Greetings, Freeport!
I know; distressing headline, isn't it?
First of all, my surgery on Thursday went well. I'm recovering (fairly) comfortably. For those who were concerned, thank you! And on to business.
Today I came across some rather unusual pictures on Facebook. They were of police officers at Village Hall. If that doesn't sound unusual, take a look and tell me what's out of line.
- Hat-tip to Pat Rowen
Before your head explodes, yes; this officer is wearing the sort of equipment one would imagine in the horrific event of, say a terrorist seizing control of government officials. This is not street police gear, this is heavy duty stuff. Naturally, this raised my eyebrows. From the website Noticia, translated by Google Chrome into English, I learned that the Vice-President of El Salvador, Mr. Salvador Sanchez Ceren, was visiting Freeport (of all places) on August Sixth to celebrate "Salvadorian-American Day."
At first, one might think, "Wow! We've made it to the big-time, to earn the attention of a country's Vice President!" Here is Mr. Ceren, sitting next to Mayor Hardwick during the festivities!
- Hat-tip to Pat Rowen
Who Is Salvador Sanchez Ceren?
A number of residents immediately expressed outrage over Mr. Ceren's presence, and I have to admit I was confused as to why. Then I started doing the research, always a long process, and I discovered that Mr. Ceren is a member of a radical political party called the FMLN (a fact that could be benign); oh, yeah, he's apparently also a huge fan of the September Eleventh Attacks. I don't mean that he's a fan of the heroes who sacrificed themselves to save lives - I mean he actively and vocally approved the murder of American citizens.
Thanks to the FMLN Blog (last updated in 2009), I came across this video (now shared widely on the internet) of Mr. Ceren cheering Al Qaeda on:
According to the FMLN blog, Mr. Ceren had this to say:
"The Frente we participate in this is a march to condemn the situation that the country is in, against dollarization, against privatization"
Not being a native Spanish speaker, I have to admit that at this point in my research, I was still a bit confused. There's some contrary evidence, for example, where it seems that the man generally disapproves of the attacks. So it was that I was guided to a 2009 statement by Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-California), who said...
"Four days after 9/11, the FMLN had a march in their capital city to celebrate the 9/11 attack by Al-Qaeda and to burn the American flag.
The leader of that march was Salvador Sanchez Ceren, who today is the FMLN's candidate for El Salvadoran Vice President."
The Congressman also stated...
"...its current candidate for Vice President [Ceren], in a pro-Al Qaeda rally where the U.S. flag was burned, this taking place immediately after September 11, 2001. The U.S. Embassy in El Salvador was forced to condemn the written public statements related to the September 11th attacks that were issued by the FMLN and blamed the U.S. for causing itself to be attacked because of its international policies."
Okay; so the Vice-President of El Salvador happens to be a noted supporter of terrorism. As a man who believes in forgiveness and redemption, I tried to find any hard evidence that he'd renounced terrorism. I mean, evil isn't permanent, and people who renounce evil can redeem themselves (it's a life-long work, but I believe in such things) and can become genuinely helpful members of society. I hoped to find some sort of statement from Mr. Ceren, offered between 9/11/2001 and this week, that he had conquered the evil ways of his past and vowed to live a life of benevolence. As yet, I haven't. So far as I can tell, Mr. Ceren is still a buddy of Al Qaeda's. That's pretty messed up stuff!
In the past, Ceren's party (The FMLN) was involved in the Salvadorian Civil War as a major combatant; according to Wikipedia, this conflict claimed seventy thousand people (70,000). Now, this is one of those Latin American "containment" wars that the U.S. was involved in; we supported the military dictatorship of El Salvador even when they committed atrocities. It wasn't as bad as the fracas in Guatemala (when the U.S. overthrew a democratically elected leader to protect American fruit companies), but we were still complicit.
However, as in most parties to these type of wars, the FMLN was far from blameless. For example, it's noted that they used Human shields during the fight in San Salvador. It is still recognized, as Congressman Rohrabacher points out, as a sponsor of terrorism. Many Freeporters of Salvadorian descent escaped this civil war, which didn't end until early 1990's. Many were likely victims of the FMLN. This history, combined with the lack of a resignation of terrorism, pretty much seals Mr. Ceren's deal in my eyes.
So here's my two biggest questions: Why the hell is this man in Freeport; and what's being done about it?
Terrorist Supporter in Freeport, New York
Before I get any further into this article, I need to restate that as a general principle The Weekly Freeporter is a non-partisan publication. There's no Democrat, Republican, Home Rule, Communist, or Pastafarian alignments, here. In fact, whatever my personal biases are, or whatever my colleagues believe, we focus on reporting only the facts of a case. We leave the decision making up to our readers on political issues.This is not a political issue. This is an issue of "what the fuck is a guy like this doing in our town, rubbing elbows with -anyone-, let alone Mayor Hardwick?"I immediately searched the Village webpage for any announcer from the Mayor or the Board of Trustees on this issue. With all the firepower needed to protect a foreign head of state, surely the folks in charge knew in advance that this man was coming to town. How -exactly- is it that not one scrap of information can be found on the Village webpage? How is it that I can search for information on Google and find only a relatively small Spanish-language publication's announcement that Mr. Ceren would be in town? What, was Newsday asleep?I could understand if Mayor Hardwick was informed by, let's say for the sake of argument, the State Department that this guy was coming to town. I could understand if he wasn't given a choice in the matter. Foreign dignitaries could easily be "asked" to visit certain municipalities, and those municipalities might have very little control over whether that happens. So maybe Mayor Hardwick wasn't given a say in this matter. Fair enough. I would have loved to see a press release from his (still absolutely anemic, without-evidence-of-existence) public relations department saying, for instance..."Hey, this is Mayor Hardwick. So, there's this Vice President of El Salvador with a really sketchy past coming to town. I'm not comfortable with it, but since this is the situation, here are my feelings and here's what we plan to do." You know, not exact words, but something to that effect.I would respect a Mayor who, in a situation he doesn't like, takes the initiative and engages with the public on possible controversy. I'd honestly have cheered on Mayor Hardwick if he announced, in advance, that this situation was coming up. The dude didn't step off the plane at the Freeport Airport and demand a news conference in the same day! Assuming our Mayor had concerns with this visit, he should have laid them bare well before Mr. Ceren made it to town.But maybe this wasn't an imposition. Even if he was actively welcoming Mr. Ceren, as a gesture of forgiving the past or of some other grand ploy to break the man's support of evil, shouldn't it have been obvious that his presence would be controversial? Following this, shouldn't our Mayor have prepared some kind of defense of his viewpoint? Why was this man being welcomed into town?Instead, we residents find out about this visit only when our all-too-honorable police officers are seen toting assault rifles and decked out in full combat gear, ordered to protect a man who a decade ago would have been happy to see them die. Let me ask a simple fucking question:How do you think they feel?I ask this to every reader, but especially to Mayor Hardwick - How do you think the police officers guarding Mr. Ceren, the fire fighters on call in case of emergency, the EMTs and Paramedics providing relief to public events, and other heroes of this Village feel to see you sitting elbow-to-elbow with a man who cheered while the twin towers fell? Who marched in appreciation while their friends and family died? This is a man who was getting his jollies at American deaths - at the deaths of Freeporters, actually. How do you think they feel having to stand around and take care of an unrepentant supporter of terrorism?Honestly, this isn't a political jab. The lack of preparation and responsibility on display here demands - and deserves - explanation. It's my hope that we'll get it. It's the law of probability that we will not. It's simple fact that, yes, there will be consequences to this. One way or another, there will be consequences.To be direct. regarding this incident...Mayor Hardwick,Your public relations department is a complete catastrophe. That's nothing new, but the fact that it hasn't been fixed throughout your tenure rests solely on your shoulders. As a result of this (to be polite) ineptitude, whether you realize it or not, you've just been part of a welcoming event for a supporter of terrorism who's Al Qaeda Fan Club card is still valid, Mr. Salvador Sanchez Ceren. If you did not know this, or if you had no control over this event, then you failed completely in your duty to apprehend a given situation and explain it to the residents of your town. If you did realize it, and you were willingly a part of it, then clearly you are out of touch with the residents you work for.Your public relations department is a complete catastrophe. That's nothing new, but the fact that it hasn't been fixed throughout your tenure rests solely on your shoulders. As a result of this (to be polite) ineptitude, whether you realize it or not, you've just been part of a welcoming event for a supporter of terrorism who's Al Qaeda Fan Club card is still valid, Mr. Salvador Sanchez Ceren. If you did not know this, or if you had no control over this event, then you failed completely in your duty to apprehend a given situation and explain it to the residents of your town. If you did realize it, and you were willingly a part of it, then clearly you are out of touch with the residents you work for.Either way, this is a failure that I am sure will be remembered come election day. It's not too late to explain your actions, but this isn't a middle school term paper being turned in a few days late. There are no statements you can give, now, that will fully redeem your performance in the eyes of those who are literally injured by your failure in this regard. There is only damage control, accompanied by apologies. Note that neither of these things actually un-does the damage you have done.Either way, this is a failure that I am sure will be remembered come election day. It's not too late to explain your actions, but this isn't a middle school term paper being turned in a few days late. There are no statements you can give, now, that will fully redeem your performance in the eyes of those who are literally injured by your failure in this regard. There is only damage control, accompanied by apologies. Note that neither of these things actually un-does the damage you have done.Fortunately, I did not lose anyone in the 9/11 attacks. I know people who were lucky enough to have escaped alive. I know of people who were not so lucky. As someone involved in the fire department, so do you; probably, in fact, more than I. This reality only makes your mistake more sickening to my stomach. You should have known better, and you proved you do not.Fortunately, I did not lose anyone in the 9/11 attacks. I know people who were lucky enough to have escaped alive. I know of people who were not so lucky. As someone involved in the fire department, so do you; probably, in fact, more than I. This reality only makes your mistake more sickening to my stomach. You should have known better, and you proved you do not.How is it that within 24 hours I could dig all of this information up and adequately explain it, but in the months (at least!) you have had to prepare for the event, you and your administration could not? Am I honestly that superior to your paid staff? If so, why do you pay them? Since I am not the only one who has come up with this information, however, it clearly isn't me - it's you. It raises the question of why we, as taxpayers, pay you? Now is your chance to explain yourself.How is it that within 24 hours I could dig all of this information up and adequately explain it, but in the months (at least!) you have had to prepare for the event, you and your administration could not? Am I honestly that superior to your paid staff? If so, why do you pay them? Since I am not the only one who has come up with this information, however, it clearly isn't me - it's you. It raises the question of why we, as taxpayers, pay you? Now is your chance to explain yourself.Why was Salvador Sanchez Ceren in our town? Were you aware of his history as a supporter of terrorism during your event with him? Do you have any information which leads you to believe he has renounced it? Did you welcome Mr. Ceren willingly, or were you made to welcome him against your will?Why was Salvador Sanchez Ceren in our town? Were you aware of his history as a supporter of terrorism during your event with him? Do you have any information which leads you to believe he has renounced it? Did you welcome Mr. Ceren willingly, or were you made to welcome him against your will?These are important questions, and we demand - and deserve - answers.My warmest regards,--Jesse Pohlman
Great article, keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteYou clowns need a hobby. Leave the mayor alone. The trustees act like a bunch of spoiled 5 year olds that don't know what to do when their candy is gone. Martinez is a joke and he's fat. Lose some weight. Kennedy looks like a lifelong frustrated clown. Pinero. I don't know what to say
DeleteWhere were the Village Trustees in this matter...?
ReplyDeleteAnd why haven't you brought this up at a public comment BOT meeting....? Better yet why haven't you called the Mayor on his published cell phone #(516)359-8099, and asked him.....?
Seems to me, that foriegn dignitaries of questionable character are entertained by heads of state in this country all the time. I can recall Mayor Glackin entertaining German dignitaries, that may have had ties to the Nazi party in the past. This may just be part of the job discription.
However, in your quest, don't stop there, why was the Freeport schools, and Freeport owned voting machines used in the El Salvadorian Presidential elections.....? This is not even within the power of the Mayors office, and is against the US Constitution. It is a school board matter. Where is the outrage about this......?
It appears to me, that there is more to this story, then meets the eye, and due diligence should be applied before character assassination is called for.
Pete Norris
Freeport NY.
Mr. Norris:
DeleteDon't try to deflect the real story here. As a retired NYC firefighter, who was working on 9-11 and lost many friends and co workers on that day, I find this very disturbing. This village lost 6 very good people, almost all were near and dear people to me, including my neighbor. The mayor hosting a terrorist supporter is the story here, not the school board. The mayor hosted someone who cheered the attacks on 9-11 and stood and cheered the burning of American flags. I find the actions of the Mayor to be an insult to every citizen of this village. He should resign immediately.
The mayor is forever stating he is a Veteran; I would love to see him tell our soldiers in Afghanistan, that he hosted a man who is a supporter of Al Qaeda, the enemy that these young men are fighting every day. The VFW should throw him out ASAP.
The man even has the nerve to host the Navy academy the very next day. Talk about two faced.
If this vice president was such a good man, then why were Freeport Police standing guard in full body armor and automatic weapons?
Why was THIS event not publicized?
As for your B S about the school board, maybe the people, who voted here in that election fled from their homeland due to atrocities of this man. That also may be the reason Police stood by in body armor.
Jim Butler
Hello Jim,
DeletePlease read my further post below....
Pete Norris
Congrats. It was about time somebody from this country noticed what all of us salvadoreans believe about this Potential terrorist/ dictator. Watch out for the elections in El Salvador and you will see the strategies this person use to get to the power and institute a regime of so call "socialism" wich in reality is terrorism to our fellows citizens in El Salvador.
ReplyDeletePete Norris, I did call the Mayor and as usual there was no vetting process, he knew nothing of his background or so he claims. As someone who knows people who were murdered on 9/11, I am appalled that we would use taxpayer dollars to entertain this monster on our Village.
ReplyDeleteI am have no words right now to express myself. This is unbelievable. I was merely five years old when this country open its doors to me and my family. We left El Salvador in the middle of a Civil War where I lost family and friends.
ReplyDeleteAs an American I lost neighbors, friends and colleagues in the Terror Attacks of 911! Why would we welcome a person who celebrated the death of Americans during the 911 attacks. There are other Elected Salvadoreans Officials who have established a great relationship with USA, why not invited them? Why invited a Vice-Presidents who attacks on the USA time after time.
I want our tax payers dollars reimbursed from the Village as well as the County for having hosted an individual Terrorist who Supported Al Quadea. Our Freeport Fire Fighters, Police officers and First Responders who lost their lives for Freedom, May you Rest in Peace.
Shame on you for opening the wounds that was already healing by bringing into our Village individuals who hate us and our Nation. I am Salvadorean-American and I am disgusted. President FUNES of the FLMN my hat to you for having to deal with this individual, please continue to work on the Salvadorean USA relations.
And to the Freeport ELected Official who brought this disgraces to Town shame on you for not doing your homework.
I am Walter Mendoza, Salvadorean
...Wow, lots of comments. I'm honored! All of them labeled as Anonymous, but some with attribution. I can't address the ones without, and I can thank those who sent in general support. But I did get one critique, and I face critiques head-on, so here goes!
ReplyDeleteAs far as Mr. Norris' concerns; the reason I didn't bring it up at a board meeting is fairly evident in the article. I didn't bring it up because I only discovered this issue yesterday (I.E. when I wrote the article). The next meeting is August 20th; even if I knew of it in time for the August 6th meeting, it was not a public comment meeting, and therefore I couldn't have done so, anyway.
Never mind that, as my article opens up (and my previous ones cite), I was (and am) recovering from surgery. Also, never mind that the issue had already gone public, so asking him privately would serve little purpose - while, of course, asking him publicly instead allows everyone to know exactly and directly what I have asked and why; and, furthermore, allows him every opportunity to answer all of his critics at the same time.
Speaking of the Board, I don't believe I saw any of them in the photo. They may not even have known about it until after the fact.
If you wonder why I haven't asked the Mayor, especially after your opening statement, it honestly makes me wonder if you read what I wrote or just made half of it up. Asking him after the fact would do nothing to address the, well, fact that this is something which should have been resolved -before- the fact. That's my concern, here. If it had, like I said, I would cheer the Mayor on for bravery, even if I disagreed with his stance.
The other issues you raise are stuff I can't verify, nor do I believe are necessarily relevant or worthy of comparison. Voting machines are generally not made by Vice Presidents, but rather by working people who are trying to scrape together the money to buy food. Starving Joe Citizen to punish Mr. Ceren is dumb on principle. I'm less concerned with buying El Salvadorian products and more concerned with honoring supporters of terrorism.
As far as Mayor Glacken goes, he's not the guy who is in office that just did something questionable. Whatever he did in the past is in the past. He's not in office anymore. Perhaps he met with former Nazi officials. Perhaps he met with former Nazi sympathizers or supporters. The distinction is "former." Everyone deserves a chance at redemption, but it's only earned posthumously and the probation period is the rest of a villain's life. Like I said in the article, Mr. Ceren has an active Al Qaeda Fan Club card. -That- is my concern. Mr. Glacken and any past associations are irrelevant to this conversation.
Lastly, there's no "character assassination" going on here. I am asking serious, powerful questions; I am making strong observations; I am -not- defaming anyone, and I am not stating anything which lacks a basis in fact.
My warmest regards,
--Jesse Pohlman
Well Jesse,
ReplyDeleteI wish you God speed on your recovery, and I commend you for bring up powerful commentary.
I certainly do not have any love, and or like for Mr. Ceren, I too have lost family, and friends in the 9/11 attack. I believe your outrage is well founded. It would have been nice to have been able to thwart Mr Ceren's visit here, had I known, I would have stood shoulder to shoulder with you in order to prevent his being entertained in our village/ county.
However the fact of the matter is, that none of us knew about this prior. How Mr. Ceren's visit came to be, to our state, county, and village will more than likely remain a mystery, and if I felt that Mayor Hardwick had malicious intent as regards to entertaining Mr. Ceren, I would have been among the first to stand before the public to let him know. But I do not feel this is the case, regardless of who was sitting in the Mayor's seat...I believe our dignitaries would still have been there, because this is the way our country has always treated foreign dignitaries, questionable character or not.
I'm not sure you read my stament about the voting machines very closely...so let me clarify it a little.....during the El Salvadorian elections...."Freeport schools (right here in Freeport) housed the voting machines (which are owned by the people of Freeport)which were used so that locally residing El Salvidorians could vote in thier Presidential, and Vice Presidential elections".
I am well aware of the plight of the people of El Salvidor, but that does not mean that I agree with the use of US citizens property to vet any foreign President, and or Vice President for that matter....Which I still remain outraged about.
Bottom line, I wish all of our public officals had the time, and the resources to vet all of the foreign dignitaries that visit our home, and could run it past We the Peolpe before spending our hard earned tax dollars on them. But I fear this will never be the case.
My Warmest Regards Back to you Jesse.
Pete Norris
Freeport NY.
Grow up. It has already been proven during the August 20 meeting, from Hardwicks own mouth as well as Bermudez, that they knew in advance, well in advance, that Ceren was coming. Hardwick was forced to admit he had the citations made up days before his arrival and had the chairs set up. And Bermudez admitted that he had been notified on August 6th that Ceren was coming and to prepare the security. Who do you think notified Bermudez, the mayor of some other town or Hardwicks office ? You think that Bermudez knew about it and Hardwick didn't ? LOL... Grow up.
DeleteI should note, by the way, that the link to the Noticia article I referenced in my own blog post was broken. It has been fixed. (http://www.noticiany.com/noticia/19176/listos-para-celebrar-dia-de-el-salvadoreno-americano)
ReplyDeleteMr. Norris,
Thank ya!
Truthfully, I probably didn't fully understand your comment about the voting machines. In that case, I'm not really sure what the relevance is. District property was used to help people with dual citizenship vote in foreign elections? Alright, I can respect that being a concern. However, I have no knowledge of what terms the equipment may have been procured under; they may have included making it available for any election sanctioned under Town/County/State/Federal circumstances, and this may qualify. If you find out more information, I'd be happy to learn of it!
Back to the primary issue here: What I'm taking away from your follow-up, and I could be wrong, is that your believe Mayor Hardwick cannot be faulted for not having properly vetted Mr. Ceren, as there are not sufficient time and resources. To reinforce this, you seem to make the case that the Ceren visit was dropped in everyone's lap at the last minute, and that there literally was no time to prepare.
I wrote a long, stupid response because I'm unable to sleep, but here's my counter-point. Mr. Ceren had security needs that were obviously fulfilled, meaning the Village had adequate time to prepare for his visit. I don't expect the Mayor to necessarily know every single fact about the person he is honoring at a meeting, especially if it is thrown on him with a short amount of time to prepare.
That's the job of his public relations department, which - as I've pointed out frequently - has a track-record of complete and utter failure. So much so that, as someone who works in that field, I'm nauseated.
As I have pointed out previously, I -am- an independent contractor available for such services as social media campaigns, consultation on product/position promotion, and all other sorts of publicity management. As a writer, that's what I do. I meet with clients, assess campaign circumstances, provide and receive feed-back, then advance in a manner both parties agree is suitable. Generally speaking, my clients are pretty happy with the work I do. I ask for some creative control as well as to be reasonably informed of all publicity issues and plans, and in return I create what you might call "pure fucking gold" for them.
Had this open offer been accepted prior to this week, at any time over the past...Three years, I think it's been, since I first offered my services to the Village? Perhaps this entire incident wouldn't have played out the way it did!
Unfortunately, the Ceren incident has, well...Let's say tempered my willingness to retain Mayor Hardwick or his administration as my client in this respect. I cannot help those who do not help themselves, and as a publicity consultant who expects to have some discretion over campaigns he manages, I absolutely have scruples about working for employers who have spotty track records. So, while I'd still welcome a meeting to discuss potential business deals, the odds are good that I would not find a common ground to work with him on.
My warmest regards,
--Jesse Pohlman
Hi Jesse,
DeleteHow about the forensic audit of the village of Freeport. Now there, is a fine kettle of fish to get into...
Eight years ago, I ran for Trustee for the Village of Freeport, along with Tom Ferber, who was running for Mayor. What prompted us to run for the offices, was a report from the NYS Comptroller which laid out some major improprieties within the Villages Finances.
Now here we are eight years later, and we have another scathing report from the NYS Comptroller's office. Concerning $10 million dollars of questionable payments to subcontractors, who were not, from what I gather after reading the report, properly awarded the contracts according to due process of the Village governmet regs.
In addition, there is another matter of a non existing $4 million dollars, which was placed into the Village financial statments in order, from what I can gather, to balance the books. Among numerous other major infraction, set forth within the report.
When a Comptroller goes thru the finances of a municipality, the Comptroller works off of the data that is provided to his, or her office. Wheras a forensic audit digs thru what ever papers exist, in order to reconcile the finances. And that my friend, is when the improprieties reveal themselves.
So to me, there appears to be some major creative accounting going on within the village of Freeport's Finances. Obviously things have not changed, but have gotten worse.
Talk about a sinking ship....This is what is sinking us...This is why our streets are in dis repair, our inferstructure crumbling, and why government seems to be a black hole in which we dump our hard earned money into without end.
WE have four Trustees, that don't seem to see the relavance of all this, and a Mayor that does seem to grasp it, so in this case, Yes, I support Mayor Hardwick when it comes to a forensic audit.
Running my buisness here in Freeport, for the last 28 yrs., and being on a Board of Directors of a 501c. Corp. for again 28 yrs., if in that time a financial agent came to me with reports like the the ones the Comptroller's office brings forth, I would be like the hounds of hell on the problem. What makes this worse, is that this is our, WE THe People's money, that is being had away with.
I would like to see you ,Jesse, look into this issue. Perhaps even get a dialogue started so that the People could fully understand the implications, and consequences of ignoring this matter. It is very close to my heart, and all of our wallets.
All the Best my Friend,
Pete Norris
Freeport NY.
Tell the mayor to add his administration to the audit, why does he continue to hide? Maybe the 700k that is missing.
DeleteHello again,
DeleteIf you read the minutes of the meetings, you would find that the full three years of Mayor Hardwicks term "ARE" included in the request for an audit, and only two years of the past administrations.
Pete Norris
Freeport NY.
We agree to disagree, he is not including his administration. I have read the minutes and attended the meetings. Thank you Mr. Norris.
DeleteWell,
DeleteCall the Mayor directly, and ask him what years he is requesting a forensic audit for...(516)359-8099.
Pete Norris
Freeport NY.
Typical Hardwick apologizer changing the topic. Article is about an anti-American communist and our Mayor honoring him and you bring up the audit. Shame on you Mr. Norris. Good luck if you try to run as a trustee, you lost my vote.
ReplyDeleteHello,
DeleteI am apologizing for no one,and I have absolutly no intention of running for office again.
Pete Norris
Freeport NY.
Mr. Norris,
ReplyDeleteI'm not entirely sure of the ramifications of any form of audit because I am not, as it so happens, a professional accountant. It seems that you, on the other hand, are indeed involved with finances on a regular basis! Why would you need me to look into it when you have more talent and just as much right to discuss it as I do? Newsday, The Leader, and even my publication all accept letters to the editor; you're welcome to send me an e-mail and discuss this in a forum where it belongs.
Nevertheless, while I can't actively endorse anything that unsigned commentators say, they have one irrefutable point: We're talking about the Ceren issue, here, and not the forensic audit of any administration.
Oh, and since the topic was raised, if you are indeed a candidate for Trustee, I think my readers would happily appreciate the knowledge of that information when you post. If you are not planning to run, then that's fine, too. It's just always good for the sake of clarification!
My warmest regards,
--Jesse Pohlman
Jesse, Matthew Williamson here and it was my post regarding that this not about an audit but about Ceren. Stick to the topic and yes, Mr. Norris from what I hear is being corted by Mayor Hardwick as Trustee. If I am incorrect on the Trustee matter, I will admit it.
DeleteMr. Williamson,
DeleteIt is news to me, that I am being courted for anything let alone Trustee, and if indeed I did have any intention, which I don't, it would be on my own ticket just like I did last time. So please my friend, stand corrected.
Pete Norris
Freeport NY.
If you do not run as Trustee, then I stand corrected, we will see soon enough as March is fast approaching. However my friend, you should have stuck to the article and not deviated to push your own personal agenda. I am sure there are past blogs regarding audits you could have commented on. Have a good day.
DeleteMatthew D. Williamson
Freeport, NY
Hello Jesse,
DeleteHope you are doing well. My above post to you was a reply to an ongoing ribbon of replies. With the hopes that you being a journalist, might take up another opportunity for yet another story. It was not my intention to change the subject, but rather to give you fodder for an addition story page. I am not aware of your e-mail address, for if I was, I would have gladly submited the story that way.
However, once again, I am running for no office, and it is not my intention to do so.
I am not campaining for anyone, I indorse no one, except for whoever get's on board with a forensic audit of the Village of Freeport. If Mr. Glackin, or any of the standing Trustees got on board with the audit....I would indorse them as well.
So please by all means, let the conversation concerning Mr. Ceren continue on without objection from me, it appears more information conserning his visit is comming out.
All the best to you,
Pete Norris
Freeport Ny.
Mr. Norris,
DeleteDuly Noted!
Mr. Williamson,
Mr. Norris gave his answer, and while I wasn't aware of his previous runs for office, so be it. If he changes his mind, so be that as well. We're Human, we're allowed to do that.
I will note that I don't believe I've written specifically on the audit, for reasons I have already discussed.
My warmest regards,
--Jesse Pohlman
And I said I stand corrected, I admit when I am wrong, my entire point was this was no place to bring up the audit.
DeleteMatthew D. Williamson
ps, there are other blogs regarding the audit I was referring too, I read yours all the time and know you have not commented on it. Keep up the honest reporting.
DeleteMatthew D. Williamson
Ok, here we go again pointing the finger at the "black guy", Mayor Hardwick. Sure, we should be concerned about what happens in Freeport, but did we look at the fact that on the same day the VP Ceren arrived in Freeport, he was in a meeting at Congressman Peter King's office, ealier that morning he again s hosted an event at the County Executive Mangano's office? No one makes mention of any of this. Yes, I get it, maybe this guy Ceren has had a shady past in his political affiliations and comments. The events in both the County of Nassau and Freeport were of a very positive nature. The VP Ceren was there to help honor American-Salvadorians who have achieved greatness. He didn't have to travel to the United States to do this I'm sure. Sounds to me , he maybe trying to change past evils ways, if any. So, go ahead keep blaming the "black guy". The handwriting is on the wall "Pat" , it's election time, We get it!
ReplyDeleteHold on, let me search through my article real quick an...Huh, yeah, no, yeah: I never used the term "Black guy." If anyone here is concerned about race, it's you. It follows, given this, that you were too cowardly to sign your name so others would know that you focus on the color of peoples' skin and not the content of their character.
DeleteAny further posts like this one will be deleted without mercy, and thank you to those who have come out to defend me against this unjust attack.
Put your name to the post, if you knew anything we are after Hardwick, Mangano, Becker, and King, all involved in honoring an anti-American, terrorist applauding, communist who has murdered his own people. Always have to use the race card, absolutely pathetic. You are a coward. ps. You couldn't hold a candle to Pat. She at least has a brain and some guts.
ReplyDeleteI have scanned your post, like, three times and while I can appreciate calling others out on not at least putting a signature down, I can't find one in yours, either. Maybe this was a simple oversight, and it's hardly a huge deal, but I'd be remiss if I didn't hold everyone to the same standard.
DeleteUnderstand, my post is hypocritical but some of us need to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions.
DeleteI'm familiar with that position. My suggestion, then, is to at least use a pseudonym ("Jackrabbit" or something), so that we can follow what you say. :)
DeleteOkay I am now the Jackrabbit
DeleteDon't believe the hype. The "facts" in this "article" are pretty sketchy.
ReplyDeleteThe "facts" are based on a thing called "evidence," unlike your "unsigned" "post."
DeletePat Rowen here ...
ReplyDeleteHardwick could be green and from MARS, who cares! I'd still think it was an outrage; as do all of the residents of this Village, including the Hispanic and El Salvadorian organizations and communities that have been calling ME.
Tell Hardwick that the writing is on the wall and it says, "resign."
I'm an idiot and didn't save what I wrote before attempting to post it, but here's the synopsis.
ReplyDeleteJesse's been in Freeport his entire life. Our community is the furthest thing from racist I've ever been around. Calling him a racist is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen, and I'm not shocked you didn't leave your name in the signature.
Next time you want to call out a good journalist on a BS "ism", leave your name so people can randomly attack you with libel also.
Colin O'Brien
Freeporter since 1983.
Colin,
DeleteThanks a bunch, as always, man.
My warmest regards,
--Jesse Pohlman
Mayor Hardwick made a big mistake that pissed ALOT of people off. What else is new? Excellent article Jesse. It's very informative and it really struck a cord with me. Obviously, I do not believe that our Mayor would have welcomed someone who celebrated the 9-11 attacks to Freeport if he had read or RESEARCHED the facts in your article beforehand, but he and his staff didn't (or at least I HOPE they didn't) and they made a BIG mistake... Its a terrible situation for the village, but to me it looks like its a really big mess up, not MEANT to be infuriating. Nice job presenting the facts... maybe YOU should be working up at village hall. Stay Good bro,
ReplyDelete- Smiley Chris
Smiley,
DeleteAlways a pleasure to hear from you, my friend. And positive feedback? Awesomeness! I'll simply accept the honor of your statement regarding my odds of prospering at Village Hall!
My warmest regards,
--Jesse Pohlman
Amigo Jesse lo felicito por su buen desempeno en su trabajo . Ya Que como ciudadano de este pais y de nacimiento salvadoreno comprendo perfectamente su temor y desconfianza respecto al buen recibimiento al "Sr Sanchez ceren a su ciudad ya Que tuve Que vivir bajo un regimen de crimen,destruccion, secuestros , asesinatos y violacion a Los derechos del ciudadano , destruction Dde puentes fabricas todo el tendido electrico del Ppais fueron sus objectivos todo bajo las ordenes Sdel Sr Sanchez ceren como comandante del fmln Y Si como ud dice no Es un delincuente arrepentido de sus actos Sigue siendo un criminal Que a asesinado Muchas personas inosentes solo por negarse a ser parte de sus filas terroristas . Todo lo Que digo lo puede comprobar co CUALQUIER persona Que no sea fanatica de la izquierda. No se Si Es su especialidad investigar o interferir en casos como este Pero aun Si no lo Es me siento Feliz Que alguien se interese por la invasion del terrorism o Que esta acabando con nuestro pequeno Pero Hermoso pais "" fuera todo politico communist .. Saludos... I hope you can fine the way how to read my worst ...
ReplyDeleteJesse, It's Pat again. I put the above comments in Google Translate and am posting it in English for all to read:
ReplyDeleteFriend congratulate Jesse for his good performance at work. As a citizen of this country and I fully understand your birth Salvadoran fear and distrust of the good reception of the "Mr Sanchez ceren your city and I had to live under a regime of murder, destruction, kidnapping, murder and violation of rights the citizen, Dde destruction factories bridges all wiring of your goals Ppais were all under orders ceren ODR Mr Sanchez as commander of the FMLN and as ud say if an offender is not remorseful for his actions is still a criminal That killed many people inosentes only for refusing to be part of their terrorist ranks. All That I say I can see co ANY person who is not fan of the left. If not is their specialty research or interfere in cases like this even If it is me Happy feel someone is interested in the invasion of terrorism or that is destroying our small but beautiful country "" were all communist politician .. Greetings ... I hope you can fine the way how to read my words ..
Thanks for that, Pat! And for always letting me "steal" your stuff, since you are an excellent researcher, even if I don't always agree with the conclusions you draw.
DeleteIn all seriousness, Google Translate is nice, but it didn't come out all too clear, so I'll ask my girlfriend for a translation. Stay tuned!
*Elevator music plays...*
Okay, the gist is that Mr. Ceren is a bad guy. Can't argue with that. The only thing I want to reinforce, however, is that I'm not opposed to his political ideology. Communism, Socialism, or general left-of-centerism don't make him a bad guy. It's his willingness and history of resorting to violence to propagate his goals which makes him evil. It's his absence of any desire to redeem himself that keeps him that way.
I hope some day he tries to make amends for what he did wrong. It's impossible, but I do believe in redemption as a possibility for all people. It's just, like I've said a bajillion times, a life-long labor. It only ends after you die, and you don't often get a second chance at it.
My warmest regards,
--Jesse Pohlman
Mayor Hardwick was not the only one who welcomed this anti American murdered - What about county Legislature Fran Becker (Republican 2012 congressional candidate) , who also welcomed him with open arms.
DeleteFirst of all, Anonymous, way to come late to the party.
DeleteSecond, as absolutely right as you are, that's not the point of this article. Plenty of people met with him, and the only one I can honestly justify is Peter King, since he's a Federal Congressman and therefore an international figure; and, more importantly, he's a major national security player, so yes. Meeting with foreigners who don't like us is part of his job.
Everyone else, however? Their feet are metaphorically being held to the fire. Since this is a publication about Freeport, I examined first-and-foremostly the issue regarding, y'know, Freeport. You'll also note the following line of reasoning I used...
"I could understand if Mayor Hardwick was informed by, let's say for the sake of argument, the State Department that this guy was coming to town. I could understand if he wasn't given a choice in the matter. Foreign dignitaries could easily be "asked" to visit certain municipalities, and those municipalities might have very little control over whether that happens. So maybe Mayor Hardwick wasn't given a say in this matter."
Clearly you didn't read that, or the rest of the article, if you're trying to generate the impression that I am unfairly singling the Mayor out for criticism.
Has anyone forwarded this to the the national news organizations? why isn't this getting national coverage? not only was Sanchez Ceren happy about the 9-11 terrorist attacks, but he is an ADMITTED torturer during the Salvadoran Civil War, for that he should be arrested for crimes against humanity.
ReplyDeleteTwo thoughts,
DeleteOne; I know Newsday and other media have indeed been contacted and have, since the publication of this article, put out their own.
Two; thanks to the wonders of the internet, for something to go "national" all it takes is for it to go "viral." That means if you and all those concerned share this article, then boom - national. I certainly wouldn't mind!
Well..... Newsday managed to put a little shine on the story by noting briefly the 30-40 people that showed up at the village hall! No one will touch this simply because of the Mangano, Becker, King and Murray association. This dosen't surprise me. Telling it like it really is!!!
ReplyDeleteThey never said 30 to 40, they said 100.
ReplyDeleteWell it does look like this story is growing each day. Just as Ceren raises the El Salvador flag behing village hall facebook goes crazy with posts, evidence, comments etc. Newsday articles are followed by coverage in several states and El Salvador. Now I hear the Wall Street Journal picked up on it. A protest, a request for his resignation. This is incredible and to think it all started with a Google search by a civilian to see who this person was. Gotta love the internet. And thanks Jesse for your blogs.
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
DeleteThe WSJ, huh? Wow. Sadly, I can't claim credit for all of this. Yeah, I did a lot of research that really established Mr. Ceren's past aggression towards America as a real thing and not just a rumor, but that's about it. I didn't break the story, and my article is just one of many.
Still, I'm glad it's getting some appreciation. I could always use more, however! ;) Just be a pal and share/tweet/otherwise-spread both articles on this topic and that's all I can really ask for!
My warmest regards,
--Jesse Pohlman
Jesse, you seem like a well intentioned and harmless person but that does not excuse your ignorance and idiocy demonstrated by your comments above. You say that communism, socialism, general left-of-center is ok with you. You just don't like the violence associated with Ceren. You claim to be an educator? And a writer? Do you know anything about history? You need to be taught that those forms of government/philosophies are rooted in and thrive on violence as a means of control. You have any idea of how many innocent Cubans have disappeared and been tortured to death in Castro's communist Cuba? Do you have any idea how many have died at the hands of Hugo Chavez for disagreeing with him politically? Do you have any idea what happened to German citizens that resisted the socialist Nazi Adolph Hitler? They were executed, but not before their children were murdered in front of their own eyes. Do you know whom it is that occupied the Russian gulags for political heresy in the Soviet Union and modern day Russia? Do you know what Evo Morales does to people who speak out against his Marxist regime? He puts a bullet in their head. You live in the comfort and blessings of a free and democratic republic. In any of those places I mentioned you would have had violence visited upon you for engaging in the kind of discourse and expression of opinion that you do here on your blog. So the next time you so cavalierly state that doesn't make you a bad guy, think about it. They are bad guys... They are killers and they are tyrants that destroy families and ruin lives.
ReplyDeletePete Martinez, above.
DeleteMr. Martinez,
ReplyDeleteAs far as studying history, odds are I've been doing it a lot longer than you have. I started young. Nazism, for instance, was a fascist movement, which last I looked was as far to the "right" as you can go.
There is a tremendous difference between "left of center" and "Socialist." There's also a difference between "Socialist" and "Communist." Oh, and there's a difference between "Communist" and "Tyrant," or "Murderer." Ceren's actions place him in those last two categories, whatever his political affiliation or ideology might be.
That you can't draw those distinctions makes very clear that you lack an understanding of the basic difference between an idea and an action. Your predisposition to assign negative traits to them (implying that anyone left-of-center might as well be a psychopathic dictator) is evidence of a very clear ideological bias.
And it's ideological biases like that ("All Communists are evil") that helps perpetuate the viewpoints of the people who do stupid crap in the first place (I.E. "All Right-Wingers are evil."). When your generalization can be turned around to implicate you by just changing the way the compass-needle points, it's clear you don't have ground to stand on.
I don't care if someone is a Socialist. Especially because America's view of Socialism is, in general, completely and drastically warped. Consider that Germany has Socialized many aspects of it's economy, and it's survived the economic downturn with flying colors. It's not the only one.
Of course, plenty of them failed, such as Greece. The point isn't to argue which economic system is better, overall. The point is that you're assuming that someone's economic beliefs make them inherently evil; or that such evils could not (and have not) been perpetrated under Capitalist systems. Case-In-Point: The Pinkertons.
Oh. And lastly, I don't appreciate you attempting to dismiss my opinion as ignorant or "harmless." It's just more evidence that instead of exploring the nuances of a debate, you'd rather just state your biases as fact and bail out.
My warmest regards,
--Jesse Pohlman
Jesse, thank you for your warm regards. Maybe when you get a little older and gain a little life experience, you will understand... All communists DO SUCK. It's only recently, your generation, that think it's cool. Warm regards... Pete.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that's true. That's how those Russian Nazis took over Russia in the first quarter of the 20th century, right? Time machines? My generation went back in time and...
Delete...Noooo, that doesn't sound quite right. Clearly someone thought it was a good idea.
First of all, buddy, my "experience" and yours are impossible to compare. I did the count. I've nearly died at least five times (counting almost not being born), had more than ten surgeries, seen plenty of family members die of cancer and have accepted that to be my probable fate (thank you, genetics). I had a knife at my throat as early as fifth grade, I was bullied and picked on, and I studied history to know exactly how to deal with idiotic arguments like the one you've made. I've written three books, at least one of which has sold about one thousand copies. What have you done?
Probably a lot! Which is why you trying to say I'm somehow flawed because of my inexperience is stupid, and beneath a civilized debater. Which you are only choosing not to be because I thoroughly spanked your argument into dust.
Want an identical argument to the one you're providing about Communism? "All Christians are evil." Note the quotes, because I don't believe it, but lets look at the history. After learning how to be cruel from the Romans, they invaded the Holy Land and did such lovely things as told children they were the key to defeating the Muslims. Of course, the Children's Crusade wound up being sold largely into slavery, so the "Christians" at that time enslaved children. "God" was always cited as a reason that the Blacks needed to be enslaved, too, and was the reason for the discrimination they suffered in places like South Africa and South of the Mason-Dixon line.
Moving on with this reassessment of why your argument is as invalid as the one I'm proposing, I'm gonna steal from a certain comedy group: "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition." Yep, take a bunch of Jews and suspected Jews and Witches and murder the life out of 'em. Speaking of Witches, the Salem Witch Trials and Puritanism in general. Oh, and the hatred against Homosexuals in present-day circumstances, along with "God" being a party to such disasters as Hurricane Katrina in the eyes of "Christian" preachers.
Lastly, one you should know; read A Short Account of The Destruction of the Indies. Bartolomeo De Las Casas observed how the "Christians" of his day enslaved, slaughtered, burned-to-death and raped the Native Americans.
Clearly, if you wanna go based on the acts of people who aren't really Christians, than "Christians" are murderers. Christ never advocated any of that. He was an advocate of giving up wealth and helping your fellow neighbor. He was an advocate of everyone having a say in their life's path, and everyone living in peace. Christ never talked about killing and conquering natives.
But then again, listening to the basic ideas of both Christ and Communism (the latter never executed, of course, and impossible to create at any rate) it sounds to me like Christ was a Communist. That must mean he sucked, right?
My not-warm regards,
--Jesse Pohlman
Please dont try to be so high minded... your babble is silly, not at all convincing. As for your "resume", while I grant you a thousand books is above average for a nobody, Im still not impressed. Its nothing personal, please dont take it the wrong way, you are getting hysterical for no reason. Its just my opinion. You are always polite and courteous in your public discourse so there is no reason to stoop to "My not warm regards" closing.
ReplyDeleteStill sending warm regards, Pete.
I sat and watched with resistence the debacle regarding the mayor and his welcoming of El Savador's VP to our village. He made a mistake. After all, we do have a large El Savadorian community, however - How dare he get attacked the way he did when he HUMBLED himself and apologized for the error of not doing a background check AND he apologized for the way this visit made some of the residents feel. Yet he continued to be attacked by those so anxious to read off their statements and show their a--long after he apologized and made known his feelings about the 9/11 attack, his brother who is still fighting physical issues related to Ground Zero and those who died in that attack who were residents of Freeport. How dare people be so judgmental. He made a mistake and he said this is a lesson learned! Who the heck is anyone to throw stones? No human being in any official position or otherwise has EVER been perfect. There will always be mistakes, but the most important thing is being humble, to admit to one's fault and ask FORGIVENESS, which Mayor Hardwick did, for this big mistake. We need to move on as a village and try to figure out how to tackle the issues of crime, blight and housing issues. There is so much hatred spewed at these board meetings for others outside of our village to see and it's such an embarrassment! The devil rears it's ugly head when people cannot trust a man of color to represent them. Where was the doggone cries and screams when the village under the jurisdiction of the former governments allwed prostitution, drug cartels, gangs, shootings, attacks on hispanic men and blight and other neglected and important issues of Freeport were allowed to take place. Those in the southern end said as long as it's not in my area, that's not my problem. But as soon as The Mayor decides to fix areas on the north side that was Loooooong overdue, all of a suddeen it's where is the money coming from for that??? Yes, he made a huge mistake in regards to this Ceren person, but move on people. The Mayor humbly apologized and asked for your forgiveness. Get over it!!!
ReplyDeleteSIMPLE: JUST OPEN YOUTUBE AND TYPE: "SALVADOR SANCHEZ CEREN FMLN GUERRILLA" AND YOU WILL FIND WHAT KIND OF RAT THIS "SANCHEZ CEREN" IS.
ReplyDeleteIT IS A SHAME TO MY COUNTRY TO GIVE BIRTH TO ONE OF THE HIGHER CRIMINALS, ASSASINS AND EXTREMIST COMMUNIST, FANATIC OF CUBAN, NICARAGUAN AND VENEZUELAN LEADERS WHICH ARE SAME AS RATS AS THIS STUPID "LEONEL GONZALEZ", WHICH IS THE NAME THIS ASSASIN USED TO USE AS AKA, WHEN HE WAS KILLING PEOPLE FROM EL SALVADOR.
SADLY AS IT IS, TODAY, TODAY HE IS "VICE-PRESIDENT" OF MY POOR AND ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD.
The only people Sanchez Ceren killed were salvadoran soldiers who killed innocent people. The reason he used the alias was to protect his family. The so called democratic government of El Salvador back in the mid 20th century was like the government of North Korea. If you spoke against them you would be killed and the US government supplied them with weapons to do so. If you wonder why a US flag was burned by some members of the rally then look up the history of United States involvement in our country's history and the rest of Latin America. Some of those dictators in places such as Nicaragua, Guatemala, Cuba before Castro took over, and Chile were put in place by this country's government. These dictators would be backed by the US while they had people murdered and disappeared. They trained soldiers to do this en nuestra patria http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=LhgbxrJrYFHm5M&tbnid=k4CxDVDYvsTNkM:&ved=0CAMQjhw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmorallowground.com%2F2010%2F12%2F11%2Fon-this-day-1981-u-s-created-salvadoran-battalion-rapes-massacres-1000-women-children-elderly-at-el-mozote%2Fmozote%2F&ei=JxUxUfEFhZz2BLnhgMgC&bvm=bv.43148975,d.eWU&psig=AFQjCNHpoQrvmTibVIMFHAL1d4FM_56rSg&ust=1362257427045259
DeleteJesse, you sound like someone that approaches things with an open mind.
ReplyDeleteWell please check out THESE links and let me know what you think.
http://voiceselsalvador.wordpress.com/2012/08/17/salvadoran-vp-sanchez-ceren-greeted-by-protesters-in-freeport-ny/
http://voiceselsalvador.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/another-misleading-ogradywall-street-journal-article-about-el-salavdor/
http://voiceselsalvador.wordpress.com/about/
It should be noted that it wasn't the Salvadorian community that expressed outrage and hosted that protest, but it was a tea party that organized that rally and of course they're know for their bi-partisan stances(snark)
http://www.meetup.com/rvcteaparty/events/77393582/
BTW if we're going to talk about history let's talk about it in FULL. Who supplied the weapons? Who continued to do so? El Salvador's 9/11 actually happened 32 years before ours so we are not alone in suffering death and destruction.
If we're going to talk about what other countries have done to us, then let's start being honest about what our country has done to them. Our foreign policy with Latin America and the Caribbean has not been one of high moral standing thereby creating the stances held by that of Ceren.
Hello Jesse,
ReplyDeleteThe reason why a US flag was being burned at that rally wasn't to support Al-Qaeda but to protest the dollarization and privatization of the Salvadoran currency. If you think Salvador Sanchez Ceren was a terrorist then go visit a town called El Mozote in the Morazan department of El Salvador. What you will find will make Al-Qaeda look pre-schoolers. These terrorists were not Islamic extremists but soldiers of a US trained army in this small country. They murdered holy men, nuns after raping them, a high ranking catholic church official and thousands of civilians. Also most people in El Salvador hardly know what Al-Qaeda is because their terrorists aren't arabs but their own people. It may no longer be the US backed government but the violent gangs that thrive in its streets.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletetell me only one fact on my comment which was untrue, you see what fanatism means? good luck.
ReplyDeleteGuess who will be the next president of El Salvador and who is a mediocre and unknown reporter, Jesse....
ReplyDeleteGuess who had the courage to put a name to their comment? Not you? Awesome. I might be an unknown reporter, but I'm certainly not a coward like you are.
Delete