Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

Been a lot of bad news around here lately. This is an amazing story of hard work, volunteerism and, generally, an example of what can be accomplished when people refuse to surrender to their surroundings. Also an example of how government & volunteerism [I]can[/I] and should work together.

[url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-ae-youth-dreamers-20100507,0,3485970.story]After nine years, a school project that many thought was only a dream becomes a reality - baltimoresun.com[/url]

It's the story of some inner-city kids and their 10 year struggle to accomplish an incredible goal. As a setting, I live near the Waverly area they are talking about and it is a harsh, harsh neighborhood. Truly an amazing accomplishment in light of all the knocks against these kids.

re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

Awesome stuff!

re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

What's perservance? ;)

re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

ummm, I don't know. I gave up before I could figure it out.

re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=GMScud;699256]What's perservance? ;)[/quote]

Don't know I only read the first paragraph.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

Thanks for the fix SS.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;699278]Thanks for the fix SS.[/quote]

Who's ss I'm too lazy to look.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=firstdown;699282]Who's ss I'm too lazy to look.[/quote]

Really?? It starts with a Smoot and ends with a.... Smack!! Grab a cup of coffee FD. :)

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=GMScud;699284]Really?? It starts with a Smoot and ends with a.... Smack!! Grab a cup of coffee FD. :)[/quote]

Ok, thats fine but why is the thanking SS when he did not start the thread or post in this thread. I quit coffee now its MD to get my day started.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=firstdown;699291]Ok, thats fine but why is the thanking SS when he did not start the thread or post in this thread. I quit coffee now its MD to get my day started.[/quote]
SS corrected the spelling in the thread title.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;699296]SS corrected the spelling in the thread title.[/quote]

He never does that fo me.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

Well, I was hoping this would lead to a discussion of how govt., private enterprise and individual effort [I]can[/I] create societal benefits. But I guess discussing the thread title is more interesting. :)

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=firstdown;699298]He never does that fo me.[/quote]

Yours usually lead to clever wit and laughs. JR's was just mundane.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;699299]Well, I was hoping this would lead to a discussion of how govt., private enterprise and individual effort [I]can[/I] create societal benefits. But I guess discussing the thread title is more interesting. :)[/quote]

well you know I'm not joining in THAT discussion :D

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

What an incredible story.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

Awesome story it sounds like it will benefit many people for years to come.

I dont want to take away from it either, but does this bother anyone else:

[I]Their big break came over the summer when [/I][URL="http://www.thewarpath.net/topic/politics/barbara-a.-mikulski-PEPLT004501.topic"][COLOR=#0000ff][I]Sen. Barbara Mikulski[/I][/COLOR][/URL][I] snared them $70,000 of federal money. Suddenly, with real cash, paper work and taxes to contend with, Berdan knew they needed legal help. They scored what ended up to be nearly $200,000 of legal advice over the years, pro bono, from the University of Maryland's Law Clinic.[/I]


[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Really 200k in legal and accounting work to do something good? It sounds like it all came from around last summer too, less then a years worth of work. Thank God it was pro bono. I wonder how many other attempts have been haltered due to the barriers of our tax system?[/FONT][/COLOR]

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;699299]Well, I was hoping this would lead to a discussion of how govt., [B]private enterprise and individual effort [I]can[/I] create societal benefits.[/B] But I guess discussing the thread title is more interesting. :)[/quote]

Yes from reading the article it sounds like despite the goverment they were able to open this home. I believe that it is only private enterprise and individual effort that can turn communities around. I urge all people to volunteer for one thing or the other. I love helping children and there is no greater high then seeing a child smile. One of my past groups I was with, did christmas for needy children or you could say children with worthless parents. I played Santa even though I'm not very fat and the memories that it brought I'll never forget. There was this one girl who followed me/santa around all day and became my little helper. This was back around 1995 and just about everyday I wonder what happened to this sweet little girl. Her mother was so bad she did not even show up to pick up her daughter and someone had to drive her home. But I know for that one day she was treated like the special person and I hope maybe that we helped her in some way.Thats why I wonder all the time about what ever became of her life. Is she even still alive. Sorry but goverment cannot do these things it takes people so thats why alot of times I'm against the goverment and there waistfull programs. Until we can get parents and neighbor hoods to take control there is no goverment program that can fix broken communities.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=firstdown;699298]He never does that fo me.[/quote]

for me

Anyway, I have a full-time job. There aren't enough hours in the day to fix all your spelling mistakes. Half of which I think you're just making up anyway because i can't imagine any literate adult is that bad a speller. You're, without question, the worst speller I've ever come across over the age of 2. And it just astounds me how awful a speller you are.

Good for a laugh every now and then though

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

This is a great story...you hardly hear of stories like this. For the past year my mother has been doing community work with disadvantaged children and boy are they disadvantaged. The state of Washington has a program that allows NGOs along with a Public School to apply for grants so they can fund their after school programs but apparently a lot of school don't care to or bother. Anywho, my mother had to literally threaten the school/district with litigation before the principle of the school would agree to apply for the grant along with the NGO she volunteers at. She's one tough lady and she has aspiration to run for school district board of director.

Old people with free time, they're a dangerous bunch.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=firstdown;699316]Yes from reading the article it sounds like despite the goverment they were able to open this home. I believe that it is only private enterprise and individual effort that can turn communities around. I urge all people to volunteer for one thing or the other. I love helping children and there is no greater high then seeing a child smile. One of my past groups I was with, did christmas for needy children or you could say children with worthless parents. I played Santa even though I'm not very fat and the memories that it brought I'll never forget. There was this one girl who followed me/santa around all day and became my little helper. This was back around 1995 and just about everyday I wonder what happened to this sweet little girl. Her mother was so bad she did not even show up to pick up her daughter and someone had to drive her home. But I know for that one day she was treated like the special person and I hope maybe that helped her in some way.[/quote]

Good stuff. I do volunteer work for kids every Thanksgiving/Christmas and other times during the year.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=SmootSmack;699320]Good stuff. I do volunteer work for kids every Thanksgiving/Christmas and other times during the year.[/quote]

I guess the reason I like helping children is because they are the innocent in all the crap that happens. I cannot remember do you have children?

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

No kids yet

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=firstdown;699316]Yes from reading the article it sounds like despite the goverment they were able to open this home. I believe that it is only private enterprise and individual effort that can turn communities around. I urge all people to volunteer for one thing or the other. I love helping children and there is no greater high then seeing a child smile. One of my past groups I was with, did christmas for needy children or you could say children with worthless parents. I played Santa even though I'm not very fat and the memories that it brought I'll never forget. There was this one girl who followed me/santa around all day and became my little helper. This was back around 1995 and just about everyday I wonder what happened to this sweet little girl. Her mother was so bad she did not even show up to pick up her daughter and someone had to drive her home. But I know for that one day she was treated like the special person and I hope maybe that we helped her in some way.Thats why I wonder all the time about what ever became of her life. Is she even still alive. Sorry but goverment cannot do these things it takes people so thats why alot of times I'm against the goverment and there waistfull programs. Until we can get parents and neighbor hoods to take control there is no goverment program that can fix broken communities.[/quote]

Even though we mainly don't see eye to eye and you considered me the king of shit I still like you for post like this. Thanks for all your help with children!

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=mredskins;699331]Even though we mainly don't see eye to eye and you considered me the king of shit I still like you for post like this. Thanks for all your help with children![/quote]

I don't want any thanks. I share those in hopes that someone might read it and decide to volunteer to help people out. Here is link to a great organization that has charters thoughout the US. I belong to a local chapter and we focus on hearing and speach impaired children. If anyone is intrested look for a charter in your area. Best part about our charter is 100% of all donations go to the cause.

[URL]http://www.sertoma.org/Page.aspx?pid=190[/URL]

The Jaycees is also another great organization for younger people. I was a member for 8 yrs before I aged out. They have chapters in about every city and also have some pretty good parties.
[URL="http://www.usjaycees.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=33"]About the Jaycees[/URL]

I actually have no problem with you or your post just don't attack me personally if we don't agree. I actually like the nick name "king of shit" that would make a great name for a boat if the person owned a porta poty business.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=firstdown;699342]I don't want any thanks. I share those in hopes that someone might read it and decide to volunteer to help people out. Here is link to a great organization that has charters thoughout the US. I belong to a local chapter and we focus on hearing and speach impaired children. If anyone is intrested look for a charter in your area. Best part about our charter is 100% of all donations go to the cause.

[URL]http://www.sertoma.org/Page.aspx?pid=190[/URL]

The Jaycees is also another great organization for younger people. I was a member for 8 yrs before I aged out. They have chapters in about every city and also have some pretty good parties.
[URL="http://www.usjaycees.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=33"]About the Jaycees[/URL]

I actually have no problem with you or your post just don't attack me personally if we don't agree. I actually like the nick name "king of shit" that would make a great name for a boat if the person owned a porta poty business.[/quote]


I am fairly show I have never personally attacked you and by personal attack I mean name calling not pointing out when you are wrong or disagreeing with you.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=mredskins;699348]I am fairly show I have never personally attacked you and by personal attack I mean name calling not pointing out when you are wrong or disagreeing with you.[/quote]

I thought that was why I called you the king of shit.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=firstdown;699316]Yes from reading the article it sounds like despite the goverment they were able to open this home.[B] I believe that it is only private enterprise and individual effort that can turn communities around.[/B] I urge all people to volunteer for one thing or the other. I love helping children and there is no greater high then seeing a child smile. One of my past groups I was with, did christmas for needy children or you could say children with worthless parents. I played Santa even though I'm not very fat and the memories that it brought I'll never forget. There was this one girl who followed me/santa around all day and became my little helper. This was back around 1995 and just about everyday I wonder what happened to this sweet little girl. Her mother was so bad she did not even show up to pick up her daughter and someone had to drive her home. But I know for that one day she was treated like the special person and I hope maybe that we helped her in some way.Thats why I wonder all the time about what ever became of her life. Is she even still alive. Sorry but goverment cannot do these things it takes people so thats why alot of times I'm against the goverment and there waistfull programs.[B] Until we can get parents and neighbor hoods to take control there is no goverment program that can fix broken communities[/B].[/quote]

I think you missed the point in the story where the kids big break came from getting 70K in federal funds. Yes. Much was contributed in terms of services from individuals and small companies, but government programs [I]working with and facilitating the help of[/I] volunteers can make a huge difference.

The pro-bono legal services were undoubtedly part of the State university's system to provide practical education for attorneys. Thus, by creating and funding the public law school, the government created an enterprise that allows individuals to gain an education while, at the same, time, providing a more direct benefit to the community.

I think it is safe to say that, even with the contributions of private individuals, this project would not have gotten done without the assistance of government programs.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;699413]...

I think it is safe to say that, even with the contributions of private individuals, this project would not have gotten done without the assistance of government programs.[/quote]

Amazing that no evil bureaucrat stopped it at the last minute. (wait, has it actually opened yet?)

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;699413]I think you missed the point in the story where the kids big break came from getting 70K in federal funds. Yes. Much was contributed in terms of services from individuals and small companies, but government programs [I]working with and facilitating the help of[/I] volunteers can make a huge difference.

The pro-bono legal services were undoubtedly part of the State university's system to provide practical education for attorneys. Thus, by creating and funding the public law school, the government created an enterprise that allows individuals to gain an education while, at the same, time, providing a more direct benefit to the community.

[B]I think it is safe to say that, even with the contributions of private individuals, this project would not have gotten done without the assistance of government programs.[/B][/quote]

That federal money came from the citizens and I'd bet that it took over 100,000 grand for the feds to produce the 70 grand. So for the feds to hand out the money 30% or so was waisted in Washington. Not good use of funds. If the fed was a charity it would get a poor scoring because of this.

With what I put in bold I totally disagree with. There are 100's of thousands of organizations and places like this that get up and running without goverment assistance. I also bet that most of that 200,000 in legal services was to help deal with federal, state, and city ordinancesand red tape.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

First,

To say that govt. assistance is never a good thing (as you seem to be saying) or that govt. is [I]always[/I] an obstacle is just wrong. My point is that, in this case, the govt helped facilitate the volunteer efforts of many. Yes. Regulation exists, so do roads, and a comfort that our food is safe. You think any of that happens without govt. activity?

Generally, I agree that there is waste in govt. Duh. You want "the trains to run on time"? Go talk to the Nazis or some other form of totalitarian govt. In a democratic society, one of the costs for "fairness" is the lack of efficiency. It is a constant trade off.

Here, the project would not have happened but for the combined efforts of govt., officials (this started as a school project remember?), private companies, and the involvment of committed individuals. Is it so hard to acknowledge that govt. can actually serve a good purpose and beneficial purpose?

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;699439]... Is it so hard to acknowledge that govt. can actually serve a good purpose and beneficial purpose?[/quote]
Yes.;)

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;699439]First,

To say that govt. assistance is never a good thing (as you seem to be saying) or that govt. is [I]always[/I] an obstacle is just wrong. My point is that, in this case, the govt helped facilitate the volunteer efforts of many. Yes. Regulation exists, so do roads, and a comfort that our food is safe. You think any of that happens without govt. activity?

Generally, I agree that there is waste in govt. Duh. You want "the trains to run on time"? Go talk to the Nazis or some other form of totalitarian govt. In a democratic society, one of the costs for "fairness" is the lack of efficiency. It is a constant trade off.

Here, the project would not have happened but for the combined efforts of govt., officials (this started as a school project remember?), private companies, and the involvment of committed individuals. [B]Is it so hard to acknowledge that govt. can actually serve a good purpose and beneficial purpose?[/quote][/B]

Well if your def. of a good purpose is waisting 30% of the money to have people push paper work then I guess the federal goverment is great. Our club tried to get a federal grant once (figured why not they are going to give the money to someone) and after a stack of forms we just said F^%$ it. Not worth the effort. Why do you feel the feds need all this praise to give away money that is not even theirs?

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=firstdown;699457][/B]

Well if your def. of a good purpose is waisting 30% of the money to have people push paper work then I guess the federal goverment is great. Our club tried to get a federal grant once (figured why not they are going to give the money to someone) and after a stack of forms we just said F^%$ it. Not worth the effort. [B]Why do you feel the feds need all this praise to give away money that is not even theirs[/B]?[/quote]

"all this praise"??. My [I]only[/I] point is that when govt. works [I]with[/I] and facilitates volunteerism [I]by[/I] private individuals it is doing a good thing and showing what can be accomplished by good govt. If public funding ecourages or facilitates others contributing two to three times (or more) of the government expense (including waste), why is that a bad thing. Was the local, state and federal resources that went into this project a bad expense? Should the govt. have done nothing? Do you think this particular project with these particular kids would have gone forward without the assistance of public funds?

Could this project been accomplished without [I]any[/I] govt. assistance? (I mean other than the fact that it was started by children attending a publicly funded school, and receiving the encouragement and leadership of the teacher - a govt. employeee). Maybe. Knowing the area and demographics as I do, I would suggest, however, that it is unlikely.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;699468]"all this praise"??. My [I]only[/I] point is that when govt. works [I]with[/I] and facilitates volunteerism [I]by[/I] private individuals it is doing a good thing and showing what can be accomplished by good govt. If public funding ecourages or facilitates others contributing two to three times (or more) of the government expense (including waste), why is that a bad thing. Was the local, state and federal resources that went into this project a bad expense? Should the govt. have done nothing? Do you think this particular project with these particular kids [B]would have gone forward without the assistance of public funds?[/B]

Could this project been accomplished without [I]any[/I] govt. assistance? (I mean other than the fact that it was started by children attending a publicly funded school, and receiving the encouragement and leadership of the teacher - a govt. employeee). Maybe. Knowing the area and demographics as I do, I would suggest, however, that it is unlikely.[/quote]

If they believed in the project then yes it would have. I'm not saying the Fed. goverment did anything wrong I'm saying that the federal goverment is probably the most inefficient way to distriput funds. Why not keep all this grant money at the local level and not waist 30% of the money is my point. I also think thing like this happen because of people not because of the federal goverment.

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=firstdown;699479]If they believed in the project then yes it would have. I'm not saying the Fed. goverment did anything wrong I'm saying that the federal goverment is probably the most inefficient way to distriput funds. Why not keep all this grant money at the local level and not waist 30% of the money is my point. [B]I also think thing like this happen because of people not because of the federal goverment[/B].[/quote]

I agree. I also think that governement, at all levels, can [I]and should[/I] assist and facilitate the ability of people to make projects like this happen.

Again, you say there was a waist of 30% of the money. I am assuming you are just making generalities and don't actually know anything more about the specifics of the relevant transactions than what is revealed in the article. I am most certainly not arguing that the feds (why are you so hooked on the feds? I was just quoting the article) are efficient money distributors. I would suggest that sometimes, even with its inherent inefficiencies, govt. gets it right [I]and[/I] when it does it should be applauded. Again, is that so hard to agree to?

Re: Amazing Story of Perseverance
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;699481]I agree. I also think that governement, at all levels, can [I]and should[/I] assist and facilitate the ability of people to make projects like this happen.

Again, you say there was a waist of 30% of the money. I am assuming you are just making generalities and don't actually know anything more about the specifics of the relevant transactions than what is revealed in the article. I am most certainly not arguing that the feds (why are you so hooked on the feds? I was just quoting the article) [B]are efficient money distributors. [/B]I would suggest that sometimes, even with its inherent inefficiencies, govt. gets it right [I]and[/I] when it does it should be applauded. Again, is that so hard to agree to?[/quote]

My point all along is that they are not efficient money distributers. If they have all this extra money to give out then lower my taxes and leave it at the state level which is more efficient. The 30% that gets eating away at the federal level is probably low and its probably more around 30 to 40%.

Fryday afternoon I opend a bill from the federal goverment for 14 cents. That envelop had a 23 cent postage. Now I have to write a check for .14 and use a .44 cent stamp to pay that bill. I'm guessin it will probably cost the goverment another $10 to process that payment. I guess obama does not want one penny unpaid. He probably needs the money so he can fly here today.