Translate

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Is Gen. David Petraeus too big to fail?

How ironic.

If Gen. David Petraeus manages to clean up the mess Obama has made in Afghanistan, the general could easily defeat Obama in the 2012 presidential race.

Americans are looking for leadership to solve tough problems, something sorely lacking in community organizer Barack Obama.

Is Gen. David Petraeus too big to fail? - Ben Smith and Laura Rozen - POLITICO.com

Failed Obama politices take toll on U.S. economy

Stock and job woes take toll on Americans' mood - The Mercury

Missing 15-year-old PA girl found in Ocean City, N.J.

There were posters of the missing Montgomery County girl all over Ocean City, NJ, this week.

Missing Schwenksville girl found in Ocean City - The Mercury News: Pottstown, PA and The Tri County areas of Montgomery, Berks and Chester Counties (pottsmerc.com)

Just Say No to Overdraft Fees

Just Say No to Overdraft Fees: Opt-Out Deadline for New Customers Begins July 1, 2010

Governor Rendell Signs Legislation

Governor Rendell Signs Legislation

Lancaster County Dairy Allowed to Resume Raw Milk Sales

Lancaster County Dairy Allowed to Resume Raw Milk Sales

Pennsylvania DCNR Forests, Parks to Open 930,000-Plus Acres to Deer Management Assistance Program

Pennsylvania DCNR Forests, Parks to Open 930,000-Plus Acres to Deer Management Assistance Program

Woman sues Phillie Phanatic

Woman sues Phillie Phanatic over injuries at Reading Phillies game

Top liberal site admits publishing fake poll numbers

Liberal cat fight over at Daily Kos, the political Bible of the far left, over faked polling data.

Kos: Poll data was fraudulent - David Catanese - POLITICO.com

Gov. Chris Christie calls for Republican Party rebranding

Gov. Chris Christie calls for Republican Party rebranding - Maggie Haberman and Ben Smith - POLITICO.com

Joe Scarborough's descent into madness

The descent into madness of one-time Republican Congressman Joe Scarborough is on full display over at MSNBC, where Joe continues to drink the Obama Kool Aid.

Barack Obama conned many voters into believing he would end the senseless war in Afghanistan but instead chose to escalate it. It was Obama's decision, backed by Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress. Poor Joe doesn't understand that. His mind is gone.

Scarborough Blames 'American Apathy' and Republicans for the Continued War in Afghanistan | NewsBusters.org

Columnist: If Obama Loses the Media ... He's Doomed

MRC-TV: Bozell on Fox Biz Discussing NYT Columnists Attacking Obama From the Left | NewsBusters.org

Angry Liberal Columnist Attacks Libertarian Economist

Angry Liberal Columnist Attacks Libertarian Economist; Scarborough Redefines Regulation and Conservatism | NewsBusters.org

The Onerous Compliance Cost of the Internal Revenue Code

President cons us into accepting Obamacare

Another excellent column by Nat Hentoff exposing the evils of Obamacare.

President cons us into accepting Obamacare - The Mercury Opinion

FRC Opposes Supreme Court Decision in CLS v. Martinez

FRC Opposes Supreme Court Decision in CLS v. Martinez

New Report: Adult Obesity Increases in 28 States

New Report: Adult Obesity Increases in 28 States

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Highest property tax rate in Berks going up

Where are you Sam Rohrer?

At least Rep. Rohrer tried to eliminate school property taxes for Pennsylvania residents. What have Ed Rendell and the Democrats who control the state House done to curb rising property taxes. Absolutely nothing.

Highest property tax rate in Berks going up

Reading jobless rate rises to 14.7%, third highest among state cities

The Obama Recession Continues ...

Reading jobless rate rises to 14.7%, third highest among state cities

Two-Thirds of Americans Give President Obama Negative Ratings on the Economy

Two-Thirds of Americans Give President Obama Negative Ratings on the Economy

Larry King is still alive?

Larry King is ending his show on CNN? I thought he died about five years ago. Are we talking about the same guy? Old geezer, married 12 times to blondes half his age? Exhibits frequent signs of senility. That Larry King?

POLITICO: On Media: Media news and analysis - King to end show

Reporters caught mocking Sarah Palin during speech

Reporters caught mocking Sarah Palin during speech - Andy Barr - POLITICO.com

Why Presidential Elections Matter

Why Presidential Elections Matter | NewsBusters.org

Whitewashing Robert Byrd's KKK Past

As Much on Byrd's Fiddle Playing as Klan Days; 'Like Constitution and Bible, Permanent Fixture of the Senate' | NewsBusters.org

Will Kagan Do A Sotomayor?

Economics 101: Moral Hazard

New Medicare Patients Next Window

PA Historical and Museum Commission Asks Pennsylvanians How Much They Value History

PA Historical and Museum Commission Asks Pennsylvanians How Much They Value History

PA Insurance Commissioner Announces Federal Approval of High-Risk Plan

PA Insurance Commissioner Announces Federal Approval of High-Risk Plan

Monday, June 28, 2010

Ex-township supervisor gets probation in brawl

Bad publicity involving a township official who got into a barroom brawl may have cost Tom Orth his elected office, but Orth avoided jail.

A Berks County judge sentenced Orth to one-year probation for kicking a police officer in the private parts following an altercation at a bar.

Orth lost his bid for re-election last year as publicity over his arrest made front-page news in the Reading Eagle.

Ex-Lower Alsace supervisor gets probation in brawl

Five States to Increase Cigarette Taxes on July 1

Five States to Increase Cigarette Taxes on July 1

Supreme Court Strikes Down Key Sarbanes-Oxley Provisions

Supreme Court Strikes Down Key Sarbanes-Oxley Provisions; CEI Co-Counsel Hail Decision

Greetings from Ocean City, N.J.

Taking the family on a much-needed vacation to the Jersey Shore. The weather is nice, with a cool ocean breeze. Blogging will be sporadic this week.

Is the unemployment rate really 20 percent?

Obama Job Approval Among Democrats Drops to 50%


Just 25% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president, according to the latest Rasmussen poll.

But the real eye-opener is the fact that just 50% of Democrats Strongly Approve of Obama's job performance.

Having already lost Republicans and independents, Obama's Democratic base is now eroding. Can you say "one-term president"?

Read more Rasmussen Reports by clicking here

Sunday, June 27, 2010

'Toy Story 3' skyrockets to $226M at box office

To infinity and beyond ...

It appears "Toy Story 3" will end up one of the biggest movies of all time. It's already topped $226 million at the box office in just two weeks of release.

The latest Pixar film held the No. 1 spot at the box office this weekend with an estimated $59.0 million.

To put the success of "Toy Story 3" in perspective, the other much-hyped computer animated sequel of the summer, "Shrek Forever After," grossed $229 million in six weeks of release. And the disappointing Dreamworks sequel is just about done in first-run theaters.

And we're only talking domestic gross. "Toy Story 3" has also made $100 million overseas, bringing its total box office haul to $326 million.

Here's this weekend's Top 5 films based on estimates by BoxOfficeMojo.com:
WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, JUNE 25-27, 2010

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

1. Toy Story 3 (Buena Vista)
$59.0 million | 4,028 | $226.6 million | 2

2. Grown Ups (Sony / Columbia)
$41.0 million | 3,534 | $41.0 million | 1

3. Knight & Day (Fox)
$20.5 million | 3,098 | $27.8 million | 1

4. The Karate Kid (Sony / Columbia)
$15.4 million | 3,740 | $135.6 million | 3

5. The A-Team (Fox)
$6.0 million | 3,242 | $62.8 million | 3

The 'Green' Movement

Traffic Alert: Route 422 Closed Today

If you're planning a trip toward King of Prussia or Philly on Sunday, be warned. You're going to have to find an alternate route.

From the Pottstown Mercury:
Route 422 in both directions will be shut down from 6 to 10 a.m. Sunday, June 27, between the Route 202 and 23 interchanges in Upper Merion and Tredyffrin, PennDOT announced Thursday. PECO is resetting overhead utility wires.

The following detours will be in place during the closure:

Route 422 East Detour: Eastbound Route 422 traffic will exit at Route 23, turn right at Route 23, turn left at Gulph Road and take Gulph Road to Route 202

Route 202 North to Route 422 West Detour: Northbound Route 202 traffic will turn left at Gulph Road, take Gulph Road to Route 23, turn right at Route 23 and then turn left at the ramp to Route 422 west

Interstate 76 East/West and Route 202 South to Route 422 West Detour: I-76 and southbound Route 202 motorists will take the ramp to the Swedesford Road exit, turn right at Swedesford Road, turn left at South Warner Road, turn left at Gulph Road, turn right at Route 23 and turn left at the ramp to Route 422 west

Motorists are advised to allow additional travel time during the road closure.
Check The Mercury's Web site for updates.

Welfare Recipients Gamble Your Tax Dollars Away

Welfare Recipients Using State-Issued Debit Cards at California Casinos, Media Mostly Mum | NewsBusters.org

Is this the same Gen. Petraeus the liberal media bashed before?

Networks Lauding 'Brilliant' Obama on Petraeus Move Are Skipping Over Ugly Anti-Surge Clips | NewsBusters.org

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Weekly Republican Address: Where's The Budget?



Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) says Washington Democrats' unprecedented decision to cancel this year's budget will wreak havoc on our economy and make it even harder to put people back to work.

The House Budget Committee's top Republican, Ryan says Democrats' plan to continue their out-of-control 'stimulus' spending spree and raise taxes on middle-class families is a "recipe for disaster."

He also challenges President Obama and Washington Democrats to stop running out the clock and "make the tough choices they promised they would, put moral obligation before political expedience, and focus on what's in the best interests of the next generation, not the next election."

With economists saying immediate fiscal discipline is needed to create jobs, Ryan notes that Republicans have already identified $1.3 trillion in specific spending cuts that could be implemented right now.

Rep. Ryan is in his sixth term representing the people of Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District.

Petraeus takes command

Friday, June 25, 2010

Glenn Beck's Hilarious Sex Scandal Mock Interview With Al and Tipper Gore

Glenn Beck's Hilarious Sex Scandal Mock Interview With Al and Tipper Gore | NewsBusters.org

NYT Reporter Desperately Searches for Signs of Economic Progress to Prevent Republican Victories

NYT Reporter Desperately Searches for Signs of Economic Progress to Prevent Republican Victories | NewsBusters.org

Gerlach challenger raises cash in S.F.

Where does a far left candidate look for campaign contributions? Among his fellow liberals in the most liberal of U.S. cities, of course.

San Fransisco is a long way from Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District, but Democratic challenger Manan Trivedi recently made a trip to the Left Coast to solicit funds for his November showdown with incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach.

Trivedi, who has never held political office, also bragged that he has the best shot of any Democrat in the country to unseat an incumbent Republican. Good luck with that.

Check out this report at IndiaWest.com on Trivedi's trip to the Land of Liberals.

The Job-Killing Impact of Minimum Wage Laws

School districts: Pa. pension relief no more than a good start

LancasterOnline.com:News:School districts: Pa.'s pension relief no more than a good start

Conservative-bashing blogger resigns

Breaking: WaPo's David Weigel Resigns After More Conservative-bashing Emails Disclosed | NewsBusters.org

Route 422 to close for 4 hours Sunday



If you're planning a trip toward King of Prussia or Philly on Sunday, be warned. You're going to have to find an alternate route.

From the Pottstown Mercury:
Route 422 in both directions will be shut down from 6 to 10 a.m. Sunday, June 27, between the Route 202 and 23 interchanges in Upper Merion and Tredyffrin, PennDOT announced Thursday. PECO is resetting overhead utility wires.

The following detours will be in place during the closure:

Route 422 East Detour: Eastbound Route 422 traffic will exit at Route 23, turn right at Route 23, turn left at Gulph Road and take Gulph Road to Route 202

Route 202 North to Route 422 West Detour: Northbound Route 202 traffic will turn left at Gulph Road, take Gulph Road to Route 23, turn right at Route 23 and then turn left at the ramp to Route 422 west

Interstate 76 East/West and Route 202 South to Route 422 West Detour: I-76 and southbound Route 202 motorists will take the ramp to the Swedesford Road exit, turn right at Swedesford Road, turn left at South Warner Road, turn left at Gulph Road, turn right at Route 23 and turn left at the ramp to Route 422 west

Motorists are advised to allow additional travel time during the road closure.
Check The Mercury's Web site for updates.

Bald Eagles Now Nesting in 50 PA Counties



Bald Eagles Now Nesting in 50 Counties

Governor Rendell Signs Legislation

Governor Rendell Signs Legislation

MoveOn.org Removes 'General Betray Us' Ad From Website

Now that Gen. Petraeus is Obama's top man in Afghanistan, all is forgiven by the far left.

MoveOn.org Removes 'General Betray Us' Ad From Website | NewsBusters.org

Liberal Twit of the Day

NYT Movie Critic: Venezuelan Dictator Hugo Chavez a 'Good-Hearted Man of the People' | NewsBusters.org

Obama losing Hill liberals on war

Obama losing Hill liberals on war - Jonathan Allen and Marin Cogan - POLITICO.com

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Rep. Paul Kanjorski race remark sparks flap

Don't let Democratic U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski near a microphone.

Kanjorski who has represented Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional Cistrict since 1985, may have run one too many times for re-election.

Kanjorski, who is bordering on senility, has done it again, making disparaging remarks about minorities.

From POLITICO:
Republicans are seizing onto racially freighted remarks Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.) made Wednesday evening at the financial reform conference committee.

Speaking before the committee, which is trying to reconcile the House and Senate reform bills, Kanjorski appeared to imply that "minorities" are not "average, good American people."

Kanjorski, who chairs the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, said, "We're giving relief to people that I deal with in my office every day now unfortunately. But because of the longevity of this recession, these are people — and they're not minorities and they're not defective and they're not all the things you'd like to insinuate that these programs are about — these are average, good American people."

Kanjorski went on to add that, "Most of them have been veterans, have served, have worked all their lives. But they are not full of money. They live paycheck to paycheck, and they always will because they are in the lower margin of our society."
Read the full story at the link below:

Kanjorski race remark sparks flap - Alex Isenstadt - POLITICO.com

Kanjorki's Republican opponent in November is Lou Barletta.

State police search for missing Schwenksville girl

State police at the Skippack barracks are searching for a 15-year-old township girl who has been missing since June 18.

Police said Malvina Claire McLaughlin, of the 500 block of Main Street, Schwenksville, was last seen by family members in the early morning hours of June 18; however, police said McLaughlin, who is a known heroin user and has indicated she plans to commit suicide, was last seen by a friend at a hotel between 8 and 9 a.m. June 18 near Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Read more (and review a photo of the girl) at the link below:

State police search for missing Schwenksville girl

Afghanistan: Obama's Vietnam?

Afghanistan: Five key dates ahead - Ben Smith and Jen DiMascio - POLITICO.com

CNBC's Santelli Warns U.S. 'Could End Up Worse than Japan' Facing a Lost Decade

CNBC's Santelli Warns U.S. 'Could End Up Worse than Japan' Facing a Lost Decade | NewsBusters.org

The McChrystal debacle



See related column by George F. Will about Obama's latest blunder here.

One Week from Today: Obamacare's First Pledge-Breaking Tax Hike Takes Effect

From Americans for Tax Reform:
President Barack Obama has some explaining to do. When he signed the healthcare bill into law, he formally broke his "firm pledge" to the American people that "no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase."

Among the twenty one tax hikes signed into law as part of Obamacare, at least seven directly break Obama's central campaign promise. The first of these tax hikes will take effect on July 1: the excise tax on indoor tanning services -- a 10 percent tax on the retail price of a tanning session.

Leaving no stone unturned in their petty hunt for tax revenue, Senate Democrats in December added the tax behind closed doors at the last minute. There is no exemption made for families making less than $250,000 per year, thus violating Obama's "firm pledge" to the American people.
Read the full release below:

One Week from Today: Obamacare's First Pledge-Breaking Tax Hike Takes Effect

Federal Prison Population Up By 6,800

Number of State Prisoners Declined By Almost 3,000 During 2009; Federal Prison Population Increased By 6,800

Obama White House a 'Team of Nine-Year-Olds'

NBC Guest: Obama White House a 'Team of Nine-Year-Olds' | NewsBusters.org

CNN Mocks Obama Golfing During Oil Spill: 'Just Plug the Darn Hole Mr. President'

CNN Mocks Obama Golfing During Oil Spill: 'Just Plug the Darn Hole Mr. President' | NewsBusters.org

Do Democrats get the point?

87 Senators Sign Letter Urging Obama's Support of Israel, Media Mostly Mum

87 Senators Sign Letter Urging Obama's Support of Israel, Media Mostly Mum | NewsBusters.org

Passengers Stuck 4 Hours on a Hot Plane

Nightmare Stranding of Passengers by Virgin Atlantic in CT Spurs Calls for Passenger Rights on International Flights

Pennsylvania Department of State: Disciplinary Actions Taken Against 124 Licensed, Commissioned Professionals, Organizations

Pennsylvania Department of State: Disciplinary Actions Taken Against 124 Licensed, Commissioned Professionals, Organizations

Obama Meets Jimmy

Proposed Social Security Cut Would Rob Seniors of up to $54,954 During Retirement

Proposed Social Security Cut Would Rob Seniors of up to $54,954 During Retirement

Petraeus to the rescue

Here he comes to save the day ...

From POLITICO:
For all their differences, Barack Obama and George W. Bush share at least one article of faith when it comes to Iraq and Afghanistan

When things fall apart, call Gen. David Petraeus.

On Wednesday — with the furor over Gen. Stanley McChrystal's Rolling Stone statements threatening an already shaky Afghanistan strategy — Obama bought himself significant breathing space by appointing the lionized former Iraq commander to fill the breach.

The move was a deft — if brutal — mid-summer political coup for the president, but Petraeus will still have to find solutions for the problems that so vexed McChrystal on the ground while refereeing serious squabbles within Obama's fractious Afghanistan team.
Read the full story at the link below:

Petraeus to the rescue - Glenn Thrush and Gordon Lubold - POLITICO.com

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Blonde in sex-for-tickets case blogs about 'Phillies fantasies'

She says it right on her blog: Her 15 minutes of fame were not enough.

The suburban Philadelphia woman charged with prostitution after she allegedly offered undercover cops sex in exchange for Phillies World Series tickets, has launched a blog to share her fantasies about the Phillies.

(She was found not guilty in court of the most serious charges but was sentenced to one year probation).

You can check out Susan Finkelstein's R-rated fantasies at Rounding 3rd with Susan Finkelstein

PA Game Commission Files Charges in Illegal Killing of Bear

PA Game Commission Files Charges in Illegal Killing of Bear

Richard Viguerie on the Primary Election Results: This is Not Your Father's GOP

Richard Viguerie on the Primary Election Results: This is Not Your Father's GOP

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Launches Wine Kiosk Pilot Program

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Launches Wine Kiosk Pilot Program

ACLU Intervenes in Lawsuit to Protect Amazon Users' Personal Information

ACLU Intervenes in Lawsuit to Protect Amazon Users' Personal Information

Adoptions in Pennsylvania Reach Record High

Adoptions in Pennsylvania Reach Record High While Thousands of Children Still Await Permanent Homes

Unattended Kids in Hot Cars a Lethal Combination

Unattended Kids in Hot Cars a Lethal Combination

The New Odd Couple: Eliot Spitzer and Kathleen Parker

With CNN's ratings in the tank, you can't blame the network for trying something different. But Eliot Spitzer and Kathleen Parker?

CNN to Launch Nightly News and Events Discussion Program Hosted by Eliot Spitzer and Kathleen Parker

Mike Veon's New Digs

Awkward: ABC Skips Report That Bianna Golodryga's Fiance Is Leaving the White House

Awkward: ABC Skips Report That Bianna Golodryga's Fiance Is Leaving the White House | NewsBusters.org

Richard Viguerie: South Carolina Tea Party Steamroller Sweeps Establishment Republicans Out of Office

Richard Viguerie: South Carolina Tea Party Steamroller Sweeps Establishment Republicans Out of Office

Soldiers' Angels Unveils New Text-to-Donate for Military Support

Soldiers' Angels Unveils New Text-to-Donate for Military Support

Fourth of July Holiday Travelers Expected to Increase 17.1 Percent, AAA says

Fourth of July Holiday Travelers Expected to Increase 17.1 Percent, AAA says

Democrats Push Social Security Cuts

Proposed Social Security Cut Would Rob Seniors of up to $54,954 During Retirement

Video: NewsBusted

A Good Election Night for Conservatives, Tea Parties

Open Thread: A Good Night for Conservatives | NewsBusters.org

Dems feeling queasy over Jerry Brown

Dems feeling queasy over Jerry Brown - Maggie Haberman - POLITICO.com

Dem Leader Hoyer: Middle Class Tax Hikes On The Way

Dem Leader Hoyer: Middle Class Tax Cuts Aren't 'Sacrosanct'; WaPo Buries Story on Page A13 | NewsBusters.org

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Jerry Brown's tale of frugality omits $1.8 million home

Liberal Hypocrisy At Its Finest.

Democrat Jerry Brown, friend of the little people, doesn't want California voters to know that he lives in a $1.8 million home.

Reminds me of that street kid, Barack Obama, who reported $5 million in income on his tax return last year.

Brown's tale of frugality omits $1.8 million home

National Safety Council Supports Introduction of Erica's Law

NSC Supports Introduction of Erica's Law

Celebrate Independence Day with U.S.-Made Products

Celebrate Independence Day with U.S.-Made Products

Guess How Many Jelly Beans ...

MRC's Bozell: Comedy Central's 'JC' Has No Advertiser Support

MRC's Bozell: Comedy Central's 'JC' Has No Advertiser Support | NewsBusters.org

Audit Faults Pa. Megan's Law Website

Auditor General Jack Wagner issued a new report today that gives the Megan's Law website a grade of "C-minus."

Auditor General Jack Wagner Says Megan's Law Website Improved, But Still Not Making the Grade

No Party 125th District candidate Dennis Baylor wants to reform government

Citizen activist Dennis Baylor plans a third-party challenge in the 125th Legislative District of the state House of Representatives.

The incumbent is Democrat Tim Seip, who ran on a reform platform, but turned into a doormat for the party bosses in Harrisburg. The Republican candidate is Mike Tobash.

Read more about Baylor's campaign in the Reading Eagle:

No Party 125th District candidate Dennis Baylor wants to reform government

Newspaper: Pension bill fails to provide needed reform

The Pennsylvania Legislature did what it does best when faced with a tough issue: Punt. The lawmakers simply put off until tomorrow what they should have done today when dealing with the state's public pension ticking time-bomb.

From an editorial in The Mercury:
The pension bill passed by the state House last week may ease for the short term the severity of skyrocketing increases faced by school districts and taxpayers.

But, the bill is more relief than reform, and the public pension system in Pennsylvania demands both.

Structural changes are needed to the public pension systems to make funding them more affordable for Pennsylvanians.

Reform is needed; instead the House voted for short-term relief.
Read the full editorial at the newspaper's Web site.

Obama's real problem: Afghan war plan in trouble

Obama's real McChrystal problem: Afghanistan plan in trouble - Glenn Thrush - POLITICO.com

D.A. Prosecution for inappropriate relationships with students increasing

The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office has prosecuted 8 cases of school employees having sex with students over the past four years. That's 8 cases too many.

From a story in The Mercury by Carl Hessler Jr.:
NORRISTOWN — With increasing frequency, authorities find themselves arresting educators and coaches for having improper contact with their students.

"We do tend to see more of them now," said Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman, a career prosecutor who spent 15 years climbing the ranks in the district attorney's office before being elected the county's first female district attorney in 2007. "I don't know if that's because teenagers are more willing to talk about it or if it's because, especially with social networking sites, they can communicate more about what's going on and there's a more free flow of information."
Read the full story at the newspaper's Web site.

GOP launches 'Obama's Chicago Network' Website



The Republican National Committee (RNC) has launched a new website and video today highlighting President Obama's willingness to place Chicago-style politics over the transparency and open government he promised to give voters.

The site can be viewed here.

From an RNC press release:
The web page, entitled "Obama's Chicago Network," emphasizes the Obama Administration's deep roots in Chicago politics from its ties to disgraced Illinois ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich to its ethically and legally questionable dealings with Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA) and Colorado Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff (D-CO).

"When Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States, he promised to usher in a new era of unparalleled transparency and open government in Washington. Rather than putting a stop to 'business-as- usual', this White House has proved more than willing to employ disreputable, backroom, Chicago-style politics in order to further their own political goals. Whether it's senior Administration officials being named in the attempted sale of President Obama's former Senate seat, the offering of administration jobs and positions to impact federal elections, or the deliberate obfuscation by the White House on all of the above, President Obama has not only fallen remarkably short of the high standards he has set for himself and his administration, but most egregiously, he has broken his word to the American people about bringing real change to Washington." – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

PA Secretary of Aging Urges Older Residents to Take Precautions in Extremely Hot Weather

PA Secretary of Aging Urges Older Residents to Take Precautions in Extremely Hot Weather

Governor Rendell Announces Confirmations

Governor Rendell Announces Confirmations

Pioneering Filmmaker Immortalized on Postage

Pioneering Filmmaker Immortalized on Postage

Check those Lottery tickets one more time

PA Lottery Prizes Worth $200,000 and $50,000 Set to Expire July 4

Edith Shain, Nurse Kissed in Times Square Photo, Dies at 82



The Passing of World War II 'Icon' Edith Shain, Nurse Kissed in Times Square Photo

U.S. in the World Cup

Thomas Sowell: Is U.S. on Slippery Slope to Tyranny?

Thomas Sowell is a serious man, one of the sharpest minds of any political observer in the United States today. When he starts expressing concern that the Obama Regime is pushing the U.S. toward a totalitarian state, everyone should start worrying.

Obama can be stopped this November by voting out every Democrat in Congress.

Is U.S. Now On Slippery Slope To Tyranny? - Investors.com

CBS Ignores Own Poll Critical of Obama on Oil Leak

CBS Poll Finds Tough Numbers for Obama on Oil Leak, But Couric Hides Them | NewsBusters.org

Scarborough Rips 'Cheeto' Chomping Bloggers For Criticizing Ditzy Blonde Sideckick

Scarborough Rips 'Cheeto' Chomping Bloggers For Criticizing Mika | NewsBusters.org

Furious President Obama summons Gen. Stanley McChrystal to D.C.

Furious President Obama summons Gen. Stanley McChrystal to D.C. - Gordon Lubold - POLITICO.com

Monday, June 21, 2010

Is Obama Intentionally Blocking Gulf Cleanup Efforts?

I asked the very same question earlier in the day in a Facebook post. We're not dealing with normal people here. The Obama Regime is hell-bent on fundamentally changing this country forever and will use any crisis to further the regime's goals.

From a column by Floyd and Mary Beth Brown:
At first blush this sounds like an outlandish question with a conspiratorial twist. The corollary question goes like this: Is the Obama administration intentionally scaling back clean-up efforts in the Gulf in an attempt to maximize the damage so Democrats in Congress will have an excuse to take effective control over yet another major sector of our economy and impose crippling and draconian new taxes on the American people?

We first learned of this controversy reading Sher Zieve who wrote in the Canada Free Press: "Obama is doing the bare minimum so that destruction will be at an all-time maximum -- in order to shove his Cap and Trade bill (which will complete our destruction) down our throats."

Zieve added: "The BP oil disaster was custom-made for The Obama. The effective oil-skimmer systems utilized by the Saudis and others would work to greatly minimize the damage being caused to the US Gulf Coast. But, The Obama continues to drag his heels as States and lives are destroyed."

Fox News reported that when the Dutch government offered to help us clean up the oil spewing from the leaking BP oil rig, Obama initially turned them down cold. Norwegian and Dutch firms offered to help us too, but Obama said no.
Read the full column at the link below:

Floyd and Mary Beth Brown: Could the Obama Administration be Blocking Gulf Clean-up Efforts Intentionally? - Townhall.com

Obama Labor Secretary Vows to Fight for Illegal's Wages



Why is Obama's Labor Secretary worried about "fair" wages for illegal immigrants.

They shouldn't be earning a wage if they're illegally in this country.

Why can't Obama put this much effort into finding jobs for the 17 million Americans who are out of work right now?

Check out EyeBlast.TV for more.

Why is Joe Sestak campaigning in S.F.?

Joe Sestak . . . Just Another Nancy Pelosi Liberal from Pat Toomey on Vimeo.

Columnist: Health care rationing begins under Obama

From a new column by Nat Hentoff on Obama's plan to nationalize health care:
As a reporter, I do not use euphemisms —such as calling murderous terrorists "militants" or "activists." And as an American, I can exercise my First Amendment right to say plainly that President Obama is a liar with regard to our new health care law, often referred to as ObamaCare.

When a number of critics of ObamaCare, including myself, warned that it would bring the rationing of treatments, medications and research into new procedures, the president said to the American Medical Association (June 15, 2009) that this rationing charge was a "fear tactic."

The next month, he said flat out: "I don't believe that government can or should run health care." (firstthings.com, May 31, 2010)

But in May of this year, the president nominated Dr. Donald Berwick, a professor at Harvard Medical School, to head Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) -- the most powerful health care position. As Hal Scherz underlines (RealClearPolitics.com, May 26): "CMS covers over 100 million Americans, has an annual $800 billion budget that is larger than the defense department's and is the second largest insurance company in the world."

Unlike Obama, Berwick is enthusiastically, openly candid in his support of Britain's socialistic National Health Service. In a 2008 speech to British physicians, our new health czar said: "I am romantic about National Health Service. I love it (because it is) 'generous, hopeful, confident, joyous and just.'"

There are many reasons why it is vital for Americans to vote in the midterm elections —and, of course, in 2012, to prevent a second term for the most dangerous and incompetent president we have ever had — but for many Americans, it is particularly important this year to vote against supporters of ObamaCare. The question for many voters should be whether, in the years ahead, they will be in condition to vote if they are on waiting lists for government-controlled health care.

More of us are learning that during the Obama administration, it is essential to continually keep our eyes open on all it does.
Read the full column here.

52 Shot, 8 Dead and Mayor Daley Still Resists Self-Defense

52 Shot, 8 Dead and Mayor Daley Still Resists Self-Defense

First Day of Summer

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Announces Nominations, Appointments

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Announces Nominations, Appointments

ACLU Releases Report on Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan

The ACLU likes Elena Kagan, which is all the reason I need not to support her nomination for the Supreme Court.

ACLU Releases Report on Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan

The 10 worst BP gaffes in Gulf oil spill

BP Chief Executive Tony Hayward attended a yachting race in England Sunday (the same day Obama was playing golf. Is anyone doing Obama's Top 10 BP oil spill gaffes?)

It was just the latest BP public relations gaffe in the Gulf oil spill. Here are 10 of the worst, according to The Christian Science Monitor.

A yachting trip? The 10 worst BP gaffes in Gulf oil spill. - CSMonitor.com

Sunday Talk Shows All Start With BP Hayward's Yachting, Ignore Obama's Golfing

Sunday Talk Shows All Start With BP Hayward's Yachting, Ignore Obama's Golfing | NewsBusters.org

At AP, GOP Criminal an 'Operative,' Dem Criminal an 'Adviser' Without Party Label

At AP, GOP Criminal an 'Operative,' Dem Criminal an 'Adviser' Without Party Label | NewsBusters.org

Berks County primary-election turnout is up over 2009, but still low

Some interesting voter turnout numbers in the article below by Steve Reinbrecht:
About 19 percent of registered Berks voters went to polls in the May 18 primary election. That's 7 percentage points more — and almost 17,000 more actual voters — than hit the polls in the 2009 primary. The statewide turnout in the 2010 primary was estimated at 22 percent, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State.
share: bctv.org

Democrats and the NRA

1 in 7 Kids Is Solicited for Sex Online

1 in 7 Kids Is Solicited for Sex Online

Governor Rendell Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Staff Sgt. Bryan A. Hoover and SFC Robert J. Fike

Governor Rendell Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Staff Sgt. Bryan A. Hoover and SFC Robert J. Fike

Judicial Watch Files House Ethics Complaint Against Rep. Bob Etheridge for Alleged Assault

Judicial Watch Files House Ethics Complaint Against Rep. Bob Etheridge for Alleged Assault

Obamacare exposed

Two excellent editorials in The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review exposing the hidden costs and hidden dangers of Obamacare.

Check out "ObamaCare: The ruse exposed ..." here.

And "... True to forms" here.

Ad targets Dahlkemper flip flop on abortion



For more on the Susan B. Anthony List, click here.

PA Tax Amnesty nets $261M

Pennsylvania collected $261 million in delinquent taxes during its annual tax amnesty drive. Gov. Ed Rendell is beside himself. Too bad Rendell has already run up a $1.2 billion debt for the current fiscal year.

Governor Rendell Calls $261 Million Collected During Tax Amnesty Program an 'Overwhelming Success'

Jon Kyl: Obama holding border 'hostage'

Jon Kyl: Obama holding border 'hostage' - Andy Barr - POLITICO.com

ABC and NBC Describe Arizona Law as ‘Anti-Immigration’ and ‘Harsh’

ABC and NBC Describe Arizona Law as ‘Anti-Immigration’ and ‘Harsh’ | NewsBusters.org

Mika Admits: I'm 'Working With White House' On Oil Spill Talking Points

Mika Admits: I'm 'Working With White House' On Oil Spill Talking Points | NewsBusters.org

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Poll: Muslims' opinion of Obama slipping

From a story by Paul Richter in the Los Angeles Times:
Confidence in President Obama among the world's Muslims is slipping, according to a poll of global attitudes that also found widespread concern that the United States remains a go-it-alone nation even under the new administration.

The survey, by the Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project, found support for Obama strong in most nations, even as his rating at home has slipped. But in five of seven Muslim-majority nations that were polled, his popularity slid over the last year, winning approval ratings from about one-third or less of respondents.
Read the full story here.

To review the full Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project poll, click here.

'End of The Day' For Joe Sestak

'End of The Day' For Sestak | NewsBusters.org

Oliver Stone Homage to Hugo Chavez Bombs in Venezuela

What was the last good movie Oliver Stone made? I can't remember.

Oliver Stone Homage to Hugo Chavez Bombs in Venezuela | NewsBusters.org

Video: The Mount Vernon Statement



In light of the challenges facing the country and the need for clarity in the age of Obama, The Mount Vernon Statement, modeled on the Sharon Statement issued on Sept. 11, 1960, is a defining statement of conservative beliefs, values and principles penned by a broad coalition of conservative leaders representing a wide spectrum of the movement including fiscal, social, cultural and national security conservatives.

'Toy Story 3' Pixar's Biggest Opening Ever

The much-anticipated 'Toy Story 3' has set box-office records, including the best opening weekend of any Pixar film.

'Toy Story 3' took in an estimated $109 million over the June 18-20 weekend, eclipsing previous Pixar champ, "The Incredibles," which opened at $70 million.

It's also the best opening weekend haul for a June release ever with "Toy Story 3" beating previous record-holder "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," which took in $108.9 million in 2009.

It's also the best opening weekend ever for a G-rated film, beating previous record-holder "Finding Nemo" which opened with $70.2 million in 2003.

From The Wall Street Journal:
Summer finally arrived for Hollywood as "Toy Story 3" delivered the biggest opening weekend in Pixar Animation Studios' 15-year history, kicking box-office grosses into gear after a slow Memorial Day weekend and several further less-than-stellar weeks.

The $109 million domestic opening solidified a box-office hot streak for Pixar parent Walt Disney Co., which after years of lackluster performance, can now claim the top three openings of 2010: "Iron Man 2," produced by Disney's Marvel Studios, "Alice in Wonderland" and "Toy Story 3." The title that was bumped out of the No. 3 position for the year, "Shrek Forever After," took in $71 million its first weekend.

Outside the U.S., "Toy Story 3" took in an estimated $44.8 million; it has yet to open in about 75% of overseas markets, including most of Europe.

The new, 3-D "Toy Story" installment has drawn rave reviews and word of mouth among moviegoers. Critics have compared the flick, about children's playthings that come to life when humans aren't around, to Shakespeare and Tennessee Williams. Audiences bought $4 million worth of tickets for midnight showings on Thursday. A handful of those late-night screenings capped triple-feature bills that played the 15-year-old franchise in its entirety.
Read the full story at the newspaper's Web site.

The Most Hypocritical Man in the World



If you've seen the Dos Equis ad on television featuring the “Most Interesting Man,” you'll enjoy this parody by the Nanny State Liberation Front starring Barack Obama as "The Most Hypocritical Man in the World."

For more about NSLF, check out the group's Web site or its Facebook page or on Twitter.

Feds to Arizona: We Won't and You Can't

Feds to Arizona: We Won't and You Can't

Barack Obama is 'the most dangerous and incompetent president we have ever had'

Barack Obama is "the most dangerous and incompetent president we have ever had."

Can you guess who said it? Rush Limbaugh? Sean Hannity? Ann Coulter? Nope.

Those are the words of Nat Hentoff, a nationally renowned authority on the First Amendment and the Bill of Rights and a longtime liberal activist.

Hentoff, a Democrat who is still writing a syndicated column into his 80s, fears for the future of this country if Obama's agenda is not stopped this November.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Bill O'Reilly: The Far Left Turns on Obama

Sit back and enjoy the show. Obama is under attack by the very same liberal elites who helped get him elected in 2008

From a new Bill O'Reilly column:
Hell has frozen over! The far left in America is turning on their guy Barack Obama. After his speech on the oil disaster a few days ago, the crazy left Greek chorus on MSNBC hammered the president. He wasn't specific enough; he was too weak; I don't sense "executive command," they wailed. You would have thought they were talking about President Bush. In fact, many of the anti-Obama criticisms echoed the Hurricane Katrina invective directed towards Mr. Bush in 2005.

Usually the far left covers for its folks and provides them excuse after excuse for their failures. But this time, generally speaking, conservatives have been more generous toward President Obama's oil spill predicament than liberals. Fair-minded people understand that nobody on the planet knows how to plug that gushing broken pipe. As far as reacting slowly, Mr. Obama is guilty, but how many times do you slam the man for allowing BP to dictate the initial play when the oil rig collapsed? Yes, it was foolish. But Monday morning quarterbacking doesn't really get us anywhere once that has been established.

So there has to be something more in play, and there is. Far-left policy in America is largely a coordinated effort. The point place is the Huffington Post, which has replaced MoveOn.org as the driving force for radical left propaganda. People like John Podesta, George Soros, Arianna Huffington and lesser known leftists discuss policy agenda among themselves and then send it out to their willing accomplices in the mainstream media.
Read the full column at the link below:

Bill O'Reilly: Bill's Column - The Left Turns on Obama

GOP: Obama exploits BP crisis to push political agenda



Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) Delivers Weekly GOP Address On The Gulf Oil Spill

In the Weekly Republican Address, Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker expresses his disappointment that President Obama's response to the catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico "has been too slow."

Sen. Wicker says, "After visiting with [the president] in Mississippi, I was optimistic that he was removing politics from this disaster and focusing solely on fixing the problem.... Unfortunately, we were disappointed. In less than a day, we were reminded of Rahm Emanuel's theory of never letting a good crisis go to waste. In his speech Tuesday night, President Obama made it clear that he intends to exploit this crisis to push his liberal agenda for a cap-and-tax scheme. This is a disservice not only to the victims and their families but also to the millions of Gulf Coast residents who are struggling in the wake of the spill."

Sen. Wicker also criticizes BP, saying, "BP CEO Tony Hayward recently said he wanted his life back and later correctly apologized. BP put dollars before safety, and we are all paying the price. We have been told that BP will be held accountable and pay all damages."

"But," he adds, "what we in the Gulf states really need is to have our way of life back. We want our jobs back, our economy back, and we need our tourists back. So please come and visit us."

Former Sixer Manute Bol dies at 47

Manute Bol, one of NBA's tallest players ever, dies at 47 - NBA News - FOX Sports on MSN

'ACORN Youth Union' Chapters Were Funded by Justice Department, Says GAO

CNSNews.com - 'ACORN Youth Union' Chapters Were Funded by Justice Department, Says GAO

CNN's Cafferty: Obama's 'Serious Disconnect' on Jobs and Spending

CNN's Cafferty: Obama's 'Serious Disconnect' on Jobs and Spending | NewsBusters.org

Princess Leia overdoses on Kool Aid

Carrie Fisher on Obama: He's 'Brilliant,' and Racist 'Tea Baggers Don't Deserve Him' | NewsBusters.org

Friday, June 18, 2010

Video: Late Night TV Funnies

Obama can't play golf every day



Fresh from resolving that Gulf oil spill business by giving another speech, President Barack Obama goes back to leisurely pace of his presidency. Obama took in a baseball game Friday between the Chicago White Sox and the Washington Nationals. See related story, "Barack Obama plays golf eight more times than George W. Bush," by clicking here.

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Announces Appointments

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Announces Appointments

Rep. Paul Kanjorski: Clueless Democrat



Democratic Congressman Paul Kanjorski proving why voters should retire him this November: "We are helluva a lot better off as a country and as an economy than we have ever been in the history of mankind."


H/T Sights in Pennsylvania

U.S. Chamber Continues to Express Serious Concerns About McConnell Nomination

U.S. Chamber Continues to Express Serious Concerns About McConnell Nomination

DISCLOSE Act Violates Free Speech Rights

DISCLOSE Act Violates Free Speech Rights

Columnist: Obama's Vision Deficit on Display

Opinion: Oval Office Address -- Obama's Vision Deficit on Display

Take the Quiz!

Two more questions have been posted to Team Toomey's "How Well Do You Know Joe?" quiz to test your knowledge of ultra-liberal U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak.

Click here to take the quiz.

'Generation Zero' - Official Trailer

Obama's solution to Gulf oil spill: $7-a-gallon gas

You knew it was coming. The liberal solution to every problem - raise taxes!

$7-a-gallon gas? - NYPOST.com

Keith Olbermann leaves Daily Kos

The circle of liberal loons is getting smaller. Keith 'Thin Skin' Olbermann won't blog for a liberal Web site because someone questioned his staged indignation at Obama. This is a big deal for the 10 people who watch MSNBC.

Keith Olbermann leaves Daily Kos - Andy Barr - POLITICO.com

Pennsylvania Unemployment Rises to 9.1%

Barack Obama and Ed Rendell keep telling people the recession is over.

If that's the case, it's a jobless recovery as the unemployment rate in Pennsylvania continues to rise. It's 9.1% for May (the highest mark in 26 years), up from 9% in April.

Pennsylvania's Employment Situation: May

Making Jimmy Carter look good

PA Tax Amnesty Ends June 18 at Midnight

PA Tax Amnesty Ends June 18 at Midnight

State Legislators Concerned by FCC's New Internet Regulation Strategy

State Legislators Concerned by FCC's New Internet Regulation Strategy

Pro-Life Chair Voices 'Grave Concern' over FDA Plan to Approve Abortion Drug for 'Emergency Contraception'

Pro-Life Chair Voices 'Grave Concern' over FDA Plan to Approve Abortion Drug for 'Emergency Contraception'

Rendell Sends Out Dedication to PA Legislature: 'Please Stay'



Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Urges Legislators to Remain in Harrisburg Until State Budget is Complete

Poll: Obama's BP Speech Hits Low-Water Mark Among Americans

President Obama's BP Speech Hits the Low-Water Mark Among Americans

Americans for Prosperity Slams FCC's Internet Takeover Attempt

Americans for Prosperity Slams FCC's Internet Takeover Attempt

Another Obama Promise

Not the Republicans, that other political party

The Associated Press does it again. Nowhere in this story does it mention that Sen. Bob Mellow is the top-ranking Democrat in the Pennsylvania Senate.

The wire service routinely leaves out the party affiliation when Democrats are under investigation or are charged with a crime.See for yourself:
By MARC LEVY
Associated Press Writer
HARRISBURG — An FBI official says agents have executed search warrants at the home and district office of a top Pennsylvania state senator.
FBI spokesman Frank Burton Jr. said Friday that the agents are investigating allegations of illegal activity by Senate Minority Leader Bob Mellow.
Burton says the investigation is a joint operation between the IRS and the FBI.
He says the agents arrived in the morning at Mellow's Scranton-area home and office, but Burton wouldn't say what they were seeking or discuss the allegations.
Messages left for Mellow and his staff were not immediately returned.
Mellow is the state Senate's longest-serving member and is retiring at the end of this year.

Keith Olbermann Wins Award for 'Excellence in Electronic Journalism'

This is almost as good as Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Keith Olbermann Wins Award for 'Excellence in Electronic Journalism' | NewsBusters.org

Brown: Nazi comment off-the-record

Brown: Nazi comment off-the-record - Andy Barr - POLITICO.com

How Dems' NRA loophole backfired

How Dems' NRA loophole backfired - Kenneth P. Vogel and Jonathan Allen and John Bresnahan - POLITICO.com

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Keep your current health plan? Don’t count on it

An excellent editorial in the Las Vegas Review-Journal exposing the big lies that helped get ObamaCare passed through a Democratic Congress:
The main promise of ObamaCare was that it would cost less. But it's a ridiculous claim.

The notion that a huge new health administration bureaucracy can really be assembled without adding costs — or that any government-run health system can save anyone money without rationing, a common feature of European socialized medicine schemes — runs counter to common sense and experience.

The claim was further revealed as a fraud when the Congressional Budget Office last month released new estimates predicting the health care overhaul will likely cost about $115 billion more over the first 10 years than originally projected — bringing the estimated cost of the scheme to about $1 trillion.

And now to the president's second major promise: that people who like their current coverage will be able to keep it.

"If you like your health care plan, you'll be able to keep your health care plan, period," Mr. Obama declared in a speech to the American Medical Association a year ago. "No one will take it away, no matter what."

But now, an early draft of an administration regulation finds that many employers will be forced to make changes to their health plans under the new law. That means, "In just three years, a majority of workers — 51 percent — will be in plans subject to new federal requirements, according to midrange projections in the draft," The Associated Press reports.
Read the full editorial at the newspaper's Web site.

Pennsylvania Senate: Toomey 45%, Sestak 38%

Republican Pat Toomey is pulling away in the race for Arlen Specter U.S. Senate seat from Pennsylvania.

From Rasmussen Reports:
Congressman Joe Sestak's post-primary bounce appears to be over, and he now trails Republican rival Pat Toomey by seven points in the U.S. Senate contest in Pennsylvania.

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Pennsylvania shows Toomey with 45% support, while Sestak earns 38%. Five percent (5%) prefer another candidate in the race, and 12% are undecided.

Two weeks ago, just after his widely covered primary victory over longtime Senator Arlen Specter, Sestak posted a modest four-point lead lead over Toomey.

Prior to the primary, however, Toomey tended to enjoy modest leads over Sestak.
For more poll results, click here.

Plan to toll Route 422 gains support

I'm still not sold on the idea of tolling Route 422. I don't see how tolls would help with the existing congestion. It's not like there's alternate routes to get to King of Prussia or Philadelphia.


Route 422 toll idea presented in Limerick - pottsmerc.com)

Video: Politics of Deceit



Bauer and Rose's Latest Video Calls on Obama to Keep His Word to Israel

Rafferty bill would require school board 'super majority' to raise taxes

The Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee has approved legislation sponsored by Sen. John C. Rafferty, Jr., R-44th Dist., that would require a "super majority" vote for school boards to raise property taxes.

From a press release issued by Rafferty's office:
Senate Bill 553 would amend the Public School Code to require all millage property tax increases to be approved by a two-thirds majority vote by the members elected to the board of school directors.

"Taxpayers are rightfully concerned that property taxes continue to increase, as does school spending," Rafferty said. "Many tax increases are being passed by a single vote. I believe there should be a compelling need and strong support by the board before property taxes go up."

Rafferty said his legislation would provide greater taxpayer protections and ensure that school boards of directors first seek to control spending before raising taxes.

"Taxpayers have repeatedly told us that they want a stronger say in taxing decisions," Rafferty said. "My bill will provide an added protection against tax increases because it will raise the bar when it comes to voting for an increase."

"This is an important move to rein in property tax increase and control spending," Rafferty added.
School boards in Pennsylvania have nine voting members, so at least six would have to support a property tax hike under Rafferty's bill.

Anything that makes it harder for school boards to raise taxes is a step in the right direction, but nothing short of the total elimination of school property taxes will solve Pennsylvania's school funding problems.

Rep. Vereb to Host Fourth Annual 'Family Fun/Safety Day'

From the office of state Rep. Mike Vereb:
Rep. Mike Vereb's (R-Montgomery) Fourth Annual Family Fun Day will take place on Friday, June 18, at the Collegeville Pit Stop.

"My Family Fun Day is a great community event for families living in the 150th District," Vereb said. "There will be entertainment and activities for all age groups, as well as informational presentations on programs available to residents. I look forward to spending a fun-filled summer evening with my constituents."

Special guests include: Sunny Face Painting; PECO's Louie the Lightning Bug; the National Guard; Montgomery County Bomb Squad; Montgomery County Bearcat; Montgomery County Command Post; Mason's CHIP (Child Identity Project); Pennsylvania State Police; Montgomery County DARE; Trappe Ambulance Mobile Hospital; Lower Providence Fire Company's Stop, Drop and Roll demonstration; SEPTA's K9 unit; and Franklin Institute's Traveling Science Show. Guests will also be able to enjoy the Pit Stop's newly added track.

Representatives from PECO will also be on hand to answer questions regarding the new rate changes that are going into effect.

Food, rides and entry are all free to the public. This event is funded by community sponsors.

The event will last from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Collegeville Pit Stop is located at 3960 Germantown Pike.

Daily Presidential Tracking Poll


Not much change in the Rasmussen Reports Presidential Tracking Poll: Nearly half of Americans believe Barack Obama is doing a lousy job as president.

From Rasmussen Reports:
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Thursday shows that 26% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-six percent (46%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -20.

These results are based upon nightly telephone interviews and reported on a three-day rolling average basis. As a result, nearly two-thirds of the updates for today’s results are based upon interviews conducted before the president’s speech to the nation. The impact of the president's speech will be seen over the next several days.

Sixty-nine percent (69%) agree with President Obama that BP should pay for more than just the direct cost of the clean-up. Sixty-seven percent (67%) believe better government inspections of oil rigs might have prevented the spill. Heading into the speech, 30% of voters gave President Obama good or excellent marks for handling the oil spill. These figures will be updated later today.

Seventy-two percent (72%) of GOP voters continue to believe that Republicans in Congress are out of touch with the party's base. By contrast, 61% of Democratic voters think their representatives in Congress have done a good job of representing Democratic values over the past several years.
For more poll results, click here.

Pennsylvania Governor: Corbett 49%, Onorato 33%

It's Tom Corbett's race to lose for Pennsylvania governor.

From Rasmussen Reports:
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Pennsylvania shows that Republican State Attorney General Tom Corbett attracts support from 49% of Keystone State voters in his bid to become governor. His Democratic challenger, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, earns 33% of the vote.

Five percent (5%) say they'd prefer some other candidate, and 13% are undecided.

These results are little changed since mid-May when both candidates won their party nomination. In fact, every poll of the race has shown Corbett ahead with support from somewhere around half the state's voters.
For more poll results, click here.

PennDOT Reminds Motorists to Plan Ahead for Summer Driving Season

PennDOT Reminds Motorists to Plan Ahead for Summer Driving Season

Obama Speaks At Lower Grade Level Than Bush

Obama Speaks At Lower Grade Level Than Bush, CNN Says He's 'Too Professorial' | NewsBusters.org

Obama Moves to Control the Internet

Americans for Prosperity Slams FCC's Internet Takeover Attempt

Obama Gets Tough With BP

2 Weeks Left to Turn a State Rep Scott Boyd's Hair Pink

Two weeks left to help state Rep. Scott Boyd raise money to fight breast cancer.

Rep. Scott Boyd's Pink Hair for Breast Cancer Challenge

Democrats' Attempt to 'Buy Off' NRA Shows Bankruptcy of 'Disclose Act,' says CCRKBA

Democrats' Attempt to 'Buy Off' NRA Shows Bankruptcy of 'Disclose Act,' says CCRKBA

Joint State Police, PUC Effort Takes 689 Trucks, 137 Drivers off the Road

Joint State Police, PUC Effort Takes 689 Trucks, 137 Drivers off the Road

New Internet Fraud Alert to Help Rescue Stolen Account Credentials

New Internet Fraud Alert to Help Rescue Stolen Account Credentials

Ten Commandments Translated Wrong, Claims Scholar

Ten Commandments Translated Wrong, Claims Scholar

Video: Obama Gives Part of Arizona to Mexicans

Fact-checking Obama's Gulf Spill Address

Doing the Job Media Won't Do: Fact-checking Obama's Gulf Spill Address | NewsBusters.org

Lentz denies corruption charge by opponent

From the Delaware County Daily Times:
Republican Congressional candidate Pat Meehan tried Wednesday to tie his Democratic opponent, state Rep. Bryan Lentz, D-161, of Swarthmore, to the "Bonusgate" scandal that has rocked the state Legislature.

But Lentz, who called the attempt "sickening" and "absurd," was also at the press conference Meehan called in the state Capitol Rotunda to swat back any accusations of wrongdoing.

Meehan and Lentz are seeking the 7th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Joseph Sestak, the Edgmont Democrat. Sestak faces former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey in the U.S. Senate race.

Meehan, a former Delaware County district attorney and U.S. Attorney, issued a release Tuesday promising "newly uncovered information that calls into question the fitness of state Rep. Bryan Lentz to run for higher office."

"The evidence and grand jury testimony made public in connection with the Bonusgate trial lead directly to the front door of the Lentz campaign offices," Meehan said Wednesday.

Meehan, of Upper Darby, said Lentz, also a former prosecutor, was a "primary beneficiary" of the scandal in which legislative staff were paid bonuses for political work with taxpayer money because a woman who worked on his 2006 campaign had received a $9,565 bonus.
Meehan, Lentz war of words escalating - The Delaware County Daily Times

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

How would you balance the PA budget?

We know how well Gov. Ed Rendell and the Pennsylvania Legislature have done in balancing the state budget.

The budget has been approved late for seven consecutive years.

The 2008-09 deficit was $3.25 billion. The 2009-10 deficit is $1.2 billion and could top $1.5 billion when the fiscal year ends on June 30.

So what to do?

Four Democratic state lawmakers are taking suggestions from constituents on how to balance the budget.

If you have any ideas on where to trim the fat on the state's $29 billion General Fund budget, visit www.yourpabudget.com and have your say.

Also check out Brad Busted's article about the Web site in today's edition of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

FRC Urges FDA to Reject New Abortion Drug Falsely Labeled as an Emergency Contraceptive

FRC Urges FDA to Reject New Abortion Drug Falsely Labeled as an Emergency Contraceptive

Rendell Signs Retail Crime Bill Into Law

Governor Rendell Signs PFMA/PCSC Supported Organized Retail Crime Bill Into Law

State trooper charged with DUI killed in wrong-way crash

A Pennsylvania State Police trooper facing DUI charges was killed early Wednesday morning while driving the wrong way down Interstate 76 in Philadelphia.

The off-duty trooper, Cpl. John Quigg, 48, of Wyndmoor, died when he crashed into an oncoming car driven by a 23-year-old Philadelphia woman, authorities said.

The accident happened around 1 a.m. Wednesday in the eastbound lanes of the Schuylkill Expressway near the Spring Garden exit ramp, police said.

Cpl. Quigg was an accident reconstruction specialist for the Pennsylvania State Police. He was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday in Montgomery County on the DUI charge, which resulted from an incident on Route 422 last year.

Read more about the crash and Quigg's legal troubles from reporter Carl Hessler Jr. at The Mercury's Web site.

'3 Reasons Obama Should Kick His Own Ass'