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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Rendell poll numbers sink as budget deal unravels

It's deja vu all over again as the latest Quinnipiac University poll reveals that Pennsylvania residents still have a low regard for both Gov. Ed Rendell and the Pennsylvania Legislature.

I'm going to go out on a limb and speculate that the three-month-old budget stalemate has something do with it.

Rendell's job approval rating remains negative, 42% approve - 51% disapprove, a slight improvement from his record low of 39% - 53% recorded July 21, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday.

Only 26 percent of voters approve of his handling of the state budget, while 53 percent say he has been too inflexible and 30 percent call him courageous, the poll says. (The Sept. 18 budget deal reached by Rendell and leaders of three of the four legislative caucuses appears to be dead as rank-and-file lawmakers balk at the new taxes and spending cuts contained in the agreement.)

More from the Quinnipiac Poll:
Only 31 percent of voters approve of the budget agreement, while 37 percent disapprove and 31 percent aren't sure, the poll finds. Rendell is most responsible for the impasse, 27 percent say, as 21 percent blame legislative Republicans; 9 percent legislative Democrats and 30 percent say they are equally to blame.

"Gov. Ed Rendell remains at the low ebb of his governorship when it comes to public opinion, perhaps not surprising given the lengthy budget stalemate. He does better with women, who disapprove 49 - 44 percent, than with men, who disapprove 54 - 41 percent. The legislature's rating, where 27 percent approve and 64 percent disapprove, is even worse," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
For more poll analysis and to review the numbers (including who has the edge to replace Rendell next year), go to the Quinnipiac University Web site.

PA Fishing License Sales Hit Five-Year High

PA Fishing License Sales Hit Five-Year High

Firearms Industry Applauds Supreme Court Decision to Hear 2nd Amendment Case

Firearms Industry Applauds Supreme Court Decision to Hear Second Amendment Case

Poll: 43% Say They're on the Fence about Swine Flu Shot

Consumer Reports Poll: 43% of Americans Say They're on the Fence about Swine Flu Vaccine

Sarah Palin: 'Going Rogue' hits bookstores early

It was originally scheduled for release next spring, but now HarperCollins says former Alaskan governor Sarah Palin's memoir, which is entitled, "Going Rogue," will be in bookstores by Nov. 17 – just in time for the lucrative holiday shopping season, according to The Christian Science Monitor.

Read more about one of the most anticipated political books ever at the link below.

Sarah Palin: "Going Rogue" hits bookstores early | csmonitor.com

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Late Night TV Funnies

GOP is 3-for-3 in PA special elections

There have been three special elections so far this year to fill vacant seats in the Pennsylvania Legislature.

Republicans have won all three seats, two in the Senate and one in the House, by safe margins.

The success the Republican Party has had bodes well for 2010 when all 203 seats in the state House and 25 of the 50 seats in the state Senate are up for re-election.

(The GOP lost its majority in the House in 2006 thanks largely to the backlash over the legislative pay raise and was unable to recapture the majority in 2008 primarily because of the Barack Obama landslide in Pennsylvania. With no major Democratic names on the ticket in 2010, the GOP has a chance to retake control of the House.)

The most recent contest, Tuesday's victory by state Rep. Bob Mensch in the 24th Senatorial District, was by far the GOP's biggest win of the year. Mensch defeated his well-financed Democratic opponent by a 2-1 margin.

Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason took note of the GOP's undefeated streak in releasing the following statement congratulating Mensch:
"It is clear that Bob Mensch's message of reform and fiscal responsibility resonated with the voters," Gleason said. "We are confident that Bob Mensch will be a great leader for Pennsylvanians living in the 24th Senatorial District and a welcome addition to the state Senate."

"The Republican Party of Pennsylvania was proud to support the Mensch Campaign in this important race. This year, our Party has gone undefeated, enjoying three dominating victories in special elections around the Commonwealth. Our Party feels confident that these victories will provide our candidates with momentum heading into the upcoming statewide judicial elections where we will elect Judge Joan Orie Melvin to serve as our next Supreme Court Justice."
The 24th state Senatorial District consists of portions of Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton counties. Mensch was elected to fill the term of former state Sen. Rob Wonderling, who resigned earlier this summer.

The Circus Is In Town

John Boehner blasts Barack Obama's Olympic move

The economy is still in a tailspin with 15 million Americans out of work.

Obama and the Democrats have mishandled the health care reform debate.

The situations in Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea could explode at any moment.

So what is Barack Obama up to?

He's traveling to Europe to lobby for the 2016 Olympics to come to Chicago. Nice use of his time.

John Boehner blasts Barack Obama's Olympic move - Jake Sherman - POLITICO.com

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Public Service Announcement: 'Save The Boobs' video

PA will ration swine flu vaccine

Department of Health Details Pandemic H1N1 Vaccine Distribution Plan for

Enrollment Surges at Pennsylvania's Community Colleges

Pennsylvania's 14 community colleges opened their doors to more than 13,000 new students.

Enrollment Surges at Pennsylvania's Community Colleges

Oct. 4-10 is 'Fire Prevention Week' in Pennsylvania

Governor Rendell Proclaims Oct. 4-10 'Fire Prevention Week' in Pennsylvania

Senate Democrats back abortion funding in health care bill

Leading Pro-Life Group Outraged by the Defeat of Pro-Life Amendments in Senate

AIAM Supports Bans on Texting, Use of Hand-Held Phones While Driving

AIAM Supports Bans on Texting and the Use of Hand-Held Phones While Driving

Blockbuster 'Most Loved Movies' List

"The Lord of the Rings" and "Forrest Gump" are among the highest rated films on blockbuster.com

Here are the Top 10:

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2. Forrest Gump
3. Finding Nemo
4. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
5. The Shawshank Redemption
6. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
7. The Incredibles
8. Shrek
9. Gladiator
10. Monsters, Inc.

See the full list at the link below:

Blockbuster Shares the Love With Release of Most Loved Movies List

'Political Talk' on WCHE 1520 AM

"Political Talk," a new weekly program offering an inside view of politics and the political process, with an emphasis on and how politics impacts your daily life, airs every Wednesday from 3-4 PM on WCHE 1520 AM and www.wche1520.com

"Political Talk" is hosted by Mike Pincus, a Chester County-based political consultant and strategist who has advised candidates and managed campaigns on all levels of government for the past 30-plus years.

In addition to his campaign work, Mike co-hosts "Talking Politics" with Tony Phyrillas, an award-winning political columnist for The Pottstown Mercury. "Talking Politics" airs every Thursday, from 5-6 PM, on WPAZ 1370 AM, and www.1370wpaz.com. It can also be heard at www.pottsmerc.com

Listeners may call 610-701-WCHE (9243) with comments or questions during the live show.

Bipartisan Rejection of Public Option

Driving Distractions Should Not Kill You

Driving Distractions Should Not Kill You

Bank Fees Rise to Record Numbers in 2009

A new study released by Bankrate Inc. shows that the costs of checking account fees have risen again this year to an all-time high.

Bank Fees Rise to Record Numbers in 2009

Census Bureau News - The Hispanic Origin Population in the United States:

Census Bureau News - The Hispanic Origin Population in the United States:

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Republican Bob Mensch wins in landslide

Voter turnout was small but the victory was decisive.

State Rep. Bob Mensch won a landslide victory over Democrat Anne Scheuring to fill the vacant 24th Senatorial District seat.

Mensch defeated Scheuring by a 2-1 margin. In his home county of Montgomery, Mensch defeated Scheuring by a remarkable 72% to 26% margin. In Lehigh County, Mensch won by a 64% to 30% margin. In Bucks County, Mensch won by a 68% to 29% margin. The tightest race was in Northampton county, where Mensch beat Scheuring by a 53% to 42% margin.

With all 123 precincts reporting results, Mensch finished with 12,496 votes. Scheuring had 5,730 votes. Libertarian candidate Barbara Steever had 660 votes.

After three years in the state House representing the 147th District, Mensch moves to the state Senate, giving Republicans a 30-20 majority.

The 24th Senate District has been vacant since July when former state Rep. Rob Wonderling resigned to become president and chief executive of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

There's no indication when Mensch's seat in the state House will be filled. While Senate Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, a Republican, got to decide when to hold a special election for Wonderlng's seat, the task of filling Mensch's seat falls to Speaker of the House Keith R. McCall, a Democrat.

With Democrats holding a slim 104-99 majority in the House, don't look for McCall to move quickly on replacing Mensch in one of the safest Republican districts in the state. Don't be surprised if McCall puts off a special election until next year.

One other interesting note. There have been three special elections this year to fill vacancies in the state Legislature and Republicans have won all three races by wide margins. That does not bode well for Democrats heading into the 2010 election cycle when all 203 House seats and 25 Senates seats are up for grabs.

Mensch wins Montgomery, Bucks counties

State Rep. Bob Mensch has won the special election to fill the vacant seat in the 24th Senatorial District, winning all four counties that make up the district by comfortable (and in some cases 2-1) margins.

Here are the final unofficial vote totals from Montgomery County: Republican Bob Mensch received 5,704 votes or 72% of the ballots cast. Democrat Anne Henning Scheuring finished with 2,056 votes or 26% of the ballots cast. Libertarian Barbara Steever received 162 votes or 2% of the ballots.

In Bucks County, Mensch received 2,597 votes or 68% with Scheuring receiving 1,105 votes or 29% and Steever trailing with 112 votes or 3 percent of the ballots cast.

Mensch did just as well in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

Mensch wins Lehigh, Northampton counties

Here are the final unofficial results from the Northampton County portion of the 24th state Senatorial District.

State Rep. Bob Mensch, a Republican, finished on top with 1,855 votes or 53% of the ballots cast. Democrat Anne Scheuring received 1,464 votes or 42% of the ballots. Libertarian Barbara Steever tailed with 153 votes or 4% of the ballots cast.

Mensch also won Lehigh County and is ahead in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

The special election was held Tuesday to pick a replacement for former state Sen. Rob Wonderling.

Mensch projected winner for state Senate seat

Final vote tallies are still coming in, but it appears that state Rep. Bob Mensch will win the special election to fill the vacant state Senate seat for the 24th Senatorial District.

Mensch, the Republican candidate, is ahead in all four counties that make up the district: Montgomery, Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton.

The Lehigh Valley numbers are complete. Mensch finished with 2,340 votes or 64% of the vote. Democrat Anne Scheuring is a distant second with $1,105 votes or 30% and Libertarian Party candidate Barbara Steever brings up the rear with 233 votes or 6% of the vote.

If Mensch wins the seat formerly held by state Sen. Rob Wonderling, it will be the third special election for an open state Legislature seat won by Republicans in 2009.

Obama's Chicago Olympics

October is Crime Prevention Month in Pennsylvania

Governor Rendell Proclaims October as Crime Prevention Month in Pennsylvania

PA Game Commission Posts Field Forecasts On Web site

Board of Game Commissioners to Meet on Oct. 5-6 in Philadelphia; Game Commission

Hotline to Promote Stimulus Accountability, Transparency

You remember the stimulus don't you? The Obama/Pelosi plan was supposed to turn the economy around and put millions back to work. Hasn't done either of those things yet.

If you're aware of waste or fraud or mismanagement of Pennsylvania's share of the "stimulus" you can blow the whistle online at www.Recovery.pa.gov or by calling the Hotline at 877-888-7927.

Governor Rendell Announces Hotline to Promote Stimulus Accountability, Transparency

Senate Democrats push energy tax

Norquist Urges Sens. Boxer and Kerry Not to Introduce National Energy Tax

There Are No Words To Describe The Following

Where in the world is Barack Obama?

Aren't there more pressing issues to deal with than bringing the Olympics to his hometown of Chicago? Like everything else, it's all about ego with Barack Obama.

Iran smolders, Afghanistan burns, and Obama heads to...Denmark | Washington Examiner

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Whoopi Goldberg: 'It Wasn't Rape-Rape'



Whoopi Goldberg sets women's rights back at least 100 years. Imagine if a conservative had something this stupid. He or she would be off the air by now.

But left-wing wackos like Goldberg can get away with insulting remarks.

Read more at NewsBusters.com

Poll: Support for Obamacare Hits New Low

A new Rasmussen Reports poll finds 56 percent of Americans oppose government-run health care being pushed by Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats.

From Rasmussen Reports:
Just 41% of voters nationwide now favor the health care reform proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats. That’s down two points from a week ago and the lowest level of support yet measured.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% are opposed to the plan.

Senior citizens are less supportive of the plan than younger voters. In the latest survey, just 33% of seniors favor the plan while 59% are opposed. The intensity gap among seniors is significant. Only 16% of the over-65 crowd Strongly Favors the legislation while 46% are Strongly Opposed.

For the first time ever, a slight plurality of voters now express doubt that the legislation will become law this year. Forty-six percent (46%) say passage is likely while 47% say it is not. Those figures include 18% who say passage is Very Likely and 15% who say it is Not at All Likely. Sixty percent (60%) are less certain.

Sixty-eight percent (68%) of Democrats say the plan is at least somewhat likely to become law. Sixty-one percent (61%) of Republicans disagree. Among those not affiliated with either major party, 34% say passage is at least somewhat likely while 58% say it is not.
Read more at Rasmussen Reports.

Best place for Muslims to live? America

Muslim nations could learn a lot from the U.S. argues Merve Kavakci in a fascinating article from The Christian Science Monitor.

From her article:
One of the best places for a Muslim to live is the United States. In a lot of ways, conditions are better here than almost anywhere. As a Muslim not permitted to wear my head covering as a politician in my home country, Turkey, I know.

Think about it: In Turkey, where the vast majority of the population is Muslim, you will not find a lawyer with a beard or a student at a university wearing a head scarf, but you can find plenty in New York City. In Tunisia, you won't see a religiously dressed physician at university hospitals – but you can in Alabama.
Best place for Muslims to live? America | csmonitor.com

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Hands in the 'Kookie Jar'

How 'admirable' is the left?

I like this Letter to the Editor published in the Baltimore Sun about the far left and their media apologists.

Carl H. Kendrick writes:
For all of cries of how our great American veterans are and false portraits painted with some white backlash paintbrush, I don't remember seeing SWAT teams tossing tear gas at a tea party. With over 30,000 people marching on Washington on September 12, I did not see one dumpster being rolled down the street, or one brick being thrown. In fact, at tea party and town halls across the country the only negatives that the media could report on were the few demonized inside of a meeting for simply wanting to be heard. And yet, these folks stood up and had to shout out if they wanted to be heard, because their representatives, by and large, screened the questions.
How 'admirable' is the left? -- baltimoresun.com

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Catch a Falling Czar...

Tony Perkins of the Family Research Center turns the spotlight on another of Obama's radical advisers in this guest opinion:
Catch a Falling Czar...

Other issues may have taken a backseat to health care this summer, but now that the kids are back in school, parents have another subject on the brain--education. Earlier this month, President Obama turned more than a few heads with his back-to-school telecast, and parents are right to be concerned about what the administration will do for an encore. Most, including FRC, are hoping that the President's future plans won't include Safe Schools "czar" Kevin Jennings.

More than three months ago, we exposed the truth about Jennings, a long-time proponent of a radical, pro-homosexual agenda in schools. At the time, our concerns were met with little more than a yawn from the mainstream media. But today, as more Americans rage on about the shocking comments of "green jobs" czar Van Jones (who was forced to resign), the spotlight is back on the President's special-subject appointees. And in Jennings's case, it's better late than never. Fortunately, more press outlets like FoxNews.com and Lou Dobbs are picking up the drumbeat, and the Washington Times ran an editorial today demanding answers about Jennings's appointment.

Of course, one of the most shocking pieces of news about Jennings is a story he's told himself (in different ways at different times) about a young student who came to him and confessed that he was having sex with older men in a bus station restroom. Instead of reporting the high-risk behavior to the boy's parents, school administrators, or the police, Jennings's only response was, "I hope you knew to use a condom." If the President hand-picked Jennings to serve in educational leadership, the public has a right to know whether he violated reporting laws and covered up child sexual abuse. At the very least, he should know that making schools safe doesn't mean making them safe for homosexual predators.

Originally posted at THE CENTRIST

A new look for The Mercury

I know a lot of people read newspapers online these days, but there's a two big reasons to actually buy a copy of the The Mercury on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The Mercury, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper, is unveiling a new look and refined content in tomorrow's print edition.

To celebrate the new changes to the print product, the newspaper is also including a historic 32-page keepsake section that features many historic front pages from the newspaper's nearly 80 years of covering Pottstown and the surrounding communities in Montgomery, Chester and Berks counties.

"We've been working on some changes here at The Mercury — a redesign planned to be unwrapped to readers on Wednesday," says Nancy March, editor of The Mercury. "Some months ago we decided we were about due for an upgraded look. Like a person wearing a hairstyle that went out of vogue in the ’70s, a newspaper can find itself showing age instead of style. We decided it was time to try on a new look and update our appearance. Call it a makeover."

For more about the newspaper's redesign, check out this recent column by March.

Accountants are Divided on Overhaul of Financial Regulatory System

Accountants are Divided on the Obama Administration's Plan to Overhaul the Financial Regulatory System

False Charges From Carville and Rolling Stone

False Charges From Carville and Rolling Stone - Real Conflicts at AARP

Voter Registration Deadline Is Oct. 5

Time is running out to register for the Nov. 3 General Election in Pennsylvania.

While there's no national races, you can pick the next Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice and decide who runs various local, school board and county offices, including Common Pleas Court judges.

Voter Registration Deadline Is Oct. 5 for November Election

Monday, September 28, 2009

Rendell doesn't have the votes on budget deal

At the 90-day mark in the new fiscal year, Gov. Ed Rendell announced he is setting an Oct. 4 deadline ... or maybe Oct. 6 ... for the Legislature to have an approved budget on his desk.

We know how well the Legislature meets deadlines. It took the leaders of three of the four caucuses 80 days into the fiscal year to reach a budget agreement acceptable to Rendell. (House Republicans still don't want any part of the deal.)

So why the new-found sense of urgency on the part of the governor? Because people are beginning to figure out that the "deal" reached on Sept. 18 was just another red herring to distract Pennsylvanians from the ineptness of the governor and Legislature.

"We've had time," Rendell said Monday. "We should be able to get this done, no ifs, ands or buts about it. And there are a lot of people out there who are depending on us to get this done."

The reality is there is no deal. Rendell and the legislative leaders don't have the votes to get the so-called compromise agreement passed in the state House. They've been trying for 10 days to gather enough votes, but they keep coming up short. And every day that goes by, the "deal" loses more support.

Some house members won't vote for the "deal" because of the controversial tax on admission to arts venues, museums and zoos. Others object to the plan on environmental grounds. Some are upset with the proposal to tax games of chance and bingo operations at fire halls.

It's clear that Rendell and the legislative leadership jumped the gun on Sept. 18. While the Senate could probably come up with 25 or 26 votes to pass the budget deal, the votes are not there in the House, where up to 30 Democrats could bolt.

Democrats hold a slim 104-99 majority. Even if 10 Republicans can be bribed into voting for the deal, that's still not enough votes to make up for the Democratic defectors.

Forget about Rendell's latest deadline. It will come and go. I'm thinking Halloween before a real budget agreement is reached.

Check out more on the unraveling of the "budget deal" at POLICY BLOG

PA is No. 3 in Deer-Vehicle Collision Frequency

A new survey by State Farm says deer crashes are likeliest in West Virginia, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

State Farm estimates drivers in West Virginia have a 1 in 39 chance of hitting a deer in the next 12 months.

Joining West Virginia in the top five are Michigan, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Montana.

The likelihood of a specific vehicle striking a deer in Michigan is 1 in 78. And in Pennsylvania, the likelihood is 1 in 94.

Overall, accidents involving deer are up across the country.

Deer-Vehicle Collision Frequency Jumps 18 Percent in Five Years

Ron Paul on 'The Daily Show'

U.S. Rep. Ron Paul will be making a return appearance on The Daily Show Tuesday, Sept. 29 to talk about his latest book, "End The Fed," which challenges the constitutionality of the Federal Reserve.

From www.CampaignForLiberty.com:
The Congressman's latest release recently entered the New York Times' bestseller list at number six, mirroring the success of his previous book, "The Revolution: A Manifesto."

"End The Fed," has served as a rallying point for supporters of Paul's bill, H.R. 1207 The Federal Reserve Transparency Act, meant to shed light on the practices of the nation's central bank. Last week, the House Financial Services Committee held hearings on bringing more transparency to the Fed, this development came after increased support and a super-majority sponsorship of the bill in Congress.

The success of Congressman Paul's book and the "Audit The Fed" movement has given him a greater platform to spread his message of sound money and economic stability to the public, which seems to be growing ever more receptive since the economic crisis of last year.

The episode will air on Tuesday at 11:00 pm EDT, and again Wednesday at 7:00 pm EDT.
For more information on monetary policy go to www.CampaignForLiberty.com

What's the appeal of being Lt. Gov.?

Margaret Gibbons of the Doylestown Intelligencer is wondering why so many politicians from Bucks and Montgomery counties want to be lieutenant governor Pennsylvania.

From her latest column:
Speaking of politics, what is this fascination that Bucks and Montco commissioners have with the lieutenant governor's job?

Former Bucks Commissioner Mark Schweiker ran and was elected lieutenant governor. Now Bucks Commissioner Jim Cawley last week announced that he is forming an exploratory committee for a possible bid for that job. Across the border, Montco Commissioner Chairman James R. Matthews ran as the GOP candidate for lieutenant governor and lost. Still, that has not prevented him from toying with the idea of again seeking his party's nomination for the job. Fellow GOP Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. also has expressed mild interest in the nomination.

Across the aisle, there was Joseph M. Hoeffel's brief two-day campaign in 2006 for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor that blew up when Gov. Ed Rendell withdrew his blessing on that candidacy.

What does this all say about the county's top elected officials aim at second best, apparently preferring an obscure do-nothing job on the state level than their county position?

At least this time around, Hoeffel is going for the top post on the state ballot.
Read the full column at the newspaper's Web site.

Centre County Teen Crowned PA Dairy Princess

Krystal Wasson, a 16-year-old Centre County student, has been chosen as the 53rd Pennsylvania Dairy Princess.

Centre County Teen Crowned PA Dairy Princess

A tribute to William Safire

POLITICO pays tribute to legendary conservative columnist William Safire, who died over the weekend.

From the story by Jonathan Martin and Harry Siegel:
The pundit's authoritative take on a variety of interests flummoxed critics looking to pigeonhole him. He also wrote four novels, and many works of non fiction, including the "The New Language of Politics," a 1975 book later republished as "Safire's Political Dictionary" that's still read by political junkies, and "Before the Fall," a tell-all about the Nixon years. He even wrote a take on the Book of Job, "The First Dissident." And for a decade starting in 1995, he served on the board that awards Pulitzer Prizes to journalists.

Ed Cox, a New York layer active in conservative circles and the son-in-law of Richard Nixon said that Safire "will be known for his intelligence and his grasp of public events and he contributed a lot to our national dialogue by his always insightful columns in the New York Times."
Word maven William Safire dies - Jonathan Martin and Harry Siegel - POLITICO.com

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New Jersey, New York and California Have Worst Tax Climates for Business, Tax Foundation Says

It's hard to believe Pennsylvania didn't make the Top 10 after 7 years of tax and spending increases under Gov. Ed Rendell. The Keystone State finished No. 24 on the worst tax climate list.

CNSNews.com - New Jersey, New York and California Have Worst Tax Climates for Business, Tax Foundation Says

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Video: Video: All the Tax Hikes Considered for Obamacare

U.S. Transfers 3 Guantanamo Bay Detainees to Foreign Nations

The revolving door continues to swing at Gitmo. Here's something you probably didn't know: Since 2002, more than 550 detainees have departed Guantanamo for other countries including Albania, Algeria, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Chad, Denmark, Egypt, France, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom and Yemen.

Read more at the link below:

United States Transfers Three Guantanamo Bay Detainees to Foreign Nations

New Study Says 1 in 3 Americans Now Giving Less

Three out of four U.S. adults say the "current economic climate" has affected their charitable giving and one in three is giving less to charities, according to a new Child Sponsorship Survey just released by World Vision, an international Christian relief and development organization.

Most polled say faith-based organizations (67%) and non-profit foundations (63%) should bear responsibility for helping the world's poor.

Read more at the link below:

Can't Afford to be Generous? Blame the Economy; New Study Says One in Three

Video: Arlen is in it for Arlen

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Newspaper: Mensch is clear choice in special election

The editorial board of The Pottstown Mercury believes it's a bad idea to hold a special election for the vacant 24th Senate District seat five weeks before the General Election, but since the election is scheduled for Tuesday, one candidate is clearly best qualified to join the Senate -- State Rep. Bob Mensch.

From the newspaper's endorsement editorial:
Of the three (candidates), Mensch is the clear choice for the seat.

In his third year as a state legislator, he is demonstrating commitment and leadership for both his constituents and the state at large.

He has supported tax reform, champions smart business growth, and voted against last year's state budget that set the stage for the current $3 billion deficit.

He doesn't bear the stigma of the 2005 pay-raise since he was not then a member of the Legislature. And, close to home, he is involved with finding solutions for problems such as the bridge closures in Lower Frederick.

Mensch was previously a township supervisor in Marlborough, and his efforts toward regionalization among municipalities for planning and preserving open space are deserving of high marks.
Read the full editorial at the newspaper's Web site.

'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs' tops weekend box office again

With positive reviews and good word-of-mouth, the computer-animated 3-D comedy "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" topped the box office for the second straight weekend, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com

The film, based on a popular children's book, earned $24.6 million this weekend after opening with with$30.1 haul last weekend.

From BoxOfficeMojo.com:
WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2009

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Sony / Columbia)
$24.6 million | 3,119 | $60.0 million | 2

2. Surrogates (Buena Vista)
$15.0 million | 2,951 | $15.0 million | 1

3. Fame (2009) (MGM)
$10.0 million | 3,096 | $10.0 million | 1

4. The Informant! (Warner Bros.)
$6.9 million | 2,505 | $21.0 million | 2

5. Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself (Lionsgate)
$4.8 million | 2,120 | $44.5 million | 3

Obama's U.N. Apology

Rep. Joe Pitts: Where Did the Jobs Go?

Where Did the Jobs Go?

By Congressman Joe Pitts

About 8.5 percent of Pennsylvania's workforce is unemployed. Nationally, nearly one in ten workers is unemployed. All of us know people who have lost their jobs and are struggling to pay their bills. This is the real face of the recession, and Congress has done a poor job addressing it.

At the start of the year, Congress passed a $787 billion "stimulus" bill, which President Obama promised would create or save 8 million jobs. I doubted it at the time, and I'm sorry to say that I was right. For that amount of money, the government could simply have given 8 million people $98,000 each. It is indeed a huge amount of money. If you spent $1 million every day, seven days a week, it would take more than 2,000 years to reach the price of the "stimulus" bill. Sadly, much of that colossal sum has been spent on corporate welfare, state government bailouts, and pet projects. Apparently forgotten, the unemployed are still out of work. Unemployment has only increased, and is projected to keep climbing.

If the "stimulus" didn't work, what should we have done? That's a fair question to me and other critics of the President's spending. To answer that, we have to be clear about where jobs come from in the first place and why they disappear when times get bad.

Frame's Motor Freight is a 140-year-old trucking company in Chester County. It was founded in 1870 when freight was still hauled in wagons pulled by horses. Frame's announced this week that it was going out of business. The reason? The West Chester Daily Local News reported that Bud Temple, Frame's owner, said the sour economy was "part" of the reason — "as well as the rising cost of insurance, the cost of fuel and the overcapacity of the trucking companies compared to the amount of freight that needs to be hauled."

Running a successful business is difficult. Every business wants to grow and add jobs, but to do so they must first navigate a long list of obstacles: taxes, liability insurance, regulation, the costs of things like fuel and raw materials, and competition.

Short of hiring more postal workers and park rangers, the government cannot simply "create" new jobs. What it can do is make it easier, or harder, for businesses to prosper and hire. I'm sorry to say the actions of Congress and the White House this year have provided a strong disincentive to adding jobs.

The national energy tax or "cap and trade" bill passed by the House; the current push for federally run, regulated, and mandated health insurance; and the expiration of the 2001 tax cuts are the political equivalents of standing on Main Street with a bullhorn shouting: "Do not hire!" Each throws gasoline on the fire of unemployment.

When the "cap and trade" bill was introduced, a bipartisan majority of the Pennsylvania Utilities Commission sent a memo to Congress warning, "We are far from convinced that the negative impacts this legislation could have on our state's economy are fully understood." They predicted the bill could cost the Commonwealth 66,000 jobs as the price of electricity shoots up. (Go to www.house.gov/pitts to see my ideas for protecting the environment through clean energy.)

The health "reform" bill the House of Representatives may soon pass would give struggling businesses a Hobson's choice between offering a benefit they can't presently afford or paying an eight percent payroll tax they can't afford either. Either way, many will be forced to layoff workers to comply. (There are better ways to make sure their workers can get health insurance.) The bill also does absolutely nothing to reign in frivolous and excessive litigation, keeping insurance costs high and preventing job creation.

In 2001, Congress reduced taxes for every American — including those wealthy enough to start and expand businesses and create jobs. Eager for more money to spend, Congress and the President plan to let those tax cuts expire next year. This will amount to the largest single tax increase in American history and create yet another strong disincentive to entrepreneurship and job creation.

Jobs are not created by government. Prosperity isn't either. Jobs and prosperity are created by risk-taking entrepreneurs, successful businesses, and hardworking Americans who take pride in what they do. Government can make this process easier or government can make this process harder. Sadly, this President and this Congress have made it much harder at a time when America could least afford it.

Rep. Joe Pitts is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District, which includes parts of Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Reporter jumps out of airplane





Here's proof that reporters at The Pottstown Mercury will go to any length (or height) to get the story. Staff writer Brandie Kessler jumped out of an airplane from 10,000 feet Saturday as part of the Community Day festivities at the Pottstown Municipal Airport. And she lived to talk about it ... and write a first-hand account of the experience. Pick up a copy of Sunday's edition of The Mercury for stories and some incredible photos from the ground and from the air. Also check out The Mercury's Web site, www.pottsmerc.com, for video of the event. That's Brandie above with tandem instructor Chuck McElwee of Keystone Skydiving Center. The top photo was taken by videographer Ali Abdullatif. The bottom photo was taken by Kevin Hoffman of The Mercury.

This Week in Unnecessary Censorship

Rohrer Warns Tax Dollars May Be Used To Buy Budget Votes

Legislative leaders and Gov. Ed Rendell should not use taxpayer dollars to "buy" rank-and-file lawmakers' votes for a tax increase, says state Rep. Sam Rohrer, R-Berks.

Rohrer believes recent media reports show that is exactly what could take place as Pennsylvania moves toward enacting a state budget.

"Harrisburg political leaders should not use your tax dollars to bribe their colleagues into voting to take more of your tax dollars," Rohrer said in a written statement.

While details about the $28 billion budget deal struck by legislative leaders and Gov. Rendell are murky at best, several media reports suggest possibly $100 million or more in legislative earmarks - known as "walking around money" grants (WAMs) - could make it into the final budget framework, Rohrer says.

Rohrer's concern surrounds a longstanding process where legislative leaders use WAMs to "buy" votes from rank-and-file lawmakers. In exchange for their votes on a controversial issue, rank-and-file lawmakers receive pork-barrel funding for projects in their district. The strategy is used by legislative leaders to ram rod unpopular legislation - including tax hike proposals - through the General Assembly.

"If this is allowed to happen, it would be double trouble for taxpayers," Rohrer said. "First, they'd have to pay for a pork-barrel project and then they'd have to turn around and pay for the tax increase."

Rohrer said he anticipated political leaders may try to use this strategy when the governor began talking about a Personal Income Tax (PIT) increase several months ago. That is why Rohrer introduced on June 22 a measure - House Bill 1751 - to prevent "vote buying" in the General Assembly.

"This is exactly why I introduced my bill in June," Rohrer said. "When a proposal like a tax increase cannot pass on its merits, legislative leaders attempt to buy the votes using tax dollars. Eliminating state earmarks would be the most significant change we could make in the budget process. Not only would it save millions of dollars by eliminating wasteful pork-barrel projects, but it would also save taxpayers billions of dollars through the avoidance of tax increases now and in the future."

Rohrer's bill is currently in the House State Government Committee, where it was referred after being introduced in the House more than three months ago.

Poll: Big Majorities Say Objective Journalism Is Dead; Media Back Obama

It's what I've been telling you for years. Two-thirds (67.9 percent) of Americans surveyed think that "objective and fair journalism is dead," while an overwhelming 89.3 percent believe the news media played a role in the election of President Barack Obama, according to an article posted at CNSNews.com.

CNSNews.com - Poll: Big Majorities Say Objective Journalism Is Dead and that Media Back Obama

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GOP: Democrats ignore public's concerns on health care reform

'Night of the Living Dead Lawmakers'

A scary column by Bill White of The Allentown Morning-Call about the ghouls who inhabit the hall of the state Capitol in Harrisburg.

Night of the Living Dead Lawmakers -- themorningcall.com

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Rendell Announces Confirmations, Nominations

Governor Rendell Announces Confirmations, Nominations

House Republicans Call for Reform While Awaiting PA Budget Details

Here's this week's State Capitol Roundup courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch, R-147:

Republicans Call for Reform While Awaiting Budget Details

House Republicans are calling for reform in the budget process as House Democrat and Senate staff finalize details for the three-caucus budget agreement recently announced. Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) maintains that the $27.945 billion, three-caucus plan needlessly raises taxes, contains more spending than the Commonwealth can afford and also completely drains the emergency Rainy Day Fund and the MCare Fund, leaving Pennsylvania ill-equipped to face future challenges. With these concerns in mind, Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland) has requested that House Speaker Keith McCall (D-Carbon) take immediate action to appoint a bipartisan Speaker's Commission on Budgetary Reform. Grell has outlined some of the duties of the commission, including establishing fixed time lines and milestones in the budget process and affording greater involvement in the process by every member of the House. For the latest budget-related news, visit PAHouseGOP.com

House Republican Initiatives Included in Proposed Budget Agreement

A revenue-generating tax amnesty proposal developed by Rep. John Bear (R-Lancaster), calling for a 90-day tax amnesty period to be declared by the governor during the 2009-10 fiscal year, is a key component of the three-caucus budget agreement. The proposal would generate an estimated $190 million for the Commonwealth. In addition, a plan introduced by Rep. Dave Reed (R-Indiana) that would expand environmentally safe natural gas harvesting on state forest lands is also being considered. The Commonwealth would receive up-front payments to lease the land and royalty payments based on the amount of natural gas harvested from the property, and the plan would help create 7,000 new private-sector jobs. In Reed's bill, the state would share some of the new dollars with local governments and conservation districts. However, initial reports suggest budget negotiators are planning to use all of the new revenue to fill the state budget. Although these proposals are being considered, House Republicans remain concerned that the three-caucus budget plan raises taxes unnecessarily and spends too much. For the latest budget news, visit PAHouseGOP.com

Overwhelming Bipartisan Support for Effort to Halt Adoption of Graduation Exams

As public opposition to adopting high school Graduation Competency Assessments (GCAs) or the Keystone Exams grows, bipartisan legislative opposition has also increased. There are currently 161 House members that are co-sponsors of House Resolution 456, which would halt the implementation of the exams until official policies are enacted legislatively. While the administration continues to press forward with the exams, House Republicans maintain the need to focus on enhancing the overall quality of K-12 education - not overly burdening high school seniors. Another concern is the estimated $200 million it would cost to institute the exams, when the state faces a $3.2 billion budget deficit. The Independent Regulatory Review Commission is set to decide whether or not to move forward with the plan after the state Board of Education last month approved the tests. The future of the exams faces an uphill battle, as the tentative three-caucus budget agreement does not contain funding for the exams, but the issue remains a priority for the governor. For the latest legislative news, visit PAHouseGOP.com

Senior citizens advocate calls Pelosi 'shameful'

'THE VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW' Launches Model Search

'THE VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW' Launches Model Search

Inflation Could Spell End of U.S. Financial System

This is scary stuff. If the policies of Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats are not stopped, we will see the collapse of the United States.

From the National Inflation Association:
It took 25 years for our national debt to double from $257 billion in 1950 to over $533 billion in 1975. Most recently, our national debt has more than doubled from $5.8 trillion in 2001 to its current level of $11.8 trillion in just eight years. Our national debt is now growing three times faster that it did decades ago, which means we should expect a very minimum of three times faster inflation.
Inflation Could Spell End of U.S. Financial System

Great Cover: 'Don't Fear The Reaper' by Big Country

Poll: Vast Majority of Employers Expect Health Care Reform to Increase Costs

Vast Majority of Employers Expect Health Care Reform to Increase Costs

Public Comment Sought on Environmental Assessment for High-Speed Rail Project

Public Comment Sought on Environmental Assessment for High-Speed Rail Project

Parents Encouraged to Have Seats Inspected by State Police Troopers

Most Child Safety Seats Incorrectly Installed, State Police Inspections Find

53rd Keystone International Livestock Expo coming to Harrisburg

The 53rd Keystone International Livestock Exposition, billed as the largest livestock show on the East Coast, will be held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, Sept. 28 - Oct. 4.

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Invites Public to 53rd Keystone International Livestock Expo

AAA Campaign Aims to Pass Texting While Driving Bans in All 50 States

AAA Campaign Aims to Pass Texting While Driving Bans in All 50 States by 2013

A wake-up call to Obama and the far left

The War on Terror is still on. Barack Obama and the far left loons he's hired to run Homeland Security better wake up before there's another attack on U.S. soil.

Najibullah Zazi Indicted for Conspiracy to Use Explosives

PJTV Debuts 'Medically Incorrect' Show

PJTV Debuts 'Medically Incorrect' Show, Puts Health Care Reform Under the Microscope

Bucks newspaper endorses Mensch in special election

The Doylestown Intelligencer has endorsed state Rep. Bob Mensch in Tuesday's special election to fill the 24th Senate District seat vacated by former state Sen. Rob Wonderling.

Part of the 24th District includes Bucks County, where the Intelligener is located.

From the newspaper's endorsement editorial:
(Mensch) remains a relatively fresh voice in the Legislature - hardly part of the entrenched and oft-maligned Harrisburg leadership - and his business background (28 years with AT&T) is a definite plus. Not surprisingly, he doesn’t look down on the business community but sees it as a vital component of Pennsylvania’s economic well-being. He promises to continue advocating for business interests and believes a position in the Senate, where Republicans hold a majority, would offer him a better platform to do so.
It should be noted that the Intelligencer is one of the most liberal newspapers in the state and rarely endorses Republicans.

Read the full editorial at the newspaper's Web site.

Mensch has been endorsed by numerous regional and state business organizations, law enforcement agencies and taxpayer groups. He is also endorsed by Wonderling, who is now CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

Also, check out the Bucks Right blog for more on Mensch's lightweight Democratic opponent, whose entire political experience consists of nine months on the Lansdale Borough Council.

(P.S. - I have it on good authority that The Mercury, the most widely read newspapers in the Montgomery County portion of the 24th District, will be endorsing Mensch over the weekend.)

Friday, September 25, 2009

Another liberal whiner complains about Fox News



Save the fake indignation Rick. You're just sore because nobody watches CNN any more. Rick, you're a tool for the Obama administrations, reading talking points sent directly to CNN by the Obama Propaganda Ministry.

Originaly posted at THE CENTRIST

Compliments of the U.S. taxpayer

Thursday, September 24, 2009

School kids taught to praise Obama in song



This is indoctrination at its worst. And this is a public school, supported by tax collars. Does the separation of church and state apply when your church is Government and your deity is Barack Obama?

If you can't make out the sound, here is a transcript of the lyrics (2nd song sung to "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" -

Song 1:
Mm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama

He said that all must lend a hand
To make this country strong again
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama

He said we must be fair today
Equal work means equal pay
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama

He said that we must take a stand
To make sure everyone gets a chance
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama

He said red, yellow, black or white
All are equal in his sight
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama

Yes!
Mmm, mmm, mm
Barack Hussein Obama

Song 2: (sing to the Battle Hymn of the Republic - everyone!)
Hello, Mr. President we honor you today!
For all your great accomplishments, we all doth say "hooray!"

Hooray, Mr. President! You're number one!
The first black American to lead this great nation!

Hooray, Mr. President we honor your great plans
To make this country's economy number one again!

Hooray Mr. President, we're really proud of you!
And we stand for all Americans under the great Red, White, and Blue!

So continue ---- Mr. President we know you'll do the trick
So here's a hearty hip-hooray ----

Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!

(H/T NetRightNation.com)

PA GOP Announces 2009 Fall Meeting Schedule

This weekend, September 25th and 26th, 2009, the Republican Party of Pennsylvania will hold its Annual Fall Meeting at the Harrisburg Hilton.

On Friday, Chairman Rob Gleason and Vice Chair Joyce Haas are honored to welcome Lt. Governor Joe Scarnati and former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino who will be the keynote speakers at the Republican Party of Pennsylvania's 2009 Fall Dinner, which will take place at 7:00 p.m. at the Harrisburg Hilton. In addition to those great speakers, U.S. Senate candidate and former U.S. Congressman Pat Toomey will also address the Party membership at our Fall Dinner.

At the Party's General Meeting on Saturday, Supreme Court candidate Judge Joan Orie Melvin and other members of our statewide judicial ticket will address our Party membership. This meeting will help to kick off the Party's drive to sweep all seven statewide judicial openings on November 3rd.
Friday, September 25th, 2009

WHAT: 2009 PA GOP Fall Dinner

WHEN: Friday, September 25th, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
(Cameras can begin set-up as early as 5:30 p.m.)

WHO: Joe Scarnati, Pennsylvania Lt. Governor and Senate President Pro Tempore
Dana Perino, Former White House Press Secretary
U.S. Senate candidate and former U.S. Congressman Pat Toomey

WHERE: Harrisburg Hilton
1 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

WHAT: Republican Party of Pennsylvania Fall Meeting

WHEN: 9:30 a.m.

(Press should arrive at 9:00 a.m. to register and must be prepared to show credentials)

WHO: Supreme Court candidate Judge Joan Orie Melvin
Superior Court candidate Judge Judy Olson
Superior Court candidate Sallie Mundy
Superior Court candidate Temp Smith
Superior Court candidate Judge Paula Ott
Commonwealth Court candidate Judge Patricia McCullough
Commonwealth Court candidate Kevin Brobson

WHERE: Harrisburg Hilton
1 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Keep up with the latest news at the party's Web site.

Are Parents Underestimating Swine Flu Risk to Kids?

H1N1 Flu: Are Parents Underestimating Risk to Kids?

More late night humor

Obama to cut Border Patrol deployed on U.S-Mexico border

Barack Obama wants to eliminate 384 agents on the U.S.-Mexico border in fiscal 2010, which begins on October 1.

It's just the beginning of his open-border policy inviting millions of illegals to enter the U.S. (and register as Democrats, of course.)

CNSNews.com - Administration Will Cut Border Patrol Deployed on U.S-Mexico Border

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Newspaper exposes more climate lies

Excellent editorial in The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review about the continuing global warming hoax pushed by the liberal elites:
Climate lies

The first casualty of "climate change" rhetoric continues to be the truth.

Take, for instance, President Obama's speech to the United Nations on Tuesday. Myron Ebell, the noted director of energy and global warming policy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, documents at least four misrepresentations:

• The president said the threat is "serious," "urgent" and "growing." But Mr. Ebell notes that global mean temperatures increased only slightly from 1977 to 2000 and have been "flat" since then.

• Obama: "Rising sea levels threaten every coastline." Not so, says Ebell -- "(S)ea levels have been rising on and off since the end of the last Ice Age 13,000 years ago. The rate ... has not increased in recent decades over the 19th- and 20th-century average."

• Storms and floods are "more powerful" and "threaten every continent," said Mr. Obama. Ebell: "(T)here is no upward global trend in storms or floods."

• Obama: "More frequent drought and crop failures" are exacerbating hunger and conflict where they already thrive. But Ebell says that's simply false.

To paraphrase 19th-century French economist Frederic Bastiat, "climate change" theologians need only a few words to set forth their half-truths whereas opponents are forced to resort to long and arid dissertations to expose their lies.

This is the sad state of the global warming debate. Much sadder is that the president of the United States is engaged in such misrepresentations.

7,000 Rally Against Ahmadinejad in New York

7,000 Rally Against Ahmadinejad in New York

BE NET SAFE! Boys & Girls Clubs of America Partners With Sprint to Encourage Internet Safety

BE NET SAFE! Boys & Girls Clubs of America Partners With Sprint to Encourage Internet Safety

Rendell calls for higher milk prices

Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell Urges Milk Marketing Board to Help Dairy Producers Survive Low Milk Prices

Mixed results for Obama in latest Franklin & Marshall College Poll

Some highlights from a new Franklin & Marshall College Poll, produced in partnership with Hearst Television:
* Only 47 percent of Americans support Obamacare.

* Only 12 percent of those surveyed indicate they do not have health coverage.

* Only 54 percent say these economic problems can be solved with the help of government.

* A slim majority (51%) of registered Americans believe President Obama is doing an "excellent" or "good" job, while nearly as many (47%) believe he is doing a "fair" or "poor" job. A large majority (74%) of Democrats indicate the president is doing an "excellent" or "good" job, versus 25 percent who say he is doing an "only fair" or "poor" job.

* The president's job performance ratings among Republicans are substantially lower (13% "excellent" or "good" and 83% "only fair" or "poor") and among Independents are more divided (47% "excellent" or "good" and 54% "only fair" or "poor")
Follow the link below for more survey results:

Americans' Attitudes On Economic Issues Have Shifted, Per Franklin & Marshall College Poll With Hearst Television

President Obama's New Missile Defense Plan Does Not Address U.S. Homeland Population Protection

President Obama's New Missile Defense Plan Does Not Address U.S. Homeland Population Protection

Fair Elections Now Coalition Praises Rep. Chaka Fattah for Cosponsoring Fair Elections Now Act

Fair Elections Now Coalition Praises Rep. Chaka Fattah for Cosponsoring Fair Elections Now Act

Joe Hoeffel quits elections board

Now that he is a candidate for Pennsylvania governor, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel has resigned from the county's Board of Elections, according to Keith Phucas of The Norristown Times Herald.

Hoeffel, who has served as chairman of the elections board since 2008, was asked to stop down by the county solicitor, Phucas reports.

Hoeffel, a Democrat, notified fellow commissioners James R. Matthews and Bruce L. Castor Jr. on Wednesday about his resignation.

Although Montgomery County Republican Chairman Bob Kerns issued a press release Wednesday calling for Hoeffel to step down fro the elections board, Hoeffel told Phucas that he made the decision on Tuesday.

Read the full story at the newspaper's Web site.

'Talking Politics' on the radio today

Tune in to "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas & Mike Pincus" today at 5 p.m. on WPAZ 1370 AM

Topics will include Pennsylvania's budget agreement winners and losers and Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel entering the race for Pennsylvania governor.

You can call the station with questions or comments at 610-326-4000.

If you can't receive the radio signal, you can listen to the broadcast online at www.pottsmerc.com or www.1370wpaz.com'

50-year-old cartoon predicted the coming of Obama-style socialism

10 Facts Every American Should Know About Senate Health Care Bill

10 Facts Every American Should Know About Sen. Baucus? Costly Government-Run Health Care Bill | Republican Leader John Boehner

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PA GOP online petition against Obamacare

Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason released the following statement regarding President Barack Obama's push for government-run, taxpayer-funded health care on Sunday's political talk shows.

From Gleason:
"President Barack Obama continues to believe that empty rhetoric will lead the American people to turn a blind eye to his attacks on their health care, but he is setting himself up for failure. With the number of Americans voicing their strong opposition to government-run health care growing larger every day, President Obama continues to ignore their cries for real reform. Yesterday, he even claimed the media was blowing the issue out of proportion! Rather than face the fact that Americans don't want to pay for a socialized health care system, President Obama continues to brush aside their criticism as a vast right-wing conspiracy. The President and members of the Democrat Party will finally realize that the criticisms his plan is facing are very real the next time Americans have the chance to vote. Their insistence on promoting government-run socialized solutions to the major issues facing our country has opened the door to a Republican revolution."

"We encourage President Obama and the Democrats in Congress to embrace real, market-based solutions to health care reform that will improve the economy as well as the lives of millions of Americans."
The Republican Party of Pennsylvania launched a new online petition last week where Pennsylvanians can sign-up to support our opposition to ObamaCare.

To sign the "No to Obamacare" Petition, go to http://www.pagop.org/healthcare/

Mr. Tax-Law-Writing-Tax-Evader

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

CF launches BankruptingPA

The Commonwealth Foundation has launched a new Web site and public service campaign called BankruptingPA to educate taxpayers about "wild and unaccountable government spending."

The Foundation is looking for feedback to help it choose the most effective message and imagery to make this effort as successful as possible, says Commonwealth Foundation CEO Matthew J. Brouillette.

Visit the new Web site at www.BankruptingPA.com, click on the "VOTE" buttons n the right side of the page and leave comments or criticisms.

"Time is of the essence. Please help us ensure BankruptingPA is successful," Brouillette adds.

Video: The Story of Spending

'Legislative failure' in PA

Why do Pennsylvania voters tolerate such incompetence on the part of the state Legislature? Especially when taxpayers shell out more than $300 million a year to pay for the most expensive state legislature in the country.

Look at what the Pennsylvania Legislature has been up to in recent years:
* The pay raise fiasco of 2005.
* The Bonusgate scandal.
* The Vince Fumo trial and conviction.
* A 2009-10 budget that is more than 80 days late.
What's it going to take to break the camel's back? While one-third of the Legislature has been voted out in the last two election cycles and new leadership has emerged in most of the caucuses, it's still business as usual in Harrisburg.

From an editorial in The Pottstown Mercury:
A year ago, the Legislature adopted an unrealistic budget that set up a deficit which now tops $3 billion. This time around, they took their good ol' time rather than rush the procedure.

But did they do a better job? And will voters remember their ineptitude?

Two questions to be answered in time.
Read the full editorial at the link below:

Issues of legislative failure remain in state - The Mercury Opinion: Pottstown, PA and The Tri County areas of Montgomery, Berks and Chester Counties (pottsmerc.com)

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Business groups endorse Mensch for state Senate

The business community is lining up behind state Rep. Bob Mensch for the special election on Sept. 29 to fill the 24th Senatorial District seat vacated by former state Sen. Rob Wonderling.

Groups backing Mensch include ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry; the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB); the Southeastern Pennsylvania Area Chambers of Commerce (SEPAC); the Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Pennsylvania Business Council

"With an economy in crisis, it is essential to have someone in office who understands what it will take to move Pennsylvania forward," said Gene Barr, PA Chamber vice president of government and public affairs.

Barr said Mensch understands the concerns of job creators and has voted consistently for policies that promote economic growth and job creation.

"Bob Mensch has been a strong supporter of legislation to improve Pennsylvania's small business climate by voting to lower taxes, eliminate needless government regulation, and make health care affordable for small business," said Lucien Calhoun, Chairman of the NFIB's Pennsylvania (SAFE) Save America's Free Enterprise Trust, citing some of the reasons for his organization’s support.

Those sentiments were echoed by Ken Russell, the Board Chairman of SEPAC. "Bob Mensch understands what is required to improve the business climate in the state, including addressing increasing health care costs and promoting sound energy policies," said Russell.

Tim Phelps, President of the Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce, stated that in addition to his legislative record, Mensch also brings real-world knowledge to the legislature. "He brings a valuable insight to the legislature with his experience as a business professional," said Phelps, who noted Mensch worked at AT&T for 28 years.

"We need more lawmakers in Harrisburg with business backgrounds, who have seen first-hand the effects government policies have on businesses and their ability to create jobs and prosper," said David W. Patti, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Business Council. "He will be a welcome addition to the Pennsylvania Senate."

"One of my top priorities in the Pennsylvania Senate will be to rebuild our state's economy and create new jobs by addressing burdensome taxes and regulations," said Mensch. "We need to fight the brain-drain and the out of state loss of college-educated workers critical to the new economy. We also must invest in our transportation infrastructure for the movement of people and goods, encourage private sector investment in alternative energies, and revitalize main street business districts. Working together, we can help jumpstart the state and regional economy and put more Pennsylvanians back to work."

Mensch is running on a platform of returning fiscal responsibility to Harrisburg, opposing tax increases on working families and seniors, improving the state's economic environment and job creation, and enhancing local open space preservation efforts.

In addition to the endorsements from the business community, Mensch has also picked up key endorsements from law enforcement and the Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations.

Visit Mensch's campaign Web site at www.electmensch.com

Originally posted at THE CENTRIST

Late night humor at Obama's expense

Rohrer claims Rendell made disparaging remarks about Americans

State Rep. Sam Rohrer (R-Berks) today condemned Gov. Ed Rendell's comments Tuesday night on a nationally televised cable program where the governor suggested Americans suffer from a lack of optimism and confidence.

From a press release issued by Rohrer:
"The governor should not confuse his plummeting poll numbers with an overall lack of optimism in America," Rohrer said. "Just because Pennsylvanians no longer have confidence in him does not mean they do not have confidence in America."

The controversy surrounds comments Rendell made Tuesday night on an episode of CNBC's "Mad Money" program with host Jim Cramer.

On the show, Rendell said, "This country used to have a great optimistic attitude that we could do anything, roll up our sleeves and use American creativity, ingenuity and innovation and get anything done. I think to a great extent we've lost that Jim. We need a confidence boost."

A video clip of Rendell's comments can be viewed at http://www.cnbc.com/id/32969286

Rohrer compared the tone of Rendell's comments to former-President Jimmy Carter's now infamous "malaise" speech, which he delivered on July 15, 1979. In that speech, which Carter delivered during the middle of an energy crisis and economic turmoil, Carter blamed the problems on a "crisis of confidence," adding that, "The erosion of our confidence in the future is threatening to destroy the social and the political fabric of America."

"Governor Rendell seems to believe in the Carter doctrine: when government fails, blame the people," Rohrer said. "Americans do not lack confidence in themselves. They lack confidence in some of their elected leaders.

"The answer to Jimmy Carter's malaise was Ronald Reagan's optimism. If Americans have lost confidence in anything it is in some of their elected leaders - like Rendell - who have promised to solve all their problems using the strong arm and heavy hand of government.

"Excessive government suffocates confidence, depriving it of the liberty it needs to breathe. Americans can accomplish anything when the shackles of a repressive government are removed. Unfortunately, American government today seems to be moving away from the basic principles of our Founding Fathers' republic and towards a form of government that hampers individual freedom and collective progress.

"Americans don't need a confidence boost in themselves. They need elected leaders who earn the public's confidence. The governor should not blame his failures and the failures of nationally elected leaders in Washington, D.C., on the American people."