Friday Follies...
~First off, those loyal readers (yeah, all EIGHT of you...LOL) might have seen news stories recently (on TV) that talked about something I've blogged about a few times here...GAS THEFT.
Just this past Humpday, I reiterated what WOULD BE happening...and it looks like I'm right AGAIN.
But that's WHY all you fine people READ this blog anyway (to become forewarned AS WELL AS informed), correct?
WANE ran a spot last night about the increasing thefts (13 so far) from people's gas tanks.
We're almost equal to LAST YEAR'S TOTAL (14), and we're not even into MAY.
Nice to know WANE appears to be reading this blog now...at least it sure looks that way (a little hat tip would be nice, guys...I can always use a free plug)!
And gas thefts will be (again, as I stated previously) occurring ON our streets (gas stations have nice cameras, so smile next time you fill up...AND PAY), so if you've got a garage, best to park your vehicle in there, and LOCK the garage. That will at least slow down the die hard thieves. I mean it IS easy to get a universal remote that can read the code and possibly open your door (unless you have "rolling code" technology), but the trusty bar latch takes care of that,unless they come in through a window.
So as these thefts become more frequent (and you just KNOW they will), YOU (as a consumer) will have to get more creative...and steadfast to keep from becoming a victim of this latest criminal "fad".
And for God's sake...go out this weekend and buy a LOCKING GAS FILLER CAP. Take a run to AUTO ZONE or ADVANCE AUTO PARTS or HIRES and get yourself one of these little gems for EACH of the family vehicles.
The few bucks you spend on these caps to secure your fuel will far outweigh the loss you'll suffer from any two-legged, siphon-toting fuel sucker looking for some (of your) free gas.


Hey, like O'Reilly...I'm looking out FOR YOU.
You got a problem with that?
(Didn't think so)
~Next we have a story that appeared in today's paper. It was the annual NAACP Community Leader Award dinner (yeah, I "could" make some comment about "Hope you like fried pork rinds, collard greens and chitlins"...but I won't, 'cause I knew some black women that could REALLY cook GREAT food). What I will say is how wonderfully AMUSING the article was, and let me explain WHY (trust me, you'll LIKE this).
Our good old Reverend Michael Latham spoke last night, and I have to say that if I were an officer in attendance, I would have him arrested. I would go so far as to say that he should be charged with attempted MURDER OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. Here's the snippet that caught my attention:
(From the News Sentinel)
"I don't like it when anyone criticized African-Americans that have gave themselves to the community. We cannot tolerate anybody to take our leaders and criticize them publicly".
(Whew...that's even painful to type)
Now "Rev"...lemme "splain" something to you...
When former mayor Graham Richard voiced concerns over Mike Cunegin's work performance for the FWPD from 1980-2006, it was not to denigrate the man, but to call into question the WORK of the man...let's get THAT much clear, OK? Almost ANY police officer has been called on the carpet at SOME time for SOME reason, however small, because the ethical standard in this particular civil service occupation is supposed to be above reproach. They're ALL held to a higher standard, and anything that reflects otherwise WILL be noticed, and will come back to bite the officer, the department and the city right in the ass. It's that simple.
And though I feel Cunegin IS deserving of the award he received last night, there were questionable aspects to his appointment to Exec. Dir - Indiana Dept. of Corrections. Cunegin even admitted that much himself, as he stated that his resume was incorrect when he "embellished" a college degree notation (he's working on it).
And as I recall, Rev, you weren't doing all that stellar a job when you were hired on as chaplain for the Family & Social Services Administration, being paid TWICE what other chaplains were getting, working from Fort Wayne with little supervision. That's why the job was eliminated. And we won't even get into the Wal-Mart debacle, will we? By the way, you'll be happy to know that SHOPLIFTING at the SOUTHTOWN Wal-Mart has been steadily rising...wonder why?
Makes you wonder where the civic leaders really are, doesn't it?
Latham DID have something good to say about the FWPD's Chief York."York has worked closely with the NAACP to reduce complaints.", Latham said. Now I would take THAT to mean that you got him running scared and doing the "eggshell two-step", afraid of any repercussions that might escalate into civil suits against the department, and maybe that's why neighborhood's like MINE and those of Phil Marx aren't really seeing anything change for the BETTER...how am I doing SO far, Rev? Sound about right?
It's like this, Rev....if someone does wrong, you don't summarily dismiss it, or shove it to the back burner, no matter what the color of their skin is. We man up and deal with it as adults. That way, people LEARN from it, and don't (usually) do it again. We don't REWARD bad behavior, passing it off as acceptable in everyone's eyes.
That isn't progress. Get with the program, Rev.
Some good news did come from the awards dinner: Kevin Leininger and Dan Stockman both received an award (WTG, Kevin). The down side to that was that (FWPD Captain) Annanias Brooks also won an award, while Deputy Chief Nancy Becher did not. Gee, and here Brooks USED to be the SE quadrant "boss", and was taken (down) from that position to serve UNDER Becher's command. Hmm...wonder why?
The FWCS received an award, but NOT Wendy Robinson...curious. Ellis Funeral Home received an award (guess they've been SO busy lately), as did Wal-Mart (low prices AND high crime...Always) and Menards (Hovel Repairs R Us).
And to think that this city can do SO much better when it comes to REAL BLACK LEADERSHIP for it's community. Just think how much REAL PROGRESS could have been made if Vince Robinson or Pastor Bill McGill were head of the local NAACP.
Maybe the NAACP should update that acronym...get with the "times" and become more 21st century as well as politically correct.
Perhaps change it to:
the National Association for the Advancement of African Americans.
Let's see what that would look like...and if it would be any better.
NAAAA......doesn't work for me.

Now...what are we all going to buy this weekend?
(hint: it's a real fuel-saver )
Rrrrriiiiiight.......
And don't forget to stop by WENDY'S and offer your condolences for them having been bought out by ARBY'S...(damn shame - Dave Thomas is rolling in his grave)
Be Well, and DO have a safe weekend!