Katherine, why would you waste brilliant observations on the two idiots below? washmotaxpayer, "edit" is something your truly need to learn how to do. Giving credit where it is due could be a valuable lesson for you, as well. You use katherine's advice and substitute the word "bettered" but as katherine pointed out, the remainder of your sentence is garbage.
Let's analyze it in total.
1. Never begin a sentence with a proposition "For"
2. katherine didn't "say" anything, thus you need to revise "say" for the word "write", clearly a concept you have not mastered
3. Frankly, to make any sense at all of your mishmash, you would have needed to employ a double negative, writing instead "could not be further from the truth." The way you wrote it, it sounds as if you agree with katherine. A fact she was generous enough not to bring to your attention. Double negatives are rarely used in proper grammar.
Clearly, you are allowing two things to happen in your commentary. You are allowing your overwrought emotions to result in impulsive reactions and quickly hitting the "post comment" before reviewing your comment. It tells the reader that you are not a clear and logical thinker nor one of an open mind willing to consider other viewpoints. You might make a good ship's captain, willing to go down with a sinking vessel, but not an innovator, creator or one able to improvise. Your ability to resort to personal attacks, losing sight of the actual issue is to be expected from one of such limited resources and zero leadership ability.12 months ago
Mr. LeBeau, certificates of participation have been in use by state, county and municipal government for many years without being challenged in any court. Simply put, certificates of participation enables governmental entities to lower borrowing costs (and refinancing in our county's case lowers the interest rate even more without increasing the debt or the term of the debt) by marketing lease obligations through the retail securities market and attracting multiple investors rather than relying on a single or small group of investors, as in a privately placed lease. For all intents and purposes, COPS function like municipal bonds. Their overuse can cause huge economic problems however in Franklin County's case, they have been used not only judiciously, but also prudently. The only problem I think you are having with COPS is that county government (by law) did not need a vote of the people to issue them. Sorry, sir, but that's the reality. Unless you are comfortable doing so, you and your friends are truly Don Quixotes tilting at windmills. Good luck with your law suit. I think the majority of thinking citizens in Franklin County already know the outcome.
As to your personal attack "I might imagine you took your handle from the obvious in that your knowledge of county government and perhaps goveermental entities is 'poor'"
Learn how to review what you write. Spelling errors or typos reduce the quality of your argument. My "handle" sir is taken from Benjamin Franklin himself who using the pseudonym Poor Richard published Poor Richard's Almanac beginning on December 19th, 1732 and successfully managed to publish and distribute over 10,000 copies a year. Not bad for colonial times without mechanized or computer presses. I am stunned that as a "patriot" you did not know these facts. Further, it has become abundantly clear that those of you who are currently on a "mission" to attack and defame county government for your own selfish political purposes are an abomination. And as you so frequently bring God into your arguments, rest assured Mr. LeBeau, I will pray for His mercy on your misdirected, misinformed foolishness. These days, sir, we as humans can fix many things, but only God in His infinite Mercy can fix stupid.May 11, 2012
FedUpJoe...if Mrs. Vemmer did indeed suggest prepaying on the COPS, she missed the boat. Refinancing the COPS at a lower rate of interest will not only lower the payments but not increase the total debt owed or the term, meaning the number of years until paid off. Further, to prepay, if indeed Mrs. Vemmer was foolish enough to suggest it, would reduce the county's reserves (funds set aside for emergencies, etc.). I will take you at your word about her suggestion to prepay as I seem to recall from an interview in the paper she mentioned something about never having had a credit card. That would track as it appears if she did suggest prepayment, she has made it abundantly clear she has no concept of the valid and critical use of credit by governmental entities, corporations or individuals. It makes me wonder if she even knows what a Standard & Poors rating actually is, much less the significance of such a rating. Franklin County currently enjoys and benefits from an outstanding S & P rating, especially given the economic environment and all of the complications that arise from a very weak economic recovery.May 10, 2012
I've been reading all of the posted comments and want to thank katherine for her enlightening and well-written remarks.
So well-written, that while one of her detractors, bsmn325, wrote she "spews hatred based on fantasy" in the next line writes that in his/her opinion, katherine actually wrote the editorial.
Let's cut to the chase. This comment is directed to eric reichert and bsmn325: First, COPS are legal. Refinancing COPS is legal. Having the Presiding Commissioner sign on behalf of the county and the commission is legal. In all the dialogue, I have seen no demonstration from either of you that refinancing will not save the county taxpayers money. If either of you individuals can provide commentary with the actual numbers that demonstrate that refinancing will cost the taxpayers, please do so. Failing that, I hope you hold your breath while waiting for eric reichert's alignment of the planets.
May 10, 2012
Comrade Bob, the issue here is not about the second amendment. The issue is should citizens be allowed to openly carry firearms in the city of Washington. Apparently, you think this would be a good idea. Why I'm not sure, except to take the 2nd amendment literally for all circumstances and in so doing, endanger and disrupt a peaceful community for no benefit except yours. We as citizens have ample protection provided by a well trained police force. Those citizens who have qualified for conceal and carry permits can do so in the city of Washington and provide added back up to our police force. If you think this is inadequate, then I suggest you find a time machine to put you back into the 1880's so you can carry your pistol any darned place you want. Short of that, shut up, conceal your weapon and enjoy the wonderful events and festivities (blues fest, sunset on the riverfront, wine and art festival, farmer's market and our fair for example) provided by people who don't openly carry weapons but instead work tirelessly to provide quality American family entertainment. If that's a violation of your civil rights, take that trip back in time and say hello to "Miss Kitty" while you're there. Sabe, kemo?May 1, 2012
How would Keith know what one hears in a welfare line? Why would Keith think that it's Obama's money? As I recall, all money spent by the Feds comes from us working folks. As for the Tea Party, where were they for the last thirty years when we Republicans were fighting in the trenches against massive federal government and taxation? As for FOX news, if your comment made common sense or opened a new dialogue leading to real solutions, you could bank on them being here.
"Washington could reject the federal money, put their money back in their pocket, save it and still beautify 100..." Keith's statement obviously means that he didn't understand where the funds originate and why they aren't saved. In point of fact, once the feds contribute these tax dollars from the purchase of gasoline to the trust fund, it's a done deal. The next time you buy gas, remember where some of those tax dollars go. It makes no sense not to get some of your money back.
BTW, I'm as German as you are. Proud of it.Jan 29, 2011
