Editor's note: As we leave Uganda tomorrow, I'd like to reflect on the last ten months. Today, we'll talk business. Next week, in part two, I'll share some personal reflections about our wonderful Ugandan friends and colleagues.
KAMPALA, UGANDA — As my time in Uganda winds down, the obvious question about my 10 months here is whether my presence made any difference for this wonderful, maddening country and its resourceful, friendly, poverty-stricken residents. (Picture-At Kampala Peace Journalism Summit)
Did I waste my time and American tax dollars (my $270,000 peace journalism project was supported by the U.S. State Department and USAID)? Am I just another arrogant Westerner preaching mzungu (white person) values?
In an attempt to justify our efforts, we produced a project assessment report. I know—self assessments are hardly reliable, but that’s all we could afford. I still hope our report isn’t worthless.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Parkville Man Found Dead on River Road
The body of a man found next to his car on River Road / FF Hwy Monday morning was identified by the Platte County Sheriff's Department as Glenn E. Koele, 54, of Parkville.
The Sheriff's Department said after a preliminary investigation, Koele's death appeared to be the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The Sheriff released the name of the victim after informing his family.
From the Platte County Sheriff's Department:
The Sheriff's Department said after a preliminary investigation, Koele's death appeared to be the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The Sheriff released the name of the victim after informing his family.
From the Platte County Sheriff's Department:
At approximately 7:08 AM on Monday, April 25, 2011, the Platte County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a deceased party next to a vehicle in the 16600 block of River Road. Investigators identified the deceased as Glenn E. Koele, 54 years of age, of Parkville. The preliminary investigation shows Mr. Koele died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation continues until a final report is received from the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office.Editor's note: The Luminary's editorial policy is to refrain from reporting on suicide cases unless the victim meets the criteria held for a public official, public figure or committed the deed in a public setting, such as this.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
For the Record: Catherine Bleish (Part 5)
Free Speech is Earned
by Catherine Bleish
While working on this series of articles I have come to the conclusion that speech is indeed NOT free, rather, your freedom speech is earned when you exert your natural right so say what you believe. While in certain and growing circumstances this might result in the use of force or the threat there of to silence you, it is the brave souls who generation after generation continue to stand up to those who violate the natural rights of others that prove the literal fact that a "right" not exerted is a "right" not obtained.
The "Powers that Be" have done a great job over the years of convincing the populous of these United States that our founders granted us the "right" to freedom of speech. This is indeed a backward view of history. It was the sovereign and free people who gave the government the ability to engage in a limited amount of activities, all of which were explicitly written out in the Constitution. To be clear, they also limited the government's power in order to prevent them from silencing individuals or groups in anyway. Power hungry elites have bastardized history deliberately and slowly over time to a point where people really believe their right to SPEAK or WRITE comes from the government, and not the inert power found within themselves.
The use of Free Speech Zones, Fusion Centers, political profiling, infiltration of activist organizations and other tactics designed to chill opponents of the Federal Government's growing power have worked wonderfully as millions now sit silently as our society falls into shambles. The masses cheer on their political team from in front of the television and do little to help pull themselves out of this fast approaching collapse.
by Catherine Bleish
While working on this series of articles I have come to the conclusion that speech is indeed NOT free, rather, your freedom speech is earned when you exert your natural right so say what you believe. While in certain and growing circumstances this might result in the use of force or the threat there of to silence you, it is the brave souls who generation after generation continue to stand up to those who violate the natural rights of others that prove the literal fact that a "right" not exerted is a "right" not obtained.
The "Powers that Be" have done a great job over the years of convincing the populous of these United States that our founders granted us the "right" to freedom of speech. This is indeed a backward view of history. It was the sovereign and free people who gave the government the ability to engage in a limited amount of activities, all of which were explicitly written out in the Constitution. To be clear, they also limited the government's power in order to prevent them from silencing individuals or groups in anyway. Power hungry elites have bastardized history deliberately and slowly over time to a point where people really believe their right to SPEAK or WRITE comes from the government, and not the inert power found within themselves.
The use of Free Speech Zones, Fusion Centers, political profiling, infiltration of activist organizations and other tactics designed to chill opponents of the Federal Government's growing power have worked wonderfully as millions now sit silently as our society falls into shambles. The masses cheer on their political team from in front of the television and do little to help pull themselves out of this fast approaching collapse.
Volume 9, Episode 35
Top Stories
Ferguson's Farewell?
Bay Leaves: Ward Three Alderman Resigns
Light Seen at End of Bridge Tunnel
Kelly Receives Andrasek Award
Special Features
Highway 45 Revisited by Carolyn Elwess
Plus
For the Record: Catherine Bleish
NASCAR This Week
...and
Mark Vasto's Take on American Culture
All that plus Wondermark, Super Crossword, Weekly Sudoku, Useless Knowledge, Twitter Ticker, and the best investigative reporting throughout Parkville news racks.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Steve Youngblood: Isolated Town Serves Up the Luxury of Silence
PADER, UGANDA — As I silently pick at my whole fried fish, I realize that what I see and hear on the patio in front of my hotel is unlike anything I’m liable to ever experience again.
I hear no human noises, at least initially. I do detect loud, almost distressed mooing mixed with distant rumbles from threatening but ultimately impotent thunderheads. I set down my water gingerly on the table, careful not to make any noise that might disturb this aural simplicity.
I’ve read that in the 21st century, as the world gets more and more crowded, that man’s most desired luxury may be silence. Sitting here alone, that’s not hard to believe.
Unfortunately, the silence and the calm it inspires is broken as a sputtering motorbike staggers in front of the hotel. The motorcycle (boda boda) driver and his paying passenger slow as they approach me, trying not to stare but finding themselves unable to resist. Here in very rural, remote northern Uganda, a muno (white person) is as rare as a humble Texan.
I hear no human noises, at least initially. I do detect loud, almost distressed mooing mixed with distant rumbles from threatening but ultimately impotent thunderheads. I set down my water gingerly on the table, careful not to make any noise that might disturb this aural simplicity.
I’ve read that in the 21st century, as the world gets more and more crowded, that man’s most desired luxury may be silence. Sitting here alone, that’s not hard to believe.
Unfortunately, the silence and the calm it inspires is broken as a sputtering motorbike staggers in front of the hotel. The motorcycle (boda boda) driver and his paying passenger slow as they approach me, trying not to stare but finding themselves unable to resist. Here in very rural, remote northern Uganda, a muno (white person) is as rare as a humble Texan.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Volume 9, Episode 34
Top Stories
City Hall Cops To It
Main Street Association Hires Exec, Again
Platte Forms DWI Court
Community Volunteer, Boucher, Passes
County Worker Fatal Accident
Plus
Dr. Roht Loves the Masters
Highway 9 Bridge Construction Continues
...and
Mark Vasto on Parkville Confidential
All that plus Wondermark, Super Crossword, Weekly Sudoku, Useless Knowledge, The Twitter Ticker, and an Economic Fact Sheet rabble-rousing Parkville newsstands.
Friday, April 15, 2011
City Hall Cops To It: Mayor Confirms Expense Reporting Investigation
By Mark Vasto
One week after he asserted Parkville’s hire of a media relations consultant was not for the purpose of “damage control,” Mayor Gerry Richardson confirmed to The Luminary that there were human resource related issues currently occurring at City Hall.
Richardson confirmed to The Luminary, on Thursday, that City Manager Shannon Thompson had been placed on paid administrative leave for a period of three days – Monday, April 11 through Wednesday, April 13 – and that Lore Meyer, who served as the city’s accounts payable clerk, had submitted her resignation.
Richardson said he accepted Meyer’s resignation on Friday, April 8 and that he was responsible for the decision to place Thompson on leave, in accordance with the city charter and on the advice of counsel.
One week after he asserted Parkville’s hire of a media relations consultant was not for the purpose of “damage control,” Mayor Gerry Richardson confirmed to The Luminary that there were human resource related issues currently occurring at City Hall.
Richardson confirmed to The Luminary, on Thursday, that City Manager Shannon Thompson had been placed on paid administrative leave for a period of three days – Monday, April 11 through Wednesday, April 13 – and that Lore Meyer, who served as the city’s accounts payable clerk, had submitted her resignation.
Richardson said he accepted Meyer’s resignation on Friday, April 8 and that he was responsible for the decision to place Thompson on leave, in accordance with the city charter and on the advice of counsel.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Volume 9, Episode 33
Top Stories
Welch Tops Ferguson
Bolin, Cox, Lee, and Turley Take Park Hill Board
Park Hill Bond Issue Passes
Smoking Ban Enacted
Mayor Seeking Public Relations
Plus
Parkville's Finest Promoted
Platte County Lauded
Prenger Picked for Park Commencement
...and
Mark Vasto explains why a suit stands the test of time.
All that plus Wondermark, Super Crossword, Weekly Sudoku, Useless Knowledge, The Twitter Ticker, and an Earthquake Timeline shaking up racks throughout Parkville.
Steve Youngblood: Acholi Cultural Lesson Leaves Lasting Imprint
NEAR GULU, UGANDA — As a fretful parent, I constantly worry about pulling my son out of school and bringing him to live in Uganda for the Spring, 2011 semester.
After yesterday, I am fretting a lot less.
Even though his school, Lakeview Middle, is excellent, and the teachers top-notch, the cultural lesson my 13-year old son Alex absorbed yesterday far eclipses anything a student could possibly learn in a classroom.
Alex was uncharacteristically silent as we slowly wheeled our car onto a dusty, shaded compound in northern Uganda, near Gulu. We had come to visit my friend Gloria’s grandmother. Lounging on a woven mat in the shade, Grandma Kerodia (Claudia) greeted us excitedly, and smiled so broadly she almost injured herself. Claudia, thin but otherwise healthy-looking, loves visitors and adores her granddaughter, so this was a big day for her, especially since we were the first munos (white people) to ever visit this place where she was born in 1903. Yes, Claudia is 108 years old. Though she doesn’t speak English, Claudia still managed to carry on a lively discussion with us in Acholi, the local language. She even managed to tease a beaming but temporarily mute Alex about stealing her son’s name (he is also Alex).
After yesterday, I am fretting a lot less.
Even though his school, Lakeview Middle, is excellent, and the teachers top-notch, the cultural lesson my 13-year old son Alex absorbed yesterday far eclipses anything a student could possibly learn in a classroom.
Alex was uncharacteristically silent as we slowly wheeled our car onto a dusty, shaded compound in northern Uganda, near Gulu. We had come to visit my friend Gloria’s grandmother. Lounging on a woven mat in the shade, Grandma Kerodia (Claudia) greeted us excitedly, and smiled so broadly she almost injured herself. Claudia, thin but otherwise healthy-looking, loves visitors and adores her granddaughter, so this was a big day for her, especially since we were the first munos (white people) to ever visit this place where she was born in 1903. Yes, Claudia is 108 years old. Though she doesn’t speak English, Claudia still managed to carry on a lively discussion with us in Acholi, the local language. She even managed to tease a beaming but temporarily mute Alex about stealing her son’s name (he is also Alex).
Monday, April 4, 2011
Park Hill Candidates Square Off at Forum
By Rachel Atwood
The Park Hill District Council PTA sponsored a forum for school board candidates on March 29. More than 50 people and all eleven candidates attended the event.
There was no shortage of disagreement between Fred Sanchez, who is running for a one-year term, and three-year term seeker, Chris Seufert. The candidates have sparred over issues recently, mainly centering around a decision by the school board to approve an environmentally friendly geothermal heat pump.
Costing approximately $500,000, the expenditure is part of the budget to build a new elementary school if the $49 million bond issue passes on the April 5 ballot. The controversial heat pump raised eyebrows due to the 25 year estimated payback period which was approved by the board of education in February.
The Park Hill District Council PTA sponsored a forum for school board candidates on March 29. More than 50 people and all eleven candidates attended the event.
There was no shortage of disagreement between Fred Sanchez, who is running for a one-year term, and three-year term seeker, Chris Seufert. The candidates have sparred over issues recently, mainly centering around a decision by the school board to approve an environmentally friendly geothermal heat pump.
Costing approximately $500,000, the expenditure is part of the budget to build a new elementary school if the $49 million bond issue passes on the April 5 ballot. The controversial heat pump raised eyebrows due to the 25 year estimated payback period which was approved by the board of education in February.
A Rare Challenge For Ferguson
By Mark Vasto
You’ll excuse Marvin Ferguson if he’s a bit unaccustomed to campaigning for Parkville alderman. After all, the Melody Lane resident has served on the board for nearly half of his adult life.
“It’ll be 40 years in April,” Ferguson, who’ll turn 76 this summer, told The Luminary. “It was 1971…John Reineke was mayor then and he asked if I’d be interested in running…I filed, got elected and I’ve managed to stay in office since then.”
Yet this year, Ferguson is facing a rare challenge in the city’s third ward – the area roughly encompassing The National, Pinecrest, Commons and I-435 corridor -- from Kendall Welch, 48, the National resident who is perhaps best known locally for initiating and bringing the city’s curbside recycling service to fruition. She told The Luminary that it was her understanding that Ferguson had never been challenged in all of his time serving on the board.
You’ll excuse Marvin Ferguson if he’s a bit unaccustomed to campaigning for Parkville alderman. After all, the Melody Lane resident has served on the board for nearly half of his adult life.
“It’ll be 40 years in April,” Ferguson, who’ll turn 76 this summer, told The Luminary. “It was 1971…John Reineke was mayor then and he asked if I’d be interested in running…I filed, got elected and I’ve managed to stay in office since then.”
Yet this year, Ferguson is facing a rare challenge in the city’s third ward – the area roughly encompassing The National, Pinecrest, Commons and I-435 corridor -- from Kendall Welch, 48, the National resident who is perhaps best known locally for initiating and bringing the city’s curbside recycling service to fruition. She told The Luminary that it was her understanding that Ferguson had never been challenged in all of his time serving on the board.
Volume 9, Episode 32
Top Stories
Lisa Pope, Platte County Collector, Passes
Merchants Complaining About Bridge Work
Park Hill Candidates Square Off at Forum
Mayor Seeking PR Help at City Hall
National Announces New Building Phase
Plus
Royals Preview, Fantasy Guide, and Predictions
Main Street Director Announced, Again
Guilty Plea in Platte City $2M Swindle
...and
The Luminary Election Endorsements
All that plus Wondermark, Super Crossword, Weekly Sudoku, Useless Knowledge, The Twitter Ticker, and Letters to the Luminary in this powerhouse episode.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
An English Accented Reporter is on Sight in Parkville Before the Storm
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