Common Core indoctrination must be stopped by the parents

Only parents can set their children free from Common Core indoctrination

Common Core being initiated is yet another attack on the minds of our children.

Many progressives have realized that control of our future must begin with the indoctrination of our youth today. This is unacceptable.

Steps taken in the last few months and years are putting our children at great risk.

I have already heard from many of our elected leaders and they are telling me there is nothing that can be done, we have received the money and it’s a sealed deal.

It is exactly this excuse that makes my head spin. I happen to believe that we elected these folks to represent the people and change is possible if you pave the way

You are there to enact change and not accept what the federal government says we should do. The states still have sovereign power. 

It is time we quit accepting defeat especially when it’s for the………children!

While the President Barack Obama-led Socialist regime in Washington calls the tune by keeping the bouncing ball over the concept of Government-Fighting-Patriots, the real battle is the one where it gets to take over your children.

With all eyes trained expectantly on the latest Obama executive order; with the definition of one man, one woman marriage being rewritten by the Supreme Court, progressives in office have been working out the details to come up with a way to capture your children.

Millions of parents with school-age children will never know their children have been captured and led away.  The name of the program set up for the kidnap of all time is so innocent sounding: Common Core.  But in typical Marxist fashion, the name can be morphed into a myriad of others when it becomes expedient to keep parents in the dark.

Patriotic warriors like Glenn Beck, Michelle Malkin and CFP’s Ileana Johnson are shining light into the darkness.  But if the children of the day are ever to be set free, it will take parents opening the steel gates that now confine them. 

Just as the United Nations Agenda 21 now controls every aspect of adult life, Common Core controls the instruction of the school child.

Finding the true intent of Common Core means getting behind the hype of its mask of innocence.
 
Middlemen advocates in the progressive infrastructure are now trying to palm off the universal standards of Common Core as a “state-led” initiative.

“No they were Gates-led, not state-led, writes Oak Norton at Deseret News.  “The Gates Foundation pumped $20 million into the National Governors Association and Council of Chief State Superintendents Organization to create those standards.

“They did it to fulfill a contractual obligation stemming from Microsoft’s 2004 contract with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to create a global education system. (Italics CFP’s).

“Gates has paid $173 million so far to create and promote Common Core.  The Utah State Office of Education didn’t even know who was on the drafting committee until the standards were written, which happens to be after Utah adopted them.”

Bill and Melinda Gates have three children—and all of yours.

Key to Common Core’s con job is the fallacy that Common Core standards were internationally benchmarked.  They never were.

Lie-laden, too, is the progressive myth that adoption of the K-12 standards is in no way mandatory.

But try getting your children out of Common Core if you happen to live in one of the 45 states where it has already been implemented.

“As part of the 2009 stimulus legislation, the federal government created the so-called Race to the Top (RTT) Fund, $4.35 billion in competitive educational grants.” (Christian Post, Feb. 13, 2013).

Sounds nice but only available to states that adopt Common Core. 

The long trail of the progressives in public education goes all the way from John Dewey, a major representative in progressive education and liberalism, to modern-day activists like Barack Obama and Bill Ayers, now in league with the deep-pocketed UN apostle Bill Gates.

Known as the power behind the Fundamental Transformation of America, Barack Obama had his nose in your children’s school books long before parental suspicion threw light on Common Core.

Back in the mid-90s, Obama invested his experience as an on-the-street community organizer to co-partner with unrepentant domestic terrorist Bill Ayers on the Chicago Annenberg Challenge.

“The Chicago Annenberg Challenge (CAC) was a Chicago public school reform project from 1995 to 2001 that worked with half of Chicago’s public schools and was funded by a $49.2 million, 2-to-1 matching challenge grant over five years from the Annenberg Foundation. The grant was contingent on being matched by $49.2 million in private donations and $49.2 million in public money. The Chicago Annenberg Challenge was one of 18 locally designed Annenberg Challenge project sites that received $387 million over five years as part of Walter Annenberg’s gift of $500 million over five years to support public school reform. The Chicago Annenberg Challenge helped create a successor organization, the Chicago Public Education Fund (CPEF), committing $2 million in June 1998 as the first donor to Chicago’s first community foundation for education.

“Barack Obama, elected by the Board of Directors as founding chairman and president of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge (1995–1999), resigned as chairman and president in September 1999 to run as a candidate in the 2000 Democratic primary for the 1st Congressional District of Illinois, and was succeeded by Edward Bottum (1999–2001).” (Wikipedia)

The progressives‘ stranglehold on public education is where it lives, breathes and builds for the future.  Nothing is as vital to them as control of young minds.

Meanwhile, in a world that has gone bottom up, top down and inside out, finding others of like mind is essential to the survival of the American patriot.

If Common Core has its way the day will come when the parents of children indoctrinated by this hideous UN program will face a heartless, impossible to change new enemy: their own children.

Source: http://www.canadafreepress.com
I encourage you to visit this site often and support it by reading it’s many “right on” articles that are extremely relevant to our society today!

Brymer Creek degradation, a result of talk, little action

From the beginning the warning bells have sounded as many citizens spoke up about the economic and environmental impact of such a large construction project like the Spring Branch Industrial Park would have on our community.

I think Matt Bentley said it best almost a year ago as the vote to go forward with the park was being initiated.

“I want you to think long and hard about the pros and cons of this development,” community member Matt Bentley said.

Bentley said he and others in the community did not feel respected in the process thus far.

The above concerns by resident Matt Bentley and other concerned citizens, including members of the Tea Party of Bradley County now sound like an ominous warning that got neglected resulting in our elected leaders rendering the seriousness of this debate to an afterthought.

Repeated warnings of possible degradation to the environment around this sight and to the creek were voiced for almost a year prior to this most recent negative impact to the states fifth cleanest creek.

You can clearly see, a year ago, where the ball got dropped although two of Bentley’s concerns were addressed in a paragraph added before the original resolution, presented by 6th District Commissioner Robert Rominger as reported in the Cleveland Daily Banner.

This added paragraph said steps would be taken to limit the impact on the community from the industrial park. The proposed steps include: “(1) sewer service to the proposed Spring Brach Road site will be provided from an existing 8-inch sewer line on APD 40, (2) buffers will surround building sites as shown on the concept drawing, (3) Spring Branch Road will be closed and will not be used for ingress or egress from the industrial park and (4) Harriman Road will serve as a secondary method of ingress and egress from the site and every effort will be made to prevent traffic use other than in an emergency.”

The resolution does not address the community’s concern about preserving Spring Branch, Brymer Creek and Candies Creek from storm water runoff as reported in the Cleveland Daily Banner 12 months ago.

Seventh District Commissioner Bill Winters said the Commission does in fact respect the community’s concerns. Winters said he shared concerns about protecting the area’s creeks.

“I don’t think any of us want an industrial park to negatively impact your community,” Winters said.

Mr Winters spoke of it, showed concern, went a step further to say he heard our concerns and was interested in protecting the area creeks and not negatively impact them, but it appears to be only talk. To my knowledge, no plan or oversight was planned beyond talking about it and acknowledging that the problem or potential exists.

We are always so quick to form a committee to study one thing or another, this would and could have been an excellent opportunity to say we are going to follow this through to make sure this didn’t happen to one of the cleanest creeks in the state.

Fast forward one year and we see Brymer creek and the surrounding area being inundated and degraded by muddy polluted stormwater runoff at the Spring Branch construction site.

During the Bradley County Commission voting session meeting Monday evening, Commissioner Ed Elkins said, “Last week I reported on a situation down in the McDonald area or Exit 20 area involving some stormwater runoff. Subsequent to the meeting last week, I did learn that it had been looked at by TDEC and the environmental engineers from the city of Cleveland and I was assured that corrective action was in place to correct that.” Mr. Elkins was referring to the stormwater runoff coming from road and industrial development projects near Spring Branch causing muddy water to flow into Brymer Creek as reported by the Chattanoogan.com.

Dan Rawls addressed the commission stating, “This situation out in McDonald is why the people of McDonald were opposed to this. I don’t know if anyone has seen the video of the degradation of that creek, but you were warned about it from the beginning. Who is accountable for this? The people who are affected by this are in the county. How can you allow that to happen to a waterway that’s that clean and that recognized? We were all told that would never happen. Who is accountable, the government, the people who did it or the contractors? What’s the answer here? What’s going on? We tried to warn you that this was going to happen. Why were the systems not put in place to have prevented this in the first place? I fought this thing for over a year and they’ve fought it longer than that. I think there needs to be some answers and some apologies to the people that live out there around that creek that warned you about this.”

Commissioner Elkins responded, “The permit for that project was issued to the city of Cleveland. They have responsibility for it. The contractor did not take the necessary precautions and that was unfortunate. Once TDEC was notified, they did get on it and got the city down there. It’s kind of like closing the barn door once the horse escaped, but I’m told they are taking precautions to do that now. Clearly someone dropped the ball.”

Commissioner Peak Jones said, “The city of Cleveland does have precautions in place for that process. Where it fell through, nobody knows.”

Commissioner Elkins commented, “The city annexed that area and they pulled the general permit for that project to do the road. So, Bradley County really has no jurisdiction over it. I guess we could file a complaint with the city because where the damage is being done is inside Bradley County. It falls under the city to explore it. I think it would be appropriate for us to file a complaint with them and ask them to do this.”

Commissioner Adam Lowe said, “We went to great lengths to have meetings with people in that community. I remember listening to a very healthy active discussion about the pros and cons and figuring out how to mitigate as much as we could. I’m having trouble recalling if anyone from the city was there but it was prior to the annexation. Right now, I’m a little shattered about going to such great lengths as a county commission to try to hear from the constituents in that area. It was such a high priority in my opinion. I feel like for some reason, somewhere it stopped being a high priority.”

May I add something here Commissioner Lowe, while it was evidently labeled a “high priority” that’s all it was, a label. It was all talk and little action. This is where we always seem to get bogged down in the political machine. We gladly offer talk because it can easily be quoted in a news article, so we can cut it out and put it in our scrap book. Getting our hands dirty and doing something on the other hand is a whole new realm we seldom like to explore because it takes a little more effort.

Commissioner Yarber suggested Commission Assistant Amy Moore provide more information regarding the matter and recommended further discussion at a future work session to come up with a thought process to put in place on how to handle the situation.

Chairman Alford said, “Me and Mrs. Moore will get in touch with people from the city regarding the matter tomorrow to try to get more information. That is, if they are willing to meet with us.”

With all due respect to the Commissioners, City Councilmen and women, both Mayors, the Industrial Development Board and Doug Berry of the Chamber of Commerce, one thing clearly stands out in the paragraphs above of the coverage of tbe meeting.

We love to give lip service to the general public and say what we think the people want to hear. We are all very quick to listen to concerned citizens and their gripes and complaints and then talk about plans to fix it. This debacle has left many scampering for someone to blame with hoardes of elected and non elected officials washing their hands of the responsibility of the pollution of Brymer Creek.

Instead of one person stepping up and committing to making sure not one more ounce of pollution flows into Brymer Creek, it seems the only viable and forseeable solution is let’s talk and talk and talk about it till we have talked enough then let’s talk some more.

But when all is said and done the end result is a once clean creek is now dirty and polluted and all we have done is talk about it to the point of nausea.

Talking without followup seems to have gotten us in this dilemma. Lip service without a plan is exactly that, lip service.

Who is to blame? Ultimately the voter will decide. They will mull over the previous four years of service and make an informed decision.

It would have been so simple to take our concerns, formulate a plan, follow up on plan, provide oversight of construction and make sure that when the first scoop of dirt was moved, no runoff was going to pollute Brymer creek.

The ball was dropped indeed. Many chose to talk and even more failed to execute.

Source of info:

Please visit this site frequently as it is chocked full of note worthy news articles that affect us daily. http://www.chattanoogan.com/2012/9/5/233582/Stormwater-Runoff-Into-Brymer-Creek.

http://www.clevelandbanner.com/view/full_story/15419958/article-County-delays-industrial-park-funding-vote

These “esteemed” savages got the key to our city and we call them sister

I am going to limit my words here to leave the emphasis on the obvious of what just happened in Cleveland Tennessee. Our Mayor Tom Rowland and our State Legislator Kevin Brooks and Governor Bill Haslam have welcomed one of the worst human rights offenders in the world to our city and we call them sister and give them the key to our city.

We were swept away with the pomp and circumstance as our Mayor bowed to a ruthless dictator while slipping him the key to our city. Where is the humanity in this? Where are the church leaders in our town that should be speaking up for these children and their parents being taken in and forced into slave labor, child prostitution and human trafficking? Why do we choose to turn a blind eye to the reality of our associations? How can Rowland, Brooks and Haslam not see this delegation for what they truly are? Why doesnt the rule of you are known by your associations apply here? How can we build these people up while ignoring their devilish and satanic actions?

I will tell you simply. We have once again sighted our vision in the almighty dollar instead of the humanity that suffers because of our actions. We can forget the action if it profits me!

We listen to others influential in all things business like the Chamber of Commerce. We instead ignore Gods voice of conviction that must lay heavy on these leaders hearts.

We have lost touch with the sense that while helping a few become wealthy while making a few spiritual leaders feel warm and fuzzy all over. The intended message has been eternally lost. Gods message to love thy neighbor and assist them when troubled has been watered down by an opportunity to outsource a mattress factory and spread the wealth. A child slaving over a mattress has become more important than giving that same kid a place to rest his head at night.

The assumed numerous children of Pol Pot living in Phnom Penh who have lived to tell the story of horrendous crimes and powerful regimes are now being further exploited by our elected leaders who would rather turn a blind eye to the iniquities of many for the promotion of self.

God bless our city and the misdirection it has received, bless our leaders as this regime is lifted to royalty. Please let’s take a look at the real people that we are gloating about and let’s put value on his excellency for what they really are……ruthless thugs with enough power to influence many to participate in the degregation of a generation of children and people and further chaining their feet to a communist/socialist regime that is being empowered by the elite a thousand miles away from them.

Please take the time to get to know these Cambodian delegates and sisterS of our city that have been given the key to our city by seemingly likeminded politicians who seem oblivious to the influence our support has on the futures of a generation where 50 percent of it’s population is under the age of 21. What a great opportunity missed to reach millions squandered on greed and pride.

Pleas take a few minutes to read from a news source inside Cambodia and Phnom Penh who see the light because it is shinin on them brightly.

I encourage you not to read the posted website if your stomach is easily upset or vivid images stick in your head for a long time that may produce PTSD side effects. What I read literally made me wash my hands with soap and water to remove the filth when I shook their hands! While you may choose to read with great hesitancy remember the greatest tragedy is how we have lifted this “delegation” up as the example of what our city needs to be.

http://gvnet.com/humantrafficking/Cambodia.htm

Never forget these are my opinions only and are mine only. These thoughts reflect my interpretation of some very sad events that are happening in Cleveland Tennessee that are not being reported by mainstream media. I would be remiss and negligent to observe these atrocities and not report them. Please read and come to your own conclusions about our elected and non elected leaders. Let the shame fall where it may.

Essence of evil permeates Chamber of Commerce as a host of City Leaders bow to Cambodian “dignitaries”

I want to mention that Kep Chuktema has forcefully evicted over 3000 urban poor families from the center of Phnom Penh during his tenure.  He has been quoted in the national papers as saying that the urban poor “pollute our city’s beauty”.  Most recently he evicted roughly 1,500 urban poor to a location without any basic services:  No running water, bathrooms, health clinics, schools, etc.  Literally dropped off over a thousand families into a barren ricefield during the rainy season.  The UN Special Rapporteur on Housing (Miloon Kothari) has described the trends occurring in Phnom Penh as approaching that of an ‘apartheid city’.  He has employed police and soldiers to carry out evictions, armed with electric batons, guns, gas masks, and riot gear.  The last eviction he used roughly 1,000 such ‘security’ forces, carried out the eviction at four in the morning, and refused to allow UN monitors, NGO human rights monitors, or the media from observing the evictions.
http://www.worldmayor.com/comments06/phnompenh_comment06.html

The above passage was written by a Cambodian begging for someone to hear his or her plight. It is the cry of the Cambodian people! Save me!

The Cambodians reaching out because of these and other atrocities by them at the hands of Kep Chuk Tema. Memories of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge still exists and the remnants of that horrible regime have made their way to America, specifically Cleveland Tennessee.

Rape, child rape, sex crimes and trade that are only echoed in horror chambers, drugs, abuse of women, evictions, bribery, murder and mass corruption these are there cries!

The cry of a child prostitute offering her self for “one dollar”, “one dollar” speaks of darkness that only a few know.

I am dumbfounded by the level of acceptance by our church leaders, elected officials, NGOs, the Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor Tom Rowland and any others that may wish to participate in this endeavor.

I find it interesting, we criminalize patriots for questioning land policy in Cleveland, yet embrace a delegation that has evicted, raped and pillaged hundreds of thousands in phnom penh and we give them the key to the city who are known Socialists/Marxist/Leninist with close ties to the Khmer Rouge, go figure!

The worst of human rights abuses are on the record and they were committed by the man and his government that we accept in Cleveland Tennessee with open arms. The atrocities that Mr Garmon and Mr George were the work of the man they are parading around in our town as a hero to his people. In Phnom Penh it is quite different.

The United Nations, yes it’s hard for me to say that, but their human rights board is investigating his Khmer Rouge/Apartheid type activity all in the name of sustainable economic development.

Why is he here in my opinion? The World Bank has cut off all his money for land development because of his human rights violations. So he accepts the offer from God fearing, freedom loving Americans that are more than willing to save the world. So, Mr Chuktema by building little cities, with the cooperation of the US of course shows some good will and is able to get his World Bank financing back. At the same time the Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor and Planners might get a business out of it!

This is truly the saddest part of this all. Our Church leaders and elected leaders that we trust to protect our sovereignty and freedoms end up giving them to a Buddhist/Socialist/Marxist/Leninist regime.

The people we are entrusting to lead us out of the economic downfall are the very ones that are doing the most to prevent a free market and capitalism to work. Let’s share the wealth! That is the game. Have you seen pictures of Phnom Penh lately? Do you think there is a shortage of cash in this area that needs or can get a step ahead by the generous tithing of a few hundred church faithful? 2.2 million to hand to a dictator that has the equivalency of a King and his court? To build 800 or so homes for a tyrannical leader that does not see the bad in evicting 200, 000 poor people from his kingdom? Why has he done this? It is to secure a sustainable future! Where if you offer enough money I will gladly displace thousands if your dream is to build a strip mall or a high rise apartment for the poor you just dumped in a rice paddy in the middle of nowhere. How can our churches and elected leaders participate in this apartheid! I thought we were about helping the poor, not benefitting from their demise.

Read the many excerpts below! Many from first hand reports from Cambodians who have suffered greatly from the entourage that has invaded Cleveland Tennessee recently. The poor in these countries need real representation, not a gaggle of yes men who only see evil in those that try to keep America and our county free. I was told by one of these high ranking church officials that these were only homeless people who live in cardboard boxes on the street near the airport. Wow! God bless America! We have seen what the mighty dollar can do to corrupt a city like Cleveland Tennessee, see what greed and seeking power can and has done to Cambodia!

Read below with an open mind and ask your self why would our spiritual leaders be supporting such an awful regime? I am afraid our leaders have chosen to look beyond the human plight and found a few dollars to replace the sins of many!

These below are the same ones that our City Mayor, State Legislator Kevin Brooks, the Chamber of Commerce, select church leaders gave the key to the city to.

Read below and look at the magnitude of this tragedy.
220, 000 poor have been evicted from their property by Governor.
http://saveboeungkak.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/city-residents-present-petition-against-eviction/

60,000 evicted from Phnom Penh by Governor Kep Chuktema
http://www.opendevelopmentcambodia.net/tag/kep-chuktema/

City protests against eviction, falls on deaf ears.
http://saveboeungkak.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/city-residents-present-petition-against-eviction/

Benivides Raneses and Kep Chuk Tema gather local poor citizens for protesting this government from taking their farms
http://khmerization.blogspot.com/2012/08/activist-in-hiding-denies-claims.html?m=1

Kit Sopha- Another delegate evicts 100 poor families without compensation from homes near airport.
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2012072757659/National-news/airport-dwellers-displaced-from-anarchic-houses.html

Koeut Chhea- another delegate member- Holds and imprisons 24 women and 6 children after being evicted from homes. Both the United Nations and HRW have documented suspicious deaths, rape, torture and beatings there.
http://signalfire.org/?p=16909

4,000 families evicted to make way for Chinese company.
http://www.khmerpropertynews.com/?inc=content.php&id=3349

Eat Dog meat poor people! “Chuktema also said dog meat should be sold openly in the markets because there is a demand among poor people who eat it. “They don’t have [nice] wine, but poor people can enjoy their dog meat with palm juice wine,” Chuktema said.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2003/09/12/2003067545

2500 garment slave workers march to phnom penh government and are turned back by armed police and forced back to work. Because they were being sexually harassed.
http://khmerization.blogspot.com/2012/08/factory-workers-allege-sexual.html?m=1

On August 20th, while touring Cleveland Chuk Temas government sends volunteers into village asking for deeds as proof they own the land they occupy then keep them and give them to other people. 60 families lose their property.
http://khmerization.blogspot.com/2012/08/people-accused-hun-sens-volunteers-of.html?m=1

UN inquiring about Kep Chuktemas human rights abuses.
http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Soc/soc.culture.cambodia/2009-06/msg00512.html

Horrific bridge dedication presided over by Kep Chuktema. one theory of what went wrong causing the injury to 700 plus and the death of 353 was the government police electrocuted the crowd and shot with water cannons. The bridge is family owned by Prime Minister Hun Sin.
http://khmerization.blogspot.com/2011/11/lessons-learnt-from-cambodias-bridge.html?m=1

US State Department report on horrendous abuses by Kep Chuktema and Prime minister Hun Sen controlled governments. Charges to include children sex trade, drugs, police beatings and evictions and numerous other human rights issues.

Click to access 186476.pdf

Another eviction notice by Kep Chuktema. I hope that by giving him the key to the city our elected officials don’t use his atrocious human rights tactics at home.
http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Soc/soc.culture.cambodia/2009-04/msg00452.html

Governor sells Khmer Rouge killing fields for development, you know sustainable development.
http://khmerrougetrial.blogspot.com/2005/10/in-killing-field-khmer-memories-for.html?m=1

The “boss” of Governor Kep Chuktema, Prime minister Hun Sen was a battalion commander for the Khmer Rouge regime.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hun_Sen#section_5

God bless our county and our country if we have leaders like this making our decisions for us. Someone please question the lack of judgement in our city and county. How can we support such wickedness while acting so faithful to God. God please forgive these men who have been blinded by Satan and are playing games with the devil at the cost of many lives inside Cleveland Tennessee. Please lift the blinders from them and have them ask for forgiveness and to truly see the light.

Eminent Domain once again topic of Cleveland City Council

Eminent Domain is once again the huge elephant in the room at Mondays Cleveland Tennessee City Council Meeting.

After several minutes debating a study on the Ocoee/25th Street corridor construction project with City Mananger Janice Casteel the conversation went to the subject of eminent domain and the specifics of that process.

During the dialogue, as reported in the Chattanoogan, Councilman Banks said “We have to be conscious of the fact that when we vote on this project, that there is going to be imminent (eminent) domain proceedings. There will be lawsuits filed in court……”I think we need to be talking about other funding issues rather than this intersection project.”

The 25th street/Ocoee street Project, I have been told, will result in around 35 homes and businesses losing all or portions of their property. I have been informed by planners that this project will be 7 lanes wide, much like the road through the North Lee area and will be expensive. I asked would it be in the hundreds of millions and he said no that high but high.

First of all the eminent domain issue just last month was a crazy idea. The crack pot tea party types were spreading “false rumors and propaganda” about plans for Cleveland City. The Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Rowland, Editors at the local paper, Mayor Rowland, City and County Planners, 7 City Council members, McBride Dale and Clarion and countless other bureaucrats thought the subject was the worst thing they have ever been accused of. We have had our first amendment rights threatened because we passed out flyers saying the government was going to take your property by eminent domain, demolition and redevelopment and here they are casually doing the exact thing they reacted so strongly against just a month ago.

“False Propaganda” is what our mayor called this action a month ago and this week enacts eminent domain from his throne speaking volumes of a hidden agenda or hypocrisy on a high level. Just a month ago when his plan was uncovered it was outrageous, preposterous and scaring old people and the idea highly frowned upon.

Eminent Domain, rezoning, demolition and redevelopment, takings, outright purchases. Those are dirty words from the pits of hell and would never be uttered from our City government? Right?
Any man that would dare utter those words in my presence will burn in a hot and steamy lake of fire? Right?

Well, that was the sentiment from voices past, now the purveyors of all things unpopular, false, full of propaganda and hateful despicable lies is now the topic of City Council meetings as something that is inevitable.

I understand needing to hide these things. If the public grasps a great understanding of what is really going on in our local government they would not have a seat on our local city council seat for long and their long term legacy would be tarnished, forever linking the elite 8 to eminent domain and taking of the citizens property in such an egregious manner.

I think councilman banks said it best when he rebutted City Manager Janice Casteel with “We have to always be concious about how we appear to the public!”

Notice not one word was uttered that we must be careful or conscious to protect the citizens property rights! Their legacy, social standing in public, reputation will be tarnished are their true concerns, not your property rights! We can’t appear to want to take peoples property against their will, that would not be good, this is my humble opinion.

Councilman Poe in his defense did mention that he must go with the people he represents him on this one! Bravo! But what is going to be the end result of a 90 day study versus a 60 day study? How to take more of your property or at least take it in a more politically correct manner? I don’t know! One thing is for sure though and mark my words just as we have warned you for months now,

EMINENT DOMAIN WILL BE USED AS A VERY EFFECTIVE TOOL TO TAKE YOUR PROPERTY RIGHTS AWAY AND THE CITY AND COUNTY DEVELOPED!

Onward to the Central City Area!

The end!!!!!!

Yep, many are going to be affected by eminent domain, demolition and redevelopment. I guess it just matters as to which side of government you are on as to whether you can say it or not.

Compare these two articles. Both reporting on the same subject, only one mentions eminent domain, the other doesn’t! Why the bias? Why does it seem that the agenda is being hidden by the press? What is the benefit if the people are locked out of the process. I don’t get it!

Remember, my opinion is only mine and it doesn’t have to be yours!

http://www.clevelandbanner.com/view/full_story/19560052/article-TDOT-updates-city-on-Highway-60-Corridor?instance=homesecondleft

http://www.chattanoogan.com/2012/7/24/230864/Cleveland-Council-To-Vote-On-Cutting.aspx

When the flak is heavy, you are over the target

This month has been a very productive month for the patriots of Bradley County Tennessee!

Many issues have been confronted and many spoken about on this blog site. I have noticed a very curious occurrence during this very eventful month. I have noticed an up tick of flak and it has been directed toward the citizens that dare ask questions.

flak:
Noun:
1) Antiaircraft fire.
2) Strong criticism.

When I was in the service, I would sit and observe the desert night much like a movie screen on some nights but much more dangerous. The night air over Iraq was full of aircraft, some you could see some you could not. As they made their way across the sky, either high or low, slow or fast you knew they were over the intended target because the return fire or flak would be heaviest and the tracers and fire trails would light up the sky like the fourth of July. More often than not the jets would be long gone and just the residual sound would draw flak because of the high speeds of our jet fighters.

I draw this analysis because it is relevant to the political environment in Bradley County and Cleveland Tennessee. When the people in this town ask a question or disagree on their policies or decisions being made the sky lights up like a firework display, saturating the night air heavy with flak. If it is a sensitive area the flak even heavier.

When the people question a questionable policy or statement how does that make you non cooperative and creating controversy? For instance, when you raise questions about a growth plan that is arguably going to cost my children and their grandchildren in higher taxes, some have quoted 4 to 10 billion dollars. Why does questioning a new tax that could possibly tax me out of the ability to own my home a bad thing? Why is it when a non elected bureaucrat says it is a “given” that many people downtown are going to lose their property for the “collective good” of all through eminent domain and demolition of 300 plus homes? Why is it being uncooperative and controversial when you say a school has no right to robo call and tell their teachers to push the vote and place signs in state owned, taxpayer funded schools defying their own policy and breaking state law? Why is not wanting a 32 dollar tax placed on all 5 of my vehicles in a down economy while knowing 60 percent of my property taxes already supports? Why is it controversial we question that any child has to be subjected to the teaching of the United Nations, by one of the most corrupt organizations in the world via the International Baccalaureate program?

Ill tell you why, it’s all about the federal dollars, our money that come with it! It’s about the money! Our County and city officials have become a slave to the almighty dollar! This is the real reason I and others are being controversial or non cooperative is because someone has put greater value over the dollar than our families and their well being. Now I get it!

We the people of this town have drawn some heavy flak and/or strong criticism recently from many fronts. As we navigate across their landscape and see an area that looks questionable or just doesn’t seem right, watch them spring into action to protect their interests and return fire. Strong flak becomes evident as we zoom over the political landscape. The money is talking and the politicians are walking the walk.

You would expect the fire to be coming from an unknown enemy or a foreign enemy, but the most flak is coming from a very domestic enemy in the name of our own government and its appointed bureaucrats. To include every committee appointee. NGO Non Governmental Organization, local press and private partner.

This enemy has taken a stronghold on it’s citizens and are fortifying it with dangerous weapons and heavy artillery that have been directed towards it’s citizens as of late. Double talk, spin, lies, innuendos, name calling, discrediting reports, scathing news articles and editorials, fear of arrest, coverups, resolutions against law abiding citizens and ripping away of their first amendment rights.

These tactics are not new but the enemy is very skilled in their use and have honed those skills very well over the years. They can start a conversation and by the end of it they are cutting a citizen in two. They attempt to ruin careers, destroy lives, disrupt livelihoods and many more deviant rituals just to get you to back down, just by questioning bad policy. They have had power too long. They have now a sense of complete ownership, pretty much the same way a man would protect his wife from another man. We will rule with a mighty hand and the peasants will obey or be struck down, sort of like a King and his court protecting his fortune.

But why? Why do they lash at the citizens most of them represent. I have thought long and hard on this and have come to “it’s a money thing” conclusion.

When you challenge the status quo they come at you with many fronts but I believe someone has been reading the Art of War by Sun Tzu. From this book I take this quote and apply it to their aggressiveness on it’s people.

” All warfare is based on deception.”

This may explain the “playground bullying advances” when a citizen dare challenge someone in power. Reverse the deception and place it on those that challenge you! Appear the stronger, show your prowess with a flex and get three or four of my buddies and knock you down quickly, neutralize you before you are successful in exposing the truth, the money trail.

The machine in Bradley County and Cleveland is working overtime lately and running hot, about to blow. The people are being knocked away when they get too close. Even the local press is pushing back on the citizens with carefully placed editorials……but why? What is in the target area? The money? What advantage is it for even our local press to sabotage the citizens who buy, support and read their paper? I don’t get it. With my opinion, why are they siding with the politicians, bureaucrats and the money?

Is it like the spoiled child who has had their way for years and now feels threatened? Is it like the territorial dog when you get too close to it’s food bowl they snap? Why do they run in packs? Why are non elected, non appointed representatives focusing on damaging the spirit of the citizens?

I believe I am formulating a late response. My opinion only. Could it be fear of exposure? Perhaps protecting the money trail? Is the truth being hidden? Is there a “secret agenda” noone knows about and only they are aware? Will their plans be foiled and the community made aware? Why does following the money trail aggravate the most? Why does speaking up in a meeting becomes so contentious? Why take jabs at it’s citizenry at every possible turn? What is in the mix when you shine light upon these officials and bureaucrats. Only time will tell! The truth will always prevail and will always overcome these attacks. It sounds like the controversy and spirit of uncooperativeness is not coming from the citizens as they claim but from a well organized machine dead set on vilifying concerned citizens. Doesn’t sound like the citizens are all that bad. After all, we are only asking questions. Does that make it bad.

Pay attention when the opposing troops are protecting a target area. The elected and non elected alike will quickly mount their turrets and fire away at the citizens the heaviest. This is most unfortunate and is the saddest thing about this blog.

Tyranny in any form is still tyranny and must lead to a change in our government structure. We have the opportunity to vote them out. This is our last big tool to make change.

The greatest compliment you can pay a patriot trying to restore our constitutional Republic is to fire heavy while we are hovering overhead a protected target, it is pay dirt for the lovers of freedom in this town. It tells us we are on the right scent. It means we are close to exposing the truth and are within close proximity of the target…..money?……exposure?……loss of power?

There are two sides to redressing grievances with our government, mine and the government. When you form your an opinion based on that constitutional right, that is your weakness, not ours.

Our forefathers provided this right of passage to provide balance between our government and the people they represent. It keeps the voice of the people relevant and up to date. It was not intended to destroy their careers, imprison them or vilify their protest efforts. We have had one King George and a tyrannical government, we don’t need another.

Next time you see a concerned citizen waving a flag, protesting on a street corner or speaking up against bad policy in a public meeting asking for input, shake their hands and tell them thank you and build them up, not immediately try to figure a way to destroy and expose them. They have your best interest in mind and are standing in the gap for you. Let’s cheer the concerned citizen who puts it on the line daily for you and your family. Get behind them as thousands have over the last few tense months. We represent you, not the government that is attempting to discredit you despite your well intended questions.

For now……..fly low and fast and remember the flak is heaviest when you are over the target!

The target is the money trail, fear of exposure and a potential loss of power. No wander they are reacting so strongly.

Chamber of Commerce turns on spin cycle regarding “eminent domain” plans for downtown

Recently Mr. Doug Berry of the Local Chamber of Commerce was quoted in the local press that he was the one that came up with the 300 number while referring to lots, that were targeted for demolition and redevelopment and mentioned in a “propaganda flyer” that was passed out to residents within the target zone. That action drew the ire of the Chamber, the Mayor and City Council over allegations it was misleading and untruthful. Well you can decide for yourself what the white-paper drafted plan was talking about regardless of the spin that is placed upon it.

I asked my self what purpose would it serve for Mr Berry to take this on himself? Why would he say he was the originator of the “300 lots”, causing further controversy just to have controversy?

My opinion is he is placing this on himself to deflect from the elected officials that are involved. See he didn’t get elected by the people. He was hired to be the “hatchet man” much tbe way he was hired in Knoxville to do when they used eminent domain to build that downtown.

The most interesting thing I see about this is that Mr Berry, at least the three days I was there and during my participation in the SWOT analysis was not there or should I say, at least was not visible at the three day Charade, er, Charette.

The Consultants and planners while at the Charette made it sound and was able to provide “proof” that the 300 homes that would “be best served by demolition and redevelopment” was spawned from the SWOT Analysis and it was our input and our idea! I’m really confused. How could “we” have done it and Mr Berry claims he did it? You can see what is going on here! When I was in the military we call this FUBAR, I don’t need to fill it in I think you know what that means! The right hand does not know what the left hand is doing! There is so much cover up trying to hide the true plans for our county that they catch themselves in opposing stories! If Mr Berry is in fact the purveyor of the 300 homes then what worth is the SWOT anaysis. Does Mr Berry have more say so in the plan than the public! That seems the opposite of what the consultants are telling us at the public Charades! I thought “we” suggested that the 300 homes be best served by demolition and redevelopment? Shoot, now he goes and admits it was his idea! I’m sooooo confused!

It’s my opinion that by admitting it and somehow attaching it to him it’s better or somehow throws you off the scent of true intent. And then he says 300 lots, not 300 homes as in the white paper draft that was given at the last public meeting. Its spin folks! My head hurts!

He said and I paraphrase here, while that 300 home statement has basis, BUT, you clearly can see by the way I tell it that we were only talking about the property within the Whirlpool boundary! You know those old buildings and “lots”, not the silly 300 homes that people live in, eat, sleep and raise their children in! Not those silly people, why would I refer to that area as the one we had “drafted” and “planned” to bulldoze, after all if that was the plan, that would be 10 years off, haha! Those silly peasants! They are so annoying! He didn’t really say that but through his series of statements in the banner article I can entertain my inner child and somehow play out a comical sketch to somehow lessen the severity of the impact that our non elected bureaucrats are playing with our minds and our property! Are these actions to cover up a bold move by one too many bureaucrats with their hands in the pot. I don’t know you decide.

What vantage point does the Chamber of Commerce seek with all this double talk? To speak louder than the citizenry? To vilify those informing the public of their plans?

Let’s just spin it so the silly peasants sound as if they made the the whole thing up about the 300 homes and say it was just the whirlpool site and 300 lots! Sounds ingenious doesn’t it, except for one thing Mr Berry, all the info, drafted or suggested plans and past press statements you made say and project otherwise!

Let’s start with the white paper draft plan that no one seems to acknowledge or that it even exists And was handed out to the public and very clearly describes what the consultants, Mr Berry, the Chamber of Commerce and planners really planned to do with your property.

Excerpt from the drafted “White paper draft plan” that noone will admit to existing but is the last known plan released to the public.
 
Listen as I quote the information given out at the last charade public meeting and see if you believe this sounds like the activity Mr Berry speaks of (a benign 300 lot factory) will be confined within Whirlpool property?

“An area of particular concern consists of several blocks of “postage stamp” lots located directly south of the Whirlpool Complex, The area consists of small work force housing on small lots built during the 1920’s 30’s, and 40’s and are now in poor repair.”

“The roughly 300 units are valued at approximately $35,000 each and several landlords own 6 or more units. Due to age and value, the units as a whole are not well maintained.”

“Those attending the SWOT Analysis (not Doug Berry) concurred that this area would best be served by DEMOLITION AND REDEVELOPMENT!”

Note the detail of those statement above! Doesn’t sound like some broken down empty warehouse lot to me!

You know Mr Berry, why have controversy for the sake of controversy! Doesn’t make sense to me. The people that live in those 300 lots would alot rather hear that that “WAS” the plan, after much debate, we heard you and we heard you didn’t like this and we changed course because we care about you and your property rights! That is much more palatable than trying to tell them a double sided story that is full of holes.

I personally doubt any concerned citizens that supposedly formulated the SWOT analysis really said the area would be best served by demolition and redevelopment as the white paper draft concluded. Its that adage of believing if he said it then it must be true kinda thing.

The SWOT Analysis was designed to direct and limit your choices to the outcome that the city desired with the appearance that the community was behind it. The city has been trying to convince the city of Cleveland that the citizens are behind the plan. Take a look at this article in CDB.

http://www.clevelandbanner.com/view/full_story/18934474/article-Thomas–Planning-is-growth-tool?instance=homefirstleft 
 
I thought this plan was the work of Rick Russell (who popped up out of nowhere at the Charade and the banner include me in an article about the greenway of all things) and his firm, why is Mr. Berry now saying he is responsible for the 300 number? Did he contribute to other areas of the white-paper, or was this the only area?
 
It is now confirmed that eminent domain was on the table and still is. Mr. Berry says “it would be false of me to say we can redevelop there without acquiring some homes or commercial businesses. That’s a given if we want to replace these manufacturing jobs with more manufacturing jobs.” Now Mr. Berry admits eminent domain is a “given”, how else does the city acquire property or get the residents to clean up their property.

Maybe we can look at 890 Inman Street for an example which I believe is in the gateway to the city that Berry is so concerned about. The memo giving the owner of the property 60 days from 5/4/12 to demolish the structure.

If I owned the 2 junkyards mentioned in the white-paper that were identified as eyesores I would be more concerned than ever after Berry says “gateways and inner cities are important because they are they are the definitions of who and what a community is to the outside world.” He doesn’t stop there he continues, “we have to be careful at times on how we route people into Cleveland so people who are from out of town do get the right impression.”  So even if you don’t lose your property you may not be able to use it as you desire.

Mr. Berry has now given us an ultimatum, if you want more jobs, accept eminent domain, and now he admits homes and businesses are at risk and “that those are some tough decisions we have to be prepared to talk through and work through with the neighborhood.”
 
What jobs is he talking about replacing? I thought Whirlpool just relocated. Did they cut employees?
 
It seems the flyer’s that were distributed in the CCA were accurate and the city has been in cover up mode by changing the original white-paper, and when given the opportunity to hand out the new white-paper at a June 18 status update public meeting with residents from the central city area in attendance they failed to do so. Why is that, if the document was changed on May 31, why would the mayor and city council and others who were at that meeting not make it available to the residents of the central city area? Because it appears the White paper was changed to cover up the city’s true intentions! To demolish and redevelop!
 
It also appears and this again is my opinion, that the local press are in cover up mode also! Why? Why are we trying to hide something from the public that will in the end hurt the people of Bradley County? Why can’t a reporter even after hearing presented evidence of why the Mayor blasted his constituency, to report it. Because the truth somehow leaked out and now we go into spin cycle and deny it because it would not be politically expedient to every sitting elected official! That’s the true reason! In my opinion!
 
Is he lying? Is he covering up his true plans? Is he on spin cycle?you decide for your self! I personally believe that the plan to to move forward with Demolition and redevelopment will go forward as leaked and many people will be displaced from their homes! Just a hunch!

Mr. Berry says “I can’t lie to people!” Look at his statements made in public and captured in print and you make a determination if ge has lied to you!
 
“The following are excerpts from local press articles of Mr Berry displaying his true intentions for Cleveland and all of Bradley County!”

“Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce Vice President for Economic Development Doug Berry, who worked with Nance on several Knoxville projects, said the primary area in Cleveland is the 93-acre Whirlpool site.”

“One of the things we’ve struggled with is that this all started around Whirlpool’s decision, which would tend to put it at Inman Street moving south and kind of easterly,” he said. “If we get into redevelopment, we certainly need to look at stepping across (north of Inman Street).”

“Though how far to step north of Inman Street is debatable, Berry said there is a need to at least engage all the streetscape for the sake of cohesiveness

“In order to successfully develop the Whirlpool site, the BROADER AREA NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED!!!”

“The first time I looked at how to redevelop around Whirlpool and keep them there at that location, it was 113 properties we had to deal with,” he said. “When I thought in the context of what is an appropriate area geographically to create opportunity from a mixed-use perspective, it jumps to a minimum of about 330 properties.”

BCN side note: 330 properties! Not lots within the Whirlpool boundary!

“In Knoxville, the development corporation used a form of eminent domain to clear the titles. But Berry said he realizes Cleveland has never utilized eminent domain and has no interest in using that procedure as it is interpreted here.”

BCN side note: In fact eminent domain was used in the 40s and reportedly displaced one of our County Commissioners families. Also, at a meeting at the library, which of course didn’t get any press coverage but Mr Berry told me he had no problem with condemning a property and taking it if we couldnt find an heir or that person didn’t mow their grass! I quickly responded in that meeting that this is the reason I am here today protesting because of you saying stuff like that!

Nance said a form of eminent domain was used in Knoxville in a “FRIENDLY SENSE” because it provided tax incentives and other advantages for the property owners.

BCN side note: Their is nothing friendly about eminent domain!

http://www.clevelandbanner.com/view/full_story/16178609/article-Whirlpool-site-redevelopment-eyed?

Such a redevelopment project has never before been undertaken in Cleveland and ultimately, it would require the use of eminent domain. Berry expressed his concern to the company, but he agreed to analyze what it would take to put a million square feet in the neighborhood. In order to do that, it would require BUYING ALL OF THE PROPERTY between Plant No. 3 and Ocoee Street, all the way to Plant No. 2.

BCN note: Hereege tells you what he is going to do and it is exactly what we warned you he was going to do! He notes that a redevelopment project has never before been undertaken……AND IT WOULD REQUIRE THE USE OF EMINENT DOMAIN!!! How much clearer can it get? How do we give the Mayor, the Chamber, hired consultants and our planners a pass when we know what their ultimate plan is! All they are doing is attempting to villify the people who are telling you about it and they have a willing press to cover it up!

The difference between an outright purchase which will be their first move and eminent domain is whether you are willing to sell or not. Say no! I wanna keep my home and they take it!!!

Mr Berry continues “That’s 300 lots. That’s where the 300 number came from,” Berry said. “I then sat down with the company and explained that I did not think this was a viable option because this community has not been through the process and has no history of ever having used eminent domain as part of its economic development program.”

“When you hear about the 300 homes that are going to be taken and bulldozed, that number actually has basis, but it’s not fact in the conclusion of those statements.” He said some use might be found for the Hardwick Stove Plant (Whirlpool Plant No. 2) which is directly across from the Woolen Mill. That would be a tremendous project to anchor a VLOUNTARY redevelopment strategy. Plant No. 3 might have interim uses but it will be a demolition job. It will be a brownfield or a new vacant site for development. He expects the buildings that make up Plant No. 1 are worn out after 100 years of continuous manufacturing.

BCN note: Voluntary is key word!

“What do we need to do to successfully redevelop this with manufacturing or distribution or job centers? I CAN’T LIE TO THE PEOPLE! We will have to assemble some larger tracts from these core parcels, predominantly because of the way companies develop sites now,” he said. “It would be false of me to say we can redevelop there WITHOUT ACQUIRING some HOMES or COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES. That’s a given if we want to replace these manufacturing jobs with more manufacturing jobs.”

BCN note: Silly peasants! I can’t lie to you! He probably should have said “I must tell you the truth!” He is telling you he can’t redevelop the area without ACQUIRING HOMES AND COMMERCIAL BUSINESSES! What is different than what was in the so called “propaganda flyer!” The two junkyards are in his target too, just read the white paper draft before they can change it again!

http://www.clevelandbanner.com/view/full_story/19349438/article-Redevelopment-needs-talk–Doug-Berry?

“We started with Whirlpool’s decision,” said Doug Berry, the Chamber’s vice president for economic development. But Cleveland may want to look BEYOND the century-old plant site’s 113 acres to ADJACENT AREAS INCLUDING INMAN STREET, he said.”

Berry, in his former job as a Knoxville planner, worked with Nance on that city’s redevelopment projects.

A common funding technique in Knoxville has been TAX INCREMENT FINANCING, Nance said. That process uses anticipated tax revenue from increased property values to subsidize development.

BCN note: With TIF financing, they purchase or acquire your property at rock bottom prices, redevelop and resell you property to a select realtor it develops, value goes up and the difference used to fund the redevelopment of your old property! This will also shuttle money from the city coffers and away from the schools for 20 to 30 years! How you like those apples! “It’s for the kids right?”

“It is one way for the public to have a voice in the city’s development, he said. But the objective, Nance said, is for the market to drive the redevelopment, whether commercial or residential.”

“Knoxville ALSO has used its POWER of EMINENT DOMAIN to ACQUIRE some PROPERTIES!”

BCN note: Mr Nance used to and is seemingly still is working with Mr Berry! One question? Also? Did someone squeeze a duck in the room? Also meaning Knoxville and Cleveland? Perhaps a little slip on
backroom conversation! Just an observation!

While the use of EMINENT DOMAIN CAN BE CONTROVERSIAL in some cases in Knoxville it was the ONLY WAY to clear titles and get loans for redevelopment, Nance said. He cited one property with 150 HEIRS making it impossible to find a LENDER.

BCN note: Soooooo! The one piece of property in the example above had so many people that were heirs that it was impossible to get lending? Hmmmmm? Sooooo, so many people wanted to KEEP their property that it would have tied up the court system so long that there would be no chance in hades of expediantly resolving it so take it by eminent domain and wack those 150 heirs out of their inheritance. Now I get it!

“It can be done in a FRIENDLY (they sure like that friendly word) way with tax advantages to the owners,” Nance said.

http://www.tfponline.com/news/2011/oct/26/options-weighed-for-whirlpool-site-in-cleveland/

“Approach the comprehensive redevelopment task with an OPEN MIND and DETERMINED mindset remembering that DEMOLITION of EXISTING STRUCTURES and HISTORIC PRESERVATION can share in the COLLECTIVE GOOD of the community and area residents. To PRESERVE WHEN REASONABLE and to START OVER WHEN NEEDED are LEGITIMATE OPTIONS and WORKING PARTNERS!”

BCN Note: in other words, your Government and The Chamber of Commerce comb over your property, go eenie meenie money mo and select what homes and businesses dont cut the mustard then by you being a fantastic team player, you give up your home for the “collective good” and you take your little chunk of change and go somewhere to start over like a good little boy or girl!

“Any idea geared at redeveloping the Whirlpool site is worth debate but not all will be doable nor economically feasible. Most of the existing structures are old and many sit in a flood plain. But these should not be VIEWED AS LIMITATIONS but rather as OPPORTUNITIES!”

http://www.clevelandbanner.com/view/full_story/11559088/article-Time-to-start-planning?

Berry pointed out the industrial site is large enough that its redevelopment will IMPACT SURROUNDING AREAS; hence, the need for COMMUNITY INPUT!

BCN note: In other words when we take your property we want you to know about it! Wait a minute, didn’t the flyer provide an avenue to let you know what they were planning? Didn’t the Mayor and the City Council form a resolution in city chambers to hunt down, expose and arrest those that were seeking community input! They don’t want your input, they want a Tom Rowland Convention to replace your home? No, then read this:

Councilman Banks suggests a Tom Rowland Convention Center and a couple of buildings for planners!
http://www.clevelandbanner.com/view/full_story/11400314/article-Whirlpool-site-redevelopment-talks-eyed?

“Over the next couple of years, Whirlpool leaders will have two focuses in Cleveland. One will be construction, and completion, of the new factory. The second will be a close involvement with the community in REDEVELOPING the existing site, Berry said.

“They (Whirlpool) will need to be involved to understand community expectations,” he offered. “ … Ultimately, the community and the company will have to come to terms with what we’ve got and WHAT WE’RE GOING TO DO WITH IT!”

http://www.clevelandbanner.com/view/full_story/9584992/article-City-to-seek-grant-for-redevelopment-of-Whirlpool-site?

I think it is pretty clear they, everyone is covering up what they plan to do downtown around the ole whirlpool site! The Chamber of Commerce with it’s grand plan of what they want to do with your property is pretty clear! No matter what spin they throw at you, the deed is done and no matter of resistance will stop them! It is now up to you to stand for your property rights and defend your self against an intimately aligned organization of the UNITED NATIONS! The Chamber is the number one consultation status with the UNITED NATIONS and perhaps their true colors are showing!

Cleveland TN Town Hall meeting set to discuss plans for Downtown Central City Area

This Tuesday, July 17th, 2012, the Tea Party of Bradley County hosts a town hall meeting to discuss the growth in the downtown Cleveland Tennessee Central area. The meeting will be held at the Cleveland/Bradley County public library on Church street at 630 pm.

As many of you may know the Cleveland City Council and Mayor Tom Rowland has vehemently denied that 300 homes in the downtown area was set to be demolished and redeveloped. A flyer controversy erupted with the Mayor disputing the information from the flyer which resulted in the Mayor and City Council passing a resolution 7 to 0 to hunt down, arrest and expose the person or persons passing out these so called “untruthful and misleading literature!”

Little did the Mayor know that while he was ranting about the drafted plan being unbelieveable, untruthful and a scare tactic to scare senior citizens in the area, the plan that he and his council approved was the actual wording that was included in the plan he was admonishing.

Six days after he made a hasty news conference he announced along with Planner Greg Thomas that the plan had been changed in a private meeting because so many people didn’t like it. The changes were made unaware to the public and all the public had was the last public information given out at the last Charette at the mall.

Our question is to the planners and our councilmen is when are we going to get the real draft? When are we going to see the “real” plan? Is this going to be a pattern for future meetings? Are we going to get a public drafted plan and have a hidden private plan on the side?

Plans that are this fluid are no good to the public if they are going to be changed once the public is made aware behind closed private doors.

We are hoping our elected leaders who have been elected to lead us will show up and tell us what the plans are for our future. We are also hoping the planners are going to show up and tell us which plan are we to believe.

All members of the council and the Mayor have been sent certified letters and emails inviting them to this meeting to address the citizens concerns.

We are seeking answers, real answers to Growth concerns! If we are going to be given one drafted plan only to have the plans changed secretly behind a closed door with no public notice, the least we deserve is to have the opportunity to address our concerns.

Come and visit with us on Tuesday at the library, bring someone with you and ask some questions.

Please pass this news realease through your email lists and on Facebook. We are hoping to see a big crowd for this event.
See ya there!

Eminent Domain and Brownfields: What the future holds.

I just watched the local channel 9 news and saw a bureaucracy run amuck! I just saw Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland threaten federal or other charges against the citizens of Cleveland and Bradley County for someone informing the community via “flyers” for exercising their right to inform the people of the governments plans for their future.

He also asked that if anyone happens to know who is passing out these “flyers” to notify the police! Wow! I thought we were a few years from being a police state, but I think it is now upon us!

The Mayor of Cleveland asking all citizens to report those informing the community of his plans via Brownfield redevelopment using TIF and eminent domain as a tool of implementation is such a disservice to our community!

Obviously those reporting on this act of tyranny and those in our local government do not know what brownfield Development is or what implications it has on our community. Eminent domain is a frequently used tool of brownfield development often purchasing the people’s property at fair market value then reselling it to developers for a huge profit thus increasing property value thus increasing their property tax that makes it’s way into our budgets every year. Redevelopment is done this way! Our Mayor cannot do all he wants to do downtown without someone losing their property. A huge Tom Rowland Convention center cannot be without someone losing their property.

Many within the machine will argue with you that if someone wants to sell their property then that is their prerogative, I agree! The part that makes my blood boil is that person that was living in that house last year would still be there if not for the Mayors lofty plans to “save the city!” with his tyrannical government.

Assume that same person refuses to sell their property and wants to hang onto it as the mayor suggests they have a right to do. That person will face new land use regs, zoning regs, huge property tax rate increases and God knows whatever else them and the EPA wants to place on them. You did know that brownfield development is a direct project of the EPA, never mind, guess that small fact is being left out of the equation and will require further education to our elected bodies on a different day.

But that person, perhaps of limited income would have great difficulty paying for this newly appraised property and would perhaps lose their property anyway! A vicious circle has started and the fittest and wealthiest survive. This is the plan that the mayor forgets to unveil while wanting to charge you with federal charges!

Often when our elected leaders make decisions that will affect many negatively, they frown upon those civilians that stand against the tyrannical government that is trying to impose these dastardly deeds upon it’s contingent base. Often times it only takes a simple google search to find out what they are up to and they may not even know the content of what they are proposing.

When the public has to inform our elected leaders of the decisions they are making then we are in trouble. At this point and it has been proven time and again, any attempt by a citizen to explain their side, the bureaucrat steps up to the plate and calls it a lie or a conspiracy! This is the simple thing to do and it works in the short time but with time it often doesn’t hold water and the elected official offering his or her version of free spin often looks like the devil incarnate holding a pitch fork that is frequently buried within a citizens chest, sweat on the brow of the bureaucrat holding the forked instrument and shouting “its a lie.”

What is illegal about putting information out to the public. Let’s just assume that it is off base, which I’m pretty sure it is not because it is sitting squarely on the mayors phrenic nerve or he would not be reacting so strongly.

There is nothing illegal about passing information out in public regardless of it’s harmless content. What TCA code is anyone violating? What code or regulation is being broken? What grounds does a sworn officer, upholding the Costitution, have to arrest anyone? NONE! so please stop using scare tactics to disperse the freedom loving people of this county.

I have not a clue who is placing these “flyers” that have so inflamed our elected body but I can tell you, at present there is not a court in the land that would tell him or her that legally they cannot do that! Not a one! You know why? Because the Constitution of the US states we have freedom of speech and can file grievance with our government at any time we the people feel that it is necessary! Period! End of sentence!

If someone wanted to pass out literature saying the sky is made of mashed potatoes and it’s gonna rain gravy. They have the Constitutional right to say it. Would I like it? Not necessarily! Is it illegal? No? Distasteful or against someones opposing view, perhaps, but not illegal!

Mr Mayor, please attempt to constrain your self from overreacting like a king beheading it’s citizens, it’s highly unecesary to threaten your constituency with federal or other charges for speaking out against your policy! It’s not a flattering road for you to travel!

By Shawna M. Bligh
The Session Law Firm
Kansas City, MO

Eminent domain is often an essential development tool utilized by local governments to acquire contaminated sites and pursue bold Brownfields redevelopment strategies that can be a catalyst for community revitalization. Brownfields are abandoned, idle or under‑used real property where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination. However, using eminent domain for private projects, such as Brownfields redevelopment, is always a divisive issue. This is even more the case since the Supreme Court’s decision in Kelo v. City of New London.

In Kelo, the Supreme Court addressed the question of whether a city violates the Fifth Amendment’s takings clause if it takes private property, through its powers of eminent domain, and sells it for private development to further the local government’s overall economic growth plan. On June 23, 2005, the court held that local governments could use their powers of eminent domain to take property for private, economic development. The Kelo opinion has prompted an avalanche of legislation at both the federal and state level.

At the federal level, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation, which would withhold, for two years, federal money from state and local governments, which use their powers of eminent domain to take property intended for private, economic development. This legislation, H.R. 4128, the Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2005, is a direct response to the Kelo decision. H.R. 4128 defines “economic development” as taking private property for commercial, for-profit projects intended to increase tax revenues, the tax base, employment or improve general economic health. H.R. 4128 passed the House on November 3, 2005 by a vote of 376-38, and is currently before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. While hearings have been held on the bill, no legislative action has been scheduled.

Fortunately, a bipartisan amendment, H.AMDT. 612, to H.R. 4128 added an exemption, from the definition of “economic development” for the redevelopment of brownfield sites, as defined in the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfield Revitalization Act of 2002 (Pub. L. No. 107-118). The amendment, introduced by Congressman Gary Miller (R-CA) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), would allow cities to responsibly use eminent domain to redevelop brownfield sites. On the House floor, Congressman Miller stated “owners of brownfield sites are frequently unwilling to sell them for fear of cleanup and cost of contamination. Eminent domain can often help break through legal and procedural barriers to the sale of land.”

The United States has more than 450,000 vacant or underused industrial sites as a result of environmental contamination. While not only improving and protecting the environment, cleanup of Brownfields restores the sites to productive use, facilitates job growth, and substantially increases tax revenues for local governments. Additionally, cleanup revitalizes otherwise dormant urban core areas, thus promoting smart growth by taking development pressures off undeveloped, open land. Without eminent domain for redevelopment purposes, local governments would be less likely to redevelop Brownfields because of the liability for all costs and cleanup of the polluted land as the owner and operator of the site. Therefore, it is imperative that eminent domain legislation, at both the state and federal level, include exemptions for Brownfields redevelopment. Without such exemptions, Brownfields redevelopment would be significantly impaired and contaminated lands would sit idle.

At the state level, the Missouri House and Senate have proposed various limitations on the use of eminent domain, and, unfortunately, none of the proposed legislation provides an express Brownfield exemption. Examples of presently proposed limitations include prohibiting the state or local governments from exercising its powers of eminent domain to acquire property for the purpose of economic development; limiting the definition of “blighted areas” under Missouri eminent domain laws; requiring businesses in areas taken by eminent domain to reimburse persons displaced from that area; and even placing a moratorium on the use of eminent domain until 2007.

Missouri has several state Brownfields including the Kansas City Riverfront Development and the St. Louis Arena. The state of Missouri benefits greatly from Brownfields redevelopment and eminent domain is an important tool in these redevelopment areas. Eminent domain was an essential component in the redevelopment of Kansas City’s Central Industrial District. This is the oldest industrial area of the bi-state Kansas City region where the Kansas and Missouri Rivers meet. Blight and fear of contamination threatened to drive away remaining businesses and private investment in the late 1990’s. Efforts to retain a leading business were frustrated by a private owner’s refusal to maintain the site in violation of City codes, which later led to a catastrophic fire that devastated the West 8th Street area. The owner refused to cooperate with City officials who planned to use local, state and federal funds to acquire the ruins and prepare the area for redevelopment. Ultimately, what came to be known as the Lewis & Clark Redevelopment Area Project succeeded, in large part because of the City’s eminent domain powers. Improvements in the area led to over $100 million in private investment, the creation of 421 jobs and retention of more than 1,100 jobs. Without the City’s powers of eminent domain, the many benefits of this Brownfield redevelopment project would have been lost.

The Missouri Brownfield Redevelopment Program is administered by the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Natural Resources. The program’s purpose is to oversee cleanup and provide various financial incentives for the redevelopment of contaminated properties. If the legislature is concerned about the potential misuse of eminent domain powers by municipalities, serious consideration should be given to conferring with the Department to address these concerns while at the same time furthering the goals of this Program.

Bradley County GOP strongly opposes Wheel Tax, it’s citizens agree

I’m not sure what is going on with the Bradley County GOP under the leadership of David Smith and perhaps a distant influence of Sally Absher, but I think I like it! I’m kinda blushing at the affection I am feeling for the the local GOP who has put on their big girl panties or as they say in the deep south…….has grown a pair!

The GOP boldly stating they were against a news tax increase because we are already 64 million in the hole and not wanting another 32 million dumped into the hole is very welcome news. Lets get our houses in order before we hit up the citizens for more of their hard earned money. Low taxes, less government and more freedom! I believe these guys have finally gotten it! I think they are seeing the big picture.

The next step is to get all those RINOs that have saturated our local government to get in step with their own party or get out of the way. Many of the self proclaimed Republicans are nothing more than leftist who have not outed themselves yet.

The GOP has made several bold statements lately but our left leaning city council and county commission have yet to join in the revolution.

The GOP both locally and statewide have made some strides toward giving back control to the citizens, the way it should be. Many “in power” are afraid they will upset someone or knock someone off center where they find great comfort.

Our leaders are paralyzed by the web of the Machine that has great influence on their decisions. The Chamber, the many hand selected boards and committees have crippled our current leaders and have rendered them nothing more than fuel for special interest groups with a wheel barrel of money or a returned favor!

What you are doing with our county is no longer being viewed as popular or the proper path to lead our people. Consensus is no longer your game changer. Many today are no longer jumping through a hoop just because you say so. Many are thinking freely and making their own decisions before they look to their leaders. You have even stepped out of favor with your own party. Its way past time for change.

The good ole boy network is about to be disrupted in Bradley County. That place when the pressure is on them to perform they dip down into that comfort zone of likeminded bureaucrats, that den of wolves, where they lay in waiting, and bite off the head of a patriot who dares say NO! The vilification of the citizens by these guys is the saddest part of it all and begs to be condemned.

“Fresh faces” in Cleveland and Bradley County is way overdue and the time is right for sweeping change! Either you get on board with the citizens or step aside.

America and Bradley County are sliding way too fast off the non socialist grid to be playing pansy mansy with the citizens of our County with no long term fixes and only band aids for solutions.! We need to stand up as the GOP of late has done and get with the program. We cant continue on the path we are going, certain doom is forseeable.

Let’s stand up for what we believe in! We have stood by and watched too long. It’s way past time for our elected leaders to step up also and assist in the fight instead of hindering our efforts.

Time is precious and we don’t have much left! Thanks Bradley County GOP, it’s refreshing to see change, now just grab the elected officials by the collar and bring them along with you! Now and quick!

Saying NO to new taxes is a great start and shows commitment by the GOP to the Bradley County Citizens.

GOP says ‘no’ to wheel tax

by DAVID DAVIS, Managing Editor
The Bradley County Republican Party has passed a resolution opposing the wheel tax proposed by the Bradley County Commission and supported by the Cleveland City Schools.

The Cleveland City Council voted 5-2 in support of placing the referendum on the Aug. 2 ballot, but did not offer support for its passage. Also, the Bradley County School Board has not supported it as a body, but board chair Charlie Rose and Bradley County Director of Schools Johnny McDaniel have spoken publicly in support of the tax increase.

Bradley County Republican Party Chair David Smith said the local party traditionally hasn’t taken a stand on issues, “but we felt it was time to speak up.”

He said the National Republican Party stands firm in supporting low taxes and recognizes low taxes and economic prosperity go hand in hand. The resolution states, “Republicans across this great nation are fighting against liberal economic ideology, higher taxes and out of control spending at all levels of our government. Bradley County is currently $78 million in debt with $64 million of that debt being education-related; and the estimated generated revenue from the wheel tax dollars will simply be a revenue stream used to borrow an additional $32 million and place a huge debt upon future generations.”

Bradley County Republican Party Vice-Chair Debbie Williams said, “There has to be another solution. Have we not learned from our national debt debacle? We went through this debate in Bradley County back in 2009 with the sales tax increase. In reality, only oneh generations of our county.”
The 2011 U.S. Census estimates the opulation of Bradley County at 100,068, which is up from the 98,963 people counted in the 2010 Census. Both school systems have reported increased growth, with the city school system reporting 340 new students over the last 18 months.