One of the much-debated limestone entrance monuments will be put up Tuesday at the north entrance to Emporia. A second may also be erected at the east entrance.
A public ceremony will be held Thursday morning to dedicate the monument. It is scheduled for 10 a.m. in Hammond Park, at the corner of K-99 and 18th Avenue. Representatives judging the most patriotic city contest will be on hand.
Monument architect Dave Emig said the carving of the monuments is nearly complete. Foundations have been laid and they are just about ready to put up the monuments at Hammond Park and on East US Highway 50.
He said workers are shooting for mid-morning Tuesday, though he’s not sure how long it could take to erect each sign.
The east monument will be placed close to the Army Reserve Center where US 50 hits Sixth Avenue and Whildin Street.
The other two monuments will be placed next to K-99 at the south entrance to town and next to West US Highway 50 near the roundabout. Emig said those two monuments will be erected in the near future.
Emig said concrete foundations for the monuments and light fixtures were constructed in May. The final step is landscaping, which Emig said should be done by early fall.
The ceremony will feature short speeches by Sculptor Alan Tollakson, Mayor Kevin Nelson and City Manager Matt Zimmerman, said Susan Rathke, sales and service coordinator for the Emporia Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Emporia is a finalist in the most patriotic category in the search for the Best of the Road by Rand McNally with USA Today. The winner will be featured in the 2013 Rand McNally Road Atlas and on bestoftheroad.com, as well as being highlighted on USA Today’s travel page.
On June 23, teams departed from New York City to review the finalists. Rathke said the patriotic team will arrive Tuesday and stay Wednesday as well as for the ceremony Thursday.
“We will take them to various places and out for breakfast and lunch,” Rathke said. “They will go to the farmers market and Live in the Lot. We’ll also take them to the memorial, the zoo and the William Allen White house.”
Although the idea of welcoming people to Emporia has been discussed for awhile, the monuments were put in motion by the Building Futures tourism committee in 2009.
The Emporia City Commission gave final approval Jan. 19 to construct four limestone signs for $101,165.
Commissioners were originally considering building six entrance monuments, one at the four ends of town and two on both I-35 exits at Industrial Road. Due to public backlash over the cost of four being built, commissioners dropped the idea of a fifth and sixth sign.
The monuments were a hot topic this winter. Almost 1,000 comments were left on the Gazette website about the monuments and city officials received numerous calls and messages about it.
City leaders initially defended the purchase but backed off Jan. 26 when then-Mayor Jim Kessler announced the project was on a temporary hold to digest public feedback.
Three weeks later the commission moved forward with the project but changed the funding source. Instead of taking if from sales tax money earmarked for infrastructure improvements, the solution was to mainly pay for it with a tax guests at Emporia motels pay. Money from a park improvement account was also used.
But the funding change turned out to have problems as well. Due to the new entrance monuments and less people staying at Emporia motels, city leaders may soon have to make more than $60,000 in tourism related cuts for 2012.
The city commission will likely talk about what cuts to make at its July 13 work session.
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Nothing like having a dedication to something that the majority of taxpayers were against to say; "kiss my -$$" Emporia taxpayers.
Bad idea!
Maybe a few of us rabid dogs should get together and have a little show of patriotic dissent at the ceremony. Nothing like Greece, mind you. Just good ole American discourse,
July 1, 2011 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bluebonnet (anonymous) says...
That's a great idea, Steve! Just be sure to bring your American flag!
July 1, 2011 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Last thing they should do is bring in people to witness this, protests are a very real possibility, I guess they might witness our 1st amendment patriotism.
July 1, 2011 at 1:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
This old " Rabid Dog " will try and be at the unvailing, hopefully, with a new Emporia Rabid Dog T-shirt on. I have finally gotten everything together to try and make at least one T-shirt this week-end, to see how it turns out .
I say I will try and be there, as our car is in the Longbine body shop getting repaired from the accident we were in on June 19th . If I don' t make it, I will at least bee there in my usual Rabid Dog spirit and if I am not there, " Give Em Hell " , my fellow Rabid Dogs.
July 1, 2011 at 3:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Actually, the idea of a group of dissenters at this public event came from here:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/photos/...
July 1, 2011 at 4:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Now I have heard that there are those who are hoping that the good "manners" of Emporian's fine taxpayers will prevent any manner of dissent being voiced in front of this out of town committee.
My response would be, "You can only mistreat your well behaved pet dog for so long before they turn around and bite you."
July 1, 2011 at 4:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Some thoughts and words on Patriotism. It's pretty heady stuff and I can see just about all of us here in Emporia described within.
http://www.samueljohnson.com/thepatri...
Maybe I need to talk with create or netloafer and see what they think. they have a whole lot more book learning than I do.
July 1, 2011 at 4:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
I have 0 sympathy for them, nobody wanted them, people are still upset about it. Many said we were not Emporia residents and said our opinions did not matter, well if that is the case they have nothing to be afraid of now do they?
July 1, 2011 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Wonder what they will landscape the rocks with,I suggest two huge rolled up balls of barbwire and garnish with tall bluestem grass. ..............
July 1, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Sorry if I was off base, but I feel that the city stuck one to us.
July 1, 2011 at 5:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Funny stuff Sail, you were not the one thinking along those lines
July 1, 2011 at 6:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Richie (anonymous) says...
Okay, okay, okay... Aside from the expense and the tax money used for this project, I will say Mr. Tollakson has done a fine job creating these pillars.
July 1, 2011 at 6:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Richie,
NO, I am sorry. I have nothing against Mr. Tollakson, or the fact that he made money off of these rocks. I am sorry, They are plain looking and overpriced. These are not pillars, they are rocks. This has been a done deal, (as always) amongst friends in power. The outcry was pretty loud, loud enough for those in power to tell us that the funding would be changed. Now it is up to the city commission to stand by that and cut the budget of the CVB. We are waiting for the next budget Mr. Kessler and Mayor Nelson AND our new commissioners. It is time these groups that are tax payer funded to be held accountable for their great ideas.
Even though the money used for these rocks could not be used for this purpose, I direct you and others to another story in today's paper. The one about the Salvation Army pantry and it's 4th or 5th plea, IN LESS THAN A YEAR, for donations to fill its food pantry, because of the POVERTY in our town. Also take into consideration another forum post about the RDA that was brought back today about 2-3 RDA employees getting $198,000.00 from the city for wages. This in a town where the average wage is $30,000.00.
Sorry for harping on this, but enough IS enough.
Whoever decided that the city should hold a dedication ceremony for these rocks, may be a cheerleader for the city of Emporia, I think I am too. But a dedication ceremony shows they have NO RESPECT for the majority of the taxpayers who thought this was a bad idea.
We taxpayers are stuck with this project, The people in power should not rub our noses in it with a dedication ceremony.
Of course, Like always, this is JMO.
July 1, 2011 at 9:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Excellent post Steve, I am of the opinion that we should hire an out of town attorney to file suit against these tax payer funded orgs to open the books. The moment I am able to convince one to take it on commission it will happen. Sooner or later the truth will come out, and when it does I'll wager Mr. Sauder wishes he was anonymous.
July 1, 2011 at 11:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
"Do not Meddle in the affairs of Dragons...... For you are Crunchy & taste good with ketchup!"
July 2, 2011 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Excellent posts Steve and goodoleboy. I also would like to see those books opened to prove exactly what they have done with funds. Yes, sooner or later the truth will be known and few of us will be surprised.
It seems that all of our protesting was for nought, and yes, it did get their attention, but as some of you have said, they stuck it to us anyway. We have no choice. Nonetheless, as to attending the unveiling of these over priced rocks, I have turned to the thinking of a forefather on this 4th of July weekend.
It was Thomas Paine who said, " When an objection cannot be made formidable, there is some policy in trying to make it frightful; and to substitute the yell and the war-whoop, in the place of reason, argument and good order."
I'm not suggesting the kind of revolution he meant, but why not a little dissent to show that we don't appreciate these rocks being shoved down our throats.
-- Thomas Paine, as quoted by Joseph Lewis in Inspiration and Wisdom from the Writings of Thomas Paine
July 2, 2011 at 8 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Hell No !
This Rock Has Got to Go!
This Rock Is A Memorial to Government Waste !
Emporia, The Most Patriotic Soon To Be Ghost Town In America !
Emporia, 16% in Poverty But 100% Patriotic !
Trying to think of some poster slogans, anyone have any good ones?
July 2, 2011 at 10:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
We've hit rock bottom. If you don't believe us, here's the rock.
Here Lies Emporia
The stone that broke the city's back.
Give me Liberty or give me rocks! Guess I didn't want liberty anyways...
Don't Tread on Me! Too late.
Let Them Eat Rocks!
and my personal favorite:
"I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"
I won't be able to attend, obviously, haha, but a good showing could go a long ways towards inject the city government with some much needed common sense.
Matt
July 2, 2011 at 1:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
And for those of you who facebook...
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid...
July 2, 2011 at 2:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
" By the time Emporia' s leaders spending spree is " Over ", the City of Emporia will be nothing more than a field of " Clover " .
I have heard of a " Field of Dreams ", but in Emporia we have a " Field of Screams " , of protest and dissent
To " Hell " with spending and taxes, its time for the swinging of taxpayer " Axes " !
Arizona has its " DeadWood " , but Emporia has it leaders that are the " Dead Wood " !
All this talk of Tourism is really turning into " Boreism " !
Our City leaders say, all this spending " Might " save us, but instead, all this spending just may come back and " Bite " us .
July 2, 2011 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Every time I see an entrance " Rock ", I will want to give a City leader a " Sock "
The stupid " Stones " may just succeed in turning the City into a pile of " Dust " & " Bones " .
Some citys will have their " Mars ", but we will still have these big stones of " Ours " .
July 2, 2011 at 3:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Who needs food or money, when we will have these stinking " Rocks " honey .
I can' t afford any " Socks ", because of these stinking over priced " Rocks " .
I can' t afford to buy any " Gas " because the City Leaders keep sticking it to me in my " A$$ " !
July 2, 2011 at 3:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I see the facebook page contains a warning that we should behave because Rand McNally will be here to judge us for the Best Patriotic City contest.
Behave? It was patriots who put this country together in the first place. This country wasn't delivered on a silver platter; it was forged in fire, musket fire and cannon fire and the fire of dissent.
Damn the rocks!
July 2, 2011 at 5:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Since when, does/did Rand McNally or any of the so called " Dignitaries " that are supposed to be here, pay my taxes or have a hand in anything that is done in " My Town " .
I would almost bet that these dignitaries will not be shown East of Prairie Street or South of 15th Ave, which Incidentally is where the majority of the citizens of Emporia live.
July 2, 2011 at 7:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.
Howard Zinn
July 3, 2011 at 7:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.
George Washington
July 3, 2011 at 7:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
We do not consider patriotism desirable if it contradicts civilized behavior.
Friedrich Durrenmatt
July 3, 2011 at 7:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
“Our purpose now is to reclaim democracy itself. We are here to affirm that when Americans stand up and speak their minds and say America can do better, that is not a challenge to patriotism; it is the heart and soul of patriotism.”
iilana
Senator John Kerry quotes (American Senator, b.1943)
July 3, 2011 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
And probably my favorite one:
"While patriotism is often lauded as an unquestionable value, the status of patriotism is a problem for many thoughtful people. It is particularly troublesome for people who care about the common good but are alienated by the all too frequent use of patriotism and patriotic symbols to stifle debate, tarnish the images of rival candidates, or arouse popular support for aggressive military policies."
STEPHEN NATHANSON
July 3, 2011 at 8:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Here are some of my favorite patriotic quotes. The first one is my favorite one.
A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.
Edward Abbey
Do not regard the critics as questionable patriots. What were Washington and Jefferson and Adams but profound critics of the colonial status quo?
Adlai Ewing Stevenson
Each must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, and which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man. To decide against your convictions is to be an unqualified and inexcusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let man label you as they may.
Mark Twain
Equal rights for all, special privileges for none.
Thomas Jefferson
Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it.
Mark Twain
You'll never have a quiet world till you knock the patriotism out of the human race.
George Bernard Shaw
July 3, 2011 at 8:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
http://www.bestoftheroad.com/team.do?...
if you are interested in knowing the team visiting Emporia, try the link. you can also contact them directly from the link if you wish.
July 3, 2011 at 8:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
rabblerouser, that was good right there.
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
"Do not Meddle in the affairs of Dragons...... For you are Crunchy & taste good with ketchup!"
Is that the dinner bell I'm hearing?
July 3, 2011 at 8:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
THIS IS PRETTY FUNNY.
Maybe this rocks dedication is not such a bad idea after all? After reading some of our visitors blog, (linked above), this part came up on the questions and answers section.
Q. Tell us about your last road trip you took. Did anything funny, exciting, memorable, or stressful happen?
A. Our last road trip was in South Korea. We rented a car and took our time driving from our 'hometown' of Pohang north to the Demilitarized Zone also known as the DMZ. We were able to make many interesting stops along the way including eating squid blood sausage in a small fishing town. One of our more "rousing" experiences was a stop at a penis park. It's exactly what it sounds like.
It's a series of large erections dedicated to a young virgin who was lost at sea. Legend has it that she was left unsatisfied when she perished thus making it hard for fishermen to catch any fish. It wasn't until the solution came up, and a young man released himself facing the sea. After that, the fish were back in abundance. Now days, new statues are erected every year in order to keep the catch coming.
Many here have joked about these "vertical standing rocks" and what we think they look like, Maybe the city leaders should just rename it the welcoming pen--.
July 3, 2011 at 8:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Perhaps there should be a slogan near the rocks, saying " Sit on these rocks and you will get a feel for what it is like living in Emporia " .
Do you really suppose that these dignitaries will be shown all of Emporia, or will they just be shown the parts of Emporia that Sauder & Co. want them to see ?
Truth is Emporia is not the City it was 10 to 20 years ago, it is much worse and the people of Emporia are also suffering under the weight of bad/misguided leadership .
July 3, 2011 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I WOULD LIKE TO PREFACE THIS POST,
this comment is coming from me and me alone. In no way am I speaking for, or on behalf of any organization that I may or may not belong to.
If the chamber of commerce and CVB want to make a good impression on our out of town visitors, they only have to step outside their door and look to their left at their adopted garden spot on the southwest corner of 8th and commercial Streets.
The untrimmed bushes, volunteer trees and weeds have overtaken it. It is an eyesore.
This from organizations that are supposed to promote our town. If your group cannot find someone to step out of the a/c and volunteer to keep the spot up, give it up. Couple of days left before the visit, Is anyone there at 719 commercial street willing to pitch in and get dirty?
Now to our city commissioners and manager.
There have been many volunteers who actually have gotten out and dug, planted, weeded and mulched these corner gardens. Paid for by their own sweat, labor and their own money. No cost to the city, and true volunteerism and patriotism, something Emporian's are known for.
Would it kill the city to at least make sure the irrigation systems on ALLTHE GARDEN SPOTS working?
Why should a volunteer plant something, just to watch it die from lack of water?
Take a look at the dying tree at 6th and commercial by Cap Fed. Just replaced last week, any bets on its survival? Another dead tree on 6th, by the parking lot behind
Browns Shoe Fit .
These volunteer sponsored gardens are a great idea. But if the city doesn't step up on the water systems repairs and certain volunteers don't really volunteer to take care of their babies, their won't be any volunteers next year and the city will have to take over. What will that cost?
Sorry for the rant, got to go fill up some buckets of water to try to save some trees.
Everyone have a great 4th of July.
July 3, 2011 at 9:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Excellent post Steve, and precisely correct and on target .
I' ve got a Rabid Dog T-shirt made and will wear it to the " Rocks " unveiling, if I am able to attend.
I know we were warned to be on our best behavior, but what will happen, will I get spanked or what .
I am also seriously thinking about carrying a sign that says,
CUT NEEDLESS SPENDING !
REDUCE UNNECESSARY TAXATION !
LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE !
" A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government. "
July 3, 2011 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
On this 4th of July weekend please note ,we get all the government intervention / abuse we allow.When is the next ellection?
July 3, 2011 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Great post, Steve, I firmly agree. And I'd like to add that dead trees are bad luck.
C'mon Chamber and CVB, put your labor where your mouth is and get out there and clean up your plots. Aren't you the least bit embarassed?
Since the Veteran's Memorial is on Commercial Street, I'm sure the hosts will take these people right down Commercial Street to go to the memorial. What will they see?
I understand that the artist of the big Veteran's Day mural contacted Zimmerman about fixing where the graffiti had damaged it and he never even got back to her.
A word to the wise. Just because the Gazette shut us down for awhile and made us register with our names does not mean the rabid dogs have gone away.
We are competing with Williamsburg, Virginia for most patriotic city. Yeah, right. Notice how their landscaping is perfectly done. No dead trees and no weeds and dried up anything. With that kind of competition, you'd think we'd at least water our plantings.
Happy 4th of July. Fireworks comes in all sorts of packages.
July 4, 2011 at 7:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
If you want to make an impression on someone you have to at least put a little effort into it . And those Rocks are not going to do it . Especially when the streets, landscaping, empty buildings and crumbling infrastructure are still very visable. Oh, and no number of murals, statues, etc. will hide what is actually there for the eye and minds eye to see .
Adding statues, murals, Rocks, etc., is kind of like painting a rotting board. The board will look nice on the surface, but the board is still " Rotten " no matter how many coats of paint you give it.
In other words, stop spending money on surface frills and wants and start taking care of the City' s foundation ( infrastructure ) , etc. and make a real effort to allow the people to keep more of their money in their own pockets, i.e. lowering taxes, etc.. And you will find the people of the City and the visitors/tourists will be very much happier and pleased . Also if you take care of the above mentioned peoples needs, I believe that you will find that people, business, Industry, Corps. will be knocking on the Citys door to locate, move, live here .
July 4, 2011 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Got my sign.
PEOPLE BALK BIG BUCKS FOR BIG ROCKS!
Spend our taxes more wisely!!!
Help yourselves to it.
July 4, 2011 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
love it create.
if you all are going to protest, tho, you have to get a permit. from the city
July 4, 2011 at 2:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
that is how the wbc never gets in trouble, they get permits, from every city or county they go to.
July 4, 2011 at 2:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
You are right about obtaining a City permit to protest .. If you are going to protes enmass and are part of a private, political or religious organization ! However one, two or a few protesters holding signs is, I believe allowed under the 1st. amendment, of
" FREEDOM OF SPEECH ", therefore I believe as long as the protest is not unruley and stays pretty much civilized and the sign does not contain foul or offensive language or the sign carriers were/are not part of a private, political,religious organization a sign permit will/would not be needed or required.
Besides, isn' t it the bad decisions and mismanagement by the City' s leaders that is causing the dissent and protest in the first place.
JMO
July 4, 2011 at 3:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I may not be carrying a sign or maybe I will.
But I will definately be wearing my " RABID DOG " T-shirt.
July 4, 2011 at 3:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
it is meth, i just don't want to see anyone arrested for emporia's proud proud day!
after all it wouldn't make us look patriotic, or maybe it would....... hmmmmm
.
July 4, 2011 at 3:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
i wanna shirt!!! dang it!
July 4, 2011 at 3:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I will not be attending this event as a protester.
I MAY attend as an individual citizen with a flag in one hand and a sign in the other.
I also understand the two young people from Rand McNally are to be in attendance at the city commission meeting this Wed. afternoon. It might be a nice way to meet them out of the heat and listen to the commissioners talk about the capital budget at the same time.
July 4, 2011 at 4:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
scarlett01_099
I don' t really know how to put any of the
" Dog " art that I have acquired from " public domain " sources on here or anywhere else. So you or others may chose the design you would like as well as what saying you would like on the shirt.
I can make one like the one I have and give it to you. The T- shirts I have are size 2xl . If you would like one with the art work and saying I have on mine I would be glad to make you one. I would just need to know where to deliver it or I could leave it with Steve at the T.R. and you could pick it up there .
If that is all right with you, Steve !
" HELP "
I would be more than glad to make one for you or anyone, I would need to know what size you would require and whether you would want the Art and saying on the front or back, or possibly the art on one side and the saying on the other side !
I have tried and tried to down load a picture of me wearing the one I have made, on this site, but am having no luck doing so.
July 4, 2011 at 4:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
P.S.
The T-shirt I have already made is as follows,
On the front is the following,
EMPORIA
crazy mad dog picture here
RABID DOG
July 4, 2011 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I also have an idea for a T-shirt that depicts a very angry red-faced person with the saying, EMPORIA, TAXPAYER, with the Word Emporia above the art work and the word TAXPAYER below the art work.
July 4, 2011 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
What could be more patriotic than to show dissent on the 4th of july....love it Methusila.
July 4, 2011 at 7:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Is Emporia really “the most patriotic city”?
The answer to that depends on your definition of patriotic or patriotism doesn’t it? Is patriotism a once in a while display of American flags or red white and blue bunting when visitors come to town? Is patriotism holding a week long veterans celebration in the founding city of Veterans Day? These are both noble efforts but do they “prove” we are patriotic?
We will be visited this week by two young people who have been sent out to judge the “Most Patriotic City in America”. Now, I see the need for our town to put its best foot forward towards its visitors. We locals usually do. Judging from their tweets and posts on the internet they have been given the royal treatment everywhere they have been so far. Some would say the people of Emporia have their work cut out for them, not me. All that needs to happen is for them to meet some of the regular citizens here, I think they will come away impressed.
In the end it would be a real “plum” to win this designation, but would it be just another feather in Yankee Doodles hat?
What would our founding fathers idea of patriotism look like? I would venture back then it was not so much an idea as it was a way of life. Our country was founded because of the patriot’s refusal to live under what they considered an oppressive government.
cont.
July 4, 2011 at 8:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
cont.
One of the 1st comments on here kind of summed up my feelings on this. Believe it or not it came from K.B. He asked “How can a city with only a 20% voter turn out in the last election be patriotic?” It is not what you do a couple of times a year that shows you’re patriotic, it’s how you live everyday. It’s how you treat people and how you expect to be treated. It’s about “RESPECT” for the common good.
The expenditure of tax money for these rocks was not for the common good. Now the expenditure of money for the ceremony adds insult to injury.
I am pretty good at stirring the pot, as most of you know. The person who thought that dedicating these rocks, (especially during this visit), was a good idea, is either another pot stirrer or just not thinking. How can an official dedication of something that was opposed by a majority of the people be considered a good idea, let alone being respectful of the citizens? That is my objection to this ceremony.
When I first mentioned a small protest at the ceremony I was mad as hell and I still am. Would a few people showing up protesting the rocks in front of visitors hurt the cities chances of getting this designation? I really don’t think so. Especially if the are judging patriotism. Would it embarrass city leaders? Probably. Is that my goal? No. Is it the right of every Emporia citizen to voice their dissent publicly at this dedication and show their true patriotism? You bet.
So, after a weekends worth of anger, and then much thought and reflection I have decided that;
I won’t be at the “thumb our nose to the people” dedication. I hope on meeting these two young people in person and let them know my definition of patriotism, and maybe buy them a drink or two.
July 4, 2011 at 8:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I hope you get to meet them too, Steve. You're in a better position to meet them than most of us. Yes, put out the red carpet. Power to you.
I drove by the proposed place at Hammond Park today and paused to think about this whole thing from more than one perspective. On a physical level, there is very little parking space. I suspect much of it will be taken up by important folks and reporters.
I went so far as to make my poster today. Maybe that's all I needed to do because it seemed to calm me down a little afterwards. Then I drove through a few neighborhoods and could see flags flying from many porches. It was that show of a kind of quiet patriotism on tree shaded streets I enjoyed more than anything.
Along my way to the Veteran's Memorial, I noticed some of those gardens on Commercial St. look darn nice. A few look like crap for want of a simple drink of water.
At the Veterans' Memorial, I thought about what I planned to do with my poster at the Hammond Park dedication. I would just stand there and not say anything. Then I thought about the price so many have paid so we can have our precious freedoms, my husband being one of them.
It seems that as angry as I still am about this expenditure for rocks, there is nothing we can do about it. What's done is done, stupid as it was. I decided that the more important service I need to do is pay attention to the future and watch carefully so that this kind of selfish, wasted expenditure will not happen again. The people whose faces I need to get into are the ones on committees who waste our hard-earned tax dollars. So that's my plan.
I will not go to the Hammond Park dedication and sell my soul for the phony patriots who will be there waving their hypocrisy like fools.
July 4, 2011 at 9:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
What was it again, our founding fathers, great great grandfathers, grandfathers, fathers, uncles, cousins, brothers, nephews, friends and yes even some of us fought, bled and died for .
Well, it was sort of good to see that the freedom and patriotism, pride and dissent over an oppressive " puppet " local government has been short lived by most, if not all of the Gazette Forum posters and commenters.
Well, I guess I will stand alone in my patriotic protest of the oppressive selfishness and waste that is the local Emporia, leadership/government.
July 4, 2011 at 10:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Since the " Gung Ho " attitude has fizzled to a " Gung Fizzle " attitude, I guess there is no reason to email the city commissioners about the $310, 000 handout the RDA is requesting.
Really can' t see that one voice will do any good, just like a 20% voter turn out when it comes to elections is a joke. I guess I will adopt the same " who cares attitude " that seems to prevail in the patriotic City of Emporia.
One good thing is, at least I have my " Rabid Dog " T-shirt.
July 4, 2011 at 10:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
meth,
The only part of my attitude that has fizzled is the anger part. Still mad, but it is not driving me.
We all have the right to express our opinions in this country. The right to dissent at this dedication is still there, and if some do, they have my support.
But consider this;
These young people from the map company are coming to Emporia to "judge" our patriotism. Why?
It is because of an online poll and Emporia finished in the top 6. Not sure how that happened, but it did, so we are getting a visit.
The chamber, city and CVB are hosting these kids, (sorry, anyone under 50 is a kid to me). That is part of what they get tax dollars to do.
Judging from what the other cities on the list have done hosting these judges,
I don't think Emporia actually stands a chance in winning this contest.
But we all know how things work in this town don't we?
Why give ANYONE an excuse for not getting this award because a few "rabid dogs" showed up at the ceremony and gave the city a black eye and ruined it for the hard working folks at the CVB?
And you KNOW that is what will be said.
So yes, I may have fizzled on my protest idea, (for now).
But I am hoping to meet this young couple and will do my best to kill them with kindness. That will be my patriotic act for the week.l
July 5, 2011 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I thought about that idea too, Steve, and it was another reason that led me to decide against demonstrating.
If we don't get this patriotism award -- and in view of the competition, it's not likely that we will -- the first people to be blamed will be the rabid dogs. We've been the handy scapegoats before.
So call me a fizzler if you want, meth. My plan is to e-mail the commissioners with my thoughts on the RDA fund request and to ask that their books be opened.
July 5, 2011 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Glitterbird (anonymous) says...
Could they have picked a worse font?!? Whose idea was that?
Maybe they could put flag holders on both sides and fly some nice red, white and blue to spruce it up.
July 5, 2011 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
ROFLMAO.
Glitterbird,
I think the font was picked by the same guy who picked the clock dial face on our beautiful clock tower. The welcome sign is up and bringing them in.
July 5, 2011 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
What is patriotism or a patriot ?
Is it just the flag waving and fireworks ?
Is it those of us who are willing to stand up to the wrongs of our " so called " leaders/government and suffer the slings and arrows of being called " Rabid Dogs " or " Crank in Chief " ?
OR
Is patriotism/patriot one of the following ?
" Dissent is the highest form of patriotism. "
" a profound cricitic of the governmental status quo ? "
" Equal rights for all, special privileges for none . "
" Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves. "
Exactly what is it that constitutes " Patriotism or Patriot " ?
Is there any one thing that is regarded as defining what patriotism or a pratriot really is and what must be done to be patriotic or a patriot ?
Does being in the military mean you are any less patriotic or a patriiot ?
And does kissing someones behind and bowing or kowtowing to anyones desire, wants, wishes or orders or winning an award mean or make you patriotic or a patriot, or for that matter, any less patriotic or a patriot ?
I spoke with Jeff Longbine this morning and he asked me if I keeping the City Commission in line.
I didn' t quite know how to answer him, as people bounce back and forth so much on their opinion and commitments to changing the way things are done by the " so called " leaders of the City.
So, I told him I was most definately trying and that he knows how that goes. He wry grin, he said good luck !
July 5, 2011 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
create, meth and others,
Tomorrow afternoon the commission will be discussing and may take action on the capital budget, (future). So get busy with those e-mails if you want. I have a concern about the future spending habits because it was mentioned a few weeks ago about the cities sales tax revenue had increased.
Duh! Nothing like a hail storm and tornado to boost building supply sales. There is no doubt that sales tax revenues will be higher for a while, because of all the damage incurred locally. The building permit fees will also bring in more revenue than normal for the city.
It is my hope the commission realizes this and that there is no rush to spend these funds.
I also noted that they will probably vote to raise the "franchise fee" of att from 3.5 to the maximum of 5%. Guess whose phone bill is going up again?
July 5, 2011 at 11:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hogan77 (anonymous) says...
I give the punks of Emporia 2 weeks before these are tagged. What a lovely way to waste more taxpayer money... Just saying.
July 5, 2011 at 11:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
ON A POSITIVE NOTE !
Someone got out and sweated a little on cleaning up a couple of downtown garden spots. A job well done and thanks to them !
July 5, 2011 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Does anyone in their right mind actually believe the City Commission and the elitists that controll the Commission are going to listen to anyone other than their elitist collegues or even care about the consequences of their actions to those in Emporia who may not be able to afford their morbidly, excessive spending and money hungry ways .
I see the citizen population as well as the businesses population continuing to decline to the point of Emporia being a veritable ghost town and the Rocks being the grave stones of Emporia.
July 5, 2011 at 11:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Hogan77
I don' t think it will take 2 weeks, before the " Rocks " are tagged.
July 5, 2011 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bluebonnet (anonymous) says...
On the top of today's Gazette:
GOOD EVENING: Nothing is more American than protesting the government.
Sounds like an invitation to me...
July 5, 2011 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bluebonnet (anonymous) says...
There's also a blurb under "The News, Briefly"
July 5, 2011 at 12:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
And add this to your possible rise in your AT&T phone rates.
14 grocery staples getting costlier
http://money.msn.com/saving-money/14-...
But of course the City leaders don' t stop to look at the rising cost of living or how some people have not had a cost of living raise in several years, do they ?
Perhaps they don' t even care.
July 5, 2011 at 12:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
bluebonnet,
Invitation or bait?
July 5, 2011 at 3:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bluebonnet (anonymous) says...
Good question, Steve ;)
July 5, 2011 at 3:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Bait.
July 5, 2011 at 3:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
well, all i can say is chris sure likes to stir it up doesn't he? and m slater is in afg..... gggggeeeesssshhhh
July 5, 2011 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
As you drive by our new rocks REMEMBER,we dont elect politicians to lead us,we elect polititions to represent us ,and when they fail to represent us ,we can fire them......
July 5, 2011 at 5:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Builders of pillars, save face, drive by ESU and look at their stone sign...Place large letters over the stone cut letters....on the merchant pillar location, you have trouble seeing it with the service club sign blocking the view as you drive north to south.Not suggesting we move the service club sign , just saying....improvements are needed imo.
July 6, 2011 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
While you at it could you complete the clock tower face too, it really buggs me.
July 6, 2011 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
hee-hee
July 6, 2011 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I'm not too keen on the font. Who chose it and why? Trying to be ultra-modern? Why not stick to something traditional and easy for all the tourists to read.
July 6, 2011 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gogreen (anonymous) says...
Those things are hideous.
July 6, 2011 at 9:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
just saw the pic of the monurock installed. whats with the tiny welcome sign nailed to the bottom? and i agree the font sucks! jmo
July 6, 2011 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
After seeing this thing and they are worse than I thought they would be. This thing really is awful. If I was involved in this joke I would run and hide
July 6, 2011 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Well, when I drive by them, the anger in me wells to a steaming point and then I reach for my " BARF " bag and " uh oh "
"BBBRAAAAAGGGGHHHHH" .
Man those are puuuurrrrrdddyyyy, BBBBBBBBRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH !
Well time to drive home and take some " PEPTO " . Boy I sure hope I don' t pass anymore of those " Rocks " before I get home.
July 6, 2011 at 10:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lovemylittletown (anonymous) says...
I have really tried to keep a positive outlook on the rocks...but I can honestly say after driving by the one they put up yesterday by ESU...I really don't like the way it looks. I don't like the way the "P O R & A" look unfinished. The money is spent we can't change that but maybe they can change the lettering so at least make them look finished!
July 6, 2011 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
railroadhorn (anonymous) says...
I agree about the letters needing to be cut out. I was hoping for an old-style font, something showing our heritage. These look like something out of the 70s and that someone stopped working on them mid-stream. Plus when they're wet you can't see the letters. Just a slab of wet rock. Can they paint the letters?
July 6, 2011 at 11:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oograh (anonymous) says...
Yeah, I am afraid they will look dated in about 10 years. But, hey! Then we can just pay another 100K for new ones right? Oh who am I kidding, it will be 200K by then...
July 6, 2011 at 9:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
create, i just drove by the monurock on hwy 50. i really want my money back! those things are a disappointment . it has a pacman font. the welcome sign looks like an afterthought. they just look pathetic to me. but that is my opinion. what a waste of everything.
July 14, 2011 at 3:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )