On This Thanksgiving: Who Needs Turkey When You’ve Got “Lame Duck”?
So what do we have to be grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday?
Family and friends, certainly, And for those of us who can afford the food, a festive meal.
But beyond that? You tell us.
On Thanksgiving Eve, the Boards of Elections certified the results of a process so riddled with infractions that none who have watched the debacle can imagine how in the end, it was allowed to occur. We hope the Feds, who were scheduled to begin an audit on November 19th, were watching.
That improper certification followed an unfortunately classic session of the 29th Legislature, a two day embarrassment that showcased the worst of the behavior we have seen in this session and actions that give the phrase “lame duck” new meaning.
Beginning with Monday Mayhem and a session that resulted in nothing less than surrender to the Taxi Association and the continued destructive bullying of the loudmouth Senator from St. Croix who benefitted again from the misguided voters who put her back in office and that same ineffective Board of Elections that allowed her to run in the first place.
Followed then by Tuesday’s session that approved yet more borrowing – suddenly finding a way to finance requests that have been on the books for months and fail to address any of the pressing issues facing the still cash strapped financial state of the Territory or the ever-crumbling infrastructure.
But wait, lest we forget, the widows of former Governors have been provided for – even if the schools your children attend, and the roads you must travel to get them there, degenerate daily.
No significant progress on energy – and we caution you not to think about what it will cost to burin those festive holiday lights in the upcoming weeks – or what a gallon of gas will cost come the new year when the Hovensa arrangement runs out.
So again we ask you – what are we to be thankful for?
Instead of turkey on the table this holiday season, we’re looking a great big platter of Lame Duck.
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Interesting read from the Daily News:
ST. THOMAS – The top administrator in the 29th Legislature abruptly resigned on Friday with a scathing letter to Senate President Ronald Russell.
Executive Director Pamela Richards Samuel informed Russell in writing on Friday that she had decided to end her employment immediately.
“While I regret that I am unable to provide you with a two-week notice as courtesy and professionalism would dictate, certain decisions made by you force me to terminate my services immediately,” Samuel wrote.
In the letter, she levels a number of criticisms at the 29th Legislature.
“As you know, my continued efforts to bring professionalism, transparency and respect to the first branch of Government have been met with resistance – oftentimes from some of those whom one would believe should enthusiastically embrace such tenets,” Samuel wrote. “Unfortunately, implementing these doctrines in the current legislative environment has proved similar to attempting to build a house of sand in a tar pit.”
Samuel’s letter includes other remarks about the Legislature’s public image.
“If the first branch of Government is to regain the trust and respect of the community that it serves, you may find that it will be necessary to inject at least a modicum of professionalism and morality into the manner in which the institution operates,” Samuel wrote. “That is the way decent folk live. Good governance demands it.”
She concludes with equally biting comments.
“I thank you for the opportunity you provided me to continue my service to the community as a public servant; however, it is important for me to leave, now, with my work ethic, civility and dignity intact,” Samuel wrote.
WHOA!!!!
Also interesting is Farrakhan’s comment to the 29th :
This is what he had to say after talking to Sen Russell,….
Perhaps he doubts the intelligence and morality of some members?
ST. THOMAS – There is perhaps nothing unusual about Minister Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, beginning a speech by delving into the ethics of leadership and corruption.
But given the setting Tuesday morning – in the Ottley Legislative Hall before an audience of seven sitting V.I. senators and a few dozen members of the public – his remarks stirred the room.
“I have to be strong because you are in need of men and women who are unafraid to confront power with truth,” Farrakhan said. “This is a body of senators. You have a tremendous responsibility, but your ability to govern is based upon the quality of your intelligence and the quality of your morality. I’m gonna say it again.”
Farrakhan said he spoke with Senate President Ronald Russell shortly before his address.
Russell has gone too far over the edge, there is no hope for him.
Where was Chucky, did she attend? Did she give Farrakhan the evil eye?
hopefully, she kept it for herself
Funny !