"Do we deserve what we get?" written by Changeisgood on estrip.org

01/06/09 09:21 - ID#47303

Do we deserve what we get?

Please tell me Byran Brown is not running for Mayor again. Please tell me that Buffaloians cannot be so foolish as to reelect him...please...*much gnashing of teeth*

james writes at 06:22:56 01/06/09 - Comment #44130: Change,

I will be working on something this primary. I don't know what yet, I am just a grunt.

changeisgood writes at 05:24:45 01/06/09 - Comment #44124: James. I am very impressed. The seminal rule of lying is providing lots of detail. Good work. In fact, what are YOU doing for the mayoral term?

joshua writes at 04:36:24 01/06/09 - Comment #44122: Goddammit my response got lost. But to summarize - no.

joshua writes at 04:31:06 01/06/09 - Comment #44121: (e:james) you know damn well that a 12-3 majority is going to get anything and everything they want, and they have the votes to easily override Collins anyway, as they did with our most recent budget calamity. As for their supposed infighting, in my view it has always been entirely parochial and is usually to do with assigning blame for why things have gone wrong. Unfortunately they cannot blame the GOP for the county's problems.

A budget is never a values based document... it is this approach, frankly, that has gotten NYS and California in the position they are in, which is that they have no money and are looking for more "streams of revenue." I don't think they thought of the irony of the "values-based document" line when discussing soda taxes, iTunes taxes, eradicating the cap on state gas taxes, increased property taxes, etc. etc. etc. You wouldn't do it with your own personal budget if survival was on the line, and neither would any of the legislators. If Erie County were a company it would have been dissolved long ago.

NYS and Erie County in particular have never been responsible with public money. If you as a trustee of public dollars insist on including items in the budget that have no way of being funded, other than to drive taxes and fees up continually as they are here, then you are insane and the voters who put these people in deserve what they get. What the hell are we going to do, run a deficit for 100 years straight because there is no tax base to fund all the stuff we'd love to do? Ok, so we've saved "essential and vital services" but people are fed up with the cost of living and the taxes and leave?

The idea of a budget being a "values-based document" has put our locality in the situation it is in. You do not create a budget by starting with what you'd like to do, without certainty, or at least a rational and realistic estimate in certain streams of revenue. Period. Erie Cty. is already complaining about loss of sales tax revenue because of the economy, and this is after they raised it due to previous alleged budget shortages. For these people, the problem is never the budget, but finding the funding needed to enact the budget. Hell, NYS will tell you that they cut their budget, but no they didn't - they merely slashed "intended spending." NYS's budget is actually still growing next year. This is why a "values-based" budget is only created by irresponsible people that should be removed from office. I don't see a lot of people thinking NYS or Erie Cty. has done a great job of budgeting and it would be absurd to give them credit for keeping and expanding services, when to do so requires more taxes and an expansion of the Buffalo diaspora.

So, a "values-based document" approach to budgeting is only useful if you have the means to actually go through with it. If you don't, then you create a dysfunctional government, will continually impose higher taxes and fees to enact that which you've promised, and people won't eat/live/shop/work here anymore. NYS is the first or second most expensive state to live in terms of taxation, on every level. Why the hell *should* people come to Buffalo when the government can't produce a responsible budget or encourage economic growth? Add the draconian house reassessments every other year, which is an imposition of increased taxes without a vote, and I wonder why people would come here at all. Altruism only gets you so far.

james writes at 03:43:12 01/06/09 - Comment #44110: rubber stamp county legislature?

The fighting that goes on in that body is amazing. And why shouldn't the budget be a values based document? When the Chris Collins wants to slash funding for services for the poorest members of the county but throw money at the richest, I say a values based document is pretty darn useful.

joshua writes at 03:35:54 01/06/09 - Comment #44109: But to answer your question C.I.G. - yes we do deserve what we get, which also includes, incidentally, a rubber stamp majority in our County Legislature that refers to the county budget as a "values based document."

joshua writes at 03:34:34 01/06/09 - Comment #44108: 'Tis the season for Democratic scandals, so I was sort of hoping that we'd luck out and something would come to light about our dear Byron. I like Kevin Gaughan and have seen him many times in Wilson Farms, for some reason. Pop trivia regarding Mr. Gaughan (according to Wiki) - he was RFK Jr.'s roommate at Harvard. He might be one of the best educated people in Buffalo - undergrad at Harvard and graduate degrees from Georgetown and London School of Economics.

james writes at 02:52:44 01/06/09 - Comment #44104: wait, we just have this news coming in. Senator Hilary Clinton is resigning from the senate and withdrawing her name from the SOS nomination. She says she will run for mayor of Buffalo. "At least I am from the rust belt, unlike that silver spooned Browny." She said, noting current Buffalo mayor's birth place of Brooklyn, NY. "I mean, come on, did you see the Buffalo office I had? That place was a dump. It is time I moved offices into the art deco masterpiece across the street." Clinton then added "oh snap!".

changeisgood writes at 02:04:52 01/06/09 - Comment #44101: Arrg. Lie to me James, Lie To ME!

james writes at 11:10:02 01/06/09 - Comment #44095: Buffalo has never given a mayor less than two terms. Byron has spent the entirety of his term preparing himself for a second term or higher office. He will win.

Permalink: Do_we_deserve_what_we_get_.html
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Category: recently learned

12/27/08 12:51 - ID#47197

Don't Look Back

It is December 27th and already I cannot take any more 2008 â€˜retrospectivesâ€™. I have a difficult enough time with the here and now. I donâ€™t think one should look back until there has been quite a bit of distant between oneâ€™s self and oneâ€™s decisions, and until the first three beers have time to sink in.

Permalink: Don_t_Look_Back.html
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Category: recently learned

12/17/07 09:35 - ID#42552

The Latter of My Life

When it comes to Christmas, there are two kinds of people - people who shop ahead of time and people who do not. I am the latter.

Of the people who do not shop ahead of time, there are two kinds of people - people who did not shop ahead of time because they are very busy and people who just plain do not like to shop. I am the latter.

Of the people who do not like to shop, there are two kinds of people - people who do not like to shop because they are making a strong and personal statement that they are adverse to commercialism or people who are lazy. I am the latter.

Permalink: The_Latter_of_My_Life.html
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Category: recently learned

12/14/07 08:52 - ID#42512

Secret Life as a Caroler Looking at Hats

I have been remiss in posting updates to my less than eventful life. Not sure anyone noticed.

December is a whirlwind for me just as it is for others. I am involved in a four-part acapella caroling group and this, ladies and gentlemen, is our hot time of year.

You see lots of interesting things when you are a caroler. People usually smile at you because for some reason people like hearing songs they have heard a million times but those songs seem more interesting as they are actually been sung by human beings in front of them. But I have also learned that people also become instantly uncomfortable the second you make eye contact with them. Maybe its because this is very different that hearing music coming out of speakers, a one-way direction that does not require interaction. You would be uncomfortable if speakers made eye contact with you. That's my theory.

So I look over their heads. Next time you see carolers, look directly at them and wear an interesting hat.

Permalink: Secret_Life_as_a_Caroler_Looking_at_Hats.html
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Category: recently learned

11/20/07 12:30 - ID#42213

My Thanksgiving Goddess

This blog is fast becoming about my mother. Today its about the fact that I could never throw the huge parties I do or provide the holiday feasts that I do without her. Nor my sister.

In my family, we alternate who hosts Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinners. The funny thing is Mom is the one who cooks the elaborate meal no matter where it takes place.

I have been so busy with my jobs that this year, she even did the grocery shopping for me - for the meal I supposedly am cooking. (I actually don't think anyone is fooled). She checked the sales at each of four grocery stores and spent Monday getting the best deals. She spent clearly half of what I would have if I had gone to the same big fancy grocery store to which I usually go. She cut coupons and used rebates. I merely showed up at her house yesterday, loaded the groceries into my car and gave her a check.

To top it off, she made me dinner that was served with ice cold beer. I did get to help her by choosing which one of the rug samples looked best in the room that is her next project. But that's it. Tomorrow she comes to my house to help me prep the meal and make the desserts. She will bring all the utensils and households items I do not own. We will laugh, discuss all the current political races, and lament the state of the union.

So I ask you, what have I ever done in life to deserve the super-mom? Maybe its what I did in my last life. I wish I knew what that was so I could do it again.

Permalink: My_Thanksgiving_Goddess.html
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Category: recently learned

11/19/07 02:01 - ID#42199

More things Wasted on the Young

It's gotten to that point. Since I moved back to Buffalo from NYC, I have gained 20 - count 'em - 20 pounds. Let me be clear, it is not Buffalo's fault, it is completely mine. Oh, and the changes in my life - my martial status has changed, my lifestyle has completely changed, my habits due to the lifestyle changes have completely changed, I'm older, and I have gone from working one job for 10 hours a day to working three some days fourteen hours a day. I have moved from eating low-carb for about seven years to eating was is readily available and quick. Not good.

There is good news. I think I am happier. Problems is because I am older, I just can't remember details enough to determine if the previous statement is in fact correct.

My mother tells me its okay that I have gained weight because she says before I was too thin. When I told her how much weight I gained, she said nice mommy things like "you can drop those couple pounds". Moms. Got to love 'em. That's the way it used to be. But my metabolism has really changed and I don't seem to be able to drop weight like I used to. It is a cruel joke your body plays on you. Insert evil snicker in here.

When I was in graduate school, I would drop between 5 and 10 pounds every exam period. That occasional life-altering event gave me lots of leeway in the weight department. Maybe I just need to go back to graduate school.

Permalink: More_things_Wasted_on_the_Young.html
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Category: recently learned

11/15/07 04:00 - ID#42147

Thank You Strong Women Before Me

As a follow up to my earlier post "I am a Disappointment in Some Depts.", we had our company Thanksgiving-themed lunch today. And let me tell you, it was fabulous. The food was amazing and different. Everyone looked like they were trying everything. Some things were clearly homemade. Some things were not but were eaten anyway. Now we are all fighting the urge to nap at our desks, but all are very satisfied.

I walked into one of the rooms and could not help but smile. I work in a really rare office - one where everyone gets along and no one seems to be that negative undercurrent that steals everyone's enthusiasm. People were talking and laughing and having a good time.

I openly admitted to all that I did not bring anything and that I did want to subject them to any attempts on my part. I donated towards the flowers. That's really all I am good for when it comes to dinner parties. I have come to terms with this. I bring bottles of wine that the guy in the wine store were good.

People were passing out recipes and I obligatorily took one. It will spend quality time with the other recipes that I have taken from other parties and they will keep each other company until someone finds them after my death and donates them to a loving home.

The really good news was there were several men that I work with who also did not bring anything. Maybe I am more like the 1950's male. Maybe my mother's generation's struggles in the workplace were not in vain, as I make as much if not more money than some of my male counterparts and I do not bring dishes to pass. Women, perhaps we have achieved equality. Thank you strong women who have come before me. I now have the freedom to be just like the men with whom I work. Well, sort of.

Permalink: Thank_You_Strong_Women_Before_Me.html
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Category: recently learned

11/09/07 03:35 - ID#42060

The Silent Chicken Majority

I have lunch every Friday with a dear friend who works in a line of work that has a ton of people contact and his employment is completely at the whim of his clientele. For clarity's sake, he is not a stripper. Problem is the job has been held by a succession of people who have left because of just a few bad apples. The bushel in question apparently has a couple of folks who just need someone about whom to bitch. It seems they just need some controversy to motivate themselves to get out of bed in the morning. Its like the melodramatic soaps in Spanish only with less hairspray. It's the old "pay attention to me me me or I take my business (and my checkbook) elsewhere."

I really feel sorry for his predicament. I want him to fight but I have a feeling you can never really win these kinds of battles short of a rampage with a gun. The sad part is that it seems there are some folks who really like him and his work but they are not vocal. In fact, they have allowed this to happen to others before him and failed to stand up. They lament the loss only after the meanies have run the next one off. The silent chicken majority.

I realize some of us grow up but even as grown ups, are we still bullied by the bullies? So is adulthood really just uber high school? Does the squeaky wheel still always get the grease? Do any more clichés apply?

Permalink: The_Silent_Chicken_Majority.html
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Category: recently learned

11/07/07 01:26 - ID#42027

That Dreaded Time of Year

Oh horror of horrors! Dread of Dreads! Its the time when I must fill out the narc-on-myself self evaluation forms at work. Its quite the dilemma.

Do I rate myself "above average" when it comes to problem-solving? Will my employer then feel that I am totally full of myself and apparently can't be trusted with any important decisions? Or should I be humble and put "average" and have my employer think "hmm, she apparently is not as good at problem-solving as I thought she was".

There is nothing to address this dilemma in the employee handbook. I checked.

Permalink: That_Dreaded_Time_of_Year.html
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Category: recently learned

10/31/07 11:59 - ID#41903

My Irrational Prejudices

I'm sorry. I just can't get beyond it. I do not trust the judgment or the character of the following two categories of people:

1. Anyone who has a really expensive car. I don't care how well off you are. I don't car how beautiful the car is. Your expensive car is a statement to the world, and its not saying good things about you. What it says to me is you are making bad choices. I just can't get beyond this. Even as I have grown up and made more money, I just can't shake the way it prejudices my thinking about the individual, even if I know them well and like them.

2. Vanity plates. I am sure they are out there, but I have never seen one that I didn't think was incredibly dumb or self indulgent. They just remind me of the kid in graduate school who just HAD to raise his hand and talk in class.

I am very aware that these things are irrational. I just needed to get this off my chest.

jenks writes at 09:30:50 10/31/07 - Comment #27306: Well, I agree on the vanity plates. I'm not really a big fan of vanity in any form.
[I do find it funny that vanity plates in NY seem to be actually manufactured differently- the letters/numbers aren't raised/stamped like the 'plain' plates].

As far as expensive cars... depends what you mean.
Lamborghinis, ferraris, etc I think are impracticaly, stupid show-off penis extension cars.
BMW/Mercedes on the other hand... I don't see what's wrong with having nice stuff if you want it and can afford it.
I personally have a bias against ugly/ridiculous cars. e.g. the chevy HHR. Pt cruiser. That stupid boxy scion. And the car I hate more than anything, that will get you deleted off my list of friends- the HUMMER. Not especially expensive, per se, but the worst car ever in my book. Like my dad says about golf, "I don't just hate hummers, I hate people who drive hummers."
Not a fan of SUVs in general. I mean it's one thing if you live on a mile long unpaved road in new hampshire. But suburban soccer moms do not need ridiculous "off road power" etc. Ok, this is turning into a rant, will stop now.

metalpeter writes at 07:01:18 10/31/07 - Comment #27298: So then you would Hate that Bam Margara has a custom plate on his Purple Lamoboghani (or at least he used to) man that car was preaty. In terms of expensive cars to me it is more about being practical. If you wana go off roading and camping there is nothing wrong with having a Range Rover. But if you have a family there is no reason to have a corvette or mercedes sports car.

You have to at least like vanity plates that have a tie in to sports like say a bills plate that say Bills 34 or something along those lines. The thing that I don't like about those kinds of plates is when it is short for something but you can't tell what it is cause the person picked something non obvesious.

joshua writes at 04:23:53 10/31/07 - Comment #27279: My grandpa had vanity plates up until his death. I think between that and the smiley face bulb he used to stick on his antenna that it mainly had to do with finding his car in a parking lot.

I dunno - as far as cars go if I had a classic convertible that buys you more cred than any Porsche off the lot.

james writes at 03:12:31 10/31/07 - Comment #27276: HAHAHA!! Carolinian is King Dork! Rock on!

changeisgood writes at 03:04:09 10/31/07 - Comment #27274: Carolinian - then why have one? I just don't get it. Doesn't it cost quite a bit of money to have one?

carolinian writes at 02:33:29 10/31/07 - Comment #27269: Check out my vanity plate at (e:carolinian,21102).

I intentionally had it made so it doesn't look like a vanity plate and looks like any ordinary plate.