Fair 47.0°F Fair [Forecast] :: Friday, November 20th, 2009
Vacation Info Wedding Info Kids/Parents NEW! Pets

CapeCodToday Blog Chowder

Welcome to CapeCodToday's Blog Chowder! This page aggregates the most recent postings from all the CapeCodToday bloggers for your convenience. Bookmark this page or see below left for RSS options.

Latest comments

Please visit these local CapeCodToday sponsors:
The Family Schools
Nurturing and challenging children and their families on Cape Cod since 1980. A licensed private school providing programs that support, endorse and strengthen each family's teaching. Preschool & afternoon programs for students grades 1-4. (Brewster)
Dramafun!
Creative movement, story enactment, theater games, music, imagination journeys and more! The Dramafun Players create original musicals and perform for the public! We offer quality, individualized instruction in a nurturing environment year round. (Sandwich)
10/06/07 @ 7:13 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Not so fast jack & I'm not wasting an 'at bat' over here… You've been willing to clear-up confusion over other's personas, so why not end filletofsole's confusion over who I am/am not? You might even mention what you know about both deltawoman & deltaman personas being hijacked here & elsewhere, in attempts to unethically discredit straight talk thru trickery… Now, I do have a life too. Jack but my recent time-outs have been rarer and shorter than yours; I'll be back later, hopefully learn your go or no response - it's still up to you…
10/06/07 @ 6:45 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Jack, I've seen you demonstrate the intellect, wisdom & demeanor of an outstanding statesman on occasion; this is clearly not one of your best days - However, if you can embrace the concept of my being a liar, then all those other irrelevancies that repeatedly distract you will just fade away, & you need only to dwell on this liar's ideas… If we can't even agree on that novel concept, then I'm truly outta luck & stuck in muck, but wtf, I've tried…

So, it's all up to you Jack; do I continue?
10/06/07 @ 6:23 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Jack, I respectfully request that you calm-down sufficiently to re-read what I said & reconsider your libelous comment - You can easily see that the "Liar" I'm referring to is ME!! I thought by eliminating that point of contention, we've eliminated a lot of side issues that seem to keep you from considering only the merits of what I say, rather than speculating endlessly about my character (I think you owe me a refresh, but I also want to have some face time with family for a few hours)

I fully recognize that there's lots of heat in this room right now - your patience with me will really help me a lot with finishing this treatise quickly, while paying due respects to the issues you're facing. When finished, I'll be ready to move on - at least from this debate, in its present form. Obviously, you'll each be free to decide if this "Liar" left something useful…
10/06/07 @ 5:52 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
(Easiest way to get rid of me is to let me finish – thanx for the refresh…)

Remarkably, the Mashpee appear to bear no residual malice towards the non-native population with whom they now share their historic homeland. At the same time, I don’t detect any sense of pious obligation that they should even consider the region’s interests when devising plans to promote the Tribe’s own causes. In fact, I can easily envision that their eagerness to move forward on many fronts at this time, might produce unintended negative impacts on the region – I’ve expressed this concern repeatedly, while still finding no reason to believe that continually hurling insults at them will eventually improve their sensitivity & respect for regional interests…
10/06/07 @ 4:41 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
(Thanx, Jack – even when you’re being foolish, you’re sometimes useful…)

Fact – The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe has successfully completed an arduous, decade-long process to substantiate their request to have their sovereignty restored – they are one of only two tribes east of the Missisippi, whose principles & pride made them shun the far easier political route followed by others; Thru those years, with ample opportunities for public comment, their petition was decided on its merits, without the taint of political influence.

Fact – Like it or not, residents of Cape Cod now have a “new neighbor” with a federal grant of sovereign power - of sufficient magnitude to make decisions & undertake actions which can have an enormous impact on the people & economy of this region. Screaming at them in hate or fear won’t drive them away, because they have nowhere else to go; their ancestors’ bones amply demonstrate that this has been their home for thousands of years.

(Care to don that funny hat again? Your sacrifice will be rewarded - I promise!)
10/06/07 @ 4:05 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Jack, we’ve repeatedly gone around on those same, lame red herrings; – it’s a 5 ~ 10 minute read, to extract everything I’ve said here, about who I am & my concerns around tribal sovereignty & casino gambling. Anyone who does that will see that I’ve taken the Mashpee clan members to task far more frequently than the CC2day clan & NIMBYists. Rather than foolishly participating in another one of your attempts to derail a factual discussion about vital concerns, I’m going to go-along with what you would apparently like to believe about me, & freely admit to be a recently-paroled, scurrilous, unprincipled ruffian, who’s already been paid $$-millions in up front money, along with the promise of a big stake in the future action, if I can just successfully pull off this “maneuver” OK? – Busted!

Now, this liar is willing to point out some things that are being consistently overlooked in these discussions; I’ve freely relinquished any claim to being the best, most-articulate person to state these things, but for your sakes’ I hope I’m still good-enough!

(Refresh or not, as you choose…)
10/06/07 @ 11:04 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Before I rush to judge, I wish to authenticate "Dr. Lynch's" C-V above, with the one he previously submitted in court, which was allegedly discredited~"shredded" by the Shinnecock attorneys; I believe that their central point of contention was that JAMES PATRICK LYNCH undertook many of these scholastic endeavors, but wandered off without finishing 'em. I'm entering this note only as a placeholder in this discussion; as soon as I have obtained a copy of that testimony -regardless of what's contained therein - I'll be pleased to share; stay tuned; stay peaceful…

:)
10/06/07 @ 9:04 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
'quibbles' and 'piques' filletofsole? (I also thought it was a gratuitous display of poor manners) Dunno, if you two have 'history' but for my part, I was glad for an opportunity to respond honestly to what appeared to be an honest Q… Hope you'll be back to share what facts you snare in your wiki-weir.

;)

.
10/06/07 @ 8:33 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Jeeze, this is like "The Price is Right" - with a "Jeff" behind every door!

Imo, CC2day most-blatantly revealed the Publication's bias thru the "lipstick they painted on the pig" - That is, the staff's selection of highly prejudicial, antique-appearing artwork to add the appearance of authenticity, to a document inherently devoid of any… (Allegedly, JC?)

.
10/06/07 @ 8:20 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
'fillet' - I'm at least partly responsible for the "LLC" confusion, because I didn't notice that Jeff has incorporated it into his persona, & stupidly wasted a turn at bat, defining it… His Q actually was re. "Never was a Wampanoag tribe…… Which points out a profound flaw in Mr. Lynch's treatise - The Wampanoag were/are a nation, which in good times, consisted of 70 ~ 100 villages/clans/tribes dispersed throughout the Wampanoag nation. The implication is that, if you offered Mr. Lynch 'nuff $$'s he (allegedly, JC?) might just as likely claim that Massachusetts was never a nation, per se, so it has no legitimate right to be a political subdivision. The Lynch piece was full of blatant distortions like that; a serious student of history could walk away with a better grasp of the facts in only a few minutes of Googling! There really hasb;t been much dispute here, about Lynch's motives, but rather JC's apparent, cynical trifecta in embellishing & publishing this bit of nonsense which managed to insult history, reason & the Wampanoag NATION, in one "Swell Foop!"
10/06/07 @ 7:40 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Yo, "Double-L" - Been meaning to say, pleased to see you on the case!
10/05/07 @ 9:37 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Have you ever wondered...
OK, this story is sufficiently intriguing - even without the "guzundas" left dangling by their collective *'es. But I was still disappointed to find no reference to guzundas in the urban dictionary; its closest match in fact, was guzungas - slang for breasts, and hardly (imo) a suitable accouterment for promoting peaceful coexistence 'mongst a bunch of randy stalwarts. Undeterred, I turned next to Google, which thankfully restored order to my view of history, by revealing that "guzundas" means jerry-can or chamber pot, and the "*" were likely a handy means to hold on to 'em while riding-out heavy swells…

(I jes' luv the Internet)

;)

guzungas
10/05/07 @ 7:35 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Jackie, sweetheart, I am ever-so blissfully guileless, that I can easily believe that there was no veiled threat or saber-rattling intended by your come-back!

Sorry, but I'm outta here for a bit (to rescue our take-out order) - I hope that others will step forward to ensure yer precious tushie gets all the spanks & smooches it deserves this evening!

(consider this a 'debt' repaid)

=;)
10/05/07 @ 6:37 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Jeff, I believe that "LLC'ing" yourself builds a legal shield around your personal assets; for instance, to shield them from possible damages awarded in defamation lawsuits, and also permits greater 'flexibility' in determining what's considered business vs. household expenses for tax purposes…
10/05/07 @ 6:02 pm
Remarkable, how Tim once again manages to tease us with a headline that sounds like a help-wanted ad…
10/05/07 @ 5:42 pm
As a former (thankfully) mortuary assistant while in college, I've never understood the frequent, fatal fascination which formaldehyde has among the truly desperate. Vetting-out the most despicable possibilities, I also recall grieving relatives wanting to ensure 1st crack at family heirlooms & most-tragically, others just wanting to spend remaining moments close to a loved one…
10/05/07 @ 3:32 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Wild Turkeys on the Cape
There are many things about the "Circle of Life" that I still find harsh & disquieting; however, even I accept that it's largely a good thing that it's not waiting-around for my approval, or we'd really be overrun with turkeys - & lotsa other stuff too…
10/05/07 @ 2:54 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
OK, Jeff - that was creatively bad'nuff for me to damage my modest credibility, with an out-loud guffaw! Makes me recall images of dearly-departed Pogo - alone & forlorn - while poling his raft thru the swamp… (Still, I would've tried harder to restrain myself, if there'd been anything on-topic posted since early AM…)
10/05/07 @ 2:35 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Curious Bill asks about connectivity
Blogspotter, I'll be the first to root for your being able to integrate all of your dysfunctional personalities into one that actually works well! Please, though - while yer werkkin' thru all dat - not at the expense of allowing useful, rather than just wildly entertaining discussions to occur here, OK?

Thanx evva-so, m'am or bro!

.
10/05/07 @ 2:26 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Huron, I notice that you've just signed-up here - At least with this persona. & I think your observations have been constructive & informative, with no more than an adequate number of "tension relievers" mixed in. However, I will always accept and appreciate your respectful disagreement with me on any points. I remember learning that the Huron have always been a peaceful people, but I've also heard tales of them "putting on the paint" in response to injustices! For my part, I'm glad that neither of us are here as representatives of "our people" & can just appreciate each others' respectful views for what they are…

Pleased to make your acquaintance!

=:)
=:)
10/05/07 @ 1:31 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Blogspotter, your recent comments are typically unremarkable but the still are useful for illustrating what I'm about to say…

I already lead an interesting life, & I don't participate here as a substitute for genuine relationships; I've tried to make constructive use of my time here, since it represents time away from other important things. On the other hand, I've come to realize that useful discussions on these blog pages are regularly overwhelmed by pointless wisecracks from workday shirkers, attempting to entertain themselves (at our expense) while they fight-off boredom from un-fulfilling employment or homework assignments; adding some nasty spice to the mix, I've also seen some spiritual derelicts hanging around, who desperately need to remain hateful, just to keep pumping even a small amount of blood thru their dangerously constricted, hearts. So, without an umbrella of editorial integrity & consistent enforcement of good manners in this blogspace, I often see crass attitudes overwhelming sincere ideas!

Is anyone else here concerned about making better use of their time?
10/05/07 @ 12:21 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Wamp-pride, there are a number of clan-folk I've come to admire from meeting them here & hope to meet many of you in person at some point. After much discussion with Wôpanâshqâ, I have reluctantly agreed to wear a silly hat & a "Hello! My Name is……" tag, so you'll know who you're looking at (which I thought was kinda mean, since she already knows; - I did draw the line at wearing knickers & wooden shoes, however…).

Now, she may have some interesting, good news to share with you next week, so…

=;)
10/04/07 @ 1:18 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Wamp-Pride, I suspect that you may already know how to reach "Wôpanâshqâ" - I believe that she would be grateful to know how to reach you… Stay strong!

=:)
10/04/07 @ 12:48 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Buzz, prior to Mr. Lynch's recent reinvention of himself as an Expert on Native American History, he actually was an air conditioning salesman. There's already been enough additional information appended to his original piece, for you to do you own vetting, without needing me to entertain you. Also, in less than 5 minutes of Googling you (or anyone sharing your sincere quest for truth) will have uncovered websites offering rich, fascinating insights on the Wampanoag Nation's true history & the Mashpee's place in it. Sadly, there's scant information about Mr. Lynch, save his one recent failed attempt to intervene on behalf of anti-casino interests, and where he was accepted as an 'expert witness' but required to admit in open court that he made his living selling air conditioners…

Moving forward, If the constructive core of this discussion coalesces elsewhere, I hope that we'll all be informed…
10/04/07 @ 11:55 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Jack, obviously I also find some sheepish enjoyment in the use of "theater" Nevertheless, this will be my last attempt to clarify my concerns herein, for the foreseeable future:

(1) You haven't even come close to acknowledging the obvious pain of Wôpanâshqâ & other Mashpee commenters, that has deeply moved so many other "outsiders" who have witnessed them expressing their frustration over CC2day's relentless, sensationalized exploitation of their misfortunes (how often do you also attend & cover their public pow-wows? You - even Peter - have always been welcome…)

(2) Editorial biases are unavoidable, and most even slightly intelligent "consumers" quickly adjust for them; Editorial integrity is an entirely different matter, as evidenced in the differences between the Washington Post & the National Enquirer! The public's perception of a publication's integrity goes a long way towards determining the integrity of its readership & the quality of discussions that take place under its auspices… On that point, I'm sad to have discovered our differences to be irreconcilable!
10/04/07 @ 10:55 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Not disparaging your views, Jack; When I've been aware of them, I often find myself in agreement. - It's your consistent lack of "style" when acknowledging opposing views, & misuse of your editorial "advantage" which I've found offensive - I invite you to objectively review even a few days of your own posts, to see how rarely you argue issues on their merits, even when commenters vainly attempt to do so with you…
10/04/07 @ 10:22 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Yes, jack, you have consistently underscored my point about disparagement as your primary defense, in your posts here today!

Secondly, I agree that Mr. Lynch deserves every bit as much publicity here, as was granted to the alleged public wanker who still somehow manages to elude the YPD.

Much of what else you said is moot, as my primary reason for appearing here has been to encourage members of the Mashpee tribe to speak out on matters of their heritage & governance - to counter what I absolutely view as their unremitting exploitation by this publication. Without their whole-hearted participation in these discussions, there's no point in my continued presence either; I'd just be a lonely sentry standing by an empty wigwam…

I'm personally disappointed by Wôpanâshqâ's decision, but I also have an acute sense of her pain and frustration over this venue! So, if other commenters accept Wôpanâshqâ's view & move your discussions elsewhere, please stop back to let us know where you wind up, OK?

Peace to all with honest hearts & good intentions!

=:)
10/04/07 @ 9:40 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Thanks, Quahog, for giving me an 1100-character refresh (willing to return the favor, anytime…)

Actually, don't need much of that allotment to point-out that I'll be looking forward to Mr. Lynch's return, should he ever choose to offer some advice on how to select & purchase central air conditioning!

=;)
10/04/07 @ 9:27 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Jack, I've seen many commenters dispute your claims of objectivity, yet you consistently resort to disparagement rather than self-reflection, in the face of these repeated challenges. After a while, folks just mutter "Well if it walks & talks like a duck…" You consistently fail to grasp that your access and use of many pulpits @ cc2day (both identified & anonymously) should carry an extra awareness & responsibility for behaving in an even-handed manner, if you want your claims of (occasional) objectivity to have any credibility with your readers.

Also, I seriously dispute the legitimacy & intellectual honesty of using pseudo-science to promote a political agenda; if Ahmadinejad posts an op-ed about the improving economic conditions in Iran, or how the government is encouraging free speech, I'll probably suspend belief at least long-enough to read & consider his points… On the other hand, if CC2day were to promulgate his discredited, dishonest views on the jewish holocost, I would expect that the commenters would deservedly pillory both CC2day & Ahmadinejad!!!
10/04/07 @ 8:46 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
In order for any person to be legally-considered a Mashpee Wampanoag today, they must have demonstrated (to the federal government) clear, unbroken lineage back to the tribe's enrollment register from 150 years ago. How many commenters here, calling themselves Russian, Irish, Italian, Somali, Canadian, Brazilian, etc. could meet that test? How many of you conveniently ignore any of your personal historys' excursions in to other ethnicities when classifying yourself as: (fill in the blank)?

Moreover, Mashpee Wampanoag refers to a nationality; by reason of obvious historic accident, most of 'em are also part of the Native American race. Since their ancestors were often persecuted for having even a small percentage of native american blood, their descendants should certainly be entitled to justly claim the heritage that generations of their families proudly suffered for. Even if you can't quite wrap your mind around the equity of that fact, I nevertheless suggest that you still attempt to move past it since it's been codified in federal laws for some time…
10/04/07 @ 8:11 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Thanks, Jack, but there's already a REAL expert on the case - Wôpanâshqâ; I expect we'll be seeing her return here later on today…

While I don't feel that you "owe" anybody an explanation, I do find myself part of an appreciable body of CC2day agnostics & downright doubters, who struggle daily with a shared dilemma over whether or not there's enough support for objectivity here, to make continued participation worthwhile…

Perhaps you'd care to share the thought process that led to your considered selection of Mr. Lynch's piece, since it so blatantly flies in the face of studious history texts & legally-established facts?

(Btw, Mr. Lynch's testimony in the Shinnecock matter left the judge unconvinced & he ruled in favor of the tribe.)

Ah well, there's an inexhaustible supply of "experts" so your inbox may soon contain an "op-ed" from renowned historian Mahmoud Ahmadinejad…
10/04/07 @ 7:30 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Mashpee: A Question of Fact vs. Fiction
Mr.Lynch's self-applied title of "historian" doesn't appear to accurately describe a person whose only public persona is that of a person of 'mysterious means' traveling throughout the USA, relentlessly disputing tribal sovereignty claims & testifying against indian-sponsored casino proposals. In the absence of finding any other written bio or educational background, Mr. Lynch's most-serious academic credentials appear to be from his previous career as an air-conditioner salesman (acknowledged in federal court)… Sadly, things still don't appear to be going well for him, even in this new career, as his only listed point of public contact is thru a free AOL account. Nevertheless, I would still not expect that CC2day actually paid for this piece of worthless drivel, since I think that any tenuous concern for journalistic integrity would have been amply reinforced by the publication's renowned frugality.

My conclusion is the Mr. Lynch probably has lots of time on his hands, and welcomed an opportunity to promote his "sharpshooter" credentials with a little back-yard target practice…
.
10/03/07 @ 2:53 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: An Inconvenient Tooth
See, JTS? I warned you…

Actually, I've been rooting for the newt thing; Newts are remarkable for their ability to shed their tails and grow new ones - I figured that if you went-along with Diana's planned metamorphosis, we could all look forward to an inexhaustible supply of stories (tales) from you, in the future!

Sorry, JTS, your duty is clear…
10/03/07 @ 2:22 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Will history repeat itself for the Mashpee Wampanoag?
Peter, that fact provides a good puff of 'fresh air' to help clear some 'smoke' from this room!

Lawyers are legally obliged to faithfully represent the interests of those who pay them - however those 'interests' may have been defined to them, in private…

=:(
10/03/07 @ 2:01 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: An Inconvenient Tooth
Uh-oh, JTS, I'm holding my breath; you may have just accidentally hurled a gauntlet…

;)
10/03/07 @ 12:57 pm
Chuh, Wamp-Pride, knowing that you are part of this historic moment, adds to my hope that those choices WILL be wise; I urge you to consider running for one of the two open Council positions!

Also, I have carefully reserved one handshake & one hug (your choice) in case I should ever have the good fortune to meet you at some future Pow-Wow…

=:)
10/03/07 @ 11:36 am
Wamp-Pride, as an outsider, I see the Mashpee Wampanoag as an integral part of this region's history and a vital part of its present and future; anyone who injures you, causes injury to my clan as well. Before P.Kenney's revelations about GM, agencies were checking alleged irregularities in the tribe's finances, so there is legitimate cause for concern (inside/outside the clan) about what may yet be revealed. Beyond that, the "free" help you received in drafting a constitution may have resulted in a "one-size-fits-all" solution which doesn't best reflect the needs of your clan, & appears to be interfering with your moving forward on some issues even now. I hope that most folks in this region are celebrating along with the Mashpee, for your long-overdue return of sovereignty. However, not everyone in the tribe has yet wrapped their minds around the fact that your tribe is now a political entity; the current & future decisions of your Council have the potential of causing great good or harm to this entire region - not just your clan family! I pray that their choices are wise ones…
10/02/07 @ 11:00 pm
Twg, my apologies in advance, because a 2nd follow-up usually earns a "getta room" wisecrack (get ready to duck…)

Seriously, I 100% agree on the "manipulates stories" - but I really think that only we can manipulate our consciences. I don't mean that distinction as any sort of word game TWG - Altho the "memo" came from the top down, every one of those Nazis who "manipulated their consciences" was guilty as Hell of the atrocitities committed on their watch!

Put another way, 'most everybody has a God-given B-S meter, so why in the world would I want to turn mine off in Peter's presence?
10/02/07 @ 10:41 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: An Inconvenient Tooth
Nope, no rebuttal here… Sadly tho, in my circle we could probably drum up 30 million votes easier than $30 million bucksQ!

Shave & a haircut? Get over yourself! Scruffy worked jes' fine for Abe Lincoln…

G'nite to you too!

;)
10/02/07 @ 10:37 pm
Blogspotter, Since you've posted ~ 32 times here, since 1:30PM, I'm guessing that you've managed to grant your participation with a special exemption from your distaste for windbags. For my part, & really impressed with your very-first half-day's output here; Welcome!
10/02/07 @ 10:23 pm
TWG, I take that as a measure of respect for the community here, for you to offer that correction. I hope that you have felt that I treated your ideas respectfully, for it's only what's in them that's relevant to me. I do recall grouping you along with some who have "outed" themselves as Mashpee, in some of my comments but it has always been where I perceived you to be coming from in the blog space - not historically. You've been layin' down some good tracks here, so I hope your expressed ideas were sincere, & this doesn't mean you're about to wander-off (Still left me a tad bewildered 'bout who should/shouldn't have been confused by your calculated vagueness…)

=;)
10/02/07 @ 8:57 pm
Sorry, blogspotter - my "point" is that this new, unwritten "policy" means that any "editor" may feel entitled to shut-off a entire discussion even if one participant is unruly! Imo, that's like removing earwax with a shotgun!
10/02/07 @ 8:37 pm
I noticed a curious distinction about this "editor" not being the more-feared but far fairer "The Editors" I've previously encountered… Although I've just checked-in here, looks to me like the group was doing a pretty good job at setting it's own limits & didn't need an "editor" weighing-in some three hours after the gaffes were perpetrated by now long-gone flargh &? coloredguy…

Now, despite this "editor's" glib assurance that all will be revealed by reading the Commenting Policies, I can find no reference to closing-off useful discussions, when a few commenters go rogue in an attempt to disrupt a dialog; moreover, consider the implications of being so easily manipulated into giving 'em just what they set out to do. I very much hope that ALL "The Editors" & "editors" quickly reconsider this ill-advised new draconian quirk to CC2day's "Commenting Policies"

=:|
10/02/07 @ 3:36 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: An Inconvenient Tooth
Oh, Jack, pleeeeze run for office; what a privilege it will be to vote for someone as well sorted-out as yourself (if I can just stop laughing long-enough to do that…)

;)
10/01/07 @ 5:03 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: I hate Cape Cod
Woo! There are marriage proposals popping-up all around here; Walter, do you realize that you could be charging for this?
10/01/07 @ 4:50 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: A TUTORIAL: Absurdity, Allegory, Metaphor, and Satire
Sulking Moon for all her petulance
Was still beauty uncompared
So, sad were they - those mortals spurned
Who soared closer than she dared…

Burma Shave! =;)

.
10/01/07 @ 12:46 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: A TUTORIAL: Absurdity, Allegory, Metaphor, and Satire
Understandably - after some neglect, it took a bit of kickin' before the engine sputtered back to life… Vrooom, vrooom, Mwalim's got his groove back!

(Thanks for your perceptive & generous characterization of my 'body of work' here; just as yourself, I try to hide the profound behind the profane. However, I cringed at learning you felt personally attacked, as all's in my heart was intended to cajole. Lastly (& this is a biggie -) my folks - even unto death - were characteristically reticent to acknowledge ever having shared a single 'proclivity' between them, never mind the four which were self-evident. Well, no offense, Mwalim, but it took me several seconds to wrap my mind around your news, but I now have to say I'm overjoyed to have just learned I have a baby brother! Welcome to the 'family' bro; c'mere & gimme a big hug!)

;)
09/30/07 @ 10:18 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Magic Toaster
Windex? Wastebasket? Now that truly is a waste!

I just let the dogs lick 'em up… Which could account for their own profound spirituality, 'eh?
09/30/07 @ 9:43 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: A TUTORIAL: Absurdity, Allegory, Metaphor, and Satire
"Apologist?" Sh*t, that period in your literature went right over my head too, Mwalim; how very humbling…

(On the other hand, I do recall detecting some past reticence to accept back, that which your penning provokes!)

:( ):


;)
09/30/07 @ 9:32 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Cape Cod of yesterday--In the words of a local
… without 1st answering my "Q" ??

:(
09/30/07 @ 9:19 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Cape Cod of yesterday--In the words of a local
(B'sweet, we really DO need a better set of hand-off signals, to keep Buzz from feeling like we're ganging-up on 'em… Next time, YOU get to play a couple rounds of "Whack-a-Mole" & I'll sit it out - OK?)

A tossup "newbie" Q tho - - Whyizzit that all CC2day blog discussions seem to wind up on the "Guilty or Not?" debate, regardless of the starting topic?
09/30/07 @ 9:04 pm
Buzz, your definition of "fact" intrigues me; if your "fact" is relevant,rather than innuendo then the "fact" that neither you, I nor all the folks I know personally have been charged with domestic violence in that same period, either (Right?) might suggest that we're well on the way to solving one of civilization's most pernicious maladies - just by keeping him in there! Now, doesn't that play right into the "poster child" theory about CW, that usually stirs you into a tizzy?

Hey, ya gotta expect other folks to occasionally use the same "bag o' hammers" approach that you bring to a debate…
09/30/07 @ 7:53 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Cape Cod of yesterday--In the words of a local
Buzz, you're gonna be really sorry you said that, next time YOUR computer needs a "Psychic Correction" (forgive me, Dionne, hunny)
09/30/07 @ 7:47 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Magic Toaster
With an Existentialist on your team, Jul3ia, your back's always covered; but if you're really lookin' for a dialog coach, hunt down Stephan Pastis (his "Pearls Before Swine" is way-chatty) - Still, not even "Hitchhikers' Guide…" could have topped your Toaster as Portal metaphor… Now, I'm thinkin' back to all those crumbs I'd find in the bottom - must have been the charred remains of lost souls that failed to make it back! (I wish that I had disposed of 'em in a more-dignified manner…)

;)
09/30/07 @ 7:25 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Cape Cod of yesterday--In the words of a local
Shucks, Ma'am; all in a day's work… ;)
09/30/07 @ 3:12 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Magic Toaster
Yes, & I value the element of ambiguity too… I mean, we all here have lifestyles sufficiently unique, that it might be difficult to wait for an appropriate topic to come 'round in other blogs, in order to justify unleashing a much-needed rant! - Myrbie & Dax to the rescue of all wanton ranters!

B'sweet, please - I need you to cover me for my accidental off-topic reply 'bout your laptop (my hair is standing-up like I'm about to be smitten…)
09/30/07 @ 2:41 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Cape Cod of yesterday--In the words of a local
Hey, B'sweet - Laptop working now?

(Old trick = re-boota 'poota…)

;)
09/30/07 @ 2:01 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Magic Toaster
Jul3ia, this much talent deserves a way-bigga stage!

You've exquisitely captured the pathos of Dak's experience; stopping just one step shy of making a remarkable discovery, while Myrbie's insouciance allows him to push-forward to a higher plane!
(Sadly - as a youth, I shook my share of toasters, too…)

;)
09/30/07 @ 12:35 pm
Buzz manages to scoop & hurl another innuendo from his garbage pail…

Only fair to point-out Buzz, there's been speculation 'bout your mysterious absence from these boards, during the same time the recent public wanking incident occurred…
09/30/07 @ 5:39 am
nope!
09/29/07 @ 6:31 pm
Holy crap, Dag - You once tried to convince me that you'd be a boring date! See? I knew better!
09/29/07 @ 6:03 pm
Zounds, Mwalim -Absurdity already abounds elsewhere in this Blogosphere!

Now that you've got our attention, what are you going to do with it?

;)
09/29/07 @ 5:40 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Wampanoags need casino rip-off protections
I believe that this post fairly posts up some significant challenges facing the Mashpee clan at this moment; as such, there's probably a lot here that all honest folk could agree upon. That makes me reticent to draw attention to any aberrant, ill-conceived rants (or patronizing remarks) that may get attached to the bottom. For those that haven't been checking their mail, here's a copy of the memo:

Peace has broken-out; let's move forward!

=:) :-)
09/29/07 @ 8:49 am
Yup, did mean it - too early in day for somber thoughts tho… Hope you & th' kid get to enjoy summa dis' great day together!

(10-7) ;)
09/29/07 @ 8:25 am
Oh, Rap, fear not - We have all learned so much from you! (So, it's disquieting to see you occasionally overtaken by doubt or humility…)

Luv ya, babe - - Keep on truckin'!!!
09/29/07 @ 7:39 am
Sorry, Rap - It's a text book…

:(
09/29/07 @ 7:29 am
Funny you say that, Rap - just got back to working on the "book" - I want to send you an advance copy, because you're featured prominently in one chapter…

;)
09/29/07 @ 7:24 am
Actually, I was hyping it a bit, B'sweet; they do have occasional treetop encounters (probably the same dummies yr-after-yr) but the topmost branches are supple & only extract a few downy feathers as a toll - after some really busy nights, we're apt to see enough scattered down to stuff a small pillow! That's how I deduced what was happening overhead…
09/28/07 @ 11:12 pm
Oh, Rap, I've tried so many times to do that… Still hurt myself every time tho… ;*(

Btw, tonight, the pups & I caught the beginning of the geese migration (just a few dozen) on our stretch of the flyway. Perfect timing, as the nearly full moon showed-off their silhouettes passing overhead…

Th' honking always sets off our pups; their houn'dawg hearing is far better than mine, so the barking often gives me time to get outside before they're right overhead (I know, but it's actually pretty safe - they rarely poop 'less they smack one of the taller trees…)
09/28/07 @ 6:03 pm
Cru, Rap, Dag, Buz - once again, my thanx for the creative content I've come to expect from you guys. I just wish I was watching the pilot for an upcoming sitcom - What a rare treat it would be, to see you all on the same stage, receiving Emmy(nas) for your performances!

;)
09/28/07 @ 1:31 pm
Why is "Jumping to Conclusions" Wampcardinwallet's favorite exercise? This wrangling has continued for a week, but there's been no new info presented… I expect the tribe will validate signatures on any petition, & reject those that don't match the registry. The only "fact" I have is a petition fell 30 short of the minimum; who has direct knowledge that any clan member was turned-away from seeing which signatures were invalidated, or refused an opportunity to appeal such a finding? Dis-enrollment is a separate, extremely serious matter, with effects that ripple-out thru the entire clan; So far, I see nothing beyond an allegation that this might have happened, but I do see some gullible types falling for a crass commentators' trick - When you're on deadline, but short on facts, toss what you've got in a paper bag, 'long with your Postit "Notes to Self…" & the grocery list; Now, fart in the bag, and voila! - A breaking news story where everything in it is guilty by association!

Still don't get it Wampcardinwallet? OK, try this… 1st, smell your hair; now, smell your wallet… See?

.
09/28/07 @ 7:47 am
Wow! The photo of that Texaco station brought back a flood of memories… Anybody else remember paying 22-cents per gallon for their "Sky Chief" Ethyl?
09/28/07 @ 6:38 am
A typical tribal enrollment registry will contain comprehensive, sensitive information about enrollees which certainly should not be released casually - think of the risk to someone who's been threatened by an abusive spouse? How about family genealogy?' Inoculation records? Your Social Security #? Your Salary or benefits distribution history? Smaller clans would likely just keep their enrollment database secure, since "everybody knows everybody" anyway. The Mashpee enrollment registry is suddenly facing greatly-expanded access requests from a variety of sources, for a variety of reasons. It will take a little time to develop or modify the tribe's accounting software to allow printing selectively redacted lists containing ONLY the information appropriate to specific purposes.Even then, the tribe should also take steps to verify that information is only released in service of legitimate uses by responsible parties. This is a complicated issue, requiring a comprehensive policy! With so many new concerns on the table, I'd find it unsurprising that the council hasn't yet dealt with it…
09/28/07 @ 2:14 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: The Ahmadinejad Anagrams
You like his "Scruff" Katie? Then you'd also find the Delta-butt adorable…
09/28/07 @ 2:00 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Early Morning Raid on Paul's House
Morgan ~ Mwalim, at least one of your semi-huge adoring fan base is concerned, man; your pre-hiatus blogs customarily sparked lively & even (sometimes) constructive discussion…

However, your recent posts, with their singular theme -have raised concern that you're possibly imbibing combustibles better-suited for use in a carburetor… Are you stuck somewhere? Need a ride/ticket home? - Call…
09/27/07 @ 8:01 am
I'm Red-faced, Maverick! Hope you recognized that I was referring to you…
09/27/07 @ 7:56 am
Jack, I admire you for leading with your heart that way!

Although inland from you, a similar nighttime spectacular will soon commence over our own property, & lasts for about a week or more. We're at a bit of elevation here & the honking increases as they pump harder to gain altitude. Some mornings we discover feathery evidence of skirmishes with the taller treetops. At its zenith, the nighttime honking overhead is so loud & prolonged, we're forced to close the bedroom windows to get any sleep. The term "silly goose" is appropriately singular - as a flock, silhouetted by a full moon, they are magical & majestic! Before moving in 10 years ago, we weren't "warned" But If we ever sell this place, I want it to be to folks who will appreciate this spectacle as much as we have…

(Interesting NPR segment yesterday, on birds navigating with magnetic compasses located in their eyes. That pinpoint accurate compass appears to be both a strength & a weakness; whitnessing the flocks' decade of treetop encounters here, I see no signs of them re-programming locked-in coordinates…)
09/27/07 @ 6:18 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: The Ahmadinejad Anagrams
Well, he at least got the sky color right; but - man, oh man - that anagram stuff is gonna seriously mess with my mind all day…
09/26/07 @ 11:26 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Attorney General digging deep into tribal documents
TWG, I had another (more-worthy) thought about this issue… With numbers in the order of millions & billions in play in these discussions, an item about $15-thousand might be easily overlooked - - 'cept that right now, with the big "pie" still somewhere in the "sky" -that extra $15K represented "do without" news for some other worthy task. I'm glad you brought that up.
09/26/07 @ 11:08 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Attorney General digging deep into tribal documents
Thanks for the additional perspective, TWG; I hope it doesn't seem small of me to admit that I'm relieved when there isn't still another issue to be "investigated." Now, is it also unflattering to admit that you've left me wondering about the possible havoc that can occur to aluminum bat houses during a lightning storm?
09/26/07 @ 10:59 pm
Guess, I've missed or overlooked instances of what you're calling personal abuse, B'sweet. (Sadly, appears to be one of the few topics that can be discussed amicably here.)

Charming, you think? Well, you just made a short list, fer shua.

Imo, when we have occasion to differ with "friends" viewpoints, our discussions have better chance for finding solutions that reflect~ respect all views… And, if compromise isn't possible, then you've still got your friend the next day…

No one has yet convinced me that making acquaintances here, & learning enough about 'em to at least respect them - even possibly admire them - isn't going to improve the overall tone & quality of these discussions. - I am absolutely unswerving in that belief, and unrepentant about my efforts in its service. (Now if I just could figure-out how to attach chill pills to some emails…)

=;)
09/26/07 @ 9:53 pm
Since we 1st met, B'sweet. I knew that you were my protector…

=;)

(Btw, you doo Yahoo, troo? - what happened to that email?)
09/26/07 @ 9:34 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Attorney General digging deep into tribal documents
Yikes! Sounds like a great spot to shoot a Halloween flick, TWG - What does the "good life" for a bat consist of, btw? Although a big chunk of my heart resides in Mashpee, the rest of me is way-out mid-State, so I'm unable to pursue your concern for possible improprieties (if that's what you're suggesting). I hope you'll use the CC2day email tip feature whenever you have info that you consider newsworthy; just don't hold your breath, thinkin' every tip will be seen as a path to a Pulitzer prize….

From my perch TWG, looks like there may have been a string of decisions & deals that haven't always resulted in what folks expected to happen or money benefiting those who were supposed to benefit. My heart goes out to all folks who are feeling ripped-off right now. I hope you get satisfactory answers soon. As far as the Tribe is concerned, I'll also say I can't imagine many worse thefts than stealing someone's birthright & history from them! As the Wampanoag move forward together, to get their affairs in order, I hope all these claims will be investigated fairly & fixed quickly!
09/26/07 @ 8:31 pm
Susan, I've seen that your requests for info are treated respectfully, without challenge to credibility, so I'm puzzled by your own intolerance!

As an engineer & "treehugger" I have a keen sense of risks vs how little we know about the ocean ecosystems that some have already "signed-on" to exploit. These concerns are forcing me to very cautious about what possible elements of an energy present & energy future I should choose to support. I've spent hours pursuing suggested links; so far, I'm finding a lot-less credible science than copious amounts of feel-good rhetoric from all sides. I'm sad to see that you're unwilling to follow your own advice (just yesterday) to respect & tolerate all views & styles of expressing them. To now, I've appreciated the hard info you bring to the table on occasion. However, since you now appear to even be antagonized by my presence here, I see our opportunities for constructive exchanges dwindling. Here's the best deal I can offer short of disappearing - I'll not bother you with anymore insincere questions, if you'll stop Pontificating - Deal?

:(
09/26/07 @ 8:04 pm
Mav, don't hurt me - I'm far from being a card-carrying proponent - credible KWh$ estimates stray little from a wash, & I still find the environmental concerns (unknowns) way-scary. The spin on my position? Spend more time to fully-understand & minimize environmental risks; if that's even feasible, then, I'd accept a small increase per kilowatt to buy a bit of breathing room for adopting a real energy policy. I'm both grateful & exasperated that you appear to be one of a minority here who addresses how much siting plays a role in both risks & economics; coastal ecosystems are so unique that I'm reluctant to believe there are any one-size-fits-all solutions that are easily & safely transferrable to Cap Cod. This is one of the most contentious online debates I've ever witnessed; I can see the reasons for strong passions on all sides' I just wish that people weren't ignoring the "science" which doesn't support their view. If a roll of the dice or who bellows loudest remain the only choices, then I'm squarely behind (c) - None of the Above. Apologies to anyone inconvenienced by that!
09/26/07 @ 4:36 pm
B'sweet, you're such a tease! Where do you see any "logic" in play?
09/26/07 @ 3:46 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Attorney General digging deep into tribal documents
Thanks for the come-back, Peter; I think I got the drift on concerns about the money trail, but after seeing several references to "glacial pace" in your coverage, I wondered if you are suggesting that the delays by themselves are actionable, encountering your use of that phrase on more than one occasion…

Without any consideration of culpability, I'm still really saddened to be learning about additional allegations of failing to get it right - for whatever reasons - and the opportunities lost as a consequence.

=:(
09/26/07 @ 3:28 pm
Susan, sadly you once-again offer only a tantalizing flash of your brilliance before again ducking into the shadows… You may choose to thank Neil for staging that daring daylight rescue of your honor, but I've found nothing in his remarks & references to suggest that there's any proposed deep water siting that would be economically-feasible without 1st inventing multiple technologies - with unproven safety - that don't yet exist. Sadly, I'm again confronted with another example of a card in common play around this issue -"Obfuscation as the Bastion of a Psuedo-Progressive Environmentalist" - What's in YOUR kayak, Susan? Mastodon poo?

=:(
09/26/07 @ 10:49 am
Susan, I've followed most of the links suggested previously here, and I'm always eager to see informed facts - or even informed opinions. I put forth a sincere request to you for information. Are you willing to share any links to your sources of info?
I did very-much enjoy your kayak-lady vignette; further pointing-up the hypocrisy found in so many global warming & energy-related discussions…(tia)
09/26/07 @ 10:03 am
OK, gotcha. But I'm seeing claims here that put commercial feasibility of "deep water" 'bout a decade out… If so, maybe all water will be deeper then, since polar caps will be gone… Do you have a safe, "right now" suggestion to reduce fossil fuel use/global warming/melting mastodon poo (truth!!!) et al?
09/26/07 @ 9:27 am
Susan, I'm still getting up to (wind) speed; will you please elaborate - "greater potential" for what?
09/26/07 @ 8:31 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Delahunt’s deepwater deceptions
Maverick, being from mid-state, I was more late-to-the-gate on this issue, so I really appreciate how you (usually) ignore provocations which might sidetrack this discussion, & forge-ahead with useful info - even in a rebuttal, as above… So, "Thanks!" - I guess… Sadly, I can't yet say that all this data has brought me any closer to my personal decision on the matter, and some of the arguments presented here seem specious when taken out of context from a global or national top-down energy policy. This project has become a polarizing poster child for so-many viewpoints - except the moderate ones, imo - not so much a result of flaws in the project' design or siting, as it's existence has no no more than whimsical support in public policy.

Well, I'll keep watchin' & learnin' - 'long as ya let me…
09/26/07 @ 7:29 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Attorney General digging deep into tribal documents
Peter, is the phrase "glacial pace" in this context intended to suggest that work on referenced project(s) is stalled for lack of funds which ostensibly should be readily available? (…were once awarded or budgeted for a specific purpose, but appear to have been expended or diverted without being used for the originally-intended purpose?)

Can a simple, non-criminal cost overruns be causing/contributing to any current (lack of) funding woes?

If so, is there some looming legal liability that prevents this rather simple concept from being expressed - except by inference & innuendo? This is a sincere concern, not teasing; took me a bit-longer thru the weeks of this story's unfolding, before feeling comfortable about connecting the dots which I believe are implied by your use of that phrase - I like to be sure I've got it right, when a story is potentially this explosive! / Thanks!
09/26/07 @ 6:51 am
Maggie, Nate, please add a manual authentication step to user registrations, which prevents low-life spammers from creating bogus accounts like this! May they all rot in Hell! (and soon!)
---------------------
Thanks for the idea. That comment is deleted. - Editor
09/26/07 @ 6:35 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Poor Mitt
Hi, Aaron. Had only a peripheral awareness of this blog 'til your last post grabbed my attention; I was muttering "attaboy!" into my coffee cup after the 1st sentence, then stumbled on the 2nd. Thn I saw full-well I wont b abl 2 sqz ths in2 1.1K char but here goz n-eway… Observation - I totally agree with principle implied in does it matter?, but then I thought "how does it matter?" Answering that Q for myself caused me to realize that any individual exposes themself to potential exploitation when exposure of some aspect of their personal life, could damage their professional credibility - sometimes, only thru the sad irony of attempting to hide some innocuous foible. For example, I have no opinion of the veracity of a very-persistient rumor that J. Edgar Hoover was a cross-dresser… Now, I'd like to think that would only improve the guy's standing in an agency that's all-about deep cover (being silly) but my point, sadly, is our society has reached a level of media saturation where most days, there are far more journalists/reporters than there are stories… Pt. 2, anyone? ;)
09/26/07 @ 12:20 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Man Arrested For Vehicular Indecency in Barnstable
Yeah, especially those who get as emotionally involved with their vehicles as Mwalim's alleged perps!

Hey, I think that I have your email & will be testing it out shortly - turn off your twit filter, or ck spam bucket in AM, OK?

=;)
09/26/07 @ 12:07 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Man Arrested For Vehicular Indecency in Barnstable
Nope, folks my age need very little, but I nap frequently during day - like when pushing supermarket carriage; walking to/from mailbox, etc. Reminds me of funny/scary bumper sticker I saw way back (see? Ol' memory's still good!) Anyway, it sez:

"I want to die in my sleep, like grandpa did - not like all the rest of the passengers who were kicking & screaming for him to wake up!

Still give me a jolt, to think...
09/25/07 @ 11:42 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Man Arrested For Vehicular Indecency in Barnstable
B'sweet, should you be asleep? I know that you need far-less "beauty rest" than most mortals, but still...
09/25/07 @ 11:41 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Man Arrested For Vehicular Indecency in Barnstable
just tolerably, imo - thought that it lacked character development tho…
09/25/07 @ 11:39 pm
Jack, you've been suspected of shameless pandering on occasion, attempting to boost your comment counter. Mwalim has been among the missing for most of two weeks, & may need you to cut just a bit of slack so it looks like there really was a contest in September…
09/25/07 @ 9:42 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Man Arrested For Vehicular Indecency in Barnstable
I noticed that Mwalim had been among the missing for most of 2 wks, but apparently still attentive to just which topic will stimulate the greatest discussion…

Admittedly, late start, but you should be within a lap or two of the leaders before long, then we'll be watching for a sprint to overtake 'em…

Welcome back.
09/25/07 @ 4:32 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Obama in-law coming to Cape
Ooo, can we do that? Please post more details…
09/25/07 @ 3:14 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Delahunt’s deepwater deceptions
Jack, I'm really struggling to make sense out of all the attractors & detractors; what is Maverick's observation missing? Seems pretty solid, but I thought that the economics of deep water deployment make that moot anyway…
09/25/07 @ 2:47 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Obama in-law coming to Cape
Well, it hurts less, if you bring-along a really big doggie-bag!

On the other hand, I would be thrilled if there was ANY contender - red or blue - makin' me want to plunk down $500… $50… even $5… ?? - OK, maybe - if there's already postage on the reply envelope, but I haven't yet spotted an eagle breaking-out of that pack of turkeys…
09/25/07 @ 2:13 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
Buzz, if Washiki pauses to look back at today's posts so-far, that will underscore my point of how chatter about personalities detracts from discussion of issues. Personally, I'm relieved to have finally "got the memo" and no-longer consider scalps to be "sports memorabilia."

=;)
09/25/07 @ 11:47 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
Washiki, the Mashpee clan has existed for 10,000 years; if mankind as a whole survives another 10,000, I expect the tribe will still be flourishing as well! Soon, Peter, you & I won't even appear as asterisks on this moment in their time. When I 1st found these blogs, I was astounded that the editors tolerated Peter's outrageously biased reportage (imo) & proceeded to track & shout about everything he got wrong. Despite what I once thought to be good powers of persuasion, Peter has remained unwavering & resolute, so all I accomplished was to pump up my blood pressure to the kind of numbers that keep the Goodyear blimp in the air! Other people here then told me that no one with a reasonable amount of intelligence needed me to point-out all this stuff, & when I accepted that possibility & backed-off, the tribe's issues became the focus again - not Peter!

"Making choices" is rarely as comfortable as having it all (like the annual agony over what goes into the yard sale) but that's also part of what makes us wiser & stronger. When experience shows it was a good choice, I'm not sorry…
09/25/07 @ 9:49 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
Susan, I have no argument with what you're saying - 'long as discussions follow CCToday rules, ALL viewpoints should be tolerated!

On your 2nd concern, I've noticed that new blog pages often become hosts to several discussions spanning many days, that drift (soar?) off in many directions from the original topic to which they still remain anchored. With so many topics interspersed that way, I find it can be challenging/tedious to sort-out the thread for one topic from all other discussions underway on that page - particularly when I've been away for a while. I think that many discussions here would benefit by allowing participants in a thread to choose to move that thread to it's own "page" rather than having posts on their respective topic get widely-spaced or even submerged by all the other discussion traffic on that same page. To date, I haven't been able to draw "The Editors" attention to this, so I apologize for any of my posts that don't appear germane to your concerns; for my part, even when they are jarring - I eagerly look forward to your thoughtful posts on any topic…
09/25/07 @ 9:08 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
TWG & Washiki, sometimes our best choices come from reconciling truths contained in opposing views, While I have frequently been put-off by Peter's style, I'm also convinced that the long view of your tribe's history will show that he has served the clan's interests far-more than he has hurt them. You don't need to know/understand or admire his motives, in order to benefit from his actions; you might even find recent examples of that irony within your own tribe. With apologies to Peter & other reporter/journalists, please consider this analogy: Dung beetles serve a vital role in our ecology, but few people are willing to keep them as pets!

Please believe, I wrestled with those very concerns you're expressing, before making my own choices about what I can "live with" in order to help keep our discussions focused on stuff that's important to the clan's future; I hope that we can now get back to that, with your help & thoughtful participation - I don't want to see anyone's views written-off or excluded. I know that the next few months will be challenging - Keep your eyes on the Prize!
09/25/07 @ 6:59 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
Washiki, you have the tenacious spirit required of a seeker of knowledge; I hope that the World chooses a gentle way to reveal to you, that proving or defending what's contained in the word "evidently" can be the basis for months of courtroom drama - despite the casual way you toss the word around.

To be a seeker of wisdom, you need to also be eager to challenge your own assumptions, and frequently re-examine what you believe to be true, then be strong-enough to admit when you have managed to previously overlook an even greater truth than one you had been clinging to. At this moment, my wisdom tells me that I incorrectly believed that I might convince you of something - I'm grateful to you and the group for your patience while I re-examined my assumptions. Moving forward, I thank you in advance for keeping it civil, even if we can't agree on the value (to you) of also keeping it legal.

(Folks 'round here know that I don't have much of a life since Deltawoman took my car keys away, so I'd be delighted to continue this discussion over a hearty lunch & a beer - if you're buying…)
09/24/07 @ 11:40 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
Actually, Wôpanâshqâ, that blush wasn't "easy" I think you'd been setting me up for it, since early afternoon!

On the other hand, you'd certainly get some good-natured teasing 'round these parts, if you showed-up still wearing that gold star…
09/24/07 @ 11:06 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
Wôpanâshqâ, I hope that I didn't get the gist of that wrong, 'cuz you just made me blush!
(Thanx… I think.)
09/24/07 @ 11:00 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
Washiki, for a couple of weeks, an amazing amount of contradictory "news" has circulated about "the" petition - so much so, I've been wondering if there wasn't perhaps more than one making the rounds!

Even in less confusing circumstances, if someone get their facts wrong - even if you could PROVE that they'd been negligent, sloppy or forgetful - those still stop far short of lying; to justify making a claim like that, you need to have legal proof that someone KNEW that what they were saying was untrue, at the moment they made some statement, and deliberately said something to unfairly cause injury to another.

Again - incorrect statements made even thru gross negligence, sloppiness or forgetfulness are NOT LIES! Please hang-on to that distinction, our your future years are likely to find you on the losing side of some costly lawsuits…

So, Wunahtyâôkanu to you, Washiki! - Peace! (I just learned to say that today - sometimes, wisdom can arrive just in the nick of time.)
09/24/07 @ 7:20 pm
B'sweet, I want a full list of those who called you a "dumb broad" - gonna tan some hides , I am!

(Your reason rings clear to me…)
09/24/07 @ 7:00 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
Washiki, you have been previously warned (and presumably raised by a loving family) so I cannot believe that you still are not aware of when your comments are way over the top! To what purpose, I ask then; if you get yourself banned from posting, you'll give-up all opportunity to make useful contributions to the discussions here. Pause long-enough to look around you, and you will see that constructive dialog is replacing flinging epithets & excrement at each other. Please don't waste our time, by attempting to draw any of us back into that way of "Not-Talking!!!"
09/24/07 @ 6:46 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
Oh, Wôpanâshqâ, I expect that you have earned many such "stars" for your forehead along the way; by now, you should have scant need for my approbation. Still would have been nice to have seen a pic of you sporting one, tho…

=+:)

So, howwuzzat?

But I'm embarrassed to learn that you've been doing some of my homework for me; earlier-on today, I opportunistically latched onto my dictionary's variant that urged me to go outside, choosing to ignore several more germane but less-attractive suggestions… Now, you have a fuller sense of my years spent in scholastic turpitude - Busted!!!

=:(
09/24/07 @ 4:08 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Delahunt’s deepwater deceptions
Really, CC - you've proposed a wonderful design for a deadly phalanx to wipe-out migratory waterfowl…
09/24/07 @ 3:51 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
Wôpanâshqâ, really? I though my dictionary was deliberately choosing to offer me some sage advice on how to enjoy this lovely afternoon!

I apologize for all my poor approximations herein; the Maliseet ~ Passamaquoddy online dictionary of my own people, is the most-robust I've found online, which shares historic linguistic roots with other Algonquian tribes. (Canada appears to have been more pro-active in preserving icons of aboriginal cultures) I'm not attempting to be a smart-aleck; for me, it's been a helpful way to learn about & express some of the values which I believe are shared by the clans which comprised the "people of the dawn"

Wunahtyâôkanut (In Peace) - you taught me to say that!
09/24/07 @ 1:43 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
Susan, Wamp-pride, Wôpanâshqâ, CuriousWamp, & others - for weeks, I have prayed (quite literally) that Peace might break-out here, so that we could participate in important discussions about the clan's & this region's future, rather than lobbing bricks across a chasm. I'm grateful that you've all endured the hits, & have moved forward to make this possible!

Still, please remember - "Hope can hurt!" There's sure to be some butt-head that didn't get the memo, & lobs another brick, long-after the cease-fire; I've still got a good supply of gauze & bandages, in case…

Much love to you all; stay strong!

(Sometimes, my Maliseet dictionary fails to readily grasp the essence of what I'd like to convey; when I asked for "Stay Strong" it responded with - "Naci-qecehlan kpayosihkolum! Go try out your bicycle!"
09/24/07 @ 7:41 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Delahunt’s deepwater deceptions
Right-on, "B" Meanwhile, I'll try to figure-out what's causing the echo in here…

;)
09/24/07 @ 7:12 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Delahunt’s deepwater deceptions
G' mornin' B'sweet!

"Nimbyism" a lovely word, fairly trips of my tongue (along with PAC & lobbyist).

Interesting to note what concepts from Western culture have had their essence condensed into single words…
09/24/07 @ 6:48 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
My bad!

Intended for my response to Muwin to go here…

(color me red-faced pale-face)
09/24/07 @ 6:45 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Delahunt’s deepwater deceptions
Thanks, Muwin - I agree!

There is a subtle significance in your Wobanaki (???) quote, that may also be it's most-profound:

When a concept becomes fully embedded into a culture's thought & values, it ceases to be referred to by a sentence or even a hyphenated phrase, and eventually (~ 10,000 years?) becomes a single word (I can't think of an English word which expresses that concept…)

'qotkomiksuwok! - They are all one tribe!

=:)
09/24/07 @ 6:21 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Delahunt’s deepwater deceptions
't would Be way-cool, if Delahunt would put his considerable money behind his considerable mouth, & take that trip to the moon that Wendy has just (inadvertently) suggested … Wait a min - by congressional rules - can that ONLY be financed by PAC money & lobbyists? Then why isn't he long-gone?
09/23/07 @ 11:25 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: ‘That's where I sail'
Yup, I recognize an altruistic Samaritan when I see one, Jack! (No, this is not a follow-up to the dyslexic agnostic joke…)
09/23/07 @ 7:41 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: ‘That's where I sail'
Hey, B'sweet!

Deltawoman & I just returned from our early evening walk with them & we were laffin' our @sses off the whole time; Sometimes, chaos serves up its own rewards… (I've caught recent rumblings that leashes are now frowned-upon for controlling 19 month-old kids; if you've already cut way-back on refined sugar, then consider using my ol' standby - Duct Tape! )

Better yet, B' - If you can catch Wôpanâshqâ @ a rare moment when she's not similarly busy, she might have some even more-practical suggestions…)

;)
09/23/07 @ 7:22 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
TWG, ignorance abounds; 'long as it doesn't get anymore than kneed-deep, just roll-up your pant legs, hold your nose & push-on - I know you want justice too!
09/23/07 @ 2:15 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: ‘That's where I sail'
My hat's off to you, Jack!; you certainly manage to hang with a diverse bunch! (Apart from a shared proclivity for inopportune drawer-dropping, reputed to some of them…)
09/23/07 @ 2:07 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
CuriousWamp, what you say is true; this is not my cause, yet my heart is heavy because I see how current conflicts are affecting your clan - how wrenching it must be for the parent called to choose son over daughter; how terrifying, if a child is expected to side with one parent. How awful to have no choice that doesn't look disloyal to some clan member! (Right now, even making no choice is choosing…) That's why I spoke mostly to those who have the power to stop dividing the clan - And I also mean those outside the tribal government, who have earned great respect over years - you still have the power to steer the clan towards a consensus, and it is wrong to ignore any power you may have to bring folks back-together. Don't bemoan the lack of a crystal ball - there's 10,000 years of wisdom to guide your choices, yet with all the "noise" that surrounds you, it's difficult to also hear the gentler, important truths whispering from the winds of time. Some of you may be faced with unique, difficult choices, but I believe that you will all make the right choice when it respects the clan.
09/23/07 @ 12:35 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: ‘That's where I sail'
No, Jack, I just acknowledged sensing the barest of hints, that you'd consider it an unfortunate but acceptable loss if Teddy were to someday tangle with a few of 'em while traversing the sound under full sail… (Windmills of My Mind…)
09/23/07 @ 10:31 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: ‘That's where I sail'
Jack, reading between the lines, I suspect that you're willing to sacrifice a few turbines - for the greater good of all…
09/23/07 @ 10:25 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
Jack, I hope that nothing in my observation suggests that the entire clan should be stigmatized by actions of a few (although I'm well-aware there are those who disagree). Also, for the most part, any additional "blame" still remains to be determined & assigned. I'm only encouraging each member of the tribe to consider their own contribution to the Mashpee clan's long & distinguished history, and I invited each to ask - -

"Are my actions today promoting the values that have always sustained the clan? Will my actions today cause my descendants to be proud of me? When my children- and their children, down thru time - look into the eyes of others from their own generation, will they see respect or scorn reflected back at them, based on what the clan's history says about MY actions & contributions in my time?
09/23/07 @ 8:27 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Petition demanding recall of Tribal Council challenged
Even an outsider can appreciate how stressful a time this has become for the clan-family. If reports are to be believed, your due process has been hijacked, and even more members expelled. I must wonder- what purpose is served bya few clinging to power so desperately? In the 10,000 years of the clan's existence, it wasn't wealth that sustained you. it wasn't casino jobs that sustained you, it has ALWAYS been the love of the clan-family that has sustained you! Without the love & respect of your clan behind it, any power will be fleeting & of no lasting significance!
The light from this proud moment in Mashpee history will shine brightly for countless generations who will follow. When your children's children are attracted to the light & draw close to read the story of this time, what will it say about each of you?

I pray that each of you looks into your hearts carefully & quietly, before making good choices about moving the tribe forward into its next 10,000 years; History WILL remember you all!
09/23/07 @ 7:03 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
One of your better AM sign-ons, B'sweet!

(Off to walk the pups…)
09/22/07 @ 12:42 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Time to lawyer up
Oh, Peter - How you do misconstrue an unjust due… ;)

I was only commenting about how it appears to me, that, lawyers are crawling all-over many aspects of the tribe's (& some members') affairs - So I wondered what hints of their presence might have been left behind; I really dunno what out of that you managed to stick onto yourself… Do you actually smoke stogies? Yecch!
09/22/07 @ 12:19 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Jack, as a child I was taught to believe that every rainbow I see is the same rainbow I've always seen - a bridge illuminated by the spirits of those who passed across into another dimension. So, I believe that every rainbow you've seen since has always contained the light from Cathy's passing. When you see it come around again - wave hello…
09/22/07 @ 11:10 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
(I agree, Diana, been makin' me kinda queasy, too…)

Well, I think that there's a thread that connects the hungry momma bear metaphor & the Christa Worthington murder - anybody want to bite? (Will likely need its own page & a couple of days…)
09/22/07 @ 10:17 am
Ya, Rap, I thought that slap shot wuz kinda way-low - even by her standards… "Thong" must wear hers hooked-over her ears, to get a disposition like that. Too bad somebody can't grab on and use it for reins…
09/22/07 @ 10:07 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Jack (reaching back for the a metaphor I've used before) - If a bull wants to get a picador's attention, making a thrust at "the horse he rode in on" may prove useful…

I'm grateful to apparently have your attention (that's no bull) but now I've got another dillema:

Too many outside tasks await, so I'm again facing a frequent frustration of mine, herein…
09/22/07 @ 9:06 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Nope, I'd say it was right on the mark, but you've apparently misconstrued my remarks, if you think my empathy is at ALL selective; or for that matter, if I feel scorn for you…
09/22/07 @ 8:47 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Jack, it's a rare tragedy that doesn't inflict collateral damage on innocent lives; without taking a stand on Chris McCowen's guilt, I am deeply affected by Bittersweet's grief… (anticipating your comeback - grief is a feeling; it needs no justification for its existence! It serves no purpose, imo, to "heap it on" the innocent…)
09/22/07 @ 8:15 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Much luck wit' dat, B - But don' come back braggin' if you score…
09/22/07 @ 8:11 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Geeze, Jack - Sometimes, I get to suspecting that a flea's gonads are bigger 'n your heart! =(
09/22/07 @ 8:06 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
B'sweet, if you're still out there, pls tell me something nice 'that's happened in the past two days…???
09/22/07 @ 8:00 am
At first, the snippet about Carol Bowie's 85 cats was kinda touching, I thought - 'cept the part about 30 of 'em found dead, in the freezer - kicked the meter right into the red/creepy zone. And, I so dislike being left hanging with unanswered questions; like, did she have a plan (besides buying more freezers)? I hope that the editors are tracking this breaking news story - I'll be watching for updates…
09/21/07 @ 11:37 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Time to lawyer up
Tribal Council's parking lot must be littered with snake skins, 'n stogie-wrappers, 'eh?

;)
09/21/07 @ 7:55 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Marshall's web still in place
Yecch! What a gruesome image - disembodied heads sprouting tiny feet, & scooting off into the shadows. I remember a S-F film like that from decades back - still get the willies, when I recall…

Headin' out… Love ya all…Make it a great day - And, stay sweet!
09/21/07 @ 6:57 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Diana says: "I think Eastern and Western ideologies are very different." Thank you you for so-graciously dissing my failure to grasp the wisdom of countless meditating buddhas (Although, I have wondered if there is really any point to it, since they're typically forbidden to speak about any insights induced by those random back-thwacks.) Nevertheless, I'm seated next to three contented, happy puppies, who have achieved that state without the slightest pretext of intelligence; so, maybe there's hope for me, if I just learn to "let go?"

I fully subscribe to your premise that East & Wast are different; however, in practice both schools of thought seem pretty screwed-up, so I was hoping that someone with one foot in each camp, would offer insights on how to meld these philosophies in a disciplined way, so that the results would represent the best of both worlds, rather than the worst - or some thoughtless banality with all the social impact of ethnic cooking…
09/21/07 @ 6:23 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Marshall's web still in place
There's some indication that the sorts of constitutional calamities experienced by the Mashpee are congruent with experiences of other tribes who've used the same "guns for hire" to draft their respective constitutions. When these sorts of endeavors always go sour in a particular direction, they may suggest something more-sinister than mere ineptness, which I'd expect to be right about half of the time… Is this a possible tree of over-ripe, rotting fruits, ready to be shaken by super-sleuth? (Lotsa lawyers roosting in those branches, so SS better wear Walter's trenchcoat, when standing under them, don'cha think?)
09/21/07 @ 6:03 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Spitting into the Wind
Have to say, I'm impressed with the disciplined way that Michael Vickerman laid-down his timeline, then drew the political maneuverings into focus, like the old Burma-Shave signs we'd drive by, as kids. While something more than objective, Michael seems almost detached from his fury, staying focused without frothing. He has the good taste to not insult readers by attempting to appear objective, but manages to put the events out in front of his views - letting the readers choose.

However, there are two opportunistically-placed "news" snippets about Alaskan politics which, imo, fail the "sniff" standard set by Michael's piece, in that they offer no relevant insight to the subject - looking like sniping merely for the sake of elevating the spirits of an already too-sanctimonious choir. A wise, disciplined army does not waste ammunition by firing their rifles in the air, when the enemy stumbles…
09/21/07 @ 4:38 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Yer scarin' me now, B'sweet!

')
09/20/07 @ 10:28 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Very wise, Wôpanâshqâ; I was struggling to get at that, earlier, with bittersweet, but she "hung up"on me! ;)
09/20/07 @ 10:24 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
So glad I managed to stay-awake a bit longer; warms mw right thru to my cockles, when I can go to sleep knowing that I agreed with Jack on something!

So , I've gotcher back, on this "Peace" thing; I mean, without the justice, without the respect, without understanding something more than just that your enemy is bigger 'n you, - you've got "Peace" North Korea style, chewin' up an ungodly amount of resources, to keep it that way!
09/20/07 @ 9:43 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
OK, Di, serious brain-fade underway (don' tell Jack, pls.) I'll hafta reprocess most of this @ anotha time, 'cuz each time I thought I'd figured some of this out, turned-out not to-be-so… Come to think, isn't that a bit Buddha-like - when the "truth" is an onion?

Thanx 4 being patient; not your fault I'm not gettin' it right now…
09/20/07 @ 9:19 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Odd, Diana; while I find those thoughts more-disquieting than Bittersweet's quotes from John Hanks, I'd still pick you over him, to be alone in the dark with…

Seriously, I didn't exactly get the "easier to feel hate & walk away" part - did you mean metaphorically, like feeling hate then "turning-off?"
09/20/07 @ 8:47 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Hmm… I'm embarrassingly fond of this guy's ideas, but I wouldn't want to be in the same room with him, with the lights out…
09/20/07 @ 8:35 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
B'sweet, I suspect that you've coming-off a tuff couple of days, but isn't it possible that apathy is the flip-side of love, and fear is the flip side of hate? (I really need my life to be nuanced & multidimensional.)

Been missin' ya, but got th' email, so watch-out! (Yer such a blurt…)
09/20/07 @ 8:03 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Wish you'd jiump-in more often Di - Thanx!

I have to admit having serious mistrust for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's motives, but to move even a small chance for peace forward I wish we'd given him the chance (just, no photo-op!)
09/20/07 @ 7:56 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
(meant to say "thru two days" - sorry!
(durn, never cn find an editor when I need one…)
09/20/07 @ 7:49 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Jack, this blog page has accommodated discussion on a wide range of subjects, & I weighed-in on several, where I foolishly thought I had something unique to offer… Since the page was spawned shortly after 9AM, & ranged widely thru the day, I can understand how you might be kinda winded & forgetful by now - Take a nap! (I'm about to…)

Hugs & sweet dreams!
09/20/07 @ 7:30 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Not to be deliberately sloppy on dates, Jack but I think that we pretty-much placated & distracted the nomads with firearms with which to wage war on each-other…'til the late 1920's , when they realized that we really weren't after their sand, after all.

Meanwhile, back in the good ol' USA, - after a benevolent government had relocated most surviving remnants of native american tribes, to the most-barren, forsaken dirtpiles we could find in the southwest - well,lo & behold; oil was discovered underneath 'em, so we had to go thru all the bother of relocating most of 'em, to some-other rockpiles - Jeesh, wotta bunch of ungrateful crybabies THEY turned-out to be!

(If this thread continues, it ain't 'bout history, imo)
09/20/07 @ 6:36 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Jack,

"Think of how cheap it would be if we substituted theft for commerce?" pretty-much sums-up the 1st hundred years of pumping oil; was only after we stupidly let some of 'em into our universities that the started gettin' uppity! (Hmm… am I talkin' 'bout Arabs or Indians, here?)
09/20/07 @ 6:08 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Details, details, details ...
OK, Dag; after that, Susan is now mos' def my pick for a fun date; still I'd (we?) be happy to have you tag-along for as long as you dare…
09/20/07 @ 5:58 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Oh, wô is me; I feel a bite in the wind, & will tend to that detail soon…
09/20/07 @ 5:34 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
"B" - just asked you NOT to get graphic, didn't I?
09/20/07 @ 5:25 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Yeah, B'sweet - & I'm cookin' dinner - so thanx 4' not gettin' graphic!
09/20/07 @ 5:18 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Orlean Selectmen reopen Wind Turbine issue
Select-bored sounds like an inevitable consequence of being gender-neutral…
09/20/07 @ 5:12 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Details, details, details ...
Sooze fo' Prez!!!

Woo, imagine how rich I'd be today, if that dispenser I had, sold pot, 'steada gumballs. Sigh…
09/20/07 @ 5:06 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Jack, my recall of history is considerably fuzzed up by having stared out the classroom windows a lot. Still, my impoverished understanding of the seeds for your "war" really were planted by early cave dwellers who realized that their immoderate habits were making them run low on firewood long before winter's cold had departed, so they took to preying on their more-prudent, but weaker neighbors. "Its modern incarnation" as I can see it, began when the oil barons of the 19th & 20th centuries undertook similar practices, to fuel the industrial revolution which was spreading out from the USA. (&, please don' call me Delta-Osama, OK)?

;)
09/20/07 @ 4:45 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Details, details, details ...
Dagny, I still think you'd make it easier for all of us, if you'd just come-out, & say how you feel…

Actually, watchin' you & Susan go a round or two, underscores just how difficult it is for me to get on the "right" side of this issue, 'cuz your both makin' perfect sense to me! Well, I've been known to wade into the middle of a scrap before, & get thwacked by both sides, so here I go again…

I want to offer a simple analogy, for a dilemma I'm facing, however I hope you'll not consider it foolish…

My mom could never get me to buy into the idea of putting random bits of change I acquired into the piggy-bank she'd installed on my bureau for that purpose. So, mom - ever the brilliant tactician - gifted me with a coin-op gumball dispenser, & took those revenues (minus the modest cost of gumballs) & quietly socked it away in my savings account. You can probably already see where this is heading; how do we scale-up my mom's clever deceit, then apply it to casino gambling? And, what BS principle of economics says billions of $$'s can flow TO someplace without flowing OUT of somewhere?
09/20/07 @ 2:44 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Details, details, details ...
Susan, from that description of all you've seen , sounds like club-hopping with you, would be more fun than with Dagny…

Also, despite your~you're knot two-shabby .500 batting avg on "their~there," eye can sea yer still managing to knock more than a few outta the park… ;)
09/20/07 @ 10:30 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: And they joke about "Indian Time"
What might a Wampanoag "Weaver & keeper of the Web" have to say about these conflicting versions of history?
09/20/07 @ 10:26 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Details, details, details ...
Thanks back to you, Susan. I'm starting to suspect that some specific answers to our questions, as they might apply to Massachusetts casinos, will likely get decided by smart bargaining when granting licenses &/or litigation by those who want a "better hand." I'll pass-along my gleanings, though, and hope that you'll also continue to do so.

Now, time to go grab me summa-dat gorgeous day out there! I'll be sure to check-in L8R, to learn how the discussion is proceeding…

Meanwhile; Peace, y' all. ;)
09/20/07 @ 10:08 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Details, details, details ...
Dagny, Wamp-pride, I'm still hoping to learn more about specific details in the tribe's plan, which would reduce or prevent the Quality of Life issues for residents of surrounding communities which have resulted from nearly every casino previously constructed in a rural area.

I agree with the point I believe you're both making - that folks with a favorite vice will find a way to indulge it; prohibition didn't do much to end liquor consumption, and the ubiquity of so many handy ways to gamble - sports betting, Web poker (dog fights -yecch!) scratch & Lottos - makes a case for those who say it's only practical to keep some (a lot?) of that $$ from lining far-away pockets, & using some of it to address social concerns nearby.

Sadly we're probably still centuries away from outgrowing~correcting the social ills that make so many folks susceptible to compulsive, long-odds wagering, since they see it as their only avenue to respectability & the Good Life…

So, what are the remaining concerns - if we reluctantly accept as our goal, to "Keep the $$'s Local?"
09/20/07 @ 8:51 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Details, details, details ...
Hey, Dagny, that sounds like one heck of a night-out! Lemme know if you change your mind, eh? I'm there!!!

;)
09/20/07 @ 8:48 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: And they joke about "Indian Time"
Ah, "Make my day (again) Peter!"

I don't rightly know who "posted by CCToday" refers to, but your biases are all-over this piece…

For one, what was "predictable" about the outcome of King Phillip's War? If only we could send you back in time, to point-out all the "clues" that their Sôtyum was overlooking, when attempting to save his people from extinction! Might have saved some nasty beheadings (his, included) if they'd only had the good sense to peacefully capitulate to having all their land stolen away & their Way of Life outlawed, right? (Actually, I've heard whispers on the breeze, that a few of his descendants might be taking-up a collection, for sending you back, to help-out…)
09/19/07 @ 4:12 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Details, details, details ...
Been struggling to find anything definitive on those same concerns, Susan, & still awaiting response from my state rep.

My own poking about suggests any potential differences in tax liability & mandatory minimum employee benefits would only apply to tribal operations conducted on sovereign tribal lands, and occasionally, only to enrolled tribal members legally residing on tribal lands; in practice this looks like a state-by-state hodge-podge of treaty rights,settlements & litigations. Appears that many Federally-mandated taxes & benefits apply but there's contention around collective bargaining, workers' comp, health ins & leave policies. Appear to be many casino employees hired as part-time or seasonal, with fewer benefits. Try Googling "casino employee benefits" & see what sense you can make of it; I'll also pass-along eventual response from my rep, if it still matters by then…
09/19/07 @ 3:59 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
I don't find it particularly hard to hold both views simultaneously - The kid was deliberately attempting to provoke, then escalate this incident AND Kerry acted like a woos throughout…

My follow-up Q, is when can I expect my OWN links in comments to be tolerated by "The Editors?"

(P-l-e-e-e-s-e, don't Taser me!!!)

;)
09/19/07 @ 1:26 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Conflicting Non-Realities
Actually, I'd been overlooking that - didn't want to embarrass you by pointing it out… (I've noticed that lots of spell chequers dew knot work write!)
09/19/07 @ 1:17 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Details, details, details ...
Susan (I know, it ain't Peter talkin' - pls forgive…)

Whether the Mashpee tribe erects a casino on Massachusetts land or their own sovereign land, they'll still need to find investors/developers to front a billion or so $$'s to make that happen.

If the tribe elects to compete for one of the 3 spots in Patrick's plan, their challenge will come from having to convince a developer to hook-up with them, when that same developer could bid for a license directly, without the overhead of any "tithing" for the tribe. If the tribe chooses to erect a casino on sovereign tribal lands, they can make an end-run around the State's proposed restriction of 3 casinos, but they've got to 1st acquire (buy) a suitable site, then undertake a lengthly (2 yr +)waltz with the BIA, to recognize their land purchase as a sovereign state. By the time that happened, there's likely to be 3 casinos already in operation or about to be - probably making it tougher for the tribe to find investors still interested in funding a late start on a somewhat crowded/competitive playing field. 'Course there's always slots…
09/19/07 @ 12:48 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Conflicting Non-Realities
Hey, Jul3ia, glad to see you're not too proud to let those weekly "brownie points" accumulate, however you come-by 'em; your recent "minimalist/existentialist" (thanx,vp) panels have been something more of a challenge for me, but, heck, y' all - as Dubba-ya used to say: "Bring 'em on!" Besides, Deltawoman says they're the most excercise my mind is gettin' all day! (She thinks I'm gettin' a tad crotchety - her fault, I say, for takin' my keys away again…)
09/19/07 @ 12:26 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Details, details, details ...
Peter, My only stake in the tribe's affairs - both now, & moving forward - has been to honor their heritage & attempt to cut them some slack, while they heal & reconnoiter; no one from the tribe has ever asked me to undertake that, so I have to say they've been remarkably gracious about tolerating me to this point, but I keep my bags packed for when they decide to give me the boot…

Afa Casinos & Class 3 Gaming, I've followed the effects of the Indian Gaming Act for a decade; still, in my mind, there appear to be so-many trade-offs & imponderables, that I'll be lucky if my eventual "vote" offers me the confidence of anything more than a 51-49 split. I'm startled & puzzled by the many zealots, on both sides of this difficult (for me) issue, who've immediately come streaming-out of their foxholes, ready to defend their viewpoint with the conviction of someone who was born with it, while simultaneously (& loudly) demeaning anyone who hasn't yet seen the "Light" (or "Blight") & joined the "Right" Crusade! C'mon folks, tell me (politely) why this should be an EASY choice for me…
09/19/07 @ 11:35 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Meet John Kerry, soon to be former senator
Bravo, Jack - from a Dem who also got snookered! (Actually, my vote was more a foolish act of desperation… Sigh)

Go-ahead & run - might be fun for us to say we knew ya when; &, jes' mebbe next time, I won't be feeling such a strong urge to hug the porcelain on that November morning-after! (Pleases save an inauguration ticket for me; I do a way-funny imitation of a Republican!)
09/19/07 @ 11:21 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Conflicting Non-Realities
Sure, & when Jul3ia needs a vacation, she only needs to post a totally-black box, then run a caption contest… Sweet!
09/19/07 @ 10:15 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Details, details, details ...
Susan's last two posts on the social & economic benefits of state-sanctioned vice have been persuasive… I mean, if these addictive types are so-determined to spill their blood anyway, what's wrong with holding-out a cup & catching some of it for ourselves?

Embarrassingly, my own view is actually pretty-much congruent with Susan's - I think that we just gotta hold our noses, & wade-in, since everybody else is, or is about to. Sure doesn't leave me feeling at all sanctimonious or self-rightous, though; how do you manage that?

As far as the "benefits" which may accrue over time, people are still debating that, even in areas where gaming has been permitted for a decade or more. What does appear far less-subtle & inarguable, is the inevitable "coarsening" of Quality of Life which follows in the wake of casino complexes…
09/19/07 @ 9:43 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Conflicting Non-Realities
I can't blame my fear of the dark entirely on Myrbie & Dax - actually has more to do with all the puppy toys scattered throughout the house…
09/19/07 @ 9:18 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Conflicting Non-Realities
Dunno, B - "Myrbie & Dax" have been showing a "dark" side lately; got me to thinkin' downright worrisome stuff & wantin' to sleep with a nite-light on…

;)
09/19/07 @ 8:23 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Details, details, details ...
Peter, huh?

Lately, you've appeared to be supporting the Mashpee Wampanoag casino intentions; how have you envisioned that the socio-economic impact of any tribally-licensed casino would be sufficiently different, to have avoided the scorn & derision that the Patrick-plan has "earned" from you?
09/19/07 @ 7:33 am
Aw, "B" - this is painful to watch… ;)
09/19/07 @ 7:29 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
(Tnx 4 support M; hope yer unstuck now - hate 2 think how grumpy you'll be, otherwise…)

Blogging is quickly becoming so-popular, that it's overtaking soap-operas; with so many sites hosting 'em, it's important to be clear 'bout one's intentions, then put some time into a careful hunt for blog-spots that support those intentions thru editorial commitment & format; for brainstorming among tribe-members, visibility to the outside world is unimportant & possibly counter-productive; something as informal as an AIM chatroom can be used for brainstorming - if you want good involvement tho, you'll need to make some extra effort to make folks aware of it & offer some offline how-to assistance to 1st-timers. When it's time to show just what Wamp pride is all about, then it;s all-about visibility - Like it or not, CCToday is already well-identified with Mashpee tribe matters; don't ignore the built-in advantages which accompany that, when your intent is to get the "message" out. Read the "Start your own…" stuff & discuss you ideas & concerns with "The Editors" (Mwalim, too) before deciding…
09/18/07 @ 10:44 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
(Thanx B'sweet, but I'm also hoping that some Mashpee-tribe are still hangin'-in wit' me for the good parts… Come t' think, I've never asked you if you're "tribe" but that could well-be, 'cuz you got th' heart!}

After several weeks of watching all the passions being expressed over Mashpee matters on these pages, I'm disappointed by how little of the discussion from tribe-members, is focused on the practical aspects of "What do we do next, & how do we go about it?" Understandably, if folks are inhibited from discussing their ideas because of what they feel is a hostile environment, then the discussion needs to move elsewhere. Wherever it's hosted, the blogging format is probably the most democratic forum for public discussion; the downside is that unobtrusive, effective rules of fair play need to be followed, or "discussions" can quickly degenerate into unproductive brawls like we see spring-up around here…

I hoped this would be the last part, but there's more in the bucket… Deltawoman's schedule had us all up @ 4AM today, so part 4 must wait 'til tomorrow - Sorry & G'nite! (Zzzz)
09/18/07 @ 9:55 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
Well, TWG, there's a balance between gettin' your message out where it's most-needed, & hanging-out, swapping stories with folks that already already agree with you, 'cuz it feels good. Imo, both venues are useful - Right now, there are tremendous opportunities & challenges for the tribe to learn about & manage to their collective advantage, yet it's easy to get distracted by that, by being immersed in the hyped-up negative PR directed towards a handful of tribe-members. Those who choose to be out in front, presenting "Wamp Pride" to the world will likely get burned-out unless they get regular updates & "reality checks" on the message, as well as hugs from other tribe members. Particularly, while the tribe is right now struggling with how to restore a more-democratic governance model, blogging may be a useful way for tribe-members feeling excluded from other venues to participate in discussions on the tribe's future.

(I'm rapidly approaching my 1100 character cap, so if there's still somebody not already bored silly - gimme another holla for part 3…)
09/18/07 @ 8:49 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
Dit-too, B'sweet!

But, when you fully-understand the point of what I jes' said, you can see why I ain' leavin' 'til they carry me out & burn my tent!

/dw
09/18/07 @ 8:30 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
TWG, I experienced that same feeling of betrayal a few weeks back, but have since found ways to use that apparent "coziness" to the advantage of causes I care about. Besides, as far as visibility on this site is concerned, I believe that the greatest boost to the visibility of "Peter's Principles" (or lack, if you choose) has come from outraged readers fanning his flames into fame!

I've already proudly acknowledged my native heritage, but I consider myself similarly blessed by some practical, frugal yankee genes as well… In that spirit, I say - When your adversary offers you a free campsite for your teepee, right in the midst of their own encampment, then go for it! What a great vantage point for getting your own message out to their "tribe" 'eh?

(Just be sure to sleep in shifts…)

Pls. come back to me on this, so that I can say more… /dw
09/18/07 @ 5:19 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
OK, W-P, this will have to be it 4 a bit (Every now & again, I'm required to log some time on activities which maintain the myth that I'm slightly domesticated.)

Anyway, last evening, Wôpanâshqâ responded (here) to my suggestion for you & your clan-budds to start blogging; thats "… how it all fits together.. HMMMM"   So, Wôpanâshqâ & I danced briefly, too.
09/18/07 @ 4:59 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
Wamp-pride, "dance" was intended as a metaphor for all the back-&-forth around the 'phone # stuff… But, see? The "good news" 'bout you jes' keeps piling-up! ;)

(I better lay-low for a bit, or you & Susan will start comparing notes… ) /dm
09/18/07 @ 4:53 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
Well, Susan, I will re-check m' facts on that - soon as I clear my browser's cache & hit "Refresh" again…

Actually great to "see" you smiling here - you're quite attractive that way - even "In broad daylight!" (don' hurt me - it's the name of this blog page).

Woo! I'm such a flirt! (Deltawoman will probably take-away my keys again… Hunnie, please? Jes' this once?)
09/18/07 @ 4:44 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
Yeah, W-P?

Well, now I know that you like to "dance" too. ;)

/dm
09/18/07 @ 4:36 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
Susan, I thought the "taming" was to occur at your house, during breaks in the "cleaning"… How's that going?
09/18/07 @ 4:30 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
Confusion abounds 'round here, 'ey Wamp-pride?

"… should [you] know Wôpanâshqâ?" I can't say; you'll have to decide… (She seems nice to me, tho).

For my part, I was relieved to learn that you can also leave a msg for Little-Doe & it will get passed-along to Wôpanâshqâ - saved me lots of potential embarrassment & tongue-cramps!

:) bakatcha! /dm
09/18/07 @ 3:30 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
Wamp-pride - 1st, fierce warrior; now, Nihtaweyutomon; your tribe's future is in good hands!

Wôpanâshqâ has my cell # & I asked her to pass it along to you, if requested; just leave your own # with a message for her @ council office & she'll call back tomorrow (or, tell me where to find your cyber-hangout). Would be good to chat (Imo, anyhow) & with a bit of luck, might be able to patch-in Muwin for that, too.

:)

Meanwhile, Ktankeyasin…


(Btw, anyone knowin' & sayin' where Keesuq is? Still off cleaning Susan's house?)
09/18/07 @ 2:23 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Did somebody get to the MMS?
Wind turbines lack the organic appeal of traditional Dutch windmills imo, but I still find them attractive. Once legions of power-boaters & water skiers discover their recreational potential for slaloming, they'll likely become hugely popular! (Better budget for lotsa pylon cushions.)

Esthetics aside (izzat possible?) Our civilization's historic rush to apply new science is rife with examples of horrific unintended disruptions to both robust & delicate ecosystem (they co-exist, in most locales) . History also shows that it's all to easy to overlook subtle differences in ecosystems, so transferring what we "learned" from one location, may produce profoundly skewed results in another! Although we have increasingly powerful computers, able to churn-thru increasingly complex simulations, they still suffer from humanity's blind spot, of being only able to know & work with what we already know & taught 'em…

I pray that even the most-ardent advocates for wind farming will still insist that we go-the-distance on minimizing environmental risks - No one lives too-far away, to be unaffected…
09/18/07 @ 12:50 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
"Wamptruth"

That is rude, and possibly reckless behavior, given the recent "heat" around here & threats of violence!

I have no way of knowing if your "outing" is accurate, but when any participant here DELIBERATELY breaches the privacy of another, that should be actionable under the ECape's own privacy rules, and the participant should be banned from further posting, IMO!

CALLING ALL EDITORS!!!
09/18/07 @ 12:41 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
CC Talk, in recent weeks, I have been chastised in these pages by the CC Today staff, for suggesting that "Journalism" is a "Profession" because its practitioners lack a set of standards; I have accepted that to be the "local rule (or lack) of law" & moved-on. Besides, the collective consciousness represented in the body of work herein, speaks to that issue far more eloquently than I ever might, in these 1100-character "thought-bites" (Or, is that "bytes?" Sigh, where's "The Editors" when you really need 'em?)

Love 'em all, really; we swap hugs mos' every day!!!

;)
09/18/07 @ 12:24 pm
My gosh! Another full-blown debate rages! Time to put all pettiness aside & tackle one of the day's important issues…

Just hazarding a guess, but I'd say that non of the combatants voicing opinions on Deputy Chief Donlan's pose are likely over-50; snap a pic of me from the rear, right after working in the garden or re-stacking the stone wall, & you wouldn't be able to tell us apart; I know that pain too well (I even have th' shirt…)

OK - Round 12 - (losing count, actually)

;)
09/18/07 @ 5:56 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: In broad daylight
TWG, yours has been one of the calmer voices in the discussions about Mashpee tribal matters; I can sense that you've been frustrated about not getting "quality" responses to your concerns, but your continued respectfulness is a credit to the tribe! Besides, the folks who've ignored you aren't hard-of-hearing (as far as I can tell) so cranking-up the volume isn't any more likely to get them to respond…

Here's another thing I've learned, while watching the mud-slingers doing their "thing" - -

In the eyes of most reasonable people reading/partipating in these forums, the folks "mouthing-off" with bad-faith personal attacks & accusations are damaging their own credibility far-more than anyone they're attacking. I know how tempting it can be, to jump in the ring & start slugging back, but please resist - they can only hurt you if you stoop to using their tactics. There are much bigger issues in front of the tribe - all of Cape Cod, really - than responding to every dumb insult and arguing over who did~didn't say whatever…

Hang-tough - you will prosper!
09/17/07 @ 11:26 pm
be sure to "sign the guest book" - she gets "points! :-)
09/17/07 @ 11:20 pm
Hi, B'sweet! Hope all's OK.

Can't stay awake any longer, but sounds like your b-z mind could use a stroll thru Di's garden again, b4 u retire (she took some pics today…)
09/17/07 @ 10:27 pm
Wôpanâshqâ, there is no new "news" to me, in what you've just said, for I have anticipated what your concerns are for wanting to move that "respectful discussion" away from here. Whatever form & venue that future discussion takes, helping you to plan it is going to be very tedious, unless we can soon discuss it over the 'phone. I suggested AIM only as a quick way to share phone #s; if you don't have an AIM account, then we can ask someone else you trust to host that brief contact to share #s… Of course, if you have a better idea, I'm open to it, but I want to move quickly past this moment of awkwardness - it feels a bit like being yanked into a spy novel to me… Wamp-pride, my shout-out was to you, so are you guys talking & are you "on board" for wôpanâshqâ's plan?

What's next? :-)

(By-the-way, my Maliseet dictionary says that "-op" - "expresses possibility" Not sure if that's what you intended, but it made me chuckle, under the circumstances.)
09/17/07 @ 6:24 pm
Wôpanâshqâ, I have also noticed some of your posts here, & I'm pleased that my idea got your attention! You can count on me for help behind the scenes, if you choose (I'd find that an honor, actually) but you really don't need me to "host a place" since there are a number of popular sites (including right here) which already offer free blog space to frivolous & serious concerns alike; many also offer easy-to-use templates which gets you on the web, posting & looking really polished, in only a few hours…

If you'd like more thoughts from me on this matter, then I think we need a less-awkward means for moving this discussion forward from here; my town's ordinances prohibit using smoke signals, so I just set-up a "throw-away" AIM chat account so that we can chat online briefly, to arrange 'phone contact. I won't be monitoring it regularly, so if you like the idea, let me let me know when to look for you, & I'll reply (here) with the AIM identity for you to look for. We can make this even more-fun , if you'd like to use a challenge question (not too tough - I might flunk!)

So?
09/17/07 @ 4:02 pm
Hey, Wamp-pride; I -for one - would never have guessed; you can swing a tomahawk with the best of 'em! ;-)

For weeks, I have observed that "The Editors" were ignoring inflammatory remarks & personal attacks against members of the tribe. I've tried unsuccessfully to call their attention to that, because I saw a forum for potentially useful discussions being wasted on angry outbursts. Even if you sense some (a lot?) of hypocrisy in the Editors remarks, it's important to remember (for the tribe's sake) that this we are all guests here, & it's a great place for Wampanoag to express their concerns to other inhabitants in the region - for that matter, the whole World!

I understand & sometimes share your frustrations over what may seem unfair at times… Even so, please play by their rules, because still more people need to learn the reasons for the "Wamp-pride" that fills your heart! Please return here, with your dozen clan-sisters, to share your stories & the reasons for your pride; Seriously, I'm looking-forward to that, so - Please???
09/17/07 @ 2:06 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Guv: 3 casinos & Wamps must bid; Casino news wrap-up
News-gal, your recent posts have taunted Wamp-pride for his choice of screen name & lumped-together "crooks" "followers" & "supporters" as already convicted, in your view, & all deserving the same punishment (incarceration) hardly looks like someone who's sensitive to the tribe's interests, when you want to jail'em just for being proud of their tribe!

I'm very disappointed to see that Wamp-pride succumbed to your baiting, but I suspect that you might be somewhat more-sophisticated & skilled (experienced?) than he, at provoking a bar-fight then ducking-out, leaving someone else to take the blame for it…

Wamp-pride, please save your war paint for a worthy opponent!
09/17/07 @ 7:12 am
(Using Caps Lock is cheating folks - You know who you are…)
09/16/07 @ 9:49 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Phoenix does Peter - House Pest
Well, "B" - I sensed the sadness, but attributed that to reasons you've already given… We've gone flagrantly off-topic, so if you'd like to say more, I suggest we move the thread over to Diana's Place - "Building Bridges" - no more private, but less cluttered (or, if you want to take the discussion "off line" suggest a means…)
09/16/07 @ 9:08 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Phoenix does Peter - House Pest
No, "B" - I was just being flip; sorry to learn there's something heavy there… R U "at peace" with it now?
09/16/07 @ 8:56 pm
I don't suppose that a discussion like this will ever be in any real danger of "getting out-of-hand."

Still, I have detected a recent slide towards crass-ness, as folks have to fetch their inspirations from deeper in the well. I'm surprised that "The Editors" haven't already intervened with some reprimands; I guess they must be busy administering "spankings" elsewhere…

By now, some of you more-cunning linguists may have guessed where I'm headed with this… Let's resurrect the lofty principles upon which this thread was originally spawned, by posting as many (G to PG) euphemisms as aptly describe hapless Willie-Wanker's indescretion - "Waxing the Dolphin" "Tossing" - you get the idea… Additionally, all entries must demonstrate at least one use of the sHift keY (so let's just see who drops-out, at this point).

;-)
09/16/07 @ 7:59 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What should the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe do next?
If the Mashpee tribe should eventually decide to relinquish their dream of a glittering casino in the clouds, they should be allowed to do so in the fullness of time - after allowing them the space to mourn the loss of a decade-old dream - rather than snatching it away, with a premature "Let's get on with it!"

I do think the overall premise is great, however any competitive advantages leveraged by loss of tax revenues needs to be analyzed down to the "7th generation" - as Jack points out. Also, with all the overlapping jurisdictions, the bureaucratic entanglements will likely be formidable, & will need our congressional delegation fully behind it, from the outset; who's gonna "ring 'em up?" (Mebbe not a good idea to mention "wind turbines" right up front, Jack…)

Btw, the Iroquois Confederacy runs on remarkably democratic principles; their constitution pre-dates that of the USA by 600 years, and was studied by Franklin & others, to provide a model for our own… Pretty kewl factoid, 'ey?
09/16/07 @ 7:16 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Phoenix does Peter - House Pest
Ah, B'sweet, I can see you're not one to forgive easily; I will humbly accept my penance - All indications are that you're worth it! (You didn't warn me 'bout the "feisty" part, Buzz…)
09/16/07 @ 7:06 pm
Susan, I owe you an apology - no doubt about it! Dim-eyed, maybe; dim-witted, certainly! After re-reading my comment, I'd say that it failed for hypocrisy, even without getting the "facts" scrambled. I've been saddened by seeing all the "heap-it-on" posts from both perspectives on the tribe's current misfortunes, so I'm really disappointed in myself, when I ignore my own advice to "cool it!" Truth is, after 400 years, the fortunes of native tribes & settlers are so intertwined, that neither group can prosper fully without the other group sharing fairly in that prosperity, There really shouldn't be "sides" at all; I'm sad to see that's happened here…

My gaff about the "facts" is puzzling… I wasn't surprised by what you claimed Wamp-pride said, but I wanted the context for it, so I hit the "Show all…" to bring-up his comment history, which only produced about 5 or 6 - I thought he'd been popping-up more often, but I got the same results after refreshing the page so I forged on… 'course it all appears OK now, so maybe an 'angel in the architecture' was ensuring my comeuppance??/!!
09/16/07 @ 11:59 am
Dagny, this ought to REALLY git yer feathers smokin' - The perps have their own lobby, called "North American Man/Boy Love Association" Check 'em out at NAMBLA (dot-org) on the Web…
09/16/07 @ 11:27 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Speaking with Forked Tongue
With due respect to "The Editors" I will take exception to your characterization of where Peter "reports" his news, & where he holds-forth with his views - I've noticed that he apparently doesn't pay particular attention to appropriate attire for each respective venue, & often - awkwardly, imo - attempts to wear both hats at once! Folks who still find logic & reason to be fashionable might be put-off by this…

As far as what/who he favors, I think that it's unproductive to speculate, since "knowing" for sure, would certainly detract from his mystique. He has stated herein, that he has serious reservations (no pun) about whether or not potential benefits from casino would be worth all other changes wrought by it; more recently, he's also expressed belated remorse for the tribe's plight…

Anyhow, always glad to see you roaming the halls of your creation!
09/16/07 @ 10:37 am
Thanx 4 the clarification, rapunzal (sorry to learn about the "jk" part, tho…)

Btw, correct answer to the "Do you smoke after…?" question, in that old joke, is:

"I don't know, I've never looked!"

;-)
09/16/07 @ 10:30 am
Susan, News-gal, if some stranger barged into your house & claimed your sister was a tramp (even with proof) you'd expect that the news would be even tougher to deal with, if your neighbors started to hoot & hop-about like a bunch of excited monkeys… Since you have both implied the entire tribe should rightly suffer & be shamed by Glenn Marshall's actions, is it therefore just to believe that all caucasians should be embarrassed by your insensitivity?

Susan, particularly when you put someone's words in quotes in order to attack them, it's a good idea to verify they've actually said what you've claimed; I found nothing in the history of Wamp-pride's comments here, to support your quote - have you two been holding secret meetings? Tsk, tsk!!!
09/16/07 @ 9:08 am
Jack was too polite to ask the "burning" question, rapunzal; do you smoke after…

(hint: It's an old joke…)
09/16/07 @ 8:51 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Phoenix does Peter - House Pest
B'sweet, am I gettin' the "brush?" (Buzz, this is ALL your fault!)

Ya, gotta believe me, B'sweet - I don't really hang @ the Senior Center, & I don't like stale doughnuts either! Buzz seems to think that I am worthy of some occasional teasing, & I show my "respect" for him , by giving it right back…

Afa "Deltawoman" is concerned - yes, there is one (she chuckled 'bout the moniker, Buzz). She doesn't lurk here - too busy w/ PhD stuff, but she's fully-aware of our "affair" & she would even be pleased to learn that we'd "hooked-up" sometime (for coffee, of course).

Anyway, B'sweet, pls don' write-me-off; appreciate having you for a blog-buddy… :-)


.
09/16/07 @ 8:09 am
Keesuq, you don't need to explain - I though your "Apology" was way funny; if anyone (besides buzz) believed it, I would lose respect for them ;-)

I also see you've found the source for (some of) my wisdom (and now intend to use it against me). I think "Wolitpiyane" is a great phrase! Too bad it won't fit on a vanity license plate; the tribe could then award it annually, to whomever was p*ssing them off the most…

Btw, pls. read short artice from 2 days-ago -
"MassINC to hold forum on casino gambling" - I gave you a shout about it then, but you've been missing since, so I don't know if you saw it (probably off cleaning Susan's house, 'eh?) I think it would be useful for some tribe members to attend - I hope that there will be a chance for you to be heard from the audience, but remember - Wolitpiyane!!!

:-)
09/15/07 @ 10:01 pm
I've been following news from the "Indianz" site, for some time; I've found offering broader coverage as well as appearing more-balanced than "Indian Country Today" which attempts to put a 'feel-good' spin on their reporting (just imo, of course…) Lots of good stuff there, for tribes & "settlers" alike; don't worry 'bout putting Peter out of work, if you're getting some of your news about tribal-sponsored gaming there…
09/15/07 @ 8:51 pm
Sobering thought, folks - as much fun as we've had @ Willie-Wankers expense recently, he's just (presently) lurking at a different spot on the same path Mr. Cox has been prowling…

The high risk for repeat offenses by sexual predators - often accompanied by increasing boldness & force - has been known for decades, yet we still appear to be protecting perps' rights far-more than their prey. Any constructive ideas on how to turn this around, while still letting 'em "earn their keep" in a free society?
09/15/07 @ 8:30 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Yarmouth fall victim; Smoke fills nursing home
Probiemedic, "where" is not the only question… are you perhaps a proctologist's assistant, or on probation?

(I know, I know; those aren't mutually-exclusive choices.)
09/15/07 @ 8:15 pm
Big difference from your grandpop, Buzz - this guy was fly-fishing…

(For me, this event has given a whole new meaning to the phrase "Off Season!"
09/15/07 @ 5:34 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Phoenix does Peter - House Pest
Izzat rumor really circulating, Buzz? (I hafta guess that I've been spending too-much time, trying to dispel the notion that you & I are a "number!" )

Sigh, there's only so-much ya can take-on at once, within 1100 characters & spaces…

(Deltawoman has uncanny knack for knowing what I'm about to "step-in" even before I do - has many times kept me outta trouble… Still hopin' to get my car keys back tho…)
09/15/07 @ 4:18 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Phoenix does Peter - House Pest
Thanx 4 jumping-in with that, B'sweet - gives me a chance to offer another suggestion to Buzz (& others) which I had to leave out of my two earlier posts, 'cuz it wouldn't fit…

The "Show all comments…" link is a great way for anyone that's sincerely interested in knowing where another commenter is "coming from" over time, or for a commenter to steer folks to their previously-expressed concerns, without repeatedly going-on about themt. For my part, I hope that I'm now gettin' it right in my posts more-often, but I'll stand by my comment history- despite any warts - as a fair reflection of my views & values.

I'll also freely own-up to being a "frequent flier" on the blogs, as Buzz fairly pointed-out… When my wife caught me flirting with Bittersweet, she right-off took my keys away; now my only social outlets are posting here, or gettin' bussed to the Senior Center & fighting-over who gets the last cruller from the bag of donated day-old pastries… Really, Buzz, which hangout would YOU choose?
09/15/07 @ 3:33 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Phoenix does Peter - House Pest
B'sweet, I agree - pit-bulls' reputation may unfairly condemn them all - but, that "bad rap" isn't totally untrue, either. For generations, they've been bred for aggressiveness; although all dogs are typically affectionate towards family members, many tragedies have occurred from pit-bull (& other large-breed) owners being in-denial over the potential threat their pets represent. I regularly hear the "Oh, s/he would never…" excuses from two neighbors, whose dogs have repeatedly broken loose & terrorized neighbors & other pets… My 3 dogs & I have been frequent objects of the snarls & snapping, so I found some (small-minded) delight earlier this week, when I read a story about a woman who tried to sic her pit-bull on two cops attempting to serve a warrant on her, but the dog attacked her, instead…

Buzz, I'm smarter 'n that; not gonna accept your invitation to break my own "rulez" - right after I jes' writ 'em down! ;-þ
09/15/07 @ 2:36 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Phoenix does Peter - House Pest
Couldn't help but notice… Apart from the subject of public wanking, when other "hard" news gets reported, the blog comments quickly degenerate into personal attacks having nothing to do with the issue at "hand!"

TWG, please realize that Walter Brooks is the only person who has the authority to channel Peter's over-the-top style, & make him stop looking like a reporter in a bad made-for-TV movie. Yet, Walter appears unconcerned that the blogs are turning-in to bogs, where the important issues of the day often sink out of sight, under layers of rhetorical excrement.

For folks who haven't been anointed with blogger credentials, & feel that issues/events aren't reported fairly, I urge you to breath slowly & deeply - however long it takes - before you calmly respond with your own facts or opinions. Surprisingly, "survey says" more folks will be influenced by a calm come-back, rather than being startled by a post looking like it came from a pit bull that just busted its chain. Also, repeatedly calling-out for the same offenses, is just free publicity - keeps 'em "alive" even longer!
09/15/07 @ 6:54 am
Woo, B'sweet!, some serious drift from the blog topic goin' on; I'm fascinated by how the discussions evolve-away from the original topic, then days later some descendant of Rip Van Winkle shows-up, giving a shout-out on a subject that dried-up a ways back.

Eenie-hoo, thanx for sharing your story 'bout Smokie; I'm sure he would have come home if he'd had the choice. I'm glad you were spared the details…

I've had to say goodbye to both parents & many pets - In time I've come to celebrate what they left with me, rather than mourn what they took with 'em. Takes a while to recover from those losses…Sometimes, in the middle of a "good" day - I might suddenly feel guilty; ya know, like I was being disloyal to their memory. In those times, hugs from those still around me helped a lot; in case that works for you too, I'm sending some your way. Say "Hi!" to Dad & Smokey for me; rainy September days are good for quietly remembering…

X X X X /dm
09/14/07 @ 11:27 pm
Boy, B'sweet, you get-over stuff quickly! If I'd just waited another 5 mins. or so, I wouldn't seen that I didn't need to write that li'l essay…

Ya, I'd agree - "cool cat" Cool Momma, too, for having tuned-in on that channel at the same time your cat did (Btw, I prefer to know pets by their names…). If the band ever reappears, pack a lunch & hop aboard; I'm sure it'll be a hoot!

Please remember to send some postcards along the way…
09/14/07 @ 10:57 pm
Umassjsp,

"Big Scratch" pretty-much sums it up, don'cha think?

(Thanx 4 the inspiration.)
09/14/07 @ 10:43 pm
Bittersweet, how sad to see you provoked!

I've discovered that it's senseless to argue with these folks - you cannot use reason, because it zooms right-over their heads, like a jet leaving Logan. On the other hand, if you try stooping to their level, you're gonna look almost as ducking fumb as them, but they've had way-more practice with it.

Collectively, they're referred to as "Smart Asses" 'cuz that's where the brain resides in that sub-species. Unfortunately, if one of 'em does manage to have an occasional 'original thought' it usually gets flushed without them even realizing… Still, I'm somewhat reluctant to just write them off as a waste of skin - God~The Great Spirit put 'em here for some reason, but damned if I've been able to figure it out so far; I'll keep you in the loop for any new discoveries…

(Sh*t, that felt good! - Keesuq, you're not allowed to read this…)

;-)
09/14/07 @ 9:31 pm
Whoa, so-much attention for some guy who's apparently really down on his luck. I thought funniest comment was from Wolfram, treating the headline: "YPD seeks …" as a help-wanted ad. Anyhow, I now better understand the Cape's collective social priorities, by seeing that Wampanoag concerns could be pushed-aside for several hours in order to get this guy a date - - with a magistrate, of course - what did you think I meant?

(Y' know, I think that this has been a long, hard day for reporter Tim, too…)
09/14/07 @ 8:59 pm
Bittersweet, sadly, there are only about 800 folks left in the US, who claim they can carry-on a conversation in Malecite-Passamaquoddy; I'm not one of 'em. Although Wampanoag is a distinct language, they both share Algonkian roots. The phrase "sehsi-tqesu" roughly translates as painfully embarrassed - you might ask Wôpanâshqâ to weigh-in with an opinion, if you haven't already moved-on (???)
09/14/07 @ 3:36 pm
Gosh, is there a specific ordinance against that, or is it (un) covered under lewd conduct?

Anyway, Tim, I expect that you're totally off-the-hook for better pics of THAT news event…
09/14/07 @ 3:12 pm
Keesuq, good guess that I was originally from somewhere up north~downeast. My grandmother (father's mother) was a Passamaquoddy from Danforth Maine. (I'm actually named after the local brewery that used to be there; how's that for tradition, 'eh?)

I've been told that our tribes' languages are similar, so I've been leaving a few 'hints' for you - did you figure it out by yourself, or were you helped by one of the elders? For my part, I'd be lost without my dictionary… sehsi-tqesu

;)
09/14/07 @ 2:43 pm
"Mess" Dagny? What "mess" are you referring to? I've sure noticed a stink, but I haven't yet seen any mess…

(I also, find your Iraq analogy to be wrong & inappropriate in so many ways, that there isn't space in a single comment, to point-out all its fallacies- even if I were dumb-enough to dignify it that way… Grrr!)
09/14/07 @ 2:08 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Yarmouth fall victim; Smoke fills nursing home
Tim, might just be a trick of the web or reflections from apparatus; my screen shows a red blotch on the guy's left temple, and another on the top of his head, close to the stretcher. As far as your "going blind" is concerned, please spare us the details, but I hope you've found an entertaining way to go-about it…
09/14/07 @ 1:52 pm
For several weeks, further "official inquiries" have appeared inevitable… this is a tough time for the Mashpee Wampanoag; even if these inquiries ultimately result in some charges, this 'breaking news report' suggests that only a few individuals may have had knowledge of/or involvement in any alleged improprieties. The majority of the tribe's members can look forward to moving on with their pride & optimism intact, facing the challenges & opportunities of sovereignty. Still, the tribe is a close community and extended family - many innocent people may nevertheless be saddened by any allegations (proven or not) against those they have known, loved & trusted. Nothing constructive will be served by gloating or a chorus of I told you so's; I ask the larger Cape community to give the Mashpee tribe the space & understanding they need to heal in peace. They are your neighbors; they are part of your community; their strength is integral part of the Cape's strength & character!

Let them say: "Tepot nil nmetokitom, elinaqsit nitapiyik!" (I have so many friends, I can't count any more!)
09/14/07 @ 12:08 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: MassINC to hold forum on casino gambling
State Treasurer Tim Cahill has been a strong proponent of a casino, for some time; he appears to be supporting other options besides the Wampanoag bid; I hope that the tribe will have articulate spokepersons in the audience, since their interests don't appear to represented on the panel… (Keesuq, Mwalim - are you going to attend?)
09/14/07 @ 11:51 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Criminy-cripes - sounds like that could be a rough courtship! (ribbit, ribbit!)
09/14/07 @ 7:38 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Proven Wrong (by the Soviets)
JTS, sometimes the context for our remarks becomes invalid in the future, rather than the actual thoughts; with so much of Life beyond our direct control, we can't be held so accountable for that… Still, if you're experiencing a guilt hang-over, then I think that your "Bring-back Pluto" petition drive will serve as a fine remedy. You can count on my support - little guys need more respect!
09/14/07 @ 7:05 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Yarmouth fall victim; Smoke fills nursing home
Tim, just "pulling your leg" (hmm - in this context, mebbe not my best choice of a metaphor…)

Probably jes' a bunch of sleepy people over-reacting to some "hard news" before breakfast; I'm sure we all wish him a speedy recovery!

( Personally, I'm awed by your coverage! - Was there any salvageable popcorn, after the Yarmouth microwave fire? Bet that would make a grisly pic…)
09/14/07 @ 6:49 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Yarmouth fall victim; Smoke fills nursing home
Gee, I was hoping for some shots of the guy's arm; article said THAT was the "serious injury!" -

I mean, am I outta line here?
09/14/07 @ 6:34 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Bittersweet, your "Innocence" is appealing, and it does not imply a lack of intelligence!
09/14/07 @ 5:44 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Bittersweet, I think I love you - Are you dating anyone?

:-)
09/14/07 @ 5:34 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Keesuq,

It is good to have dreams, and that is a good dream to have!

I hope that you will keep those thoughts nearby, so that they can warm you through the coming winter…

Apc pewihtaq ulamsotomon-ote!

(When he dreamed about it again, he believed it!)
09/13/07 @ 11:45 pm
Keesuq! - That wasn't fair!!!

Next time you're gonna make me crap-myself from laughing so hard at your remarks, please warn me 1st, so's I'll be wearing something washable - Deal?
09/13/07 @ 11:30 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Phoenix does Peter - House Pest
Twg, I'm impressed that the subtlety of Adam's position wasn't lost on many here… After all, Peter was allowed to leave the interview alive!
09/13/07 @ 11:15 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Proven Wrong (by the Soviets)
Was going to say "That's generous of you, Jack!" But, then I realized that "due" was the operative word there, & that I really was due none, for attempting to pull your leg…

That LH dude also had some pretty cool things to say about vigorous public debate, & takin' it right to the edge of civil disobedience & mayhem - - Do you suppose that he somehow could peer into the future, & saw us all blogging?
09/13/07 @ 9:04 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Proven Wrong (by the Soviets)
Jack,

My recollection is that Judge Hand is famous for a mixed-bag of quotes; ever the pragmatist, I've wondered if he perhaps mixed in a bit too much economics with his legal pronouncements; I believe that he also said: "There is nothing sinister in so arranging one's affairs as to keep taxes as low as possible." Rather unfortunate for Leona Helmsley, that she chose to take his advice to heart, 'eh?
09/13/07 @ 8:13 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Proven Wrong (by the Soviets)
Wow, Bittersweet, sounds like your school had high academic standards for teachin' astronomy; at my school, I'm certain that no teacher would have ever dared to even ask us what a "moon" was…
09/13/07 @ 7:35 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Phoenix does Peter - House Pest
I could only take miniscule comfort from that Buzz, but thanx for trying! My own recent pleas for decorum leave me feeling stymied 'bout gettin' "graphic!"

Shucks! Painted myself into a corner, 'eh?
09/13/07 @ 6:59 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Jack, pls. read nothing into that remark - I'm just trying to maintain "Tactical Readiness" while I await a Sears repairman who's now 2-hours late for his appointment (will be their 4th attempt @ same repair…).
09/13/07 @ 6:49 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
¡Olé, Juan Colmaño!
09/13/07 @ 6:39 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Phoenix does Peter - House Pest
Now and again, I stupidly allow myself to believe that reasonable people might be able to come-together, voice their opinions, then decide important issues on their merits…

Well, WHOA! Lemme tell ya, Christie - HOPE HURTS!!!
09/13/07 @ 6:12 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
"Geeeez" right bakatcha, bittersweet, in case your last comment was intended for me (Always startles me, whenever anybody refers to bullfighting as a "sport!")

I will freely admit to being incredibly thick - totally from the neck up, of course - so if I was the target of your remark, I'll say that I only found Crusader's little blunder amusing - not offensive, and I certainly saw no need to mount a white horse & come to your defense; yer dooin' jes' fine wit' dat…
09/13/07 @ 5:56 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Of Blogs and Wampanoags
Diana, Im reluctant to appear as undermining your sage advice to BS (unfortunate contraction) since I think that it's pretty-much spot-on; still, one of my favorite blogs totally lays-waste to your theory & each new installment renders me incapacitated for a while… It's called boobsinjuriesanddrpepper.blogspot - you can easily add the "dot-com" if you decide to check-it-out.
09/13/07 @ 5:40 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Crusader, I'm in no way taking exception to any of your positions - 'least as I understand them. I jumped-into the ruckus 'tween you & Jack 'cuz I've noticed that folks tend to stop listening when they're getting yelled-at. I hoped that a few moments' levity would let you guys catch your breath, come to your senses, then share in a big hug, before you went back to bashing each other in more refined fashion…

Did it work?

(Btw - can I say that, Di? - I can't rightly claim to be either an "innie" or an "outie" so leave that out of the mix.)
09/13/07 @ 4:00 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Crusader, earlier today, I tried to gently point-out that your choice of phrasing was about to get you into Deep Sh*t!

Sho'nuff, our resident picador spotted your gaff & deftly jabbed - it's his job to leave no exposed piece of flesh un-bloodied, & he's durn good at it!
09/13/07 @ 3:37 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Was far worse than that, Jack - the text of the wisecrack read "… normal woman, with half a brain"

Whew! My life would have been way too dull, if I''d known many "normal, half-brained women" - as you've intimated tho, encounters with half-assed guys may occur without warning … (does the defect make'm sit lop-sided?)
09/13/07 @ 2:57 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Of Blogs and Wampanoags
"In my opinion" (I find fake humility unbecoming…)
09/13/07 @ 2:33 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Of Blogs and Wampanoags
Hi, Diana. (Excuse my interruption here folks, but I cannot "legally" post again @ Diana's own "Building Bridges" blog, since no one else has since commented there. - Silly rule, imo, Blogfather…)

Anyway, the "quickening" as Fall is sometimes called, has just begun to weave magic colors into our landscape, so I'm really hoping to see a Part II to the Frugal Gardener's story, as you observe life slowly ebb from the garden. Perhaps we'll be further favored with a Part III next February, looking out from some snug nook, as snow billows & drifts into that space & you reflect on what was once there, then feel the 1st stirrings of some impatience for Spring's return... Whoops! Did I give away too much of the plot? (OK, baad pun.)

Seriously Diana I hope that you'll continue to share the view… (Wasn't it my turn to lead a cheer?) Check out her blog, folks - you'll be glad you did!
09/13/07 @ 1:17 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Crusader, you need to put more-effort into culling redundant phrases from your posts… ;-)
09/13/07 @ 11:30 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Phoenix does Peter - House Pest
Jack, Solon:

One day Peter is a journalist, next day, he'll bristle at the description; seeking approval from the establishment, he'll claim to be a reporter; when defending his self-promoting, over-the-top blogging, he calls himself a commentator. He seems to have a knack for sliding up~down the bannister of objectivity, pausing at any point just long-enough to confound or appease his audience.

While few question his diligence or the facts he has reported, 'most anybody that hasn't already signed-on to his anti-casino viewpoint, can see how this man's incessant, opportunistic harping & carping about the "players" are diverting attention away from the region's important issues of tribal sovereignty & economic development. Reporter, commentator, blogger, journalist - regardless of whatever label best suits him today - A "Class Act" would never be so hungry for notoriety, that he'd need to become a bigger story than the one he's covering, or gloat over the downfall of those who won't to defer to his ascendancy!

Get your noses outta Pete's exhaust & rediscover the Cape's clean air!
09/13/07 @ 10:19 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Way-to-go, Keesuq!

I'd say you got the number of "feathers" just about right that time! Keep your eyes on the Prize, & let the turds sink to the bottom of the tank - you'll never win an argument with someone who's determined to stay ignorant!
09/12/07 @ 2:57 pm
Keesuq, - thanks for your comments, but I needed no apology. My interests are served by seeing your head & your heart join forces; you have the capacity to be both a fierce warrior & a wise leader. I can see that you're learning to wear the right number of "feathers" required by each task you are undertaking!

Many people were left with both their trust & their pride wounded by Peter's revelations. However unpleasant that was, all parties need to see that as a wake-up call, to make future negotiations about tribal affairs as open as possible, so as to ensure that the greatest number of members share fully in the fairest "deals" obtainable. For that matter, no one on either side of current casino negotiations can any longer claim innocence as a reason for not doing more homework. Certainly, important questions have occurred to me, but they are not mine to ask; I hope you will all carefully examine the experiences of other tribes & other host communities, as well as learning more about the "faces" attached to the fat wallets… Wolitpiyane!!!
09/12/07 @ 12:07 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Quahog, you're probably right that Peter's tactics aren't likely to win many friends, but I would also strongly disagree that he is an "enemy" of the tribe, either - He's just doing the "due diligence" (that's fancy-talk for homework) for folks that are uninterested, unwilling or unable to do it for themselves. You may be discomforted by what he uncovers, but that will likely be far less painful than waking up to realize that your dreams have been hijacked...

Any true "enemy" of the Mashpee tribe would never be so foolish as to reveal themselves on these pages, nor so-undisciplined as to actually engage in a debate with you!
09/11/07 @ 9:32 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Two dozen, give or take a couple dozen
Maverick, appears to me that you just walked-away from a good opportunity to steer debate back on track, by ignoring your own advice to discuss "offshore wind capabilities" rather than your OWN "diversionary crap!" Your opinion of Jack's abilities as a journalist have about as much to do with that debate, as his suspicions about you being an environmentally-conscious sports fisherman & skipper…
09/11/07 @ 8:44 pm
Keesuq, I usually support your enthusiasm, but I think that you're "over-the-top" on that comment! Although I have disagreed with Peter Kenney on occasion, I find nothing in this article, or for that matter - anything in his prior statements, to suggest that he opposes the Mashpee from fully enjoying all the rights to which they're entitled. Don't be so ready to slap Peter around; I very-much believe that he's on your side on this one.

Many think the greatest long term threat to achieving all of your entitlements, may come from hidden agendas of outside investors & tribal officers, who could STILL easily dictate changes to your laws which would allow them to unfairly siphon-off or redirect future prosperity to which the tribe is entitled! The tribe's future interests may be best served, if you and others put some serious effort into learning how other tribes have had their prosperity hijacked, and making wise choices to keep that from happening here. After 400 years, time is finally your friend again, but it is still the enemy of anyone who would have you rush into bad agreements…
09/11/07 @ 1:22 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Keesuq, I've stated before - I applaud your enthusiasm for moving forward with the many opportunities that can come from sovereignty. Unfortunately, none of this is likely to be easy or automatic. Sovereignty is very-much a mixed blessing, since it removes a lot of oversight & protection for tribal members which used to be provided by local, state & federal agencies, and transfers authority for many important decisions to tribal councils - who all too often appear to have their own interests at heart, rather than the welfare of their entire tribe. Sadly, this is particularly apparent when the lure of huge gambling profits has lured tribal councils into shunning & dis-enrolling large numbers of members to increase the take for remaining members; secretly passing ordinances which greatly reduce councils' requirements to be answerable to their members & making it almost impossible to replace self-serving council members. At the Indianz (dot-com) web site, you can read many horror stories and a few success stories; take the time to uncover the reasons for those different experiences…
09/11/07 @ 1:04 am
I've been hoping that the tribal council would re-discover its historical magnanimity, & rescind the shunning order against the Binghams. et al - especially since it no longer hampers the Binghams from gaining wide attention for their dissenting views, and its continued existence makes the current council appear hostile towards diversity & debate within the tribe's membership. Despite frequent references to the shunning in the media, none of these references have included any definitive statement about the current status of the order; is it still in-effect? Have there been any votes taken to lift it?

It may take considerable patience & wisdom on the part of these council members, to find the optimal balance between acknowledging & incorporating diverse viewpoints, while still moving forward on opportunities "in play" at this time. However, if the council doesn't even try to meet that challenge, their credibility is likely to suffer to a point that they're not able to move forward anyway. This is not a small challenge, to be sure!
09/10/07 @ 11:18 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Reading the "reports" blogs & comments concerning the tribe's march to sovereignty & a gaming license, I'm stuck by how far folks are willing to lean, in order to overlook the foibles of those who they consider to be champions of their respective viewpoints; while the same folks appear voraciously eager to hoist even the dumbest, trivial infraction from the "opposing team" to the ramparts, to make certain, I suppose, that this behavior is widely noted & by implication, point out that the opposing camp is full of scurrilous ruffians, intent on misleading reasonable folk into making bad choices. Truth is, imo, that the most-visible advocates on both sides of these debate appear unable to consistently keep their eyes on the prize, by putting forward persuasive arguments for their viewpoints, and rather go for the immediate gratification afforded by rhetorical kick-boxing. If the intent is to thoroughly discredit the social & political maturity of this region, & thus chase away ALL potential sources of expanded economic development, then keep up the good work; it won't take much longer…
09/10/07 @ 12:35 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Thanks, "comedyaffair." As a "newbie" to these blogs, it's taken me a couple of weeks (and a couple of skull-bashings) to draw that same conclusion. If we're all willing to trust that there really is some collective intellect at work, yearning to make responsible choices for this region, then we don't help that cause by fanning the flames ignited by the more whacked-out participants in this public debate! Putting it another way, when left unstirred, turds quickly sink to the bottom of the tank…
09/10/07 @ 11:43 am
Gosh, look at the furor & folderol over the professor's fleeting foible, for having left his "S" exposed! I'm surprised that the site's resident linguist, Jack Coleman, hasn't weighed-in! (Waded-in, by Diana's metaphor - tho I dare not ask what she thinks we are "floating" in.) In his absence, my thanx to Dan Y, for his attempt to restore some decorum to the discussion.

Hope you're OK, Jack…
09/09/07 @ 9:15 pm
Good evening, DW.

When I saw that our exchanges had drifted substantially from the topic of Mwalim's post, I moved my last response to your "Garden Spot" - since I was offering a comment about your garden (obliquely) and, just as importantly, I've noticed that Mwalim regularly (& recently) disparages those who won't stick to the confines of his selected topics. Fair enough, I figured; it's his blog after all - But, at the same time, I think that he could choose to be pleased by the viral-effect his choice of topics has had on the lively discussions which have ensued...

OK, having stated that disclaimer (or, is that an exclaimer?) I'll add that you already know DeltaMan is no stranger to finding himself in hot water here, so "Whither thou goest..."

(PS - I really hope that someone will post an additional comment on Gadfly's "What does it all mean?" post, so that I can respond to a question from Jack Coleman, which has languished unanswered, since this AM ...)
09/09/07 @ 11:58 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Keesuq, I understand how difficult it can be to fit a whole idea into the (approx.) 1100-character limit for a single comment- I suspect that I may also have been spanked for that. I know that I won't always agree with you, but your views are still valuable to me, so please don't risk getting banned from here. I've seen that the moderators have been lax & erratic about enforcing posting rules, but someone is apparently "back from vacation" so don't count on them overlooking your future infractions. If you've got more than 1100 characters to "say" - just ask another commenter to jump-in between your segments, or ask a blogger (Mwalim? Peter Kenney?) to host a guest column from you.

Glad to see you keepin' it peaceful & positive!
09/09/07 @ 9:11 am
Diana,

Ha! For weaks an weaks, I've wundered jes' wot it wood take 2 gitcha trooly wrathfull

(Btw, as a writer, you might like to know the Mac Operating System offers spell checking on-the-fly, for challenged mortals like me - You ought to see all the smoke I just created, with the above sentence!)
09/09/07 @ 9:01 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Jack, since you keep beating the "truthfulness" drum, I hope you'll say how errors of omission affect putting forth a "truthful" view on issues. For example, Peter Kenney has made much out of how other news sources refused to investigate or report the 'rumblings' about Glenn Marshall, 'til well after he did. Now, it appears that he's ignoring weeks of building clamor from equally credible new sources, making allegations of unsavory & criminal past conduct by the Bingham's - who now appear eager for their turn to hijack the tribe.

There's really no point in defending his distortions; I now understand - he's a cartoonist, not a reporter!
09/09/07 @ 8:27 am
Diana, call me a fuddy-duddy, but I believe spelling, grammar & punctuation do matter, insofar as they make it easier for us to assimilate content placed before us. Collectively, they provide 'rules of the road' which help ensure a smooth journey, as we venture into the uncharted venues of other folks' consciousness. Within these blogs, we lack a lot of cues which can aid our understanding in face-to-face communications - facial expression, body language, intonation - they're all missing here, so remaining elements of good communication take on additional significance. When I post something, it's with the earnest intent that my thoughts will be understood by as many as possible, out of those favoring me by reading them; I believe that following the "rules of the road" makes it easier for readers to follow my ideas. Althought that's separate from any hope that some might agree with me, I'm also less likely to be betrayed by a false comfort coming from folks cheering when they didn't understand…

Anyway, I hope you'll take this as a counterpoint, not a "gauntlet."
09/09/07 @ 7:29 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: And then there was Shawn
Jack, I was pleased to see that we'd easily agreed on something; thought that you might be too... Although, I had intended to say earlier, that I'd be delighted if Mwalim would choose to weigh-in with an opinion on this (my wife appears to have 'misplaced' my copy of Strunk's).
09/08/07 @ 10:44 pm
Gosh, it's 10:40, on a Saturday evening; some of us should get a Life, 'eh? (here's the final, part #5):

Before moving forward with the point of my comment, I want to thank Diana for her suggestion (& the chuckle 'bout spell check). I would gladly ignore the blatant bias on Mashpee tribal matters in "news" reports, if it weren't spawning so many rancorous discussions elsewhere @ this site - which some days seem to drown-out any chance for rational & respectful debate!

Anyway, if there are other participants like me, who find the extra work to sort out the facts from the flights of fancy to be an annoying extra burden, & believe that this style of "reporting" is impugning an otherwise credible & valuable news source, then I invite you to express your views on this directly to the Cape Cod Today management, by emailing info@ecape.com.

In case my public rabble-rousing gets me permanently disbarred, I'll say right now: "It's been a hoot! Good luck to you all!" /dm
09/08/07 @ 9:52 pm
Thanx, Di; that post gave the blog the punctuation my pt. 4 comment needed, to keep from getting deleted…

A big reason for my struggle over coming to grips with this issue, is that I've been grateful for finding background to news events that doesn't typically (1st) appear anywhere else; however, when I reviewed the "news" contained in one week's posting to a local news blog, I realized that the actual information content was only a miniscule fraction of the total posts, and rather than making anything about the news more entertaining, valuable, or readable at any level, it just made a lot of extra work for me, as a result of being treated like a fisherman, & forced to dig thru a lot of muck for the "clams" buried beneath. When I 1st recognized the inherent unfairness in this, I emailed my concerns privately to the Cape Cod Today staff; the only response I've had to date, was in a sarcastic post directed at me, from one "reporter" fitting the profile I've just described.

Thanks to all, for your patience so far - there is a short closing to this saga, appropriately called pt. 5…
09/08/07 @ 9:42 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
Peter, if "someone" manages to get this comment deleted, I hope that it still remains up for a few hours…

For whatever reasons, you have chosen to make yourself a public figure - looming as large (larger, in some minds) as the issues you're reporting. Congrats on your great success with this, but you don't seem to understand that you now have "become" who your readers believe you to be, when you appear on these web pages. All protests to the contrary just don't cut it, when (right on the heels of these pious pronouncements) you cannot resist gleefully jabbing at a minor traffic accident with: "Glenn Marshall doesn't know when to stop!" Your relentless bashing of this fallen idol - on matters totally unrelated to tribal governance - is turning Glenn into a martyr in the service of your ego, even in the minds of folks that haven't forgiven him for the damage he brought on the tribe's credibility at this critical juncture in their history. Under these circumstances, I think that it's also entirely fair for readers to ask: "Does Peter Kenney know when to stop?"
09/08/07 @ 9:17 pm
Hi, Diana. Well, I can't say 4 sure just what got me in trouble, since it's been deleted (I suspect that it may have been an innocuous compliment directed to you).

Anyway, here's pt. 3:
What I'm finding unsettling & unethical about how this plays-out in practice, is that the some "reporters" who've been entrusted with both mantles - blogger & reporter - can't seem to keep straight which hat they're wearing at any given moment, and are abusing the forums - even the public trust - by claiming to be reporting the "news" while unleashing vituperative attacks on personalities in the news, which go far-beyond any knowledge or objective recounting of facts, & which, on the face of it - could get them disbarred from further posting - if the guidelines for commenters were equally applied to "reporters."
I find this editorial bias to be particularly reprehensible when the particular "reporters" are taking full-advantage of the policy which allows them to maintain more than one blog, thus being able to release spew from both barrels, on hapless objects of their scorn!

(Pt. 4, anybody?)
09/08/07 @ 7:43 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: What does it all mean?
quahog & washiki, please also visit the comments on Mwalim's blog, under his "Coming of Age:" post - I just started a commentary which speaks to your concerns...
09/08/07 @ 7:24 pm
Thanks, "pugwash" - although it feels like I insult you by even saying that ;)
- Here's pt. 2, due to 'popular' request:

Immediately upon seeing Mwalim's remark, I was jolted into realizing how I'd been struggling with an unfair practice that the "Editors" are tolerating, if not actually fostering, for reasons known best to them:

Some bloggers have dual roles (responsibilities?) at Cape Cod Today, and are entrusted with space on the website to report factually, on hard news; nothing in practice prevents these reporters from creating additional blogs, wherein they can freely vent their thoughts & opinions about matters in the news, as well entering into dialogs with other readers - both within there own blogs, as well as on other blog pages.

(There's a part #3, for anyone patient-enough to ask...)
09/08/07 @ 6:44 pm
(The following post will appear in segments, & will be posted over a several hours, as I want to be certain that it's not deleted thru some technical infraction of commenting rules...)

I'm taking exception to Mwalim's comment, because I've recently been inexplicably censured & had one of my comments censored. This comment is in no way intended to be "sour grapes" about that, & I hope to eventually learn how I ran afoul of the law here... At the same time, this episode brought a different perspective to Mwalim's comment, as I realized that neither blogging or commenting is an inherent privilege here, & we're all expected to conform to some unseen "nanny's" interpretation of "simple rules" on how to keep the playing field level for all players. While that's an admirable goal, it will only serve the interests of this community properly when it's fairly & evenly adimnistered. (Please, somebody - ask me for part 2? )
09/08/07 @ 4:25 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: And then there was Shawn
Ha, Jack, ever the semanticist! (Another phrase - "cunning linguist" - also occurred to me, but I considered that to be a tad more ambiguous...)

Anyway, there's nothing coursing thru my veins which would give me any inherent insight in responding to your query, & I suspect that I've occasionally been sloppy or inconsistent on that convention. Still, when we substitute the names of other cultures & their nations in your question - English Spanish, French - then adding the "S" seems inappropriate, but that would leave some messy, unfinished business about what to do with the "Italians" 'eh? Anyhow, with only my gut to guide me, I'd likely leave the "S" off, 'cept when I also plan on putting an apostrophe into play along with it...
09/08/07 @ 1:09 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: And then there was Shawn
I appreciate your clarification, Buzz, although the issue you've pointed to is really far-larger than the Pequouts' timely re-discoveriy of their roots. Thanks largely to the efforts of Abramoff et al, there are currently more than 40 native american clans throughout the US, in various stages of that same process - with the expressed intent of obtaining casino licenses! As a native american, I cringe at seeing how closely associated gambling & native "culture" have become! On the other hand, much of the coastal & woodland indian cultures in the northeast have been obscured by generations of acculturation ('cept for a lot of place names that folks from 'away' find unpronounceable) so I've been personally thrilled to see the revival that's taking place. When it appears that the primary reason for resurrecting a culture is to obtain a gaming license, I find that a reprehensible perversion of the process - sort of like big game poachers stripping endangered species of their ivory, & leaving the carcasses to rot! (I haven't missed the irony of South African money behind the Mashpee bid.)
09/07/07 @ 10:48 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: And then there was Shawn
One other point, "Jack Coleman," whether "deltaman" is a convict posting from behind bars, or some priest performing penance, I want my comments to only have the weight of the matter contained in them, without being interpreted through the filters of who people think that I am. Still, it's probably fair to respond to a few "points of ponder" that some have expressed or intimated about me:

1. Am I a native american? - Yes!
2. Am I also a Massachusetts resident, who's life will be somehow affected by the Mashpee Wampanoags' sovereignty? - Yes, most certainly!
3. Do I expect to directly benefit as an individual, from present & future matters under consideration by the tribe? - Not in any way known to me, or imagined by me.

Ho!
09/07/07 @ 10:22 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: And then there was Shawn
I take your point Jack, but most blogs and forums I've seen expect & respect contributors' right to privacy. I've noted your prior suggestions - both to myself and others, to "come out." In deference to my family and to our friends & business, I choose not to do that at this time - not as an opportunity for me to exhibit bad manners without consequence, but to protect my friends & family from the bad manners of others. This is, in fact, one of the legitimate 'rules" in effect here, and I'm grateful for it.
09/07/07 @ 8:53 pm
Diana, I 'spect that I'm probably well-more than twice your age, but your positive values & gentle ways of expressing them resonate easily with me. - Thanks!
09/07/07 @ 8:29 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: And then there was Shawn
Buzz, obviously there are NO "Rules of Blogging" in effect here! In their absence, I suggest that our conduct should be the same as for any constructive dialog which might occur if we were face to face - When you lob an innuendo into the stream of dialog, it should be considered reasonable conduct, to ask for & receive a clarification when politely requested... As a kid, did you toss flaming stink-bombs on other folks' porches, then scoot away before you could be caught? IMHO, the rules of engagement should be different here, if any constructive purpose is to be served by these discussions. I've "met" folks here, whom I'll rarely agree with, but I'll only call them out when I think that they're being rude, dishonest or counter-productive (your choice). I don't believe that ANY useful purpose will be served by further re-hashing & questioning the Mashpee Wampanoags' right to tribal sovereignty - it's a done deal! Get ready to influence the path and share in the opportunities that are going to follow-on from that!
09/07/07 @ 6:59 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: And then there was Shawn
Buzz, I'm fully aware of the context for your comment, but I'm STILL unaware of your reason(s) for it. Perhaps you'll consider taking your own advice from a few days ago, when YOU said in a post; "Are you attempting to make a point here? Just say it."
09/07/07 @ 6:48 pm
Diana, I think that it would be great if the Wampanoags had the means (& courage) to directly sponsor these discussions on their own website. Short of that, these forums are an important means for the tribal members to present their views to a wider audience, & to learn how that "wider audience" regards them. Regardless of the venue, I believe that all participants incur a responsibility to "keep it clean" and responsible; I don't think that's been happening here regularly, and I fully support Mwalim's & Keesuq's complaints about that, since the management of Cape Cod Today appears to be unwilling to exert any effective editorial restraint on repeatedly over-the-top, rude conjectures, both by bloggers & commenters... At least for the short-term, they must be really pleased by all the clicks & click-throughs that this furor is generating - sadly, at the tribe's expense!
09/07/07 @ 6:17 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: And then there was Shawn
Buzz, both are "done deals" so what's your point?
09/07/07 @ 6:15 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: And then there was Shawn
Keesug,we've been seeing writings from both Peter Kenney & Dan Kennedy on the Cape Cod Today website recently; perhaps it was your intention to take-on both of them with that comment (Although I thought that Dan's observations were far-more reasonable). I totally agree that Peter's agenda seems to be fueled by interests that revolve around his ego to a far greater degree than his concerns for the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe or the Cape Cod region. You and I can both hope, that on a clear, hot day like this, most folks will wisely choose to avoid the stinking clam flats altogether, & leave him standing alone out there in his rhetorical waders... (Btw, I thought that your appeal to Peter was stunning & beautiful, for its unpretentious honesty! I hope that your heart leads you to play an important role in helping to guide the Wampanoags' future! )
09/07/07 @ 4:37 pm
Keesuq, I appreciate & applaud the passion behind your statements. Nevertheless, what is truly valid & good for the tribe to undertake, should be able to withstand the test of a few months of responsible reflection & discussion before proceeding.

Fall is a time to count the harvest & make careful preparations for the next growing season! A wise & strong tribal leadership should ensure that the current harvest isn't squandered over the winter, & that a good supply of seeds and roots are reserved for future planting …
09/07/07 @ 3:26 pm
Irrespective of how the Mashpee Wampanoag restored their sovereignty, the nation now faces the greatest range of choices & challenges since the 1st encounter with Pilgrims! This is a truly awesome moment in the tribe's history; I'm surprised that no one has yet called for a pow-wow to both celebrate what's just happened, and to seriously consider all that can be responsibly "harvested" from this accomplishment I hope that the tribe does not cheapen the significance of this moment by rushing into accepting any outside agreements or changes to tribal by-laws, before ensuring that all such matters represent the true "heart" & culture of the tribe, while also best representing the economic interests of Wampanoag descendants as yet unborn! (Mortgaging or renting tribal birthrights should be worth more than $12,000 apiece, imho; that's means that the tribe would only get to divvy-up approximately 1 day's take from the casino!) Please remember what happened 400 years ago, during THAT round of negotiations between Wampanoags & the "settlers" ...
09/07/07 @ 2:21 pm
Way-to-go, Mwalim; I've also been concerned about how internal squabbling will affect public perceptions about the tribe's readiness to wisely administer all the newly expanded opportunities. I can understand your call for rallying behind the current council members, while also sympathizing with the concerns of many who have felt excluded from oversight & input on important decisions about the social, cultural & economic future of their tribe, & who now see an opportunity to have their concerns taken seriously. I really hope that the tribal council is able to quickly move past their current, understandable "deer in the headlights" posture, and take steps to restore transparency, inclusiveness & tolerance to tribal governance. If they choose to stonewall in response to concerns swirling around them, that by itself will only add fuel to the divisiveness you're finding unseemly at this point. I hope you will continue to sponsor & develop discussion around this topic; I'm pleased to see someone from within the nation taking a leadership role in this…
09/06/07 @ 7:57 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Why Mashpee wants another Treaty
Great reporting here, Peter! I'm quite intrigued by how this "octopus" of a story manages to grow more tentacles, as soon as it sheds one. By now, I hope that Gov. Patrick is having serious misgivings about casino gambling being a panacea for some rash campaign promises.
09/06/07 @ 6:54 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Why is Sen. Wilkerson interested in the Wampanoags?
I got your point, Jack! Nevertheless, since popular parlance allows us to refer to "politics" & "prostitution" as professions, I think that we need to cut some slack for less-fortunate journalists, by allowing them to wear that approbation…
09/05/07 @ 11:58 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Why is Sen. Wilkerson interested in the Wampanoags?
Jack Coleman says: "Journalism isn't a profession, deltaman." To which I must ruefully reply: "That's a fact, Jack!" At least in the context of this website, you win that one on a technicality, since the quintessential definition of any profession is that it be a "paid occupation!" However, there's nothing wrong with a bunch of ardent hobbyists gettin' together for some fun times. (Methinks that Jack doth like to joust & spar...)
09/05/07 @ 11:37 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Why is Sen. Wilkerson interested in the Wampanoags?
Geeze, Pete, I'd feel like such a crumb if I really thought I'd spoiled your fun; 'specially when you've been providing some of mine lately... After our recent exchanges, I'm convinced that:

1. You're a good sport, and -
2. We will probably continue to agree more-often on issues, & less-often on tactics...

Mebbe we could both entertain & enlighten your readers with a "good cop ~ bad cop" shtick, a la Cagney & Lacey; Over time, I've morphed into Lacey's figure, but we'd both need substantial augmentation to our residual plumage, to be visually convincing in those roles... (OK, I accept that my proposal is somewhat presumptuous, since I only know what you look like from the neck up. Still, I'd really prefer if you'd just leave me in the dark on the "rest" for a bit longer - promise?)
09/05/07 @ 9:56 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: And then there was Shawn
This comment was deleted because it did not follow the simple rules for comments after the write was warned once by email. Editors
09/05/07 @ 9:53 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: And then there was Shawn
For me, the significance of recent revelations about the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council, is that this still-unfolding story is only a microcosm of what appears to typically occur, whenever/wherever the gaming interests come-to-town. During those early but formative encounters with the shadowy figures known as "Investors" it's unlikely that any tribal government has the requisite where-with-all to objectively determine if the proposals in front of them represent their constituents' best interests, nor if they are achieving the optimal amount of leverage over distribution of future proceeds, both direct & collateral. Historically, most tribal governance has employed some form of consensus-rule. However, the time typically required for a tribe to reach a consensus about anything important is a total anathema to investors hovering nearby, as they need lots of churn & quick return on their highly-leveraged funds.
09/05/07 @ 8:27 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: A Day At The Playground
This story resonates with me, Mwalim. As a child, I was frequently subjected to taunts, thefts, and even occasional abuse by other children. However, it wasn't until I had children of my own, & saw them experiencing some of the discrimination which I'd experienced, that my indignation reached full flower! Both of my sons are now well-into their 40s, & are quite able to fend for themselves now, tho rarely called to do so. Still, despite the great lapse of time, I quickly identified with the universal call-to-arms, that any loving parent in your circumstances would experience. Your restraint was commendable & appropriate, since it likely contributed to your young son remaining unaware of the darker implications of that encounter. In time, with your guidance, he will learn that bigots only diminish themselves, when they attempt to belittle him! Hopefully, the other parent will suffer from sufficient lapses in diligence, that her own children will be allowed to reach that same conclusion on their own...
09/05/07 @ 6:16 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Why is Sen. Wilkerson interested in the Wampanoags?
OK, it's likely that I'm already abusing some folks patience here, so here's one last point, Peter; you mentioned that the profession of Journalism has no universal guiding principles (perhaps, even no principles) so I might risk another scolding by conjecturing about yours... In fact, if writing is a safety valve for you - sort of like that thing on top of the water heater - then you're probably already achieving your purpose, & are well-advised to just ignore me. On the other hand, if your intention is to 1st inform & then sway your readership, I suggest that some of us will be more readily moved, if you manage to separate the content from conjecture. Besides, I can barely imagine how much-more hair-raising & entertaining your commentaries might be, without heeding to the constraint of appearing subtle & objective...
09/05/07 @ 5:39 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Why is Sen. Wilkerson interested in the Wampanoags?
(Hey, folks, I just remembered - Tobacco was also a "gift" from native americans; we DO have intriguing ways of getting even 'eh?)
09/05/07 @ 5:32 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Why is Sen. Wilkerson interested in the Wampanoags?
Although you haven't has asked, Peter, I'm personally skeptical about how the miniscule amount of gaming spoils which typically filter down to native tribes or the general population, can be worth the pervasive "coarsening" of Quality of Life that appears to inevitably follow & fan-out from casino operations... In similar fashion, if we chose to be completely oblivious to public health concerns, we could then smugly claim that cigarette sales are a "good thing" for convenience store operators!
09/05/07 @ 5:23 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Why is Sen. Wilkerson interested in the Wampanoags?
I'm sincerely grateful for your diligence, Peter. The lives of ALL Massachusetts residents would be affected by allowing casino gambling in our Commonwealth; I'm disappointed that it's still largely viewed as a local or - at most - regional issue for the Cape, by residents of the inland counties. At least that was the prevailing attitude until the Mohegans recently revealed their plans to leapfrog into Palmer... However 'crafty' this maneuver may be for the gaming interests behind it, it's disclosure at this time seems incredibly stupid (imho) because it's bound to alert & galvanize a far-larger contingent of "anti-'s" by bringing the issue closer to home for many more...
09/05/07 @ 5:11 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Why is Sen. Wilkerson interested in the Wampanoags?
Hi, Peter. Nope, not offended; I hope that I will always be bigger than that! However, I'm worried that pursuing the personalities (although entertaining) can distract folks from making considered choices about the "progress" that's bearing down on them...
09/05/07 @ 8:50 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Why is Sen. Wilkerson interested in the Wampanoags?
Peter, judging from your own posts, I expect that you would object strenuously to anyone presenting you with a manicured version of 'facts' - while simultaneously being told what to think about those "facts." Despite that, you repeatedly insult your readers by making it plain that you have no confidence in their abilities to draw reasonable conclusions from the "facts" you're "reporting" to them, and then insist on coercing your readership towards the only opinions which you find acceptable. While I truly appreciate your diligence on behalf of the Commonwealth's residents, it's also quite tiring to have to regularly scrape-off your vituperative spew, in order to see the facts beneath. On the other hand, I'd actually enjoy reading your "take" on events (whether I agree or not) if you could separate them from your reporting & include your conclusions as at the end of your posts.

Some of your entries suggest mounting frustration that you're not being taken-seriously as a journalist, by others in this profession; I suspect that I've just given you their raison d’être…
09/03/07 @ 2:39 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Rats, Race Cards and Hypocrisy
Diana, I appreciate that yours is one of the few calm, reasonable voices here, & you appear to be concerned with how we should best respond to our collective opportunities, rather than finding folks to blame & punish for providing those opportunities!
09/03/07 @ 1:12 am
I urge the Tribal Council to immediately retain an independent auditor, to give an objective perspective to all the cozy, informal accounting that's taken place over the last decade or so - both to remove any taint of complicity carrying-over from the Marshall era of governance, as well as getting a clear picture of ALL the legal & fiscal ramifications which the present council may have inherited, as a result of Glenn Marshall's actions while an officer and agent of the Tribe. Acting rapidly, responsibly & resolutely to get the all the Tribe's business affairs in order and transparent, will go a long way in reassuring understandably jittery voters, politicians & regulators, that the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council is NOW ready & capable of properly managing it's fiduciary responsibilities for the entire tribe. Put another way, it was who'lot easier for the council to distance themselves from Marshall, than it will be, to distance themselves from his actions while chairman!
09/03/07 @ 1:09 am
Peter, your diligence is commendable - particularly when you let the facts you've uncovered speak for themselves, without being tainted by rhetoric or suspicion of vendetta...
09/01/07 @ 1:51 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Rats, Race Cards and Hypocrisy
(continued)
A great many of your previous posts & replies contain provocative slap shots & scornful invectives, spewed broadly against 'most any person or group whom you even suspect of holding values or views different than your own... Well, duh, brother - your respondents can easily crawl over the bar, on the low peg where you left it! It's no wonder (to me, in any case) that many of your blog-commenters are as scornful & intolerant as you are. I'm disappointed to see that even those claiming journalistic credentials haven't resisted the invitation to get down & dirty with you! I'm hungry for reasoned discussions on tribal sovereignty & casino gambling; it ain' happening here!
09/01/07 @ 1:50 pm
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Rats, Race Cards and Hypocrisy
Mwalim, I was taken-back by your opening paragraph here. Having recently discovered your blog, I was immediately stuck by how discussion of worthwhile topics was being overlaid with insults, innuendoes & intolerance - from you, as well as your respondents. At 1st, I thought that you were being a hypocrite, but this current post's comment about your respondents representing the "bottom rung"reveals you as truly naive!
09/01/07 @ 12:39 am
deltaman [Member]
In response to: Anti-Casino:
When revelations about Marshall became public, several of the tribe were quick to stone him & distance themselves with disclaimers about how they'd "always known" "always suspected" etc. Some of the tribe have just now gone public with allegations of lying & bullying from more than 40 years’ ago! I’m put-off by the apparent hypocrisy of some suddenly sanctimonious Wampanaogs who've been willing to ride Glenn's coattails to the Promised Land, up to this point.
Even without knowing about his 'ancient' past, more recent reports of his behavior towards other tribal members could have suggested that this was/is a deeply flawed human being, to anyone willing to notice.
While I suspect that much of Glenn's tireless efforts on behalf of the Mashpee Wampanoag were fueled by his personal aspirations, it's unquestionable that the entire tribe benefited from those efforts, & will continue to do so, well into the future - perhaps even more than will the man who led the fight to obtain those benefits! Let's see more respect for his accomplishments & some compassion for his humanity!"

About This Blog

Blog Chowder What's Blog Chowder?
Local ideas, opinions, humor, politics, musings & a few old salts thrown in for good measure. Thick, tasty and often pungent! You can visit all the Cape Bloggers below, browse blog archives, & even search our blogs. If you're interested in setting up a blog, it's free and easy. Just email us & we'll get you started.

Terms of Use/Disclaimer

- site sponsors -


CCT Blog Tools

Login to comment or manage your blog:

Username: 

Password:     

Become a CapeCodToday Blogger!

Are you passionate about your community? Do you blog or at least harbor thoughts of doing so?

If so, CapeCodToday.com would like to host your blog on our CapeCodToday weblog publishing platform.

Blog Newsfeed

CapeCodToday uses standard web "newsfeeds" (RSS) to automatically update the latest blog entries in your browser or newsreader.

Use any of the links below in your newsreader or web browser to get "CapeCodToday Blog Chowder" postings delivered to you, or use the RSS icon in your browser's address bar.

RSS 2.0 Atom 0.3