Keep Radio Free

I urge you to oppose the “Performance Rights Act”.

This legislation (H.R. 848/S. 379) would harm local free radio by imposing an unreasonable fee on local radio stations, undermining their ability to present news, information and music.

Free "over-the-air" radio has been and should continue to be a vital communication and entertainment staple in the United States. Many people rely on radio for up-to-the-minute local news and weather. In addition, free radio is a viable venue for political awareness and community outreach. Plus, in times of great emergency people tune first to their radio!

If the 'Performance Rights Act' is passed, We The People lose the integrity of one of our oldest cultural staples.

For generations, Americans have loved listening to their favorite radio station. Radio is more than music, it is a means by which ideas and cultures are shared without regard to geography or politics or price of admission. But now, some major record companies want local radio stations to pay for the music provided to listeners.

They are spending millions lobbying Congress to pass legislation that would establish a performance tax for music played over the radio. These bills, would devastate local radio stations across the country. Having to pay for the right to play music will reduce the availability of over-the-air music and inhibit station formats. More, the record companies would lose a valuable source of promotion – their shooting themselves in the foot!

If the performance tax is signed into law, it will put at risk an industry employing almost 106,000 people and generating more than $6 billion for communities through free air-time for Public Service Announcements, charitable contributions and disaster relief efforts.

As playing music would become a major business expense, stations will be forced to choose economic certainty over economic potential, established artists over emerging talent. As a result, radio listeners and advertisers will be short-changed!

If the federal government imposed a performance tax or “Listener’s Tax,” there would no fair way to determine the expense.

For many decades, local radio has helped the music of unknown artists reach our ears, launching the careers of everyone from Elvis and Johnny to U2 and Britney Spears. More importantly, radio has a critical role in times of danger and disaster, informing a concerned populace. And, radio is a valued source of community outreach, supporting neighborhoods, charities and issues of interest.

Certain record companies want all that to change and they want us, the listeners, to pay the bill! Local radio stations already compensate songwriters for the use of their music. Stations provide billions of dollars in free promotion. And, they pay a fee to stream their programming over the Internet. Still, these record companies want more!

Across the nation, radio stations are struggling to stay afloat in a worsening economic climate. Billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs are being threatened to sate the insatiable greed of certain record companies.

Free Radio is a coalition of people and organizations whose mission is to keep radio and other businesses that play recorded music strong for communities across the nation by opposing a performance tax.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and certain record companies are behind a proposal to impose a performance tax. Such a tax would first be applied to radio stations but in a short-time it would also be applied to restaurants; retail stores; and, any other establishments or venues where recorded music is played!

They claim radio stations and other venues playing recorded music are getting a free ride but that is simply untrue! The recording industry has publicly stated it has benefitted from more than 70 years of free promotion over radio. And, they seem to be ignoring the compensatory fees already imposed upon radio stations. Much of the proposed revenue would not reach the recording artists and, because most (nearly 75%) of the record companies in the United States are foreign owned, that revenue won’t fuel domestic economy or generate tax revenue!

The record companies claim there is little need for radio in this digital age. They believe their product shouldn’t be provided via a medium consumers do not support. What they mean is, today’s music buyers aren’t purchasing CDs and they aren’t tuning in to the radio for the latest or newest tune. Today’s music enthusiast is scouring the Internet for product. Some of that assessment is quite correct; however, what the record companies aren’t revealing is they failed to prepare for the surge in digital media. They weren’t prepared for the demand of the downloading consumer, turning away from the inconvenient and inefficient CD.

And, they are not considering where today’s music buyer will first hear a complete tune – that’s right, on the radio baby! They hear it, they like it, they tag it, they buy it!

Radio stations across the country have been making their way toward digital, high definition and Internet broadcasting for several years. Station owners, program directors and musical artists have been urging record companies to move away from CDs and “approved release” of tracks for many years.

But, the record companies failed to heed that counsel; now, the ground is breaking under them – and they want us to pay for it!

Not everyone recording music and producing records is supporting the lobbying effort: Mark Wright, Senior Vice President of MCA Records, has said, “If a song’s not on the radio, it’ll never sell.” And, speaking with a reporter from WHDH-TV (March 2009), Bono said, “It’s worth remembering that U2, you know we broke in the United States through Boston, and through radio stations like BCN and stuff like that. We depend on radio.”

Local radio stations aren't trying to avoid paying a just tax. Despite what record companies claim, radio stations do pay to play music. Radio stations pay more than half a billion dollars annually to songwriters and composers for the right to play their music over-the-air. And, over-the-air radio is heard by nearly half a million listeners every day, who generate nearly three billion dollars in annual music sales!

Over-the-air radio in Iowa recently played an invaluable role during a crisis. Stations across the state remained on-the-air during massive flooding, providing news, support and comfort to devastated communities. Many of the people working at the station, including those on-air personalities, remained at work while their own homes [and even the very station from which they were working] was threatened by flood waters!

Artists who have made their name on local radio have been unfairly compensated by record companies. It is not the responsibility of radio stations or their listeners to rectify that injustice nor are they responsible for ensuring such injustice does not occur again. If Congress is truly interested in ensuring artists are being paid fairly, it should start with the artists’ employers – the record companies!

Radio stations across the country are united in their opposition to this legislation and they, like me, urge you to join us in that opposition.

Send a message to Congress, oppose "The Performance Rights Act".

Keep radio free!

SPEAKING FRANKLY by Lewis Franklin
adapted and augmented from material provided by the Free Radio Alliance
some content was compiled and sent to Members of Congress
13 May 2009

To Avert Catastrophe

Global warming is an environmental crisis the like of which has never been faced. Given the powerful forces actively working to delay action to overcome it, addressing the crisis will require bold leadership.

President Obama and the G8 have accepted two degrees Celsius as the limit of acceptable global warming but will they take the action needed to keep the planetary mean temperature below that threshold? It is widely acknowledged, the industrialized nations of the world must cut their emissions by forty percent before 2020. And, the United States should lead the way. Yet the Obama Administration, like Congress, is continuing to promote emission reductions far short of forty percent by 2020.

We cannot afford to put this off until tomorrow, this must be done today. A plan of action to keep the rise of global temperatures below two degrees Celsius must be formulated and put into effect. We must act today to stop global warming.

In his inaugural address, President Obama promised to "restore science to its rightful place" and make America a real global leader again. It’s time for him to live up to that promise.

Mr. President, we need you to be a leader, not simply a politician. You must show Congress and the industrialized nations of the world, the United States is ready to take strong and immediate action to avert a climatic catastrophe.

At the summit in Italy, the G8 announced their commitment to keeping global temperature rise below two degrees Celsius, 109 nations endorsed the goal before the announcement was made. However, without a long-term course of action and a formidable commitment to the lasting recovery of the planet, our goal will never be achieved. Politically safe legislation requiring meager reductions over many years will not achieve any actual reduction in the planetary mean temperature.

That kind of action is like paying only the minimum required balance!

And, we all know where that will lead.

President Obama your support of the ACES bill is ill considered. A four percent reduction of emissions is needed annually for the next ten years if a forty percent reduction is to be achieved before 2020. The ACES bill will achieve only a ten percent reduction over the next decade! Following that emission reduction plan, we have no hope of avoiding climatic catastrophe!

The ACES bill is grossly ineffective and grandly insulting.

Further, we need legislation to guarantee a perpetual limitation of emissions. Legislation with included allowable offsets has no meaningful effect. We are sending violators to their rooms but not taking away their toys!

More, we must provide the means and resources for research and development. Energy conversation and renewable power will free us from the foul effects of oil and gasoline. But, rather than new carbon forms or applications, I believe geo-thermal; safe fusion; and, solar are much more promising sources of energy.

The worst part of the ACES bill is the Presidential authority [under the Clean Air Act] to regulate greenhouse gas emissions! Authority which has been upheld by the Supreme Court!

Representative Lloyd Doggett (of Texas) took a courageous stand against the ACES bill, demonstrating real leadership and a commitment to ending global warming. I urge President Obama and all of Congress to follow Representative Doggett’s example.

We are counting on you to avert catastrophe.

Lewis
adapted and augmented from a Greenpeace petition
29 June 2009

Raisins Not Raisans

I've been away ... have many works which will be posted [or re-posted] in the coming weeks. Went to the New York State Fair this summer... saw Jeff Dunham perform live – and in the rain! My former employer has negotiated a “complementary” contract with my health insurer... so, now I have to apply for Medicare! CRAP! Got a bogus traffic ticket several weeks ago... going to trial next week. RUBBISH!

I've made some changes:

TV PICKS -- "Castle" and "Hawthorne"

ON THE WEB -- "Classic Cartoons"; "Hanna-Barbera"; "Looney Tunes"; "Patriot Files"; "Scooby-Doo"; and, "Super Heroes"

BEST MOVIES HISTORIC -- "The Hindenburg (1975)"; "Three To Tango" (1999); and, "Juno" (2007)

TV PICKS PAST -- "Battlestar Galactica" (2004 - 2009); "ER" (1994 - 2009); and, "King Of The Hill" (1997 - 2008)

Oh, and I corrected that spelling error, in BEST TELEVISION COMMERCIALS -- "Raisins" not "Raisans"!

Frank 07 October 2009

Our Great Nation

As a taxpayer funding the AIG bailout, I am OUTRAGED. That the bailout money funded by tax dollars was used to pay bonuses [six figure bonuses!] to AIG managers is an unconscionable act of greed and mismanagement.

Any argument regarding contracts and "negotiated" or guaranteed payments is further evidence of management greed! A wise and honest manager would recognize their responsibility to the company and their own role in the failure of that company. Such managers would take the loss and offer humble apologies to those they failed.

Across the country employees are being asked to give back salaries and benefits to relieve their overburdened employers. Hard working men and women who dare not dream of salary bonuses even as little as ten percent of what AIG managers received are making sacrifices giving back ten percent [and more] of their salaries and benefits. These employees struggle every day to support their households, they eke out a living, lucky to have a week's vacation, more lucky to travel within the United States... while these managers keep second homes and travel to other countries for extended periods of time!

Those making the sacrifice are those who can least afford it. What the AIG managers have done is more than a slap in the face, It Is An Affront To The Dignity And Generosity Of Those Who Are The Foundation Of This Nation.

SHAME On Them!

That portion of the AIG bailout which they've taken MUST be returned -- even if it must be garnished or withheld or by court order drawn directly from your bank accounts!

It is my sincere hope that justice will be done here AND in the future more reverence will be paid to the working men and women of our great nation.

Frank Words
By Frank Jaymes

Car At Denny's

I shall relate to you an incident which occurred just after midnight, Sunday, 01 February 2009 (actual date and time).

After a late show at Regal Theater I drove to Denny’s Restaurant (2890 Ridge Road West) for a late dinner. I am a regular customer at this restaurant, having dinner there at least once a week for the past nine years. Entering the parking lot I drove toward the disabled parking spaces and backed into the first unoccupied space.

As I was parking my car I observed in my rear view mirror two uniformed individuals exiting the restaurant. Setting the gear to park, I observed the shorter individual take a position behind and to the passenger’s side of my car. He stood at a slight angle with his right hand on his weapon, prepared to draw and fire.

WFKL Radio began playing “Carnival” as I applied balm to my lips. My car was still running and I was alone, with my hands, head and face in full view. I now observed the taller man, approaching the car directly. His right hand was set on his weapon while his left hand shone a flashlight through each of my car windows in turn as he approached my door.

Lip balm in hand, I reached for and toggled the switch to lower the glass, opening the window. “Is there a problem?” I asked.

This man reflected the light off my rearview mirror to blind my eyes. “You don’t have a handicapped sticker,” he answered.

Perturbed, I replied, “Really?” And, with my open right hand directed his attention to my visor where my disabled parking permit is customarily and was presently stowed. “I Haven’t Got Out Of The Car Yet,” I continued. Then, re-toggling the switch, I closed the window.

As I listened to the completion of “Carnival” the two men retreated from me and my car then reentered the restaurant. When the song was completed, I turned off the engine, hung my permit from the rear view mirror and exited the vehicle.

On four legs, I made my way to the door and entered the restaurant. Inside, with a normal pace, I approached the two individuals who had approached my vehicle and falsely accused me of a parking violation.

“What’re your names,” I asked in a normal tone.

The taller of the two, averted my gaze but turned his right breast toward me. On it was a tag displaying the moniker “R. Huff”. His partner, belligerently, declared, “We don’t have to give you our names.”

“What you did was wrong,” I told them. “You had no right to approach me with your guns. I didn’t do anything wrong.” The belligerent man avoided my every attempt to view his name tag. The uniforms the men wore appeared to be nothing more than black jeans (or slacks) and a black shirt with a simple name tag on the right breast, some sort of rank insignia on the right shoulder and a logo of some kind. There was nothing bright or easily observed about the shirt. Still, I did notice each of the men also had some kind of white card on their left breast, facing backward and obscured by the flap of the shirt pocket. They each wore belts bearing a gun, a flashlight and [I presume from the shape at the back] handcuffs.

I moved away from the men and took a step toward the registers. The belligerent man stepped in front of me, less than a foot away, with his arms outstretched to his sides, a barrier erected. “You have to leave,” he told me.

“I’m going to speak to the manager.”

“No. You’re Leaving.”

“Is that right? We’ll see what the manager has to say.” I looked to my left for the attention of Denny’s staff but all were ignoring these gestapo. “I will report this to the manager,” I insisted, standing my ground.

“We don’t work for Denny’s,” boasted the belligerent man. That his employer is some security or protection service I have no doubt; however, that employer’s contract is with Denny’s. And, I’m certain the contract would include a provision for removing customers whose conduct is either violent or disorderly. But, I’m equally certain that contract doesn’t include harassing customers.

These armed men are supposed to keep the peace, not disturb it. They have no police authority. They have no right to deny me either entrance or seat. They have no right to refuse to provide their names, submit themselves to complaint. They had neither right nor cause to approach my vehicle in such a menacing manner.

“You have no right to do this,” I declared.

“Around here, We Make The Rules,” belligerent man growled. And, “If you don’t leave now we’ll call nine-one-one.”

Standing there I was disappointed by the failure of Denny’s employees to give this gestapo action any attention. More, I realized I was becoming angry. I don’t do well with angry; so, I turned, saying, “I will report you to your boss,” and approached the exit.

Belligerent man, following only a pace behind, bellowed, “I’m the boss, now get out.”

Outside the restaurant, as I neared the curb, belligerent man, stood at the opened door and, with a change of tone, had the audacity to excuse his behavior, “A cop was killed tonight and we’re not taking any chances.”

I stopped, set myself, turned on my heel, and stood on two legs. Sternly, I replied, “I Did Not Kill That Cop. And, I’ll tell you something else, That Cop Wasn’t Killed By A Guy Parking His Car At Denny’s.”

Speaking Frankly by Lewis

Innocent And Fun

What was he thinking?!

When I was a child of the first grade my daily concerns were limited to completing my class work, getting through the lunch line without dropping my lunch money and ignoring the bullies on the playground.

At home my brother and I watched television, listened to old records on an old phonograph, and we played with toys and games. As we grew our television viewing changed, reruns of “The Lone Ranger” was as popular as new episodes of “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke”. We even watched some “Big Valley”. Of course, there were reruns of “Star Trek” [which we didn’t actually realize were reruns - not at first] and the new episodes of “Planet of the Apes”.

Our toys and games changed too. ‘Go Fish’ became ‘War’ and ‘Rummy’. “Chutes and Ladders” became “Monopoly” and “Aggravation”. Years later we entered our billiards and poker phase. For me, checkers led to chess and backgammon. For me, word finds grew to crosswords which sparked a flare for “Scrabble”. We even graduated from “Pong” to “Atari”, about the time “Six Million Dollar Man” and “The Bionic Woman” were on our must-watch list.

And, my brother and I had our action figures. Though at the time I don’t recall either of us using the word action. They weren’t dolls for boys, no sir. Dolls were for girls, even ‘Barbie’s’ mate, ‘Ken’. G.I.Joe was around even before my brother and I were playing. We played with our G.I. Joe’s {I still have the tackle box!}, our Planet of the Apes, Lone Ranger and Star Trek action figures. We had play sets and vehicles and uniforms and accessories.

I don’t imagine any of it was terribly expensive, even for the time. Mom managed to fill our living room every Christmas and our birthdays weren’t without reward either.

My brother and I did all right when we were children.

When we were ‘old enough’ our cowboy phase entered it’s final stage. We had our very own pistols, holsters and hats! And, we weren’t just waiting for Halloween. In time, we had rifles to go with out pistols. Our bikes became horses. The pistols grew from plastic noise making things to metal things with working cylinders and blasting caps! The rifles too went from plastic to metal, real rifles blasting air.

When ‘S.W.A.T.’ and ‘Emergency’ came on-the-air my brother and I found new heroes to portray. Yup, we role played – without playing cards, dice or boards. We had swords and lasers and shields to enact books we’d read. We had gear to rescue hostages and shoot criminals. We had kits to treat the wounded and ill. With ‘Kung-Fu’ we kicked and chopped and shurikened all evil-doers in our way.

In time we grew-up and the day came when what little remained of our playthings was packed away. I kept “Monopoly” and “Aggravation”. I bought my own backgammon and chess boards. My brother and I bought our very own pool cues, mine is in my bedroom closet today. The Atari and all it’s paraphernalia were passed to oblivion. So too went the action figures and their accessories. Likewise, all the plastic guns and “junk”.

But, the toy box remained. In it we packed away our guns and uniforms. Much of the metal had become chipped or rusted. The felt of the cowboy hats [which my Pop’s parents had bought for us] worn and dirty. The gun belts were frayed. We cleaned it all up as best we could and packed it all away into that toy box, appropriately decorated with a cowboy on horseback. At the time, the toy guns of the day had became all to realistic in appearance. And, toys and games had become more like battle preparation, soldiers marching to war.

In all our youth, I never once thought of having a real gun. Given my brother’s first post high school career, I can’t honestly say I believe he never thought of having a real gun either. But, I can say, that neither of us thought of having a real gun and bringing it to school.

Not once.

Not when were in high school.

Not in middle school.

Especially, not in grammar school.

So it is with great distress and horror that I read this morning’s headline: “6-year-old boy carries gun aboard Batavia school bus”.

I don’t care where he got it. My only thought is why did he have it? Why did he bring it to school? Why doesn’t he have toys and games and action figures? Why is being a child no longer innocent and fun?

Speaking Frankly by Lewis

An Improved Nation

What are they thinking?!

Congress is planning to bail out the failing insurance companies, mortgage lenders and auto makers.

I’m sure I’m not the only person struggling to keep my car in decent shape and fully fueled. I’m not the only one struggling to pay the pharmacy and doctors. Not the only person who’s worrying over my diminishing insurance coverage.

Congress is going to feed those who’ve made our bank accounts worthless but it can’t be bothered to flatten and grade the curbs or adorn the street corners with interactive audio and visual cues. They can’t be bothered to demand State and Local Municipalities insist every building and vehicle open to public business be refit with ramps, low curbs, hydraulic assist doors and lifts with wide [mechanically operated or assisted] doors, lowered counters, larger [screen or sign] fonts, translucent lighting... and a host of other accommodations that are of equal benefit to those who are and are not aged, ill or disabled.

There are still many places which are inaccessible to me and those like me. Short sighted folks fail to consider while they are healthy at this point in time, the time will come when they too are aged, ill or disabled. Hopefully, you will have lived a long and meaningful life before that time has come; however, when your infirmities set in, wouldn’t it be nice if accommodations were already in place?

There is a board of persons [at the State and Federal level] appointed to get such things done – but they’ve been doing little more than talking, discussing, suggesting since 1985! Really, what’s to discuss, just get it done.

Spend the money on something useful to us all.

Don’t reward those who’ve gotten rich making our lives burdensome.

Solving problems is generally much easier than it may seem. Most often the solutions are avoided because greed and fear overwhelm our reason.

Problem: Insurance Companies Failing. Solution: Federalize. Make Medicare the National Health Insurance Carrier, available to everyone! Cease all private health insurance. As to life insurance: a tax exempt ‘end of life’ fund would end the worry of internment expenses. Insuring your debts against death and loss of income is as easy as paying the fee on your loans or credit cards. I know, I’ve ignored the children and unemployed spouses. Surviving spouse will need a job, sell the house and the extra car - live within your new means. Insurance companies simply can’t get the job done because inherent to their business is profit!

Problem: Auto Makers Going Bankrupt. Solution: Make Fewer Cars. It could also be argued there is no need for so many auto makers, to say nothing of so many car models! Auto makers should be concentrating on developing a better automobile, one which is fueled by sources more efficient and globally available. They should also be consolidating with fuel dispensaries (gas stations) to more readily enable the transition from gasoline to a new fuel. Of course, decreasing the salaries and severance of the board and officers is a course of action which would allow the company to maintain it’s workforce without compromising product.

Problem: Mortgage Lenders Bankrupt. Solution: Close The Doors. Really. For years I heard all that prattle about “for what you’re paying for rent you could own your own home”. I know many people who ignored my counsel and soon found themselves with a home they couldn’t keep. Home ownership shouldn’t come with your first five figure annual salary. Homeowners are responsible for their own structures, equipment and land. Home ownership has more expenses than a renter is led to believe, expenses renters take for granted. The fools who bought these easy mortgages received their due – now the villains who sold the mortgages will get theirs!

New worries will crop up. There will be bank failures. A drop in stock value is inevitable. That’s what this country must endure. We must shake out the cobwebs, brush the dandruff away. We’ve gotten stodgy and old. Feeding the rich, stepping on the poor.

We wave our flag and hold tight to our religious texts while raising our fists and pointing our fingers. Often we neglect the tenets from which this nation was born and upon which this nation is supposed to be governed. Many of us are hypocritical. Most of us feel powerless. We compound our problems rather than solving them.

The United States Of America and it’s member states have endured many financial crises over the centuries of it’s life. And, we’ll endure this one.

In the meantime, let’s slow down a bit. Stay home. Keep a savings account rather than a credit card. Be social with one another. Help those in need. Accumulate friends and knowledge rather than things and debt.

Let’s be content with what we have and put profit aside while attending to the building of an improved nation.

Speaking Frankly by Lewis

Better For Everyone

What is he thinking?!

Our newly unelected Governor [with our State Legislature] has presented the 2009 budget weeks in advance – softening the blow or warming the stethoscope.

Earlier this year the Governor vetoed [a recurring act of our Governors] legislation which would have ensured our retired a level playing field in health care insurance. Civil Service retirees have long been at the mercy [not unlike private sector retirees] of their former employers with regard to their health insurance. Our Unions have proposed [for many years now] legislation which would keep our former employers from making changes to our health coverage [including premium share] without making the same changes to the working employees health coverage.

Is it such a difficult thing to see? We are the you - in fewer years than you image, you’ll be among us! Do you really want to be neglected? Of course not; yet, there you are, willing to sacrifice the services to the old, the infirm, the impoverished, and the retired.

We are in this boat with you. Where we go, you will follow.

It’s easy to point your finger. Easy to say, we’re the cause of your problems. But, any medical doctor will tell you the solution isn’t as simple as surgical removal. Many infections and injuries require more thorough care, a long-term, permanent solution is needed to ensure the recovery of the entire body.

A Nobel Prize Winning mathematician correctly theorized the best solution for a group is one which is beneficial to both the group and each of the individuals compromising that group. Equal sacrifice with equal reward. We benefit when you benefit and you benefit when we benefit.

The proposed budget would cut vital health care services and eliminate functional jobs. The surviving services would become burgeoned with the patients once served elsewhere. The remaining jobs would become burdened by an ever increasing work load. That type of nonsense will invariably lead to new problems: stressed employees; at risk patients; inadequate service; greater employee illness; and, more. Each problem will inevitably create a greater fiscal crisis.

The fundamental problem with our economy is money itself. Everyone is held in it’s grip. Money has become a primary need and desire for each of us. Certainly, many would deny it. But, when they stop to think a minute, they’ll have to admit, all philanthropy, charity, politic, lifestyle and pleasure is generate from the use of money. {I could write another piece about the truth in “the root of all evil”.}

That’s the reality of the world.

We and You want and need more money. It’s a vicious cycle, one about which I’ve spoken once or twice before now; so, I repeat myself. I will say that the proposed budget is offensive in it’s targeting of select groups. You want to tax grocery items? I-Pod downloads? Fine. Tax them all! I’m for it. Absolutely. I’m a firm believer in a fixed tax rate being applied to every sale of services or goods and every type of income, no exceptions! I also believe the tax should be shared by Local, State and Federal government, with the lion’s share of the sales tax paid to the Locals, while the lion’s share of the income tax is paid to the Feds.

This nonsense of tacking bits of sales tax to select items or applying fees to items currently taxed is an absolutely insulting practice!

In our society taxes are necessary. Taxes are often the sole source of revenue for our municipalities. {Seriously, why aren’t our utilities [power, water, refuse and communications] owned by Municipal Government? What a huge source of revenue that would be?!} Taxation isn’t a problem, the flexible rate and it’s incongruent application is the problem.

Well, that AND the often overwhelmingly unwise spending of the tax money collected. Though, to be honest, how many of us are completely innocent in that regard? How many of us have often unwisely spent money? Deficit spending didn’t actually begin with Government.

President Reagan [an economist of some note] once demonstrated “trickle down economics”. At the time much ridicule was lauded his way; however, the truth is obvious. Take a look at our own checking accounts. The less we have coming in the less we have to spend. The more we have taken from us the more difficult our lives become. Like a drying water source, we cease to move, we end. In economics, as in life, the burden is passed to another. In turn, each to bear the burden will determine it’s viability and it will either be carried, lessened or dropped. Eventually, everything will hit bottom where it will either be crushed [becoming a foundation for something new] or be lifted again, even carried aloft to the top once more.

Taxation is necessary. The payment of taxes is necessary. As I see it Food Stamp recipients should be exempt from Sales Tax at grocery stores and restaurants. Medicaid and Medicare recipients should be exempt from sales tax at doctors offices and pharmacies. Just as income of less than $18,000 per annum should be the ONLY income tax exemption, while allowing an $1800 deduction from income for each person in the household less than 18 years of age or over 60 years of age. In corporate application, the income deduction would come from the employer payments to the employees pension fund.

I’m used to getting slapped by those who insist charitable contributions should be deductible from income – it’s not charity if you’re receiving a reimbursement!

The burdens are ours to carry or eliminate.

Poverty. Disease. Violence. Ignorance. Intolerance. Hatred. War. Greed.

Will a reduction in school aid serve to eliminate these burdens? Will a reduction in aid to hospitals and nursing homes, while removing services provided by Medicaid and Medicare reinforce these burdens? Will an increase in the Medicare premium eliminate any burden? Will eliminating jobs, reducing the work force, reinforce these burdens?

Things are difficult the world over. The solution can not be found at the edges of the whole. The root must be repaired, tended, our core must be nurtured. In that way something new can be grown, something better... better for everyone!

Speaking Frankly by Lewis

And Trading Cards

THE TOP TEN: Uncanny X-Men; Astonishing X-Men; Avengers; Batman; Mighty Avengers; Wolverine; Thor; Justice League; and, Buffy (The Vampire Slayer).

THE SPLASH PAGE: Following the Skrull’s "Secret Invasion" there will be a "Dark Reign" in Marvel’s universe. June 2009 will feature the blockbuster debut of "Transformers: Revenge [o/t] Fallen" on the silver screen – but IDW will publish the prequel stories beginning December 2008! SCI-FI’s "Eureka" will be an ongoing series for Boom Studios. Warren Ellis and Avatar Press are bringing "Frankenstein’s Womb" to a book shelf near you this winter. "Serenity" fans be sure to order your "Serenity Valley" lithograph. Frank Miller’s [film] "The Spirit" is coming to a theater near you - be ready with your very own set of trading cards featuring exclusive images from the film.

DARK HORSE COMICS: Issues Available Include – Buffy (TVS) 21; Conan [The Cimmerian] 6; Hellboy: Wild Hunt 1 (of 8); Rex Mundi 15; STW: Knights / Republic 36; STW: Legacy 31; and, The Goon 31. Other Items Available Include – Eden 11 (SC) {$13}; Eerie Archives (HC) {$50}; Indiana Jones [a/t] Tomb [o/t] Gods (SC) {$15}; Oh My Goddess 11 (SC) {$11}; and, Savage Sword / Conan 5 (SC) {$18}. Merchandise Available Including – Buck Rogers Statue [from ReelArt] (Ltd Ed) {$189}; [Disney’s] Hannah Montana Photo Charms; [Disney’s] High School Musical Photo Charms; The Spirit Movie Bust (Ltd Ed) {$60}; and, Vampire Hunter D Bust (Mono-color Variant) {$75}.

DC COMICS: With the traitor revealed, The Dark Trinity will recruit a new ally and "take the newly ordered world by storm!" {#s 27 - 31} A great hero will fall in the battle against Superboy Prime, while the Time Trapper is making his move against the Legion founders! {Final Crisis: Legion [/] Worlds 4 (of 5)}.

Following the passing of the "anti-Kryptonian laws", 100,000 angry citizens with Superman’s powers [but none of his humanity] lash out across the planet! {#683} Superman vs. Superman with the fate of the Tangent world hanging in the balance! {#10 (of 12)} While Superman is attempting to free Brainiac’s abductees, Lex Luthor is conducting a few experiments on the menace of Krypton. {Action Comics 872} Kandor has been "rocked to it’s core" and Supergirl may have been pushed over the edge! {#36} Superman’s loss has become Batman’s boon, with only Nightwing standing in the way of the Dark Knight’s super-powered crusade, while Zatanna is attempting to solve the mystery! {#55}

Dennis O’Neil is returning to The Dark Knight, weaving a tale of Gotham City without it’s "beloved protector" - in the wake of the hero’s death, will Gotham fall!?! {Detective Comics 851 & Batman 684} Batman undercover in Arkham as Commissioner Gordon is hunted by a rogue police officer! {... Confidential 24} Christmas in Gotham and Midnight has vowed to "make the season bright" - with blood! {... After Midnight 8 (of 12)} In the wake of Batman’s death, Nightwing and Batgirl clash, with the fate of The Outsiders at stake! {#14} Face-to-face with her father, Batgirl’s "road to redemption" is at an end. {#6} "Red Robin is revealed" and Spoiler must prevent a daring jailhouse rescue but where is Robin?! {#181} Nightwing vs. Two-Face - inside Arkham!?! {#151} After their bout with Joker, The Birds of Prey take a much needed - vacation?! {#125} What is the secret of the strange and beautiful world to which Green Lantern and Phantom Stranger have been summoned – a secret powerful enough to overcome The Stranger!? {Brave / Bold 20} With Connor and Mia heading out on-their-own, Green Arrow and his bride keep the city safe alone - for the first time. {#15} With Genocide still on the loose and Wonder Woman recovering from her failure to stop him, the Amazons return home as Athena is made a promise which will "change the landscape of [the universe] forever"! {#27}

The Teen Titans hold a recruitment drive. {#66} Titans Tower is locked-down as the team hunt a traitor! {#8} The power of the Star Sapphires has intensified; a "life altering" new law is burned into the Book of Oa; and, the Green Lantern Corps battle for the soul of a child! {#31} Unraveling the mystery of the crimson power, Green Lantern will face a "prophecy all his own". {#37} Dr. Light’s "mortal remains" have been stolen and the Justice League has "vowed to bring down" those responsible. {#28} With Alex Ross painting the pages, this is the "shocking end" to the sequel of "Kingdom Come"! {Justice Society 22} Timber Wolf berserk; Lightning Lad comforted by the president; Phantom Girl "catastrophically injured"; and, an espionage squad risking death - the "Universal Annihilation War" has begun!! {Legion 49}

Vigilante has returned to the streets of NYC to mete out justice and unravel a "Super Hero conspiracy". {#1} Blue Beetle v. Polaris - will this be the end of our hero!? {#34} Dan Jurgens has retaken the reins of Booster Gold, kicking-off a tale which may mean an end to the time continuum! {#15} "Super powered fanatics" are murdering doctors "in the name of God", it’s a shocking and controversial case for Manhunter. {#37} Without powers or family, The Flash must face the end - alone! {#247}

Contending with a crazed leader in the midst of a battle royal - Trang is in labor! {War [/] Time Forgot 8 (of 12)} A "former lawman, brought low" has a plan to avenge himself upon Jonah Hex. {#38} "A noir murder mystery", The Spirit is on the case in Cambodia! {#24}

Titles For Kids Include – Ben 10: It’s Hero Time (TPB) {$15}; Cartoon Network Block Party; Looney Tunes; Super Friends; Supergirl: In The 8th Grade; and, Tiny Titans.

Other Items Available Include – Air 5; American Splendor: Another Dollar (TPB) {$15}; [The] Authority 5; DCU Holiday Special 2008 {$6}; Fables 79; Gen13 25; Haunted Tank 1; Hellblazer 250; House / Mystery 8; Jack / Fables 29; Madame Xanadu 7; Northlanders 13; Push 3; Scalped 24; Stormwatch PHD 17; The X-Files 2; Top Ten [Season Two] 3; Unknown Soldier 3; Wildcats 6; Wintermen Winter Special [2008]; and, Young Liars 10.

Merchandise Available Including – Saga / Swamp Thing [Book] 1 (HC) {Advanced Solicitation, $25}; and, Tokyo Days, Bangkok Nights (TPB) {Advanced Solicitation, $20}.

IMAGE COMICS: Issues Available Include – Astounding Wolf-Man 11; Brit 11; Cyblade 3; Dragon Prince 4; Invincible 57; Jack Staff 20; Savage Dragon 143; Spawn 187; The Darkness: Lodbrok’s Hand; The Sword 14; and, Witchblade 123. Other Items Available Include – American Flagg [Vol] 1 (TPB) {$20}; Armageddon Now: World War III [Book 1] (HC) {$25}; Girls [Vol] 2 [: Emergence] (TPB) {$15}; and, Noble Causes [Vol] 8 [: Star Crossed] (TPB) {$16}. Merchandise Available Including – Rising Stars [Compendium] Collection (HC) {Advanced Solicitation, $100}.

MARVEL COMICS: Issues Available Include – Amazing Spider-Girl 27; Amazing Spider-Man 579 - 580 - 581; Avengers 48; Avengers: Initiative 20; Avengers Invaders 7 (of 12); Cable 9; Captain America 45; Captain Britain [and MI-13] 8; Daredevil 114; Dark Reign: New Nation 1 (of ?); Eternals 8; [New] Exiles 16; Exiles Annual [2008]; Guardians [/] Galaxy 8; Ghost Rider 30; Hulk 9; Incredible Hercules 124; Invincible Iron Man 8; Iron Fist 21; Moon Knight 25; Ms. Marvel 34; Nova 20; Runaways 5; Secret Invasion: Dark Reign; Secret Invasion: Requiem; She-Hulk 38; Squadron Supreme 8; Uncanny X-Men 505; War Machine 1; What If: Fallen Son; What If: Newer Fantastic Four; What If: Secret Wars; What If: Spider-Man - Back In Black; Wolverine 70; Wolverine: Origins 31; Wonderful Wizard Of Oz 1 (of ?); X-Factor 38; X-Force 10; X-Infernus 1 (of ?); X-Men [: Legacy] 219; and, Young X-Men 9. Other Items Available Include – Anita Blake - Vampire Slayer [2]: Guilty Pleasures (TPB); Captain America: The Chosen (TPB); Hedge Knight 2 [: Sworn Sword] (TPB); and, Marvel Illustrated: The Three Musketeers (HC). Merchandise Available Including – Avengers Invaders Poster (by Alex Ross); and, Wonderful Wizard Of Oz Poster.

FROM THE BACK: Titles Available Include – Absolution; Angel [After The Fall]; Anne Steelyard [1] - Garden Of Emptiness (SC) {$16}; Arabian Nights [- Adventures Of Sinbad]; Archie & Friends; Bart Simpson Comics; City Of Dust; Classics Illustrated [Deluxe] - Frankenstein (HC) {$19}; Courtney Crumrin [1] - Night Things (SC) {$12}; Courtney Crumrin [2] - Coven Of Mystics (SC) {$12}; Courtney Crumrin [3] - Prince Of Nowhere (SC) {$7}; [Alan Moore’s] (The) Courtyard {FC}; Crossed; Doctor Who; Dread Force; [Jim Butcher’s] (The) Dresden Files; [Terry Moore’s] Echo; Elixir (SC) {$15}; Eureka; Fall Of Cthluhu; Fallen Angel; Farscape; Fire And Brimstone; Fist Of Justice; Flash Gordon; Forgotten Realms; [Dean Koontz’s] Frankenstein - Prodigal Son; [Warren Ellis’] Frankenstein’s Womb; Freedom Formula; Galaxy Quest; Galveston; Gettysburg (SC) {$10}; Ghost Whisperer; Ghostbusters; Gold Digger; Gravel; Grimm Fairy Tales; Heresy; Hexed; [Allen Moore’s] Hypothetical Lizard (TPB) {BW}; Jobnik (SC) {$18}; Judo Girl; Kade: Rising Sun; Land Of Oz [Manga]; Lone Ranger; Lost At Sea (SC) {$12}; (The) Man With No Name; [Patricia Briggs’] Mercy Thompson - Homecoming; Neozoic; Ninja High School; Red Sonja; Sabrina; Scarlet Veronica; Seekers Into The Mystery [Volume 1] (TPB) {$16}; Speed Racer; Shortcomings (HC) {$20}; Simpsons Super Spectacular; Sonic (The Hedgehog); Sonic X; Star Trek; Star Trek - Next Generation; Stardust Kid (TPB) {$15}; Starship Troopers; Sword Of Dracula; [C.E. Murphy’s] Take A Chance; Tales [/] Crypt; Terminator; The Circle [3] - White (SC) {$12}; The Corps; The Elementals; The Imaginaries; The Remnant; The Last One (TPB) {$25}; Total Anarchy - The Legacy of Vampi; Transformers; Twilight Zone; [Disney’s] Uncle Scrooge; Victoria’s Secret Service (TPB) {$18}; Vincent Price Presents; Walt Disney’s Comics & Stories; War At Ellsmere; [George R.R. Martin’s] Wild Cards; Wonderland (HC) {$20}; Yeti vs. Vampire; Zen (Intergalactic Ninja); and, Zorro... plus, a vast assortment of apparel; books; imports; magazines; models; novelties; posters; prints; statues; toys; and, trading cards!!

Frank Words
By Frank Jaymes
October 2008
With material from Previews Catalog