Difference between Democracy and Republic

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,

and to the Republic for which it stands,

one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." 

In the Pledge of Allegiance we all pledge allegiance to our Republic, not to a democracy. "Republic" is the proper description of our government, not "democracy.

A republic and a democracy are identical in every aspect except one. In a republic the sovereignty is in each individual person. In a democracy the sovereignty is in the group.

Republic. That form of government in which the powers of sovereignty are vested in the people and are exercised by the people, either directly, or through representatives chosen by the people, to whom those powers are specially delegated. [NOTE: The word "people" may be either plural or singular. In a republic the group only has advisory powers; the sovereign individual is free to reject the majority group-think. USA/exception: if 100% of a jury convicts, then the individual loses sovereignty and is subject to group-think as in a democracy.]

Democracy. That form of government in which the sovereign power resides in and is exercised by the whole body of free citizens directly or indirectly through a system of representation, as distinguished from a monarchy, aristocracy, or oligarchy. [NOTE: In a pure democracy, 51% beats 49%. In other words, the minority has no rights. The minority only has those privileges granted by the dictatorship of the majority.]

The distinction between our Republic and a democracy is not an idle one. It has great legal significance.
https://www.1215.org/lawnotes/lawnotes/repvsdem.htm

Mount Vernon Park: Lawrence MA

Spring is here and it's time to start posting about things we like to do outside. From gardening to visiting local parks to waterfalls, mountains and all things we love about New England. 

Although, I generally post about places and up coming events all year long on facebook, I'm choosing to post spring and summer here on my blog. Just for easy of access. Things tend to get lost on facebook.  

My inspiration for this comes from a friend, who last year packed her family up and hit the highway. Her goal was "waterfalls." I think she wanted to find every waterfall from Massachusetts to Maine. Not wanting to spend a lot of money, these were budget trips. Apparently there are waterfalls she missed because she recently posted on facebook - that she's making a list and getting ready to head out again.
What a great way to spend time with family and enjoy those hot summer days. I found myself looking forward to her pictures. She kept those of us that were interested informed by posting lots and lots of pictures and I enjoyed every one of her adventures. She doesn't know it - but I plan on stealing (I mean borrowing) her pictures this time around. (I'll make sure not to post her children). Just the scenery.   

But first, even though it's spring it snowed today and it's cold and raw. So I'm going to post about local parks.
Starting with Lawrence Massachusetts which has an amazing number of parks for a very tiny city. I'll work my way to cities and towns around the area as well. There are 32 parks and several more are or will be under construction. The city has receive several large grants to rehab these parks. I'll make sure to post about the 'community gardens' as well.  

 I have since learned - not everyone is welcome here. Picture taken April 12, 2015. 

A little known treasure is a park in South Lawrence - close to the Andover line. This link Mount Vernon Park will take you directly to the city web page. For more detailed information contact the Recreation Department

"Mount Vernon Park, named for the Mount Vernon neighborhood it is found in, is located on Mount Vernon Street between Crestshire Drive and Barnard Road. Mount Vernon Park provides a fun place for people of all ages to enjoy. The park contains multiple fields, a basketball court, and a playground for the little ones. Donahue Field is located in Mount Vernon Park. Donahue Field is dedicated to Redd Donahue for his outstanding contribution to the youth of the City of Lawrence. At Mount Vernon park there is ample parking, and facilities, along with a concession stand that can be opened up for baseball games."

There are some fabulous pictures posted here Cuoco & Cormier Engineering Associates webpage.

They worked with the City of Lawrence to re-vitalize Mount Vernon Park. Mount Vernon Park was an aging athletic facility that could not meet local needs. C&C worked with the City to convene a series of public forums to gain local input and to develop concept plans that allowed the community to maximize the potential of the site.The final design involved the construction of four tournament quality baseball fields with stadium lighting, a multi-purpose community building, a press box, a playground and new site utilities. The new park layout also reduced local safety and traffic concerns by more than doubling the amount of on site parking. The re-construction effort has enabled the City to fully utilize the site and increase its value to the local community.Cuoco & Cormier prepared the concept, design and permitting plans for the project. In addition, C&C developed the construction plans and project specifications for this $3,000,000 effort. Cuoco & Cormier also served as the construction supervisor for the year long re-construction effort.

And When the Snow Starts Melting - Flooding

Over one foot of snow from a N'oreaster (Niko) and 2 more storms on the way this weekend and I'm looking ahead - to the next phase - the BIG picture.

Did you know many parts of the Merrimack Valley (Massachusetts) are in a Flood Zone?

Did you know flood insurance is more expensive than homeowners insurance? Making it cost prohibitive for most.

Did you know that you can only buy flood insurance from the Federal Government? That's right (FEMA) pays those claims.

I live in a "X flood zone" which is a Hazard Zone. I'm not required to buy flood insurance. Nevertheless, I decided to look into it anyway. Because I know no one is going to help me out. 

I was told I must buy flood insurance that is 20% over the valuation of my property - or any claim file with not be accepted.
Less than 60% of the contents will be insured and at 80% replacement cost.
Payment is due in full - when you fill out the application.
But... there is a 30 day wait period before you are insured,

Maybe I should sit back and do nothing and then when a disaster happens - wait for the federal government to bail me out.

It's not just about the Merrimack, Spicket and Shawsheen Rivers overflowing their banks I'm concerned about - it's when the snow melting begins. Melting is a problem for everyone.
And I've been through that once already - there was no one rushing to help us bail out when our basement flooded. NO ONE!
Many where I lived were help but no us. Nope! The fire department was right there pumping out basements - but zero help in my area.

There has to be a better way for property owners to protect their homes - don't you think?

I'm still researching.

Renters - y'all might want to look into protecting your "stuff."