Three of four voters neglected to cast ballots in Onondaga County on Election Day 2013.
Voter apathy makes a mockery of the democratic system, as one-fourth of us determine who will lead all of us.
We already know that one percent hold the majority of wealth and influence in this country, many people say, so why bother to vote.
What’s worse is Americans’ silence in response to our nation’s growing police state, both here and abroad. When whistle-blower Edward Snowden revealed the extent of National Security Agency monitoring of citizen emails, the country reacted with little more than a mass shrug of the shoulders. Ever since the hypocritically named “Patriot Act” began whittling away our freedoms a decade ago, most Americans have simply turned the other cheek.
With both major parties beholden to Wall Street, government does the bidding of the bankers. To them, we exist not as citizens with rights but as marks to be fleeced. Taxes continue to rise along with interest rates for consumer credit.
Green Party glimmer
New research from inequality experts Thomas Piketty and Emmanuel Saez points out that 99-percenters have seen their incomes lowered and their living standards depressed. Ordinary people aren’t getting a slice of the pie. They’re barely getting a sliver.
Local Green Party campaigns such as those mounted last year by congressional candidate Ursula Rozum and this year by Syracuse mayoral candidate Kevin Bott offer a glimmer of hope for the future, even though they finished last.
On a national level, Democrats and Republicans have cemented unholy alliances with Wall Street, leaving average Joes no choice but to look elsewhere for answers. If the United States is ever to escape its present sad state, third parties must rise up and awaken the sleeping giant, today’s apathetic American.
The Empire strikes!
The Empire Sub Shop, an offshoot of world-famous Oswego Sub Shop, opened in Liverpool Thursday, Nov. 7. On Friday evening, I enjoyed a half turkey sub with “the works,” a cup of chili and an order of fries, all for $11.49. Co-owner Tim Graber said he and his partners, Bill Greene Jr. and Paul Atkins, plan to celebrate a grand opening in about a month.
The new sub shop, which specializes in cheeseburger and chicken cutlet subs, has revitalized the old Burger King location at 508 Oswego St. Two cherry-red Prius hybrids stand ready to make deliveries. Study the cornucopious menu at empiresubshop.com, then call in your order at 461-1233.
Of course, Eric Will
As guitarist and bandleader of the regionally popular Southern Comfort Band, Eric “Will” McLean has played hundreds of benefit shows over the years.
“He has always been there for people in need,” noted bassist Ray Hare. “Now it’s our time to thank Eric for all his hard work and dedication.”
McLean, a former Liverpool police officer, recently underwent open-heart surgery and the medical bills keep piling up with no relief in sight.
So five bands will join forces from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, in a fund-raising performance at American Legion Post 787, at 5575 Legionnaire Drive, in Cicero. The quintuple bill features TJ Sacco & The Urban Cowboys, Ferguson & Rogers, Flat Face &The ShempDells, Tom Gilbo & The Blue Suedes as well as Eric’s own Southern Comfort Band.
Back in the 1960s, McLean formed combos such as The Country Squires and The Memphis Beat. He played lead guitar with the Jesse Derringer Show and started Southern Comfort in 1986. McLean also plays lead for the Blue Suedes, CNY’s top Elvis tribute band.
Sunday’s suggested donation is $15; 676-3475 or 437-1370.
Christine’s classic rock
The day before, two cool classic rock bands, The Dreamers and Str8 On, will play a benefit for Christine Gemmell, at the Simon Parise VFW Post 9596, in East Syracuse.
After more than a decade of receiving treatments and dialysis, Gemmell needs a kidney transplant. The fund-raiser begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Parise VFW, 6996 East Taft Road. Admission costs $15; 687-6714.
Old lake resort photos?
Local historian Joyce Mills needs a little help. She’s upgrading her presentation about the amusement parks and hotels which dotted the Onondaga Lake shoreline at the turn of the last century.
“If anyone has any old photographs of the parks that they would like to share with me, I’d be happy to give them credit and include their photographs in my new lecture,” Mills said. She will speak at Liverpool Public Library on March 20.
Email your historic photos to Joyce at [email protected], or call her at 652-5594.
