Happy Memorial Day! View from the Garden State Parkway in NJ. Proud to be an American. 

 

(Left click photo to make it larger.)

 

Photo credit:   Ben Vitale

 

 

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Conviction by Comment Box
Ben Vitale

The Internet has given birth to a new type of government that has the power to condemn a person on the basis of hearsay, rather than fact. In the “old obsolete type of government that we once had,” a person was presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This type of government was too inefficient and too expensive to manage.

It is now acceptable practice to both prosecute and convict an individual, via a mechanism called a “Blog Comment Box.” The beauty of the new system of government is that it is very efficient; no facts, judge, jury, lawyer, or testimony is needed to get a conviction. Testimony by the accused or his legal representative is not required to get a conviction. 

This new form of government gets its roots from a practice that was common, many years ago; it is called “A Lynching.” If two or more people independently decide that you are guilty; you are indeed guilty. The two people that decided that a person was guilty, would then empower themselves to arrest and execute their subject. God help us all “people.” Look what you have done!

I might mention that the old laws that pertain to liable are still in force. If anyone makes a damaging statement, in a comment box, against another person, he is still subject to a law suit. If you did not use the word “opinion,” in your accusation, you could be sued for liable.

What are your thoughts about Comment Box justice?

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Debris From Superstorm Sandy Recycled
Ben Vitale

 

(See Video at link below)
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FQA_9eg8ic&feature=youtu.be

The “Hurricane Sandy” debris, from Fire Island, is being delivered to the Sandspit Marina, in Patchogue, NY. At first glance I thought that the debris was being taken off of the Barges and dropped directly into Dumpsters. I later learned that the Sandspit was actually a staging area, where the debris was being sorted and delivered to the appropriate agency for re-cycling.

This operation is actually a fine tuned, multi-agency effort. All sorted debris is not permitted to leave the staging area unless it passes an inspection. I believe that FEMA and the EPA are at the Sandspit, to make sure that each Dumpster only contains the prescribed debris. Special care is being taken to be sure that the “Wood Debris,” does not contain any Plastic materials. Plastic when burned is toxic. If an inspector does not approve a Dumpster, as being free of any foreign matter, the contents of that Dumpster are unloaded, and re-sorted.

I am generally not a big fan of anything that the government does! I have always held the opinion that the Government is not capable of doing anything right! In this case our government is indeed doing a world class job at re-cycling the debris created by “Sandy.”

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Please Prevent another Civil War
Ben Vitale

When I studied American History in grammar school I was upset and angered to find out that the United States was at war with itself! I vowed, at that time to never let that happen again. I was determined to never remain silent if this type of situation ever materialized. Unfortunately history is indeed repeating itself.

The latest practice of trying to force gun control legislation into law, in violation of our Constitution, has caused people and States to preemptively resist these laws. The problem is that many of the States have no intention of just handing over, their right to own guns to the Federal Government. That is; resist at all and any cost! This scares me; a person wrote in a comment box; “Let's just have the Civil War and get it over with already.” This is only the beginning of a chain of actions by multiple states, that are in response to the threat to our Second Amendment rights.  

The states of Tennessee, Alaska, South Dakota, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Tennessee and Montana, passed “the Firearms Freedom Act,” That stated that their state is not subject to Federal firearms legislation.  http://firearmsfreedomact.com/   http://firearmsfreedomact.com/state-by-state/  The state of Wyoming passed a law that would fine and imprison any Federal Marshall that attempted to enforce Federal Firearms legislation in their state. There are about 20 other states that are considering similar legislation. Our Federal officials do not want to listen to what State officials have to say. “A Government, of the people, by the people, and for the people;” but our Federal politicians do not want to uphold that premise. Honestly; our elected officials swore to uphold the constitution of the United States! I believe that the politicians that do not uphold our constitution should be removed from office!

The Department of Homeland Security now has 2,700 armored vehicles in its arsenal. I was upset at first with this acquisition, but the DHS is in charge of Border, and terrorism security. If I were the DHS, I too would have acquired these vehicles as they became available from Iraq. We now have two Armies! I do not believe that the president should have total control of the DHS; too much control by any single person is not desirable.  The President has almost exclusive control of the DHS. I believe that a panel of Senators and Congressmen should be inserted into the DHS chain of command, to prevent a stupid directive from becoming a Civil War.  

Our government just purchased 1.6 Billion rounds of Hollow Point Ammunition; what does it plan to do with that amount of ammunition? Hum? 2,700 armored vehicles, and 1.6 Billion rounds of ammunition?  The Department of Homeland Security is not authorized to fight a foreign war, so it is slated to be used here in the United States. This has upset many “Conspiracy Theorists.” http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/02/14/why-is-department-homeland-security-buying-so-many-bullets/

Our politicians are first realizing the serious consequences of their actions, to force Gun Control, on states that have no intention of complying with Federal Law, if enacted.  Noted journalist Charles Krauthammer said, “Americans would revolt if Congress implemented sweeping, unprecedented gun control legislation.” Pat Buchanan suggested that this country could wind up in a revolution if the government continued with its assault on guns.

I am once again upset and angered! If the state of Montana imprisons a Federal Marshall for trying to enforce an unwanted gun law, what do you think will happen?  The department of homeland Security is charged to deal with insurrection, not foreign wars. The 2,700 armored vehicles and 1.6 Billion rounds of ammunition could be used on the people of Montana. That’s it; our government could be shooting at our relatives; American citizens.  If that doesn’t start a civil war, nothing will!

We must immediately insert a second line of control to the Department of Homeland Security; just to be sure a civil war is not inadvertently started by the stupid careless act of a single person. It is up to our Senators and Congressmen to intervene! We need a panel of Senators and Congressman, who have the absolute authority to control the actions of the Department of Homeland Security.

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Please Read Statement From Supervisor Ed Romaine Regarding Brookhaven Town’s Snow Removal Operation
http://www.brookhaven.org/PressRoom/tabid/56/newsid970/1798/Statement-From-Supervisor-Ed-Romaine-Regarding-Brookhaven-Towns-Snow-Removal-Operation/Default.aspx


The Town of Brookhaven Says That They are Ready for the Snow.

I do not believe that it is possible for Brookhaven to do a good job at snow removal. For Three decades I have seen the contrast between the snow plowing operations of Patchogue Village and Brookhaven Town. Brookhaven has never done an acceptable job; never! Look at the streets of Patchogue Village after a storm and you would think that you were in Miami! LOL. Brookhaven; Anchorage! LOL. Give me a break; it won't happen! I have heard that Patchogue Village is already plowing the streets; the snow has not yet started! That's a good work ethic! LOL


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Lighthouse Mission Brought Tears to my Eyes

Ben Vitale

The Lighthouse mission, in Bellport, NY, runs a Youth Program for children and young adults, that helps to bridge the gap between a street mentality, and a civil mentality that promotes positive thoughts and actions.

Unfortunately poverty breeds crime, guns, gangs, and drugs! The lighthouse Mission is succeeding in breaking a vicious cycle of dysfunctional friends, and dysfunctional neighborhoods, creating dysfunctional children and young adults.

The Lighthouse Mission runs Five youth and adult programs for ages: 18 Months through 4 years old, Kindergarten through 4th grade, grades 1through 5, grades 6 through 10, and a young adult homework help group, up to grade 12.

Most of the children and young adults that frequent the mission are from local Homeless shelters. These days, the Homeless Shelter has become the norm rather than the exception. A countless number of hard working people lost their Jobs because of the economy. These days, the Homeless shelter is on everyone’s Radar Screen.

I was invited to observe the grade 1 to grade 5, youth program session; and was completely “blown away,” with what I witnessed! The children socialized under a closely supervised group of volunteers. I was amazed to see Police Officers helping the children. Traditionally Police Officers are considered “the enemy,” in dysfunctional areas. The constant police participation in this youth program, has caused the children to perceive the police as friends instead of adversaries.

I saw a young child make a decorated paper bag, during a “craft session,” and give it to a police officer as a gift. At this point in time, tears came from my eyes! The police officer was also showing an emotional response; this simple gift was symbolic of a positive change in the perception of the Police Department, by our youth.  Not too long ago the area kids used to throw rocks at the police cars; now the Police are being perceived as friends! How wonderful!

The kids do crafts, play games, and are given food for lunch. In many cases this will be the only food that this child will receive all day.

Quoting Pastor Jim Ryan, ”Abuse, drugs, gangs, and crime is a real part of these children’s  lives.  We try to teach them that, Just because you come from that crazy lifestyle, it doesn’t mean that you have to be part of it.”

The Mission is a Christian based group; but instead of asking the children to say a canned prayer, the children are asked to write their own prayer! All  prayers are entered into a “Prayer book.” I was given the opportunity to read the Prayer Book.

One kid wrote “take care of my family. “

Another kid wrote; “keep my family safe and encourage me to do better.”

Another child wrote; “Make my mom better.”

Another youth wrote; “for my mom to find a job.”

Another child wrote; “for my mom’s foot to get better.”

Another wrote; “for my mom not to get sick again.

Children may act awkward, and speak in a non- articulate manner, but their minds are as sound as a rock. The prayer s above demonstrate that these children are indeed reacting to their environment. Children are not at all disconnected or stupid. Our children’s emotional stature could be more advanced than we give them credit for. This is scary! Is it possible that all of us should have been better parents?

 I am probably the world’s worst cynic; after visiting their youth program, I have become a believer. The lighthouse Mission has indeed had a profound effect on the lives of hundreds of our young people. Children learn by imitation, and are indeed being steered in the right direction by the Lighthouse Mission.

 The Lighthouse Mission is not funded by the government, and depends totally on donations. In addition to the youth program, the Lighthouse Mission distributes food to 4,000 people every month, 12 months a year. The Mission also distributes clothing for those in need.  

This group is not like some of the mainstream charities that show up with a food wagon for a week and soon disappear. The Lighthouse mission is there for the people 365 days a year, every year. I cannot imagine an organization more deserving of your support. If you can help with your monetary contribution, please call (631) 758 7584; also look at their Web site for program details; www.LighthouseMission.net

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The 5Th Precinct sent us another "Reminder:"

 about tomorrow's Community Meeting. There have been complaints about drinking and vandalism in our village; here is your chance to be heard.

 

Maple Avenue Neighborhood Watch

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: SCPD.5thPrecinctNewsletter
To:
Sent: Monday, January 7, 2013 4:46 PM
Subject: Reminder

Reminder

 

The next Fifth Precinct open community meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 7:00 PM at the Fifth Precinct, 125 Waverly Avenue , Patchogue.

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The Real Spirit of Christmas
Ben Vitale

When does the Christmas Holiday begin? I would guess that it begins when something triggers that feeling of fulfillment. My Seventeen year old Grand Daughter “Shared” a Facebook link to the insights of a famous, writer, Ben Stein. But what does that have to do with Christmas? Ben Stein is Jewish.  I have always admired Ben Stein’s viewpoints about the Jewish community and Christmas; because for a lifetime I have lived through almost identical experiences.  

Insights about Christmas from a Jewish writer? Hummm…   How is this possible? Honestly; after looking at the videos I actually felt the spirit of Christmas come upon me! You must view Ben Stein’s insights into Christmas and the symbols of Christmas such as the Christmas Tree. I have, for a lifetime,  experienced the combined joy of both Christmas and Hanukah, through my very dear Jewish friends.  (Be patient: you must first sit through a commercial, and then you must wait till the end of the “Christmas Hanukah” video, for it all to make sense.)

I am very proud of all of my Grand Children, and relish all of their accomplishments! In this case I am proud of my Granddaughter, because she “Shared” on Facebook, the ideals of the famous writer Ben Stein.  Mister  Stein’s ideals are without prejudice.  My parents brought me up without prejudice, and Ben’s ideals reflect my experiences as a young man in Brooklyn, NY. My Granddaughter, a young adult,  has demonstrated that she is also without prejudice.

My Christmas holiday has begun!

Tell me; did you feel the spirit of Christmas come upon you?

You might want to read another Christmas related article that was published last year; an article about a Christmas Tree.

 

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and Happy Kwanzaa! That’s the way it should be!


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Message from the 5Th Pct:

 

Fifth Precinct Open Community Meeting

2013 Schedule

Every First Tuesday of the Month*

 

·       January 8, 2013*

·       February 5, 2013

·       March 5, 2013

·       April 2, 2013

·       May 7, 2013

·       June 4, 2013

·       July 2, 2013

·       August 6, 2013

·       September 3, 2013

·       October 1, 2013

·       November 5, 2013

·       December 3, 2013

 

*The January Fifth Precinct Open Community Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8, 2013, which is the second Tuesday of the month as the first Tuesday of the month is a major holiday (New Years Day)

 

All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and take place at the Fifth Precinct, 125 Waverly Avenue , Patchogue.

 

Fifth Precinct Email Address:

 

SCPD.5THPRECINCT@suffolkcountyny.gov

 

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Three House Burglaries in North Patchogue.

Notice from the Maple Avenue Neighborhood Watch:

Be advised that Three homes were burglarized today; Thursday Nov. 29, 2012, in North Patchogue. The Burglaries took place on North Ocean Avenue, Patchogue, NY, about One half mile, north of the Sunrise Highway intersection.

My daughters home and about three other homes were burglarized last month, in the same area.

The MO is the same; they burglarize your home when you are at work; usually between Noon and 5PM.
This area is very close to our village. As soon as the Burglars run out of homes to burglarize, our area could be next.

Friends and neighbors; it might be a good idea to make sure that your burglar alarm system is operational.

MANW


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