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Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Lowman S. Henry: Bluer Blue, Redder Red
By Lowman S. Henry
Guest Columnist
On the surface it would appear the power dynamic in Pennsylvania state government changed little as a result of last week's General Election. Governor Tom Wolf was re-elected and Republicans retained solid control of both the state House and the state Senate.
Back from where we started?
Not quite. The 2018 election cycle saw the continuation of two trends: the drift of Democrats into the arms of the socialist Left, and a Republican power shift from the Philadelphia suburbs to the more conservative central and western parts of the state.
Governor Tom Wolf has often (and for good reason) been labeled the most liberal governor in America. To the degree that Lieutenant Governors matter, the state's new second banana will push him even further in that direction. Lt. Governor-elect John Fetterman is a Bernie Sanders-style socialist. He replaces the hapless Mike Stack, a Philadelphia pol more interested in the power dynamics of politics than ideology.
Wolf titled to the far Left to win his first primary four years ago and clearly felt at home. He went on to propose tax hikes that exceeded those offered by governors in all 49 other states combined and has remained a staunch advocate for Left-wing policies ever since. Fetterman, and the avowed socialists who upended traditional Democrats in the primary to claim seats in the General Assembly, are certain to fortify his position.
As liberal policies made the city more and more unlivable Philadelphia Democrats fled to the suburbs. There they have continued voting into office candidates who espouse the very same policies that destroyed the city. As a result, the four counties surrounding Philadelphia which had for decades been the epicenter of Republican power in the state have trended Democrat.
If there was a "blue wave" this election year it crashed ashore in those counties. The numbers could change a bit as the official count progresses, but Republicans lost 13 state House seats and four state Senate seats in that region. It is rare for more than three or four incumbents to lose statewide in a given election cycle, so the GOP wipeout in southeastern Pennsylvania can rightly be described as a blue tidal wave.
Continuing the westward shift of the statewide GOP, Republicans partially offset their losses in the southeast by flipping three Democrat seats, one in Bucks County and two elsewhere in the state. Republicans held historically high majorities in both state legislative chambers. Thus the losses left them in solid control, but with margins closer to the historical average.
What the election did do was to shift the ideological center of both the House and Senate Republican caucuses away from southeastern liberalism into the mainstream conservatism that is popular in the balance of the state.
While legislative Democrats voted in lockstep with their leadership, Republican legislative leaders had the more difficult task of moving conservative policies advocated by their caucus majority, while trying to appease their southeastern members. The goal was to hold onto those southeastern seats - it didn't work.
The end result is absent the need to protect its members from suburban Philadelphia because - well, they are no longer there - legislative Republicans are now free to stand firmly against the socialist policies Governor Tom Wolf and Democrats are sure to pursue.
This means Pennsylvania's divided state government has become even more divided. The first battle will come in a matter of weeks when Governor Tom Wolf proposes his next state budget. It is sure to be chock full of tax hikes and new spending. Republicans effectively blocked the more radical elements of his agenda during the governor's first term. A more conservative majority should be able to do so in the years ahead.
Thus have voters across Penn's Woods put into effect all the elements needed for epic policy and budget battles which are likely to end in gridlock. Given the fact that most legislation that actually passes expands the dependency state at the expense of taxpayers gridlock may be the best outcome.
Lowman S. Henry is Chairman & CEO of the Lincoln Institute and host of the weekly Lincoln Radio Journal. His e-mail address is lhenry@lincolninstitute.org
Guest Columnist
On the surface it would appear the power dynamic in Pennsylvania state government changed little as a result of last week's General Election. Governor Tom Wolf was re-elected and Republicans retained solid control of both the state House and the state Senate.
Back from where we started?
Not quite. The 2018 election cycle saw the continuation of two trends: the drift of Democrats into the arms of the socialist Left, and a Republican power shift from the Philadelphia suburbs to the more conservative central and western parts of the state.
Governor Tom Wolf has often (and for good reason) been labeled the most liberal governor in America. To the degree that Lieutenant Governors matter, the state's new second banana will push him even further in that direction. Lt. Governor-elect John Fetterman is a Bernie Sanders-style socialist. He replaces the hapless Mike Stack, a Philadelphia pol more interested in the power dynamics of politics than ideology.
Wolf titled to the far Left to win his first primary four years ago and clearly felt at home. He went on to propose tax hikes that exceeded those offered by governors in all 49 other states combined and has remained a staunch advocate for Left-wing policies ever since. Fetterman, and the avowed socialists who upended traditional Democrats in the primary to claim seats in the General Assembly, are certain to fortify his position.
As liberal policies made the city more and more unlivable Philadelphia Democrats fled to the suburbs. There they have continued voting into office candidates who espouse the very same policies that destroyed the city. As a result, the four counties surrounding Philadelphia which had for decades been the epicenter of Republican power in the state have trended Democrat.
If there was a "blue wave" this election year it crashed ashore in those counties. The numbers could change a bit as the official count progresses, but Republicans lost 13 state House seats and four state Senate seats in that region. It is rare for more than three or four incumbents to lose statewide in a given election cycle, so the GOP wipeout in southeastern Pennsylvania can rightly be described as a blue tidal wave.
Continuing the westward shift of the statewide GOP, Republicans partially offset their losses in the southeast by flipping three Democrat seats, one in Bucks County and two elsewhere in the state. Republicans held historically high majorities in both state legislative chambers. Thus the losses left them in solid control, but with margins closer to the historical average.
What the election did do was to shift the ideological center of both the House and Senate Republican caucuses away from southeastern liberalism into the mainstream conservatism that is popular in the balance of the state.
While legislative Democrats voted in lockstep with their leadership, Republican legislative leaders had the more difficult task of moving conservative policies advocated by their caucus majority, while trying to appease their southeastern members. The goal was to hold onto those southeastern seats - it didn't work.
The end result is absent the need to protect its members from suburban Philadelphia because - well, they are no longer there - legislative Republicans are now free to stand firmly against the socialist policies Governor Tom Wolf and Democrats are sure to pursue.
This means Pennsylvania's divided state government has become even more divided. The first battle will come in a matter of weeks when Governor Tom Wolf proposes his next state budget. It is sure to be chock full of tax hikes and new spending. Republicans effectively blocked the more radical elements of his agenda during the governor's first term. A more conservative majority should be able to do so in the years ahead.
Thus have voters across Penn's Woods put into effect all the elements needed for epic policy and budget battles which are likely to end in gridlock. Given the fact that most legislation that actually passes expands the dependency state at the expense of taxpayers gridlock may be the best outcome.
Lowman S. Henry is Chairman & CEO of the Lincoln Institute and host of the weekly Lincoln Radio Journal. His e-mail address is lhenry@lincolninstitute.org
Monday, November 12, 2018
Celebrity Endorsements Hurt The Candidates They Were Trying To Help
Celebrity Endorsements Hurt The Candidates They Were Trying To Help: Voters in Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia chose the un-flashy Republicans over the celebrity-backed Democratic candidates in the 2018 midterms.
2018 Proved Obama Is Electoral Kryptonite In Battleground States
2018 Proved Obama Is Electoral Kryptonite In Battleground States: Former President Obama's aggressive effort to turn out the Democrat vote in key Senate, House and gubernatorial races largely failed.
Wednesday, November 07, 2018
Sunday, November 04, 2018
More Voters Blame Media Than Trump For Political Division
More Voters Blame Media Than Trump For Political Division: More Americans think members of the news media are to blame for political divisions than President Donald Trump is, according to a new poll.
Why Did Democrats Abandon Their Investigation Into Brett Kavanaugh?
Why Did Democrats Abandon Their Investigation Into Brett Kavanaugh?: If Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is really a rapist and sexual assailant, as Democrats claimed, shouldn't the story continue to be covered?
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Left-Wing Actor Vows 'Blood In The Streets' If Democrats Lose Midterms
Left-Wing Actor Vows 'Blood In The Streets' If Democrats Lose Midterms: At an awards show Sunday night, character actor James Cromwell said there will be 'blood in the streets' if Democrats don't stop President Trump.
5 freed from Gitmo in exchange for Bergdahl join Taliban’s political office in Qatar
5 freed from Gitmo in exchange for Bergdahl join Taliban’s political office in Qatar: They may complicate efforts toward peace talks with Taliban, some analysts say.
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
How Political Correctness Ruined Disney's Most Recent Princess Movies
How Political Correctness Ruined Disney's Most Recent Princess Movies: Instead of telling stories and developing compelling characters, children’s movies today prefer to promote boring feminist and anti-family propaganda.
U.S. Adults Have Few Friends — and They’re Mostly Alike
A new study finds the majority of adults has anywhere between two and five close friends, but one in five regularly or often feels lonely.
U.S. Adults Have Few Friends — and They’re Mostly Alike - Barna Group: In light of a loneliness epidemic in this country, Barna takes a look at the state of friendship in America.
U.S. Adults Have Few Friends — and They’re Mostly Alike - Barna Group: In light of a loneliness epidemic in this country, Barna takes a look at the state of friendship in America.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Guest Column: Window of Opportunity
By Lowman S. Henry
Columnist
Release of the grand jury report into child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church has dominated the news in recent months. As details of the report emerged the scope of abuse in terms of the sheer number of victims, and the institutional cover-up that followed resulted in demands for reform within the church and for government action to provide some measure of compensation to the abused.
It has taken a long time to get to this point. Despite decades of swirling rumors the problem was not taken seriously until a few years ago. The film "Spotlight," which details the work of Boston Globe journalists who cracked the veil of secrecy in that city's diocese, did much to raise awareness. That triggered investigations in many other venues nationwide.
In an era when the news media is rightly under scrutiny for its lagging journalistic standards the work of the Globe reporters stands out as a shining example of how reporting is supposed to work. Coverage of this tragic story extends far beyond Boston as the media nationwide and especially here in Pennsylvania have been exemplary in the performance of their investigative and watchdog duties.
The legal system has also risen to the occasion. Empaneling of an investigative grand jury gave prosecutors the tools needed to cut through the church's institutional barriers to arrive at the truth. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has worked hard to ensure the grand jury's report does not get relegated to collect dust on a shelf, but rather becomes the impetus for reform.
And then there is the Pennsylvania legislature. It is crystal clear that existing state statutes are inadequate to the task of providing victims with a mechanism for gaining compensation for the mental and physical anguish they have suffered at the hands of clergy. Regrettably, release of the grand jury report came at a time when the legislature had adjourned for a nearly three month summer recess. That left little time for lawmakers to act when they returned to session in mid-September.
House Speaker Mike Turzai got behind what was termed a "compromise" plan that would open a two year "window" for victims to file civil suits. This action is necessary because many abuse cases date back decades and the statute of limitations has expired meaning victims can no longer sue for financial compensation. This is a widespread and extraordinary problem because institutional cover-up created a climate where victims were intimidated and therefore did not feel able to step forward.
And so the lower chamber did its job - but the weak link in the chain of responsible action has become Senate Republican leadership, specifically Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati. Senator Scarnati believes the "window" is unconstitutional and has instead proposed a victim's compensation fund - which has the official support of the church.
That, however, falls short of giving victims their day in court and allowing them to seek compensation on a case-by-case basis. Senator Scarnati and by extension the entire state Senate is the one institution (aside from the church itself) that has failed to become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
It is not the role of the legislature to determine the constitutionality of legislation. Although it is only prudent for lawmakers to actually read the state's governing document and act accordingly, if there is a doubt that doubt should be left to the courts to decide.
Rather than stand in the way of a solution, Scarnati and the Senate should advance the concept of a "window," and send it along to Governor Tom Wolf who is expected to sign it into law. At that point court challenges will likely ensure with the issue making its way to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Given the fact they frequently ignore the state constitution in issuing decisions it is impossible to predict what the state's Supreme Court Justices will do. However, they will either find the "window" constitutional, or rule it unconstitutional and explain why perhaps even offing suggested legislative remedies in issuing their opinion.
In other words, it is worth letting the process play out. To do otherwise only adds to the suffering of abuse victims. It is time to pursue every possible remedy so they might be appropriately compensated, arrive at some sort of closure, and get on with their lives.
(Lowman S. Henry is Chairman & CEO of the Lincoln Institute and host of the Lincoln Radio Journal. His e-mail address is lhenry@lincolninstitute.org)
Columnist
Release of the grand jury report into child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church has dominated the news in recent months. As details of the report emerged the scope of abuse in terms of the sheer number of victims, and the institutional cover-up that followed resulted in demands for reform within the church and for government action to provide some measure of compensation to the abused.
It has taken a long time to get to this point. Despite decades of swirling rumors the problem was not taken seriously until a few years ago. The film "Spotlight," which details the work of Boston Globe journalists who cracked the veil of secrecy in that city's diocese, did much to raise awareness. That triggered investigations in many other venues nationwide.
In an era when the news media is rightly under scrutiny for its lagging journalistic standards the work of the Globe reporters stands out as a shining example of how reporting is supposed to work. Coverage of this tragic story extends far beyond Boston as the media nationwide and especially here in Pennsylvania have been exemplary in the performance of their investigative and watchdog duties.
The legal system has also risen to the occasion. Empaneling of an investigative grand jury gave prosecutors the tools needed to cut through the church's institutional barriers to arrive at the truth. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has worked hard to ensure the grand jury's report does not get relegated to collect dust on a shelf, but rather becomes the impetus for reform.
And then there is the Pennsylvania legislature. It is crystal clear that existing state statutes are inadequate to the task of providing victims with a mechanism for gaining compensation for the mental and physical anguish they have suffered at the hands of clergy. Regrettably, release of the grand jury report came at a time when the legislature had adjourned for a nearly three month summer recess. That left little time for lawmakers to act when they returned to session in mid-September.
House Speaker Mike Turzai got behind what was termed a "compromise" plan that would open a two year "window" for victims to file civil suits. This action is necessary because many abuse cases date back decades and the statute of limitations has expired meaning victims can no longer sue for financial compensation. This is a widespread and extraordinary problem because institutional cover-up created a climate where victims were intimidated and therefore did not feel able to step forward.
And so the lower chamber did its job - but the weak link in the chain of responsible action has become Senate Republican leadership, specifically Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati. Senator Scarnati believes the "window" is unconstitutional and has instead proposed a victim's compensation fund - which has the official support of the church.
That, however, falls short of giving victims their day in court and allowing them to seek compensation on a case-by-case basis. Senator Scarnati and by extension the entire state Senate is the one institution (aside from the church itself) that has failed to become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
It is not the role of the legislature to determine the constitutionality of legislation. Although it is only prudent for lawmakers to actually read the state's governing document and act accordingly, if there is a doubt that doubt should be left to the courts to decide.
Rather than stand in the way of a solution, Scarnati and the Senate should advance the concept of a "window," and send it along to Governor Tom Wolf who is expected to sign it into law. At that point court challenges will likely ensure with the issue making its way to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Given the fact they frequently ignore the state constitution in issuing decisions it is impossible to predict what the state's Supreme Court Justices will do. However, they will either find the "window" constitutional, or rule it unconstitutional and explain why perhaps even offing suggested legislative remedies in issuing their opinion.
In other words, it is worth letting the process play out. To do otherwise only adds to the suffering of abuse victims. It is time to pursue every possible remedy so they might be appropriately compensated, arrive at some sort of closure, and get on with their lives.
(Lowman S. Henry is Chairman & CEO of the Lincoln Institute and host of the Lincoln Radio Journal. His e-mail address is lhenry@lincolninstitute.org)
The Traveling Wilburys Debut Holds Up As Extraordinary, 30 Years Later
The Traveling Wilburys Debut Holds Up As Extraordinary, 30 Years Later: The Wilburys were the ultimate rock supergroup: Petty, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, and Jeff Lynne. What a stunning collection of talent.
Friday, October 12, 2018
Dems Blaming The Senate For Their Problems Need A Reality Check
Dems Blaming The Senate For Their Problems Need A Reality Check: Democrats' loss of political power is not the result of a structural defect; it's the result of flaws in the quality of their Senate candidates.
Saturday, October 06, 2018
Alex Trebek Should Have Moderated The PA Debate Like 'Jeopardy’
Alex Trebek Should Have Moderated The PA Debate Like 'Jeopardy’: As with Alex Trebek the quiz show host, Trebek the moderator should seek to blend himself into the background, rather than seeking even more power.
Its Campaign Against Kavanaugh Exposes ACLU As A Massive Hypocrite
Its Campaign Against Kavanaugh Exposes ACLU As A Massive Hypocrite: In the case of Kavanaugh, the ACLU has abandoned its mission as the 'nation’s premier defender of the rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.'
Monday, October 01, 2018
Prosecutor Details 12 Huge Inconsistencies In Kavanaugh Accuser’s Story
Prosecutor Details 12 Huge Inconsistencies In Kavanaugh Accuser’s Story: The prosecutor who questioned Christine Blasey Ford about her allegations against Kavanaugh released a memo detailing inconsistencies in her story.
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Here’s How To Successfully Debate A Democratic Socialist
Here’s How To Successfully Debate A Democratic Socialist: As the democratic socialists become more prominent, both nationally and at our dinner tables, it’s very likely you will find yourself debating one.
Why The Ritual Defamation Of Kavanaugh Threatens Every American
Why The Ritual Defamation Of Kavanaugh Threatens Every American: A metaphor for ritual defamation is the gang rape of one’s character and good name. This episode represents a rape of Brett Kavanaugh’s character.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Friday, September 14, 2018
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Saturday, September 08, 2018
To Have A Prayer In The Midterms, Republicans Need To Start Talking
To Have A Prayer In The Midterms, Republicans Need To Start Talking: Republicans need to do an end run around the media by means of millions of friendly one-on-one conversations between voters.
The New York Times Anonymous Op-ed Pushes Electoral Sabotage
The New York Times Anonymous Op-ed Pushes Electoral Sabotage: The problem with the much-discussed New York Times op-ed isn't that the author is anonymous, it's that author celebrates nullifying a presidential election.
Friday, September 07, 2018
Sunday, September 02, 2018
Schaffrillas Productions 'Why Disney's Twist Villains Don't Work' Goes Viral - 1.3 Million Views
Very proud of my son James Phyrillas, whose latest video on his YouTube channel has gone viral and has been viewed more than 1.3 million times in just one week. The video about Disney villains attracted several thousand new fans for his YouTube channel, which now has more than 60,000 subscribers. Check out his work at the link below.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Friday, August 10, 2018
Saturday, August 04, 2018
Monday, July 23, 2018
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Monday, July 16, 2018
Academics Try And Fail To Understand The Appeal Of Clint Eastwood
Academics Try And Fail To Understand The Appeal Of Clint Eastwood: A new collection, 'Tough Ain't Enough: New Perspectives on the Films of Clint Eastwood,' discounts one of America's greatest actors and filmmakers.
Trump Is Right: Mueller’s Latest Indictment Suggests It's A Witch Hunt
Trump Is Right: Mueller’s Latest Indictment Suggests It's A Witch Hunt: Contrary to the mainstream media’s narrative, Robert Mueller’s latest indictment does not implicate President Trump, but exonerate him.
Media's Obsession With 'Collusion' Continues To Destroy Its Credibility
Media's Obsession With 'Collusion' Continues To Destroy Its Credibility: One of things we learned from Rod Rosenstein is that there’s still no evidence of 'collusion.' But that didn't stop MSM outlets from finding some anyway.
Friday, July 13, 2018
Who Checks the Fact-Checkers?
A lot of left-wing organizations are now in the "fact-checking" business. It's like having the fox guard the hen house. One of the worst now is The Associated Press, which displays its left-wing bias daily in "news" articles. I can't use 90 percent of the so-called "fact-checking" articles AP moves about Donald Trump because they are so biased.
Who Checks the Fact-Checkers?
Who Checks the Fact-Checkers?
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Wednesday, June 06, 2018
Pennsylvania School Districts Hoarding Billions in Cash
Pennsylvania school districts are sitting on billions of dollars in reserves at the same time school boards are raising property taxes.
School Districts' Cash Hoard Grows for 12th-Straight Year, Tops $4.5 Billion: School Districts' Cash Hoard Grows for 12th-Straight Year, Tops $4.5 Billion
School Districts' Cash Hoard Grows for 12th-Straight Year, Tops $4.5 Billion: School Districts' Cash Hoard Grows for 12th-Straight Year, Tops $4.5 Billion
Thursday, May 24, 2018
A $2,000 Blister and Other Medicaid Failures
A $2,000 Blister and Other Medicaid Failures: A $2,000 Blister and Other Medicaid Failures
Pennsylvania School Districts' Cash Hoard Grows for 12th-Straight Year, Tops $4.5 Billion
All over Pennsylvania, school boards are voting to raise property taxes while holding on to $4.5 billion in "reserves."
School Districts' Cash Hoard Grows for 12th-Straight Year, Tops $4.5 Billion: School Districts' Cash Hoard Grows for 12th-Straight Year, Tops $4.5 Billion
School Districts' Cash Hoard Grows for 12th-Straight Year, Tops $4.5 Billion: School Districts' Cash Hoard Grows for 12th-Straight Year, Tops $4.5 Billion
Friday, May 18, 2018
MSNBC Blames Trump for Media 'Confusion' Over His MS-13 Comments
It might be time for 71-year-old Andrea Mitchell to retire since she seems to get confused so easily these days. Anyone who saw the clip of President Trump calling MS-13 gang members "animals" was not confused. Just the anti-Trump media, led by Mitchell.
MSNBC Blames Trump for Media 'Confusion' Over His MS-13 Comments
MSNBC Blames Trump for Media 'Confusion' Over His MS-13 Comments
Looking for news? Better skip CNN
Somebody should look up obsession in the dictionary. The anti-Trump media, led by CNN, has devoted much of its air-time to a non-story.
UPDATE: Porn Star Lawyer Interviewed 147 Times in 10 Weeks
UPDATE: Porn Star Lawyer Interviewed 147 Times in 10 Weeks
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Saturday, May 05, 2018
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