People have talked about it. Some say it's unfair, while others say it's long overdue.
And it's coming. Under pressure from constituents and our new governor, it's looming closer and closer.
I'm talking about welfare reform.
Usually, the first ones crying foul are those who are truly in need of it. Namely, senior citizens and those who are physically or mentally disabled.
However, those are also the same groups that read only the headline and not the whole story, or are just unable to comprehend it.
And the whole story is this...welfare reform is designed to discourage those who take advantage of a system designed to assist, not support.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has one of the highest numbers in the nation of able-bodied people under the age of 65 who receive public assistance.
Here in western Pennsylvania, we have a growing number of people moving here from sunbelt states because they've either exhausted their benefits there or the laws have changed requiring them to work for a living, rather than wait until the 3rd of each month for their check.
And the system here is cruelly and shamelessly abused. EBT cards (which replaced food stamps) are sold on the street for cash or traded for drugs, as are WIC checks intended to feed infants, the most helpless members of society cast aside like dirty socks so mommy and daddy can get a fix in between their visits to the methadone clinic across the street from where I work. And I'm not exaggerating when I say this...I see them with their baby carriers in tow.
My native Michigan has one of the strictest welfare reform programs in the country. You draw from the system, and don't eventually find success getting a job on your own, they will find a job for you.
Whether its sweeping floors, flipping burgers, or anything you might feel is 'beneath' you, you're gonna do it. And if you think they can't make you do it and don't show up, guess what...you're not getting your check.
Not that it's completely infallible. People do find a way around it, but it's much more difficult than it is here. It never ceases to amaze me...those who work so hard trying to buck the system would probably be quite successful if they applied that same philosophy to honest work.
Notwithstanding, I've still found that the vast majority of people who are on welfare, don't want to be on it. Mentally and physically challenged people who are unable to hold a typical full-time job and have to depend on 'the system', do sincerely want to give back what they take to sustain them.
And they do.
You'll find them ringing the bell at the Salvation Army kettles each holiday season. Or working at your local Goodwill Industries store. Or sweeping floors at the courthouse. Perhaps even doing volunteer work at a nursing home.
Though Bill Clinton was a pretty liberal Democrat, he also instituted a national welfare reform policy (even endorsed by conservatives) that helped single mothers enter the workforce by not only finding them jobs, but providing them with childcare assistance while at work. The latter especially is what was needed and the results were overwhelmingly positive.
This is what the system needs to be...one of assistance, and not total support.
Welfare reform has to happen NOW in Pennsylvania. Drug testing, work assistance for the able-bodied, you name it. We need to get back on the job and off the dole.
NEXT WEEK: Why Work Works
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
The Traditions You Make
I'll preface this week's column with a sincere thanks to those of you who cut me some slack last week with the death of a family friend, and especially to those who left messages of condolence. It was much appreciated.
Now back to the ranch.
One of my favorite holiday traditions has been to have dinner with my family.
Both my own and the one I married into.
I still remember the days as a child when my paternal grandmother hosted Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve dinner in the finished basement of my grandparents' home. She did all the cooking herself, because like any good Polish woman of her generation, that's just what you did. And Grandma prided herself on that.
Then, as the years went by, Thanksgiving was left up to the children, because Grandpa felt that Thanksgiving and Christmas were too close together and it was too much work for Grandma's advancing years.
Then Easter went. Then Christmas Eve one year, but Grandma missed it so much she pledged to do it until she died.
I'm proud to say that at 91, she still cooks the feast at Christmas. However, there's no set time to eat. The food's out if anyone wants to come.
So my dad and stepmom have done the holiday meals in recent years. My wife Margie and I had kicked around the idea, but never really decided firmly on anything.
Until right before this past Thanksgiving.
Her parents were going to Hilton Head Island for the holiday. Her brother was having dinner with his own in-laws. My dad's home is relatively small, not exactly the right size for a sit-down family dinner.
And now that he's retired and on a fixed income, they're getting to be expensive.
I kicked around the idea in my own head, but didn't verbalize it. But I didn't have to.
Margie beat me to the punch and suggested it.
It only made sense to me, since we have a bigger house, and a non-human dishwasher. My only concern was the work involved, as my wife will only allow me so much to do, for she likes some things done 'her way'.
I was in charge of the deep-fried turkey, a rather skilled art I've been perfecting since receiving a turkey fryer in an office Christmas party in 2008.
Two boneless breasts, thoroughly injected with garlic and herb marinade, along with lasagna, cornbread casserole, homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes and rolls, with apple pie and chocolate cake for dessert, it was more than enough for me, my wife, our daughter, my mom and dad and my younger brother.
I'm more than happy to keep Thanksgiving dinner a tradition at my house. And perhaps Savannah will want to pick it up when she gets older.
I can only hope so.
NEXT WEEK: Fare Thee Well
Now back to the ranch.
One of my favorite holiday traditions has been to have dinner with my family.
Both my own and the one I married into.
I still remember the days as a child when my paternal grandmother hosted Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve dinner in the finished basement of my grandparents' home. She did all the cooking herself, because like any good Polish woman of her generation, that's just what you did. And Grandma prided herself on that.
Then, as the years went by, Thanksgiving was left up to the children, because Grandpa felt that Thanksgiving and Christmas were too close together and it was too much work for Grandma's advancing years.
Then Easter went. Then Christmas Eve one year, but Grandma missed it so much she pledged to do it until she died.
I'm proud to say that at 91, she still cooks the feast at Christmas. However, there's no set time to eat. The food's out if anyone wants to come.
So my dad and stepmom have done the holiday meals in recent years. My wife Margie and I had kicked around the idea, but never really decided firmly on anything.
Until right before this past Thanksgiving.
Her parents were going to Hilton Head Island for the holiday. Her brother was having dinner with his own in-laws. My dad's home is relatively small, not exactly the right size for a sit-down family dinner.
And now that he's retired and on a fixed income, they're getting to be expensive.
I kicked around the idea in my own head, but didn't verbalize it. But I didn't have to.
Margie beat me to the punch and suggested it.
It only made sense to me, since we have a bigger house, and a non-human dishwasher. My only concern was the work involved, as my wife will only allow me so much to do, for she likes some things done 'her way'.
I was in charge of the deep-fried turkey, a rather skilled art I've been perfecting since receiving a turkey fryer in an office Christmas party in 2008.
Two boneless breasts, thoroughly injected with garlic and herb marinade, along with lasagna, cornbread casserole, homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes and rolls, with apple pie and chocolate cake for dessert, it was more than enough for me, my wife, our daughter, my mom and dad and my younger brother.
I'm more than happy to keep Thanksgiving dinner a tradition at my house. And perhaps Savannah will want to pick it up when she gets older.
I can only hope so.
NEXT WEEK: Fare Thee Well
Sunday, December 4, 2011
We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Column...
...with a special report this week. I promised you one on traditions, but sorry, this just can't wait.
This week's column deals with one of the greatest women I never knew.
Yet I salute her in this week's column.
Why? Because my wife knew her, as did my sister-in-law.
No, she's not a family member. But to those whose lives she touched, she may as well have been.
Amy Monteleone ended her 11-year battle with breast cancer this past Friday at the age of 42, leaving behind her parents, step-parents, and her 12-year-old son.
Eleven years is a long time to have to fight for your own life. Amy spent about half that time making a difference.
Many people who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness tend to withdraw, or cling only to the most immediate family, internalizing their suffering and struggling through the battle alone.
Not Amy. With the help of her friend Bonnie Forsythe, together they organized Spring for a Cure. It's an annual luncheon held at the Atrium in Prospect, Pennsylvania to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure. This year's goal was to raise $25,000.
They exceeded that goal by $2,000. This brings the grand total of money raised to $84,000 since its inception in 2008.
The event quickly gained momentum since its beginnings. My colleagues Bonny Diver (who founded Hair Peace charities after her own battle with cancer) and Shelly Duffy have made appearances in support of it.
Despite frequent visits to the hospital for chemotherapy and other 'niceties' that go hand-in-hand with battling cancer, Amy still worked hard to make a difference in the lives of women with cancer and those touched by this terrible disease that still somehow manages to survive the advances of the most modern medical science.
This despite the fact that her cancer returned with a vengeance five months after being given a clean bill of health. Just a few months prior to her death, I had heard from her pastor that Amy stopped her chemo treatments.
My wife Margie, her mother, and my sister-in-law were staunch supporters of Spring for a Cure since its inception. I found myself touched simply by association.
Because that could very well have been Margie receiving that proverbial death sentence. It still hurts to even think about it as a possibility...because one in eight women have now been diagnosed with breast cancer.
I too felt the tears well up in my eyes when I held my wife as she told me that night that Amy had passed away.
It made me all the more grateful for what I have in this life and never to take it for granted.
Amy, we can all learn something from you.
I know I did.
Thank you.
NEXT WEEK: Back on Schedule
This week's column deals with one of the greatest women I never knew.
Yet I salute her in this week's column.
Why? Because my wife knew her, as did my sister-in-law.
No, she's not a family member. But to those whose lives she touched, she may as well have been.
Amy Monteleone ended her 11-year battle with breast cancer this past Friday at the age of 42, leaving behind her parents, step-parents, and her 12-year-old son.
Eleven years is a long time to have to fight for your own life. Amy spent about half that time making a difference.
Many people who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness tend to withdraw, or cling only to the most immediate family, internalizing their suffering and struggling through the battle alone.
Not Amy. With the help of her friend Bonnie Forsythe, together they organized Spring for a Cure. It's an annual luncheon held at the Atrium in Prospect, Pennsylvania to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure. This year's goal was to raise $25,000.
They exceeded that goal by $2,000. This brings the grand total of money raised to $84,000 since its inception in 2008.
The event quickly gained momentum since its beginnings. My colleagues Bonny Diver (who founded Hair Peace charities after her own battle with cancer) and Shelly Duffy have made appearances in support of it.
Despite frequent visits to the hospital for chemotherapy and other 'niceties' that go hand-in-hand with battling cancer, Amy still worked hard to make a difference in the lives of women with cancer and those touched by this terrible disease that still somehow manages to survive the advances of the most modern medical science.
This despite the fact that her cancer returned with a vengeance five months after being given a clean bill of health. Just a few months prior to her death, I had heard from her pastor that Amy stopped her chemo treatments.
My wife Margie, her mother, and my sister-in-law were staunch supporters of Spring for a Cure since its inception. I found myself touched simply by association.
Because that could very well have been Margie receiving that proverbial death sentence. It still hurts to even think about it as a possibility...because one in eight women have now been diagnosed with breast cancer.
I too felt the tears well up in my eyes when I held my wife as she told me that night that Amy had passed away.
It made me all the more grateful for what I have in this life and never to take it for granted.
Amy, we can all learn something from you.
I know I did.
Thank you.
NEXT WEEK: Back on Schedule
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Unhappy Valley...Part II
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in the following are strictly that of the author. Reader discretion is advised.
You read last week's column explaining in part, my stand on the Penn State sex abuse scandal. However, that was directed to those who feel that my character was/is morally flawed.
I'll only say that the sole apology I will make at this time is I'm sorry that those who feel that way, do.
I'm not reversing my stand. And here it is.
Jerry Sandusky should be punished to the fullest extent of the law for what he did to those young boys. It's pretty much been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that he did what he did. It's an absolute disgrace, and unfortunately, it cast suspicion on a number of people, with very extreme ramifications despite the fact that the allegations against them still have yet to be proven.
And let's talk about hearsay for a moment.
Merriam-Webster defines hearsay, or more specifically, hearsay evidence, as "evidence based not on a witness' personal knowledge, but on another's statement not made under oath".
In short, you HEAR what someone SAYs. Hence the name.
And it is not, repeat, NOT admissible in any court of law.
And a law enforcement officer can't do anything in cases of hearsay, either. I should know...I'm the son of a former police officer and my cousin is a career law enforcement officer. I'm proud of them both.
This would be like someone calling the police and accusing you of sexually assaulting a child. The cop would then ask that person how they came upon that knowledge.
"Well, I have it from a reliable source."
"Is that reliable source willing to come in and talk to us?"
"Well, no. But I know it to be true."
This person is accusing you of a very serious offense. Wouldn't you want to know why?
This is your life and reputation we're talking about. And someone with third-party information trying to ruin it.
Enter Mike McQueary, wide receiver coach one day in 2002.
"Hey coach, I saw Sandusky doing something in the shower...you're not gonna like it."
Joe sits down and listens. He takes the information to AD Tim Curley, and the head of the university's campus police.
And apparently nothing happens for almost a decade, until the story breaks.
Pennsylvania's attorney general expresses satisfaction by Paterno's testimony before the grand jury. The court of public opinion (as in not FACT) has already ordered him hung by his thumbs.
Why didn't he do more, some of us lament? Well, why didn't McQueary do more?
He honored the chain of command by going up the ladder, even reaching the man who was ultimately responsible.
So did Joe...who took it another step and notified the AD. As for the campus police, they too were notified. Gary Schultz, as Penn State's senior VP of finance and business, was also supervisor of the campus' police. He did not relay this information he would later receive directly from McQueary to any officer on the force, and was allowed to retire quietly two years ago.
I should also mention that the university is paying for his attorney.
Paterno offered to finish out the season and slip quietly into retirement, wanting to spare his beloved football program any further embarassment and spare the board of trustees from having to debate the matter.
Yet Joe, who only knew what he was TOLD, was the one who was abruptly and unceremoniously fired. And the man who did SEE it happen was put on an indefinite period of PAID vacation. THAT attracted the attention of Attorney General Linda Kelly.
Though McQueary told his team "I'm done", he has yet to formally hand in his resignation.
If Paterno's termination isn't an obvious "business firing", I don't know what is.
We still don't know all the facts of this case, and there will be more details released as the weeks unfold. It may be months, if not years, when all of the facts come out.
There is still, however, a time and place for everything. The football program needs a complete overhaul to salvage the university's reputation. That means cleaning house. And it could have waited until the end of the season.
If it turns out that JoePa knew more than what he let on to, let that be proven in a court of law. The Court of Public Opinion is nothing other than just that. Otherwise, it would be the Court of Public Facts, right?
If Coach is proven guilty in this matter, I'll be the first in line chanting for his head.
Not until.
There's people in this case who are far more guilty than Joe Paterno.
Like Gary Schultz and Jerry Sandusky.
You can direct your shock, anger and whatever emotions you have at them.
Let's not lose sight of the fact that this is still, the United States of America, where EVERYONE, like it or not, is entitled to due process. And it's guaranteed by the Constitution.
Not due process of public opinion. Due process of LAW.
And Joe Paterno was tried, convicted, and executed - at least professionally - by the Penn State University Board of Trustees.
This is not what our country is about.
God help us all if it becomes so.
NEXT WEEK: Holiday Traditions
You read last week's column explaining in part, my stand on the Penn State sex abuse scandal. However, that was directed to those who feel that my character was/is morally flawed.
I'll only say that the sole apology I will make at this time is I'm sorry that those who feel that way, do.
I'm not reversing my stand. And here it is.
Jerry Sandusky should be punished to the fullest extent of the law for what he did to those young boys. It's pretty much been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that he did what he did. It's an absolute disgrace, and unfortunately, it cast suspicion on a number of people, with very extreme ramifications despite the fact that the allegations against them still have yet to be proven.
And let's talk about hearsay for a moment.
Merriam-Webster defines hearsay, or more specifically, hearsay evidence, as "evidence based not on a witness' personal knowledge, but on another's statement not made under oath".
In short, you HEAR what someone SAYs. Hence the name.
And it is not, repeat, NOT admissible in any court of law.
And a law enforcement officer can't do anything in cases of hearsay, either. I should know...I'm the son of a former police officer and my cousin is a career law enforcement officer. I'm proud of them both.
This would be like someone calling the police and accusing you of sexually assaulting a child. The cop would then ask that person how they came upon that knowledge.
"Well, I have it from a reliable source."
"Is that reliable source willing to come in and talk to us?"
"Well, no. But I know it to be true."
This person is accusing you of a very serious offense. Wouldn't you want to know why?
This is your life and reputation we're talking about. And someone with third-party information trying to ruin it.
Enter Mike McQueary, wide receiver coach one day in 2002.
"Hey coach, I saw Sandusky doing something in the shower...you're not gonna like it."
Joe sits down and listens. He takes the information to AD Tim Curley, and the head of the university's campus police.
And apparently nothing happens for almost a decade, until the story breaks.
Pennsylvania's attorney general expresses satisfaction by Paterno's testimony before the grand jury. The court of public opinion (as in not FACT) has already ordered him hung by his thumbs.
Why didn't he do more, some of us lament? Well, why didn't McQueary do more?
He honored the chain of command by going up the ladder, even reaching the man who was ultimately responsible.
So did Joe...who took it another step and notified the AD. As for the campus police, they too were notified. Gary Schultz, as Penn State's senior VP of finance and business, was also supervisor of the campus' police. He did not relay this information he would later receive directly from McQueary to any officer on the force, and was allowed to retire quietly two years ago.
I should also mention that the university is paying for his attorney.
Paterno offered to finish out the season and slip quietly into retirement, wanting to spare his beloved football program any further embarassment and spare the board of trustees from having to debate the matter.
Yet Joe, who only knew what he was TOLD, was the one who was abruptly and unceremoniously fired. And the man who did SEE it happen was put on an indefinite period of PAID vacation. THAT attracted the attention of Attorney General Linda Kelly.
Though McQueary told his team "I'm done", he has yet to formally hand in his resignation.
If Paterno's termination isn't an obvious "business firing", I don't know what is.
We still don't know all the facts of this case, and there will be more details released as the weeks unfold. It may be months, if not years, when all of the facts come out.
There is still, however, a time and place for everything. The football program needs a complete overhaul to salvage the university's reputation. That means cleaning house. And it could have waited until the end of the season.
If it turns out that JoePa knew more than what he let on to, let that be proven in a court of law. The Court of Public Opinion is nothing other than just that. Otherwise, it would be the Court of Public Facts, right?
If Coach is proven guilty in this matter, I'll be the first in line chanting for his head.
Not until.
There's people in this case who are far more guilty than Joe Paterno.
Like Gary Schultz and Jerry Sandusky.
You can direct your shock, anger and whatever emotions you have at them.
Let's not lose sight of the fact that this is still, the United States of America, where EVERYONE, like it or not, is entitled to due process. And it's guaranteed by the Constitution.
Not due process of public opinion. Due process of LAW.
And Joe Paterno was tried, convicted, and executed - at least professionally - by the Penn State University Board of Trustees.
This is not what our country is about.
God help us all if it becomes so.
NEXT WEEK: Holiday Traditions
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Unhappy Valley...Part I
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in the following are strictly that of the author. Reader discretion is advised.
"Say it ain't so, Joe!"
"Joe, Don't Go!"
"Screw U, PSU!"
Placards like this were seen all through State College, Pennsylvania over the past couple weeks.
By the way, State College is the centrally-located home of the Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State.
This fine institution was stained by a serious scandal recently, as assistant coach Jerry Sandusky was charged with a series of sexual assaults involving young boys, with one episode witnessed in a shower by a graduate assisant.
Though Sandusky had been retired for some time, heads rolled.
An emergency meeting was called by the university's board of trustees. That meeting resulted in the resignation of university President Graham Spanier and the firing of its legendary head football coach, Joe Paterno.
Not long after the scandal broke, I took a stand on social media in support of the man I and countless others affectionately refer to as "JoePa".
And I knew the can of worms I was potentially opening. And I was all but dragged out to the streets and crucified for it.
Some who have known me for years, including some family members, have viciously attacked me for taking this stand, including a self-admitted victim of child abuse herself. Others took the more merciful route and expressed their disappointment or messaged me privately, asking me to explain myself, which I did.
I also have my fair share of supporters.
Those of you who don't agree with me, and those who really, really, REALLY don't agree with me, I understand. Especially the latter.
And I'm not angry about it. You're still cool with me.
Because that's what this country is about. Free speech.
It's also about due process.
But before we go any further, I sincerely sympathize with those who were victimized by this terrible tragedy. I always have since this story broke. I want them to receive their due justice and hope that they get it.
We have a very sophisticated judicial system that's one of the best in the world. It's not flawless, but it's the best one we have.
If you read up on your American and world history, you'll find that most judges actually served three roles as opposed to one...judge, jury, and executioner.
Pontius Pilate, great example of this.
And in most cases, judges were clergymen.
Because hey, who was a better judge of morality? Right?
Wrong.
A judge in those days had the power to simply kill someone they did not like.
Whether he or she did really anything wrong was immaterial. He'd find something to nail them for. Yep, he'll show 'em!
We have a word for this...corruption.
Not to say it doesn't exist today. But let's face it, it's been a part of human nature since the book of Genesis.
Morality is what writes the laws of this country. "In God We Trust". Morality came first, then the law. Carefully crafted in writing.
"You shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor"...translation..."Thou shall not lie".
And in a court of law, we call that perjury. Before or after the time of arrest, we call it unsworn falsification to law enforcement. Sign off on that bold-faced lie, and you're in big-time trouble.
These are all outlined in the Constitution of the United States of America, the law of the land which the men and women of our armed forces are sworn to protect, preserve and defend. Our public servants and elected leaders are also sworn to this oath.
Now that my moral foundation has been explained, so will my stand on the matter surrounding the scandal. But you'll have to wait until next week to read it.
NEXT WEEK: Part II
"Say it ain't so, Joe!"
"Joe, Don't Go!"
"Screw U, PSU!"
Placards like this were seen all through State College, Pennsylvania over the past couple weeks.
By the way, State College is the centrally-located home of the Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State.
This fine institution was stained by a serious scandal recently, as assistant coach Jerry Sandusky was charged with a series of sexual assaults involving young boys, with one episode witnessed in a shower by a graduate assisant.
Though Sandusky had been retired for some time, heads rolled.
An emergency meeting was called by the university's board of trustees. That meeting resulted in the resignation of university President Graham Spanier and the firing of its legendary head football coach, Joe Paterno.
Not long after the scandal broke, I took a stand on social media in support of the man I and countless others affectionately refer to as "JoePa".
And I knew the can of worms I was potentially opening. And I was all but dragged out to the streets and crucified for it.
Some who have known me for years, including some family members, have viciously attacked me for taking this stand, including a self-admitted victim of child abuse herself. Others took the more merciful route and expressed their disappointment or messaged me privately, asking me to explain myself, which I did.
I also have my fair share of supporters.
Those of you who don't agree with me, and those who really, really, REALLY don't agree with me, I understand. Especially the latter.
And I'm not angry about it. You're still cool with me.
Because that's what this country is about. Free speech.
It's also about due process.
But before we go any further, I sincerely sympathize with those who were victimized by this terrible tragedy. I always have since this story broke. I want them to receive their due justice and hope that they get it.
We have a very sophisticated judicial system that's one of the best in the world. It's not flawless, but it's the best one we have.
If you read up on your American and world history, you'll find that most judges actually served three roles as opposed to one...judge, jury, and executioner.
Pontius Pilate, great example of this.
And in most cases, judges were clergymen.
Because hey, who was a better judge of morality? Right?
Wrong.
A judge in those days had the power to simply kill someone they did not like.
Whether he or she did really anything wrong was immaterial. He'd find something to nail them for. Yep, he'll show 'em!
We have a word for this...corruption.
Not to say it doesn't exist today. But let's face it, it's been a part of human nature since the book of Genesis.
Morality is what writes the laws of this country. "In God We Trust". Morality came first, then the law. Carefully crafted in writing.
"You shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor"...translation..."Thou shall not lie".
And in a court of law, we call that perjury. Before or after the time of arrest, we call it unsworn falsification to law enforcement. Sign off on that bold-faced lie, and you're in big-time trouble.
These are all outlined in the Constitution of the United States of America, the law of the land which the men and women of our armed forces are sworn to protect, preserve and defend. Our public servants and elected leaders are also sworn to this oath.
Now that my moral foundation has been explained, so will my stand on the matter surrounding the scandal. But you'll have to wait until next week to read it.
NEXT WEEK: Part II
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Assuring Your Insured
Comedian Chris Rock once called insurance "in case (stuff) happens".
And if stuff does happen, just hope you get what's coming to you.
One rainy morning in early September, I was on my way to the radio station to air the early morning news. It was shortly before 4am, and on my way to the police precinct to pore over reports, a car coming out of a back alley way crossed my path and left me little time or space to avoid hitting him.
Police were called. Information was exchanged. Insurance companies were notified. Repairs were arranged and rental vehicles were authorized.
Now a month has passed.
I'm still waiting to hear back from the other guy's insurance.
Plus, my insurance company's recovery department is working on my behalf to get it. There's pictures of the intersection, plus my verbal and written statements. No reason why I shouldn't get 100 percent liability in my favor, at least according to me and my insurance company.
Naturally, the other guy's insurance doesn't feel the same way.
I already paid for the repairs out of my own pocket, because I couldn't stand to see my truck battle-scarred any longer, and felt I could wait to be reimbursed. Hint...don't do this close to Christmas and your wife's birthday...both within a month of each other.
That doesn't mean I'll give up.
Not by a long shot.
Most people who do know me know I can be anything from tenacious to a downright pain-in-the-dupa (yes I am of Polish ancestry), when it comes to me getting what I want. Most times I do get it.
And I don't want much. Only what's fair. I didn't call Edgar Snyder and fake a neck injury. I didn't take advantage of our great Commonwealth's "lottery" court system to try and make a lot of money I didn't earn.
I once saw a bumper sticker that said "Hit me! I need the money!"
Uh...no. You won't find it on the back of my truck.
Because I could very well have been on the wrong end of this crash myself.
And the other guy could have done just that...and ruined me in the process.
I won't do that. The guy at fault seemed OK and didn't lie to the cops or immediately deny responsibility.
What goes around comes around. Guaranteed.
While it might sound tempting to take advantage of a situation like this, can you live with the fact that you lied and cheated to get something you knew you didn't deserve?
If you believe the world owes you something just because you're here, that only means you're going out the same way you came in.
There's only one thing you take with you when you leave this world.
Your integrity.
That, in and of itself, is priceless.
NEXT WEEK: Not-so Happy Valley
And if stuff does happen, just hope you get what's coming to you.
One rainy morning in early September, I was on my way to the radio station to air the early morning news. It was shortly before 4am, and on my way to the police precinct to pore over reports, a car coming out of a back alley way crossed my path and left me little time or space to avoid hitting him.
Police were called. Information was exchanged. Insurance companies were notified. Repairs were arranged and rental vehicles were authorized.
Now a month has passed.
I'm still waiting to hear back from the other guy's insurance.
Plus, my insurance company's recovery department is working on my behalf to get it. There's pictures of the intersection, plus my verbal and written statements. No reason why I shouldn't get 100 percent liability in my favor, at least according to me and my insurance company.
Naturally, the other guy's insurance doesn't feel the same way.
I already paid for the repairs out of my own pocket, because I couldn't stand to see my truck battle-scarred any longer, and felt I could wait to be reimbursed. Hint...don't do this close to Christmas and your wife's birthday...both within a month of each other.
That doesn't mean I'll give up.
Not by a long shot.
Most people who do know me know I can be anything from tenacious to a downright pain-in-the-dupa (yes I am of Polish ancestry), when it comes to me getting what I want. Most times I do get it.
And I don't want much. Only what's fair. I didn't call Edgar Snyder and fake a neck injury. I didn't take advantage of our great Commonwealth's "lottery" court system to try and make a lot of money I didn't earn.
I once saw a bumper sticker that said "Hit me! I need the money!"
Uh...no. You won't find it on the back of my truck.
Because I could very well have been on the wrong end of this crash myself.
And the other guy could have done just that...and ruined me in the process.
I won't do that. The guy at fault seemed OK and didn't lie to the cops or immediately deny responsibility.
What goes around comes around. Guaranteed.
While it might sound tempting to take advantage of a situation like this, can you live with the fact that you lied and cheated to get something you knew you didn't deserve?
If you believe the world owes you something just because you're here, that only means you're going out the same way you came in.
There's only one thing you take with you when you leave this world.
Your integrity.
That, in and of itself, is priceless.
NEXT WEEK: Not-so Happy Valley
Sunday, November 6, 2011
The Old Man Came for a Visit
It's the first time I ever remember such an event during my 42 years on this planet.
On Halloween weekend, as much as five inches of snow fell upon southwestern Pennsylvania. While we didn't get quite that much in my part of the region, it was still unusual to see snow this early in the fall.
I woke up that Saturday after our daughter decided she no longer was in need of sleep. It was one of those times where I wished that she was a teenager and would need a crowbar to pry her out of bed.
Sometimes I like snuggle weather!
Notwithstanding, we got out of bed and prepared for our usual Saturday morning ritual of going out for breakfast.
After our food arrived, my wife posed the question:
"What's on your agenda for today?"
While 'nothing' would have been my preferred response, I was faced with a rather unpleasant task that I wanted nothing to do with...simply because it meant capitulation.
More specifically, removing the mower deck from the tractor and replacing it with the snow blade.
It also reminded me of the letters I send out to local school districts this time of year. They contain the password they use to cancel or delay school in the event of inclement weather. I usually wait until November to mail them out, but this year's snowstorm made me rethink whether I should sent them out earlier.
Like August.
After all, this is western Pennsylvania we-unz are living in.
And Old Man Winter decided to show up a little early.
He didn't stay long though. Just enough to say "I'm here".
Not that we'd ever forget it.
NEXT WEEK: Insurance vs. Assurance
On Halloween weekend, as much as five inches of snow fell upon southwestern Pennsylvania. While we didn't get quite that much in my part of the region, it was still unusual to see snow this early in the fall.
I woke up that Saturday after our daughter decided she no longer was in need of sleep. It was one of those times where I wished that she was a teenager and would need a crowbar to pry her out of bed.
Sometimes I like snuggle weather!
Notwithstanding, we got out of bed and prepared for our usual Saturday morning ritual of going out for breakfast.
After our food arrived, my wife posed the question:
"What's on your agenda for today?"
While 'nothing' would have been my preferred response, I was faced with a rather unpleasant task that I wanted nothing to do with...simply because it meant capitulation.
More specifically, removing the mower deck from the tractor and replacing it with the snow blade.
It also reminded me of the letters I send out to local school districts this time of year. They contain the password they use to cancel or delay school in the event of inclement weather. I usually wait until November to mail them out, but this year's snowstorm made me rethink whether I should sent them out earlier.
Like August.
After all, this is western Pennsylvania we-unz are living in.
And Old Man Winter decided to show up a little early.
He didn't stay long though. Just enough to say "I'm here".
Not that we'd ever forget it.
NEXT WEEK: Insurance vs. Assurance
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