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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

TV reporter claims she was fired for blog post

How insipid is television news and the people who populate it?

Shea Allen claims she was fired from her job with an ABC affiliate in Huntsville, Alabama, because she posted such gems as "I've gone bra-less during a live broadcast and no one was the wiser." and "I'm frightened of old people and I refuse to do stories involving them or the places they reside. " on her personal blog, Shea Allen Says.

Those kinds of comments did sit well with her bosses. She claims she's entitled to free expression. Her employer thought otherwise.

The link to the blog is below:

Shea Allen says....: No Apologies: Confessions of a red headed reporter...

You also have to wonder about Ms. Allen after reading this story:

How the Last Decade Changed American Life

How the Last Decade Changed American Life - The Barna Group

American Dream fading for many in U.S. under Obama

American Dream fading for many in U.S.

Still Waiting For That Recovery Summer


'I could take my clothes off': Monica Lewinsky's 1997 tape for Bill Clinton surfaces

'I could take my clothes off': Monica Lewinsky's 1997 tape for President Clinton reportedly surfaces

Newspaper spanks Obama: 'Shove it, Mr. President'

Newspaper spanks Obama: 'Shove it, Mr. President'

Gov. Corbett: Montco violated Pa. law by granting same-sex marriage licenses

Gov. Corbett: Montco violated Pa. law by granting same-sex marriage licenses

Defunding: The Framers' remedy for presidential lawlessness

Defunding: The Framers' remedy for presidential lawlessness

CBO: Obamacare 'delay' will add $12B in debt, put another 500,000 on welfare

CBO: Obamacare 'delay' will add $12 billion in debt, put another 500,000 on welfare | Human Events

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Obama turns back time: Debt stuck at $25M below legal limit for 70 straight days

Wow. talk about voodoo economics. Obama has managed to stop the national debt for the past 70 days so he can pretend the country hasn't run out of money so he can continue to spend money he doesn't have.

Debt stuck at $25M below legal limit for 70 straight days: report - Washington Times

When Prince Harry Baby-sits Prince George


Space Cadet Kevin Spacey: Americans don't appreciate Obama's greatness

Here's an actor who lives up to his name.

Kevin Spacey: Actor says Americans don't appreciate Obama's greatness - Washington Times

Montco Register of Wills sued to stop issuance of gay marriage licenses

Montco Register of Wills sued to stop issuance of gay marriage licenses

Delay of employer penalties will cost taxpayers $10B

Obama's unilateral move to delay the penalties of his own Obamacare travesty will cost American taxpayers $10 billion. The delay was made to give Congressional Democrats cover in 2014. Voters should strike back by voting out every Democrat in Congress!!!

Delay of employer penalties will cost gov't $10B

Famous Metropolitan Disasters


Obamacare could shrink workforce by 900,000

Affordable Care Act could shrink workforce by 900,000

Pennsylvania's Top 50 political donors revealed

Philadelphia Business Journal has posted the top 50 political donors from Pennsylvania. From reporter Jared Shelly: 
It's no secret that the vast amount of political donations come from an exceptionally small amount of people. Call them the 1 percent of the 1 percent. At least that's what the Sunlight Foundation called them.
Topping the list is Mel Heifetz, who donated $1,074,199  to Democratic candidates, committees and  PACs in 2012. See for yourself who really pulls the strings of the state's political class at this link.

Christian Tragedy in the Muslim World

Christian Tragedy in the Muslim World

What Obama doesn't want you to know about Obamacare

Nat Hentoff: What Obama doesn't want you to know about Obamacare

Monday, July 29, 2013

Pa. Turnpike tolls to increase again in 2014

Thanks to a 2007 law signed by former Gov. Ed Rendell, tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike will rise for the sixth consecutive year. 

Pa. Turnpike tolls to increase again in 2014

If they made a movie about Anthony Weiner ...


The Left's Evolving Blame Game on Detroit

The only thing you need to know about Detroit's bankruptcy is that Democrats have run the city since 1962.

The Left's Evolving Blame Game on Detroit

Watchdog requests IRS review of group that is promoting ObamaCare

Watchdog group requests IRS review of group that is promoting ObamaCare - The Hill's Healthwatch

Bank of Cyprus depositors lose 47.5% of savings

Coming soon to the United States? Don't be surprised if Obama raids your bank accounts.

Bank of Cyprus depositors lose 47.5% of savings

Bill Clinton on the Anthony Weiner scandal


Growing signs of declining economic security

Welcome to Obama's America: Four out of 5 U.S. adults struggle with joblessness, near poverty or reliance on welfare for at least parts of their lives, a sign of deteriorating economic security and an elusive American dream.

Growing signs of declining economic security

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CBS, NBC Acknowledge ObamaCare Approval At All-Time Low; ABC Skips Sinking Poll Numbers

CBS, NBC Acknowledge ObamaCare Approval At All-Time Low; ABC Skips | Media Research Center

Square Peg, Round Hole


The Obama Economy's Lowered Expectations

Donald Lambro: The Obama Economy's Lowered Expectations

State Sen. David Argall sees progress in fight to eliminate Pa. school property taxes

Tax proposal making progress

US Rep. Charlie Dent: Editorial inaccurate and unprofessional

Editorial inaccurate and unprofessional

Friday, July 26, 2013

IRS employees refuse to get shoved into Barack Obama's crappy health care system

IRS employees refuse to get shoved into Barack Obama's crappy health care system | Human Events

Seriously, Pennsylvania? This is the 'progressive' candidate for governor?

A columnist for the ultra-liberal Philadelphia Inquirer doesn't think much of Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, a former abortion-clinic owner who is the leading candidate for the Democratic nod to run for Pa. governor in 2014.

Seriously, Pennsylvania? This is the 'progressive' candidate for governor?

Reason labels NYC Mayor Bloomberg an 'Enemy of Freedom'

Reason Magazine on why NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg is its No. 1 Enemy of Freedom:
Here is how New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg explained the importance of his widely derided 16-ounce limit on servings of sugar-sweetened beverages after a state judge overturned it last March: "We have a responsibility as human beings to do something, to save each other, to save the lives of ourselves, our families, our friends, and all of the rest of the people that live on God's planet." Bloomberg literally thinks he is saving the world one slightly smaller serving of soda at a time.
As grandiose as that may seem, it is consistent with Bloomberg's view of government. A few years ago in a speech at the United Nations, he declared that "to halt the worldwide epidemic of non-communicable diseases, governments at all levels must make healthy solutions the default social option," which he described as "government’s highest duty." On Bloomberg's to-do list for government, apparently, defending us against our own unhealthy habits ranks above defending us against foreign invaders or marauding criminals.
Public health is not the only area where Bloomberg's authoritarian tendencies are apparent. There is his enthusiasm for gun control, his illegal crackdown on pot smokers, and his unflagging defense of the New York Police Department's stop-and-frisk program, which portrays the Fourth Amendment as a gratuitous barrier to effective policing. But his determination to halt "epidemics" of risky behavior shows him at his most arrogantly ambitious.
Bloomberg has pursued that goal not only by meddling with people's drink orders but by banning trans fats, pressuring food companies to reduce the salt content of their products, imposing heavy cigarette taxes, severely restricting the locations where people are allowed to smoke (even outdoors), mandating anti-smoking posters in stores that sell cigarettes (a policy that, like his big beverage ban, was rejected by the courts), and proposing a rule that would require merchants to hide tobacco products from people who might want to buy them.
The attitude driving Bloomberg’s crusade to "make healthy solutions the default social option" is reflected in another comment he made after his pint-sized pop prescription ran into legal trouble. "It was not a setback for me," said the billionaire with degrees from Johns Hopkins and Harvard. "In case you hadn't noticed, I watch my diet. This is not for me." No, indeed. It is for those poor, benighted souls who think it is acceptable to drink a 20-ounce soda. 
45 ENEMIES OF FREEDOM

A World of Delusion


Obama economy emphasis is all talk

Michael Barone: Obama economy emphasis is all talk

Roses to Pa. taxpayer coalition for drive to win tax reform

From the editorial page of The Mercury in Pottstown, Pa.: 
ROSES to the   Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations   (http://www.ptcc.us) for continuing to push for school property tax reform. The coalition, which is made up 80 grassroots taxpayer advocacy groups across the state, has been lobbying Pennsylvania legislators to support House Bill 76. David Baldinger, administrator of the coalition, reports that House Bill 76 has received 20 additional supporters since the Legislature adjourned for its summer hiatus on June 30, bringing the total number of co-sponsors in the House to 88. A bill needs 102 votes to pass the House. A companion bill in the state Senate has 22 co-sponsors. A bill needs 26 votes to pass the Senate. Thanks to the efforts of the taxpayer groups, that goal is achievable. 
Roses to Pa. taxpayer coalition for drive to win tax reform

Vandals splatter green paint on the Lincoln Memorial

Green paint splattered on the Lincoln Memorial

Thursday, July 25, 2013

ENEMIES OF FREEDOM: HILLARY CLINTON


Reason Magazine celebrated its 45th anniversary by publishing a list of 45 "Enemies of Freedom." Among them is Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Here's what the magazine had to say about the presumptive 2016 Democratic nominee for president:
"It takes a village," Hillary Clinton famously wrote, and we've learned since that her meaning encompassed villages in Iraq and Afghanistan to house American troops, villages of taxpayers to fund her favored programs, and villages of snoops to staff a national security state. Those villages must be prudish, too, given Clinton's longstanding fear of video-game sex. To Hillary's credit, she does advocate Internet freedom for villages overseas. Too bad she doesn't promote the same idea at home.
Check out the full list online at the link below:

45 ENEMIES OF FREEDOM

Sen. Toomey urges that funding bill abide by law, spending caps

McCain: $1 coin could lead to bigger tips for strippers

It appears senility has set in on Sen. John McCain.

McCain: $1 coin could lead to bigger tips for strippers - The Hill's In The Know

Pa. conservative group organizes 'Pray-In' to oppose same-sex marriage

Mike McMonagle, president of the Pro-Life Coalition of Pennsylvania, has announced his group will hold a Pro-Marriage Pray-In to Occur at the Montgomery County Register of Wills Office in Norristown, Pa., on Friday, July 26, 2013 at Noon. Montgomery County made national headlines on Wednesday when the Democratic Register of Wills, D. Bruce Hanes, backed by the two Democrats on the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, decided to defy state law by issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

The following press release was issued by Pro-Life Coalition of Pennsylvania:
    We urge the Register of Wills, Bruce Hanes, to stop issuing marriage licenses to homosexual couples. We urge Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman to charge Bruce Hanes for his violation of state law by issuing marriage licenses to homosexual couples.We urge Governor Corbett to cease his timid public responses and zealously defend Pa's marriage law.
The statement below: explains our position and the reasons for our actions:
    A SUCCINCT CASE FOR PA.'S MARRIAGE LAW PROTECTING MARRIAGE IS PART OF STOPPING THE WAR ON CHILDREN
    Pennsylvania should continue the legal definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman because the primary purpose of civil marriage is to unite children with their mother and father. Such an arrangement best ensures the welfare of future Americans and advances the purposes of civil government.    
    "Marriage Equality," which is the slogan of the "homosexual marriage" supporters, is  oxymoronic, i.e. self-contradictory.  "Homosexual marriage" is inherently unequal to the union of one man and one woman because homosexual relationships are incapable of producing children.
    Furthermore, the drive for homosexual marriage is a continuation of the war on children.  This war began by preventing the conception of children by contraception and sterilization, killing children conceived but not yet born by abortion and now intentionally denying born children a mother and a father through "same sex marriage."
    Numerous recent actions by "homosexual marriage" supporters indicate that they are also willing to violate existing laws and trample on the freedom of religion, speech and assembly of other Americans to achieve their goal.  Pro-life Pennsylvanians need to protect Pa's marriage law and oppose the ongoing war on children with greatly increased clarity and zeal.
 Read more about the controversy in The Mercury

Obama dismisses scandals as 'phony'

With all due respect Mr. President, I don't consider the death of 4 Americans in Benghazi, the harassment of conservative groups by the IRS, the Dept. of Justice tapping media phones or the spying on US citizens by the NSA as "phony scandals."

Obama dismisses scandals as 'phony' - The Hill's On The Money

The Left's 'crumbling infrastructure' myth

David Harsanyi: The Left's "crumbling infrastructure" myth

The job creation strategy Americans agree on: Repeal Obamacare

The job creation strategy Americans agree on: Repeal ObamaCare | Human Events

Monday, July 22, 2013

How Does Your Retirement Plan Compare to That of Members of Congress?

How Does Your Retirement Plan Compare to That of Members of Congress? - ABC News

Support for school property tax elimination grows in Pa.

David Baldinger of Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayers Associations (http://www.ptcc.us/) reports that five more members of the Pa. House have signed on today as co-sponsors of House Bill 76 to eliminate school property taxes. The House needs 102 votes to pass a bill. We're getting closer!!!

Obamacare data hub a 'honey pot' for ID thieves, warn critics

Obamacare data hub a 'honey pot' for ID thieves, warn critics | WashingtonExaminer.com

Flashback: Obama 2012: 'We refused to let Detroit go bankrupt'

Choosing the safety of our kids over the rights of sex offenders

State Sen. Lisa Boscola: Choosing the safety of our kids over the rights of sex offenders

HHS Admits: You Might Not Be Able to Keep Your Doctor Under Obamacare

HHS Admits: You Might Not Be Able to Keep Your Doctor Under Obamacare

NSA revelations reframe digital life for some

Americans are being more careful about what they post on Facebook and Twitter knowing that the Obama Regime is spying on them.

NSA revelations reframe digital life for some

Poll: Only 11% of doctors think the ObamaCare exchanges will be ready

Poll: Only 11 percent of doctors think the ObamaCare exchanges will be ready | Human Events

Political Comeback Trail


The reality of Obamacare sets in

Donald Lambro: Obamacare meets increasing resistance on many fronts

Friday, July 19, 2013

The real face of theTurkish invasion in Cyprus

Rep. Ros-Lehtinen Introduces Bipartisan Bill Seeking Reunification of Cyprus

Fla. Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen Introduces Bipartisan Bill Expressing Support For the Reunification of Cyprus, and Emphasizing the Importance of the U.S.-Cyprus Bilateral Relationship | Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

PURE DETROIT! (Pure Michigan Parody)

FAA warns public against shooting guns at drones

Deer Trail, Colo., resident Phillip Steel, remains defiant as the Obama Regime continues to spy on American citizens: "I don’t want to live in a surveillance society. I don't feel like being in a virtual prison," Steel said. "This is a pre-emptive strike."

FAA warns public against shooting guns at drones

FactCheck: Obama overhypes health savings

What's this? Obama caught lying again?!? I'm beginning to lose count.

FactCheck: Obama overhypes health savings

Could Philadelphia be the next Detroit?

John Featherman: Could Philly be the next Detroit?

Obama's radical nominee for UN representative

Cyprus mark July 1974 coup anniversary, invasion by Turkey

Cyprus mark July 1974 coup anniversary

Masked Pa. cop in trouble for posing with porn star

Masked Pa. cop in trouble for posing with porn star

Thanks to Obamacare, doctor shortages set to quintuple

Sally Pipes: Thanks to Obamacare, doctor shortages set to quintuple

The IRS scandal made it to the White House

Despite a total blackout of coverage by the state-run media, it's clear that the Obama White House orchestrated the IRS harassment of conservative political groups.

The IRS scandal made it to the White House yesterday | Human Events

The Real Tragedy of Trayvon Martin


Thorns to PA Attorney General Kathleen Kane for refusing to do her job

From the editorial page of The Pottstown Mercury:
THORNS to Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane for her refusal to defend Pennsylvania’s version of the Defense of Marriage Act against a federal lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union because she believes it’s unconstitutional. “By law, one of the fundamental duties of her office is to represent the commonwealth against lawsuits. Any attorney general swears to support, obey and defend both the U.S. and state constitutions and, most pertinently, discharge the duties of the office with fidelity,” wrote the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Democratic attorney general’s actions, whether you agree with the opinion or not, abandon impartiality and constitute a refusal to do her job. That’s just not acceptable. 
Roses for flowers in the heat; thorns to Kathleen Kane

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Pennsylvania Pastors Network objects to Pa. AG Kane's stance on same-sex marriage

Pennsylvania Pastors Network President Sam Rohrer on controversial Pa. Attorney General Kathleen Kane's refusal to defend the state's ban on same-sex marriage: "It sends signals to citizens at large who say, if those in positions of authority can choose which laws they prefer, why can't they? That's tyranny when that happens on the government level. On an individual perspective, that's anarchy."

Clergy group objects to Kane stance

Poll worker gets 5 years for casting multiple votes for Obama

This Democrat is going to jail for voter fraud, something Democrats claim doesn't exist. Go figure.

Ex-Ohio poll worker gets 5 years for illegal votes

Expert: Social Security disability program 'backdoor welfare'

Pennsylvania is turning into a socialist paradise, but what happens when the government runs out of other people's money?

Expert: Social Security disability program 'backdoor welfare'

Jake Tapper trounces Rolling Stone defenders; Offers poignant idea for a cover

Jake Tapper trounces Rolling Stone defenders; Offers poignant idea for a cover [pic]

Editorial: Kathleen Kane's job as attorney general is to enforce all laws

A surprising editorial from a liberal Pennsylvania newspaper criticizing Democratic Pa. Attorney General Kathleen Kane for playing politics with her office.

Editorial: Kane's job as A.G. is to enforce all laws - delcotimes.com

Pennsylvania Turnpike to be widened from Valley Forge to Downingtown

Turnpike to be widened from Valley Forge to Downingtown

Delusional immigration bill worthy only of scrap heap

Ramesh Ponnuru: Delusional immigration bill worthy only of scrap heap

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Faces of ObamaCare

Study: Obamacare could cause 1 million low-income Americans to move from work to welfare

Study: Obamacare could cause 1 million low-income Americans to move from work to welfare

5 ways to generate at least 5 million new jobs by 2020

5 ways to generate at least 5 million new jobs by 2020

Number of Pa. residents getting disability jumps by 50% in decade

The number of people in Pennsylvania getting monthly disability benefits through Social Security has risen by 50 percent in the past decade, high above the national average. Social Security Administration data show more than 390,000 Pennsylvanians qualified for disability payments in 2011, the most recent year for which data is available, according to PA Independent.

Number of Pa. residents getting disability jumps by 50%

Zimmerman: Not Guilty but Bunkered Down


Sen. Inhofe: Obama is using his administration to 'advance a radical agenda'

Inhofe: Obama is using his administration to 'advance a radical agenda' - The Hill's Floor Action

Driving somewhere? There's a gov't record of that

Driving somewhere? There's a gov't record of that

Obamanomics: The jobless non-recovery grinds on

The jobless non-recovery grinds on | Human Events

If Obama Was A Pilot ...


Inaction on Pensions Leads to Downgrade for Pennsylvania

Democrats (and the union bosses who pull their strings) kept saying there's no reason to deal with the state's growing public pension crisis. They were wrong ... and Pa. taxpayers will pay the price.

Inaction on Pensions Leads to Downgrade for Pennsylvania

Columnist: PA Attorney General Kane forcing her same-sex beliefs on all of us

Christine Flowers: Raising Kane over A.G. forcing her same-sex beliefs on all of us - delcotimes.com

Obamacare could push 1 million people onto welfare

ObamaCare could push a million people onto welfare | Human Events

Monday, July 15, 2013

Columnist: How about Philly's young black men, Mayor Nutter?

Jonathan Featherman on the hypocrisy of Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter: Last year, Mayor Michael Nutter referred to Trayvon Martin's death as "nothing short of an assassination." This past weekend, Nutter issued a less incendiary statement, saying he's "deeply saddened" by the verdict in the case, adding, "Every day in America, African American males die on our streets in outrageously alarming numbers." This all made me wonder: Just to what extent does Mayor Nutter really care about Philly's own young black men dying in our streets?

How about Philly's young black men, Mayor Nutter?

The peanut gallery has spoken


Worldview: Obama clueless on Afghanistan

Trudy Rubin, one of the most knowledgeable people writing about the Middle East, says Obama has no clue about what he's doing with Afghanistan. She wrote a similar column a few weeks about exposing Obama's incompetence when it comes to Egypt.

Worldview: On Afghan options, Obama floats a big zero

7 slain in Philly over weekend

While Barack Obama, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are crying racism over the Zimmerman verdict, 7 people were killed in Philadelphia over the weekend. No outrage for these victims?

7 slain in Philly Saturday through early Monday

Unions denounce Obamacare's 'hollow promises'

Unions denounce ObamaCare's "hollow promises" | Human Events

Hypocrite Kathleen Kane: Politics don't belong in Attorney General's office

Gathering storm might have some effect on Pa. property taxes

Gathering storm might have some effect | PoconoRecord.com

Obama's environmental agenda will crush small businesses

Obama's environmental agenda will crush small businesses

Another Hollywood Idiot Heard From: Kirstie Alley says all white people murder black people

The truth is that more than 80 percent of black murder victims are killed by other blacks, but Hollywood liberals never let the facts get in the way of their idiotic world view.

Deleted tweet du jour: Kirstie Alley says all white people murder black people, or something

Liberal newspaper admits Obamacare delay gives cover to Democrats in Congress

Editorial: Obamacare delay gives cover to Democrats in Congress (7/15/2013)

Hollywood to Promote Obamacare


Op-Ed: Rewarding a vote for property tax reform

Op-Ed: Rewarding a vote for property tax reform

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Katy Perry, Ronan Farrow race-bait after Zimmerman verdict

Katy dear, stick to singing songs for 12-year-old girls. You're way out of your league when it comes to politics.

Katy Perry, Ronan Farrow race-bait after Zimmerman verdict (Bonus: Inadvertent Obama slam)

Pension, pay raise votes by Legislature still haunt Pa. taxpayers

Pension, pay raise votes still haunt taxpayers - News - Citizens' Voice

Obamacare Train Wreck On Schedule


Tom Quigley: Pa.'s budget and school property tax myth

An analysis of recent state and local spending on public education in Pennsylvania finds something odd: School districts tend to raise property taxes higher in years when state subsidies for education are higher.

Tom Quigley: Pa.'s budget and school property tax myth

Pa. property tax reform: Maybe next year

Editorial: Pa. property tax reform: Maybe next year

Friday, July 12, 2013

Unhinged! Feminists threaten lawmakers with feces

Unhinged! Crowd threatens lawmakers with feces

'SHARKNADO' - Stupidest Movie Ever Made?

Archbishop Chaput: Wisdom and Christian witness

Archbishop Chaput on modern-day martyrs (mostly at the hands of Muslims): More than 100,000 Christians are killed worldwide for reasons related to their faith.

Archbishop Chaput: Wisdom and Christian witness

Labor unions keep strong grip on Pennsylvania politics

Labor unions keep strong grip on Pennsylvania politics - delcotimes.com

Wall Street's Disconnect with the Average American

Wall Street's Disconnect with the Average American | RedState

More union grumbles about Obamacare

More union grumbles about ObamaCare | Human Events

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Democ-rats are back!


Thorns to Pa. Legislature for failing to pass key spending bill

From the editorial page of The Pottstown Mercury:
THORNS to the Pennsylvania Legislature which left town last week without finishing necessary business tied to the passage of the state budget. Lawmakers neglected to pass the Fiscal Code legislation that authorizes spending of the $28 billion they just approved. In a statement released last week, the Corbett administration said lawmakers’ failure to act on the bill could impact available funding by as much as $235 million, according to reports at pennlive.com. Corbett called on lawmakers “to resolve their differences and act responsibly to send the Fiscal Code to my desk for approval as soon as possible.” The Legislature announced Wednesday a plan to reconvene next Monday and finish their jobs. The failure to finish their work before the start of a three-month vacation is pathetic. Will lawmakers collect more travel reimbursements and per diems for the return to do their jobs? 
Thorns for bad Pa. governance; roses for civilian service

The latest ObamaCare casualty: Wegmans grocery employees

The latest ObamaCare casualty: Wegmans grocery employees | Human Events

Violence against Egypt's Christians grows

Violence against Egypt's Christians grows | Human Events

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Obama Administration pays companies to snoop on you

The price of surveillance: Gov’t pays to snoop

Pennsylvania attorney general refuses to defend state's gay marriage ban

A disturbing trend of Democrats ignoring laws they don't like.

Pennsylvania attorney general refuses to defend gay marriage ban | Human Events

A New Movie Idea ...


PA GOP Chairman Statement on Kane's Refusal to Defend Pennsylvania Law

Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason released the following statement regarding Attorney General Kathleen Kane's refusal to defend Pennsylvania law:
"The people of Pennsylvania elect citizens to carry out constitutional responsibilities based on the tradition that no one is above the law.  It is unacceptable for Attorney General Kathleen Kane to put her personal politics ahead of her taxpayer-funded job by abdicating her responsibilities.  She is blatantly politicizing the highest law enforcement office in our Commonwealth at the expense of a core responsibility of the Attorney General's office. Kathleen Kane is failing our citizens and this situation leaves a gaping doubt in her ability to fairly execute her job.  Pennsylvanians are left with the question, if the Kathleen Kane's political beliefs are the standard for law enforcement, what law will she ignore next?"
 See more at: http://www.pagop.org/2013/07/pa-gop-chairman-statement-on-kanes-refusal-to-defend-pennsylvania-law/#sthash.fH09YJfL.dpuf

Tea party petition to prosecute Eric Holder nears 1 million signers

Tea party petition to prosecute Eric Holder nears 1 million signers - Washington Times

The nation's librarians are all in to support Obamacare

LINDSAY M. BOYD: The nation's librarians are all in to support Obamacare - Washington Times

New PennDOT Videos Aim to Educate Pennsylvanians on Pedestrian Safety

Pa.'s top law enforcement officer refuses to uphold the law

Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane, the state's top law enforcement official, has decided not to defend the state's ban on same-sex marriage because it goes against her personal views. Typical liberal Democrat: Pick and choose which laws to uphold. Just do your job Madam Attorney General.

Kane: I won't defend Pa. law banning gay marriage

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

2001 Pa. lawmaker pension hike far more costly than infamous 2005 pay raise

Pennsylvania taxpayers shell out more than $300 million a year to fund one of the largest and most expensive state legislatures in the nation. And a big chunk of that expense goes to pay the $83,802 annual salary and lavish benefits package of the 253 lawmakers, who routinely grant themselves pay hikes and one of the most generous pension plans in the country.

This is how good government activist Eric Epstein described how the Pa. Legislature continues to enrich itself at taxpayers' expense while pretending to support pension reform:

"When was the last time you ever heard of a bank robber robbing a bank, going back to the scene of the crime putting the money back in the vault, and then changing the combination? That's what we're asking our legislators to do. It's probably not going to happen."

2001 lawmaker pension hike far more costly than 2005 pay raise - abc27 WHTM

Amnesty, the New Obamacare

Rep. Michele Bachmann: Amnesty, the New Obamacare | RedState

Dr. Ben Carson: Restoring plain and civil speech to politics

CARSON: Restoring plain and civil speech to politics - Washington Times

TRIFECTA - Obama Breaks Law and Delays ObamaCare

Medicare covers more than $1.3M in fake prescriptions in Pa.

Is there any government-run program without massive waste and fraud? It's so easy to spend other people's money, isn't it?

Medicare covers more than $1.3M in fake prescriptions in Pa.

IRS dumps up to 100,000 Social Security numbers on the Internet

IRS dumps up to 100,000 Social Security numbers on the Internet | Human Events

'Big government party' blocks bold Pa. reforms

Op-Ed: Big government party blocks bold Pa. reforms

$2.5 billion in early retirement health claims to go unpaid, Fed says

$2.5 billion in early retirement health claims to go unpaid, Fed says

Democracy minus freedom equals tyranny

You can substitute "Obama" for "Morsi" in this column and it's just as relevant for conditions in the United States today.

Charles C. Haynes: Democracy minus freedom equals tyranny

Elisabeth Hasselbeck exits 'The View' with no hard feelings

Elisabeth Hasselbeck exits 'The View' with no hard feelings

Keep the beast caged a little longer


PA Gov. Corbett blames House Dems for failure to pass transportation bill

Transportation fallout continues - News - Citizens' Voice

Corrupt Ploy to Boost Health Exchanges

Corrupt Ploy to Boost Health Exchanges

Obama orders everyone in the government to spy on everyone else

Obama orders everyone in the government to spy on everyone else | Human Events

Obama's spawn


Compassionate Conservatism, done right

George W. Bush Was Right | RedState

D.A.: Berks County a dumping ground for Pa. sex offenders

Too many sex offender parolees dumped in Berks, DA says

Philadelphia Democrats usher in 'lap dance tax' at strip clubs

Philadelphia ushers in 'lap dance tax' - Washington Times

Numbers don't add up on Obama's pledge to deport more illegal immigrants

Numbers don't add up on Obama's pledge to deport more illegal immigrants - Washington Times

Obama's EPA vs. Liberty


Dr. Ben Carson joins The Washington Times as weekly columnist

Dr. Ben Carson joins The Washington Times as weekly columnist - Washington Times

Tuesday, July 09, 2013

Beyond Orwell: What are the bounds of Obama’s spying?

First Amendment scholar Nat Hentoff: "No citizen is immune to the ceaseless dragnet surveillance by Barack Obama’s administration."

Beyond Orwell: What are the bounds of Obama’s spying?

Gallup: TV Is Americans' Main Source of News

TV Is Americans' Main Source of News

Obama 'hypocrite of century' video goes viral

Obama 'hypocrite of century' video goes viral

Ohio Kidnap Survivors Thank Public for Support

Gallup: TV Tops Web, Print As News Source

Some depressing news for people who still think newspapers matter. From a new Gallup poll: Some 55% of Americans turn to TV first to get the news, according to Gallup. The Internet was the second-most popular news source at 21%, followed by newspapers (9%) and radio (6%).

Gallup: TV Tops Web, Print As News Source

What happens when Superman joins a union

Controversial billboard featuring retired porn star goes up in Pittsburgh

Controversial billboard featuring retired porn star goes up in Pittsburgh.

Tuition rising 3 percent at Pa. state universities

Tuition rising 3 percent at Pa. state universities

Help Available for Pennsylvania Job-Seekers


Governor Corbett Unveils JobGateway(SM) ,  State-of-the-Art Job-Matching Website (via PR Newswire)

HERSHEY, Pa., July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett, along with Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Julia Hearthway, today announced the latest release of JobGateway.pa.gov, a website created to better connect people looking…

PA State Police Report 11 Killed, 241 Injured in Fourth of July Holiday Crashes


PA State Police Report 11 Killed, 241 Injured in Fourth of July Holiday Crashes (via PR Newswire)

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eleven people were killed and 241 people injured in crashes investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police during the Fourth of July holiday driving period. State troopers investigated a total…

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'Lone Ranger' one of Hollywood's all-time biggest flops

Who didn't see this one coming, Kemosabe?

Disney has another monster flop on its hands with "The Lone Ranger," which cost $225 million to make and will never break even. 

This is the second summer in a row that Disney laid a box-office egg. Remember last year's "John Carter," another $200M disaster?
 
'Despicable Me 2' routs 'Lone Ranger'

Editorial: Not much gets done in Harrisburg by Pa. Legislature

Editorial: Balancing budget biggest act in Harrisburg - delcotimes.com

Monday, July 08, 2013

Lawmakers in Pa. collecting pensions before retirement

There's a lot of double-dipping and some triple-dipping by career politicians in Pennsylvania.

State lawmakers collecting pensions before retirement - abc27 WHTM

Pa. radio legend Bob Durgin to retire after 24 years on-the-air

I had the pleasure of being a guest on Mr. Durgin's radio program a few years back. A true gentleman. He will be missed from the airwaves.

WHP 580's Bob Durgin to retire after 24 years on-the-air

Guest Column: No Tax Should Have the Power to Leave You Homeless

By Pa. State Senator David G. Argall (R-29), Pa. State Senator Mike Folmer (R-48), Pa. State Senator Judy Schwank (D-11), Pa. State Senator John Yudichak (D-14)

Despite renewed special interest attacks at the capitol in Harrisburg, the fight for eliminating the unfair school property tax begun by 79 grassroots taxpayer groups across the state is making some real progress.

Across the 11 counties we represent, the number one question we hear at our town hall meetings is: When will the legislature eliminate school property taxes?

Last year, we introduced a similar proposal drafted by the Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations. The Senate Finance Committee held a public hearing on this proposal and we asked for a nonpartisan analysis of the bill to provide detailed funding projections. The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) identified several problems in the original proposal. Special interest groups have used the report as a weapon against our efforts but we view it as a roadmap to achieve true property tax reform and we have moved quickly to amend the bill.

Last year's proposal garnered 13 co-sponsors, or 26 percent of the total state Senate.  This year’s proposal, Senate Bill 76, corrects the defects in the original bill, as detailed in the 80-page analysis provided by the IFO.  Even more importantly, as a result of the grassroots efforts of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations this year, 22 Senators have now co-sponsored the bill – 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats – an increase of 9 Senators from last year. We continue to forge new coalitions and pick up support from all corners of the state. Groups like the Western Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayers, the Wilkes-Barre City Taxpayers Association, and the South Eastern Tax Reform Coalition are leading the charge to eliminate this tax.

The Senate and House Finance Committees have asked the IFO to complete an updated analysis of Senate Bill 76 in the next few months. The issue of funding public schools is a $13 billion problem and we welcome their nonpartisan, professional analysis to ensure we provide a dollar-for-dollar match for basic education.

In the last few months, because of growing grassroots efforts across the state, support for the bill has grown from 13 to 22 State Senators. The number we need to achieve in the Senate is 26 votes for passage, and then it heads over to the House of Representatives, where we need 102 votes. Representatives Jim Cox and Mark Gillen have discussed this proposal with the Governor, and he is on the record with them stating he would sign the bill when it reaches his desk.

We look forward to continuing our bipartisan fight to advance this issue.  In our local newspapers, we frequently read about the thousands of sheriff’s sales that occur each year across the state. We hear this fundamental principle every day, from Marietta all the way to West Pittston: No tax should have the power to leave you homeless.

Columnist: Rewarding a vote for Pa. property tax reform

Stan Huskey: Rewarding a vote for property tax reform

Obama economic agenda stuck on stupid

Ralph R. Reiland: Obama economic agenda stuck on stupid

Buyer's Remorsi


Newspaper: Legislature fails to act on issues important to Pa.

The Pottstown Mercury gives the Pennsylvania Legislature an 'F' for the recently concluded session in which career politicians failed to take action on any of the major issues facing the state.

Legislature fails to act on issues important to Pa.

Obama administration Voter ID hypocrisy

Obama administration Voter ID hypocrisy

The Mindset of the Left

Thomas Sowell: The Mindset of the Left

The Mindset of the Left: Part II

Thomas Sowell: The Mindset of the Left: Part II

The never-mind presidency

George Will: The never-mind presidency

Saturday, July 06, 2013

Gallup Poll: Founding Fathers would be ashamed of America under Obama

Founding Fathers would be ashamed of America, 71 percent say in Gallup poll - Washington Times

Will Tom Corbett be sunk by his own party?

Will Gov. Tom Corbett be done in by his fellow Republicans in the Pennsylvania Legislature?

The first-term Republican offered an ambitious reform agenda this year as he gears for a re-election bid in 2014, but the permanent political class in Harrisburg is only interested in maintaining the status quo, not making the lives of Pennsylvania residents any easier.

No pension reform, no liquor privatization, no transportation funding, no property tax reform. That's what Pennsylvania taxpayers got from their $300 million legislature, which adjourned for a three-month summer vacation without action on any of the priorities pushed by Corbett or the perennial issue of school property tax elimination.

Corbett came to the governor's mansion after two terms as Pennsylvania attorney general, but many political observers doubted Corbett's political acumen. He simply doesn't know how to wheel-and-deal with legislators and hasn't figured out that public relations is a big part of being governor. Corbett's job approval numbers have been low from the start and he has done little to improve his image with Pennsylvania voters. (Liberal media bias among the Harrisburg press corps does have something to do with Corbett's inability to get his message across, but he deserves some of the blame because there are many avenues to reach the public besides the Harrisburg press corps.)

Corbett needs to emulate his predecessor, Democrat Ed Rendell (aka "Fast Eddie"), who managed to get most of his agenda passed in the Legislature even though Republicans controlled both chambers for most of Rendel's eight years in office. Remember the legalization of casino gambling and passage of the second largest income tax hike in state history? Rendell made enough deals with Republicans to get both bills passed. Corbett doesn't want to play politics, so he's suffering for it.

Rendell was a master at PR and enjoyed high approval numbers despite a checkered record, which included leaving office with a $4 billion deficit. Rendell also had the dubious distinction of eight consecutive late budgets. On the other hand, Corbett has delivered three straight balanced budgets on time without a tax increase.

Corbett can't or won't cajole members of his own party to get his agenda moving in the legislature. He doesn't seem to grasp that legislative leaders are entrenched in gerrymandered districts and will remain in Harrisburg long after Corbett's tenure is up. They control the agenda, not the governor. He needs them. They don't need him.  And time is running out for Corbett. There's already a half-dozen Democrats lining up to challenge him next year.

Read more about the governor's inability to get any major initiatives passed in the Republican-controlled state legislature at PA Independent.

Gallup: Most parents don't want their kids in politics

Gallup: Most parents don't want their kids in politics. | RedState

Weekly GOP Address: Dems Allow Student Loan Rates To Double

Student Loans Targeted To Fund Obamacare

Gena Michael: Yum, Yum! The Price of Pie: Student Loans Targeted To Fund ObamaCare

Friday, July 05, 2013

'Full-time' Pennsylvania Lawmakers On Vacation Until Sept. 23

Who wouldn't want a part-time job that pays $83,802 a year, with top-of-the-line benefits and 3 months of vacation every summer? $300 million Pa. Legislature in session for less than 80 days each year.

Local Lawmakers Unhappy Pa. Legislature Won’t Return Until Sept. 23 « CBS Pittsburgh

Gotcha!


Obamanomics: 54 Straight Months of 7.5%+ Unemployment

54 Months: Record Stretch of 7.5%+ Unemployment Continues | CNS News

Opinion: Obama a follower, not a leader

What a spot-on assessment of Obama's failure as president:
"Obama knew the problems our country had before he became president. As a leader he should not put the blame on others for our country's deficiencies. A leader solves problems and does not blame them on others."
Obama a follower, not a leader (7/3/13)

Opinion: Pennsylvania needs referendum on eliminating school property taxes

Pennsylvania needs referendum (7/5/13)

Another bad jobs report: Real unemployment rate is 14.3%

James Pethokoukis of the American Enterprise Institute on Obama's inability to deal with unemployment: There are 28 million part-time workers in U.S. vs. 25 million before Great Recession. There are 116 million full-time workers in U.S. vs. 122 million before Great Recession. The U-6 rate (unemployed, discouraged, underemployed) surges to 14.3% from 13.8% in June.

June Jobs: An employment report only a central banker could love

Thursday, July 04, 2013

750,000 Page Views

My site counter has recorded 750,000 Page Views at TONY PHYRILLAS ON POLITICS from 442,000 Unique Visitors. Thanks for checking out my blog ... and come back again.

An American Story

Pennsylvania reports first annual slots revenue decrease

All good things come to an end. After six years of growth, Pennsylvania's casinos report a drop in revenues for the first time.

From The Associated Press:
The state's 11 casinos generated $2.43 billion in gross slots revenue during the fiscal year that came to a close Sunday, down nearly 2 percent from the $2.48 billion generated the year before, according to Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board figures released this week. The annual slots decline marked the first such decrease since the state's first casino opened in November 2006.
Pennsylvania reports first annual slots revenue decrease

U.S. explodes this Independence Day with 100 anti-NSA protests


U.S. explodes with 100 anti-NSA protests

Hours before delaying Obamacare, Sebelius spent $32M on it

Hours before delaying Obamacare, Sebelius spent $32 million on it | WashingtonExaminer.com

Obamacare: Then and Now


The character of independence

John Hayward: The character of independence | Human Events

Gallup: Republicans more proud to be American than Democrats

Gallup: Republicans more proud to be American than Democrats | WashingtonExaminer.com

Paul Harvey Presents 'The Declaration of Independence'

The Rise of Single Fathers

From a new Pew survey:
A record 8% of households with minor children in the United States are headed by a single father, up from just over 1% in 1960, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of Decennial Census and American Community Survey data.
The Rise of Single Fathers

Wednesday, July 03, 2013

How Nancy Pelosi Plans to Celebrate the Fourth of July


Growth of the Nonreligious: Many Say Trend is Bad for American Society

Some disturbing findings in a new study from The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life:
The number of Americans who do not identify with any religion also has grown in recent years; indeed, about one-fifth of the public overall – and a third of adults under age 30 – are religiously unaffiliated as of 2012. Fully a third of U.S. adults say they do not consider themselves a "religious person." And two-thirds of Americans – affiliated and unaffiliated alike – say religion is losing its influence in Americans' lives. 
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life - Growth of the Nonreligious: Many Say Trend is Bad for American Society

A government out of control

Scandals at NSA and IRS Are Equally Alarming

Sen. Ted Cruz Wishing a Happy Independence Day

The Surveillance State Isn't Coming — It's Already Here

Welcome to Obama's America. Not exactly the hope and change you were expecting?

The Surveillance State Isn't Coming—It's Already Here

Obama's 2013 Air Force One bill $24 million - $6.5 million for Africa alone

Obama's 2013 Air Force One bill $24 million --- $6.5 million for Africa alone | WashingtonExaminer.com

Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg speech (Jeff Daniels)

Pennsylvania Democratic Congressional Delegation at All-Time Low

Despite the popularity of Barack Obama at the top of the Democratic ticket in 2012, Pennsylvania voters tossed out most of the Democrats representing the state in the U.S. House of Representatives. Republicans hold 13 of the state's 18 Congressional seats and most political pundits say there is little chance of Democrats taking back any of the 13 GOP seats in 2014.

The Historically Undersized Pennsylvania Democratic US House Delegation

Pennsylvania state highway system ranked 39th in the nation

Reason.com takes a look at the terrible shape of Pennsylvania roads, something anyone who has driven through the state can attest to:
Pennsylvania's state highway system is ranked 39th in the nation in overall highway performance and efficiency in the latest Annual Highway Report by Reason Foundation. It is a slight decline from the previous two reports, where it ranked 38th. Pennsylvania ranks last, 50th, in rural lanes that are too narrow, 48th in deficient bridges, 27th in fatality rate, 27th in urban interstate congestion, 32nd in rural interstate pavement condition, and 20th in urban interstate pavement condition. With 43,612 miles under the state highway control, it is the 4th largest highway system in the country. The state spent $149,813 per mile in 2009. 
20th Annual Highway Report on the Performance of State Highway Systems

Pew: Obama less 'honest,' more 'incompetent' than Bush

Pew: Obama less 'honest,' more 'incompetent' than Bush | WashingtonExaminer.com

We don't serve 'your kind' here


Military Leaders Oppose Samantha Power for U.N. Ambassador

And you thought Susan Rice was bad? Nearly 50 military leaders, national security officials urge Senate in letter to reject the nomination of Samantha Power as UN ambassador.

Military Leaders Oppose Samantha Power for U.N. Ambassador

CBS News: 'Major Setback' for Obamacare

Obama is delaying a key provision in Obamacare until after the 2014 mid-term elections. Americans can tell Obama what to do with his health care plan by voting out every Democrat in Congress.

CBS: 'Major Setback' for Obamacare Part of Concerns 'Law Was Going to Hurt Workers'

Springtime for Hitler and MSNBC

Springtime for Hitler and MSNBC

Fox News says Megyn Kelly will move to prime time

Fox hasn't announced who will get bumped to make way for Megyn Kelly, but don't expect top-rated Bill O’Reilly of Sean Hannity to move, so it looks like Greta Van Susteren draws the short straw.

Fox News says Megyn Kelly will move to prime time

Congressman Joe Pitts on Obamacare delay

Pennsylvania Congressman Joe Pitts, R-16th Dist., released the following statement on the Obama  administration's decision that enforcement of a major Obamacare employer mandate would be delayed until 2015.
"It is absolutely no surprise that the Obama administration is having trouble getting the health care law to work. For months, I've been hearing from constituents who are being hurt by the law. This delay is simply too little and too late for many workers who have already seen their hours cut and for many businesses who have spent millions of dollars to comply. The employer mandate should be repealed, not delayed.

"When Secretary Sebelius was before my Health Subcommittee, she insisted everything would start on time. I wonder how many other surprises we are in for before the end of the year? She should come back to the committee and be open and honest with us about how the implementation of law is going."