Censorship in the 21st Century: Facebook Style

Our Facebook account has been removed without warning after we  have been posting our views. People may have complained. If we annoy people that much we must being doing something right!  
The truth hurts, but still must get out.
Share our link  your facebook page- Middletown citizens have a right to know what's happening in their government.  Read a summary of recent local politics below-

In 1991, the techno pop group C+C Music Factory released their hit single “Things that make you go Hmmm,” a song about the art of pondering and speculating about the love lives of others.  Five hours ago, the editorial staff of The Middletown Insider pondered the news from the powers that be from Facebook that our Middletown Insider site has been taken down from circulation.  Why would a website that allows groups such as the hateful Ku Klux Klan and the ultra right wing John Birch Society to post their views remain on Facebook and ban the satirical, and at times controversial page of The Middletown Insider? 

The answer: The Insider, in it’s short life span has had over 3,254 hits in 4 weeks and has asked the local political questions that our beloved publications such as The Middletown Patch, The Middletown Press and The Middletown Eye have not.

Things that make you go Hmmm:

Issue 1: The Senior Center- After the city bought, under the leadership of then Mayor Sebastian N. Giuliano, the old Eckersley Hall/St. Sebastian building last fall for $800,000 with approximately $900,000 put aside for renovations with the intent of turning the building into a senior center and military museum for the community, the project was put in a turn around by new Mayor Daniel Drew who throw a wrench into the project by proposing a plan to expand city hall and make room for the ever patient seniors.  According to Friday’s edition of The Middletown Press, Senior Services Commission Chairman Ed Dypa “expressed shock and dismay after learning that Mayor Dan Drew hired an architect to look at the possibility of expanding city hall and including space for a senior center there.”  (Doesn’t address the Military Museum issue).    
The Insiders’ Verdict: If they do add onto city hall, keep an eye out for the name of  the building company.  Is it a donor to the Drew campaign? Does their name rhyme with ______________?

Things that make you go Hmmm

Issue 2: Dan’s trip to China- A trip to China in the middle of the night without word to certain common council members. That would be the GOP side if anybody cares.  I heard he brought back Pessina a fortune cookie.

The first issue Middletown citizens should have with Dan's midnight travel plans: Are you really leaving Bob Santangelo in charge of Middletown?  That’s like Joe Biden in charge of the country. With Santangelo in charge of Middletown he may try to invade Portland or rename  Lyman’s Orchids to Zippy's Apples or something nutty. He may even get his wife a job at the registrar of voters. (Too late- we're screwed!) Drew traveled to China in secret in order to protect his wife and children from the evildoers of Wesleyan Hills. (He’s a Dem, why is he worried. They don't even have their walking paths done yet). The trip wasn’t even voted on until the Monday of his return by the Common Council where Zippy Santangelo chewed out Councilwoman Salafia who had the gall to, get this: Question the Mayor! Yep, Councilwoman Salafia questioned the Mayor in public! Do not do this! You will get the Dem patrol after you with variations of, “How dare you,” or “He is bringing jobs to Middletown” or “We should reopen Valentino’s” (Not true, but it’s something John Robinson would have said).  Oh by the way, Dan’s trip cost the taxpayers $5,200 and he claims he will be bringing in jobs.  Mmmm, Let’s see, I own the Macintosh Computer Factory  and I can set up workers at a plant in China for $1.66 an hour or come to CT for minimum $12.33 an hour.. Stop  it! 
Verdict: Stay Home and show us the receipts!

Things that make you go Hmmm

Issue 3: Dan’s Trip to Washington D.C.-  Under the guise of getting the land from the Nike missile site on Mile Lane from the Feds, Dan Drew ventured to D.C. by plane on our Dime. (Spend spend spend)The guy has a phone or a computer.  Hell, even a telegram would have worked.  Why a meeting? Just reach out and call somebody and phone a friend.  Stop wasting our money on these antics.

  Everybody knows we can’t get the land from the feds until they decide to clean it up.  Can he send an e-mail to Rosa DeLauro or is she auditioning for the part of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz remake by Tim Burton? Does that even make sense?
Okay, little known fact:  DD has family in the Virginia area so he decided to drop in on the big boys and girls and then pay the family a vist. On your DOLLAR!!  

The Verdict: Thank the Wesleyan voters who usually don't give two shits about Middletown who voted DD into the offices on DeKoven Drive.  Good job guys! What's next sue me for writing this column! You can bet your bottom dollar that my name won't be put on this thing.

Things that make you go Hmmm

Issue 4: - Dan’s Budget-  Drew budget includes 3.5 million cuts for education. (He criticized Giuliano on the same issue) and a small cut towards the town’s art programs.  If Dan were a member of the Republican Party he would labeled as someone that is anti-education or worse, some one that is anti-education.
Verdict: I guess we have to let our children suffer since Dan is a Dem.  "You are going to cut teachers in your budget proposal," was what candidate Drew said to then Mayor Giuliano last fall at the debate at Wesleyan University.  Mmm, cutting  3.5 million dollars to the education budget is a helluva lot of teachers and paraprofessionals who will more than likely lose their jobs. Right, you and Governor Malloy seem to have that covered with the Teacher Reform (aka Spend Money Committee). I guess it's okay for you to do it because you are a Democrat.   


Thanks For Listening!

Letter to the Insider Editor: Gender Discrimination in Jail Time Served

Dear Insider: Gender Discrimination In Jail Time Served

A Connecticut male with a third DUI gets sentenced to three years' prison time. A female with her seventh DUI gets sentenced to Connecticut's only female prison in Niantic, which like all Connecticut prisons it is overcrowded, so the female is released after only 90 days. This is discrimination. If male inmates have to sleep on a gym floor because of overcrowding, the overcrowded female prison in Niantic should make room on their prison floor for their female prisoners to serve out their sentences, a practice that does not exist at present. This is discrimination and needs to stop. Submitted by reader Tom Salafia,  Middletown All letters to the Insider are printed as a courtesy to readers, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Insider.  We want to hear from you! Please submit thank you!

Catales Local Cat Charitable Fundraising Spring Events

4/13/12 - Spring Spaghetti Dinner -
Location: Fox Parish Center, Elm St, Middletown, CT 
Time: 6:30 seating / 7:00 dinner
$12/pp - includes pasta, meatballs, rolls, salad and a cupcake
Teacup Raffle and Silent Auctions. Vendor Katherine Ryan will be there selling animal lover gifts. www.katherineryancollectibles.com
Please contact us if you are interested in purchasing tickets for this event. 
Email: info@catales.org

4/28/12 - CATALES walk-a-thon/run -
Location: Middlesex Community College, Middletown, CT 
Time: 9:00-9:30 registration / 10:00 walk/run
Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a walker or runner for this event.


http://www.catales.org/

Middletown Republican Town Committee Straw Poll Fundraiser

The Middletown Republican Town Committee is hosting a Straw Poll, for Republican candidates for President and US Senate on Friday, April 13, at 7 pm at the Elks' Club, 11 Maynard Street, Middletown Connecticut.

This is a fund-raiser for the MRTC. Voting will be by paper ballot, which may be purchased for $10 We are also invite Republican candidates, , and anyone interested in meeting our candidates.

Join us for a fun, social evening, with just a little campaigning.

South Fire District Firefighters Annual Charitable Easter Flower Sale

The South Fire District Firefighters Local #3918 will be holding their annual Easter Flower sale this week, April 5-7 at the firehouse from 8am -7pm. 

Local charities such as the Amazing Grace Food Pantry, Middlesex Cancer Center, Middletown Little League, Adopt-a-Family and the Muscular Dystrophy Association will be some of the beneficiaries from the profits of the sale. 

A wide range of beautiful potted plants will be sold, including tulips, lilies, daffodils, hyacinths and geraniums, and all profits will go to local charities.

Please come out in support of the cause.
www.southfire.com

Open to Public Disability Rights Event at Wesleyan Saturday

Disability Community Remembers George Hodgins
and Other Disabled Victims of Domestic Violence

Middletown, CT – Local disability rights advocates will be holding a vigil to honor
the lives of disabled people murdered by their families and caretakers. This is part of a nation-
wide Day of Mourning, during which disability rights activists in cities across America will hold
events to remember members of the disability community whose lives were lost to domestic
violence.

On March 6, George Hodgins, a 22-year-old autistic man, was murdered by his mother in
Sunnyvale, California. In response, the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) held a vigil in
Sunnyvale on March 16th. During the vigil, mourners read a list of names, beginning with Tracy
Latimer, a disabled teenager killed by her father in 1993. At the same time as ASAN’s vigil was
being held, Tracy’s father was speaking on a television panel for the Canadian Global News,
arguing for legalizing the killing of disabled people - in the name of "mercy."

When disabled people are murdered by caretakers or family members, many people justify these
murders as “understandable,” or talk about the “burden” of caring for someone with a disability.
This is the view that was aired on Canadian Global News, and in many news articles covering
the murder of George Hodgins. Many people are quick to justify the murder of a disabled person,
when they would offer no such justification if the murder victim were not disabled. Therefore,
the national Day of Mourning is meant to demonstrate to the community that the lives of
disabled people have value.

The vigil will be held at Wesleyan University, Usdan Courtyard, Saturday March 31rst, 6pm to 8pm.

Public Hearing: Should Mayor Drew be reimbursed for going to China after the fact?

Mayor Drew has returned from his trip to China. Special meeting of Economic Development Committee for allocation of $5,500 for Mayor Drew's voluntary trip to China on Middletown's behalf." Funny, we don't remember being asked if our money should be spent for this nor was the Council or public privy to the presentation being given as a representation of us !!
Meeting to discuss reimbursement is on Monday, April 2nd @ 5:45 p.m. at City Hall Room 208. For those not aware, the trip has already taken place without any prior approval of the expense. The meeting being given less than a fifteen minute time slot which hardly seems like adequate time for public discussion is "assumed" to pass and is already on the agenda for the Common Council meeting that same night. what do you think? Either way, come voice your opinion at both meetings on Monday.
Certain officials do not think the public should have a say in this but you have a right to know!

Bob Santangelo: Potty Mouth- You Decide!

According to sources close to city hall, Deputy Mayor Bob Santangelo called a fellow councilman (who wishes to remain anonymous) a derogatory term during a special session of the common council last week.  The sources go on to add, that the anonymous councilperson plans to, "deal with the situation on his own."

Film Review: Capicorn One better than The Hunger Games?

 Screw The Hunger Games, rent Capicorn One if you can find it!

Capicorn One: Imagine a movie that features O.J. Simpson running from the cops years prior to his arrest for the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman- if you can visualize such a cinematic feat, than Capicorn Oneis for you. This 1978 Peter Hyams directed gem tells the tale of NASA staging a fake Mars landing for political and financial purposes. Kind of like flying to China or Washington D.C. to get your local middle Connecticut city out of debut.
      I love conspiracy type films that have guys in suits plotting to fool the American public with some far fetched ideas for selfish reasons; usually the filmmakers hire Hal Holbrook (The Firm), Robert Prosky (Thief) or J.T. Walsh(Backdraft) to serve as the evil self- serving government man that wears nice expensive suits. In this case, Holbrook plays the role of, like it matters, Dr. James Kelloway, NASA authority on the Mars landing. Guess what happens next? Holbrook decides to pull the plug on the Mars launch due to a faulty life support system; soon the astronauts are removed from their grounded space capsule and flown to an old abandoned United States Army Air Corp base deep in the desert. Why are all the secret bases always in the desert in these films? Where do these government people eat, live and socialize?

Holbrook, due to his NASA pull, is able to film the astronauts in a sound studio doing faux astronaut stuff like jump around and grab space rocks.  I find it very hard to believe that nobody goes home at night at says to their wife:
“Honey, you can’t say anything, but you know that Mars landing thing that keeps interrupting General Hospital?”
“Yes, Rupert.”
“Well, um, it’s really a bunch of guys at work making sets and sending out fake news footage to the world’s press to convince everybody that we can really go to Mars.”
Actually that would have made a better movie.

Back to the plot: The astronauts played by James Brolin, Sam Waterson and O.J. Simpson are forced to remain in captivity for several months while they are periodically forced to film more fake Mars footage. When does O.J. run from the cops?  Hold on tight it’s coming. Soon Elliot Gould’s reporter character finds a NASA technician who figures out what the big bad government guys are doing and wants to investigate further. Guess what? The technician winds up dead and Gould’s character is arrested, fired from his job and harassed by government agents dressed in black; they even fly black helicopters. Cut to the astronauts: who now realize that they need to get the hell out of dodge before Hal Holbrook turns them into fish food. Holbrook, not looking like Mark Twain, explains to the American public that the astronauts died upon re-entry. Big Lie!!  I guess he didn’t count on the triple team up of Simpson, Waterson and Brolin to stage an amazing escape and tell the world the truth.  Director Hyams shows us various shots of the actors in chase sequences and overuses the wide angles of his cameras; a move that would put Roger Corman to shame. In this movie, Simpson’s character is captured and presumably murdered by the government for doing nothing wrong, while on real Earth, Simpson ran from cops and was tried and acquitted of double homicide in 1994. Scary stuff. The ending: Elliot Gould, former Mr. Barbara Streisand, helps James Brolin, future Mr. Barbara Streisand expose the government’s lies and deception about the fake Mars landing and other assorted evil things.  Whew! Only in the movies. Oh yeah, David Doyle, Bosley from TV’s Charlie’s Angels plays Gould’s boss that enjoys laughing at Elliot’s conspiracy theories. Good Stuff!

Taxpayers to Fund Mayor Drew's trip to China with Malloy

Instead of being concerned that you have no office, be concerned to think how you may fit yourself for office. Instead of being concerned that you are not known, see to the (be?) worthy of being known.
Confucius

Two weeks ago Mayor Dan Drew went to Washington DC to supposedly cement a deal to secure government surplus property on Mile Lane being offered by the Army to Middletown. This deal was first proposed by the Army to then Mayor Dominique Thornton, and later the deal was finalized by Mayor Sebastian Giuliano during his first of three terms in office. The site had minor environmental contamination, that by law had to be cleaned up by the U.S.Army before the could be turned over to the City. The City was to receive the property for free if it was to use it for a public use project. This is when, under the Giuliano administration, talks of a regional fire fighting training facility came to mind. Because of the small amount of contamination, and there being no extenuating circumstances requiring immediate clean-up because the level of contamination was never in flux, the project was basically on the bottom U.S. Army's to-do list, however, it was a done deal. Giuliano secured all the necessary paper work along side Rep. Rosa Delauro to keep the process moving and on the radar of the Army. In the opinion of the Insider, why on earth Mayor Dan Drew felt the need to spend "roughly" $1,000.00 of tax-payer funds to treat himself to a tour of Washington DC and dine in Foggy Bottom with Connecticut Representatives Delauro and Blumenthal in order to supposedly make a deal that was already in place and moving forward, albeit on the federal government's time frame, we just can't comprehend. The Insider wonders if Delauro had any sense of de va ju during the conversation about Mile Lane because she had previously worked on the transfer the first time around.

Mayor Dan Drew is packing his bags again, on the tax payer's dime, this time to rub elbows with the Chinese. Drew alongside Governor Dannel Malloy and a variety of esteemed technology professionals and experts will make the trip to China in the coming weeks. The list of professionals going to China is listed in an article published here: http://ct.typepad.com/ctc_blog/2012/03/back-to-shandong-province-opportunity-for-tech-firms.html.
Earlier this week members of Middletown's Economic Development Committee received the agenda and on the agenda under new business was a request for $5,500.00 for the Mayor's trip to China. Minutes later, the an email was received telling members to disregard this email, and a new agenda would follow Friday. There is a line item for travel expenses for the Mayor, however, this cost would exceed this. During his campaign Drew complained of an LCD outside the Mayor's office that was paid for by grant (Home Land Security) money being something he felt was a waste of tax payer money. . Mayor Drew, while you are there maybe you can return the tvs in person because it was probably made in China anyway!!  Last the Insider checked, the Connecticut River doesn't lead to the Yangzte, Hong Kong isn't on the Lady Catherine's route, and the mayor-mobile's ability to morf into a submarine is still being developed out at City Yard. In 1986 the State of Connecticut  made the Shandong Educational exchange council  to facilitate pen pal like relationships with K-12 schools in the Chinese province and the state, delegates have traditionally been teachers and superintendents (not mayors) participate in a 10 day sight seeing tour and work with foreign educators to facilitate lesson plans to promote each others' culture. I wonder if they have scream rooms in China? Since Middletown taxpayers recently gave Superintendent Michael Frechette over $300k to go away, I doubt a 10 day trip all expense paid is in the works. 

Click to enlarge Agenda

What the Insider would like to know is -
 #1 How come Dan Drew is being considered a candidate to facilitate trade with Connecticut and the Chinese in the field of technology considering his back ground is in sports writing for a Virginia newspaper, and grant writing for Sacred Heart University prior to becoming a first term mayor of a small city less than six months ago?

#2 Why are you the only mayor going amongst executives and technology experts?

#3 If your bff Dannel wants to take the long route for take-out, why should the citizens of Middletown fund this?

#4 While you are there Mayor Drew, can you bring back the jobs the U.S. government allowed manufacturing & technology businesses to outsource for cents on the dollar in recent years? We sorta miss 'em.

During his campaign the big dogs from Hartford such as Governor Dannel Malloy came down from the capital to campaign for Drew certainly pulled out all the stops to secure a democrat to regain Middletown's mayoral seat.  Also during the campaign, questions came out regarding Drew's resume and allegations of inflation of credentials came to light. Drew claimed during the mayoral debates and at various other events covered by the local media, have played the foremost role in cracking a case of local extortion by a prominent political figure in the Virginia area, and all but taking down the DC sniper himself, meanwhile winning various awards for investigative journalism while he worked at a Virginia news outlet during his college and immediate post college days. The allegations of over exaggeration of credentials was first written about in the Middletown Patch in a letter to the editor here: http://middletown-ct.patch.com/articles/letter-examination-of-drew-s-bio-reveals-confliciting-information

The letter writer claims that further investigation revealed Drew to be a sports writer at the newspaper. Perhaps Mayor Drew is taking advice from Senator Richard Blumenthal these days a little too seriously; after all Blumenthal claimed during his campaign to be a Vietnam war veteran, and later blamed the media for misquoting him. , which later brought to light by the New York Times in 2010.

Got something to say about this? Middletown's Ecomomic Development Meeting is open to the public & meets at City Hall on April 2, 2012 at 5:45 pm in room 208.