I Write Letters

Today, the Adler e-mail form got several form letters from individuals outraged that Jimmy Carter met with Hamas leaders recently. Personally, I don't know enough about the subject to have an opinion one way or another, but it always amazes me what the Right will get all in a huff about, especially given the very real problems Americans face today.

So I found out where the form letters were coming from and used the form myself. Of course, I might have gone off the script a bit:

April 23, 2008

[recipient address was inserted here]


Dear [recipient name was inserted here],

Former Democrat President Jimmy Carter met with the terrorist organization Hamas last week despite requests from the Bush administration not to interfere in Middle East peace negotiations.

Whoopie-friggin'-doo. I couldn't care less where Jimmy Carter went and who Jimmy Carter talked to. Hopefully it will get peace talks moving froward, but if not, then all he did was waste some frequent flyer miles. And seriously, with approval numbers like Bush has, who really cares what the Bush Administration wants private citizens to do.

But in case you were wondering where all of today's spam e-mail on Jimmy Carter came from, it's here:
http://www.capwiz.com/gopusa/issues/alert/?alertid=11286276&PROCESS=Take+Action

There was one good line in the whole form letter system:

"Americans are outraged!"

They are outraged that they're paying $3.50 or more for a gallon of gas while Exxon-Mobile is making record profits. They are outraged that millions of Americans can't afford health care. They are outraged that we've lost 4,000 lives and wasted half a trillion dollars on an unnecessary war in Iraq.

The people who are bitching about Jimmy Carter need to get a little perspective if that's what sets them off. And I hope you maintain yours as well if you haven't already lost it.

Sincerely,

Jim Griffin

Philly - Obama's biggest rally yet

Colleen and I stood in Olde City for 4 1/2 hours just to hear him speak. Over 35,000 people. Plus we chatted with the State Field Director as we walked to Center City for dinner.

Bruuuuuuuuuce!

Bruce Springsteen, New Jersey's favorite son, has endorsed Barack Obama:

Dear Friends and Fans:

LIke most of you, I've been following the campaign and I have now seen and heard enough to know where I stand. Senator Obama, in my view, is head and shoulders above the rest.

He has the depth, the reflectiveness, and the resilience to be our next President. He speaks to the America I've envisioned in my music for the past 35 years, a generous nation with a citizenry willing to tackle nuanced and complex problems, a country that's interested in its collective destiny and in the potential of its gathered spirit. A place where "...nobody crowds you, and nobody goes it alone."

At the moment, critics have tried to diminish Senator Obama through the exaggeration of certain of his comments and relationships. While these matters are worthy of some discussion, they have been ripped out of the context and fabric of the man's life and vision, so well described in his excellent book, Dreams of My Father, often in order to distract us from discussing the real issues: war and peace, the fight for economic and racial justice, reaffirming our Constitution, and the protection and enhancement of our environment.

After the terrible damage done over the past eight years, a great American reclamation project needs to be undertaken. I believe that Senator Obama is the best candidate to lead that project and to lead us into the 21st Century with a renewed sense of moral purpose and of ourselves as Americans.

Over here on E Street, we're proud to support Obama for President.

To those who might say that musicians should just shut up and sing their songs when it comes to making their political views public, I say shut it! The relationship between art and politics is long and robust. Some of the world's greatest art has been inspired by a need to speak out against government and poor public policies. Bruce is a great American who has spoken up for the common man during his entire career. It's truly no surprise that he believes in the change that Obama brings.

More good news for Woodbridge Schools

From the Home News Tribune:

WOODBRIDGE: The school tax levy was rejected, wth 2,756 opposed and 2,369 in favor. Brian Molnar was reelected with 3,232 votes, incumbent Diane Acquisto won another term with 2,648 votes. newcomer George Yuhasz was elected with 2,898 votes and incumbent Brian Dziedzic was defeated, earning 2,550 votes.

Congrats to Diane for her well-deserved reelection, as well to George for beating the system and managing to get elected as someone with actual qualifications. Too bad for Brian Dziedzic - we'll miss your carefree spirit, quiet strength, and steadfast resolve to reject neckties. Also, it's unfortunate the budget failed, but not unexpected as economic worries and increased state aid most likely combined to lead to failed vote.

Making it Official

Temple Law, Class of 2011 - you're stuck with me!

Colleen is bringing my acceptance form to the Office of Admissions as I write this.

15 weeks/73 work days left until the switch. Booya!

Great Opportunity for Woodbridge Schools

News from the hometown (via the Home News Tribune):

WOODBRIDGE — School Superintendent Vincent Smith will be leaving the district at the end of this school year to take a position in another district, according to reports.

Although the move has not been officially made public, school board members were notified this week. Smith declined to comment for this article.

"He's leaving, it was his choice," said board member Diane Acquisto.

Other sources also said Smith's departure is voluntary and came as a surprise to board members.

Acquisto said the district will be looking for candidates to fill the position for the 2008-09 school year.

Smith has been superintendent in Woodbridge for 16 years. He currently oversees a student body of more than 13,000 students for an annual salary of $160,354.

Several sources said Smith will be taking over as superintendent in Point Pleasant Borough in Ocean County.

According to the Ocean County superintendent's office, the current Point Pleasant Borough superintendent, Robert Ciliento, is retiring as of June 30 this year. No successor has been announced.

Ciliento's salary for the 2007-08 school year is $176,974 to oversee a district of about 3,200 students.

Mayor John McCormac declined to discuss the details of Smith's departure, but said, "Vinny and I have enjoyed a great relationship as has the town government and school administration. I hope to keep that going with whoever replaces him."

This is great news for Woodbridge. It's no secret that I've never been a fan of Vinny Smith as the Superintendent of Schools in Woodbridge. He's a pleasant enough man - in fact, he served the district well as the Board Secretary/Business Administrator and wish him the best in his new job - but he was in no way qualified to be in charge of New Jersey's fifth largest school district, having never spent a day in the classroom or a school-level administrator. I hope that a small district with only 4 schools and 3,200 students is a better fit for him.

Again, this is great news for Woodbridge, but it could be an opportunity squandered if the Board of Education drops the ball when it comes to appointing a successor. I am unfortunately not optimistic of the prospects, given that a majority of the current board are the same people who promoted "Mr. Bribery" Kenny Kuchtyak to be Superintendent and then similarly promoted Mr. Smith when Kenny was arrested and plead guilty. Unfortunately, the last two openings at the top spot have shown that insider politics trumps good education policy. Let's hope this incarceration of the Board gets it right this time.

I have merit

Temple gave me a $5k/year scholarship today. $15,000 that I won't have to pay back in three years!

In Memory of Dr. King

Early morning, April 4 -
Shots rings out in the Memphis sky.
Free at last, they took your life.
They could not take your pride.