At the social service I run, my employees are dealing with cut hours and layoffs while at the same time seeing a deeper level of community need. The numbers of families and children dealing with homelessness is growing exponentially with the rise in cost of electricity and rent as well as foreclosures. The sad truth is that staffs can no longer focus on one aspect of need; each program and member must use their gifts to play several roles simply to make the agency run. Community social services who once fought for the same funds –all trying to do the same services better than the another–now have to partner and seek to not create the wheel, but specialize in one piece of the car.

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6)

As I write about this truth, I am taken back to a lesson I learned working in an Episcopal Church in Chicago. While going to Seminary I worked as a Youth Director for a very large Episcopal Church. To give you a little background, I was always more of a people person than an academic. For most of my life, school was not something that came easy. When I think back to school, I think a great deal of my challenges came from my ego which refused to ask for help. I always had this –pull yourself up by your bootstraps–mentality that made me feel like I needed to justify myself.

I will never forget the first staff meeting I went to with the new Rector of the church I was serving. His first piece of business was to call a meeting of all the departments–the secretaries, choir directors and such–and set us down to explain to us his philosophy. The once army sergeant now Rector basically set us down and admitted to us his strengths and weaknesses. He laid out for each of us how we could help him do his job. In this first meeting where most CEO’s would want to build confidence and show strength, this Rector shared about his dyslexia! At the end of the meeting, as everyone else was exiting, I pulled the Rector to the side and asked him how he had the humility to share his weaknesses. He simply smiled and said, “I give people the gift of helping me.”

What he said seemed confusing then, but over time I learned from him that if he shared his gift and struggles freely, people were more likely to offer the truth of who they are with him. He used to tell me that working in a team, based in love, should mean members should be able to contribute their truth for the betterment of the whole.

The capitalistic lie that most Americans are born with is if they work harder than their competitor and live more morally than their neighbor, life will shield them from harm. Just like Jesus’ response to the disciples outside Capernaum when they were fighting about who was the greatest and closest to his right hand, our churches need to remind their communities: “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

The Gospel challenge is breaking through the barrier of — US verses THEM — to build unity. Acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses, how are each of us contributing our gifts to the betterment of the whole?

This story, which exists solely as the means for somebody to broadcast that Julian Mullis is in a gay relationship, is an object lesson of everything that’s wrong with institutional journalism in this country. It’s a great example of what I think Chris was saying in his Defeatism column a few weeks ago.

It’s important for me to note that if I still worked for The Ledger or The Tribune, I would almost certainly have written this same story in much the same way my friend Rick Rousos wrote it. So when I criticize, I’m criticizing the corrupt and smug standards of modern newspaper and television journalism that force good, conscientious reporters to act as agents in petty squabbles while ignoring the important investigative or explanatory work because it’s hard and not spoon-fed by a malevolent cop or political enemy. Not having to wrestle with my conscience over this is perhaps the best perk of leaving professional journalism. But I was lucky. I had an option. In this economy, many reporters don’t. They hold their noses and cash their checks and feed their kids.

I called Rick to ask about the origin and thought process of this story, and not surprisingly, he wouldn’t comment. Not because he was combative, but because he didn’t think he was authorized to talk about internal Ledger rigamarole. I did get the impression he took no pleasure in writing this piece.

Understand, there’s no way Rick or one of the cop reporters just happened upon this police report during regular rounds or checks. Somebody, either a cop or a political enemy or somebody who’s just mean, called The Ledger and informed about it. That’s how these things work. Ninety percent – or more – of all scoops come from somebody who wants to use reporters for some purpose. That’s always been the case. The key, as a reporter, is how you deal with that. If there’s a specific quibble I have with Rick’s story, it’s that he did not say who pointed him to the report and provide context as to why they might do that. The rejoinder is, well, you can’t jeopardize sources. Balderdash. In this story, the source, whoever it was, is just as much a character as Mullis.

That being said, under the classic newspaper standards for public officials, you have to write this story. After all, Julian Mullis is a mayor of a city. He’s a public official. If a woman was arrested in his home, you’d write about that. And of course, The Ledger and all newspapers have a solemn duty to closely scrutinize the behavior of our important elected and public officials. After all, look how thoroughly they examined the personal economic interests of JD Alexander and his friends in the CSX and Heartland Parkway deals. Oh right, I forgot. I guess that solemn duty only applies when somebody holds your hand and walks you to it. Or when you can do it with a single phone call and faxed police report.

Newspapers have always published these types of gossipy stories. People read them. They’re easy. They sell. But papers used to try to offset them with tougher, public service pieces that truly helped keep powerful people on notice. Back in the day, circa 2000, despite constant business community pressure on Skip and then publisher John Fitzwater, The Ledger gave me the time and backing to take a blowtorch to the Central Florida Development Council. We ran about 10 A1 stories in a row focusing on the agency’s petty self-dealing in those days. I fear that the days of that kind of institutional support for real local reporting on people and organizations with power have come and gone. The Ledger has lost too many reporters, and there’s too much demand for web porn, along the lines of Mullis story. That’s understandable, given the financial and resource realities. But they ought to stop pretending that this Mullis story serves their public mission. They’ve abdicated their public mission, mainly because we, the readers, don’t want to pay for it.

If papers wanted to be serious about their public mission, they could adjust its tenets based on common sense reality. It is absurd to treat Julian Mullis and Buddy Fletcher as public figures of equal coverage importance. Reporting on the personal lives of the people elected by a few hundred votes with the same ferocity – or more, really – than real politicians with real power makes no sense. You might as well report on the personal lives of PTA chairs.

How about, if these small town officials screw up with public money, you investigate and report it. If they’re arrested, report it. Other than that, let them be imperfect citizens like anybody else. Especially if you have no intention of looking into the personal economic behavior of far more important officials.

This whole thing reminds me of that wonderful Anatole France quote: “The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.” You might rewrite it: “Newspaper conventions, in their majestic equality, forbid Mulberry mayor and powerful state politicians alike from keeping their sexuality private when victimized in an alleged crime.”

Finally, I think this highlights powerfully the sheer destructive force of the closet.

Accounts of sad, brutal news events fill newspaper pages every day. See Iran. By comparison, the saga of Mulberry’s mayor is, by comparison, a small thing. Yet, I don’t know that I’ve ever read a more heartbreaking quote in The Ledger than this:

“This will be the laughingstock of my family, and we’ve been here for generations,” Mullis said. “I can take it. But my parents, and my children …”

I’m not gay, so I can’t know the fear that motivates people to hide who they are. But it can’t be healthy for a person – or for their family – to live like an actor at all times, to live as if you’ve committed an undiscovered crime.

Outings are complex things. I support them for people like politicians or preachers – like Ted Haggard, for instance – who cover for themselves by spewing homophobia about others. Beyond that, I think each person needs to make his or her own decision about coming out. But all anecdotal evidence I see and read, as well as common sense, suggests that people who live in full acceptance of who they are, live more happily, as do the people who truly love them.

And, one asks of those who oppose gay marriage, or even basic civic normalization of gay relationships, if Julian Mullis and his kids wouldn’t be far better off today if we lived in world where being gay – a thing no one can control – didn’t make you fear making your family a laughingstock? Do you really want to keep human beings in this twilight world of social existence? For those of you who are religious, do you really think this serves Christ’s purposes? Do you care?

Mr. Townsend. Thank you for your comments.

For the record, I am not Rush’s puppet. But, I am (1) an elderly man who lived through the Depression, (2) a WWII and Korean veteran (active duty with the USAF), and (3) blessed to be very well cared for by the excellent staff at The James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa.

Additionally, my B.A., M.A., and doctoral studies were, and remain today, the study of Economics, and Finance. History and writing are my passion, as is Truth, only the truth, and nothing but. I am not a parrot for anyone, and I “call it” as I analyze it, based upon what is always a continuing education.

You admit you‘re neither an economist, nor a historian. Your response to my post proved it.

I recommend reading, “The Politically Incorrect Notebook,” which can be purchased by calling 863-289-1191. At $14.95 it will provide a broader look at many subjects of national interest.

Following are some cogent thoughts about your positions. I did read your entire missile, my friend. (Maybe the only person on this planet to do so.)

First, I have never said “No!” to public works spending. Quite the contrary. We can most certainly use road repairs, bridges, and similar projects, particularly at times like today. What I did say was public projects are not classic examples of immediate and long lasting stimuli. Do them! Yes! But, don’t rely upon them to haul the economy from its present condition.

Perhaps you failed to recognize that my main point, re: WWII, wasn’t the war itself, but the economic conditions, which developed from 1930-1946. (If it’s war that’s required, I guess Iraq failed in your expectations.) Twenty-million people were added during that 16-year period, and when all able-bodied people were finally employed, and had little to buy, they saved! With the end of hostilities, they spent! And the economy blossomed.

It is truly a matter of supply and demand. Today, there is a glut of houses, cars, etc., which you have already recognized. You like to “read” graphs. Try to “read” a recent statistic: Savings. Since the initial “stimulus” payouts, and bank “bail-out,” U.S. savings rates have moved from 0% to over 3%. Why? How would you “read” this? Why didn’t consumers buy another house. Or car. Or, remodel the kitchen? What did you do with your $600?

Do my comments mean there shouldn’t be a stimulus bill? Good Grief, Charlie Brown! No! But, “spending” and “stimulus” are not synonyms! It’s all about HOW you spend the dollars. Dollars to Philippians? Dollars to Pelosi’s mouse project? Dollars to ACORN?

Is there “pork” in the present bill? Nobody really knows how much, because we were not allowed to read all 1,100 pages. Remember Obama’s “transparency pledge?” That we would have 5-days to analyze all bills? That didn’t happen. Why? Pelosi had a plane to catch. Italy was more important to her, than Obama’s pledge of transparency.

You also see interest rates as a better stimuli than tax reductions. You’re wrong. Where are interest rates now? Case closed.

What, and who will provide employment? And why would they? Over 75% of our economy is driven by “small business.” When their sales go down, they’re required to lay off employees. That’s bad. How to help? Improve unemployment benefits. That’s incorporated in the current bill, and that’s good. But, I ask again, what’s going to jump-start the small businessman? Interest rates mean nothing to him/her if no one is buying.

Now, let’s assume that there is a significant reduction in his/her taxes. Personal income taxes. Corporate taxes. Sales taxes. Surtaxes. License fees. An overabundance of bureaucratic paperwork, requiring time, lawyers, and accountants. Rising fuel costs. Al Gore’s carbon tax. Rising unemployment compensation taxes. Rising benefit obligations. The list is long, and burdensome. If lifted, a little, even temporarily, to the point where he/she can see the way to a profitable return to improving sales, HE HIRES!

Unless you promote that all unemployed become government employees, or true wards of the state, the U.S. must seek those “carrots” that encourage and promote the rehiring of those laid off. I hope, I truly hope you understand these simple economic lessons.

You also believe that “other countries” are eager and willing to buy our Treasury bonds. WOW! Uh…where have you been lately? Secretary of State Clinton just left China, the only major buyer of our debt paper, where she was officially told, and I quote, “We hate you! We don’t want your paper. We hate you, and can’t do anything about it!” This, from the country that already owns over $2 trillion of our paper! That’s a “T,” not a “B.”

Your early comment that it was a good achievement when 1933 unemployment rates of 25.2%, were reduced to 1940’s 13.9%, is like saying the Titanic only lost 1,503 lives.

But, sir, it was one of your closing comments that identifies everything about you. I’m not a profane man, but if anyone, or anything could prompt an outburst of sheer disgust, it is the following. And I quote:

“The Great Depression brought on Nazism, Fascism, Communism, nuclear weapons, and the (holocaust). What will be the (end result) of this looming Depression?”

History tells of the social failures throughout the world’s nations. History tells of the failures of our own social programs. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Entitlements, Foreign Aid, Education, is there any social program, which can be declared a success?

The Great Depression can be measured as that time between 1929-1946. Almost two decades. Massive federal programs of the Roosevelt Era were more an effort to improve conditions than they were a statistical success. Further, the current belief that WWII, and the huge dollars that went into producing a war machine, brought us out of the Depression is wrong!

With the surrender of the Japanese in August of 1945, America found itself with 20,000,000 more people than existed in 1930, and no housing, no automobiles, no appliances, none of Life’s demands required by a population, now totaling 135 million men, women and children, eager to buy, with money saved, that which had been unavailable for almost 20 years!

As President Truman released 10,000,000 uniformed men and women into civilian life they found waiting employers looking to produce what the market demanded.

The difference between then and now is apparent to those that look, and see what they’re looking at. During the war years money was accumulated, saved, because there was so very little to buy. The economy was “stimulated” by the market’s demands for a wide range of goods and services long unavailable. Times were good. Very, very good.

Today we have a glut – a massive oversupply of houses, autos, computers, appliances, most everything.

Why the glut of goods? The culprit(s) are easy to identify, although the (minor) media and Socialists (aka Democrats) will deny the allegation. It begins with Congress. President Carter initiated the movement to provide housing for those who did not meet current loan standards, and Congress demanded that lending organizations – banks – drop interest rates, and lower the threshold for qualification. These two areas, Housing and Banks, spanning from coast-to-coast, reaching from Canada to Mexico, are the principal culprits in today’s malaise, first spawned by a flawed effort to meet, with private resources, the living standards of those less fortunate, and second, a frenzy of construction driven by rapidly rising land and housing values, each promising riches for all time. For several years the banks and developers have enjoyed the ride. Now, not so much.

At this critical juncture in our economy we are burdened with a Congress unable to understand how the market place works in the real world we call America. There is a
significant oversupply of homes. New homes, foreclosed homes, older homes, vacation homes, homes built on speculation, and entire developments in various stages of limbo.

Similarly, there is an oversupply of vehicles. An oversupply, which literally threatens the continued existence of a true American industry. It’s more than just an oversupply, of course. Contractual obligations, foreign competition, governmental requirements, and market demands for certain types and makes of vehicles, are each crushing down, dictating bankruptcy/reorganization.

Bail-outs? Stimulus packages? Putting money into the hands of lending institutions and individuals who are inundated with goods and services not demanded by the market place? No!

You agree? Want more thoughts on this, and a variety of other subjects important to our lives? My recently released The Politically Incorrect Notebook covers 25 different and contentious matters, and is available by calling Three Rivers Books at 1-863-289-1191. (It’s also available through amazon.com, but at a much higher price!)

photo credit: lakewentworth

“If you get blood at Lakeland Regional Medical Center after 7 a.m. Monday, it won’t be coming from BloodNet USA. LRMC’s blood and blood products, like platelets or plasma, will come instead from Florida Blood Services, which officially starts providing LRMC’s blood supplies that day. The two signed a contract three months ago and have spent the time since then finalizing arrangements.” — LRMC Taps Into New Supply of Blood

“Publix Super Markets has long stressed its customer service and cleanliness, but with rising food and gas costs it’s now courting a lower-priced image. The Lakeland-based grocery chain has started a program of deep discounts on certain staple items, starting with milk and soon expanding to other products, company spokeswoman Shannon Patten said.” — Publix Grocery Bill May Be Less

“Orlando officials say they have little choice but to raise property taxes because city government is run as efficiently as possible. But records show that the Orlando Police Department — with a $111 million budget that amounts to nearly a third of the city’s general spending — has seen its overtime pay nearly triple in the past four years as the city deals with a wave of violent crime.” — Overtime could tax Orlando Police budget to tune of $4 million

Bonus:

“With John McCain likely only days from announcing his running mate, the chances of his choosing Florida Gov. Charlie Crist took three hits this week: a poll, a controversy over campaign contributions and an important newspaper non-endorsement. Recent speculation about Crist has put him in the lower tier of potential running mates and focused more on former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.” — Governor May Have Faded As VP Choice

Careful at the beach again this summer. Fish Kill Zone Widens; Algal Bloom Suspected

What have your neighbors done for you lately? For millionaire, $100k small price to pay for less-cluttered neighborhood

Bonus:

Economists have realized Florida is in a recession. “Analysts predict that the state will lose momentum through 2008, then bottom out late this year or in early 2009.” There’s not much else to the story here.

These aren’t your grandfather’s summer rains: Microbursts: Small summer storms can hit hard

Guess what those summer storms bring? Not May flowers: Heavy Rains Lead to a Mosquito Baby Boom

heaven knows we shouldn’t help our city buses. The price of gas is so low: No penny gas tax to help Lynx, Orange leaders decide

It’s that time of year. Be careful! Thrill rides can be dangerous! stories. Thrills And Spills – Caution Key To Theme Park Safety

Bonus:

A pair of Tribune editorials: 401(k) Rule Finally Reveals Hidden Fees and Erase Political Favoritism From Legislative Redistricting

Amid rising costs, sick employees may be left out in the cold

These homeless are not transients — they were your neighbors

Polk Offering Free Prescription-Discount Card

Drop taxes, get less services. That’s how it works.

‘Tax Swap’ Opponent Plans Tour Of Florida

Orange crush: Hold line on taxes, maintain services

TECO Seeks 22% Bump In Fuel Charges

Let’s Stop Kidding Ourselves: Fannie And Freddie Should Be Fully Public

Bonus:

Seminole to stop putting fluoride in water — My old neighbor would be thrilled to hear this. I think’s he in Arizona right now looking for the place they filmed the Apollo Moon landings.

Florida Fills Gator Farms By Culling Nests in Wild

Law Students Taking A Ride To Remember

Speaking of homes: Building in a Niche: Smaller Houses Sell

This may shock some but there is Proof there were tourists before there were theme parks

CSX looks to lobby and public relations to argue case: Kassab: Railroad carries new message, but how lean is lean, and how green is green? And is it worth the money taxpayers must invest in the billion-dollar a year company?

Bonus: Regulators Raid Wachovia’s Hub

You lower taxes you see headlines like this: Budget crisis slams Orlando

I thought the idea that pain was good went out the window years ago: No pain, no gain? Think again, when it comes to working out

Two mortgage crisis stories: ‘Work-Out, Not Kick-Out’ Approach Can Help Stop Foreclosures and Two Mortgage Giants Stay Afloat But Taxpayers Must Start Bailing

Editorial Bonus: We think: A program to link needy families with food stamps will ease economic pressures

The Don’t it Make My Red Eyes Blue Bonus: State May Be Getting A Touch Blue

Financial-Services Industry: Mortgage-and-credit crisis results in thousands of job losses statewide

It would be a shock if they were: Utilities must be up front about the costs of nuclear power

This would be a bigger shock: We think: Nelson, Martinez should follow others in disclosing earmark requests

This however, wouldn’t shock me at all: Trouble Predicted in Counting Florida’s New Ballots – Again

Back to money: Companies Sue to Stop Cell Hackers

Bonus:

Swamped By Calls, DCF Wants Better Screening (Department of Children and Families)

Bush’s Costly Marriage Initiative Shouldn’t Live Happily Ever After (They are talking about George W., not Jeb)

The less fertilizerin the water the better: More Orlando area citrus growers make the switch to organic

If they catch the guy, the driver should be prosecuted as well: Reward Offered in Drive-by Assault on Lakeland Cyclist, 78

Lakeland’s Population Hits 92,796 and View 2007 Population Estimates: Cities and Towns

More people and more people out of work: Region’s Metro Areas Rank High In U.S. Jobs-Lost Tally

Bonus: Hurricane news from that hurricane capital, Montreal: New spin on hurricanes

Homes:
Programs to prevent foreclosure don’t guarantee success
Regulators Expected To Tighten Mortgages

Homes can be rated for energy efficiency

Food:
That shrinking feeling: Instead of raising prices, manufacturers reduce package sizes
Tricks tame family’s wild food bill

Politics:

Orange unanimously OKs ethics, finance reforms
Public-Private Divide OK, that one gives you no clue the editorial is about the handing of e-mail under Florida’s Sunshine Laws. Public officials are using e-mail as a way to bypass the standards of the law. It is easier and cheaper to get e-mails than any form of public record. But too many departments use the public’s lack of knowledge of the software to hide e-mails and charge the public too much to get e-mail records.

Bonus:

How about some free bus tickets? Hey There, Want Some Free Gas?

Follow-up:
Deseret Ranch withdraws proposal for development near Orlando airport

Some are happy with the state’s proposed purchase of U.S. Sugar’s operation, and not just U.S. Sugar: Rethinking the grand plan for the Everglades

If they’re working, can you really call them panhandlers? City Considers Use Of Panhandlers

In college news: PCC Dealing With Budget Worries and the Tampa Tribune editorial board continues pushing their agenda against regional control of universities: Accreditation Trouble Reveals Flaws Of USF Regional System. No, Trib, the accreditation trouble reveals a simple flaw in a specific department at USF St. Petersburg. The Trib editor’s argument suffers from a simple logic flaw called Composition. You simply can not argue that because small parts of a whole have a certain feature that the whole has that feature.

Obviously things have changed since I went to school. Packing any learning would have been helpful then: Orange County schools will pack more learning into same amount of time

If you have an unpaid parking fine or toll ticket, you’ll want to read this story. If you wonder how the government spends your tax money, you’ll want to read this story. If you’re read this far, why not just read: City of Orlando, road agencies scramble to address backlog of unpaid toll and parking tickets

Today’s bonus coverage: Florida Among 6 States To Write Own School Formulas