Time for Answers from the NSA After a report of 2,776 privacy violations, even NSA defenders are getting fed up.
By John Fund
It’s time to ask tough questions about the National Security Agency’s surveillance activities — even for conservatives who have given the NSA the benefit of every doubt up until now.
The Washington Post opened a can of worms last Friday when it reported that, in 2012, an internal NSA audit found that the agency had violated privacy rules 2,776 times within just one year. The audit counted only violations at NSA’s Washington facilities — nearly 20 other NSA facilities were not included. In the wake of the Post’s report, the NSA insisted that the violations were “inadvertent,” but it failed to explain why it had not shared the report with Senate Intelligence Committee chair Dianne Feinstein or other congressional oversight authorities.
Yet some NSA defenders continue to insist that nothing is wrong. Back in July, House Intelligence Committee chair Mike Rogers claimed that there have been “zero privacy violations” on the part of NSA. After the leaked audit made news on Friday, he retreated to saying that “there was no intentional and willful violation of the law.”
The BPU confirmed this week it has received the Village Council’s petition, seeking a hearing regarding the installation of higher electrical poles in town.
The residents group I Care has put together an FAQ on the over sized utility poles
I-CARE – Frequently Asked Questions
Is the neighborhood mainly upset about the height and appearance of the poles?
No.
While the poles are unsightly and caught our attention, our main concerns are the legality and safety of them.
We were never notified of the impending project, which consists of running a new, high-voltage (69,000 volt) transmission line through our town, creating a veritable electricity super-highway. And we strongly feel that PSE&G has skirted the legal process by proceeding with the project without first going to the town zoning board for a variance. The 65-foot poles far exceed the permissible height limits for the residential zones through which they intend to run. As such, the company should have gone before the proper boards to obtain the necessary variances.
We are appalled by the fact that PSE&G started the work (in June 2013) without first obtaining clearance from the town. In this regard, we feel that certain officials were initially misled about the nature of the project. The company proceeded to steamroll through without even filing the necessary paperwork. The town engineer had to hit the company with summonses and a cease work order before they actually did so. And it wasn’t until after we alerted the town to our concerns (on or about July 10, 2013) that PSE&G even bothered to pay for the “minor work” permits that had already been issued. The check arrived in the mail on July 17, 2013.
We are also concerned about high-voltage wires running too close to our homes on poles that are much taller than almost all of them. For more information on the topic of our safety concerns, see below.
Won’t this project help keep my power on in the event of another storm?
Unfortunately, no.
In the event of downed lines resulting from adverse weather conditions, we all need (1) more tree crews, (2) better communication centers, and (3) utility workers that are properly versed in the re-installation of various types of power lines. Not a new transmission line.
The proposed 69,000 volt transmission line bears no relation to the distribution lines running to our houses. They are part of an infrastructure upgrade that will not directly assist our town in the event of a storm.
While PSE&G framed this project to town officials as a response to Hurricane Sandy (2012), it is actually part of an earlier plan that was mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 2007.
What information was the town given?
Nearly none.
Our understanding is that the Village Council was told of an impending “restringing of the lines” in March 2013, but given no substantive information on the nature of the project.
After already starting work, PSE&G presented the town engineer with a site plan showing the intended route of the new transmission line and, more specifically, the exact pole locations (78) along the route. The route begins on S. Maple Ave. in Glen Rock; proceeds north into Ridgewood; hangs a right (heads east) on Spring Ave., then left (north) on Hope St.; before turning right (continuing east) onto E. Ridgewood Ave. into Paramus.
The site plan does not indicate the size of the poles – 65 feet – required by the upgrade. This information is reflected only in the brand marks on the individual poles.
In addition, neither the Board of Public Utilities (state regulatory authority) nor the town zoning board (local regulatory authority) were notified.
Why didn’t PSE&G use their own right-of-way along the old trolley line for the new high-voltage transmission line?
Good question. We don’t specifically know why. It is a question we would like to have addressed by the company.
This right-of-way consists of a wide swath of land running from Fair Lawn through Glen Rock and Ridgewood, where PSE&G already possesses an easement for its infrastructure. The impact to actual residences, schools and the like, would be far less if PSE&G were to run the new transmission line here instead.
In an e-mail sent to us by the Village Manager, PSE&G cited “setback/clearance requirements and major environmental issues” in their decision not to use this land. Presumably, they would have had to have gotten permits from the state Department of Environmental Protection in order to upgrade the structures on this property, which in many parts runs adjacent to the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook.
What are your safety concerns?
Simply put, death by electrocution.
The new transmission line consists of 69,000 volts – more than 300 times the power of household electricity, i.e., 220 volts.
The reason the poles are so much higher is because of the magnified danger created by this higher voltage. To our understanding, the existing distribution line consists of 4000 volts on Hope Street. Because the addition of a transmission line to those distribution lines significantly ups the voltage, engineering codes kick in and dictate the new mammoth size of the poles.
According to what we know, you don’t even have to touch a 69,000 volt line to be electrocuted. If you breach the recommended safety clearance from them, you are in serious danger of being electrocuted. This places a number of people in immediate danger, namely, the contractors operating near the lines. There just isn’t enough “wiggle room” for them to do their jobs safely.
There is evidence that 69,000 volt lines can arc electricity through smoke. If a house is on fire, this creates a seriously dangerous situation, not just for the people inside, but also for the emergency personnel responding to them.
We also worry about what happens in the event of a storm. In the past, wires have touched down in the floodwaters that envelop our streets. There is no shortage of cases where those lines fail to “de-energize” in a timely manner. What will happen to the people below?
The list of dangerous scenarios simply rolls on.
Are there health concerns related to high voltage wires?
Several studies have demonstrated a clear correlation between proximity to high-voltage power lines and seriously heightened incidences of childhood leukemia and brain cancer. While the studies have been inconclusive to date, their importance has been elevated to examination by the World Health Organization.
Why did PSE&G avoid the intersection of S. Maple Ave. and E. Ridgewood Ave. in its route, detouring, instead, into the wholly residential areas of Spring Ave. and Hope St.?
Good question. We’d certainly like to know.
Why didn’t PSE&G avoid as many residential areas as possible and simply head east on Century Road from the Fair Lawn substation then north on Route 17 to the Paramus substation?
MAYOR’S OFFICE HOURS FOR RIDGEWOOD RESIDENTS – Saturday, September 7 – Noon to 3PM
Mayor Paul Aronsohn holds office hours for Ridgewood residents the first Saturday of every month usually from 9:00 a.m. to Noon in the Council Chambers (Sydney V. Stoldt, Jr. Court Room) on the fourth floor of Ridgewood Village Hall. The Saturday, September 7 session hours are being adjusted to Noon to 3pm.
For an appointment to meet with the Mayor, please call the Village Clerk’s Office at 201-670-5500 ext. 206. You may come to the Mayor’s office hours without an appointment, but those with appointments will be given priority.
Washington, D.C., August 19, 2013—Running a donut shop and reforming the federal tax code may sound like dramatically different jobs, but selling tasty treats can offer us lessons for the larger task ahead, according to a new video released today by the Tax Foundation.
New Video Offers Economic Insights
“When a business raises or lowers its prices, the owners know that it’s going to have an immediate impact on sales and profits, and they plan for that change” said Tax Foundation president Scott Hodge. “But in Washington today, we have forgotten that simple lesson. When it comes to raising or lowering tax rates, government officials act as though the rest of the economy will stay frozen in place.”
When Congress considers potential tax changes, official sources like Congress’ Joint Committee on Taxation assume that no matter how different the tax code is in the future, the economy will continue to behave as if nothing had happened – Americans will keep working and investing in the exact same way. These “static” estimates produce a distorted idea of the results that changing the federal tax code will actually produce.
“To make better policy, lawmakers need better information,” added Hodge. “We can’t keep pretending that tax changes exist separate from the rest of the economy. We need to know what the impacts are going to be on jobs, wages, and capital formation – before we adopt any new tax reform ideas.”
In “The Economics of Tax Reform: Lessons from the Donut Shop,” the Tax Foundation explains that higher tax rates tend to reduce the number of jobs and the amount of money available for investment. These basic economic inputs of labor and capital in turn affect how successful a small business like a donut shop will be. In a larger, growing economy, we expect to see more bakers being hired and more ovens being purchased, for example.
The video is part of a larger project on Taxes and Growth, which includes a sophisticated computer model. The Tax Foundation’s Dynamic Macroeconomic Tax Simulation Model analyzes the effects of potential tax changes economy-wide. Most recently, the Tax Foundation used data from the model to produce an 11-part series on federal tax expenditures titled The Economics of the Blank Slate.
The Tax Foundation is a nonpartisan research organization that has monitored fiscal policy at the federal, state and local levels since 1937. To schedule an interview, please contact Communications Manager Richard Morrison at 202-464-5102 or [email protected].
The way to do things the right way is not to change any zoning for any project. Since any project would then require many variances, it would allow ‘control’ to be maintained on size, density, and impact (on traffic, schools, etc). It would allow proposed projects to proceed within reason.
Valley needs to upgrade, but they don’t need to double their footprint while doing so. The owners of the car dealerships have the right to continue the current use of their properties with the current zoning. If they want a change of use, then they will have to do so within the current zoning, and any changes would require variances that would keep developments within limits agreed to.
Its a matter of being reasonable, by both the ‘opposition’ and the developers. We do need senior housing, so if apartments are built that are for 55+, that would have zero impact on the schools while increasing tax revenues. Many ‘empty nesters’ are still here in town, but many that I speak with are about to sell due to the increased taxes.
N.J. board has received Ridgewood petition over large utility poles
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
The Record
RIDGEWOOD — The state Board of Public Utilities confirmed this week it has received the Village Council’s petition, seeking a hearing regarding the installation of higher electrical poles in town.
The BPU, which regulates utilities, including electricity, water, natural gas and cable television, is also in receipt of a response to Ridgewood’s request, filed by attorneys for Public Service Electric & Gas Co.
That puts the BPU in the middle of what has become a very public battle over the large poles, which soar above the treetops along Spring Avenue and Hope Street.
Residents on both blocks contacted the council soon after the 65-foot poles started going up more than a month ago. Ridgewood officials contacted the utility, which implemented a self-imposed moratorium on the installations.
Posted: Aug 16, 2013 3:59 PM EST Updated: Aug 19, 2013 10:57 AM EST
By Kate Mosso, @ChasingKate
Newark, New Jersey (My9NJ) –
Is 27 the new 18 when it comes to living at your parents’ house?
According to the US census Bureau, at least 1 in 4 N.J. adults, ages 18-31 live at home and 42% are 24 or older. Experts call it an “epidemic” of millennials leaching off their parents, but does a bad economy and student loan debt crisis justify the situation?
A new survey from Coldwell Banker says parents in the Northeast region are more lenient on this than anywhere else in the US on children moving back home.
But, according to the survey, more than two in three Americans believe that too many adults living at home with their parents are avoiding responsibility, and 65 percent believe too many young adults who move back home after college are overstaying their welcome.
Lonegan Campaign goes in to high gear with Christie Endorsement
August 19,2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Tomorrow Tuesday, August 20th Steve Lonegan will accept the endorsements of Governor Chris Christie and Senator Jeff Chiesa. Their support demonstrates that the Republican Party is united behind our the Lonegan campaign.
Tuesday, August 20th Event w/ Governor Chris Christie Hunterdon County GOP Headquarters 1 Route 12, Flemington, NJ 08822
Join the Governor and Steve in Hunterdon County tomorrow, August 20 at 4:00 pm at the County GOP Headquarters in Flemington for a truly memorable rally.
Wednesday, August 21st Event w/ Senator Jeff Chiesa Ocean County Courthouse
118 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08754
Then, on Wednesday,August 21st Steve will head to Ocean County for a joint appearance with Senator Jeff Chiesa at 10:30 am on the steps of the Ocean County Courthouse.
John Fugazzie of Neighbors helping Neighbors needs our help
Dear NHN USA Colleagues and Friends of NhN:
As some of you may know our fearless leader, John Fugazzie, suffered a massive heart attack a four weeks ago. I’m happy to report that he is doing well. The hospital sent him home in a week and he’s resting comfortably at home.
For those of us who knew there isn’t one that didn’t jump to offer help, which prompts this note from me.
Here is the sad truth; John is in need of assistance from people like us. John’s heart attack has cost him $172,000 and counting. Since he lost his job (for the 2nd time) 8 months ago, he obviously does not have health insurance and his unemployment benefit is about to expire. He has suffered this physical setback for which I’m sure he’s learned a hard lesson and recovery and different approach to health needs to be his primary focus. It is times like these that teach me to lean in and give help where it is needed most. And right now, where it is needed is for John.
John has devoted his life for this organization; first in creating then in delivering over the last 3 years of NhN’s storied existence. If you are like me, NhN was where I finally was able to meet people who were like me and where I could both share and learn from our collective experiences, expertise and contacts. I feel I owe a lot to John and all he does and continues to do; which he hasn’t stopped doing even though he should be resting.
This is the request: Consider sending John either a financial or physical donation. I’ve set up a PO Box (information below) that allows you to send whatever you like. Imagine if we all donated $2, 5, $10 or even $15 to John’s needed recovery time. This would go a long way to pay the medical bills for which he has no insurance, the food bills, the electricity bill, or whatever the pressing needs are. Financial assistance could be in the form of money, or gift card for groceries, sheets, towels, etc. Basically imagine your own home and a complete halt in ability to buy the necessities.
Realizing that all of our members are in different points in their job search, I know it is a lot to ask to donate to John. But, I do feel that John has developed something from which we all benefit and in the spirit of NhN and John’s pay-it-forward approach to life, where he has gotten people in dire need the assistance they need, I think it appropriate to reach out to you to ask for help on his behalf.
Please consider donating and sending your thoughts of well wishes to:
John Fugazzie
P.O. Box 274
River Edge, NJ 07661-0274
Republican U.S. Senate nominee Steve Lonegan attacked Cory Booker on the national stage today, calling him “too liberal for New Jersey” during an appearance on MSNBC.Star-Ledger
More And More Men Are Suffering From Muscle Dysmorphia
August 16, 2013 11:34 AM
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — It has often been perceived that women are constantly fixated on their diets. Now, a growing number of men have become obsessed with “bulking up.”
The new trend has been called “bigorexia” and it could come with some serious health consequences.
Early in his career, personal trainer Alfonso Moretti was obsessed with building his own muscles.
“It takes over your life. Every decision you make becomes the workout and how your body looks. I used to track and weigh every single ounce of food that went in my body. I used to wake up at 3 o’clock in the morning to drink protein shakes. I never missed a workout, ever, ever, ever,” he told CBS 2′s Maurice Dubois.
As many as 45-percent of men have fallen victim to bigorexia or muscle dysmorphia, according to Dr. Michele Kerulis the director of sports & health psychology at the Adler School of Professional Psychology.
Affordable Care Act do do away with plan used by 100,000 New Jerseyans
The bare-bones health insurance policy that’s been the plan of choice for New Jerseyans who can’t afford something better is set to go away next year, thanks to the Affordable Care Act.Star-Ledger
By MAGGIE HABERMAN | 8/18/13 10:17 PM EDT Updated: 8/19/13 6:20 AM EDT
Chris Christie is going to step out with a conservative in New Jersey on Tuesday.
The Republican New Jersey governor, who is hoping to rack up wide margins in his re-election bid in a blue state – which his advisers see as a launch pad for a 2016 campaign — is planning to endorse Republican Senate candidate Steve Lonegan in his special election against Newark Mayor Cory Booker.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a political powerhouse that tops spending on lobbying in Washington year after year. In the past two elections, the pro-business group doled out $69.5 million to send candidates to Congress.Huffington Post
Ramsey mom, and Ridgewood teen celebrate finishing 17.5-mile swim
Sunday August 18, 2013, 10:42 PM
BY LINDA MOSS
STAFF WRITER
The Record
SANDY HOOK – When they walked from the sea into the surf here Sunday, Charlotte Samuels and Lynn Ascione were both one step closer to where they want to be one day: swimming the English Channel.
The two Bergen County swimmers, who didn’t know each other before Sunday, were among nearly two-dozen swimmers from around the globe who competed in the Ederle Swim, an annual 17.5-mile long-distance, open-water event sponsored by New York City Swim. In fact, Samuels is apparently one of the youngest to ever finish it.
The 15-year-old Ridgewood High School student, and Ascione, a 46-year-old stay-at-home Ramsey mother, are very different. But they share a passion for the adventure, discipline, exposure to nature and mental serenity that open-water swimming brings them. They are aiming to swim the English Channel, and the Ederle Swim is considered a prelude to that 21-mile-long feat.
Samuels finished Sunday’s swim at 1:23 p.m., in 5 hours and 38 minutes, when she walked onto a nearly deserted beach at Sandy Hook. The swim began at Battery Park in downtown Manhattan, and Samuels said those final strokes to the shore in Jersey were really tough ones.
“It felt like forever,” said Samuels, who was wearing bright royal blue nail polish on her fingers and toes, her long dark hair tied back.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/ramsey/Bergen_mom_teen_celebrate_finishing_17_5-mile_swim.html#sthash.rTim2coC.dpuf
