| the flag again |
| why is there such a big stink over the confedrate flag fith column tell us why its such a big deal im a black man and im not offended by it. its just a flag why lose sleep over who is flyin what flag dont you have anything better to do and as far as dave pincus how can he hold office it will take him his entire term to studder out four words |
| - early kyler |
 |
| Clear as Mud |
Hey Fifth C., You may have missed My last purposely ambiguous attempt to make people think. Confederate Slaveholders murdered nearly ten million, Federal genociders and land stealers murdered nearly ten million. So, “We” must call anyone on bigotry.
To answer Your question directly,
(1) No, I do not fly a confederate or an old federal flag, because of their genocidal practices.
(2) Buddy is not so academically motivated, He is probably imitating the “Dukes of Hazard”, seriously.
(3) Our Uncle Louis has never held a news conference to denounce anything. He only reacts to the gossip cliques with answers calculated by his handlers for their self serving agendas.
Mr. Pincus, the voters and the next generation should concentrate “on the answers” to that list of issues described below. That is the best way for all of Us to “win”. I know My Uncle won’t. He never did. |
| - Mike W. Boitano |
|
| clearing things up |
I wasn't calling Mike W. Boitano out on the Confederate flag issue - I was calling out Brian Boitano. I was hoping both Mike W. and Louis would agree (for once) and denounce him together for flying. As this has not happened, I think David Pincus should play the race card - it's his only chance now getting that lame duck supervisor out of there.
By the way "4th Estate," my tag The Fifth Column DOES mean something. If you read those strange collections of bounded paper they keep at libraries (which are clearly so foreign to you) you might know that.
|
| - The Fifth Column |
|
| Major issues facing Amador for decades |
1. Alternative energies now, not someday. ‘Salmon ladders’ hydro electrics, solar, geothermal, biomass, wind, biofuel.
2. The ‘youth and brain’ drain.
3. The tailings pile at Jackson Gate, plans for a “recreation and community facility” on top of, or near it.
4. The botched casino agreement(s). The simplest solution? “Off reservation, casino sites” at the county line. This demonstrates the incoherency of board policy, lacking of reporting, public apathy.
5. Water Use. Bear river extension, grey water options lagging.
6. Failure of Jackson to examine the Busi Family proposal that their ranch accept waste water, collapsing argument for another golf course and subdivision in exchange for waste water capacity.
7. Lack of higher education, manufacture, industry, a large commercial base.
8. Urbanization, commuting and emergency service(s) pressures.
9. Trashing Kirkwood’s environment with expanding development.
10. Silver Lake’s future - rights for Amador, not EUD domination.
Supervisors forum tonight…
|
| - Mike W. Boitano |
|
| The Confederate Flag vs. The Federal Flag |
The issue of the confederate flag has wedged itself into this conversation. I had ignored the comment directed at My ‘flag use’. I felt uncomfortable. Now, I see it is more than uncomfortable, it must be dealt with.
Let’s educate Ourselves then about these flags, before I go and tell today’s generation how to be “American”. You all have read the “history accounts” of the victors, now how many know the other side of the story?
Confederates - Possibility of over one million dead by war’s end, They believed “the struggle” was over State’s Rights.
Africans brought to America - Possibility of over eight million dead by war’s end (1492-1865). They believed “the struggle” was over Human Rights.
Federal Indian Policy for Native Americans - Possibility of over ten million dead by their war’s end (1492-1875). They believed “the struggle” was Surviving.
Looks like both camps have to admit mistakes. |
| - Mike W. Boitano |
|
| I agree, Sir |
Howdy Folks, (I’m back from a work hiatus…)
National issue -
I agree Colonel Repya. If the Iraqis want Democracy, they must fight for it.
I disagree with insensitive remarks on the Red phone back and forth towards service members families. One can disagree with the issues of the war, One should not verbal abuse those serving or their loved ones.
Local beat -
I disagree with the concept of running for political office, but I can not shun My responsibilities to be politically active. “Telling the next generation what to do?” Maybe here I agree with Joe, it’s better to lead with a good example.
The flag flap? that will be tackled next… |
| - Mike W. Boitano |
|
| Part 1 |
Two weeks ago, as I was starting my sixth month of duty in Iraq, I was forced to return to the USA for surgery for an injury I sustained prior to my deployment. With luck, I'll return to Iraq to finish my tour.
I left Baghdad, and a war that has every indication that we are winning, to return to a demoralized country much like the one I returned to in 1971 after my tour in Vietnam. Maybe it's because I'll turn 60 years
old in just four months, but I'm tired:
I'm tired of spineless politicians, both Democrat and Republican, who lack the courage, fortitude and character to see these difficult tasks through.
I'm tired of the hypocrisy of politicians who want to rewrite history when the going gets tough.
|
| - I Agree |
|
| Part 2 |
I'm tired of the disingenuous clamor from those that claim they 'Support the Troops' by wanting them to 'Cut and Run' before victory is achieved.
I'm tired of a mainstream media that can only focus on car bombs and casualty reports because they are too afraid to leave the safety of their hotels to report on the courage and success our brave men and women are having on the battlefield.
I'm tired that so many Americans think you can rebuild a dictatorship into a democracy overnight.
I'm tired that so many ignore the bravery of the Iraqi people to go to the voting booth and freely elect a Constitution and soon a permanent Parliament.
I'm tired of the so called 'Elite Left' that prolongs this war by giving aid and comfort to our enemy, just as they did during the Vietnam War.
|
| - I Agree |
|
| Part 3 |
I'm tired of antiwar protesters showing up at the funerals of our fallen soldiers, a family whose loved ones gave their life in a just and noble cause, only to be cruelly tormented on the funeral day by cowardly
protesters is beyond shameful.
I'm tired that my generation, the Baby Boom -- Vietnam generation, who have such a weak backbone that they can't stomach seeing the difficult tasks through to victory.
I'm tired that some are more concerned about the treatment of captives than they are the slaughter and beheading of our citizens and allies.
I'm tired that when we find mass graves it is seldom reported by the press, but mistreat a prisoner and it is front-page news.
Mostly, I'm tired that the people of this great nation didn't learn from history that there is no substitute for victory.
Joe Repya, Lieutenant Colonel. U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division
|
| - I Agree |
|
| Part 3 |
| Joe Repya, Lieutenant Colonel. U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division |
| - I Agree |
|
| MWB |
| I miss Mike Boitano! Mike where have you been! |
| - Mike Fan!!! |
|
| Upset parents... |
| I understand why "Military Parent" is upset. She is no doubt going out of her mind with her son being in the military...After reading Raheem's editorial I can say without a doubt that he was poking fun at the community members who have made a point to suggest he was a terrorist. Raheem has been the punching bag for the local red necks. Military Parent my heart goes out to you...Bless your military child... |
| - Heather Young |
|
| Alright Joe, but here's what MP doesn't get |
| Joe, you and I are agreeing to a certain extent - and your points are well taken. I just find it ironic that "Military Parent" is attacking the paper's editor over not caring about our troops when the same issue in question also included an entire feature article about remembering the life of Amador's first soldier killed in Iraq, as well as a touching letter to the editor about that same young man. Are we supposed to believe Mr. Hosseini had nothing to do with those parts of the same issue "MIlitary Parent" is so enraged about. Frankly, I can't see why anyone would want to work for the paper while dealing with readers as short-sited and intellectually challenged as "Military Parent." |
| - Tire of False Patriotism |
|
| Tired of false patriotism |
I agree, too many in our society are overly sensitive and can’t take a joke. Laughter can be the best medicine, but I also think the comedy should be left up the comedians. Right or wrong, those of us who are closer to the war than others are more sensitive to “comic” commentaries made about it.
I have a friend who lost his son two years ago in Afghanistan, another whose son is currently in Iraq, and our son who may be deployed to the Middle East in November. The greatest fear of any parent is the loss of a child. We are part of that free thinking society they protect, and hope we won’t be labeled as “false patriots” if we voice an objection to someone using the “war on terror” to get a laugh, it just hits too close to home.
|
| - Joe Dirickx |
|
| More like 'moron parent' |
| So the paper's editor can't even make a joke now? Wake up - every comedian in the country is making jokes about terrorism and the war. This does not mean they don't realize the threat, or appreciate our brave troops - this simply means it's a fact that human beings need humor to cope with tragedy and reflect on things that are beyond their normal understanding. By the way "Military Parent," how do you know the editor doesn't have relatives risking their lives to protect you? Shame on you for using your son to grant you the title of though-police. You know what makes ME want to vomit, that you don't believe in the free-thinking society your son is defending right! now. |
| - Tired of false patriotism |
|
| Raheem |
I don’t know if Raheem was trying to be funny, sarcastic, or what, but referring to himself as a member of a “sleeper terrorist cell”, who in real life are a clear and present threat to the entire free world, to make a point disgusts me.
He can write anything he wants, but who gave him that right?, our son and all his fellow Comrades-In-Arms who are putting their lives on the line everyday to protect this supposed Journalist’s right, and who seems content with letting others do his fighting to keep ink in his pen. The whole thing makes me want to vomit.
I suggest he chooses his analogies, words better in the future.
|
| - Military Parent |
|
| Sutter Creek PD |
"I live in Sutter Creek and Chief Duke does not have his officers engage in this kind of petty extortion either." Mark D.
Are you kidding me? Sutter Creek PD are the most unprofessional, disrespectful, uncouth officers in Amador County.
They get their attitude straight from Mr. Duke who is more interested in empire building than doing his job!
If anybody can explain why Sutter Creek needs as many officers as they have, beside revenue generation and empire building, it'd be a first. |
| - Neil Smith |
|
| I love Mark D |
| He is the butter on my toast. |
| - Lovin Butter |
|
| Just a thought, Thorton |
| Of course laws need to be enforced. But every cop knows the distinction between "the letter of the law, and the spirit of the law" - meaning some minor offenses don't need to be pursued with totalitarian vigor; especially minor infractions. Regular citizens would rather their peace officers focus on serious threats to the peace (and there are many in this county) than trying to meet self-imposed ticket quotas by harassing soccer moms (as the motorcycle cop is now famous for). Why do you think so many residents of Ione are lobbying to disband their own P.D. in favor of sheriffs deputies? |
| - Mark D. |
|
| To Mark D. |
Thanks for the clarifiacation. Maybe you are not the Law abiding person I thought you were. I think you missunderstood Sheriff Ryan. Yes they carry ticket books and they enforce the traffic laws too. They have primary traffic responsibility in Plymouth and Amador City unless that has recently changed. They even have RADAR for those areas. I'm sure the Sheriff meant that they GENERALLY don't engage in traffic enforcement. And yes Sutter Creek P.D. writes tickets too.
And "Extortion"??? That's Nuts. "Don't Speed, Don't get a ticket" Ain't extortion. |
| - THORNTON CONSOLO |
|
| Traffic Enforcement |
Laws are made for that segment of society that is unable to distinguish the difference between right and wrong, or just don’t give a damn what affect their behavior may have on others.
With the number of vehicle accident fatalities in Amador County each year alone, unless you have the, if it isn’t a friend or family member of mine, better them, not me attitude, I would think everyone would be pleased with the extra traffic enforcement.
There is really no way to calculate the number of lives that may have been saved by stopping that ‘speeder’, but I bet they slowed down afterwards.
|
| - Joe Dirickx |
|
| Clarification to Thorton |
| Mark Daniel is my first and middle name. I wouldn't want your friend to think someone is posting under his name. In fact, I'll just post under Mark D. so he can post too if he wants. In regards to the tickets be written, you are dead wrong when you say the Sheriff's Department is writing them too. They are not. In a recent public appearance for the ACHS, Sheriff Ryan said himself that his officers didn't have the time, money or resources to worry themselves with minor traffic infractions. That is why his men are generally more respected than Jackson P.D. Also, I live in Sutter Creek and Chief Duke does not have his officers engage in this kind of petty extortion either. |
| - Mark D. |
|
| Traffic Enforcement in Jackson |
| I still have to stand by the P.D. They need to keep a lid on the speeds in town. Many drivers and pedestrians are elderly. The Sheriff's Department and Highway Patrol enforce the traffic laws in Jackson coincidental to the enforcement in the county areas. The DualSport bike is to assist with patrol of large open areas that the city has recently obtained. I believe that the money for the Motorcycles was mostly gifted to the city. I doubt if the citations being dealt out by these officers are marginal. I find these officers to be experienced, well trained, dedicated, and more importantly reasonable. If you get a citation from them I am sure you deserve it. Mark I know you to be a law abiding man yourself. I think you and your family deserve good protection. I am sure that few of the violators are locals. |
| - THORNTON CONSOLO |
|
| regarding the Park, and MC cop |
| I don't know if the writer is referring to Petrovich Park when they say "Friendship Park" - but there ARE problems with Petrovich Park. I feel sorry for the many parents who take their children to Red Dragon Karate (a fine establishment by all accounts) who have to lead their kids past all of the shady and often disrespectful bar-trash who hang out in the park, or in front of the Fargo club or on the steps of the National. The children are clearly seeing and hearing things on their way in they shouldn't. In respect to the motorcycle cop - I agree with Jim that it's a disgrace the department bought an off-road bike. Why? I also agree they waste all their time writing chicken-S. tickets rather than keeping an eye on the real threats. |
| - Mark Daniel |
|
| motor cop |
| C,mon the city has lost so much revenue they are figuring little ways to get some of it back. Like the little parking meter cop who tickets everyone downtown, hence people go to Martell and Sutter Creek to shop where there are no parking meters, and they now avoid Jackson because of the motor cop. The only accidents are out by Longs all the time. The cop HIDES across from tru value, in the shade of course, and tickets unsuspecting folks going a little over the limit. I have no grudge, he hasn't ticketed me cuz I obey the speed limits. And why do they need an off road bike ,too. Must be a lot of crime off road. It's a joke, Thornton, give me a break. |
| - jim |
|
| Friendship Park |
| Friendship Park has become a playgroud for drug users, drunks, and hookers. Located just feet from the park is a karate dojo, where children attend daily. This enviornment is toxic to our children and action needs to be made. |
| - Anti-hookers and Loons' |
|
| Traffic Enforcement in Jackson |
I don't get it. The city sees that the traffic conditions are getting worse in Jackson with traffic levels worse that "C". So Jackson Police Cheif Morrison correctly deploys a well trained and experienced motorcycle officer with the mission of enforcing the traffic laws in Jackson. This has the effect of making the streets safer for everyone.
The people need to understand that the violation of traffic laws is what causes almost all accidents. I don't get it when critics label the officer "overzealous". Just because he is in a target rich environment doesn't mean he's overzealous. Sounds more like he's doing his job and doing it well. I say if you drive in Jackson SLOW DOWN and obey the law. Then you won't have to worry about Officer Capaz. Maybe you should appreciate the work he does. You and your loved ones benefit directly from his performance. |
| - THORNTON CONSOLO |
|
| RE: Keyboard commando |
While I personally would like posters to be brave enough to attach their real names, the Red Phone will remain as is for now. We'll just have to hope people don't abuse the freedom (which, juding by recent comments, isn't a safe bet).
In the meantime, we'll continue to only approve comments with full names and email addresses for individual stories. For those of you who find the Red Phone intellectually lacking - and I can't blame you at the moment - I'm hoping you'll find a viable alternative in sharing your thoughts on specific stories.
I should also note that there have been several great story comments that I haven't approved because they were either anonymous or posted under obvious pseudonyms. Come on people. Don't be so timid. |
| - Raheem Hosseini, Editor |
|
| fifth column |
| Come on, why dont you go down and picket the guy flying the Confederate flag in Jackson too? Last time i checked, this was America and you could fly any flag you want to. How do you know Louie even likes this Buddy person? Who cares what Louie's nephew thinks? And its hard for Barry Oboma to dissavow someone whose church he sat in for twenty years. Get real dude... |
| - Fourth Estate |
|
| Take a lesson everyone! |
| Today Obama has officially disavowed himself from Rev. Wright and will no longer acknowledge his existence. This is all we proud, patriotic Republicans have been asking of Mr. Obama - and if my liberal nemesis is going to step up and do this, than I damn well expect my County Supervisor to do the same will his bigoted friend. There is little difference between hate mongers like Rev. Wright and Confederate Flag-waving yahoos like Buddy Biotano. As far as I'm concerned, Supervisor Biotano has one week to hold a press conference and repudiate Buddy, if not declare that he's dead to him - or I will be forced to throw all of my support behind David Pincus. If we conservatives talk the talk, we must walk the walk. |
| - The Fifth Column |
|
| Red Phone |
| I disagee with the registration idea. The identity is not important, it's the ideas and issues that are important. Some may not have the freedom to speak their minds openly except in a forum of this type. When I used my real name, some one else appropriated it and was posting with it. Madam Pantalon is a tip of the hat to a colorful character of early Amador history, not a malicious usage. (Check your local history). There are plenty of legitimate local issues to discuss rather than sniping at each other. |
| - Madame Pantalon |
|
| Erik Christeson |
| I totally agree with you. This is supposed to be a mature forum. I thought we were adults...lets keep it that way. |
| - My real name: Heather Young |
|
| to steve |
| Obviously the casino has the money to reconfigure the hotel to meet the requirements. If someone wants a drink badly enough they will walk the short distance to Main St anyway. There is merit in my comment if the project is done properly and who says the saloon has to remain operating. There is a back door near the JPD. There are drawbacks and issues but nothing that money would not overcome. A rehab ctr that is also preserving a landmark of history better than a parking lot where that building has stood for 150 yrs. |
| - Save the National |
|
| Wow... Just Wow |
Boy, the Red Phone has sure gone to pot!
How about requiring registration/confirmation of identity before allowing people to post?
This would eliminate hiding behind fake and not so funny names (Madam Pantalon & Fifth Column).
I guarantee half the posters here wouldn't have the intestinal fortitude to say in public what they say on here.
The very definition of "Keyboard Commando".
(BTW: Below's my real name, feel free to come talk to me out in the real world!) |
| - Erik Christeson |
|
| Whose Responsibility? |
This is one final comment about Brian "Buddy" Boitano, after which I hope this matter can be put to rest. I have met Mr. Boitano and agree with the fifth column that he is a big redneck hick. The point upon which we disagree,however, is whose responsibility Buddy is. He is a grown man who is responsible for his own actions. The simple fact that the two share the same blood does not make it the responsibility of the supervisor to control Buddy's actions.
This is Amador County. If you stay around long enough, you're going to find a few rednecks. If you have a problem with that, it is your responsibility to take it up with them, not to attemt to tarnish the name of their kin in a public forum. |
| - Mal Drake |
|
| RE: Alternative rehab center |
| Putting a drug and alcohol rehab center downstairs from a bar? Wow, genius. How about convening an Overeaters Anonymous meeting at McDonald's? |
| - Sarcastic Steve |
|
| Alternative rehab center the casino passed on |
| The casino property manager passed on a very viable alternative to mucking up a residential neighborhood. This the National, they could have all the sleeping and meeting spaces they wanted using the lower floor with access in the rear by the creek and separated the saloon area while keeping it and it's Main St entrance open to the public. The preservation and revitalization of the National would have contributed to the economy recovering of main street. |
| - Save the National Hotel |
|
| Red Amendment |
| By taking a look at some of the most recent posts, it's clear why the Republican party is in trouble: It's made up of crazy people! As a proud progressive, I say let them snipe at each other about Confederate flags, the "liberal media" (ooh, booga booga) and their psychosexual obsession with guns. Me, I'm just glad the First Amendment and Red Phone got together. Otherwise, where would we all go for some mindless entertainment? |
| - Not a Boitano |
|
