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May 13, 2011· scvtalk.com · WordPress (SCVTalk 3.0) · Wayback capture

Petz declares victory in war on unnecessary quotes

By Jeff — Jeff Wilson

SCVTalk reader and earnest conservative Steve Petzold just emailed to tell me he is victorious in his effort to get the City to remove the superfluous and could-be-thought-of-as-ironic-but-come-on-this-is-SCV quotes around In God We Trust on the wall of the Council Chambers:

Petz writes:

Long time readers of SCVTALK.COM will remember the dismay that Petz felt when  our national motto was displayed in council chambers within quotation marks. Petz felt that this was not appropriate since without any other   reference they appeared to be “scare” quotations, a literary device  meant to convey a sarcastic message or one of disbelief.
Late last week, Petz sent an email to all the city council members reiterating the points of my presentation, asking for specific action to remove the quotation marks and have the display conform to the letter and spirit of the agenda item from two years ago.
Early this week, Petz was contacted by a council member and advised that his argument was meritorious and that a correction to the display would be made.  On Friday morning, Petz slipped into the council chambers and spent some quiet time observing these powerful words. no longer constrained within the punctuation marks which cast a dark shadow across their meaning
It is an important lesson to others  that the city council is willing to take corrective action when an appeal has merit.Petz thanks the city council for their respectful consideration of his request.  Henceforth, the display of our national motto in Santa Clarita will conform to that on our coins and currency, and the dramatic display over the speaker’s chair in the House of Representatives.  Credit must also be given to Jeff’s brother whose reporting on my lonely appeal the next morning helped to overcome some initial despair about wasting my time.
Now if we can just get an exclamation mark put at the end :)    
In God We Trust !

To be honest, I’ll miss the quotes. I enjoyed using air quotes with my fingers when I talked about the wall of the Council Chamber (which is something you do often if you blog about the SCV). It just added a richness and levity to discussions of City Hall, a sort of insider’s bit of knowledge that separated true SCV geeks from wannabes.

But Petz is right. The quotes were superfluous and cast “a dark shadow across their meaning” so I applaud his activism and its result.  So congrats Petz. This is quite the feather in your cap as you kick off your City Council campaign.

Comments (58)

  1. Son of Saugus SplasherMay 13, 2011 at 9:48 am
    Lesson learned for the Library folks, you get more flies with honey than with vinegar.
  2. IHeartSCVMay 13, 2011 at 10:30 am
    Alternative Lesson Learned: Sometimes the City Council members don’t notice stupid mistakes, even when they’re right in front of their faces.
  3. PetzMay 13, 2011 at 12:29 pm
    Actually, they had their backs to the display, maybe it should be oriented so that the leaders of our city see it, rather than the citizens.
  4. Venturan (NDMay 13, 2011 at 12:35 pm
    Quite Tridentine of you, Petz.
  5. PetzMay 13, 2011 at 1:34 pm
    If you look at the seal for Ventura county there is a cross on the Mission steeeple and hanging from the priest’s belt. But, let’s keep that little secret betwen us, ok?
  6. spineflower2May 13, 2011 at 2:09 pm
    Secret’s out. One lawsuit filing and it’s all over. LA tried to fight it and lost in the courts. There you go, running into that pesky Constitution again, eh?
  7. PetzMay 13, 2011 at 2:18 pm
    LA County chose not to fight it.
  8. NateMay 13, 2011 at 3:50 pm
    They better not have wasted money on such a stupid battle.
  9. Venturan (NDMay 13, 2011 at 3:55 pm
    Nevermind the cross on the County seal – there are statues at City Hall that would make a Presbyterian blush! And make sure you hit up Serra Cross Park next time you’re in town (I know, housewarming remains overdue…)
  10. PetzMay 14, 2011 at 6:55 am
    In the spring of 2003, the wooden cross located in Grant Park was threatened by a potential constitutional lawsuit charging that the principle of separation of church and state was being violated by the City of San Buenaventura’s ownership and maintenance of a cross. Similar lawsuits in other communities had resulted in those cities being forced by the courts to divest themselves of their crosses. The City of San Buenaventura City Council voted on July 31, 2003, to sell the cross and an acre of land surrounding it to the highest bidder. On September 22, 2003, the Serra Cross Park was sold to San Buenaventura Heritage, Inc., the highest bidder, for $104,216.87. The ACLU knows that there is big money tobe had in the cross.
  11. VenturanMay 14, 2011 at 10:20 am
    And the private sector is doing an excellent job of maintaining it!
  12. James FarleyMay 13, 2011 at 9:51 am
    Way to go Petz!
  13. spineflower2May 13, 2011 at 10:01 am
    Allah be praised!
  14. PetzMay 13, 2011 at 10:09 am
    Petz is not so short sighted to believe that this is a victory,-more like a peaceful resolution to an on going border dispute. The Mission is not Accomplished , the culture war continues. But before Petz dies and goes to heaven, he is going to get that little cross back on the LA County seal.
  15. spineflower2May 13, 2011 at 12:35 pm
    Yeah, but you’ll have to renounce the Constitution in order to accomplish your mission. Might be hard to do since you may be sworn in to uphold it while placing your hand on the bible. Tricky little conflict there.
  16. NateMay 13, 2011 at 3:52 pm
    You don’t have to renounce if you just ignore the parts you don’t like…
  17. TaTonkaMay 13, 2011 at 10:12 am
    Well Done
  18. yourwebguruMay 13, 2011 at 10:38 am
    That’s one small step for Petz, one giant leap for mankind! Kudos to your determined efforts, good sir! PS: Don’t let it go to your head!
  19. yourwebguruMay 13, 2011 at 7:22 pm
    Let me make it clear that I could care less one way or another about whether the motto had quotes or tuna fish sandwiches surrounding it. I congratulate Mr. Petz on his dogged determination to right what he perceived as a wrong. He set an example for any of us who have what we might think is a legitimate beef with government, and went through the steps to bring attention to the issue. We may disagree on….well…EVERYTHING, but I still give props to his efforts.
  20. PetzMay 14, 2011 at 4:29 pm
    Petz commends the Guru for his keen insight on the need for perseverance in the face of difficulty.
  21. AlpinerMay 13, 2011 at 12:18 pm
    Petz for Council!!!!!
  22. Capt. GeneMay 13, 2011 at 12:32 pm
    A day which will live in infamy! Oh, wait, make that “A day which will live in infamy!” There, that’s better. Petz, way to go man, congratulations, can’t wait for the campaign!
  23. Mr PerezMay 13, 2011 at 2:20 pm
    Congrats Steve!
  24. PetzMay 13, 2011 at 3:07 pm
    Who can correctly describe the irony involved with the juxtaposition of Petz pictue and the correction of the In God We Trust display ? $5.00 Starbucks gift card to the winner.
  25. PackfanMay 13, 2011 at 3:20 pm
    The point is, the sign is a lie as applied in the plural. WE don’t all trust in God, a god or any god for that matter. Why are we spending tax dollars on religious intrusions into government? We do not have a national religion, thank Spongebob, and these attempts to transform America into a primitive culture which oppresses women and anyone unlike themselves is simply unacceptable. The conservatives said that jobs are their priority but look at the House bills and they are a mandate against women. They are all based on religious beliefs and are unfair to impose on everyone when the talking point was getting government out of our lives. There are no jobs bills. Just anti choice and pro rich. Hypocrisy! Also, Newt? Really? Remove the display for being dishonest and in my opinion, insensitive. It says that only Christians can expect a fair deal out of this city. Read the writing on the wall! You go ahead and believe what you want. Just don’t expect everyone to agree.
  26. NateMay 13, 2011 at 3:56 pm
    Great Post.
  27. NateMay 13, 2011 at 4:04 pm
    Personally I am offended that Petz woould make such an obscene gesture… is it really necessary that Petz give Iran, Bangladesh and Thailand their equivalant to the middle finger?
  28. Mr PerezMay 13, 2011 at 4:09 pm
    That reminds me of my first time in Saudi Arabia lololol
  29. PetzMay 13, 2011 at 4:12 pm
    Look closely at the picture of Petz, something is obviouly wrong. No, his zipper is in the up position.
  30. yourwebguruMay 13, 2011 at 7:24 pm
    Thank you for relieving us of the responsibility of checking that part of your anatomy, Petz!
  31. LindaMay 13, 2011 at 7:36 pm
    Am I imagining it or is that a dog on your tie? Dog spelled backward is …
  32. lstaedtlerMay 13, 2011 at 4:33 pm
    They forgot to take down the In God We Trust letters
  33. LarMccMay 13, 2011 at 5:43 pm
    Congrats Petz! Today, Santa Clarita. Tomorrow, Carson and Laguna Nigel? http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=57007 http://articles.ocregister.com/2011-03-14/news/28692581_1_lake-forest-council-laguna-niguel-display
  34. Gang FangMay 13, 2011 at 6:06 pm
    Hail Satan!
  35. Bill ReynoldsMay 14, 2011 at 2:12 am
    Great job, Petz – BRAVO!
  36. PetzMay 14, 2011 at 3:09 am
    Hint-Petz is wearing an American flag lapel pin
  37. PetzMay 14, 2011 at 6:11 am
    In God We Trust America is an organization out of Bakersfield dedicated to preserving our national heritage by placing In God We Trust in every government building across the United States. Won’t you join us in this effort? http://www.ingodwetrust-america.org/
  38. VenturanMay 14, 2011 at 6:34 am
    Petz, my eyes are burning from the extraneous quotations found on that website. You have a lot of work to do, my friend!
  39. NateMay 14, 2011 at 1:56 pm
    In God We Trust… our heritage since 1956… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_God_We_Trust Long live the real National Motto… E pluribus unum… The one the founding fathers wanted. My question is why does Petz hate the founders motto?
  40. PetzMay 14, 2011 at 6:50 am
    CC….Petz is waiting for some ” love ” before this thread goes away.
  41. CCMay 15, 2011 at 11:34 am
    Just ran across it Petz. The Borg mentality lives on. “Kudos”
  42. PetzMay 14, 2011 at 5:10 pm
    Let’s not miss out on this teachable moment. Next hint….what is the proper display for an American flag lapel pin?
  43. Bill ReynoldsMay 14, 2011 at 5:19 pm
    Are you referring to Obama’s lapel or regular patriotic Americans?
  44. Gang FangMay 15, 2011 at 9:45 am
    Regular = White Isn’t that right, Bill? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xIQmFk1ok0
  45. NateMay 16, 2011 at 7:46 am
    So right. This guy is a racist birther troll.
  46. NateMay 16, 2011 at 7:44 am
    Low… Even for a dirtbag like you.
  47. Bill ReynoldsMay 16, 2011 at 7:49 am
    Consider yourself owned, Lil Natie No Show. Ha!
  48. NateMay 16, 2011 at 8:36 am
    Your “Patriotism” is mind blowing just like the teaparty member who wrote this… “Those who betray or subvert the Constitution are guilty of sedition and/or treason, are domestic enemies and should and will be punished accordingly. It also stands to reason that anyone who sympathizes with the enemy or gives aid or comfort to said enemy is likewise guilty. I have sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic and I will. And I will because not only did I swear to, but I believe in what it stands for in every bit of my heart, soul and being. I know in my heart that I am right in my struggle, Steve. I have come to peace with myself, my God and my cause. Blood will flow in the streets, Steve. Good vs. Evil. Free Men vs. Socialist Wannabe Slaves. Pray it is not your blood, my friend.”
  49. Bill ReynoldsMay 16, 2011 at 8:57 am
    Lil Natie No Show has lost it…
  50. PetzMay 14, 2011 at 5:48 pm
    President Obama displays his flag pin with proper protocol…. now Petz ????
  51. LindaMay 14, 2011 at 6:38 pm
    It should be worn over your heart, on the left side, no?
  52. PetzMay 14, 2011 at 6:45 pm
    We have a winner !!!!!! There is the irony. Nice job !
  53. spineflower2May 16, 2011 at 8:23 am
    Interesting, though. If one has a lapel pin on each lapel, the reverse may be true. The American flag is always placed “on its own right” when in a room with more than one flag. This is very common with government offices where there is a state flag as well as an American flag. So in this case “on its own right” would be on your right (non-heart side for us non-Vulcans), not the left. Do you know if there is a formal protocol to resolve this conflict?
  54. PetzMay 15, 2011 at 6:07 am
    Being a man of his word, Petz wonders when will we meet for coffee?
  55. LindaMay 15, 2011 at 7:35 am
    I am not a coffee drinker, Petz. The glory of answering correctly (after your hint) is enough for me. But I would appreciate you sending the $5.00 to this week’s SCV Helping Hand family as profiled in this morning’s Signal: http://www.the-signal.com/section/36/article/45031/ I can’t imagine being in this woman’s situation….
  56. PetzMay 15, 2011 at 9:41 am
    Petz will move it to $20.00 and send the check tomorrow. Any of our problems pale in comparison to those of this woman. Linda is very generous.
  57. LindaMay 15, 2011 at 10:31 am
    Thanks, Petz. I’m sending a check too. Maybe it will ease things for her just a bit to know people care….
  58. AlpinerMay 14, 2011 at 8:42 pm
    Your part is on the wrong side too. Did someone simply mirror the photo?

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