Wednesday, May 30, 2007

I Love My Channel Four!!!

Yes, and a spectacle it is. But I love it. Where in the world can one be both educated on local government in minute detail while being so entertained? And it is FREE - until you consider that part of the general fund is composed of overages due to utility billing excess and that is where the money comes from to pay for the show, which will make one cry - unless you don't think about it and let channel four be what it can be - a glorious folly - which is hilarious - except it mirrors our community - which makes me want to cry - which makes me think I may be bi-polar - that leads me to the conclusion that I must be nuts for living here - except I am in extraordinarily good company judging by the characters in our community - which makes me happy. Be there or be square - Au natural'.

68 comments:

Anonymous said...

The City Council show is one of my favorites since Amos n Andy. Myron Lawson, in the role of Kingfish, Everett Hobbs as Andy Brown, Rosie as Amos, and an occassional guest appearance by Brigett Brown as that esteemed lawyer, Algonquin J. Calhoun.

Anonymous said...

"until you consider that part of the general fund is composed of overages due to utility billing excess"

My Dear Spanky,

What proff do you have of such excesses? Have you been drink from the same stream as Larry English?

Anonymous said...

I don't want to think about it. You are quelling my euphoria. More channel four.

Anonymous said...

Your cast of characters leaves out the two biggest whores of all: Chuck & Harry. Chuck's excuse is that is is monumentally stupid (didn't know that water wells needed power; introducing legislation to rehire Kelvin Sanders; ethics breaches) and pretty much obeys Myron. Harry is far from stupid but obviously desparate to unload his downtown property to keep his entirely dependant family afloat, so he is all about personal self-tnterest.

Forget Amos & Andy, this is the Sopranos.

Anonymous said...

My guestions never get answers. So.. I will try this one.

Who is the new reporter for the council meetings? I saw the job application in the TT.

I would absolutely love to report on their antics.

Just Curious

Anonymous said...

Tom Bonnette. Maybe you should apply - he's not going ot ruffle any feathers.

Anonymous said...

I wish they would play the school board meetings on CH4. We need more programming.

Anonymous said...

I think there has been a deal made with the major networks to not show more governmental meetings on Channel 4. The networks feel that they will loose too many viewers of their comedy lineup, if more government meetings are televised. The networks realized that they can come up with nothing funnier or as entertaining.

Anonymous said...

Just curious is Carolyn Cicardo.

My guess is..they would not like me
to report their stupidity.

Anonymous said...

why did the administration not re-run the community meeting regarding the ballparks on channel 4 like they were supposed to?

Anonymous said...

If Carolyn Cicardo is as blind to misconduct and mismanagement as Tommy, I imagine the city government would relish her services.

Anonymous said...

I believe you have us confused with the current APD administration. If you are going to slander at least check the facts! CC

Anonymous said...

If you are going to slander at least check the facts! CC


Slanderers have little need for facts.

Anonymous said...

Greg, to be slander it must be untrue. Are you current with your CLE credits?

Anonymous said...

Greg,

How true!!! To bad he will not write again, because I'm sick and tired of misconseptions. I would love to unload on someone. cc

Anonymous said...

Has anyone other than Tommy's wife ever defended or justified his very unfortunate tenure at APD chief? His failed attempt at novelist/historian held him up to more informed ridicule that any comment on here.

Mrs. Dahmer liked little Jeffrey tool

Anonymous said...

Wow Spanky! Finally getting some action on Cenlastir. I felt so alone.

Anonymous said...

Bad Legal Advise

Have you ever heard the civil service quidelines for getting rid of, unproductive or could care less about citizens, employees.

DOCUMENTATION..

To my knowledge, there have been no such hearings in 4 years.
Why? The union runs the Dept. cc

Anonymous said...

By the way..

You must love the TT. The city council and policemen that didn't get their way...

Oh! And by the way the book is doing great!!! CC

Anonymous said...

If one looks objectively at who Tommy surrounded himself with and who he isolated (hid) himself from, (Kitchens, Moore, Cardwell, etc.) then you lose that argument. They filled up the lot with boats, horse trailers, barbque pits, and dissatisfied officers. I think you need to accept the truth and move on.

Granted, he took the dept. at a difficult time but that does not excuse the utterly miserable job he did. And his conduct during the famous raid will make him legend in law enforcement circles forever.

Anonymous said...

In the Middle,

I did not start this war on words!
Look up on the thread.

The people you mentioned have nothing to do with this quest for the truth.

The problems are in the past. And most people with a grain smarts know the truth.

The problem now should concern the citizens.cc

Anonymous said...

OK . . . .

Anonymous said...

It is good to see all of you doing well. I have been in N.O.La doing some work associated with the Army Corps of Engineers and am driving daily throught the destroyed neighborhoods of East N.O. It is mind blowing to imagine living in one of those FEMA trailers for as long as the folks have. There appears to be little movement on demolition or repair in the subdivisions that I see as well. With all of the issues that we deal with in Alexandria, I feel blessed that they do not rise to the level that the Katrina blasted residents are living with on a daily basis. Lord help us all if this is our government at work.

Anonymous said...

Anyone else find it interesting that the TT had a story of the Cabrini groundbreaking on their website but NOT in the print edition? WTF is going on???

Anonymous said...

My mistake, it (groundbreaking)was on the BACK of section C of the paper.

Anonymous said...

ADVERTISEMENT

Two meetings tonight to focus on proposal for hospital to buy Youth Complex site; public invited

The public is invited to two meetings tonight to discuss Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital construction that could pave over current Alexandria parks.

Cabrini officials are hosting an open forum at 6 p.m. today at the Broadway Resource Center on Broadway Avenue, where the public is encouraged to express their views. Cabrini officials did not say what time the meeting would conclude.

ADVERTISEMENT

At 6:30 p.m., the Garden District Neighborhood Foundation will hold another meeting on the proposed Cabrini expansion. The meeting will be held at the Alexandria Public Safety Complex at 1000 Bolton Ave.

Cabrini is planning an $85 million expansion and needs to purchase land. Hospital officials have proposed buying the Alexandria Youth Complex on Masonic Drive.

Anonymous said...

How the hell is a public meeting in which public citizens can exercise their first amendment right not respecting the public????

Anonymous said...

Why, thanks for asking. The city is not really promoting open forums but using racial polarization as a pressure tool to accomodate Cabrini's ambitions. When you manipulate us like that, you are not respecting the integrity of the democratic process, you are making doo doo on the public.

Why have two meetings on the exact same topic at the exact same time on different ends of town? And why was the Broadway meeting not revealed until late this afternoon? And where will the controlling city councilmen be paying attention?

"You can fool some of the people all the time." Aren't you ashamed?

Anonymous said...

. . . . and I think you mean our 5th Amendment right of free speach, don't you?

Anonymous said...

If I read this correctly it says the Broadway forum is hosted by Cabrini and the Safety Complex meeting is hosted by the Garden District Neighborhood Foundation. Where does it say these are "City Sponsored" public forums?

I can understand the Garden District Neighborhood Foundation wanting their meeting at the Safety complex - it is in their neighborhood afterall. And the ballparks are in their neighborhood.

Cabrini on the other hand is attempting to go to the neighborhood of the people who are perceived to use the ballparks. You know - not the upper and middle class folks that make the trek out to Johnny Downs. They would be the ones who are polarzing the community on the subject if you ask me. When I drive past the ballparks I see all colors of children playing from all classes of people.

Apparently Cabrini didn't like the response they got in one neighborhood and are hoping for a different opinion in another neighborhood. Don't they understand - we told them the last time they wanted to buy the ballparks NO and the answer today is NO. How many times and different ways to we need to say it?

Anonymous said...

"The city is not really promoting open forums but using racial polarization as a pressure tool to accomodate Cabrini's ambitions. When you manipulate us like that, you are not respecting the integrity of the democratic process, you are making doo doo on the public."

The city put on one meeting that was open to the public at Bolton Avenue. Like the last meeting, it was attended by white and black folks alike.

Cabrini put on the other meeting which it conveniently scheduled thirty minutes before the city's meeting to pitch their side of the story at another community center.

You need to get your facts straight before you start raising hell about the city using racial polarization as a pressure tool.

Anonymous said...

Actually, the city didn't put on either meeting. Both were held at city-owned facilities, but one was held by the Garden District Association and the other was held by Cabrini. However, the city gave a presentation on smart growth at the Garden District meeting and Cabrini was the only presenter at the one they put on.

Anonymous said...

Ok, you idiots who don't know first from fifth amendments. V is fifth, vi is 6th, vii is 7th, viii is eighth, ix is ninth and x is tenth.

THE BILL OF RIGHTS
Amendments 1-10 of the Constitution

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Conventions of a number of the States having, at the time of adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added, and as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution;

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two-thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States; all or any of which articles, when ratified by three-fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the said Constitution, namely:


Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.


Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.


Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.


Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.


Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.


Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.


Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.


Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.


Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.


Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

Anonymous said...

ethics be damned said...

Check Fowler showed his lack of courage or principle at the Garden Dist. Meeting. I believe if one checks, one would find that Chuck does some printing for Cabrini and related entities. Should Check even be voting on this?

Friday, June 08, 2007 6:40:00 AM

Anonymous said...

Anyone find it interesting that in today's daily fish wrap Cabrini officials say a cardiologist building is going to be built on the site of the ballparks - not a parking lot? How many cardiologists contributed to Roy's campaign? I smell a sweetheart deal...

Anonymous said...

Roger Breedlove accused Wright of lying about Cabrini's intentions and it looks like Roger was right about Wright.

Anonymous said...

Has anyone given any thought to the notion that this Cabrini parking lot crap is a smoke screen for whatever GAEDA is doing on the Cavalier site? Someone needs to keep their eye on the ball. The two may not be connected at all, but it seems mighty strange that Cabrini would bring the subject up knowing the depth of opposition and if they don't know, that brings up the question of how connected are they really to our town. Furthermore, the short answer to Cabrini or anyone else that has designs on useful city property should be simply,"no". Both the council and administration have more pressing matters than to have citizen attention redirected to a non sequitur as the Cabrini proposal. Remember, even though our council members appear to be buffoons most of the time, they somehow have mastered the art smoke and mirrors. Whatever the motivation, I am beginning to suspect the Cabrini flap is the smoke, we just have to figue out what is in the mirror.

Anonymous said...

Spanky,

Smoke and mirrors--good blog on antics...That's their M.O.

What's behind the mirror? Good question...have to wait for the shoe to drop. C.C.

Anonymous said...

Who runs the blog "WE SAW THAT???"

Anonymous said...

I agree with your scum on the pond comment... But who run's the site, WE SAW THAT???

Anonymous said...

Whoever runs the site hasn't the guts to identify himself with the screed that he spews. He's probably 15 or something.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure I've seen more ignorance than what I saw at the council meeting recently; I just can't recall WHEN or WHERE.

Anonymous said...

Spanky,
Channel Four does not show anything about the local sheriff. Tell us the latest. On Cenla Antics you mentioned things about the sheriffs office and current sheriff but at the time the interest was in the mayors race.
Tell us what you know.

Anonymous said...

When I got the nerve to blog again,using my name,the same accusations cropped up. Life is so short and unfair, that I decided to tackle this head-on.
When a person gives 30 years of their life to a profession and is hated and blamed for all wrongs by that organization; I want to know why? During the last six years he was hated by the council,by the union,and the T.T.
The council is a no brainer..
Not the right skin color, and he stood up to them.
Now, the union; The members do not want to be held accountable for wrong doing. Or, brought before the civil service board. Yes, he did bring a lot before the board. So, their hate is, in their minds, justified.
I would like to understand, C.C.

Anonymous said...

Carolyn,
I have a record of attacking the council for sheer stupidity and lack of ethics. The most recently posted video of Bridgette Brown, the mayor, and the council clearly shows the extent to which they will endanger themselves, let alone compromise the interest of the citizens of Alexandria, when plainly told by three attorneys that further proceeding risked contempt of federal court as well as ethics violations by the council. Still in the face of prudent counsel, they persist to have their way, just as in many matters that Tommy was involved. I can also attest to the union's thuggish ways as I was told to be at a candidates meeting with the union and was barred at the door by one of the union officers. In many ways, APD is very professional and in the same breath can prove themselves to be as dumb as a box of rocks when dealing with the citizens they serve and protect. Have consolation that we have been making noise for about a year and a half and as half-baked as some want to accuse our blog community of being, the punks are now looking over their shoulder wondering when they will be exposed. Keep the faith and tell Tommy to not sweat the small stuff. The union is becoming obsolete in the manner they want to operate in the shadows while airing their dirty laundry and character assasination in public. The folks ain't as dumb as we look.

Anonymous said...

Maybe it is time to have a calling out party. Anyone that has dirt on the union, throw it out there.

Anonymous said...

Carolyn, you have the best possible resource at your disposal - Tommy. If he now has the courage to be honest with you about his brief career as chief (it is common knowledge that he was supurb detective) maybe he will give you enough information so that your embarrassment and pain will not continue. Several of us that have commented on Tommy's conduct are still on the department. It is noteworthy that the only person to defend Tommy is his loyal, uniformed, unobjective and trusting wife. Ask Beard and Richie, the two preceeding cheifs how they evaluate his service.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous,
Facts of wrong-doing is what I want to hear from YOU! Not hearsay, evaluations from others that did not experience the same horrific tenure.
You forget I lived the 6 years also. We are a couple who talk. Try again, doesn't hold water. C.C.

Anonymous said...

Carolyn, it would appear that you are the only person on earth who still expresses any confidence in Tommy. That's OK. I hope you are left alone with that belief. If you continue to try to drum up sympathy and support for Tommy, you are inviting hurt, humiliation, and shame on you and your family.

Remember, you are not the victim here - we are the victims.

Anonymous said...

I'm not trying to drum-up support or sympathy. All I'm hearing is hate filled bloggers.

When, after all this time, I blog I get vicious comments. And when I now ask; why? I don't need nor do I want sympathy from the likes of you.

I'm at a disadvantage here. You know who I am. If you have something to say spit it out, and of course your identity.

How are the citizens of Alexandria, the victims? C.C.

Anonymous said...

I take that back. Maybe the citizens are victims....of some uncaring, public servants.c.c

Anonymous said...

Carolyn,

I must agree with you on one point: all City employees, not just poice, laugh in the face of authority. They know Civil Service is likely to overturn most any disciplinary action. Most would not last a week in the private sector.

Oh what I would give to be able to quote Donald Trump - "You're fired!"

Anonymous said...

Was it Donald Trump or Ned Randolph that said that to your husband - I furget?? Or was it Rev. Solomon Shorter??

Anonymous said...

Carolyn - Didn't he "fire" his other wife to "hire" you? How much integrity could he have? Or you for that matter?

Anonymous said...

You have no cause to attack Carolyn. You gotta wonder what kind of worm he is though, to let his poor uninformed wife take this heat and try to defend his career and justify his failures.

Anonymous said...

Let's see now, the reverend did say forcefully fire him and the mayor seriously considered that option.

The anonymous 7:09...I read your blog 3 times and have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. Are you alright? Should I call 911?

And the worm thing...he's got more backbone than most. I'm very informed and I chose to have my say. As far as trying to defend him....there is no need to. The truth is plain as the nose on your face. Some choose to remain ignorant.

And civil service.. I agree..Most would not make it in the private sector. C.C.

Anonymous said...

Carolyn: not everyone feels the way the bloggers are speaking to you. I may not agree with everything your husband did while in office. But, he was not as horrible as what these people are trying to say. And, you both have experienced difficult times. I commend you for having the tenacity to face these comments with your character intact. I know, if I were in your shoes, I would not be able to do it. There were many people who prayed for your husband while he was over the APD, and there are many who continue to do so.

Anonymous said...

Charlie789 & Spanky,


Thank you for your kind words. And Spanky I appreciate you allowing me have my say,for what it's worth.

I will keep trying to blog. C.C.

Anonymous said...

Carolyn,
This blog is very open and unfettered and I appreciate everyone's commentary regardless of one's opinion or experience, we can all learn from each other daily. All I can do is speak for myself when I say that have a personal code of ethics that I have chosen to live by regardless of personal circumstances or opportunities. Do I fall short? You bet. But I glimpse my ethics through the fog of life and use them as a guiding star.
All you can do is be satisfied that you did your best and have a good nights sleep. I have yet to see a Brinks truck following a hearse or received a phone call from any dearly departed or Jesus, so I personally feel that this trip is all there is. That is why I never concern myself with criticism from others, because if I am wrong, all I can account for is myself.

To those that would disparage anyone as they struggle through life the best they can like all of us, may the mercy you show others also be shown you in the same measure.

And Carolyn, I never mind telling my detractors they can kiss my ass on the courthouse steps. They don't pay my bills nor will they stand before God for me if there is a judgement day. Forget about it - carry on.

Anonymous said...

Spanky, all that noble bravado plays alot better if you are right - she ain't.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous....she ain't

Well Mr.judge, jury and executioner have you ever been a police chief????

Pray tell, what would you do so wonderfully different.

It is very easy to say in hind sight, but until you walk in the chiefs shoes: you have no idea.

C.C.

Anonymous said...

If I walked in the chief's shoes, I would have walked them on down to the hospital to support and comfort the families of the men that I just negligently killed. Try on them shoes.
John Richie walked in chief's shoes and his opinion of Tommy is even worse than mine.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Shoes,

This misconseption keeps popping up. The chiefs job was multi-layered on that nightmare day and one was to go to the hospital to see the slain officers, injured and families. Also, debriefing the swat team and much more..

Now, what the hell do you mean implying negligence! You will not slide by with this slander....

Spanky, I need to talk to you, now.
Carolyn Cicardo

Anonymous said...

Shoes,

If John Ritchie's opinion is so bad
why is he always calling to go out to lunch?

I have a pretty good idea who you are. And your agenda with all these blog smear tactics.

I will continue to blog on any topic I please. You will not run me off so easily. And I will tag your ass.

Could be y'all are afraid I will blog something you don't want out in the light of day. C.C.

Anonymous said...

Carolyn, regardless who is right or wrong, why do you keep fanning these flames. Do you enjoy the abuse or do you really think that you are going to convert Tommy's detractors on APD or in the community. Maybe some of the people are just plain mean.

Anonymous said...

Flames,

It does seem as if I enjoy the abuse. When I blog on say.. getting a job reporting on the COA. Wham! here they come, insulting my family. I am tired of their ignorance and why are they taking it out on me? If they have a grievance get a backbone and discuss this with retired chief. c.c.

Anonymous said...

You go, girl! You have every right to speak your mind, and you've got balls for putting your name behind your posts. Don't think anything of those cowards who are willing to say slanderous things without putting their names behind it.

Anonymous said...

Some folks just don't have any home training and you just have to excuse their manners cuz they don't have any. That is why Br'er Rabbit says leave the tar baby alone. Every time you slap him, he just sticks to you more.