City Paper's Quality-o-Life-o-Meter
Fifteen hundred firefighters march on City Hall to protest Nutter's budget cuts. "Truth is," says Nutter, "I have the money to save those three ladder companies, but I was just being a dick. And now, because you have walked all this way, I have changed my mind." Even
The family that fosters fat cat Prince Chunk is upset that the Camden County Animal Shelter wants the animal to make 12 public appearances. "Now I know how Dakota Fanning's parents feel," says father, "right down to the box full of shit in the bathroom." Even
Vandals swipe the Baby Jesus from the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Knights of Columbus nativity scene on Independence Hall. The understudy, Fetus Jesus, had only a few moments to rehearse his lines. Minus 5
The Nutter for Mayor campaign donates $225,000 to Pennsylvania Democratic organizations. And $300,000 to the Kingsessing Library. No, just kidding. Suck it, kids. Minus 1
Fans flock to Citizens Bank Park to have their photo taken with the World Series trophy and the Phillie Phanatic, dressed as Phanta Claus. Sadly, dozens were found mauled and carbonated by the dreaded Fanta Claws. Plus 4
Former Eagles owner Norman Braman gets swindled in one of the biggest Ponzi schemes of all time. That's when somebody takes all your money to create a Potsie-Fonzie hybrid. Minus 1
The Rev. James Von Dreele, director of the Seamen's Church Institute, delivers gifts to merchant marines stationed in Philadelphia. In spurts. Plus 2
Total Pluses: 6
Total Minuses: 7
Total for the Week: -1
Last Week's Total: -12
Update: The Closing of 11 Philadelphia Branch Libraries
Library Activists Serve Nutter Notice
by Josh Cornfield / Metro Philadelphia
LOGAN. Activists fighting to keep 11 library branches open across the city gave Mayor Michael Nutter until Tuesday to change his mind. If not, they’re taking him to court.
Attorney Irv Ackelsberg said Thursday that he sent the mayor a draft of what he wants to turn into a class action lawsuit based on a disputed portion of city law that requires City Council approval before any municipal buildings are closed.
“The public library building is like a secular holy place,” Ackelsberg said, surrounded by members of the Black Clergy, the city’s white-collar union and other library supporters. “It is an irreplaceable community anchor offering citizens...a sense of peace, stability and hope.”
More: One Reader's View (Letter to the Editor)
The machine loses a round
Once something is described as a "done deal," it conjures up a feeling in the average citizen that the great machine of political power has started clanking its gears and is about to roll over us, so we had better get back as far away as possible and think about something else.
The machine in Pennsylvania has brought us slot parlors, is rolling over the Barnes Foundation, and has destroyed historic properties to expand the Convention Center. This is all going to be very "good" for "us." We don't have to worry if things don't seem "right," because the machine has an armor of public-relations sound bites and promises to serve the "greater good."
That is why it is such a happy surprise that residents near Burholme Park have won at least this round with the machine. Hooray for Judge Herron for actually supporting the last will of Robert Ryerss and not allowing the park to be used to expand the Fox Chase Cancer Center. It will remain a park at least for as long as it takes the machine to get back up to speed.
Nancy Herman
Merion
published Friday, Dec. 19, 2008
The Philadelphia Inquirer
page A34
Footnote:
Tony Auth Editorial Cartoon published Friday, Dec. 19, 2008
Philadelphia Inquirer