RACE.....PREJUDICE.....THE HAVES......AND THE HAVE-NOTS !

I know that everyone is tired and sick of hearing about the Gates-Crowley and Obama Beerfest.It has been covered by every news outlet and blog in the Country......It was a story involving the President....Harvard......and Cambridge.

Did you hear or read the story involving Abraham Pojoy......six teenagers.....and Lynn.....probably not.......

Both incidents were about race........Mr. Pojoy,age 30 according to the Lynn Item ( 7/30 ) is homeless and of Guatemalan ancestry.He was beaten to the point that he is in Mass. General Hospital in serious condition.The alleged perps are 14,13 (3),12, and 11.

Lt. William Sharpe of the Lynn Police was quoted as saying "...Mr. Pojoy was attacked because of his ethnicity and not because of his social status"

The lack of coverage of this matter other than by the Lynn Item is not surprising, however it shows the difference between the "haves" and " have nots " .............

Say a Prayer for the Mr Pojoys' of the world......and when given the chance stand up and try to
stop the real prejudice and violence that goes unnoticed " under the radar" and involves children
and domestic violence among other horrific acts

DETERMINATION......FOCUS........ONCE A RUNNER

I read the classic fiction book of running; ONCE A RUNNER (1978) by John Parker this past week.It is a story that you can relate to if you have ever "run" competively or are hoping to in the future.It also leaves you with quotes and thoughts that may carry you in your daily living and help you conquer the " hills and valleys" of your everyday life

The plot involves a college miler hoping to run a mile under four minutes with the help of a true friend who had won a Gold Medal at the OLYMPICS in another event.The reading I will leave to you,but let's ponder.............

Cassidy,the runner,at a party was asked many questions relative to how he could train so hard
and be so good.....They all wanted to know the "SECRET".His answer was one that he did not know if they would understand.........or were prepared to hear...........
"it had not so much to do with diets,chemicals and zippy mental tricks as with the most unprofound and sometimes heartrending process of removing,molecule by molecule,the very tough rubber that comprised the bottoms of his training shoes " . Trial of Miles;Miles of Trials

In thinking of the last straight away at the end.........winning and losing did not leave much fear or surprise since it had been settled much earlier on the training fields and the morning workouts missed here or made up there...........

It is the focus .......determination.......YOU KNOW IF IT WAS EASY EVERYONE WOULD DO IT!!!!!!

The runner in the picture is a UMASS LEGEND........WITH NORTH SHORE ROOTS......

PLUMMER HOME FOR BOYS 150 YEARS OLD.........AND STILL HELPING THE YOUNG..

This weekend I had the pleasure to get invited to a cookout hosted by my hero
Dicky Gardner and his lovely and dedicated Wife Jane.I was given the chance to strike
up a conversation with Terrell Patterson whose picture I had seen on Facebook,but
never had met before...............................

Terrell ( right ) at first seemed low keyed and laid back until he started discussing his
work at the Plummer Home for Boys in Salem.

He related that he is a Supervisor of 4-5 Counselors who are each responsible for
approximately 4 boys that attend the School.
The Boys are older (14-18)and their history includes their being abused and neglected
and / or struggling with managing their behavior....

The individual stories are "heart breakers" and the boys are nearing the age where they will be released from foster care for the most part at age 18

Terrell is attempting to help them gain a skill at an alternative school along with teaching the
"day to day " functions of living independently before being released from "the system "

Terrell is another "unsung hero " who lives his passion by action in spite of the reality that the odds are
against these children.......Success can happen.......but it is difficult knowing what these
young persons have endured......

You can learn more at www.plummerhome.org

Terrell keep it going..........and GOD BLESS YOU !!!!!!

SGT. CROWLEY..........DON'T PASS UP THE BEER......

James Crowley.........A week ago you were one of "us" unknown to the general public
going to work and loving and supporting your family along with wondering what would
be happening this summer weekend.............

NOW........Thanks to Professor "Skip" Gates the President has requested that you come to
the White House and have a beer........Pack up the family and "go have a ball"!

the President involved himself for reasons unknown to me,but in the end it is working to your benefit.......You might even meet Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton before this is over........They follow the cameras "wherever they may roll"

The President and Gates want to have people "cool down" now that
they have this feeling that things are not going good for them........and
this "Little misunderstanding" and misuse of words should get buried
and disappear............Immediately

SORRY LAWYERS.........MAYBE NEXT TIME...................

FUNNY HOW THINGS WORK OUT.................................

LETS CHANGE THE SUBJECT.......A DIFFERENT BLACK MAN

Have you had the opportunity to hear Harry C. Alford ?.......

He is the CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce.He is from California and after
Military Service as an Commisioned Officer in the Army and an executive and sales person for
Proctor & Gamble,Johnson & Johnson and Sara Lee He embarked on a career that has helped
create International Business Opportunites for black persons in Africa,the Caribbean,and South Africa

He was testifying before Congress relative to an enviroment bill which in his opinion was ill advised since it would eliminate more jobs than it created and further not make the air cleaner
or decrease our dependence on the Mideast.............

Barbara Boxer,Congresswoman a proponent of the bill asked him during questioning if he had considered the opinion
of the NAACP AND ITS STAND ON THE BILL.....................................

Well......Then the " fireworks " started.......To paraphase the discussion.....He called her racist and in later interview said she was the kind of person that liked blacks as long as they stayed in
their place.........

He referred to her treatment of Condolezza Rice and Supreme Court Justice Thomas in their
confirmation hearings.....................He in effect stated if you are a professional black beware
the " Boxer "............Check it further on FOX or O'Reilly...........

Mr. Alford seems to be involved in the issues of the day and is helping Blacks change their economic status....................without using the race card,but rather the " old fashion way"
namely.........education and hard work.........

LET'S LOOK TO THE POSITIVE NOT THE NEGATIVE IN CAMBRIDGE.......that appears to support victimhood........

CAMBRIDGE UPDATE........

Drudge Report is saying that Sgt. Crowley of the Cambridge PD TEACHES RACIAL PROFILING at the Lowell Police Academy. Now the battle draws two faculty members of different Learning Institutions with opposing views and philosophy .........pitted against each other

This Lawyer's dream suit is getting "bigger and better"

Bill Cosby criticizes the President's remark.........and the President is now attempting to 

clarifying his statement of last night.......

OK ! BOYS MOUNT YOUR LAWYERS......AND LET'S RIDE....

I was hoping this Cambridge story would ride

off  into the sunset,but that is not the deal.Both sides have

"free" lawyers.The Police Union and Harvard Law School

on their respective sides are ready to do battle over conflicting

facts and philosophy.........A lawyers dream for fame and

fortune........

The President weighed in last night after admitting prejudice

and lack of facts,and then expounding on facts to explain his

judgement.....like to see a Conservative make an attempt like that in supporting

a white person......The Presidential actions on this issue smack of 

inexperience.......What was the real reason for the press conference last night ?

Professor "Skip" has the right to his opinion,however what would he have to say

if the Police failed to take action and his house was ransacked after they

believed an untrue story.......He probably would have yelled at that action 

also.

Concerning the Police Officer I am sure he has answered many suspicious activity calls 

in his career,however this more than likely is his first  involving a friend of the President

and a proclaimed expert on racial affairs who is an expert on who the "victim " is

and what they are entitled to........At first glance it appears that this Officer is equipped to

stand his ground........and ready for discussion........

In the old days of respect for authority my parents would have "slapped " me on the back of my

head for giving lip to a police officer..................

But ........I KNOW TOO WELL THIS IS A DIFFERENT TIME AND PLACE

GANG WARFARE.............A RELATIVE

I wrote yesterday's story about the Lynn Police Gang Unit without the knowledge that I have a

relative that is periodically assigned to the unit .........and to that person and the members of the unit thank you again for your service and......" God Bless " you all in this upside world of who is the victim and what is right and wrong..........

NAHANT........POLICE OFFICER HUTTON......ABOVE THE CALL OF DUTY !!!

We are aware of the dangers in the inner cities 

of our country that are plagued by the gang-bangers

who are ruthless,lawless,and without any concern

for human life other than their own gang ..........

The City of Lynn has its own gang war and

my observation is that the Lynn Police and more

specifically the "GANG UNIT " are heroic, efficent,

and a group to be proud of...........

Last weekend a gun fight between rival gangs

broke out on the beach at 7:30 in the evening.

I counted six cruisers heading to the scene

almost immediately and innocent people

may have been saved from death or injury due to

this quick response.

This response team was coined " the calvary"by

Nahant Police  Officer Thomas Hutton who was on the scene

at first.According to news account this was his first

gang banging gun war and his actions are to be 

commended.

I have known him a long time and I am proud of him

and add him to my list of HEROES...........

How to go Tom..............................................................

NOT FAIR TO SOON TO BE JUSTICE........FUNNY

It will not be long before we have our

first "Latino" on the Supreme Court,however

I was compelled to show you this cartoon from

the Herald since it does show the state of affairs

surrounding our Vice President........

She is a "lock"for the position........

Get out there and enjoy this day !!!!!!!!!!

ROLLERBLADER..........PONYTAIL........MORAL GIANT

I have never met the man,however I have had a great 

respect for him for some time based upon on all news accounts such 

as the story in the Boston Globe today.He is 87 years old and until

recently would rollerblade from his home in Swampscott down 

Lafayette St.,Salem,Ma. to his Office at Shetland Park with the

ponytail "blowing in the breeze"

A local Rabbi called him a moral giant. WHO IS THIS GUY ? ?

This person is a Bernie Madoff "victim" but he is more than that..........

The latest story mentioned above tells the tale of him and his family

donating  $ 5 million dollars to restore the retirement savings to approximately

60 employees of his Charitable Foundation and family enterprises

that was lost in the scandal

Robert I. Lappin is a " giver ". From being a vacuum cleaner maker

to giving $ 30 million to Jewish causes on the North Shore including

his Youth to Israel travel program WHICH SENT 82 Teens last week

to Israel

Robert I Lappin is an inspiration and shows What is great about this 

World  created by God...............

LYNN.............HOTSPOT

I have just returned from dinner

and "happy hour" at The  "Blue Ox "

at 191 Oxford Street in Lynn.......

and let me tell you it is one

"happening place"!!!

The establishment is run by Atty.

Mark Dejoie, Matt O'Neil "Chef 

Extraordinare"and Charlie Gaeta.

The food is terrific,however it is moderate in price. The patrons are friendly and it seems like "everyone knows your name".It is a little like "CHEERS " except the meals are much better at the "OX" and this is a comfortable place rather than a tourist trap......

The "bartender" (above) is none other than the famous John Pace who was the celebrity behind

the bar tonight.The deal is that all of his "tips" are for the benefit of LIVESTRONG that raises money for Cancer.This was very successful and the owners have stated that they intend to have this charity event once a month. WHAT A GREAT IDEA.................

If you have an idea for a charity event and the "celebrity bartender" would work for you get in touch with the group from the "OX"

ALL STAR GAME............AMERICAN FASHION DESIGN

The MLB ALL STAR GAME has just

started and it is a true American night

along with the 4th of July.You do not have 

to be a  fan to appreciate the excitement

and comraderie that the game brings on this

summer evening............

President Obama threw out the first pitch

and take it from a former "lefty " pitcher

he throws like a "girly girl " not like a real

girl (Lisa Panakio Rowe) who can unload

a baseball like a "cannon"gone wild.....ASK

HER SHE WILL TELL YOU ABOUT HER

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL CAREER...YOU MAY

NEED EXTRA TIME............................

~

While discussing girls (women) and America..........The next time you squeeze into your designer

jeans think of the story out of Sudan today in which 13 women were arrested in a raid at Khartoum cafe and 10 were flogged for wearing trousers.......40 lashes....ouch ! Three have appealed.....but the prognosis is not good............

GOD BLESS AMERICA.......GO AMERICAN LEAGUE.......DRESS CASUAL..........

HIDDEN JEWELS............MARBLEHEAD

This last weekend I spent most of it in Marblehead and I must say that I had a terrific time.This is not easy to admit...........Remember being from Lynn you tend to feel like you are "tread upon " by  "Headers"  on their way to  lucrative employment digs during the work week.(Lynnshore Drive i.e.) We will discuss this at a later time..................LETS THINK GOOD THOUGHTS............

~

 Friday Night we ate Dinner with " Rookie " Marbleheaders " Mark & Jenna Rowe who brought the " star " of the night; Maren who kept everyone spellbound with her personality and good looks eventhough she is only a year old .We ate at the DOLPHIN Yacht Club,  the food,view of the Harbor and other members at the club such as Richard and Brenda Lewin made it a "time to remember " 

~

After " tri training " Saturday morn' I hi-tailed it over to the Marblehead Farmer's Market which is held 9-12 behind the Middle School.It is a great take.The fruits,vegetables,sights and music make it a place "to see and be seen "

~

During the evening  Lisa and I got an invite to the nest of John & Joanne Nestor and their hospitality and food was another hidden jewel discovered in the little town of M............

Sunday was terrific also.......but another story....another time....another Town

The  SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING .........ENJOY.........MAKE  PLANS !!!!!!!

POOR WASHINGTON DEMOCRATS.....FREE FALLING....DOWN STAIRS

I followed the media and all the hysteria around

George Bush  and for eight years

I heard the "Dems" blame him for every problem that occured during that time ; now things 

are changing and the " Obama " crowd  is  getting

the same treatment that the economy is still in a "free fall"

The polls are dwindling for the President; The stimulus plan which was passed without being read because it was so essential;is now being downplayed by the Vice President.......This is a joke....

If I was the President I would put a muzzle on "Joe "..........He cannot get it right even with a teleprompter.......He told us that they under estimated the economy.......and now is floating new ideas to spend more money.............eventhough the first stimulus plan was not the cure all according to him.....ok Joe  " WHATEVER YOU SAY "...................................

How about the President..........was he looking at the stairs........or just intrigued by the Brazil Delegate.......How would the President of France (right) answer that question ?

STAY OFF THE ROADS.......WHAT TO DO...........

It seems obvious that at some point their has to be some

 testing of seniors as to their ability to operate a motor vehicle.

I am sensitive to the issue that the loss of a license removes the

independence to live life and puts new burdens

on family members .The legislature will have to

consider all alternatives prior to passing 

new laws and regulations concerning the "older set " most of them being responsible and good drivers their entire adult life.........................

HOW ABOUT THE 4TH OF JULY ACCIDENTS......

Young 20 something operators who allegedly used substances that made them less able to operate a car than a senior while driving at excessive speeds in the middle of the night. We cannot stop the aging process, however, we should be able to control personalities that are willing to take drugs and alcohol without concern for the general public and their passengers.

These persons may have a sickness but they should not be on the road.The laws need to be changed so that the independence to drive has to be taken from those who cannot seem to help themselves. My opinion is that the laws for operating under the influence leave to much " wiggle " room . The senior who causes an accident has been losing his/her license automatically

more than likely for good...............WHY NOT OTHERS......Maybe others should lose their license until they "age-out" of their sickness or lack of maturity and/or responsibility..... Persons charged with OUI  who have breathlizer readings of .20 or better..... should become candidates for this treatment.............Oh !!!!! this is like a personality test; this may be profiling.........It makes common sense.....It may be doomed before we talk about it..........

THE ISSUE OF TESTING SENIORS AND " UNDER THE INFLUENCE " OPERATORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TOGETHER........SINCE THE RESULTS FOR THE " BAD " DRIVERS SEEMS TO END UP THE SAME WAY.............DEATH , INJURY , AND HEARTBREAK..................

SUMMER NIGHT....BROTHERS TABLE...VOLUNTEER HEROES...

This was a great summer night to be relaxing

with friends and family after the first day back

to work after a great weekend.......

I am sure the people that volunteered

this evening were thinking that on their way to the

" Table " but they had committed to serve a

meal to more than  200 guests and their was

no turning back...............................

The Heroes I am talking about included; Shannon Gardner, Lily Gardner, K-Leigh Rowe, Shawn Rowe, and Ryan Nestor

Everybody worked hard and helped make some lives a little better this day.......God Bless.........

Once again don't forget the " Summer Party " August 13, 2009 at the Nahant CC ; GREAT FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT AND FRIENDSHIP FOR  "SHORT MONEY "

Remember the " Table " feeds people seven days a week and is supported solely by private donations.............not public funds or grants !!!!!!!!!

ST.MICHAEL'S COLLEGE,VERMONT........FOREVER !!!!

In the holiday spirit I thought it fitting that We see

a picture of four beautiful girls........I figured  you cannot

get into an argument over that decision.

Linda Mitrowski,Laurie Smith Kirk ,Mary Gleason

and Lisa Panakio Rowe graduated thirty years ago

and have maintained their bond of friendship

in spite of geographical,family,and business distractions

TAKE A LOOK...........These chic's look like they graduated ten years ago........

NOTHING LIKE GREAT FRIENDS AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

 TO KEEP YOU YOUNG..............................

SELF EVIDENT TRUTHS.......? OVER THERE,OVER THERE....

The Declaration of July 4th

says the following

"We hold these truths to be self-evident,that all

men are created equal,that they are endowed by

their creator with certain unalienable Rights,

that among these are Life,Liberty and the 

pursuit of Happiness"......................

The above seems simple enough and in fact was passed unanimously by our Forefathers;but let's own up to it,NOTHING IS SELF EVIDENT ANYMORE ; Endowed by their Creator is rarely mentioned and in fact is considered a non factor due to an interpretation of "the Church and State separation clause "; Life to one is not to another and the same can be said of Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness........

People say " it's the Lawyer's fault"...........sorry folks..... Its the individuals, and groups of self interest motivated by gain of money and power.

It is Self versus  the common good.......The only thing self evident is that which feels right for the moment..........I  cannot say that applies to our troops over seas today...........Let's remember 

them today.

 A  WWI SONG "OVER THERE,OVER THERE  in part says;

Every son of liberty,hurry right away,no delay,

no delay, make your Daddy glad,to have such a

lad;

Tell your sweatheart not pine,to be proud her

boy's in line.

OVER THERE,OVER THERE !!!!!!!

SHOUT OUT THAT IT IS SELF EVIDENT THAT WE PRAY  FOR THEM TODAY AS IF THEY ARE OUR OWN SONS,DAUGHTERS,MOTHER AND FATHER..............

RON ROWE.........BIRTHDAY BOY........BRO

July 3,has always been a festive day in the Rowe family not only because of the holiday spirit of the "FOURTH" but also because it is the birthday of

Ronald Rowe who happens to be one 

of my two Brothers..............

He is the President of Rowe Construction in Pompano Beach,Fl. and specializes in the building of Custom Homes,major remoldling,and commercial build outs.He is industrious and "one of the hardest working guys on the planet".It is his driving force which has made him a success........Take a look at www.Rowecorp.com......The picture above shows some of his outdoor entertainment work along with "summer"kitchens which are popular in Florida....... certainly not around here with our monsoon weather !

Happy birthday Ron  !............HOPE FOR MANY MORE........................Oh......by the way Ron  & Bob look at our weather................That's the John Hancock Building in the fog and rain.....................