[Dukie07]

This is strange. It's not like Duke has never given money to Durham. $2mm here (Anderson Street), $2mm there (proposed Events Theater - for which Durham wanted $8mm more). Is the recent "crackdown" on Dukies because Duke refused to continue the $300k/year contribution (see my 5/14/06 post)? Clearly, DPD has someone willing to profile Dukies (Gottlieb). So, is this all just a shakedown - but not by CGM? Durham's funds missed Duke's annual contribution? Or should I say, contributions? It does appear that the more Duke gives, the more Durham wants. Mayor Bell saw a way to get to Duke. I think I mentioned this word before: payback.

[RecallMoran]

I've always thought this was a shakedown. I'm still not sure about where the money (or lack thereof) originates or is supposed to go. Is Duke being punished because it didn't give enough money? I think it's more likely that someone stands to gain money by punishing Duke. If so, whom? Is it an individual or group of individuals who will increase personal wealth?

The city we live in is always pushing some new group home, facility, highway, office complex, etc. To the uninitiated they appear to be what they seem. However, once one understands that the political officers get their campaign money from PACs who get their money from developers or other PACs, then it all becomes clear in a slimy sort of way. The sheep never notice that their welfare is being impugned by those they hold in esteem because of their rhetoric.

[Jezebelle]

I view it as one more reason NOT to send your kid to Duke. Part of the tuition is going to racist shake-downs.