30 comments

1. Thanks Milt for highlighting that opposition to regional planning is an issue in which a few have embraced it to meet their own personal agenda. Anyone who is against planning in the 21st century is simply against common sense. There is no threat to any community by learning from other governmental entities that have faced comparable issues.

   The failure to plan is one of the reasons that the costs of government are so high. Instead of learning from one and another, we have multiple governmental agencies repeating the same mistakes of others. Won’t it be far easier and less of a burden to the taxpayers to adopt the old cliche — two heads are better than one?

   The issues facing our communities today are complex and not able to be solved by any one governmental agency. The most obvious example of this is the protection of the Indian River Lagoon. There is not one single governmental entity that can address all of the issues. However, as a collective of all the stakeholders who want to protect the environment, we will all benefit by meeting, discussing and planning for the future needed improvements.

2. Speaking of McCarthy-era paranoia, it is back with a vengeance–or else never actually left us. I was accused recently of being a Commie sympathizer on Facebook by someone who believed Sen. McCarthy had been wrongly-censured, and I disagreed. I took my leave of that individual, since hanging out with paranoid people could lead to my becoming the same way–perhaps. On the local scene, I’m beginning to think there are a bunch of Chicken Little-type people assuming every organization put together is going to take away our rights to lead slovenly lives, erecting twenty-foot statues of John Birch, for example, in their yards, and throwing all kinds of trash into our waterways. They are certain the sky is falling. They assume we will turn into a small version of one of the cities a few counties south of us. Well, if you look at the names of the new businesses on the Miracle Mile, this may have already happened while they were bad-mouthing that organization at IRC Board of Commissioners meeting. And, I applaud Mr. Peter O’Bryan for taking the stance he did. It took a lot of courage to go against the “dominoes” on the Commission–Solari followed by the other three.

3. Thomas ,Lavins and Kratovitz.
   You all fit the description of socialist lemmings. The American Coalition 4 Property Rights group represents individuals that believe in representative government, free enterprise and liberty. Principled Patriots I call them. You just love to castigate anyone, that has different opinions than yours..
   The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council has embraced Seven/50 run by unelected bureaucrats, controlled by big brother i.e. EPA, HUD, and DOT, “including your buddy Milt, “Duaney” who said “Facism is efficient’ and wants to eliminate public meetings.)
   The most egregious issue at the Commission meeting were the out and out lies by Chairman O’Bryan. What’s in it for him? He will have to explain to his constituents his violation of the oath he swore by. He is no longer trustworthy. and that’s scary.

   Susan Mehiel is an outstanding American.

4. ” … which represents those Americans who feel the Obama-led Federal government is trampling on our sovereign right to limited local government and a white president.”

   Well Milt, just where does that leave those of us who feel that the Federal Government’s budget and reach are totally out of control; that the power captured by the Executive Branch in blatantly unconstitutional and who frankly don’t give a darn what color the president is, but think he is totally unqualified to govern both experientially and moraly.

   Oh, I get it, we are racists. I forgot that ??????????????

   Poop.

5. The American Coalition 4 Property Rights group is to be pitied if Rosemarie B Wilson is their spokesperson. They lose a lot of credibility the minute she speaks.

6. “socialist lemmings” Rosemarie, how surprising to hear that kind of name calling coming from one who, in the past, has taken a righteous tone in calling others to task for doing the very same thing.

7. Amazing, from my few remarks at the IRC Commissioners meeting, including the fact that although 3 out of the 4 counties the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council represents have pulled out of 7-50 and it still clings to the multimillion dollar plan, you bring up the UN, conspiracy theories, John Birch Society and extremism. Wow, when you can’t debate the facts, start calling people ‘wack-o’… that always works!
   I’m not against planning, what I’m against is six figure bureaucrats going to Tallahassee on my dime to schmooze for more money and power. Your critique is as flimsy as Commissioner O’Bryan’s suggestion that Commissioner Solari is against saving the lagoon since he questions the motives and actions of the TCRPC. As another more informed local publication wrote last week – our lagoon problem is not their (the southern counties) problem even though they get the attention of the press and the TCRPC. We have our own scientific team looking at the problem and we don’t need another layer of government to manage it.
   The TCRPC has a budget of nearly $2.7 million and no one asks, “what are they doing for it?” At the December planning council meeting after a presentation by Tri Rail staff about their plan to expand further north, Commissioner Solari asked if they had any financial projections on what the expansion would cost. Their answer – NO – but we would like you to agree that we need to take the study further. The resolution to continue the study without financial projections passed with flying colors despite Mr. Solari’s ‘no’ vote.
   I and my friends have been studying sustainable development and smart growth planning around the country for 2 years now. We’ve read the 7-50 contracts the counties are asked to sign and we know about their requirements and no bid contract agreements…so have cities and towns around the region and that’s why they’re all pulling out – including Stuart just last evening.
   When you’re up on the facts – I’d be happy to have a serious discussion with you about it.

8. smart meters? rosemarie. fpl has them already. most in the county are on them. when and if the sale goes through. then good luck paying for that dial meter. it will cost more then its worth replace it.vero beach doesn’t have a smart meter. sheesh. im pro small government and I don’t like the overreach of the feds. but uhm. who was president in 76? it wasn’t carter. it was Ford. a republican. rights? the local anti 7/50 commissioners have been passing laws that control what I can or cant do with my own property ever since I can remember. pot meet kettle. im not against ordinance for safety, and nuisances and asthetics but some of that is simply just to make money. I don’t feel the need to pay a fee for a simple shed.

9. Really Milton!? Way to offend half of your readers!!! So those who do not agree with The Obama Administration’s policies are racist??? Well, I guess you have us ALL figured out… WOW!
   By the way, It’s CLIMATE CHANGE this month, get it right.

10. Well, she is right. Its a socialist program and I for one prefer freedom and a free market, I hope you do to…this is America.
    I believe people who live in our area are more than capable of planning their own destinies. We dont need government doing it for us, especially this guy who heads seven-50.

11. Milt, you socialist! With this column you seem to have stepped on a fire ant mound, or kicked a hornet’s nest. Choose your own metaphor. Either way, it appears an alert has gone out to the far right. Next thing you know, someone with more biblical knowledge than you or I is going to unearth a canonical prohibition against regional planning and any such efforts to be responsible stewards of God’s good creation.

12. Well apparently if you oppose the usurpation of power by the Executive Branch, have a problem with the national debt growing exponentially, and question the data or lack of data, proving Global cooling, Global warming, or GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE theory is fact then these columnists assume we all align ourselves with the LOCAL small government bunch… I will not be painted with that BROAD BRUSH.

13. I had also posted a link in my comment to detail who the man is who heads up the Seven-50 agenda, Andre’ Duany. However- it did not post. The quotes she listed are in the video. You can find it by looking it up on google under the title “Tyranny in Florida: Seven 50 Exposed”

14. I really like Rosemarie. What a kind lady, she helps so many people! In my opinion, and the opinion of many she is a true American patriot. Sorry Bea, you’re very wrong on this one in my opinion.

15. There are concerns over health and privacy issues with smart meters. Several studies are underway to test them after reports have came in showing some pretty negative side effects to ones health. Three states instituted moratoriums on them.

    The following states have either banned smart meters, have pending legislation against them, or have offered customers the opportunity to opt out. Some for health concerns, others over privacy issues: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Vermont.

    I think we can all agree that those two issues are of great concern to all of us. I think it is very smart to question them before installing them. Being proactive is a wise choice.

16. Hey, I get a kick out of the local coverage and I don’t mind a pro-left wing agenda. But I think your publication could opine more professionally without labeling the other side as a bunch of
    racist, conspiracy theorizing, biblical zealots.

17. That may be your experience of your friend. There was, however, an incident following the swearing in ceremony at City Hall last November that led to a complaint being made with the police department. The incident, witnesses by a number of people, had something to do with what the complainant considered racist hate speech. You might check with your friend and ask her if she would care to elaborate on what was said that day.

    By the way, Jennifer, we don’t seem to hear from you except when the barricades have been manned on the far right. I’m just curious. Are you posting on your own, or are you on the clock with thestoryofliberty.net? When you espouse the virtues of hyper caitalism and free market fundamentalism, you might give some acknowledgement to troubling statistics about our nation’s ever-increasing concentration of wealth, the growing number (and percentage) of Americans living in poverty, not to mention high divorce, murder, suicide and addiction rates.

18. Schumann, Get your facts straight. I did not attend the city council swearing in ceremony,
    The racist charge was a hoax. Shame on you in pursuit of rumors.
    Poor Bea, such desperation. Is her comment not personal?
    Obviously there is a lack of knowledge on the issues from Inside Vero .

    Principled Patriots are soaring as on eagles wings!

19. Ok, Rosemarie, so perhaps the incident followed a different meeting. I will check again on what I was told by more than one source. Are you disputing that such an incident took place involving you, are are you simply correcting me on the facts regarding where the incident took place? No mention of food stamps, or encouragement to the other individual to return to Gifford?

20. Further, Rosemarie, given that you question our reporting and commentary, you seem to spend a lot of time reading InsideVero.com. Have you been assigned by the “Truth Squad” to monitor InsideVero.com?

21. Well I have never read your ‘publication’ and after this little bit of sophomoric, snarky back and forth, I won’t in the future. I have no time for a rag that throws the race bomb and hits every typical liberal attack mode including religion without the facts…which is apparent from the article and your walk back on your slander against Rosemarie.

    I’m too busy finding the truth. It’s difficult when so few news organizations want to publish it. Then again, maybe yours is an entertainment vehicle for the under informed.

22. Where is the “walk back”? I could provide names and a date, and the specific quote, but I have refrained from doing so. The larger point is that if Jennifer Featherstone wants to portray Mrs. Wilson and an angel of mercy, then the fact that others have had a different experience becomes relevant.

23. Mark. Hold on. Let me make sure I understand what you are saying.

    Are you claiming a free market and liberty are bad? Interestingly a very socialist hypocritical mentality.

    You and I disagree on this but I don’t know why. You run this small news outlet correct? You are therefore using the first amendment and the free market to make money. Even if you don’t run this outlet you must have a job or small business. ..

    Good for you! Capitalism is awesome.

    I am actually not on the clock for The Story of Liberty at the moment. However anyone reading should look us up. I think you will enjoy our show.

    I was warned not to comment here because I would be personally attacked. I said I don’t mind. I screen shot everything and have a great attorney 🙂

    A little history for you:

    Communistic government has killed more people in modern history then all other groups combined. University of Hawaii put out a interesting study on this and the results show a free market allows people to succeed and socialism and communist governments kill.

    I’ll let you have the last word I’m done.
    I hope I have answered your many accusations. .. I mean questions.

24. Jennifer, you use the terms “free market,” “liberty,” “capitalism” and “socialist” without defining what you mean and with the apparent assumption that everyone knows what you mean when you use these terms. You are also equating socialism with communism, and you are not differentiating between bridled capitalism and hyper capitalism. This is simplistic.

    Are you denying that our nation, as compared to other developed nations, is seeing a higher concentration of wealth, growing levels of poverty, and chronically high rates of crime, imprisonment, divorce, drug addiction, alcoholism and suicide?

    We have a broken political and economic system in which wealth and political power are becoming increasingly concentrated. As former Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis said, “You can have wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, or you can have a democracy, but you cannot have both.”

    Further, I find it ironic when free market fundamentalists object to the appropriateness of the Pope offering a critique of hyper capitalism. Jesus, himself, had a great deal to say about money.

    Jennifer, I, too, have some familiarity with the Bible, and I believe that if the prophets of old were alive today they would rail against the economic injustice of our time.

    Amos 5:21-24- “I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offering of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

25. I want to thank everyone who participated in my online editorial roundtable. I did write two stories regarding the County Commission meeting in question, one a straight news story, the other an opinion piece. The straight news story appears in this week’s InsideVero print edition, due out tomorrow and will then appear on this website. Again, thanks for your participation and have a nice day.

26. Okay, I was finished with this – but since you brought it up – yes I do not believe that our

    “nation, as compared to other developed nations, is seeing a higher concentration of wealth, growing levels of poverty, and chronically high rates of crime, imprisonment, divorce, drug addiction, alcoholism and suicide”

    I particularly do not see a growing concentration of wealth and growing levels of poverty…you see our poverty rates have NOT CHANGED since the war on poverty began.

    Show us the facts – real facts.

27. Susan, The following are a few excerpts from a timeline accompanying Hedrick Smith’s book, “Who Stole the American Dream?”

    January 1914—Henry Ford announces the $5 day—reckoning that if workers are well paid, they can afford to buy Ford’s Model T cars, and Ford could move into mass production. Ford’s strategy sparks a trend.

    Mid-1940s to Mid-1970s—Heyday of the middle class, when the U.S. economy is driven by the dynamics of “the virtuous circle.” Companies paid high wages and tens of millions of families had steady income to spend, generating high consumer demand. Robust consumer demand propels businesses to invest in new plants and technology and to hire more employees, fueling the “virtuous circle of growth” to another round of expansion and higher living standards.

    1950—Top CEO salary in America: GM chairman Charlie Wilson is paid $663,000, roughly $5 million in today’s dollars, and about 40 times the annual wage of his average assembly line worker. Corporate ethic frowned on CEOs taking stock grants as unfair “competitive avarice.” Economists call this period “The Great Compression be-ause the income gap between the rich and the middle class is at its narrowest in the twentieth century.

    1973—The productivity of U.S. workers rises 96 percent since 1945, and average hourly compensation rises in tandem—94 percent from 1945 to 1973. Average Americans share in the nation’s prosperity. In the next three decades, from 1973 to 2011, worker productivity rises another 80 percent but hourly compensation rises only 10 percent. Ordinary Americans are cut out of their share of the nation’s economic gains.

    1977–78—In the pivotal 95th Congress under President Jimmy Carter and the Democrats, business shows its new political muscle. Its lobbyists block organized labor’s legislation and Ralph Nader’s push for a consumer protection agency. They win deregulation of airlines, railroads, and trucking. They get Congress to reject Carter’s plan to close tax loopholes for the rich and, instead, they push to cut the corporate tax rate and the capital gains tax on investment income from 49 percent to 28 percent.

    1978—Two major bills alter the economic landscape for decades to come. One is an obscure insert in the tax code, paragraph 401(k), initially intended to authorize supplemental executive retirement plans and later extended by the Reagan administration to rank and file workers. The other change updates U.S. bankruptcy laws, giving management control during corporate bankruptcy, paving the way for bankruptcies in the 1990s and 2000s that canceled provisions of union contracts.

    1981—President Reagan pushes through tax cuts that heavily favor the wealthy, dropping the top personal income tax rate from 70 percent to 28 percent, the capital gains rate from 28 percent to 20 percent, and the corporate rate from 46 percent to 35 percent. The Reagan tax cuts add $1 trillion in income for the super rich 1 percent during the 1980s, and another $1 trillion in each successive decade. The Forbes 400 Richest Americans triple their net worth between 1978 to 1990, thanks to the Reagan tax cuts.

    1995–2000—By balancing the federal budget and generating budget surpluses, the Clinton tax increases of 1993 help to lower inflation and interest rates and to generate the nation’s strongest steady economic growth period since the 1960s, boosting the real wages of average middle class workers.

    2001–2003—President George W. Bush pushes massive tax cuts through Congress each year, starting in 2001, despite opinion polls showing the public favors using budget surpluses inherited from Clinton to increase spending on education, health, and Social Security, or to reduce the national debt.

    2007—The richest 1 percent take a near-record 23 percent of the personal incomes paid to all Americans, earning a combined $1.35 trillion a year, which is more than the entire economies of Canada, Italy, or France.

    2007—Among economic sectors, corporate profits see their share of national income rise during the Bush years to the highest level since 1943, while the share of national income going to employee salaries and wages sinks to its lowest level since 1929.

    December 2009—Germany ends the decade having earned $2 trillion in trade surpluses, with 21 percent of the German workforce still in manufacturing, versus America’s $6 trillion in trade deficits and 9 percent in manufacturing. Since 1985, average German hourly wages have risen 30 percent vs. 5 percent in the United States.

    2010–2012—Washington’s vanishing political center—so vital to bipartisanship in past decades—continues to shrink. Two moderate Senators—Democrat Evan Bayh of Indiana and Republican Olympia Snowe of Maine—announce they are so frustrated and disgusted by the harsh partisan divide that hobbles Congress that they are quitting and will not seek re-election, Bayh in 2010, Snowe in 2012.

    2011—The housing boom and bust causes a massive transfer of wealth from ordinary American families to the banks—economists say roughly $6 trillion—mainly because so many Americans have drained equity out of their homes. In 1985, Americans owned nearly 70 percent of the total value of the nation’s housing stock, the main anchor of middle-class wealth. By 2011, the homeowners’ share had plummeted to just under 40 percent and the banks now owned the major share of U.S. housing.

    2012—The United States struggles with what economists call a “jobless recovery” where data shows the economy growing, but where unemployment remains stubbornly high. This is the third instance of a jobless recovery in recent decades, after declines in the early 1990s and again in 2000–2002. Corporations sit on $1.9 trillion in cash, spending more money on buying back stock than hiring workers, undermining the dynamics of “the virtuous circle.”

28. Mark, Would love to, where can I reach this truth squad?.

29. Check with the other Wilson.

30. health issues? yeah you aren’t using a wireless router to post that? what about cell phone radiation and privacy? all digital meters post live reading. if you can see they will change as the old ones did which are no legal for a reman in the u.s.. they cost 33 dollars to replace. verses 3 bucks for a simple digital meter. the old cyclometer, analog styles are gone. any signal can be hacked into but what is going to said? oh? you have used x amount of power. the power companies already know what you used. they cant control your appliances without you letting them do that and that is only a turn and off. that isn’t installed unless you want it and that would have to be all appliances. does you new refrigerator have that? mine doesn’t and its not a year old. neither does my dishwasher. the county has water towers with cell phone towers on it the. water tower near the home depot store is just that. so if one is worried about health. there is the place to start. the spires has them on their roof tops. they are all Omni directional. add ham radios too.