News, Entertainment, Enlightenment
Monumental Thanksgiving Fete — The Delaware County Patriots will be having a Thanksgiving social, 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 14 at the Marple Library, 2599 Sproul Road, Broomall, Pa. 19008.
We suspect it will be a happy one.
Dinner is pot luck and attendees are asked to contribute. It will be followed by a screening of the movie “Monumental”.
Door fee is $5 to cover the cost of the room.
Please RSVP at reginamsch@verizon.net.
Jill Stein Gets It — Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein blasted the Democratic Party in a tweet.
“The Dems’ leaked emails reveal their mastery of corporate politics. Manipulate the process, the voters, the media, all to serve the elite,” she said.
She gets it. It’s a shame the race wasn’t between her and Trump. We may vehemently disagree with her solutions but we fully respect that she understands the problem. Our Founders rebelled against feudalism. The corporate cronyism that is being imposed on our lives is different in name only.
It’s no coincidence that Hillary Clinton is out-raising Trump 20 to 1 among one-percenters. These are types who want to supplant individual conscience and be lords of the world.
For my very religious friends who remain NeverTrump, remember the punchline: “Why didn’t you save me, God, when I prayed for deliverance?” “I sent you two boats and a helicopter.”
DelcoDebates Swarthmore Speakers Corner A Success — DelcoDebates presented its initial Hyde Park Speakers Corner event, Saturday afternoon Sept. 17 in Swarthmore, in Little Crum Creek Park on Cresson Lane, just off Swarthmore Avenue. The free event was held in a shady grove in the park by the large stone fireplace.
Volunteer speakers included Roger Balson, Bill Denison, Rich Gardner, Ed Mcadams, Tom McBride, Wil Scull and Bob Small.
Bob Small gave a short introduction followed by Roger Balson explaining the parameters of the discussion.
About a dozen short talks were given on a range of topics, including 911 as discussed in Europhysicsnews.org; the need for activism; Smedley Butler; constitutional amendments; environmental degradation; free and equal elections; gerrymandering, and quick and easy questions to ask local and national candidates.
Afterward, future activities were discussed including referendum on the November ballot concerning an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution which would increase the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75.
Those who would like to be notified of future Candidate Forums, Issue Forums, Speaker Corners can contact Delco Debates at delcodebates@gmail.com.
The Speakers Corner in London’s Hyde Park began in 1872 and continues to this day. Many other countries have since created a Speakers Corner, where anyone can speak.
DelcoDebates is a group dedicated to providing a space for all viewpoints,
including alternative and Independent Candidates.
Peg Luksik New Website — Long-time civil rights activist Peg Luksik has created a website to keep tabs on Hillary Clinton.
It’s called CarelessHillary.org and can be found here.
Swarthmore Hyde Park Speakers Corner — Delco Debates presents the initial Hyde Park Speakers Corner event in Swarthmore, in Little Crum Creek Park on Cresson Lane, just off Swarthmore Avenue, 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17.
The event will be held in the park where there are gazebo, benches, tables, and a large stone fireplace. The audience and speakers are encouraged to provide their own picnics and may also opt to provide their own chairs.
The event is open to the public and all are invited to speak,within a five minute time limit, on the topic of their choosing.
There will be a short introduction, followed by the Swarthmore Hyde Park Speakers Corner event. There is no rain date planned.
The Speakers Corner in London’s Hyde Park began in 1872 and continues to this day. Many other countries have since created a Speakers Corner, where anyone can speak. Possibly, this can be the first of many in Swarthmore.
Delaware County Patriots Picnic Sept. 25 — The Delaware County Patriots, a non-partisan organization that promotes government transparency and accountability, is holding a free picnic, 1 p.m., Sept. 25 at Pavilion 17, Ridley Creek State Park.
The group will supply the hot and cold sandwiches, beverages and tableware.
Those attending are asked to bring a side dish or dessert.
And to RSVP. Call Regina at 610-328-2463 or click here.
Non-members are welcome.
Philly Green Party Events Loom — Bob Small of Delco Debates has let us know that Jill Stein’s CNN Town Hall airs live 9 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 17. It gives one a chance to learn more about Jill Stein and her running mate Ajamu Baraka which will be broadcast live on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Espanol and online via CNNgo for questions.
Better still, he says, come watch the Town Hall with other Greens, Stein supporters, and the Stein-curious, at Alma Mater, 7165 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Eat, drink and enjoy some great discussion!
Bob also notes that the Green Party of Philadelphia (GPOP) Outreach Committee Meeting will meet 7 p.m., Aug. 18 at Vivek Ananthan’s, 635 N. 5th St., Philadelphia (ring doorbell). He said discussed will be ideas and plans to do neighborhood publicity and tabling on university campuses.
He says that there will be a GPOP picnic/potluck, 7 p.m., Aug. 24 at Clark Park, 43rd and Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia. Look for the tables and chairs. New Greens and other Jill Stein supporters will be welcomed and those interested will be given information. There will be pizza. Homegrown Stein t-shirts will be sold.
Bob has sent us this link as to what the Greens are up against.
And in fairness, Tom C has sent us this link regarding serious problems that can laid at the feet of Republican Party leaders.
Libertarians Rose Tree Park Return Without Hassle — Those collecting signatures for Libertarian Pennsylvania 7th District Congressional candidate Patrick Sellers have returned to Rose Tree Park and are collecting them without interference according to Dale Kerns Jr.
Kerns, Sellers and six others were at the county-owned park in Upper Providence last night (July 21) during Summer Festival and plan on being there each night through Sunday.
“We thank (Park Police Chief Samuel S. Ziviello) for helping resolve this issue,” said Kerns. “He called to say that his officers would not interfere with us at the park, and that he would be available on his cell if there were any issues. A few of the officers talked and joked with us. Nice night all in all.”
Kerns and Sellers were chased from the park on July 16 after the petitions containing signatures were confiscated, and Kerns was later subject to a rather troubling car stop.
Kerns says the confiscated petitions have not been returned and appear to have been lost by police. This could cause some trouble for the agency — and the county, especially Councilman Mario Civera, whose name was given as having ordered the action — if Sellers cannot get on the ballot due to a lack of names.
Libertarians Pledge Rose Tree Park Return — The Libertarians who had their petitions for Pennsylvania 7th District Congressional candidate Pat Sellers confiscated by Delaware County Park Police while canvassing in the county’s Rose Tree Park, July 16, are saying they will return Thursday (July 21) through Sunday to try again and have so informed Park Police Chief Samuel S. Ziviello.
The below statement was written by Dale Kerns Jr. of Ridley.
Chief Samuel S. Ziviello, I would like to thank you for allowing myself and David Jahn, chairman of the Delaware County Libertarian Party, to meet with you yesterday (July 18). I understand that you’re waiting for your solicitor to respond to the letter I have written. I also appreciate your call at the end of the day yesterday telling me you still have not heard from him. But what I do not appreciate is that every day that is delayed is a day that we cannot exercise our first amendment rights in that location. Every day that is delayed is the day that our civil liberties are being violated.
I hope that everyone at the county level understands what a horrible injustice this is to the civil liberties of everyone in the county and I hope that they will work to get us answers. We want to know that we can go peacefully to the park that we fund with our tax dollars and exercise our First Amendment rights and all other rights; without being harassed, intimidated, threatened, or violated in any other way.
If I do not hear back From you soon I will take my interpretation of the First Amendment, of the Supreme Court decisions that have already been established with respect to collecting signatures, and exercise these rights at Rose Tree Park immediately. I will do so peacefully, without antagonizing, and without disruption of anyone. I expect that I can expect that the officers under you Will not be ordered to treat us like criminals and violate our rights.
On Thursday of this week, Friday of this week, Saturday of this week, and Sunday of this week, we (peaceful law abiding citizens) will be back at the park from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. exercising our rights as free people. We encourage your support.
Thank you for your time in this matter.
Kerns, Sellers Statements Update — Dale Kerns Jr. says Park Police Chief Samuel S. Ziviello has said they intend to return his petitions but can’t find them. Chief, you could be looking at some serious legal aggravation if they can’t be found. Kerns also said Ziviello is waiting upon a ruling by their solicitor as to whether they can canvass in the park.
Kerns, Sellers Statements — Here are statements by Dale Kerns Jr. and Patrick Henry Sellers regarding the incident, July 16, in Rose Tree Park in which they petitions they were circulating for Libertarian candidates were confiscated and Kerns was later subject to a car stop and threatened with arrest.
Dear Chief Samuel S. Ziviello, I am writing to you about a matter that occurred in your jurisdiction very recently involving the Delaware County Park Police, Mario Civera and County Council, and individuals on staff at the Summer Festival and Parks and Recreation. The matter involved an abuse of power, jurisdictional violations, violations of the 1st Amendment rights of individuals and political parties from the State and Federal levels, a violation of Federal Code Chapter 29 Section 529, violation of numerous Supreme Court rulings and the violation of the oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States from both officers and County officials.
On Thursday July 15th 2016, while petitioning with several individuals for the office of President, United States Senate, Pennsylvania Attorney General, U.S. Congress, and other offices; I was first approached by Mark Manfre who identified himself as the guy in charge of the division of Parks and Recreation. At that time Mr. Manfre insisted that we leave the property because solicitation was not something that was allowed in the park. It was then that I informed Mr. Manfre that we were exercising our right to free speech and at no time were we selling anything. Mr. Manfre said he knows exactly what we are doing because he also does the same thing on many occasions. After a rather short discussion and my insisting that Mr. Manfre show me the law that says I cannot exercise my right to free speech, Mr. Manfre headed to his office to find out more information. By this time Mr. Manfre had held us up so much that we were not very successful with our collections- the whole operation was compromised.
Upon his return, Mr. Manfre said that he could find no law, and that he spoke to his solicitor. Mr. Manfre informed me that the solicitor agreed, and that he was not to have us removed from the park because it would violate my first amendment rights. It was then that Mr. Manfre wished us luck, told us that he did not agree with us being there but the solicitor gave him legal direction. Mr. Manfre then told me that within the next week he would have a law passed that would keep us from proceeding the next week.
Just two days later on July 17th 2016, after gathering signatures for about an hour with Patrick Henry Sellers, the Libertarian Congressional Candidate, at approximately 6:30 PM we were approached by a female officer with the Delaware County Park Police who referred to herself as the Lieutenant. The Lieutenant said we have to stop what we are doing because there is no political stuff allowed on the Park Grounds. Patrick Sellers and I informed her that we were just exercising our right to free speech, and not soliciting anything of any kind. We also informed her that we had the same approach taken by Mark Manfre just two days prior. She said she had direction from Mario Civera of County Council and Mark Manfre of the Parks and Recreation to have us removed and cited if we did not comply. After the Lieutenant informed us, I offered to show her Supreme Court Precedent that protects our actions under the United States Constitution. The Lieutenant replied that the United States Constitution and the Supreme Court does not sign her paychecks and the County Council does. It was at that point that she said we had to stop collection of signatures, remove any signs that we had on or near our person and any literature or face citations and possibly jail.
At that time, Pat Sellers and I stopped all exercising of rights as we felt that the situation was very threatening. As the Lieutenant pulled away in her vehicle, a second vehicle approached with another officer who identified himself as officer Lasina or Masina as we were packing up. This officer said that we were breaking law, committing a crime, and asked if we had identification. We told him that identification was not on us but in our cars. Pat Sellers and I had not even made it to our cars yet from when the Lieutenant pulled away. The officer then told us to head to our cars.
I then went to my car, and Pat Sellers did the same. I pulled away first, and headed out of the park. When I realized that I did not have all of my clipboards I stopped in the circle to gather everything. The Lieutenant was there and said I was not following orders. When I told her I only wanted my signatures and I was leaving, she said they are now evidence and she was directed to confiscate them. She said to see County Council if I want to know the law and to find out how to get my nomination papers back. At that point, I saw officers pulling over Pat Sellers.
I then went south on 252 towards Chester Pennsylvania. I stopped at Wawa just after the route 1 bypass. I purchased my order to take home for which I have a receipt. Upon leaving the premises of Wawa and heading in the direction of 476 in the route 1 bypass, I was pulled over by the Delaware County Park Police, officers Masina or Lasina and Lieutenant Berkey, another unidentified officer was also on the scene at one point. It was at this time I began to film.
I was told that I was being pulled over for committing a crime, which was solicitation and disorderly conduct. I was told that this stop was a direct order and was at the direction of County Council Chairman Mario Civera. The rest can be found on the footage of the video tapes (which you probably have seen to this point and has had over 30,000 views in the first 24 hours). Additionally, the nomination papers have yet to be returned, even though on the video the officers said they were on their way with them.
Consequently, after the whole ordeal there were no charges, but I am unable to regain my first amendment rights back for that evening, I am unable to undo what was done with respect to the way it appeared we were guilty to over 300 individuals in that park. I also cannot undo the fact that the officers in the Delaware County Park have an allegiance to the Delaware County Council and the Chief of Police before serving under their oath to Protect and Defend the United States and Pennsylvania Constitution. Unfortunately, that latter can only be initiated by you.
I would like to move toward rectifying these matters diplomatically. I would like to have the nomination papers that I circulated returned. I would like to have full faith in the fact that nobody exercising their right to free speech in county parks will have to go through what I went through ever again with respect to the harassment, threats, intimidation, and ignorance of my rights as a free individual. And, I would like to know that the officers that are out there protecting us are not following direct orders from a single person in power instead of the law of the land The United States and Pennsylvania Constitution.
I thank you for your time in this matter and look forward to hearing from you immediately so that we can resolve this matter in a gentleman like fashion.
I can attest that everything Dale Kerns said about what happened in Rose Tree Park on Thursday and Saturday 7/14/16, 7/16/16 is accurate.
I also share Dale’s desire for a quick resolution to this. I am extremely dismayed over the very bad publicity this caused for my campaign and the other candidates on our petitions. How are we now going to change the opinion of all those people who walked by us, me holding my “Sellers for Congress” sign, as the officers probably appeared to be arresting us?