The Way I See ItBy cj pollickPoint Of Order - Seems as though some differences of opinion between new city Councilmember Paul Gibson and a few others at the Clearwater City Council finally were made public last week at a city meeting. Nevertheless, and at the end of the day, Robert's Rules of Order prevailed and city commission discussion regarding safety and security issues at Belle Harbor on Clearwater Beach was effectively stopped by Councilmember George Cretekos who "called the question" (vote.) Thus, further public city council discussion and debate was stopped. Rift between Gibson and a few others on the city council? Yes, and perhaps some of this conflict goes back to the time when Gibson won election over a candidate who had support from three other city council members. On the other hand, perhaps Gibson is asking too many questions. Funny thing about Robert's Rules, the city council could have not supported the motion to stop further public discussion on the boat slip agreement until each elected council member had his/her time to speak to the issue. And yes, each member should have uninterrupted time to speak to the issue. Respectfully debating an issue is one thing, stopping discussion is deplorable. What's Next for County Government? - With the resignation of County Administrator Steve Spratt, effective September 30, county commissioners will be searching for a new administrator in addition to a new county attorney. Interesting days ahead, that's for certain. San Francisco's Speaker Nancy Pelosi Explains Why Folks Question Democrat Leadership - In an amazing splurge of off-the-cuff comments, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca.) said she will introduce legislation to increase taxes and help direct tax funds to the 12 million illegals now in America and the needy. Pelosi believes that investment tax rates should be taxed at 100 percent. (Currently at 15 percent long-term capital gain tax rate.) Investments, after all, explained Pelosi, only helps the wealthy who invest money. We'll change all that, said Pelosi. Thus, and perhaps what is not being talked about in presidential debates is the manner in which the U.S. tax code would be changed with support of a Democrat president who would not veto such tax legislation from a Democrat controlled congress. What should be the highest tax rate for working people? 80-90 percent says Pelosi. Yes, we Floridians have known for many years that California is run by the Hollywood elite and liberal politicians, but this latest news from Pelosi should cause all of us to wonder where the liberals might lead this nation. So, You Think Liberalism Is Good For The Country - In California an illegal immigrant entered the country had a criminal history in Mexico, was caught for a crime in the U.S., deported back to Mexico and again re-entered America illegally was caught, not reported to INS, and allowed out of jail. Then, this illegal criminal raped a three-year-old girl and was caught. (The father should be the one applying the penalty!) You see, in California, land of the Hollywood way, a federally appointed Bill Clinton radical judge in San Francisco had stopped requiring police officers to report illegals who are caught by the police to be reported to the INS. The judge's action merely reflects what could happen to innocent Americans when our government does not enforce illegal immigration laws. Sanctuary cities are throughout America. Those are the places where illegals typically would go when looking for a safe-haven from police intrusion. Places like New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, etc., etc. In fact, there are people that wonder if our reading area is a "sanctuary" for illegals. Do local police report to the INS whenever they stop a person and find him/her to be illegal? Sanctuary cities. In New Jersey the attorney general recently is requiring all city police officers to report illegal immigrants to the INS when caught. No more sanctuary. (Due, of course, to a crime from an illegal who was not rightfully reported.) Don't blame police officers - - they want to enforce the law regarding illegals who are caught. Blame politicians, such as city mayors, who play politics with this illegal immigration issue hoping to obtain votes. The three-year-old girl in California? She will recover, but imagine the horror for the rest of her life due to sanctuary? That's Why Some Professional Football Players Retire Early - Many people wondered why Giants running back Tiki Barber retired last year while on top of his football game. Surely, Barber could have played a few years longer, Giant fans lamented on the retirement news. Barber was, of course, an exceptionally good running back for his size. Last Sunday while watching the Buffalo Bills football game Barber commented, "That is why I retired, I wanted to be able to play with my kids and have a normal life after professional football." Of course, Barber was responding to the spine injury of a Buffalo Bills back-up tight end, who as of Tuesday, was still in intensive care, and might have a permanent spine injury that could affect his ability to walk. NFL football is a brutal game where every athlete understands he is only one hit away from permanent disability. Helmit to helmit hit. Barber's retirement? He made enough money and wanted to preserve his remaining good health. Not a bad decision. Speaking Of College Football And Rankings - How about those USF BULLS? As the many USF fans know in Tampa Bay, Auburn Tigers should not have been favored in last Saturday's football game; in fact, it is ridiculous that Auburn is still ranked one spot higher than the USF BULLS in college rankings. The BULLS deserve a top 25 ranking. Perhaps after the next win over North Carolina University college football writers will rightfully rank the USF football team in the top 20. GO BULLS. USF will play one of the toughest football schedules when you consider they must still play Louisville, West Virginia, Rutgers, Pitt, Cincinnati, etc. Tid Bits - Ever wonder why King George VI's first name was Albert? Why Panama hats are made in Ecuador?
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