Mitt Romney & Bullying: It’s His Answer Not the Action.

I don’t usually write about politics in this blog, but I’d like to make a stab at the Mitt Romney bullying story.  As someone who was not part of the popular group in high school, and at least once the recipient of a grade school mob mentality, the impact of powerful students on their victims resonates with me.  From what I would take as a well-verified account, Romney and his pals cornered and cut the hair of a student who was perceived different –i.e. homosexual.  The other students involved seem to have vivid memories. Romney claims he doesn’t remember it, and stated: “I don't recall the incident myself, but I've seen the reports and I'm not going to argue with that. There's no question but that I did some stupid things when I was in high school, and obviously if I hurt anyone by virtue of that I would be very sorry for it and apologize for it.”

Sorry, that just doesn’t wash with me. First, I honestly cannot believe he doesn’t remember the incident – and the nervous laughter that accompanied his defensive comments on it suggests something else (possible hint for observing Romney: if he laughs nervously he’s really uncomfortable about the subject and not quite telling the truth).  Like many politicians who try to cover up their behavior, it’s not their original action, but the follow-up that is worrisome. (Watergate, Iran Contra, Monica Lewinsky. The politician list is it seems endless ).  It is what I didn’t hear from Mitt Romney that I find bothersome.  Stupid is not the same as wrong. Riding a bike without a helmet is stupid. Assaulting someone is wrong.   Mr. Romney doesn’t seem to know the difference, or can’t acknowledge his behavior fell into the latter category.  What would I want to hear?

“You know.  I remember this event.  And I have to tell you I am deeply embarrassed and ashamed by what I did then.  I was young, but that’s no excuse.  It was wrong.  And it reminds us of how important it is not to judge people. I wish today I could apologize to Mr. Lauber for causing him so much pain.” The issue is not what Mitt Romney did then – no one should be judged because of one teen-age  incident.  But they can be judged on what they do and say about that event as an adult.  And that’s where Mitt Romney is seriously lacking.

It's Spring. Must Be Time for the First Laurel Yard Sale Crawl

Things are picking up for the Spring. The Old Town Community is planning its first (or at least first in a long time) community yard sale on May 5 (a date carefully calculated to not conflict with the City Hall sale or Main Street Festival). So far more than 8 families have signed up -- which I think means there is going to be a lot of terrific stuff. Especially if those selling are pack rats like me and my other better half. I anticipate lots of kids items, some antiques, hardware (I know we have duplicates of good stuff), furniture, kitchenware etc.

It's not too late for Old Town folks who want to participate to sign up. Note: Each participant MUST have an individual yard sale permit from the City of Laurel. If you want to participate and be on the map indicating yard sale sites it's not too late To be on the map (participants get copies): Download the form at http://www.cityoflaurel.org/content/miscellaneous-permits and get your permit.E-mail Joni McGovern at jonithomas@hotmail.com by April 24 to be on the Map.
We'll be promoting it with a press release, signs, postings on Craig's list, yard sale search etc. Find more garage sales in Laurel on Yard Sale Search. Should be a great event

Dining Prospects Are Looking Up for the Old Town Area

This past week with our ongoing Spring like weather I was thinking about how fortunate we are in Old Town Laurel that in the past year two new – and very different – eateries have joined our community. It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Salute Italian restaurant. Last week was their first anniversary. Congratulations to Meriem and her lovely family. Their eggplant alone should keep them on the map for a long time.

Double Dip is our other excellent addition. Readers might remember that back in the Fall I was happy they were coming but wistful they were not on Main Street. I still am – but they’ve made a perfect home for themselves on Montgomery – and I have to believe the proximity to Pallotti and St. Marys provides a good continuous and hungry group of customers. I’m also pleased to report a very good experience, too with their sandwiches.

The new deck and patio with benches was a nice place to enjoy that dish of chocolate last week. Our warm spring has meant Ken & I have had many (too many) trips to the DD for ice cream – and hot chocolate made with real milk and syrup on those cold days. None of that wimpy packet stuff. I predict as the weather gets even warmer we’ll see lines out the door.

Put these two new additions with our other eateries, and the prospects are good and growing for Old Town to be the place to go for non-chain food. Salute, Double Dip, Linnys (still the best chicken salad around), Toucan Taco (had the queso there today with the LHS Volunteers), RHB (we were their second outlet so chain doesn’t apply), Tampico, and La Mia. All walkable. All good. Isn’t that what we want in a neighborhood? What’s your favorite walkable dining place?