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July 1, 2001

Struck by Lightning

Dear Lightning Bugs:

Congratulations to themail subscriber and contributor Paul Kelsey Williams, who, along with a friend, was struck by lightning yesterday (in Paul's case, struck by lightning for the second time). They were airlifted to the hospital in critical condition, but released healthy, well, and unharmed just a few hours later, and today are able to read another issue.

Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com

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AWOL Vehicle Inspection Station
Nick Samuels, nick.samuels@starpower.net

On Saturday, June 30, I attempted to take my car to the vehicle inspection station on Half Street, SW. during its stated 7 a.m.-3 p.m. hours. Unfortunately, they seemed to be taking an early holiday. When I arrived at around 2 p.m., I found the gates locked and a sign stating “June 30: Due to the excessive heat, the inspection station will be open today from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., and reopen from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.”

I'd called the main DMV number (727-5000) before I left home. Despite the fact that operators don't answer on Saturdays, the recording said nothing about the inspection station closing. Odd, I thought, but OK. So I returned at 3:30 to find six cars in line and the gates still locked. We waited for about 20 minutes, the assorted drivers looking at each other and scratching their heads. A few people tried knocking on the door. Nothing. I came back at about 4:30 and found one employee with a hose running from the building to one of the driveways, washing what I assumed was his personal car. The sign explaining the closure was now gone. The car-washing District employee said he didn't “know anything about staying open. We never stay open late on Saturday.” Except to use a public facility to wash your car, that is. Certainly not to perform vehicle inspections.

I'm not sure why the inspection station should close when it's hot. If there is some reason (any guesses?), reopening when the weather eases seems reasonable. But to abandon the place when they said they'd reopen is not (they've already cut back on the operating hours each day, so to lose a whole Saturday, which I'd think is the busiest day of the week —). I wasn't the only one who'd returned expecting the station to be open. To return only to find a DC employee using the inspection station as his personal garage only serves as a slap in the face. It seems the more things change, the more they stay the same.

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DCPS and the New Geography
Erich Martel, ehmartel@starpower.net

The DCPS press briefing on June 22nd that announced the “Children First Initiative” to “transform” nine low performing schools is another bus ad gem. A 28-member “blue ribbon” panel was announced, including 12 DCPS glitterati, 9 of whom hold sway from 825 North Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20001. What? Well, Allen Ginsburg couldn't levitate the Pentagon, but Dr. Vance's A Team succeeded in levitating itself out of NE 20002. In addition to spell check and grammar check, someone now has to install global positioning check on those unbridled DCPS computers. Who else is on the list? Big names in education, some good, some not; one parent; no teachers.

Here's how they're going to “transform” those nine schools: “There will be prescribed academic improvements for each transformation school. For example, all elementary schools will use the American Choice school reform model.” 1) How does one “prescribe academic improvements”? 2) “American Choice” is actually called “America's Choice.” A prominent U. of Chicago school restructuring specialist named Tony Bryk is mangled into "Tony Bright." 3) What is “America's Choice”? Well, for starters, it's the reform model that was employed by Kramer Middle School since 1996. What were the results? In reading, the percentage of kids whose performance was “proficient” went from 3% to 14% and 8%; the percentage in the “advanced” category was a flat 0%. In math, the percentage in "proficient" rose from 0% to 3% and back down to 1%. So, why is the big “transformation” contract going to “America's Choice”?

“America's Choice” is a spin-off of the National Center for Education and the Economy (NCEE), based in the University of Pittsburgh. They are the folks who had a contract to advice DCPS on the development of standards — big money, slick brochures, etc. Oh, and DCPS has another children slogan: “Children are the heart of our business.” That's because they now have a “business plan.”

[All the materials distributed at the June 22 DCPS press conference are available at http://www.dcwatch.com/schools. — Gary Imhoff]

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There’s a Lesson to Be Learned Here
Ed T. Barron, edtb@aol.com

School Superintendent Vance has set a good example of how to fix something that is broken in a system. He has singled out a finite and doable number of the worst performing schools in the District and will completely overhaul the teaching and administrative staff in those schools. This should not be any surprise. The schools selected were put on notice over a year ago and were provided considerable extra resources to get themselves into shape. They failed and will now be restructured with a whole new staff.

Mayor Williams should take good notice of this approach. It is a measured approach based on data and on lack of performance. Vance has chosen to attack the school system problems in measurable bites. He did not wait for disaster to strike. He sought out the poorest performers and gave them a chance to shape up. They did not and now they will be replaced. It is criminal, though, that the poor performing teachers must be kept and we will wind up paying these slugs while they languish somewhere buried in the system.

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Toasting the Fourth of July in 1816
Mark David Richards, Dupont East, mark@bisconti.com

As reported on July 6, 1816, in the National Intelligencer: Washington City — The Fourth of July [w]as celebrated in the City, with less demonstrations of joy than usual, but with perhaps more feeling. We had not so much parade as heretofore, but more contemplation and real enjoyment. The Day was ushered in by salutes of artillery, which were repeated at noon and at sunset. A numerous collection of ladies and gentlemen attended to hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence, by Mr. Radcliff, which he prefaced with appropriate remarks, and the pronunciation of the Oration by Mr. Lear. High commendations have been bestowed on both performances; but not higher, it is believed, than they justly deserved. There were several dinner parties in the City; of which the following notices have been communicated for publication:— The City Dinner. At about four o’clock a large party of gentlemen, assembled to celebrate the glorious festival of the Anniversary of American Independence, sat down to an excellent dinner at McKeowin’s Hotel. There were present among the company, Mr. Secretary Monroe, Mr. Secretary Crawford, and many other of the principal officers of government. James H. Blake, Esq. presided, assisted by Col. Wm. Brent as Vice-President. The day was spent in perfect harmony, and the following toasts were drank, accompanied with songs, and announced by repeated discharges of artillery.

Thirty-three Toasts: [Note: The colonial custom of drinking toasts allowed that any guest at these banquets had the social right to get up and offer a toast, after which everyone drank their liquor. This must have been one cheery crowd…]

1. The Day: Consecrated to the festivity and joy, as long as the American bosom shall expand wit the love of liberty. 2. The Constitution; which like the air we breathe, unfelt and unperceived, pervades, cherishes and strengthens a powerful and growing nation; even hallowed by the memory of the patriots who had the wisdom to form and the purity to establish it. 3. The cardinal principles of democracy : Right of suffrage freely and equally exercised and often repeated — a well regulated confidence in public servants, and submission to the will of the majority. 4. The Union of the United States : The vital source of national independence, glory and happiness — the first breach lets in the enemy. 5. Agriculture, manufactures and commerce : They will always be cherished in a free country by national spirit, industry and enterprise. 6. The memory of Washington: His name his best epitaph. 7. Our beloved fellow-citizen Thomas Jefferson: May he long live in his philosophic retirement, to enjoy the sweets of an approving conscience and the plaudits of a grateful nation. 8. The President of the United States: A ruler more respected for his merit, than his power, and greater in the simple dignity of his virtues than the proudest monarch on the throne. Our highest station is always for our best men. 9. The public functionaries: Strong pillars of the American Order, supporting with firmness the fair fabric of our republican institutions. 10. The late war: Commenced in justice and terminated in victory. -- Americans know their rights, and knowing dare maintain them. 11. The memory of these Heroes who fought and bled for our Country: The tears of national gratitude shall ever bedew their graves. 12. The Army — Extensive as are our boundaries, its brilliant achievements have convinced the world that we have no territory to spare. 13. The Navy: its exploits are beyond example, — its flag was never lowered to an equal force. 14. The Militia: Our Country’s shield when wielded by a patriot arm and directed by a sound head. 15. Public Education: The firm basis of the temple of liberty -- the diffusion of knowledge is the surest safeguard of our political blessings. 16. Canals, roads and bridges: The arteries, veins and ribs of the political body. 17. The American Tar: Too stubborn to submit to any stripes but those of his flag, or even to be pressed but by the arms of the fair. 18. The revival of our Capital: Its domes, its sanctuaries, and its temples are rising in strength and beauty above the reach of ruffian torches. 19. The American fair: Unexampled as wives, mothers, sisters and daughters — May their children and their children’s children ever belie the assertion that mankind degenerate in this new world.

These 19 toasts were followed by 14 additional Volunteer Toasts, including one by the Orator of the Day: The city of Washington: While it bears his name, may it cherish his sentiments and revere his virtues; and one by the Vice President of the Day: The Orator of the Day; pure in his principles and eloquent in his country’s cause; and two to The Patriots of South America: We cannot but sympathise with those who are struggling for the principles which this day we celebrate. May they build their temple of liberty with American materials. After the fourth toast, the company were gratified by the recitation of an Ode by Mr. Seaver, titled “An Irregular Ode.” There was also a similar dinner at Heronimus’s with 28 toasts — some standing, some sitting, and after some shouts of “Three cheers.” After 18 toasts, 10 additional volunteer toasts were offered, including: The City of Washington — May it do honor to the name of its founder.

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Regarding Landlord Math
Judi Kahn, jmkahn@aol.com

I believe Mr. Vordran has his own problems in math. First of all, not all mortgages are fixed. Secondly, he has forgotten about property taxes, which in many neighborhoods have gone up 50-100 percent. Landlords are not in business to lose money and, if their costs go up, so do the rents.

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Funny Math? Money is Money
Taylor Simmons, TTSimmons@aol.com

Sorry, Mr. Vorndran, but wake up. It's not funny math — money is money, regardless of necessity. If the market will bear higher rents this year than last, then expect landlords to raise rents.

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Our Imaginary Villages
Mark David Richards, 17th Street Strip, mark@bisconti.com

A reader of themail send me a note about the “Metropolis View” neighborhood — it is not (yet) on the list of over 120 D.C. neighborhoods I posted in themail (compiled from an old Comprehensive Plan map, circulated, and updated). She said that when she bought her house, it was listed as a Brookland area listing, but at a civic association meeting she was informed she lives in Metropolis View. She said her neighborhood is nearby some hilly sections with fantastic views of downtown Washington and other neighborhoods' treetops. She thinks the McKinley Technical High and Langley Junior High Schools (now closed) have the best views in Metropolis View. Anybody know anything about Metropolis View? Are there other neighborhoods that didn’t make my list? Neighborhoods are curious things — people know where they live, call it a name, but it would be pretty hard to get them to agree on the boundaries! If anyone thinks redistricting is difficult, try mapping neighborhoods!

[The neighborhood list is posted at http://www.dcwatch.com/richards/0106e.htm. — Gary Imhoff]

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T-Shirts for Democracy
Thelma Brown, Tbrowndc@aol.com

I recently traveled home from Acapulco through Dallas-Fort Worth on to BWI airport dressed in none other than my Taxation Without Representation T-shirt. It was a great opportunity to spread the word. From Acapulco to BWI, I drew the attention of many an American as they read my shirt, and some stopped to ask questions. Of course I encouraged all who would listen to contact their Congressman. I do not miss an opportunity, especially when going to an airport, to sport my T-shirt. It is a great advertising mechanism. My next move is to send bumper stickers to friends and relatives throughout the US of A. If we don't get the word out then who will?

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Wasting Time in the Enclave
Timothy Cooper, worldright@aol.com

Ed T. Barron's statement that the pursuit of equal constitutional rights by Mayor Williams (and by implication, any one else, for that matter) is a “colossal waste of time” represents something of an uncommon attitude by a Washingtonian and deserves further illumination.

While Mr. Barron appears to have made up his mind on the manner, I would simply ask that he provide the readers of themail with one example of a federal enclave located anywhere in the world that presently subjects its population to the indignity of disenfranchisement. If he cannot identify such a capital, then I would very much appreciate his thoughtful explanation as to why Washingtonians should remain silent while they alone stand voteless.

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Negotiating Away the Commuter Tax
Michael Bindner, Mbindnerdc@aol.com

Ed Barron asks that the Mayor negotiate away voting rights in exchange for the right to tax commuters. Ed is being funny. A main reason we don't have voting rights or statehood is that we would use either to end the commuter tax prohibition. The State of Maryland and the Commonwealth of Virginia are not economically viable without the revenue misdirected from the District. If there were a commuter tax with a check off on state income taxes there would be a revenue shortfall in both states which would force either a cut in services or an increase in taxes (depending upon the ideology of the state government). I put to you that if we solve the commuter tax problem, say with a regional income tax for schools and social services, statehood is not far behind.

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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS AND MEETINGS

DC Preservation League Members
Farleigh Earhart, farleigh@erols.com

On Saturday, July 14, at 9 a.m., a guided walking tour of F and 7th Streets, NW, will be held by the DC Preservation League, departing from the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro, 9th Street exit. $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Reservations recommended: 955-5616. The tour will explore the rapidly changing face of historic downtown and the League's efforts to preserve the remnant's of Washington's 19th century commercial core.

On Saturday, August 11, at 9 a.m., a guided walking tour of H Street, NE, will depart from the northwest corner of 4th and H Streets, NE. $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. The tour will explore the history and potential for redevelopment of this once-thriving commercial core, scarred by the 1968 riots. Reservations for both tours are recommended: 955-5616.

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DCWASA LTCP Public Information Meeting
Nadia Perry-Lee, nperrylee@greeley-hansen.com

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority invites the citizens of D.C. to attend a public meeting to discuss the $1.05 billion Long Term Control Plan to clean up the Potomac River, Rock Creek, and the Anacostia waterways. The Authority is seeking public comment on the proposed plan. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, First Floor Training Room located at 777 North Capitol Street, NE. For more information about this meeting, please contact Dr. Mohsin Siddique at 787-2634.

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CLASSIFIEDS — HOUSING

Conservationists: Live in Nature While You Work to Save It
Mary Vogel, maryvogel@yahoo.com

Conservationists wanted to share 3BR, 2BA colonial style home in close-in Cheverly, Maryland. Prefer vegetarians. Heavily wooded backyard of big native shade trees, two blocks to large nature park with trails. Clean, quiet neighborhood, filled with stately trees. One mile (lovely walk or bike ride) from Metro (Orange Line). Quick access to I-295, BWI Parkway, Rt. 50; 10-15 minutes to downtown DC via car (non-rush hour). Large bedroom plus basement storage. Huge screened porch. Hardwood floors and beautiful woodwork throughout. CAC, W/D, DW, FP.

Rent is $475 plus one-third utilities. Available July 1. Preference given to those willing to help remove English Ivy from nearby trees, to compost vegetable wastes in turn-style composter and to reuse and recycle resources. Sorry, no pets! Contact Mary, 489-3031.

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CLASSIFIEDS — FOR SALE

Living Room Set
Dona Lenkin, lenkind@od.nih.gov

1940's sofa and two chairs — matched set. Sofa and one chair are burgundy, other chair is same pattern in blue. Good condition. $500. Phone 686-1833 after 6 in evenings.

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CLASSIFIEDS — CAUSES

Repair Klingle Road Update
Laurie Collins, repairklingleroad@yahoo.com

The Coalition to Repair and Reopen Klingle Road continues to gain support from the City's Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs), neighbors, and businesses. Please visit our recently updated site containing new information at http://www.repairklingleroad.org. The Coalition to Repair and Reopen Klingle Road, a grassroots organization of residents and businesses in Mount Pleasant, Crestwood, Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, 16th Street Heights, Palisades, Foxhall, Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, and Shepherd Park, among others, urges the Mayor to repair and reopen Klingle Road without delay. Our experience in meeting with neighbors and business owners and collecting thousands of signatures shows that the strong support for repairing and reopening Klingle Road continues to grow.

A short section of Klingle Road remains in disrepair (approx. 0.45 miles between Woodley Avenue and Porter Street in Northwest D.C.). The section temporarily was restricted against motor vehicle traffic in 1991 because a small portion of the road washed out in a storm. While we wait for the City to fix our road as promised, the road surface becomes increasingly impassible and more expensive to repair due to drainage problems and continued neglect. It is time now to restore Klingle Road to its historic function of efficiently and effectively transporting citizens and goods across the City. We are endorsed and supported by the Washington Post, Councilmembers Graham, Fenty and Cropp; the ANC Assembly; the individual ANCs of Mount Pleasant (since 1994), Crestwood, 16th Street Heights, Rock Creek East, Adams Morgan, Shepherd Park, and Columbia Heights; the Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Alliance, the Mount Pleasant Business Association, and the Foxhall Community Citizens Association; as well as many individual businesses including D.C.'s own famous Ben's Chili Bowl. We have given out hundreds of “Repair Klingle Road” bumper stickers for your trash receptacles, recycling bins, bikes, scooters, and even your car. Stickers are still available by E-mailing repairklingleroad@yahoo.com. Call 727-1000, give the Mayor a jingle and tell him: “Reopen Klingle!”

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CLASSIFIEDS — RECOMMENDATIONS

Health Insurance
Joan Eisenstodt, jeisen@aol.com

If there are others on the list who are self-employed and purchase their own health insurance, are happy with it, and would like to recommend a good plan (non-HMO preferred), please E-mail me at jeisen@aol.com.

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