May 15 2012
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Bellevue Borough

REVISED: OPEN LETTER TO BELLEVUE COUNCIL RE: PROPOSED BURNING ORDINANCE AND PERSONAL LIBERTIES

In light of the confusion and misinformation out there regarding the proposed burning ordinance and whether or not it would restrict grills, I’ve revised my initial letter to Bellevue Council.  Below is the letter that will be presented to the council at the special meeting to be convened next week as well as sent to each council member, the mayor, and local newspapers for mass distribution.  Again, if you agree with the sentiment and would like to be a part of the solution for Bellevue, join us here.

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Dear Mr. Mayor and Members of Bellevue Council,

I write to you today to express my frustration with the newly proposed ordinance before Bellevue council which would require Bellevue residents to contact the fire department prior to lighting a controlled burn on one’s personal property.  Why does the council believe its primary function is to limit and control the rights of its citizens, businesses, and property owners?

In the not too distant past, thousands of citizens signed a petition that the council consider rescinding the ban on alcohol sales in restaurants and diners.  Many council members and the mayor fought this desire for economic and personal liberty tooth and nail.

More recently a similar number of signatures were collected requesting that patrons of BYOB establishments be permitted to consume their libations at outside tables along Lincoln Avenue.  I understand that some are putting up a fight concerning this move as well.

Then, out of the blue (or so it seems to the residents who are not within the inner circles of power in this borough), a handful of residents complain to the borough about smoke coming from their neighbors’ outdoor fires, and without delay, the council moves to limit the rights of its private citizens leading private lives on their private properties.  Additionally, there is obvious confusion among the council and the general public of the limitations and restrictions that will be put in place if this ordinance is passed.  And, yet, even in the midst of confusion and misinformation, the council seems dead set to move forward with new regulations, restrictions and fines upon its citizenry.

Again I ask, why does the council believe its primary function is to limit and control the rights of its citizens, businesses, and property owners?

Now, I realize that it can be annoying, and possibly even hazardous to one’s health, to breath in the smoke drifting from an outdoor fire.  I truly sympathize with Ms. Wivell who was cited in the Citizen article as the one who expressed this concern to the borough.  However, does the council honestly believe that its primary course of action is to limit the personal rights of residents and property owners?  Rather than attempting to rectify the situation through constructive means such as a public health awareness campaign, or simply taking advantage of this situation to remind residents what it means to be a part of a community by interacting with one another, they immediately jump to regulate, fine, and criminalize.

Does Bellevue council truly believe it needs to protect us from ourselves?  Does Bellevue council truly believe its residents cannot handle our grievances with one another on a personal level?  Does Bellevue council truly believe we need a nanny that punishes all “the children” (read: Bellevue residents) when one person acts out of line?  Or, is Bellevue council simply ignorant to the fact that the only changes that seem to come out council month after month are additional regulations, limitations, and restrictions of personal liberties?

I’ve been a resident of Bellevue for over two decades and in that time I have never heard anyone in an official capacity express concern over the rights and liberties of Bellevue residents, businesses, and property owners.  I’ve seen council members and mayors come and go.  I’ve been forced to endure new and further restricting ordinances.  And after all that’s been said and done, I’ve seen nothing but further economic decline in this borough.

Could it be that restricting the rights of citizens and businesses is a failed modus operandi?  Could it be that trusting the citizenry to live peaceably and respectfully, free of government restrictions is the key to growth, prosperity, and happiness in our little borough?

To be certain, this “burning ordinance” is a small matter when compared to the other violations of personal liberties in this borough (high taxes, prohibition policies, etc.), however, I, and the rest of the liberty loving residents of Bellevue, view this proposed ordinance as the proverbial straw that just might break the camel’s back.

I implore you to strongly consider whether you’re a person who supports freedom, growth, liberty, and prosperity or if you’re a person who will maintain the status quo of controlled decline in Bellevue.  Make the right choice.  Choose liberty before we are forced to rename our little borough to “The People’s Republic of Bellevue.”

Sincerely,

Thomas Fodi
600 Maryland Avenue

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May 14 2012
4 Comments
Bellevue Borough

Open Letter to Bellevue Council re: Proposed Burning Ordinance and Personal Liberties

Dear Mr. Mayor and Members of Bellevue Council,

I write to you today to express my frustration with the newly proposed ordinance before Bellevue council which would require Bellevue residents to contact the fire department prior to lighting a controlled burn on one’s personal property (including and not limited to fireplaces and gas/charcoal grills).  Why does the council believe its primary function is to limit and control the rights of its citizens, businesses, and property owners?

In the not too distant past, thousands of citizens signed a petition that the council consider rescinding the ban on alcohol sales in restaurants and diners.  Many council members and the mayor fought this desire for economic and personal liberty tooth and nail.

More recently a similar number of signatures were collected requesting that patrons of BYOB establishments be permitted to consume their libations at outside tables along Lincoln Avenue.  I understand that some are putting up a fight concerning this move as well.

Then, out of the blue (or so it seems to the residents who are not within the inner circles of power in this borough), one resident complains to the borough about smoke coming from their neighbor’s outdoor fire, and without delay, the council moves to limit the rights of its citizens by requiring permission from, or at least notification of, “big brother” to cook on a privately owned grill on privately owned property!

Again, I ask why does the council believe its primary function is to limit and control the rights of its citizens, businesses, and property owners?

Now, I realize that it can be annoying, and possibly even hazardous to one’s health, to breath in the smoke drifting from an outdoor fire.  I truly sympathize with Ms. Wivell who expressed her concern to the borough.  However, do you honestly believe that the best course of action is to limit the personal rights of property owners?  A rational person would know that this situation, and others like it, could be solved with a simple conversation.

Do you truly believe you need to protect us from ourselves?  Do you truly believe we cannot handle our grievances with one another on a personal level?  Do you truly believe we need a nanny that punishes all “the children” (read: Bellevue residents) when one person acts out of line?  Or, are you simply ignorant to the fact that the only changes that seem to come out council month after month are additional regulations, limitations, and restrictions of personal liberties?

I’ve been a resident of Bellevue for over two decades and in that time I have never heard anyone in an official capacity express concern over the rights and liberties of Bellevue residents, businesses, and property owners.  I’ve seen council members and mayors come and go.  I’ve been forced to endure new and further restricting ordinances.  And after all that’s been said and done, I’ve seen nothing but further economic and personal decline in this borough.

Could it be that restricting the rights of citizens and businesses is a failed modus operandi?  Could it be that trusting the citizenry to live peaceably and respectfully, free of government restrictions is the key to growth, prosperity, and happiness in our little borough?

To be certain, this “burning ordinance” is a small matter when compared to the other violations of personal liberties in this borough (high taxes, prohibition policies, etc.), however, I, and the rest of the liberty loving residents of Bellevue, view this proposed ordinance as the proverbial straw that just might break the camel’s back.

I implore you to strongly consider whether you’re a person who supports freedom, growth, liberty, and prosperity or if you’re a person who will maintain the status quo of controlled decline in Bellevue.  Make the right choice.  Choose liberty before we are forced to rename our little borough to “The People’s Republic of Bellevue.”

Sincerely,

Thomas Fodi

P.S. If you agree and desire to see Bellevue be a place of personal and economic liberty join us here.

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Apr 27 2012
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Life and Faith

God’s Will Be Done in Pittsburgh

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, in PITTSBURGH as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts,  as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” ~ Jesus, Gospel of Matthew

Okay, so I made a slight adjustment to the Lord’s Prayer.  Don’t worry, it is still biblically accurate.  As a matter of fact, it could be argued that it’s even more accurate for our particular context as the words that Jesus used were for his.  When Jesus taught this prayer the first time, as he uttered the phrase, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” the disciples heard, “in Jerusalem” or “in Galilee” or “throughout Israel.”  Of course, we know now that Jesus meant the entire world, not just the little piece in which he happened to be doing his ministry.  But, his disciples didn’t know that; at least not yet.

In the mind of a first century Jewish person the “Kingdom of God” was nothing more than a way to describe the nation of Israel.  However, one the major lessons Jesus came to teach the Jewish people was that God desires a relationship with all people.  God desires to establish His Kingdom in every city, in every town, all over the world.  The Kingdom of God is wider than any particular city or town.  The Kingdom of God is deeper than any particular demographic.

I’m of the opinion that for as much as the first century disciples struggled to understand the possibility of God’s Kingdom extending to non-Jews, we struggle to understand the need for God’s Kingdom to make a difference here, in our immediate location, in our city.  Many years ago, when I would heard “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” my mind would imagine nations thousands of miles from Pittsburgh.  I would think of missionaries traveling the world bringing the gospel to people who lived in remote, isolated villages in the jungles of Africa or the rice fields of China.  In recent years, however, God opened my eyes to the desperate need for the Kingdom of God to make a difference in our own backyard, in our own cities, right here in Pittsburgh even.

It is hard for many of us to admit that our own neighborhoods need to know the peace and eternal joy of the Kingdom of God.  We like to live under the delusion that the United States is still a “Christian nation.”  200+ years ago it was founded under “Christian principles,” sure.  Today, however, in many parts of our nation, especially within the inner city, you’d be hard pressed to find folks who truly know what it means to follow Jesus.  Then when you consider that for the first time in our history, the majority of Americans live in the city, well, you do the math.  God’s kingdom continues to be needed in the remote villages of the world, but it’s also desperately needed right here as well.

That is why we are going to spend 40 hours this weekend praying for Pittsburgh.  Pittsburgh needs a fresh experience with the Kingdom of God.  Pittsburgh needs to know the joy, peace, and love God offers to those who seek Him.  Starting tonight at 7:00pm at Emmanuel Christian Church (1427 Davis Avenue, Brighton Heights) we will be praying that the Kingdom would break into the city of Pittsburgh.  For 40 hours straight someone, and at many times multiple people, will be praying for Pittsburgh in our specially constructed prayer room.  If you are in the Pittsburgh area you are invited to join us.  If you have questions about it, email me directly at fodita@gmail.com.  Please join us as we stand boldly before our God and pray, “Your Kingdom come, your will be done, in Pittsburgh, as it is in heaven.”

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Apr 24 2012
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Life and Faith

Relevant Magazine: Deeper Walk, “Fall from Grace”

Below is the daily “Deeper Walk” devotional message from Relevant Magazine.  I have found the Deeper Walk series to be very enriching to me spiritually.  I encourage you to check out Relevant Magazine and supporting their work.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

 Ephesians 2:8 TNIV

WE CALL IT “a fall from grace”: a Christian man or woman caught in some type of ethical or moral indiscretion who falls from a position of high esteem. Have you ever wondered where that phrase “a fall from grace” comes from? Galatians 5:4 says, “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (NKJV).

While we talk a lot about God’s inexhaustible grace and unconditional love, when it comes right down to it, we still believe that grace is exhaustible. We know that we owe our salvation to Christ’s grace-giving work on the cross. But it doesn’t take long before we trade in that boundless grace for the boundaries of the law.

In biblical terms, the one fallen from grace is not the sinner saved by grace caught in moral failure. That is a fall to grace. The one fallen from grace is the self-righteous person who tries to earn his or her salvation through the guise of moral living.

Because I am not getting what I deserve from God, I have the power to release others from what they deserve. I’m able to give them what God has given me—love, acceptance and grace.

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Apr 19 2012
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Life and Faith

The Day I Nearly Sacked Art Rooney II…and the lessons he taught me thereafter

I like to try different places for lunch throughout the week.  One day I’ll have lunch at the deli a few blocks from my office.  Another day I’ll pack a lunch.  The next day I’ll eat at my favorite coffee shop.  And, when the temptation arises, I’ll run downtown to grab lunch somewhere completely random.  Yesterday I wound up at SoHo, next to PNC Park.  It was nice.  I enjoyed it.

I was lucky enough to find a meter next to the ballpark, so I was parked fairly close and I had an excuse to shop in the Pirates Clubhouse after eating.  Nothing too exciting.  Nothing worth writing about.  That was until I left the Clubhouse and nearly ran into a well dressed businessman walking down Federal Street.  I apologized to the well dressed businessman for nearly showing him my best impression of Kris Letang on open ice.  He laughed it off.  He must have been having a good day.

Walking quickly to get to my car as soon as possible in order to avoid any uncomfortable conversation with the man I nearly decked, the well dressed businessman made pleasant conversation.  ”Gorgeous day, isn’t it?”  ”It sure is,” I politely responded.  ”I hope you’re having a good day.  It’s hard for me to not love a day like today,” he added.  Finally accepting the fact that the well dressed businessman wasn’t mad at me for nearly running him into on coming traffic, I turned my head to respond to his pleasant attempt at a polite conversation and immediately realized I know this guy!  But, as is all too common for me, I couldn’t put a name or title to the face.  I responded to his comment with something to the effect of “me neither,” while my mind was racing with desperation, “Who is this man?!  I’m supposed to know him!  Please God, don’t let me say anything stupid….”

As most of you are probably aware, I’m a huge Pirates fan, so I knew immediately he wasn’t someone from the Pirates front office.  I would immediately recognize Frank Coonelly, Bob Nutting, or Neil Huntington if one of those guys was walking along PNC Park (which they often do and are also quite open to pleasant conversation if you come across them).  It wasn’t Mayor Ravenstahl or one of the prominent Pittsburgh council members.  I’m not sure they would have been so polite to converse with the person who nearly decked them.  It obviously wasn’t Mario Lemeuix or someone from the Penguins, most of those guys were in Philadelphia yesterday.

The entire time I walked back to my car around the corner of the ballpark this well dressed businessman stayed with me.  He was apparently going the same direction I was going.  I turned the corner onto General Robinson St and he turned with me.  All the while exchanging polite small talk with me.  I finally reached my car, and with a pleasant, “Have a great rest of the day!” from him, I was out of the awkward situation and on my way back to the office.

The rest of the day I was bewildered by the well dressed businessman’s face.  ”Who was that guy?!”  ”He was really nice.”  ”I’m supposed to know who he was!”  ”I’m so stupid!”    This morning, I decided to do what anybody my age would do in this day and age, I started a google images search of all the prominent Pittsburghers I could think of until I finally come across this man’s face.  It didn’t take long.  Just to be sure, I went through the Pirates management team.  No luck.  I flipped through a few member of Pittsburgh council.  Nothing.  Then I scrolled through the management team of the Steelers…  Art Rooney II.  I nearly ran Art Rooney II down in cold blood!  As the President of the Steelers, Mr. Rooney has to deal with the aftermath of hits by the likes of James Harrison and Troy Polamalu, now I know why he was able to show amazing patience and was incredibly gracious after I nearly pummeled him.

I wish my brain worked a bit better than it does.  I wish I would have recognized one of the most prominent faces of the Pittsburgh Steelers.  I could have said something prophetic about the Steelers.  I could have expressed my appreciation for his sticking with Ben throughout his legal issues.  I could have encouraged him to stick with Mike Wallace.  I could have asked him if the team needed a new chaplain.

Although, on second thought, perhaps it was a good thing I didn’t recognize him.  I might have been even more mortified knowing right then and there that I just about sacked Art Rooney II.  However, the situation has reminded me of a couple important lessons.  First, it doesn’t matter how important you are, or think you are, there is no excuse for not showing a bit of grace and patience in even the most absurd of situations.  Secondly, as much as I struggle to recognize a fairly common face, it is comforting to know that even though there are nearly 7 billion people in the world, God knows you, me, and everybody intimately and personally.  He knows who we are and what we do.  He knows the cries of our heart and the celebrations of our lives.  When it comes to having a conversation with the creator of the universe there is no awkward “I’m supposed to know you but I can’t put a name to your face” moment.

Although it is highly doubtful that Mr Rooney will ever stumble upon this blog, I’d like to apologize to him again for running him down like Joe Flacco.  However, I’d also like to thank him for being a man of grace and patience.  I’m sure he was off to an important business meeting or appointment, however he had the frame of mind to be kind and polite to a nincompoop like me.

Thank you Mr. Rooney.

 

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