Of Penises, Vaginas and Slaps in the Face -- NYC Politics

Upper West Side of NYC as viewed from Jackie Onassis Reservoir.

NYC politics has truly become the (dirty) joke of the land. 

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First, we have the specter of two candidates running for high political offices who had to resign previous elected positions due to sex scandals.

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Elliot Spitzer who is currently trying to buy the NYC Comptroller election through a barrage of slick TV commercials previously was forced to resign as Governor (leaving NY State in a mess) due to his penchant for high priced call girls.

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Anthony Weiner, who is currently (and still) a candidate for mayor, similarly had to resign his former position as Congressman due to his obsession to send racy pictures of himself (including private parts) to women over the Internet as recently as nine months ago.

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Needless to say, both candidates have provided endless fodder for late night comedians across the country and have served to embarrass one of the greatest cities in the world.

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But, that is not where the sex and private parts discussions end when it comes to NYC politics.

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Yesterday, we in New York City were treated to Susan Sarandan and Cynthia Nixon on the campaign trail for a mayoral candidate far more liberal than even the women on The View.

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Said Ms. Sarandan in seeming effort to intimidate those women voting for City Council Speaker and mayoral candidate, Christine Quinn:

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"As a woman, you can't just vote your vagina."

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http://politicker.com/2013/08/susan-sarandon-on-the-mayors-race-you-cant-just-vote-your-vagina/

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Really?

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My "vagina" is usually the last thing I am thinking of when walking into a voting booth.

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Nor, has it been a subject of deep reflection during the current mayoral campaign.

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But, since Ms. Sarandan saw fit to bring the subject up in her support of far left candidate, Bill deBlasio, I am thinking of vaginas now.

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And it occurs that we have yet to have a woman Mayor, Governor or President in NYC.

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Moreover, I seem to recall similar things said when Hillary Clinton ran for President in 2008.

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"You can't just vote your vagina."

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But, I don't recall any advocates for civil or gay rights ever saying to constituents, "You can't just vote the color of your skin or your private parts or your sexual orientation."

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As a woman who takes many things into consideration before voting for any candidate and is yet to decide on which mayoral candidate she will actually support, I feel personally insulted by Sarandan's statement.

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My vagina is not up for political fodder.

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If all the banter about penises and vaginas wasn't enough to turn one off in this political season, there is also the aspect of bullying and intimidation -- particularly directed against Christine Quinn and those who support her.

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Several anti-Quinn groups have sprung up over the months with names like, "Anybody But Quinn," "Defeat Quinn" and others.

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That is OK of course as people have the right of political involvement, organization and  opinion.  In fact, it is a good thing.

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What is not OK is the politics of personal destruction, character assassination and attempts at bullying and intimidation.

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Some weeks ago, I had disagreement with a fellow goose advocate and deBlasio supporter who posted a "Quinn Hates Animals" poster on a pro animal Facebook page.

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While it is true that Christine Quinn generally has a poor record on animal protective issues, she is not personally culpable (like Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Mayor Bloomberg) for goose slaughters in New York City nor can it be true that she "hates animals."  Quinn and her wife have two large, rescued dogs.

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It is one thing to point out a candidates record on important issues. It is another to call people scurrilous names and make false accusations that cannot be proven.

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Yesterday, at a political event for Christine Quinn, supporters of Bill deBlasio and members of "Anybody But Quinn" attempted to drowned out speakers efforts to talk, interject their own signs and in one case, even slap an Assemblyman and physically attack an Intern working for Quinn.

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http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130819/west-village/monthly-newspaper-editor-slaps christine-quinn-supporter-at-hospital-rally?utm_content=mandy787%40aol.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Newspaper%20Editor%20Slaps%20Quinn%20Volunteer%20and%20State%20Senator%20at%20Rally&utm_campaign=Newspaper%20Editor%20Slaps%20Quinn%20Volunteer%20and%20State%20Senator%20at%20Rallycontent

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Under no circumstances is this kind of bullying and intimidation behavior acceptable in any political campaign in terms of both, what it can potentially lead to and even on its own face, is destructive and thug-like.   

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That Bill deBlasio did not personally condemn (especially the physical assault) one hour later when appearing at the same campaign stop to rally his supporters says a lot about him, none of it (in my view) good nor reflective of his so-called, "humanitarian" character.

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This blog entry should not be taken as "endorsement" of any candidate currently running for mayor as I am personally undecided to this point. 

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I have reservations about all, but particularly the candidate who failed yesterday to speak up when speaking up was both warranted and necessary.

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Perhaps I will (in Ms. Sarandan's words) consult with my "vagina" before voting this time around.

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It cannot, after all, be more wrong than some of the actions witnessed over these past few days and weeks.  -- PCA

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A Golden Retriever's Last Swim in Central Park?

Back in the high life.  Cago and duck pals returned to protected area of Harlem Meer.

Cago, Cochise, Carol, Conner and Connie last night. Ah, at last rest!

"There was an old lady who lived in a shoe.  Had so many kids, didn't know what to do."

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The nursery rhyme came to mind the other night when witnessing a scene at Harlem Meer in Central Park.

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But, more about that later......

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Earlier this spring, I would not have given two plug nickels that all four of the domestic ducks at Harlem Meer would survive the spring and summer.

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By mid spring we had already lost three of the eight domestic ducks in Central Park -- most likely due to off-leash, in water dog attacks (which is also what ultimately killed Papa goose at the Boat Lake this summer).

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Although the summer is not yet over,  Connie, Cochise, Carol and Conner have so far demonstrated that they are not only smart and adaptable, but also, extremely cautious and wary. 

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(Put simply, the four ducks are no longer great risk takers -- unlike the early days of last November when first dropped off at the Meer and the gregarious, human imprinted, quackers walked up to everyone and took unlimited chances.)

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As previously noted, the four "barnyard" (flightless) ducks have continually stayed at the fenced-in, protected area near the Dana Discovery Center since the beginning of spring.

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They can either read the "No Fishing in this Area" signs or have figured out that the small grassy patch was the only real "safe" place at the Meer in terms of providing protection from off leash dogs and the dangers of fishing tackle.

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But, unfortunately, the flightless ducks don't always have access to their "safe place."

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That is because the water at the lake tends to stagnate in the summer causing overgrowths of duck weed and algae.

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Apparently, in effort to try and keep the lake fresh and moving, Central Park periodically drains some of the water out and refills.

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When that occurs, the water level drops temporarily and Connie, Carol, Cochise and Conner are unable to fly (or jump) the one or two feet necessary to get them up on the grassy embankment by the Dana Center.

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For several days at a time, they are entirely confined to the water.

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I have wondered, when seeing the four ducks seemingly forced to swim 24/7 why they don't simply move to a different location?

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There are a few areas around the Meer that are sloped (such as the sandy "beach" area to the east) and would provide the ducks easy access to land and rest.

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But, apparently the wary quackers have deemed those areas too "unsafe" to take risks and so they choose to stay in the water.

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Being "barnyard" ducks, one imagines that constant swimming in water is not a natural or desirable state for them.

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It always distresses me to see this and yet I realize too, that Cochise and company are not without options if they choose to take them.

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They just don't.

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But, last night I got some answer to this riddle.

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When walking around the sandy "beach" area, I noted a Golden Retriever swimming vigorously in the water.

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Some time later, when the owner finally called his dog out and put the leash on, I slowly approached him.

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"Excuse me," I said softly.  "May I ask you a question?"

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The young man cautiously looked at me.  "Sure."

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"Is your dog aggressive towards ducks?  I ask, because we have lost two domestic ducks here this spring and there is a mallard with a broken wing.  I suspect the loss and injury due to predatory dogs as there are no natural predators here."

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"My dog likes to chase ducks, but she is not so fast to actually catch them."

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"The ducks I am talking about cannot fly." I replied.

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"The ducks are usually able to swim away." the young man said, but then added,  "But, she might rough one up, if getting to it."

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Trying to avoid confrontation, I replied, "Look, your dog seems like a very nice dog, but other people seeing your dog in the water might get the same idea and perhaps their dog would kill a duck.  We had to rescue a duck here two years ago, who almost died from a deep dog bite on his back.  A few weeks ago, a goose died as result of an infected dog bite."

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The young man thought for a few seconds and then conceded, "I know its against the rules, but she really loves to swim."

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"I understand she's a Golden Retriever and loves water, but the park is trying to protect its waterfowl. That's what the rule is for.  I hope you can understand and respect that."

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I was not sure what to expect when walking up to this man and confronting him on the matter of his dog being in the water and chasing off all the ducks.  

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Some dog owners get very angry when one tries to point these things out.  

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But, perhaps the fact I was walking my own two dogs helped to diffuse a potentially difficult situation.

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I stressed to the man that I too loved dogs, but also felt responsibility towards the other animals in Central Park.

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One cannot be sure, but I am hopeful he understood that. At the very least, the man was aware of the rules and seemed to feel some compunction about breaking one of them.

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But, if I had wondered why the four domestic ducks never go to the sandy beach area when the water level is lowered at Harlem Meer, I got my answer last night.

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They would be absolute fools and dog fodder to do so.

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It was, after all, this very area that Honker (one of the two Khaki Campbell domestic ducks who tragically vanished this spring) used to hang out.

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The sandy area of Harlem Meer is of course, also the area that Cago, the loner Canada goose at the Meer since this past June frequently stayed over the past two months.

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But, in recent days, Cago too, has returned to the grassy, protected area by the Dana Center -- especially since the water level was again raised to normal levels and the four domestic ducks were able to regain access.

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In fact, it seemed all the ducks of the Meer and Cago were there the other night.

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The scene was actually quite funny.

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Cago, standing dignified and proud like the Canada goose she is, surrounded by a bunch of loud, raucous and cantankerous quackers.  One could almost hear Cago thinking, "Good grief!  What did I do to deserve all the squawkers?"

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There was an old woman who lived in a shoe.  Had so many kids, didn't know what to do."

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But, last night the scene was different.

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It was just Cago and her pals, Conner, Cochise, Carol and Conner -- all resting comfortably together on the grassy, fenced in, embankment.  Perhaps they all had enough and chased the noisy, boisterous mallards to the south side of the lake in order to finally get rest.

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And on the east side of Harlem Meer last night, a Golden Retriever swam vigorously in the water, all the ducks and one goose smartly staying away.

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No offense, but hopefully, it was the Retriever's last swim. -- PCA

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Humanity

Mama mallard and duckling.

As humans, we are a curious and complex lot.

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Our relationship with the natural world and its other animals is one of contradiction.

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We pet some animals and eat billions of others.  

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We claim there are too many cats, dogs and horses and kill millions of them in shelters or slaughterhouses, while at the same time, breed millions more in endless quest for companion animal perfection.  -- A perfection we do not require of ourselves.  

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We photograph rare birds, shoot common birds and say nothing when the rest just disappear.

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We watch documentaries on the exotic animals in Africa, Siberia and the Arctic. But, we know nothing (nor care to find out) about the squirrels or ducks in our local parks.

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We claim to care about the environment and to respect its wildlife. But, we are the first to complain when getting "goose poop" on our shoes or when a raccoon raids our garbage. "Can't someone get these pesky animals out of here?" we demand.

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We claim enlightenment and awareness to health, diet, the value of exercise and the impacts of climate change and global warming.  All this, while munching on greasy hamburgers and shunning the exertion that comes from hard, physical labor.

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We claim charity and care about the downtrodden, bullied and exploited of our world, while buying Apple Ipads and shopping at Abercrombie and Fitch.

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We marvel at orcas, dolphins, sharks and other sea life. And then go out the next day and fish -- even if just to throw the tormented fish back.

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Yes, we humans are a curious and complex lot whose actual humanity can at times, be questioned.

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We appear to look at the natural world around us and conclude that if it cannot be used, exploited, enjoyed and controlled one way or the other for our benefit then it is of no earthy value and warrants no consideration.  

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But, one thing for sure.

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At the end of civilization on this finite planet, we will have learned that if we failed to create heaven on earth for humans, we succeeded in creating hell on earth for animals. -- PCA 

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"Misunderstood" USDA Wildlife Services

Canada goose, Central Park.  24,768 of these noble birds captured and killed by USDA Wildlife Services in 2012.

It isn't often that USDA Wildlife Services steps out of its clandestine closet and into the public realm of discussion and debate. 

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But, feeling "misunderstood," WS recently did exactly that.

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Apparently, miffed that the New York Times dared to run a somewhat unfavorable Editorial on WS calling it, "Agriculture's Misnamed Agency," Agriculture's Misnamed Agency - NYTimes.com, USDA responded with a published letter this week:

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http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/15/opinion/wildlife-services-mission.html?src=recg&_r=3&

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It has taken nearly a month for USDA WS to conjure up rationalization and whitewash for its questionable and controversial activities.

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And it does so by not so subtlety insulting everyone in the country who doesn't happen to "live in rural America or work in agriculture."

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Apparently, the rest of us are not capable of "understanding" wildlife issues or the "mission" of USDA Wildlife Services and our opinions therefore, do not matter.

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But, one thing people do understand regardless of where they live is wildlife massacre -- especially when it hits home in their individual communities and is secretly carried out by local and federal government.

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Whether a college campus, a so-called, "Wildlife Refuge," a community park or even a "National Turkey Park," people from all over the nation are slowly waking up to the fact that USDA Wildlife Services is not what it portends to be and has in fact, strayed far from its original intent and purpose.  -- That of supposedly protecting farmers from any livestock losses due to predators.

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One can debate the logic of setting up farm shop in the middle of mountain lion or wolf country (assuming we have any left).

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But, can there really be any debate that geese would not be allowed to exist on a so-called, "Wildlife Refuge" or that Turkeys could not be allowed to roam in a so-called, "National Turkey Park?"

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Does Wildlife Services not draw any lines at all on what it proposes for wildlife "culls" and actually carries out?

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In his August 14 published Times letter, WS administrator, Kevin Shea claims that lethal control of animals is "last resort" of Wildlife Services. 

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One needs to question what was first resort when the issue was turkeys in Staten Island or geese at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (and hundreds of other locations around the country)?

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One also needs to question the honesty of USDA WS when negotiating wildlife "removal" contracts with private or governmental entities.

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According to reports from Chattanooga College and Staten Island the officials singing on to USDA "removal" contracts were under the impression that geese and turkeys would be harmlessly relocated.

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But, it seems at the last minute, USDA WS offered excuses for instead rounding up the birds and killing them.   In the case of the Tennessee college, USDA WS claimed there was "no place" to relocate the geese and in the case of the Staten Island turkeys, WS claims some of the turkeys are "hybrids" and therefore, should not be mixed with other flocks.

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Such actions give the unmistakable appearance of "bait and switch" tactic. Something very unbecoming to a federal agency.

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To know the actual facts, one would need to gain access to the actual signed contracts to determine if USDA made it clear that lethal removals were not only distinct possibility, but actual probability.  

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These games of "he said, she said" or pass the buck are simply unacceptable. Freedom of Information Requests are necessary to determine actual responsibility and culpability for USDA WS wildlife culls.

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Let it be considered that contrary to Mr. Shea's noble attempt to defend his "misunderstood" agency and argue that WS "disperses" more animals than it kills, the fact is, that WS kills more than 4 million animals a year.

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These include, but are not limited to everything from beavers (25,653) to red crested cardinals (6,282) to house finches (3,597) in FY 2012.

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http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/prog_data/2012_prog_data/PDR_G/Basic_Tables_PDR_G/Table%20G_ShortReport.pdf

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The email address for NY Times letters is letters@nytimes.com. 

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It is imperative that everyone who cares about protecting the remaining wildlife of our great country sit down and write a letter to let USDA WS and Mr. Shea know how much we truly do "understand" them. -- PCA

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When Geese Fly, Turkeys Die at Hands of USDA WS and Gutless Politicians

Cago yesterday at Harlem Meer.  Her fate and that of thousands of other NYC Canada geese and wild turkeys of Staten Island may lie in this year's upcoming city elections.

National Turkey (Slaughter) Park

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How does USDA Wildlife Extermination Services get its jollies when geese are flying?

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Apparently by capturing and sending to slaughter, wild turkeys living in Staten Island:

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http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/08/poll_whats_your_opinion_on_the.html

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http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/08/14/nature-advocates-protest-against-slaughter-of-wild-turkeys-on-staten-island/

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This is particularly ironic considering that the turkeys were "removed" (USDA's favorite word for slaughtered wildlife) from Staten Island's "National Turkey Park:"

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http://turkeysofstatenisland.com/

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The Department of Fish and Wildlife invites people to come "enjoy and photograph the fauna, wildlife and turkeys" of National Turkey Park while leaders of the nearby psychiatric center sign secret contracts with USDA for slaughter of the very wildlife being promoted and for whom the park was named after.

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This story has generated much media coverage, high reader comment to articles and so far, one protest.

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Please go to (27) GooseWatch NYC  and (61) Call of the Canada Geese  for the latest in news links and developments.

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But, here is the bottom line:

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Whether a community park, a "Wildlife Refuge" or a "National Turkey Park" one can never be assured that the wildlife being touted and promoted is actually protected.

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USDA Wildlife Extermination Services respects nothing of wing, fin or hoof where there is secret contract to sign and dollars to be made from euphemism, propaganda and massacre.

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Turkeys Can't Vote, Geese Can't Vote, But Humans Can.

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While animals cannot vote, protest or contribute to political campaigns, humans can.

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There are few NYC politicians who have had the gumption and heart to speak out against New York City's ruthless and shameful slaughters of our Canada geese.

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But, one who has is currently running for New York City Public Advocate.

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http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/187197/public-advocate-hopefuls-face-off-tonight-in-ny1-debate

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Letitia James was one of only two politicians (the other was Eric Adams) who spoke eloquently and passionately against the hideous roundup and gassing of Prospect Parks's 352 geese at the "Hands Across the Lake" rally and memorial for the geese in 2010.

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Ms. James deserves the vote and support of every New Yorker who cares about protecting the geese and other wildlife in New York City.

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To learn more about Letitia James tune into the debate tonight hosted on NY1 and please be sure to vote in the upcoming primary next month and November election. 

The ultimate fates of thousands of New York City Canada geese and dozens of wild turkeys of Staten Island's "National Turkey Park" may well depend on it.  -- PCA

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"Agents of Satan" -- Projection and Transference of Human Fault to Geese

Young girl enjoying "agents of Satan" at Harlem Meer.

Cago, at edge of sand looking out over water.  But, is she a survivor or "agent of Satan" for her patience, resilience and strength?

As recorded in this blog, Canada geese have been called every vile and untrue name over the years.

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From "vermin," to "rats with wings" to "nuisance" to most recently, "tyrants" and today, the best one of all, "Agent of Satan."

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The "Agent of Satan" line was tagged on Twitter to a Canada goose who "refuses to die" after being shot through the head with an arrow in Boston:

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https://twitter.com/Gawker/status/365930264406396929

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Canada goose survives arrow through head in Massachusetts | canada.com

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One is nearly at loss of words to say to this other than, "If one wants to see true agent of Satan look in the mirror."

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Thankfully, not all humans are blood lusting, disturbed nimrods patrolling the great outdoors to inflict torture and death on wildlife.

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Instead of hurling rocks and sticks at waterfowl or shooting wildlife with bullets or arrows, some people, including kids, seek rather to "shoot" animals with a camera and even share bits of treat with them.

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Such a pleasant experience a couple of days ago to go to Harlem Meer in Central Park and discover not only two new families of geese newly arrived, but a small group of young teens fully delighting in them.

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There were 15 geese in all -- Two sets of parents and their 11 goslings who were assuredly hatched this past spring.

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At three months of age, goslings are nearly fully grown, capable of flight and barely recognizable from their parents except for the funny, little "googling" sounds they make.

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Personally, I was thrilled to finally see (and hear) goslings this season as due to egg addling in Central Park, there were no goslings at all this spring.

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Obviously, the two goose families were not from Central Park and were likely using Harlem Meer as a very temporary rest stop on their way to another location.

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But, they received warm human welcome during their brief time at Harlem Meer.

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Several young girls and a couple of boys (about 13 or 14-years-old) cheerfully tossed treats to the social geese and took photos on their cell phones.

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For their part, the juvenile geese took full and enthusiastic advantage of the offerings while their parents carefully observed.

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But, none of the geese were welcoming of poor Cago (the "loner" Canada goose at Harlem Meer since June) who shyly stood some feet away.

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Each time, Cago made feeble attempt to take a couple of steps towards the goose families, she was unceremoniously chased and forced back by both, parents and goslings.

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It required no wondering on my part to quickly figure that if seeking a new goose flock to join, protective parents and their quick learning goslings would not be "it" for poor Cago.

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Cago rapidly got the message, stepped back and finally took position near a human family having a picnic and fishing.  

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She continued however, to observe the new geese from respectful distance with what appeared sense of nostalgia and loss.

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Once again, I could not help but feel sorry for Cago who at this point, has experienced much in the way of rejection and even abandonment from other geese over the past few weeks.

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None of the geese have stayed at the Meer long enough for any assimilation, alliance or bonding to occur with Cago.

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Even Toluse, the wounded gander who flew in more than a week ago and who Cago embraced and aided in full recovery, took off to search his own original family as soon has his injured leg healed.

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It was no surprise to return to Harlem Meer yesterday and find Cago all alone again in the little sandy "beach" area where both, Toluse and the two goose families recently arrived.

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All had gone, but Cago remained longingly looking out over the goose empty water.

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Despite all the setbacks and losses, Cago -- like the goose with the arrow through his head -- is a patient and hopeful survivor.

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One cannot help but wonder if the "Gauker" twitter would call her an, "Agent of Satan?"

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Hopefully, the writer of such trash (whether designed as mockery and "humor") has a mirror to gaze into. -- PCA

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Kill the Geese so My Kids Can Eat Sand and I Can Fly My Toys

"Scapegoose."

 Kill the Geese so My Child Can Eat Sand.

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In order to understand the first part of today's blog title, one has to watch the news video below from Sammamish State Park in Washington where recently, 90 geese were captured by USDA for gassing:

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 90 geese at Lake Sammamish State Park captured and killed | KING5.com Seattle

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In the video, we are treated to a father complaining about the geese while his 3-year-old toddler stuffs sand in her mouth.

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Call me old fashioned, but I thought it was the parent's responsibility to insure that their children don't consume dirt from city streets or urban parks (or, at least it was my responsibility when my daughter was growing up).

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But, these days we seem to be looking more to government to take over the responsibilities that parents used to have -- such as putting three square meals on the table everyday, insuring safety and protection of children or building and creating relationships.

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Of course, government cannot really create or build relationships, so instead it provides entertainment. 

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And what better way to entertain than to transform so-called, "wildlife refuges" or "state parks" into commercial enterprises, complete with biking and camping trails, BBQ's, amusement rides, hot dog stands and perhaps even outdoor concert venues? 

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All we need now are giant roller coasters and outdoor gyms complete with the latest in treadmills or boxing arenas.   Throw in some puppet shows for the children too young to box or run marathons.

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The latest target for Obama administration ambitious designs of government child sitting and entertainment is apparently, Jamaica Bay Wildlife "Refuge:"

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http://www.sheepsheadbites.com/2013/08/the-future-of-jamaica-bay/

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Notice that the reference to Jamaica Bay being any kind of "wildlife refuge" is conveniently left out in the above article.

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That's because it won't be after the "transformation" is complete.

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The nearly thousand geese killed over the past two years at Jamaica Bay Wildlife "Refuge" represent only a small taste of what is to come. -- The perennial, "tip of the iceberg."

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Now on to those pesky mallards who leave droppings all over the beach.

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"Can Those Nuisance Geese be Rounded Up?"

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The question sent in to a "Dear Abby" type of news show was likely submitted by some former New Yorker moving to Nevada and horrified to find waterfowl existing on a park lake.

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http://www.mynews4.com/news/story/Ask-Joe-Can-Lampe-Park-geese-be-rounded-up/wqkEcqoPfEaZogZ281-ViA.cspx

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Fortunately, the wildlife folks running Lampe Park in Nevada aren't like New York City's gutless wonder politicians or the nanny-providing Obama administration.  

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Basically, if "Colleen" doesn't like the geese, she can leave. (Wow, imagine the concept!)

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But, make no mistake. 

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It is exactly people like Colleen who are at the base of most goose massacres around the country -- particularly in the "liberal" parts of the nation like Seattle and New York.

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Unfortunately, neither extreme left nor extreme right politics is ultimately respectful of or beneficial to animal life.

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We need a return to sanity and policies of personal responsibility and attitudes of live and let live.

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Kill the Geese so that I May Fly My Toy Plane

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Out of Connecticut today comes a real and legitimate tragedy:

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Two children at home with their mother were killed when a small, private plane crashed into theirs and another home.

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http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/2013/08/10/small-plane-crashes-conn-feared-dead/h869soVcY6dX82N8zyftbJ/story.html

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Apparently, a former crash wasn't enough for the plane's pilot (a former Microsoft executive)  who survived the first crash, but apparently felt a short trip from New Jersey to Connecticut by car wasn't short enough. And so he had to take his private plane and his teenage son. 

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Sadly, the teenage son along with his dad died in the crash along with the two children from the home.

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This is certainly not the first private plane to take a tumble into residential neighborhoods and it won't be the last.

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But, strangely the politicians tend to be quite silent about these disasters that regularly take out homes and human life.

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Is that because they don't want to confront wealthy private plane owners who can contribute lavishly to political campaigns?

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Perhaps they can blame geese for these mishaps -- along with so many other human created disasters.

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After all, the geese can't vote, protest or sue.

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And the geese surely don't contribute to political campaigns.  -- PCA

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