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Posted by MikeNaughton - Fri, May 24, 2013, 8:37 P

Home beer/ale/wine making

Are you interested only in Montague? Because there's the Valley Fermenters Club, which has been around for quite a while, based in Greenfield. They have a booth in the Round House at the Franklin County Fair every year, and I believe they have meetings and other events (years ago, they had a an occasional pig roast, but I don't know if they still do). If you're interested in "do it yourself", I'd start with them.

VALLEY FERMENTERS CLUB
Po Box 1047
Greenfield, MA,01302
 

Posted by kutter - Fri, May 24, 2013, 6:16 P

Home beer/ale/wine making

kutter Is there anyone out there who is home-brewing their own stuff? Laagers, ales, wine. mead, anything fermentable, who would be interested in getting together in a forum or in person from time to time, to sample and discuss methods, recipes or other general mayhem? I'm sure I'm not the only home-brewer in Montague and am curious if there are others out there with a passion for making their own stuff.
 

Posted by JeffSingleton - Sat, May 18, 2013, 7:54 A

Local Police

JeffSingleton Just to make a point, the numbers simply do not show that the DPW is wasting a lot of money. I was on the finance committee for about six years and their budget was virtually always in line with our revenues. I have seen no evidence that they spend excess money or have excess staff. I have sat on town meeting for over 12 years and quite a few people - including quite a few inclined to be critical of the DPW-have had numerous opportunities to make the case that it is overstaffed, which these scattered comments about four people filling a hole imply. Nothing.

There are important issues about some of the capital costs (trucks etc) and how they are financed (via reserves), the cost of health insurance (a big budget buster over the years but lower the past few probably due to competition between Blue Cross and the state insurance program, the GIC). But the notion that there are a lot of extra people filling potholes is just not supported by the numbers or by the observations of people who spend their time looking at this stuff.

I hesitate to get into an argument with someone who claims to always see four people filling a pothole. Would not say it never happens but the other day I saw two guys working on the road and yesterday I saw one person mowing the grass on town property around Montague Center. I have also seen one guy on a plow during a raging snowstorm.
 

Posted by patrick - Sat, May 18, 2013, 7:21 A

Local Police

patrick I hear you on the potholes, Mark. The way they fill them, and the man hours it takes, I think I'd rather see them left alone.
 

Posted by mark2 - Sat, May 18, 2013, 6:46 A

Local Police

mark2 I dare say the DPW waste their fair share of tax payer money. The classic three guys in the front of the pickup with one shovel in the back, is a real treat. I wish they filled the holes right the first time but where's the job security in that. the new water main they ran to the old Monty school was a real money saver. Keeping things in house like that was a bad idea.
 

Posted by nell - Fri, May 17, 2013, 7:33 P

black lab mix CHUCKIE has gone missing

hello all:
i just heard that a 73 lb. male mostly black dog (with a little white) named Chuckie has gone missing in the Greenfield/Montague area. he's microchipped by 'Home Again'. if you see him, their number is 888 466 3242.
wishing all pets well -
nell
 

Posted by Rob - Fri, May 17, 2013, 7:31 A

Local Police

I have less of a problem with 4 people filling a pothole because I only see them for less than a minute and I do not know what the job entails other than being in the street with the traffic not always paying attention.
Maybe the one holding his coffee is on a mandatory break and that they take turns taking their breaks to speed the project along?
My major concern is that they fill in the pothole correctly the first time.
 

Posted by mark2 - Fri, May 17, 2013, 4:22 A

Local Police

mark2 I don't think the PD was worried about the taxpayers wallet. They speed because they can period. 65 mph is the speed limit for everyone. And if they aren't on a call it applies to them as well. Personally I get more upset when I see 4 guys filling one pot hole in town. One guy holding a rake, one holding a shovel, one actually working, and one holding a coffee. Now that's one expensive pot hole crew.
 

Posted by Rob - Thu, May 16, 2013, 10:15 P

Local Police

Personally if I tried to use the excuse that I was trying to avoid overtime so I was speeding, I don't think I would get out of that ticket.
I always thought one aspect of a public official was to set a good example.
I do a lot of random driving on 91 and the majority of the people are staying under 70. I do 66 or 67 per my speedometer and I do pass a lot of people. People aren't flying down the road as much as they did 10 years ago. Maybe there are more speeders during rush hour. I do admit that traffic does seem to speed up going North once passed Northampton but that is usually due to the sudden decrease in the amount of traffic.
 

Posted by MikeNaughton - Thu, May 16, 2013, 9:46 P

Local Police

If your concern is $$, it may be cheaper for the officer to be driving faster -- $$ spend on gas vs. $$ spent on (maybe overtime) pay.

Anyway, isn't 75mph normal cruising speed on I-91?
 

Posted by Rob - Thu, May 16, 2013, 5:25 P

Local Police

I don't know why it irks me to see a local Montague police car speeding 75 mph on the interstate in Holyoke. There should be nothing so important that a police officer needs to be speeding espicially outside his jurisdiction. Maybe it is the total disregard of wasting fuel (that the tax payers are supplying) by driving at excessive rates of speed.
Sighting of Montague car #1 around 4:15pm heading north on I-91.
 

Posted by Aster - Tue, May 14, 2013, 3:53 P

The Heroin infiltration and what we can do about it

My thoughts about what to do about the local "scene" is to definitely have a greater police presence, perhaps including bicycle police. I t works in Northampton and in other communities I have been in.
I'm not advocating following and busting the local stoners but to have a presence in the community. Unfortunately this could result in "dealing" going more underground where it would be difficult to ferret out. Community watches can be very effective. Neighbors should be encouraged to inform police about any suspected drug activity especially if they know it will result in a safer community. Police as allies and not enemies would also be helpful. I think it would take a community forum to discuss this including safe ways to let law enforcement know without having any repercussions. I don't know if you all remember the poor young man that informed about some thefts in Turners a few years ago and wound up getting beaten to death by a baseball bat in front of a bunch of fellow classmates. Very sad.

This is your community folks. Take it back, own it and do your part to protect it.

I wish all we had to do was worry about school committees and the size of apartments ( I highly regard all the folks that work on these issues, by the way) but sadly that is not the case.
 

Posted by JohnTobey - Tue, May 14, 2013, 12:41 P

The Heroin infiltration and what we can do about it

JohnTobey @Aster

Interesting point about dual diagnosis. I know one can be mentally ill without drug addiction, but I would consider drug addiction a form or symptom of mental illness.

On the demand side, I would like to study what causes drug addiction. I don't accept "drugs" as the answer, do you? Happy people can use heroin and similar drugs without becoming addicted. Unhappy people tend to fall into addiction, whether it be to drugs, risk-taking, video games, booze, or whatever.

I don't have direct experience with drug addiction (thankfully) but I suspect all forms of addiction serve the "purpose" of distracting the addict from bad feelings: sadness, anxiety, anger, shame, etc. We notice heroin addiction more because of the resulting crime, but the underlying pain would still exist without drugs.

Obviously, I don't expect us to cure everyone's pain, and I have mixed feelings about the role of law enforcement. I'd list "education" among the areas to which to direct resources. I am grateful to the Recorder for this week's series and to this thread for opening the discussion.

By the way, I found this book enlightening with regard to the causes of addiction: The Globalization of Addiction, http://globalizationofaddiction.ca/ In a nutshell, "dislocation" (economic, social, etc.) increases addiction rates. "Psychosocial integration" (a sense of belonging) decreases addiction.
 

Posted by Aster - Tue, May 14, 2013, 6:34 A

The Heroin infiltration and what we can do about it

Well it looks like the poppy fields in Afghanistan are having an unsettling effect on our communities. I'm sure the Taliban would be happy to know this. They don't have to attack us overtly....just send substances to the more vulnerable members of our community, state and country to pump into their bloodstream. Instability and mayhem from within without even attacking us on our soil. This has been going on for a very long time.

It seems to me there are 2 parts to this problem : supply and demand - both in a seemingly unending relationship.

Since we can't solve the larger problem of supply from here in Montague, especially with corrupt CIA in the mix, perhaps the demand can be addressed by more law enforcement and drug treatment facilities.

Speaking from personal experience with a family member and observations of this state's facilities,
most addicts are not happy about being addicts. Many have a mental illness to begin with - dual diagnosis. In this state you can't get help in a drug treatment center if you have a mental illness. You can't get help for mental illness in our state psyche wards if you have a drug addiction. Very few facilities will help with a dual diagnosis. Jails don't solve the problem. Drug addiction is an insidious disease with a very long term rehabilitation that is often not successful. There are very few resources for the number of addicts out there that would willingly stop if they had help.The waiting list for treatment centers and sober houses is impossibly long.

I know my views are simplistic but with all the money spent protecting poppy fields in Afghanistan and elsewhere, it may have been better spent at home on prevention, law enforcement and treatment. Of course a grain of prevention is worth a pound of cure in the larger scheme of things.
 

Posted by JohnTobey - Sun, May 12, 2013, 6:35 P

The Heroin infiltration and what we can do about it

JohnTobey Meanwhile, on the other end of the pipeline, American soldiers in Afghanistan assure farmers that their poppy fields are safe. (http://www.wired.com.../afghan-poppies/all/)

The Taliban before 9/11 (that's Taliban I, before they morphed into today's Afghan opposition) had eradicated opium production. (http://www.nytimes.c...ng-opium-market.html)

"In my 30 year history in DEA, the major targets of my investigations almost invariably turned out to be working for the CIA." - Dennis Dayle, Chief of an elite DEA unit in Central America. (cited in http://www.capitolhillblue.com/node/13035, http://www.fromthewi...drugs/factsheet.html)

It is hard to digest these facts (claims? delusions?) but having digested them, I don't so much see cops as the long-term solution to drugs.

I wonder whether this agrees with what rock0 would have explained to mickjen. Maybe not.
 

Posted by rock0 - Sun, May 12, 2013, 1:41 P

The Heroin infiltration and what we can do about it

Hi mickjen:
I see that you do not want to speak to me. You have already made up your mind what I was going to say to you. Sad you did not give me a chance.
rock0
P.S. thats the end of my threads to this post
 

Posted by mickjen - Sat, May 11, 2013, 10:20 P

The Heroin infiltration and what we can do about it

mickjen The real facts of life? Is this where you tell me how hard it is to fight a drug war? That the police have limitations?

Springfield's obviously doing something right, as their violent crimes HAVE been reducing. I fear its going to take some serious violence here before people demand the police ACTUALLY start policing downtown.

If I sound resentful, it's because its been explained to me that the police need evidence. I hear and see it everyday. These kids brag about their dealers, or who robbed whom. Drug deals right on the street, in the parks, etc. If the PD was here, they'd see it too. Then maybe they could enforce some other laws downtown, like obscenity, jay walking and spitting..... Lots of out of state cars too and I'm not talking about Hallmark students...
 

Posted by rock0 - Sat, May 11, 2013, 9:59 P

The Heroin infiltration and what we can do about it

Hi mickjen:

I was a police officer for 18 years plus detective/DEA drug unit

. I would love to sit down with you and explain the real facts of life.

Email rock0@aol.com. We can get together and have a soda and I hopefully answer your questions.
Thanks
Rock0
 

Posted by mickjen - Sat, May 11, 2013, 7:14 P

The Heroin infiltration and what we can do about it

mickjen Just say this piece from 60 Minutes about Springfield, and noticed the Recorder is going to start a series Monday the 13th, on heroin in Franklin County. I haven't read it yet, but one of the repeat break-in thieves in downtown also wrote a piece in this week's Montague Reporter.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50146229n

I had personally met with Chip Dodge last summer, specifically to discuss the increasing crime and dealing in downtown Turners. He told me there was "no money" and to look to the GM Comm School Partnership. Funny, after another string of breakins, he announced a community outreach program. Well, I've left at least 3 messages with the "Drug Task Force" officer in the last 14 months, and still no call, no community groups, no cops on the streets (Increased patrols, in a cruiser, obviously isn't working, many a time the police have driven past screaming/noises they can't hear with the AC on and the windows up.....) Thoughts?
 

Posted by lithium - Tue, May 7, 2013, 3:48 P

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

Looks like I'm not going to make the signature requirement to get on the ballot.

My daughter broke her collar bone and I haven't been able to get out like I wanted.

I would need to acquire 29 within the hour.

A dream for another day, I suppose.
 

Posted by junkman - Tue, Apr 30, 2013, 9:38 A

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

junkman "If there is going to continue to be partisan elections [and there are] there [REALLY SHOULD BE] two parth organizations so that elections are reaally determined by the GENERAL ELECTION, NOT by a party caucus".

Good point. This board, town needs to know what the "other team" is thinking. I'm sure there are many people in town who are concerned. In my opinion, over the years it seems the sheep are always herded into one pen.

A poll of how many Republicans read this board may be in order. At least for a starting point to get the ball rolling.
 

Posted by mik - Mon, Apr 29, 2013, 2:47 P

Montague democrats to hold special election caucus for selectman May 16, letters of intent due May 6.

mik I heard there will be multiple candidates running. I'd love to see a debate between them all.
 

Posted by Clark - Mon, Apr 29, 2013, 2:37 P

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

I don't believe there has been a republican organization in Town since 2003 0r 2004. I think it just sort of ran out of steam and did,nt hold a caucus for a year two and there for became "defunct" !

If there is a renewed interest, someone/anyone ,should go to the Town Clerk and find out the process for re-starting the organization. There is a good deal of orgaizational support from the State Party as to what and how to do it.

If there is going to continue to be partisan elections [and there are] there [REALLY SHOULD BE] two parth organizations so that elections are reaally determined by the GENERAL ELECTION, NOT by a party caucus.

Good luck in OPENING up Democracy as it SHOULD be.!!! It IS a very do-able think with just a moderate amount of effort. ! Clark
 

Posted by lithium - Mon, Apr 29, 2013, 12:35 P

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

Rachael Roy ran a few years ago as a Republican against Boutwell.
 

Posted by junkman - Mon, Apr 29, 2013, 12:25 P

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

junkman I would hope Republicans would chime in from time to time. It's time to "play ball" with the the way the town is run. The "change" excuse is getting old. We heard this on a larger level over 4 years ago. The change, that I can see is change in my/your pocket.
 

Posted by newbie - Mon, Apr 29, 2013, 12:17 P

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

You don't see them on here because of the lack of respect shown to them by the 99% on here. Evidently if you don't vote "D" you don't know anything.. Just my HONEST opinion .
 

Posted by lithium - Mon, Apr 29, 2013, 11:07 A

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

Overall, things ARE on the right track. For instance, broadband in underserved areas of town. We've gone from Pat not knowing what WiredWest was to the proposal of committee. Things I think that the board should take a look at:
- trash collection complaints: erratic times, littering during pickup / driving away, etc.
- trains in Millers Falls have continued to be a problem and should be readdressed.
- Town Meeting: arrangement of town meeting warrants to give all articles a "fair shake" - move petitioned articles that generally require little discussion to the front, ie letters, requests to form committees, etc. I believe the fate of such articles would fair much better after long, heated debates. Also, article grouping doesn't always make sense and this leads to longer, unorganized meetings.

Also, lets put election into perspective, this is to fill the 3rd year of a 3-year term after the Annual town meeting and going into the bi-weekly schedule. There isn't time enough to enact many changes aside from transparency, openness/willingness to listen, and respect -- and that's all I can promise. So if that equates better to saying a "fresh face", perhaps that is what I meant.
 

Posted by junkman - Mon, Apr 29, 2013, 9:50 A

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

junkman M2.
I agree and wonder the same thing. It would be great if there were such a thing. I also wonder how many Republicans read this board and won't voice their opinions/concerns?? A level playing field should be in order.
 

Posted by MikeNaughton - Sun, Apr 28, 2013, 9:24 P

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

Call the town clerk -- she can tell you how many Republicans there are in town. I think there are more than five.
 

Posted by mark2 - Sun, Apr 28, 2013, 1:10 P

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

mark2 Is there such a thing as Montague republicans ? I think there is like 5 republicans in town. Lol
 

Posted by MikeNaughton - Sat, Apr 27, 2013, 9:35 P

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

Mike -

Thanks for this post. It helps me understand (a little) better where you're coming from, but to follow up on John Hanold's question, the only specific changes I see are a) ensuring that minutes are released in a timely manner (no argument there), and b) reducing the amount of town-owned property (again, no argument, but maybe easier said than done?).

Of course there will be "change" in the next election -- there will be a new selectboard member, whoever it is, and new people always mean _some_ change. And I don't see anything wrong with saying that overall things are going okay, but we need committed, energetic people to step up and keep the town going in the right direction.

But that's not what you said -- you said we need "change". Do you mean "change" in the sense of "new face", or something more, and (if so) what?

Thanks,
Mike N
 

Posted by lithium - Sat, Apr 27, 2013, 12:37 P

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

It was a quick note, John. Thanks for the inquiry. Since I'm "unenrolled", I can't participate in the caucus. I'm not sure I'll be able to gather the signatures, but I'm going to try.

Regardless of who gets voted in, there will be a change.

This is my outlook -

I believe a Selectman should
• Represent all residents of our community
• Support and work in cooperation with all boards and committees
• Bring together residents, boards, and committees to work for the future
• Listen to, and consider, differing points of view
• Provide leadership
• Be respectful - of everyone - always

As a Selectman, I would
• Respect people, boards, process, and differences of opinion
• Restore transparency in our town government
• Lead based on the will of the people, not personal agendas

I am running for Selectman because
• After two-terms as a Town Meeting member, I felt it was time to step-up.
• Citizens don’t deserve to be kept in the dark, I will ensure minutes are released in a timely manner - 5 months is not acceptable!
• We need to re-evaluate our position on Town owned property. We have too many town-owned properties that need to be flipped and put back on our tax roll.
• Above all else, as a homeowner and parent of two GMRSD students, I care deeply about Montague and its future.
 

Posted by jhanold - Fri, Apr 26, 2013, 9:18 P

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

Mike, you closed your announcement to run for the Selectboard with the comment "Now is the time to change the Town" so I guess you feel some part of current governance needs to be different.
Nevertheless, you are choosing not to share your ideas with us, in a platform or otherwise -- you want the public to tell YOU what to work on (or for). It's certainly a positive step to show you are open to others' views, but in local, state or national elections I can't possibly list what I want done (or not done) on all the issues that may come up. So I look for a candidate's general approach, political philosophy, or experience in similar situations.
Let us all know a little more about what changes YOU feel are needed, and why you would be better than writing in one of our neighbors. I appreciate contested elections, and if this turns out to be one I need a basis for choosing.
 

Posted by lithium - Wed, Apr 24, 2013, 10:34 A

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

Howdy, folks - your friendly neighborhood Mike Henry here -

I've taken out papers to fill Mrs. Allen's seat.

If anyone is willing to sign my papers, please shoot me an email and we can meet up after / before work. If the weather holds out I will be out this weekend around Food City.

Instead of ME telling YOU what my platform is, I want to know what YOU want from the Board. Now is the time to change the Town.

Thank you for your time.
 

Posted by newbie - Tue, Apr 23, 2013, 1:46 P

Arnie’s

Thanks MJ. It sounds interesting... Ed
 

Posted by mickjen - Tue, Apr 23, 2013, 1:01 P

Arnie’s

mickjen I think it's called Madison on the Avenue. Seems to be local artists and thrift store type stuff. He opened a few weeks ago, with the Riverculture Where I Live event. I got some funky things for GREAT prices.
 

Posted by JayDiPucchio - Tue, Apr 23, 2013, 11:15 A

MONTAGUE DEMOCRATS TO HOLD SPECIAL ELECTION CAUCUS FOR SELECTMAN MAY 16, LETTERS OF INTENT DUE MAY 6.

As a result of a recently declared vacancy in the office of Selectmen, Montague Democrats will hold a special caucus to select a candidate for Selectman on Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 6:30 to 7:00 PM in the 1st Floor Meeting Room of the Town Offices, 1 Avenue A, Turners Falls. Successful candidates receive the party nomination to appear on the Tuesday, June 25 town election ballot for Selectman along with the special Senate election held on the same day. Caucus voting is by paper ballot.

Only registered Democrats may run in this, what amounts to a primary election for local offices. Democrats who wish to run in the caucus must deliver their intention in writing to Democratic Town Committee Chair Jay DiPucchio by 5:00 PM, Monday, May 6. Notice may be by mail, email or in hand. Verbal declaration cannot be documented and is not acceptable.

Individuals choosing to run without Democratic party nomination should check rules with the Town Clerk. Occasionally, candidates for the caucus nomination also gather signatures for nomination through the Town Clerk process so that they can still appear on the June ballot if they are defeated at the caucus.

By the Democratic Town Committee’s vote following the 2003 caucus, registered un-enrolled voters also may vote in the Democratic caucus. No absentee balloting is allowed. All caucus candidates must be present at the end of balloting (or make other arrangements with the Chair) or their election may not be certified.

The first floor meeting room of the Town Office is wheelchair accessible by elevator entrance at the rear of the building, or by the front door

Questions/Letters of Intent?
Jay DiPucchio, Democratic Town Committee Chair
35 Central Street
Turners Falls, MA 01376-1326
413-863-8656 eves.
 

Posted by newbie - Tue, Apr 23, 2013, 10:14 A

Arnie’s

Has somebody taken over the store on the Ave.? Saw some stuff in there when we were in town. Thanks Ed
 

Posted by junkman - Mon, Apr 22, 2013, 12:19 P

Stuff

junkman "The FBI interviewed the older brother a couple of years back, before he radicalized. The younger brother appears to have just been along for the ride. So, unless you want them to arrest and detain every single person who was born in an eastern or Arab nation, I think they did ok. Innocent before guilty, right? Isn't that the mark of a free society? Give me liberty or give me death? Are you against that? WHY DO YOU HATE FREEDOM?!?"

Who ever brought up eastern? Of Arab? I didn't. Innocent before guilty? I ask. Proactive or lax? The signs WERE there. Ahhh. It will never happen right? As for freedom. No. I don't hate freedom. It seems you are analyzing too much?

As for Joe L, I think he spoke his mind with a little twist. But then again... I'm no mind reader nor do I pretend to be one.

Your opinion on conservatives is all wrong. You mention Dick Chenney, Rick Perry, and Social Security. You not once mentioned Bloomberg trying to buy votes. B.O. trying to ram through gun control, and failing.

I'm NOT trying to get ANYONE going. Just stating the way what you call a conservative may see it.
 

Posted by JohnTobey - Mon, Apr 22, 2013, 10:27 A

Porting the site

JohnTobey FWIW, I could help port custom features and import old topics from the present system, too. SMF supports polls and calendars out of the box and galleries via add-ons. http://wiki.simplemachines.org/smf/Calendar http://wiki.simplemachines.org/smf/Poll

Just puttin' it out there.
 

Posted by mik - Mon, Apr 22, 2013, 8:27 A

Porting the site

mik John. Thanks for the tip. It's not likely I'll be porting this site over to any new software. What I have now includes way more than just a corkboard (which we are using as the message forum). It has calendars, file areas, photo galleries, polls, online forms, etc. It's been a while since I've modified the software any, but it still works enough for my needs. I have plans to write some upgrades in the next few months to make it more mobile-friendly (and maybe even an app!).

Interesting stuff, though.
 

Posted by mik - Mon, Apr 22, 2013, 8:23 A

Stuff

mik Joe... is that... sarcasm? :-)

I don't think anyone here called conservatives "butt wipes", though I did offer my own opinion on empathy just now.
 

Posted by mik - Mon, Apr 22, 2013, 8:07 A

Stuff

mik Junkman, DO NOT get us started on who knew what and did nothing about it, ok?

The FBI interviewed the older brother a couple of years back, before he radicalized. The younger brother appears to have just been along for the ride. So, unless you want them to arrest and detain every single person who was born in an eastern or Arab nation, I think they did ok. Innocent before guilty, right? Isn't that the mark of a free society? Give me liberty or give me death? Are you against that? WHY DO YOU HATE FREEDOM?!?

Ok, sorry. Just trying to lighten things up a bit.

I have to say that in my mind, one of the major differences between conservatives and liberals or progressives is that conservatives seem (politically) to have less empathy for the groups of people concerned in a political / fiscal issue. I'm not saying I'm more empathetic than anyone else, but you see it all the time in comments here and by conservative politicians. For example, Dick Cheney. He's a guy that would certainly have been against gay marriage... until his daughter came out. Rick Perry is against federal aid to cities or states that have experienced disasters... until his own state has one. This happens to bother sides, but it is most striking when it's a conservative who screams "NO!" until it effects them personally, and then they quietly, humbly, say "ok." Social security is a bane on this country, except when you're waiting for your own check, and then you want Obama to make the check bigger... 'cause it's YOUR check.

That's just my own opinion, of course.
 

Posted by joelandry - Sun, Apr 21, 2013, 10:16 P

Stuff

I am sick of the fiscal conservatives and the people that want the constitution to rule. You are butt wipes. Don't you know we have people that look at this site that think this is fox news. Oh my god. You need to stop pointing out facts that go against the majority. Shame on you. Just stop it. You are upsetting me.

I sure do like it when we talk about issues rather than trying to make the conversations nice and free of facts. At times the left has the best information and some times the right has the facts. Why are we talking about who is too sensitive to look at the other side. If they find the handful of conservatives on this site upsetting than they need to get a life and enter the real world. Life is real and has many sides.

Most of the folks are good people they may differ is some ways but they are still nice. Love ya
 

Posted by Rob - Sun, Apr 21, 2013, 9:59 P

Stuff

who knows if maybe the act of the FBI investigating them caused the resentment that ended up making them decide to become the type of people the FBI had been looking for.
How many people have been investigated by the FBI because someone tipped them off about odd behavior and possibly prejuidice.
There will always be questions that will never be answered to everyone's satisfaction.
The bottom line is that there is no excuse for the bombing. If there is no doubt to the younger brother's guilt then I hope justice will be served. (Personally an oobliette and may the act be forgotten as well)
 

Posted by junkman - Sun, Apr 21, 2013, 9:12 P

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junkman Lee Harvey Oswald denounced to Russia many years ago. The Government brainwashed him and look what happened. Lots of events have been happening since JFK. Look what happened last week in Boston... The FBI new the bomber(s) and dismissed him as a person of interest. Am I missing something?? Help me Obi Wan Kanobi Help me...
 

Posted by JeffSingleton - Sun, Apr 21, 2013, 7:02 P

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JeffSingleton And conservatives are fine unless you mention...... bar codes. Who knew? Learn something new every day on montaguema.
 

Posted by mark2 - Sun, Apr 21, 2013, 1:06 P

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mark2 Liberals are fine with you speaking your mind, just as long as it goes along with their own philosophy. If not they will call you names and get all pissy.
 

Posted by junkman - Sun, Apr 21, 2013, 11:58 A

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junkman "But it is what it is. At a certain point when it starts to read like a watered down version of Fox News most people around here are going to turn it off"." Phrases like this are what keeps the board going".

You have your opinion, and I have mine. Freedom of speech. Don't tread on me. Etc. Some people seem to analyze way to much. Maybe there is a pill for that?? If there is I hope one of the side effects don't include an elephant following you around all day.

Maybe the guy who threw stones at me the other day can figure this one out with his bar codes...
 

Posted by JohnTobey - Sun, Apr 21, 2013, 6:00 A

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JohnTobey Mik:

Let me know if you'd like help porting the site to SMF. http://www.simplemachines.org/
 


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