leighton treats the one union that did help, like a baby treats a diaper.

For more info check my older posts:
Arbitration award
A Follow on to Yesterdays Post
And here is a partial list of his idea of fiscal responsibility
1 Screwed up selling the Sterling hotel (costing us $325,000)
2 Bad faith moves
3 Back room deals
4 Tried to sell city property for 8 cents on the dollar to a campaign contributor
5 Lied to county officials to get tax forgiveness to a campaign contributor
6 Cut our safety to fund HIS pet projects
7 The whole Ice Rink, which was supposed to revitalize W-B HOW?
8 The largely worthless camera system
9 Raised taxes and fees to an all time high.
10 Racked up MASSIVE lawsuit debts
11 Violated a contract (Citywide Towing's contract) so he could give it to a campaign contributor (that cost us $225,000)
12 Trying to sell W-B property (Tax Free) to a campaign contributor (Known for not paying his own taxes)
13 Outright lies to us (The citizens of Wilkes-Barre)
14 Blaming anyone and everyone for his failures (remember the 'I believe' campaign, "I wouldn't say I oversold it. I think maybe the media did," Mayor Leighton said. (WNEP June 10, 2005) AKA It's not my fault, it's the medias)
15 Ignoring the Lloyds Study (which states the minimum FD manning per shift is 17) and cutting manning to 12 per shift
16 VIOLATED CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, TWICE !!! (Denise Carey & the Hammonds). That's cost us over $275,000.


Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

PS I'm starting to get a lot of messages from anonymous people. I do not answer anonymous messages, mainly because a few people use that feature to just start fights. If you use a name I will look at it and if it isn't a childish attempt at a fight I will post it.

HEADLINES FROM THE YEAR: 2029

HEADLINES FROM THE YEAR: 2029 !!
Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest country in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California . White minorities still trying to have English recognized as Mexifornia's third language.

Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.

Baby conceived naturally. Scientists stumped.

Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.

Last remaining Fundamentalist Muslim dies in the American Territory of the Middle East (formerly known as Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Lebanon).

Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.

France pleads for global help after being taken over by Jamaica

Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking.

George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036.

Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.

85-year $75.8 billion study: Diet and Exercise are the key to weight loss.

Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs.

Japanese scientists have created a camera with such a fast shutter speed, they now can photograph a woman with her mouth shut.

Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.

Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.

Average height of NBA players is now nine feet, seven inches.

New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2036.

Congress authorizes direct deposit of formerly illegal political contributions to campaign accounts.

IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent.

Florida voters still having trouble with voting machines.

Fiction day is HERE!!!!

Got to tonight's council meeting late tonight (it was a quick one, out the door by 6:25)AND FICTION DAY is Here!! The day when council passes the Emperors fictional budget. How do they get away with it? Year after year they budget some ridiculously small amount for overtime (while not fixing the reason for the overtime) and then blame the FD for going over budget. 2009, because the FD is approximately 19 people down, it cost $322,000 for OT. 2010, we are still about 19 down despite the hiring of 6 men, you could expect about $322,000 for OT. Emperor Leighton budgets $125,000, whines that we are going over budget and then cuts YOUR safety by effectively closing South Station. I say 'effectively' because on the off chance we have the manpower we man that Engine. It is in service about (yes, I am guessing here) 1/6 of the time.

But in his time in office, he has:

1 Screwed up selling the Sterling hotel (costing us $325,000)
2 Bad faith moves
3 Back room deals
4 Tried to sell city property for 8 cents on the dollar to a campaign contributor
5 Lied to county officials to get tax forgiveness to a campaign contributor
6 Cut our safety to fund HIS pet projects
7 The whole Ice Rink, which was supposed to revitalize W-B HOW?
8 The largely worthless camera system
9 Raised taxes and fees to an all time high.
10 Racked up MASSIVE lawsuit debts
11 Violated a contract (Citywide Towing's contract) so he could give it to a campaign contributor (that cost us $225,000)
12 Trying to sell W-B property (Tax Free) to a campaign contributor (Known for not paying his own taxes)
13 Outright lies to us (The citizens of Wilkes-Barre)
14 Blaming anyone and everyone for his failures (remember the 'I believe' campaign, "I wouldn't say I oversold it. I think maybe the media did," Mayor Leighton said. (WNEP June 10, 2005) AKA It's not my fault, it's the medias)
15 Ignoring the Lloyds Study (which states the minimum FD manning per shift is 17) and cutting manning to 12 per shift
16 VIOLATED CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, TWICE !!! (Denise Carey & the Hammonds). That's cost us over $275,000.
"Fiscal Responsibility", My ASS.

We are paying for TOP notch services, Why do we NOT have them? Because of DICTATOR LEIGHTON.

Can't wait to read the fiction he calls a budget this time.

Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

The attack on Pearl Harbor

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on the morning of December 7, 1941. The attack was intended as a preventive action in order to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from influencing the war that the Empire of Japan was planning in Southeast Asia, against Britain and the Netherlands, as well as the U.S. in the Philippines. The base was attacked by 353 Japanese aircraft in two waves, launched from six aircraft carriers.
Four U.S. Navy battleships were sunk (two of which were raised and returned to service later in the war) and the four other battleships present were damaged. The Japanese also sank or damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, an anti-aircraft training ship and one minelayer. 188 U.S. aircraft were destroyed, 2,402 personnel were killed and 1,282 were wounded. Japanese losses were light, with 29 aircraft and five midget submarines lost, and 65 servicemen killed or wounded. One Japanese sailor was captured.
The attack came as a profound shock to the American people and led directly to the United States entry into World War II in both the Pacific and European theaters. Subsequent operations by the U.S., as well as the Axis alliance, prompted Germany and Italy to declare war on the U.S. on December 11, which was reciprocated by the U.S. the same day.
The lack of any formal warning by Japan, particularly while negotiations were still apparently ongoing, led to President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaiming December 7, 1941, "a date which will live in infamy".
The attack came in two waves, with a third planned and then cancelled.

As the number of Pearl Harbor survivers dwindle we would do well to remember, There is a reason they are called 'Our Greatest Generation'.

Dan Emplit WBFD
USN 1986-1992

Don Alejo Garza Tamez said “This Far and No Farther.”

A few weeks ago I posted about Don Alejo Garza Tamez and now I would like to post a little more.

"Don Alejo Garza Tamez: True Grit
Written by Bob Adelmann
Tuesday, 30 November 2010 18:00
Many still remember the movie True Grit, with John Wayne playing Rooster Cogburn, the irascible drunk who reluctantly agrees to help Mattie track down Tom Chaney who murdered Mattie’s father. The phrase “true grit” defines one who knows right from wrong and then does something about it.

When a Mexican drug cartel delivered an ultimatum to Don Alejo to give up his ranch or suffer the consequences, it was expected that within 24 hours the place would be vacant, and it would be just another asset captured by the cartel. But they didn’t know they were dealing with someone with true grit.

On Saturday, November 13, a group of toughs arrived at Don Alejo’s ranch about 10 miles outside of Ciudad Victoria, the capital city of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Victoria, as it is now called, is about 100 miles due south of Laredo, Texas, and about 80 miles southwest of Brownsville. The ranch sits on a pretty lake where Don Alejo had lived most of his life. He was informed that he had 24 hours to vacate the premises. He responded simply that he would be waiting for them.

The first thing Don Alejo did was to let his ranch hands leave and take the next day off. Next, he secured his home, spending most of the evening preparing for the coming assault. He placed weapons and ammunition at every door and window, thought through how he would defend the place, and went to bed.

At 4 a.m. Sunday morning, several motor vehicles pulled up in front of Don Alejo’s home, with the thugs announcing their arrival by firing rounds from their weapons into the air. What happened next caught them totally by surprise. The criminals had taken over other properties without resistance, often with the occupants running from the house, screaming for mercy.

Instead, Don Alejo began picking off one after another of the attackers. When they discovered that their return fire was proving ineffective, the thugs began throwing grenades into the house. The firefight, it is estimated, lasted no more than about 5 minutes. In the end, 4 attackers lay dead, two more mortally wounded, and Don Alejo himself lying dead in a pool of blood.

As the Mexican Marines later pieced together the story, Don Alejo, age 77, decided simply that he wasn’t going to be run off his property by outlaws. He had made many hard decisions in his life, taking over his father’s sawmill when he was a young man, travelling regularly to see his suppliers, opening several timber supply stores in the area, and dealing with difficulties that only a small business owner can appreciate. His final decision, however, was an easy one. He had all that was needed: he owned the property, he knew he would defend it even with his life if necessary, and he had the means.

As a hunter Don Alejo was intimately familiar with firearms, both long guns and small arms. He had collected guns from his childhood, and had developed a keen eye and a steady finger. He hunted deer, geese, and pigeons regularly with his friends. He co-founded the Dr. Maria Manuel Silva Hunting, Shooting and Fishing Club in Allende, Nuevo Leon.

When the Marines arrived at the scene shortly after the firefight, the smell of gun powder was still in the air. Weapons, spent brass, and empty magazines littered the house. Walls were peppered with bullet holes, and grenades had blown gaping holes in the front of the building. As Borderlandbeat.com reported,

In the last hunt of his life, Don Alejo surprised the group of assassins who wanted to impose the same law on his ranch that they had [elsewhere] in the State: the law of the jungle.

The marines who were present will never forget the scene: a 77-year old man, who before death, took out four gunmen, fighting them as the best of soldiers: with dignity, courage, and honor.

In a microcosm, Don Alejo was fighting the same fight that men of honor throughout the ages and in different lands have fought: freedom from aggression, defense against tyranny, light versus darkness.

In America, the freedom fight, at least on the surface, seems heavily to favor the armed citizen. At last count, more than 90 million Americans are armed with several hundred million weapons. They have lived in a land of freedom unknown in history, and are enjoying the fruits gained by fighters against totalitarianism since the founding of the Republic. But there are some who call the American people “sheeple,” too soft and ignorant of their own freedom and history even to know what it cost others. There are some who doubt that many will stand, in that final moment, if necessary, to defend their own lives, liberties, and property. Others look at the legacy of freedom left behind and wonder how Don Alejo came to decide that it was “this far and no farther.”

In this time of increasing uncertainty, chaos, and confusion, how many Don Alejos are there, really? There just might be a time when that question will be answered. As James Russell Lowell wrote:

Once to every man and nation, comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Some great cause, some great decision, offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever, ’twixt that darkness and that light."

I don't know what was going on in Don Alejo's mind. Maybe he was just protecting what was his or maybe he was tired of the cartels. I like to think that he was thinking of the legacy and heroic example he was leaving behind.
Vaya con Dios, Sir.

Dan Emplit WBFD

USMC

"If you don't know GOD, don't make stupid remarks!!!!!!
A United States Marine was taking some college courses between assignments. He had completed 20 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

One of the courses was taught by a professor who was an avowed atheist , and a member of the ACLU. One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, "GOD, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform... I'll give you exactly 15 min." The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, "Here I am GOD, I'm still waiting." It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Marine got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and decked him; knocking him off the platform.
The professor was out cold.
The Marine went back to his seat and sat there, silently.
The other students were shocked and stunned, and sat there looking on in silence. The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Marine and asked, "What in the world is the matter with you? Why did you do that?"
The Marine calmly replied, "GOD was too busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid stuff and act like an idiot. So He sent me."
The classroom erupted in cheers!"

God Bless the USMC and the rest of our soldiers, They are TRUE HEROES.
Dan Emplit WBFD

Why guns are not EVIL

About a week and a half ago I posted about Don Alejo Garza, a hero who gave his life, fighting a drug cartel, to defend what was his.
I asked, "How many AMERICANS would stand up for what is right, like Don Alejo Garza Tamez did?" and I found my answer.
Shotgun preteen vs. Illegal alien Home Invaders…
"Two illegal aliens, Ralphel Resindez, 23, and Enrico Garza, 26, probably believed they would easily overpower home-alone 11-year-old Patricia Harrington after her father had left their Two-story home. It seems the two crooks never learned two things: they were in Montana and Patricia had been a clay-shooting champion since she was nine.
Patricia was in her upstairs room when the two men broke through the front door of the house. She quickly ran to her father’s room and grabbed his 12-gauge Mossberg 500 shotgun.
Resindez was the first to get up to the second floor only to be the first to catch a near point blank blast of buckshot from the 11-year-old’s knee-crouch aim. He suffered fatal wounds to his abdomen and genitals.
When Garza ran to the foot of the stairs, he took a blast to the left shoulder and staggered out into the street where he bled to death before medical help could arrive.
It was found out later that Resindez was armed with a stolen 45-caliber handgun he took from another home invasion robbery. That victim, 50-year-old David 0′Burien, was not so lucky. He died from stab wounds to the chest.
Ever wonder why good stuff never makes NBC, CBS, PBS, MSNBC, CNN, or ABC news……..?
An 11 year old girl, properly trained, defended her home, and herself……against two murderous, illegal immigrants…….and she wins,
She is still alive.
Now THAT is Gun Control!
Thought for the day….
Calling an illegal alien an ‘undocumented immigrant‘ is like calling a drug dealer an ‘unlicensed pharmacist’"

When someone says, "We need to keep guns away from our children." I say,"What we need is to be responsible gun owners and parents. Teach them about guns, teach them how to shoot them, to respect them, and if something like this happens, We will still HAVE children"
My nephew and niece BOTH know how to shoot and have for years. They have never shot another person and hopefully will never have to.
BTW, notice she used buckshot... DO NOT USE BIRDSHOT. Birdshot is for small birds, it's not good enough for turkeys, so why try using it on a violent criminal?


This is a myth. .... Sorry.
The reasons for teaching children about guns are not.

Dan Emplit WBFD

TSA Breast Milk Screening Harassment Updated

This is a long watch, can't imagine what this mother went through. The TSA nazis need to be stopped



Can you imagine this happening to your wife, sister, daughter, or friend?

A Follow on to Yesterdays Post

"LABOR DISPUTE State’s top court refuses to hear city’s appeal of payment to firefighters
Posted: December 2
Updated: Today at 12:40 AM

W-B must pay $1 million
By Terrie Morgan-Besecker tmorgan@timesleader.com
Law & Order Reporter

WILKES-BARRE – The state Supreme Court has refused to hear the city’s appeal of a $1 million arbitration award issued to firefighters, all but ensuring the two-year legal battle has come to an end.

The ruling means each firefighter will receive a lump-sum payment totaling around $13,000, which will compensate them for salary increases they were due dating back to 2002.

The city has been battling to overturn a arbitrator’s ruling in 2008 that granted firefighters a salary benefit that was given to city police officers.

The ruling was upheld by a Luzerne County judge, then later by the state Commonwealth Court. The city asked the state Supreme Court in April to hear the case, but it issued an order Monday declining to accept the case.

The only appellate option the city has left would be to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. It’s unlikely the court would agree as it typically takes only cases involving matters with nationwide impact, said attorney Stephen Holroyd of Philadelphia, who represented the firefighters union.

“This is the final word,” Holroyd said.

The dispute centered on a 2002 agreement between the city and police officers that paid each officer a lump-sum payment of $1,300 in 2002 and 2003 and $1,500 each year thereafter. The money was to compensate them for agreeing to allow civilians to take over parking meter collections.

The firefighters filed a grievance that sought the same payments based on a parity clause in their contract that mandated they receive any salary increase paid to police.

The city claimed the payment to police officers was for training and education, not a salary increase, but the arbitrator rejected that argument.

In its appeal of the arbitration ruling, the city alleged the head of the firefighters union, Tom Makar, testified falsely at the arbitration hearing regarding when he learned of the 2002 agreement with police.

Makar had said he learned about it in 2007, but the city had a letter from Makar that it said proved he had knowledge of it in 2004. The time was crucial because the city alleged the grievance had been filed too late.

The problem is the city did not discover the letter, which was found in a file, until after the arbitration hearing was held. It was thus precluded from introducing it as evidence.

Holroyd said he’s pleased the court battle has been resolved, but it’s unfortunate the city opted to continue the battle for so long.

“The city agreed to a parity clause. They gave extra money to the police and tried to hide it from firefighters by calling it something it wasn’t,” Holroyd said. “They got caught and instead of doing the right thing, they spent lots of money on attorneys’ fees on a case they should have known they weren’t going to win.”

The city placed $1 million in an escrow account following the Commonwealth Court ruling to cover the payments should it lose at the Supreme Court.

Holroyd said the total payment will be more because the city will have to pay 6 percent interest, compounded annually, on the amount dating back to 2008. The exact dollar figure could not be obtained Wednesday.

Mayor Tom Leighton declined to comment on the case Wednesday, other than to say the city is reviewing the matter to determine if it has any appeal options left."




I would like to point out a few Qoutes from this article:
"The city has been battling to overturn a arbitrator’s ruling in 2008 that granted firefighters a salary benefit that was given to city police officers."

"The firefighters filed a grievance that sought the same payments based on a parity clause in their contract that mandated they receive any salary increase paid to police."

"The city placed $1 million in an escrow account following the Commonwealth Court ruling to cover the payments should it lose at the Supreme Court." This happened in 2008. According to our Dictator it is why he raised taxes. So why didn't our taxes go back down for 2009 and 2010?

“The city agreed to a parity clause. They gave extra money to the police and tried to hide it from firefighters”

“They got caught and instead of doing the right thing, they spent lots of money on attorneys’ fees on a case they should have known they weren’t going to win.” And Leighton says we "should do the right thing"???!!! He doesn't have a clue 'How to do the right thing'!!!!!!! And remember the city has to pay all these lawyer fees, correction THE TAXPAYERS do.
Someone (our impotent council? right) has to put a leash on Dictator Leighton and look real close at his reign.
Want to bet he wastes more of our money fighting this because, God knows, he can't take resonsiblity for his wrong doings or mistakes.

Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Arbitration award

W-B firefighters' arbitration award upheldBy Andrew Staub (Staff Writer) December 1, 2010

Pennsylvania's highest court this week denied Wilkes-Barre's latest appeal to overturn an arbitration decision awarding city firefighters up to $1 million.

Monday's decision could end a battle that has smoldered in courts in Luzerne County, Philadelphia and Harrisburg and contributed to rising tensions between the city and its firefighters.

"This has been a struggle for over two years," said Thomas Makar, president of the firefighters union. "Now hopefully it's done and over with."

The debate centered around a 2007 union grievance that challenged the city's failure to award firefighters pay raises equal to those of police, a requirement in the firefighters' contract.

Under the state Supreme Court's ruling, the city would have to abide by an arbitration award that boosts union members' wages by $1,500 a year and requires the city to pay retired members past salary increases that total $1 million. The city must also adjust retired members' pensions.

Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton heard of the decision Tuesday afternoon and was unsure of what recourse the city might have.

"It's in the attorneys' hands now," he said.

The city set nearly $1 million aside in escrow should the appeal lose, a move Leighton has said was financed with the majority of a 13-mill property tax hike in 2009.

The city has tried and failed to introduce as evidence a letter penned by Makar in 2004 that Leighton said shows the union president knew of the raises for police years before the union filed the grievance.

A grievance should been filed within five days of learning of the police raises, the city argued, making a grievance filed in 2007 untimely. The city's fortune would be different had the letter been allowed as evidence, Leighton said.

"That's taxpayers' money," Leighton said. "(Makar) should stand up and say, 'We did know about it, and we withdraw the grievance.' It's the right thing to do. Whether he does it or not is another issue."

The city uncovered the letter a year after the arbitrator's decision. Commonwealth Court Judge Kevin Brobson ruled in March that "if the city had acted with reasonable diligence it could have produced the letter during the arbitrator's hearing."

An arbitrator also ruled Makar filed the grievance "a day or two" after learning of the police pay increases.

Makar characterized Leighton's focus on the letter as a "diversion."

"I'm not even going to say anything because, again, I think it's trying to take the spotlight away from what they did," Makar said. "There was a contract in effect and there was a parity clause that said if you award a salary increase to the police department, the same should be given to the fire department."

I'd like to point out a few things. Leighton is a Hypocrite. Then Mayor McGroarty hid this money from the FD (the FD had monetary parity with the PD when this happened), Leighton was a councilman at the time. The city signed a contract giving the FD parity and as a councilman Leighton knew this or should have. When he became Mayor, Leighton decided to continue to hide this money from the FD. This is a 'Bad Faith' move. And he has the gall to say "That's taxpayers' money,(Makar) should stand up and say, 'We did know about it, and we withdraw the grievance.' It's the right thing to do." Dictator Leighton wouldn't do 'the right thing' unless it benifitted a campaign contributor.
Watch, Leighton (the spitefull politician that he is) will try another McGroarty tactic and IGNORE the courts ruling, last I heard he still hasn't paid Denise Carey after violating her Constitutional Rights.
Leighton lied to the public and claimed that maxing out our taxes was because of the FD, but that money has been in an escroe account for almost 2 years.... Why hasn't our taxes gone back down?

1 VIOLATED CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, TWICE (Denise Carey & the Hammonds)
2 Bad faith moves
3 Back room deals
4 Sold city property for 8 cents on the dollar to a campaign contributor
5 Lied to county officials to get tax forgiveness to a campaign contributor
6 Cut our safety to fund HIS pet projects
7 The whole Ice Rink, which was supposed to revitalize W-B HOW?
8 The largely worthless camera system
9 Raised taxes and fees to an all time high.
10 Racked up MASSIVE lawsuit debts
11 Violated a contract (Citywide Towing's contract) so he could give it to a campaign contributor
12 Trying to sell W-B property (Tax Free) to a campaign contributor (Known for not paying his own taxes)
13 Outright lies to us (The citizens of Wilkes-Barre)
14 Blaming anyone and everyone for his failures (remember the 'I believe' campaign, "I wouldn't say I oversold it. I think maybe the media did," Mayor Leighton said. (WNEP June 10, 2005) AKA It's not my fault, it's the medias)
15 Ignoring the Lloyds Study (which states the minumum FD manning per shift is 17) and cutting manning to 12 per shift

Enough for now

Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

Some info on the Bill that Rendell vetoed

Cancer threatens firefighters long after respondingStudies show firefighters have higher rates of cancer and other health problems, with higher risk of testicular cancer By Paul Eakins
The Press-Telegram

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Thirty years ago, when David Ellis became a firefighter, he rarely considered the risks of the job once he stepped away from a burning building or another emergency.

Like most firefighters, Ellis was often in and out of the fire station many times each day. He might reuse the same turnout — his protective pants and jacket — throughout his shift.

Back then, neither firefighters such as Ellis nor even the medical community understood the continued risk of contamination that these emergency workers faced, simply by failing to clean their turnouts, to shower after being exposed to soot, and to take a few elementary precautions.

When he discovered cancer-like symptoms in 2007, Ellis, who was Long Beach's fire chief at the time, still didn't think that he could be afflicted with what turned out to be testicular cancer.

That form of cancer, he knew, typically occurs in younger men.

Then he did some research and discovered an anomaly in the statistics — "Except for firefighters," Ellis told the Press-Telegram last week.

Numerous studies have shown that firefighters have higher rates of cancer and other health problems, and at least one study has found that the highest cancer risk of all is testicular cancer — the same disease that forced the 52-year-old Ellis into an early retirement in 2009.

"Statistically, it's showing over and over again that it's affecting firefighters throughout the country," Ellis said.

Sidestepping soot

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati and released in 2006 found that firefighters are twice as likely as other men to get testicular cancer.

The reason for the high cancer rates is that soot isn't just dirty, it's dangerous, said Grace LeMasters, a professor in the Department of Environmental Health at the University of Cincinnatti's College of Medicine and a co-author of the study.

Fire and smoke are only the immediate threat that firefighters face, she said.

"As soon as they get out of that fire, off comes their mask and they're getting exposed to soot," she said. "Some of them go to bed immediately after (a fire) because they're exhausted. Well, that's like going to bed with cancer-causing agents."

LeMasters has been pushing for fire departments to be hyper vigilant to prevent exposure to soot and other carcinogens.

Every speck of soot in a firefighters' hair or on their skin could leach chemicals into their bodies. Every smear on their clothes could continue releasing dangerous gases long after the fire is out, she said.

"Firefighters can decrease their exposures by immediately and always showering after a fire," LeMasters said.

Even using the same gear twice without properly cleaning it in between can give firefighters a second dose of exposure, she said.

In addition to testicular cancer, three other cancers were found to be high-risk in LeMasters's study — prostate cancer; non- Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a cancer of the blood; and multiple myeloma, which affects bone marrow.

Although researchers are starting to learn about the cancer risks and examine the statistics, there are still many unanswered questions, such as which specific chemicals cause which cancers and why some are more prevalent than others.

"Why testicular cancer? Well, we don't know why," LeMasters said.

Workers' comp common

Those unknowns can cost the cities and other agencies that employ firefighters, too.

Just as cancer and other ailments have become all too common among firefighters, workers' compensation claims for their illnesses are also common.

The city of Long Beach has settled a workers' compensation claim with Ellis, though the City Council still needs to sign off on it Dec. 7, City Attorney Bob Shannon said. Such claims typically aren't contested because of all of the recognized risks of the job, he noted

"For public safety officers, cancer is presumed to be a work- related condition," Shannon said.

Over about six years, Ellis will receive $86,261.90 for one health issue and $80,787 for another, though Shannon said he couldn't legally divulge the details of the health problems, and Ellis didn't want to discuss the specifics of the claim. He will also receive lifetime medical care.

New safety measures

Although longtime firefighters such as Ellis may not be able to benefit much from new research, fire officials are hopeful that new recruits can avoid the same difficulties.

Assistant Fire Chief Mike DuRee said that firefighters now are much more aware of the risks they face, and the Long Beach Fire Department has many safety procedures in place to reduce contamination, he said.

Every firefighter has two turnouts, and when one is exposed to soot or other risky elements, it is put into an extractor machine, like a high-speed industrial washing machine with special cleaning agents.

The Gear isare cleaned thoroughly, and it isn't allowed into the common areas of the fire stations where the firefighters eat and sleep.

But fire departments simply didn't know about the true extent of the ongoing dangers in Ellis's day, or even when DuRee started his career 17 years ago.

In years past, the rough-and-tumble firefighter, covered in soot, riding the back of a howling fire engine wasn't just an image from children's fantasies — it was the way many firefighters saw themselves, too, DuRee said.

"It was almost like a badge of honor," he said. "The firefighters thought, 'I'm dirty cause I'm working hard.'"

That image has done a 180-degree turnaround.

"The dirty, soiled turnouts used to be the badge of honorowner," said DuRee. "Now the clean turnouts are the badge of honor."

Moving on

Ellis may get his own badge of honor as well, as a cancer survivor. His disease is in remission now.

He said his decision to retire last year was a difficult one, but the right one, so that he could give up fighting fires to focus instead on fighting his disease, as well as spending time with his family — his wife, Roni, his grown son Jeff, and his many nieces and nephews.

Despite his health issues, Ellis said he doesn't regret his career choice.

"Being a firefighter and the crew I had with Long Beach, I couldn't have asked for more," Ellis said. "It was a dream come true for me."

Ellis said he is still recovering and trying to figure out what his next step in life will be. Whatever it is, he said he doesn't plan to dwell on his cancer.

"That's not something that's going to define who I am," Ellis said. "It's a phase in my life and then I move on."

It's simple, The job is necessary. We save lives. Doing our job puts us at risk. We need help. This Bill was the help. It was passed with MASSIVE bipartisan support (almost an unheard of level). Rendell vetoed it. On a Saturday. Does that sound honest? Or does that sound like an A-Hole trying to get revenge for us not supporting him? BTW Dictator Leighton supports him in this. And I think part of the reason is to spite us (The WBFD).


Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

ARE YOU $H1TTING ME???

This CAN NOT be real? Or can it? In todays world where apathy reins and sheeple look to the government to control everything (without realizing that as control goes up, freedom and liberty goes down) I can believe it.
Here is the article
Insanity! Teacher Bans Students From Bringing Pencils To School
By Robert Paul Reyes

"A Massachusetts school district superintendent said a memo banning sixth graders from carrying pencils was written without district approval.

North Brookfield School District interim Superintendent Gordon Noseworthy said Wendy Scott, one of two sixth-grade teachers at North Brookfield Elementary School, did not get approval from administrators before sending the memo to all sixth-grade parents, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reported Thursday.

The memo said students would no longer be allowed to bring writing implements to school. It said pencils would be provided for students in class and any students caught with pencils or pens after Nov. 15 would face disciplinary action for having materials 'to build weapons.'

Noseworthy said the memo does not represent district policy." UPI

This is yet another example of zero tolerance policy taken to an absurd level. Who knew that pencils were "materials to build weapons?" Are the school officials going to remove every last stone, rock and pebble from the school grounds, because they are materials to start a war?

Pencils should be removed from school, but not because they can be used as a weapon. Pencils and pens are so "old-school", I say throw away all the pens and pencils and provide every student with a computer.

Wendy is too uptight, one night with me she will loosen up, and she might even provide the students with switchblades."

Remember all you Parental Units pencils are an entry level weapon, If we do not crack down on this now, soon the child units will be using.... (Gasp) BALLPOINT PENS!!!
ARRGGGH....

"Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have ... The course of history shows that as a government grows,
liberty decreases." -Thomas Jefferson

Today, Governor Rendell vetoed House Bill 1231, the fire fighter cancer presumption legislation. The Governor waited until the Saturday after Thanksgiving to make this ill advised move. The timing of his veto was gauged to keep us from making any concerted attempts towards an override. The PPFFA is very aware of the political process, but it is unbelievable that an anti fire fighter governor can thumb his nose at a piece of legislation that has had only 8 negative votes since its inception! The last time we checked we found that we still live in a democracy and when you have over 90 percent of the states elected representatives voting in bi-partisan favor of a bill that will give some comfort to terminally ill fire fighters and some financial assistance to fire fighters windows and children it's more than cold hearted, it's criminal.

I can assure you that we will be back with this legislation, the IAFF is involved and our friends in the PA Senate and House are on-board. It may have taken us 25 years to get here, but we're here to stay. This setback is just that a setback, we have tenacity and resolve, if the Governor and his political cronies don't believe that they're sorely and sadly mistaken. The giant that is the Pennsylvania Fire Service is just starting to rise. While our opponents in the various associations that were opposed to this legislation tout that they have representatives in 900 communities in the state, we have them in 3500 boroughs, cities and townships. We will foster that political power and with your assistance move our agenda forward.

Art Martynuska
President
Pennsylvania Professional
Fire Fighters Association
www.ppffa.org




When I became a firefighter, my first line chief told me 'when you became a fireman, you signed 10 years of your life away'. Yet Governor Rendell ignored that fact and the fact that we are willing to risk our lives and the quality of our lives to help YOU. We are regullarly exposed to every flu, HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis (All forms of it), All kinds of carcinagens (think of all the plastics and chemicals in a housefire), and God knows what else. He also criminally ignored the massive bi-partisan support this bill gathered. Makes you wonder WHY he would do that.

Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

South Franklin St

I haven't posted about this fire yet because I wasn't there. It happened on my days off and since I was out 'having a few' I didn't know about it 'till the next day. So after talking to some of the Firefighters that were there, I have a few conclusions.

1. The first building could not have been saved. It was too far gone. People if you have a fire, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. Don't waste time using multiple extinguishers and then call 911.
2. The loss of the second home... Every Firefighter that I have talked to has told me it could have been saved, but they DID NOT have the manpower. Another engine and 5 more men would have saved it. Hell every one has said another engine and 3 more men would have PROBABLY saved it. This puts its loss squarely on Dictator Leightons slimey back. Of course if called on it he will blame us. I've already posted about how he always blames others.
3. Minutes count. It is not just the number of men on the fire scene, it is the number of men on the fire scene in the critical amount of time.


We are paying for services that he is not providing. He is responsible for taking our tax money and leaving us with LESS than the MINIMUM protection. The city's own study says 17 men per shift. Dictator Leighton says 12. When asked about it he says the city doesn't have the money. But it has the money to give tax breaks to his campaign contributors, or to sell them property at 8 cents on the dollar.
Remember his Senate ad said he "brought safety and prosperity" to Wilkes-Barre.....
Maybe if you define Wilkes-Barre as his campaign contributors because he sure doesn't give a damn about our safety.

Dan Emplit WBFD
AKA Don Quixote

A Thank you to our Armed Forces

On this Thanksgiving, I would like to take a moment and thank all the men and women who cannot be with thier families today because they are serving our great country. Thank you and please come home safe.

Dan Emplit WBFD

Mexican Marines Reconstruct the Death of Don Alejo Garza

http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2010/11/mexican-marines-reconstruct-death-of.html

Mexican Marines Reconstruct the Death of Don Alejo Garza
Monday, November 22, 2010 | Borderland Beat Reporter Ovemex


When Mexican Marines arrived at the San Jose Ranch, 15 kilometers from Victoria, Tamaulipas, the scene was bleak: The austere main house was practically destroyed by grenades and heavy gunfire.

Outside of the home, they found four bodies. Cautiously, and with their weapons drawn, the troops continued inspecting the exterior and found two more gunmen, wounded and unconscious, but alive.

Inside the house only one body was found, riddled with bullets and with two weapons by it's side. The body was identified as Don Alejo Garza Tamez, the owner of the ranch and a highly respected businessman in Nuevo Leon.

Upon further inspection of the interior, marines found weapons and ammunition at every window and door. This allowed them to reconstruct how, just hours prior, the battle had played out.

Marines searched for more bodies inside the house, but none were to be found. It seemed hard to believe that one person, armed only with hunting rifles, had caused so many casualties on the attackers.

Dozens of spent shells and the smell of gunpowder gave proof of the tenacity of the man who fought to the end in defense, of not only his ranch, but his dignity.

In the end, it was deduced the man had created his own defense strategy to fight alone, placing weapons at every door and window.

The story began in the morning of Saturday November 13, when a group of armed gunmen went to deliver an ultimatum to Don Alejo Garza Tamez: He had 24 hours to turn over his property or suffer the consequences.

Using the diplomacy he had acquired over nearly eight decades of life, Don Alejo flatly announced that not only would he not be surrendering his property, but that he'd be waiting for them.

When the men had left, Don Alejo gathered his workers and ordered them to take Sunday off, he wanted to be alone.

He dedicated the rest of Saturday to taking stock of his weapons and ammunition and creating a military fortress style defense strategy for his home.

The night of Saturday the thirteenth was long and restless, much like his past hunting adventures; Don Alejo woke early. Shortly after 4 a.m. the motors of various trucks could be heard entering the property from a distance.

Marines who investigated the scene could only imagine how it was that morning: armed men, their impunity secured, confident they'd soon be owners of yet another property. Nobody, or almost no one, could hold out against a group of heavily armed gunmen. Only Don Alejo.

The trucks entered the ranch and took up positions surrounding the house. The gunmen got out of their trucks, fired shots in the air, and announced they came to take possession of the ranch. They were expecting the terrified occupants to run out, begging for mercy with their hands in the air.

But things didn't go as expected. Don Alejo welcomed them with bullets; the entire army of gunmen returned fire. Don Alejo seemed to multiply, he seemed to be everywhere. The minutes would have seemed endless to those who had seen him as easy prey. Various gunmen were killed on sight. The others, in rage and frustration, intensified the attack by swapping out their assault rifles for grenades.

When everything finally fell silent, the air was left heavy with gunpowder. The holes left in the walls and the windows attested to the violence of the attack. When they went in search of what they had assumed was a large contingent, they were surprised to find only one man, Don Alejo.

The surviving gunmen did not take over the ranch. Thinking the military would arrive at any moment, they decided to run. They left behind what they thought were six corpses, but two of their gunmen had survived.

Shortly after, the Marines arrived and methodically reconstructed the events. A lone rancher, a man who worked a lifetime to be able to enjoy the fruits of his labor such as his ranch, had defended it to his death.

In the last hunt of his life, Don Alejo surprised the group of assassins who wanted to impose the same law on his ranch that they had on the State, the law of the jungle.

The marines who were present will never forget the scene: a 77 year old man, who before death, took out four gunmen, fighting the same as the best soldiers: with dignity, courage, and honor.

How many AMERICANS would stand up for what is right, like Don Alejo Garza Tamez did?

I for one salute you, Sir.

Dan Emplit WBFD

TSA vs Common sense

A friend of mine sent me this:

"Another TSA Outrage
Posted by Erick Erickson
Thursday, November 18th at 6:28PM EST

A friend of mine sent me this about his TSA experience. He, unlike most of us, was coming back into the country from Afghanistan on a military charter.

——–

As the Chalk Leader for my flight home from Afghanistan, I witnessed the following:

When we were on our way back from Afghanistan, we flew out of Baghram Air Field. We went through customs at BAF, full body scanners (no groping), had all of our bags searched, the whole nine yards.

Our first stop was Shannon, Ireland to refuel. After that, we had to stop at Indianapolis, Indiana to drop off about 100 folks from the Indiana National Guard. That’s where the stupid started.

First, everyone was forced to get off the plane–even though the plane wasn’t refueling again. All 330 people got off that plane, rather than let the 100 people from the ING get off. We were filed from the plane to a holding area. No vending machines, no means of escape. Only a male/female latrine.

It’s probably important to mention that we were ALL carrying weapons. Everyone was carrying an M4 Carbine (rifle) and some, like me, were also carrying an M9 pistol. Oh, and our gunners had M-240B machine guns. Of course, the weapons weren’t loaded. And we had been cleared of all ammo well before we even got to customs at Baghram, then AGAIN at customs.

The TSA personnel at the airport seriously considered making us unload all of the baggage from the SECURE cargo hold to have it reinspected. Keep in mind, this cargo had been unpacked, inspected piece by piece by U.S. Customs officials, resealed and had bomb-sniffing dogs give it a one-hour run through. After two hours of sitting in this holding area, the TSA decided not to reinspect our Cargo–just to inspect us again: Soldiers on the way home from war, who had already been inspected, reinspected and kept in a SECURE holding area for 2 hours. Ok, whatever. So we lined up to go through security AGAIN.

This is probably another good time to remind you all that all of us were carrying actual assault rifles, and some of us were also carrying pistols.

So we’re in line, going through one at a time. One of our Soldiers had his Gerber multi-tool. TSA confiscated it. Kind of ridiculous, but it gets better. A few minutes later, a guy empties his pockets and has a pair of nail clippers. Nail clippers. TSA informs the Soldier that they’re going to confiscate his nail clippers. The conversation went something like this:

TSA Guy: You can’t take those on the plane.

Soldier: What? I’ve had them since we left country.

TSA Guy: You’re not suppose to have them.

Soldier: Why?

TSA Guy: They can be used as a weapon.

Soldier: [touches butt stock of the rifle] But this actually is a weapon. And I’m allowed to take it on.

TSA Guy: Yeah but you can’t use it to take over the plane. You don’t have bullets.

Soldier: And I can take over the plane with nail clippers?

TSA Guy: [awkward silence]

Me: Dude, just give him your damn nail clippers so we can get the f**k out of here. I’ll buy you a new set.

Soldier: [hands nail clippers to TSA guy, makes it through security]

This might be a good time to remind everyone that approximately 233 people re-boarded that plane with assault rifles, pistols, and machine guns–but nothing that could have been used as a weapon."

Things To Do In An Elevator

Things To Do In An Elevator

1) When there's only one other person in the elvator, tap them on the shoulder and then pretend it wasn't you.

2) Push the buttons and pretend they give you a shock. Smile, and go back for more.

3) Ask if you can push the button for other people, but push the wrong ones.

4) Call the Psychic Hotline from your cell phone and ask if they know what floor your on.

5) Hold the doors open and say your waiting for a friend. After a while, let the doors close, and say, "Hi Greg. How's your day been?"

6) Drop a pen and wait until someone goes to pick it up, then scream, "That's mine!"

7) Bring a camera and take pictures of everyone in the elevator.

8) Move your desk into the elevator and whenever anyone gets on, ask if they have an apointment.

9) Lay down the Twister mat and ask people if they would like to play.

10) Leave a box in the corner, and when someone gets on, ask them if they can hear ticking.

11) Pretend you are a flight attendant and review emergency procedures and exits with the passengers.

12) Ask, "Did you feel that?"

13) Stand really close to someone, sniffing them occasionally.

14) When the doors close, announce to the others, "It's okay, don't panic, they open again!"

15) Swat at flies that don't exist.

16) Tell people that you can see their aura.

17) Call out, "Group Hug!"and then enforce it.

18) Grimace painfully while smacking your forehead and muttering, "Shut up, all of you, just shut up!"

19) Crack open your briefcase or purse, and while peering inside, ask, "Got enough air in there?"

20) Stand silently and motionless in the corner, facing the wall, without getting off.

21) Stare at another passenger for a while, then announce in horror, "Your one of THEM!" and back away slowly.

22) Wear a puppet on your hand and use it to talk to the other passengers.

23) Listen to the elevator walls with your stethoscope.

24) Make explosion noises when anyone presses a button.

25) Stare, grinning at another passenger for a while, then announce, "I have new socks on".

26) Draw a little square on the floor with chalk and announce to the other passnegers, "This is MY personal space!"

27) One word, "Shave."

28) Greet everyone getting on the elevator with a warm handshake and ask them to call you Admiral.

29) On the highest floor, hold the door open and demand that it stay open until you hear the penny you dropped down the shaft go "plink" at the bottom.

30) When at least 8 people have boarded, moan from the back: "Oh, not now... motion sickness!"

31) Frown and mutter "gotta go, gotta go" then sigh and say "oops!"

32) Walk on with a cooler that says "human head" on the side.

33) Start a sing-along.

34) Announce in a demonic voice: "I must find a more suitable host body."

35) If anyone brushes against you, recoil and holler "Bad touch!"

36) While the doors are opening, hurriedly whisper, "Hide it...quick!" then whistle innocently.

37) Listen to the elevator walls with your stethoscope.

38) Make explosion noises when anyone presses a button.