“This is much more than a ribbon cutting, this is a true celebration,” said Lesa France Kennedy, chief executive officer of International Speedway Corp. “We celebrate Glenn’s tireless public service, his countless community and charitable contributions and his dedication and devotion to our city, the City of Daytona Beach.”  Daytona Beach News-Journal – December 17, 2015

“I am a France.  We own this town.” –  Russell Van Richmond, October 2009

Indeed, Mr. Van Richmond.  Indeed.

“Let them eat cake” is the traditional translation of the French phrase “Qu’ils mangent de la brioche“, supposedly spoken by “a great princess” upon learning that the peasants had no bread. Since brioche was a luxury bread enriched with butter and eggs, the quote would reflect the princess’s disregard for peasants.

With the Beachside literally crumbling and unrestrained blight creeping in all directions, our own Daytona Royalty have bestowed upon their subjects Ritchey Plaza – complete with Adirondack chairs and eight (count ’em) Royal Palm trees – along with the the requisite “Remember – I coughed up cash” plaques.

This monument to the mega-wealthy member of the Volusia County Triumvirate Glenn Ritchey was the brainchild of Lesa France-Kennedy, and (naturally) unanimously approved by the Daytona Beach City Commission.

Honestly, have these people looked across Atlantic Avenue from the very spot they’ve erected this monument to self-importance?

Would any of them allow a family member to walk the streets around the Bandshell alone? Or better yet, actually live down there?

Trust me, I’m the most ego-maniacal asshole you know, and this self-congratulatory bullshit makes me blush. When did people lose the emotion of embarrassment and shame?

But hey, enough of my maudlin ravings on Glenn’s special day. . . Merry Christmas, Y’all! Everything’s great at the Worlds Most Famous Beach! (Keep your doors locked. . .  And enjoy your brioche.)

http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20151217/NEWS/151219546/0/search