Inferiority Complexes
Dear Washingtonians:
It's not a pretty sight. The plight of those suffering from
inferiority complexes and deep insecurities, struggling to inflate their
pitifully fragile egos, is something for which we normally would have
great sympathy. And certainly New York City has improved a great deal
from the recent days when its filth and crime made New Jersey really
seem to be the Garden State by comparison; it is well on its way, or at
least somewhat on its way, to becoming a livable city. But Frank Rich's
hysterical (in both the formal and slang senses of the term, being
overwrought and laughable at the same time) article comparing New York
and DC (http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/06/magazine/06NYDC.html)
means to be offensive, and thus it doesn't elicit the pity and sympathy
that Rich's syndrome might otherwise arouse. The general consensus used
to be that Rich had been smart enough to be an adequate critic of
Broadway plays but that he was far too shallow to write meaningfully
about politics or, indeed, about anything more serious than the latest
musical. Now he has shown that he is far too shallow to write
meaningfully about much at all.
Hey, this kind of writing, writing like Frank Rich, is fun. The point
is simply to think of as many snotty things to say as possible. The
things you say don't have to be accurate, or true, or even funny, but
they do have to demonstrate that the writer thinks he is immeasurably
superior to his subject. So, here's your challenge, should you care to
accept it, for the next issue of themail: read Rich's article and write
one paragraph of a reply article demonstrating the superiority of
Washington to New York.
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
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Anybody see the NY Times mag last weekend (October 6)? It had
an entire “neener, nanner, nonner, New York is better than
Washington!” story by Frank Rich. What did we do to deserve this?
Here's a sample; the rest of the story can be found at the NY Times
web site:
“The capital's restaurants can't compete with those of Vegas, let
alone New York, Chicago and the Seattle-to-Los Angeles culinary axis of
the West. Its taxicabs have a suspect fee structure as gerrymandered as
the map of Congressional voting districts. While New York has
contributed to the American language such joyous words as 'whoopee' and
'hot dog,' Washington has coined 'inside the Beltway' and 'Department of
Homeland Security.' America's songwriters and poets have repeatedly
celebrated Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island too — not to mention
San Francisco, Chicago and St. Louis — but where is that romantic
lyric about the capital? 'Hail to the Redskins' will have to do.
“First appearances can be deceptive to new visitors to DC. Edmund
Wilson once observed that Washington, 'after other American cities,
seems at first such a relief, so agreeable,' but 'turns out, when one
has stayed there any length of time, to have little personality of its
own and to come to taste rather flat.' Or as Cindy Adams wrote this
year: 'Even folks who live in Washington don't want to be there. The
high point for a visitor? Catching a glimpse of Trent Lott in person? I
mean, please.'”
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World Capitals
Mark David Richards, Dupont East, mark@bisconti.com
Frank Rich's article in the New York Times Magazine last
Sunday was a disappointing welcome when I arrived to New York from a
recent visit with friends in Paris. Nevertheless, Mr. Rich's ugly
article did make one particularly intriguing assertion: “America's
capital has less democratic autonomy than President Bush this year
demanded of the Palestinians.” Despite Mr. Rich's apparent loathing of
DC, I see little competition between DC and New York. We live in
different places with different strengths and weaknesses, but have more
in common than not. I love New York and DC. And Paris is, well, just
divine.
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On Tuesday, October 15, the City Council's Committee on Government
Operations will hold a public oversight hearing to receive an update
from the DC Board of Elections and Ethics on the primary election,
including assessments of the optical scan voter machines and the effects
of precinct boundary changes. What makes the hearing interesting is the
subjects that are being consciously avoided. The Committee's chair,
Vincent Orange, has made it clear that the hearing will not consider
Mayor Williams's petition debacle as an integral part of the primary
election season. Instead, Orange plans to put off any discussion of that
issue until after the November election. Moreover, Orange is still
refusing to schedule a confirmation hearing on the pending renomination
of Stephen Callas to the Board of Elections.
The BOEE is a three-member board whose members have staggered terms.
Callas' term expired in July 2001; Jonda McFarland's term expired in
July 2002; and Board Chairman Ben Wilson's term will expire in July
2003. Although Mayor Williams finally forwarded Callas' renomination to
the Council on June 18, 2002, Orange's committee clerk confirmed today
that he has no plans to hold a confirmation hearing. There is a
widespread belief in the Wilson Building that Mayor Williams, still
furious about the Board's decision in July not to place his name on the
Democratic ballot, plans to take revenge by replacing all three members
of the Board.
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Last Tuesday, the DC Council voted on a revised FY 2003 budget to
close a $323 million deficit. The budget cuts had been agreed upon
jointly by the Mayor and the Council, and they were forwarded to Capitol
Hill to meet an October 2 deadline.
Within 48 hours of the budget's passage, however, stories began to
circulate that the Williams administration was encouraging department
heads to disregard their reductions. One agency head was told to go
forward with plans to hire additional front-office staff assistants that
had been cut; another department head met with Timothy Dimond, the
director of the Office of Property Management, to discuss her office's
relocation, renovation, and furniture purchases, all of which had been
deleted in the new spending plan. At the meeting, Dimond told the
department head to pay no attention to her FY 2003 budget cuts.
In other parts of the District government, such as the Metropolitan
Police Department, the budget cuts have initially resulted in some
foolish decisions. Word quickly circulated within the Wilson Building on
Wednesday that Chief Ramsey, in an effort to cut budget expenditures,
was requiring police officers to turn in their MPD-issued cell phones,
which had been highly touted as a way to promote community policing and
as an easy way for citizens to contact their beat officers directly.
When I asked Margaret Kellems, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, about
this at the Mayor's weekly press conference today, she confirmed the
rumor and stated that Chief Ramsey was collecting the cell phones,
reassessing them, and developing a plan for possible future
redistribution. Late this afternoon, Kathy Patterson, chair of the
Judiciary Committee, further confirmed that Chief Ramsey told her his
plan would call for units to share a cell phone, rather than for an
officer to have an individual phone with his own telephone number.
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From the lack of responses to Gary's question about how people feel
about those mass arrests the other day, I can only conclude that most
readers of themail approve of the mass arrests. I spoke to two people
who were arrested at the demonstrations. The demonstrators assembled at
Freedom Plaza and were arrested before they could begin their protest.
If the police had prevented the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations of
the 1960s and early 70s that you participated in, the US Government
would likely have prevailed, and we would be occupying that country even
today. You helped end that war. Yet when young demonstrators protest
today you approve of their arrests. Does that sound familiar? It so,
it's because that was the attitude of your parents thirty years ago.
If you readers really do approve of the arrests, then all of you baby
boomers have come a long way since the 1960s. Remember your slogans:
“Question Authority” and “Don't Trust Anyone Over Thirty”? You
seem to have traded them for your expensive cars and homes, along with
your principles. You have become your parents.
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Responding to Preventative Arrests
George S. LaRoche, laroche@us.net
Anyone who feels he or she may have been injured by police action
during the recent WB/IMF actions should ignore Mr. Bindner's opinions on
“preventative arrests” (themail, October 6). Seek the advice of an
attorney instead of relying on ill-informed, lay opinions, however well
intended, lest you aggravate your position or lose your chance to seek
what vindication may be available. One place to find some good, initial
advice, based on the work of attorneys specializing in local civil
rights laws and practice, is in the City Desk edition of Sam Smith's
online journal, the Progressive Review. Go to http://prorev.com/freedc.htm
and find the October 2 edition. Mr. Smith provides some general advice
and the address of a committee of attorneys working on these cases.
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There is a process for challenging a fine forfeiture. As I recall,
the last time this happened the National Lawyer's Guild in conjunction
with the representation collaborative helped people in making these
challenges. Posting collateral serves as a guilty plea and can have a
negative effect for people who are trying to get police clearances for
bars, for the DC school system, or for a number of other things,
depending on the charge (it can be anything from disorderly conduct to
unlawful entry).
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The Tenley Tower Tempest
Stan Wellborn, swellborn@aecf.org
I am confused about the response regarding the Tenley antenna. It
appears that American Tower company went through all the proper
procedures in getting a permit from the city to erect the tower, and
began building it. Then, a group of residents used
aesthetic/environmental arguments to file an injunction to stop the
project, and won a court order to halt construction. Then, the DC Zoning
Commission, after the fact, changed the regulations about how such
projects are to be vetted before approval is given. In the meantime, the
tower remains half finished, more unattractive now than if it were
completed -- in a site that already is known as an antenna farm.
My question: what did American Tower do that was against DC laws and
procedures that were in effect at the time of the construction? I
suspect that in the end it's going to cost the cell-phone using
taxpayers of the District a whole lot of money to pay American Tower
back for its construction and court costs, and then to have the tower
dismantled.
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Office of Planning’s Supplemental Report on
Antennas
Ann Loikow, johnl@erols.com
The Office of Planning's October 3 Supplemental Report on the
proposed antenna regulations is available at http://www.dcwatch.com/govern/plan021003.htm.
The Zoning Commission's hearing on the proposed regulations will be next
Thursday, October 17, at 6:30 p.m. The Supplemental Report recommends:
"Antenna Towers and Monopoles be excluded as either a
matter-of-right or special exception use in the Capitol Interest
District [Note: the previous prohibition against antenna towers in this
district was deleted in the 9/9/02 technical amendments to the antenna
regs.]; Stealth Structures be regulated as follows: One stealth
structure [per lot] be permitted subject to administrative review,
certain placement and area requirements in all zones, More than one
stealth structure be permitted only be special exception subject to
certain placement and area requirements in all zones, Stealth Structures
be permitted as a matter-of-right in the General Industry (M) zone
district; and a removal provision be added to the regulations."
Stealth structures are a major concern for citizens, particularly
since there are no limits on what kind of antenna can be put in or on
one and no setback requirements or other protections for residences,
schools, hospitals, etc. close to such stealth installations. This could
be a major loophole. Please notify the Office of Zoning in writing
(Suite 210, 441 4th St. NW, 20001) that you or your organization will
testify at the hearing on Oct. 17. Please E-mail me if you have any
questions.
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Health Care Safety Net Report by Office of
Inspector General
Renee Wallis, rwallis@dcpca.org
Go to dcig.org, and click on OIG reports, the first report listed is
the Health Care Safety Net Administration, within the Department of
Health. This report details the ability of the Safety Net Administration
in DOH to provide contract oversight. As health care folks remember,
when the PBC and DC General were shut down, the Alliance was started up.
The Alliance is a private contract between Doctors Community Hospital
and the DOH. DOH inherited this contract from the Control Board, who
completed the original negotiations right before they went out of
existence. This report is full of good information for people who want
to have a better understanding of how DC government works.
For those who are following the budget issues, and know that Council
is concerned about DC's high payments to contractors, this document also
provides an excellent example of DC paying big bucks for contracts --
$1.7 million sole source contract was paid to Mercer, a consulting team,
to provide oversight to the $79 million Alliance contract. It is an
interesting concept to hire a contractor to oversee a contract, but,
given that DOH didn't have the staff, there was no other option. At the
peak of its staffing, Mercer had seventeen employees working on this
project. Mercer received more than $164,000 in six months for
transportation costs; where they were traveling is not specified.
Subtracting these transportation costs leaves $1.5 million (roughly) for
staffing costs. Mercer had an average of 7.86 staff people working on
this contract for the year, or roughly $191,000 per staff member. (The
math: 7.4 for 4 months, 12.9 for 8 months, 5.5/12 months = .46 7.4 + .46
= 7.86 FTEs, $1.5 million/7.86).
In the report, DOH says Mercer did a good job. However, the costs for
the services are very high. DOH has tried to hire staff, but have had
trouble getting them through the DC hiring process (a frequent complaint
of many agencies.) The report is filled with other interesting
information on what is happening with the new contract. As all who
followed the DC General shutdown know, the lack of accountability at the
PBC was a major problem. It is a good sign that the OIG completed and is
making this report public.
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Mimicry or Flattery
Richard Worthington-Rogers, strngman2000@aol.com
[Mark Eckenwiler wrote that the graphic design of Eugene Dewitt
Kinlow's posters is remarkably similar to that on David Catania's.] Oh,
gee, I didn't see any copyright symbol on Catania's signage. Maybe what
you see as mimicry is really flattery.
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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS
Benefit Show at Historic Takoma Theater,
October 12
Dodie Butler, dodie_b@yahoo.com
On October 12, at 8:00 p.m., the Lascivious Biddies, an all-girl
quartet with unconventional arrangements of original compositions and
standards that blur the lines among jazz, pop, and cabaret styles, will
perform a benefit show at the Historic Takoma Theater, 4th and Butternut
Streets, NW, one and a half blocks from the Takoma Metro Station. Listen
to samples of the Biddies' songs at http://www.biddies4ever.com/Music.html,
Proceeds from the concert will go towards the renovation and operation
of the Historic Takoma Theater.
The Takoma Theater was originally built in 1924 as a movie theater.
It was owned and operated by Warner Brothers from 1935 until 1971, when
it was purchased by William H. Wolowitz and leased to KB Theaters. In
July 1983, Milton McGinty purchased the building and built out the stage
to allow for live performances. The Takoma Theater is now being managed
and run by the community through the Takoma Theater Arts Project (TTAP).
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Traditional Appalachian Songs and Tales,
October 12
Dorothy Marschak, chime-dc@erols.com
CHIME presents Traditional Songs and Tales from the old Appalachian
Frontier with Ralph Lee Smith and Lea Coryell on Saturday, October 12,
at Mount Pleasant Library, Lamont Street near 16th Street, NW, from 2-3
p.m. Ralph plays dulcimer and Lea plays banjo, including handmade and
traditional instruments from the mountains. Their fascinating stories
and old-time tunes, which the audience is invited to join in singing,
bring to life the world of the early pioneers who settled in Appalachia
and remained isolated for over a century, creating their own culture and
world (until the world found them, out of which grew country and other
forms of folk and pop music). Ralph has performed at the White House and
other distinguished venues, and has published several books based on his
own collection of music from the region. Lea’s latest CD was nominated
for two Whammie awards.
This program is the third in CHIME’s 2002-2003 Music Around the
World in Your Neighborhood series of twenty-two free programs for all
ages at eleven libraries in all parts of the city, and marks the
conclusion of its first unit comprising music having American roots. It
will be followed with programs on music with Hispanic, Asian, African
and European roots, respectively. The series is partially supported by
grants from the Humanities Council of Washington and Friends of
participating libraries. We still seek donations to make up the balance
of the costs, including sponsors for taping for TV airing. For a
complete schedule of the series and for more information about CHIME
(Community Help In Music Education), including how to volunteer or
donate, visit http://www.chime-dc.org.
You can also contact us at info@chime-dc.org
or at 232-2731.
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The March of Dimes National Capital Area Chapter invites you to
attend a forum involving DC Council At-Large Member Candidates on
Tuesday, October 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the C.M. Sharpe Health
School, 4300 13th Street, NW. Moderator: Elliot Francis, Anchor, Good
Morning Washington (WJLA-TV 7). Meet and talk with the candidates and
participate in the question and answer session. For more information
call or E-mail Dona Dei at 703-824-0111, ext. 14, or ddei@modimes.org,
or call Betty Ann Kane, consultant, 546-9062. The March of Dimes is a
nonpartisan organization that does not support or oppose any candidate
for pubic office or political party.
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CLASSIFIEDS -- RECOMMENDATIONS
Can anyone suggest organizations which might need a furnace or
appliances? I have a working washing machine, dryer, two refrigerators,
and electric stove and a gas boiler in excellent condition available for
donation. Call 362-5544, fax 362-1108, or E-mail.
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Renovating neighbors! I'm researching and writing an article for Old
House Journal magazine that deals with the removal of permastone or
formstone. That's the fake stone-like material that one sees applied on
many a brick or wooden townhouse here in DC; I would really like to talk
to or E-mail people involved with the process of removing it, and
especially photograph an upcoming removal-in-progress project for the
magazine; likely for the cover! Anyone planning on doing this in the
near future?
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