Dedicated to PeteySweety and all wise men during this season of Peace and Good Will…

Has Christmas become too commercialized? In some towns the display of decorated trees is now controversial. Is it a ‘holiday’, or is it a ‘holyday’? Is it ‘Christmas’, or is it ‘Xmas’?

Rosemarie Jackowski

(North or south, east or west, local conflicts of interest effectively disenfranchise folks in many communities throughout Vermont.  Time for a statewide policy! – promoted by Sue Prent)

Those who say any publicity is good, might not be right this time.  The new Anti-panhandler law has brought focus to Bennington from far and wide. Most of the publicity has been very negative.  We need to find a way out of this quagmire.

Locally the law has generated the largest citizen protest since March 20, 2003.  That protest opposed The Shock and Awe war which caused the deaths of hundreds of thousands.

A few citizens are asking questions about a possible conflict of interest. Three members of the Select Board have connections to businesses on Main Street.  Whether or not any law was broken is not the issue. There is a perception of impropriety.  Select Boards represent all citizens, not only the business community.

Some citizens are circulating petitions so that the law will be the subject of a citizen vote.

Many others, have serious concerns about the impact of this law on taxes. Laws restricting free speech have been overturned all over the country. Legal battles are expensive. Will taxpayers be at risk if the law is challenged on Constitutional grounds?  The ‘law-of-unintended-consequences’ might come back to haunt us sometime in the near future.

Beyond all that, there is another question. Was the law based on ‘misinformation’?   Citizens, and also maybe some members of the Select Board, were given the impression that the law was necessary because the presence of pan-handlers was having a negative impact on Main Street businesses.  How can that be?  The front page of the October 15, 2013 issue of the Bennington Banner ran a news report about how great business was. “I’ve been here for 13 years, and this is the best Columbus Day week-end since...”, said the office manager of Evans News.  Other Main Street businesses reported similar good news.

The issue right now, today, is how do we stop the bleeding and allow the healing process to begin.   There is a way.  Think about this: What would happen if a citizen – any citizen- made a request of the Select Board to reconsider the law and have an immediate re-vote?   Could that happen without a citizen request? Suppose the Select Board on their own, made the decision to hold a re-vote. This would be a win-win-win for everyone. There is no downside to this.  Consider the risk-benefit ratio. The Select Board would look good, because they would be functioning at the highest level of democratic standards. The citizens would be comforted to know that the members of the Select Board were courageous enough to either change their votes, or else they were convinced that their original votes were correct.

With the new information that is now available – the depth of citizen opposition, and the information in the October 15 issue of the Banner,  the Members of the Select Board owe it to themselves to reconsider.   A few votes of conscience could turn this around.

‘Twas the night before Christmas

And through the Senate and House

The money was flowing

To each Wall Street louse

We need compassion, love, and caring

Just a little more kindness and a lot more sharing

A holiday miracle is what we need

If not, we just might have to secede

Last night’s vote………..

They won.  We lost. The vote was 5 to 1. One board member was absent.

The new anti-panhandler law is a confusing hodgepodge of rules and regulations that will make any one cringe – no matter which side you are on. Those who support the First Amendment will find this law very troubling – especially in a town where the First Amendment has been under attack for a long time.

Taxpayers better hold on to their wallets. If this law is challenged on Constitutional grounds, it could result in a legal bill of historic proportions.  Though, chances are not too great that that will happen. In Bennington the Constitution has been disrespected for a long time.  Most citizens don’t seem to care.

One board member offered a motion which limited the new law to town owned property. Well, that is encouraging. That means that the police cannot break down doors and go into privately owned homes and businesses for enforcement purposes.

The law now specifies a new 10 foot rule.  Panhandlers must maintain a distance of 10 feet from any business entrance.  The 10 foot rule will set up a zone where free speech is denied.

The law also will prohibit sleeping in a vehicle.  When questioned about this, the town officer said that people would be told to go to Albany, NY or Brattleboro, VT for help.  Both are approximately 40 miles distant, a difficult drive for anyone under stress in an old vehicle, especially during the winter.  Getting to Brattleboro means driving over a narrow, winding mountain road. Getting to Albany is not much easier.

So, pass the word. There is no room in the inn for you in Bennington if you are poor and homeless.  Merry Christmas to all.

OP-ED: Warning to taxpayers

ROSEMARIE JACKOWSKI, Bennington resident

Posted:   11/19/2013 01:00:00 AM EST

Congratulations to the citizens who spoke at the Select Board meeting on Monday, Nov. 11. The meeting was an impressive example of how democracy works.

There are remaining questions about the proposed anti-panhandler ordinance.

Will it violate the First Amendment? Any 8-year-old can Google “Panhandler laws and The First Amendment.” Anti panhandler laws have been tried and failed across the country.

A few unanswered questions about the proposed law.

1. If someone on Main Street asks: “Can you please help me? I need directions to the covered bridge.” Would that be a violation?

2. If someone on Main Street asks: “Can you please help me? I need a dollar.” Would that be a violation? If so, would that be profiling? Would that be victimizing someone because of socio/economic class? Would that be selective enforcement of the law?

3. Would holding a sign that said: “Need ride to Albany” be a violation? What about holding a sign that said: “Will work for food?”

4. If this law is adopted, would it put taxpayers at risk? What would be the likely result if the law was challenged in Court on Constitutional grounds? Will Bennington taxpayers be at risk if a Constitutional legal battle results?

The common belief is that there are “services” for all who are in need.

That is a myth.

Stigma prevents many who need help from asking. Beyond that, there are often so many loopholes that many in real need do not qualify. It is sometimes a “gotcha system,” lacking in privacy, and disrespecting the person asking for help.

Another misconception about the poor is that they are “inferior,” mentally ill, lazy, substance abusers. The stereotyping of any group leads to prejudice.

Many respectable citizens, especially here in Bennington, are just one medical/dental emergency away from economic disaster. A bumper sticker on one car in town says: “I don’t need therapy. I need money.”

Homelessness is an issue — so much so, that recently some were considering putting up a tent city in Bennington. Recently it was announced that a 59-unit Econo Lodge in Shelburne is being converted to house the homeless.

Instead of hiding them, they are being helped in Shelburne. Would that be a solution in other locations? The prejudice against the “lower class” is very clear. Some are poor through no fault of their own.

One of the leading causes of bankruptcy is the cost of medical care. A 2007 Harvard study showed that 60 percent of bankruptcies are due to medical expenses. Seventy-five percent filing for bankruptcy had health care insurance. Sometimes bad things do happen to good people.

The bottom line is this. It appears that the law is under consideration because of a desire to make the poor invisible to tourists. One town officer was quoted in the news as saying that panhandlers create an “image” problem. Instead of hiding the poor, how about helping them.

A suggestion to the town leaders: Next time a panhandler asks for help, invite him out to lunch. Maybe you will have a new understanding of the causes of poverty and also make a new friend.

Rosemarie Jackowski is a Bennington resident.

Still Dancing Around the First Amendment

Town officials spoke first. Then just like a scene from a movie, up to the mike, came one lonely citizen. Central casting could not have been better at selecting just the right person to speak.

How did we get here. Last night’s meeting of the Bennington Select Board was more like a scene from Shirley Jackson’s ‘The Lottery’, than like a Norman Rockwell painting. ‘The Lottery’ was written in North Bennington, just a stone’s throw away from Bennington.  It is the story of how small town culture often results in prejudice against anyone who is different.

Rockwell was a famous Vermont artist. His painting of the man standing at a town meeting and exhibiting freedom of speech is a classic. It celebrates the First Amendment.

Last night’s meeting was held in the town fire house.  The fire house has an interesting history. It is the location where voting takes place. Also, pre-election debates and forums are sometimes held there.  Often, candidates who are not members of the democratic or republican party, are not allowed to participate.  During one of those forums, Dennis Steele, candidate for governor, stood outside. His First Amendment rights did not give him access that night.

On the agenda for last night’s meeting was a discussion about the proposed Anti-panhandler Law. The vote was delayed until November 11, but a discussion took place. All town officials spoke in favor of the law.  Their allegiance to the business community always trumps the needs of ordinary citizens. The economy is not good. Many local business owners are struggling.  Most citizens understand the importance of local businesses and are sympathetic. There are empty store fronts on Main Street. This is not just a Bennington problem. Main Street USA will never be the way it was during the Leave it to Beaver days.

Town officials spoke first. Then just like a scene from a movie, up to the mike, came one lonely citizen. Central casting could not have been better at selecting just the right person to speak. It was a bit reminiscent of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.  Ron Conroy, citizen, husband, father, veteran spoke with clarity and elegance.  He spoke on behalf of the disenfranchised… the poor, those in need of help. Bennington now had its own Mr. Smith.

A few other officials spoke. Then Conroy went back to the mike and made a very brief statement. He asked how a meeting that started with a Pledge to the flag could then go on to disrespect the Constitution by considering a law that would deny First Amendment rights to anyone.  Conroy was soft spoken and respectful, but that did not prevent one Board member from becoming visibly agitated. His anger at the citizen was very clear – and will have a chilling effect on citizen participation for a long time. Conroy remained cool and calm as he stood perfectly still in front of the angry official.  With grace and courtesy, Conroy firmly reminded him that he too was a veteran.

There are remaining questions.  

1  If someone on Main Street asks:  “Can you please help me? I need directions to the covered bridge.”  Would that be a violation of the proposed law?

2  If someone on Main Street asks:  “Can you please help me? I need a dollar.”  Would that be a violation of the proposed law? If so, would that be profiling? Would that be victimizing someone because of socio/economic class?

3 Would holding a sign that said: “Need ride to Albany” be a violation?  What about holding a sign that said: “Will work for food”?  

4  If this law is adopted, would it put Bennington taxpayers at risk?  What would be the likely result if the law was challenged in Court on Constitutional grounds?

The bottom line is this.  It appears that the law is under consideration because of a desire to make the poor invisible to tourists.  It has been stated that the poor create an ‘image’ problem.  Instead of hiding the poor, how about helping them.  The common belief is that there are ‘services’ for all who are in need.  That is a myth. Many in Vermont go without the essentials of life.  Homelessness is an issue – so much so, that recently some were considering putting up a tent city.  Today it was announced that a 59 unit Econo Lodge in Shelburne is being converted to house the homeless. Instead of hiding them, they are being helped in other locations.  Would that be a solution in Bennington?

The prejudice against the ‘lower class’ is very clear.  Some are poor through no fault of their own. One of the leading causes of bankruptcy is medical expenses.  A 2007 Harvard study showed that 60% of bankruptcies are due to medical expenses. 75% filing for bankruptcy had health care insurance.  Sometimes bad things do happen to good people.

A suggestion to the town leaders: Next time a panhandler asks for help, invite him out to lunch.  Maybe you will have a new understanding of the causes of poverty and also make a new friend.

Rosemarie Jackowski

The Bennington Banner reports that at the next Bennington Select Board Meeting, on Monday night, October 14, the board will consider a law prohibiting panhandling.

Violations of the First Amendment are getting to be a habit in Bennington. The public tax supported library bans some political books. Some candidates, depending on Party affiliation, are often not allowed to participate in election forums. And remember what happened at the last select board meeting just 2 weeks ago. The order was given to pull the plug on the TV cameras. Thousands of TV screens went black. The select board did not want the public to see or hear what was happening.  

Now this anti free speech law is on the agenda.  

If it is acceptable for someone to request directions to the Battle Monument, then it follows that a simple request for money must also be permitted.  We either have First Amendment protections, or we don’t. Well, in Vermont we don’t. It is just that simple.  Increasingly, speech is being silenced.

In addition to legal issues, this law that is under consideration, shows a mind-numbing lack of humanity.  It exposes the hidden hatred toward the less fortunate.  Can anyone deny that these are hard times. People are hungry and homeless.    

The reason that this is on the agenda is because, to quote the Better Bennington Corporation: “It puts our worse face forward”.  The official policy is that that the poor should be hidden and invisible.  Where is our compassion?

This erosion of rights will continue as long as we are silent. Is there anyone out there who can be present at the meeting? Citizens better speak up before it is too late…maybe it is already too late.

 

The Lady and the Police Chase

It was a very hot summer afternoon in 1972. I was heading for home on a quiet country road in south Jersey. I was tired and hungry after working all day. My 4 year old daughter was sitting in the back seat quietly reading a book. When I saw that there was a police road block ahead, I pulled into a driveway and turned around, intending to take an alternate way home. I did not want to be delayed. Suddenly my rear view mirror was filled with a rainbow of red and blue flashing lights. Sirens blared.  I pulled over and was immediately surrounded by police.  They wanted to know why I was trying to avoid the road block.  I pointed to a small brown paper bag on the passenger seat.  The officers’ eyes grew wide.  I showed them the contents of the bag.  It was a container of cole slaw from the Cape May Deli.  I did not want it to spoil in the heat.  The officers seemed confused, but allowed me to go on my way.  That was many decades ago, and in family history the Cole Slaw Caper was all but forgotten… just another fun day at the Jersey Shore.

The events in Washington brought back memories of that day.  I could not help but recognize similarities… a mother with a daughter in the back seat…similar ages… a police chase.  The Washington events though were very different. Imagine a mother in a car that is under attack by a large group of armed men in high tech military gear.  Fight or flight syndrome would certainly influence the response of any mother with a child in the car.  

Many questions remain.  It appears that Miriam Carey was driving in unfamiliar territory. She was possibly lost. Maybe confused. Maybe distracted… any mother who has ever driven with a child in the back seat will understand that.  Why was it necessary to shoot and kill her?   Why was the car not stopped in a less deadly manner?   Will the Press ever ask those questions?

Why are police departments all over the country being militarized?  Is this a ploy to ‘use up’ military equipment, further enriching the MIC? Is it really necessary to send in a swat team to arrest a kid with pot?

Small town and rural police departments are being militarized all across the country.  At the same time, many citizens have increasing concerns about rumors that FEMA camps are being set up to imprison all of us. Remember the lyrics: “…Paranoia strikes deep…”.  Conspiracy theories abound.  High levels of stress and challenges to mental health are a part of every day life.  This is a perfect storm.  Citizens are buying up guns and weapons.  We now have a domestic arms race –  an arms race in our neighborhoods.  We are all less safe.  

Most police officers are honorable and professional. Some are not. Some, a few, become police officers because they are trigger-happy. The police should never shoot to kill an unarmed person. It is happening with increasing regularity.  And almost always, it is excused. No one is held responsible.  

There is now an 18 month old girl who will grow up without her mother.  Who will be prosecuted? Anyone?  In a way, we all have some responsibility here for the culture we have allowed to go on unchallenged.  

Police departments should not be military organizations.   They should be ‘safety officers’ – keepers of the peace.  Right now the United States is on a death spiral.  Do we have the political will to turn things around?  Probably not.

Rosemarie Jackowski is an advocacy journalist and peace activist. She is author of Banned in Vermont.



   

(This deserves front page real estate.  Not everyone may agree with all aspects of Rosemarie’s diary, but most will appreciate that this is symptomatic of a greater problem in Vermont that arises out of the very quality that most of us love about the state: it’s extreme intimacy.  Unfortunately, that intimacy has a dark side in the form of cronyism, conflicts of interest and plain bad manners toward those who create ripples in the local pond. – promoted by Sue Prent)

Pulling the Plug on the First Amendment

During the September 23 meeting of the Bennington Select Board an order was given to pull the plug. Given the order, CAT-TV immediately obeyed.  Video and audio of the live broadcast suddenly disappeared from thousands of television screens. This occurred during an enthusiastic discussion between a citizen and a member of the Select Board.

In complete disclosure, I am a fan of CAT-TV.   Community television is one of Bennington’s most important assets. CAT-TV is the stronghold of the First Amendment in Bennington.  This is especially important in a State where the First Amendment has been quietly under attack for years. CAT-TV should never be silenced – not even for a few minutes.

 

Evidence of the erosion of free speech is often seen during election time. Photos of Dennis Steele being arrested are available on the Internet. Steele was a candidate for governor. He was arrested because he wanted to participate in a political debate. Another candidate, Peter Diamondstone, was arrested at the Vermont Law School. He also wanted to participate in a debate.

When a book is banned by a library, or when a candidate is not allowed to participate in a debate it is often ‘under the radar’. Citizens are never told. Libraries do not post lists of books they ban.  People do not know, what they don’t know. These are the unknown unknowns.  If more citizens knew that their Constitutional rights have been compromised, they would react.

Newspapers and other privately owned companies have the legal right to publish or not publish anything they want. Public tax supported schools and libraries have a higher obligation to honor free speech – especially political speech.

The banning of political books by a public tax supported library is a violation of the First Amendment.  Legal experts and Constitutional lawyers can game the system by arguing that the Amendment only restricts the federal government.  That can be debated, but the spirit of the First Amendment is very clear. It should be honored.

Instead of pulling the plug on CAT-TV, the plug should be pulled on the funding of any organization or library that suppresses free speech or prohibits the right to read.  The chipping away at the First Amendment has a chilling effect on the democratic process and discourages citizen participation.

How ironic, this most recent attack on the First Amendment occurred during Banned Book Week.

Rosemarie Jackowski

Labor Day 2013

On Labor Day we celebrate those who work — as opposed to those who inherit family wealth and those whose financial investments work so they don’t have to. Many workers who deserve to be honored on this special day have come from across the border. In a global economy, workers who strive for justice in their own country must, by necessity, unite with workers around the world.

Workers from across the border, as well as native born workers, often experience hostility. They work on farms and in factories. They empty bed pans in nursing homes. They scrub toilets and make beds in the hotel industry. They work in retail outlets. They work in the construction industry as carpenters and roofers. They educate our children. They care for our elders. They have earned our respect and gratitude.  They deserve to be honored on Labor Day, and every day.

Below are typical statements made by bosses to their employees — workers who struggle for survival on the dark side of Capitalism.

1. Look, it doesn’t matter if the fumes are making you sick. OSHA says everything is OK.

2. I already told you that you couldn’t have the morning off. Your Father’s funeral can wait till the weekend.

3. Union, did I just hear somebody say, “Union?” Fire that damn Commie !

4. You want a raise… The government says I don’t have to give you a raise.

5. If you want health insurance, move to Costa Rica. This is the USA. Love it, or leave it. Besides, we don’t have any sick people here. We fire them when they get sick.

6. You say you want paid maternity leave. If the corporation wanted you to have a baby we would have issued you one.

7. What’s the big deal – it’s just asbestos.

8. Hey kid, stop crying and pick those tomatoes faster. You can celebrate your 8th birthday tonight when you get back to your camper.

9. Next time that you want to go to the bathroom, ask for permission first. That’s the rule.

10. You say that the school called and told you that your child was just injured on the playground and needs to go to the hospital. Who gave you permission to use the phone? Get back to work.

11. A little bit of ionizing radiation never hurt anybody.

12. Think of it as an adventure. Nobody dies from black lung anymore.

13. You say you want a week of paid vacation — move to France, this is America.

14. Hell no, you can’t leave. Wait till your shift is over. I don’t care if your labor pains are just 3 minutes apart.

Rosemarie Jackowski