Clean the SlateVOTE!VOTE!VOTE!VOTE!VOTE!

If only all the terms of Knox County Government lasted 2 years.
Of course it's not feasible but IF there was ever a time, this is it.

Friday -on the WWW, and in Saturdays Print, the KNS reported a troubling story.

"Knox County's top death investigator contends her efforts to blow the whistle on the misuse of taxpayer money went ignored for months and ultimately have cost her a private job and her health."

I get a head ache trying to figure out the arrangement with the "whistle blower" but apparently Dr. Sandra Elkins has stepped down from her position as "Knox County medical examiner" for undisclosed Medical Reasons.
She's cited stress from the job encountered as a result of her trying to expose mis-spending.
She's been trying to point to wasting of Knox County Taxpayers Money since 2006.

Apparently, (from the story)
"

Elkins said in her letter that she met with Ragsdale, ex-finance chief John Werner and Senior Community Services Director Cynthia Finch in August 2006 to make her allegations. Ragsdale promised an audit by Richard Walls, who performs financial reviews at the behest of Knox County Commission.

Walls said he, in turn, sought approval from Commission Chairman Scott Moore, who gave the audit a green light. Walls set an October 2006 meeting with Elkins, a date she confirms in her letter.

"In the meantime, I got a message from Cynthia Finch to hold off," he said. "We were ready to go then. We are ready to go now. We've not heard anything from anybody."

E

Rags promised.
Finch Squashed.
Finch squashed after Walls had approval from Scoobie-BobbleHead Moore.

Now the questions start piling up.
Did Finch Squash on her own or did Rags ask her too?
Warner's gone-will he be to blame?
BobbleHead Moore 'green lighted' it for Walls.
Why didn't BobbleHead follow up? He had to know there were allegations? Sure he did.
IS Finch so powerful, her word overrides the County Mayor AND the County Commission Chairman Bobble?

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

We can't fix our own problems, they have gotten too large!

What we have is an accumulation of years of 'it's the way we do it'.
Some of our problems are years old and some are relatively new.

Ms Betty Bean has a 2 part story she's done about Scoobie, months ago.
Part One.

Part Two.
(scroll down about half a page. THEN go back to the top for another of Ms Beans nice work)

John Schmid:
“Scott wants to be so much more, but he’s way above his pay grade. He unfortunately doesn’t have the intellectual capacity to realize how he’s being used; that he is a pawn in a larger game. His nickname up at the courthouse is ‘BobbleHead.’ He has that little vacant smile – speaks to his ambition and lack of intellectual capacity. Makes you look back and think about how good we had it with Leo.”

The article if full of people Scoobie has tricked on his rise to power.
I've noticed, like many people have, 'that vacant smile'.
Some think it's him being smug, pompous, or just plain stupid.
It's ALL!

I've written about Finch and Rags. You could go back and my opinion hasn't changed at all EXCEPT that I think Finch may have more power than I thought before.

Her word overrides our County Mayor and our County Commission Chairman.
Now thats power!
Kind of like a cross between Hillary and Barrack.
Only in a RINO Administration.

BTW, as I mentioned in a comment on the story concerning Dr. Elkins,
Mr Walls may be the next to go .
He's the "County Auditor" and is bound to know some bad things are going on PLUS I think he may have spoke out of line with his quote in the KNS.
I don't think he had direct orders for how to address questions from Rags.

Where was Rags? Shopping? Conference?
I heard he was in ATLANTA with a member of his staff working on something.
On our dime, no doubt.
BobbleHead and Co maybe about to do something right (for the wrong reason I bet.)

"Knox County Commission Chairman Scott Moore Tuesday proposed cutting the remainder of County Mayor Mike Ragsdale's auto allowance - a fund that started the year at $20,000."
OUCH!
"If we take the $20,000, he's still got the $50,000," Moore said"
"Moore noted that the mayor has $50,000 budgeted as an expense account and drives a county vehicle."
"Finance director John Troyer told Moore he would provide details of where the item is in the budget and how much money remains in that $20,000 fund by Monday's full commission meeting.
"Whatever is left should be cut to zero," Moore said."

Moore knows he has that County Mayor's Job for 90 days IF Rags is thrown out or just leaves.
Then the CC votes on it.


There's so much going on! Maybe I'll be able to post another one soon.
Don't forget to comment if you'd like to. I care!

Banks, TaxPayers, and Red Light Runners

This has nothing to do with the title.



What a title, right?

We've had an outbreak of Bank Robbers lately and I don't understand what makes all them think they can get away with it.
Maybe they don't.
Robbery of a Financial Institution is instantly going to involve the FBI.
Have the drugs gotten that much better?
Do these Asshats really think they'll get away with it?
I guess trying to make logic from an illogical act isn't a good idea. It gives me a head ache.

Ms Cynthia Finch has arisen!
First on HHH then the County Meeting where Lumpy Briches was allowed to challenge her remarks about racism.
Facts-as I see them:
1)Lumpy Drawers is a Jerk in the highest order of Jerks. He didn't provide the court with his cell records during the Sunshine Trial.
He got away with it.
2)Ms Finch is the same, minus the cell records.
She's been padding her family's pockets with $$ ever since she was in charge of the "Grant Program".
She needs to be investigated and prosecuted of she's been in the wrong-which is obvious.
She's been stealing from the Tax Payers like the Idiots have been steeling from the banks.

Red Light Cameras?
Their for revenue generation. Nothing more or less.
The Land of 10,000 lakes and Peas has said they were illegal.
(I'm not a fan of theirs but dang!)

The Virginia DOT " 2007 Virginia DOT Report Shows Red Light Cameras Increase Accidents"

I'm the first to say, "We aren't them" but hey! There isn't a reason for them and if other states realize that before us, I'll say so.

I am by NO MEANS Pro Red Light Running!
I just want the people accused of it to be 'face their accuser', which isn't happening now.
I want anyone running the lights to be caught by the police and not funding the foreign company, REDFLEX!

Part of the problem?

As I said last time, Id be back sooner.

( Ref:KnoxNews by George Korda -'The place to be on Sunday' )

Part of the problem?/It's gonna cost ya!


Knox County is a unique place for this day and age in as much as the good hearted people and their trusting dispositions.

We're big enough to be a 'player' in State business, but small enough to call folks 20 miles away 'neighbor'.
Big enough for traffic, but small enough to predict about what times of the day it's safe to travel- or know a 'back way', shortcut to all points of interest.
Big enough to have many schools but small enough to know someone who works or goes to about all of them.

In -at least in MY- Knox County, we're happy with more than one "F" word.
Fun, Food,Football. Fishin. Family.

We enjoy new restaurants but have a few older, established favorites.
Some have gasoline, live bait AND those yummy Pickeled Eggs.

We're blessed with about as much water as anywhere thanks to the TVA Lakes all around us.
Hundreds of miles of shoreline in the Valley of the Most Beautiful Mountains and Hills I've seen in my World Wide Travels! (travels = more than a Braves game on the way to the beach)

We pay our property taxes, grudgingly sometimes, with the knowledge that in todays world, Education and Services cost!
We send them in and then go back to our interest with a comfortable knowledge they're being spent correctly, because you know someone who works down at the County.
But...
One of the things I love about my home is likely part of how we've gotten into much of this mess.

Our County Commission, County Mayor and the rest of the ethically challenged bunch have exposed a venerability in our natural good nature.
"Trust".
THAT is what chaps my ass the most about this whole thing.

The County Commission and County Mayor are from here(or been here a while-Rags) and have taken advantage of an extra trust they've been given. That 'extra trust' is paying it to them, and then trusting, then not paying alot of attention, because we 'never really had to' and have so much other fun to plan.
Fish to catch.
Family to visit or take care of.
Heck, Phil Fulmer is needing some extra support/to be horse whooped/to be counted as a blessing!
We've never paid attention to every detail and aren't ready to now. It's too BORING!

I don't think Knox County has seen the reasons to take away that undeserved 'extra(automatic) trust' until recently and it would be shameful if after all thats been exposed, we continue to not keep up with everything they do.
Some of us are too busy with the fore mentioned pleasures to read the paper or watch the news and we've heard rumors though...

To try to use the analogy of 'Where there's smoke, there's fire', we've been seeing alot of 'toxic trust smoke' from too many of these County Elected/Appointed Officals and the exposure of the actual fire may not be as apparent-yet.
With toxic smoke, the fumes are as harmful as the heat.

These people aren't THAT smart. I think thats been proven.
They simply are avg-to-below avg intelligence people who've stumbled upon a realization that they do have some 'automatic trust' and the close monitoring needed of people who make decisions that effect our lives and wallets has been slack at best.
Most have given up 'real employment' for a lower wage, elected position for a reason.
Power, probably. Getting jobs for family members can be a valuable tool.
Having Big Money people lobby them could simply be Ego!
I suspect it goes further and we're on the brink of finding some very dirty dealings.
No one's looked or found the right place to find it yet but I think it's there.

What's happening to our county is beyond the 'growing pains' of a naive government.
Ladies.
Gentleman.
The "Deacons" are violating the "Church" they serve.
Their hands are in the collections!

Some of your neighbors are stealing cable TV, putting magnets on their electric meters and using public water to fill their pool.
It isn't costing you anything?
IT'S costing EVERYONE something!

IF we are to continue to grow, some things will have to change before we can do it without it costing everyone alot more than it should.
And thats going to cost EVERYONE something they can't replace at any cost.
You can't get more, but it must be spent.

It's going to effect some part of your life, without a doubt.
Rich, poor, fat, thin, old, young,smart, not-so smart, tall, short, white, black,professor, Dr or Not to ed-u-ma-ca-ted, (I), (D) or (R)
It can't be helped.
"Women and Children" won't be hit the worse, as that joke goes.
It's an Equal opportunity cost.
But you aren't going to write a check for it, pay cash, or 'save change' to pay it.
Oh yea, it's more expensive than that.
It's more valuable than alot of the things we have but IF we can all just pay attention and do this right, it shouldn't be too painful to the family's budget.

The REWARDS are unmeasurable, however.
It could help- or hurt- your bank account.
It's NOT tax deductible.
The collection agency looks and acts differently though.......

IF there was an invoice, the 'For' line would read:
"Time and attention"
The Cost line would say:
"Pay Some?"

Now the question is:
Will ya?

It's been a while...

Sorry for not posting more regularly-in case anyone noticed.
Woops.

So where will I begin?

#1 Erin McLean.
The news of Eric McLeans 1st degree murder upgrade is a shame.
Having first hand knowledge of crazy relationships, I truly sympathize with him and couldn't feel worse about Sean being killed.
It all comes back to the Tramp he's married to.
There's much that can be debated, concerning his state of mind, guilt, etc.., but what I'm thinking now is Where is the Tramp Erin and -more importantly, where are the kids?
I've posted enough on the KnoxNews site to somewhat relieve myself of the pent up frustration of the whole screwed up situation- it's here-in case anyone's interested.
The main point of my concern is the children.
It's Christmas and we don't have a clue if they'll be locked in a bathroom or free to roam about while she 'Makes Whoopie' with her boy toys.
Are they warm? Will they spend any of this Christmas with Sane people who love them?
Can you imagining what Eric is going through now, thinking about them?
Not long ago, a woman and her 15yr old were having a domestic dispute and some how or another, the Sheriffs Dept wound up searching their home.
They found a pipe used to smoke a plant.
The Sheriffs Dept had Tennessee DCS come in and take the child away.
He was away for 2 weeks-as I recall.
They took a child out of a loving home because they found a pipe used for smoking weed and Erin McLean is roaming the country, screwing teenagers, in front of her kids who aren't in school.
It's also said she stays in 'cheap hotels' and leaves when she is unable to pay the bills!
They can't give her divorce papers because she isn't in one place long enough.

Right now, I wish some Law Enforcement Officer would find a "grass pipe" in her possession.
She'd get a $50 fine and DCS could take the kids.
I pray those boys, of 11 and 8 (6th and 3rd grade?) are safe, warm, nourished and will soon be out of her custody.
The story was sensational when Eric, in whatever state of mind, pulled that trigger because of her.
Now, she's ruining 2 boy's lives, dragging them around the country, and the TV cameras are gone.
It's impossible to -and I don't wish to pretend to know it all or assign horrible story's, say who's committing the bigger atrocity.
Eric shot that boy who didn't know what he was getting into and likely had been told he was "The One" but what she's doing to those boys is awful and if I didn't believe she was sick, I'd say she was possessed by the devil himself.
The Knox County DA Nichole's and The State of Tennessee need to be advised:
Should anything happen to those kids, it'll be on their hands.
There needs to be an Amber Alert for them NOW.

#2 The $6 Million Dollar Farce.

Last Thursday night/Friday morning, I couldn't sleep.
I got on-line and saw a story about a $6 million tax break being sought by a developer.
The story I read said the project it concerned was endorced by Scoobie Moore, Ragsdale, and Larry Smith.
Of course I had to comment and said "Bad idea, bad to use tax breaks, bad for the area, bad business and shady supporters."
Upon awakening that morning, I learned of an equal concern from my fellow posters at KnoxNews.
The idea that they were thinking about something that would increase traffic, storm water problems, and Shady people (Our Commissioners and County Mayor) promoting the idea was ludicrous! The idea that the Developer was seeking tax breaks was Stupid.
Later that morning, a poster whose ID is bird_dog discovered an Earnest Moore living in the area.
With the help of several other posters, it was determined Earnest had signed the document for Scoobie's 25 to run for County Clerk.
In the blink of an eye, it was obvious, that Earnest was Scoobie's Dad.
I thought, 'how perfect'.
I left for the day soon after and by the time I got home, Scoobie had anounced he wasn't planning to vote due to his desire to "avoid even the appearance of any potential conflict of interest" due to his parents home's possible appreciation.
Bad news Scoobie. Too late.
That development should be going to Union County. They don't really even have a grocery store there and the traffic wouldn't be as bad a problem as on 33.
It's becoming a pattern that anything Scoobie touches turns into a shady deal.
It's ashame no one's been watching him for his whole time in office. Maybe he wouldn't have been elected for a second term.
Halls Residents: Scoobie isn't your friend and he's in it for himself.
Larry Smith? Same.
Rags? Do I really need to say it?

#3 Travis and Jonathan

The associated press did a story that was picked up locally about a couple of guys that are doing some funny stuff on politics on Youtube.
I first learned about them after visiting Rep. Stacey Campfield's Blog, Camp4you a while back.
These guys have way too much time on their hands and I wish it was me...
Their both Middle Tennessee boys who have a pretty funny series going about National Politics
because as "Dunlap" tells it,"Local politics is a fool's game, and I thought we should aim for the top."
Suddenly, I'm resisting the urge to agree with him and with Knox County Specifics.
Their "RedStateUpDate" is good and they have 300 some video's on Youtube. I highly recommend them for a good laugh.


#4 Some News Breifs from lately, kinda...

a) The UN has been inflating AIDS cases in Africa, along with projections.
I really hate it when someone lies to try to get their point across.

b) Albert Arnold Gore has been slamming his(our) country overseas again. Cloaked in his 'Global Warming' rants, he allowed that we were the biggest problem with the Kyoto Treaty not being adopted.
AAGJR needs to STFU.
How did we get the privilege of being his home state? Why does he stay after we didn't support him in 2000? Can't he take a hint?
That dude really chaps my buuuuuuttocks!
Sometime when you get a chance, Google him and his familys dealings with Occidential Petroleum. He is what he is today largely because of the payments made to his family from them.
Oil. Al. Al Sr. And?
Armand Hammer. With all his USSR/Russian ties AND Big Oil!

c)CNN really does mean the Clinton News Network.
-They let Hillary plant people with prearranged questions in their audience.
-They then let people with KNOWN DEMOCRATIC ties pose as 'independents' to question the GOP during their debate, asking STUPID question instead of meaningful one's that would allow us to start forming opinions of the people debating!
-Don't take my word for it! If the LA Times and the 'Daily Kos'. think their too "Clinton" what else proof do you need?
They're carrying her water, providing Aid and Comfort to the Ene... ah...Hillary.

d) P J Clapp is doing it again.
This time for free.
Jackass 2.5 will be posted on the internet, free, starting soon, in smaller version 'tricks'.
Congrats Johnny Knoxville.
PJ,
I once thought you weren't the best ambassador for the Great State of Tennessee but after watching Albert Arnold, continue to humiliate our State and our Country, act like 'his' Global Warming is a religious calling, and Talk Down the US, to a bunch of Foreign Loons, You're OK in my book. At least you're honest.

Hummmm.....I just had a thought, a JackAss thought...
Johnny Knoxville and Albert Arnold Gore, A Gas BBQ Grill, 2 gallons of Wesson oil, a plane and a parachute. Johnny's feet never leave the ground but Albert....
Global JackAss Warming.
I like the sound of that..
(Note to self: Call PJ, ASAP!)

I'll be back around sooner than I was the last time.
Anyone reading has my best Christmas wishes..
Oh yea, from Ben Stein, read it!

BRAVO to the Alice Bell/Spring Hill Neighborhood Association!!!

Shining through the clouds of the Knox County Commissions ill-responsiable and selfish behavior, the Alice Bell/Spring Hill Neighborhood Association has made my WEEK!

According to the KnoxNews, the good folks of that community have sent back the $300 Chuckles Bolus sent them from the County's discretionary fund we entrusted to the County Seat he was keeping warm.
One hundred and forty (140) members of the group voted unanimously to send the money back.

KnoxNews quoted Chuckles as saying:
1)I’ve never had that happen before, I don’t know what to say. I hate they turned down the check.
2) They sure could have used the money.
3)One of the places I worked was in Alice Bell/Spring Hill. I went over there this past spring and summer and talked to people.
4)It’s true I don’t go to their neighborhood association very much. I’ve gotten out and knocked on doors over there.

Mr. Bolus:
1) Ronnie Collins has an infinite amount more credibility than you have or will have for years to come.
2) I hope it never happens again because you're gone from local politics.
3) Yep, they could have used the money but you see, just because they could have used it doesn't make it right to take. YOU FAIL to understand the most basic rules of ethical behavior.
4) It's kinda strange that of 140 people living in an area where you 'knocked on doors', no one thought keeping the money was a good idea.
-Is it possible you were in the wrong neighborhood? Perhaps Concord Park area?



Ronnie Collins has lived in the Alice Bell/Spring Hill neighborhood for 19 years and has been association president for 10 years was quoted:
1)Since he was appointed in our district, we’ve never seen the man, never heard from him
2)I have one member who sent him five e-mails and left two or three messages on his phone and never heard back from him. We were disappointed in the way things have been done from the appointment all the way through

Mr Bolus, Unreturned emails and phone calls? They haven't seen or heard from you.
Did you really think that behavior would be forgotten with $300 of the tax payers money?
Do you have or have you ever had any shame?
Your answers to the questions in the Court recently weren't credible.
You've been out to Concord Park fund raising? Isn't the Duck Pond good enough for you?
You may be as innocent as a newborn baby, but you've picked the wrong crowd to align yourself with.
If you're innocent, you're not-too-smart and if you knowingly did what everyone thinks you did-with Scoobie- you're criminal.
Why are you so intent on putting yourself and your family through this? Haven't you put them through enough?
Is Scoobie making you do this?
Does he have something on you?
Are you aware why you aren't holding that County Commission Seat anymore? Were you paying attention?
Do you really think, if re-appointed, theres enough time for you to regain any respect you may have once had MUCH LESS elected?
News Flash, Sir. It ain't gonna happen.
Please do us all a favor and get out of politics.
I'd say after your court performance, you should consider yourself lucky to have job.
It's a free country and you can do what you want, but anyone that tells you you have a chance at being elected ANYTHING is lying to you.
You can't flip a switch and regain your credibility.
Scoobie will fail at his next attempt at any elected office and neither of you can help one another.

I'de like to say "I welcome any response from you", but it's too late.
You've showed yourself to be the person you truly are, under oath.
You know it, I know it, everyone knows it.
Please just go back to working for the County School and try to keep that job.
You've embarrassed the 2nd District enough.

Good News.

Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good News.
My post from the 22nd has been removed because of the arrest of the guy in the Johnia Berry Murder Case.
I was wrong but did have a line about 'it's frusteating not knowing what the KCSO is doing in the case..."
I admit it I was wrong and as soon as the guy is in jail, I'll be the first in line to congratulate the Department.
I'm glad I was wrong and although JJ has lost my vote, I'll be speaking less about the KCSO's competence in the future.

I'm not the first to say it...

I'm not the first to think theres something more going on with our County Mayor. It pains me to suggest this and I take no pleasure in it.

In trying to understand whats going on with our county, some of the mayors responses/actions and how it keeps going on, I'm reminded of another politician most of us remember well. I'm not wanting to debate that person but his problems are well documented-alot by the people who supported him AFTER he left office.
We haven't seen any shame out of anyone in this county's administration and the closest Rags has done is:

“I suspect that instead of going to read with school kids, I could have spent more time in the office making financial decisions,”

(Which was moments before the 'Showboat" comment, caught by WBIR.

He used "kids" to try to gain sympathy, give merit to his lack of attention to spending, to play upon peoples natural tendency to "want to believe" after voting for that person.
People 'want to believe' in someone they supported and played a part in supporting-electing, just like they "don't want to believe" they were wrong for doing so.
It's normally followed by apathy and cynical i.e. "they all do it" "thats just how government works".
There are several things we'll never know- and some we never need to know in the description below.
However, there are many that fit him as if was the subject studied to make this description.

Profile of the Sociopath

Glibness and Superficial Charm

Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.

Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."

Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.

Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.

Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.

Incapacity for Love

Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.

Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.

Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.

Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.

Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.

Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.

Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.

Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.

---

Other Related Qualities:

1. Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them
2. Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them
3. Authoritarian
4. Secretive
5. Paranoid
6. Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired
7. Conventional appearance
8. Goal of enslavement of their victim(s)
9. Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim's life
10. Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim's affirmation (respect, gratitude and love)
11. Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim
12. Incapable of real human attachment to another
13. Unable to feel remorse or guilt
14. Extreme narcissism and grandiose
15. May state readily that their goal is to rule the world

Now, I understand that many of the parts, above, are common and more common among politicians, but that doesn't mean I'm wrong. I hope I am.
Being a person with sympathy, I'd rather br hood-winked by a person with a mental condition than a criminal who knowingly and thoughtfully is spending our county's money with disregard and lack of respect to all that pay taxes.