Letter: City needs greater protection of resources
Judith Seraphin
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 02/11/07
Editor: Let's adopt a moratorium on development of our local St. Augustine area and the history, wetlands, forests, seashores and wildlife, at least until our 110th Congress holds hearings about preservation.
The alternative is developers who propose to develop housing on arsenic-contaminated lands, sewage-polluted lands and pesticide-contaminated lands that is undisclosed to buyers. The alternative to what should be a National Seashore, is daily turned into a "national sacrifice area" for developers, who systematically destroy all the reasons so many of us chose to move here in the first place.
The "alternative" is rubberstamping the short-sighted plans of those who are euchred to sell their generations-old birthright to foreign developers, destroying our region's nature for short-term profits, while refusing to disclose the owners of the sell-out organizations.
Let's follow the examples of my native Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park, and of the Cape Cod National Seashore, and our nation's other national parks and national seashores.
Let's just say "no" to the secretive, other-directed, undisclosed, environmentally-insensitive (and foreign-funded) developers and investors who have no respect for our history, culture, wildlife and experience.
What's good enough for Boston, Philadelphia, New Bedford, Cape Cod, Washington, D.C., Guam, San Francisco and other national parklands is good enough for St. Augustine, Florida. Working with city, county and state elected representatives, the people of St. Augustine and St. Johns County must work to preserve our local/regional history and wildlife habitats inviolate, forever. I strongly support Ed Slavin's proposal for a "St. Augustine National Historical Park and National Seashore," now.
Who among us could possibly disagree?
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/021107/opinions_439181b.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Judith Seraphin
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 02/11/07
Editor: Let's adopt a moratorium on development of our local St. Augustine area and the history, wetlands, forests, seashores and wildlife, at least until our 110th Congress holds hearings about preservation.
The alternative is developers who propose to develop housing on arsenic-contaminated lands, sewage-polluted lands and pesticide-contaminated lands that is undisclosed to buyers. The alternative to what should be a National Seashore, is daily turned into a "national sacrifice area" for developers, who systematically destroy all the reasons so many of us chose to move here in the first place.
The "alternative" is rubberstamping the short-sighted plans of those who are euchred to sell their generations-old birthright to foreign developers, destroying our region's nature for short-term profits, while refusing to disclose the owners of the sell-out organizations.
Let's follow the examples of my native Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park, and of the Cape Cod National Seashore, and our nation's other national parks and national seashores.
Let's just say "no" to the secretive, other-directed, undisclosed, environmentally-insensitive (and foreign-funded) developers and investors who have no respect for our history, culture, wildlife and experience.
What's good enough for Boston, Philadelphia, New Bedford, Cape Cod, Washington, D.C., Guam, San Francisco and other national parklands is good enough for St. Augustine, Florida. Working with city, county and state elected representatives, the people of St. Augustine and St. Johns County must work to preserve our local/regional history and wildlife habitats inviolate, forever. I strongly support Ed Slavin's proposal for a "St. Augustine National Historical Park and National Seashore," now.
Who among us could possibly disagree?
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/021107/opinions_439181b.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Friday, June 19, 2009
Local residents should offer to buy the St. Augustine Record
Morris Publishing just got a seventh extension on its $9.7 million debt. See below.
We wish them well. We wish they'd stop covering up for those for whom coverups are a way of life. We wish they'd print the news without fear or favor. We wish they'd afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted (instead of the other way around).
We need a local newspaper that will print the news without fear or favor.
We have Folio Weekly (progressive Jacksonville weekly) and the Collective Press (progressive St. Augustine less-frequently-than-monthly newspaper).
But we need a daily newspaper with the resources to employ more than two (2) Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) news reporters and investigate what needs investigating hereabouts.
Will the New York Times Company kindly please buy the St. Augustine Record and Jacksonville Times-Union, as it should have done in 1982?
Failing that, will local progressive residents put their money where their mouth is and buy the St. Augustine Record? You will be glad you did -- President John F. Kennedy looked forward to being a newspaper publisher after his presidency. It would be fun!
Informed observers believe that as little as $5 million (or less) could rescue the St. Augustine Record from the Morris Communications empire, allowing us to have a local newspaper that is worthy of the name.
What do you reckon?
We wish them well. We wish they'd stop covering up for those for whom coverups are a way of life. We wish they'd print the news without fear or favor. We wish they'd afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted (instead of the other way around).
We need a local newspaper that will print the news without fear or favor.
We have Folio Weekly (progressive Jacksonville weekly) and the Collective Press (progressive St. Augustine less-frequently-than-monthly newspaper).
But we need a daily newspaper with the resources to employ more than two (2) Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) news reporters and investigate what needs investigating hereabouts.
Will the New York Times Company kindly please buy the St. Augustine Record and Jacksonville Times-Union, as it should have done in 1982?
Failing that, will local progressive residents put their money where their mouth is and buy the St. Augustine Record? You will be glad you did -- President John F. Kennedy looked forward to being a newspaper publisher after his presidency. It would be fun!
Informed observers believe that as little as $5 million (or less) could rescue the St. Augustine Record from the Morris Communications empire, allowing us to have a local newspaper that is worthy of the name.
What do you reckon?
Atlanta Business Chronicle: Morris Publishing gets 7th payment extension -- Publisher of St. Augustine Record, Jacksonville Times-Union
Monday, June 15, 2009, 4:27pm EDT | Modified: Monday, June 15, 2009, 4:29pm
Morris Publishing gets 7th payment extension
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Morris Publishing Group LLC has landed a seventh extension from its lenders on a long overdue $9.7 million interest payment on its senior subordinate notes, it reported Monday.
The struggling Augusta, Ga.-based publisher said the latest extension gives it until July 14 to make the payment, which was originally due on Feb. 1.
Morris Publishing's senior bank group also agreed to extend until July 14 the waiver of the cross default from the overdue interest payment on the senior subordinated notes.
On May 14, Morris Publishing acknowledged in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing that if it could not make the payment or buy more time, creditors could force Morris Publishing, or its guarantor Morris Communications, to repay the balance of bonds, interest and a revolving line of credit totaling $419 million.
Morris Publishing is the parent of 13 daily newspapers including The Augusta Chronicle, The Savannah Morning News and The Athens Banner-Herald. The company also owns numerous non-dailies, city magazines and free publications.
In its May 14 earnings statement, Morris Publishing said “several factors relating to the company’s outstanding debt raise significant uncertainty about its liquidity and ability to continue as a going concern. Specifically, the company’s debt far exceeds the current value of its assets, and the company’s creditors may have the right to accelerate the maturity of the debt before the end of May 2009.”
In the first quarter ended March 31, Morris Publishing lost $12.6 million compared to a $5.6 million profit in the first quarter of 2008. Quarterly revenues plummeted 22.4 percent year-over-year from $82.7 million to $64.2 million. Advertising revenue fell 29.2 percent for the quarter. The company had about $171 million in assets at the end of the first quarter.
Morris Publishing spent $2.8 million on advisers in the first quarter seeking to refinance its debt, according to the SEC filing.
Slumping advertising revenues caused by the recession and changing media appetites have hurt Morris Publishing and other newspaper companies throughout the United States.
On May 14, Morris Publishing said even if the company is able to make its latest payment, the company is at risk of being in non-compliance with financial covenants, which have been relaxed by the creditors. The company is also “unlikely to meet the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement when the Company and Morris Communications deliver their consolidated financial statements for the second quarter of 2009, no later than August 29, 2009,” when its relaxed financial covenants terminate.
If the company cannot amend or refinance the debt before then, Morris Publishing would be prevented from borrowing on its revolving credit line and “may be required to prepay the entire principal due under the Credit Agreement” at that time.
All contents of this site © American City Business Journals Inc. All rights reserved.
Morris Publishing gets 7th payment extension
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Morris Publishing Group LLC has landed a seventh extension from its lenders on a long overdue $9.7 million interest payment on its senior subordinate notes, it reported Monday.
The struggling Augusta, Ga.-based publisher said the latest extension gives it until July 14 to make the payment, which was originally due on Feb. 1.
Morris Publishing's senior bank group also agreed to extend until July 14 the waiver of the cross default from the overdue interest payment on the senior subordinated notes.
On May 14, Morris Publishing acknowledged in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing that if it could not make the payment or buy more time, creditors could force Morris Publishing, or its guarantor Morris Communications, to repay the balance of bonds, interest and a revolving line of credit totaling $419 million.
Morris Publishing is the parent of 13 daily newspapers including The Augusta Chronicle, The Savannah Morning News and The Athens Banner-Herald. The company also owns numerous non-dailies, city magazines and free publications.
In its May 14 earnings statement, Morris Publishing said “several factors relating to the company’s outstanding debt raise significant uncertainty about its liquidity and ability to continue as a going concern. Specifically, the company’s debt far exceeds the current value of its assets, and the company’s creditors may have the right to accelerate the maturity of the debt before the end of May 2009.”
In the first quarter ended March 31, Morris Publishing lost $12.6 million compared to a $5.6 million profit in the first quarter of 2008. Quarterly revenues plummeted 22.4 percent year-over-year from $82.7 million to $64.2 million. Advertising revenue fell 29.2 percent for the quarter. The company had about $171 million in assets at the end of the first quarter.
Morris Publishing spent $2.8 million on advisers in the first quarter seeking to refinance its debt, according to the SEC filing.
Slumping advertising revenues caused by the recession and changing media appetites have hurt Morris Publishing and other newspaper companies throughout the United States.
On May 14, Morris Publishing said even if the company is able to make its latest payment, the company is at risk of being in non-compliance with financial covenants, which have been relaxed by the creditors. The company is also “unlikely to meet the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement when the Company and Morris Communications deliver their consolidated financial statements for the second quarter of 2009, no later than August 29, 2009,” when its relaxed financial covenants terminate.
If the company cannot amend or refinance the debt before then, Morris Publishing would be prevented from borrowing on its revolving credit line and “may be required to prepay the entire principal due under the Credit Agreement” at that time.
All contents of this site © American City Business Journals Inc. All rights reserved.
Sending Billionaires to Prison for Their Crimes Against Americans -- Fiat justitia ruat caelum
The long arm of the law reached out and indicted billionaire fraudfeasors in Texas yesterday. See below. As the ancient equitable maxim states, "let justice be done though the heavens fall." (Fiat justitia ruat caelum).
Here's the Wikipedia entry:
Fiat justitia ruat caelum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fiat justitia ruat caelum is a Latin legal phrase, translating to "Do justice, let the sky fall." The maxim signifies the belief that justice must be realized regardless of consequences. According to the 19th century abolitionist politician Charles Sumner, it does not come from any classical source. [1] However, it has also been ascribed to Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus (d. 43 B.C.).
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Classical forms
o 1.1 The ancient metaphor of the falling sky
o 1.2 Seneca: "Piso's justice"
* 2 Modern origins
o 2.1 Alternative form: Fiat justitia et pereat mundus
* 3 Famous modern uses
* 4 References
* 5 See also
[edit] Classical forms
[edit] The ancient metaphor of the falling sky
The falling sky clause occurs in the passage of Terence, suggesting that it was a common saying in his time, “Quid si redeo ad illos qui aiunt, ‘Quid si nunc cœlum ruat?’” — “What if I have recourse to those who say, ‘What now if the sky were to fall?’”[2]
This concern recalls a passage in Arrian’s Campaigns of Alexander, Book I, 4, where ambassadors of the Celtae from the Adriatic sea, tall men of haughty demeanor, upon being asked by Alexander what in the world they feared most, answered that their worst fear was that the sky might fall on their heads. Alexander, who hoped to hear himself named, was disappointed by an answer that implied that nothing within human power could hurt them, short of a total destruction of nature.
In a similar vein, Theognis of Megara urges “May the great broad sky of bronze fall on my head / (That fear of earth-born men) if I am not / A friend to those who love me, and a pain / And irritation to my enemies.” [3] Whereas Aristotle asserts in his Physics, B. IV, that it was the early notion of ignorant nations that the sky was supported on the shoulders of Atlas, and that when he let go of it, it would fall.
On the other hand, Horace opens one of his odes with a depiction of a Stoic hero who will submit to the ruin of the universe around him: "Si fractus illabatur orbis, / impavidum ferient ruinae" — "Should the whole frame of Nature round him break, / In ruin and confusion hurled, / He, unconcerned, would hear the mighty crack, / And stand secure amidst a falling world." (Odes 3.3.7-8, translated by Joseph Addison.)
[edit] Seneca: "Piso's justice"
In De Ira (On Anger), Book I, Chapter XVIII, Seneca tells of Gnaeus Piso, a Roman governor and lawmaker, when he was angry, ordering the execution of a soldier who had returned from leave of absence without his comrade, on the ground that if the man did not produce his companion, he had killed him. As the condemned man was presenting his neck to the executioner's sword, there suddenly appeared the very comrade who was supposed to have been murdered. The centurion in charge of the execution halted the proceedings and led the condemned man back to Piso, expecting a reprieve. But Piso mounted the tribunal in a rage, and ordered three soldiers to be led to execution. He ordered the death of the man who was to have been executed, because the sentence had already been passed; he also ordered the death of the centurion who was charged with the original execution, for failing to perform his duty; finally, he ordered the death of the man who had been supposed to have been murdered, because he had been the cause of death of two innocent men.
In subsequent retellings of this legend, this principle became known as “Piso’s justice”, which is when sentences made or carried out of retaliation intentions are technically correct, but morally wrong, as could be a negative interpretation of the meaning for Fiat justitita ruat caelum.
However, no form of the phrase fiat justitia appears in De Ira, though Brewer's incorrectly states that it does.[4] The phrase is sometimes attributed to a different Piso, Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, possibly a confusion with this case.
[edit] Modern origins
The exact phrase as used for approval of justice at all cost – usually seen in a positive sense – appears to originate in modern jurisprudence. In English law, William Watson in “Ten Quodlibetical Quotations Concerning Religion and State” (1601) “You go against that general maxim in the laws, which is ‘Fiat justitia et ruant coeli.’” This is its first known appearance in English literature.
The maxim was used by William Prynne in “Fresh Discovery of Prodigious Wandering New-Blazing Stars” (1646), by Nathaniel Ward in “Simple Cobbler of Agawam” (1647), and frequently thereafter, but it was given its widest celebrity by William Murray, 1st Baron Mansfield's decision in 1770 on the case concerning the outlawry of John Wilkes.
The maxim is given in various forms:
* “Fiat justitia et ruant coeli” (Watson);
* “Fiat justitia et coelum ruat” (John Manningham, Diary, 11 April, 1603);
* “Justitia fiat, ruat coelum” (Lord Mansfield).
[edit] Alternative form: Fiat justitia et pereat mundus
Main article: Fiat justitia et pereat mundus
On the European continent, and especially in Germany, the maxim has another common form, “Fiat justitia et pereat mundus”, which, being the official motto of Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor, and probably originating from Philipp Melanchthon's 1521 book Loci communes, is actually about half a century older than its first documented use in English literature.
A famous use is by Immanuel Kant, in his 1795 Perpetual Peace (Zum ewigen Frieden. Ein philosophischer Entwurf.), in the form Fiat justitia, pereat mundus, which he translates loosely as "Let justice reign even if all the rascals in the world should perish from it".[5][6][7]
[edit] Famous modern uses
More recently, Judge James Edwin Horton referred to the maxim when he recalled his decision to overturn the conviction of Haywood Patterson in the infamous Scottsboro Boys trial. In 1933, Judge Horton set aside the death sentence of Haywood Patterson, one of nine black men who were wrongfully convicted of raping two white women in Alabama. Judge Horton quoted the phrase when explaining why he made his decision, even though he knew it would mean the end of his judicial career. [8]
Similarly, Lord Mansfield, in reversing the outlawry of John Wilkes in 1770, used the phrase to reflect upon the duty of the Court.
The phrase is engraved on the wall behind the bench in the Supreme Court of Georgia and over the lintel of the Bridewell Garda station in Dublin. "Fiat Justitia" appears at the bottom of the portrait of the Great Chief Justice John Marshall by Rembrandt Peale. Peale's 1835 portrait of Marshall hangs in a conference room at the United States Supreme Court.
The Tennessee Supreme Court uses the phrase as its motto; it appears in the seal of the Court and is inlaid into the floor of the lobby of the court's building in Nashville.
This is also the motto of the United Kingdom Royal Air Force Police and it is displayed on the RAF Police Crest.[9]
The phrase "Fiat Justitia" appears in gray block letters as an epitaph to Chief Justice John Marshall in Rembrandt Peale's 1835 portrait of the Great Chief Justice of the United States. The portrait hangs in the East Conference Room of the United States Supreme Court.
The character of Mr Brooke attempts to quote the phrase ("fiat justitia, ruat ... something or other"), attributing it to Horace, in chapter 38 of the novel Middlemarch, published in 1874.
During World War II, the 447th Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force used the phrase as its motto, which appeared on the group's official unit markings.
[edit] References
1. ^ “The Position and Duties of the Merchant: Address Before the Mercantile Library Association of Boston, Nov. 13, 1854." in The Works of Charles Sumner, Volume III, Boston: Lee and Shephard, 1875, p. 507.
2. ^ Heautontimorumenos, Act IV, scene 3, 719
3. ^ (Elegies 869-872
, translated by Dorothea Wender.)
4. ^ Brewer's 1898: Piso’s Justice.
5. ^ Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch: Appendix 1
6. ^ Project for a Perpetual Peace, p. 61
7. ^ Immanuel Kant's Werke, revidirte Gesammtausg, p. 456
8. ^ Profile of Judge James Horton. Jr., Scottsboro Judge
9. ^ See also the RAF Police Association web site www.rafpa.com
Here's the Wikipedia entry:
Fiat justitia ruat caelum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fiat justitia ruat caelum is a Latin legal phrase, translating to "Do justice, let the sky fall." The maxim signifies the belief that justice must be realized regardless of consequences. According to the 19th century abolitionist politician Charles Sumner, it does not come from any classical source. [1] However, it has also been ascribed to Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus (d. 43 B.C.).
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Classical forms
o 1.1 The ancient metaphor of the falling sky
o 1.2 Seneca: "Piso's justice"
* 2 Modern origins
o 2.1 Alternative form: Fiat justitia et pereat mundus
* 3 Famous modern uses
* 4 References
* 5 See also
[edit] Classical forms
[edit] The ancient metaphor of the falling sky
The falling sky clause occurs in the passage of Terence, suggesting that it was a common saying in his time, “Quid si redeo ad illos qui aiunt, ‘Quid si nunc cœlum ruat?’” — “What if I have recourse to those who say, ‘What now if the sky were to fall?’”[2]
This concern recalls a passage in Arrian’s Campaigns of Alexander, Book I, 4, where ambassadors of the Celtae from the Adriatic sea, tall men of haughty demeanor, upon being asked by Alexander what in the world they feared most, answered that their worst fear was that the sky might fall on their heads. Alexander, who hoped to hear himself named, was disappointed by an answer that implied that nothing within human power could hurt them, short of a total destruction of nature.
In a similar vein, Theognis of Megara urges “May the great broad sky of bronze fall on my head / (That fear of earth-born men) if I am not / A friend to those who love me, and a pain / And irritation to my enemies.” [3] Whereas Aristotle asserts in his Physics, B. IV, that it was the early notion of ignorant nations that the sky was supported on the shoulders of Atlas, and that when he let go of it, it would fall.
On the other hand, Horace opens one of his odes with a depiction of a Stoic hero who will submit to the ruin of the universe around him: "Si fractus illabatur orbis, / impavidum ferient ruinae" — "Should the whole frame of Nature round him break, / In ruin and confusion hurled, / He, unconcerned, would hear the mighty crack, / And stand secure amidst a falling world." (Odes 3.3.7-8, translated by Joseph Addison.)
[edit] Seneca: "Piso's justice"
In De Ira (On Anger), Book I, Chapter XVIII, Seneca tells of Gnaeus Piso, a Roman governor and lawmaker, when he was angry, ordering the execution of a soldier who had returned from leave of absence without his comrade, on the ground that if the man did not produce his companion, he had killed him. As the condemned man was presenting his neck to the executioner's sword, there suddenly appeared the very comrade who was supposed to have been murdered. The centurion in charge of the execution halted the proceedings and led the condemned man back to Piso, expecting a reprieve. But Piso mounted the tribunal in a rage, and ordered three soldiers to be led to execution. He ordered the death of the man who was to have been executed, because the sentence had already been passed; he also ordered the death of the centurion who was charged with the original execution, for failing to perform his duty; finally, he ordered the death of the man who had been supposed to have been murdered, because he had been the cause of death of two innocent men.
In subsequent retellings of this legend, this principle became known as “Piso’s justice”, which is when sentences made or carried out of retaliation intentions are technically correct, but morally wrong, as could be a negative interpretation of the meaning for Fiat justitita ruat caelum.
However, no form of the phrase fiat justitia appears in De Ira, though Brewer's incorrectly states that it does.[4] The phrase is sometimes attributed to a different Piso, Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, possibly a confusion with this case.
[edit] Modern origins
The exact phrase as used for approval of justice at all cost – usually seen in a positive sense – appears to originate in modern jurisprudence. In English law, William Watson in “Ten Quodlibetical Quotations Concerning Religion and State” (1601) “You go against that general maxim in the laws, which is ‘Fiat justitia et ruant coeli.’” This is its first known appearance in English literature.
The maxim was used by William Prynne in “Fresh Discovery of Prodigious Wandering New-Blazing Stars” (1646), by Nathaniel Ward in “Simple Cobbler of Agawam” (1647), and frequently thereafter, but it was given its widest celebrity by William Murray, 1st Baron Mansfield's decision in 1770 on the case concerning the outlawry of John Wilkes.
The maxim is given in various forms:
* “Fiat justitia et ruant coeli” (Watson);
* “Fiat justitia et coelum ruat” (John Manningham, Diary, 11 April, 1603);
* “Justitia fiat, ruat coelum” (Lord Mansfield).
[edit] Alternative form: Fiat justitia et pereat mundus
Main article: Fiat justitia et pereat mundus
On the European continent, and especially in Germany, the maxim has another common form, “Fiat justitia et pereat mundus”, which, being the official motto of Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor, and probably originating from Philipp Melanchthon's 1521 book Loci communes, is actually about half a century older than its first documented use in English literature.
A famous use is by Immanuel Kant, in his 1795 Perpetual Peace (Zum ewigen Frieden. Ein philosophischer Entwurf.), in the form Fiat justitia, pereat mundus, which he translates loosely as "Let justice reign even if all the rascals in the world should perish from it".[5][6][7]
[edit] Famous modern uses
More recently, Judge James Edwin Horton referred to the maxim when he recalled his decision to overturn the conviction of Haywood Patterson in the infamous Scottsboro Boys trial. In 1933, Judge Horton set aside the death sentence of Haywood Patterson, one of nine black men who were wrongfully convicted of raping two white women in Alabama. Judge Horton quoted the phrase when explaining why he made his decision, even though he knew it would mean the end of his judicial career. [8]
Similarly, Lord Mansfield, in reversing the outlawry of John Wilkes in 1770, used the phrase to reflect upon the duty of the Court.
The phrase is engraved on the wall behind the bench in the Supreme Court of Georgia and over the lintel of the Bridewell Garda station in Dublin. "Fiat Justitia" appears at the bottom of the portrait of the Great Chief Justice John Marshall by Rembrandt Peale. Peale's 1835 portrait of Marshall hangs in a conference room at the United States Supreme Court.
The Tennessee Supreme Court uses the phrase as its motto; it appears in the seal of the Court and is inlaid into the floor of the lobby of the court's building in Nashville.
This is also the motto of the United Kingdom Royal Air Force Police and it is displayed on the RAF Police Crest.[9]
The phrase "Fiat Justitia" appears in gray block letters as an epitaph to Chief Justice John Marshall in Rembrandt Peale's 1835 portrait of the Great Chief Justice of the United States. The portrait hangs in the East Conference Room of the United States Supreme Court.
The character of Mr Brooke attempts to quote the phrase ("fiat justitia, ruat ... something or other"), attributing it to Horace, in chapter 38 of the novel Middlemarch, published in 1874.
During World War II, the 447th Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force used the phrase as its motto, which appeared on the group's official unit markings.
[edit] References
1. ^ “The Position and Duties of the Merchant: Address Before the Mercantile Library Association of Boston, Nov. 13, 1854." in The Works of Charles Sumner, Volume III, Boston: Lee and Shephard, 1875, p. 507.
2. ^ Heautontimorumenos, Act IV, scene 3, 719
3. ^ (Elegies 869-872
, translated by Dorothea Wender.)
4. ^ Brewer's 1898: Piso’s Justice.
5. ^ Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch: Appendix 1
6. ^ Project for a Perpetual Peace, p. 61
7. ^ Immanuel Kant's Werke, revidirte Gesammtausg, p. 456
8. ^ Profile of Judge James Horton. Jr., Scottsboro Judge
9. ^ See also the RAF Police Association web site www.rafpa.com
USDOJ Press Release: Stanford Financial Group Executives and Former Chairman of Antiguan Bank Regulator Indicted for Fraud and Obstruction Charges
For Immediate Release
June 19, 2009 United States Attorney's Office
Southern District of Texas
Contact: (713) 567-9000
Stanford Financial Group Executives and Former Chairman of Antiguan Bank Regulator Indicted for Fraud and Obstruction Charges Related to $7 Billion Dollar Scheme to Defraud Investors
WASHINGTON—Robert Allen Stanford, 59, chairman of the Houston-based Stanford Financial Group (SFG), three SFG executives and the former chief executive officer of the Antiguan bank regulatory agency have been indicted on fraud and obstruction charges related to a $7 billion scheme to defraud investors, announced Lanny A. Breuer, Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division; Tim Johnson, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas; Kevin Perkins, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Eileen Mayer, Chief of Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation; and Greg Campbell, Deputy Chief Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Also charged in an indictment returned in Houston yesterday and unsealed today was Laura Pendergest-Holt, 35, SFG’s chief investment officer; Gilberto Lopez, 66, SFG’s chief accounting officer; Mark Kuhrt, 37, SFG’s global controller; and Leroy King, 63, the former administrator and CEO of Antigua’s Financial Services Regulatory Commission. Stanford was arrested in Virginia last night, and is scheduled to make an initial appearance today in Richmond. Lopez and Kuhrt were arrested this morning and will make initial appearances in Houston this afternoon. Pendergest-Holt, who previously was indicted on obstruction-related charges, will make her initial appearance on the charges unsealed today in Houston in the near future.
From left to right: Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division Lanny A. Breuer, Director of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Enforcement Robert Khuzami, Assistant Director of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division Kevin Perkins and Deputy Chief of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Greg Campbell
From left to right: Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division Lanny A. Breuer, Director of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Enforcement Robert Khuzami, Assistant Director of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division Kevin Perkins and Deputy Chief of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Greg Campbell
“The Department of Justice will vigorously root out and expose financial crimes that wreak havoc on innocent investors,” said Lanny A. Breuer, Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division. “Investors need access to accurate and truthful financial information in order to make decisions about how to invest their hard-earned savings. Their savings, and indeed the integrity of our capital markets, are jeopardized when investors are deceived. These difficult economic times make the mission of the Department all the more important.”
“The investing public needs to be assured that it is protected from those who would corruptly deprive them of their financial security,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Johnson of the Southern District of Texas. “When individuals or business entities engage in fraudulent activity designed to deprive investors of their assets, we will devote whatever resources necessary to bring them to justice.”
“Economic crime schemes such as those alleged here today are unfortunately all too commonplace,” said Assistant Director Kevin Perkins, FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “These crimes strike at the heart of our economy and our quality of life.”
“The IRS is united with the federal law enforcement community in our resolve to put out of business those financial schemes that defraud investors and the U.S. government,” said Eileen Mayer, Chief, IRS Criminal Investigation. “This is particularly true as it relates to international financial fraud, and we will continue to follow the money in order to bring those responsible to justice.”
“Robert Stanford’s investors trusted him and his associates, in many instances, with their life savings,” said Gregory Campbell, Deputy Chief Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “When allegations are made that the U.S. Mail has been used to violate such a trust, it’s our job as Postal Inspectors to restore America’s confidence in the integrity of its postal system and help to bring the violators to justice.”
According to the indictment, Stanford and his co-defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud investors who purchased approximately $7 billion in certificates of deposit administered by Stanford International Bank Ltd. (SIBL), an offshore bank controlled by Stanford and located on the island of Antigua. Stanford and his co-defendants allegedly misused and misappropriated most of those investor assets, including diverting more than $1.6 billion into undisclosed personal loans to Stanford himself, while misrepresenting to investors SIBL’s financial condition, its investment strategy and the extent of its regulatory oversight by Antiguan authorities. For example, the indictment alleges the following:
* That the defendants allegedly falsely claimed that SIBL’s assets grew from approximately $1.2 billion in 2001 to approximately $8.5 billion in December of 2008. The indictment alleges that, in fact, approximately $5 billion of SIBL’s reported assets consisted of notes on loans to Stanford and grossly overstated interests in “island properties,” including more than $2 billion added to the books in 2008 from an allegedly artificial real estate deal that Stanford and his co-conspirators conceived to inflate the bank’s reported assets;
* That Stanford and his co-defendants allegedly falsely represented to investors that SIBL’s investment strategy was to “minimize risk and achieve liquidity” and promised rates of return on CDs that in the end were simply too good to be true in light of the bank’s actual investments and assets; and
* That Stanford and his co-defendants allegedly made false and misleading representations about the regulatory scrutiny of the bank by Antiguan authorities, when, in fact, Stanford was making corrupt payments of more than $100,000 to King to ensure that the Antiguan bank regulatory authority that he headed did not accurately audit, or verify the assets reported in the bank’s financial statements.
Also according to the indictment, Stanford, Pendergest-Holt and King conspired to conceal the fraud from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in order to fend off an SEC investigation. King allegedly provided Stanford and others with confidential information that he had received from an official SEC inquiry into a possible fraud on investors by SIBL so that additional false representations concerning SIBL’s financial health and Antiguan regulatory oversight could be made. In addition, Stanford, Pendergest-Holt and others allegedly agreed that Pendergest-Holt would provide false information to the SEC about the true value of SIBL’s investment portfolio.
The defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail, wire and securities fraud; seven counts of wire fraud; ten counts of mail fraud; and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment also charges Stanford, Pendergest-Holt, and King with conspiracy to obstruct an SEC proceeding. The indictment seeks forfeiture of the proceeds of the fraud from all defendants, including forfeiture of specific foreign bank accounts controlled by Stanford, Davis and Pendergest-Holt.
Also unsealed today was a criminal information charging James M. Davis, 60, SFG’s chief financial officer, with conspiracy to commit mail, wire and securities fraud; mail fraud; and conspiracy to obstruct an SEC investigation. The information seeks forfeiture of up to $1 billion in fraud proceeds. Davis will make his initial appearance on these charges in Houston in the near future.
Additionally, also unsealed today was an indictment returned in the Southern District of Florida charging Bruce Perraud, 42, a former SFG Global Security Specialist, with destruction of records related to a federal investigation. Perraud allegedly ordered and supervised the destruction of numerous SFG documents housed at SFG’s Fort Lauderdale, Fla., office after he was put on notice that a federal court had ordered the preservation of SFG documents in connection with an SEC investigation and lawsuit. Perraud was arrested in the area of Naples, Fla., this morning and will make his initial appearance in the near future.
An indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Houston Field Office, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by individuals from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, including Paul E. Pelletier, Principal Deputy Chief; Jack Patrick, Senior Litigation Counsel; Matthew Klecka, Trial Attorney; and Allan Medina, Law Clerk of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, as well as Gregg Costa, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Texas.
The Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section assisted the trial team by working with our foreign counterparts to facilitate the freezing of more than $300 million of Stanford’s assets in the United Kingdom, Canada and other countries. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida also provided assistance in this matter.
June 19, 2009 United States Attorney's Office
Southern District of Texas
Contact: (713) 567-9000
Stanford Financial Group Executives and Former Chairman of Antiguan Bank Regulator Indicted for Fraud and Obstruction Charges Related to $7 Billion Dollar Scheme to Defraud Investors
WASHINGTON—Robert Allen Stanford, 59, chairman of the Houston-based Stanford Financial Group (SFG), three SFG executives and the former chief executive officer of the Antiguan bank regulatory agency have been indicted on fraud and obstruction charges related to a $7 billion scheme to defraud investors, announced Lanny A. Breuer, Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division; Tim Johnson, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas; Kevin Perkins, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Eileen Mayer, Chief of Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation; and Greg Campbell, Deputy Chief Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Also charged in an indictment returned in Houston yesterday and unsealed today was Laura Pendergest-Holt, 35, SFG’s chief investment officer; Gilberto Lopez, 66, SFG’s chief accounting officer; Mark Kuhrt, 37, SFG’s global controller; and Leroy King, 63, the former administrator and CEO of Antigua’s Financial Services Regulatory Commission. Stanford was arrested in Virginia last night, and is scheduled to make an initial appearance today in Richmond. Lopez and Kuhrt were arrested this morning and will make initial appearances in Houston this afternoon. Pendergest-Holt, who previously was indicted on obstruction-related charges, will make her initial appearance on the charges unsealed today in Houston in the near future.
From left to right: Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division Lanny A. Breuer, Director of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Enforcement Robert Khuzami, Assistant Director of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division Kevin Perkins and Deputy Chief of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Greg Campbell
From left to right: Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division Lanny A. Breuer, Director of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Enforcement Robert Khuzami, Assistant Director of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division Kevin Perkins and Deputy Chief of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Greg Campbell
“The Department of Justice will vigorously root out and expose financial crimes that wreak havoc on innocent investors,” said Lanny A. Breuer, Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division. “Investors need access to accurate and truthful financial information in order to make decisions about how to invest their hard-earned savings. Their savings, and indeed the integrity of our capital markets, are jeopardized when investors are deceived. These difficult economic times make the mission of the Department all the more important.”
“The investing public needs to be assured that it is protected from those who would corruptly deprive them of their financial security,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Johnson of the Southern District of Texas. “When individuals or business entities engage in fraudulent activity designed to deprive investors of their assets, we will devote whatever resources necessary to bring them to justice.”
“Economic crime schemes such as those alleged here today are unfortunately all too commonplace,” said Assistant Director Kevin Perkins, FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “These crimes strike at the heart of our economy and our quality of life.”
“The IRS is united with the federal law enforcement community in our resolve to put out of business those financial schemes that defraud investors and the U.S. government,” said Eileen Mayer, Chief, IRS Criminal Investigation. “This is particularly true as it relates to international financial fraud, and we will continue to follow the money in order to bring those responsible to justice.”
“Robert Stanford’s investors trusted him and his associates, in many instances, with their life savings,” said Gregory Campbell, Deputy Chief Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “When allegations are made that the U.S. Mail has been used to violate such a trust, it’s our job as Postal Inspectors to restore America’s confidence in the integrity of its postal system and help to bring the violators to justice.”
According to the indictment, Stanford and his co-defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud investors who purchased approximately $7 billion in certificates of deposit administered by Stanford International Bank Ltd. (SIBL), an offshore bank controlled by Stanford and located on the island of Antigua. Stanford and his co-defendants allegedly misused and misappropriated most of those investor assets, including diverting more than $1.6 billion into undisclosed personal loans to Stanford himself, while misrepresenting to investors SIBL’s financial condition, its investment strategy and the extent of its regulatory oversight by Antiguan authorities. For example, the indictment alleges the following:
* That the defendants allegedly falsely claimed that SIBL’s assets grew from approximately $1.2 billion in 2001 to approximately $8.5 billion in December of 2008. The indictment alleges that, in fact, approximately $5 billion of SIBL’s reported assets consisted of notes on loans to Stanford and grossly overstated interests in “island properties,” including more than $2 billion added to the books in 2008 from an allegedly artificial real estate deal that Stanford and his co-conspirators conceived to inflate the bank’s reported assets;
* That Stanford and his co-defendants allegedly falsely represented to investors that SIBL’s investment strategy was to “minimize risk and achieve liquidity” and promised rates of return on CDs that in the end were simply too good to be true in light of the bank’s actual investments and assets; and
* That Stanford and his co-defendants allegedly made false and misleading representations about the regulatory scrutiny of the bank by Antiguan authorities, when, in fact, Stanford was making corrupt payments of more than $100,000 to King to ensure that the Antiguan bank regulatory authority that he headed did not accurately audit, or verify the assets reported in the bank’s financial statements.
Also according to the indictment, Stanford, Pendergest-Holt and King conspired to conceal the fraud from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in order to fend off an SEC investigation. King allegedly provided Stanford and others with confidential information that he had received from an official SEC inquiry into a possible fraud on investors by SIBL so that additional false representations concerning SIBL’s financial health and Antiguan regulatory oversight could be made. In addition, Stanford, Pendergest-Holt and others allegedly agreed that Pendergest-Holt would provide false information to the SEC about the true value of SIBL’s investment portfolio.
The defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail, wire and securities fraud; seven counts of wire fraud; ten counts of mail fraud; and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment also charges Stanford, Pendergest-Holt, and King with conspiracy to obstruct an SEC proceeding. The indictment seeks forfeiture of the proceeds of the fraud from all defendants, including forfeiture of specific foreign bank accounts controlled by Stanford, Davis and Pendergest-Holt.
Also unsealed today was a criminal information charging James M. Davis, 60, SFG’s chief financial officer, with conspiracy to commit mail, wire and securities fraud; mail fraud; and conspiracy to obstruct an SEC investigation. The information seeks forfeiture of up to $1 billion in fraud proceeds. Davis will make his initial appearance on these charges in Houston in the near future.
Additionally, also unsealed today was an indictment returned in the Southern District of Florida charging Bruce Perraud, 42, a former SFG Global Security Specialist, with destruction of records related to a federal investigation. Perraud allegedly ordered and supervised the destruction of numerous SFG documents housed at SFG’s Fort Lauderdale, Fla., office after he was put on notice that a federal court had ordered the preservation of SFG documents in connection with an SEC investigation and lawsuit. Perraud was arrested in the area of Naples, Fla., this morning and will make his initial appearance in the near future.
An indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Houston Field Office, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by individuals from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, including Paul E. Pelletier, Principal Deputy Chief; Jack Patrick, Senior Litigation Counsel; Matthew Klecka, Trial Attorney; and Allan Medina, Law Clerk of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, as well as Gregg Costa, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Texas.
The Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section assisted the trial team by working with our foreign counterparts to facilitate the freezing of more than $300 million of Stanford’s assets in the United Kingdom, Canada and other countries. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida also provided assistance in this matter.
Happy Juneteenth -- But Senate Concurrent Resolution Apologizing for Slavery Is Flawed
The United States Senate, my former employer during the mid-1970s, apologized for slavery yesterday. See below.
That's a good idea.
But the apology said it was not intended to support reparations. We can do better.
The amendment is not unlike the amendment that City of St. Augustine City Commissioners inflicted upon Commissioner Errol Jones' resolution apologizing for the mistreatment of African-Americans here in 1964 during Civil Rights demonstrations.
The statute of limitations has presumably run on both counts. Inclusion of such language is contrary to the dignity of a free people.
As President Clinton said in his Second Inaugural Address, "Nothing great was ever accomplished by being small."
Let's apologize for slavery to African-Americans without sounding small.
The House of Representatives passed a similar resolution last year, without such language.
I hope the House-Senate conference committee deletes the offending language.
Also, perhaps one day we'll also apologize for indentured servitude (also outlawed by the Thirteenth Amendment), which affected non-African-Americans, like the Mincorans who settled in St. Augustine in 1777, leaving the British colony of New Smyrna Beach, "voting with their feet" like other refugees throughout world history.
That's a good idea.
But the apology said it was not intended to support reparations. We can do better.
The amendment is not unlike the amendment that City of St. Augustine City Commissioners inflicted upon Commissioner Errol Jones' resolution apologizing for the mistreatment of African-Americans here in 1964 during Civil Rights demonstrations.
The statute of limitations has presumably run on both counts. Inclusion of such language is contrary to the dignity of a free people.
As President Clinton said in his Second Inaugural Address, "Nothing great was ever accomplished by being small."
Let's apologize for slavery to African-Americans without sounding small.
The House of Representatives passed a similar resolution last year, without such language.
I hope the House-Senate conference committee deletes the offending language.
Also, perhaps one day we'll also apologize for indentured servitude (also outlawed by the Thirteenth Amendment), which affected non-African-Americans, like the Mincorans who settled in St. Augustine in 1777, leaving the British colony of New Smyrna Beach, "voting with their feet" like other refugees throughout world history.
Text of United States Senate Resolution Apologizing For Enslaverment of African-Americans
Whereas during the history of the Nation, the United States has grown into a symbol of democracy and freedom around the world;
(Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by Senate)
SCON 26 ES
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. CON. RES. 26
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Whereas during the history of the Nation, the United States has grown into a symbol of democracy and freedom around the world;
Whereas the legacy of African-Americans is interwoven with the very fabric of the democracy and freedom of the United States;
Whereas millions of Africans and their descendants were enslaved in the United States and the 13 American colonies from 1619 through 1865;
Whereas Africans forced into slavery were brutalized, humiliated, dehumanized, and subjected to the indignity of being stripped of their names and heritage;
Whereas many enslaved families were torn apart after family members were sold separately;
Whereas the system of slavery and the visceral racism against people of African descent upon which it depended became enmeshed in the social fabric of the United States;
Whereas slavery was not officially abolished until the ratification of the 13th amendment to the Constitution of the United States in 1865, after the end of the Civil War;
Whereas after emancipation from 246 years of slavery, African-Americans soon saw the fleeting political, social, and economic gains they made during Reconstruction eviscerated by virulent racism, lynchings, disenfranchisement, Black Codes, and racial segregation laws that imposed a rigid system of officially sanctioned racial segregation in virtually all areas of life;
Whereas the system of de jure racial segregation known as 'Jim Crow', which arose in certain parts of the United States after the Civil War to create separate and unequal societies for Whites and African-Americans, was a direct result of the racism against people of African descent that was engendered by slavery;
Whereas the system of Jim Crow laws officially existed until the 1960s--a century after the official end of slavery in the United States--until Congress took action to end it, but the vestiges of Jim Crow continue to this day;
Whereas African-Americans continue to suffer from the consequences of slavery and Jim Crow laws--long after both systems were formally abolished--through enormous damage and loss, both tangible and intangible, including the loss of human dignity and liberty;
Whereas the story of the enslavement and de jure segregation of African-Americans and the dehumanizing atrocities committed against them should not be purged from or minimized in the telling of the history of the United States;
Whereas those African-Americans who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow laws, and their descendants, exemplify the strength of the human character and provide a model of courage, commitment, and perseverance;
Whereas on July 8, 2003, during a trip to Goree Island, Senegal, a former slave port, President George W. Bush acknowledged the continuing legacy of slavery in life in the United States and the need to confront that legacy, when he stated that slavery 'was... one of the greatest crimes of history.... The racial bigotry fed by slavery did not end with slavery or with segregation. And many of the issues that still trouble America have roots in the bitter experience of other times. But however long the journey, our destiny is set: liberty and justice for all.';
Whereas President Bill Clinton also acknowledged the deep-seated problems caused by the continuing legacy of racism against African-Americans that began with slavery, when he initiated a national dialogue about race;
Whereas an apology for centuries of brutal dehumanization and injustices cannot erase the past, but confession of the wrongs committed and a formal apology to African-Americans will help bind the wounds of the Nation that are rooted in slavery and can speed racial healing and reconciliation and help the people of the United States understand the past and honor the history of all people of the United States;
Whereas the legislatures of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the States of Alabama, Florida, Maryland, and North Carolina have taken the lead in adopting resolutions officially expressing appropriate remorse for slavery, and other State legislatures are considering similar resolutions; and
Whereas it is important for the people of the United States, who legally recognized slavery through the Constitution and the laws of the United States, to make a formal apology for slavery and for its successor, Jim Crow, so they can move forward and seek reconciliation, justice, and harmony for all people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That the sense of the Congress is the following:
(1) APOLOGY FOR THE ENSLAVEMENT AND SEGREGATION OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS-
The Congress--
(A) acknowledges the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery and Jim Crow laws;
(B) apologizes to African-Americans on behalf of the people of the United States, for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow laws; and
(C) expresses its recommitment to the principle that all people are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and calls on all people of the United States to work toward eliminating racial prejudices, injustices, and discrimination from our society.
(2) DISCLAIMER- Nothing in this resolution--
(A) authorizes or supports any claim against the United States; or
(B) serves as a settlement of any claim against the United States.
Passed the Senate June 18, 2009.
(Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by Senate)
SCON 26 ES
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. CON. RES. 26
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Whereas during the history of the Nation, the United States has grown into a symbol of democracy and freedom around the world;
Whereas the legacy of African-Americans is interwoven with the very fabric of the democracy and freedom of the United States;
Whereas millions of Africans and their descendants were enslaved in the United States and the 13 American colonies from 1619 through 1865;
Whereas Africans forced into slavery were brutalized, humiliated, dehumanized, and subjected to the indignity of being stripped of their names and heritage;
Whereas many enslaved families were torn apart after family members were sold separately;
Whereas the system of slavery and the visceral racism against people of African descent upon which it depended became enmeshed in the social fabric of the United States;
Whereas slavery was not officially abolished until the ratification of the 13th amendment to the Constitution of the United States in 1865, after the end of the Civil War;
Whereas after emancipation from 246 years of slavery, African-Americans soon saw the fleeting political, social, and economic gains they made during Reconstruction eviscerated by virulent racism, lynchings, disenfranchisement, Black Codes, and racial segregation laws that imposed a rigid system of officially sanctioned racial segregation in virtually all areas of life;
Whereas the system of de jure racial segregation known as 'Jim Crow', which arose in certain parts of the United States after the Civil War to create separate and unequal societies for Whites and African-Americans, was a direct result of the racism against people of African descent that was engendered by slavery;
Whereas the system of Jim Crow laws officially existed until the 1960s--a century after the official end of slavery in the United States--until Congress took action to end it, but the vestiges of Jim Crow continue to this day;
Whereas African-Americans continue to suffer from the consequences of slavery and Jim Crow laws--long after both systems were formally abolished--through enormous damage and loss, both tangible and intangible, including the loss of human dignity and liberty;
Whereas the story of the enslavement and de jure segregation of African-Americans and the dehumanizing atrocities committed against them should not be purged from or minimized in the telling of the history of the United States;
Whereas those African-Americans who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow laws, and their descendants, exemplify the strength of the human character and provide a model of courage, commitment, and perseverance;
Whereas on July 8, 2003, during a trip to Goree Island, Senegal, a former slave port, President George W. Bush acknowledged the continuing legacy of slavery in life in the United States and the need to confront that legacy, when he stated that slavery 'was... one of the greatest crimes of history.... The racial bigotry fed by slavery did not end with slavery or with segregation. And many of the issues that still trouble America have roots in the bitter experience of other times. But however long the journey, our destiny is set: liberty and justice for all.';
Whereas President Bill Clinton also acknowledged the deep-seated problems caused by the continuing legacy of racism against African-Americans that began with slavery, when he initiated a national dialogue about race;
Whereas an apology for centuries of brutal dehumanization and injustices cannot erase the past, but confession of the wrongs committed and a formal apology to African-Americans will help bind the wounds of the Nation that are rooted in slavery and can speed racial healing and reconciliation and help the people of the United States understand the past and honor the history of all people of the United States;
Whereas the legislatures of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the States of Alabama, Florida, Maryland, and North Carolina have taken the lead in adopting resolutions officially expressing appropriate remorse for slavery, and other State legislatures are considering similar resolutions; and
Whereas it is important for the people of the United States, who legally recognized slavery through the Constitution and the laws of the United States, to make a formal apology for slavery and for its successor, Jim Crow, so they can move forward and seek reconciliation, justice, and harmony for all people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That the sense of the Congress is the following:
(1) APOLOGY FOR THE ENSLAVEMENT AND SEGREGATION OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS-
The Congress--
(A) acknowledges the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery and Jim Crow laws;
(B) apologizes to African-Americans on behalf of the people of the United States, for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow laws; and
(C) expresses its recommitment to the principle that all people are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and calls on all people of the United States to work toward eliminating racial prejudices, injustices, and discrimination from our society.
(2) DISCLAIMER- Nothing in this resolution--
(A) authorizes or supports any claim against the United States; or
(B) serves as a settlement of any claim against the United States.
Passed the Senate June 18, 2009.
Calling Paul Revere.....
Leading the way into a better future for our economy, community and our environment, bipartisan support is building for a St. Augustine National Historical Park, National Seashore and National Scenic Coastal Parkway.
Meanwhile, our deeply conflicted St. Augustine City Attorney, RONALD WAYNE BROWN, will present to St. Augustine City Commissioners Monday, June 22nd a controversial proposed compromise on the Fish Island Marina, a project that would destroy the glorious view of the City-owned marshes and bottomlands from the SR 312 Bridge.
St. Augustine City Commissioners rightly rejected the proposal this time last year, by a vote of 5-0. Commissioners should reject it again on Monday night. Commissioners meet at 5 PM in the Alcazar Room, 75 King Street (Lightner Museum and City Hall).
St. Augustine Commissioners ten days ago rejected 4-0 the proposed ugly building that would have destroyed the view from our Cathedral and Government House. Commissioners deserve a hymn of praise when they preserve our history, our environment and our precious cultural heritage.
Monday night St. Augustine City Commissioners again have an opportunity to preserve our history, environment and precious cultural heritage once again, protecting our City property (the bottomlands). Our St. Augustine City-owned marshes and bottomlands are not for sale.
Calling St. Augustine's many Paul Reveres -- please come out and help halt the latest effort by the City Attorney to betray the public interest.
Help protect a view that is as worthy of protection as Nauset Marsh in Cape Cod National Seashore.
Help prevent a dock as big as an aircraft carrier from being built even closer the SR 312 Bridge, which could. destroy island access in a Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricane.
Help protect our wildlife from destruction.
Help halt the developer (and his business associate PIERRE THOMPSON, former client of City Attorney RONALD WAYNE BROWN) from again destroying wetlands for private gain.
Grandson of the founder of the St. Augustine Record, rapacious developer PIERRE THOMPSON is a sworn enemy of the environment. On October 8, 2001, PIERRE THOMPSON ordered the cutting down of an eagle nest tree not far from the site of the Fish Island Marina project. Last year, THOMPSON BROTHERS REALTY pled guilty to federal crimes for cutting down the eagle nest tree. THOMPSON sold the developer the land for the Fish Island Marina Project. Has the land been fully paid for? Is there a mortgage? Is there a right of reverter? Whatever the City decides will be a precedent for development of other land owned by THOMPSON.
There is a conflict of interest and loyalty on the part of our St. Augustine City ATTORNEY RONALD WAYNE BROWN, the longtime law partner of GEOFFREY DOBSON (also former City Attorney). BROWN once recused himself. He then un-recused himself. How odd.
When the City Commissioners vote on Monday night, they should again tell the developer they are not afraid. The Commissioners' prior 5-0 vote was upheld by the Circuit Court. No one should fear the Bert J. Harris J. Private Property Protection Act (often cited by developers as a way of blackmailing public officials). Nothing in the Bert J. Harris Act requires us to turn over city-owned bottomlands to rapacious developers, or to destroy a view that should be preserved forever in the St. Augustine National Historical Park, National Seashore and National Scenic Coastal Parkway. Future generations of Floridians will thank City Commissioners for rejecting the fishy Fish Island Marina project (and all of the developers' works and pomps)..
The St. Augustine Record (below) is right on target about our 450th anniversary (and Florida's 500th). Let's preserve the beauty that brought us all here.
City of St. Augustine Newsletter: Fish Island dock settlement on City agenda
Fish Island dock settlement on City agenda
A proposed settlement of the Fish Island dock lawsuit is on Monday night's City Commission agenda, providing for a narrower walkway, smaller dock, closer to the SR 312 bridge, and including five public boat slips.
The proposed settlement will be presented to commissioners on an agenda which also includes consideration of support for an AMTRAK rail corridor from Jacksonville to Miami - with a potential station in St. Augustine; a presentation on the Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, and a proclamation thanking the State of Florida for "its long-term contribution and dedication to protecting and preserving" our city's historic assets.
Fish Island dock settlement
City Atty. Ron Brown will present the proposal to settle a lawsuit by Fish Island Development, LLC, filed for damages after commission denial of a permit for a 1,200-foot walkway and 100-slip dock.
The settlement would reduce the dock from 100 to 70 slips, add five public slips, move the dock closer to the SR 312 bridge, narrow the walkway from ten to eight feet and use light-penetrating materials, and restrict further dock creation along Fish Island Development's Matanzas River frontage. The developer would also provide a portable pump-out facility, and would not be allowed a fueling facility.
If commissioners and developer come to agreement, the modifications will have to be approved by state and federal agencies.
COSA Press Release: Frederick Douglass historic marker to be dedicated on Saturday, June 20 @ 9:30am
For Immediate Release June 16, 2009
Frederick Douglass historic marker to be dedicated on Saturday, June 20 @ 9:30am
Members of the St. Augustine City Commission will hold a brief ceremony this Saturday, June 20, to dedicate a marker commemorating the visit to St. Augustine by Frederick Douglass, 19th Century American abolitionist, author and statesmen. The ceremony, to be held at the marker located on St. George St. just north of Treasury St., will start at 9:30am.
Douglass spoke to the residents of St. Augustine on Sunday, April 7, 1889 in the Genovar Opera House which was located in that vicinity. During Saturday’s dedication, Gerald Eubanks, a well know local actor and lifelong resident of St. Augustine, will portray Douglass and offer a few remarks in that role as part of Saturday’s ceremony.
Born into slavery in 1818, Douglass rose in the pre-Civil War years to become a leader in the abolitionist cause and in the late nineteenth century a tireless advocate for the African-American community and civil liberties. Douglass played a vital role in persuading President Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.
Douglass’ visit to St. Augustine included a reception attended by an estimated 700 people, which the Florida Times-Union described as “including prominent people of both races.” St. Augustine’s mayor welcomed Douglass on behalf of the Governor of Florida after which Douglass spoke about the continuing struggle of African Americans to achieve civil rights in the post-Emancipation Era.
The marker is the seventh in a series of city produced historical informational markers. The others are located at: the Plaza de la Constitución; City Hall, formerly the Alcazar Hotel; Twine Park, recognizing the contributions of Henry and Kat Twine; on St. George St. near the Arrivas House, commemorating the city’s Minorcan heritage; at the Visitor Information Center describing the Caños de San Francisco, or Fountains of San Francisco; and on Tremerton St. noting the location of the 18th century mission community of Nuestra Senora de Rosario de la Punta.
-- end --
Setting the turtles free
Jade Dupuis, Environmental Specialist with the St. Johns County Environmental Department gets ready to release a juvenile endangered green sea turtle into the intercoastal waterway after being rescued from the pond at the Mission of Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine, FL on Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Photo by Jennifer Perez
One of the three juvenile green sea turtles that was rescued from the pond at the Mission of Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine, FL on Wednesday, June 17, 2008. The sea turtles were later released after being recorded, measured and tagged into the intercoastal waterway by the State Biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Dr. Allen Foley, Coordinator Karrie Minch and St. Johns County Recreation and Parks and Environmental Division Habitat Conservation Coordinator, Tara Dodson, Beach Manager Billy Zeits, Field Assistant, Sharon Evans, Field Surveyor, Kim Maldanado and Environmental Specialist, Jade Dupuis. Not sure exactly when or how long these sea turtles have been in the pond, the scientists speculate that there is a good possibility that it's been since tropical storm Fay in September when the area flooded and made it easy for the sea turtles to enter the pond from the intercoastal waterway. Photo by Jennifer Perez
Jade Dupuis, Environmental Specialist with the St. Johns County Environmental Department gets ready to release a juvenile endangered green sea turtle into the intercoastal waterway after being rescued from the pond at the Mission of Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine, FL on Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Photo by Jennifer Perez
Publication Date: 06/18/09
Three juvenile green sea turtles were rescued from the pond at the Mission of Nombre de Dios. The turtles were tagged, measured and recorded and then released into the Intracoastal Waterway by officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission -- Allen Foley and Karrie Minch -- and St. Johns County -- Tara Dodson, Billy Zeits, Sharon Evans, Kim Maldanado and Environmental specialist Jade Dupuis.
Photos by Jennifer Perez, Special to The Record
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© The St. Augustine Record
Setting our minds free -- be not afraid
"Be not afraid."
-- The first words of the first homily spoken by Pope John Paul II (1979).
In this economy, we need to keep our calm and not be gulled, cullied and diddled around by authoritarians.
Last night, I saw the County Administrator make a presentation to Northwest St. Johns County residents on the county budget. On the one hand, we appreciate the work and detail. But on the other hand, we need creativity and challenges to shibboleths.
We need an Inspector General to root out waste, fraud, abuse, misfeasance, malfeasance and nonfeasance. One fraud investigator is not enough.
We need to stop spending money on flubdubs, Taj Mahals and Republicans' "Edifice Complex," swuch as the new $16 County Administration palace.
We need to rein in the Sheriff's obscenely bloated budget, including his take-home deputy cars.
We need to work together to help grow our economy and protect our environment. This requires raising tourist revenue by adopting a St. Augustine National Historical Park, Historical Park, National Seashore and National Scenic Coastal Parkway.
As the architect of Union Station, Daniel Burnham said, "make no little plans, for they do not inspire people to follow them."
A national park, seashore and scenic coastal parkway will make for permanent preservation of our history and environment and one whale of a celebration of Florida's 500th anniversary of Spanish conquest (and St. Augustine's 450th birthday) in 2013 and 2015.
It will help grow our economy with historical and environmental tourists, while preserving what we love about St. Augustine from destruction.
What do you reckon?
-- The first words of the first homily spoken by Pope John Paul II (1979).
In this economy, we need to keep our calm and not be gulled, cullied and diddled around by authoritarians.
Last night, I saw the County Administrator make a presentation to Northwest St. Johns County residents on the county budget. On the one hand, we appreciate the work and detail. But on the other hand, we need creativity and challenges to shibboleths.
We need an Inspector General to root out waste, fraud, abuse, misfeasance, malfeasance and nonfeasance. One fraud investigator is not enough.
We need to stop spending money on flubdubs, Taj Mahals and Republicans' "Edifice Complex," swuch as the new $16 County Administration palace.
We need to rein in the Sheriff's obscenely bloated budget, including his take-home deputy cars.
We need to work together to help grow our economy and protect our environment. This requires raising tourist revenue by adopting a St. Augustine National Historical Park, Historical Park, National Seashore and National Scenic Coastal Parkway.
As the architect of Union Station, Daniel Burnham said, "make no little plans, for they do not inspire people to follow them."
A national park, seashore and scenic coastal parkway will make for permanent preservation of our history and environment and one whale of a celebration of Florida's 500th anniversary of Spanish conquest (and St. Augustine's 450th birthday) in 2013 and 2015.
It will help grow our economy with historical and environmental tourists, while preserving what we love about St. Augustine from destruction.
What do you reckon?
Editorial: County should consider pay cuts, furloughs
Editorial: County should consider pay cuts, furloughs
Staff
Publication Date: 06/14/09
As St. Johns County Administrator Michael Wanchick makes the rounds giving taxpayers an inside look at the state-of-the-county finances, he's asking their help deciding how to spend future tax dollars.
Do residents want to pay more in taxes or cut services? He says he is not advocating one position or the other. But, with a projected $55 million property tax revenue shortfall over two years, the projected deficits are: $20 million in Fiscal Year 2010 and $35 million Fiscal Year 2011. This year's total county budget is $654 million. For 2010, it is projected at $623 million and for 2011, $577 million.
The shortfall has resulted from a decline in property tax revenues because of decreased property values. Wanchick says the county is reducing expenses, including not giving raises and not filling vacant positions unless he personally approves them.
The choices he's giving taxpayers are all too familiar in public sector budgeting.
But, in our view, they are not enough.
We in the private sector have already taken many more steps than the county has, including salary cuts, furloughs and shortened work weeks. None are desirable to employers or employees.
Now we are being asked to pay more taxes if we want the same level of services.
In St. Johns County, for example, the county's general budget covers 1,638 employees. Not included are those whose departments have separate funding outside of property tax; county utilities, solid waste and special revenue funds.
A 5 percent cut in county government's overall salary budget of $78 million would equal $3.9 million annually. That's a good-sized savings. In some cases, private sector companies have decided it's better to keep valued employees working for less pay than lay off 5 percent of its work force.
County Commissioners and Wanchick say they are running the county like a business.
They're doing a good job in some regards like re-bidding contracts that haven't been re-bid in maybe 10 years. But they, along with the constitutional officers, are not doing all they can unless they seriously consider pay cuts, furloughs, and four-day work weeks.
Tax increases and cuts in services should be the last, not first, options on the table.
Click here to return to story:
http://www.staugustine.com/stories/061409/opinions_061409_064.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Staff
Publication Date: 06/14/09
As St. Johns County Administrator Michael Wanchick makes the rounds giving taxpayers an inside look at the state-of-the-county finances, he's asking their help deciding how to spend future tax dollars.
Do residents want to pay more in taxes or cut services? He says he is not advocating one position or the other. But, with a projected $55 million property tax revenue shortfall over two years, the projected deficits are: $20 million in Fiscal Year 2010 and $35 million Fiscal Year 2011. This year's total county budget is $654 million. For 2010, it is projected at $623 million and for 2011, $577 million.
The shortfall has resulted from a decline in property tax revenues because of decreased property values. Wanchick says the county is reducing expenses, including not giving raises and not filling vacant positions unless he personally approves them.
The choices he's giving taxpayers are all too familiar in public sector budgeting.
But, in our view, they are not enough.
We in the private sector have already taken many more steps than the county has, including salary cuts, furloughs and shortened work weeks. None are desirable to employers or employees.
Now we are being asked to pay more taxes if we want the same level of services.
In St. Johns County, for example, the county's general budget covers 1,638 employees. Not included are those whose departments have separate funding outside of property tax; county utilities, solid waste and special revenue funds.
A 5 percent cut in county government's overall salary budget of $78 million would equal $3.9 million annually. That's a good-sized savings. In some cases, private sector companies have decided it's better to keep valued employees working for less pay than lay off 5 percent of its work force.
County Commissioners and Wanchick say they are running the county like a business.
They're doing a good job in some regards like re-bidding contracts that haven't been re-bid in maybe 10 years. But they, along with the constitutional officers, are not doing all they can unless they seriously consider pay cuts, furloughs, and four-day work weeks.
Tax increases and cuts in services should be the last, not first, options on the table.
Click here to return to story:
http://www.staugustine.com/stories/061409/opinions_061409_064.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Calling Neil Armstrong .....
Yes, it was a "baby step" taken by the City of St. Augustine yesterday. See below. We're waiting for s a "giant leap" for humankind. That will be the St. Augustine National Historical Park, National Seashore and National Scenic Coastal Parkway. See www.staugustgreen.com!
450th Commission takes first baby step Thursday
450th Commission takes first baby step Thursday
By PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/19/09
The 14-member St. Augustine 450th Commemoration Commission learned Thursday that it must first seek the "bones" of an internal structure before it begins to flesh out the myriad details required to present the city's largest birthday celebration ever.
Dana Ste. Claire, the commission's executive director, said the 2015 event is "a celebration of who we are. We're the only city in the United States that can celebrate 450 years of continuous occupation."
The 2015 commemoration will feature significant events, festivals, re-enactments and exchanges and displays of Native American, African American and European cultures.
"Our history is truly unique. We want the whole world to know about us," Ste. Claire said.
But to have a flawless event, both city and county need to carefully plan every aspect of infrastructure: Parking, transportation, rest rooms, way-finding signs, hotel rooms, meeting rooms, museums, economic development, natural resources among other necessities.
Unity of history
The commission's first meeting, held at Flagler College's Ringhaver Center, drew significant public attendance.
Mayor Joe Boles said the celebration's connection with Spain will be close, with the mayors of Aviles and Cartegena both expressing interest in participating.
"Participation means financial backing," Boles said. "There are 46 million Hispanic residents in the United States (who may want to experience their cultural heritage) and we're working with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which will have a permanent place to showcase that story."
Ste. Claire said that before the 2015 birthday bash, the city in 2013 will celebrate the 500th anniversary of Don Ponce de Leon's discovery of Florida in 1513.
"And at the same time, the Spanish will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of their constitution," he said. "We have a monument marking an earlier anniversary on our Plaza, which may be the only one in existence."
Boles said this area's history includes many milestones, such as being the birthplace of Christianity in the New World so the Catholic Church should be involved.
"The first Mass was celebrated right here, and we'll be inviting the (Spanish) Royal Family and the Pope and perhaps Queen Elizabeth II of England," he said. "And 100 years before the Emancipation Proclamation, there were free blacks here fighting to protect their homes."
Virginia's experience
Mayor Jeanne Zeidler of Williamsburg, who also headed the 400th anniversary celebration for Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown in 2007, has been hired by the city as a consultant to help with planning the 450th.
Zeidler said a big hit there was the re-creation of three ships used by English colonists to come to America: "Susan Constant," "Godspeed" and "Discovery."
Nearly everyone wanted a tour. "They became an icon of the commemoration," Ziedler said.
Jamestown served as Virginia's capitol for most of the 1600s, Williamsburg from 1699 to 1780. Yorktown was the scene of a vital American and French victory over the English Army during the Revolutionary War.
"Our region is a long-standing tourist destination," Zeidler said.
Overall, that region enjoyed a total investment in public and private funds of $400 million. After the celebration, visits to both cities were up 40-50 percent.
On the anniversary day, there were 4,000 performers, 2,00 volunteers, 63,000 guests, six stages an 100 exhibits.
"It was a huge task," she said. "Don't underestimate the task before you."
Impact: Sales of $1.2 billion; 20,621 jobs; 12 billion media hits.
The city's situation
Dana Ste. Claire said the commission was looking for ideas. One entrepreneur, he said, has already minted unauthorized commemorative coins and planned to sell them.
"We have the same compelling history as Jamestown," he said. "We have the theme. We have to find the structure."
The city has already been making infrastructure improvements, such as restoring the three original Flagler fountains. It plans others, such as the seawall, when there's enough money.
Boles said a federal commission is forming that will eventually mean $500,000 per year to the city for the event.
"Though that won't come until 2010," he said. "We don't have a big budget for this because we don't have a game plan yet. We're not ready to put the flesh on the bones. We're looking to get the bones in place."
But, he said, this could be the biggest celebration this country could see, short of the Olympics or a World's Fair.
"Big jobs start with small jobs, small steps," he said.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061909/news_061909_057.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
By PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 06/19/09
The 14-member St. Augustine 450th Commemoration Commission learned Thursday that it must first seek the "bones" of an internal structure before it begins to flesh out the myriad details required to present the city's largest birthday celebration ever.
Dana Ste. Claire, the commission's executive director, said the 2015 event is "a celebration of who we are. We're the only city in the United States that can celebrate 450 years of continuous occupation."
The 2015 commemoration will feature significant events, festivals, re-enactments and exchanges and displays of Native American, African American and European cultures.
"Our history is truly unique. We want the whole world to know about us," Ste. Claire said.
But to have a flawless event, both city and county need to carefully plan every aspect of infrastructure: Parking, transportation, rest rooms, way-finding signs, hotel rooms, meeting rooms, museums, economic development, natural resources among other necessities.
Unity of history
The commission's first meeting, held at Flagler College's Ringhaver Center, drew significant public attendance.
Mayor Joe Boles said the celebration's connection with Spain will be close, with the mayors of Aviles and Cartegena both expressing interest in participating.
"Participation means financial backing," Boles said. "There are 46 million Hispanic residents in the United States (who may want to experience their cultural heritage) and we're working with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which will have a permanent place to showcase that story."
Ste. Claire said that before the 2015 birthday bash, the city in 2013 will celebrate the 500th anniversary of Don Ponce de Leon's discovery of Florida in 1513.
"And at the same time, the Spanish will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of their constitution," he said. "We have a monument marking an earlier anniversary on our Plaza, which may be the only one in existence."
Boles said this area's history includes many milestones, such as being the birthplace of Christianity in the New World so the Catholic Church should be involved.
"The first Mass was celebrated right here, and we'll be inviting the (Spanish) Royal Family and the Pope and perhaps Queen Elizabeth II of England," he said. "And 100 years before the Emancipation Proclamation, there were free blacks here fighting to protect their homes."
Virginia's experience
Mayor Jeanne Zeidler of Williamsburg, who also headed the 400th anniversary celebration for Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown in 2007, has been hired by the city as a consultant to help with planning the 450th.
Zeidler said a big hit there was the re-creation of three ships used by English colonists to come to America: "Susan Constant," "Godspeed" and "Discovery."
Nearly everyone wanted a tour. "They became an icon of the commemoration," Ziedler said.
Jamestown served as Virginia's capitol for most of the 1600s, Williamsburg from 1699 to 1780. Yorktown was the scene of a vital American and French victory over the English Army during the Revolutionary War.
"Our region is a long-standing tourist destination," Zeidler said.
Overall, that region enjoyed a total investment in public and private funds of $400 million. After the celebration, visits to both cities were up 40-50 percent.
On the anniversary day, there were 4,000 performers, 2,00 volunteers, 63,000 guests, six stages an 100 exhibits.
"It was a huge task," she said. "Don't underestimate the task before you."
Impact: Sales of $1.2 billion; 20,621 jobs; 12 billion media hits.
The city's situation
Dana Ste. Claire said the commission was looking for ideas. One entrepreneur, he said, has already minted unauthorized commemorative coins and planned to sell them.
"We have the same compelling history as Jamestown," he said. "We have the theme. We have to find the structure."
The city has already been making infrastructure improvements, such as restoring the three original Flagler fountains. It plans others, such as the seawall, when there's enough money.
Boles said a federal commission is forming that will eventually mean $500,000 per year to the city for the event.
"Though that won't come until 2010," he said. "We don't have a big budget for this because we don't have a game plan yet. We're not ready to put the flesh on the bones. We're looking to get the bones in place."
But, he said, this could be the biggest celebration this country could see, short of the Olympics or a World's Fair.
"Big jobs start with small jobs, small steps," he said.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061909/news_061909_057.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Guest Column: St. Augustine must have a national historical park, seashore and scenic coastal parkway --- check out www.staugustgreen.com
ED SLAVIN
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 03/26/07
Real estate speculators (some foreign-funded) continue to destroy our local wildlife, habitat, nature and history. Roads are clogged. Noise abounds. Our way of life is being destroyed. Unfeeling, uncaring Philistines are turning St. Johns County into an uglier, unreasonable facsimile of South Florida. Unjust county government stewards allowed an asphalt plant near homes. Another plant reportedly emits 50 tons/year of volatile organic compounds into residents' and workers' lungs and brains.
Speculators are even trying to build homes on top of unremediated septic tanks/fields, while vacationing boaters pollute our Bay front with untreated sewage (the only boat-pumpout-station is at Conch House Marina). Our Bay front (which lacks a harbormaster) had an oil spill Jan. 15. Developers demand to build docks over city-owned State Road 312 area marshes for boat-owners' pleasure. Enough.
Let's invite environmental tourism by preserving an "emerald necklace of parks," including the city-owned marsh.
Ask Congress to hold hearings to map our "St. Augustine National Historical Park and National Seashore" (SANHPNS), using 1928-style trolleycars to save gasoline, uniting the Castillo and Fort Matanzas National Monuments, "slave market park," downtown streets, Government House, Red House Bluff indigenous village (next to historical society), marshes, forests, National Cemetery, GTM NERR, Anastasia State Park, Fort Mose and other city, county, state and St. Johns River Water Management District lands.
Let's cancel future shock/schlock/sprawl/ugliness/skyscrapers and eliminate temptations to abuse/neglect/misuse state parks and historic buildings for golf courses and rote, rube commercialism.
In December, State Sen. Jim King suggested Florida donate "deed and title" of state buildings to our city. I suggested that we deed them to the National Park Service (NPS), with St. George Street visitor center in restored buildings, saving millions (as in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park).
St. Augustine needs a national civil rights and indigenous history museum, celebrating local residents and national leaders, whose courage helped win passage of 1964's Civil Rights Act. Why not put the museum in the old Woolworth's building, restored to its former glory, with wood floors, lunch-counter and exhibits on the civil rights struggles that changed history (well- documented in Jeremy Dean's documentary, "Dare Not Walk Alone"), with "footsoldiers monument" across the street ?
Why not (finally) implement the 2003 National Trust for Historic Preservation and Flagler College study on how to protect our history? Let's tax tourists more to fund historic preservation, as in Charleston/elsewhere.
Let's preserve/protect the quality of our lives and visitors' experience (and property values) by preserving forever what speculators haven't destroyed (yet).
Let's adopt a three-year moratorium on growth, while we work to adopt truly comprehensive plans worthy of the name.
Colonial National Historical Park (NHP), Philadelphia's Independence NHP and NHPs in Boston, New Bedford, Valley Forge, San Francisco and Saratoga.
There's a Martin Luther King historical site in Atlanta, NHPs for "Rosie the Riveter" (California) and the "War in the Pacific" (Guam), and new parks slated for ten Japanese internment camps.
Florida hosts Everglades, Dry Tortugas and Biscayne National Parks and Canaveral National Seashore. Let's add St. Augustine to the list.
From sea to shining sea, America's coastal areas enjoy national parks. Where's ours?
Let's make parts of State Road A1A a National Parkway and hiking/biking trail, like the Colonial National Historical Parkway and the Baltimore Washington, George Washington, Rock Creek and John D. Rockefeller (Wyoming) Parkways and the Appalachian Trial and C&O Canal.
Let's add St. Augustine to the list of our nation's most beloved national parks, joining Zion, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Florida's 500th and St. Augustine's 450th anniversaries are only six and eight years away (2013 and 2015). Enacting a national park and seashore will forever preserve the treasures that we love. It will halt the sprawl we hate, increase tourism and reduce local taxes, paying speculators to stop.
Mayor Joe Boles' mother graciously thanked me for speaking out on these issues after the Jan. 22 City Commission meeting -- issues that Mrs. Boles has been outspoken about for "30 years." Let's honor/heed Mrs. Boles' wisdom -- and those who proposed a national park before World War II. Let's save St. Augustine and our environment forever.
Ed Slavin lives in St. Augustine.
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© The St. Augustine Record
City's 450th planning can't start too soon
City's 450th planning can't start too soon
Publication Date: 06/17/09
St. Augustine officially begins planning for its 450th birthday Thursday when a select committee goes to work -- finally.
We're glad the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration Steering Committee is about to convene. It's been six months since the members were appointed by the city commission. After so much buildup over the past year, the community wants to see things start to happen.
There's so much work to be done in coordinating and planning, which this important committee is expected to do. Before anything gets started, a greater understanding of the roles of the steering committee and the federal commission are necessary.
It's too bad that the federal commission is still only on paper in Public Law 111-11, enacted March 30. The feds have to appoint a commission by summer's end. Then, there are more months to organize, hire an executive director and get moving.
The city is 3 1/2 years out from its expected January 2013 start of the celebration's three-plus years. If one of the federal commission's major roles is fundraising, how soon can we expect to see big money, especially corporate sponsorships?
St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles pushed hard for the St. Johns County Commission to hire Mayor Jeanne Zeidler of Williamsburg, Va., who was the executive director of Jamestown's successful international 400th anniversary celebration in 2007. Jamestown was the nation's first English settlement in 1607, 42 years after St. Augustine's founding by the Spanish.
Zeidler's hiring was a wise move. The $20,000 from bed-tax dollars will be well-spent.
After reviewing city documents that outline the celebration's goals, we wish both groups were functioning.
The three principal goals demand cooperation. They are national and international awareness of St. Augustine, economic development, and tourism enhancement. That means public education programs, national and international communications, community redevelopment opportunities, infrastructure, destination master planning, marketing and signature events. The biggie, of course, is laying the foundation for sustainable tourism.
So who is the boss?
Is it the first one in the arena, the steering committee, or the higher-level 14-member federal commission yet to be appointed?
Dana Ste. Claire, the city's 450th executive director, says, "It will be the community that will build this event for the community."
The steering committee has firepower. We don't know yet who will be on the federal commission other than the mayor, who gets an appointment. That is a smart move.
We're concerned that there might be some unintended confusion and overlap with the two groups working separately toward the same goals and starting at different times.
Our suggestion: Divide the goals to ensure there's no confusion over event planning, marketing and, most importantly, the cost to bring the 450th celebration to life with no surprise bills at the end.
*
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http://www.staugustine.com/stories/061709/opinions_061709_043.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Publication Date: 06/17/09
St. Augustine officially begins planning for its 450th birthday Thursday when a select committee goes to work -- finally.
We're glad the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration Steering Committee is about to convene. It's been six months since the members were appointed by the city commission. After so much buildup over the past year, the community wants to see things start to happen.
There's so much work to be done in coordinating and planning, which this important committee is expected to do. Before anything gets started, a greater understanding of the roles of the steering committee and the federal commission are necessary.
It's too bad that the federal commission is still only on paper in Public Law 111-11, enacted March 30. The feds have to appoint a commission by summer's end. Then, there are more months to organize, hire an executive director and get moving.
The city is 3 1/2 years out from its expected January 2013 start of the celebration's three-plus years. If one of the federal commission's major roles is fundraising, how soon can we expect to see big money, especially corporate sponsorships?
St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles pushed hard for the St. Johns County Commission to hire Mayor Jeanne Zeidler of Williamsburg, Va., who was the executive director of Jamestown's successful international 400th anniversary celebration in 2007. Jamestown was the nation's first English settlement in 1607, 42 years after St. Augustine's founding by the Spanish.
Zeidler's hiring was a wise move. The $20,000 from bed-tax dollars will be well-spent.
After reviewing city documents that outline the celebration's goals, we wish both groups were functioning.
The three principal goals demand cooperation. They are national and international awareness of St. Augustine, economic development, and tourism enhancement. That means public education programs, national and international communications, community redevelopment opportunities, infrastructure, destination master planning, marketing and signature events. The biggie, of course, is laying the foundation for sustainable tourism.
So who is the boss?
Is it the first one in the arena, the steering committee, or the higher-level 14-member federal commission yet to be appointed?
Dana Ste. Claire, the city's 450th executive director, says, "It will be the community that will build this event for the community."
The steering committee has firepower. We don't know yet who will be on the federal commission other than the mayor, who gets an appointment. That is a smart move.
We're concerned that there might be some unintended confusion and overlap with the two groups working separately toward the same goals and starting at different times.
Our suggestion: Divide the goals to ensure there's no confusion over event planning, marketing and, most importantly, the cost to bring the 450th celebration to life with no surprise bills at the end.
*
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http://www.staugustine.com/stories/061709/opinions_061709_043.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Livin' here and lovin' it
Livin' here and lovin' it
Publication Date: 06/18/09
We who live in this paradise don't need U.S. News & World Report to tell us that St. Augustine is one the 10 best places to live in the United States.
We know it every day, rain or shine.
But we'll take the magazine's recognition. There's something about outsiders looking in and finding enough good points to lift the Nation's Oldest City to the top 10 from a database of 2,000 cities that have at least 10,000 people and crime at or below the national level. St. Augustine also had to pass through other filters the magazine used to whittle the list to 200, including a measure of the cost of living.
The magazine's ranking is a good way for communities to see how they stack up nationally.
The report pegged the city as the one we know: Writer Luke Mullins said, "With a highly educated workforce, world-class golfing nearby, and that refreshing Atlantic breeze, St. Augustine, Fla., offers enough activities to satisfy even the most fanatical outdoor sports enthusiast."
Some key points, though, need correction:
* The eight schools in the St. Johns County School District within the city include four elementary schools, not three, and two middle schools, not three. There are two high schools. The generalization that scores were lower in math and reading is not exactly correct. Three schools of the eight had scores lower than the state averages.
* The "no hospital in location" comment is not exactly right. Nationally accredited Flagler Hospital is just outside the city limits. In fact, U.S. News recently ranked Flagler one of the top 50 hospitals in cardiac care nationally.
Credit U.S. News, too, in responding to several commenters who read that Flagler College was incorrectly identified in a photo caption. As of June 9, the day after the story appeared, the magazine corrected itself.
If you haven't read the "Best Places to Live" story, go to www.usnews.com and follow the links. Also scroll through the comments. Of those posted about St. Augustine, most were favorable, noting lower taxes, miles of beaches, golfing, name entertainment, a beautiful downtown and no snow in the last six years.
One candid posting was the couple who said they came here often as visitors for years and now regret having moved here. They found it more interesting as a vacation than a permanent address. That's OK. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Former residents choose to return. They join newcomers in giving back to the community and enjoying its benefits. We welcome all with their new and renewed voices and fresh eyes.
We've said enough.
We'll end with this online posting from a Pat Smith of St. Augustine: "If you're bored in this town, it's your own darn fault."
On the Web
http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/real-estate/2009/06/08/best-places-to-live-2009.html
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© The St. Augustine Record
Publication Date: 06/18/09
We who live in this paradise don't need U.S. News & World Report to tell us that St. Augustine is one the 10 best places to live in the United States.
We know it every day, rain or shine.
But we'll take the magazine's recognition. There's something about outsiders looking in and finding enough good points to lift the Nation's Oldest City to the top 10 from a database of 2,000 cities that have at least 10,000 people and crime at or below the national level. St. Augustine also had to pass through other filters the magazine used to whittle the list to 200, including a measure of the cost of living.
The magazine's ranking is a good way for communities to see how they stack up nationally.
The report pegged the city as the one we know: Writer Luke Mullins said, "With a highly educated workforce, world-class golfing nearby, and that refreshing Atlantic breeze, St. Augustine, Fla., offers enough activities to satisfy even the most fanatical outdoor sports enthusiast."
Some key points, though, need correction:
* The eight schools in the St. Johns County School District within the city include four elementary schools, not three, and two middle schools, not three. There are two high schools. The generalization that scores were lower in math and reading is not exactly correct. Three schools of the eight had scores lower than the state averages.
* The "no hospital in location" comment is not exactly right. Nationally accredited Flagler Hospital is just outside the city limits. In fact, U.S. News recently ranked Flagler one of the top 50 hospitals in cardiac care nationally.
Credit U.S. News, too, in responding to several commenters who read that Flagler College was incorrectly identified in a photo caption. As of June 9, the day after the story appeared, the magazine corrected itself.
If you haven't read the "Best Places to Live" story, go to www.usnews.com and follow the links. Also scroll through the comments. Of those posted about St. Augustine, most were favorable, noting lower taxes, miles of beaches, golfing, name entertainment, a beautiful downtown and no snow in the last six years.
One candid posting was the couple who said they came here often as visitors for years and now regret having moved here. They found it more interesting as a vacation than a permanent address. That's OK. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Former residents choose to return. They join newcomers in giving back to the community and enjoying its benefits. We welcome all with their new and renewed voices and fresh eyes.
We've said enough.
We'll end with this online posting from a Pat Smith of St. Augustine: "If you're bored in this town, it's your own darn fault."
On the Web
http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/real-estate/2009/06/08/best-places-to-live-2009.html
Click here to return to story:
http://www.staugustine.com/stories/061809/opinions_061809_050.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Best wishes to Senator Jim King on recovery from cancer
Godspeed to Senator Jim King -- wishing him speedy recovery! See below.
King: I'm cancer-free
King: I'm cancer-free
By BRANDON LARRABEE
Morris News Service
Publication Date: 06/19/09
TALLAHASSEE--Sen. Jim King announced a landmark in his battle against pancreatic cancer Thursday, saying recent tests had shown him free of the disease, and he would now begin a lengthy recovery.
"A recent CAT scan tells me I will be leaving the hospital to go to a rehabilitation facility today CANCER FREE," wrote King, R-Jacksonville, in a letter to friends and supporters.
"I consider myself one of the luckiest individuals in the medical world. ...
"We faced crisis after crisis, we had setbacks with enough disappointments to last most people a life time, but we said we would fight and as of this moment we are winning."
King, a long-serving lawmaker and former Senate president, was diagnosed last month with pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. He underwent surgery June 4 at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
King still faces a physical recovery that could take a year. A family spokeswoman said he could spend between one and three weeks in an undisclosed rehabilitation facility in Jacksonville.
"Does this mean that the fight is over? Not by a long shot," he wrote in the note. "I am one of the 5 percent of survivors to make it this far and I am not so naive to think that things could not change ugly quickly, but I know I have a fighting chance and I am thankful to be in a rare and unique group."
In the note, King thanked God, hospital workers, and friends and family for helping him pull through. He also showcased a touch of humor when he noted the diet-conscious, alcohol-free lifestyle that his recovery would require.
"I can just visualize some of you reading this and thinking, 'Boy, is Jim ever going to be boring,'" he wrote.
The announcement last month of King's cancer surprised colleagues because the senator showed few signs of slowing down during the legislative session that ended early last month.
He pushed through the Senate a bill that would have required private utilities to generate at least 20 percent of their power from renewable and nuclear sources, though the measure died in the House, and gave an impassioned speech believed to sway some Democrats considering voting against the final budget compromise.
King, who will be forced out by term limits in 2010, said he intends to serve out the rest of his term. However, he withdrew his name from consideration for the chancellor position at the State University System.
brandon.larrabee@jacksonville.com,
(678) 977-3709
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061909/news_061909_058.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
By BRANDON LARRABEE
Morris News Service
Publication Date: 06/19/09
TALLAHASSEE--Sen. Jim King announced a landmark in his battle against pancreatic cancer Thursday, saying recent tests had shown him free of the disease, and he would now begin a lengthy recovery.
"A recent CAT scan tells me I will be leaving the hospital to go to a rehabilitation facility today CANCER FREE," wrote King, R-Jacksonville, in a letter to friends and supporters.
"I consider myself one of the luckiest individuals in the medical world. ...
"We faced crisis after crisis, we had setbacks with enough disappointments to last most people a life time, but we said we would fight and as of this moment we are winning."
King, a long-serving lawmaker and former Senate president, was diagnosed last month with pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. He underwent surgery June 4 at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
King still faces a physical recovery that could take a year. A family spokeswoman said he could spend between one and three weeks in an undisclosed rehabilitation facility in Jacksonville.
"Does this mean that the fight is over? Not by a long shot," he wrote in the note. "I am one of the 5 percent of survivors to make it this far and I am not so naive to think that things could not change ugly quickly, but I know I have a fighting chance and I am thankful to be in a rare and unique group."
In the note, King thanked God, hospital workers, and friends and family for helping him pull through. He also showcased a touch of humor when he noted the diet-conscious, alcohol-free lifestyle that his recovery would require.
"I can just visualize some of you reading this and thinking, 'Boy, is Jim ever going to be boring,'" he wrote.
The announcement last month of King's cancer surprised colleagues because the senator showed few signs of slowing down during the legislative session that ended early last month.
He pushed through the Senate a bill that would have required private utilities to generate at least 20 percent of their power from renewable and nuclear sources, though the measure died in the House, and gave an impassioned speech believed to sway some Democrats considering voting against the final budget compromise.
King, who will be forced out by term limits in 2010, said he intends to serve out the rest of his term. However, he withdrew his name from consideration for the chancellor position at the State University System.
brandon.larrabee@jacksonville.com,
(678) 977-3709
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061909/news_061909_058.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Viva Stetson Kennedy!
Local civil rights leader Stetson Kennedy infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan and helped expose and prosecute it after World War II,preventing the Klan from having the resurgence it had after World War I. He is a true hero. Watch the Smithsonian Channel documentary September 6th in which Stetson Kennedy and his late friend, Studs Turkel, are interviewed. See below.
St. Augustine CIvil Rights Hero Stetson Kennedy Featured in Smithsonian Channel(TM) Documentary Starting September 6,th
Soul of a People: Writing America's Story to Premiere Labor Day on Smithsonian Channel(TM)
By: PR Newswire
Jun. 18, 2009 11:00 AM
Two part documentary tells the story of the Federal Writer's Project of 1930's to premiere Sunday, September 6 at 8 pm
WASHINGTON, June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It was a time of unparalleled national crisis; as millions of Americans faced unemployment, vanishing life savings, banks foreclosing on homes and feeling a general loss of hope, Americans turned to a newly elected President to lead them out of this turbulent time.
It sounds eerily like today's current events. But as viewers of a powerful new two part documentary, "Soul of a People: Writing America's Story," will see when it premieres on Smithsonian Channel this coming Labor Day Weekend, September 6 at 8 pm, the Great Depression also created a unique opportunity to capture the essence of America. "Soul of a People" explores one of the most controversial public assistance programs of the Great Depression.
The Federal Writers Project was one of four arts programs under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) of newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Project employed thousands of unemployed writers, including Richard Wright, Saul Bellow and John Cheever, to fan out across America, interview its citizens, and produce a portrait of the USA from the ground up in a series of state travel guides. They captured a unique portrait of 1930's Americana. But what began as a program to create guidebooks for every state ended up igniting a storm of controversy when writers sought out not only the triumphs of America, but also its tragedies.
At its peak, the Project employed over 6,600 people in all 48 states. They included a handful of published authors, old newspaper reporters, former school teachers and others. Two of its better-known workers, Studs Terkel (in one of his last interviews before passing away in October 2008) and Stetson Kennedy, are interviewed for the documentary.
In addition to Kennedy and Terkel, the documentary features interviews with a diverse group of leading authors, poets, and historians, including Douglas Brinkley and David Bradley, who provide witty and heartbreaking insights into the Project.
Filmed entirely in high definition, "Soul of a People: Writing America's Story" is a Spark Media Production produced for Smithsonian Networks(TM) with a major funding grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is produced and directed by Andrea Kalin and based on the book, "Soul of a People," by David A. Taylor. Taylor also serves as co-producer and co-writer for the documentary. Award winning actress Patricia Clarkson is the narrator.
"Soul of a People" will be the subject of a series of organized exhibits, lectures and panels at over thirty libraries throughout the United States. Each library will work with a local scholar of the era to help present and plan and promote these programs. These exhibits will continue through the Fall of 2009 and are sponsored by the American Library Association and supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
"This is the perfect show for Smithsonian Channel," said David Royle, Executive Vice President of Programming and Production. "It defines our mission of telling America's stories with our distinctive voice. This is a story that speaks to our times and we feel is ideally timed for a Labor Day airing."
"Soul of a People" will air exclusively on Smithsonian Channel on Sunday, September 6 at 8 pm.
ABOUT SMITHSONIAN NETWORKS
Smithsonian Networks (SN) is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution. It was formed to create new channels to showcase scientific, cultural and historical programming based largely upon the assets of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex. Smithsonian Channel features original documentaries, short-subject explorations and innovative and groundbreaking programs highlighting America's historical, cultural and scientific heritage. Visit Smithsonian Networks on the Internet at www.smithsonianchannel.com
SOURCE Smithsonian Networks
Published Jun. 18, 2009
Copyright © 2009 SYS-CON Media, Inc. — All Rights Reserved.
Syndicated stories and blog feeds, all rights reserved by the author.
By: PR Newswire
Jun. 18, 2009 11:00 AM
Two part documentary tells the story of the Federal Writer's Project of 1930's to premiere Sunday, September 6 at 8 pm
WASHINGTON, June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It was a time of unparalleled national crisis; as millions of Americans faced unemployment, vanishing life savings, banks foreclosing on homes and feeling a general loss of hope, Americans turned to a newly elected President to lead them out of this turbulent time.
It sounds eerily like today's current events. But as viewers of a powerful new two part documentary, "Soul of a People: Writing America's Story," will see when it premieres on Smithsonian Channel this coming Labor Day Weekend, September 6 at 8 pm, the Great Depression also created a unique opportunity to capture the essence of America. "Soul of a People" explores one of the most controversial public assistance programs of the Great Depression.
The Federal Writers Project was one of four arts programs under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) of newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Project employed thousands of unemployed writers, including Richard Wright, Saul Bellow and John Cheever, to fan out across America, interview its citizens, and produce a portrait of the USA from the ground up in a series of state travel guides. They captured a unique portrait of 1930's Americana. But what began as a program to create guidebooks for every state ended up igniting a storm of controversy when writers sought out not only the triumphs of America, but also its tragedies.
At its peak, the Project employed over 6,600 people in all 48 states. They included a handful of published authors, old newspaper reporters, former school teachers and others. Two of its better-known workers, Studs Terkel (in one of his last interviews before passing away in October 2008) and Stetson Kennedy, are interviewed for the documentary.
In addition to Kennedy and Terkel, the documentary features interviews with a diverse group of leading authors, poets, and historians, including Douglas Brinkley and David Bradley, who provide witty and heartbreaking insights into the Project.
Filmed entirely in high definition, "Soul of a People: Writing America's Story" is a Spark Media Production produced for Smithsonian Networks(TM) with a major funding grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is produced and directed by Andrea Kalin and based on the book, "Soul of a People," by David A. Taylor. Taylor also serves as co-producer and co-writer for the documentary. Award winning actress Patricia Clarkson is the narrator.
"Soul of a People" will be the subject of a series of organized exhibits, lectures and panels at over thirty libraries throughout the United States. Each library will work with a local scholar of the era to help present and plan and promote these programs. These exhibits will continue through the Fall of 2009 and are sponsored by the American Library Association and supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
"This is the perfect show for Smithsonian Channel," said David Royle, Executive Vice President of Programming and Production. "It defines our mission of telling America's stories with our distinctive voice. This is a story that speaks to our times and we feel is ideally timed for a Labor Day airing."
"Soul of a People" will air exclusively on Smithsonian Channel on Sunday, September 6 at 8 pm.
ABOUT SMITHSONIAN NETWORKS
Smithsonian Networks (SN) is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution. It was formed to create new channels to showcase scientific, cultural and historical programming based largely upon the assets of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex. Smithsonian Channel features original documentaries, short-subject explorations and innovative and groundbreaking programs highlighting America's historical, cultural and scientific heritage. Visit Smithsonian Networks on the Internet at www.smithsonianchannel.com
SOURCE Smithsonian Networks
Published Jun. 18, 2009
Copyright © 2009 SYS-CON Media, Inc. — All Rights Reserved.
Syndicated stories and blog feeds, all rights reserved by the author.
Congratulations, St. Johns Schools!
Congratulations, St. Johns Schools! *See below.
Now let's make our schools the best in the state in educating students to think for themselves, to question authority, to be good citizens.
Let's subject St. Johns County school children to any more First Amendment violations, whether Establishment Clause (inflicting sectarian religion on our kids) or Petition Clause (the right to speak one's mind and enjoy freedom of association).
Our Founders and successive generations of Americans fought and died for First Amendment rights. Character counts. The Founding Fathers are watching us! We can and will do better.
Now let's make our schools the best in the state in educating students to think for themselves, to question authority, to be good citizens.
Let's subject St. Johns County school children to any more First Amendment violations, whether Establishment Clause (inflicting sectarian religion on our kids) or Petition Clause (the right to speak one's mind and enjoy freedom of association).
Our Founders and successive generations of Americans fought and died for First Amendment rights. Character counts. The Founding Fathers are watching us! We can and will do better.
Editorial: Excellent showing, St. Johns Schools
Editorial: Excellent showing, St. Johns Schools
Staff
Publication Date: 06/19/09
.f you run into Joe Joyner, St. Johns County superintendent of schools, don't be surprised if he greets you with, "No. 1 in the state."
There's no exaggeration there. And certainly considering the stress the district has had with state funding cuts, we'll allow Joyner, the School Board and the staff some leeway for bragging rights.
After all the scores were evaluated by the state and points awarded, the St. Johns County School District is not only an A district again, it is the state's No. 1 A district.
You heard that right: No. 1 A district in the state.
And if that is not enough to make you excited about the county's public schools, this is the eighth year St. Johns has received a district letter grade of A, one of only 10 statewide to make A's for eight consecutive years.
It's rare air when you get to the top of the A list. "It's just great news," Joyner said Thursday.
School districts, as well as schools and students, are graded by the state of Florida. All those scores add up to the district grade. This year, St. Johns had 589 points against a state average district point count of 524.
When individual school grades came out Thursday, 27 schools had As, four had Bs, one had a D and one had an F. Last year, the county had fewer schools but 22 had As and five had Bs.
Three of the county's high schools, Bartram Trail, Creekside and St. Augustine earned A grades. Nease and Ponte Vedra high schools got Bs and Pedro Menendez dropped from a B to a D. St. Johns Technical High School, an alternative school, got an F on its first go round for grading.
Joyner and staff are already on top of the problems with new strategies to improve academic achievement next year.
Overall, St. Johns County public schools had a stellar year.
No. 1 district in the state. How do you top that?
Click here to return to story:
http://www.staugustine.com/stories/061909/opinions_061909_003.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Staff
Publication Date: 06/19/09
.f you run into Joe Joyner, St. Johns County superintendent of schools, don't be surprised if he greets you with, "No. 1 in the state."
There's no exaggeration there. And certainly considering the stress the district has had with state funding cuts, we'll allow Joyner, the School Board and the staff some leeway for bragging rights.
After all the scores were evaluated by the state and points awarded, the St. Johns County School District is not only an A district again, it is the state's No. 1 A district.
You heard that right: No. 1 A district in the state.
And if that is not enough to make you excited about the county's public schools, this is the eighth year St. Johns has received a district letter grade of A, one of only 10 statewide to make A's for eight consecutive years.
It's rare air when you get to the top of the A list. "It's just great news," Joyner said Thursday.
School districts, as well as schools and students, are graded by the state of Florida. All those scores add up to the district grade. This year, St. Johns had 589 points against a state average district point count of 524.
When individual school grades came out Thursday, 27 schools had As, four had Bs, one had a D and one had an F. Last year, the county had fewer schools but 22 had As and five had Bs.
Three of the county's high schools, Bartram Trail, Creekside and St. Augustine earned A grades. Nease and Ponte Vedra high schools got Bs and Pedro Menendez dropped from a B to a D. St. Johns Technical High School, an alternative school, got an F on its first go round for grading.
Joyner and staff are already on top of the problems with new strategies to improve academic achievement next year.
Overall, St. Johns County public schools had a stellar year.
No. 1 district in the state. How do you top that?
Click here to return to story:
http://www.staugustine.com/stories/061909/opinions_061909_003.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Rating agency downgrades State Farm
Rating agency downgrades State Farm
By BRENT KALLESTAD
Associated Press Writer
Publication Date: 06/19/09
TALLAHASSEE--State Farm Florida's financial strength rating has been downgraded.
The A.M. Best Co. said Thursday that it reduced its rating on State Farm based on the company's significant deterioration in earnings in Florida and the expectation that the downturn will continue.
State Farm's outlook in Florida was revised to negative by the New Jersey-based rating agency.
State Farm spokesman Justin Glover called the newest rating unfortunate but understandable considering the challenges facing the state's property insurance marketplace.
"From our standpoint, our claims, losses and expenses continue to outpace our premiums and we have not received any regulatory or rate relief," Glover said.
State Farm Florida filed a plan in January to stop writing property insurance in Florida where it has more than 1 million property insurance policyholders.
Although its A.M. Best rating was downgraded, State Farm Florida remains in compliance with minimum surplus requirements of Florida law based on its most recent filings with the state's Office of Insurance Regulation, OIR spokesman Ed Domansky said Thursday.
"It is important to point out that since 1992, State Farm has received nearly 530 percent in approved rate increases," Domansky said. "Most recently, an increase of more than 52 percent in late 2006."
State Farm Florida was established in 1998 as a subsidiary of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company to underwrite the state's high-risk property market.
And while it plans to leave the property insurance market, State Farm will continue to sell auto, healthy and other lines of insurance in Florida, where the Bloomington, Ill.-based company employs more than 5,000 people in Florida, including 800 agents.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061909/state_061909_049.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
By BRENT KALLESTAD
Associated Press Writer
Publication Date: 06/19/09
TALLAHASSEE--State Farm Florida's financial strength rating has been downgraded.
The A.M. Best Co. said Thursday that it reduced its rating on State Farm based on the company's significant deterioration in earnings in Florida and the expectation that the downturn will continue.
State Farm's outlook in Florida was revised to negative by the New Jersey-based rating agency.
State Farm spokesman Justin Glover called the newest rating unfortunate but understandable considering the challenges facing the state's property insurance marketplace.
"From our standpoint, our claims, losses and expenses continue to outpace our premiums and we have not received any regulatory or rate relief," Glover said.
State Farm Florida filed a plan in January to stop writing property insurance in Florida where it has more than 1 million property insurance policyholders.
Although its A.M. Best rating was downgraded, State Farm Florida remains in compliance with minimum surplus requirements of Florida law based on its most recent filings with the state's Office of Insurance Regulation, OIR spokesman Ed Domansky said Thursday.
"It is important to point out that since 1992, State Farm has received nearly 530 percent in approved rate increases," Domansky said. "Most recently, an increase of more than 52 percent in late 2006."
State Farm Florida was established in 1998 as a subsidiary of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company to underwrite the state's high-risk property market.
And while it plans to leave the property insurance market, State Farm will continue to sell auto, healthy and other lines of insurance in Florida, where the Bloomington, Ill.-based company employs more than 5,000 people in Florida, including 800 agents.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061909/state_061909_049.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Governor Should Veto Proctor's Special Interest Bill
Governor Charles Crist should veto Representative Proctor's special interest bill. Proctor has admitted it was at the behest of a constituent. Which one? We deserve answers. Governor Crist, please use your veto pen now.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Proctor pushes for insurance changes
Proctor pushes for insurance changes
By BRANDON LARRABEE
Morris News Service
Publication Date: 06/18/09
TALLAHASSEE -- Both supporters and opponents of a bill that would partially deregulate Florida's property insurance market are fiercely lobbying Gov. Charlie Crist as he nears a decision about whether to sign the bill or follow his apparent instinct to veto it.
Crist formally received the bill late last week and has until June 27 to decide. But he has for weeks signaled his distaste for House Bill 1171, sponsored by Rep. Bill Proctor, R-St. Augustine.
"One of the things that I don't want to see happen is an unfettered opportunity to raise property insurance rates," Crist said earlier this month. " ... I'm looking at it with a jaundiced eye."
Crist has long been wary of higher rates.
State Farm announced earlier this year that it intended to pull out of the property insurance market following state regulators' decision to deny it a rate increase that would have averaged 47 percent statewide.
The governor then suggested Floridians "would be much better off" without the company.
Despite those signals, Proctor said Wednesday that he's optimistic the governor will approve the measure. He pointed to widespread endorsements of the bill from the Legislative Black Caucus, Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Bankers Association and other groups.
"I think we've mustered all the support you can muster, and I hope the governor will consider this," Proctor said.
The measure would allow insurance companies with large reserves to charge rates that would be all but free of rate controls by the Office of Insurance Regulation. The agency could only order a rate change if it believes the rates are too low to keep the company financially healthy.
Proctor said the bill simply gives property owners a choice of whether to pay higher, unregulated rates for what he said is more reliable insurance or lower rates with companies who might not be able to cover their claims if a major storm hits.
"Nobody's required to buy it," he said. "If the rates are too high, they can go somewhere else."
The idea of stripping some of OIR's powers gained steam in the wake of State Farm's announcement that it would exit the state within two years. Lawmakers sharply questioned Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty and other officials from his department about the decision to reject State Farm's request.
In a letter to Crist dated May 14, McCarty urged the governor to veto the measure.
"The result will likely be significant and unpredictable rate increases that, during these difficult economic times, people can simply not afford," McCarty wrote.
He also said the bill would put smaller, Florida-based companies -- who also oppose the bill -- at a disadvantage.
"Moreover, State Farm is overexposed in the homeowners market and will likely not offer coverage to many of its policyholders irrespective of its freedom to charge an excessive rate," he wrote. "In fact, State Farm and other companies may actually use excessive rates to effectively non-renew policyholders under the ruse of consumer choice."
Michael Grimes, a spokesman for State Farm's Florida subsidiary, said it's too early to tell whether the company would decide to stay in the state if Crist signs the measure.
"The bill is clearly a step in the right direction," he said. "Obviously, if the bill is allowed to become law, how the new law is implemented and interpreted would be critical."
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061809/state_061809_029.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
By BRANDON LARRABEE
Morris News Service
Publication Date: 06/18/09
TALLAHASSEE -- Both supporters and opponents of a bill that would partially deregulate Florida's property insurance market are fiercely lobbying Gov. Charlie Crist as he nears a decision about whether to sign the bill or follow his apparent instinct to veto it.
Crist formally received the bill late last week and has until June 27 to decide. But he has for weeks signaled his distaste for House Bill 1171, sponsored by Rep. Bill Proctor, R-St. Augustine.
"One of the things that I don't want to see happen is an unfettered opportunity to raise property insurance rates," Crist said earlier this month. " ... I'm looking at it with a jaundiced eye."
Crist has long been wary of higher rates.
State Farm announced earlier this year that it intended to pull out of the property insurance market following state regulators' decision to deny it a rate increase that would have averaged 47 percent statewide.
The governor then suggested Floridians "would be much better off" without the company.
Despite those signals, Proctor said Wednesday that he's optimistic the governor will approve the measure. He pointed to widespread endorsements of the bill from the Legislative Black Caucus, Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Bankers Association and other groups.
"I think we've mustered all the support you can muster, and I hope the governor will consider this," Proctor said.
The measure would allow insurance companies with large reserves to charge rates that would be all but free of rate controls by the Office of Insurance Regulation. The agency could only order a rate change if it believes the rates are too low to keep the company financially healthy.
Proctor said the bill simply gives property owners a choice of whether to pay higher, unregulated rates for what he said is more reliable insurance or lower rates with companies who might not be able to cover their claims if a major storm hits.
"Nobody's required to buy it," he said. "If the rates are too high, they can go somewhere else."
The idea of stripping some of OIR's powers gained steam in the wake of State Farm's announcement that it would exit the state within two years. Lawmakers sharply questioned Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty and other officials from his department about the decision to reject State Farm's request.
In a letter to Crist dated May 14, McCarty urged the governor to veto the measure.
"The result will likely be significant and unpredictable rate increases that, during these difficult economic times, people can simply not afford," McCarty wrote.
He also said the bill would put smaller, Florida-based companies -- who also oppose the bill -- at a disadvantage.
"Moreover, State Farm is overexposed in the homeowners market and will likely not offer coverage to many of its policyholders irrespective of its freedom to charge an excessive rate," he wrote. "In fact, State Farm and other companies may actually use excessive rates to effectively non-renew policyholders under the ruse of consumer choice."
Michael Grimes, a spokesman for State Farm's Florida subsidiary, said it's too early to tell whether the company would decide to stay in the state if Crist signs the measure.
"The bill is clearly a step in the right direction," he said. "Obviously, if the bill is allowed to become law, how the new law is implemented and interpreted would be critical."
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061809/state_061809_029.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Opinion: David Thundershield Queen stood against oppression by the City of St. Augustine and other wrongdoers
Opinion: David Thundershield Queen stood against the mainstream
Stetson Kennedy
Fruit Cove
Publication Date: 06/16/09
David Thundershield Queen is no longer in this world. Hepassed away June 13, 2009, after a long brave bout with cancer, against which neither native American herbs nor modern medicine were of any avail.
Many of us knew David, in a variety of ways.
Some were personal friends and neighbors, who rallied around and tookcare during his long days and nights of need.
Others knew David for his healing hands.
A popular and skillful masseuse, he was often to be seen practicinghis profession at St. Augustine's Saturday farmers market.
Still others, in official circles, were on the receiving endof David's highly literary and incisive polemics, with which he bombarded public servants for things they did or did not do. A familiar figure at public hearings, he also fired away on the web,through the mails and in letters-the-editor.
That was the essence of David's life. He was a warrior who fought ceaselessly and unflinchingly for the rights ofpeople and against predatory privilege.
For example, he was there when Mavynne Betch, "the BeachLady" took her stand before a zoning commission, trying to save herbeloved American Beach (up on Amelia Island -- the only oceanfront stretch owned by African-Americans on the continent) from being gobbled up byposh Plantation developers, David stood by her side.
The zoning commissioners ordered him to sit down and shut up, butDavid kept standing and talking, so they dragged him off to jail -- still talking.
David was not just a warrior for justice -- he was also a manof peace. Many of you may have seen him at one of those monthly peace rallies in St. Augustine Square. Along with another of his comrades-in-arms,the late Peg McIntire, who at age 95, was still sporting her"Grandmothers for Peace" sign.
Even after he lost his voice, he kept on, writing strongwords with strong hand, mind and heart.
The legacy left to the living and yet unborn by David is not only that of an indefatigable champion of the people, but as a kind of person, selfless and caring.
The future, if any, is going to be needing a lot more people like David Thundershield Queen. I want to pass on to him a tribute which someone once paid to me: "Didn't make much money, but he made a difference."
*
Stetson Kennedy is an author, human rights activist and environmentalist. He has been honored on many occasions for his writings, his contributions to arts and popular culture,and his work in human rights.
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http://www.staugustine.com/stories/061609/opinions_061609_022.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
Stetson Kennedy
Fruit Cove
Publication Date: 06/16/09
David Thundershield Queen is no longer in this world. Hepassed away June 13, 2009, after a long brave bout with cancer, against which neither native American herbs nor modern medicine were of any avail.
Many of us knew David, in a variety of ways.
Some were personal friends and neighbors, who rallied around and tookcare during his long days and nights of need.
Others knew David for his healing hands.
A popular and skillful masseuse, he was often to be seen practicinghis profession at St. Augustine's Saturday farmers market.
Still others, in official circles, were on the receiving endof David's highly literary and incisive polemics, with which he bombarded public servants for things they did or did not do. A familiar figure at public hearings, he also fired away on the web,through the mails and in letters-the-editor.
That was the essence of David's life. He was a warrior who fought ceaselessly and unflinchingly for the rights ofpeople and against predatory privilege.
For example, he was there when Mavynne Betch, "the BeachLady" took her stand before a zoning commission, trying to save herbeloved American Beach (up on Amelia Island -- the only oceanfront stretch owned by African-Americans on the continent) from being gobbled up byposh Plantation developers, David stood by her side.
The zoning commissioners ordered him to sit down and shut up, butDavid kept standing and talking, so they dragged him off to jail -- still talking.
David was not just a warrior for justice -- he was also a manof peace. Many of you may have seen him at one of those monthly peace rallies in St. Augustine Square. Along with another of his comrades-in-arms,the late Peg McIntire, who at age 95, was still sporting her"Grandmothers for Peace" sign.
Even after he lost his voice, he kept on, writing strongwords with strong hand, mind and heart.
The legacy left to the living and yet unborn by David is not only that of an indefatigable champion of the people, but as a kind of person, selfless and caring.
The future, if any, is going to be needing a lot more people like David Thundershield Queen. I want to pass on to him a tribute which someone once paid to me: "Didn't make much money, but he made a difference."
*
Stetson Kennedy is an author, human rights activist and environmentalist. He has been honored on many occasions for his writings, his contributions to arts and popular culture,and his work in human rights.
Click here to return to story:
http://www.staugustine.com/stories/061609/opinions_061609_022.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
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