Hall of Shame or Fame . . . You Make the Call
"Men who look upon themselves born to reign, and others to obey, soon grow insolent; selected from the rest of mankind their minds are early poisoned by importance; and the world they act in differs so materially
from the world at large, that they have but little opportunity of knowing its true interests, and when they succeed to the government are frequently the most ignorant and unfit of any throughout the dominions."
Thomas Paine
Elected to Serve
The title portrays a lofty ideal which was instrumental in our founding fathers’thoughts on the form of leadership they would establish to govern the people of the new nation. They knew too well what it was to be under the control and whims of those whose interests were not their own, and therefore; set out to build a governmental structure based on service to those whom they were elected to govern.
Many of these individuals went on to serve terms as elected officials in the new government in order to shape and preserve this delicate democracy they had helped to create. They were not looking to duplicate previous forms of government where positions were permanent; nor were they looking at this to be their life long vocation. They wanted to serve their fellow countrymen, and when their terms had come to an end, return to their homes and ordinary livelihoods.
Somewhere along the way, it appears we have lost our way. Our elected officials no longer perceive the offices they hold as a privilege to serve the people. They look upon it as a privilege to be served, serve special interest groups, institutions and even themselves, and then serve those who have financially supported them in their effort to be elected. Although term limits have been created for some positions, there are still many that allow one individual to hold office for an undetermined length of time. It is a rare individual who can temper his desire to serve against the trappings of the power of holding office. Those who hold these offices, and who continuously seek reelection, have selected government as their chosen career. In this capacity, their thoughts and concerns now center on retaining their positions, and not the common good of those who have put their faith and trust in them to do what is right.
Not only have many of our elected officials considered their station as an enduring profession, but in many instances, it has now become a family right. The next generation is voted in to fill the seat of their family member primarily on name recognition alone, and not by qualifications, thus continuing the legacy of
self-service. When we chose to break away from England, we chose to end the divine right of kings and its
ancestral line of succession. We need to remember this each time we are offered a candidate who comes from a long line of elected officials.
We still have an opportunity to take our country back and return it to a “government of the people, by the people and for the people.” We, the people, hold the deciding vote and need to cast it discriminately. Let us seek out those individuals who have a calling to serve as our forefathers did.
It’s not too late Delaware, the time is now!
In free governments, the rulers are the servants and the people their superiors.
For the former to return among the latter does not degrade, but rather promotes them.
Benjamin Franklin
from the world at large, that they have but little opportunity of knowing its true interests, and when they succeed to the government are frequently the most ignorant and unfit of any throughout the dominions."
Thomas Paine
Elected to Serve
The title portrays a lofty ideal which was instrumental in our founding fathers’thoughts on the form of leadership they would establish to govern the people of the new nation. They knew too well what it was to be under the control and whims of those whose interests were not their own, and therefore; set out to build a governmental structure based on service to those whom they were elected to govern.
Many of these individuals went on to serve terms as elected officials in the new government in order to shape and preserve this delicate democracy they had helped to create. They were not looking to duplicate previous forms of government where positions were permanent; nor were they looking at this to be their life long vocation. They wanted to serve their fellow countrymen, and when their terms had come to an end, return to their homes and ordinary livelihoods.
Somewhere along the way, it appears we have lost our way. Our elected officials no longer perceive the offices they hold as a privilege to serve the people. They look upon it as a privilege to be served, serve special interest groups, institutions and even themselves, and then serve those who have financially supported them in their effort to be elected. Although term limits have been created for some positions, there are still many that allow one individual to hold office for an undetermined length of time. It is a rare individual who can temper his desire to serve against the trappings of the power of holding office. Those who hold these offices, and who continuously seek reelection, have selected government as their chosen career. In this capacity, their thoughts and concerns now center on retaining their positions, and not the common good of those who have put their faith and trust in them to do what is right.
Not only have many of our elected officials considered their station as an enduring profession, but in many instances, it has now become a family right. The next generation is voted in to fill the seat of their family member primarily on name recognition alone, and not by qualifications, thus continuing the legacy of
self-service. When we chose to break away from England, we chose to end the divine right of kings and its
ancestral line of succession. We need to remember this each time we are offered a candidate who comes from a long line of elected officials.
We still have an opportunity to take our country back and return it to a “government of the people, by the people and for the people.” We, the people, hold the deciding vote and need to cast it discriminately. Let us seek out those individuals who have a calling to serve as our forefathers did.
It’s not too late Delaware, the time is now!
In free governments, the rulers are the servants and the people their superiors.
For the former to return among the latter does not degrade, but rather promotes them.
Benjamin Franklin
Hall of Shame or Fame . . . You Make the Call
Rep. Lincoln Willis
“They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety”
Benjamin Franklin
New Posting: May 1, 2012
What is the likelihood of assembling 40 people (Rep. Bennett was absent, see article below) and they all believe the same thing? This is exactly what happened when the House voted on the “lite” version home invasion bill written by Attorney General, Beau Biden. Not one Representative voted against the bill, not even Representative Lincoln Willis, the prime co-sponsor of the original, harsh penalty home invasion bill. It seems very perplexing; or then again, maybe not, once you examine all the facts.
There is a federal agenda to release inmates throughout the country. Governor Markell has aligned himself with this agenda along with Attorney General, Beau Biden, son of Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden.
January 2012, Senator Dave Lawson, in response to the rise of home invasions taking place across the State, introduces a bill to protect Delaware citizens. SB 161 is written with a harsh penalty of 15 years in prison without parole for those who commit a home invasion. A harsh penalty that makes Markell and Biden squirm as it goes against the Federal agenda. Senator Patricia Blevins, will not introduce the bill on the Senate floor to be voted upon, which allows AG, Biden, to fashion his “lite” version home invasion bill, HB 277. The fact is fellow Delawareans; Attorney General Biden is very light on criminals across the board, despite Delaware’s crime problem as we rank fourth in the nation for violent crime. March 2012, Rep. Debra Heffernan is picked to be the prime sponsor of the “lite” home invasion bill as it is deemed she needs a credential for her re-election campaign.
In the Senate, Senator Blevins is flooded with phone calls from Delawareans asking her to put SB 161 on the Senate floor to be voted upon first, before HB 277 is voted upon. In response to the phone calls, she begins to finally speak with the prime sponsor of the bill and states the bill will be sent to the Senate floor, although someone else will get the credit for the bill. In the House of Representatives, HB 277 is quickly being prepared to go to the House floor to be voted upon. Two amendments are attached, giving a little harsher penalty, but not as harsh as the original SB 161. Before the vote takes place, the two amendments are stricken from the bill and a weaker third amendment is added. This new amendment provides the least protection to Delaware citizens, giving only a 6 year prison sentence to those convicted of home invasion. House Majority Leader Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf (who is on record stating “Part of my job is to carry the water for the governor and it’s just that simple.”) quickly puts the bill on the floor to be voted upon. No one votes against HB 277, and the bill passes the House of Representatives with the weak third amendment attached. In a matter of weeks, HB 277 has been rammed through the legislative process, while SB 161 is still being sat on by Senator Blevins since January 2012. Once again, the law abiding taxpayer of Delaware loses.
How does this happen, and most especially, how does Rep. Willis vote for the “lite” version when he avows he supports harsh penalties for home invasion? He stated he “voted for the best bill that was forced upon them.” What does that mean? If you have the ability to vote, you have the ability to make a choice. Life is full of choices and the choices you make define who you are. Rep. Willis, I regretfully say, today, you have disappointed those you serve. At the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Dover, not only did you say you supported SB 161, you said HB 277 was nothing but politics at play, and you were ashamed of what was going on. You also said you would do all you could to have amendments attached to HB 277, if it were to be voted upon first, giving it harsh penalties equal or similar to SB 161. An increase from 4 years to 6 years is not a harsh penalty similar to 15 years in prison. Your actions do speak louder than your words.
Let us now read between the lines. How do you vote for something you do not believe in? It is our elected officials’ job to represent the people who elected them to office, not represent the agenda of the federal government or other state officials. We are their employer, and it is their job to represent us and no one else. I believe many Representatives did not support the lesser home invasion bill, although not one Representative had the guts to vote against it.
Delaware citizens, we need to ask ourselves what is really going on. It has been said some of our elected officials fear Governor Markell. Payoffs could be taking place as billions of dollars are filtering though
the State with no accountability (click here to see over $1 Billion dollars of funding Delaware has been awarded in Federal stimulus money, much of it noted with no appliciable information under the expended column http://recovery.delaware.gov./documents/Funding-List.pdf). Whatever the answer, Delaware citizens, the election in November is critical to our State and country at large. Please research and study the candidates, seeking out those individuals who are willing to stand on their principles. Don’t be afraid to ask them tough questions, as they will have to ask themselves tough questions once elected. If your Representative and or Senator has not voted as you believe, call and hold them accountable. Delaware, it is time to vote out those who are guilty of not serving your best interests, as they are creating laws that are affecting you and your generations to come.
Together, We Can and We Will Make a Difference!
Benjamin Franklin
New Posting: May 1, 2012
What is the likelihood of assembling 40 people (Rep. Bennett was absent, see article below) and they all believe the same thing? This is exactly what happened when the House voted on the “lite” version home invasion bill written by Attorney General, Beau Biden. Not one Representative voted against the bill, not even Representative Lincoln Willis, the prime co-sponsor of the original, harsh penalty home invasion bill. It seems very perplexing; or then again, maybe not, once you examine all the facts.
There is a federal agenda to release inmates throughout the country. Governor Markell has aligned himself with this agenda along with Attorney General, Beau Biden, son of Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden.
January 2012, Senator Dave Lawson, in response to the rise of home invasions taking place across the State, introduces a bill to protect Delaware citizens. SB 161 is written with a harsh penalty of 15 years in prison without parole for those who commit a home invasion. A harsh penalty that makes Markell and Biden squirm as it goes against the Federal agenda. Senator Patricia Blevins, will not introduce the bill on the Senate floor to be voted upon, which allows AG, Biden, to fashion his “lite” version home invasion bill, HB 277. The fact is fellow Delawareans; Attorney General Biden is very light on criminals across the board, despite Delaware’s crime problem as we rank fourth in the nation for violent crime. March 2012, Rep. Debra Heffernan is picked to be the prime sponsor of the “lite” home invasion bill as it is deemed she needs a credential for her re-election campaign.
In the Senate, Senator Blevins is flooded with phone calls from Delawareans asking her to put SB 161 on the Senate floor to be voted upon first, before HB 277 is voted upon. In response to the phone calls, she begins to finally speak with the prime sponsor of the bill and states the bill will be sent to the Senate floor, although someone else will get the credit for the bill. In the House of Representatives, HB 277 is quickly being prepared to go to the House floor to be voted upon. Two amendments are attached, giving a little harsher penalty, but not as harsh as the original SB 161. Before the vote takes place, the two amendments are stricken from the bill and a weaker third amendment is added. This new amendment provides the least protection to Delaware citizens, giving only a 6 year prison sentence to those convicted of home invasion. House Majority Leader Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf (who is on record stating “Part of my job is to carry the water for the governor and it’s just that simple.”) quickly puts the bill on the floor to be voted upon. No one votes against HB 277, and the bill passes the House of Representatives with the weak third amendment attached. In a matter of weeks, HB 277 has been rammed through the legislative process, while SB 161 is still being sat on by Senator Blevins since January 2012. Once again, the law abiding taxpayer of Delaware loses.
How does this happen, and most especially, how does Rep. Willis vote for the “lite” version when he avows he supports harsh penalties for home invasion? He stated he “voted for the best bill that was forced upon them.” What does that mean? If you have the ability to vote, you have the ability to make a choice. Life is full of choices and the choices you make define who you are. Rep. Willis, I regretfully say, today, you have disappointed those you serve. At the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Dover, not only did you say you supported SB 161, you said HB 277 was nothing but politics at play, and you were ashamed of what was going on. You also said you would do all you could to have amendments attached to HB 277, if it were to be voted upon first, giving it harsh penalties equal or similar to SB 161. An increase from 4 years to 6 years is not a harsh penalty similar to 15 years in prison. Your actions do speak louder than your words.
Let us now read between the lines. How do you vote for something you do not believe in? It is our elected officials’ job to represent the people who elected them to office, not represent the agenda of the federal government or other state officials. We are their employer, and it is their job to represent us and no one else. I believe many Representatives did not support the lesser home invasion bill, although not one Representative had the guts to vote against it.
Delaware citizens, we need to ask ourselves what is really going on. It has been said some of our elected officials fear Governor Markell. Payoffs could be taking place as billions of dollars are filtering though
the State with no accountability (click here to see over $1 Billion dollars of funding Delaware has been awarded in Federal stimulus money, much of it noted with no appliciable information under the expended column http://recovery.delaware.gov./documents/Funding-List.pdf). Whatever the answer, Delaware citizens, the election in November is critical to our State and country at large. Please research and study the candidates, seeking out those individuals who are willing to stand on their principles. Don’t be afraid to ask them tough questions, as they will have to ask themselves tough questions once elected. If your Representative and or Senator has not voted as you believe, call and hold them accountable. Delaware, it is time to vote out those who are guilty of not serving your best interests, as they are creating laws that are affecting you and your generations to come.
Together, We Can and We Will Make a Difference!
Hall of Shame or Fame . . . You Make the Call
Rep. Brad Bennett
"In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate— look to his character..."
Noah Webster
New Posting: April 17, 2012
Pleading guilty to DUI before a Sussex County Court of Common Pleas in February 2011, Representative Edward "Brad" Bennett later released a statement saying "I made a mistake that will not happen again." April 15, 2012, just months after Rep. Bennett’s one year probation period expired, he is arrested and charged with his second DUI. Additional charges include leaving the scene of a crime, no proof of insurance and failure to report an accident involving alcohol.
The arrest and DUI charge took place in Wilmington after Rep. Bennett sideswiped a police car and left the scene. How much does one have had to drink in order to hit a police car? City police say an officer had parked his car in the 2900 block of North Market Street Sunday night to respond to a call. About 8:35 pm, as the officer was getting out of the vehicle, it was struck by a black SUV. The driver, Rep. Bennett, continued to head southbound on Market Street until police were able to stop him on West 27th Street. This
is the Dover Democrat’s second DUI arrest since October 2010.
First elected in 2008, Bennett was re-elected the following month after the 2010 arrest. Despite the pending charge against him, he took 50 percent of the vote in 2010. It has been a trend in our society that what one does in their personal life does not matter or should not be a reflection of who they are professionally. How do you separate the two? This trend was not true then, and still is not today. It is time we all realize we have a responsibility when we step inside a voting booth to be informed about the candidate you pull the lever for. It is time we ask, what do you stand for, what do you believe in, what are your convictions and do you represent what I believe? These elected officials are enacting economic, social and moral laws that affect you, and your generations to come.
I am disappointed, but not surprised by Rep. Bennett’s actions. But honestly, I am more disappointed that our State elected him back into office in 2010 with the pending DUI charge. Until people truly change, past behaviour does predict future behaviour.
The State House Ethics Committee will investigate Bennett's arrest "following the completion of the judicial process," according to a statement issued by House Majority Leader, Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf. If you are sickened by this situation, first, call Rep. Schwartzkopf and tell him what you believe should be Rep. Bennett’s future: censure, suspension or expulsion. Secondly, tell Rep. Schwartzkopf you will hold him accountable to do what is right, as he is the House Majority Leader.
Together We Can and We Will Make a Difference!
Hall of Shame or Fame . . . You Make the Call
Former DE death row inmate Robert Gattis
Killer Spared by Commutation Presses Lawsuit
DOVER, Del. (AP) - Former Delaware death row inmate Robert Gattis says a federal lawsuit he filed against prison officials is still active. Gattis is convicted for the 1990 murder of his girlfriend, Shirley Slay, when he shot her execution style in her home.
Gov. Jack Markell commuted Gattis' death sentence to life without parole in January, 2012. In return, Gattis agreed to waive further legal challenges related to his murder conviction.
State attorneys say Gattis also agreed in return for commutation not to challenge any aspect of his current confinement, so the claims in his 2008 lawsuit are waived or moot. But Gattis said in court papers this week that his commutation does not affect his claim that prison officials violated his constitutional rights by returning a Playboy magazine he had ordered from a book store. Gattis did concede that other claims in the lawsuit are now moot because he is no longer on death row (http://www.wboc.com/story/17069097/killer-spared-by-commutation-presses-lawsuit).
It seems like commuting the sentence didn’t get rid of the lawsuit problems. One can only guess inmate Gattis not only has more rights than Delaware’s citizens, he appears to be a better attorney than anything the state has to offer.