Spike,

"At one point in the open meeting discussion, a law maker in the audience pointed a finger at the news media as an impediment to greater access and more openness."

In an unsigned editorial of pompous self aggrandizement, the Ad Vertiser failed to name the commenting law maker. It should have been State Senator Tom Courtney. The odds of that are nil.

Senator Courtney was at the should not have been secret meeting to sue the railroad. How many people other than those reading here are aware of Senator Courtney's hand in that disaster? Why was the Ad Vertiser not immediately on this subterfuge?

The Ad Vertiser waited to whine until the statute on record retention no longer applied. When all records of the should not have been secret meeting disappeared, what happened. A few brave words from the Ad Vertiser and nothing more.

Whatever happened to all of the should have been public information on the Drunk ex-Mayor's non breakfast in the BK parking lot? The Ad Vertiser never broke that story. The Ad Vertiser rolled over when the Police Department withheld records.

"For too many times, public officials have shown contempt for the people they serve and have attempted to deflect that contempt by blaming the news media for reporting on it."

Where has the public been when supporting a newspaper that is complicit with those in public office by not reporting on it? Has anybody told a merchant to keep their goods and services because they support what has gone on by advertising in the Ad Vertiser?

Were it not for the new media, none of us would be aware of what has happened and continues to happen. This has not escaped the conspirators against the public having open access to information.

Senator Courtney introduced legislation to out any who call at this site. The Ad Vertiser assigned a reporter to investigate Spike, but they never do City Hall. Keep those unsigned editorials coming.

If Senator Courtney seeks another term, you can bet he will receive an unsigned editorial of endorsement from the Ad Vertiser. That would not be news, but simply routine.

We will remain in the dark until enough become angry enough to demand correction. If the circulation and ad revenues go down and the votes are no longer there, you may obtain open access to what has been going on.

"Our Opinion"

After I read this I thought I had Swine Flu, made me puke like my Cousin Eddie's dog Snot.

When a lyin', scheming, muck-raking, private company of provocateurs, hiding in the shadows of a fringe media local shopper starts spouting this kind of rhetoric we all better get indoors and watch the sky for hellfire and lightning bolts.

After all, three major international consulting firms can't all be wrong. The Ad Vertiser is the root cause of evil in Southeast Iowa.

Spike

Spike,

We must narrow the field for City Council. Former public employees and incumbents of demonstrated incompetence and sheer idiocy are already on my sickle bar.

Who would be cut from the field?

Cyrus McCormick

Cut Tim Scott. His belligerence has grown offensive and it demonstrates his immaturity to admit being wrong. Besides, his campaign promises were never addressed and his ability to handle Worden, Slagle and Ell to forge a lateral sewer program illustrate his inability to command any respect. He should lose the nicotine gum and get his house in order before he decides our fate.

Mary Baker has grown too old to play the game of Worden.

Davidson has sucked the Kool Aid far too long and has been a big disappointment with his high school business ideas thrown to the wind for his self-righteous role as a domineering twerp after he launched his campaign on the city cashing in on the water park.

Everyone else is good to go as you choose.

Spike

Spike,

"It's the theme-park dilemma," says Robert LaFleur, an analyst for Susquehanna Financial Group. "You've got to build a new roller coaster. Everyone likes to go but you need a reason to keep them going back."

So say the experts about Las Vegas. Where does that leave a debt ridden swimming pool in a largely unknown small town?

JTG

Dip in President Barack Obama T-shirt sales mirrors his decline in approval

They cashed out retirement funds to build their business during the 2008 presidential campaign. Now they have 3,000 jack-in-the-boxes with smiling Barack Obama puppets inside -- all sitting in a California warehouse, waiting to be sprung open for $29.95 apiece.

For Barack-in-the-Box creator Heather Courtney and her husband, David Manzo, the Obamamania that drove sales so fast they could barely keep up during the inauguration is over. Sales have slowed to a "sporadic drizzle," the 36-year-old artist said, in part because the president's just not as popular.

"The sort of rock-star-making-history thing had its peak," Courtney said. "It seemed like people said, 'That's all done now."

But Obama Waffles Are Great

"Chia Pet creator, Joseph Pedott, thought his special edition Chia Obama bust, which sprouts grass-like hair, was a terrific tribute to the 44th President, Barack Obama. Initially, company executives at Walgreens agreed . . . and then waffled on their Obama ChiaObama figurine order."



If you need a Christmas gift for your favorite Democrat, Order Here for $19.95.

For your Obama Waffles, Click Here. Same size box, they just cost more.