It’s Easter Break, you Heathen!
News from downstate is often hard to come by, and political news all the more. So apparently Sussex County Councilwoman Joan Deaver upset the applecart a bit recently when she suggested that the spring break around the Easter holiday be called “Spring Break” instead of “Easter Break.” As is their practice, right wing conservative Christians were outraged.
This is all second and third hand, but here is conservative Jud Bennett’s version of the story, by way of Nancy at the Delaware Way:
There was some interesting action this morning on WGMD FM Radio (92.7) during the Dan Gaffney show. Sussex County Council Woman, Joan Deaver, who had been severely criticized extensively on WGMD radio, on the internet, and in Letters to the Editor of local newspapers, strolled uninvited into Dan Gaffney’s studio to speak on the air. I’m quite sure popular, talk show host Dan Gaffney was surprised to see Mrs. Deaver walk through the door, especially since she had once openly boycotted this radio station.
Regardless, the Council Woman informed the listeners that she was truly sorry for suggesting that the Council change the traditional Council vacation title from the words “Easter Break” to the words “Spring Break”, so as to be politically correct. She informed the listening audience that she had made a terrible mistake and humbly apologized to all of her constituents.
In my opinion, it took a lot of guts for her to walk into a potentially hostile environment and a tremendous amount of humility to do what she did. Her candid and honest statements were refreshing. I would sincerely hope that the entire Christian Community that was definitely offended, would now be willing– in the Christian tradition– to forgive Joan Deaver for her recent, public indiscretion and move on. We will see if that indeed happens?
Later on in the Dan Gaffney program– after Mrs. Deaver had left the studio, Dan was heard to say, “It was fabulous.” Council Woman Joan Deaver has been invited to be on the show again next Tuesday, which should make for an interesting morning. Tune in to WGMD RADIO to hear more or listen to it live on the internet via the WGMD blog.
I don’t know her reasons for suggesting the change, and we have to take Bennett’s point of view with a grain of salt since it is biased, but I would be interested to know why she proposed it in the first place? Surely she knows that many of her constituents down there in Sussex County are those evangelical Christian sort that believe there should no separation of church and state and that all children should be forced to read from the Bible every morning, after they pledge allegiance to the flag, of course. So if she in fact suggested the change for “political correctness” reasons, I must say she does not know her constituents that well or severely misjudged the political situation. But it was a good political move to apologize and it sounds like it was sincere.
Personally, I would not be offended if Spring Break is actually called Spring Break instead of Easter Break, because I am intelligent and respectful enough to know that my Christian faith is not shared by all citizens of my county and state, and thus it might be offensive to Jews and Hindus and Muslims and even Atheists to have a public school vacation be referred to as “Easter Break.” I mean, how would you as a Christian feel if the Thanksgiving break was instead referred to as Ramadan Break? How would we as Christians feel if Christmas vacation was referred to as Hanukhah vacation?
The extreme narcissism and rudeness of certain evangelical Christians is just unbelievable to me. It is certainly not Christian and definitely not civil.
But whatever, at least they can still call their Spring Break “Easter Break.”
I love the idea of “Girls Gone Wild: Easter Break Edition”
“Easter break” is offensive to non-christians. One of my best friends is jewish and she braces herself for the christmas onslaught. I’m actually disappointed Ms. Deaver backed down on this point. Geez, it would be nice if someone dragged Sussex into this century. And, yes, I do know of what I speak. I spend 3 months every year in Sussex. Very disconcerting.
And Geek’s correct. Easter Break = Carrie Prejean.
Is this any surprise from a part of the state that drove out its Jews because of basically the same conflict? (indian river) lower delaware is RIDDLED with insane right wing tea bags. slower lower…
as i sit here on my computer able to actually see where the mason dixon line cuts through newark, i can see an confederate flag on the south side. i say when dixie tries to succeed again, we let them go.
Liberalgeek, for the win!
If this situation bothers you this much( christians & heathens alike), you have bigger problems.
It doesn’t bother me personally except as a further example of the fascism of the Christianist right.
I don’t need an Easter break..I want it all to go away, and give us a more realistic break in late February or March–better paced to the winter doldrums and time to clear out the cold and flu germs in school. It’s done that way in New England often. A 3 day weekend around whatever Sunday Easter falls is fine w/ me…saves a ton of confusion every year for scheduling (what day is Easter on this year?). Also, look at the traveling cost breaks folks would get NOT showing up at key destinations (like Disney World, or Myrtle Beach), for that yearly sojourn, so many are bent on making that very same week. If Easter falls real late in the season, you sure get a bunch of tired students and faculty—and those Spring sports end up holding you “hostage” to home anyway for practices etc. I really do miss Good Friday disappearing as a once given holiday in many areas. Out West, it wasn’t even acknowledged on any scheduling calendars. But I’ve lived around..so I’ve been off for Patriot’s Day, and Pioneer Day…and a few others…yup even Rosh Hoshanna and Yom Kippur..All good. Nothing to take offense by. Just some tolerance. But I will say this…nothing beats St. Patrick’s Day the way we used to do it in Philadelphia–still one of my favorite holidays–I had no trouble getting that off when I worked in California–to a HUGE disappointment. But then they showed me Cinco de Mayo, so I forgave them. And Cinco de Mayo seems to be catching on back here, courtesy of the liquor industry no doubt, but we’re melting too. Geez, I digressed from Easter, sorry, but it’s rare now I have a minute to chime in. Thanks for listening. Oh, I think schools have come a LONG way from shoving Christmas and Easter break down people’s throats–so let’s keep it moving and real around here. If you don’t like Easter or Spring Break–we could always mention those equinoxes and solstices I guess.
I say we have a Delaware Liberal Decemberween Party. I’ll bring the Latkes.
Judd’s account is accurate except that he left out the seething contempt in Gaffney’s voice as he questioned Mrs. Deaver about her reasoning for the change.
The actual transcipt from the CC meeting was hilarious. She made the motion for the change as they were discussing the CC holidays. No one seconded. The days, including Easter Break were entered into the record. Then council president Phillips asked councilman Deaver “are there any other county traditions you would like to trample on?” Or something to that effect.
Audio is somewhere here
http://www.sussexcountyde.gov/docs/agendasMinutes/index.cfm?resource=day¤tDate=10/27/09
One of the reasons it became politically necessary for her to apologize was because of the popularity of this letter to the editor apparently published in the Cape Gazette. (by way of an earlier judson bennett email craptacular)
“Joan Deaver’s stint on Sussex County Council has become an alarming example of “Be careful what you wish for.” In the wake of an election where the Republican contenders bludgeoned one another and she came out victorious, there was much hope that Ms. Deaver would work with the council to enforce environmental standards and to rein in the unchecked explosion of growth in Sussex County and in coastal Sussex especially.
Unfortunately, since that time, Councilwoman Deaver’s conduct on the council has rankled her colleagues and made her a less effective advocate for her district. It also seems her personal agenda far exceeds the mandate she won in 2008. She has consistently worked to erase history and traditional Sussex County values from the council chamber; culminating in her most recent antics at the Tuesday, Oct. 24 council meeting.
Ms. Deaver’s election was a reaction to the flood of up-zoning and rezoning applications streaming into council, but those were boom times. The full scope of the financial and real estate collapses had not yet been realized. Many of us had hoped that with her small business background Ms. Deaver would know when to switch gears, how to temper her activism with a few pro-economic considerations. Instead, it seems Councilwoman Deaver has closed her mind to the real-world economic consequences of her decisions.
I certainly don’t approve of every zoning request that comes before the council, but I believe they deserve thoughtful and reasoned consideration of both their negative and positive attributes. Some of these folks bringing application before the council are trying to generate desperately needed economic activity when no one else is. A summary dismissal by Ms. Deaver does them, and her constituents, a disservice.
It is this single-mindedness that makes it impossible for the councilwoman to deliver on the issues that are most important to the people who sent her to the council. Our waterways and natural wildlife habitats are vital to our way of life and our well-being, but by being an automatic “No” vote, Joan Deaver has marginalized herself, and us. Perhaps if Ms. Deaver would give real consideration to some of the matters before the council, she could find an ally or two, build political capital, and leverage her single vote into winning some of the environmental and development concessions she’s asking for. Instead, she’s going it alone, and without much success.
Not content to fail only on land use issues, Joan Deaver has also attempted to foist upon us her far left social agenda. This came as a nasty surprise after an election that centered almost exclusively on land use. Ms. Deaver, in an apparent attempt to pressure the council, revealed information that had been discussed in executive session about the prayer at the start of council meetings and a national organization who opposed it. Ms. Deaver was the only councilmember who did not attend this year’s annual prayer breakfast. On her website, Joan Deaver calls herself a “Community Organizer” and breaking with council tradition, she has attended political rallies protesting applications that are before the council. This Tuesday, she tried again to scrub out traditional values from the council chamber.
Joan Deaver made a motion to remove the word “Easter” from the council vacation schedule and to replace it with “Spring,” citing unnamed constituents who were offended by it. Instead of vowing to try again next year, I think this community organizer needs to take a look at the community around her.
For the most part, Sussex Countians are a hardy bunch who believe in traditional American values, and when they do come across something or someone who disagrees with their viewpoint, they are respectful, tolerant and slow to take offense.
Joan Deaver has gone off the deep end. Her unwillingness to consider the current economic climate, along with the environmental and lifestyle impacts, when reviewing land use decisions has made her an ineffectual politician. Instead of the many small victories she could win through a give and take with her counterparts on the council, Councilwoman Deaver has alienated them and squandered our voice on the council. Our county deserves a balanced, thoughtful and reasoned approach to government. One that encourages economic activity, protects our environment, respects tradition and eschews rabblerousing in favor of deliberative debate. The councilwoman has lost her way, and left us wondering, “Who’s looking out for us?”
Bill Wong
Rehoboth Beach”
OMG I’m cracking up at this quote:
Has Jud ever met an American Christian?
“I don’t need an Easter break..I want it all to go away, and give us a more realistic break in late February or March–”
There’s no “Easter break” in ultra-liberal New York. We’ve got a week break in February and a week break in April. They fall on exactly the same week every year, regardless of faith-based calendars. Families plan their vacations based on them.
BTW, I don’t know the particulars of this councilperson, but I gotta love a situation where someone says he and his ilk are “respectful, tolerant” in one sentence and then says the councilperson has “gone off the deep end” in the next.
Somehow I think there’s a more respectful, tolerant way to make that point!
from “CONSERVATIVE JUD BENNETT” , you’re kidding right? He’s no conservative by far.
My mistake then. I always thought he was.
Cripe, now there’s sniping over whether Jud is a conservative or not. 🙄
In land use, he’s not the Sussex County ESTABLISHMENT. That has nothing to do with conservative nor liberal. In just about any other facet, he’s a conservative. Although, I can’t recall his pro-life, pro-choice stance.
No matter, I will close this with what’s been on my mind all day, because of the puffery that surrounded this issue and many other that have been growing legs of late:
“In political commentary, truth is relative to ideology, while facts are inconvenient obstacles.” – RSmitty
Smitty, in past elections he has supported HB 99, 136, SB5, 121 or whatever number it ended up passing under. He was pro choice and wants govt. to control private property rights. He’s no conservative!!!!
That was it! He doesn’t believe legislating into people’s bedrooms/homes. Such a commie-lib! Count me with him, then.
It’s my ecumenical suggestion to end Easter vacation. The private schools and the colleges have it right: set the break at a predictable time. Easter oscillates wildly; it’s been hitting extremes lately, March 23 in 2008 and scheduled for April 24, 2011.
There’s no justification whatsoever to have the kids’ sorely-needed spring break depend on the caprice of the lunar calendar.
Correction, Jud is pro-life and fiscally conservative. He did support “civil rights” legislation for gays and lesbians. He may be a commie lib, but he is my kind of commie lib. LOL
He is a ideologically irratic, but he is highly committed to his beliefs. He endorsed Ms. Deaver and may have provided the margin of victory for her. His actions are seen by many in the party as evidence that he was a liberal. On land use, he is. I still see him a loyal Republican who made a break because of long held beliefs. He was not bought out like Dede. I can respect his choice.
As for Ms. Deaver, she has shown that she is out of step with the values of the community and disrespectful of American traditon. It is not a matter of forgiving her. It is a matter of trusting her. She disqualified herself and will have to earn the trust given her to represent the people back. Many are proclaiming her political demise. I disagree. Her fate (pagan reference) is in her hands. She is damaged goods, but damage can be repaired.
I understand Obama has outlawed Easter in 2010.
nemski, you know that isn’t true…
but he did kill & eat the Easter Bunny, and next years Easter Egg Roll on the Whitehouse lawn will feature the Easter Drag Queen instead.
Jud Bennett makes Chris Christie look skinny. That fat lard-ass is doing his best trying to remain relevant, even though he’s been rejected time and time again by the voters in Eastern Sussex. A legend in his own mind, he thinks that he can rattle people because of his “Coastal Conservative Network,” which is nothing more than spam email list.
As for Bill Wrong, I mean Wong, the joker is not even registered to vote.
As for Dumbass David’s comments about Joan Deaver – well, just consider the source. David, I’ve asked you so many times to stop smoking that crack because it’s f**king up your brain. Disrespectful of American tradition? Is that the tradition where only white, male, landowners could vote? Or is it the one where you teabag schmucks claim that we leftist, Jewish liberals are ignoring the “fact” that this is a “Christian” nation?
To Dumbass David, Bill Wrong, and Jud Bennett, all I can say is SHUT THE FUCK UP!
Ok, whomever said Jud Bennett is not a conservative is obviously a liar.
MJ: “As for Bill Wrong, I mean Wong, the joker is not even registered to vote.”
This surprised me, so I looked it up myself. I have to assume this is him.
Link fixed – Editor
Hmm…not sure that I like someone can pull that information on-line. I have no qualms about the link, because if it’s there, it’s available. Just not sure how I feel that I can pull up anyone I know and anyone can pull me up. Interesting, I really don’t know if I think that is good or not.
Wow. Amazing. 10.2% unemployment in the country, a budget deficient in the Federal government beyond belief, a budget shortfall in the state, two wars, a health insurance crisis, a County government running amok on land use and development, but the issue is…. Easter Break or Spring Break. You just have got to laugh outside and cry inside.
Hi all. Great comments.It was fun readiNg them.
I’m doing great and loving my job–ang my quirky Sussex County.
The American Taliban will be damned if you try to take away one of the last few nuts they have left! It’s taken a long time to
sneakintegrate their cultism into government, and whoever tries to cross them will make these so-called American christians act un-christian like.And the “there are so many other issues…blah, blah” argument is lazy and weak. Taking a few moments to talk about an issue that flies in the face of separation of church and state (I think that phrase is found in an important document somewhere?) isn’t like the elected members of government are pick up and going on some sort of vacation junket in the form of a fact-finding mission!
As for Ms. Deaver, she has shown that she is out of step with the values of the community and disrespectful of American traditon.
We have good traditions and stupid ones. Until 1981, liquor stores couldn’t open on Good Friday. The likes of “Republican David” probably think that change has led to us to perdition.
I couldn’t agree more!
“Judd’s account is accurate except that he left out the seething contempt in Gaffney’s voice as he questioned Mrs. Deaver about her reasoning for the change.”
True, I heard the part interiew, but Gaffney was just being himself… a self-righteous, sniveling dickhead. Deaver has balls (figuratively, of course) just walking in the radio station.
MJ, such a mench (pun intended).
Did everyone see the nutjob post he wrote about Deaver?
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3478185792151367814&postID=1757454526191037746
If MJ doesn’t know anything about how a rezoning of a chunk of land can, in fact, lead to the developer using that land for a completely different purpose once the rezoning is approved then he doesn’t know anything about Delaware land use history. There is plenty of precedent for it.
I am no expert on Sussex election history but IIRC, Bennett came within a few votes of winning a few years back. Not the hearty rejection that MJ fantasizes. How many votes did you lose your election bid by, MJ? Do tell.
I’ll set the record straight. I was a Lewes City Councilman for six years. I won 3 elections in a row in Lewes. I lost an election for Sussex County Council in 2004 by 3 votes to an 8 year, incumbent Lynn Rogers (D) with 17,800 people voting in that general election. In 2008 I lost to Mark Baker by 300 votes in a Republican Primary. Because of her Land Use positions, which were similar to mine,I endorsed Deaver who ironicly won the election by 300 votes.
I am pro- life, a Christian (but not a bible thumper) and a fiscal conservative. I presented both sides on my Coastal Network concerning the various Gay rights bills, but absolutely never took a position either way. I do believe in the Big Tent for the Republican Party and believe that if we are to win elections in the future, we cannot limit our party to only social conservatives. If you want to label me, you could call me a conservative, a liberal, and a moderate all combined. I’ve been called worse. I have good friends on both sides of the isle.
I am over weight, but I’m working on it. I’ve been swimming a mile every day at the YMCA and have joined weight watchers. I expect to be a 6′ 1”, 200 lb, walking weapon by summer. I also recently bench pressed 250 pounds. Even though I’m 65 years old and getting gray, if anybody wants to tangle with me, I’ll be happy to oblige–especially that malicious pipsqueak (MJ) who hides behind his handle, is from Rehoboth, who writes nasty letters, and wants to be on the School Board. God help us if that ever happens. I’ll make sure it doesn’t. As to me “shutting the fuck up” per MJ–that will never happen.
God bless America and the First Amendment.
Best regards,
JUDSON Bennett-Coastal Network
I don’t know about anyone else, but Judson sounds like an idiot. Tangle with him? What sort of grown man talks like this – other than Chuck Norris and Lou Dobbs? And do we have to wait to tangle with him until he’s in fighting form?
Grow up, Jud.
I don’t see it that way, P, but then again, I know of Jud. One can very easily say that MJ taunted him into that, too. I think it’s cool he came here and responded.
Come on, Smitty. He gushes over his work-out and weight watchers routine and then states he hopes to reach his ideal weight by summer and then puffs out his chest by throwing down the tangle statement. He’s sophomoric – who failed to make a point other than… do these pants make me look fat?
His macho posturing is just silly (and embarrassing for a man his age, who should know better).
Pandora obviously has no sense of humor–Let’s tangle–any issue!
You think that was humor? Seriously?
Actually it was, but that is the danger of blogging–So many folks hide behind their handles and pump themselves up with their nasty little remarks, but are afraid to say who they are. Ok, you’ve taken your shot. What’s the next one?
Sense of humor? It’s a liberal blog for gods sake. There is a lot of anger, though.
Then use an emoticon, for crying out loud! Ask Smitty, if you don’t know how. He rocks them! 😉
And you’ll have to forgive me for not laughing… it’s obvious that you’re pissed at MJ. Which is fine, but it kinda lessened your chuckle factor.
I suppose you are right Pandora. I rarely blog because, I operate an e-mail network. A big smile face would have been appropriate–it’s called an emoticon huh? I learn something new everyday. OK, I’m heading for the Y for my workout, so I can kick everybody’s ass ! 🙂 🙂 🙂 :):) 🙂 🙂
Now I get it.
I guess you have to know Jud to appreciate his humor. I know him well; his self-description is accurate.
And I know Joan Deaver well too. She is a hard working, dedicated, selfless individual who is the only one standing in for the values of those of us who live in Eastern Sussex. Although she is right about the holiday issue, I’m sure she would agree that down here that is not an issue that has any future except to arouse the local fundamentalists, many of whom shriek on WGMD on a daily basis. Believe me, to be the object of Dan Gaffney’s ire is a compliment! She knows her land use issues very well, and communicates with the residents of her district well and frequently, and values input from anyone. She is a fine representative of our interests, in my view!
MJ I know too, and am surprised at his outburst.
Bill Wong’s well written letter, if he were sincere, would first have been a private communication with Joan. Instead, he chose to be an articulate loud-mouth, not at all appreciated by me, for one. Has Mr Wong started his campaign for Council? He has lost my vote already, whether Joan runs again or not!
“What sort of grown man talks like this – other than Chuck Norris and Lou Dobbs?”
What sort of “grown man”, who purports to be a school board member (FAIL!), would tell someone to “shut the fuck up”. Furthermore, what king of person would endorse and support that person.
Speaks volumes, Sunshine.
Only in Sussex County does a politician have to apologize for being politically correct.
Not only in Sussex County, Brian. You have to apologize for being tolerant in most of the South too. Sussex County is just our own little version of Alabama right here in Delaware.
Jud, if you weren’t such a joke, I’d take you seriously. But ya are, Blanche, ya are.
MJ, where exactly do you find the gall to call someone else a joke after your experience on the ballot?
I wonder whether Biden will be allowed to receive communion on Easter…I mean Spring Sunday.
spring sunday… oh i get it because liberals are trying to kill easter because not all americans believe in zombies. (sorry, calling jesus a zombie may have gone over the line)
conservatives have the same retarded logic about their holidays as they do about marriage. Christmas and Easter have been turned into corporate consumer orgies. My understanding of christianity as an outside observer is nothing like the over indulgence in material possessions that has ceom to define christmas (in america at least). yet you blame the liberals for taking the religion out of it.
and my point with marriage…… we have turned marriage into a game show in this country. we cant stand to see celebrities happy, we need to see brad screwing someone else while kate tries to get over john by out birthing the octomom. Gays are not your problem here.
once i see conservatives NOT stuffing their fat gullets with wall mart crap (that was made in china at the expense of american jobs and your kid’s safety… all brought to you by free market capitalism) on christmas, maybe you get a little more credit for asking for more recognition…. wait no you wont Because your argument will always violate the constitutional requirements of no state religion….. i guess the constitution is something ELSE conservunists rant about about but dont really understand.
Happy Festivus everyone