Page 12 The Public Record • June 3, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com
In another one of those indicators we’re not quite done with the Political Silly Season yet, a legislator from Michigan is proposing something that has everyone talking. If Sen. Bruce Patterson of Michigan gets his way, journalists will have to get a license similar to that of a hairdresser or a paralegal to practice their craft within that state. Among the requirements that reporters will have to meet to get these licenses are: They must have “good moral character” and demonstrate they have industry “ethics standards” acceptable to a board the State will choose. Reporters will have to have a degree in journalism or its equivalent, so it might be a little tougher to pass yourself off as a journalist if you have a political blog, but your day job is laying carpet in Michigan. Reporters will have to have no less than three years experience as a reporter, so newbies are going to have to wait to be considered “licensed” journalists. You’d have to present any journalism awards or recognition related to being a reporter to get the license, along with three or more writing samples. And journalists will have to pay an application and registration fee. Sen. Patterson says the reason he’s proposed a licensing system for journalists is because he wants to make sure the public is getting good information from people who know what they’re doing and the best way to do this, in his opinion, is to give the public a centralized location to check them out. He compares his idea to the vetting process expert witnesses go through before they testify in court. Now, Sen. Patterson knows that his bill isn’t going anywhere. He’s the only sponsor for it and the first news organization that he talked to about it is Fox News, which is all most people need to know to totally dismiss it. But the problem that he brings up is a legitimate one: Who is a journalist, and how does that question impact the news you get and whether or not to trust it? Who’s doing the actual information gathering and who’s twisting what others have done to suit their own ends? While everyone can basically be a reporter these days thanks to the blogosphere, not all the information you get from sites like Daily Kos, FreeRepublic.com and other websites is correct. And because of this “I can be a reporter too” attitude, and the fact everyone seems (Cont. Page 18)
SNOOPER’S “BIG STORY”: Who else, Chief? DAVID COHEN, ESQ. This fine gentleman happens to be the Executive Vice President for COMCAST CORP. David explained exactly what he does as the Executive Vice President, and it is a threefold process. (1): Strategic issues and strategy. (2): External Affairs, dealing with all sorts of communication matters, and other assorted Public Relations work. (3): Administrative responsibilities. Dave stated, when asked where he’s from, “I’m from NEW YORK; however, I work and live in the CITY of PHILADELPHIA.” He also stated, “The two important issues of today are THE ECONOMY and JOBS. These are very important and make no mistake about it.” Mr. Cohen was the former CHIEF of STAFF for MAYOR ED RENDELL. Yes, Mr. Cohen said he will never forget this great experience with The Mayor. SNOOPER’S “BLOOPER” FILES: Oh I hate to tell you, but JOE SESTAK, Senatorial candidate, has already made a HUGE MISTAKE. He wants all terrorists tried here in Pennsylvania’s CIVIL COURTS – absolutely crazy. Yes, this one alone will be his ultimate downfall. HON. PAT TOOMEY, his opponent, stated, and rightly so, “These terrorists must be tried in MILITARY COURTS.” What’s so unbelievable is the fact, HE was a former ADMIRAL in the Service of this Country, and he makes a statement like this one. Now we have NATIONAL FALLOUT and MORE TO COME! SNOOPER’S “SPECIAL MEMO”: I was sorry to hear of the passing of a wonderful young lady named MARGARET “Peggy” GREENLEE who was the Mother of the HON. WILLIAM GREENLEE, a great CITY COUNCILMAN. “Peggy” leaves behind a SON, a Brother JAMES GREENLEE, and of course, ELLEN GREENLEE, Chief Public Defender. This young LADY was truly ‘The Matriarch’ of The Greenlee family. She had many friends, and you’ll be able to show your respects this THURSDAY EVENING from 7 p.m. till 9 p.m., also FRIDAY MORNING from 8 a.m. till 9 a.m. at the DINAN FUNERAL HOME, 1921 Spring Garden Street. Call them at (215) 563-3655 for any and all information, as well as all your directions! SNOOPER’S “POINT OF INFORMATION”: We have all seen the Dept. of Revenue’s recent commercial with regard to owing BACK TAXES. Yes, they even state at the end of this ‘mistaken’ commercial, YOU ARE A CRIMINAL if YOU don’t pay up. I checked THE (Cont. Page 18)
Yo! Here we go again with this information on China. Here are some interesting facts you may or may not know, but you should know. Most products that we use in America are made in China – about 85% to 90 %. Try this – look at almost any article in your home, office or at a restaurant. You will probably find it was made in China. I’m talking about things like stereos, plastic toys, cups, belts, TVs, shoes, t-shirts, backpacks, telephones, coffeemakers, toasters and computers. China produces more clothes that any other country. China is the largest producer of steel in the world. The world’s six largest producers of American flags are all based in China. Most religious merchandise (like Virgin Mary statues, rosaries and Buddha figurines) sold in the United States is made in China – a country with little religious freedom. Not too amazing, is it? But some of the things that you might assume come from China probably don’t. For example, most fine china plates are bone china, which is high-quality porcelain that is made in England, Italy and the United States. Not for all the tea in China isn’t a big deal, for a third of the entire world’s black tea comes from India – China produces only 10%. The British smuggled opium into China from India. China is not the world’s largest exporter of rice, which is closely associated with Chinese food. Thailand shipped 7.5 million tons of rice in 2002 – China exported only 2 million. There are 73 Chinese-food restaurants in Beijing – China’s capital. In New York City, there are more than 300. China dolls were never made in China. Germany, France and Denmark began making these porcelain dolls in the 1840s. Chinese checkers aren’t Chinese, nor are they checkers. This popular board game is based on Halma, an earlier game played using marbles and holes on a square board. Pressman Brothers created the familiar star-shaped game board in 1928 and called it Chinese Checkers to capitalize on the popularity of another Chinese game, mah-jongg – which really is a Chinese game. Here is in one that is sure to get your attention. Fortune cookies were invented in 1914 at San Francisco’s Japanese Tea Garden. While there are now fortune-cookie factories in China, most are made by the Wonton Food Co. in New York. They create 2.5 million fortune cookies daily. So when you think of retail goods, think Chinese – unless, of course, you are in China.
It’s never too early to talk about City Council and who will be the next President of this most prestigious body. Is Anna Verna staying or leaving? If she stays, will she be able to get the support of her colleagues; and if yes, which ones? I don’t know the answer to these questions, but I still would place my bet on her winning if she chooses to go for another term. What about Marian Tasco? The rumor is she wants to lead, but does she have the votes? Will her Northwest Alliance be able to be of assistance, or should she put some moderate distance between her and it to let the entire city know that they won’t be left out? She’s certainly an affable lady, but some folks in the Northwest and elsewhere are tiring of a click the boasts, boasts, boasts, and the limited results…. Anyone looked around the Northwest lately? All of the Northwest elected officials have either been in office or worked with the elected’s in the area, thus, they’ve been responsible for more than 25 years. The area used to be a crown jewel. Time for something different…. But anyway, back to the Councilwoman. Does she have the votes? The rumor is she has Mayor Nutter’s support (which counts for nothing, since he doesn’t cast a vote and his influence is waning) and Donna Miller’s. Wow; that’s an all-star lineup! She’s the best choice for President for: The Northwest Alliance. How about Jannie Blackwell? Jannie was once an ant’s half-step away from the presidency, but after the last Council election found herself further and further on the outs. Jannie’s reputation as a tough, no-nonsense brawler that fights for the little guy first (but the campaign contributing developers second) will certainly be needed for her to climb back up to the top. She’s the best choice for President for: The Little Guy. Darrell Clarke? That might be an interesting change. The Councilman recently came under fire for giving up a much-needed recreation site to a developer, but overall, the biggest issue many have with him is that after all these years in council, he is still somewhat undefined. He’s the best choice for President for: The Unknown ... X marks the spot. Curtis Jones? Too new. Although this has been an impressive start, we need to see more. As one of the most outspoken members we’ve seen in some time, it is refreshing to catch him in action. Let’s wait and see. He’s the best choice for President for: people without patience. Bill Green? Nah. Wants to be Mayor; no secret about that. He’s the best choice for Pres(Cont. Page 18)