Wednesday, April 27, 2005
WalMart Watch
Watching Walmart - Remember Wal Mart's Buy American Program?
"Sam Walton’s bestselling autobiography is titled “Made in America”. And as recently as 1994, company literature titled “Bring It Home To The USA” touted Wal-Mart’s commitment to American manufacturers saying “The Buy American program is both a commitment and a partnership.” That was then. This is now. "
I'm not entirely an "everything must be made in America" type - yes, there are some benefits to a free market society. But the goodwill bought by so many years of selling this idea of jobs staying in the U.S. supplying WalMart has changed to WalMart spinning in new commercials that WalMart is so great because of the so many jobs of their own they produce, the low standard of living of which drags down the rest of the economy.
I have weened myself off WalMart, and my pocketbook has grown - not shrunk, as a result. I don't know whether it's the lack of marketing and impulse purchases, the lack of enormous carts or the fewer trips and lack of convienience that make me realize that I really don't need that outdoor thermometer.
Why would I advocate not going to WalMart? Well for one, you won't hurt the people who work there, for one. By going somewhere else, you keep the money in the local economy as opposed to being flash-transferred out of state, you're more likely to get locally produced goods, and the jobs you produce by giving your business to someone else will pay more, have better benefits, and have better opportunities for leadership for all.
Going to Giant, Weis or Myers Meat Market for groceries, to Kohls, Lowes, JC Penney, Ollies, Value City, Sears and the mall for everything else, you can return to finding the best deal as opposed to thinking you're saving money.
Grocery stores often have better prices than WalMart.
For example, regular generic White Bread at WalMart is 89¢ a loaf. Most grocery stores are below 59¢ a loaf for the same size. If your family goes through a loaf a day and buys at WalMart, that's $109.50 a year!
Don't buy blindly into the "Always Low Prices" gimmick. They are not necessarily the low-EST, nor are they deserVING!
"Sam Walton’s bestselling autobiography is titled “Made in America”. And as recently as 1994, company literature titled “Bring It Home To The USA” touted Wal-Mart’s commitment to American manufacturers saying “The Buy American program is both a commitment and a partnership.” That was then. This is now. "
I'm not entirely an "everything must be made in America" type - yes, there are some benefits to a free market society. But the goodwill bought by so many years of selling this idea of jobs staying in the U.S. supplying WalMart has changed to WalMart spinning in new commercials that WalMart is so great because of the so many jobs of their own they produce, the low standard of living of which drags down the rest of the economy.
I have weened myself off WalMart, and my pocketbook has grown - not shrunk, as a result. I don't know whether it's the lack of marketing and impulse purchases, the lack of enormous carts or the fewer trips and lack of convienience that make me realize that I really don't need that outdoor thermometer.
Why would I advocate not going to WalMart? Well for one, you won't hurt the people who work there, for one. By going somewhere else, you keep the money in the local economy as opposed to being flash-transferred out of state, you're more likely to get locally produced goods, and the jobs you produce by giving your business to someone else will pay more, have better benefits, and have better opportunities for leadership for all.
Going to Giant, Weis or Myers Meat Market for groceries, to Kohls, Lowes, JC Penney, Ollies, Value City, Sears and the mall for everything else, you can return to finding the best deal as opposed to thinking you're saving money.
Grocery stores often have better prices than WalMart.
For example, regular generic White Bread at WalMart is 89¢ a loaf. Most grocery stores are below 59¢ a loaf for the same size. If your family goes through a loaf a day and buys at WalMart, that's $109.50 a year!
Don't buy blindly into the "Always Low Prices" gimmick. They are not necessarily the low-EST, nor are they deserVING!
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
They've got questions? I've got answers..
Sort of...
The Evening Sun and the League of Women Voter's have both sent me their list of questions, and of course I must do what every candidate must do - compact what you want to do into 75 or 150 words.
I will be answering both post haste. I will post my answers here as well.
Contribution: $20.00 Per Person (includes union-made button, left)* South Street Park, McSherrystownFood by: Rick's Hog Wild Catering * Pit Beef Sandwiches, Chips, Refreshments
The Evening Sun and the League of Women Voter's have both sent me their list of questions, and of course I must do what every candidate must do - compact what you want to do into 75 or 150 words.
I will be answering both post haste. I will post my answers here as well.
Contribution: $20.00 Per Person (includes union-made button, left)* South Street Park, McSherrystownFood by: Rick's Hog Wild Catering * Pit Beef Sandwiches, Chips, RefreshmentsContraceptive Equity Bill Urged
A Friend's Letter to the Editor: Evening Sun, Hanover, PA
(Reprinted with permission of letter writer)
Editor:
On March 28, 2005, the Pennsylvania General Assembly took steps to empower women and strengthen families by introducing the "Prescription Contraception Equity Act." Out of pocket expenses for healthcare are more than 68 percent higher for women than men. Not only is this discriminatory, but inflicts an unnecessary burden on family stability.
This bill not only seeks to provide coverage of contraception, but also provides counseling services for effective use. While it is understood that abstinence is the only foolproof way to avoid unexpected pregnancies, little is common knowledge on the issue of contraception fail rates and potential causes. For example, if a woman has been taking an antibiotic, for perhaps a sinus infection, the antibiotic can render birth control pills ineffective.
With an ever skyrocketing divorce rate, financial insecurity is consistently listed as one of the chief causes for dissolution of marriage. Families, struggling to make ends meet, often work multiple jobs just to get by. An unplanned pregnancy or excessive medical bills can be enough to upset the delicate balance for families that are teetering on the brink of financial ruin. Nationally each year, more than 3,000,000 unintended pregnancies occur. While it is understandable that for reasons of faith, some families will choose not to use contraception, the option should be available to those families that wish to be proactive on this issue. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management reported no additional cost had been incurred from adding this coverage to federal employees health benefits.
Reducing unintended pregnancies would benefit women's health and well-being, and decrease infant mortality. Additionally, the reduction of unplanned pregnancies would drastically diminish the demand for the heartrending practice of abortion, which is currently covered by most insurance companies. Please urge state senators and representatives to support this innovative bill.
Nicole Seidel
Gettysburg
(Reprinted with permission of letter writer)
Editor:
On March 28, 2005, the Pennsylvania General Assembly took steps to empower women and strengthen families by introducing the "Prescription Contraception Equity Act." Out of pocket expenses for healthcare are more than 68 percent higher for women than men. Not only is this discriminatory, but inflicts an unnecessary burden on family stability.
This bill not only seeks to provide coverage of contraception, but also provides counseling services for effective use. While it is understood that abstinence is the only foolproof way to avoid unexpected pregnancies, little is common knowledge on the issue of contraception fail rates and potential causes. For example, if a woman has been taking an antibiotic, for perhaps a sinus infection, the antibiotic can render birth control pills ineffective.
With an ever skyrocketing divorce rate, financial insecurity is consistently listed as one of the chief causes for dissolution of marriage. Families, struggling to make ends meet, often work multiple jobs just to get by. An unplanned pregnancy or excessive medical bills can be enough to upset the delicate balance for families that are teetering on the brink of financial ruin. Nationally each year, more than 3,000,000 unintended pregnancies occur. While it is understandable that for reasons of faith, some families will choose not to use contraception, the option should be available to those families that wish to be proactive on this issue. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management reported no additional cost had been incurred from adding this coverage to federal employees health benefits.
Reducing unintended pregnancies would benefit women's health and well-being, and decrease infant mortality. Additionally, the reduction of unplanned pregnancies would drastically diminish the demand for the heartrending practice of abortion, which is currently covered by most insurance companies. Please urge state senators and representatives to support this innovative bill.
Nicole Seidel
Gettysburg
Monday, April 18, 2005
PASSED: Junior Council Position Established in McSherrystown
Evening Sun Online - LOCAL NEWS
Borough OKs junior council member
By MELODY ASPER
Evening Sun Correspondent
McSherrystown borough will soon be the first municipality in the area to establish a Junior Council program.
The idea was brought to Wednesday night's borough meeting by councilman Herbert L. Riede.
The Junior Council program was established in Wesleyville borough in Erie County in 1999, according to Riede. Since then, other municipalities have followed suit, including Carroll Valley and Carlisle.
"It would help get young people interested in borough government," Riede said. "And then, when they get out of school, they could actually run for a seat on the regular council."
A junior council person would attend the regular meetings of council and would be allowed to voice their opinions. They would not be allowed to vote and could not attend "executive" sessions. The junior member also would not be privy to personnel issues.
Council passed a resolution to bring the program to McSherrystown by a 6-1 vote.
Councilman William H. Masemer cast the single negative vote.
"Only two boroughs in our area have tried it, so the program doesn't have a track record for participation yet," Masemer said. "I think that there should be more (junior councilperson) activity in other boroughs before we implement it."
Riede said he recently spoke to some officials from Carlisle and they really like the program. They told him the student on their board is energetic and helps the borough in many ways, he added.
Riede said the program could also benefit the student as it could count toward graduation project credit if the school agrees.
Borough OKs junior council member
By MELODY ASPER
Evening Sun Correspondent
McSherrystown borough will soon be the first municipality in the area to establish a Junior Council program.
The idea was brought to Wednesday night's borough meeting by councilman Herbert L. Riede.
The Junior Council program was established in Wesleyville borough in Erie County in 1999, according to Riede. Since then, other municipalities have followed suit, including Carroll Valley and Carlisle.
"It would help get young people interested in borough government," Riede said. "And then, when they get out of school, they could actually run for a seat on the regular council."
A junior council person would attend the regular meetings of council and would be allowed to voice their opinions. They would not be allowed to vote and could not attend "executive" sessions. The junior member also would not be privy to personnel issues.
Council passed a resolution to bring the program to McSherrystown by a 6-1 vote.
Councilman William H. Masemer cast the single negative vote.
"Only two boroughs in our area have tried it, so the program doesn't have a track record for participation yet," Masemer said. "I think that there should be more (junior councilperson) activity in other boroughs before we implement it."
Riede said he recently spoke to some officials from Carlisle and they really like the program. They told him the student on their board is energetic and helps the borough in many ways, he added.
Riede said the program could also benefit the student as it could count toward graduation project credit if the school agrees.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Fundraiser Picnic: Saturday May 14th
Come and Get It! - Let's have a picnic (a tasty one at that) and chew the fat (no pun intended)...
Contribution: $20.00 Per Person (includes union-made button, right)* South Street Park, McSherrystown
Food by: Rick's Hog Wild Catering * Pit Beef Sandwiches, Chips, Refreshments
If you can't make it and still want to contribute, click here! You can also be a Sustaining Contributor or send your contribution by mail to:
The Committee to Elect Herb Riede
P.O. Box 54
McSherrystown, PA 17344-0054
McSherrystown Residents: Email me your concerns or thoughts on McSherrystown issues (best method) "NO PURCHASE NECESSARY", Call me at 717-521-1221 evenings from 6-8PM, or knock on my door at 225 Main Street at around the same time. I would prefer to schedule a time one on one with you.
Contribution: $20.00 Per Person (includes union-made button, right)* South Street Park, McSherrystownFood by: Rick's Hog Wild Catering * Pit Beef Sandwiches, Chips, Refreshments
If you can't make it and still want to contribute, click here! You can also be a Sustaining Contributor or send your contribution by mail to:
The Committee to Elect Herb Riede
P.O. Box 54
McSherrystown, PA 17344-0054
McSherrystown Residents: Email me your concerns or thoughts on McSherrystown issues (best method) "NO PURCHASE NECESSARY", Call me at 717-521-1221 evenings from 6-8PM, or knock on my door at 225 Main Street at around the same time. I would prefer to schedule a time one on one with you.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
McSherrystown Junior Council Person Position was established tonight
After long months of speaking with the school administrators and advisors before introducing the measure, I introduced a resolution to establish a Junior Council Position at tonight's council meeting.
I am proud to report that Council member Anthony Weaver seconded my motion and the resolution passed, establishing the position.
Suitable candidates - High School Juniors or Sophomores living in McSherrystown (who will be a Junior or Senior in the 05-06 year) should submit a one page cover letter to the Borough Office by the end of this school year.
The most qualified candidate will be chosen by Borough Council and take office and sit on council beginning in September.
I will be notifying the schools about the passage of the resolution within the next few days.
I am proud of this.
I am proud to report that Council member Anthony Weaver seconded my motion and the resolution passed, establishing the position.
Suitable candidates - High School Juniors or Sophomores living in McSherrystown (who will be a Junior or Senior in the 05-06 year) should submit a one page cover letter to the Borough Office by the end of this school year.
The most qualified candidate will be chosen by Borough Council and take office and sit on council beginning in September.
I will be notifying the schools about the passage of the resolution within the next few days.
I am proud of this.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Back to College
Harrisburg Area Community College
I've enrolled in college - locally in Harrisburg Area Community College/Gettysburg to pursue a Business Management/CIS degree.
I've already applied for my transcripts from Edinboro to be faxed to HACC, and I'm looking at the night/Internet classes available at the Gettysburg campus.
With a full-time job, running for Mayor, running for Treasurer of a state-wide organization, and my fingers in other efforts, enrolling in college may look suicidal, but I never got my degree, and I know how important it is to have one.
I don't intend to go full time, and I have a full time semester of general courses from Edinboro University under my belt, so I hope some credits will transfer me about a quarter of the way.
Combined with the ability of the Leadership Adams/Hanover class to count as an elective towards a Management degree, and I at least know I'm not starting from scratch.
I got my acceptance letter from HACC yesterday. Of course they accept anybody (they accepted me after all ;) ).
I've enrolled in college - locally in Harrisburg Area Community College/Gettysburg to pursue a Business Management/CIS degree.
I've already applied for my transcripts from Edinboro to be faxed to HACC, and I'm looking at the night/Internet classes available at the Gettysburg campus.
With a full-time job, running for Mayor, running for Treasurer of a state-wide organization, and my fingers in other efforts, enrolling in college may look suicidal, but I never got my degree, and I know how important it is to have one.
I don't intend to go full time, and I have a full time semester of general courses from Edinboro University under my belt, so I hope some credits will transfer me about a quarter of the way.
Combined with the ability of the Leadership Adams/Hanover class to count as an elective towards a Management degree, and I at least know I'm not starting from scratch.
I got my acceptance letter from HACC yesterday. Of course they accept anybody (they accepted me after all ;) ).
Friday, April 08, 2005
I am running for Treasurer
Pennsylvania Young Democrats
No, I don't want our Borough Treasurer to get the wrong idea. Besides, you don't run for that.
I am running for Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Young Democrats in the upcoming June Convention.
As Correspondence Secretary to a failing organization when I was first elected in early 2003, the Pennsylvania Young Democrats had NO Website, an ill President, and an Executive Board in disarray.
Not to say our Executive Board has not had our trouble - an impeachment, and that it appears that I will be the only officer to run for re-election to the new administration.
However, I want to grow our fundraising presence online and offline, and be more aggresive - and not only through events.
I want to:
- Implement Online Contributions (with real credit card processing, sustaining recurring billing options, etc.)
- Source fundraising opportunities for chapters such as the PA Blue Poster Program
- Fund our committee members, campaign invasions, and potentially a Young Democrat Candidate
I feel can do more good in this position than to be Correspondence Secretary again.
