The Larry Kane Report

No one ever accused Philadelphia DA Lynne Abraham of being meek. No one ever accused Mayor John Street of being weak, until Lynne Abraham took a giant swipe at him this past Friday. Abraham’s courageous attack on the Mayor’s performance on the crime issue facing the city is so much more imcredible because it is true, and no one has had the guts to say it.

Leadership on issues such as violent crime comes from the top. Although earnest in his motives, I presume, the Mayor has not shown the passion he needs to show in mobilizing the city and its citizens to stop crime. It is politically expedient to do so, but that hasn’t even roused the Mayor. Here is the bottom line: thousands of people in Philadelphia live in fear of their lives every day. This is no way to live in America. All the sparkle of a beautiful Center City will never erase that fear until the city’s leader declares war on crime.

The Mayor’s office responded to Abraham’s remarks by citing that the Mayor did attend a city summit on crime, along with the District Attorney.

You should note that the Mayor is trying again to cut the DA’s budget. So that may have sparked the outrage. But when a savvy DA like Abraham takes the Mayor to task for not acting like a Mayor, we all must pay attention.

The Mayor has a year and a few days left in office. What a fantastic legacy it would be to start the ball rolling on a comprehensive plan to make life safer for the people of the neighborhoods.

I’ve been following this crime issue carefully. I see a troubling pattern. Violent crime is now evident in all areas. The stats show that its spreading to the suburbs.

The Mayoral candidates are trying to sieze on initiatives to fight the war on the streets. Community activists are at the forefont. The Mayor should take the lead quickly on the most pressing problem facing Philadelphia.

Comments(1)

The execution of Saddam Hussein will not nearly end our crises in Iraq, but in one very powerful way, it sends a message to the world, that in most cases, mass killings and genocide will not be accepted.

The hanging of Hussein is a clear message to the President of Iran, who has recommended wiping Israel off the map, who denies the holocaust, and who is a rogue dictator. The execution also sends a message to the brutal dictator of Korea, the terrorists in Darfur, Somalia, and the people everywhere who have commited crimes against humanity.

There are those in our country who will decry the execution of a former leader. There are those who oppose capital punishment in any form. But this was not a case where we needed DNA to prove a point. This was a case of clear-cut, government sponsored murder, the kind of murder, I should add, that takes place in Syria and Iran, and in the former Soviet Republics.

Saddam used poison gas, secret police, and forms of torture and terror that were born in the medieval times, to force his population to bow down, or die.

This execution would have been even more gratifying if we had a plan to rule the peace, after we won the first days of the war.

That inept leadership will haunt us for years. But at the very least, the butcher of Baghdad, is done.

For the current maniacal leaders like Ahmanidejad in iran, the dictator Chavez in Venezuela, and all who may try and take away the dignity of human beings, this is a strong and powerful hint of what could happen to them.

Comments(1)

Here are my selections for the top stories of 2006 in the tri-state area. Let me know what you think, and don’t be bashful.
1. Soaring murder rate in Philadelphia - 400 and counting. What happened to law and order as an issue?

2. Ryan Howard becomes superstar. I know. It’s sports, but it is still one of the most talked-about stories of the year.

3. Mid-term elections. Weldon and Fitzpatrick are ousted in Democratic wave. Rick Santorum loses to Bob Casey. Suburbs turning blue. What’s next? Could it be control of the court houses?

4. Continuing federal corruption investigations, including indictment of Milton Street, the Mayor’s brother.

5. Government shutdown in New Jersey.

6. Battle to save Eakins “Gross Clinic” art masterpiece.

7. Legislative defeats in the primary elections, motivated by pay raise controversy.

8. Tragic shooting in Amish community.

9. Failure of suburban lawmakers to finish special Philadelphia gun legislation.

10. Anti-smoking legislation finally passes in Philadelphia.

11. Purchase by local investors of Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News.

12. Port battle over dredging the Delaware.

13. Campaign finance law in Philadelphia.

14. Casino contracts awarded.

15. Eagles stage dramatic comeback.

Number 15 remains in the “unfinished business” category.

In honorable mentions: New battes over eminent domain. Chester County legislative battle turns Pa. House to Democrrats. Camden loses distinction of being most dangerous city.

Did I miss anything?

Comments(0)

It was July 4, 1976, the Bicentennial Celebration at Independence Hall. I was on the podium to narrate the Pageant of Flags. President Ford leaned over to Mayor Frank Rizzo and gave him the news that the Israeli forces had rescued hostages in Entebbe Uganda. It was the first time I had ever had a story revealed to me by a President of the United States. Ford was warm and affable and seemed truly joyous about taking part in a ceremony on the 200th anniversary of the United States.

After the whispered news briefing and the ceremony, including an appearance by Charlton Heston, we all motored to the Bellevue Hotel for a private reception and lunch. I was a passenger in the car with Charlton Heston. Being with the President and the man who played Moses was a bit much for one day.

In the quiet cocktail reception at the Bellevue, Ford moved through the crowd like the guy next door, which he was to millions of Americans. Later that year, I saw him at the Walnut Street theater where he he debated Jimmy Carter. And a few days before the election, the 38th President joined me for something rare - a “live” interview on the six o’clock news at Channel 6. It was spontaneous - no spin, just a straight one on one conversation.

President Ford was perhaps the most personable and approachable Presidents I ever met. Ronald Reagan was great on Television, but one on one in a crowd, few could match Ford’s charisma and warmth.In August, In August of 1976 I saw him work the crowd after beating back an attempt by California Governor Ronald Reagan to get the nomination at the Kansas City Convention.

Ford came into our lives after two years of the Watergate mess. His was a time of healing and an incredible spirit of working together with Congress. Although he was well-liked, few people forgave him for pardoning Richard Nixon. But in retrospect, it may have been the right thing to do.

As he entered the 1976 Presidential race, few thought that he could be beaten by Jimmy Carter. But America was looking for something new, and the former peanut farmer and Governor from Georgia ousted the incumbent.

Although President Ford was an “accidental President”, rising to power in the aftermath of the Nixon resignation, it is important to remember what a calming force he was. He was especially courageous after two attempts on his life, assuring the people that he was in total control.It is poignant that a man of his texture and stablity took over for the nation on that fateful day in 1974.

Comments(3)

It is time to take a look at the big stories of 2006. I would really like your participation. I’ll start it off today with my take on the big national and world stories.

1. Mid-term elections. America changes course. Thumbs down to GOP revolution.

2. Iraq war. Fatalities near 3000. Afghan war revs up. Tunnel is dark again.

3. Katrina aftermath. More suffering. More waste.

4. Jack Abramoff scandal opens floodgates to Republican malaise. Page scandal adds fuel to the fire.

5. Rise of Barak Obama. Fall of John Kerry. Return of internet founder Al Gore, now “green man” and forecaster of our warm winter.

6. Impending departure of Kofi Annan, America’s enemy at the UN.

7. Hizbollah rockets motivate Israeli war. Gaza imploded again. But they might give peace a chance.

8. Iran nuclear threat. it is worse than Korean test.

9. UN sanctions, finally, against Iran. Will France go soft on us again?

8. Saddam awaits the hangman.

9. Rumsfeld quits - receives honors for his work.

10. Grim wars erupt in Africa, with Islamic armies taking the lead.

11. Housing slumps. Stock market is up. Go figure.

12. Japan considers becoming nuke power. Watch this one!

13. China manipulates its currency. It is a war without bullets.

14. OJ Simpson book never opens.

15. Just when we think the Jon Benet case is solved, the guy turns out to be a flake.

16. Immigration controversy heats up.

17. Alcohol emerges as number one drug for teenagers.

18. Castro in failing health. Brother reaches out to USA.

19. Year of foot-in-mouth : Rush Limbaugh, Michael Richards, Mel Gibson.

20. Joseph Lieberman stands up to Democrats and Republcans. A touch of class returns to the Senate.

Those are my humble offerings. How about yours?

Tomorrow, I’ll take on the local big stories.

Comments(9)