Disqus - Latest Comments for zoomer00

Re: Elin Nordegren Demolishes $12-Million Home : People.com

joe — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:23:12 -0000

There are many things that can be recycled/re-purposed, like light fixtures, window panes, plumbing fixtures like toilets, sinks, bathtubs, pipes, granite counter tops... many things that will provide a source of revenue for Habitat to buy the lumber to build homes without having to use insect laden wood products. It's all good.

Re: Elin Nordegren Demolishes $12-Million Home : People.com

joe — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:20:30 -0000

Carpenter ants and termites don't damage light fixtures, plumbing, toilets, bathtubs or windows. Depending on the cupboards and counter tops, they could be reused/repurposed as well, especially granite counter tops. Lots to be used. It's a good thing to do.

Re: Elin Nordegren Demolishes $12-Million Home : People.com

joe — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:08:16 -0000

Habitat for Humanity's "Re-store" offers so many benefits and it's great the Elin and her contractors recycled so much of her former home rather than contributing to the landfills. By doing this, she's made materials available and affordable for other home builders/remodelers as well as creating a revenue source for Habitat. They take the money they earn at their Re-stores to help build homes for others.

Thank you, Elin!! and all of those in Florida who will buy from Re-store. Giving back and paying it forward!!!

Re: Katy Perry Divorce: Russell Brand Files : People.com

joe — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:33:14 -0000

Marriage is a continual work in progress, continuous improvement project, working to keep it going and loving the work. It's not easy, but nothing worth having is. Too easy to walk away from, far too easy to fall into. If people only put half as much effort into making the marriage work as they do in planning the wedding, more marriages would endure. I wish them both the best. At least there are no children involved. Sad days ahead for them, their families and friends.

Re: The Story Behind Ron Paul's Racist Newsletters - Atlantic Mobile

joe — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:05:17 -0000

Social Security is not running out of money. Millions of people are paying into the trust fund every day. Interest is being accumulated on the money in trust and on the loans made to the US Treasury to finance other 'stuff' like the wars and the bailouts. The largest single debt this country owes is to the Social Security Trust fund for monies it has borrowed to finance the rest of the country. We owe more to Social Security than we do to China and yet no one talks about defaulting on our loans to China. Cut the b.s., Social Security is just fine, raise the cap so all wages and earnings are subject to SS premiums. Do not invest the trust fund at Wall Street. Don't let people die for a lack of access to affordable healthcare, a single payer, universal healthcare system will work for all of us. There are too many things that Ron Paul has said about those who are less fortunate or challenged by the circumstances of their birth and upbringing that will prevent me from supporting or voting for him, and for that matter his son if he were to advance farther on the political ladder. Privatization is only good if it works and supports every body. Removing jobs and income from a community, a country is like drilling a hole in your gas tank, you might have a nice car, but it's going nowhere fast. Privatization, outsourcing, offshoring American manufacturing and intellectual jobs has drained the gas tanks of our economy. One person can't begin to spend the same amount of money that 100 people can and keep 200 people employed.

Re: Susan Powell: How the Kids Are Coping : People.com

joe — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:10:50 -0000

There were/are several people who were investigate for their knowledge of the Mr. Powell Sr.'s interest in child pornography.

Re: Susan Powell: How the Kids Are Coping : People.com

joe — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:56:41 -0000

It was the grandfather who is under investigation for child pornography, not their father. I would hope a national magazine like People would get their facts straight before publishing such a story. A retraction on the letters to the editor page won't be read. A cover apology might be more appropriate as it would get the same level of attention as this wrongly reported story is now.

Re: Conservative columnist calls Western administrators “bigots”

joe — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:04:36 -0000

WWU didn't discriminate again Liberty. WWU has an inclusion policy, a non discrimination policy that simply states that if you are on campus, using school resources (i.e. property) that your organization has to share these same basic tenets about non-discrimination. Now, it's Liberty who chose not to agree with WWU's non-discrimination policy so they couldn't participate. Say you wanted to rent a room on campus and the rental agreement said you had to pay $500 and you didn't want to pay the $500, not that you didn't have it, but you choose not to pay the rent, should you get the room any way? Is the school discriminating against you, not allowing you have access to that room because you won't pay the rent. No. You made the choice to not abide the rules, the tenets of the organization.

Liberty is free to be as inclusive or exclusive with regards to their admissions policies and programs on their campus. This is our campus, our school, our rules and we welcome all who agree to abide by them.

Re: Conservative columnist calls Western administrators “bigots”

joe — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:09:52 -0000

I applaud Western and it's students for 'uninviting' Liberty. A rule wasn't made, created at the last moment to fit a particular group's philosophy that prevented Liberty from participating. This was, is a nondiscrimination statement of the school and they were making sure that all who partake or use school resources are in compliance with those guidelines.

So proud of the school! This is a good use of my tax dollars.

Re: Ed Prince building unbeatable lead for Renton City Council seat | Election 2011 update - Renton Reporter

joe — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:51:02 -0000

I sincerely hope that all who volunteered and worked hard for Mr. Prince, Mr. Jones and Mr. Martinez will continue to be involved with and in Renton, for the benefit of all of us. Your demonstrated passion, concern and involvement in our city would help each and every one of us have a better place to live, learn, work and play. Let the collaboration, listening, sharing and learning begin!! We've got much to do and there's something each and everyone of us can do, can share to make it all happen. Thank you to everyone who posted here and cared so deeply.

Re: Online commenting is no longer anonymous on rentonreporter.com | Our View - Renton Reporter

joe — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:42:39 -0000

I agree with you, Ben. I just happened to find this article in the L. A. Times about the problems with privacy that Face Book has had and probably will continue to have. I suggest that the Mr. Radford take a look at it. There is cause to worry. And if the Reporter wanted to verify that our pseudo names actually are connected to real people, they could have a system where we have to register, creating a screen name but keeping our identities anonymous to the world, unless we choose to sign our names. I don't know why the messenger lessens the validity of the information or opinions shared here. I've not encountered many, if any, that would cross the line of viciousness and malice. I don't believe we should give up the opportunity for free expression for the fear of one or two who may cross the line of civility. I hope that Sound Publishing would reconsider their decision. Disqus is used by many publications and it enables public discourse that would not happen by any other means. Attached is the link to the L. A. Times article.
http://www.latimes.com/busi...

Re: Andy Rooney of 60 Minutes Dies : People.com

joe — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:26:06 -0000

He's finally retired!! A life well lived and loved!! Rest in peace, Harry. Prayers for peace and comfort for your family and friends. You left us with much to remember and laugh about. Out of sight, not of heart or mind.

Re: Base your vote on what's relevant | Renton Reporter editorial - Renton Reporter

joe — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:23:04 -0000

The issue that was being reported is that Mr. Jones was unaware of the demographics of the citizens he hopes to represent, Boeing retirees, senior Boeing employees and their families, not to mention the Boeing Company, as he remarked on their hiring practices. It is an issue, one of recognition and knowledge of the people and businesses in Renton. You don't win elections by insulting the electorate. The original letter in this thread was well thought out and written. Regardless of who you vote for, of who wins this election by Thanksgiving this election will be certified and everyone, the Council, Mayor and all us need to get back to the business of the community, talking and working together to make and insure that our town, Renton, is the best place to live, work, learn and play.

Re: No skeletons in their closets | Letter to the editor - Renton Reporter

joe — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:29:54 -0000

And I'm not speaking for any campaign. It's all observations and if the tables were turned and Mr. Jones was the candidate treated this way, I would be just as observant, just as vocal about sticking to the issues and addressing the needs of the city. Putting the people before the candidate, any candidate.

Re: Jones showed work experience | Letter to the editor - Renton Reporter

joe — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:22:42 -0000

Highlands Dad,

I believe Marcie Palmer will work well with all council members, regardless of their positions on the issues. She will listen and learn from the constituents and share and teach them as well the things that she has heard and learned from others.

I have confidence in her ability to serve all of us well on the council and on the other area committees where she represents Renton's issues and concerns.

Re: Jones showed work experience | Letter to the editor - Renton Reporter

joe — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:19:05 -0000

It wasn't intended as a threat, Renate. It's just the real world when it comes to governance. Those elected must, have to work together to get anything accomplished for those they work for, the citizens of their community, be it city, county, state or country. Seriously, no one person can do it all. Yes they can express their opinions, provide opportunities for those they support to voice their concerns and issues; but at the end of the day they must work with others to effect any kind of change. Otherwise, we're all stuck in the mud, going nowhere fast.

Threats are not the way to operate in life. I don't work well under threats, no body does. They cause more problems then they fix or offset.

Again, I believe you and I have more in common than not. We both want people who will work for all of us, listen and hear what we all have to say and take our opinions, observations, issues and concerns to heart and into those executive sessions of the council where the hard and difficult work takes place.

Re: Jones showed work experience | Letter to the editor - Renton Reporter

joe — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:39:54 -0000

I'm sorry that your apology is 3 weeks late in being expressed. And having heard your comments, as I was in attendance, you were talking about your educational background and how the Boeing Company didn't hire dummies any more. and in an attempt to set yourself apart from the other candidate, you set yourself apart from those you're trying to represent. Remember you're suppose to be 'one of us' not better than us to effectively represent us. Even though Mr. Parker may not have been in attendance, I'm sure that he heard from more than one person what was said and how it was received. If elected, you're going to have to work with and for all the citizens of this great city. These type of statements and the 'stuff' that has been said about your campaign and Mr Prince's past will be problematic when trying to reach out for information and help in getting things done in our town. No one goes it alone. Collaboration and consensus are hallmarks of great governance.

Re: No skeletons in their closets | Letter to the editor - Renton Reporter

joe — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:12:01 -0000

And it should be noted that the Renton Police Officers Guild has not endorsed any candidate in this race, for whatever the reasons maybe. With that said, there are 5 more days until all the ballots have to be postmarked or delivered. I hope every one votes and then continues to participate in this process of governance we call democracy, of the people, for the people, by the people.... each and every one of us has an opportunity to participate, to have our voices heard at council meetings, committee meetings, hearings, by volunteering, communicating and working with those we elected to serve with and for us. Our civic duty isn't over come this next Tuesday, it's an every day affair.

We may disagree on candidates, but hopefully we can agree there is no better place to live, work, learn and play than in Renton. I hope that we can work together to make it stay that way.

Re: Robin Jones: Focus on the issues | An open letter - Renton Reporter

joe — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:35:51 -0000

Renate,
I asked questions and found out that he had a conversation, a face to face conversation with his local employer and the decision was made that he would leave. He sent an e-mail to formalize the termination, but a conversation happened before the letter was sent. Your unemployment isn't calculated on your last employer, but your entire employment history, how many quarters have you worked and at what rate of pay. So in order for Mr. Prince to receive unemployment he had to have worked for many quarters to receive the kind of benefits it is reported here that he received. His national employer did appeal, that's what triggered this. He has or is continuing to pay back the money as he is employed by the State of Washington as the executive director of the Commission on African-American Affairs. The Governor's office does an extensive vetting of all appointments. And unemployment money isn't 'tax payer' money, it's insurance premiums that are paid by employers and employees alike so in cases of unemployment, the 'former' employee has a safety net to keep them from falling to the bottom. UI benefits also help support the communities where folks who are unemployed live, they can still buy their groceries, get their gas, pay their utility bills, etc. When people are unemployed they don't have the money to spend in other businesses, so these benefits benefit everyone in a community. Again, this is an insurance policy, with premiums paid by businesses, who don't want to have a bad experience rating, so they challenge at every opportunity any employee who leaves. There are many instances of 'voluntary' quits that are covered by UI and misinformation is often given on both sides of the equation by folks doing their best to make sense of the laws. Again, there was no attempt to get something he wasn't entitled to. Seeing as how I wasn't in the room when the conversation with his local employer happened and I have no reason to doubt his record of that conversation, I can't dispute it.

So while he may not have worked for the funeral home for a long period of time, he had been continuously employed for many years,up to and including Dignity. He was on employment and was actively seeking employment and was hired. As many people these days, he was looking for a better job for he and his family when he was appointed by the Governor. I don't know about you, but I've been fortunate to have worked for the same employer for 30 years. This is almost unheard of today. There is little room for advancement in many businesses and people wanting to grow in their profession move where the opportunities and financial rewards are. Having a young family, Mr. Prince is looking out for them and their future. Mr. Jones has been fortunate to have served in the Armed Services. In today's world, there are fewer and fewer opportunities for that type of military service, fewer volunteers are being accepted. He has had the good fortune to be hired by the Boeing Company. That's great for him, but as we know, not everyone can work at Boeing because those Boeing employees still need grocers, barbers, druggists, plumbers, carpenters, fire fighters, police. Depending on the budgets of those employers or municipalities, those people may not see 30 yrs of service with just one employer.

Again, let's focus on Renton's future. Neither candidate has anything shady in their past to disqualify them from service in our city. It's their style, their vision, their ability to work with others that will be the deciding factors. Mr Prince has explained what happened with regards to the 3 concerns brought to light by Ms. Quesenberry. You can choose to believe the worst about someone or to see what work they have done in our community. I prefer to think the best of both candidates and go forward based on the ability to work with others, to be respectful at all times.

Thank you continuing to be involved in this process. It's going to take all of us working together to make this town a place the best it can be, no doubt about it.

Re: Ed Prince is a man of character | Letter to the editor - Renton Reporter

joe — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:35:46 -0000

Renate,

The library issue was decided by the voters in our city. And when I read the article about the library property and the building on Mill Street, I was amazed to read that 'we', the citizens of Renton had set the wheels in motion when it came to improving the library and that property over 10 years ago. I hope that those who are interested in the library site over the river will attend those planning meetings for the site and make their voices heard, volunteering to be active members of the process in keeping this site a premier location for city activities for decades to come.

Re: We lose in negative campaigns | Letter to the editor - Renton Reporter

joe — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:36:04 -0000

Well said, Jerri. Hopefully we can all work together to help us weather these economic storms and come out on the other side better for the trials and tribulations we've all faced in some way, shape or form... together. Here's to a brighter tomorrow for Renton!

Re: Robin Jones: Focus on the issues | An open letter - Renton Reporter

joe — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:23:16 -0000

We will always have 2 sides to every contested UI claim. Many companies automatically appeal every application for claims. Mr. Prince stated that he and his local employer discussed his future employment and the changes in compensation. They mutually terminated their relationship and he was advised by the local folks as to what benefits he could apply for. Mr. Prince stated that he called the Employment Securities Department and was told he could apply for benefits. He did so. The national employer appealed and local folks supported the corporate position. Mr. Prince lost his benefits on appeal and is paying or has paid those funds back to the state. There is nothing immoral about this. Many people have this happen. Not question of morality for me. Having helped many people with their UI benefits once they left their employer under a variety of circumstances, it's more the norm than the exception these days. I would be concerned if Mr. Prince did not pay the money back after he had been told to. That would have me questioning his morality, but that's not the case.

Re: Robin Jones: Focus on the issues | An open letter - Renton Reporter

joe — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:04:10 -0000

I included it in the thread as folks were comparing various levels of involvement and I wanted to show that Mr.Jones was just as involved in his community with 'the feely, touchy work as Mr. Prince. These two gentlemen are more alike in their commitment to their neighbors and associates than they are different. The paths they take may be different, but ultimately they both want to serve the city. Right now, for me it's all about how they will work with others and get along with those who may have a difference of perspective or opinion. How those differences can be part of the solution instead of hammers to beat one another with. And these are all metaphors, no one has taken out hammers and caused bodily harm. However, words can be just as destructive, so we need to careful and sure in how we use them.

Re: Robin Jones: Focus on the issues | An open letter - Renton Reporter

joe — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:06:50 -0000

MyTurn,

I don't favor any one candidate... I favor and support good governance. I support the work of those organizations who work hard and do the due diligence to investigate and evaluate candidates on their ability to the job, politics and issues aside. To be honest, from what I've read about their positions on the issues and concerns for the city, these two candidates are pretty much alike. It's how they approach the work to be done and whether they respect and are willing to work with those who were already elected because they were unchallenged in this election and the members that will be elected come November 8th, that will decide my final support, So, that being said, and both candidates being evaluated to be 'very good' candidates for this position of council member, it's going to come down to how they conduct themselves in the campaign for many people. I would hate to come to a council meeting or attend any meeting outside of council chambers if this is how we do business in Renton. Personal attacks take all the energy out of collaboration and problem solving for all of us. As I said earlier, if Mr. Jones was being assailed like Mr. Prince is, I'd be here talking about the here and now for him and Renton going forward.

I look forward to working with you and others in our city, our greater community to make life better here for each and every resident, young or old, regardless of ethnicity, language, country or community of origin, your employer, level of education, credit rating, sexual orientation or religion. We all have a home here in Renton.

Re: Robin Jones: Focus on the issues | An open letter - Renton Reporter

joe — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 22:44:08 -0000

He has indicated on a candidate questionnaire that he is and has been the president of a condominium association.