110 W. New York Ave.
DeLand, FL 32720
386-734-4622
This amendment is a good idea
posted May 2, 2013 - 10:26:12am
Editor, The Beacon:
Only 27 amendments have been added to the U.S. Constitution. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.
I believe it is essential to our republic to enact an amendment known as the Fair Ballot Access Amendment. This amendment will apply only to federal elections, and will not infringe upon any state laws, county laws, or city laws.
There are only three offices that are elected federal offices: executive office which includes the office of president and vice-president, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Today it is almost impossible to elect any third-party candidate to any of these offices because of many high state registration fees, and because there is no nationwide standard that applies equally from state to state.
With the passage of this constitutional amendment, ballot access for all three federal offices will be the same in all states, and there will be only one fair and consistent set of rules.
This constitutional amendment will allow ballot access to any of these three federal offices by candidates who pay a ballot-access fee of $500 and collect 1,500 valid signatures in that district. A special exception for a party seeking the executive office will happen when a third party qualifies in one state, but does not qualify in another; in this case, a third party could be on the ballot in one state, but not another.
In 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012, only two parties were qualified for the executive office in all 50 states; they were the Democrat crooks and the Republican crooks. Even the well-organized Libertarian Party did not qualify in all 50 states.
The Democratic Party and the Republican Party have long-established paths of corruption that have been in place for more than 100, and the nefarious roots reach back in time even farther.
The Founding Fathers of the U.S. never intended for America to become a two-party tyranny like we have today.
The Beacon has a columnist who represents the left-of-center thought and many of the ideas of the Democratic Party, and a columnist who represents the right-of-center thought and many ideas of the Republican Party.
I would be very interested to read the views of these two individuals as they relate to this constitutional amendment. I truly believe this amendment is long overdue, and would make the illusion of a constitutional republic a reality after it becomes law.
R. Van Conoley
DeBary
What's happening to us?
posted May 2, 2013 - 10:24:58am
Editor, The Beacon:
The anniversary of the fall of Saigon on April 29, 1975, has a more general significance for the decline of American culture, in addition to the serious loss by the Vietnamese of their country to socialism.
The cycle of civilizations' rise and fall is recognized in theory, but its importance is dismissed as irrelevant in practice by the economically developed countries. Powerful countries feel immune to the decline of their cultures.
Starting as a people who gather with a purpose, and achieve victories in war early in their development (take the American colonies as our example), history shows repeated examples of population growth in the peace that follows, prosperity from trade, and exhaustion by successful (in the case of Rome) or unsuccessful (Athenians in Syracuse, Sicily) conquests.
Eventually, the loss of the culture's morality and social cohesion from an accumulation of wealth causes the civilization to leave its period of growth and begin its decline. Decline is evidenced by a loss of that culture's work ethic and respect for other traditional values, till a large number of its citizens lose even reverence for God. It ends in frequent civil disorder.
The preeminent written history of mankind, handed down to us by the Jews, contains a warning to our inner child, who is a civil libertarian. "A man falls but to rise, errs but to retrieve his path; how is it that this rebellious people of mine at Jerusalem [Paris, New York or London now serve just as well] has rebelled so obstinately? They cling to their illusion and return no more. Listen I never so attentively, wholesome word I hear none; never a man that repents of his sin, asks himself what his life has been. No, each one follows his own bent, reckless as warhorse charging into battle." See, Jeremias 8:4-6.
In our civil discourse, we need to leave behind the conceit that "it can't happen here," and defend the institutions, such as monogamous marriage, the sanctity of human life, and the rights of the people guaranteed by the Constitution.
Whether Interstate 4 gets 10-laned through Orlando is, at best, of only secondary importance.
Herbert S. Zischkau III
Deltona
Thanks to cancer-fighting team
posted May 2, 2013 - 10:22:25am
Editor, The Beacon:
After eight years, I got breast cancer again, which naturally was very depressing to me.
I want to send out a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Alvaro Alvarez of the radiation oncology team at Florida Hospital-Flagler, especially Dr. Alvarez, Lincoln Maynard and Tina Gourdin and other team members, for their professionalism and understanding and kindness during weeks and weeks of treatment, which made the whole journey bearable!
The writer asked that her full name not be used, to protect her privacy.
Thankful for work with dogs
posted May 2, 2013 - 10:21:18am
Editor, The Beacon:
Once again, we say thanks to Officer Gary Thomas and Deputy Chief Randy Henderson of the DeLand Police Department, for their work with the two dogs captured recently after killing cats in DeLand.
Everyone deserves a second chance; congratulations to someone with common sense, who asked "Would you kill a cat for killing a mouse?" These dogs were playing with the cats, not eating them. If, in fact the pups had been trying to kill these animals, the animals would have been eaten. Playing is what pups do.
Officer Gary Thomas has saved many lives because he knows animals and has a heart. Praise the Lord for him and for our DeLand Police Department, those who care.
The owners are the ones to be subject to incarceration, for animal abuse and neglect, which is abuse. I, for one, am getting tired of animals paying the price, rather than the people, including those who do not spay or neuter. Feed all you want, but spay and neuter those animals you are feeding; the cost is worth the lives. If you don't, you are responsible for the sad ending of so many kittens and pups.
Dog spelled backwards is God. Truly, dogs are man's best friend. They would never do to us what we do to them; they wag their tails and not their tongues.
These pups would lick the feet of those who left them to die and fend for themselves and would not even come forward to claim them.
Animals forgive and forget; we can learn much from animals if we take the time to listen.
Jeannine and Steve Colletti
DeLand
A bright hope
posted May 2, 2013 - 10:20:20am
Editor, The Beacon:
I felt the need to share something I experienced recently. I went to lunch with a friend, and while we sat chatting in the bustling restaurant, I noticed the large array of TV monitors, all playing various news channels while muted.
As I happened to glance up and see the news station broadcasting photos from the tragedy in Boston, I noticed the ribbon of newsfeed at the bottom in bright blue and large white lettering.
My eyes filled with tears from what I read. My friend glanced up to see what had caused me to succumb to sadness, but it was not sadness. For the first time that I've witnessed, the ribbon newsfeed did not display negativity, politics or stocks, but rather hope.
It read: "HUMAN KINDNESS SPIKES TO UNPRECEDENTED LEVELS SINCE BOSTON ATTACKS." My friends eyes filled with tears, as well, and a conversation followed between us about how it seems the world will always come together in the face of tragedy, hatred and violence towards others.
While I remain ever so hopeful, seeing and hearing about the magnitude of kindness enfolding everyone at this time, let us all realize that our human kindness can spike and should remain high every day of our lives to all beings.
Imagine — just imagine — the surge of beautiful, positive energy, peace and love that would encompass our hearts, humanity and our world if we all practiced unconditional love, compassion and kindness to everyone, every single day.
I know we have it in us to do this; let us make it so.
Maggie Marullo
DeLand
Gagging workers on factory farms
posted May 2, 2013 - 10:19:33am
Editor, The Beacon:
“Despicable, unconstitutional, ridiculous, immature, idiotic and mendacious.” And that’s just how Tennessee newspapers characterized the state’s “ag-gag” bill now awaiting the governor’s signature.
"Ag-gag" bills criminalize whistle-blowing that exposes animal abuses, unsafe working conditions and environmental problems on factory farms.
Instead of encouraging whistle-blowing and preventing these violations, ag-gag laws ensure that consumers and regulatory authorities are kept in the dark.
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota and Utah have enacted ag-gag laws, but such bills were defeated in eight other states, thanks to a strong outcry from the public and newspaper editors.
In 2013, new ag-gag bills were introduced in Arkansas, California, Indiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wyoming. The language has been invariably drafted by the infamous anti-consumer American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
Thirty newspapers and 60 national animal protection, workers' rights, civil liberties, public health, food safety, and environmental-conservation organizations have recently gone on record as strongly opposing ag-gag bills.
Our government must never restrict our right and obligation to know where our food comes from. For a recent update on the status of ag-gag bills, visit mfablog.org/2013/04/state-of-the-ag-gag-2013.html.
Wade Vaughn
DeLand
School inspections and child safety
posted May 2, 2013 - 10:18:48am
Editor, The Beacon:
I read about the health inspections that were done at our local schools, and that really got me mad to hear that someone from outside our school administration had to come in and find these problems.
Why are we paying the school principal and vice principals if they can't seem to be able to do their jobs? As taxpayers, we keep hearing the schools need more money to keep running. The teachers keep working for less and are always asked to do more. The administrative staff gets paid big money, and can't seem to make sure our schools stay clean and healthy for the children.
The staff and administrators should be forced to use the same toilets as the kids. I'm sure then things would change. When I went to DeLand High, if you got in trouble for something, you would have to go out and pick up trash. Make the students keep their schools clean.
If the staff members can't do their jobs, let's find new ones who will. You get paid to do a job, so do it. Stop looking to outsource janitors to contract companies that will cost us more later. If Margaret Smith can't do the job of running our schools, then it's time to find someone who can.
And, on the topic of kids getting to school and back home safely, teach the kids to use the crosswalks at the stop signs and traffic lights. The parents and teachers should pass this on. Drive around in the morning and after school, and watch the children walk down the middle of the streets, making cars go around them or blow the horn, asking them to move. And, doing so will sometimes get you the middle finger or a few choice words.
I keep listening to the news blaming the drivers, and saying we should pay more attention. It's always someone else's fault.
Have the school administration drive around and and see what the drivers put up with every day. Drive around Sparkman, Carpenter and Blue Springs avenues and see for yourselves. Just saying it for the rest of us.
Mike Cateriny
Orange City
Put the dogs down
posted Apr 29, 2013 - 9:50:01am
Editor, The Beacon:
I want to say to the people, including Stetson's owner and others in North DeLand who recently lost their cats to two vicious (wild) stray dogs, that I am deeply sorry for your loss.
I am an animal lover, but especially I love cats. We have adopted four stray cats and adore them. We have also adopted dogs and adored them.
I think these dogs should be put down for their acts. It is fortunate that these dogs did not kill a child or attack a jogger, which they could maul accordingly.
I am 65 years old, but when I was a child, we were always warned about "wild dogs" and what they could do as a pack. At least you never hear about "wild cats" killing people or mauling them, maybe a few lizards, rats, or birds.
Suze Peace
DeLand
Concerned about parent trigger
posted Apr 29, 2013 - 9:49:20am
Editor, The Beacon:
I'm a parent of three in Volusia County. I'm a member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), School Advisory Committee (SAC), and a former member of the District Advisory Council (DAC).
I would like to share some facts about the Parent Trigger Bill, which would allow parents to petition for drastic changes at F-rated schools, including converting them to charter schools. There are many issues that I have about this bill:
• There is no provision in the bill to switch the school back if the charter fails.
• Many of the charters in Orange County have failed with horrible results.
• Most charter schools can't handle children with ESE [exceptional-student education] needs.
• If a for-profit charter school takes over a public school, the charter assumes no responsibility for any loans or bonds for capital improvements or building of the school if new.
• Only 51 percent of parents at the school have a say in switching over the school, with no input from the community or other taxpayers.
• This bill will affect only about 5 or 10 schools in all of Florida.
Michael W. Putkowski
Deltona
Not that simple
posted Apr 29, 2013 - 9:47:47am
Editor, The Beacon:
Do we honestly think by firing Volusia County's school superintendent, our education problems will be solved?
Maybe you've signed PETE's petition, but realize we in the public are just as guilty for the school district's decline.
Unless we ourselves make the time to attend School Board meetings, provide voices for our school officials to hear, and act interested in our schools, any change in school administration won't produce the results we want to see.
It's time America made noise.
— "PETE's petition" is a petition being circulated by a Volusia County citizen group called "People for the Ethical Treatment of Education." The petition calls for a change in leadership in the local school system.
Thatcher legacy
posted Apr 29, 2013 - 9:46:30am
Editor, The Beacon:
As of this writing, Margaret Thatcher died two days ago. A lot is being said about her, some very good, some very mean-spirited.
The left in Britain and the U.S. press hated Margaret Thatcher. Liberals in Britain, according to last night's news, are throwing parties celebrating her demise.
All I know is that when she came into the office of prime minister in 1980, England's unemployment rate was over 13 percent. When she left office, it was about 5.5 percent. Her results speak to her ability to get labor back to work. Period.
Jim Mize
DeLand
Let's have true tax reform
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 1:12:49pm
Editor, The Beacon:
Were you watching the Super Bowl on Feb. 3? Did you know that, whether your team won or lost, America lost freedom on Feb. 3, specifically Feb. 3, 1913?
Feb. 3, 2013, marked the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which allowed Congress to impose an income tax on the citizens of this great country. The U.S. Supreme Court had earlier ruled that an income tax was unconstitutional.
So, why did the citizens at that time allow or support Congress in the ratification of this amendment? Because the politicians in Washington promised that they would only "tax the rich." Sound familiar?
In 1913, the first income-tax code, regulations and forms were four pages long. In 2013, the income-tax debacle will approach 74,000 pages long. It is so complicated that no one understands it, it's terribly inefficient, and Americans spend more than $450 billion and more than 6 million man-hours preparing and submitting their yearly tax returns.
That is money and time taken out of the family's budget that would be better used in feeding the family, paying for children's education and enjoying quality family time.
The income-tax code is unfair. Our progressive income-tax code, sold on the promise of taxing only the wealthy, now allows the richest to hire lobbyists to buy themselves special tax breaks and exemptions, supported by banks of tax attorneys.
The payroll portion of the income tax (FICA) is very regressive, hitting the poor more severely than the wealthy, making those in poverty even poorer by discouraging work and killing entrepreneurship.
While we can't change the past, we can change the future by encouraging our representatives in Congress to support true tax reform, which can be found in the FairTax Act of 2013, HR-25 and S-122.
The FairTax is nonpartisan legislation that replaces the income-tax system with a progressive, national retail sales tax. The FairTax is simple: no more IRS and complex tax code, or preparing and filing tax returns. It's certainly fair, since there are no exemptions or loopholes or lobbyists who peddle them, and everyone is treated the same. It is very visible, and you finally see the cost of government in every purchase you make. Your spending habits determine when you pay federal taxes, and there is no sales tax on used items. You keep your whole paycheck and income earned on savings and investments is not taxable. Plus, the consumption taxes paid on goods and service for the necessities of life are automatically rebated to citizens monthly. Everyone has skin in the game, and all are treated equally.
Sound interesting? Educate yourself by going to www.FlFairTax.org and www.FairTax.org. Find out why your representatives, U.S. Rep. John Mica (District 7) and U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis (District 6), are co-sponsors of HR-25. They understand that the FairTax is true tax reform that will create jobs and grow our economy.
Rudy Treml
DeLand
Outsource the administrators
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 1:12:07pm
Editor, The Beacon:
I was disgusted but not surprised about the deplorable conditions of our West Volusia public schools, many failing health inspections. It's easy to shift the blame on the janitors, but the problems seem to be systemic.
Are the janitors to blame for the unhealthy hygiene tolerated, when the kids are infested with lice and nits?
Why would the school administrators care about the health of the buildings when they have gone against recommendations of some of our nation's top medical institutions concerning the lice problem?
Perhaps the school administrators are waiting for the janitors to buy bug killer and cleaning supplies from their own pockets!
Maybe outsourcing the school administration would be a start in overcoming ongoing, serious problems. It sounds like the school administration could use some serious time off!
Clinton Van Cleef
DeLand
Did no one see the problems?
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 1:11:23pm
Editor, The Beacon:
A health-inspection report dated March 27 by the State of Florida Department of Health stated that DeLand High School was rated unsatisfactory.
The observations included: roach waste around refrigerators and bookshelves; feral cats living under a classroom portable; trash in air-intake screens; and general filth.
Any sane and sensible individual with a fifth-grade education would have seen these problems and corrected them. Why didn't the principal of DeLand High School see these problems and correct them? Why didn't the administrative staff of DeLand High School see and correct these problems? Why didn't the superintendent see these problems and correct them?
Do the School Board members believe they have no responsibility in these matters?
As a taxpaying citizen of Volusia County, I call for the immediate termination of the principal and administrative staff of DeLand High School. Also, as a taxpaying citizen, I believe Superintendent Margaret Smith is a public disgrace and should be terminated immediately by the School Board.
The slave-labor wages paid to school-bus drivers, cafeteria workers, school secretaries, school janitors, teachers and teacher assistants are unsatisfactory and must be increased.
This can be accomplished without increasing taxes or the county school budget. This can be achieved by terminating the worthless educational bureaucrats who are nothing more than public parasites. The money saved by terminating these public parasites could be used to increase the wages of our underpaid workers listed above.
Taxpayers should think very deeply about the many worthless bureaucrats who sit around their luxurious offices thinking about new mindless forms for hard-working teachers to complete in an attempt to justify the bureaucrat's worthless position.
Sending our children and grandchildren to a filthy public school is enough to gag a maggot!
MaryAnn Conoley
DeBary
Child safety is up to parents
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 1:09:21pm
Editor, The Beacon:
The safety of children is, was and always will be the responsibility of their parents.
Laura Bowdich and Allison Rieder both, in their letters to the editor published in Midweek April 8-10, wanted someone else (authorities) to make sure their children were safe while going to and coming from school or just playing in their neighborhood.
I suggest they bite the bullet and take safety into their own hands.
If busing isn't available, then Ms Bowdich's kid(s) have to walk to and from school or she (or someone else) has to drive them (as many parents now do) or walk them.
If I thought walking to school was dangerous for my kids, I'd make sure they didn't have to go alone.
If Ms. Rieder is concerned about speeders on her street, then she and her fellow concerned neighbors should set up cameras and have people with "SLOW DOWN" signs patrolling their streets.
Both these ladies are trying to make others responsible for the safety of their kids, a course almost surely leading to problems.
I personally made sure my kids were safe; I didn't leave it to others.
Edward J. Chapdelaine
Orange City
Another batch plant
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 1:08:40pm
Editor, The Beacon:
In November 2010, the Volusia County Council voted unanimously to deny an application for an asphalt batching plant on agriculturally zoned land west of DeLand on State Road 44. The plant was vigorously opposed by area residents and the City of DeLand.
Shift forward a couple of years to the east side of the county, with different council membership and a different company. We see an application for the same kind of facility on the same kind of land, with the same kind of opposition from area residents.
It is my fervent hope that history will repeat itself, and the rural flavor of my community will be preserved.
Anna Lou Luznar
New Smyrna Beach
Destroy North Korea military bases now
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 1:06:33pm
Editor, The Beacon:
U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel stated that North Korea posed "a real and clear danger" to South Korea, Japan and America.
I believe North Korea poses a clear and present danger to South Korea, Asia, the Middle East and the U.S. The U.S. possesses the largest military force in the world, and our military spending exceeds that of all other countries in the world.
In the past, I have urged Congress to reduce wasteful military spending. However, I have never stated that our republic should avoid our basic right of self-defense. North Korea is both a terrorist nation and an aggressor nation that has clearly stated it intends to wage war against peaceful nations, including the U.S.
It is now time for the U.S. to demonstrate the courage to exercise our God-given right of self-defense, and destroy all of the military bases in North Korea and destroy the launch capacity of North Korea. We should do this swiftly by using our superior air force, which could accomplish this easily within 24 hours without loss of men and equipment.
Then the South Korean forces, without American ground troops, could liberate all of North Korea. This would be a great humanitarian act for the citizens of North Korea who have been brutalized by their psychotic dictator.
It would be an act of the utmost cowardice for our country to placate the North Koreans by giving them aid and food. America must strike quickly and forcefully and learn to live with a real victory for a change!
— Conoley publishes a website at www.sanityandsense.com
This is just wrong
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:56:50pm
Editor, The Beacon:
Try to renew your driver license lately? Good luck with that.
I went in to upgrade to a CDL license and, since I was due to renew this year anyway, I brought in all my papers that they asked for.
I took the CDL test and passed it. I went and took the road test and passed it. Now came the the not-so-fun stuff: dealing with state employees at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles office in DeLand.
I have lived in Orange City since 1972. I graduated from DeLand High School in 1976. I did eight-and-a-half years in the U.S. Air Force, and showed them my DD 214 form that shows I was in the Air Force and had a top-secret clearance.
I now work as a firefighter for NASA and have a security clearance. I've been with NASA now for 25 years. I have a security TSA badge, which is very hard to get. This badge lets me enter our shipping ports.
I showed them my Social Security card, my voter card, and proof of my mailing address for the past 21 years. I showed them my old driver license, which I have had since I was 15 years old, with my name on it. My marriage record. On and on.
I was born in Canada, but have lived in the U.S. since I was 7 years old. I showed them my U.S. citizenship certificate, which shows that on Sept. 26, 1969, I became a citizen of the United States. This was still not good enough for them.
While I was in there dealing with this, more and more others were also getting very upset with trying to prove who they are. It seems the state needs to make it a little easier for those who bring in all of the proper paperwork.
I even showed them my weapons permit. I could not have any of this stuff unless I was who I say I am, but they don't seem to care. It's like talking to a wall over there, and we have no help to turn to.
They want to change my name on my driver license, because of the way they show my name on the citizenship papers. It starts with my two middle names first, and then my real name. I told them changing the name on my license will change everything I have done all of my life and they don't care. I showed them everything I have done for the past 50 years and they don't care. This is what we have to deal with in our great state government in Tallahassee.
After all this, they tell me now I will have to wait to get my new driver license, and it could take up to two months.
Well, I just got a letter from the state that says that my license has been suspended. I have a perfect driving record. Go figure.
This is what the people have to deal with. What a mess. When I was at the driver license office, a person got a new driver license, and could not speak English. Go figure.
This needs to be fixed for the folks trying to get their licenses renewed. We need help from someone who can get this problem fixed.
Keep children safe on our roads
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:55:22pm
Editor, The Beacon:
I am a concerned resident in the Central Florida area in regard to the lack of safety for our school-age children while walking to and from school. There appears to be an increase in automobile vs. pedestrian accidents within just a few short miles of these children's schools.
Society may be able to provide a range of responses for the children and families who are affected by these senseless accidents. The Central Florida area could increase the amount of crossing guards at busy intersections, provide more visible stop signs and lights, and increase the speeding fines for people who continue to ignore these policies which have already been put into place.
It is time we stand up for the safety of our community's children. It is time we develop further legislation to help enforce and provide further funding to support Florida Statute 316.1895, which governs traffic control around schools.
I encourage you to write or call your Florida representatives and let them hear your concern!
Laura Bowdich
Deltona
Appreciate the good
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:54:37pm
Editor, The Beacon:
I've noticed a lot of things around town, but this really caught my eye. I was at a local grocery store, and this tall man held the door open for an elderly woman. Once inside, the woman thanked the man for holding the door for her.
I want people to thank others when they do nice things. I think people do not appreciate when others do cordial things, such as hold the door open.
I know you may not be able to solve this problem, but I would appreciate it if you made my idea known.
— Pate is a seventh-grader at Campbell Middle School in Daytona Beach. She and her classmates wrote letters to newspaper editors for a language-arts class assignment.
Needs help with speeders
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:53:32pm
Editor, The Beacon:
My problem is that there are a ton of people who speed down Golfview Boulevard, and there are a lot of kids around my neighborhood.
Well, there is never police or radar around to catch them. My fear is that a kid is going to get hit by a car.
I would greatly appreciate it if the police were constantly on my block to pull the people over and stop them.
So, if you could make the police department aware of this, I would be more than happy. What we need is this: more police on my block, speed checks, and, lastly, radar.
— Rieder is a seventh-grader at Campbell Middle School in Daytona Beach. She and her classmates wrote letters to newspaper editors for a language-arts class assignment.
DeLeon Springs community rallies to support Jordan
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:52:12pm
Editor, The Beacon:
As usual Pat Andrews did a wonderful job, for the February 21-24 Weekend edition of The Beacon, in covering the story of DeLeon Springs resident and Taylor High School junior Jordan Johnson.
Jordan had been selected as one of 249 youth delegates to the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment to be held June 23-28. While it’s quite an honor to be one of only five delegates selected from Florida, the tuition cost alone is $1,925, and that’s not including air fare.
To follow up on Pat’s story:
Jordan approached the DeLeon Springs Community Association, Inc. to ask if we would be willing to sponsor him, and he attended our February meeting to give a presentation about the summit.
DSCA, Inc. offered its members a chance to donate to a scholarship for Jordan, and, boy, did they respond, with a total donation of $400! Jordan met with DSCA, Inc. Board members to receive his check on Feb. 26, and he believes he now has enough money to cover all his expenses, thanks to all the organizations and individuals who contributed along with DSCA, Inc.
We are so proud of Jordan and we are grateful he has this opportunity to represent DeLeon Springs on the national level.
We’re also proud of our community and its generosity toward this young man, it’s not the first time, and it’s typical of DeLeon Springs to respond in a generous way when they hear of a need like this.
What a great community we have!
Amy Munizzi
DeLeon Springs
Advice for pols
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:50:14pm
Editor, The Beacon:
If the politicians do what I'm writing, they might have more money to do what's right.
Florida and the rest of America are overpaying all politicians. Everyone in the White House and Volusia County must take a 5-percent cut in pay. No raises for 20 years.
And they must punch time clocks with their fingerprints. No one else can punch them in. If they don't show up for work or meetings, they get docked. This includes city and county managers, mayors and other politicians.
No more personal progress. Money must be used for priorities. Schools No. 1. Repair roads No. 2. No new roads and lanes. Jails and prisons No. 3. More cops.
Stoplights need to be adjusted. Cars at a red light with no cross traffic need green light to go across, less traffic buildup.
Need right turns on stoplights at New York and Woodland Boulevard. The way it is now, if you want to go to a store on North or South Woodland Boulevard, you have to drive four blocks or more.
No more growth! Visit; don't stay!
Joe Romano
DeLand
Votran question
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:49:11pm
Editor, The Beacon:
I need help understanding our local and state government, and I'm hoping your readers can help. I am being told by representatives of Votran and Volusia County that if a service is successful, serves a significant population, and brings in revenue, it should be cut.
Let me explain.
I was on the Votran bus Route 60 that dumped 25 passengers at the Volusia Branch County Jail and left us stranded for 90 minutes. Since then I have been in email communication with Steve Sherrer, the manager of Votran, and with Dave Byron, director of the Community Services Department of Volusia County government.
Byron pointed out, "Ridership is up almost 6 percent (a significant increase) as more people turn to public transit for their mobility needs. The cross county route is but one example of Votran's challenge to meet a sharply growing need."
According to Steve Sherrer, "The root cause is the route (Route 60, the cross-county bus) is a victim of its success, high ridership, long distance, traffic and road construction."
In other words, since ridership has increased significantly, thus decreasing the cars on U.S. Highway 92, which is under construction, Votran and Volusia County see this as a problem.
Sherrer then went on to explain that, beginning June 1, Votran will significantly cut services on Route 60.
I was really stumped by this explanation, as was County Council Member Pat Northey, who was copied on all these emails. She and I were both under the assumption that if a government service is successful, serves a need, and is bringing in revenue, it should be continued.
Since receiving these emails, I have been examining other services provided by local and state government, and I'm beginning to see a pattern.
For example, numerous studies have shown that students exposed to music, drama and art excel in reading, writing and especially arithmetic, and actually show an increase in the basic IQ scores. Therefore, we have dropped the arts in our public-school system.
Do we prefer student who perform below those in other countries?
Studies have shown that physical education in the schools significantly increases fitness in our students, so we have dropped those programs.
Do we want our children to be obese and in poor health?
Free time increases physical fitness and creativity in young minds, so we have cut out recess. Heaven forbid we produce another Van Cliburn or Bill Gates.
I am struggling to understand this governmental policy that success is bad, and thus should be cut. I am asking Beacon readers to help. If you know of other successful governmental services that have been cut because they have proven successful, or if you can explain why success in government is bad and should result in cuts in service, please send this information to the Beacon at info@beacononlinenews.com. I'm sure other readers would like to understand this also.
Elizabeth "Beeg" Camarota
DeLand
Where are our values?
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:46:56pm
Editor, The Beacon:
It is no surprise that, like so many congressional Republicans, David Rauschenberger is outraged that the "sequester" has caused the cancelation of White House tours.
Where is the outrage over cuts that could affect as many as 225,000 people who are in housing programs or homeless shelters, and up to 775,000 low-income women, children, and seniors who could lose or be denied nutrition assistance (WIC and Meals on Wheels)?
Military veterans cannot apply for tuition assistance, and those who work to keep our food-supply safe could be furloughed.
The Congressional Budget Office says the "sequester" could cost the nation 750,000 jobs and Washington, D.C., yawns. White House tours are canceled, and Washington, D.C., screams.
Indiscriminate across-the-board budget cuts, which were considered a terrible idea by both parties, could have been avoided. Congress passed it, Congress can repeal it. But the Republican-led House did nothing, and although Senate Democrats had a bill to stop it, the Senate Republicans filibustered it.
This begs the question: What kind of society cares more about the loss of unessential White House tours than about the loss of jobs, nutrition for children, and seniors, doing right for our veterans, protecting the nation's food supply, and helping people who could become homeless?
Anna Santilli
DeLand
Glad to see circus leave
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:46:12pm
Editor, The Beacon:
I was happy to see Cole Bros Circus and it's animal slave show leave DeLand this week.
I wish the public would take the time and think about the animals in the circus and what it takes to train these wild animals to do silly and unnatural stunts.
I wish the public would think about how the animals travel from city to city in the back of trucks and trailers many months out of the year.
I wish the public would do their homework before getting caught up in the glitz and glamour of the circus and find out what goes on when everyone leaves and the lights are turned down.
They would find that Cole Bros Circus' track record with the USDA is riddled with violations and fines of animal abuse, neglect, and settlements with the USDA.
I wish the circus-going public would find compassion in their hearts and support only animal free circuses and other forms of cruelty-free entertainment.
Next year, please consider what it is like for the animals in the circus before you buy your ticket. In the meantime, google "Cole Bros cruelty" and see what comes up.
Carla Wilson
Winter Springs
Why the pope?
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:45:30pm
Editor, The Beacon:
A certain dark humor attaches to the March 14-17 Weekend paper.
The editorial that shames a majority of the DeBary City Council for resistance to free expression of religion juxtaposes strangely with the front-page story, "New pope named."
No explicable news reason supports this story that otherwise stands for everything The Beacon wisely leaves to others.
The Beacon avoids state, national and international news, and resolutely limits its coverage to half a county. It's not as if a Beacon reader had been in Rome and personally emailed news about the pope's election.
The story itself states that the paper picked it up from NPR. Can anyone imagine that even a few West Volusians interested in the papal election didn't know about it before reading their Weekend paper?
If DeBary dishonored one faith by its political shenanigans, The Beacon promoted another unwisely. If reported at all, mightn't the story better have run on the religion pages, where reports of the papal celebration would suitably appear among denominational church reports?
Herb Hiller
DeLand
Young pianists play perfectly
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:44:39pm
Editor, The Beacon:
What a thrilling and musically satisfying afternoon I spent at First Baptist Church of DeLand March 2.
The Florida State Music Teachers Association presented an honors recital by 15 of the most gifted young pianists from Central Florida. These superb artists ranged from the age of 8 through 18.
Seldom do you hear such virtuosity from young people of any age. The calibre of their playing, and their poise and professionalism, all were truly remarkable.
These talented and gifted pianists played all of the prolific and most challenging music from memory. The beautiful Steinway grand piano at First Baptist was really put to good use.
Congratulations and bravos go not only to these young people, but also to the six teachers listed in the program. Included in the program listing was Dr. MIchael Rickman of Stetson. I'm sure he was justly proud of all the pianists who performed so brilliantly.
Thanks to all who were involved in bringing his wonderful event to DeLand. Truly, the arts are alive and well in Central Florida, and especially here in DeLand.
Richard Kulp
DeLand
Are teachers next?
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:43:58pm
Editor, The Beacon:
Thank you for your Beacon Editorial on "Why target the lowest-paid workers?"
This is a question I have asked myself over and over again. When it comes to budget cuts, it is always the lowest-paid workers, who work the hardest, who get cut.
The Volusia County School Board needs to make cost-saving cuts to meet their budget. First it was the custodial workers. You know who is next? Teachers.
Dreena Hoffman
DeLand
Why is this allowed?
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:43:21pm
Editor, The Beacon:
I'm curious why the annoying street-preachers are allowed to be present at New York Avenue and Woodland Boulevard, yelling and approaching me, when no other businesses are allowed with signs.
Isn't there some law against this? I suppose I'll have to research this myself, since I doubt I'll get an answer. If these people are allowed to be there, then any business should be allowed. Perhaps I'd be allowed to hold up signs about the Buddha.
Editor's note: The U.S. Constitution gives us all the right to speak out in public about our beliefs and opinions, including holding signs. While the City of DeLand can regulate commercial activity, it cannot prohibit individual free speech, including standing on a street corner shouting and holding signs proclaiming religious beliefs. The city must apply any regulation — for example, on the noise level — equally, without regard to the content of the speech. So, yes, you certainly could hold up signs about the Buddha.
RIP Stetson University as a Christian institution
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:41:36pm
Editor, The Beacon:
Stetson University, with its recent proud presentation of the play, The Vagina Monologues, has driven the last of many nails into the coffin of pretense that Stetson is a Christian institution.
Not only is Stetson not a Baptist school, it is not even a Christian school. Most post-graduates have no idea it ever was religious in any way.
Stetson should scratch Pro Deo et Veritas from its official seal for little evidence that Stetson stands "for God and truth." Stetson was once a small liberal arts college with a rich and deliberate tie to Christianity. Its original founders, supporters and institutional donors respected and shared a belief in a living God who should direct and inspire the lives of students.
The Christian belief at Stetson has succumbed to a prolonged and deliberate chipping away at the very idea that there is a God, and that he should be anywhere near the school. A significant effort on the part of faculty as well as administration have relegated religion, specifically Christianity, to the domain of foolish primitive beliefs and childhood stories.
When I graduated from Stetson in '91, there were only a handful of Christian professors remaining. Religion classes were instructional only. No prayers before class. and God was a "concept" that shared many forms. Secular humanism was, and still is, the norm.
God is not mentioned in any newsletters, and there are no active attempts to honor or show an allegiance to God. Guest speakers, plays, guest lectures and concerts are almost exclusively secular. Many, like The Vagina Monologues, display a clear disdain for any Godly principals and are approved and promoted by those who revel in the display of shocking, crude and cutting-edge vulgarity.
As mentioned before, Stetson is no longer a Christian institution. How do I know? I also attended Stetson's sister college, Sterling College in Kansas, which shares similar foundational principals and ideas tied to a living God.
That school has the same academic standards, clearly and prominently displays a Christ-centered college experience, has missionary trips and supports charity. Guests, musicians and speakers at Sterling College share and support the ideal of a Christian-focused life. Functions begin with prayer and there is an active religious environment.
This is not to say that Stetson is bad and evil. They truly do wonderful things in this world, and provide a first-rate education. They just kicked God off the bus. In my eyes, that is a betrayal of the founders' ideals and a tragic loss.
To train up dedicated and serious Christians to go into this world and share God's love is a vital task.
I do not write this to whine about The Vagina Monologues or keg parties on campus. I write this to inspire any remaining Christian faculty and students to stand up and reclaim what was lost!
God has a place at Stetson, and it is not under a rock.
Steve Christensen
Sanford
Minority voters still need protection
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:37:49pm
Editor, The Beacon:
Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court began hearing the Alabama Case, Shelby County vs. Holder, where the plaintiff claims the Voting Rights Act (VRA) Title 5 is too costly to maintain, and that it has already accomplished its mission.
The VRA was enacted in 1965 to protect the voting rights of minorities in such states as Alabama, and to ensure that their voting districts would not be diluted.
The 2012 elections demonstrated that VRA has not accomplished its mission. In fact, there are powerful voices, such as Ed Blum, director of the Project on Fair Representation, fighting to suppress the black vote to this day.
Maintaining the right to vote may be costly, but losing our diversity in representation is more costly. Such a loss will destroy democracy.
Elizabeth MacNamara, president of the League of Women Voters U.S., puts it best: “Section 5 of the VRA plays a vital role in protecting voters from real barriers that threaten to keep eligible citizens from voting and ensuring that their votes count. It has helped transform American democracy from a restricted, segregated past to one of remarkable inclusion.”
As a young lawyer in the Reagan Justice Department, now chief justice, John Roberts led a fight in 1982 against Section 2 of VRA, which puts the burden on plaintiffs to prove that a voting change is discriminatory after it has gone in effect. Back then, Roberts argued that the plaintiff should be required to prove discriminatory intent not effect. (“The Nation”, Feb. 25, 2013)
It is very difficult to prove intent, but effect is obvious.
With the onslaught of anti-voter legislation that has swept the country in recent years, our democracy still needs Section 5.
— Gadbaw is president of the League of Women Voters of Volusia County.
DeBary City Council: Do your duty
posted Apr 18, 2013 - 12:35:01pm
Editor, The Beacon:
On Nov. 7, City Manager Dan Parrott told the DeBary City Council the city charter was being violated by the mayor. His approximate words: "You're violating the charter [Mayor Garcia]. You've given me directives, which is a violation of the charter. You've given my assistant city manager directions, which is a violation of the charter."
Since that time, the DeBary City Council has taken the magnets off the mayor's truck and censored him for sharing his opinion with the media and public. But no movement on the most egregious aspect: violating our city charter.
I'm not saying whether what City Manager Parrott said is true or not. What is certain is that when such a statement is made, a public hearing must be held to discuss the veracity of such statements, and to take action or not take action given the outcome of those deliberations.
This DeBary City Council has done nothing. Well, that's not entirely true. Since November we have named the splash pad, and we're preparing for the 20th anniversary party 10 months from now. And, they have talked about the city's website and how to spiff it up.
So, hard work is being done. But enforcing the city charter and supporting the city manager and assistant city manager is important, too. There is a statement by the city manager that the charter has been violated.
Do your duty, City Council members, specifically, Vice Mayor Carson, and Council Members Koval, Hunt and Handy-Peters. Or do you expect the mayor to make a motion for his own public hearing?
At the same meeting back in November, Vice Mayor Carson stated: "We need to start respecting Dan Parrott, our city manager." Mr. Vice Mayor, that time has come and gone, but it's never too late to take the right and legal action. After that, you can better focus on the fireworks show this July.
In supporting and defending the charter, you are supporting and defending your city manager. Not to do this is violating the charter and violating your oaths, and you may end up losing your city manager.
— Erickson is a former member of the DeBary City Council.
We need manufacturing
posted Feb 14, 2013 - 2:02:54pm
Editor, The Beacon:
One point about the economy: After World War II, the U.S. economy exploded, and corporate and personal income tax rates were high, but there were no complaints, because everyone was making money.
The reason for prosperity was U.S. manufacturing servicing the world. In comparison, this nation will never recover from lack of prosperity because the manufacturing base, for the most part, has been given away to China.
Bringing manufacturing back is doable, and is based on a number of changes that affect corporate profits. Tax breaks are one of them, but it needs to be tied to getting Americans back to work.
This administration has no interest in this subject because it is too busy pandering to China for loans. There are around 100 million Chinese engaged in manufacturing, servicing America, costing American jobs and killing the American dream. It is coupled with a transfer of investment and wealth from America, including intellectual property, to a hardline communist country without regard for the welfare of our nation. It is a sacrilege to say the least.
Stephen J. Bacon
DeBary
Help the homeless first
posted Feb 14, 2013 - 2:02:05pm
Editor, The Beacon:
Volusia County government needs to let taxpayers know what the tax money is going to be used for. List everything they are planning to do.
If the County Council wants to use our tax money for something that's not a priority and taxpayers don't want it, they need to consult with taxpayers. Some projects can be done in the future.
First priority should be help for the homeless; don't just talk about it. Build shelters, showers, parks and areas where they can eat.
Many homeless are vets from many of the wars we have been in, who got hooked on drugs to cope with life while fighting for our country. Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters come home and cannot fit in with their families. They are not the same people they were before going to war. They have too many bad memories, and are lost.
Politicians should give up on making DeLand beautiful. Politicians in all countries start the wars.
Pray and help the homeless to survive. Many have lost their limbs, eyes, their minds. They need drugs to cope with their lives and it's not their fault. They can't find jobs or can't hold onto them. They need help; they helped America, now America should help them.
Our government is just for themselves. There is not any money to be made in helping the homeless.
We need more VA hospitals in Volusia County. Too far to travel. Need more jails and prisons.
DeLand needs to forget about a better sports stadium and park. Priorities first!
Joe Romano
DeLand
History is important
posted Feb 14, 2013 - 2:01:22pm
Editor, The Beacon:
It was 42 years ago this month that operation Lam Son began. President Richard Nixon ordered American forces and special-operation groups into Laos from South Vietnam in hopes of totally destroying the supply lines into the South from North Vietnam.
Operation Lam Son began Feb. 8, 1971, and ended March 20, 1971. President Nixon, like the three presidents before him, was certain this operation would be a decisive action against the North Vietnamese. The American generals, with their Vietnamese mistresses in secure compounds in Saigon, were pleased with the initial results.
It is only fitting and proper to honor all Americans who served our country in Vietnam, and to remember that many left parts of their bodies and parts of their souls in Vietnam and Laos. However, too few Americans honor the bravery and courage of the Montagnards from Vietnam who fought with our special forces. Sadly, recruits from Laos and many of the Montagnard fighters were left behind when the U.S. left South Vietnam.
Dr. George Santayana stated: "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." I believe those who did not learn any history were probably taught in the American public school system. While our public schools are celebrating ethnic diversity, I would hope young Americans would learn something about American involvement in Asia.
R. Van Conoley
DeBary
Wake up and vote wisely
posted Feb 14, 2013 - 1:58:52pm
Editor, The Beacon:
After years of embassy attacks around the world, GOP "leaders" decided to accost Mrs. Clinton in a joint meeting of senators and House members.
During the course of the hearing — which produced no new questions or answers — Mrs. Clinton was able to bring out the fact that the Republicans had cut the security budget for the embassies before the attack. They want to save money!
When the IRS and FBI announced they were going to start after "white-collar" crime, Congress began systematically reducing the effectiveness of both. Reagan and the GOP began assailing "the government" as an evil entity that looked only to oppress the people. So we didn't complain when they underfunded the IRS, lowered the capital-gains tax, and gave tax breaks to the rich — because our taxes were lowered a little, too, and the government was to be "avoided."
Now, they blame our "safety net" as the main reason for our revenue shortfall, while fighting to keep giving billions to the oil companies.
Their final and most glaringly egregious lie has to do with "Fast and Furious." Who knew that for six years the Republicans had refused to allow the president at the time to appoint someone to head the ATF. The person in charge was commuting; he was a part timer. There was no supervision because they refused to allow it (probably) because the gun lobby wanted to weaken the agency — or was it because they wanted to curb spending?
This is typical GOP practice: Obstruct the president in everything, and blame him for the poor economy; reduce security budgets while ignoring years of embassy attacks and blame Clinton; give billions in tax breaks to the rich, and blame the poor people's safety net.
Four Americans were killed in the attack on the embassy. Were their lives more important than the hundreds killed in Iraq because funding was not raised to fortify the Humvees?
Not one joint committee that I can remember was convened to demand explanation from Bush. Not one Republican — for publication — called for an investigation.
Based on the voting lines, the people seem to be waking up. We must keep in mind that true power resides in the hands of the voter who uses it wisely.
Julius C. Bennett
Deltona
Why not suspend taxes
posted Feb 14, 2013 - 10:16:05am
Editor, The Beacon:
I've been thinking about the debt and deficits run up by Congress, and of debts run up by a variety of administrations along the same lines.
For instance, there isn't really very much urgency among those who ought to know about the danger of deficit-financing in an age of funny-money.
So why is everyone else so worried?
Precious metals dealers are furious at the obvious manipulation of the metals market by a couple of big organizations: the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
The stock market seems to be soaring, even though no one knows if the valuations are based on real money or not.
Real estate is coming back, although slower than we'd like to see. Unemployment is still high, but this is the new normal.
The bond market is in an obvious bubble, but Federal Reserve Chairman Ben 'Helicopter Ben' Bernake will keep quantitative easing (QE) going as long as politicians encourage this behavior.
Derivatives are still highly unstable, but so what? They aren't regulated.
There is no free market in currencies, interest rates or commodities, so everyone is guessing when to jump off this train.
Here is a potential solution to all this angst: If a trillion-dollar deficit is accepted as the new normal, why not suspend all taxes? Leave spending alone and run $2 trillion or even $3 trillion deficits.
In the immortal words of our Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, "What difference at this point does it make?"
It will lead to inflation, but so will our present policy. It will accelerate the decline of the dollar and the rise of interest rates, but these are already baked into the mix.
For at least a little while taxpayers would get a huge boost from the extra cash, which they could use to reduce debt, spend or invest.
Meanwhile, class warfare disappears as an issue since no one has skin in the game. We may be onto something here.
Jim Mize
DeLand
Let them eat cake!
posted Feb 14, 2013 - 10:03:32am
Editor, The Beacon:
It seems to me that widening the already-wide-enough Orange City portion of Saxon Boulevard is, at best, bad judgment.
Deltona is the biggest city in Volusia County, and it really deserves better treatment, especially because cars back up quite a distance on the mostly-two-lane Saxon Boulevard interstate feeder road.
What in the world was the Volusia County Council thinking when it gave more money to those who needed it least, and completely ignored the needs of the biggest city in the county?
The City of Deltona has said many times it wants more commercial growth, and the widening of Saxon Boulevard is paramount to that happening!
Please County Council, rescind your decision to award $4.4 million to widen Saxon Boulevard in Orange City, and instead give the money to widen the Deltona portion of the road. Parts of the Orange City road are already five lanes, if you count the center and turning lanes, and seven lanes in areas with side-turning lanes.
Meanwhile, poor, neglected Deltona has to wait, and wait, and wait for decades to get anything to happen with widening Saxon, which is a major artery in the city. And, the poor morning-rush-hour commuters will just have to suffer more years of oppression, while just next door they are busily gold-plating their portion?
It seems very unfair and unwise to take the largest taxpaying city and give it next-to-nothing on Saxon Boulevard
Jeff "AxTax" Davis
Lake Helen
Not blaming god
posted Feb 14, 2013 - 10:02:39am
Editor, The Beacon:
Constance F. Blackwell's letter to the editor, published Jan. 24, asks, "Why blame God?"
Well, my letter didn't blame her god. I simply asked, "Where was he (she, or it) while the kids were being massacred in Newtown, Conn.?"
Blackwell said she had been studying the "Word of I AM," whoever that is. I've never heard of "I AM" before, but evidently he (she, or it) didn't care about the kids either.
Blackwell said, "God detests murder." I'd like to remind her that her god ordered the great flood of Noah's time, which wiped out the entire world's population. Her god is the greatest mass murderer of all time.
To stop all future mass murderers, we have to lock them away as soon as we find them, have more armed guards, and have more armed citizens.
As Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association, recently said, "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun."
Edward J. Chapdelaine
Orange City, FL
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