IssuesPa Poll

People have been talking a lot about some findings of a recent poll. The most talked about item is that Philadelphians distrust the government more than people in the rest of the state. While this is interesting, if not exactly startling, there is more in the poll than that. (To read it yourself go to www.issuespa.com

I jotted down these tidbits from the 7 page summary and 16 page analysis:

* Roughly a third (29%) of Philadelphians are taking mass transit more often due to increased gas prices.

* Statewide 62% like the idea of environmental regulations, i.e. open space, so I expect that will be on just about every candidate's priority list. I wonder how this will square with the amount of campaign contributions received from developers. Let's all remember to ask that question and to check candidate campaign finance filings (current and past) to see where there money is coming from.

* Statewide we are less concerned with international events so don't expect to hear much about foreign policy in the senate race. This unfortunate because we need to know what Santorum has done and what Casey and Pennacchio say they will do.

* Rick Santorum's mostly / very favorable rating statewide is 49%. His mostly / very unfavorable ratings is 28%, and 23% have never heard of him or had no comment.

* Bob Casey's mostly / very favorable rating statewide is 52%, mostly / very unfavorable is 13%, and 35% have never heard of him or had no comment.

There is a lot of good information in that poll and I encourage everyone to take a look. We depend too much on the MSM to pick out the important stuff.

Cut Mr. Jane Some Slack

Mr. Jane came home from work the other day with a hangdog look and started asking me questions. He wanted to know what year we married, how old we were at the time and when our anniversary is. I've seen this before and know what it means. Someone at work has been quizzing him. Just to set the record straight let me formally and publicly announce that Mr. Jane is not responsible for knowing these things. It is not his job. In any marriage, or long term partnership of any kind, things tend to be divided up. Some remain shared but if you have two or more brains to work with it doesn't always make sense for them to be cluttered up with the same data, memory or programming capabilities. In our house I serve as the combined long term memory and view this as a form of job security. If Mr. Jane wants to know the name of that kid in grade school that used to bite the heads off grasshoppers I can tell him. If my birthday or our anniversary is coming up I tell him. He remembers to file the tax forms on time. This strikes me as eminently fair. On cold snowy winter mornings when it takes the Jaws of Life to pry the covers off of me, Mr. Jane will have gotten up early and gone out to shovel the sidewalk and the driveway and will have also cleaned off the car windshields. He dispatches insects that get into the house and monitors the mousetrap under the kitchen sink. You can't beat that. I'll keep track of our anniversary any day in exchange for snow and rodent removal. My point here is that I think people should cut Mr. Jane some slack. You can have your rose-wielding, anniversary-knowing, sweet-talking pretty boys. I'll take the quiet guy who knows his way around a miter saw. As for the details we married in our early twenties and this year we will both have been married for exactly half of our lives.

weekly legislative update

This week there was a great deal of paper shuffling, things introduced, moved, tabled, etc. The house and senate are considering some bills that passed in the other chamber.

Two bright spots on the legislative tracking front: for federal legislation watch plogress (see link listing at the right). For state legislation, Philly's own state Rep. Mark Cohen started a blog in March that provides some details on legislation under consideration, also added to my link list. I think this is fantastic and hope more legislators will start similar blogs or other resources. Kudos to Rep. Cohen!

The Little Picture

Philly Future and Young Philly Politics have recently noted that Philadelphia is receiving kudos for its work with the homeless. That is the big picture. Here is a small one.

I work in a city, not as large as Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, but a city nonetheless, and a gritty grimy one at that. I see homeless guys fairly often. A group of people in my office volunteers at a food program twice a month. It is housed as a local church and a number of volunteers rotate through weekly. We pack 128 grocery bags according to a packing list. One week each bag might get 2 cans of corn, 1 jar spaghetti sauce, a package of pasta, a bag of cookies, etc. A couple of guys from the street come in and tear down boxes, unload food from the truck, whatever needs done.

My homeless guy was one of them, a man I sometimes considered the “other man” in my life, not for any romantic attachment, but just for the amount of mental real estate he took up. The bagging crews look after all of the box guys to one extent or another, long underwear in the winter, a used sauce pan when one of them got his own efficiency apartment. This one, though, we all got a little more attached to. It’s hard to say exactly what it was about him. It was obvious that in better days he was a handsome man and even now took care to be clean and neat when he came to work at the church. His vocabulary and speech gave away an education that he would otherwise deny.

Being resourceful I was able to take the tidbits of personal information he let slip to find out that he had once lived a very middle class life. It shouldn’t have mattered that he hadn’t always lived at the bus station but it did. He was a living example of “there but for the grace of God go I.” A job, a family, a college degree, a life not unlike my own, none of these could keep whatever addiction he had at bay. As someone who can’t stay away from carbonated beverages, even on advice of a doctor, I have a hard time looking down too much on someone else’s weakness, especially when he kept it well hidden and didn’t ask for sympathy or place blame anywhere but on himself. There is a history of substance abuse in my family and I find it a useful lie to tell myself that if I have made it this far without succumbing I might escape altogether. Knowing that he was about my age before the wheels really fell off shredded my illusions.

The group from work got together and bought him gift certificates at local pizza joints and diners. I was the advance man, so to speak, checking out the places to make sure they only sold food, not cigarettes or alcohol. Buying things for a homeless guy is different from buying things for regular folks. Gray socks not white so they weren’t recognizable as new. Shoes had to look cheap and be the color of dirt or be pre-distressed to look used. Sixty year old men wandering the streets with shiny new shoes or bright new socks are just asking to be beat up and robbed.

Late this past summer he was diagnosed with a terminal illness and decided to go out on his own terms. You can’t fault him for that. Homeless people don’t have good access to health care and the old and infirm can’t defend themselves well against urban street violence. After the funeral, I contacted his family to tell them what I could of his last year, and that he had spoken warmly of them. In any relationship where one person has all the power, you can’t really ever know how the person in the lesser position views the one who holds all the cards. However, I would like to think that we were, in some way, friends.

Can't Bill Gates Afford His Own Boat Launch?

Ran across this recently.

What would you do if you found Bill Gates trespassing on your lawn?

Full story

Zero Tolerance?

One of the Little Janes came home from school yesterday and said one of his classmates was going to get suspended for bringing a pocketknife to school. I don't quite know how to feel about this. Certainly, you should not bring pocketknives to school and a kid who is 4 feet tall probably does not possess clear reasoning ability on the appropriate time to use and / or display a knife. On the other hand I think the zero tolerance rules have gotten a little out of hand. In part I think this is because schools are so afraid of being sued that they have removed all ability for school administrators to make a judgement call. Hopefully a letter will come home today providing a few details (without naming the child, although we already know who it was). The long holiday weekend should give everyone time to cool off and calm down.

Mr. Hoeffel Builds His Dream Blog

In 1948 Cary Grant, Myrna Loy, and Louise Beavers appeared in a movie called “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” about an urban couple who decide to move to the country and build their dream house. (It was remade as “The Money Pit,” not nearly as good as the original.) As you can imagine, there are many bumps in the road between the first shovel of dirt and the final move-in day. The subplot about the trusty friend who may or may not be putting the moves on Loy’s Mrs. Blandings is wonderfully, subtly done. Beavers, cast, as usual, as the family maid, plays in a pivotal role in Mr. Blandings success at work.

I thought of this movie when I read recently that Joe Hoeffel plans to launch a website and blog in the near future, to be located at www.joehoeffelandfriends.com (don’t visit yet – it isn’t there). I have some advice for Mr. Hoeffel, who represented Pennsylvania in Congress for several terms and a variety of other elected offices before that. Now, I could send these to him privately without my Above Average Jane Lone Ranger mask on, but, much as I think he’s a nice guy, I can’t help but think he will pay more attention to what I have to say in a more public forum.

Before I get to that, though, let me say that I like Joe Hoeffel. In past years I even contributed a little bit to some of his campaigns (for a cumulative total of about $75.00). One year, for my birthday, in lieu of a present, Mr. Jane agreed to pick up the entrance fee to a fundraiser, one of Mr. Hoeffel’s less expensive do’s, to be sure. I’ve spoken to Mr. Hoeffel a few times in person and he has been uniformly pleasant, even when I’ve just run into him on the street and struck up a conversation. Once I had one of the little Janes with me and Mr. Hoeffel conversed in the manner of someone who genuinely likes and is comfortable with children, not as a politician trying to butter up a voter. I have read some of his postings on My DD and found them interesting.

One thing I especially admire is his ability to speak his mind and turn someone’s comment back on them without seeming to offend. At one public meeting I attended, a number of people asked about outsourcing, with all the outrage of those who might have lost their job because of it. Mr. Hoeffel spoke about the problem, but also said that we could not make it illegal to shop at discount stores. I liked that. He pointed out that we were part of the problem ourselves. By demanding lower prices as shoppers and higher returns as investors, we have put companies in a bind. While there are corporate and governmental bad guys out there, we the people are not guiltless in this matter. But I digress. My point is that Mr. Hoeffel spoke to the questioner’s pain and emotion but did not make promises he could not keep. I have observed him doing this in other venues as well.

I hope this quality is present in his site and on his blog. Most politician's blogs are either rabidly partisan, appealing only to those who share the narrow frame of reference or so willing to agree with anyone that they are mind numbingly dull. For Mr. Hoeffel’s blog to maintain any sort of regular readership he will have to allow multiple people to participate or at least to engage other bloggers in conversations across blogs. To do that he is going to have to discuss specifics and not generalities, to stake out some territory on issues, and sometimes stir things up a bit. Just regurgitating the party line won’t bring in anyone.

His support of Mr. Casey’s senatorial campaign has caused some talk as they differ on a number of issues. Just saying that we need to elect a Democratic senator won’t cut it. We need to hear about his differences with Mr. Casey and some valid reasons why we should still support him. Hoeffel’s successor in Congress, Allyson Schwartz, has engendered some discontent with her support of recent bankruptcy legislation. How about that, Joe?

Hoeffel’s announcement said the site would be a place for progressives to gather. Can we start by discussing the definition of progressive and how some of the Democratic party’s stands might be conflict with that definition? Can we talk about those in office who aren’t being whatever progressive is, even if they might have a D by their names? Can we engage in civil discourse on a number of issues? Will there be a mechanism for politely worded disagreement? (Flamers and trolls don’t deserve much respect, IMHO). In other words, will it be a real conversation or just a lecture?

“Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” was a great movie because all of the characters, even the small ones, lent something to the picture. Cary Grant was the star, of course, but his interaction with the rest of the cast made the movie what it was. I hope that Mr. Hoeffel will also let those around the state be a part of his dream, and contribute to his story.

Cotton Candy

When I wrote earlier about buying local I mentioned school fairs. If you ever want to be the man or woman of the hour at one of these events, volunteer to work the cotton candy machine. It is nasty, nasty work. You end up covered with cotton candy lint and hands and wrists like a yeti. A lot of wrist twirling is involved so it is not for the uncoordinated of those with carpal tunnel syndrome. Wear goggles and a surgical mask if you can. Anyone who willingly works the cotton candy machine is sure to earn the adoration of all concerned. One of the many many things we did not learn in school.

Creating History

Ray, over at Young Philly Politics, worked on Seth Williams' DA campaign. Ray is currently trying to piece together a more definitive picture of how the Internet affected the campaign, what role it played. If you read anything online about Williams or donated or volunteered online or signed up for his emails, please get in touch with Ray and tell him about it. Check out Ray's posting here, to see exactly what he is saying.

It is important to do these things. Very important. Those who record the history of an event are the ones who define it. If we leave it to the official party documents or just to the printed record it will say very little. Eventually some big name research firm or policy analysis group will come in and do surveys, etc., but in what my liberal little heart views as a soulless fashion. If we want what we did to matter in the long run we need to speak up about what exactly we did and how we did and what effect that had. If Ray (raym@localnet.com) is willing to collect that data, more power to him. His participation in Young Philly Politics speaks well, in my view, of his willingness to share it once he has a better idea of the big picture.

Don't let someone else define your motiviations or your actions. Set the record straight from the start.

The Meaning of Seth Williams and the Bloggers

Young Philly Politics has a nice reflective wrap up to the regional bloggers' Seth Williams initiative. Good reading. Check it out.

Buying Local

May is Buy Local month. A few commentators have said they think the idea of buying locally is outmoded in a global economy. My response to this is “Do you guys live in a cocoon?” Let me give you two contrasting visual images to underscore my point and then I’ll expound on it. One of the marital duties I took on / was assigned early in my marriage was fetching donuts for the household on Saturday mornings. Usually I go to a locally owned and operated bakery. They keep a jar on the counter for people to leave donations for an annual local celebration. When that bakery is closed for vacations I go to a national chain. They have a tip jar on the counter. That, in a nutshell, is why I try to buy local.

When spring is in the air many people start to think about vacations, swimming, flowers, and so on. For a PTA mom the return of the robins signals the beginning of Spring Fair season. A lot of elementary schools where I live have spring fairs and these events are major fundraisers for the PTA, and underwrite a lot of activities and supplies throughout the year. The one I volunteer with is a fairly involved activity and the coordinators are bargain hunters. These women can sniff out a donation a mile away. A lot of the food is donated, as are prizes. Businesses can sponsor a booth. Very few of our donations come from chains, those that do are locally owned franchise businesses. Everything else is local.

We have lost all of our local pharmacies. There is one locally owned hardware store left. The garage that takes care of our cars has a bulletin board overflowing with letters of thanks from sports teams they have sponsored, and events and groups to whom they have donated. I will confess to buying most of my groceries from a national chain but I also stop in a local mom & pop grocery once a week and pick up a few things. Often you can find the man whose name is on the sign outside stocking the shelves or checking in with customers. His store also donates a lot of food and services to local events and groups.

One of my friends is active in environmental organizations. The township Environmental Advisory Committee hosts tree plantings once a year. She often rounds up donuts for volunteers. A locally owned grocery store used to reliably donate a dozen or two donuts. It was bought by a national chain a few years ago. The next time a tree planting came up the free donuts were no longer available. Another local business has provided a coupon for a free item to all children participating in the library’s summer reading program. I read in the paper recently they the business was sold to a larger corporation. I am waiting to see what comes home with the summer reading program papers this year.

The remaining local businesses are hit harder by requests for donations. I know the bakery I go to is often asked to donate items. To counter this I will sometimes buy a coffee cake or cookies to take to bake sales, and tell the bakery staff where the items are going and that if anyone comes in asking for a donation they can say they have already sent something over. When I buy flowers from the local florist to take to campaign office openings or public events I ask them if they want to put in a pick with their name on it as free advertising. Ditto for the local mom & pop grocery.

Each year a local business sponsors luminarias for the area I live in. Volunteer block captains set out the luminarias, but the supplies are provided by the business. The supplies are useless without volunteers to set them out (tip for the day – never wear cotton gloves when lighting candles; you will end up setting your fingers on fire). The volunteers could not afford to buy supplies for their blocks, nor would they purchase the same supplies, providing the uniform look throughout the area.

To have a robust community bond you need community events and activities. To have that you will almost always have to have business involvement in some form. To have that you really need a healthy local business economy. To have a good school you need parental and community involvement. To have that you need group activities of some kind, clubs, sports teams, chess tournaments, something. To have that you often need sponsorship. To have that you need a healthy local business economy. Some chains do pitch in. Where I live, Home Depot has a good reputation for donating materials for scouting projects. Target does invest a percentage of its profits in the communities where it has stores. These businesses are unlikely, however, to sponsor a soccer team or a booth at the fair. Your best bet for that is a local business, or a parent with a professional office. When all the parents work for national chains and there are fewer local businesses, it is harder to have these events.

Local businesses, especially service businesses, tend to like to have their employees involved in civic organizations, not just monetarily but with time and energy as well. National chains are less likely to care. This is why I try to buy local, and why I think you should, too.

weekly legislative update

No bills were introduced, shuffled, or acted upon in their the house or the senate this week.

Purple Thumb

I want a purple thumb. Not a purple plum, a purple thumb. You remember the picture of the young Iraqi woman showing her stained thumb proudly, as evidence that she had voted? I want that. I want people who vote to have some tangible proof, a public sign. Years ago I lived in a state that handed out “I voted” buttons at the polls. Some people didn’t take them. Other sdiscarded them quickly. I wore mine all day. If I could I would have glued it to the end of my nose so people could have seen it better.

To be fair, let me tell you I get irrational around elections, not in a fervor over particular candidates, but afterwards, when I see voter turnout figures. Call it PES, post-election syndrome; it will pass in a few days. In my area only 11% of eligible voters voted, around 1 in 9. That’s just terrible. I think there ought to be a way for those who voted to recognize each other, to celebrate our tribal bond.

Devout Catholics have a smudged forehead on Ash Wednesday. Jewish men wear yarmulkes. Christians can wear crosses. Why not an ultraviolet stamp at the polls, like the ones used at concerts, or the ink-stained thumb? A sticker, a pin, anything. Early voters could nod in solidarity as the day passed. The ink stain would stay on for a few days until the skin sloughed off. You could look at your colleagues, friends, and neighbors, glance down subtly at their hands. One quick eye movement is all you’d need. Would you smile in support or give them a “I’m so disappointed in you” headshake? No words would be needed.

One of the people I had talked to about voting for Seth Williams asked me today who had won. I said the incumbent but that I was sure he would have a chance to vote for Seth Williams again in the future. Two other people have asked me why I supported Williams. It was too late for them to vote but maybe it will spark their interest for next time.

I’m always torn between wanting to get people out to vote and thinking that if you don’t know who the candidates or issues are maybe you should stay home. I’ve never liked the people who stand outside the polls and hand out literature, but then I usually have a list of selected candidates with me. Mr. Jane and I have similar political views so we will sometimes divvy up races. For example, maybe he will take school board and I’ll take judges. We each research the candidates and then give the other a list of recommendations. I suppose that’s no different from party endorsements but I trust Mr. Jane more than the party. I tell myself that I would be happy to see extremely high turnouts even if it meant candidates I supported lost (although that usually happens anyway), but I don’t know if that’s true or self-delusion.

In the meantime I’d like an inky thumb.

Final Results

NBC 10 declared Abraham the winner, 56-44, with 94% of precincts reporting. My local races' results have come in also. No surprises there. What is most notable is that in my immediate area only about 11% of eligible voters took the time to vote. I talked to people I know who live in Philly. the general reaction was "is there an election?" Most said they hadn't followed the races, didn't know the candidates and so didn't want to vote. While I understand GOTV efforts, I have to wonder if we actually achieve anything if we herd people who are so purposefully ignorant out to the polls. Color me cynical.

Preliminary Results

At 9:30 p.m. Attytood reported that Seth Williams was behind 58-42%. At 10:30 p.m. CN8 was reporting Williams behind 57-43%. Not enough precincts reporting to find out how my local races went.

voting rap

ACM, over at A Smoke Filled Room is a haikuist. I'm not quite that talented but I can sometimes come up with a street rhyme:

Gonna click my heels and shake my butt
Doing the "I just voted" strut
uh huh uh huh

Took the kids down to the polls
Future voters, on a roll
Uh huh uh huh

No purple thumb, but my heart sings
Gonna let those American freedoms ring
uh huh uh huh

At 7:20 a.m. I was the 6th voter at my precinct. Not exactly a big turnout. There were more people than that handing out literature at the door. The little Janes went with me and each pushed a button or two (with strict supervision, of course). The oldest little Jane was especially interested in the school board races; the youngest was also excited.

Don't let a kindergartener out do you!!!! VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

Local Elections

If you live in an area where they are no big races on the ticket in this election you may be tempted to skip it. Please reconsider. Township commissioners and school board members can have as much, or more, influence on your daily life than your federal representatives. The condition of local roads, loitering ordinances, public swimming pool rules, and so on, are set by local government, not state or federal government. School boards affect not only curriculum and school rules but property taxes as well. Ever get a speeding ticket? Local judges are the people you might have to go see. This is actually the level of government where you can have the most influence because your local elected officials are more accountable more directly to you. It is also the level where your campaign donations, especially if they are small, can have the most dramatic impact.

Statewide there is the Growing Greener initiative. Give this some serious thought. I have some qualms about it, but, in this case, something is better than nothing, and several people and organizations I think well of have endorsed it.

Seth Williams Fundraiser

Given the short notice, the fundraiser for Seth Williams last had a great turnout, and raised over $1,000. For more information and pictures see The Tattered Coat and Young Philly Politics. It isn't too late to volunteer or donate, see Seth's web site, www.seth4da.com

And remember, even if you don't live in Philly, there are still a number of good reasons to come out and vote this Tuesday. The Growing Greener issue is on the ballot, and there are probably local offices, judges, commissioners, school board, and so on. The election is Tueday. If you need a reminder email, visit www.votemay17.org.

You aren't obligated to vote for everything on the ballot. Vote for the things you are interested in. If you don't like a candidate or candidates, leave that one blank. But, by all means, go out and vote!!

weekly legislative update

These bills passed the PA house or senate this week. Each had numerous sponsors and the names have been deleted for space considerations. Please note SB 198. I will sleep much easier tonight knowing that renegade florists have been curbed; it was certainly an issue we heard a lot about in the last campaign.

SB 157 An Act amending the act of December 31, 1965 (P.L.1257, No.511), known as The Local Tax Enabling Act, further providing for delegation of taxing powers and restrictions thereon; and making editorial changes.

SB 464 An Act amending the act of December 5, 1936 (2nd Sp.Sess., 1937 P.L. 2897, No.1), known as the Unemployment Compensation Law, further providing for the definition of "employer" and for general powers and duties of department, providing for representation in proceedings; further providing for contributions by employers and employees, for successors-in-interest, for appeals, for interest on past due contributions and for limitations upon enforcement of payment of contributions, interest and penalties; providing for registration and other reports; further providing for the Special Administration Fund; providing for the Job Training Fund; further providing for the duties of the State Treasurer as custodian and for offenses relating to false statements and representations to prevent or reduce compensation and other offenses; and providing for monetary penalties.

SB 62 An Act amending Title 62 (Procurement) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for application of part; and providing for electronic bidding by local government units.

SB 462 An Act amending the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code, further providing for unlawful acts relative to liquor, malt and brewed beverages and licensees.

SB 198 An Act prohibiting a deceptive business practice in the floral industry; and providing for a private cause of action.

SB 82 An Act providing for the display of the American flag, Commonwealth flag or military flag by residents in a unit owners association, homeowners association or master association.

SB 62 An Act amending Title 62 (Procurement) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for application of part; and providing for electronic bidding by local government units.

HB 1488 An Act requiring information relating to parenting and prenatal depression, postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis and other emotional trauma counseling to be provided to a pregnant woman; and providing for the powers and duties of the Department of Health.

HB 734 An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for a small business health savings account tax credit.

HB 515 An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, further providing, in sales and use tax, for the definition of "manufacture"; and further providing for the apportionment of business income for corporate net income tax purposes.

HB 236 An Act amending the act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.181), known as the Regulatory Review Act, further providing for legislative intent, for definitions and for proposed regulations and procedure for review.

HB 1076 An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for license and fee exemptions and for license costs and fees.

HB 887 An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for resident license and fee exemptions.

HB 859 An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, further providing for the alternate imposition of the use tax.

HB 856 An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for unlawful acts concerning licenses.

HB 650 An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, further providing, in corporate net income tax, for the definition of "taxable income."

HB 353 An Act amending the act of June 2, 1915 (P.L.736, No.338), known as the Workers' Compensation Act, further defining "occupational disease."

HB 107 An Act authorizing the establishment and maintenance of health savings accounts; providing for special tax provisions relating to exclusions from personal income tax; and imposing restrictions on health savings accounts.

HB 89 An Act regulating child labor; conferring powers and duties on the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Education; imposing penalties; and making a repeal.

For a Good Time ....

....attend a fundraiser for Seth Williams tonight. Details available on Philly Future. It is from 5:30 to 7:00 tonight. Sorry for the late notice. Recommended donation is $25.00 but more or less will be accepted. I won't be there tonight but did send Seth $25.00; this can be easily done on his web site, www.seth4da.com. Seth is scheduled to be there. Dan, ACM, and some of the other area bloggers will be there also, so this a chance to meet the faces behind the words. For the single ladies, if you complain about not being able to meet nice guys in the city, here is your chance, because I'm willing to bet there will be more men than women in attendance, and by just showing up they have demonstrated some serious positive qualities. The political backdrop will provide sufficient small talk ("How did you get interested in the campaign?" or "Wow, it's great to see so many people interested in the city.").

Why should you care about this race or any race? Well, let me explain why I didn't post this earlier. You may or may not have heard that there was a fire on a railroad bridge outside New York City yesterday evening. Bear with me, I will get around to Seth Williams here. As it happens I was in New York yesterday; once or twice a year my job takes me there for a day. I spent most of the day in a basement room standing; when I wasn't standing I was sitting on the floor. Lunch was an egg salad sandwich and some lemonade, eaten standing. Not exactly boardroom stuff. I left the house at 7:30 a.m. and got to Penn Station to go home a little after 7 p.m. At that time all the trains were listed as delayed. At about 7:40 the pa system announced that we should make alternate arrangements because no Amtrak or NJTransit trains were going south any time soon. A coworker and I headed down the street and around the corner for the PATH trains, rumored to go to Newark, along with a horde of other people. The trains were packed. Two people jammed in next to me were complaining about the PATH system and one said the riders ought to organize and write their congressmen. The other said that her elected officials were so corrupt she expected to open the paper every morning and see someone else accused of dipping into public funds, and that no one listened to the riders. I was looking around for a map to figure out how the PATH trains worked and saw a big poster on the wall announcing meetings for the PATH riders association, and asking people to join and attend. The irony of it struck me. It is easier to complain than to do something.

We have the government we deserve because we take so little interest it. We seldom check into candidate's claims. As I've written about before, it isn't always so easy to look up voting records and ethics filings and such, but that it is in large part because so few people are asking for it. If you live in Philly and don't trust the courts or think the da's office isn't doing its job, then make sure you are at the polls May 17th to make your voice heard. Don't just stand around and say "oh, all politicians are bad." Some are, some aren't, but if you don't go out and meet them you won't know which ones are which.

As an aside, I did get home last night, at around 11:30 p.m. At one point, trying to switch trains just to get to Newark there was one of those scary moments when the crush of people trying to get on the train moves you along whether you are trying to walk or not, and the people inside the train trying to get out is pushing you in the other direction. And yet, through all of that, with the trains like sardine cans, everyone behaved very well. No yelling, no swearing, no one knocked down (in itself a miracle) or shoved aside. I am sometimes very impressed with our society, which is often amazingly civil. At any rate, I got home late so everything is getting done late, including this posting.

Four days until the election. If you confuse the days of the week and aren't sure you will remember which day to vote, the folks at www.votemay17.org will send you a reminder.