The Philadelphia Inquirer today editorialized in support of the Pennsylvania Society moving its annual black tie dinner celebrating the achievements of individual Pennsylvanians--which draws enough people (about 1,000) to create a couple of dozen other events unconnected with the dinner that cumulatively perhaps draw another 1,500 people--from New York City to Philadelphia, either alone or rotating with other Pennsylvania locations.

Two years ago, the Philadelphia City Council passed a resolution authored by Councilman Frank DiCicco basically saying the same thing.

Having attended some of the Pennsylvania Society gatherings in the past, I have no problem with the Pennsylvania Society following this advice, but I think it is somewhat off-target. Philadelphia needs an annual event to display the greatness and the potential of 21st Century Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Society annual dinner is not really that event.

It is time for Philadelphia to start another new tradition. Philadelphia needs a series of interconnected events that celebrate the past and future of our city, that make use of convention facilities, museums, entertainment venues and vast artistic communities to draw decision-makers in many different fields all over Pennsylvania and all over the east coast.

The more people who have decision making power over where businesses, non-profits, educational institutions, and governmental facilities will be located in the future understand all Philadelphia has to offer, the greater our future will be. The more oriented Philadelphia is towards showing our strengths and facing our weaknesses, the more we will be able to legitimately celebrate over time.

Ed Rendell once said--speaking in marketing terminology--that Philadelphia "owns the 4th of July" because of all our activities on or around that date. It is time for Philadephia to also "own" at least part of the Christmas shopping season with events to showcase our city to both significant decision-makers and the public at large.

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Improving government for the average citizen


Thanks for electing me Delegate to the Democratic National Convention From the First Congressional District Supporting Barack Obama. Serving as an Obama delegate was a truly inspiring experience.

It is sad that not too many people are reading this posting. This is something that could be organized with the Arts Council as well as other organizations that could heighten Philadelphia's cultural importance during the holiday period when people are out shopping.

Where I grew up there was a great attempt to make the shopping area look pretty. It was fun and romantic to walk around, especially with a girl, and shop or window shop. If it was snowing then even better.

Stuff like that really relaxes people and makes them feel positive about the future, even if the girl is secretly planning on breaking up with you directly after she gets her expensive presents.

Oh, the memories....

Philly is rather dreary most of the time and there should be a greater attempt to light up the CC area and create a mood.