| 1. General Exterior
2. General Interior
3. Preparing for a showing
4. Interior room by room.
General Exterior
The first step in preparing the exterior of your house is to take a clear headed look at the house from the street or road. Stand and look at it as a buyer might. What stands out and catches your eye? The beautiful landscaping and the new roof? Or does something else strike you? The faded exterior paint? The ruts in the driveway? The missing shutters? Remember , this is how your home will “ntroduce”itself to a potential buyer. If the appeal isn’ there, they will likely move on to the next available
, no matter how beautiful the interior of your house may be!
If you need major improvements or renovations to your house, do them before your put it on the market. The average buyer simply does not have the “ision” necessary to see the job done ( if you are planning to do the improvements prior to closing). If you are attempting to sell the house as a “ixer-upper”be aware that even though many buyers say that is what they want, when confronted with the prospect of actually buying one, the often run for the hills.
These are Dave’ tips on preparing the exterior:
l. Overall appearance: Remove any junk or clutter from the yard. This includes tree limbs, leaves, but especially goes for junk cars or parts, lawn tractors, etc. If the exterior of the house is dirty or moldy, power wash it. If it is in need of paint, hire a local contractor or do it yourself.
2. Grass: If possible , reseed any bare areas of the lawn and make sure lawn is cut frequently when it is being shown.
3. Landscaping: Trim all shrubbery and plantings. Trim trees if necessary, especially dead limbs. Also add mulch to planting beds and around trees, this is an inexpensive but very effective way of refreshing the look of the yard. If the season it right, plant colorful flowers where appropriate.
4. Driveway: if the driveway is stone and looking lean, add a coat of gravel. If it is asphalt, consider resealing.
5. Decks and porches: Power wash and seal, stain or paint.
6. Lights: Make sure that all exterior lights are operational.
7. Gutters and downspouts: Check gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clean and functioning properly.
8. Windows: Make sure the exterior (and the interior) of windows is clean and Operational
*Next week learn about preparing the interior of your house for selling.
This article is provided to you by Dave Derby, Sales Associate, Greenlee Properties Inc. GMAC Real Estate: Clay Office 304 587-4622
STUMBLER OF THE WEEK
Almost since taking office in Jan 2003, this paper has given a great deal of print space to Prosecutor Daniel Grindo. By now Mr. Grindo as he once said he liked to be called, must feel we have a vendetta against him and may even be ready to tell us, “eep your nose out of my d*** business” Well, there’ no vendetta against anyone, just a bunch of Hmmmms based on performance. In the way of new Hmmmmmmmmmm comes:
Case # 03-F-39, State vs. Russell Moore, Jr. In documents signed by Prosecutor Grindo Sept 22, 2003 is this Motion to Dismiss, reading in part, Prosecuting Attorney Daniel R Grindo and hereby moves the Court to dismiss the above styled case without prejudice because the state does not believe the evidence supports a prima facia case as charged.
And case # 03-F-38 , another motion to dismiss by Mr. Grindo. That document reads in part: on the 26th day of August 2003 and hereby moves the Court to dismiss the charge of Receiving and Transferring for the above styled case based on the following reasons, That the jurisdiction for the above styled case should be in Nicholas County.
And case # 03-F-14 where the charges were dropped on Sept 15th on David Burgess.
In cases 03-F4, 5, and 6, the March 20 2003 grand jury indicted William W Cottrell for receiving and transferring, night time burglary, and grand larceny. According to Officer Kevin Delk’ report to the Grand Jury, Cottrell stole property owned by Randall Lambey of a value in excess of $1000 with the intent to permanently deprive the said Lambey the possession of said property, air compressor, welding machines, air tools and tool box. Estimated value: $6200.00 Last month on the 22nd, Prosecutor Grindo entered into a Pretrial Diversion Agreement with defendant Cottrell. Being the bunch of legal dumb bunnies that we are, we asked Circuit Clerk Mike Asbury what “retrial Diversion Agreement”meant. After sorting thru a couple of legal dictionaries and court procedure books, Asbury did not have a solid answer but advanced something along the lines of: if the defendant abides by the terms of the agreement, the charges will never come to trial.
The terms of that Cottrell signed agreement include: maintain employment, attend AA meetings twice a month, pay restitution for the crimes with ¼ of the total amount of damages when said amount becomes determined by the state; and, the defendant will be allowed to carry a weapon during hunting season. The agreement is for 18 months. Reaffirming what Asbury earlier thought, the agreement spells out: upon conclusion of the agreement period, the State of WV will move to dismiss each of the three indictments… and agrees that the defendant will not be subject to prosecution for his offense or offenses upon which the indictments are based. In other words, he’ off the hook if he stays clean for 18 months.
In one last Hmmmm, mention was made in last edition of Eric Pierson getting set free. Pierson telephoning up a defendant while setting on an impaneled jury. Judge Alsop was real hot and had Pierson arrested on contempt of court charges for his jury tampering role. On Aug 8 2003, Mr. Pierson signed a plea agreement with Prosecutor Grindo as follows: the defendant will enter a plea of guilty to the charges of contempt of court as contained in case number 03-M-5; the State will dismiss the charge of Intimidation and Destructing an Officer; and The State will stand silent as to the sentencing.
The hmmmm part comes from 61-5-26 of the State Code: The Courts and the Judges thereof may issue attachment for contempt and punish them summarily only in the following cases, A) Misbehavior in the presence of the court or so near thereto as to obstruct or interrupt the administration of justice….. No Court shall without a jury, for any such contempt as is mentioned in subdivision A of this section, impose a fine exceeding 50 dollars, or imprison more than 10 days…..
So do we have a vendetta against our Prosecutor? Nope! But! For many in county, to see so many go free, well, we just want more for $37,000 a year . AW
TWO SIDES AND AN INVESTIGATION
We got a call from a 27 year old lady Monday Sept 22nd. Her story went like this. During the Apple Festival, she was involved in a fender bender. On the 22nd she went to the back of the Courthouse near closing time and asked to fill out an accident report. There a deputy told her he didn’ have to fill out the report and made a comment like, “I bet you think I am a real Ahole.” Ah .. you can add the ss.
In return, the lady said ,”You’e not like you were in high school and Yes I think you’e an A hole”and headed for her vehicle occupied by her 4 year old son. Somewhere about the time she reached her car and after saying something along the lines of “This ain’ over yet”the officer cuffed her behind her back . The four year old began to cry. She was being arrested.
According to the Mother, the officer then picked her up and slammed her into the driver’ side of her vehicle twice. She yelled Help Help several times. The kid was now screaming in fright.
With the officer saying he was going to arrest her, a Courthouse employee emerged from the building and was told to call DHHR to pick up the child.
With the Mother in the cruiser, another officer appeared and picked up the boy and tried to comfort him. Seeing a mess, the first officer uncuffed one hand and the Mother headed for the child.
The Mom was set free with a ticket for profound profanity and obstructing an officer. The next day, the woman asked Sheriff Fields to investigate the officer’ conduct. A day later, the woman was questioned by a third member of the department.
Now, that’ one side of the story. We spoke with Sheriff Fields about the affair. Here’ the other side. Fields, “An irate woman came in here and … . Of course there was a number of woman around here including a member of my staff. She came down here and was going to come right into the office and it was closed. She, I guess, got real vulgar and she was given a citation for her actions. I did tell her that I would look into it. And I did. I proceeded to get an investigation into it.” As far as results from the internal investigation and whether the investigation has been completed, again Sheriff Harald Fields, “Not totally done [the investigation]…. I have been gone since last Friday. I haven’ got a chance to talk to the officer doing it [investigation].” As for the above story from the alleged victim, Fields was not convinced, “It does not appear that things happened the way she had indicated they happened. The investigation should be completed sometime early this coming week.” There’ what we’e got for this edition readers. Two sides an internal affairs investigation in process. We’l keep you posted as best we can.
AW
SHORT SHORTS
BANK FOLLOW UP
Last editions front page article covered the changing of the guard over at the Clayberry Bank. Scott Legg replaced in mid week by Greg Gency. Whenever such things happen there are those who wonder out loud: What’ behind all this? He’ too young to retire?
The Clay County bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation which has a web site available to the public. The report is divided into 22 categories. Everything from profit and loss statements to bad debt recovery stats. By checking that site, some of the old issues that brought about the original Federally mandated cease and desist order appear to be still haunting the 100 year old financial institution. Like.
On the income statement for the last 6 months ending June 30, 2003, the bank raked in $1,676, 000. Not bad. But after subtracting the expenses, the Clay County Bank ended the second quarter of this year in the red, before taxes, $117,000.00 and a net loss of $66,000.00.
One way a bank looses money is when they have to write off loans, In the first 6 months of this year, the local bank wrote off $81,000 from closed end loans secured by a first mortgage; $26,000 in commercial and industrial loans; and $294,000 in other loans like student loans, single payment, and installment loans. The total write off tops $400,000.00
At the end of June 2003, the lending institution had lots of money tied up in notes nearly 90 days delinquent, like: $582,000 secured by first liens; $100,000 in past due commercial and industrial notes; and $146,000 in 89 day old stuff like installment and student loan type loans. In the non accrual section of Schedule RC-N, lies $746,000.00.
One item that raised hackles 29 months back was the high pay of bank administrators. Listed in this FDIC report is a long standing $771,000 loan to one bank executive officer.
As far as we can find, there is NO report from the FDIC indicating anything shaky situation at the Clay County Bank. But, there sure appears to be some mighty high hurdles to clear for the coming months for new to the big desk, Greg Gency
CLAY ROANE PSD
Sure don’ want to let Clay Roane go without notice this time around. With 7 or so in the peanut gallery, the water service provider met Sept 26, 2003 although the agenda called for the meeting on Sept 11th.
As far as the PSD continuing their efforts to buy a new high dollar service vehicle, bids are to be in by Oct 8th. Chair Postelwait said she received a verbal OK to purchase the 4WHD from the WV Public Service Commission and they were just waiting for the bids to close. Look for Telford’ Chevy to get the nod. As a point of order for the statement on the WV PSC giving the OK to purchase the truck, see page 14, just to your left. That posting came from the WV PSC and challenges Ms Postelwait’ “K to Buy” statement. Note the PSC decision will come by April of NEXT year.
As for bill paying, the bills were paid and according to those at the front table, “We’e in the black!!” Reinforcements are on the way in the form of outside help coming in to help plan a strategy to straighten out long standing problems with WV Health Dept regulations on the operation of the Procious Water Plant.
This one is for you former Queen Shoals PSD water service customers. When you had your own Board, a loan ($46,000.00/grant($124,000.00) was secured in 1994 to improve water lines, water pressure, holding tanks and the like. That money has never been used and now the Feds are pulling the funding to use elsewhere. Engineer Jim Hildruth told the assembled, the PSD better get in gear or the balance of the $ will be sent to those ready to proceed with a project. No decision on whether to try and keep the remaining money but phone calls will be made.
During the QS discussion, once again the topic of who actually owns the service popped up. Glen Sutton, “It’ legally ours..”Gary Whaling, “it was given to us..”Right after Chair Postelwait commented, “e kind of got swindled into this” and right after, Larry White, “t’ going to have to be consolidated or taken over,”in attendance Commissioner Triplett got a little fired up. The Board was considering asking the Clay Count Commission to help them out with the issues surrounding their taking over the old Queen Shoals PSD, Triplett, “We never knew of that agreement before you did it!!!”As a passing note readers, Clay Roane PSD was not forced into any Queen Shoals take over, rather, their attorney Tom Whittier STRONGLY recommended that they NOT sign any agreement that cold snowy night last winter. Well, they did it anyway and their still smarting from that decision.
Triplett told the group that the CCC could NOT consolidate any more PSDs at this time.
Over the last 10 months, on various occasions, Chair Postelwait has wanted to hire a full time maintenance man for the PSD. On the agenda this meeting was the hiring of just that. With number cruncher Larry White saying they could afford such a new addition, Postelwait did an about face! Postel said she was in favor of using the current part timers and “There is no need for a full time now….. Our reserves are almost depleted…” What a change around readers. One other last second note, the PSD is considering the purchase of a cell phone for long distance calls. AW
CLAY COUNTY PSD
While it’ true Clay County PSD has not paid the entire wholesale water bill to the Town of Clay, they DO have the money to cover the debt according to Clay County Office Manager Cindy Schoolcraft. The dispute is over a faulty bulk meter which serves the Ivydale area. That meter was replaced last week at PSD expense and the PSD plans to ask the Town for a refund if the old meter proves to be inaccurate.
COURT JOURNAL
It’ always interesting to sit in on Court room action. Now the average old Joe on the street, that’ us too, often gets lost in the mirage of 50 cent words but none the less, the actions are always fascinating. Such was the case Sept 26 2003 when Judge Alsop presided over the Tonya Salisbury hearing. Salisbury was indicted last summer on second degree murder charges in the shooting death of Chad Salisbury. Since the indictment, the defendant has made bond and is free. The Hearing as called by the Prosecutor for Salisbury violating the terms of her bond and for having faulty bond. Here’ what we saw Sept 26.
Portly John Mitchell Sr attorney for Salisbury enters the court room with Ms Salisbury in tow. Mitchell heads to the back as Judge Alsop comes in and out. Over on Prosecutor Grindo’ table is a stack of papers all neatly done up with paper clips. In the peanut gallery sat 15 or so including the Father and Mother of the deceased, Chad Salisbury and others appearing to be in support of the defendant. Maybe the Father, sister, Mother and such. Action was delayed a bit. Deputy Slack brought in a summons for one of the front row ladies. Lady, “I won’ testify against her.”Slack, “You still have to appear..” The lady left the room. In came a green shirt with spit shined shoes. After 15 minutes of organization and with Tonya up front with Big Mitch Alsop said this was a hearing to revoke bond. When the Judge asked if all were ready to proceed, get this, the come back kid, Prosecutor Grindo said Yes. Are we ready for action? Nope the Judge was given a yellow slip of paper and to the back he headed. Portly Mitchell continued to read and plan his strategy. Finally the action began.
With Probation Officer Lucy Cruickshank on the stand, the testimony went: Tonya failed three pee tests, July 21, Aug 20 and on Sept 11. On each occasion she tested positive for amphetamines and some 76 letter word. The terms of her bond say illegal drugs are a no no and testing positive… off to jail she should go. During questioning by Grindo, Cruickshank said that 76 letter word was an indication of cocaine residue.
Armed with ryrglasses and a fist full of papers, Mitchell set to work. Did his client always appear when called by the Probation Officer? Lucy, “not always”Does she have any prescribed medication? Lucy , Yes. Mitchell entered a photo copy of some medical finding, Grindo protested but Alsop allowed the one page report. During intense questioning, Cruickshank went without many answers. It seemed she knew if she got in with wrong answers, Mitch could loop off Hair A Lots golden locks. Wise she was.
Mitch made little progress but did get introduced that Salisbury had been on over the counter medicine as well as prescribed stuff, legal stuff, that could affect the outcome of pee tests. The regular drug testing was one of the conditions for making bond.
On the second topic of the hearing, according to our Prosecutor, the property used to make the $100,000 bond , was faulty. There was a lien against the Nicholas County land and house. Grindo showed a life estate lien against the surety holding. On the stand, Tonya’ Mother Sonja Harlow explained: she didn’ realize such a life estate would be considered a lien; that since the original bond was made, she went back to a Mr. Cremens and got a power of attorney note signed; and Mr. Cremens was too ill to make a court appearance in person. According to Mitch, the problem with the bond should be dismissed since the simple mistake could be corrected today and the state did not prove Salisbury was on illegal drugs, “The State has not proved deviation from the rules”
Grindo saw it differently, the bond was faulty and she failed three drug tests. There was silent for a second, no paper shuffling, all eyes were on Judge Alsop. It didn’ take him long, “The State has made it’ case, Bond is denied.” Translation: Off to Jail she must go.
Mitchell asked for a moment in private with his teary eyed client. Back in the Court room, the new game planned was aired by the plump one. Walking up front and then back, with hand movements employed, Mitchell explained the purpose of bond, the issue was just a technical issue, there is no harm to the state, and on and on. On the issue of failing drug tests, Mitch said the most common drugs, alcohol and pot were not found in his client. Almost on bended knee, the attorney requested “I am asking the Court to give her just one break…. My client will be moving in with her Mother, Give her just one break you honor…..other courts have offered similar breaks.”And the final push, “If there is even one violation, take her to jail without even a hearing!”
Grindo didn’ back off. He said that there wasn’ just one failed test but rather three, “here’ a repetitive pattern.. put her in a place where she can’ get them..” Alsop came back strong finding that certain terms of the bond had been violated and the bond was defective. The Bond was revoked and Alsop ordered her into the custody of Central Regional Jail. Alsop, “I don’ take violations of bond lightly.”But then…
Something happened, it seemed that Mitchell’ power of persuasion worked. Alsop, with Tonya in tears, allowed the Circuit Clerk to accept new bond and remanded the defendant to her Mother’ care with at least once a week drug testing. According to the robed one, if she fails one more drug test, Probation Officer Lucy Cruickshank is to send her to CRJ. Mitchell had prevailed.
The big break was in hand for Salisbury. With proceedings over, Tonya headed to the Sheriff’ office for an ankle bracelet locator device. Lucy Cruickshank took her to the rest room for one more test.
The day in Court was done. Alsop showed that he was willing to give a break. Grindo proved he could be ready for the court room. Mitch proved why is commands the big bucks.
While standing around in the hallway, one lady commented “there is no way she could pass a drug test today.”Tonya Salisbury made bond and walked out of the Courthouse around 3:15, Sept 26, 2003. AW
MAGISTRATE REPORT
Felony
09/18/03: Light - Angela Kendra Ramsey, warrant issued for child concealment.
09/22/03: Barbara Harmon-Schamberger - Walter L. Burdette, fail to pay child support (08/22/02), preliminary hearing continued to 10/24.
09/24/03: Light - Glenn W. Tanner, grand larceny (07/07/03), preliminary hearing: probable cause found; bound to Grand Jury in the Circuit Court of Clay County.
Misdemeanor
09/13/03: Foreman - Charley H. Braley, failure to maintain control and DUI, arrested, ROB.
09/14/03: Butcher - Ryan W. Reckell, DUI and operator’, arrested, ROB, trial set; Butcher - Chazwick W. Reckell, obstructing an officer, arrested, ROB, trial set.
09/15/03: Light - Jason D. Conley, domestic battery; Finnicum - Joshua Don Stutler, public intoxication, appeared, ROB.
09/16/03: IGA - Jennifer D. Grose, warrant issued for worthless check complaint; Clay Supermarket - Huntington Health Care, warrant issued for worthless check complaint.
09/17/03: Cunningham Motors - Tnay Higgs, warrants issued for worthless check X 2; Travis L. Cook, warrant issued for worthless check; and Maria D. Thorne, warrants issued for worthless checks X 3.
09/18/03: Light - Richard S. Blankenship, warrants issued for assault and brandishing deadly weapon; Light - David Starcher, warrants issued for assault and harassment.
09/19/03: Belt - James L. Davis, possession of controlled substance 3rd offense, appeared, ROB.
09/21/03: Rider - John H. Cunningham, domestic battery, arrested, ROB.
09/23/03: Clay County High School - Peggy A. Greathouse, warrants issued for worthless check complaints X 3; Sizemore’ IGA - Telenia Starcher, worthless check complaint, arrested, ROB; Delk - Tisha Dawn Tanner, public profanity and obstructing an officer, appeared, ROB; Foreman - Elizabeth D. Holcomb, reckless driving and underage possession of alcohol, appeared, bond; Slack - Anthony White, permitting unlicensed person to drive, appeared, bond.
09/26/03: Slack - Shane Winebrenner, battery, summons.
Civil
09/16/03: King’ Grocery - Harold “arry”Summers, subpoena; Precious Beginnings - Bruce Fugett, money due, subpoena.
09/19/03: Mary & Billy Stewart - Rene Moore, money due.
09/22/03: Albert Pritt - David Morton, money due; Chester Legg - Jim Dawson, money due.
09/24/03: Clay County Bank - Peggy Sue DeBoard, money due, subpoena; Clay County Bank - Tammy Duffield, money due, subpoena.
09/25/03: St. Francis Hospital - Larry K. Adkins Jr., money due.
Worthless Checks
Notices issued -
09/16/03: House’ Market - Candy Adkins X 5.
09/19/03: Clay Supermarket - Phillip Bartsch X 6; Jennifer Rogers; Ronnie Beasley; Telenia Starcher.
09/22/03: Wholesale Tire Inc. - Eric’ Tire Shop; IGA - Terri Bass X 2.
09/24/03: Gray’ Carry Out - Monica Lynn Legg.
09/25/03: House’ Market - Monica Lynn Legg.
09/26/03: Clay County Sheriff’ Dept. - Angela D. Gill.
Citation Register
09/02/03: State Police - Mitzi Eagle, registration violation.
09/10/03: DOH - Mark Allen Duck, overweight, overwidth, overlength.
09/11/03: Sheriff’ Dept. - Jason Marcus Adkins, speeding; Zacharie W. Davis, operator’ and registration violation; State Police - Marshall L. Allen Jr., speeding and no POI; Jerry D. Craigo, speeding, no POI and MVI; James C. Rogers, speeding and operator’; Municipal Police - Anthony X. Kelly, permitting no operator’ and underage drinking beer.
09/12/03: State Police - Don Frame, seat belt violation; Douglas W. Welch, registration violation and MVI.
09/13/03: Municipal Police - Anthony X. Kelly, underage drinking beer.
09/14/03: Municipal Police - Mark Anthony Asbury, registration violation, MVI and no POI; Ryan W. Reckell, driving under the influence and operator’; DOH - Jarrod W. Lanham, passing in no passing zone and no POI.
09/15/03: Sheriff’ Dept. - Mitzi Gail Eagle, defective equipment X 2; Billy J. Taylor, no POI and registration violations; Misty D. Winebrenner, def. exhaust and no POI.
09/16/03: State Police - Craig A. Blaylock, seat belt violation; Mitzi Gail Eagle, speeding; Sheriff’ Dept. - Anthony White, permitting unlicensed person to drive.
09/17/03: State Police - Randolph T. Bartley, operator’ and registration violation; Clinton W. Blanton, operator’ and no POI; Billie Jarvis, operator’ and no POI; Jerry L. Mathis, speeding; Municipal Police - Isaiah A. Stephenson, underage drinking and underage drinking of beer.
09/18/03: Sheriff’ Dept. - Christopher Tireman, tobacco use or possession.
09/20/03: Sheriff’ Dept. - Richard W. Adkins, profane/drunkenness; Emitt J. Hamrick, drunkenness; Anthony White, MVI and no POI; State Police - Gary W. Harlow, public profanity and operator’; Elizabeth D. Holcomb, reckless driving and underage possession of alcohol.
09/22/03: Sheriff’ Dept. - Tisha Dawn Tanner, public profanity and obstructing
BOB CLARKE Curmudgeon’ Corner
“hey hate us because of our freedom,”declared the current occupant of the White House in the shaky and fearful aftermath of 9/11. This is the sort of simplistic thinking that makes for attractive bumper stickers and greeting card slogans. With the understanding that no mere mortal can claim exclusive access to the “ruth,”whatever that may be, let it be suggested that “hey,”being the residents of the turbulent Mideast, hate us for a far more important reason - our disastrous foreign policy. It is a policy based significantly on the disproportionate and dangerous influence of Ariel Sharon.
When Hollywood decided to adopt Leon Uris’novel Exodus, the soundtrack contained a theme to which lyrics were added. The opening lines suggest an attitude which may provide a fascinating insight into Israeli political and moral thought. The first two lines of the song contain possible worlds of conjecture and interpretation.
…This land is mine.
God gave this land to me.
This statement may come as something of a surprise to many Palestinian families who can trace their residence in this ancient land as far back as a thousand years, particularly since it was not God, but an international tribune which created the modern state of Israel. There was understandable justice in this historical event in view of the civilized world’ desire to establish a homeland for a people who had been persecuted for literally hundreds of years. Payback for the horrors of the Holocaust was only part of the motive to reward a people who had been forced into a nomadic existence for centuries.
Despite these truths, it is also apparent that the world has reached a point where any criticism of Israeli political activity will automatically draw the charge of anti-Semitism. Here an interesting problem arises. The Arabs are also a Semitic people. If an Arab hates a Jew is he an anti-Semite? The words of the song suggest what historians used to call a sense of “anifest destiny,”as well as a feeling of special entitlement. Because the Jewish people have suffered more than others, they may be allowed to observe a different standard. With this line of thought, when a Palestinian zealot kills Israelis, he is a “errorist.” When an Israeli eliminates Palestinians, he is a “atriot”or “ommando.”
These observations are popular in the United States, a country in which the Jewish lobby is enormously powerful, and Arab organizations are virtually nonexistent. Edward Said, a professor at Columbia University, a man of Lebanese descent and a scholar, has written with a balanced view of both sides, has received death threats as well as repeated warnings of danger to his family. That the playing field is not level for both sides can be illustrated by the fact that any political candidate who proclaims his support for a Palestinian state would, at least in the recent past, have found himself loudly denounced, not to mention the prospect of certain defeat. It is now fashionable to pay lip service to the establishment of Palestinian sovereignty, but little is done to achieve it.
These random comments are not meant to suggest anything like a deep understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is true, however that Palestinians feel themselves to be in an occupied country. No people in history have been content in such a position. [See Iraq] It is also true that the United States, with half a century of pro-Israel sentiment may be moved to reexamine its priorities when viewing newsreels showing tanks and rockets attacking people, including children, armed mostly with rocks and bottles. Sympathy for the underdog is often very much a typical American attitude. But who would have imagined 50 years ago that the new state of Israel would come to have the finest army in the old world, including nuclear weapons? Even though it may bring down the wrath of Zion to say so, it is not unusual to see a formerly oppressed people imitating the behavior of their persecutors. The Israeli politicians on TV usually speak with a poisonous certitude, and often have a tendency to shout down their opponents. Gandhi once said: “ou must become the change you wish to see in the world.” Perhaps it is not too forlorn a hope that we may some day see a more balanced view, both in this country and in that troubled land. Meanwhile, from this point-of-view, the true matrix of Middle East instability is the extreme hardliner, Ariel Sharon.
It is a jarring experience to consider the majestic style and depth of thought in the noble words of our founding fathers compared with the intellectual pygmies on the current political scene. The scarecrow in “he Wizard of Oz”anticipated the banality of future leaders in yet another song.
I would wile away the hours
Conferrin’with the flowers,
Consultin’with the rain.
With the thoughts I’ be thinkin’ I could be another Lincoln
If I only had a brain.
The passage is slightly altered for stylistic purposes, but essentially accurate. It is intended as a lead-in to one of the monumental, ethical, philosophical pronouncements for all seasons. Here is our leader, the Crawford Commando.
…I know what I believe.
I will continue to articulate what I believe.
And I believe what I believe is right.
Whatever you may think of this statement in its towering grandeur, it must be admitted that there is sound logic here. One would be hard put to find anyone who does not believe what he believes. Shakespeare said of Cleopatra: “othing can stale her infinite variety.” Dubya’ rhetoric will never be so described, and, at the risk of deportation or a C.I.A. investigation, neither will the quality of our president-select’ mind. At least Reagan had the sense to use 3 X 5”cards or to ask Nancy.
With the football season upon us, to the dismay of many an NFL widow, it is time to consider one of the legendary aspects of the sport - the pregame and halftime inspirational speech. In times past, coaches could always rely on the old: “in this one for the Gipper”approach, but in the contemporary world of highly educated football players, (laughter of derision called for here) it is time for a more eloquent appeal. For a rousing effect we can always count on the immortal bard. Speaking to his troops on the eve of his battle with the French, Henry V declaims:
In peace there’ nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility:
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the Tiger.
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favored rage;
Then lend the eye a terrible aspect…
That ought to do it. Knute Rockne: Eat your heart out!
Cur
Patriots Are… By Jim Chafin
Roger Williams, America’ first and earliest known patriot, speaking of his fellow colonists around Narragansett Bay in colonial Boston: “he truth is, the great gods of this world are god-belly, god-peace, god-wealth, god-honor, god-pleasure, etc. These gods must not be blasphemed, that is, evil spoken of; no, not provoked…I, Roger Williams, once lackey in the most depraved court in Europe, a storekeeper trading in beaver skins for London fashions and so, as were we all tied to the greedy mother by the strings of her apron of lace and fur all trimmed with gold and silver.” Looking back over his life Williams found much that, if given another opportunity, he would change in an instant, especially his sheltered life in London where he often served in the king’ court under Sir Edward Coke, “aster cook of the law”they called him, the Chief Justice, and said to be the finest lawyer in England. But it was this early training in the law that served to guide his destiny to the shores of colonial America. “o one can say that I chose my path to this tree out of ignorance or innocence. I knew the whores, the thieves, the cutthroats, the usurers, the buyers, the sellers, of anything and everything, even so my father with his god money. I should all my life growed used to that, but I never did. I was blessed with forgiveness, and I pray for understanding, but the balm of forgetfulness is denied me…Often I dreamed of a Smithfield that no longer was, but had been before the houses and the taverns and among them the grand palaces that had been where the black friars and the white friars and the Bishop of Ely had lived before “eform” or what was called reform. Even as a child, I knew stealing when I saw it.” Roger’ mind quickly traces its steps back to the present as he reflects on his Cocumscussoc (fur trading and supply business) and his friends, the Narragansett Indians. “hey are gone, that great nation, and those that I meet are made servile by their hunger and their treatment. But once, oh, once, I had a blessed retreat among them where my heart and brain could flourish, and was their friend, and they mine - for the years before we pushed them to the insanity of suicide in King Philip’ War. Only that makes me glad that I sold Cocumscussoc. I had to do it, for the other colonies, like the wolves and the Indians they despised, bayed at our borders to overtake the one place in the new world, truly I think in the known world, with liberty to worship as we would, and choose our own laws to live by. That was what was hated here at what we call Rhode Island, island of roses, that the mind had escaped its “oly”chains. It may be that after all the quarreling and the noise and all the begging for a charter that would protect our liberty of conscience and our lives, something will come of all this in time, aye, but men ever love their chains as well as their liberty…” Roger Williams had been a driving force in creating the small colony of Rhode Island - created out of a sincere desire for a safe haven, in the same sense that there were “afe havens”in ancient Israel and for the same purpose. Tiny Rhode Island was to be a place where freedom of thought and worship would be enhanced and protected. But, as we see in Williams’statement, there are those who “ver love their chains as well as their liberty.” And, we might add, man forgives his chains of tyranny even while at the same time making great pretense as to his motives. Yes indeed my friend, as they were in Roger Williams time, so are they in the year 2003; except that their numbers are greatly increased and their methods are honed to a razor sharp edge. Using stealth as their basic ingredient, and the mass media as the mixing bowl, these dealers of deceit write grievousness into the law under which all must live. However, there are always those who are capable of circumventing the law because of position, social status, or wealth.
“o one ever was so rich as I was then; as rich as only one can be who has space and silence and all outdoors to think and write in. Silence I learned to cherish as the best gift to me of the Father of Lights…There are no witches in Providence, nor no heretics, for there is no law against them…but, now there are more quarreling in my home meadow…more drunkenness in the streets as more ships come into port. More my God, your God, my way, your way.” The United States of America, founded by the efforts of the Roger Williams in our history, the people themselves, should take stock of where this nation came from and the future we wish for our children and grandchildren. The initial costs of establishing liberty on these shores was but a down payment for a plan that promised life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for every citizen of this country, given that equality is one of the goals of this society. Two hundred and twenty seven years have slipped away since the signing of our Declaration of Independence, and still the voice of tyranny and domination is heard large across this vast federation. King James, Charles, Philip, or whatever you wish to call him, still walks the hills, valleys, and prairies of the United States of America in the silken raiment of commercialism. Yes, this nation was colonized by, and for, those whose interests extend solely to their hip pockets. The miracle is that so grand an idea such as liberty and freedom could have ever survived the first few birth pangs of the early 16th and 17th centuries. This country was colonized by England and the Europeans for their profit - liberty notwithstanding.
And here we are today, standing in the middle of a commercial enterprise the likes of which this world has never known. It has been a dizzying ride for two and a quarter centuries with no signs of abatement to be seen. But there are clouds on the horizon, about the size of a man’ hand. And as the horizon gets darker and the winds increase, this social order will need to take stock in its behavior - our future will demand it.
“ut a Constitution of Government, once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.” - John Adams
WHERE AM I?
Ever wonder where in the heck you are? The following provides the common name, the town or area followed by the coordinates according to the US Geological Survey.
POST OFFICE
Bentree Post Office Clay West Virginia 38.283ºN 81.191ºW
Bickmore Post Office Clay West Virginia 38.382ºN 81.111ºW
Big Otter Post Office Clay West Virginia 38.591ºN 81.043ºW
Bomont Post Office Clay West Virginia 38.450ºN 81.231ºW
Lizemores Post Office Clay West Virginia 38.334ºN 81.175ºW
Fola Post Office Clay West Virginia 38.358ºN 81.104ºW
Glen Post Office Clay West Virginia 38.394ºN 81.243ºW
Indore Post Office Clay West Virginia 38.353ºN 81.147ºW
Nebo Post Office Clay West Virginia 38.635ºN 81.043ºW
Procious Post Office Clay West Virginia 38.496ºN 81.210ºW
Widen Post Office Clay West Virginia 38.467ºN 80.858ºW
CEMETERY
Boggs Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.594ºN 81.042ºW
Chapman Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.524ºN 80.929ºW
Chapman Cemetery Clay West Virginia Ivydale 38.594ºN 81.020ºW
Cherrytree Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.553ºN 81.062ºW
Dulls Creek Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.491ºN 81.205ºW
Hall Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.531ºN 81.161ºW
Hively Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.539ºN 81.134ºW
Ida Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.291ºN 81.195ºW
Little Laurel Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.540ºN 81.083ºW
Pleasant Hill Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.524ºN 81.122ºW
Blue Knob Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.470ºN 81.133ºW
Bogg Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.531ºN 81.036ºW
Davis Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.464ºN 81.148ºW
Duffield Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.571ºN 80.937ºW
Eagle Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.585ºN 80.949ºW
Grose Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.512ºN 81.140ºW
Hallburg Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.621ºN 80.988ºW
Hinkle Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.383ºN 81.256ºW
Holcomb Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.362ºN 81.125ºW
Kyle Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.418ºN 80.934ºW
Lyons Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.564ºN 80.914ºW
Murphy Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.606ºN 81.056ºW
Phillips Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.526ºN 81.147ºW
Pierson Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.464ºN 81.154ºW
Ramsey Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.441ºN 80.922ºW
Reed-Stephenson-Pierson Cemetery Clay 38.465ºN 81.087ºW
Sears Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.641ºN 81.017ºW
Triplett Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.476ºN 81.037ºW
Turner Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.520ºN 80.926ºW
Walnut Grove Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.503ºN 80.867ºW
White Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.498ºN 81.239ºW
Woods Cemetery Clay West Virginia 38.419ºN 81.057ºW
More in the next edition
DON GREENE: WV Radical
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Before I get all worked up, let me compliment all involved in the Golden Delicious Apple Festival. My wife, daughter and I all had a fine time. We walked a lot, ate a little and saw hundreds of the sort of people that make America and West Virginia the best places to live today. If someone will remind me, the old Radical will donate a painting for the auction next time. I mostly just do a Bob Ross sort of landscape, usually natural but sometimes in a weird, wild science fiction way. All right, all done with that, let’ look at WV now.
I see that one of your appointed boards wants to be forced into compliance with the Open Meeting law by being sued. Why not just keep a stack of papers, made up with all the words of the suit except for the final details? Then when some little group of rockheads decide they are above the law, file against them pre se, sue them yourself. It is sort of sad how often this problem arises in West Virginia and up there in Clay. Every time you give some little peons the least bit of authority, they instantly become petty despots. Since they are all appointed by and allegedly answer to the County Commission, just the act of having to spend any time and money defending these little tyrants should soon bring an end to their self-perceived power over the citizens of Clay. Open meetings are at the very base of an open free democracy, whether it is in some far away land or huddled along the banks of the Elk River. For a government to operate properly the people must be able to participate in it. Bless your hearts that you have the Communicator providing the insight that it does. Most of us don’ have that luxury.
We all know by now that West Virginia is back to being one of the poorest states in the nation. How, you may wonder, can that be, with all the taxes we pay, all the government bodies that are supposed to be doing something to eliminate poverty, all the excellent workers and all the natural riches WV has to offer. It starts, I feel, with tax dollars being frittered away, strewn about WV like so much litter, with no one seeing if it is helping with the quality of life or standard of living at all. I know that is the problem down here and it sounds like it is up there, too. Sort of like a group that pays its bills but is buying a new truck, huh? The myriad of governmental bodies that should answer to someone but don’ seem to be burdened with that problem are another aspect of the cause for WV’ poverty. They have no legitimate plans, no ability to see a plan through and no vision of the future except for bullying anyone that questions them. I’e seen a lot of things, but the continued decline of WV is one of the saddest, most inexplicable and most easily solved. Poor West Virginia, it is like Henry Clay himself said while touring through here all those years ago, “he is like a fine lady dressed in rags.”
Letter to Brother Bill
By Evelyne McLaughlin
Dear Brother Bill:
Well, another September has come and gone. By the time you get this note, I will have passed the 65 year mark. Time waits for no man (or woman), it just keeps on going. The Christmas Wish Books are already out
not as many as we used to get. Remember how excited we would be when the catalogs arrived? The Aldens, Sears & Roebuck, Montgomery Wards and the National Bellas Hess? By the time the holidays arrived those books were ragged. What sweet memories...
I do not know if the "wooly worm" can predict weather or not, but those that I have seen this year are ALL black. Best get out your long johns just in case it gets really cold. I'd say the wind really blows, coming off of Lake Erie.
Butch and Nina Brown Whittington, of Ovapa, have moved to their new home at Harmony. Audra Hopkins, Sylvia Summers and I visited with them recently. They have a lovely farm, good apples, too. I saw Dennis
Sutton (CCHS l955) in Clay this week. Dennis lives in South Carolina. He said he would be moving close to Boyd and Helen Traub Sutton (CCHS l955)
soon. I really enjoyed our stay in South Carolina. Don and I lived there two years. Aunt Maycle Samples is still in the hospital. Brooks Burdette, of Twistabout, is in grave condition in a Charleston Hospital. I hear that Nellie Stephenson is also hospitalized in Parkersburg. Sorry to learn of Margaret Summers death. Our sympathies to her family.
Bro. Bob Walker will be preaching at the Blue Knob Church the second Sunday of this month. Everyone is invited to come and be with us. Sylvia Summers, of Ovapa, has several pretty kittens to give away. The Blue Knob Church enjoyed a nice wiener roast/pizza party last Saturday Night. We had 20 folks attending and lots of good stuff to eat.
I do not hear those night bugs, katydids or the toads making those lonesome noises. The nights are chilly and quiet, guess the singers are tucked away or frozen. I won't have to do much house cleaning if Champ, our new Boxer, has anything to do with it. He has chewed up books, shoes, magazines, purses, toys, and anything else he can find. Then he just looks up at me with those big brown sad looking eyes as if to say "I didn't mean to".
Don Shearer, of Phoenix, Arizona, has been visiting with friends in Florida. When I talked with Nellie McLaughlin Foreman, of Kanawha City, this week. She said she and Joe were okay. Happy Birthday wishes to Imogene Stalnaker, Barbara Samples, Virginia Boggs, Hugh Boggs, Charlotte Eagle Steed, and Meagan Koch.
Until the next time,
HELP US ALL TO BE BRAVE.
Love and prayers, Sis
PS- Thanks for the dollar - I'll try not to spend it all at one time.
|