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Thursday, September 30, 2010

State Police: Crimes Reported in PA Dropped 5.4 Percent in 2009

Crime was down in Pennsylvania last year, which is somewhat of a surprise considering the state of the economy.

From a new report released by the Pennsylvania State Police showing overall crime down 5.4 percent and violent crime down 4.9 percent last year:

The breakdown of reported Crime Index offenses for 2009 is as follows:
* Murders dropped 8 percent from 704 to 648;
* Forcible rapes increased 4.9 percent to 3,620;
* Robberies declined 6.9 percent to 17,464;
* Aggravated assaults dipped 4.8 percent to 26,291;
* Burglaries dropped 6 percent to 54,519;
* Larcenies/thefts were down 5.6 percent to 203,268;
* Motor-vehicle thefts fell 20.2 percent to 17,776, and
* Arsons declined 9.3 percent to 2,157.
Follow the link below for more crime statistics and a link to the full 2009 report.

State Police: Crimes Reported in PA Dropped 5.4 Percent in 2009

Obamacarter: History Repeats Itself

Looking for the lunatic fringe this weekend?

Obama Endorses Supposedly Nonpartisan Jon Stewart Rally | NewsBusters.org

My Favorite Tony Curtis Movies

Tony Curtis had a great run in Hollywood in the 1950s and 60s. Here are my favorite Tony Curtis movies (in reverse chronological order):
The Boston Strangler (1968)
The Great Race (1965)
Sex and the Single Girl (1964)
Captain Newman, M.D. (1963)
40 Pounds of Trouble (1962)
The Great Impostor (1961)
Spartacus (1960)
The Rat Race (1960)
Operation Petticoat (1959)
Some Like It Hot (1959)
The Defiant Ones (1958)
The Vikings (1958)
Beachhead (1954)
Houdini (1953)
Tony Curtis dies at 85

Dems skip town without stopping Obama Tax Hikes

Toomey Riding Anti-Obama Wave in Pennsylvania

Toomey Riding Anti-Obama Wave in Pennsylvania - HUMAN EVENTS

9/11 Hard Hat Pledge Founder Andy Sullivan Calls on NYC Department of Buildings to Inspect Ground Zero Mosque's Non-Existent Permits

9/11 Hard Hat Pledge Founder Andy Sullivan Calls on NYC Department of Buildings to Inspect Ground Zero Mosque's Non-Existent Permits

Governor Rendell Marks Pennsylvania Turnpike's 70th Anniversary

Governor Rendell Marks Pennsylvania Turnpike's 70th Anniversary

Pew Study Finds Curbing Federal Debt Easier with Both Spending Cuts and Tax Hikes

Pew Study Finds Curbing Federal Debt Easier with Both Spending Cuts and Tax Hikes

Rendell earns a 'D' in Fiscal Report Card

I think the Cato Institute was grading on a curve. How else can you explain the "D" grade for Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, who is leaving a $5 billion debt for the next governor?

Bankrupting a state should definitely earn Fast Eddie a solid "F."

» CATO Releases Fiscal Report Card: How Did Your Governor Score? - Big Government

Cast A Spell

Shining light on liberal media bias

Paper shining Obama's plan (9/29/10)

Voter-registration deadline is Monday

If you'd like to help take our country back from the radical left, you have to register to vote. The deadline in Pennsylvania is Oct. 4.

Voter-registration deadline is Monday

O'Reilly Smacks Down Liberal Twit Bill Maher

O'Reilly Smacks Down Maher for Claiming Anti-Obama Sentiment is Racist | NewsBusters.org

Gallup: Distrust in Media Hits New High

Gallup: Distrust in Media Hits New High and Three Times as Many See Media as 'Too Liberal' Over 'Too Conservative' | NewsBusters.org

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Desperate Democrats resort to class warfare

By Tony Phyrillas

Stop me if you've heard this one before: The Republican Party is the party of the rich. The Democratic Party represents working people.

That hogwash, perpetuated on behalf of Democratic candidates by rich and powerful labor unions and the equally rich and powerful elites who dominate the news media, has been an overriding theme in national elections for nearly a century.

Demonizing opponents makes for good politics, especially when you can pit "us" against "them." The problem with the "poor" vs. "rich" analogy is that it doesn't fit reality.

John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic Party nominee, was one of the richest men ever to seek the White House. With a personal fortune exceeding $200 million, Kerry wouldn't know a poor person if he stepped on him on his way to the country club. Kerry should have won the presidency against a George W. Bush weakened by unpopular wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but he lost because he could not relate to the plight of most Americans.

Kerry is not alone. There are 237 millionaires currently serving in Congress, seven of them with net worths of more than $100 million each, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

The three wealthiest members of the Senate are Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.), worth about $215 million; Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), worth about $210 million; and Sen. Kerry (D-Mass.), worth about $209 million. Did you happen to notice the "D" after each of their names?

Among the 25 wealthiest lawmakers, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi (estimated worth of $32 million) — there are 14 Democrats and 11 Republicans, suggesting no clear wealth divisions between political parties, according to Political Hotsheet.

Democrat Barack Obama spent more money to win the presidency than any other candidate in U.S. history. Obama, a "community organizer" who worked his way up the Chicago political ladder, raised $750 million in 2008. That money wasn't sent to him $5 or $10 at a time by elderly grandmothers. It came from trial lawyers, labor unions, lobbyists and corporations.

Class warfare — pitting "us" against "them" or the "poor" versus the "rich" is among the most reliable tools in the Democratic Party's political arsenal, especially when your party has been in charge of Congress for the past four years and the White House for the past two years.

The result of Democratic leadership? Record unemployment, record home foreclosures and a record number of Americans in poverty.

Democrats can't run on their record of abject failure, so they need a diversion.

Take the closely-watched race for Senate in Pennsylvania, pitting Democrat Congressman Joe Sestak and Republican Pat Toomey.

Sestak's entire campaign so far has been to label Toomey as a "Wall Street insider," although Toomey has not worked on Wall Street since 1991. Unable to give voters any reason they should vote for Sestak, who has supported the Pelosi/Obama agenda 98 percent of the time, the Sestak campaign is working feverishly to paint Toomey as a real-life version of Gordon Gekko, the slimy corporate raider played by Michael Douglass in the two "Wall Street" films.

With the economy getting progressively worse under Democratic leadership (don't forget that Democrats took control of both houses of Congress four years ago) and polls showing a historic repudiation of the Democratic Party coming on Nov. 2, Democrats have fallen back on their favorite "rich vs. poor" campaign tactic.

Which brings us to the hottest debate in Washington, D.C., these days: Whether to extend the Bush tax cuts, enacted in 2001 and 2003, which are set to expire Dec. 31.

The Democrats keep saying the tax cuts benefited only the "rich" despite convincing evidence to the contrary.

While Americans earning more than $250,000 a year certainly benefited by the tax cuts, so did tens of millions of middle class Americans making less than $250,000.

Even the ultra-liberal and Democratic Party-friendly Washington Post admits that the Bush tax cuts have had a positive effect on the U.S. economy: "The cuts lowered tax rates across the board on income, dividends and capital gains; eventually eliminated the estate tax; further lowered burdens on married couples, parents and the working poor; and increased tax credits for education and retirement savings."

Obama wants to extend part of the Bush tax cuts, but not all of them, but Democrats do not appear to have the votes — or the nerve — to make a decision before Nov. 2. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced last week he will postpone a vote on extending the Bush tax cuts until after the midterm elections.

While playing it safe politically may help Democrats, it does nothing for the fragile U.S. economy. The Democrats' unwillingness to make a move on taxes takes away incentive for consumers to spend and businesses to hire. And that's a big reason the recession shows no signs of letting up.

'It's A Meaningful Life' VeggieTales Trailer

Medicare Advantage Plans Eliminated for 3 Million Seniors

Too bad all those Democrats who voted for Obamacare didn't bother to read the bill. Seniors like to vote and they will vote out Democrats in record numbers on Nov. 2.

Medicare Advantage Plans Eliminated for 3 Million Seniors - HUMAN EVENTS

Another Name for Dan Onorato

Another false political ad from Rep. Joe Sestak

POLITICO: AIPAC disputes Sestak ad - Ben Smith - AIPAC disputes Sestak ad

Stop Printing Money

Stop Printing Money - IBD - Investors.com

The Economics Of 'Fairness' Have Backfired

Pennsylvania-based economist Ralph Reiland on the failure of Obamanomics:

The Economics Of 'Fairness' Have Backfired - IBD - Investors.com

Of labor unions and voter fraud

Tea Party Vs. SEIU - IBD - Investors.com

Quote of the Day

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."

— Thomas Jefferson

Gone Campaigning

John Stossell on what 'taxing the rich' really means

From a new column by John Stossel on the absurdity of the Democrats "tax the rich" campaign:
Progressives want to raise taxes on individuals who make more than $200,000 a year because they say it's wrong for the rich to be "given" more money. Sunday's New York Times carries a cartoon showing Uncle Sam handing money to a fat cat. They just don't get it.

As I've said before, a tax cut is not a handout. It simply means government steals less. What progressives want to do is take money from some -- by force -- and spend it on others. It sounds less noble when plainly stated.
Read the full column at the link below:

Taxing the Rich - HUMAN EVENTS

More Evidence of Pro-Obama Mainstream Media Bias

More Evidence of Pro-Obama Mainstream Media Bias - Peter Roff (usnews.com)

More bad news for Democrats

Blue Dog Research Forum and Zogby Partner to Survey Key Voter Demographic: Likely Independent Voters

NBC Actually Reports News!!!

NBC Forced to Admit More See Tea Party as Good and Want ObamaCare Repealed – And They’re MSM Viewers | NewsBusters.org

All the biased news that fits

Special Report: Supremely Slanted - How the NY Times Pounds Conservatives and Coddles Liberals on the Supreme Court | NewsBusters.org

When Joe Sestak Went to Washington

Empires of Collusion: First Shot Fired in Pulp Wars

Empires of Collusion: First Shot Fired in Pulp Wars

Bullying Meets Its Match

Bullying Meets Its Match

Auditor General: Pennsylvania Faces $5 Billion Budget Gap

Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner, a Democrat, has released a report showing that Gov. Ed Rendell will be leaving office with a $5 billion budget deficit for the next governor.

Heckavu job, Ed. (And Democrat Dan Onorato is campaigning to continue the Rendell fiscal policies, so if you'd like the deficit to reach $10 billion, make sure you elect Onorato for governor.)

Auditor General Jack Wagner Says Pennsylvania Faces $5 Billion Budget Gap in Fiscal Year 2011-12

Unfinished Business

Top 10 Unfinished Business Left By Pelosi and Reid - HUMAN EVENTS

Patrick Murphy's Votes Hurt Pennsylvania Families

The Enthusiasm Gap

Senators Demand Probe of Obama Opponents' Private Taxpayer Info Release

Senators Demand Probe of Obama Opponents' Private Taxpayer Info Release - HUMAN EVENTS

Witchcraft

Unhinged Democrat Alert

Attack ad over the top? Alan Grayson compares opponent to Taliban. - CSMonitor.com

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Announces Confirmations, Nominations

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Announces Confirmations, Nominations

Joe Sestak skips out on debate with Pat Toomey

Obama Refers to Illegal Aliens as 'Us' As He Renews Call for Amnesty

Obama Refers to Illegal Aliens as 'Us' As He Renews Call for Amnesty | CNSnews.com

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Recession officially over: Somebody tell the unemployed

From The Christian Science Monitor: Unemployment lasts longer than ever before, home values keep declining, foreclosures abound and people are growing poorer. This is the rebound?

No wonder the Democratic Party is headed for historic loses in the Nov. 2 elections.

Democrats have controlled both houses of Congress for four years and the White House for nearly two years.

It's the Obama Recession and it's not ending as long as Dems control the federal government.

Read more at the link below:

Recession officially over: Somebody tell the unemployed. - CSMonitor.com

Obama to Dems: 'Stop Whining'

That great motivational speaker, Barack Obama is telling Congressional Democrats who followed him over the cliff to "stop whining" as they face political annihilation on Nov. 2. Heckavu pep talk, Barack.

UN: Undeniable Nutjob

Passage Now of Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act Would Stem Reckless Annual Tide of Thousands of Teen Car Crash Deaths

Passage Now of Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act Would Stem Reckless Annual Tide of Thousands of Teen Car Crash Deaths

Governor Rendell's Chief of Staff Writes to Senate About Intelligence Bulletins and State Police

Governor Rendell's Chief of Staff Writes to Senate About Intelligence Bulletins and State Police

Pennsylvania Ranks Among Top Four in Digital States Survey

Pennsylvania Ranks Among Top Four in Digital States Survey

Lois Herr #10: Left of Obama

Gangsta Government Rap

Additional Pennsylvania State Forest Roads to Open for Hunting Seasons

Additional Pennsylvania State Forest Roads to Open for Hunting Seasons

Pennsylvania State Police: 139 Trucks Placed Out of Service through Enforcement Effort

Pennsylvania State Police: 139 Trucks Placed Out of Service through Enforcement Effort

Bryan Lentz's Bad Choices

Kampf Opens New Campaign Headquarters



From the Warren Kampf for State House Campaign:
PAOLI – Surrounded by nearly 50 friends, volunteers and supporters, Warren Kampf today opened a new, bigger campaign headquarters. Kampf is the Republican candidate for State Representative in Pennsylvania's 157th Legislative District, and current Tredyffrin Township Supervisor.

"Our old space simply was not big enough to accommodate the volunteers and supporters who continue to join our campaign every day," said Kampf. "The outpouring of support I have received throughout this process is humbling, and I hope that I can repay it by getting to Harrisburg to instill real fiscal discipline and get our economy back on track."

Kampf is running on a record of proven fiscal responsibility. As a Tredyffrin Supervisor for nearly seven years, Kampf has delivered four no-property tax increase budgets and held total tax increases to less than 1% a year on average during his tenure.

Kampf has also reduced township debt to save taxpayers at least a quarter of a million dollars a year in debt service payments.

In 2009, Kampf led the successful effort to cut government spending by 15%.

He has done all this while continuing to provide citizens with needed services and nearly tripling funding for emergency responders and fire departments.

"The differences in this election couldn't be more clear," said Kampf in a short speech given at the grand opening. "I have brought real fiscal discipline to government. My opponent has voted to raise spending by a billion dollars and increase debt by more than half-a-billion in the worst economy in generations."

After his speech, Kampf worked with volunteers on various projects. He then left the celebration early to continue his door-knocking effort that has seen him visit nearly 8,000 homes already this year, but more than 30 volunteers stayed to help stuff envelopes, prepare literature drops and more.

New Poll: Toomey Up 5, Corbett Up 8

Suffolk University Poll Shows Toomey Up 5, Corbett Up 8

'Waiting for Superman' - Official Trailer

A solution for 'too much to do'

A solution for 'too much to do' - CSMonitor.com

285,000 visitors

My site counter has recorded 285,000 unique visitors and 445,000 page views. Thanks for checking out this blog and come back again.

Know the Drill: The Truth about Natural Gas | Community Impact

Liberal Twit of the Day

Beckel to Geller: You're a Woman, You Better Be Careful | NewsBusters.org

Monday, September 27, 2010

Report: Obama Tax Hike Will Devastate Middle Class

The Heritage Foundation has released a new report detailing the devastating effects on middle class families if Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats allow the Bush Tax Cuts to expire.

Democrats, who control both houses of Congress and the White House, have refused to extend the middle class tax cuts, which are set to expire on Dec. 31, 2010. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said no vote will be taken until after the Nov. 2 election.

The Heritage Foundation says the Democrats' attempt to spin the tax cuts as class warfare is an insult to voters. Failing to extend the Bush Tax Cuts will result in higher taxes for most Americans.

From the report:
The President and his supporters are calling for tax increases, primarily on upper-income taxpayers and businesses— including small businesses, the primary job creators in the country. Those who will be most burdened if this plan becomes law are the millions of Americans just starting their economic lives and the millions more trying to find work after the worst recession in 60 years.

The rest, whose lives are affected by the investments and business decisions of those taxpayers in the high-income classes, will share the burden.

No income earner will be unscathed. Instead of extracting more income from the private economy, Congress should immediately reduce its spending and enact fundamental entitlement reform that supports strong economic growth.
Economic conditions, already in a death spiral under Obama, will get worse, according to the report:
• Slower economic growth: Inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (GDP) would fall by a total of $1.1 trillion between FY 2011 and FY 2020. GDP in 2018 would fall by $145 billion alone. The growth rate of the economy would be slower for the entire 10-year period.

• Fewer jobs: Slower economic growth would result in less job creation. Employment would fall by an average of 693,000 per year over this period

* 238,000 fewer jobs in the critical economic recovery year of 2011;
* In one year alone, 2016, job losses top 876,000.

• More unemployed Americans: Slower growth in employment translates to a higher unemployment rate, which would rise more each year during the 10-year period than it would without the Obama tax hikes.

* In other words, for Americans who are unemployed now, their prospects of employment would worsen under the Obama tax plan.
You can view the report by clicking here.

Obama Tax Hikes: Bad for All Americans

Obama Tax Hikes: Bad for All Americans | The Heritage Foundation

Repeal Obamacare and Go Home

Repeal Obamacare and Go Home | The Heritage Foundation

Report Says Health Reform Can Keep More Older Adults Out of Nursing Homes

Report Says Health Reform Can Keep More Older Adults Out of Nursing Homes

Chris Matthews Unhinged

Matthews: Businesses Sitting on Trillions of Dollars to 'Screw' Economy and Obama | NewsBusters.org

Devastating new ad targets Democrats

Poll Reveals Government Spending is Personal to Voters

Poll Reveals Government Spending is Personal to Voters

Command Change for PA National Guard

Governor Rendell Announces Command Change for PA National Guard

State Police: Number of Police Pursuits in PA Down 12.9 Percent in 2009

State Police: Number of Police Pursuits in PA Down 12.9 Percent in 2009

Spirit Halloween Announces 2010 Top Costumes


Spirit Halloween Announces 2010 Top Costumes

Typo

Tea Party smells like victory

Good column by Jordan Sekulow on the rise of the Tea Party movement despite the non-stop bashing by the left-wing media:
Call us tea partiers, radical right-wingers, Republicans, fundamentalists, Libertarians, or Independents. On November 2nd, you'll be calling most of us winners.
Read the full column at The Wshington Post's website.

Is Anybody Watching?

'This Week' Ratings Plummet With Christiane Amanpour As Host | NewsBusters.org

The Midterms: Hollywood Doubles Down for Dems

The Midterms: Hollywood Doubles Down for Dems

The liberal elite: You morons don't appreciate Obama’s ‘amazing’ achievements

Amanpour Rues Lack of Appreciation for Obama's 'Amazing' Achievements, Then Slams 'Bizarre' & 'Fringe Quality' of GOP Candidates | NewsBusters.org

The Breaking Point

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Rep. Joe Pitts supports 'A Pledge to America'

A Pledge to America

By Congressman Joe Pitts

This week, House Republicans released a governing agenda that clearly shows the American people what we are working to accomplish in this Congress and in the future. The Pledge to America is grounded in timeless values and the needs of America today. We looked to the Constitution for guidance on the role of the federal government, and we listened to the American people through town hall meetings, phone calls, letters, and new technologies.

We know that the priority of every American is resurrecting this flagging economy. Despite a stimulus bill that will cost taxpayers over $1 trillion, unemployment soared to nearly 10 percent. Each report of new unemployment claims confirms that American workers and families are hurting.

There is a fundamental disagreement between Republicans and Democrats about the best way to move our economy forward. In the past two years, the solutions offered by the Administration and Congress have been government takeovers of the banking, healthcare, student loan, energy, and automotive industries.

I opposed bailouts and government takeovers when they were pushed by President Bush, and I've continued to oppose President Obama's efforts. The American economy doesn't succeed because of crafty government policies. It succeeds because Americans are free to innovate and invest.

The first objective of the Pledge to America is to create jobs, end economic uncertainty, and make America more competitive. This means standing against job-killing tax hikes that are due to take effect on January 1, 2011. Our plan calls for growing new and existing small businesses through a tax deduction equal to 20 percent of their business income. We also need to repeal the burdensome new tax-reporting requirement created by the health care reform bill. Finally, we need to make sure that bureaucracy is not strangling businesses seeking to create new jobs.

One of the greatest causes of uncertainty in the business community is the threat of massive tax increases to pay for a government that is growing fast. The Pledge calls for an immediate stop to stimulus spending. Over $200 billion remains unspent and we must act quickly to prevent more waste. This also means permanently cancelling the TARP bailout program and returning the money to the Treasury.

The federal government has grown at an extraordinary rate in the last two years. We must put the breaks on and revert to fiscal year 2008 levels. Once we've pared back spending, we need hard caps of the same type that allowed us to balance the budget in the 1990s. When I came to Congress, I co-wrote four consecutive balanced budgets that each paid down the debt. This wouldn't have been possible without hard restraints on the growth of government.

One way to get back to balanced budgets is to repeal the healthcare law. Contrary to White House claims, the Congressional Budget Office and Medicare’s own actuaries have shown that Obamacare will not pay for itself. This new law will be an extraordinary weight on government, businesses, and, most importantly, doctors and patients. We are committed to repealing the law and replacing it with free market solutions.

Every poll shows that trust of Congress is at a record low. The Pledge commits our party to giving Members and the American people time to thoroughly read legislation before it is considered. Congress needs to stop ignoring the Constitution and the limits it places on legislative power. We would require a statement explicitly citing the Constitutional authority that justifies a piece of legislation.

Finally, Congress has a responsibility to keep our nation safe. The Pledge commits House Republicans to strengthening our border, keeping detained terrorists out of the U.S., funding missile defense, and requiring tough sanctions on Iran.

I wholeheartedly endorse these policies, but my work also goes beyond what is in the Pledge. I'm listening to my constituents in the 16th District and introducing bills based on what I'm hearing from them. The recently introduced COBRA Affordability Act came about because of the struggles many have had paying for health insurance after losing a job.

Republicans are going to press for these policies to be enacted immediately. We're going to keep listening to the American people and offering clear solutions that put them in charge, not government bureaucrats.

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

Bill O'Reilly: Citizen journalist shames press corps

From Bill O'Reilly's latest column on a brave woman who stood up to Obama about his broken promises and failed presidency:
Shaming the White House press corps, a regular American named Velma Hart recently asked President Barack Obama the toughest question he has heard since being elected to the Oval Office. After describing herself as a middle-class American with two kids attending private school and a person who supported the president's vision and promises of a better future for Americans, Hart dropped a bomb: "My husband and I have joked for years that we thought we were well beyond the hot dogs and beans era of our lives, but quite frankly, it's starting to knock on our door and ring true that that might be where we're headed again. ... Is this my new reality?"

Devastating.
Read the full column at Townhall.com

Andrew Breitbart Nails Bill Maher: You're Not a Libertarian, You're a Socialist

Andrew Breitbart Nails Bill Maher: You're Not a Libertarian, You're a Socialist | NewsBusters.org

Weekly Republican Address: 'Pledge to America'

Summing up Obama: Socialist, elitist, a failure

An Open Letter to President Obama | NewsBusters.org

ABC stunt flops

ABC's Bianna Golodryga Goes Undercover to 'Expose' Secret Muslim Bias in America, Doesn't Find Much | NewsBusters.org

Krauthammer Smacks Down Liberal Over Stimulus Jobs Created or Saved

Krauthammer Smacks Down WaPo's King Over Stimulus Jobs Created or Saved | NewsBusters.org

Friday, September 24, 2010

Rats deserting a sinking ship

Rats deserting a sinking ship: Midterms setting stage for mass White House exodus?

Harry Reid: Chris Coons is 'My Pet'

Newspaper: A GOP 'Pledge' to restore fiscal sanity



Investor's Business Daily applauds the GOP "Pledge to America" as a step in the right direction to restore fiscal sanity to Washington after 4 years of out-of-control spending by Congressional Democrats.

From the editorial:
The Republicans' Pledge to America is being attacked as "ideological," even "hysterical." Which shows how far our government has strayed from its founding constitutional principles.
Read the full editorial at the link below:

Fiscal Sanity - Investors.com

Four from Phila. area make Forbes' richest list

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie is on the list. See who else made it at the link below:

Four from Phila. area make Forbes' richest list - Philadelphia Business Journal

Organize4Palin launches in support conservative candidates

A new website designed to rally voters behind candidates Sarah Palin has endorsed has launched today.

Although Sarah Palin is not directly involved with www.organize4palin.com, her image is all over the site, including snapshots of Palin with more than 30 candidates Palin has endorsed for various races across the country.

Palin knows about the site and apparently approves because she informed her 282,000-plus followers on Twitter of the launch: "Check out this grassroots effort to help commonsense conservatives get elected this year!"

And speaking of Sarah Palin, her new book, "America by Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith, and Flag," is scheduled for release this November.

Lowman Henry speaks to Berks Patriots

Berks Patriots urged to rally around conservatives

Pelosi Remains Least Liked Congressional Leader

Congressional Favorability Ratings

The Tea Party Impact on GOP's "Pledge to America"

African American Likely Voters' Support for Tea Party is Significant in Recent Poll

African American Likely Voters' Support for Tea Party is Significant in Recent Poll

Small Business Financing Bill May Shortchange Veterans

Small Business Financing Bill May Shortchange Veterans

ACORN Spinoff Smacked Down by HUD

ACORN Spinoff Smacked Down by HUD - HUMAN EVENTS

Inside the Liberal Mind

Latest Rendell Scandal Gets National Attention

Pa. ordeal raises new questions about states' info-gathering

The state-run media

ABC's World News Runs White House Produced Pro-ObamaCare Video as 'News' | NewsBusters.org

When the Democrats took over

Question for Paul Krugman: Are Things Better Today Than In January 2007? | NewsBusters.org

Happy Birthday Nia Vardalos



Actress Nia Vardalos is 48 today. Happy Birthday to the star of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and "My Life In Ruins"

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Franklin & Marshall College Poll: Incumbent Dems in trouble

G. Terry Madonna has released a new Franklin and Marshall College Poll focusing on voters in Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District, primarily Bucks County, and Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, primarily Erie. Both incumbent Democrats are trailing their GOP challengers, according to the polls.

Here are the key findings:
· In the 8th congressional district, Mike Fitzpatrick has an advantage over incumbent Patrick Murphy among all registered adults, 46% to 36%, with about one in five (17%) adults still undecided. Fitzpatrick’s advantage is larger among those more likely to vote, 49% to 35%, with 15% undecided. The survey finds that Fitzpatrick’s advantage increases as the likely voter screen becomes more restrictive.

· Two in five (41%) registered adults in the district rate Representative Murphy’s job performance as “excellent” or “good.” About the same proportion (40%) believe he deserves re-election while almost half (47%) believes it is time for a change.

· In the PA senate race, Pat Toomey leads Joe Sestak in the district among all registered adults, 39% to 30%, and among likely voters, 42% to 32%. In the gubernatorial race, Tom Corbett leads Dan Onorato among registered adults, 37% to 29%, and among likely voters, 40% to 30%. Many registered adults in the 8th CD are still undecided about their choices for US senate (30%) and governor (34%).

· Unemployment and the economy (57%) are the primary issues facing respondents and their families in the district.

· The positive job performance rating for President Obama (37%) is low in the district, but is similar to his overall state-wide ratings. Governor Rendell's positive job performance rating (46%) is higher than the president’s in the district and is also higher than his overall state-wide rating.
Read the full poll results here.

Rep. Paul Ryan on House Republicans' Pledge to America

Newt Gingrich Applauds GOP 'Pledge to America'

Gingrich Applauds GOP's 'Pledge to America' - HUMAN EVENTS

Hustling for Obama

MRC's Worst of the Week: Media Ramp Up Anti-Tea Party Venom | NewsBusters.org

Heckler did not know what he was up against



Don't mess with the big man!

Newspaper: PA court veils public's right to know

Court veils public's right to know

9 states ban cellphone use while driving. Is yours on the list?

9 states ban cellphone use while driving. Is yours on the list? - California - CSMonitor.com

Forbes 400 list: Bill Gates still richest American

Forbes 400 list: Bill Gates still richest American - CSMonitor.com

Texting caused total 'distracted driving' deaths to rise, study finds

Texting caused total 'distracted driving' deaths to rise, study finds - CSMonitor.com

GOP's Pledge to America laced with 'tea party' slogans

GOP's Pledge to America laced with 'tea party' slogans - CSMonitor.com

Women earn 77 cents to every $1 men earn

Income vs. Earnings

Health Insurance: Who Has Coverage, Who Doesn't?

Health Insurance: Who Has Coverage, Who Doesn't?

Welcome to Pennsylvania

Rep. Ron Paul to Appear at Inaugural Virginia Tea Party Patriot Convention

Rep. Ron Paul to Appear at Inaugural Virginia Tea Party Patriot Convention

Bipartisan Poll Shows Small Businesses Concerned About Economy, Lawsuits, Effectiveness of Government Actions

Bipartisan Poll Shows Small Businesses Concerned About Economy, Lawsuits, Effectiveness of Government Actions

PennDOT Reminds Motorists of Fall Driving Hazards

PennDOT Reminds Motorists of Fall Driving Hazards

Woman at Town Hall Meeting Tired of Defending President Obama

Republicans unveil 'A Pledge to America'

Republicans today released "A Pledge to America," a 48-page blueprint for real hope and change ... not to mention undoing the damage Obama/Pelosi have done to America.

You can download a PDF version of the document here.

Viguerie: GOP's New Pledge Gets 1 1/2 Cheers

Viguerie: GOP's New Pledge Gets 1 1/2 Cheers

Worrisome Keystone State Polls For Dems

Republicans continue to do well in polling for Congressional races in Pennsylvania.

Worrisome Keystone State Polls For Dems - Hotline On Call

FRC Hosts Symposium on Relationship Between Economic and Social Conservatism

FRC Hosts Symposium on Relationship Between Economic and Social Conservatism

U.S. Competitive Position Has Further Declined in Past Five Years, Report Says

U.S. Competitive Position Has Further Declined in Past Five Years, Report Says

Shotgun wedding

Poll: Americans In The Dark About Supreme Court

Americans Vote on the Supreme Court

MADD Marks 30th Anniversary

MADD Marks 30th Anniversary With Capitol Hill Rally Unveiling Tech-Based MADD 3.0 Action Plan to Eliminate Drunk Driving

Chris Christie or Meat Loaf?

Gov. Meat Loaf comes to Pennsylvania - The Mercury

Top 10 Failures of ObamaCare

Top 10 Failures of ObamaCare After Six Months - HUMAN EVENTS

Video: Mourning in America HD

Obama Czar Elizabeth Warren: First Amendment Right 'Scares Me'

Elizabeth Warren: First Amendment Right 'Scares Me', Needs 'Dialing Back' | NewsBusters.org

'The Party of No' has the answers

We’ll Take the Pledge - The Editors - National Review Online

The Pledge to America: The Basics

Republican unveil a winning agenda for Nov. 2, offering real solutions to the Democrats' failed policies.

The Pledge to America: The Basics

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Nat Hentoff warning about Obamacare

From a recent Nat Hentoff column about the Obamacare fiasco:
And I wonder how many seniors among the voters this year and in 2012 know, as Peter Ferrara and Larry Hunter reported in the Sept. 9 Wall Street Journal that Richard Foster, Medicare's chief actuary notes: "Medicare payment rates for the doctors and hospitals serving seniors will be cut by 30 percent during the next three years."

I am an octogenarian, with more articles and books to write, and although I used to be a Democrat, I'm far from voting for the straight Democrat ticket this year. I did not vote for Obama last time because he is so avidly pro-abortion, and I'm a pro-lifer. But in the midterm elections, and if he goes for a second term, I'm voting for my own life -- to escape Obamacare.

It is President Obama who's using "scare tactics": by threatening objectors to his command that we buy health insurance or else be forced to pay a fine.

Mr. President, I am an American, sir, and will vote for the Constitution.
Read the full story, Health czar: 'Zero tolerance' for Obamacare critics, here.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church destroyed on 9/11 still not rebuilt.flv

'Soldiers to Governors: Pennsylvania's Civil War Veterans who Became State Leaders'

PA Historical and Museum Commission Releases New Book Focused on Civil War Soldiers Who Became PA Governors

Consumerist.com Announces Nominees for Worst Ad in America Awards

Consumerist.com Announces Nominees for Worst Ad in America Awards

PennDOT's 511PA System Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

PennDOT's 511PA System Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Video: Tea Party

Pa. drivers would pay more under Dem's bill

Pa. bill would double auto liability insurance requirement - Philadelphia Business Journal

Top 10 Failures of ObamaCare After Six Months

Top 10 Failures of ObamaCare After Six Months - HUMAN EVENTS

Name That Party: Crooked Democrat Edition

Eight Dems Arrested in Bell, CA 'Corruption on Steroids' - Not a Single Mention of Party Affiliation From Media | NewsBusters.org

Obama a ratings loser

More People Watched Fox News Monday Than Obama Town Hall | NewsBusters.org

What You Need to Know About Ethanol Policy

Whatever happened to love thy neighbor?

Amity man arrested for allegedly shooting at neighbor - The Mercury

Time is running out for PA Legislature to save young lives

Three weeks remain for Legislature to act on teen driving laws - The Mercury

Two Decades of Sen. Reid Translate into Escalating National Debt, Higher Taxes

Two Decades of Sen. Reid Translate into Escalating National Debt, Higher Taxes

Judicial Watch Sues DOJ for Documents Detailing White House Involvement in Black Panther Case Dismissal

Judicial Watch Sues DOJ for Documents Detailing White House Involvement in Black Panther Case Dismissal

A New Jersey: Remember November Part I

More CEOs Seeing Obama As Bad Hire

Would you hire Obama for your company? Didn't think so.

More CEOs Seeing Obama As Bad Hire - Investors.com

Big Government, No Accountability

This is just one little town in California Imagine the scale of corruption in Washington, D.C.

Bell raised taxes, used money for higher salaries for officials, audit finds

Fidel Castro: Never Mind

In Pennsylvania, natural gas industry flexes its muscle

Did you know that former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge is the chief lobbyist for the natural gas industry in Pennsylvania? That may have something to do with the reluctance of the state Legislature to tax the extraction of natural gas from the vast underground deposits in Pennsylvania.

In Pennsylvania, natural gas industry flexes its muscled

Group denounces erroneous taxpayer-financed terror report

This latest Rendell scandal is not getting the play it deserves from Pennsylvania media. I applaud groups like COOL for taking a stand.

From The Constitutional Organization Of Liberty (COOL):
(Lebanon, PA) - The Constitutional Organization Of Liberty (COOL), a conservative, non-partisan political action committee registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State, is denouncing the inclusion of its organization in a controversial report prepared for the Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security by the Institute of Terrorism Research and Response (ITRR).

Mark Thomas, Chairman for COOL, said he was shocked that the educational group was being considered a terror threat to the Commonwealth.

"It is stunning that some obscure group included COOL in its report," Thomas said. "Our objective and primary focus is, and always has been, educating the people of Pennsylvania about the principles our country was founded on."

"If teaching the Constitution is now considered terrorist activity, then I guess we’re guilty as charged," he said. “But at least we're in good company – like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Ben Franklin."

State Senator Mike Folmer, one of the original organizers of COOL and a current Board member, expressed frustration when he learned that the group had been included in the report.

"I'm really not happy about this," Folmer said. "We have a governor who has spent our state into near bankruptcy, who has driven countless businesses out of the state, and who is forever trying to take more out of the taxpayers wallet – and now we learn that he used public money to finance a report that attacks people who are trying to educate citizens about the very document he swore to uphold and defend."

"This is not a Republican thing or a Democrat thing, it is a liberty thing," he said. "When law abiding citizens become the target of suspicious government because the people in government don’t like what they are saying, then the 1st Amendment is in greater jeopardy than we realize."

Folmer said he intends to help push for legislative hearings to find out exactly who authorized the ITRR report and how ITRR was designated to complete the report.

Louis Petolicchio, who serves as a course instructor for COOL, said he found the inclusion of the group in the ITRR report ironic since COOL had nothing to do with the activity which was deemed as 'terrorist.'

"According to the report, COOL was sponsoring the 2nd Annual State Capitol Taxpayers' Protest in Harrisburg on June 8 of this year," he noted. "Problem is that COOL had nothing to do with that rally as it was organized by State Representative Darryl Metcalfe."

According to published reports, Metcalfe, a lawmaker from western Pennsylvania, has demanded that Governor Ed Rendell explain why the taxpayer rally was included on the bulletin intended to identify terror threats.

"What's most disturbing about this report is the sloppy research that went into it on the part of the ITRR," Petolicchio said. "They completely screwed up the parties involved on this particular item in their report."

"And, if they couldn’t get their facts straight on this 'threat', then what else did they screw up in their report," he asked.

"It is amazing that the ITRR managed to do enough research to quote the COOL website which makes it very clear that we teach the constitution as the rule of law but then completely muddled the facts about the rally and proceeded to identify COOL as a threat," Petolicchio added. "The two questions now are how do they correct the mess they have made and why are our tax dollars funding such incompetence."

Obama: Guard the change

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Poll: Most Pennsylvanians Say Cutting Taxes, Not Increasing Spending, Will Create More Jobs

Almost 7 in 10 Pennsylvania voters reject the Obama/Pelosi/Reid Agenda.

Pennsylvania could lead the GOP tidal wave on Nov. 2 with Pat Toomey winning US Senate seat and 6-8 House seats switching to Republicans.

From Rasmussen Reports:
A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in the Keystone state finds that 68% feel cutting taxes is a better way to create new jobs rather than increasing government spending. Only 14% disagree and feel increasing government spending will increase job creation. Another 18% are not sure.
Read more poll results at the link below:

68% in Pennsylvania Believe Cutting Taxes, Not Increasing Spending, Will Create More Jobs

Pennsylvania Governor: Corbett 49%, Onorato 39%

Election 2010: Pennsylvania Governor

One lump or two?

Obama: 'Mexicans' Were Here 'Long Before America Was Even An Idea'

RealClearPolitics - Video - Obama: "Mexicans" Were Here "Long Before America Was Even An Idea"

Obama, Dems target senior citizens again

23 Million Seniors to Receive Lower Social Security Payments Next Year

'This is Our Land, Our Memorial. We Want it Back!'

VFW Files Motion to Intervene in Mojave Desert Memorial Case: This is Our Land, Our Memorial. We Want it Back!

Another One Bites The Dust

Governor Rendell Announces Resignation of Health Secretary Everette James

Pennsylvanians Urged to Turn in Unwanted Prescription Drugs for Disposal

Pennsylvanians Urged to Turn in Unwanted Prescription Drugs for Disposal

End the corruption of one-party rule in Washington

Top Obama DOJ Officials Involved in Decision to Drop Black Panther Case According to Evidence Obtained by Judicial Watch

Table Game Play Brings in $34.5M at PA Casinos

Recession? What recession? Pennsylvania's 9 casinos reported table game revenues of $34.5 million during the month of August, according to state gaming officials.

Revenue Figures For First Full Month of Table Game Play Released By Gaming Control Board

Tokyo Rove

New Poll: Senate Balance Of Power Tips To GOP

Best-case scenario: Republicans take 60-40 control of US Senate in November, according to new Rasmussen poll. Worst-case scenario: Dems hold 55-45 control or a 50-50 split. But the Democratic majority in place since 2007 is history, according to the poll.

Election 2010: Senate Balance Of Power

Nobody is watching

Viewership for the three network newscasts continues to plummet as the networks lurch further to the left.

Big 3 Nets' Evening News Audience Fails to Break 20 Million in Mid-September | NewsBusters.org

Ground Zero Imam's Group Trained NY Times Mosque Reporter

Ground Zero Imam's Group Trained NY Times Mosque Reporter | NewsBusters.org

Twitter has been hacked

In case you haven't heard, here's a warning going around about Twitter:
A flaw in the website of micro-blogging service Twitter is being used to pump out pop-up messages and links to porn sites.

Users only have to move their mouse over the link - not click it - to open it in the browser.

Thousands of Twitter accounts have so far posted messages exploiting the flaw including Sarah Brown, the wife of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The malicious links look like a random URL and contain the code "onmouseover".

This command - written in a programming language called Javascript - automatically directs users to another website, some of which contain pornography.

Church at Ground Zero Overshadowed by Mosque

AD WATCH: Lentz fibs on pay raise, tax cuts

The political site pa2010.com says Democratic state Rep. Bryan Lentz, who is running for Congress in the 7th District against Republican Pat Meehan, has been lying in political ads.

Check this out: AD WATCH: Lentz fibs on pay raise, tax cuts

Obama is on the fringe

52% of Voters Say Their Views Are More Like Palin's Than Obama's

Harry Reid's 'Pet'

If you live in Delaware, would you really vote for a politician known as Harry Reid's "pet"? That's what Democrat Chris Coons is know as, somebody's pet. Send a message to the establishment: Elect Christine O'Donnell to the US Senate.

Harry Reid's 'Pet' - Stephen Spruiell - National Review Online

Patrick Murphy's Votes Hurt Pennsylvania Families

Monday, September 20, 2010

Four PA Congressional candidates make GOP 'Contender' list

How Pennsylvania votes on Nov. 2 could determine how big the anticipated GOP landslide will be. Republicans could pick up 6-7 additional Congressional seats in Pennsylvania alone if the anti-incumbent mood continues at the polls.

There are fewer safe Democratic seats, including a handful in Pennsylvania that the National Republican Congressional Committee says could be had be Republicans.

Four Pennsylvania candidates are among the 13 added to the NRCC's "Contender" list this week.

They are Dee Adcock (PA-13); Tim Burns (PA-12); Tom Marino (PA-10) and Keith Rothfus (PA-04).

All four were considered long shots against established Democratic incumbents, but things are changing quickly as voters are about to punish Congressional Democrats for four years of failure.

By reaching the first and second step of the three-step "Young Guns" program, the GOP candidates have reached the fundamental benchmarks to place them on the road to victory, according to an NRCC press release.

"These candidates have worked hard to meet the benchmarks that have been laid out before them and are determined to hold Washington Democrats accountable this November," said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). "Middle-class families are tired of watching the Democrat majority spend this country deeper into recession while they have been forced to tighten their belts. With Americans desperate for change, these 23 candidates are determined to reign in reckless spending, cut taxes and return the economy back to a state of vitality."

Read more about the surging GOP candidates at the link below:

News - NRCC Announces New "On the Radar" and "Contender" Candidates

Recovery Act Created Green Jobs Costing $273,723 Each!

Recovery Act Created Green Jobs Costing $273,723 Each!

Bryan Lentz's Bad Choices

Political Appointee Involved in Obama Justice Department Decision to Drop Black Panther Case According to Documents Disclosed to Judicial Watch

Political Appointee Involved in Obama Justice Department Decision to Drop Black Panther Case According to Documents Disclosed to Judicial Watch

Governor Rendell Announces Nominations, Appointments

Governor Rendell Announces Nominations, Appointments

Leading Conservative PAC Writes Off Murkowski Write-In Effort

Leading Conservative PAC Writes Off Murkowski Write-In Effort

Consumerist.com Hosts First Annual Worst Ad in America Awards

Consumerist.com Hosts First Annual Worst Ad in America Awards

Corbett: Dan Onorato a replica of Rendell

If you liked the last 8 years of runaway spending, high taxes, massive debt and lost jobs under Gov. Ed Rendell, Democrat Dan Onorato would like to give Pennsylvania residents four more years of the same failed policies.

PhillyBurbs.com: Corbett: Onorato a replica of Rendell

Rendell Regime Spies on Critics



See related editorial, State spying, at The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review website.

State work force down to 76,067 in PA

While you hate to see anyone lose their job in these tough economic times, there are still 75,067 state workers left after the layoffs announced by Gov. Ed Rendell today. We could probably trim a few more jobs before anyone notices any drop in state services.

Rendell lays off 50 to balance state budget - delcotimes.com

Rally to rebuild Greek Orthodox Church destroyed by 9/11 terrorist attacks

Rally to rebuild Greek Orthodox Church destroyed by 9/11 terrorist attacks

Toomey Lead Over Sestak Grows

A new PoliticsPA/Municipoll finds Republican Pat Toomey (R) leading Democratic Rep. Joe Sestak (D) by 9 points, 45% to 36% with 19% undecided in the race to replace Arlen Specter in the U.S. Senate.

Read more poll results here.

Dog lovers outraged by new Pa. law

The Rendell Administration has watered down a tough new law designed to protect dogs, upsetting many animal lovers.

Dog lovers outraged by new Pa. law - The Mercury

Defeating the Obama Machine

Newspaper hammers Sestak for false attack ad against Toomey

If you can't defend your own record of supporting the failed Obama/Pelosi/Reid agenda 100% of the time, you lie about your opponent. That seems to be liberal Democrat Joe Sestak's campaign strategy against Republican Pat Toomey in the race to replace Arlen Specter in the U.S. Senate.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, one of the most liberal newspapers in the country, hammers away at Sestak for what it labels a "false" ad against Toomey. It's the second time the newspaper has called out Sestak for misrepresenting Toomey's record.

From the latest Commonwealth Confidential column in The Inquirer:
But the ad goes on to say Toomey "got rich as Wall Street's top lobbyist" after he left Congress. This is an apparently reference to Toomey's leadership of the Club for Growth advocacy group from 2005 until early 2009. It is true that the Club for Growth was founded by top capitalists on the Street to push for limited-government policies and lower taxes, so there's no doubt that Toomey generally helped the financial industry. And he did earn a handsome paycheck working for the Washington group. But the Club has grown since its founding to include conservatives of various stripes among its 400,000 members.

Further, Toomey is not now – nor has he ever been – a registered lobbyist, according to records kept by the Clerk of the U.S. House and the Secretary of the Senate.
Read the full post and watch the misleading ad at the newspaper's website.

Media ‘Playing into Dem Message’ That Tea Party Candidates Are 'Insane'

Fmr MSNBC Analyst Crawford: Media ‘Playing into Dem Message’ That Tea Party Candidates Are ‘Insane’ | NewsBusters.org

Signs of a Failed Stimulus: Be A Citizen-Watchdog

Endangered Site: Famagusta Walled City, Cyprus

Endangered Site: Famagusta Walled City, Cyprus

'What Happened to Hope and Change?'

'What Happened to Hope and Change?'

The angrier he gets ...

The Obama Kiss of Death

This just might be the final nail in Joe Sestak's political coffin. Obama did the same thing for Arlen Specter and look where it got him.

Obama to Stump for U.S. Senate Candidate Joe Sestak in Philadelphia | CNSnews.com

PennDOT Reminds Parents to Get Back to Basics During Child Passenger Safety Week

PennDOT Reminds Parents to Get Back to Basics During Child Passenger Safety Week

Conservatives Like Rep. Mike Pence for President

Conservatives Like Rep. Mike Pence for President | CNSnews.com

Inside Obama's America: States See Steep Rise in Poverty and Income Loss

And you thought Democrats were looking out for the little people, didn't you? How come there's so many more Americans living in poverty under Barack Obama and one-party control of Congress?

States See Steep Rise in Poverty and Income Loss

Video: Tough Like Chuck Norris

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Why can't Greek church rebuild at site of 9/11?

We're going to keep asking until NYC bureaucrats come up with an answer.

Why can't Greek church rebuild at site of 9/11? - NashuaTelegraph.com

Taxpayers Paid At Least $9 Million for Signs Promoting Obama's Economic Stimulus

Taxpayers Paid At Least $9 Million for Signs Promoting Obama's Economic Stimulus | NewsBusters.org

Weekly Republican Address Alternatives to Democrats' failed economic policies

Hollywood Feminism: Sexuality and Integrity Are Not Mutually Exclusive

Hollywood Feminism: Sexuality and Integrity Are Not Mutually Exclusive

Liberal twit alert

Michael Moore: Ground Zero McDonald's Killed More People Than 9/11 Hijackers | NewsBusters.org

Video: NewsBusted

UK Press Finds Possible 'Muslim,' 'Islamic' Plot to Kill Pope; AP Finds 'Street Cleaners'

UK Press Finds Possible 'Muslim,' 'Islamic' Plot to Kill Pope; AP Finds 'Street Cleaners' | NewsBusters.org

Quote of the Day

"Progress isn't made by early risers. It's made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something." — Robert Heinlein

Friday, September 17, 2010

Rep. Joe Pitts: Defending the Constitution

Defending the Constitution

By Congressman Joe Pitts

On September 17, 1787, the Constitutional Convention signed the final draft of the Constitution. That document has stood the test of time, providing both stability and liberty. Just before signing the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin noted that while it was a document written by men with their own failings and prejudices, it was nearly perfect: "Thus I consent, Sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best."

The Constitution establishes the working principles of our legislative, executive and judicial branches. The Founding Fathers knew that these bodies would be in conflict, but that conflict would ensure that none of the three would hold ultimate power.

James Madison, writing in The Federalist, states that: "The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, whether hereditary, self-appointed or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny."

The Constitution, however, did not establish the federal government as the sole governing power in the United States. In fact, Madison described the powers of the federal government as "limited and few." The separate states withheld significant power. This principle was reiterated in the tenth amendment: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

Both the state and federal governments are meant to be guarantors of liberty. Where one may fail, the other can protect our rights. This means that the federal government acts properly when it ensures that every American, no matter who they are, has the right to vote. The states cannot void this right through outright discrimination or cumbersome requirements.

Sometimes, however, the states must stand up when the federal government oversteps its bounds. Some see Congress' power to regulate interstate commerce as providing the means to intervene in nearly every facet of modern American life.

This week in a courtroom in Florida, 20 state attorneys general brought suit against the federal government over mandates in the new healthcare reform law. Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett is one of the parties to the suit, and I applaud his defense of liberty in our state.

The attorneys general are contesting whether the mandate to purchase health insurance is constitutional. I do not believe that our Constitution grants our government the right to compel the purchase of insurance. When President Obama was on the campaign trail, he stated skepticism about whether mandatory insurance was the best way to fix healthcare.

He challenged Hillary Clinton's healthcare plan that included a mandate saying, "You can mandate it, but there's still going to be people who can’t afford it. And if they cannot afford it, then the question is, what are you going to do about it? Are you going to fine them? Are you going to garnish their wages?"

However, that is exactly what Obamacare will do. Each American will be required to provide documentation to the IRS that they have federally-approved health insurance. If an individual is not enrolled in a plan, they will be forced to pay a penalty.

I think that candidate Obama was right. The American people want to see healthcare costs controlled, but the new law takes away our liberty without reducing costs or improving care.

The federal judge overseeing the case has indicated that he will allow the suit to move forward. Arguments in the case will begin as early as December, and I hope that all Americans pay attention to this important debate about their basic rights.

While I hope that the judge strikes down portions of the law, I'm not going to wait for the judiciary to act. I'm already a cosponsor of legislation to repeal Obamacare, and I've also signed a petition insisting that Speaker Pelosi bring this legislation to the floor for an immediate vote. Today, on Constitution Day, I’m reminded that I also took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.

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

'The Cartel' Trailer - HD

You call this hope?

US adds 3.8 million more to ranks of the poor as poverty rate jumps - CSMonitor.com

Obama and Reid pushing amnesty bill for illegals

Reid's Intent to Use Defense Bill to Pass DREAM Act Amnesty Denounced as Cynical and Divisive by FAIR

Celebrate International Observe the Moon Night on Sept. 18

Come Celebrate International Observe the Moon Night

PennDOT Announces Changes in Accepting Puerto Rican-Issued Birth Certificates as Credentials for Driver's Licenses/ID Cards

PennDOT Announces Changes in Accepting Puerto Rican-Issued Birth Certificates as Credentials for Driver's Licenses/ID Cards