D-Day June 6th, 1944

Watch this stirring speech from President Reagan at the 4oth anniversary of D-Day.
He offered no apologies to anyone.

I will never forget.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBeyZAmmJNg

Conrad Weiser Homestead meeting with the PHMC last night

I was overwhelmed with the show of support by citizens from our community and other parts of the state who attended last nights meeting.
Many citizens spoke and I was proud of how well they articulated their viewpoints concerning this important issue.
Despite all of that, the future doesn't look good for the Conrad Weiser Homestead.

Some of my info may be a bit fuzzy. I tried to retain as much as possible during the meeting. Please correct me where needed.

The PHMC has basically told us there is no money in the budget for the continued operations of the CW Homestead.
Those who attended last night were told that the State of Pa is in a significant financial crisis and is experiencing a deficit of 1 to 3 billion dollars.
The PHMC understands the value of our history but when the rubber mets the road, the Homestead must be shut down to save money.
That decision will be made on 6/17/09.
The PHMC stated that if local municipalites and/or private (for now) business were to step up with money, they will keep the status quo.

PHMC also said that the rest of the state historic sites are also in danger of cutbacks or being closed.

Representatives of the Friends of the Conrad Weiser Homestead spoke last night. It was stated they would accept a larger role of responsibility in the operation of the Homestead.
But, to do that they would need time, much more than the 6/18/09 deadline that the PHMC is operating under
PHMC does not appear to be willing to work with them in that regard.

Currently the buildings are open for visitors on a limited basis.
Under PHMSC's plan the buildings will be closed and the exhibits will be removed.
The grounds will still be available for public use.

If I understand the current financial situation correctly, by closing the site the state will realize a total savings of just under $30,000.00.
There is currently no curator which is a cost savings right there. There is also a part-time maintance/groundskeeper and one part-time person who is a history interpreter and tour guide.
We have all heard of wasteful spending in government.
I'm sure there are many areas in gov't that are in need of accountability and transparency to save money.
Attacking our history is not a way to save dollars.

Maybe Fast-Eddie could drive the speed limit on the turnpike and save some taxpayer funded gasoline he wastes by speeding back and forth from Philly to H-burg...

Hiking our taxes is a bandaid solution to the bigger problem of gov't being out of control and not accountable to its citizens in how our dollars are spent.

If the budget is in such a critical state, how about the Judicial, Executive and Legislative branches of our state goverment taking some major pay cuts to show they "feel our pain".
I'm sure we could scrape together quite a bundle right there.

I urge everyone who reads this to contact the state starting with the governor and voice your displeasure at the direction our state is heading.

Gov Rendell: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/contact/2998
PHMC: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=1579&&PageID=259337&mode=2
Pa General Assembly: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/